Letter writing is a fading habit, according to new research from Yougov which finds that a third of Sussex adults have not written a letter for more than five years.

More than one in ten in the region have never written a letter and posted it at all, according to the study, commissioned by the online - pharmacy Pharmacy2U, which interviewed more than 2,000 respondents.

Postcards fared no better, with a similar 10 per cent of respondees having never written a postcard while on holiday.

Writing cheques, paying bills by post and visiting a high street travel agent to book a holiday are other habits which are rapidly fading, the study found.

Yet the research highlighted that people have not adapted to new ways when it comes to paper prescriptions, preferring to take the traditional green paper slip from the GP to the pharmacy that use an electronic prescription service.

The NHS electronic prescription service is now available in 83 per cent of GP surgeries in England, according to Pharmacy2U.

Daniel Lee, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, said: “Despite ditching paper in most areas of their lives, our survey shows that people have been slow to catch on to the benefits of new digital services available within the NHS, such as electronic prescriptions.

“It may sound like a small thing, but the convenience of a fully managed prescription service – with deliveries direct to your door – can be a huge time-saver, as well as helping those who are elderly or housebound.”

She added that the service means GPs can digitally send prescriptions direct to pharmacies, which can speed up the process.

Pharmacy2U’s NHS Repeat Prescription Service allows people to order by phone, app or online, and then have their medication delivered for free to their home or workplace, she said.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Vital funding has been received by Relate North and South West Sussex to help support young people.

Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne awarded £5,000 to the Relateen service from the Safer in Sussex funding.

Sue Quinn, Relate manager, said: “This is vital funding for us and means we can help young people with their problems, whether it’s exploring and developing coping strategies for issues such as family breakdown, bullying and peer relationships, the formation of new families or the absence of a family member in their life, mental health concerns or issues with friends and family, or at school.”

The Relateen service operates in Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Horsham and the surrounding areas.

Mrs Bourne said: “This fund is about helping local community projects make Sussex safer and that’s exactly what the Relateen service is doing.

“Since launching the Safer in Sussex funding scheme in December 2013, I have made over £1million available to more than 200 local crime reduction and community safety initiatives.”

Young people can ask to see a Relate counsellor themselves, their parents can make an appointment, or they can be referred by a teacher or social worker.

Sue added: “Many of our young clients tell us that they feel happier after they see a Relate counsellor, are able to deal better with their problems and emotions and concentrate better at school or college and get on better with friends or family.

“Our counsellors are experts in their field and supportive and non-judgmental. Everything the young person tells their counsellor is confidential unless the counsellor is worried for the young person’s safety.

“In some cases there may be a small charge for our services, but the grant from the police and crime commissioner will enable us to offer the service to young people who do not have the means to pay.”

For more information on Relate’s Relateen service, call 01293 657055 or visit www.relate.org.uk/sussex

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 – Make our website your homepage

2 – Like our Facebook pages

3 – Follow us on Twitter

4 – Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

Sussex Newspapers – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

More than 50 per cent of Sussex drivers admit to using their phone while driving, while six per cent even admitted to taking a selfie behind the wheel, a survey has found.

UK car and van insurance specialist Staveley Head asked road users across the UK to confess to their bad driving habits.

The results showed 17 per cent of motorists said they had used snapchat while driving.

New legislation, expected to come into play in the new year, will see drivers using their phones receive six points on their licence and face a £200 fine when caught.

This is double the current penalty of three points and a £100 fine.

Additional findings from the survey revealed that 96 per cent of Sussex motorists admitted to speeding.

It also found that women are more likely to hit your car and drive away than men, with one in four women drivers in the South East admitting to driving off after clipping a car.

Ashley Peters, Managing Director at Staveley Head, says: “We were surprised by some of the results from the survey.

“As an insurer of thousands of commercial vehicles every year, we know that the majority of drivers are extremely careful on the roads.

“However, of those who completed the survey, we did discover groups who freely admitted to speeding, using their phone while on the move and even potentially driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.

“It goes without saying that we would always recommend people take the upmost care behind the wheel and that they abide by all the laws of the road at all times.

“Recently, the government announced new legislation which will double the points and fines given to those who use their phone whilst driving.

