Work to repair Worthing’s iconic Christmas red ribbon has been completed and plans are already in place for an improved design for next year.

The return of the beautiful bow to Whibleys the Jewellers in Warwick Street for the first time in seven years has been much talked about since it was put up on December 1.

Iconic Christmas red ribbon is back on Worthing town centre jewellers’ store

Worthing Christmas red ribbon ripped in high winds

Alan Harwood, owner of Property Maintenance Sussex, created the bow and had the job of repairing the damage caused by yesterday’s high winds.

He said: “We installed the bow, which is huge, but with the storms being so fierce and brutal, it was left sadly damaged. The wind really tunnels down there.

“It was quite a late challenge putting it up and we used the materials we had to hand. It is going to be fully redesigned for next year with a much harder fabric.

“We turned up on Monday evening to hopefully put it back on the map. We had the task again to create the talk of the town. We have repaired it the best we can and we will be keeping an eye on it.”

As Alan worked on the bow last night, he had an audience of about 30 runners cheering him on as they passed by.

He said: “It was brilliant. This group of lady runners stopped to admire it. I love it.”

They enjoyed a flawless set of Quilter Internationals but Abbie Scott says England will not be resting on their laurels heading into next year’s Six Nations title defence.

The Red Roses breezed past France – both home and away – and Italy in their three-game autumn runout, building momentum ahead of their bid to retain their Grand Slam crown which starts in Pau on February 2.

But despite toppling France away from home for the first time since 2012 last month, second row Scott believes Simon Middleton’s side still have plenty to improve on heading into a crucial 2020.

“I think we’re in a pretty good place at the moment and to take three wins from three in the autumn internationals was perfect for us, but I think at the same time we know that we left a lot out there on the pitch,” the 26-year-old said.

“We didn’t have the best performances – to get three wins was fantastic and to win away in France for the first time since 2012 was amazing.

“But there was definitely some frustration left after the autumn games in terms of our overall finished article and how we’re not quite there as a team yet.

“We’ll be looking to improve on that coming into the Guinness Six Nations – we’re in a really good place and we’re excited to get back into camp.

“In order for us to even be selected in the first place we know we’ve got to be training well and playing well.”

Scott featured in that historic 20-10 triumph over the old enemy in Clermont-Ferrant, helping engineer an impressive victory where Loughborough Lightning No.8 Sarah Hunter scored twice and dynamic back Emily Scarratt kicked clinically from the tee.

The powerful lock represents an experienced international campaigner, captaining her side during their opening summer Super Series fixture against USA and dotting down two tries in Six Nations victories against Wales and Italy earlier this year.

And with her level of England pedigree, she appears well-placed to comment on her side's prospects for the future – both from a short-term and longer-term perspective.

“We’re definitely confident about next year - that first game away in France is key for us, and in the first game of the Guinness Six Nations you can’t get much bigger than that,” added Scott, speaking at Old Rutlishians Rugby Club as part of the RFU’s innovative CBRE All Schools initiative.

“It’s an opportunity and a game that the girls will absolutely relish - we know that there’s some really tough competition from within the squad.

“I think you need to be looking out for the likes of Sarah Bern in 2020, who was obviously nominated for World Rugby Women's Player of the Year – she’s fantastic, and an explosive player for us.

“You can see in the Tyrrells Premier 15s the level of performances just going up and up, and in turn, that just leads to better England performances as well.”

PLEASE LEAVE IN FINAL PAR – Inspired by the journey of the Red Roses, book tickets to see them play in the 2020 Six Nations – for more information visit englandrugby.com and https://www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu

The French striker, signed from Brentford for £16m last summer, already has six Premier League goals so far this season - two headers, two with his left foot and two with his right.

It's been a productive week for Maupay who netted the winner with an excellent header at Arsenal and followed that with a brilliant strike during the entertaining 2-2 draw against Wolves at the Amex on Sunday.

Maupay said, "Two goals this week is good. The third game of the week is never easy, especially against a good team. We had a couple of chances in the second half. We're not happy but we will take it. Overall I think it is a good point."

Six in 16 Premier League matches is a decent return for the player who scored 45 goals in the Championship with Brentford from 95 appearances.

