Somerset

Nicholas John Carter. Defence Adviser Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence Restructuring in Afghanistan. (Somerset)

Stephen Michael O'Leary. Team Leader Ministry of Defence. For services to Military Operational Capability and for the Help for Heroes charity in Somerset. (Somerset)

Anthony David Rex Watts. For services to Older People. (Cheddar, Somerset)

Keith Spencer Woodley. Pro-Chancellor and Member of Council University of Bath. For services to Higher Education. (Bath, Somerset)

Patrick John Dobree Woodroffe. Lighting Designer. For services to the Arts. (Bath, Somerset)

Dr Robert Norman Woodward. For charitable services in Bristol. (Bristol)
MBE

Dr Winifred Nora Anderson. For services to the communities in West Quantoxhead and West Somerset. (Taunton, Somerset)

Dr Winifred Nora Anderson. For services to the communities in West Quantoxhead and West Somerset. (Taunton, Somerset)

Ms Jacqueline Margaret Buffton. Vice Chair of Governors City of Bath College and Facilitator, Bath and North East Somerset Learning Partnership. For services to Further Education. (Bath, Somerset)

Mrs Rebecca Cobbin. Family Delivery manager, Bristol Civil Justice Centre, HM Courts and Tribunals Service. For services to the Administration of Justice. (Shepton Mallet, Somerset)

Brynley John Davies. Principal Ystrad Mynach College, Caerphilly. For services to Further Education, Community Learning and Enterprise. (Wells, Somerset)

Dr James Hickman. General Practitioner and Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Doctor Somerset. For services to Healthcare, particularly Emergency Medical Care. (Taunton, Somerset)

Mrs Penelope Hobhouse. Writer and Gardener. For services to British Gardening. (Bruton, Somerset)

Mrs Philippa Mary Anne Peters, JP. (Philippa Hawks). For services to the communities in Burrowbridge and Taunton, Somerset.

Miss Mary Uppington. For services to the English Schools' Swimming Association and to the community in Long Ashton North Somerset. (Bristol)

Miss Elizabeth Anne Yarnold. Skeleton Racer. For services to Skeleton Racing. (Bath, Somerset)
British Empire Medal

Alan Stuart Brown. Musical director Wessex Big Band. For services to Music. (Langport, Somerset)

Henry Bladen Brown. Chairman The Federation of Bath Residents' Associations. For services to the community. (Bath, Somerset)

Mrs Rosamond Mary Dommett. Founder, Ashcott Parent and Toddler Group, Somerset. For services to Children and Families. (Ashcott, Somerset)

Mrs Dorothy Beatrice Pendleton. For services to Oxfam in Bridgwater, Somerset. (Bridgwater, Somerset)

Mrs Gillian Ellen Pittard-Pinchen. For services to Keep Fit in Hutton, Somerset. (Clevedon, Somerset)

Dr Beatrice Mary Lynch-Staunton. For services to the communities in Nunney and Frome Somerset.

Bristol

Ms The Rt. Hon. Dawn Primarolo, MP. Member of Parliament for Bristol South. For political service. (London)
OBE

Ms Loraine Elise Knowles. Stonehenge Project director English Heritage. For services to Heritage. (Bristol)

Mrs Julie Marie Morris. Project manager, Ministry of Defence. For services to the UK Submarine Construction Programme. (Bristol)

Dr Robert Norman Woodward. For charitable services in Bristol. (Bristol)
MBE

Mrs Rebecca Cobbin. Family Delivery manager, Bristol Civil Justice Centre, HM Courts and Tribunals Service. For services to the Administration of Justice. (Shepton Mallet, Somerset)

Mrs Jaya Chakrabarti Gallemore. Founder and chief executive Officer, Nameless. For services to the Creative and Digital Industries and to the community in Bristol. (Bristol)

Dr Roger Phillip Griffiths. Head of Novel Systems MBDA UK Ltd. For services to the Armed Forces and the Defence Industry. (Bristol)

Ms Sarah O'Driscoll. For services to the community and Neighbourhood Planning in Bristol. (Bristol)

Miss Mary Uppington. For services to the English Schools' Swimming Association and to the community in Long Ashton North Somerset. (Bristol)
British Empire Medal

Mrs Patricia May Britton. For services to the communities in Brislington and St. Anne's, Bristol. (Bristol)

Peter John Haydon. Support Member Avon, St. John Ambulance. For voluntary service to First Aid. (Bristol)

Peter Michael Jones. Club secretary Avon Amateur Dancers Club. For services to Dance. (Brislington, Bristol)

Mrs Valerie Sylvia Moore. Care In The Community Officer, Avon, St. John Ambulance. For voluntary service to the community in Bristol. (Bristol)

Dorset

Steve Etches. For services to Palaeontology. (Wareham, Dorset)

John Hegarty. Teacher and vice Principal Budmouth College, Weymouth and Founder, Dorset Expeditionary Society. For services to Education and Outdoor Learning. (Portland, Dorset)

