Matt Rooks-Taylor

John Hanson Community School in Andover celebrated its GCSE results, including Bethany P’s ten grade 9s and one grade 8, matching the school’s highest individual performance since the 9-to-1 grading system was introduced. Aidan B and Finn W each achieved two grade 9s, ten grade 8s and six grade 7s. The school reported 100% pass rates in Dance, Statistics and GCSE PE, and pass rates above 90% in Triple Science and German, while leaders praised pupils, staff, families and the wider community.

Pupils across Andover celebrated their GCSE results at Harrow Way Community School, Rookwood School, Lift Winton and John Hanson. Harrow Way recorded its best-ever results, while standout performances included Bethany P's ten Grade 9s and a Grade 8 at John Hanson and Jess Lincoln's Grade 9s in science. Students are progressing to A-levels, college courses, BTECs and apprenticeships, including engineering, with many celebrating alongside their families before beginning their next stage of education or employment.

David Berridge of Newbury, who operates as The Van of Dave, pleaded guilty after waste from a bin store clearance was found illegally dumped on Apsley Lane in Hurstbourne Priors. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council traced the rubbish to the clearance and found incomplete transfer documentation, no identified disposal facility and no matching disposal records. Berridge was fined £130, ordered to pay a £52 victim surcharge and £1,190 in prosecution costs, while the council warned licensed waste carriers that they remain responsible for lawful disposal.

James Albert Kempster, 39, and Diane Rosemary Kempster, 61, have been charged after a man in his 50s was struck by a vehicle on Netherton Road in Hurstbourne Tarrant near Andover on October 24, 2024. The victim suffered life-changing injuries. James Kempster faces charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, while Diane Kempster faces the conspiracy charge.

Benjamin Coombes, 21, admitted four counts of dangerous driving after filming himself performing aggressive sideways manoeuvres in a silver BMW at locations in Fleet and Andover and posting the footage on Instagram. Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court imposed concurrent 24-week prison sentences, suspended for 12 months, because of his early guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. He must complete 50 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, pay £234 in costs and surcharge, and remain disqualified from driving for 12 months or until passing an extended test.