“The new legislation doesn’t come in to effect until next year; however we hope that by raising awareness of inappropriate driver behaviour we can help to make road users think twice before reaching for their phones.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Our first Vive Lecture of the year was given by Mr Ray Chase, a retired Flight Lieutenant with the Royal Air Force. Ray took students and teachers back to his childhood experiences during the six years of the Second World War; times of air raids, food rationing and of living in incessant fear.

Ray described how he did not see his father for six years as he was in the Navy, and expressed how difficult times were for his mother, whom he compared to being like a single parent looking after the children, the home and working to pay the bills - there were no benefits to help support people at this time.

During his later life, when working in air traffic control in Sri Lanka, Ray did not have any communication with his family. When he left England his sister was nine-years- old and when he came back she was 12! Apparently, she still recalls this experience. The difference between communication and technology since then is astounding!

When Ray retired he went to Kenya on safari which sparked an interest in helping the disadvantaged people there. This led to various trips which Ray funded himself helping young people and families to improve their living conditions and start up new businesses.

Ray presented a range of pictures showing us the poor conditions the people had to live in. The varied accounts and discussions on the very different experiences in Ray’s life had the audience captivated. It was fantastic to see so many girls in Year 7 at their first lecture in the Senior School.

This was the first in a series of Vive Lectures which are part of Farlington’s Scholarship Enrichment Programme and run throughout the academic year. Interesting and engaging speakers help students widen their learning within and beyond the curriculum.

Our next Vive lecture is on Friday 4 th November at 4pm with Mr Adrian Mellor presenting ‘The science behind our skin, the sun and art of safe tanning’.

Students from other local schools are welcome to attend. For a full programme and to book, please contact Jean Salt on 01403 254967 or email her on jas@farlingtonschool.net

Contributed by Farlington School

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

A promotional film feature called ‘Make it Happen’, made for the Coco’s Foundation charity by Elliot Godden, premiered at the Capitol Theatre in Horsham.

Elliot, who is an ex-Collyer’s student, was invited to make the film by the charity, with all proceeds from the screening donated to the Coco Foundation, who build houses in South Africa for families affected by HIV.

Eliot, currently in his second year at Plymouth University, studied both Media and Film Studies while at Collyer’s.

He was delighted to welcome former Media and Film teachers Jonathan Nunns and Mark Ramey to its first screening.

Head of Media Studies Jonathan Nunns was thrilled: “I think that making a high quality film on such an important topic, singlehanded, is an incredible achievement for a filmmaker so early in their career.

Elliott’s film was emotional, heart-warming, inspirational and uplifting. It really brought home how much we take things for granted in the west and how much difference a little help can make.”

Head of Film Studies Mark Ramey said: “It was an honour to attend Elliot’s premiere for ‘Make it Happen’.

He’s a talented guy who will certainly go far in the industry. We are incredibly proud of him at Collyer’s and it was a pleasure to support this wonderful event”.

Jonathan Nunns added: “Elliot is a superb role model for our current crop of Media and Film Studies students.

In addition to talent, you need the inclination to work hard and literally make things happen! Elliott has certainly done that! I could not be prouder.”

Collyer’s Deputy Principal, Steve Nicholls was impressed: “Collyer’s and Horsham should also be massively proud of Elliot.

“We have a very strong Faculty for Arts and Communication here at Collyer’s and this project is an example of the wonderful work that has been going on for a number of years in the brilliant Media and Film departments.

“Congratulations to Elliot and huge thanks to our brilliant teachers!”

More details for the foundation can be found at: http://www.cocosfoundation.co.uk/

Contributed by Collyer’s

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

First Steps Childcare operates full-day care nurseries in Brinsbury near Pulborough, Chichester, and Bersted.

The nurseries committed to supporting The Big Build Kenya last year; an exciting project in partnership with Chichester College to construct a new primary school in Nakuru, Kenya. They have raised a massive £4,738.

Sue Carpenter, Senior Childcare Manager at First Steps, is thrilled with the response they received: “It has been wonderful to see our staff and all of our families across the three nurseries really get behind this project. We have seen everything from bake sales to sponsored safari hunts and African-inspired fun weeks, and our children have loved learning all about Africa. We are extremely proud of every single penny raised and would like to thank everyone for their fantastic efforts.”

