FOR the first time ever Sussex residents will be voting for their policing representative later this year.

PREPARATIONS are already underway for the town’s popular Jack-in-the-Green festivities.

THE NUMBER of people waiting longer than 18 weeks for treatment such as joint replacements has risen by 35 per cent under Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust in the last year.

This month marks the first anniversary of photographer Giles Duley’s horrific accident in Afghanistan in which he became a triple amputee.

Reporter RICHARD GLADSTONE speaks to him to see how he has coped with his devastating injuries and how he is getting his life back together.

HIGH-SPEED broadband should soon be a reality for residents of Hastings and St Leonards, with BT confirming it was still on schedule for Spring.

A LETTER discovered by a historian in a box of war memorabilia from the Old Town has revealed the bravery of a sinking ship’s captain.

A BEREAVED woman, who suffered the sudden loss of her partner, has set up a support group to help others in her position.

WORK by a local artist has been selected from almost 900 entries to appear in a national exhibition.

A NEW initiative to encourage people to volunteer in their community is to launch in a matter of weeks, thanks to a £280,000 Government grant.

MUSCLEMEN from across 1066 Country are being invited to lock horns in a charity strongman contest.

A CALL for action has been made for a former language school which has been left derelict for years.

TRIBUTES have been paid to the town’s longest serving member of the Labour party, who has died.

THE landlady of an Old Town pub is selling up after 10 years in the wake of rising costs and dwindling customer numbers.

TWO boys spent a morning clearing rubbish after being caught vandalising a car park with graffiti.

A HOSEPIPE ban may still be on the cards for households across 1066 Country after one of the driest years since the infamous summer of 1976.

A PETITION has been launched to keep historic venue St Mary-in-the-Castle as an arts centre, when the current contract comes to an end this summer.

A PATIENT at a mental health unit was found dead in bed by a nurse.

THE NUMBER of people starting apprenticeships in Hastings and Rye last year more than doubled to 980.

STUDENTS got information on a variety of jobs options at a careers fair hosted by Parkwood Sixth Form.

THE breeding season will soon be underway and the RSPB is urging people who have not yet put up their nesting boxes to do so this weekend.