Round-the-world hopeful Ellen MacArthur was a step closer to her dream today after it emerged she had dramatically closed the gap behind the Vendee Globe single-handed boat race leader. The 24-year-old from Cowes, is just 60 miles behind Michel Desjoyeaux
ATHLETICS: Previous winner Mike Twomey (pictured) narrowly lost out to Bournemouth's Mike Grist in the battle for glory in the Romsey 5 Road Race. The well-established event, organised by Concept Sport, suffered from a deterioration in the weather conditions
Pompey Reserves slipped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of an experienced Fulham side last night, who sit in third spot in the Avon Insurance Combination league table. The Blues included trialists Filip Aplestav and Anthonio Sirufo, but it
CHERRIES hitman Jermain Defoe carved his name in British football history to set a new post-war league record by scoring in his tenth consecutive game at the Abbey Stadium last night. The 18-year-old wonderkid broke the previous best which was jointly
THE FINAL journey of Queen Victoria will be commemorated with a special funeral service in Gosport. The centenary of Victoria's death will be marked with a ceremony and procession organised by Gosport council on Friday, February 2 to remember her death
ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have hit out at criticism of a planned super tram scheme. Gosport and Fareham Friends of the Earth ( FoE) welcome the idea of the light rapid transit network between the two towns. Critics say the real need is for major improvements
A HEALTH chief says " alarm bells are ringing" about Basingstoke hospital falling behind its target for in-patient operations. North Hampshire Hospital NHS Trust chief executive Mark Davies told his board at its monthly meeting: "Obviously it is a worrying
A NEW chairman of the North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority has taken up his post this week. Nigel Humphreys, 62,started his job on Monday after being appointed by Health Secretary Alan Milburn. Mr Humphreys joins the health authority after four years
Today's Principal Arrivings: Hyundai Highness, container, 0100, 206; Autofreighter, vehicle carrier, 0700, 201/2; Hockenheim, vehicle carrier, 0700, 105; Autotransporter, vehicle carrier, 1230, 201 link; Inka Dede, container, 1300, 205W; Faust, vehicle
Elliot Burgess was praising the might of the media after thieves did an about turn and returned his racing motor bikes to their Kent workshop. Alresford road racer Burgess had his Christmas shattered when the brand new R6 Yamaha were stolen from the Slipstream
BANISTER PARK are one step away from the national stages of the English Women's Indoor BA fours championship after a convincing 19-8 victory over Wendy Line's Atherley rink. Joan Ryan, Olive Smith, Wendy Berry and skip Midge Pitter took the match by the
HAMPSHIRE will be praying for an Andy Thomson-Gary Smith World Pairs Championship win tonight. For if the England duo triumph in Norfolk, it would rule them out of Kent's Liberty Trophy quarter-final against Hampshire at Camberley on Sunday - which could
HEDGE End police may have been glad of one man and his dog this morning after a flock of 15 sheep gave them the run around. The woolly escapees were first spotted in the front garden of a home in Tanhouse Lane. But they then headed on to Heath House Lane
Double cancer sufferer Penny Ralph puts aside her own suffering to spend her time and energy helping others For most people, to be told you have an incurable cancer would be a shock, then to learn a year later, that you have breast cancer, would be devastating
POLICE are appealing to the driver of a green car travelling through Romsey on Monday night to come forward because he or she may have witnessed an attempted robbery. Det Con Jeff Cox, of Romsey CID, said a 21-year-old woman was walking past the Romsey
A HAMPSHIRE nursery has been taken to the High Court in a test case that could prune millions of pounds from Britain's nursery industry. The Environment Agency is concerned that Hillier Nurseries, at Ampfield, near Romsey, does not recycle its pots and
TRANSPORT measures to help tackle congestion and pollution in historic Winchester have won civic chiefs a national award. Over recent years, extensive work has been carried out by Hampshire County Council and the city council to improve the quality of
HOCKEY:Second-placed Hamble Old Boys consolidated their position towards the top of Hampshire Division 1, despite being held 1-1 draw at home to Wimborne. Hamble, only two points behind the leaders with a game in hand, allowed a number of good chances
POLICE hunting burglars who targeted old people's homes in the Botley and Fair Oak areas last night have appealed for information that could help track down the raiders. All three sheltered-accommodation housing units were broken into between 3.30pm and
Bus and train group Stagecoach today signalled its departure from airport management by selling Glasgow Prestwick International to a New Zealand investment firm for £33.4 million. The deal spells the end of the company's three-year interest in airports