African Adventures, the organisation behind The Big Build Kenya, are equally thrilled with the money raised by First Steps: “We would like to thank some of our youngest supporters from First Steps for their fantastic fundraising efforts. It is wonderful to see that the children of West Sussex are starting to learn, from such a young age, more about the wider world and about the lives of children in Africa; a big well done to you all,” said Rachel Northover at African Adventures.

Nursery Manager Michelle Cogger is currently heading up a massive sponsored bike ride from Chichester to Nakuru, on an exercise bike in the nursery reception. Staff and children are closely watching the route, as staff make their way kilometre by kilometre, celebrating each new country destination as they reach it. First Steps are delighted to confirm their commitment to raising a further £3,000 and hope to be sending two staff members out to Nakuru next year to support the project and assist with getting the new classroom that this will fund up and running.

Contributed by First Steps Childcare

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Horsham hosted an emotional wellbeing event for World Mental Health Day on October 10.

West Sussex County Council used the day to encourage people to raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health which affect people of all ages.

On the day, young people were invited to find out more about emotional well-being and take part in a variety of workshops as well as visit the market place, where young people and professionals can access a wide range of providers.

Staff at the Youth Emotional Service work with young people aged 11-17 across the county to help young people who have issues that affect their wellbeing.

A statement from the county council said: “The event was a great success with around 60 young people in attendance.”

Mia Cook, 17-years-old from Shoreham (who used the YES service in Lancing as it’s closest to her) said: “I think awareness days are really important to get people really aware of what’s going on and to see that other people are talking about what they’re going through so they can have the confidence to say actually I’m feeling that too. So you don’t feel as alone in what you’re feeling.

“People seem really enthusiastic; it’s really encouraging to see young people wanting to get involved with mental health issues and stuff.”

Hannah Broad, 18-years-old from Bognor Regis, said: “I feel like it’s important to have these days to make people more aware of what’s actually going on.

“Because I don’t think many people are aware of what having a mental illness actually involves and what actually happens.

“I think some people are quite scared of it, if they don’t know much about it.

“So it’s more just about making people aware and coming to these sort of events, you don’t feel alone and you know that there’s others that are struggling just like you. So it just makes you feel more okay with yourself and you access more and more information about it, what’s going on and you’re able to access more services.”

With one in four people being affected by a mental illness in any year, residents and workers in West Sussex are being urged break down the barriers associated with mental health.

Stephen Hillier, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children – Start of Life, said: “World Mental Health Day will be a celebration of the fantastic work already achieved by the Free Your Mind group and the Youth Emotional Service. They have all worked so hard to raise awareness and to tackle these issues which affect so many people in West Sussex.

“We need to follow in their footsteps and work together to keep challenging the stigmas which continue to overshadow people’s mental health. Almost everyone will have someone in their lives who is affected by a mental health issue. We need to pull together to eradicate the isolation they can experience and help them to see they are not alone.”

The event at Horsham’s FindItOut Centre had workshops to help young people deal with anxiety/stress management, meditation and more.

The marketplace ran throughout the day with stalls hosted by Children and Young People Family Eating Disorder Service, Dialogue counselling, Kooth – online mental health support, the Library Service, MIND Advocacy & Outset.

A presentation was given at 5pm by members of UK Youth Parliament who presented their national campaign ‘Time to Talk.’

There are eight FindItOut centres across West Sussex which are on hand to support those aged 13-25. To find out more visit https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/18969

Contributed by West Sussex County Council

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes

3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The County Times – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

A building was destroyed at Southwater Country Park after a fire broke out in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday October 25).

Two crews from Horsham attended the incident in Cripplegate Lane at about 2.30am.

A fire service spokesman said the blaze started in a 10m by 5m outbuilding next to the visitors centre. It was used to store machinery at the park and was destroyed by the flames.

Firefighters managed to save the visitors centre, the spokesman added.

The blaze was extinguished using three hose reels, one water jet and compressed air foam.

No injuries were reported.

Crews left the scene at 3.50am.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Two women were involved in a theft from a Henfield shop on Tuesday last week (October 18).

Sussex Police say that the two women went in to the High Street premises at around 1pm and asked to buy a newspaper.

The police statement adds that while their change was being counted one leant over the counter and pulled money from the till.

