A ten-year-old girl has become one of the first girl scouts to get every single Beaver and Cub activity badge
Image by: Beth Shaw
A ten-year-old girl has become one of the first to get every single Beaver and Cub activity badge.
Willow Woolhouse completed every activity badge possible when she was in the Beavers, and last week received her final Cub achievement.
But getting all 57 badges - proudly sewn down the arms of her green sweater - was far from easy.
She had to learn to horse ride, become proficient in Morse code, teach herself to cook the perfect omelette and master the martial art of Tang Soo Do - from scratch.
School prefect Willow also had to impress her cub Akela - leader - with her stargazing skills and make her own bird box to get her DIY badge.
The only girl in her cub pack, Willow picked up her final badge last week - a photography patch - awarded for her series of snaps of her proud mum Beth Shaw, 42.
Willow is one of very few girls to get every Beaver and Cub activity badge - Rebecca Hooper, 10, did the same in 2009, when there were fewer cub badges available.
Cub 'sixer' Willow moves up to the Scouts after Christmas - and has her sights set firmly on achieving all 62 badges there.
Willow, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, said: "I feel really happy about getting them all. When I look back on my life I can't picture myself not being a cub or a beaver.
"It's just that friendship with everyone there that's really got me."
Willow joined the 3rd Bramhall beavers when she was five-years-old because she lives opposite the scout hut with mum Beth, and scientist teacher dad Robert, 39.
It took her three years to get all 20 Beavers activity badges she could achieve - plus the Chief Scout Bronze award.
Her first badge - her favourite - was gained for cooking, and was achieved by mastering a series of culinary skills, including making an omelette for her mum.
Willow said: "It was the first time I'd used a frying pan. Since then though eggs are my speciality and I've even invented some original recipes."
She then got 19 more - including ones for cycling, disability awareness and collecting.
Image by: Beth ShawImage by: Beth ShawImage by: Beth ShawImage by: Beth ShawImage by: Beth Shaw
Some were completed at her weekly session, and others at school or home, but documented with photographs she could submit to her leaders.
Willow graduated to cubs aged eight-and-a-half, and began to work through all 37 available badges.
Her favourite was fire safety, which involved an exciting visit to the local station.
She said she only recently realised she'd got all available badges.
Willow added: "Because it was so long ago that I started beavers and I was so young.
"My mum probably told me I had all my beaver badges but I'm not the type of person who remembers that kind of thing.
"Of course, I will be involved with scouts when I am an adult, even thought I have ambitions to be a cosmologist."
She got into star gazing thanks to a scout badge, which prompted her to get a telescope for her birthday.
But despite all the badges, it's the friendship that keeps Willow going back to her weekly club.
She wrote a novel called 'Survival Girls' about her pals' camp adventures, which she hopes will be published one day.
Her proud mum Beth, an operations manager, volunteers with the pack.
She said: "I'm really pleased and proud of her, because these badges are quite difficult to get.
"And she never doesn't want to do them. She's so enthusiastic about putting the work in to get them.
"Sometimes you can submit school work in order to achieve them - sometimes you have to put a lot of new effort into it.
"One of the harder ones she had to learn how to horse ride - but she did it. For her communication badge she needed to learn morse code. They all have to put in a lot of effort.
"At school they say she's very interesting to talk to. She's got a lot of different aspects to her. She doesn't play on computer games, and she's not into TV. She knows about the outdoors and nature and DIY though!
"Her leaders have given her so much support and guidance. They are fantastic role models."
A spokesman for The Scout Association said: “Well done Willow - it’s a real achievement to develop all the skills required to achieve all the Beaver Scout Badges and the Cub Scout Badges.
"To achieve this feat Willow much have shown grit determination and resilience.
"She joins an exclusive and very small group of other Cub Scouts who have gained all their badges and in doing so have develop the skills they will need to make their way in life.
"We are very proud of Willow and of the volunteer Leaders from 3rd Bramhall Cubs that have supported her on her journey. Well done"
Video by: Gabriella Petty
Inspirational teen living with Down's syndrome is busting myths about her condition - through DANCING
Image by: Ellis Wylam
An inspirational teenage girl living with Down's syndrome is busting myths about her condition - through DANCING.
Francesca Goff, 18, was born with the condition which affects around 775 babies each year in the UK and wants others to know the condition is nothing to fear.
