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Talented teen one round away from national final of singing contest

AN ASPIRING singer goes for glory tonight hoping to make the national final of a singing contest that has featured the likes of Birdy, Jahmene Douglas and Lucy Spraggan.

£4.5m worth of works to improve the Royal Borough's roads

WORK costing £4.5m to improve roads, footways, drainage, bridges and road safety in 2013/14 across the Royal Borough has been approved.

Woman sheds the pounds for Ethan and Vivi

A WOMAN who has lost more than five stone in five months has paid tribute to the two brave youngsters who inspired her to get active.

Displays of Morris dancing in Windsor town centre this afternoon

WINDSOR Morris will be joined by four other teams of Morris dancers to put on dance displays in Windsor today.

First regatta on the Thames at Windsor for 44 years announced

THE Queen has given the royal seal of approval for a regatta to be staged on the Thames at Windsor for the first time in 44 years.

Fabulous fair fun in Pinkeys Green

FABULOUS funfair festivities attracted crowds as a steam fair rolled into town for its 'home' event.

Warning issued to dog owners after fatal attack on swan

A SWAN rescuer has pleaded with dog walkers to keep their pets on leads after a nesting swan died following a suspected attack.

Food for thought at Three Counties show in Maidenhead

THERE was plenty of food, glorious food at an action-packed fair for the whole family.

Free entry to Legoland on Sunday for visitors dressed in swimwear

FAMILIES willing to don swimwear over their clothes will be granted free entry to the Legoland Windsor Resort on Sunday to celebrate the opening of the Duplo Valley water play area at the park.

Councillor plots challenge to Royal Borough leader

A SENIOR Conservative councillor is plotting a party leadership challenge in the Royal Borough, according to Observer sources.

Colnbrook groups clash over governance review

RIVAL community groups have clashed after one launched a consultation examining the effectiveness of another.

Plan to open 'needed' foodbank in Windsor emerges in the week town is named 'wealthiest' in the UK

PROPOSALS to open a foodbank to help an increasing number of struggling families in desperate need of food in Windsor, have been revealed.

New headteacher appointed at Churchmead School

A NEW headteacher has been appointed at a school in special measures.

Martin garage to go but old Eton College sanatorium set to survive

A GARAGE looks set to be ousted in place of a supermarket.

Slough Jets coach court date set

SLOUGH Jets coach Adam Greener will enter his plea over drug offence charges on June 25.

Windsor duck race launched

A QUACKING annual charity fundraiser has been officially launched.

Maidenhead MP calls for rethink over airport plans

AN MP has called on Heathrow bosses to scrap an idea to expand an airfield as a replacement for Heathrow.

Police boss calls for public inquiry into child sex trafficking ring

THE region's police and crime commissioner is calling for a public inquiry into how children are safeguarded following the convictions of seven members of a child sex trafficking ring.

Holyport College plans given the thumbs up

A NEW free school is set to open its doors in the town next year after its plan to redevelop the site of a former school were given the go ahead.

Blooming great result for disabled riders at horse show

DISABLED riders harvested second prize when they were inspired by BBC 2's Gardeners' World for a fancy dress competition in The Queen's garden at Windsor Castle.

CAMRA award for Windsor publican couple

A WINDSOR couple have been presented with an award of long service to their pub.

International cricket stars to take coaching session for women in Maidenhead

England women's cricket team captain Claire Taylor and batswoman Heather Knight will lead a cricket taster session for women of all ages in Maidenhead.

Marathon effort for new endurance equestrian event

HORSES were tested to their limit in the first endurance race held in Windsor - over a 120km cross country course through the Great Park.

Mayor pays tribute to running club initiative

A MAYOR raced to pay tribute to a running club's initiative to help beginners get active.

Peascod Street Morrisons given green light to sell booze until 11pm

A SUPERMARKET giant has been given the go-ahead to sell booze until 11pm every night in the centre of Windsor, despite residents' protestations.

VIDEO: Boxing star Barry McGuigan opens new multi-million pound college facility

FORMER world champion boxer Barry McGuigan officially opened East Berkshire College's new multi-million pound sports centre at Langley College today.

VIDEO: Touring exhibition aims to bring the Bible 'alive'

A TOURING exhibition is promising to bring the Bible 'alive' with artefacts, costumes, models and talks.