Dr Holly Jacqueline Phillips. Naval Architect. For services to Maritime Safety and the community in Swanage Dorset. (Swanage, Dorset)

Richard Bertrand Player. Higher Executive Officer Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence Catering. (Dorset)

Christopher Michael Rose. Retained Station Commander Gillingham Fire Station. For services to the community in Dorset. (Gillingham, Dorset)
British Empire Medal

Ms Gail McGarva. For services to Heritage Crafts and Clinker Boat Building. (Lyme Regis, Dorset)

Adam Robert Tuffrey. Young Ambassador Meningitis Trust. For services to Meningitis Awareness. (Bournemouth, Dorset)

Ms Helen Marie Warren. Parent Teacher Association Volunteer Poole Grammar School, Dorset. For services to Education. (Poole, Dorset)

Mrs Vanetta Lesley Westell. For charitable services, especially to the NSPCC and other children's charities in Dorset. (Poole, Dorset)

Wiltshire

Martin Kenneth Colclough. Head of Sports Recovery Help for Heroes. For services to Disability Sport in the Armed Forces. (Amesbury, Wiltshire)
MBE

Mrs Nicola Vivian Alexandra Clarke. Chair, Military Wives Choirs Foundation. For services to Military Families. (Pewsey, Wiltshire) The Reverend Colin Charles Malcolm Coward. Director Changing Attitude. For services to Equality. (Devizes, Wiltshire)

Ralph Franklyn John Flower. For services to the British Engineering Industry and to the community in Devizes Wiltshire. (Devizes, Wiltshire)

Alan Francis Nix. For services to the community in Swindon Wiltshire. (Swindon, Wiltshire)

Mark Romain. For services to the Saddlery Industry and Saddlery Training in the UK and Overseas. (Salisbury, Wiltshire)

Roger Charles Upton. For services to the Cultural Heritage of Falconry in the UK and Overseas. (Marlborough, Wiltshire)
British Empire Medal

Peter David Lynden Lemon. For services to the communities in Grafton and Wilton Wiltshire. (Marlborough, Wiltshire)

Mrs Janet Rosemary Marshall. For voluntary service to the Warminster and Westbury Visually Handicapped Club, Wiltshire. (Warminster, Wiltshire)

Edward George Pomeroy. For services to Young People through the Scouts and to the community in Southwick Wiltshire. (Trowbridge, Wiltshire)

Gloucestershire

Professor Julie Lydon. Vice Chancellor University of South Wales. For services to Higher Education in Wales. (Gloucestershire)

John Andrew Simpson. Chief Editor Oxford English Dictionary. For services to Literature. (Cheltenham, Gloucestershire)

Edward Arthur Stevens. Chairman National Self Build Association. For services to Housing in England. (Chosen Hill, Gloucestershire)
MBE

Mrs Rosemary Bishton. For services to the communities in Oxenton, Gotherington and Woolstone and to the Women's Institute in Gloucestershire. (Cheltenham, Gloucestershire)

Jon Francis Doney. Senior consultant Course Designer British Showjumping Association. For services to British Showjumping. (Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire)

Gary Peter Andrew Harris. Senior Executive Officer Ministry of Defence. For services to Military Operational Capability. (Gloucestershire)

Mrs Helen McDonald Hart. For services to Bereavement Counselling in Scotland. (Gloucestershire)

William Alfred Ireland. Inventor Fish Safety Knife. For services to Innovation. (Churchdown, Gloucestershire)

Miss Janferie Jill Wilton. Chairman of Governors Sir Thomas Rich's School, Longlevens, Gloucester. For services to Education. (Gloucester, Gloucestershire)
British Empire Medal

Mrs Susan Mary Drinkwater. Cricket Volunteer. For services to Cricket. (Cheltenham, Gloucestershire) Queen's Fire Service Medal

Jonathan Geoffrey Hall. Chief Fire Officer Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

Herefordshire

Mrs Sheenagh Davis. Manager, HOPE Family Centre, Bromyard, Herefordshire. For services to Children and Familes. (Bromyard, Herefordshire)
British Empire Medal

Mrs Susan Jane Davies. Co-ordinator, Herefordshire Heartstart. For services to Emergency First Aid. (Sutton St Nicholas, Herefordshire)

Mrs Susan Elizabeth McLean Norrington. Founder and director, Concerts for Craswall. For services to Music for Craswall, Herefordshire. (Nr Longtown, Herefordshire)

Devon

Ms Janet Goldie Lawrie Daisley. Joint chief executive Springboard Consultancy. For services to the Empowerment and Development of Women in the UK and Worldwide. (Barnstaple, Devon)

Mrs Susan Margaret Oliver. Chair, European League Against Rheumatism Healthcare Professional Standing Committee. For services to Rheumatology Healthcare. (Devon)

Ms Elizabeth Anne Willis. Joint chief executive Springboard Consultancy. For services to the Empowerment and Development of Women in the UK and Worldwide. (Barnstaple, Devon)
MBE

Peter Vernham Clarke. Volunteer The Farming Community Network. For services to Farmers and the community in Cornwall. (Devon)