Her parents, Annemarie and Frank Goff, initially worried about Francesca and the quality of life she would lead - until their daughter discovered dancing.
But fearless Francesca struts her stuff at every opportunity - and now dances at shows throughout the UK.
Francesca, who this year attended the UN in Geneva to speak about her experiences, is part of three dance groups in Cornwall.
She dances with PicNMix, a group by the Cornwall Down’s Syndrome Support Group, and she is part of the Collective Dance Group and TR14ers - a hip hop community dance charity.
Francesca said: "I like to make my family proud and myself proud and I want to work hard as best as I can.
“I like being with my friends having fun and learning to communicate well and learn new dances.”
In her earlier years, Francesca experienced the typical symptoms of a child with Down’s syndrome - with both her walking and speech delayed.
But now her life has completely transformed, and the family travel from their home in Camborne, Cornwall, so Francesca can dance at Public Health conferences.
Image by: Ellis WylamImage by: Ellis WylamImage by: Ellis Wylam
Annemarie said: “She has always enjoyed dancing.
“Her real love of dancing started in primary school and since then she has performed for local festivals all around Cornwall to raise the profile of Down’s syndrome and show people what they are actually capable of.”
The Goffs have always wanted to spread awareness around Francesca’s life with Down’s Syndrome - but said there is a lot more to be done.
Francesca's father Frank said: “People always ask the question ‘is life tough having a child with Down’s syndrome?’ and my answer is always the same and that is that it is like having any other child.
“But the more people get out there about Down’s syndrome the less afraid of it people are.”
Whilst Francesca knew that she was being treated differently growing up it is not something she says she ever really worried about.
But her sister Cecily, who is two years older, went to the same school as Francesca and said she would notice her sister being treated differently and it would annoy her.
Cecily said: “Sometimes people don’t include her, not because they are nasty people but because they don’t understand and they don’t know how to approach it.
“Down’s syndrome has always been a part of my life so I never thought it was a thing.
“But when I went to secondary schools you get the segregation of kids with special needs but they are fine when they speak to you in the playground.
“It is important that that is exposed and shown as normal and it’s something that needs to be focused on more.”
Helen Laverty, who is the professional lead for Learning Disability Nursing at the University of Nottingham and met Francesca in Geneva, said: “She is never afraid to speak up or out.
“She is the most effective role model for young children and parents with Down’s Syndrome who are just entering the scary world of main stream education.
"Francesca inspires people to dream big.”
Video by: Gabriella Petty
BBC presenter's dress patched up with gaffer tape and clips after bursting open minutes before going live
Image by: Jon Mills
A BBC TV newsreader whose dress burst open minutes before going on air was saved by her colleagues - who patched it up with gaffer tape and bulldog clips.
Points West anchor Liz Beacon, 43, was drafted in at the last minute to present the evening news and rushed home to grab her new and unworn Zara outfit.
But minutes before going live the zip 'popped', leaving the black fitted dress gaping all down her back.
Without time to change, the quick-thinking crew pulled it together using big metal bulldog clips and black gaffer tape - and took a photo to show Liz.
Viewers had no idea of the outfit malfunction when they tuned in to watch the live broadcast just 20 minutes later.
Liz, from Bristol said: "I hadn't worn the dress before and it was a bit sticky when I did the zip up, but I just thought that was because the dress is quite a tight style anyway.
"Never in a million years did I imagine it would burst open half an hour later!
The dress, bought at Cabot Circus shopping centre in Bristol, was a birthday gift from her mother in December.
Liz was looking forward to debuting it on the programme because it was different to her usual presenting outfits.
Image by: Jon MillsImage by: Jon MillsImage by: Jon Mills
She managed to stay composed for the entire 30 minute programme with her dress haphazardly taped and clipped closed behind her.
Liz said: "We go live on air at 6.30pm and at about 6.10pm I felt this pop and thought, I don’t believe this, I think the zip has just gone.
"I asked the director - another Liz - to come and take a look, and when she saw it, she gasped and said 'Quick, get me some clips and some gaffer tape'.
"I had no other options. There is a dressing room here but I don’t store any dresses in there - that will change from now on!
"There were three people helping me in the end, with fellow presenter David Garmston next to me trying to keep me calm.
