James Chittick

Westhoughton Carnival returned to Central Park for the first time since 2007, drawing thousands of visitors to fairground rides, food stalls, live entertainment, community displays and a dog show. Organised by Howfen Wakes, the event revived a tradition that had disappeared largely because of rising road-closure costs and was officially opened by Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant. Bolton Lions Club raised money for local causes and promoted grants of up to £250 for small community projects. The strong turnout reinforced hopes that the carnival can become a major annual event in Westhoughton again.

Mohammad Bashir was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 16 years and 135 days, after admitting preparation of terrorist acts targeting the UK Defence Academy in Shrivenham. CCTV, phone records and cloud data showed Bashir and Jihad Al-Shamie researching military sites, weapons and security arrangements, discussing martyrdom and conducting hostile reconnaissance at the academy. Investigators said the pair appeared serious about carrying out an attack likely to cause multiple fatalities. Bashir was arrested after returning from Pakistan following the investigation into Al-Shamie’s later synagogue attack, but prosecutors found no evidence that he knew about those plans. He will also face terrorism notification requirements and a Serious Crime Prevention Order if released.