Maupay's pace enables him to run in behind defenders but his work-rate and ability to hold the ball up has also impressed. The 5ft 8in striker, who played twice for France under-21s is also a highly-competitive character.

He isn't afraid to let a teammate know if he should have received a pass, as demonstrated when he berated Aaron Connolly in the first half against Arsenal and also Leandro Trossard against Wolves.

It is however that edge and determination that keeps the goals coming. After scoring earlier in the season against Tottenham, a journalist praised him on three goals in eight PL matches following his step up from the Championship.

He smiled at the compliment but quickly added, that three goals is nothing and many strikers get 20 or more goals each season year after year. That is Maupay's mindset and an insight to the high standards he sets himself.

And once again after Wolves, his response was he just wants to keep improving and working hard.

His goal on Sunday was excellent. There was talk goalkeeper Rui Patrício's position was off but it was the speed and accuracy of the strike that deserved the credit.

Maupay's pace was too much for defender Coner Coady. He saw Dale Stephens shaping to play the pass over the top and his left-footed finish arrowed into the corner from 20 yards.

“I just tried to shoot the ball as quick as possible because if you shoot quick, the keeper doesn’t have time to get ready," Maupay said. "It was a good ball from Dale (Stephens). A good finish. But we didn't get the win so I am a bit frustrated."

Graham Potter left Maupay on the bench during the 2-1 loss at Liverpool and the breather appears to have helped. Prior to Anfield he hadn't hit the target against Norwich, Manchester United or Leicester.

Two fine strikes in his last two matches shows he is refreshed.

“I am always confident," said the Frenchman who says Zinedine Zidane is his footballing idol. "That is the hardest part for a striker because you go through struggles and you don't score and you don't know why.

"You don't understand why because if you are doing the right things. But it's a striker’s life, I just try to get ready and walk out every day in training and I have been lucky to score two goals this week so I am happy with it."

Maupay was born in Versailles, just west of Paris, and moved to the Côte d'Azur with his family at the age of five. He started his career at Nice and moved on to St Etienne in 2015. He enjoyed a successful loan spell at Brest before signing for Brentford for around £1.6m in 2017.

The former France under-21 is eligible to play for France or Argentina due to Argentinian descent on his mother's side. Maupay however is purely focused on scoring goals in the PL for Albion.

“We had a lot of big games the last few weeks," he added. "We played some top teams and to finish this week with a win away and a draw it gives us a lot of confidence and it gives us a bit more than a week to recover and get ready because we have got a big game (Crystal Palace) on Monday.”

At £16m, Maupay shows all the early signs of being a successful signing for Albion...and boy the club certainly needed it. The recent high-profile and expensive arrivals of Jurgen Locadia, Florin Andone and Alireza Jahanbakhsh all failed to take off.

In Maupay, they appear to have finally found their man.

The Magpies and ex-Bears player died early on Sunday, December 1 after he was struck by a car in Marine Parade, Brighton. On an emotional day, Loxwood and Broadbridge Heath played out a 1-1 draw at Plaistow Road in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division. Our photographer Steve Robards was at the game.

Police are searching for two men following an armed robbery on board a train between Gatwick Airport and Preston Park.

British Transport Police say a 17-year-old man was travelling on the train at around 11pm on November 18 when the robbery happened.

A spokesman said: “He was approached by two men who tried to engage him in conversation for a short time. One of the men was noticeably intoxicated.

“They became increasingly more threatening and reached into the victim’s jeans as the train was approaching Burgess Hill, trying to take his wallet.

“The victim put his hand on his pocket to try and stop them, and one of the men pulled up his top and told him he had a knife.

“The victim handed over his wallet, and the man then took out the knife and told him to hand over his phone too.

“The victim was threatened further as he left the train.

“It’s believed the two men boarded the train at East Croydon and left at Preston Park.”

Detectives say they believe the men pictured in CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation.

The spokesman said: “If you recognise them or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 567 of 18/11/19.

“Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

In a statement she said 'staff were told of the decision before I was told myself in an email'.

Kelly said: "I am devastated to be leaving my role as Operations Director at the club.

