A woman who uncovered a man burgling her property this morning had a knife waved at her before the thief made off on a bicycle, police said.

A police helicopter was deployed to assist officers on the ground with dogs searching areas in Eastergate and Barnham and the suspect was found and arrested.

Police said they were called after a householder found a man in a shed building attached to her home in Barnham Road, Eastergate, at 8.20am today, Thursday, December 8.

A police spokeswoman said: “When she challenged him, he waved a knife around before making off on a bicycle.

“Officers carried out a search of the area with a dog unit and were assisted by the police helicopter. The woman was not hurt.

“The suspect was found nearby and arrested on suspicion of committing aggravated burglary.

“The 23-year-old man of no fixed address is currently in custody awaiting to be questioned.”

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The following are the latest results contributed by HM Courts Service, for cases sentenced by West Sussex Magistrates’ Court sitting at Worthing and South East Hampshire Magistrates’ Court sitting at Portsmouth from November 14 to 18, 2016.

Craig Brown, 32, of Church Way, Whittlebury, was fined £640 and must pay £64 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting assault by beating in Selsey on September 23, 2016. He must pay £100 compensation after admitting causing £100 damage to an internal wall in Selsey on September 23, 2016, no separate penalty.

Charles Collins, 79, of Marine Park, Nyewood Lane, Bognor Regis, was given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, with Rehabilitation Activity Requirement after admitting assault causing actual bodily harm in Bognor Regis on August 16, 2016. He must pay £115 victim surcharge and £150 costs.

Daniel Frostick, 38, of May Close, Bognor Regis, was fined £80 and must pay £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs, after admitting being drunk in a public place, breaching a criminal behaviour order, in Bognor Regis on September 27, 2016. He was fined £50 for failing to comply with supervision requirements, imposed following release from imprisonment, by committing a further offence.

Mark Kitcher, 40, of Canada Grove, Bognor Regis, was given a community order with Alcohol Treatment Requirement and Rehabilitation Activity Requirement after admitting assault by beating in Arundel on October 15, 2016. He was also given a restraining order and must pay £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Scott Whitlock, 28, of Outerwyke Gardens, Bognor Regis, must pay £70 costs after admitting breaching a community order by failing to attend unpaid work. The order was varied, with the Rehabilitation Activity Requirement altered.

Ben Wood, 25, of Goodwood, Chichester, was fined £50 and must pay £70 costs after admitting breaching a community order by failing to attend drug rehabilitation. The order was varied, with the Drug Rehabilitation Requirement removed and a new Rehabilitation Activity Requirement added.

Jordan Benham, 21, of Mountwood Road, Selsey, was fined £120 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (54mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Keynor Lane, Sidlesham, on October 29, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months. He was fined £120 after admitting driving without insurance and admitted driving without a licence, no separate penalty.

James Harding, 32, of Springfield Close, Lavant, was fined £400 and must pay £40 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (71mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in The Esplanade, Bognor Regis, on October 27, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 19 months.

Matthew Khan, 19, of Barnfield Drive, Chichester, was fined £135 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (55mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Keynor Lane, Sidlesham, on October 29, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 15 months.

Emil Marin, 29, of Durlston Parade, Durlston Drive, Bognor Regis, was given a community order and must carry out 180 hours’ unpaid work after admitting driving in Shripney Road, Bognor Regis, without a driving licence on October 13, 2016. He must pay £85 victim surcharge, £85 costs, and his driving record was endorsed with six points. He also admitted driving without insurance, no separate penalty.

Jordan Phillips, 22, of Orchard Close, Chichester, was fined £120 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting failing to provide a specimen for analysis when required by police at Chichester Custody Centre on October 29, 2016. He was fined £120 after admitting driving without insurance in Green Lane, Chichester, on October 29, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 17 months.

Thomas Jefkins, 22, of Somerton Green, Bognor Regis, was fined £300 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (75mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Parklands Road, Chichester, on October 30, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 19 months. He was fined £300 after admitting possessing cannabis in Chichester on October 30, 2016; and fined £300 after admitting driving without insurance. He also admitted driving without a licence, no separate penalty.

Tadeusz Martuszewski, 55, of Gordon Avenue, Bognor Regis, was fined £250 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (91mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Shripney Road, Bognor Regis, on October 29, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 24 months.

Nicholas O’Leary, 23, of Addison Way, Bognor Regis, must pay £100 compensation and £85 costs after admitting assaulting a doctor at St Richard’s Hospital, Chichester, on October 30, 2016. He also admitted resisting a police constable, no separate penalty. He breached a suspended sentence, which was varied, with ten additional days added to the Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

Amanda Perry, 44, of Victoria Drive, Bognor Regis, was fined £120 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting being in charge of a vehicle while over the drink-driving limit (95mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Hotham Way, Bognor Regis, on October 30, 2016. Her driving record was endorsed with ten points. She was fined £120 after admitting procuring the use of a vehicle without insurance and admitted procuring the use of a vehicle without a licence, no separate penalty.

Jack Ball, 23, of Huron Court, Gravits Lane, Bognor Regis, was given a community order and must carry out 160 hours’ unpaid work after admitting assault by beating in High Street, Bognor Regis, on August 20, 2016. He must pay £300 compensation, £85 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Zbignew Bascik, 48, of West Street, Midhurst, was discharged conditionally for 12 months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting assault by beating in Midhurst on July 30, 2016.