Ms Shirley Elaine Fewings. Manager Dawlish and East Teignbridge Volunteer Service. For voluntary and charitable services. (Dawlish, Devon)

Ms Stella Lindsay West Harling. Founder Ashburton Cookery School. For services to the Hospitality Industry in Devon. (Ashburton, Devon)

Michael Robert Lees. Campaigner and Founder Asbestos in Schools Group. For services to the Wellbeing of Children and Teachers. (Holsworthy, Devon)

Ms Emily Jayne MacAulay. Leader Devon and Cornwall Gay Police Association. For services to Equality and Diversity. (Exeter, Devon)
British Empire Medal

Mrs Jean Gordon Baker. Chairman, Torbay Conservative Association. For voluntary political service. (Paignton, Devon)

Dr Dennis Fox had a long and distinguished career in the field of medicine as well as being a high-profile local politician and grandmaster of the Freemasons in Bristol.

During his tenure as chairman of North Avon District Council's planning committee, he played a key role in the development of Aztec West and Cribbs Causeway which helped make Bristol's northern fringe the main economic generator of the South West.

He was born in the city's Knowle area to Reginald and Winifred Fox and attended Bristol Grammar School before going on to study medicine at Bristol University, graduating as a bachelor of medicine and surgery in 1951. Later that year, he qualified to become a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons and gained his diploma of Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians. Dr Fox was also awarded the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Gold Medal, but due to a shortage of gold was given £40 instead.

Dr Fox then served as a house surgeon at Bristol Royal Infirmary for a year. During his medical training, he met Pamela Herwig and they married at Totterdown Baptist Church in August, 1952. After a honeymoon in Cornwall, Dr Fox went to Aldershot for National Service, taking up a role as a medical officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps. On his return to civilian life, he went into general practice serving the communities of Filton, Patchway and Almondsbury for 34 years. He was appointed divisional surgeon for St John Ambulance in 1955, was a medical officer for Hortham and Brentry hospital for almost two decades and became a non-executive director of Frenchay Hospital Authority once retired. Dr Fox was a parish and district councillor for more than 30 years, chairing Thornbury Rural District Council, then North Avon District Council. He was chairman of the council's planning committee for 15 years. He was appointed MBE in 1983 for services to local government and became an honorary alderman in the former district of North Avon in 1991.

His daughter Alison said: "Our father was a committed Christian, being a lay preacher and organist in several Baptist churches. He was a proud Freemason for more than 50 years and was Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Bristol for over 13 of those."

Dr Fox lived in Tockington and after retirement enjoyed travelling and spending time with family. His funeral was held yesterday at St Mary's Church, Olveston.

Bath Rugby owner Bruce Craig hailed the latest broadcasting rights deal for the new European Rugby Champions Cup which is set to yield much more than the original estimates of £14million.

Distribution company IMG Media has won the tender to broker global broadcasting rights for the competition.

European Professional Club Rugby has signed a four-year deal with IMG Media to sell the broadcasting rights outside the UK, Ireland and France for the inaugural Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.

Executive committee member Craig said: "This new partnership with IMG comes quickly on the back of the conclusion of the UK TV rights contract with BT Sport and BSkyB," said Craig.

"IMG share our ambition and vision for these tournaments, and we look forward to working with them to ensure European professional club rugby reaches its potential in both established and emerging markets.

"We are now heading into the October kick-off in a very strong commercial position and expect another significant announcement later this month when the competitive tender process to secure the broadcast rights for France is concluded."

Diesels delight made such a lovely change

I am just writing to thank whoever selects your photographs for including the one of D1015 "Western Champion" and D832 "Onslaught" from Callum Willcox in Thursday's Western Daily Press.

It made such a lovely change to see real locomotives in your pages for once rather than yet another "kettle" on wheels and totally brightened my day. It proves, to my mind, that diesels can be at least, and perhaps more, photogenic than steam engines and many more pictures of them would not be out of place, at least to the many diesel fans like me.

These two classes were generally rated among Swindon's finest ever productions, with the Western so far ahead of its time that even now, some 51 years after she was built, "The Mule" (as Champion is affectionately known by enthusiasts) can still turn heads and get young people asking if it's a new design. Show me any other item over half a century old where this is true.

As for the Warship (D800 Class) a sister locomotive to D832 (D804 "Avenger") still holds the record for hauling a conventional train between Bristol and London, a feat it managed in just 92 minutes. Considering the "new, modern, high speed electrified railway" is telling us they plan to do the run in "just 90 minutes" it rather shows what these 1950s and early 1960s locomotives were capable of!

The D800s were all named for famous Royal Navy warships from the Second World War, there being just two exceptions, one named for the then BR chairman Sir Brian Robertson and the other for the Royal Naval Reserve which was celebrating 100 years of existence at the time the loco was named.

Greg Heathcliffe

Swindon, Wiltshire

I developed crippling pains while on statins

Four years ago, a few months after being put on statins, I developed crippling pains in my legs, arms and shoulders – so much so that I could barely walk without the aid of sticks. I was a healthy 70-year-old.