"It was really disappointing that the staff were told of the decision before I was told myself, in an email from Nuhkan Ruzgar, one of the directors, 45 minutes later, citing ‘financial difficulties.’

"I cannot go into any more detail at this stage as I am in discussions with my lawyer but I would like to thank everyone who has helped me and the club over the last nine years.

"The backroom office team who worked with me have been incredibly loyal, supportive and hardworking, often in very trying circumstances, and I will miss working with them.

"Many managers and players have come and gone during the last nine years but I have enjoyed working with them all and I wish them all the best for the future.

"We have an incredibly loyal group of sponsors and supporters who love the club and I regard many of them as friends. It will be very strange not to be at the game on Saturday, but I wish the office staff, team management, sponsors and players all the best for the future."

Kelly's husband Craig posted a statement on social media: "Totally gutted and feel repulsed that she had to find out she'd lost he job in this manner."

You can read a statement from the club here

Crawley Town has today terminated the contract between itself and operations director, Kelly Derham.

Kelly has been a stalwart for the club for nearly a decade, and her efforts have been invaluable to the club. During her time with Crawley, Kelly has worked in the accounts, as club secretary and as operations director.

This has been a hugely difficult decision to make, but in light of the current financial challenges the club is facing it is one that the club was forced into.

Kelly has been integral to several sponsorships and developments at our club, and she can certainly be very proud of her achievements here.

The club, and everyone within it, wishes Kelly nothing but the best for the future.

Derham had her contract terminated after almost a decade at the club. The Reds have cited 'financial difficulties' as the reason for her departure.

Hayward, who invested in the club between 2010 and 2016, posted on his personal Twitter account that he will fund the purchase of the long-awaited scoreboard but will cease backing any other ventures.

His statement said: "I’m shocked and appalled at the dismissal of Kelly Derham.

"Not only is this not in the best interests of Crawley Town Football Club, it’s disrespectful, disloyal and cruel.

"Kelly is family to me and they broke her heart today. This is not acceptable!

"I will still complete my purchase of the scoreboard because I’m doing it for the fans & they need a pick-me-up more than ever.

"Any other financial support including the training ground will be on hold unless she is Reinstated. I’m off Twitter for a few days."

Veterans, carers and volunteers enjoyed a Christmas lunch in Worthing as part of Heineken’s Brewing Good Cheer campaign. Residents from Care for Veterans’ Worthing hospital home were taken to The Park View in Durrington, where licensee Steve Pease and his staff welcomed them for a three-course festive meal.

Brewing Good Cheer, now in its fourth year, celebrates the important role pubs play in communities by bringing people together for a festive event, especially those who might not often get a chance to visit their local. Steve said: “When we took over The Park View 19 months ago, we made it our mission to create a pub at the heart of the community that is welcoming to all, families and individuals, young and old, from all different backgrounds. We also decided we wanted to give as much back to the community as we can and Brewing Good Cheer enables us to do this, particularly at a time when being kind and bringing people together is so important.”

In a club statement, the football club said: "Crawley Town has today terminated the contract between itself and operations director, Kelly Derham.

"This has been a hugely difficult decision to make, but in light of the current financial challenges the club is facing it is one that the club was forced into.

"Kelly has been integral to several sponsorships and developments at our club, and she can certainly be very proud of her achievements here.

"The club, and everyone within it, wishes Kelly nothing but the best for the future."

READ MORE: 'I am devastated to be leaving my role as Operations Director at the club' - Kelly Derham leaves Crawley Town | Crawley Town's statement on Kelly Derham departure

Connolly made over 170 appearances over two separate spells for the Reds and the club hero appeared devastated at the news.

Speaking on Twitter, the 27-year-old said: "Cannot believe the news about Kelly being sacked by Crawley Town!

"Football can be ruthless, players come and go, but someone like Kelly Derham to that football club cannot be replaced, whoever has made this decision has made a big mistake!"

He continued: "I’ve known Kelly over 2 spells at the club, the first spell it was a lot more straight forward but the second spell I seen how tough things were at times at the club but she always stayed strong! The work she’s done is nothing short of incredible! Thank you for everything."

Fans have been rocked by the news with former owner and investor Paul Hayward revealing his financial support will be 'put on hold unless Derham is reinstated.'

