Nathan Bevan

Ethel Caterham, the world’s oldest living person, celebrates her 117th birthday with family and friends at her care home in Lightwater, Surrey. Born in 1908, she has lived through two world wars, survived Covid-19 at age 110, worked as an au pair in India, established a nursery school in Hong Kong, and raised two daughters. Caterham became the oldest living person in April 2025 following the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas. The record for the oldest person ever remains held by Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.

Ethel Caterham, who lives in Lightwater, Surrey, is set to celebrate her 117th birthday as the world's oldest living person. She assumed the title in April 2025 after the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas. Born in 1909, Caterham has lived through two world wars, survived COVID-19 at age 110, worked as an au pair in India, lived in Hong Kong, and raised two daughters with her husband Norman. She was visited by King Charles after her 116th birthday. The record for the longest human lifespan remains held by Jeanne Calment, who lived to 122 years and 164 days.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service will hold a free summer open day at Surrey County Council’s Reigate headquarters on Saturday, featuring live demonstrations, firefighter crews, engines and access to the Surrey Fire Museum. The event will raise funds for the Fire Fighters Charity. Museum exhibits include historic equipment, photographs and medals, including George Windibank’s long-service award and a commendation for Lingfield Fire Station’s rescue of people trapped by flooding. Lingfield Fire Station recently reopened after a two-year refurbishment.

Prolonged hot and dry weather has left grassroots sports pitches across south-east England cracked, uneven and potentially unsafe. The Football Association has issued guidance, while the Rugby Football Union has suspended fixtures until 21 September. Clubs in Surrey face postponed matches, disrupted training and reduced revenue, with officials urged to assess pitches individually. Gillingham FC is coping through tanks that collect and store rainwater, while Kent County Cricket Club has invested about £50,000 in a sustainable irrigation and borehole system to reduce reliance on mains water.

A Valentine's Day card Amy Winehouse sent to her then-husband Blake Fielder-Civil in 2008 is due to be auctioned at Ewbank's in Woking on 26 August 2026, with an estimated value of up to £4,000. The card was sent after Fielder-Civil was jailed for attacking a pub landlord and perverting the course of justice, despite Winehouse having filed for divorce and being on holiday with a new partner. Their divorce was finalized uncontested in July 2009. The card is part of an auction featuring around 500 pieces of rock memorabilia, including signed guitars and autographed albums.

YouTube personalities Zoe Sugg, known as Zoella, and Alfie Deyes have received approval to build a donkey sanctuary on a five-acre field near their home in Hassocks, West Sussex. The plans include animal enclosures, stables, shepherd huts, tractor parking and a pond. Mid Sussex District Council has required archaeological investigation before construction because the area may contain Roman, Anglo-Saxon or prehistoric remains. Residents raised concerns about the development’s effect on views, traffic, public paths and existing gates and fencing.

An HGV fire on the anti-clockwise M25 between junctions six and five near Westerham caused major tailbacks after the motorway was closed. Fire crews worked to unload the lorry and extinguish the blaze, while a single lane was later opened on the hard shoulder. National Highways had no estimate for a full reopening and diversions were being arranged. No injuries were reported.

Cafe owner Steven Doorey-Williams rescued three children struggling in rough water off Dumpton Gap near Broadstairs, Kent. After hearing cries for help, he used a life ring to bring two children back to shore and then returned for a third. Local residents and the RNLI praised his actions, while the RNLI reminded the public not to enter the water unnecessarily and advised calling 999 or 112 for the coastguard, encouraging people in trouble to float on their backs and using a lifebuoy or other flotation aid.

Lingfield Fire Station in Surrey is due to reopen on 14 August 2026 after a two-year refurbishment funded by Surrey County Council. During the work, its crew and vehicles operated from Oxted. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service says the modernisation has created a more sustainable facility for crews, and an open day will mark the reopening, with proceeds donated to the Fire Fighters Charity.

More than 3,230 properties across Kent experienced low pressure or no water after high demand during hot, dry weather. South East Water said it was using tankers, running treatment facilities at maximum output and delivering bottled water to vulnerable residents and key sites, with restoration targeted for Friday. Ulcombe had faced disruption since 24 July, while burst mains caused further problems in Kent and West Sussex. The failures have intensified scrutiny of South East Water, which has been ordered by Ofwat to spend £30.5m on infrastructure improvements and could face a £22m fine over earlier disruptions affecting 286,000 people; the company also reports £1.3bn in debt.

Water supplies were being gradually restored in Tonbridge after a burst main on Shipbourne Road disrupted service for about 7,600 properties at its peak. South East Water said the repair was complete but that supplies were being restored in a controlled manner, while bottled-water stations remained available and some interruptions continued elsewhere in Kent. The outage occurred during hot, dry weather and a hosepipe ban, adding to scrutiny of South East Water after repeated failures, extensive leakage and a proposed £22 million Ofwat fine.