Not knowing what was causing the pain I consulted my local pharmacist who asked if I was taking statins. When I affirmed that I was, he told me to stop taking them immediately. Within two days the pains in my joints had completely disappeared.

To confirm for myself that the problem was being caused by the statins, I started taking them again and within a few days the pain had returned. I then stopped taking them and consulted my GP who switched me to a different medication. He told me that severe side effects were quite common among those taking statins.

Nice's promotion of statins as a seemingly harmless wonder drug is quite difficult to understand and I cannot help but question just what the relationship is between the people at Nice and the drug companies which stand to make obscene profits if Nice's recommendation that millions of otherwise healthy individuals be put on statins is adopted by the medical profession.

Robert Readman

Bournemouth, Dorset

Speeding crackdown is doomed to failure

Traditionally, governments have rightly always condemned bullying, yet in one sphere of public life they not only promote it, but actively encourage it.

In transport systems, aircraft pilots, ships captains, train drivers and even fairground ride operators are free to use judgment based on sound engineering, logic and scientific principles in judging how fast they travel at any instant, independent of government interference. As are skiers, water skiers, cyclists and others who are free to do the same.

Yet politicians take a quite different view where motorised vehicles are concerned, an attitude which has persisted ever since the days of the man with a red flag. In my childhood cycling days, lorries were limited to either 20 or 30mph and when I started driving cars there were no speed restrictions on national roads or the very few motorways (which were unlit and had no central or edge barriers). Nor did we have seat belts. Inexperienced as we were, we were free to use common sense and judgment.

The latest proposals to attempt to force drivers and riders to conform to speed limits, regardless of conditions, by imposing vastly greater fines are doomed to failure and will do nothing to further road safety. As for limits protecting those on foot, why limit speed, yet allow unlimited levels of acceleration?

Anyone who doubts this should visit this city where the speed limit in the central car park is routinely flouted by virtually all drivers, despite the proximity of pedestrians using what is, in essence, a shared space.

Anthony G Phillips

Salisbury, Wiltshire

The story of a teenage West Country soldier who died alongside Secretary for War Field Marshal Lord Kitchener in the sinking of HMS Hampshire in the First World War has been made available to see nationally through the Common Wealth War Graves Commission website.

Walter Horace Adams, from Yeovil, was one of more than 640 men who lost their lives when HMS Hampshire hit a mine off the Orkney Islands, while on route to Russia on June 5 1916. The armoured cruiser sank in 15 minutes.

Walter, known to his friends and family as Wallie, was aged just 17 when he died. He had worked at the offices of the local newspaper and one of our sister publications, the Western Gazette before joining the Royal Marines Light Infantry. Staff at South Somerset Community Heritage Access Centre in Yeovil, learned details of Wallie's life when photos and other mementoes were gifted to the centre.

Wallie's story will be available to access via the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website and will also be made accessible by QR code at the Lyness Naval Cemetery, where Wallie and 123 of his ill-fated crew mates are buried, as part of the CWGC Centenary commemorations.

The death of Kitchener, whose face had stared out from recruitment posters stating 'Your Country Needs You' was a huge shock to the nation.

Joe Root's maiden Test double-century underpinned England's highest total against Sri Lanka, but the hosts soon discovered there is unlikely to be any fast track to victory at Lord's.

Root added another 98 runs on day two of the first Investec Test to finish 200 not out as England posted 575 for nine declared, improving on their 551 for six against these opponents here eight years ago.

But after Sri Lanka replied with 140 for one at stumps, Kaushal Silva making an unbeaten 62 on a pitch offering little encouragement to any bowlers yet, England appeared to be engaged in a long haul to consolidate their advantage.

Root's 298-ball innings lasted almost eight-and-a-half hours, contained 16 fours and came on the same ground as his previous-best 180 against Australia last year.

He first took guard at 74 for three, with England still seeking a foothold at the start of their new Test era after last winter's Ashes whitewash, and went on to share four stands in excess of 50.

The highest was for the sixth wicket with Matt Prior (86), which ended on 171 after a change of tactics from the Sri Lankans on another sunny morning.

Root was subseqently joined by free-scoring trio Chris Jordan, Stuart Broad and Liam Plunkett, then finally James Anderson in an unbroken last-wicket partnership which closed only when the 23-year-old Yorkshireman paddle-swept Rangana Herath for the two runs he still needed for his 200.

Shaminda Eranga had bounced out Prior and Jordan as England nonetheless passed the Test benchmark of 400 – something which had proved beyond them since March 2013, in Wellington.

Prior had a largely uncomfortable experience, after Sri Lanka went short at both him and Root with an uncompromising leg-side field in place.

The aggressive approach, in keeping with captain Angelo Mathews' pre-match promise, paid off after 45 minutes in which Prior could add only 10 runs.

He did go past 4,000 in Tests in the process, before Eranga – round the wicket, with six leg-side catchers – produced a delivery he could only fend into the hands of short-leg.