The former Turner and Newell site in Ringwood has been sold to Morrish Builders for an undisclosed sum. The site, a former foundry and engineering works, provides 14,756 sq metres of factory accommodation on 6.94 hectares of land. The foundry was previously
Supermarket giant Asda has announced plans to provide photographic, optical and pharmacy services at dozens more of its stores, creating 870 jobs. The chain plans to more than double its current tally of 36 dispensing chemists, adding the service to 58
RAIDERS lifted a 92-year-old woman off the bed in which she was sleeping so they could search for money under her mattress. The pensioner from Bishopstoke was terrified after she woke to find three intruders in her terraced home in Hamilton Road. The
THE BATTLE for the South's railways today took another twist after a company bidding for the lucrative southern franchise unveiled a £4.5 billion plan to transform South West Trains. GNER Holdings set out their proposals for the network which the company
Shipping editor Keith Hamilton meets the personnel of Southampton's Vessel Traffic Services - the eyes and ears of the port. Southampton Water is one of the busiest marine highways in Europe, a stretch of water vital to the nation's economy and international
A JUDGE has locked up two drunks who attacked a disabled driver, while his wife and a friend looked on in horror. The fracas happened late at night by a set of traffic lights in Shirley, Southampton, after the victim, Gordon Rowland, began reversing his
DIVERS and archaeologists from across the South have welcomed the news that anyone handing in items found in or near the sea will have immunity from prosecution. As reported in the Daily Echo yesterday, the Southampton-based Maritime and Coastguard Agency
UNDERTAKERS were today holding an open day - for people who want their funerals sorted years before they die. Simplicity Funerals, in Southampton, is inviting anyone interested in ensuring their last dying wishes are met to attend the event. Whether it's
RICHARD Branson's £5.5million Virgin Life Centre has been sent back to the drawing board by Test Valley Borough Council because of planning concerns. The council's southern area planning committee last night deferred its approval of the £5.5million project
TENNIS: Rob Gatrell, one of six professional players based at the Hampshire Tennis & Health Club, West End, just missed out on a place in the main draw of the Girobank Tour tournament taking place at the club this week. Gatrell won two qualifying
A REVOLUTIONARY low-tech bridge design is helping conservationists to nurse damaged New Forest mires back to health. The special causeways have been put in along three of the most important wetland areas in the Forest - Holmhill and Redhill near Brockenhurst
A HUGE pile of comments on plans to give the New Forest national park status is being studied by Countryside Agency staff on behalf of the government. When the deadline for comments closed at the weekend about 3,000 had been received from individuals,
ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners have hit out at criticism of a planned super tram scheme. Gosport and Fareham Friends of the Earth ( FoE) welcome the idea of the light rapid transit network between the two towns. Critics say the real need is for major improvements
In recent years, a string of big-name stars have sought sanctuary and solace at Marchwood. But while most check in to The Priory, Glenn Hoddle has found his salvation at the tranquil surrounds of Saints' Staplewood training ground. Shielded from the outside
YOUNGSTERS in West End will be able to keep up to date with the latest news from their youth club thanks to a council-backed cash boost. Members of Eastleigh Borough Council's local area committee have agreed to allocate £400 to West End Youth Club to
COUNCILLORS, campaigning for waste to be delivered to a new incinerator by barge, have vowed to keep up the pressure. Hampshire Waste Services (HWS) has been given planning permission to build a £30 million burner, pictured, on part of the old Powergen
Justin Rose has landed a place in tomorrow's South African Open Golf Championship at East London - without having to play in the qualifying competition. The 20-year-old from Hook in Hampshire was disappointed to learn he had to qualify after finishing
A SHOWCASE of talent has dazzled more than 400 youngsters at Testwood School in Totton at their specially staged rock concert. The main bands performing were Orange Street and Transition, both comprised of pupils from the school. In between sets the audience
COUNTRYSIDE campaigners have hit out at plans to build 325 homes on former farmland on the edge of the New Forest. Stanborough Developments has submitted two planning applications to develop large areas of land near the Safeway superstore in Michigan
SHARP-SHOOTING Steve Jones got all four goals for Totton last night as they moved fifth in the Jewson Wessex League with a 4-1 triumph at Downton. Jones - son-in-law of manager Ian Robinson - responded to being dropped to the bench in recent games by