Thomas O’Neil, 30, of Cornwall Road, Littlehampton, was given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and must carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting stealing groceries from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on August 18, 2016; stealing groceries worth £35.84 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on July 30, 2016; stealing groceries worth £30.65 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on April 14, 2016; stealing groceries worth £20.90 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on April 11, 2016; stealing groceries worth £24.80 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on April 22, 2016; attempted theft of groceries worth £18.45 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on August 24, 2016; stealing groceries worth £29.77 from Tesco, Chichester, on August 7, 2016; stealing groceries worth £24.04 from Tesco, Chichester, on September 7, 2016; stealing groceries worth £69.25 from Tesco, Chichester, on September 7, 2016; stealing groceries worth £33.78 from Tesco, Chichester, on June 19, 2016; stealing groceries worth £20.74 from Tesco, Chichester, on June 1, 2016; stealing groceries worth £35.16 from Tesco, Chichester, on June 11, 2016; and stealing groceries worth £30.64 from Tesco, Chichester, on June 13, 2016. He must pay £384.66 compensation, £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Tara Hofmeister, 46, of Berkshire Court, Goring, was fined £80 after admitting using threatening words or behaviour, which the court found to be racially aggravated, at Broadway, Lancing, on September 14, 2016. She must pay £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Malcolm Richards, 75, of Westminster Drive, Bognor Regis, was discharged conditionally for 12 months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £50 costs, after admitting assault by beating in Bognor Regis on August 22, 2016; assaulting a police constable in Bognor Regis on August 23, 2016; and assault by beating in Bognor Regis between May 31, 2015, and July 1, 2016.

Gerald Woolgar, 60, of Connaught House, The Esplanade, Bognor Regis, was jailed for 14 weeks and must pay £115 victim surcharge after admitting breaching a restraining order by making contact in Bognor Regis between September 17, 2016, and September 25, 2016. He was jailed for four weeks to run concurrently after admitting assault by beating in Bognor Regis between September 17, 2016, and September 24, 2016. He also admitted harassment, breaching a restraining order, no separate penalty. An application to discharge the restraining order was granted on the grounds the victim wished it to be revoked.

Heather Clinch, 53, of Bedham Road, Fittleworth, was given a community order and must carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work after being found guilty of making a false representation by failing to declare capital affecting Housing Benefit on or about February 10, 2014; failing to notify Arun District Council of a change of circumstances, namely capital, affecting Council Tax Benefit between March 14, 2011, and November 11, 2012; and failing to notify Arun District Council of a change of circumstances, namely capital, affecting Housing Benefit between March 14, 2011, and January 26, 2014. She must pay £85 victim surcharge and £77 costs.

Peter Smith, of Critchmere Lane, Haslemere, must pay £65 compensation and £65 costs after being found guilty of failing to display a valid parking ticket at Pebble Beach Car Park in Gosport on July 18, 2016.

Stuart Jenkins, 53, c/o New Brighton Road, Emsworth, was discharged conditionally for six months and must pay £20 victim surcharge after admitting using threatening words or behaviour in Fareham on July 28, 2016.

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The following are the latest results contributed by HM Courts Service, for cases sentenced by West Sussex Magistrates’ Court sitting at Worthing from November 14 to 18, 2016.

Nicholas Sawicki, 65, of Third Avenue, Broadwater, was given a community order and must carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work after being found guilty of assault by beating in Henfield on March 11, 2016; and intentionally obstructing an enforcement officer engaged in executing a writ from the High Court in Henfield on March 11, 2016. He must pay £50 compensation, £60 victim surcharge and £625 costs.

Aaron Coulson, 28, of Courtfields, Elm Grove, Lancing, must pay £70 costs after admitting breaching a community order by failing to attend unpaid work. The order was varied, with 21 hours added to the original 80 hours’ unpaid work.

Terry Green, 20, of Berriedale Drive, Sompting, must pay £70 costs after admitting breaching a community order by failing to attend unpaid work. The order was varied, with a new Rehabilitation Activity Requirement added.

Ashley Nelson, 27, of Chapel Road, Worthing, must pay £70 costs after admitting breaching a community order by failing to attend unpaid work. The order was varied, with 21 hours added to the original 100 hours’ unpaid work.

Jessica Nice, 29, of Yapton Road, Climping, was fined £80 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £40 costs, after admitting failing to stop after an accident on the A27 Fontwell on May 20, 2016, in which personal injury was caused to another vehicle. She was fined £80 after admitting failing to report an accident, fined £120 after admitting driving without insurance and fined £80 after admitting driving without due care and attention. She also admitted driving without a licence, no separate penalty. She was disqualified from driving for six months.

Terry Corbett, 27, of Yapton Road, Climping, was fined £800 and must pay £80 victim surcharge, £40 costs, after admitting aiding Jessica Nice to drive on the A27 Fontwell without insurance on May 20, 2015. His driving record was endorsed with six points. He also admitted aiding Jessica Nice to drive without a licence, no separate penalty.

Darrel Mackenzie, 26, of Monks Close, Lancing, was fined £110 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting assaulting a police constable in Freshbrook Road, Lancing, on October 29, 2016.

Ellie Taylor, 18, of The Quadrant, Goring, was fined £80 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting wilfully obstructing a police constable in the Montague Centre, Worthing, on October 28, 2016. She was fined £40 after admitting disorderly behaviour in the Montague Centre, Worthing, on October 28, 2016.