Prior's departure brought England's third debutant to the crease, and Jordan soon looked at home – off the mark against Eranga with an all-run four through vacant mid off and then up the wicket to time Herath wide of mid on for a boundary.

He hooked Eranga tantalisingly over the head of long leg and next ball brought up that elusive 400 in style with a back-foot punch past point for another four.

Eranga got his revenge in the same over, Jordan bailing out of another pull only to somehow loop a simple catch behind to Prasanna Jayawardene.

But Broad quickly joined in with a spree of five boundaries in nine balls – three in Nuwan Kulasekara's first over of the day. His carefree attack brought him 41 runs in the 50 stand and allowed Root to tick over at his own pace – until Broad holed out pulling Nuwan Pradeep (four for 123) just before lunch.

Plunkett had an early escape, dropped at midwicket on only two off Pradeep, and Anderson also had a couple of scrapes – a tight lbw call and a missed chance at slip.

But the tail did enough to help Root to his notable landmark.

If England did not already realise wickets would be hard-earned, seven overs with the new ball before tea gave them further insight. Dimuth Karunaratne had two close calls.

He was given out initially lbw to Anderson on five, only for DRS to simulate the ball clearing leg stump, and then edged Broad at catchable height between second and third slip.

The opening stand with Silva therefore reached 54 before first-change Jordan struck with only his third ball in Test cricket. A full length outside off stump was the simple formula for Karunaratne's edged drive behind, a regulation dismissal which hinted falsely that others might follow. They did not.

Kumar Sangakkara, in perhaps the final Lord's appearance of his outstanding career, took advantage when Jordan welcomed him by twice over-pitching on to his pads.

Thereafter, the former Sri Lanka captain was in no-risk mode – and the nearest England came to disturbing his and Silva's second-wicket partnership was when Broad thought momentarily he had the opener caught-behind on 39 only for the third umpire to rule the outside edge had not carried.

Instead, Silva had a half-century to his name by the close – reaching the milestone when he edged Anderson just short and then past second slip for his ninth four.

ATHLETICS

James Campbell is celebrating his return to the international stage after being selected to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.

Barely a year after being told he might never throw a javelin again after two failed operations on his shoulder, the 26-year-old Cheltenham & County Harrier was given a lifeline after he went under the knife for a third time.

Against all expectations, Campbell grabbed his opportunity as he twice beat the 70 metres qualifying standard last month – once by just a single centimetre – to persuade the selectors that he deserved another chance to perform on the big stage.

"Yes, it is a huge bonus to be picked after being told 11 months ago I was unlikely to be able to throw again," said Campbell.

"It is a shame that I am not going into it at my peak as I had envisaged a few years ago, but it will be a great step towards what I hope can be a few more years of giving it a proper go, so I can end my career with something to be proud of!"

To perform in front of his home crow in Glasgow, with family and friends sure to be clamouring for tickets now, will be an emotional moment for Campbell.

"Scotland Athletics have been brilliant to me and without their support I wouldn't have been in this position as they helped to pay for the operations and treatment," added Campbell.

"I also owe them a good performance in Glasgow as the last Commonwealth Games in Delhi was a disaster. I went there looking to win a medal, but it just didn't happen.

"After that it was all go for the 2012 Olympics, but I could never have anticipated what was going to happen to me."

Also named in the Scotland team is Chippenham 1,500m runner David Bishop, while fellow Bristol & West AC sprinter Leon Reid has been selected for the Northern Ireland team and the 19-year-old sprinter will contest the 100m, 200m and 4x100m in what will be his first appearance on the senior international stage.

Coach James Hillier, who works with Reid at Bath University, said selection represents a significant step forward on the young sprinter's career.

"Being selected for the Northern Ireland team was really good news for Leon," said Hillier.

"It will be his first senior international, so will be a great experience for him and a chance to compete in a big stadium. He will run the 100m first which should be good for him before tackling the 200m, which has always been his main target."

It is over 200m at which Reid is making his reputation as one of Britain's best young sprinters. At last year's European Junior Championships, Reid won silver in the event for Great Britain and then starred in the 4x100m relay team that won gold.

This season Reid has improved his 100m PB to 10.44secs, while his fastest time to date at 200m was 20.91secs in the Loughborough International last month.

Bristol & West AC runner Tom Merson, who won the Clevedon Midsummer 10 in a swift 30mins 30secs on Tuesday, makes his international debut for England today in the Home Countries' Fell Running Championships in Keswick.

Races tomorrow include the Martock 10k in Somerset (www.totalbuzzevents.com), the Puddletown Plod 20k in Dorset (www.puddletownplod. co.uk) and the Haldon 10k, near Exeter (www.wild running.co.uk).

On Tuesday, Weston AC stage the 26th Beacon Batch five-mile fell race from the Tog Store, Langford Road, Lower Langford, near Churchill (www.westonac.co.uk).

The Team Bath AC open meeting takes place next Wednesday, June 18 at the University of Bath with the first event at 6.45pm. Entries will be taken on the night.