Royal Windsor Horse show breaks records with thrilling finale

A WORLD-CLASS equestrian line-up wowed spectators at this year's record-breaking Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Waltham St Lawrence traveller saga rumbles on

THE battle to remove the occupants of an illegal travellers' site looks set to rumble on for at least another 11 weeks.

Firefighters and paramedics help 90-year-old woman with her fingers stuck in a bin

A 90-YEAR-OLD woman required help from firefighters and paramedics to free her from a bin in which she had her fingers stuck.

Soldiers race up street from barracks to help fight Park Street fire

A FEARLESS soldier forced entry into a property where he thought a family was in danger from the fire in Park Street on Tuesday.

Berkshire workers third most productive in the country for boosting the economy

BERKSHIRE workers are the third-most productive in the country for boosting the economy, new statistics have revealed.

Capacity crowd at racecourse for fun day and Royal winner

A RACECOURSE attracted a record number of punters and families as thousands came out for some fun in the sun.

Reporters battle it out in doughnut eating competition

FAMILIES are battling it out in a series of tasty competitions this week to celebrate National Doughnut Week with Warings Master Bakers.

Runners descend on Great Park for first staging of women-only race

MORE than 1,000 runners descended on Windsor Great Park to make the first staging of a new event a 'fabulous' success.

More live music at Windsor Racecourse

A RACECOURSE has been granted permission to have almost double the amount of live music performances on its premises a year.

Antiques Roadshow star at Guildhall to examine ceramics

A TV star was on hand to do what he does best at The Guildhall, in High Street, on Saturday last week.

UK Independence Party sets sights on Royal Borough

THE UK Independence Party has sent out a challenge to the borough's Conservatives with plans to field up to 50 candidates in the next election.

Struggling animal centre makes donation plea

ANIMAL rescuers are urging the community to come together and help them raise money to look after a growing list of unwanted pets.

Countess of Wessex opens new screening facility in Windsor

A ROYAL visitor officially launched a new service to help increase the speed and accuracy of diagnosis and treatment of breast problems.

New path for horse riders between Slough and Eton Wick

HORSE riders will be able to use cycle routes to access the Jubilee River and Slough from Eton and Eton Wick in a year-long trial.

Helping hand at find funding fair in Windsor

HOW to get more funding as a voluntary group was the topic of a get-together at Windsor Racecourse.

Battle Proms return to Highclere Castle, Newbury with a bang

For the 13th year, Battle Proms will go off with a bang when it returns to Highclere Castle, Newbury, on Saturday, August 3.

Trial date set for teenager charged over stabbing

A TEENAGER will stand trial at Reading Crown Court on Monday, June 10 in connection with a stabbing.

Walk on to remember loved ones for Thames Hospicecare

FUNDRAISERS are being called on to walk in memory of their loved ones.

Middle of Park Street out of bounds until tomorrow

THE middle of Park Street is likely to remain fenced off until Saturday at the earliest.

School of rock for Wraysbury Primary pupils

YOUNG rockers were treated to an unusual music lesson after a successful band visited their school.

Peascod Street Morrisons licence application to be heard today

AN APPLICATION from Morrisons to sell alcohol until midnight seven days a week at their convenience store due to open in Peascod Street by the end of the summer will be heard by the Royal Borough Licensing Panel Sub-Committee today.

Neighbours recall 'tragedy' of Park Street fire

NEIGHBOURS have spoken of the 'tragedy' caused by the fire which damaged four houses and how 'lucky' they were to escape.

New book explores exploits of 'The Badger' and others in Datchet 200 years ago

A NEW book exploring tumultuous events 200 years ago has been launched by a historian.

Windsor school headteacher supports charity walking effort taking place at his school

A HEADTEACHER has thrown his support behind a charity walk which starts and finishes at his school.

Pupils jump at Games chance to win school pride

YOUNGSTERS took to the field to battle it out for school sporting pride in an inter-regional competition.

Police launch appeal for witness to Park Street fire

POLICE have launched an appeal for witnesses to the Park Street fire as they keep 'an open mind' about its cause.

UPDATE: Firefighters leave Park Street 36 hours after being called out as demolition work is halted

ALL firefighters have now left Park Street, around 36 hours after a large fire destroyed one property with three more damaged while demolition work has been halted.