Whether in her day-to-day job or on a rugby field, Shaunagh Brown has become accustomed to putting her body on the line for her team.

The Harlequins forward was one of 28 players awarded a central contract by England this season and played a key role as the Red Roses were crowned Grand Slam Six Nations champions.

But the 29-year-old is far from your average rugby player, balancing her time representing her country in the famous white jersey with her role in the Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

The similarity between playing in a rugby team and life in the fire station is not lost on Brown, who enjoys the camaraderie that underpins both environments.

“We face adversity every day,” she said.

“On the rugby pitch it is not quite so ‘life and death’ but we are always looking out for each other. At Harlequins we always say to put our body on the line for each other.

“You do not do it for yourself which makes it more powerful. Similarly, as a firefighter you know that you can rely on the other people on the truck to have your back no matter what.

“Everyone wants to be the hero and run into a burning building but if it is not safe you know you can rely on the rest of your team to make the correct decision.”

Brown’s talents do not just end at rugby and firefighting, though, she has also represented her country in the hammer at the Commonwealth Games and boxed professionally at York Hall.

But she stepped away from athletics after falling out of love with the sport and instead hoped to enjoy her life away from the commitment of a rigorous training schedule.

“I only lasted two weeks retired from athletics before I got bored of being normal and looked up my local rugby club,” Brown said.

“A few years later I discovered that Kent Fire and Rescue were recruiting for the first time in ten years. I applied for the job in early 2017 and luckily was one of the 24 people selected out of 5,000 applicants.”

Brown has gradually become used to fitting in demanding jobs around her training – she spent much of her athletics career also working as a diver in the Thames and North Sea.

“Commercial diving is not very glamorous, most of it was in the River Thames,” Brown continued.

“When you go underwater you do everything by feel. You get told what you are going to find but you cannot see a thing. It was mainly labouring and engineering but underwater and without eyes.”

And after being offered a full-time contract by the RFU for the 2019/20 season, Brown moved to an equality and diversity role within the service to accommodate her training demands.

“We arranged that I could continue part-time because I do not want to waste my opportunity for a career in the fire service,” Brown explained.

The south Londoner progressed to the England squad within two years of picking up a rugby ball and was recently named in the Evening Standard’s list of London’s most influential people.

“My background was in athletics before rugby so to be included alongside Dina Asher-Smith and Katrina-Johnson Thompson is special,” Brown added.

“Dina was at the same athletics club as me and we are still friends, so it is nice to still be on our sporting journey together.

“The success Dina is having is immense, but she still remembers her roots.”

A group of Southwater residents have decorated a tree for Christmas as a tribute following the tragic deaths of two people.

The Giant Redwood on the Worthing Road roundabout off the A24 has been hung with baubles and Christmas lights as a poignant tribute to Phoenix Benson, whose grandfather Mark Davies has lived in the village for many years.

Polly Barnes, who organised the festive facelift, said: “Phoenix was born in October, a beautiful first child born to devoted parents.

“Phoenix, in good health, died just six weeks later from Sudden Infant Death syndrome.

“There is not much more one can say about their devastating loss but the little plaque on the tree means so much to them all.”

The tree has also been dedicated to Lynne Ede.

Her son, Steve Clarke of Total Fire Protection Services offered to donate the lights in her memory.

He said: “It’s my pleasure to help out for such a good community spirited cause.

“The purple lights for my mum is the icing on the cake.

“She would have loved it bless her.”

Lynne’s grandchildren decorated purple baubles in memory of their ‘much loved’ gran, according to Polly.

She said her plan to decorate the tree proved popular among the residents.

Polly added: “It was not long before I realised just how many other people were enthusiastic to the idea and wanted to get involved.”

The enthusiasm between the residents was ‘infectious’, according to Polly.

She added: “I could sense a common bond in wanting to celebrate Christmas and our village.”

A group of ten decorated the tree on Saturday, according to Polly.

It took them three hours to deck the Giant Redwood out as a festive ‘welcoming beacon’ to Southwater.

She said: “The response from the villagers has been wonderful and very humbling.

“Our very own village photographer, John Parsons and his assistant Dexter came and took the lovely pictures.

