THREE cheers for 34 year old Mark Beaumont, from Perthshire, who has broken the world record for cycling around the world in 79 days – 44 days shorter than the previous record.
He arrived at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris one day ahead of schedule after cycling 18,000 miles and an average of 240 miles per day, reports The Independent.
The Daily Express tell us that the powerboat in which Sir Malcolm Campbell set the world water speed record is to return to action.
In recent years it has undergone extensive restoration and its owner Karl Foulkes Halbard is planning a run on Bewl Water Reservoir in Kent later this month.
“We have rebuilt the engine and electrics and the Bewl Water date will be a test of those systems.
"As the largest stretch of open water in the South East and being so close to our base in Sussex, Bewl Water is the ideal place for this test run and, all being well, the public will get a great view of Bluebird K3 back in action,” said Karl.
Still going strong at 98 is animal campaigner Sally Field who has been helping at the RSPCA's Millbook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey for 37 years.
Paying tribute to her, the Daily Mirror says that Sally Still walks 10 dogs twice a week – as well as her neighbour’s five dogs as well as helping in the centre's snack bar and on fundraising days.
She commented: “I love animals and I’ve always been passionate about their welfare. I don’t sit indoors watching the telly. People say I should rest more, and I say, ‘Are you joking?’ I don’t feel any different than when I was in my 50s.
“The kennels is my life. I always look forward to going up there. I’ll never stop doing it. I’ll keep going until I’m finished.”
Penstioner Anthea Connell, from West Bridgford in Nottinghamshire, is planning to sell a 'love note' from legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix at auction for an estimated £3,000.
The Daily Express tells us that 69 year old Anthea was handed a signed guitar strings packet after catching the eye of the American rock legend at a concert at the Boston Gilderdrome in Lincolnshire in 1967.
She was watching Hendrix warm up when he wandered over and started talking to her. He handed her a letter on the back of his guitar strings packet, which read: 'To Anthea. Love and kisses to you forever. I wish I could really talk to you. Stay sweet. Jimi Hendrix.'
The note will now go under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire, on October 23.
Anthea commented: “I was totally awestruck - Jimi Hendrix was a complete icon. He turned to his band members on the stage and asked one of the guys to give him something to write on.
“He came back with a guitar strings packet, which may well have been his. He proceeded to write me this wonderful message on the back.”
THE Daily Express tells us that the Royal Mail has launched a series of stamps commemorating famous British children's toys from the last 100 years.
They include the Sindy doll and Action Man, Frank Hornby's Meccano, the Merrythought bear; Spirograph; Stickle Bricks; W Britain toy figures; Space Hopper; Fuzzy-Felt and Hornby Dublo trains.
Royal Mail spokesman Philip Parker said: “British toymakers enjoyed a reputation for quality and innovation, and these nostalgic stamps celebrate 10 wonderful toys that have endured through the decades.”
VISITORS to London are going to miss out – on the sound of Big Ben.
The Daily Express reports that the clock's famous 'bongs' will be silenced for four years to protect workers who are renovating the Elizabeth Tower which houses Big Ben and its bell.
They will still ring out for important national events such as New Year's Eve and Remembrance Sunday but this will be the longest period Big Ben has been silenced in its 157-year history.
Steve Jags, the keeper of the Great Clock, said: “Big Ben falling silent is a significant milestone in this crucial conservation project.
“This essential programme of works will safeguard the clock on a long term basis, as well as protecting and preserving its home - the Elizabeth Tower.”