ARE you the fifth of our "famous five" faces in the crowd? Congratulations - you are now £20 richer thanks to The Gazette Extra Faces in the Crowd competition! To check out the other four winners, check your copy of this week's Gazette Extra. Our photographers
Rob Gatrell, one of six professional players based at the Hampshire Tennis & Health Club, West End, just missed out on a place in the main draw of the Girobank Tour tournament taking place at the club this week. Gatrell won two qualifying matches
Elliot Burgess was praising the might of the media after thieves did an about turn and returned his racing motor bikes to their Kent workshop. Alresford road racer Burgess had his Christmas shattered when the brand new R6 Yamaha were stolen from the Slipstream
Ex-British Davis Cup player Chris Wilkinson makes his Honda Challenge debut as a doubles entrant when the tournament returns to the Royal Albert Hall this week. The 30-year-old from Fair Oak never failed to produce his best form in front of the London
ATHERLEY'S quest to become English indoor club champions was halted by Wey Valley's Young stars in a 78-68 defeat in the sixth round of the Canada Life Denny Cup. Although Atherley won overall in Surrey and took one of the contests at Hill Lane, they
BANISTER Park are closing in on qualification for the next stage of the Famous Grouse Four Nations Top Ten Classic after scoring a 15-0 maximum against Bournemouth. The match was virtually a decider for the runners-up spot - Banister Park are still third
A RUNAWAY 29-12 win for Ron Oakes over Neil O'Donovan at Salisbury was the decisive rink as Five Rivers beat Palmerston 82-69 in the Egham Trophy. Palmerston's Livi Bell was pipped 22-20 by Richard Hindley in the other contest at Five Rivers and not even
MORE youngsters are using Hedge End Youth Town Council as a platform to have a say on events and facilities they would like to see provided, senior town councillors have been told. The encouraging surge of youngsters with bright ideas has been put down
If you're looking for a fun and sexy way to get fit, try the Latino rhythms of salsa and tango. DANCING the tango and the salsa is exciting, challenging, passionate, sexy and good for your mind as well as your body - according to one Southampton woman
The New Year diet has failed. The siren call of chocolate cake, booze and crisps has proved too much for most dieters who were determined to lose weight in January. On top of those irresistible treats, the resolutions to eat healthily have fallen by the
First heavy rain of the year began falling just a few hours too soon, turning the course chosen for the Inter-area Cyclo-cross championships at Bristol into a quagmire and deterring all but the most determined to take part in the fourth reliability ride
ONE of the South's most popular gardens, Mottisfont Abbey, near Romsey, is celebrating its 800th anniversary with a program of events. More than 85,000 people already flock to the National Trust property every year to take in the garden renowned for its
GOODS worth more than £1,200 were stolen from a home in Budds Lane, Romsey. Police said the ground floor window was forced and an antique necklace, engagement ring and video recorder were stolen.
WINCHESTER animal activists are maintaining the pressure in their campaign against a controversial laboratory. They targeted banks said to be involved with Huntingdon Life Sciences in Cambridgeshire. Earlier this month, members of Winchester Animal Concern
KING Alfred's College in Winchester is selling off its student village to pay for the restoration of a listed building at its new campus. Eager developers are poised to bid for the Chilbolton Court flats, off Sarum Road, which was put on the market by
WINCHESTER Theatre Royal bosses have won extra cash support to help in meeting a shortfall with their fundraising. The city council has agreed to give the theatre a further £25,000 grant to help cover the cost of technical equipment. The chairman of the
IT IS back. After a three-week break flooding returned last night to plague Hampshire. Firefighters dealt with 11 calls as heavy rainfall saw water enter buildings in the Alresford, Alton, Lower Froyle, Beech, Fleet and Long Sutton areas. The Environment
SHARP-SHOOTING Steve Jones got all four goals for Totton last night as they moved fifth in the Jewson Wessex League with a 4-1 triumph at Downton. Jones - son-in-law of manager Ian Robinson - responded to being dropped to the bench in recent games by
SOUTHAMPTON University Players take a nostalgic look back at the 1930s in their latest production, Dancing at Lughnasa. The moving play, now being performed at the Nuffield Theatre, Southampton, is set in County Doneghal just before the festival of Lughnasa
A CLASSIC example of British humour comes to St Cross, near Winchester, next month when the St Cross Drama Group gets to grips with Don't Just Lie There, Say Something. The old-fashioned farce revolves around the efforts of a double-barrelled MP to stamp