BREAKING: Councillors decide not to enforce planning direction on Tesco over Furze Platt pub plans

AN ARTICLE 4 direction will not be served on Tesco over their plans for a Furze Platt pub.

Food for thought at Three Counties show in Maidenhead this weekend

FOODIES will have plenty to chew on at the second staging of a food and craft show, supported by the Observer.

Lucky escape for Maidenhead couple after dishwasher catches fire

A COUPLE had a lucky escape after their dishwasher caught fire in the middle of the night at their Maidenhead home and they were awoken by the smoke.

Fancy dress competition at horse show today

A FANCY dress competition will add a dash of colour to one of the biggest equestrian events in the country.

House destroyed by fire will be demolished

THE house destroyed by yesterday's fire in Windsor will be demolished to ground level.

Holyport College plans to be decided tonight

THE man behind plans for a new free school believes it is ideally suited to help Windsor-based parents facing a shortage of school places.

Disruption caused by Park Street fire

CHANGING of the guard at Windsor Castle has been cancelled today in the wake of last night's fire in Park Street.

Full throttle fun at bowls club open day in Windsor

A MAYOR on a motorbike was one of many highlights at a bowls club's open day.

Letters from Bricklayers Arms demolition company to Royal Borough outline hopes for planning approval

THE director of a company and his wife who won the demolition contract for a pub after a planning dispute had written twice to the council in favour of it being pulled down.

Windsor set for record-breaking horse show

AN HISTORIC and record-breaking Royal Windsor Horse Show (RWHS) starts today.

PICTURE GALLERY: Resident - 'it felt like it was raining fire'

A COUNCILLOR who lives next to the fire ravaged Windsor house has spoken of the 'horrific' blaze.

VIDEO & PICS: Update on Windsor town centre fire

A HUGE fire has torn through a house in Windsor town centre.

Update: emergency services release statement on Windsor blaze

FIREFIGHTERS and police at the scene of a blaze engulfing three houses in central Windsor have released a joint statement.

Fire in Windsor town centre house

A TOWN house in Windsor caught fire tonight.

Old Windsor day centre users 'frustrated' by red tape preventing opening

ELDERLY users of a popular day centre which has been closed for a month after a rescue plan was stalled by red tape have been left 'frustrated'.

Police appeal for witness after lead theft from Maidenhead business

POLICE are on the hunt for thieves who made off with lead from the roof of a Maidenhead business.

Windsor scouts launch buy-a-brick scheme for hut fundraising

A NEW scheme has been launched to help fund the rebuilding of the Dyson Hut at the Bear Rails Scout Campsite in Windsor Great Park.

Royal letter for Molly's birthday party

A YOUNG fan of the royal family received an unexpected birthday treat when a letter arrived on behalf of The Queen.

Council accused of striking poor deal over Windsor fire station

A COUNCILLOR has accused the Royal Borough of striking a poor deal over plans for a new fire station.

Under age patient referred to nursing home by Royal Borough

THE Royal Borough referred a patient to a nursing home, who was under the age the home could legally admit residents, the Observer can reveal.

Bailiffs sent out to collect £6 debt by Royal Borough

BAILIFFS were sent out by the Royal Borough to clawback a £5.63 council tax debt - a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has revealed.

Man dies moments after taking part in diving class

A MAN has died after collapsing moments after taking part in a diving class.

Windsor racecourse bids for more live music events

AN APPLICATION to have more live music events at a racecourse will be heard on Wednesday.

Five-year-old boy suffers life-threatening injuries in car crash

A FIVE-YEAR-OLD boy was airlifted to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries following a car crash last night.

Lack of councillor interest in donate tax savings scheme

NO ROYAL Borough councillors have taken the lead by opting in to a new scheme that allows residents to give back their council tax savings.

Women to tackle 40km walk for charity

A TEAM of eight women are taking on the 40km Across The Divide Just Walk challenge on the South Downs on Saturday, May 11, to raise money for the Family Friends In Windsor And Maidenhead project.

TRAFFIC UPDATE: Delays on M4 westbound

THE M4 westbound between Junction 5 for Langley and Junction 4 for the M25 is down to two lanes of traffic due to a broken down car.

Police called out to reports of a fight in Windsor

POLICE officers were rushed out to reports of a fight in Chaucer Close, Windsor, last night.

Planning application called before Local Government Ombudsman

A CONTENTIOUS planning application is under investigation by the Local Government Ombudsman.