Mark Williams, 35, of The Drive, Lancing, was fined £440 and must pay £44 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting failing to provide a specimen for analysis when required by police at Worthing Custody Centre on October 29, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 17 months.

Bradley Allen, 25, of Orkney Court, Worthing, was discharged conditionally for 12 months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting possessing cannabis in Worthing on August 18, 2016.

Robert Dewey, 59, of Graham Road, Worthing, was fined £690 and given a restraining order after admitting harassment without violence through unwanted text messages sent between August 2016 and October 7, 2016. He must pay £69 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

David Collins, 56, of The Street, Clapham, was discharged conditionally for six months and must pay £20 victim surcharge, £50 costs, after admitting causing £40 damage to windows in The Street, Clapham, on September 26, 2016.

Rachel Marchant, 30, of Winterbourne House, Rowlands Road, Worthing, was discharged conditionally for 18 months and must pay £10 compensation, £20 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting stealing a £19.99 Peppa Pig toy from Toy Barnhaus, Worthing, on September 30, 2016.

Thomas O’Neil, 30, of Cornwall Road, Littlehampton, was given a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and must carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work after admitting stealing groceries from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on August 18, 2016; stealing groceries worth £35.84 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on July 30, 2016; stealing groceries worth £30.65 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on April 14, 2016; stealing groceries worth £20.90 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on April 11, 2016; stealing groceries worth £24.80 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on April 22, 2016; attempted theft of groceries worth £18.45 from Sainsbury’s, Littlehampton, on August 24, 2016; stealing groceries worth £29.77 from Tesco, Chichester, on August 7, 2016; stealing groceries worth £24.04 from Tesco, Chichester, on September 7, 2016; stealing groceries worth £69.25 from Tesco, Chichester, on September 7, 2016; stealing groceries worth £33.78 from Tesco, Chichester, on June 19, 2016; stealing groceries worth £20.74 from Tesco, Chichester, on June 1, 2016; stealing groceries worth £35.16 from Tesco, Chichester, on June 11, 2016; and stealing groceries worth £30.64 from Tesco, Chichester, on June 13, 2016. He must pay £384.66 compensation, £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Tara Hofmeister, 46, of Berkshire Court, Goring, was fined £80 after admitting using threatening words or behaviour, which the court found to be racially aggravated, at Broadway, Lancing, on September 14, 2016. She must pay £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Krasimir Ivanov, 58, of Windermere Crescent, Goring, was fined £231 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting drink-driving (77mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath) in Rowlands Road, Worthing, on October 16, 2016. He was disqualified from driving for 20 months.

Arturas Skorovarovas, 27, of George V Avenue, Worthing, was fined £95 after admitting damaging a car roof in Worthing on October 16, 2016. He was fined £180 and must pay £30 victim surcharge, £85 costs, after admitting assaulting a police constable in Worthing on October 16, 2016.

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For those wanting to look dapper, Charlotte Pearson talks to a man in the know.

Standing out from the crowd during the festive party season can be tricky, especially for men when the options for formal wear mean having a coloured tie is seen as ‘out there’.

To view all the suits Dobell has on offer, visit www.dobell.co.uk

This features in the December etc Magazine

The annual Christmas Party is a great opportunity for members of many organisations to get together informally and perhaps mull over the events of the past year.

Last week it was the turn of one of the professional associations of which I am a member - the Circle of Wine Writers. Founded in 1960 and based in the UK, it has around 300 members worldwide and counts amongst its members such illustrious individuals in the wine world as Jancis Robinson MW, Hugh Johnson and Oz Clarke.

This year sees a few changes in its outward presentation in order to keep-up with changing technology and the modern world, with a new logo, new website and easier interaction with all in the global wine industry. It’s objectives, however, remain the same and are designed to assist its members in the promotion and communication of wines and spirits in a global context, maintain standards, whilst contributing to the growing knowledge and interest in wine.

The evening was a great success and I personally enjoyed the interaction with others in my industry, and the chance of rubbing shoulders and exchanging views with the likes of Oz Clarke and other wine communication gurus. The venue was the prestigious One Great George Street in London, around the corner from Parliament Square, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. This is a stately Edwardian building, with an opulent interior suited to high profile events.

Our host for the evening was the Washington State Wine Commission, representing just about every wine producer in the State. This was quite enlightening, since I was certainly not alone in my lack of knowledge or experience of wines and producers from this area. To me, it was an inspired choice since I have always been one to ‘beat the drum’ for the lesser known wines - Montlouis rather than Vouvray, Fronsac rather than Saint Emilion, and so forth.

Washington State surprisingly is the second largest producer of wines in the US after California.

It’s development is relatively recent, with expansion from 100 producers to over 800 in just 15 years. There are a number of specific sub-regions, with some of the best wines coming from Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley. The climate is greatly suited to production of high quality wine, with more sunshine on average than in California, but rainfall is low due to the rain shadow caused by the Cascade Mountains, leading to the need for controlled irrigation.

Since this party was for Wine Writers, it was naturally preceded by an interesting tasting of nearly 30 Washington State wines from a selection of 17 producers, with some great names such as Whispering Tree Riesling and Forgotten Hills Syrah. Quality across the board was at a high level and a sparkling wine from Chateau Ste Michelle, Washington State’s founding winery, was particularly appropriate for a Christmas Party - made by the traditional method as in champagne, it had lovely appley and citrus notes, with a refreshing lively balanced acidity.