"It was all hands to the pump - a director, a fellow presenter and a cameraman, all trying to help me in the 20 minutes we had before going live.
"I was still fiddling with it, reaching behind me, trying to make sure the tape was stuck down, as we went on air.
"I couldn’t relax the entire programme, which is most unlike me! I kept feeling it move, and was completely paranoid that it would ping open again."
She has since spoken to Zara regarding the incident and is liaising with their customer services with the hope of organising a replacement.
This cat has visited 43 states in America with her truck driver owner
Image by: David Durst
A 'trucking' cat which has travelled across 43 states in America in her owner's cab has built up a loyal following on Instagram.
Tora is a one-year-old Scottish Straight cat who loves riding in the passenger seat of her owner David Durst's truck.
David, 24, struggled to adopt a cat because agencies did not believe that a feline would have a good quality of life on the road.
Just as he was about to give up, a breeder sent him a picture of the then eight-week old Tora and David knew he had just found the purrfect co-pilot.
Together the pair have visited 43 of the 50 states in the USA, sharing the snaps and videos of their adventures on social media along the way.
The 'Tora The Trucker Cat' Instagram page has built up 12,700 followers.
David said: “We got Tora when she was just eight weeks old and hit the road just three days later.
"She was the bravest little kitten I've ever seen and took to the truck instantly. She loved looking out the window and taking in all the new sights. It was an instant fit.”
“We've been very overwhelmed by the amazing reception Tora has received on social media.
"It's been nothing but an outpouring of love and support, we never imagined such a great response.
"We're very thankful for all of the friends she's made along the way and we can't wait to make even more!”
Image by: David DurstImage by: David DurstImage by: David DurstImage by: David DurstImage by: David Durst
The pair have visited cities such as Sacramento, Austin, Houston, Dallas, and Orlando and plan to visit the remaining five continental states this year.
David said: "Tora loves to get out of the truck and explore, especially in big cities!
“My favorite memory with Tora isn't one of the many places we've been or one of the things we've seen together, it's actually the first time she walked confidently on a leash.
"Getting a cat used to walking on a leash is a daunting task on its own, add in the loud sounds of a truck stop and for some it becomes impossible.
"We were at a truck stop in Zuber, Florida, three weeks into having Tora on the road and took her outside to do some daily harness training.
"As soon as her feet hit the ground, she was exploring! We were outside for nearly two hours waiting for her to get tired. T
"That day was a big step towards all of the adventures the future held.”
Tora has a litterbox in the sleeper of the cab which is twice daily.
"This is the question we get asked the most by far," joked David.
Keep up to date with Tora and Dave’s adventures by following them on Instagram @toratravels
Image by: David DurstVideo by: David Durst
LOTTA BOTTLE - One of Britain's oldest milkmen still delivering morning pints aged 85
Image by: Adam Hughes SWNS
One of Britain's oldest milkmen is still leaving pints on doorsteps at the age of 85 after doing the same round - for the past 70 YEARS.
Tony Moulds still gets up at 6am six-days-a-week to drop off milk to 40 households around the village he began delivering to as a 15-year-old boy in 1950.
He would take milk straight from the cow round to homes in Holcot, Northants., using a bucket and a ladle and charge customers two-and-a-half pence.
Seven decades later Tony is still doing the same round after clocking up 65,000 miles around the village and dropping off an estimated million pints of milk.
Grandfather-of-four Tony, who also delivers newspapers to all of the homes he takes milk to, says he has no plans to retire yet.
He said: "I want to keep going. It’s doing something I’ve always done and it’s become a habit.
“A lot of people have moved out of the village, but I’ve been delivering to some people for 40 years and one girl for all of my life.
“I like the company and it gets me out. I’ve never had a problem getting up in the morning.
"I’m a morning person and still fit. I get up at 5.27am, it’s just the time I set the alarm, not for any particular reason.
“I have half a cup of tea and I like to get out by 6am. If I'm not out early enough I hit all the traffic.
“I’m done by 8am and I have a couple of rounds of toast and coffee with milk. I’ve always liked full fat milk but I mostly sell semi-skimmed.
“I don’t think there’ll be newspapers in 15 years’ time because people read on the internet and on their phones.
“But my customers like glass bottles. They are buying more milk in bottles because of the problems with plastic.