“Next year it is my hope to get the children from the Southwater Academies and local clubs and groups involved by donating a bauble with their names on.

“This way it really will become the Southwater Christmas tree.”

Read more: Crawley fire crews rescue person trapped in car after collision

Read more: Train delayed at Horsham after passengers ‘cause a disturbance’

Read more: New action on waste-burning as decision awaited on Horsham incinerator

January is fast approaching and the Premier League transfer rumours start to go into overdrive.

Arsenal are said to favourites to sign on-loan Manchester United defender Chris Smalling who is impressing during a season long loan at Roma. Arsenal reportedly saw Smalling play during their 0-0 draw with Inter Milan last Friday. Everton and Leicester are also keen on the former Fulham man who lost his place at Old Trafford following the arrival of Harry Maguire.

One of Jose Mourinho's trusted players during his time at Manchester United could be joining him at Tottenham. Marouane Fellaini is playing in China for Shandong Luneng but the 32-year-old could well be tempted to re-unite with his old manager in north London.

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has also been linked to Spurs by the Spanish press. Mourinho may well have to reshuffle his backline as Jan Vertonghen and Toby Aldeweireld are both out of contract shortly and Danny Rose will have just 12 months to run.

Manchester City are big admirers of Bournemouth's Netherlands defender Nathan Ake, 24, and could be tempted to make a bid in January. Ake however, will not come cheap and Bournemouth will demand around £60m for their star man. Whether Pep Guardiola will still be there next season remains to be seen. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says the door is always open, should the City boss wish to return to his former club.

Manchester United look set to offer midfielder Scott McTominay a new £60,000 per week contract after impressing this season. United also maintain their long-standing interest in Tottenham's Christian Eriksen and feel McTominay and Eriksen would work well together at Old Trafford.

Elsewhere, Newcastle and Bournemouth want Hull City's 22-year-old English forward Jarrod Bowen. Bologna need a striker and are targeting Wolves' Patrick Cutrone, and Everton's Moise Kean. The Italians recently ruled out an ambitious move for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Burnley, Sheffield United and Norwich are all keen on Charlton striker Lyle Taylor, 29.

Horsham ‘did brilliantly considering they had six key players missing’ at Folkestone Invicta on Saturday, according to manager Dominic Di Paola.

The Hornets suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat at the Seasiders in the weekend’s clash of the BetVictor Premier Division’s top-two.

Horsham, who were missing Lee Harding, Rob O’Toole, Will Miles, Alex Kelly, Taurean Roberts and Harry Mills for their trip to Kent, fell behind to a second half Ira Jackson penalty.

A Joe Shelley own goal then doubled the host’s advantage with 12 minutes remaining.

Substitute Gary Charman struck two minutes later but the Hornets couldn’t mount a comeback as they slipped to third.

Di Paola said: “I was really pleased. It was a good performance in lots of ways.

“I think we tired a bit in the second half. We didn’t have the options to change things up in the second half how we normally would.

“Charlie Harris was carrying a bit of a knock and Dylan (Merchant)’s not played a lot of football recently. For him to come back into a game like that was tough.

“I wasn’t too disappointed. It’s been a really tough week and we knew it was going to be a hard week because of availability and things like that.

“I think we did brilliantly considering we had six key players missing.

READ MORE Loxwood and Broadbridge Heath remember Suel Delgado - in pictures | Storrington 'pay the price' as Mile Oak run riot | 'Below par' Horsham crash to fifth successive league loss
“I can’t complain too much. I thought everyone was pretty good.”

The Hornets were their own worst enemy on Saturday, conceding two penalties in the second period in as many minutes.

Horsham keeper George Bentley made a superb stop to keep out Jerson Dos Santos’ first spot kick but the young stopper couldn’t deny Jackson from Invicta’s second penalty.

Di Paola admitted the penalties were ‘needless’ and ‘rash’ but not intentional.

He added: “We gave away a couple of silly penalties that were a bit needless. That wasn’t like us.

“For the first one he’s got his body shape wrong and tried to correct it but it was too late.

“The second one I think he fell into the player. I think he stumbled a bit but it’s just one of those things.