Although, as yet, Washington State wines are not widely distributed in the UK, they can be found and are worth seeking out. The specialist merchant Noël Young wines has a good selection and it’s worth trying Berry Brothers and the on-line merchant winedirect.co.uk.

Richard Esling BSc DipWSET is an experienced wine consultant, agent, writer and educator. An erstwhile wine importer, he runs a wine agency and consultancy company called WineWyse, is founder and principal of the Sussex Wine Academy, chairman of Arundel Wine Society and is an International Wine Judge. Twitter @richardwje. Visit www.winewyse.com.

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Midhurst and Selsey both kept clean sheets in their latest SCFL division-one games and that brought a win for one and a draw for another. Here are the latest reports.

Midhurst 0 Steyning 0

SCFL division one

A well-fought game between two good footballing teams saw an entertaining 0 - 0 draw at the Rotherfield.

Dave Berkowitz made a couple of changes from the 4-0 midweek East Preston defeat, with Joel Stevens returning at right-back, Paul Grantham and George Hotson in as centre-backs, Scott Dormer returning into centre midfield with Lewis Hamilton on the left.

Although the 4-0 defeat had looked bad on paper, Berkowitz was more than pleased with the team’s work ethic and never-give-up attitude – and more was needed against Steyning.

The Stags duly obliged. From the outset they set out to press high on the visitors who liked to play from the back.

Luke Sheldrick caused several problems down the right, setting up a couple of chances for Gary Norgate. Both chances were narrowly hit wide by the stags forward.

Midhurst’s resolve was true to see and Steyning were guilty of missing two gilt-edged chances to go in front at the interval. Both times the visitors’ No 9 missed sitters from several yards out.

The second half produced good football from both teams on a difficult surface.

Apart from a fine save by Patrick Cowell on 80 minutes, there were no real goal threats – both teams cancelling each other out.

Midhurst visit Bexhill on Saturday.

Midhurst: Cowell, Stevens, Hotson, Grantham, Castleton, Kemplin, Dormer, Hyde, Sheldrick, Norgate, Hamilton. Subs: Hunt (Dormer 70), Martin (Sheldrick 38), Broughton.

Selsey 2 Seaford 0

Things continue to look up for Selsey, who enjoyed another victory in front of their own fans.

Blues boss Steve Bailey said a few weeks ago he had high hopes for a run of games in which most were at home – that after a glut of away matches in which Selsey had more than their share of bad luck.

Joe Clarke and Morgan Forry put them in command against Seaford with two quick first-half goals and the result rarely looked in any doubt.

It was Selsey’s third win in five division-one games and left them ninth in the table.

This weekend they visit Oakwood looking to keep their good form going.

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While others in the Midhurst and Petworth area are making their final preparations for the festive holiday a small group of friends will be walking home from London for Christmas.

It is another fundraising idea of lifelong Tillington resident Roger Morgan-Grenville who was one of the founding team at Help for Heroes and who hopes the festive walk will raise funds for the charity Walking with the Wounded and their appeal ’Walk Home for Christmas’.

“The idea is not only to raise much-needed funds, but also awareness for the plight of homeless ex servicemen and women just before Christmas,” said Roger.

The team of four which will according to 56 year old Roger have ‘an average age that is near 50 than 40’ will start in London at midnight, next Wednesday December 21, the longest night of the year.

They will be walking around 45 miles back to Petworth, practically non-stop, over the next 18 hours, over a mix of roads and footpaths.

“So much is expected of our servicemen and women in this modern world,” added Roger.

“They go into action without question, and serve their country with bravery and commitment.

“All too often, they find it hard to settle back down into civilian life, and can find themselves on the streets. It is the least we can do to support them.”

The group which includes five intrepid adventurers from the Midhurst and Petworth area, Midhurst GP, Dr Tim Hill, Roger and his son Tom, Andrew Dyer and Derek Joseph, hope to raise around £10,000.

Roger is a veteran fundraiser taking on a string of challenges to raise money for good causes.

Among his many exploits, he ran 2012 miles in 2012 to raise funds for Kidney Cancer UK after the death of a friend.

Anyone who would like to support them, can send a donation through their Just Giving Site Just Giving

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/christmas/

A knifeman forced a couple to kneel before robbing them in their own home.

Police said thieves had already broken into the home in West Chiltington Road, Pulborough, when one of the owners returned at about 8pm on Tuesday (December 6).

As the 55-year-old entered his dining room he was confronted by a man holding a knife. Police said the suspect’s face was partially covered with a scarf.

Officers said he forced the victim into the bedroom where he made him kneel on the floor and tell him where anything valuable was kept.

During this time his wife had also returned and was also threatened. She managed to get away and raise the alarm, officers added.

Detective Inspector Alan Pack said: “Neither of the occupants were hurt but extremely shaken by what happened. Jewellery, two watches, a purse and some cash were taken.

“It is unclear at this stage whether there were two men in the house or one.

“We believe it may be linked to other burglaries in Billingshurst and Pulborough on Tuesday afternoon. This is a rural location and it is likely the suspect had access to a nearby vehicle. We have a number of enquiries that we are completing and extra police units in the area.

“We are appealing to anyone who saw anyone or a vehicle acting suspiciously in the area between 12.30pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday. We are also interested to hear from anyone who might have been driving along West Chiltington Road using a dash camera between 7pm and 9pm and might have captured something which could help us with our investigation.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk

You can also report online to https://sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal/ or call 101 quoting Operation Rocklane.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org).