“When I started I walked the couple of miles around the village with a bucket and ladle. I’d pour it into people’s jugs. It pint cost two-and-a-half pence.
“Since 1953 when milk had to be in sealed bottles I drove a van and I now sell a pint for 83p."
Image by: Adam Hughes SWNSImage by: Adam Hughes SWNSImage by: Adam Hughes SWNSImage by: Adam Hughes SWNS
Dad-of-two Tony began working on Homestead farm after leaving Northampton Grammar School before taking over milk deliveries when the farmer retired.
Tony’s wife Josephine, who died in 2014 aged 80, used to bottle milk, wash bottles and help him on the farm which he ran as a tenant until 1976.
His son Richard, 62, also used to join him on the milk round while his other son, Tim, 61, washed the bottles.
Tony, a great-grandfather-of-six, added: "They didn’t follow in my footsteps.
“Richard was in the army for 18 years and Tim had his own cladding business. Which is just as well as I don’t want to retire.
"I have always enjoyed meeting new people and knowing the people I serve but I have not always enjoyed the job in the frosty weather.
"I don't like going out at nights now but I don't really mind the mornings at all.
"When I started, we were delivering to virtually everyone in Holcot.
"But now some of the older people have died and the younger wives work and drive and can call in for milk anywhere these days so they don't need my services as much.
"This village is my life. It would be interesting to know if anyone has delivered milk and papers for as long as me."
Pat McGlasson has lived in the village for 40 years and said Tony is always at her door before 7am each day with her daily newspaper.
She said: "Come rain or shine, snow or sleet he delivers the papers and milk every single day.
"He is a unique man, he is very modest and does not blow his own trumpet. He is very aware of the older people in the village and is a real community person.
"What you see is what you get. He is highly thought of and is held in such high esteem by everybody."
Video by: Gabriella Petty
A former criminal who turned his life around is converting an old shipping container into a makeshift house for homeless people and their pets to sleep in
Image by: JP Yorkshire Evening Post
A former criminal who turned his life around is converting an old shipping container into a makeshift house for homeless people and their pets to sleep in.
Reformed Hayden Lee Jessop, 28, spent time behind bars in 2013 after getting involved with drugs and violence as a youngster.
Having reevaluated his life, the dad-of-two is now in the process of building an amazing micro home to house homeless people trying to get off drugs.
The shelter, which will go up in Leeds, West Yorks, will provide a much-needed roof over the head of someone currently living on the street for six months.
In that period of time, Hayden says the person will detox and learn skills to help them thrive in society long term, including getting ready for the world of work.
The shelter, which is being built inside a shipping container, will also include space for the residents' pets, if they have one, Hayden added.
Hayden is planning to expand the project into a camp of eight homes for the homeless.
"The idea is to get the people living in there to help us out", he said.
"We'll get people the help they need, and in return they can repay us by helping to build more homes so we can help even more people."
Image by: JP Yorkshire Evening PostImage by: JP Yorkshire Evening Post
Hayden said one of his friends has offered to teach catering skills to those on the rehabilitation programme to give them basic skills for work in the future.
"A lot of the people I help have never been in work... for example if they are from a criminal background and have been in and out of jail," he added.
Hayden, who runs an organisation aimed at eradicating homelessness called Vulnerable Citizen Support Leeds, spent seven weeks behind bars in 2013.
"Spending time inside changed my life, I went to jail and came out and built a business," he said.
"I was given a second chance, but a lot of young men don't get that."
In the long run Hayden hopes that the local council will get on board and refer people in need to his organisation for help.
He said: "I have spoken with the council and they seem prepared to support us with anything to help tackle our homelessness problem."
Work on the container is expected to be completed in the coming months and a resident will be invited to move in later this year.
Ten-year-old boy dubbed 'human snake' because he suffers from rare skin condition - that causes him to SHED his skin every six weeks
Image by: Dinesh Dubey
These shocking photos show a ten-year-old boy who has been dubbed the 'human snake' - because a rare skin condition causes him to SHED his skin every month.
The youngster, known only as Jagannath, suffers from rare genetic skin condition lamellar ichthyosis, which causes the skin to grow too fast, dry out, and shed.
Jagannath's case is so severe that his skin sheds every four to six weeks.