“They’re rash, they’re not ideal and not like us. We’re normally quite diligent and disciplined in how we defend but it happens.”

The meeting was called after operations director Kelly Derham's contract was terminated, citing 'financial challenges'.

SEE ALSO Former Crawley Town hero says dismissed Kelly Derham 'cannot be replaced' | Crawley Town's statement on Kelly Derham departure | Former Crawley Town owner will not offer 'financial support' after Derham dismissal | 'I am devastated to be leaving my role as Operations Director at the club' - Kelly Derham leaves Crawley Town

A statement from CTSA (click here to visit the CTSA website) after the meeting read: "This evening, CTSA chairman Sam Jordan and Fan Representative Steve Leake met with Crawley Town’s vice chairman Nuhkan Ruzgar and were joined by Erdem Konyar on the phone.

"The meeting started with the CTSA asking how Kelly Derham was removed from her position as Operations Director.

"The club have confirmed that Kelly has been dismissed and is entitled to appeal the decision.

"The CTSA stated that although it is the club’s prerogative to hire and dismiss whoever they like, they were disappointed to find out that an individual who has served the club for so long was notified by email of her departure and that her colleagues found out before her.

"The CTSA have expressed their concerns that they wouldn’t want the club to be in a position where they have to pay out money at a tribunal if the dismissal hasn’t been handled in accordance with employment law in the UK.

"Nuhkan confirmed that he will be taking over the running of the club off the field whilst Erdem will continue running the football side of the operation.

"The CTSA were concerned that members of staff may not be paid on time but we have been told that payroll will be outsourced and everyone will be paid on time.

"The CTSA expressed their concern at the poorly worded statement released to confirm Kelly’s departure. Nuhkan hadn’t read the statement at the time of our meeting and informed us that it was written by the club’s lawyers.

"The statement read: “in light of the current financial challenges the club is facing it is one that the club was forced into.”

"When asked about these ‘financial challenges’ we were told that there is nothing new to report and that the club would like to go in a different direction with how it is run and that the owners would like to be closer to what is going on and to move forward the off-field operation, hence the change.

"The CTSA expressed their concerns about Nuhkan’s credentials of running an English football club but Nuhkan states he has enough experience from Turkey to do so and if required, the club will hire people from other clubs who know what to do.

"As Kelly is the only name on the safety certificate for the club, the CTSA were concerned about whether Saturday’s game would go ahead. We have been informed that it will still go ahead and that Nuhkan will replace Kelly in this capacity.

"Following the reaction to this news from supporters, the CTSA have requested that a fans’ forum be held at the earliest possible opportunity so questions can be asked. The club have stated they will look into this.

"The CTSA would like to thank Kelly Derham for her commitment to our football club and has invited her and her family to be guests of ours at a game in the near future. We hope Kelly will take this up in the New Year.

"The CTSA urges everyone to get behind the team on Saturday as we look for an important three points.

"If anyone would like to speak to Sam or Steve, they will be in the Redz Bar before the game."

We are expecting the club to make a further statement clarifying the financial position in the next 24 hours.

If the General Election could be decided using a clap-o-meter, Crawley would soon be welcoming a Green Party MP.

Climate change was a definite vote winner for sixth-formers at St Wilfrid’s School, which held a hustings attended by all four of the town’s candidates.

Some of the students will be voting for the first time on Thursday (December 12) and had plenty of questions for Iain Dickson (Green), Peter Lamb (Labour), Henry Smith (Conservative) and Khalil Yousuf (Lib Dem).

Topics such as the NHS, human rights, security and, of course, Brexit were covered, and the students had no qualms about making their views known.

Amid the copious applause, whistles and cheers there was only one real ‘boo’. It went to Mr Lamb – but he had just told a room full of St Wilfrid’s students that he attended nearby Holy Trinity School as a lad!

While the debate was largely good-natured, there were one or two talking points.

Mr Lamb asking Mr Smith ‘why did you vote against gay marriage?’ during a discussion about equality for LGBT people was one.

Another was when Mr Lamb acknowledged ‘we allowed people to be racist in the Labour Party for far too long’ when asked about a general lack of trust in politicians.

Brexit found its way into most of the answers given, no matter the topic, and it was clearly a subject some of the sixth-formers were starting to find wearisome.