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There are currently 45 dog handlers with at least one dog working in the police force in Sussex and Surrey.

Our reporter went down to a session in Poynings to find out more about how the dogs are trained.

A High Court bid to stop Southern train drivers from going on strike next week has failed.

Union ASLEF has joined the RMT union, which represents train conductors, in calling industrial action over rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway’s proposals to introduce driver-only operation on Southern services.

This would see drivers open and close train doors on Southern services.

Nick Brown, chief operating officer of Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “Naturally we are disappointed. The judge said that such unprecedented strike action by ASLEF would cause massive disruption to the public.

“The judge also said the widespread use of trains using driver operation is perfectly safe both in Southern and elsewhere in the UK.

“We brought this action for the benefit of our passengers. The judge has given us permission to go to the Court of Appeal which we will now consider with our legal team.”

Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, said: “What a waste of money.

“Southern, Britain’s worst private train company, has wasted shareholders’ money, passengers’ money and taxpayers’ money– because the company has been handsomely subsidised by the Conservative government – on a case it was always going to lose.

“Now the company should do the right thing and sit down with us and negotiate – properly, sensibly and in good faith – to do a deal for the benefit of passengers, staff and, yes, the company.”

He added: “Chris Grayling, the Secretary of State for Transport, said this strike was political, a line which has been parroted by GTR. But it’s not. It’s industrial.

“The only people who have been playing politics here is Chris Grayling.”

Meanwhile Peter Kyle, Hove MP, said: “The prospects of not a single Southern train running on Tuesday 13th December will be a catastrophe for passengers, businesses and the wider economy during the busy Christmas period.

“There is now no end in sight to this misery. The Government now offers the only way out of the situation so Ministers must stop hiding in the shadows of this dispute and become an active partner in finding a resolution.”

ASLEF has also told its members to stop working overtime from Tuesday (December 6).

Southern has warned passengers to expect ‘severe and significant disruption’ with no services expected to run on ASLEF strike dates, scheduled for Tuesday December 13, Wednesday December 14, Friday December 16, and from Monday January 9 to Saturday January 14.

Passengers on Southern and Gatwick Express have been warned again to expect services to be severely reduced across much of the network on non-strike days from tomorrow (Friday December 9), through the weekend and on Monday as a result of ASLEF’s continued overtime ban.

Southern Director Alex Foulds said: “Tomorrow is the first day when ASLEF’s overtime ban will be felt on a non-strike day. We’re sincerely sorry but passengers are advised services will be severely reduced and, on some routes, cancelled altogether. We will put on rail replacement buses where we can. We urge people to check before they travel on the day.”

Passengers should check the Southern website www.southernrailway.com/strike for more details and are strongly advised to check again on the day they travel.

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A controversial bid to replace a golf clubhouse in Hassocks and build 130 new homes has been approved.

The outline application, which is part of the Hassocks Neighbourhood Plan, is to replace and reposition the clubhouse in London Road, with a new driving range and 9-hole course.

The plan received a unanimous vote yesterday (December 7) at a Mid Sussex Planning Committee meeting.

The 130 homes are proposed for the centre of the site, with 30 per cent affordable.

Cllr Bill Hatton from Hassocks Parish Council supported the bid and said it was ‘fully in-line with the neighbourhood plan’.

However, John Orchard, who has lived in Friars Oak Road for more than 20 years, said the development would be ‘visually intrusive’ and would have a ‘catastrophic impact on the area’.

He said: “This would mean more houses, more commuters, more overcrowded trains and more pollution in Hassocks.”

Mike Ovett, club director, said the club had the potential to ‘be the best in the region’.

He added: “The club has faced financial difficulty for a number of years and this is the only realistic way to continue the club.”

Denys Cole, club owner, said the club had suffered ‘significant financial loss’.

“The club has continued because of funds I have injected myself. It will have to close if the plan does not go ahead and this will mean loss of jobs.”

Cllr Gordon Marples recognised the need for housing but said there were golf clubs nearby ‘offering the same service’.

Cllr John Wilkinson did not support the application because he did not think a nine hole golf course would be ‘viable’.

Highways England also objected the the bid.

The plan also makes provision for a two-hectare site for a new primary school should it be required in the future.

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.midsussextimes.co.uk/christmas/

For my column this month, I had a chat with hugely talented all-rounder Hilary O’Neil about her career and thoughts on show business, as she prepares to return to Crawley’s Hawth for Peter Pan.

Hilary’s parents first realised she was going to be a performer when they heard her, aged two, singing ‘You Are My World’ by Cilla Black, while sitting on the potty.

Leaving her potty behind, she trained at Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom and it was Betty Laine who gave Hilary her start by offering her a job as a dancer. She describes Betty as her heroine, as it was she who “changed her life”.

Hilary first came to the attention of the public in the ITV series Copy Cats, where her gift for doing impersonations saw her join series two of the programme alongside Bobby Davro, Jessica Martin and Gary Wilmot.

One of the reasons Hilary works so much is that she has her own self-contained act. This means she doesn’t have to wait around for an audition to come up; she can take her act out on the road or on to cruise ships, which she regards as the new home of variety acts, now that programmes like X Factor are so dominant in that area on TV.

Her tip for young performers: “Learn as many skills as you can.”

Sing, dance, act, juggle, rollerskate, whatever. You can’t have too many strings to your bow.