He is forced to bathe every hour and smear himself with moisturiser every three hours to try to relieve the symptoms.
Shocking photos of the young boy, from the Ganjam district of eastern India, show his skin completely dried out and flaky, stretched over his body like scales.
His skin has become so tight that he is often left unable to walk properly, and needs a stick to help him stretch out his limbs.
Image by: Dinesh DubeyImage by: Dinesh DubeyImage by: Dinesh Dubey
Sadly, there is no cure for Jagannath's condition - and his father, Prabhakar Pradhan, who works as a labourer in a paddy field, can not afford the cost of his son's treatment.
He said: "My son has suffered this disease since childhood, and there is no cure for it.
"I do not have enough money to take him for a treatment and my heart breaks seeing him suffer with this cursed disease every day."
A dermatologist in the Indian district, who did not wish to be identified, said: "This disease is not treatable, although some doctors say there is a cure."
Dr Rakhesh, senior consultant dermatologist at Aster MIMS hospital in Kerala, India, said lamellar ichthyosis is one of the rarest congenital skin conditions.
There is currently no cure, but the condition can be treated with creams and some medications to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Video by: Gabriella Petty
Incredible video shows super rare volcanic lightning caused by the eruption of volcano in the Philippines
Image by: Karima Dhalani
This is the moment a killer volcano caused ultra rare volcanic lightning to fork across the sky in the Philippines.
More than 8,000 people were ordered to leave their homes last night (Sunday) after Taal volcano started to spew giant ash clouds, accompanied by rumbling and tremors.
The volcano has erupted more than 30 times over past 300 years, killing 6,000 people, and started become volatile again this weekend.
A 17-year-old local resident, whose family decided to stay in their home, shot this video from his balcony in Tagaytay city on Sunday.
It shows rare volcanic lightening - a long debated phenomenon which typically occurs at the start of an eruption.
Image by: Karima DhalaniImage by: Karima Dhalani
He said: "It was around 6pm and me and my family just arrived home.
"We had a plan to leave but we decided to just return home.
"When we arrived I went to balcony to get a better view.
"I wanted to take a photo but instead took a video and that’s when the thunder struck."
The exact cause of volcanic lightning has been long has been debated.
Volcanic lightning is an electrical discharge caused by a volcanic eruption, rather than from an ordinary thunderstorm.
It is thought to be caused by colliding ash - and sometimes ice - which generating static energy in the volcanic plume, when the particles rub together.
Taal is the Philippines' second most active volcano and situated on an island in the middle of a lake.
Video by: Gabriella Petty
Meet the world's best-travelled BABY - after his mum and dad split their parental leave and used it to travel the globe
Image by: Samantha Farr
Meet the world's best-travelled BABY - after his mum and dad split their parental leave and used it to travel the globe.
Samantha Farr, 31, and husband Jonathan, 37, decided they were going to embark on their adventure when pregnant with George, now one.
The teachers started planning just two weeks after he arrived in January 2019 and saved up, before splitting Samantha's maternity leave.
Alongside older kids Archie, seven, and Teddy, three, they embarked on a three-month backpacking trip across eight countries and through twelve cities.
They walked parts of the Great Wall of China and paddled over the Great Barrier Reef, surfed the Gold Coast and roamed the deserts of Dubai.
They abandoned hopes of any sort of newborn routine, dealing with the sleepless nights in 19 different places, from hotels and tents to camper vans and hotels, rather than their home in Louth, Lincolnshire.
Now back in the UK, the adventurous family are already missing the freedom and would urge others to follow in their footsteps next year.
Samantha said: "It was the most amazing experience and the kids absolutely loved it, I don't regret it for one minute and we're already talking about planning another adventure.
"Even though the kids are so small, they honestly threw themselves into every adventure and loved every minute.
"They were climbing mountains, riding elephants, running around local markets, racing in tuk tuks - it was amazing and just the most rewarding experience.
"Our eldest son Archie started filming bits from our trips - he said he now wants to be like David Attenborough when he grows up.
"We did a lot of backpacking and stayed in all different kinds of accommodation, from a hotel one day, to a camper van the next and then sleeping in tents as well.
"We wanted to tick off a few bucket list places in our travels too, so we visited the Great Wall of China and showed the kids the Great Barrier Reef which was incredible."
