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Crackdown on illegal parking outside New Addington schools

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POLICE have launched a crackdown on parents whose shoddy parking causes mayhem at the school gates.

Officers are stepping up patrols outside schools on the estate, handing out warnings to drivers illegally stopping.

Teachers and parents say inconsiderate parents stopping in Keep Clear areas or on yellow zigzag lines to pick up their children pose a danger.

The issue was raised at a ward panel meeting and was one of the priorities agreed for the new Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT).

New Addington councillor Tony Pearson, who attended the meeting, said: "Parking in a school keep-clear sign is unacceptable, so irrespective of how much parking there is they should not be trying it.

"It has got to be addressed because at some point there is going to be an accident and someone will get hurt. We want the police to be proactive."

On Tuesday outside Rowdown Primary School, in Calley Down Crescent, the Advertiser saw five cars pull up in Keep Clear areas, generally for less than a minute, to drop children off.

One mother, who asked not to be named, said: "I would not park here and get out of the car or anything.

"But if I had to park and walk I would have to walk from miles away – there is no parking here."

Vikki Coffey, a parent at the school taking her children to the gates on Tuesday, said she was extremely pleased the SNT was acting on the "huge problem".

She added: "Normally people don't park there but they stop for a while and then turn around.

"People just need to learn to park a bit further away and will just have to walk a couple of minutes further."

Zoe Harris, head teacher at Applegarth Junior School, attended the ward panel meeting and said the problem had become more serious at her school due to building work.

She said: "Lots of our families live locally and walk to school but we do get people parking on the zigzags and we sometimes have difficulties, as we also have a minibus and taxis collecting children.

"I've not yet seen the SNT outside the school but am sure we will; especially considering how the team has been restructured."

The SNT has been reorganised and a bigger pool of officers is now available to the area.

A police spokesman added patrols should be carried out at different schools during pick-up and drop-off times, but he could not divulge more details.

Crackdown on illegal parking outside New Addington schools


Westfield chief admits: 'We want John Lewis in Croydon'

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DEVELOPERS are already working to woo John Lewis into becoming the centrepiece of the new Whitgift Centre.

Westfield's development director, John Burton, told the Advertiser bringing John Lewis in had always been a key aim.

The company has a store in Westfield's Stratford shopping centre and earlier this month signed a deal to open at the Shepherd's Bush site.

The partnership now wants to make sure it does not miss out in Croydon but Mr Burton made it plain that attracting John Lewis was not going to be simple.

John Lewis, he said, would look hard at the environment around where it wanted to open, the education provision, cultural mix and importantly the safety and security of an area.

Mr Burton added: "We will need very strong support from the council and other key figures in the town, including the police, if we are to be successful."

A spokeswoman for John Lewis – which has an At Home store in Purley Way, Croydon – said this week: "We have expressed an interest in opening a full line store in Croydon and that is still our position."

The partnership will now start drawing up specifications of the Whitgift redevelopment, working with existing freehold and leasehold owners to allow a transition of ownership.

Mr Burton said the council was expected to pass the necessary regulations allowing the issuing of compulsory purchase orders by mid-January, followed by a public inquiry.

This will deal with any outstanding land ownership disputes but Mr Burton said: "I am confident that by then we will already have deals with 98 per cent of the people involved."

Westfield chief admits: 'We want John Lewis in Croydon'

Man injured after being hit by car in South Norwood

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A 60-year-old man is in hospital with serious injuries after being involved in a collision with a car in Portland Road, South Norwood yesterday (Sunday) evening. Part of the road was closed following the incident which occurred at around 6pm and was not reopened until around 8am this morning. A police spokesman said the accident took place at the junction of Portland Road with Oakley Road. He said the man was taken to hospital with serious but not life threatening head injuries. No arrests were made after the accident.