On the subject of where we will find new comedians with the enormous fame of say, Morecambe and Wise, Hilary thinks that we probably won’t see stars as bright as that again because of the number of TV channels now available.

I agree. Some 40 years ago we had only three TV channels, which meant some shows could have half the UK population watching them.

In 1977 The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show pulled an audience of more than 21 million, whereas Strictly Come Dancing peaks at around 9 million, even though the UK’s population has grown.

You can see Hilary O’Neil in Peter Pan, with EastEnders stars Shaun Williamson and Emma Barton at The Hawth, from December 9 until January 2.

Meanwhile, I’ll be appearing as Dame Dotty in Beauty and the Beast at Kettering with Cheryl Ferguson, also from EastEnders, from December 10 until January 2.

Michael Neilson is a Horsham-based actor, singer, dancer and writer, with more than thirty years of professional experience in film, TV, theatre, radio and voice work. Follow him on Twitter @michael_neilson.

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The BBC Sports Personality of the Year show is looming fast and the shortlist for the night’s main prize is as strong as it has ever been. Here, Connor Whelan looks at the top contenders for the crown and declares who he thinks will win.

Read Connor’s thoughts - then get involved in the debate.

After a year of success for British sport, including record medal hauls for both the Olympic and Paralympic GB teams, we now head towards the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award.

The grand event, to be held on Sunday, December 18, will show off the many triumphs achieved by British sportsmen and women throughout the year, with a talent-show styled public voting system deciding the winner of the main award at the end of the night.

With the past four Olympic years ending with an Olympian winning the BBC’s award, it is no surprise that the four of the top five bookies favourites all featured this summer in Rio.

Here are some of the contenders and their odds...

Andy Murray – Tennis, 1/9

The heavy favourite for the award, which is no surprise given the year the Scot has had. Appearances in the final of the Australian and French Open preceded Murray winning his second Wimbledon title and retaining his Olympic title in the space of just over one month. He went on to win the ATP World Tour on way to ending the year as the world No1. Having won the SPOTY award twice in the past three years, Andy is looking to become the first sports personality ever to win the award three times.

Alistair Brownlee – Triathlon, 9/1

The first ever triathlete nominee and one half of the world-beating Brownlee brothers, Alistair retained his Olympic triathlon gold medal becoming the first man to do so. However, the focus of Alistair’s year came when he helped carry his exhausted brother Jonny over the finish line in the final race of the Triathlon World Series, despite losing places in the process. This act alone will make him a fan favourite across the UK and could result in him winning the award outright.

Laura Kenny – Cycling, 25/1

Laura won two gold medals at the Olympics and a further two at the Track Cycling World Championships to cement her place as a favourite for the award. Trott, her maiden name, married fellow cyclist and nominee Jason Kenny in September this year. A win would result in her becoming the fourth different cyclist to win the award in the past eight years and the first female to win the award in nearly ten years.

Gareth Bale – Football, 33/1

Looking to become the first Welshman to win the award since fellow footballer Ryan Giggs in 2009, Bale has had a stand-out year after finally settling down to life in Madrid. Strong performances helped his side to lift the Champions League title and earned him a nomination for the Ballon d’Or and UEFA Best Player award. In an amazing Euro 2016 tournament, Bale scored three times as Wales vastly exceeded expectations in reaching the semi-finals.

Other nominees for the award feature Rio gold medallists Mo Farah (athletics, 33-1), Nick Skelton (equestrian, 66/1), Jason Kenny (cycling, 80/1), Max Whitlock (gymnastics, 100/1), Nicola Adams (boxing, 200/1), Adam Peaty (swimming, 200/1), Dame Sarah Storey (cyclist, 200/1), Sophie Christiansen (equestrian, 250/1), Kadeen Cox (athletics/cycling, 250/1) and Kate Richardson-Walsh (hockey, 250/1).

The last two nominees are Leicester City hero Jamie Vardy (football, 66/1) and the shock US Masters winner Danny Willett (golf, 250/1).

Out of this year’s nominees, I feel it is hard to look past Murray as the deserving winner of this award for this year. His extraordinary achievements have placed him head and shoulders above the rest of the nominees, with the odds reflecting this.

However, there are many variables the public may back to choose as their winner. The amazing underdog story of Vardy, the selfless act of Alistair Brownlee or the record-breaking Storey becoming the most decorated female Paralympian; this award may be closer, and throw up more surprises, then first originally predicted.

CONNOR WHELAN

Email your views to sport@chiobserver.co.uk

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Saturday’s match with Billericay Town could be Dean Cox’s last in a Burgess Hill Town shirt.

The Crawley Town star has been outstanding during his loan spell and Ian Chapman believes once he has gone, it’s a chance for a few of his players to step up to the mark.

Hillians’ boss Ian Chapman said: “It looks like it will be Dean Cox’s last game. After Saturday we have a few away games and are not playing at home until Boxing Day and I think they will want him back getting ready for their games.

“He’s been excellent. He’s given the club a real lift. We’ve had lads who have had to sit out because he’s been playing and hopefully they’ll take the responsibility when he goes.”

It’s not just been Cox’s performances that have impressed Chapman, although there has been one disappointing element.

He said: “He’s led by example, his attitude has been terrific. His quality has shone through so many times.

“He’s created and scored goals for us since day one.