As one asked: “Will we still be talking about this when my own children go to school?”

There was applause for Mr Yousuf who said Brexit was a ‘distraction’ which had been built on ‘lies, lies & more lies’ and blamed the process for dividing the country.

Mr Smith earned his own applause when he spoke against a No Deal Brexit adding: “Absolutely, there will be an agreement.”

The debate was well-balanced with everyone having their fair share of the limelight.

While it often saw Mr Smith and Mr Lamb going head-to-head on topics such as school funding, crime and the NHS, it was Mr Dickson who appeared to be the students’ favourite.

His comment: “I feel a bit like a member of the public here – all three of them are discussing [Brexit] and I feel a bit out of it, you know” was as close to a ‘mic drop’ moment as any of the candidates came – much to the delight of the students.

But it was views on tackling climate change that really won the day.

That should come as no surprise given that roomful of students will be around for a long while yet, dealing with the damage caused by their parents, grandparents and great grandparents.

It will be interesting to see how the political parties sink or swim over the coming years as more and more of these young people start to vote.

Bognor progressed into the next round of the Sussex Senior Cup with comfortable 3-0 win against Horsham YMCA.

Dan Smith bagged a brace and Joe Cook joined the scoresheet as the Rocks made hard work of a game played in difficult conditions.

Bognor were seeing the majority of the possession inside the opening five minutes but were lacking that quality inside the final third to make the breakthrough.

Against the run of play Horsham had a great chance to take the lead.

Tony Nwachukwu made a great run down the line and his brilliant ball across the box just needed a touch but no striker could reach.

Bognor were struggling to make a chance now and Horsham were looking to punish them.

Dean Carden put in a great diagonal ball into the box and Jack Frankland nodded the ball onto the frame of the goal and out.

Joe Dandy then made a great run from his own box to the edge of the area and laid off Victor Hensel who cut back but his following shot was blocked off the line.

Seconds later and Smith had the chance of the game to put the Rocks ahead but his shot was well saved by Aaron Gael.

Finally Bognor were in front, Tommy Scutt’s corner was met by the diving Cook who nodded home.

Ben Mendoza nearly scored on his debut start for Bognor, Carden gave the ball away cheaply and Mendoza’s shot was bending into the top corner, but the wind carried the ball over.

Hensel, Hopkinson and Smith all linked up nicely up top and Smith looked certain to score, but a last ditched challenge kept the score as it was.

Eventually Bognor made it 2-0 through top goal scorer Smith on 59 minutes.

A fantastic defence-splitting pass by Hopkinson gave Smith the perfect opportunity to bury the ball home and his low shot was too much for Gael to keep out.

Amadou Tanagra had been untroubled most the second half until 69 minutes when Matt Daniel was unmarked in the box, but the Rocks number one got down low to save from close range.

Smith doubled his tally for the night and extended the Rocks’ lead to three.

He cooly diverted the ball from a Harvey Whyte cross into the back of the net from close range.

Bognor really could have finished the game scoring five or six, but some good saves from the Horsham keeper kept the game at three.

The 1st Central County Ground in Hove stages the final of the women’s competition on Friday, August 14, while the men’s final will be hosted by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Lord’s on Saturday, August 15 in what promises to be an action-packed two days of cricket.

The 1st Central County Ground has a strong track record of staging sell-out England women’s internationals and the Kia Super League Finals Day in recent years.

The large crowd expected to attend the flagship event next August will be treated to an exciting line-up of world-class cricket, music and entertainment.

Rob Andrew, Sussex Cricket Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the first women’s Finals Day for The Hundred.

"We have a strong reputation for supporting and promoting the women’s game in Sussex and this will help grow the interest in girls’ and women’s cricket - one of our key priorities over the coming years.”

Sanjay Patel, Managing Director – The Hundred, said: “We’re delighted to award the first Finals of The Hundred to Lord’s and Hove – two grounds with a great history of staging showcase events in men’s and women’s cricket.

“The Hundred represents an incredible opportunity to broaden our audience for cricket and it’s great to see our Finals venues committed to delivering great spectacles next August to close the inaugural competitions with a bang.