Man injured after being hit by car in South Norwood

New Addington celebrates Christmas lights switch-on

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FIREWORKS, a funfair, live music and a festive parade helped get the Christmas season underway in New Addington. Hundreds of people poured into Central Parade on Saturday to mark the switching on of the Christmas lights. Hayley Wells, 29, was enjoying the festivities with her two sons and nephew. She said: "The lights were really nice. And the kids have really enjoyed themselves at the fair. "I think the fireworks were even better than last year. "It is nice for the whole neighborhood." Mick Watts, chair of the Christmas Lights Appeal, held a minute's silence before the switch-on for Stan Ince, a local resident who helped organise the lights for years and died in October aged 77. Mr Watts said: "He was a great help on the committee and he has been a great help throughout the community throughout the last 30 to 40 years." He also gave a "big thank you" to everyone who had helped produce show as well as those who had sponsored lampposts. This year the new New Addington Business Improvement District, a coalition of local businesses, helped pay for the lights. Mr Watts added: "So I hope this year you will find a big difference as the lights are brand new and I hope that you enjoy the lights this year." Alex Dillon-McQueen, who performed with the Pandemic Steel Orchestra, said: "We played all different Christmas songs, including Silent Night. It was great. "The crowd were good - they were dancing."

New Addington celebrates Christmas lights switch-on

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis hints at first choice strike pairing

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CRYSTAL Palace boss Tony Pulis looks set to continue with the strike duo of Marouane Chamakh and Cameron Jerome, hinting they could be his first choice pairing – for now. Both players started at Norwich City on Saturday and showed signs of a blossoming partnership, which can only improve with extra work in training. "I thought the two played really well," said Pulis. "Chamakh, I really hope we can get him on board because he's got really good quality. "He linked up well with Cameron, and Cameron's always a threat if he plays to his strengths. We have got to make sure those two have a partnership and a relationship and that they play together as a pair." It was Pulis' first game in the Palace dugout since arriving at the helm the previous weekend and he believes "one or two" new additions will help the Eagles squad in January. But he is delighted to be back in management since leaving Stoke City at the end of last season. "Of course (I have missed the game), I'm a football man, and sometimes you do need a break and be out of it," said Pulis. Everything about the Premier League is wonderful. My wife wouldn't have been happy with me jumping around (at Norwich). "I was pleased with the game, the group worked really hard, they've taken things on board. "We have to bring in one or two players and I think everyone understands that, just to help the group, and I think the group would be the first to be happy with that. "I have not been here long enough (to judge the current quality). I've seen two games, and I think we played better than they did at Hull and created more chances and opportunities. "Week-by-week, you've got to pick up points in a positive manner. "We were inches away from getting a result (at Norwich), and their guy who has headed it off the line from Barry Bannan's effort was wonderful. "And Sebastian Bassong has had a bit of luck because nine times out of ten, it goes into the back of the net."

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis hints at first choice strike pairing

Tony Pulis hails Crystal Palace fans ahead of West Ham United clash

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TONY Pulis has hailed the Crystal Palace supporters and wants them to "turn the volume" up when West Ham United arrive at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night. Eagles fans filled out their allocation with ease at Norwich City in front of Pulis in the dugout. "I thought the Palace supporters were brilliant, and they have been all season – we'll need them," he said. "It's very important they pick the baton up which they have, you can't fault them one bit. "The times I've been at Selhurst Park, the crowd have been wonderful, and if we can turn the volume up a little bit for the West Ham game then that will help the players. "That's us giving them something to cheer about." And the new manager will be working hard to get to know the current group of players too. "When the manager changes and a different manager comes in, they might have different view from the previous one," said Pulis. "That's no disrespect to Ian (Holloway) or Dougie (Freedman) or anybody, we're all different. "But I've always felt that period at seven or eight weeks, or whatever it is, is always a time where you try and put things in place, knowing the team and knowing the group. "That's management for me, and people forget, they think we go off on holiday. Well I don't certainly go off on holiday, I'm trying to line things up."

Tony Pulis hails Crystal Palace fans ahead of West Ham United clash

Police hunt for man who beat up kebab shop customer in Purley

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Police are hunting for a man suspected of beating up a customer at a kebab shop in Purley. The suspect left a 33-year-old man with head injuries and fractured his jaw in the early hours of September 29 at a fast food joint in High Steet. Although Croydon CID have investigated the case for more than a month, they have been unable to identify the suspect and have released a CCTV image of a man they want to identify in connection with the incident. Detective Constable Lucy Brookshaw, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a violent assault that left the victim with serious injuries, which are still impacting on him. "We would urge anyone who thinks they recognise this person to get in via Crimestoppers so that we can progress with our enquiries." Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number 132755.