Charity worker rumbles thief after finding stolen items on eBay

A SELFLESS swan rescuer turned super sleuth to track down two engines worth £4,000 stolen from her charity.

Great Park set for inaugural running event

THE inaugural She Runs Windsor women's only 10k race will take place on Monday in Windsor Great Park from 10.30am.

Search launched for owners of jewellery stolen in raids across the Thames Valley

AN APPEAL has been launched to track down the owners of jewellery thought to have been stolen in burglaries across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Windsor and Eton Neighbourhood Plan left in tatters after split

A RESIDENTS' association claims a decision to split up a group responsible for deciding a development strategy for Windsor and Eton was made in secret.

Royal Borough teenagers among the best-qualified in the south east

TEENAGERS are among the most qualified in the south east by the time they reach 19, according to new stats.

Resounding success at annual sponsored ride in Windsor

HORSE riders jumped to a resounding fundraising success at an annual sponsored ride.

Windsor hotel chef cooks for royalty

A YOUNG chef at a Windsor hotel had the honour of cooking for royalty.

Approval for Old Windsor homes plans described as 'detrimental'

LANS for 15 new homes in a village have been approved much to a councillor's dismay.

Time Team archaeologist praises Horton quarry finds as "awesome"

A FAMED archaeologist has paid tribute to 'awesome' discoveries at a quarry.

Firefighters come to the aid of elderly woman who set waste paper bin on fire

FIREFIGHTERS helped an elderly woman who had accidentally set her waste paper bin on fire this morning in Eton.

St George's Day parade for Datchet Morris Men

TRADITIONAL morris dancers turned out in force for St George's Day and to lend their support to charity.

Councillor vows to 'fight like hell' against Heathrow night flights

A LEADING councillor has vowed to 'fight like hell' for a ban on night flights.

Catering costs for Royal Borough meetings revealed

THE Royal Borough spent £10,810 on catering council meetings in the financial year 2012/13 - a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

West End star urges animal lovers to go to Old Windsor animal home fair

THE star of a West End musical hit is urging animal lovers to attend the 10th annual fun day for a dogs and cats home.

Forces Equine Games to show Berkshire military riders' skill

Military riders from across Berkshire are to participate in the Forces Equine Games this weekend (May 4 and 5).

Drop in reported crime in Windsor and Maidenhead

THE Royal Borough's top cop has praised the annual crime figures for the area which showed overall reported crime has dropped - though sexual offences have risen for the second year running.

Exclusive offer for horse show tickets

The Royal Windsor Horse Show promises an exciting equestrian line-up in the grounds of Windsor Castle from Wednesday, May 8, to Sunday, May 12, and we have an exclusive offer to match.

Royal Borough parents urged to get measles check for children

PARENTS in the Royal Borough have been urged to check their children have had both doses of the MMR vaccine due to the ongoing measles scare.

Ricky Clarke-Dilly found guilty of murder

RICKY Clarke-Dilly has been found guilty of murdering Simon Large.

Scouts fly the flag for St George during Windsor parade

AROUND 500 youngsters took to the streets of Windsor to fly the flag for Scouting.

Judge tells jury to reach majority verdict in murder trial after eight hours of deliberation

A MAJORITY direction has been passed to the jury in a murder trial.

TRAFFIC UPDATE: M4 delays due to crash

THERE are currently delays on the M4 eastbound after a crash which has left one lane closed.

Fashion and fun at catwalk show at a Windsor hotel

CHILDREN and parents took to the catwalk for a family fashion show in aid of charity.

Event in Windsor connects charities

VOLUNTEERS from an array of sectors came together for a networking event showcasing worthy causes.

MP "disappointed" at Kings Triangle plan refusal

AN MP has expressed her disappointment after a £150m rejuvenation plan was rejected by councillors.

Three men rebailed in connection with Windsor bar attack

THREE men arrested on suspicion of GBH in relation to an attack outside the Scotch Bar, in Goswell Hill, have been re-bailed to June 13.

Windsor Street Angels celebrate first anniversary

A GROUP of 'angels' who help revellers who have drunk too much were praised for their work as they celebrated their first anniversary.

New Royal Borough children's services chief appointed

A KEY role in the Royal Borough's management structure will finally be filled in June after nearly a year of being held by an interim director.