THE BATTLE for the South's railways today took another twist after a company bidding for the lucrative southern franchise unveiled a £4.5 billion plan to transform South West Trains. GNER Holdings set out their proposals for the network which the company
A BRAVE shop assistant was praised today after preventing raiders from stealing cash at a Southampton newsagents. The woman, who has not been named, screamed repeatedly and clung hold of the cash register as two men wearing balaclavas tried to wrestle
SOUTHAMPTON General Hospital can now boast first-class facilities in its special youngster's accident and emergency unit. And the first patient, three-year-old Katie Brown, soon felt at home as she was treated in the state-of-the-art suite. Katie, from
IT MUST be the canine equivalent of having the shirt taken off your back. The little navy number was all that protected Poppy, the wheezy poodle-cross, from the elements as she waited patiently outside a Southampton supermarket. But when her walker returned
MEMORIES in words and pictures of some of Southampton's Asian women go on show at the Clovelly Centre in Nicholstown next Wednesday. The exhibition, called Yaaden, which means "memories" in Hindi and Urdu, illustrates the thoughts of women attending the
Second-placed Hamble Old Boys consolidated their position towards the top of Hampshire Division 1, despite being held 1-1 draw at home to Wimborne. Hamble, only two points behind the leaders with a game in hand, allowed a number of good chances to go
Following last week's win against top-of-the-table Havant, confident Trojans ladies gained another win, 1-0 against Southamptin II. The first half midfield battle produced few chances for either side. But, after half-time, a change of formation meant
FLAMENCO guitarist Juan Martin will be quickening pulses when he brings a touch of Spanish fire to the Ashcroft Arts Centre, Fareham, early next month. Martin, who spent his formative years in Malaga before moving to Madrid in his early 20s to study under
THE race is on to get Lymington Quay shipshape in time for the Easter rush of visiting yachtsmen and women. Contractors working on an £850,000 scheme to strengthen the quay wall have hit some unexpected snags and are now working flat out to overcome the
LYMINGTON police are investigating a spate of fuel-line slashing in one small New Forest cul-de-sac. Four vehicles parked along Joys Lane, Norley Wood had their petrol pipes cut on the same night, and fuel stolen to a total value of nearly £100. In one
THE WIFE of a Hampshire businessman, who suspected her husband of infidelity used technology to get her own back. Instead of confronting Paul Evans, his wife Tracey switched on his computer and sent an e-mail to 50 of his most important business contacts
Previous winner Mike Twomey (pictured) narrowly lost out to Bournemouth's Mike Grist in the battle for glory in the Romsey 5 Road Race. The well-established event, organised by Concept Sport, suffered from a deterioration in the weather conditions, reducing
A HANDBAG stolen from a car contained a £200 necklace and £100 cash. Thieves smashed a side window and took the bag from the car parked on Down End Road, Fareham, between 3.30pm and 4.20pm last Friday.
RAIDERS lifted a 92-year-old woman off the bed in which she was sleeping so they could search for money under her mattress. The pensioner from Bishopstoke was terrified after she woke to find three intruders in her terraced home in Hamilton Road. The
SAINTS boss Glenn Hoddle has one of the smallest strike forces in the Premiership but maintains he's happy with his lot. This is despite Saints losing valuable points this season due to a lack of a cutting edge. According to Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier
When Glenn Hoddle took over at The Dell a year ago, the key question for many fans was how he would use Matthew Le Tissier. After all, Hoddle had broken their hero's heart by leaving him out of his squad for France '98 even though he had scored a hat-trick
SAINTS youngsters will face a jalapeno-hot time in Chile when they jet off on a voyage of discovery, and at the same time cement links with their South American partners. Southampton's Under-17s will take part in a tournament hosted by Deportivo de Universidad
A REVOLUTIONARY low-tech bridge design is helping conservationists to nurse damaged New Forest mires back to health. The special causeways have been put in along three of the most important wetland areas in the Forest - Holmhill and Redhill near Brockenhurst
OH NO, it isn't! Oh yes, it is! Pantomime time starts in Lyndhurst with a production of Dick Whittington - this week! Village thespians will transport the audience from Lyndhurst's Vernon Theatre to medieval London and oriental Morocco, with the tale
A HAMPSHIRE school is playing host to a night for women next month. The Greg School at Townhill Park House in Cutbush Lane, West End, is holding an evening of traditional affairs of womankind on Thursday, February 1, from 7pm. Tickets at £5 are available