Children aged 15 and under can travel free on participating bus services across Kent throughout August as part of the government-funded Great British Summer Savings scheme. Operators include Fastrack, Arriva, Stagecoach, NuVenture, Chalkwell and Go-Ahead. Kent County Council says the initiative will help families during the school holidays, improve access to local activities and encourage more sustainable public transport use. On the Isle of Sheppey, Travelmasters is also offering £2 fares on its 360 Sunday service during August.

Families on Sheppey say they have been offered secondary school places in Faversham, up to 27 miles away, because local schools are oversubscribed. Lee-Anne Moore, who has home-schooled her 11-year-old daughter Lilian, says the journey would require an early start, public transport and no designated school bus, creating unacceptable safety and practical concerns. Councillors accuse Kent County Council of failing to meet its safeguarding responsibilities, while the council says it has worked with Leigh Academies Trust to create additional Year 7 places at Leigh Academy Minster. The trust says it admitted 30 extra pupils in each of the previous two years but must balance capacity with the needs of existing students.

Charities across South East England risk being unable to pay staff and suppliers after CAF Bank suspended online banking access on 24 July following suspected cyber fraud reports. Maidstone-based 21 Together and other grassroots organizations say they have been unable to access their money, received inconsistent information and lost confidence in the bank. CAF Bank chief executive Alison Taylor apologized, said the core banking system remains unaffected, and explained that a third-party software issue is being investigated while urgent payments such as payroll are prioritized.

People in Kent and Sussex have been urged to use water only for essential needs as South East Water warns that prolonged hot, dry weather and low rainfall have reduced storage levels. The company says all 2.4 million customers in its supply area are covered by a temporary usage ban and that preventing homes from losing water is its priority. Temperatures in Kent reached 33°C, while a hosepipe ban is already in effect across parts of southern England.

Olympic skeleton champion Matt Weston received an honorary Doctor of the University degree from the University of Kent during graduation ceremonies in Canterbury. The 29-year-old from Crowborough won individual and team gold at the Milan Cortina Winter Games, becoming the first British Winter Olympian to win two medals at the same Games. Weston described the award as a major honour after a whirlwind period that included public recognition, marriage and surgery for injuries sustained during competition. He plans to return to racing later this year and prepare for the next four-year Olympic cycle. Other honorees included educator Matt Green, charity founder Maya Amangeldiyeva, Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin and comedy trio Pappy’s.

Godstone High Street is scheduled to reopen on Friday, 31 July 2026, after being closed for nearly 18 months because of a major sinkhole. SES Water is completing the final stages of its on-site work, following Surrey County Council’s road repairs and resurfacing. The closure forced evacuations, disrupted local businesses and led to requests for further rate relief, while repair costs had reached £2.3 million by January.

Nineteen-year-old Chan Mathok Atak, originally from Sudan, has denied piloting a rigid inflatable boat carrying 165 migrants across the English Channel and endangering lives at sea. Prosecutors allege he was one of two people controlling the overcrowded, poor-quality vessel, which was intercepted by Border Force near Dover. Atak was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on 24 August. The case follows the creation of a government offence targeting people who steer small boats across the Channel. French authorities are separately investigating the death of a man recovered from French waters, although the court heard no evidence linking his death to the crossing.

Nearly 1,000 properties in Ditchling and Burgess Hill, East Sussex, experienced no water or low pressure after two separate South East Water mains burst. Residents reported water bubbling through Queens Crescent, while Dentalessence dental clinic said it might have to close after its supplies ran out. South East Water said technicians were working to limit the disruption, with repairs requiring road closures and bottled-water deliveries for affected customers. The outages occurred shortly after the company introduced a hosepipe ban across Sussex and several neighbouring counties.

Thousands of homes in East Sussex are without water or experiencing low pressure due to an unforeseen issue tied to planned works and a complex leak repair by South East Water. The company expects supplies to return by early afternoon and has set up bottled water delivery for priority customers along with collection stations in several locations. The disruption coincides with the first day of new CEO John Halsall, following the departure of David Hinton amid criticism of the utility’s performance.

Three schools in Hersham, Surrey, were temporarily locked down after reports of an armed individual nearby. Armed officers responded and arrested two 18-year-old men. Authorities described the lockdown as a precaution to protect students and staff. The situation was resolved within hours, and an investigation is ongoing.

A community arts initiative in Folkestone led by the Folkestone Performing Arts Company invites residents affected by food poverty to share their experiences through storytelling performances. Artistic director Matthew Hahn aims to use theatre to highlight the area's challenges, influence local policymakers and encourage systemic change. The project engages participants through interactive involvement and seeks to build understanding of the rising cost of good-quality food and reliance on food banks.

About 500 artworks by Peter Firmin, co-creator of classic children’s TV characters including Bagpuss and Basil Brush, were discovered at his Kent home and will be auctioned online in late July and early August. The collection includes original illustrations, storyboards, models and personal art found during the clearance of his family farmhouse. Canterbury Auction Galleries is organising the sale, while the Firmin family is donating the original Bagpuss and Clangers figures to Canterbury’s Beaney museum. Firmin’s collaborations with Oliver Postgate and highlights such as the first Ivor the Engine comic strip are among the notable items.