Two homes in Storrington were targeted by thieves while the occupants were on holiday.

Sussex Police say that jewellery was stolen from one house in Hawthorn Way between October 3 - 19.

Police add that there was no sign of a forced entry.

In the second incident, a garden shed in Water Lane was broken into between October 16 - 20.

Nothing was taken but there was some damage caused.

A man has been arrested following ‘another arson’ attack near Crawley Football Club, police have said.

Officers found a bin on fire while on patrol near the Checkatrade.com Stadium in Broadfield in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday October 25).

Crawley Police said they were investigating the incident and described it as “another arson”.

A 22-year-old man, from Crawley, was arrested in Broadfield Car park, police said.

The force is currently investigating a spate of arson attacks in the town.

Chief Inspector Dave Padwick told the Observer police were stepping up patrols after eight incidents were reported in the space of three weeks, two of which were in the car park of the football club.

It has not been confirmed whether this latest incident is linked to the recent attacks.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

There were thrills galore at Chichester Lions Club’s 22nd annual model railway exhibition on Saturday.

More than 650 visitors of all ages were enthralled by the intriguing displays at Chichester High School.

Twelve superb wildlife and landscape images have been chosen from the hundreds entered in this year’s Sussex Wildlife Trust ‘Wild Sussex’ photo competition.

Now it’s up to the public to decide the overall winner, by voting for their favourite by 31 October. First prize is £100 cash and the runner-up will receive a mug and tea towel designed by talented local artist Mark Greco. The final 12 pictures will feature in Sussex Wildlife Trust’s 2017 online calendar, available to download in December. The overall winning image will feature in their members’ magazine, monthly enews and on their website.

Professional wildlife photographer, David Plummer, who selected the final 12 said: ‘We were overwhelmed by the quality of entries this year and it was a tough job to choose the finalists from more than 500 photographs.’

To see the final 12 and make your choice visit: www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/vote.

All pictures courtesy of Sussex Wildlife Trust

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

West Sussex Coeliac Group will host the county’s first Gluten Free Food Fair at The King’s Centre, Victoria Road, Burgess Hill, 10.30am to 2.30pm on October 22.

It will feature many gluten-free suppliers and manufacturers: particularly good for those who have been newly diagnosed.

“It’s a great opportunity to stock up on gluten free products bought direct from suppliers; local, as well as from other areas,” said group organiser William Andrews. Entry is £2, free for accompanied children. Contact: westsussex@coeliac.org.uk

Contributed by West Sussex Coeliac Group

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midsussextimes.co.uk

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/midsussextimes

3) Follow us on Twitter @midsussex_times

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Mid Sussex Times - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Three employees of a Crawley company have raised more than £1,000 for the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity by walking the Arundel to Brighton South Downs Way.

After seven hours and over 35 kilometres, the tremendous ‘Team VEGA’ passed the finish line on well known trail.

VEGA Europe, an audio-visual equipment consultancy firm based in Newton Way, were first introduced to the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity after a recent visit by the charities fund raising staff to their offices in Manor Royal to explain the importance of the charities support to families that are affected by cerebral palsy.

The charity has provided an early intervention service to encourage more independent and happier lifestyles – often things that are taken for granted.

On hearing about the good work that DVLCC do, VEGA decided they wanted to be more involved in supporting them and signed up to the walk.

The trio set off at 7.45am from the beautiful setting of Arundel Castle with over 70 people, including a child with cerebral palsy and a gentleman in his 80s.

The weather pretty much held off, although a little windy at the top of the Downs, and Hal Halil, VEGA business development manager said: “It was a challenging uphill/downhill walk but the views were incredible in such beautiful natural surroundings. My wife and I were truly humbled and proud to be involved and help such a wonderful charity.”

The trio have raised over £1,000 between them and Tim Dobson, sales & commercial director added: “What a remarkable day.

“I was delighted to be able to support a local charity who help children with cerebral palsy and other motor learning conditions - and in such a stunning location. We will be signing up again next year.”

Bognor Regis Scouts took part in a world jamboree event by broadcasting from the district headquarters.

The JOTA-JOTI event, which is Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet, took place last weekend.

Broadcasts were made from the District Scout Headquarters in Central Drive and the 39 Club as part of the worldwide event.