“The only disappointing thing is that he’s only featured in four league games for us and we won three of them so we could have done with more league appearances. Unfortunately doing well in the cups meant we forfeited some league games, but that’s how it goes.

“I really can’t praise him enough. A lad comes into to play for you at a level which is easy for you at times but his work-rate has been exceptional. He’s created untold chances but I do feel we could have won more games if we converted the chances he created but that’s football.

“But you move on. Before he was here we picked up good results against Dulwich and Bognor and Havant, so I am not thinking we are a one-man team at all.

“People have to now step up to the mark and take responsibility.”

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Chichester produced their best form in storming to a bonus-point 27-6 win at Guildford with spirit and determination.

Their forwards dominated the National three London south east game with great energy and the backs helped in setting up positions for four tries plus two conversions and a penalty.

Blues are now set on their clear mission to climb away from the relegation threat and in this game they built on the confidence from their narrow loss against high-flying Wimbledon.

The return from injury of inspirational Chris Johnson helped the pack to be a strong welded unit in both the tight and loose.

The quick service and long touch kicks from Henry Anscombe earned territory and apart from the first ten minutes and the last five, the mid- table Surrey team were outplayed.

Chi dealt with early pressure in their 22, drove their opponents back and kept their foot firmly on the pedal. Their happy band of supporters returned home with five-point smiles after this first away triumph.

Richard Adams was at fly-half, Taff Davies full-back. Alex Grace joined Nick Blount at lock for Johnson to join Jack Bentall and Aaron Davies in the back row.

Guildford had won their last two and pressed from the start and, supplied by scrums and lineouts, their backs handled across the pitch.

Their pack drove close to the line but the Chi defence stood firm and the tackles were made in time. A final knock-on gave a clearance to Chi and they never looked back.

They advanced to the other end with powerful carrying and the backs got going. An Anscombe kick and follow-up tackle gave the chance for the scrum to take over ten metres out.

Guildford held out three times but an attempted clearance kick was charged down and they were forced to carry back over their own line. This time from five metres, Johnson was unstoppable and he plunged over for the first try. A difficult conversion was missed.

The hosts replied with a successful penalty for an offence after the drop out, making it 5-3 to Chi.

Johnson and Davies ran hard from scrums and prop Tom Belcher broke through supported by Blount. The movement continued along the left flank and Chi were awarded another scrum.

Johnson picked up at the back and somehow crashed across, shaking tacklers from his legs. The conversion was missed from wide out.

The Chi scrum was penalised for something in the front row and the Guildford inside-centre slotted his second kick. He also tried another at a critical point just before the break but missed from 30 metres, so it was 10-6 at half-time.

An Adams high kick forced a scrum and more sterling work by the forwards, followed by a penalty to the right corner, lineout and scrum and a big surge moving smoothly into the centre.

The back row drove on and the whole pack shoved as a unit for Grace to press down over the line and under the posts. It was converted by Taff Davies.

Anscombe launched the next attack and after one penalty was missed from 35 metres, Davies landed another following strong running by Bentall and replacement left winger Matt Woodhouse – 20-6.

Blues were completely on top and the backs had good runs with Rhys Thompson and Adams trying mazy steps but not penetrating. The lineout was immaculate and Blount was soaring at the middle, complementing Davies near the front.

At the coalface Ben Deavall, Mark Giddings, Tom Belcher and replacement Sean Shepherd can be proud of their work.

A kick along the left touch saw Harry Seaman race to pick up with the try line open 30 metres away but he was tackled in time.

A penalty by Guildford was well caught by Woodhouse near touch and was followed by the backs in action and the supporting Johnson just failing with a reverse offload which could have led to another try.

A raking Anscombe penalty to the left corner gave Chi more five-metre drive mauls with Grace inches short but the reliable Belcher touched down for the bonus try near the posts. It was converted by Taff Davies to make it 27-6.

With a few minutes left, Guildford tried hard to get a consolation try and attacked in force for the only time in the half, and Chi received a yellow card at a breakdown.

Another attempt failed because of a knock-on and a kick to the Chi try line went too long. Chi cleared their lines and celebrated as the whistle blew.

This week they must repeat this form to beat Colchester, who are just as strongly motivated to stay in a league where there are no weak teams. Kick-off is 2pm at Oaklands Park. Be there, Blues supporters – you are all needed and expected.

Chichester: Deavall, Giddings, Belcher, Blount, Grace, Bentall (capt), Johnson, A Davies, Anscombe, Adams, Seaman, Farmer, Thompson, Evans, O Davies, Shepherd, Dickin, Woodhouse.

ROGER GOULD

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Full planning permission has been granted for 210 new homes in Haywards Heath.

The plan, which was approved at a Mid Sussex Planning Committee meeting yesterday (December 7), will see homes built at Penland Farm, in Balcombe Road and includes a three-access roundabout, changing from four in the outline application.

Three, four and five-bed houses will be built along with one and two-bed flats.

Sixty-three of the homes will also be affordable.

Concerns over the proposal included noise and disruption, highway safety and loss of outlook.

However, the planning officer said although he ‘identified the concerns’ they did not ‘outweigh the benefits’.

Speaker Kathryn Waldron supported the plan and said the reduction of the roundabout would ‘improve safety’.

Cllr Bob Mainstone was concerned there would be ‘more traffic through the village’.

Cllr Colin Trumble stressed that it was an ‘important site to consider’ and said he was ‘not comfortable’ accepting the plan and that it should be ‘deferred and returned to the design panel’.