Also on Wednesday is the Chippenham Longest Day 10k multi-terrain race from Stanley Park (www.dbmax.co.uk).

Details were recently released of an exciting new innovation in Dorset – the Purbeck Trail Series.

The series kicks-off on August 24 with the Studland Fun Run 5k (www.purbeck runners.co.uk), followed by the Beast 13ish miles (www.pooleac.co.uk), the Purbeck Marathon (www.the purbeckmarathon.co.uk) and finally the Studland Stampede 12k on October 12(www.stud landstampede.co.uk).

A spokesperson said: "This is an excellent opportunity to showcase what Purbeck has to offer. The Purbeck Marathon has already been rated the best Marathon in the UK and these four events together present not just an off-road challenge for runners, but the opportunity to enjoy running through some spectacular scenery."

in Dunedin

Graham Rowntree has warned New Zealand to expect a high-tempo second Test in response to the hosts' claims that England use go-slow tactics to compensate for their inferior conditioning.

The dry pitch of the enclosed Forsyth Barr Stadium has been touted as the ideal arena for the All Blacks to place the series beyond the reach of Stuart Lancaster's tourists.

An average of 53 points have been scored in internationals since the venue opened for the 2011 World Cup, but Rowntree insists that statistic also suits England.

New Zealand highlighted the time taken to form scrums and line-outs during their 20-15 win at Eden Park, with head coach Steve Hansen voicing his concern at the tactics.

It was a theme picked up by the home media – much to the puzzlement of Rowntree, who says 1/8 favourites the All Blacks should ready themselves for a lung-busting 80 minutes.

"We want to play quick. I was alarmed by some of the comments in the press this week saying we want to slow the game down," the forwards coach said. "We want to play quick because we have a lightning-fast back line and a dynamic group of forwards.

"We want to play every style of game and have every tool available, but we want to play quick and that stadium will suit us. Our game is advancing and the guys are getting used to each other, but there's a real desire to play a very quick game, a challenging game.

"We're also very fit as well. The squad is a lot fitter in my opinion – and I'm sure the data would back that up as well – than it ever has been. That is certainly helping the way we want to play."

Only a Conrad Smith try – that completed a desperate late assault – decided the first Test, and England have subsequently been reinforced by the availability of their Aviva Premiership finalists.

Flanker Tom Wood is the solitary change to the pack, but major surgery has been performed on a back line that is clearly viewed by Lancaster as his first choice.

The greatest stir has been caused by Manu Tuilagi's selection on the right wing – an exciting and bold move that has the capacity to backfire spectacularly due to misgivings over his speed on the turn and aerial ability.

He last performed the role for Leicester in 2011 and a critical clash against New Zealand is a risky stage on which to experiment. All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden has already braced Tuilagi for an aerial bombardment.

The successful RBS 6 Nations centre pairing of Billy Twelvetrees and Luther Burrell has been reunited, while the return of half-backs Danny Care and Owen Farrell offers far greater generalship.

New Zealand, strengthened by the return of prolific wing Julian Savea, are also expected to improve following an uncharacteristically error-strewn display in Auckland.

And Rowntree says England must still discover another gear if they are to set up a series decider in Hamilton on June 21.

"New Zealand have had another week together and they have spoken about going up another 30 per cent, so we have to match that," he said.

"They are a super-skilled team. Look at the experience they have. It is a real challenge of where we are as a group, to play them again. I'd like to play them every week... as long as we did okay!

"It's a true test of where you are. It is one of the best countries to come and visit and play rugby, because everyone knows rugby – everyone you meet in the street. Particularly as a forward, you come here to test yourselves against the best and I want to be competitive.

"I thought last week we were nearing the standards I've set for the group, but in the second Test we've got to go to another level.

"A lot has been said about the New Zealand performance and how frustrated they are, so they'll be better. Our game has to go up."

New Zealand: Ben Smith; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea; Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Tony Woodcock, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino. Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Victor Vito, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Malakai Fekitoa.

England: M Brown (Harlequins); M Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), L Burrell (Northampton Saints), B Twelvetrees (Gloucester), M Yarde (Harlequins); O Farrell (Saracens), D Care (Harlequins); J Marler (Harlequins), R Webber (Bath), D Wilson (Bath), J Launchbury (Wasps), G Parling (Leicester Tigers), T Wood (Northampton Saints), C Robshaw (Harlequins, capt), B Morgan (Gloucester). Replacements: D Hartley (Northampton Saints), M Mullan (Wasps), K Brookes (Newcastle Falcons), C Lawes (Northampton Saints), B Vunipola (Saracens), B Youngs (Leicester Tigers), F Burns (Leicester Tigers), C Ashton (Saracens).

CRICKET

Somerset won a NatWest T20 Blast match at Taunton for the first time this season, as they defended 176 in a dramatic final over to beat Hampshire by a single run.

Somerset had lost their opening three home matches in the South Group – but completed an excellent week, after going top of the LV= County Championship with a victory inside three days against Sussex, by defeating one of their longstanding 20-over rivals in a remarkable finish.