Organiser Evelyn Cooke said: “Across the three amateur radio sites available, a total of 130 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Young Leaders took part in the initiative to shout out around the world.

“The experience was supported by a selection of leaders from the district’s seven groups, helping explore various communication-related activities.

“This was our third opportunity to be involved in this fascinating, challenging and rewarding event, with some enrolling to take their licence.”

Those who took part were awarded a UK JOTA-JOTI participation badge for their camp blankets.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 – Make our website your homepage at www.bognor.co.uk

2 – Like our Facebook pages at Bognor Regis Observer Facebook

3 – Follow us on Twitter at @BogObserver

4 – Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!

The Bognor Regis Observer – always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Millions of Brits are leaving their windows and doors unlocked, leaving keys in the garden and relying on their dog to keep their home safe, a study has found.

One in five leave their doors unlocked all or most of the time on a typical day and 48 per cent keep the windows open even when they aren’t at home.

And more than half believe their home would be safe if they accidentally left their front door unlocked during the day.

One in 10 hides a key somewhere near the property, including under a plant pot and beneath a garden gnome.

But the trust in the security of their home could be misplaced as the poll of 2,000 adults by Canary Home Security found that one in 10 have been victim to burglars within the past year alone.

More than one in five have been so affected by burglaries they have taken time off work, while over a quarter have experienced sleeping problems and around half said they are less trusting now.

And of those who have been burgled, the effects have lasted long after the event, with one in five saying their children were left unsettled or unhappy, while four per cent have needed counselling.

A spokesman for Canary Home Security said: “Our home is meant to be somewhere we feel safe and secure.

“While it’s great that we are trusting and feel safe enough to go out and leave our windows open and front door unlocked, this is leaving some of our most prized possessions at risk - especially irreplaceable sentimental items.

“But if your home were to be burgled, it’s not just the stolen items you need to worry about.

“The emotional effects can be far reaching and it can be hard to get over the feeling of knowing someone else has been in your home, where you want to feel as safe as possible.

“Insurance may replace the material items, but it can’t re-buy the sentimental things or help you get over the intrusion of having a burglar in your home.”

Seven in 10 consider security at home to be of utmost importance but one in 10 have a key hidden somewhere near the property, including under a plant pot, beneath a garden gnome and even buried in a flower bed.

Others leave it in the garage or outside store room, under the door mat or in the dog house.

Worryingly, more than a third of the population has no special security measures in place to make sure that their possessions are safe.

And 21 per cent rely on their dog to deter burglars and keep their home secure.

Three times as many people think that a strong mechanical lock is more secure than a digital alarm system, and 43 per cent of respondents have never tested the home security they do have.

Canary’s spokesman added: “Having your home broken into can be traumatic, and most people recognise that material items can be replaced, but a feeling of unease in your own home is much harder to deal with.

“In fact, nearly a tenth of people whose homes have been broken into have moved house after the event.

“A Canary system offers peace of mind, with HD night vision and a built-in siren that can be monitored from your smartphone. With home security, prevention is definitely better than cure.”

TOP 10 PLACES PEOPLE LEAVE A KEY:

1. In the garage/outside store room

2. Under a plant pot

3. In a keysafe

4. Buried in the garden

5. Under the mat

6. Under a windowsill

7. Inside a fake lock

8. Under a garden gnome

9. In a dog house

10. Under a garden ornament

TOP 10 EFFECTS OF BURGLARY:

1. A loss of confidence

2. Overly cautious with security

3. Have become less trusting

4. Lost sentimental items

5. Was unable to replace certain items

6. Sleeping problems

7. Took time off work

8. Kids were unsettled or unhappy

9. Pet was unsettled

10. Difficulties with insurers

One-third of newly qualified teachers quit within their first five years, the schools minister has confirmed.

Figures shared by Nick Gibb, MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, showed only 70 per cent of the 24,100 state school teachers who qualified in 2010 were still in the profession in 2015.

More than one in ten had quit within their first year.

The National Union of Teachers (NUT) said the government needed to “face the fact that schools have become more difficult and less rewarding places in which to work”.

Heneral secretary Kevin Courtney added: “It is deeply regrettable that so many people have chosen to leave teaching, when we need new teachers more than ever. Despite high demand, there has been a consistent shortfall in the numbers recruited to training courses since 2010.