Teachers Samantha and Jonathan have shared their passion for travel over the years and enjoyed many holidays before having children to Mexico, France and Majorca.
They married in 2009 before welcoming son Archie in October 2012, son Teddy in June 2016 and son George in January 2019.
After saving up money together, they split Samantha's maternity leave between them and embark on a three month adventure travelling the world with their children.
Mum Samantha said: "We'd been talking about travelling as a family for ages, and using our maternity leave to do so seemed the most logical decision.
"We saved up money to go travelling and actually thought about doing it with our second child Teddy but he was quite poorly when he was born so we decided not to.
"When I fell pregnant with George, we discussed it again and thought if we don't do it now, then we'll never do it!
Image by: Samantha FarrImage by: Samantha FarrImage by: Samantha FarrImage by: Samantha FarrImage by: Samantha FarrImage by: Samantha FarrImage by: Samantha FarrImage by: Samantha Farr
Despite their youngest only being five and a half months old when they departed from Stansted Airport in July 2019, the parents weren't worried.
The young family started their travels in Sri Lanka, then went on to Beijing, Tokyo, Bali, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and ending their three month holiday in Dubai.
Over their three month journey, the family travelled across eight different countries and snapped photographs at every opportunity.
From surfing in Australia to roaming the deserts of Dubai, Samantha and Jonathan's children have certainly experienced more than the average British child.
Returning to the UK in October 2019 with treasured memories and photographs to look back on, the family are already missing the freedom and itching to go travelling again.
The trip has made the family realise they are more suited to this way of living than the traditional life.
They are looking into how to incorporate their love for travelling into their daily lives more, and have just sold their home and are planning their next trip.
Samantha said: "It has been weird being back, I think we all miss travelling and we are thinking about giving up suburbia for life on the road permanently.
"We did make the decision for Archie to miss the first term of the school year to go travelling, which is controversial as we are teachers ourselves, but we did educate him as we travelled.
"We're looking at doing it for longer next time, possibly travelling around North and South America.
"Our boys absolutely loved it and Archie especially is totally up for more.
"We just wanted to show the kids that you don't have to follow the social norm of growing up, getting a job, moving into a house, settling down - there's so much more to do and see than that.
"We wanted our children to see that life is for the living and you can venture out of your comfort zone, and I think we've definitely done that."
Samantha shares her family's adventures on their Instagram account @wildandthreekids
Young photographer takes stunning macro photos showing the intricate world of insects- using only his phone
Image by: Sasi Kumar
These stunning close up images of insects showing the most intricate details were taken by a budding wildlife photographer - using just his phone.
Sasi Kumar hoped the stunning images would give people a glimpse into the usually hidden world of creepy crawlies around fields in Vellore, India.
One striking image appears to show a soldier ant sucking from a tiny water droplet which is clinging to a plant.
Another shows an ant dwarfed by the body of a dead spider which it is incredibly holding up above its tiny frame.
The 20-year-old university student and amateur photographer managed to take the pictures by using only his OnePlus 6t and Redmi Note 3 mobile phones.
Sasi uses macro photography- a technique which allows a photographer to take extremely close-up photographs of their subjects.
Image by: Sasi KumarImage by: Sasi KumarImage by: Sasi KumarImage by: Sasi KumarImage by: Sasi KumarImage by: Sasi KumarImage by: Sasi KumarImage by: Sasi KumarImage by: Sasi Kumar
He explained: "I use various types of lenses to capture tiny insects which provide me with a much closer magnification. All the photos are captured through my mobile phone.
"When I find an interesting subject , I clip my lens to my phone then I pan my camera slowly towards them.
"If I hurry towards them they will take off so patience is key in macro photography.
"I'm really interested in taking photographs of tiny insects and flowers, so I mostly chose to photograph ants, butterflies and horse flies."
But getting the best shot is not always a simple job in macro photography.
Sasi from India explained: "Insects aren't like humans- they won't rest in a place for more time. I have missed many beautiful shots because of heavy wind, noise and lack of stability too.
"Macro photography is unique and I want to show people these tiny undiscovered creatures.
"It also helps me to recognise small things in my real life as well. I always strive for perfection.
"I get some immense pleasure when I'm taking photographs."
He added: "I'm an amateur photographer but I have been doing photography as a passion for the past three years. I mostly enjoy doing macro photography."