Hampshire, who beat Somerset in the 2010 final and 2012 semi-final, made a bright start to their chase, but they lost dangermen Michael Carberry and Glenn Maxwell in quick succession and, with it, seemed to lose their momentum.

They appeared beaten going into the final two overs, needing 34 for victory, but after the penultimate over went for 17 off Dirk Nannes, and the first three balls of the final over went for 11, they required only six off the final three balls to win. But Thomas limited Will Smith (25 not out) and Adam Wheater (22 not out) to a two, then a pair of singles, as Somerset held on to win by one run.

Pete Trego starred with bat and ball – scoring 76 and taking 2-18 – while the introduction of Max Waller also disrupted Hampshire's flow, with the leg-spinner taking 1-20 from his four overs in the middle of the visitors' innings.

Hamsphire lost skipper James Vince to the third ball, nicking Trego to James Hildreth at first slip for a duck, while Jimmy Adams fell two overs later when he was held by Craig Overton at deep-midwicket off the same bowler for 9.

But Carberry and Maxwell looked as if they could punish the home side – and, after Thomas's first over went for 17, Hampshire progressed to 64-2 in the seventh over.

The introduction of Craig Meschede and Waller, though, helped turned the contest back in Somerset's favour. The former dismissed Carberry, breaking the England man's 43-run partnership in 3.5 overs, when he was caught on the long-on boundary for 38.

Eight balls later, Maxwell joined Carberry back in the dugout, attempting a reverse-sweep off Waller but getting a top edge that flew into the air and was pouched by Craig Kieswetter for 21.

Somerset gave very little away in the middle overs – and, even when they did, Alviro Petersen tipping one from Owais Shah over the ropes at deep fine leg for a six, they got their man two balls later, Johann Myburgh taking the catch at deep midwicket to give Overton a wicket.

Meschede dropped a sharp caught-and-bowled chance off Sean Ervine – but more heroics from Thomas, after his four-wickets-in-four-balls in the week, got Somerset back on track.

He claimed wickets in successive balls at the start of the 18th over – getting Ervine caught in the deep for 27 and then Matt Coles for a first-ball duck – and Somerset appeared home and hosed.

But, after dropping two catches and conceding two sixes in the penultimate over, they left themselves plenty to do in the final over – and, once again, their talisman Thomas got them over the line.

Hampshire had won the toss and put Somerset in – which may have come as some relief for the hosts, who had lost their first three home South Group matches while chasing.

Chris Jones, perhaps a surprise choice to open the batting with Craig Kieswetter in the absence of injured captain Marcus Trescothick, was the first wicket to fall when, in the second over, he was bowled by Chris Wood for 10, bringing Pete Trego to the middle.

Kieswetter and Trego delighted the crowd with a highly entertaining stand of 115 in the space of 12.5 overs. They took a particular liking to Sean Ervine, who had been a nemesis of theirs in 20-over campaigns past, hitting him out of the game as he shipped 40 runs from three overs.

Both players brought up their fifties with boundaries in the same Ervine over – his last of the evening – with Trego driving him down the ground for six, before Kieswetter pulled him for four. The Somerset wicketkeeper then hit the next delivery, Ervine's last contribution with the ball, over mid-on for another maximum.

At that stage, after 14 overs, Somerset were well placed on 121-1 – but they lost Kieswetter in the next over, trying a paddle sweep off James Vince that ended up in the hands of Kyle Abbott at short fine leg. The England one-day wicketkeeper had scored 57 from 43 deliveries and Somerset were 134-2 when he departed.

Somerset took 14 off the 17th over – bowled by Wood – but could not accelerate in the final three, losing two further wickets. Abbott bowled Trego for 76 – his second successive big T20 score at Taunton – in the 18th, before Alviro Petersen was stumped off Wood for 8 in the 19th. Craig Meschede finished on 13 not out, with acting skipper Hildreth unbeaten on 3, as Somerset closed on 176-4 from their 20 overs.

FOOTBALL

MEXICO 1 CAMEROON 0

Oribe Peralta struck in the second half as Mexico got their World Cup campaign under way with victory over a lacklustre Cameroon outfit in rain-lashed Natal.

It was no more than the Mexicans deserved after playing the more enterprising football and having two Giovani dos Santos goals controversially disallowed for offside in the first half.

Cameroon almost snatched a last-gasp equaliser, but Guillermo Ochoa saved well from a firm Benjamin Moukandjo header.

With Brazil and Croatia their other opponents in Group A, Mexico will be relieved to have claimed the three points from a full-blooded encounter played in heavy rain.

A number of hefty challenges went unpunished throughout the game by Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan, but Mexico always looked the stronger side.

Peralta netted after 61 minutes and with Dos Santos also shining, the strike pair justified their selection ahead of Manchester United's Javier Hernandez.

Both sides had entered the competition with question marks over their readiness.

Mexico – having had four coaches in the past year and only qualifying via a play-off against New Zealand – boasted little form having lost recent friendlies to Bosnia-Herzegovina and Portugal.