“On top of this, schools are now experiencing increased difficulties in retaining staff. Ministers need to ask themselves why this is happening, and to take immediate action.”

Mr Courtney said staffing problems had led to many schools relying on supply teachers too much while asking teachers to cover roles outside their specialism.

He added: “The quality of provision is being lowered - and ministers must take responsibility for this.”

Speaking in Parliament on October 10, Mr Gibb said the figures were “not dissimilar to those in other professions”.

He added: “We want motivated, enthusiastic teachers in our schools, and the latest OECD teaching and learning international survey reported that 82 per cent of the teachers surveyed in England agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with their job.

“We recognise the challenges for the profession, however, such as unnecessary workload, which we continue to address.”

In a written answer to a question to the Department for Education and teacher retention and staff turnover, Mr Gibb said the government would be spending more than £1.3 billion up to 2020 to attract new teachers into the profession.

He added: “We have more teachers in our schools than ever before and the number of teachers has kept pace with changing numbers of pupils.”

In November 2010, the number of new teachers was 24,100. This dropped to 20,600 the following year before gradually rising to 25,500 in November 2015.

The Department for Education’s School Workforce in England report for November 2015 showed the number of qualified teachers leaving the profession rose from 37,890 in 2011 to 42,050 in 2014 and 43,070 in 2015.

Make the right choice for you and your child - Visit educationsussex.com for trusted school reviews, videos and so much more.

Concerns have been voiced about the effects on the South Downs National Park of a proposed ‘superhighway’ style concentrated flightpath for planes going to TAG Farnborough Airport.

The consultation period was extended to November 2 when people complained about the short time given to decipher the highly complicated data in the consultation documents. And now many of the parish councils affected by the proposals to fly on a more concentrated line over the Midhurst, Easebourne, Fernhurst and Milland area, have held a special meeting in Elsted to hear about the plant from TAG Farnborough representatives.

It was chaired and organised by Chichester district councillor for the Harting area Andrew Shaxson.

Adrian Hearle from Woolbeding and Redford asked what consideration had been given to the silence policy, and to avoid the national park area.

Chairman of Bepton Parish Council Howard Ewing was concerned about disruption to an area of tranquillity pointing out government policy was to protect national parks. And Carola Brown from Trotton with Chithurst asked if the park’s ‘dark skies’ policy had been considered.

But they were told government policy was to concentrate flights over areas of less population, and there was no policy about national parks.

TAG representatives said the CAA would decide the issue and they encouraged parishes to voice their concerns in their consultation responses.

Carole Frost of Stedham Parish Council commented: “A ‘concentrated’ superhighway above the skies of Midhurst and our peaceful downland villages is a worrying development that will cause noise and pollution in an otherwise tranquil setting. Dispersal is a fairer way to share the burden. Concentration is a blight on every underlying area in its wake.

“Why on earth do we have the protection of the South Downs National Park, if not to guard against such a superhighway of the air?”

Responses must be made via email to consultation@TAGFarnborough.com by November 2

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.midhurstandpetworth.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MidhurstandPetworthObserver

3) Follow us on Twitter @mid_pet_obs

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Midhurst and Petworth Observer - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Pupils at Orchards Junior School in Worthing were treated to a performance by Community Links.

The drama group is part of Worthing Scope’s Fitzalan Howard Day Centre and has been performing short plays and sign songs in a variety of community settings for seven years.

A special friendship has blossomed between the Nelson Road school and the charity, with the drama booking now a firm fixture.

The school’s fundraising group hosted a cake sale after Community Links’ performances of The Highway Rat and raised £358 for Worthing Scope.

Darren Clayton, day centre instructor, said: “We are always happy to see our community friendships grow. We thank Mrs McCarthy, Mrs Dodson, Mr Parkinson and all the children who make us so very welcome.

“We hope the links we have made with the Orchards will continue for many years.”

Members of Community Links, who have a range of disabilities, pride themselves on being part of their community, bringing together people who otherwise might not meet.

Louise, one of the members, said: “I love doing the signing songs best.”

Email worthingscopecommunitylinks@hotmail.co.uk to arrange a visit from the Community Links group.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at Worthing Herald

3 Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.