He said: “I do not believe we can refuse, however, I do not feel comfortable accepting in terms of design and layout.

“The design panel says these houses are poorly designed and you can see these same housing designs across the country – there is no sense of place, therefore it does not do justice to this special site.”

The application was approved unanimously.

Committee members had previously rejected the initial planning application in 2014.

Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, Garry Wall, believed the planning committee’s unanimous rejection ‘reflected strength of local opinion’.

The council’s planning officers’ had recommended the 210-home application submitted by Catesby Estates and the trustees of the neighbouring Grade 11* Listed Borde Hill estate for approval.

However, Mr Wall said members made a ‘universally welcomed’ decision going against the advice of their own officers.

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.midsussextimes.co.uk/christmas/

Many think it is a thankless task and even as a commentator I know that statistics don’t always tell the whole story. This week Brighton & Hove Albion released their accounts which show an overall loss of £25.8m, compared with £10.4m in the previous season.
The bottom line is more money is being spent on players and wages and, for the most part, that must be a good thing. I won’t delve too deep but the over-riding sense from the numbers (and, yes, I am no accountant!) and also the statement from the chairman Tony Bloom is that he is prepared to continue with his investment and take a hit on the losses to achieve the dream of top-flight football.
He is also realistic that it won’t happen overnight. He also highlighted the club’s unwillingness to sell the best players and resist the attentions of those who have enjoyed the riches of the Premier League. That can’t be easy.
He has also tied down more players, most recently Beram Kayal, to long-term contracts to enable continuity but also so they get what they deserve if a huge offer comes in. Tony Bloom should also be congratulated for sharing so openly the figures and his motivation with all fans and the general public.
English football has been littered over the years with clubs and owners who have worked in the shadows when it comes to investment and budgets. I couldn’t tell you where his wealth sits but it seems the poker-playing chairman is prepared to put his cards on the table when it comes to what he’s putting into this particular investment.
There is a growing number of clubs in this country, and in particular the Championship with its potential return on investment, who have foreign owners and investors.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not xenophobic – but I think the fact that Bloom and his family are real fans continues to be the foundation for future success. They say that fans don’t run the club well; in the Albion’s case one of them does. At this moment in time, that seems to be a very good thing.

Johnny Cantor covers Brighton & Hove Albion as a commentator and reporter for BBC Sussex Sport.

Follow all the action, home or away, on BBC Sussex Sport or Twitter: @BBCSussexSport or @johnnycburger

To read more by Johnny Cantor, visit www.johnnycantor.com

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Winners of this year’s Herald and Gazette Community Stars have been presented with their awards this evening.

The large audience in Worthing College’s Exhibition Hall was moved by the many stories of courage and selflessness.

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.worthingherald.co.uk/christmas/

For the pet lovers in your life, or in fact your pet, Charlotte Pearson rounds up the gifts to make them smile.

Whether your prized pet is a cat or dog there are a number of companies out there who have the perfect gift that will show them you care.

For more features like this check out this month’s etc Magazine

A Haywards Heath-based home care service offered West Sussex County Council (WSCC) a helping hand this month, by welcoming a senior staff member from the adult social care unit to their offices.

Caremark (Mid Sussex & Crawley), which has been a part of the council’s care framework since 2008, spent time with Tracie Thomas, head of adult social care and principal social worker, to help her get ‘back to the floor’ and reconnect with local care services on a grassroots level.

After getting to know the team, Tracie chatted with Sarah-Louise Hatchard, director and registered manager, and Sue Hills, managing director, to learn about the company’s history and current challenges. Later in the day, she accompanied field Care Supervisor Lisa Gandolf on her daily rounds and met with three of the company’s valued customers.

“Lisa fed back to us that Tracie was reminded how the emotional support we provide is just as important as any physical assistance.

“We met with an elderly customer who told us that the day trips and shopping calls we provide are a lifeline for her. She said they make her feel like a valued member of the community, and they encourage her to be more mobile. Unfortunately, due to budgetary restraints, such trips are not currently funded by the council but Tracie said she had been encouraged to look for a solution.”

The most eye-opening moment of the day came when the team took Tracie to meet Mary, a care and support worker for Caremark who recently broke both her ankles and is now on the receiving end of care funded by WSCC.

With five children and no nearby family to support her, Caremark has played a crucial role in her recovery. “They’ve been incredible,” said Mary. “It’s a strange turn of events that I’m in need of the care that I usually provide for others, but I couldn’t be more grateful.

“The team takes it in turns to come over and feed my family, and they even take the kids out when I can’t.”

Last week, staff went one step further by surprising Mary with money they’d raised to help with her Christmas shopping.

She said: “They know I can’t work at the moment, and they wanted to make sure the kids could still have a great time regardless of my injuries. It really reminded me that they don’t just care for their customers, they really care about them.”

Tracie said: “It is all too easy to forget how important the services Caremark provide are once you become a manager, and removed from day to day contact with people who rely on social care support, but this visit really showed me the excellent work that the team are doing, and what a difference they make to people’s lives. I wish them all the best for the future.”

Find out more about Caremark at www.caremark.co.uk/locations/mid-sussex-and-crawley

Have you checked out our new Christmas section yet?

It’s packed with ideas and tips to ensure you make the most out of the festive season.

There’s recipes, suggestions for presents and everything from choosing your tree to recycling your packaging and paper.

Go to www.midsussextimes.co.uk/christmas/