Cameroon's preparations had been chaotic with the squad arriving in Brazil a day later than planned after a row over bonuses with their national federation.

Assure me that this won't happen again

I have been reading the Western Daily Press when I've been at home since the 1940s. You have published a few letters of mine and even for a time paid me to write some op-eds for you. I still have the Saturday edition delivered and on other days pick it up when my 80-something limbs take me past a copy when I'm out and about.

Free speech is fine, Mr Barker's letter in your June 7 edition isn't. It's not just tripe but offensive nonsense – a sort of smelly turd on the pavement of your journalism you might say. I don't go much on the Sultan of Brunei either but as you know well, even if this nobody doesn't, the Royal Family carry out the engagements which government ministers ask them to. And, as every schoolboy knew when I went to Cotham in 1941, we make a profit out of the Royal Family because the Crown Estates earn more than "the firm" spends.

Arguments about all that are OK for the people who have nothing better to talk about but for you – or your letters' editor if he still is your letters' editor – to have passed Barker's mouthful of literary halitosis for publication knowing that the Royal Family is banned by long-standing convention from replying to attacks, even personal ones, is appalling.

It would be nice to have your assurance that you will not allow this to happen again.

John Parfitt

Painswick, Gloucestershire

Whole story won't back up argument

The method of culling by the shooting of free running badgers used in the trials in Gloucestershire and Somerset was known not to be ideal, but it was foisted onto Defra by the attentions of thieves and vandals to traps in previous culls. In the recent culls, when the shooting of free-running badgers failed to remove sufficient numbers, traps were again deployed, and again were the subject of theft and vandalism. The shooting of vermin is regulated only by permission of the landowner and continues all over the country without any need for a police presence. The fact that policing was necessary for badger culling was entirely the responsibility of those who set out to disrupt the legally sanctioned cull. The success or otherwise of these culls can only be measured by the number of TB reactor cattle identified in the areas culled. It is fear of being proved wrong that motivates the people who "know" that the culling has failed and want the culling stopped, and it is regrettable that the honest and principled the Rev H W Jones has been persuaded by arguments that are neither.

In his letter (Western Daily Press June 10) Martin Hancox calculates from the data of previous culls that probably no more than a dozen of the 1,861 badgers culled would have had tuberculosis to such an advanced degree that they would have been infectious to other badgers or cattle. Contrast this with the letter from the same writer (Western Daily Press June 6) where he calculates that 20,000 TB reactor cattle that do not even show any evidence of TB at post mortem are the "hidden reservoir" that is re-infecting the cattle population. Why is it that badgers are only infectious when in the advanced stages of the disease, but to suit his hypothesis, cattle would seem to be infectious even when the disease has hardly taken hold?

The Defra website tells me that "The primary screening test for TB in cattle in Great Britain is the single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin (SICCT) test, commonly known as the tuberculin "skin test". The skin test is used throughout the world to screen cattle, other animals and people for TB, and is the internationally accepted standard for detection of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection, and is considered the best test currently available for detecting TB in live animals." This test worked satisfactorily in this country prior to 1986 and continues to work satisfactorily all over the world. Why has it ceased to work in Britain (or certain parts of it) in the last three decades?

The interferon blood test that Mr Hancox seems to prefer is of limited use because it is unable to distinguish between infections of Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium avium, and Mycobacterium avium ss. Paratuberculosis. Could we please have the whole story from Mr Hancox, not just the bits that coincide with his prejudices.

John Tuck

Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshure

We need to avoid the mistakes of history

Voters in many of the European democracies turned to unashamedly populist parties. These parties are exploiting anger, hatred and intolerance, the spawning grounds for xenophobia and racism.

They preach contempt of the established political parties; hark back to their perceived glories of nationalism; demonise immigrants and minority groups; and rail against long-term attempts at international co-operation such as the EU.

Ring any bells from the 1930s?

Meanwhile, the two European Axis powers, Germany and Italy, cast their votes predominantly for the mainstream parties – despite, in Italy's case, previous support for a colourful populist party. Coincidence? Perhaps – or maybe a keener desire to avoid the mistakes of history?

M Hayes

Hengrove, Bristol

A shortage of school places for new homes

It would seem that we could see hundreds of new homes built to the west of Melksham. We already know that over 250 homes have been given permission on the former George Ward Site, at Shurnhold after local Wiltshire councillors gave themselves permission to build on our local playing fields.

I'm now being told by the owner of Roudponds Farm, that we are about to see a planning application, for a further 400 homes on the 26-acre site. It seems to me that Wiltshire Council takes little notice of the views of local residents when considering local planning applications, so these plans could well be approved.

The first thing that springs to mind is just where are all these extra children are going to find a school? One thing is for sure, Shaw School couldn't take two or three hundred extra children, and has no room to expand. All other schools in the town are just about full, and we know that the Oak is just about full.

It would seem to me that Melksham not only needs a new primary school to the west but also a second secondary school. Maybe they should be looking at the former George Ward School site.

Councillor Terry Chivers

Melksham Without North