“We’re looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic tournament, starting with the first men’s match in The Hundred on July 17 at the Kia Oval.”

Lord’s, globally regarded as the Home of Cricket, will welcome international and domestic stars for the showpiece event, with more people than ever able to cheer them on with the redevelopment of the Compton and Edrich stands having completed its first phase of development.

Guy Lavender, Chief Executive of MCC, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the inaugural men’s final of The Hundred at Lord’s and we are committed to making it a great success.

"The Home of Cricket is a great setting for the final of this brand new competition, which will provide MCC the opportunity to welcome many more young people and families into the ground, including the Pavilion, not only for the final but across the group stages with our team, London Spirit.

“We have been fortunate enough to host some incredible finals over the years, not least with the recent exploits of both the England men’s and women’s teams winning their respective World Cups in exhilarating fashion, and we know this is going to be another momentous sporting occasion - as well as another seminal moment in the rich history of Lord’s.”

Lord’s will tailor its offering to meet the requirements of The Hundred. MCC plans to transform the ground with increased food and drink options – including vegan, halal and child-friendly concessions – and off-field entertainment to appeal to all ages.

The Nursery Ground and MCC Cricket Academy will also host fan zones with space for entertainment, retail and child-friendly activities. The intention is to create a vibrant experience that will be enjoyed by cricket fans new and old.

Polling stations will close at 10pm tonight and we’ll have live updates from the counts across Sussex, including all the results, reaction and comment.

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A new police scheme to support victims of fraud in Sussex has been launched.

The scheme will see volunteers help support fraud victims across both East and West Sussex.

It was launched by Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne at Sackville House in Brooks Close, Lewes, on Friday (December 6).

Mrs Bourne said: “It’s not about patronising people but about acknowledging that scammers are finding it easier to masquerade in our lives by using all our personal information that is often too readily available online.

“By giving people the right tools to protect themselves in the future we hope to significantly reduce the amount of those re-victimised by this crime.

“Volunteers within policing are an essential part of the workings of the Force. They relieve much of the pressure and demand that is placed upon warranted officers and trained staff, allowing them to focus in the areas where they are most needed.

“I know that this scheme was inundated with applications from potential volunteers and this makes me proud to live in a county that has such an amazing appetite to give back.”

Fraud is the fastest growing crime type and there are thousands of victims each year in Sussex, police said.

Between April 2018 and March 2019, there were 13,779 scams reported to Action Fraud – a six per cent increase compared with the same period the previous year – with a total of £28.2m stolen from Sussex residents – a 16 per cent increase.

It is also known that fraud victims are 80 per cent more likely to be re-targeted again in the future, said police.

Now, some 23 volunteers will be officially joining Sussex Police and will work with officers to contact local individuals and businesses who have recently reported scams to Action Fraud.

Each volunteer will be responsible for sending emails or letters, offering tailored prevention advice on areas such as telephone/mobile phone scams, identity theft and online hacking.

Financial abuse safeguarding officer Bernadette Lawrie BEM said: “Under Operation Signature every victim of fraud who is vulnerable will be seen by a uniformed officer but the launch of this new scheme ensures that every victim of fraud is contacted by Sussex Police.

“We would like to see the number of victims and repeat victims significantly reduced and for the public to feel more digitally confident and scam aware.

“They will be contacted by letter or email by fraud prevention volunteers who will provide them with a tailored package of advice specific to their fraud that they have experienced. They will be provided with information, including signposting to local crime prevention events.”

Sussex Police has been working over the last year with partners including local county councils and charities to put the scheme together.

It is soon to begin in West Sussex and then will extend to East Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

Tony Carr, a new volunteer from West Sussex, said: “I wanted to volunteer because this is not a service that has ever been delivered before and I believe that, proactively helping people is a great way to spend my free time. I have a background in technology and I know about computer fraud so I thought this would be a perfect fit for me.”

Safe Space Sussex, the only local online directory of support services, has been updated to include specific advice and details of local fraud awareness events. Now victims will be proactively signposted to this website for help and support.

A spokesman added: “With scams ranging from the simplest confidence trick to the most sophisticated high-tech online fraud, it is important to keep up-to-date with the latest news and advice.”