A Transport Focus survey of more than 9,500 drivers rated the M20 in Kent and the A30 from London to Cornwall as England’s best major roads with 79% satisfaction, while Hampshire’s M27 ranked worst at 56% amid complaints about long-running roadworks. Overall satisfaction in the South East rose to 72%, above the national average, with improvements in roadwork management and safety perceptions. Transport Focus highlighted progress but noted areas needing further attention as National Highways prepares major renewal works. National Highways said improvements in road conditions and incident response are benefiting drivers and supporting communities.

A serial burglar, Gledis Uka, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple offences committed across South East England between 2023 and 2025. Investigators linked seasonal burglaries in several counties through forensic evidence, ultimately identifying and arresting Uka in early 2026. Kent Police highlighted the complex, multi‑year investigation and noted Uka’s lack of remorse as he targeted homes for jewellery and sentimental items.

Badshot Lea FC joint manager Adam New has been banned from football until late January following an incident in which he unintentionally squirted water at a referee during an April match against Tooting & Mitcham United. The Football Association upheld the sanction after a hearing and appeal, prompting the club to express disappointment at the severity while appointing Lee Dyson as New’s replacement. Chairman Mark Broad affirmed continued support for New and said the club’s focus was now on the upcoming season.

A Surrey police officer’s family renewed calls for information about her death in Corfu as their MP pressed the Home Office to accelerate cooperation with Greek authorities. Parliamentary exchanges highlighted unanswered requests to interview two British women present at the scene. Ongoing delays in the Greek investigation have forced a sixth adjournment of the UK inquest. Family members appealed for anyone in Kavos at the time to come forward, while UK and Greek authorities confirmed the case remains in the preliminary investigation stage.

Fire crews are responding to a fire at the disused College of the Holy Child Jesus in St Leonards, where smoke has prompted safety warnings for nearby residents. Police and UK Power Networks are assisting at the scene, and no injuries have been reported.

Police investigating the fatal stabbings of Adrian Horton and Uschi Schild in St Leonards released CCTV images of a man sought only as a potential witness. Sean Gray has been charged with the murders and is due to face trial in November. Detectives urged anyone who recognises the man to contact Sussex Police, stressing that he is not a suspect.

The son of Craig and Lindsay Foreman, a British couple imprisoned in Iran on espionage charges they deny, visited Parliament to push for stronger diplomatic action as their health deteriorates during a hunger strike. Joe Bennett described public backing as vital while expressing deep concern over the couple's worsening condition and lack of medical care. UK officials, including the Foreign Office and the ambassador to Tehran, continue efforts to secure their release, calling the incarceration unjustified.

A £3.1m investment has upgraded radiology services at Medway Maritime Hospital in Kent, replacing its interventional radiology machine with a more advanced model that improves image quality, lowers radiation doses and shortens procedures. Staff say the upgrade increases capacity, reduces waiting times for cancer patients and supports a wide range of critical treatments while providing long-term financial benefits by reducing outsourcing.

Victorian-era arches supporting Brighton’s King’s Road will be replaced after £22 million in government funding was secured to prevent structural failure along the busy seafront route. Brighton & Hove City Council called the investment vital and will add £3.9 million toward the next two phases of the project, which aim to reinforce the road, support local businesses, and improve nearby public spaces. Work is scheduled through 2029, covering areas between the i360, the bandstand, and Shelter Hall.

A car crash on the A20 in Sellindge left a 46‑year‑old passenger dead and the 44‑year‑old driver critically injured after their Mini Cooper struck a tree. Emergency services declared the passenger dead at the scene, and the driver was airlifted to a London hospital. Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses to help determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Two paddleboarders were swept out to sea off Brighton after strong tidal currents carried them away, prompting a rescue by Brighton RNLI. One of the pair, Jake Patten, called for help using a phone kept in a waterproof pouch, and the lifeboat crew brought them safely back to shore. RNLI volunteer helm Phil Jones warned that calm weather can be deceptive and advised paddleboarders to check conditions, wear flotation devices, paddle with others and stay with their board if they get into difficulty.

A South East Water hosepipe ban has taken effect across Kent due to high temperatures and record water demand. Residents face restrictions on using hosepipes for gardening, vehicle cleaning and filling pools, with violations punishable by fines up to £1,000. Businesses that rely on hosepipes for core operations are exempt. The company says the ban will remain until water demand returns to manageable levels, acknowledging customer frustration while stressing the need to protect essential supplies.

A wildfire has broken out on Whitmoor Common near Guildford, prompting Surrey Fire and Rescue Service to deploy 10 appliances to contain the blaze covering about one hectare. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area and for nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed. The site, previously affected by a larger fire in April, remains vulnerable during dry conditions, according to Surrey Wildlife Trust.

Former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani expressed disappointment after England overturned an early deficit to defeat DR Congo in a World Cup match in Atlanta. Two late goals from Harry Kane secured England’s progression to the last 16. Zakuani praised DR Congo’s strong first‑half game plan and goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s performance but said England’s substitutions eventually overwhelmed the team.