Police hunt for man who beat up kebab shop customer in Purley

Crystal Palace star Jonny Williams hails Norwich City winger

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CRYSTAL Palace midfielder Jonny Williams believes the Eagles should have come away with a point at Norwich City on Saturday. Having had just a week to work under new boss Tony Pulis, Williams says the team were "unlucky" and hopes to turn it around against West Ham United on Tuesday night. "I think we deserved at least a point and we put in a good performance in what was our first game under a new manager," the Wales international told the Advertiser. "I thought we had some great chances – the one which hit the bar and then Cameron Jerome too. "I thought we were unlucky, and we've only had a week to prepare under a new man. I think we can take the positives and take them to the game against West Ham on Tuesday. "They had a few chances and managed to take one of them, whereas as we did as well but missed them." One player in particular stood out for the Canaries in the shape of Nathan Redmond, who tore Palace apart at times in the first half, and it should not have come as a surprise after his performance at Selhurst Park earlier this year for Birmingham City. "Norwich have got some great players, like Nathan Redmond on the wing and Gary Hooper up front, who is sharp," said Williams. "Jonny Howson in central midfield, I thought he was everywhere too. "Redmond has got great ability. Last year at Birmingham, along with Ravel Morrison, they were very good together. "I have played against him before in youth teams and you could always tell he had talent. It was nice to speak to him after the game as well and it's always nice we're both playing in the Premier League now."

Crystal Palace star Jonny Williams hails Norwich City winger


Crystal Palace star Jonny Williams: It's not the land of the giants

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JONNY Williams says he won't mind if he and his Crystal Palace team-mates aren't given a day off at the start of Tony Pulis' managerial rein. The 55-year-old started work last Monday, and normally players are given Wednesdays off, but that wasn't the case this time around as the new boss settles in. "As players, we understand that, and if he wants us to be in every day, we need to be in every day," Williams told the Advertiser. "It will give us the best possible chance of getting us the points when it comes to a Saturday. "He hasn't really spoken to me yet, not a one-to-one chat anyway. He showed faith in sending me on against Norwich which I appreciate, and hopefully I can play as many games as possible and keep Palace in the Premier League. "It was my first game back in the first team since injury, but there is Barry Bannan as well, plus the manager had some smaller players at Stoke. "It's not the land of the giants, we've got a good mix at the moment; we've got big and small, so hopefully that can be a bonus over other teams."

Crystal Palace star Jonny Williams: It's not the land of the giants

Croydon's first Labour Mayor, Wally Garratt, dies aged 92

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A FORMER councillor known as "the voice of Thornton Heath" has died at the age of 92. Wally Garratt represented the area for 16 years and in 1994 became the first Mayor of Croydon to be elected under a Labour-run council. He moved to the borough in 1937 and lived for much of that time in Buller Road, Thornton Heath with his wife, Sylvia. He worked for most of his life as an insurance agent and was first elected to the council for Thornton Heath ward in 1986. Present Labour group leader, Tony Newman, paid tribute to Mr Garratt, saying: "He was a true community councillor and he really was the voice of Thornton Heath. "He was a committed campaigner whether he was helping pensioners or supporting people's housing rights." He added: "He was always there for people from his ward, young and old alike, whether at his official surgery or at his unofficial surgery in the Lord Napier pub. "Much-loved character is a bit of an over-used phrase but Wally was the real thing." During his time in opposition Mr Garratt served as Labour spokesman on highways and as a the party's chief whip. After his mayoral year he went on to become vice-chair and then chair of the social services committee, retiring from the council in 2002. Politics played a huge part in his life and he became vice-president of Croydon Trade Union Council and chair of Ruskin House, the Labour and trades union headquarters in Coombe Road, Croydon. He was also an active campaigner for the elderly, being closely involved with the work of Age Concern. Val Shawcross, former Croydon Council leader and now a London Assembly member, said: "Wally was one of the people in the Labour Party who made me feel that I was working for the right things with the right people. "He was enormously kind and generous to a young upstart like me and seemed to think that it was his duty to help me navigate my way around the many difficulties and dangers of political life." She added: "I always felt that he was a really grown up human being who couldn't be bothered to be petty. "If something or somebody got on his nerves he would apply his gruff good humour and give it a well deserved laughing off. "He was also a very practical politician much more interested in making life better for ordinary people in Croydon than seeing his own name or photo in print." Mike Fisher, leader of the Tory-controlled council, described Mr Garratt as "a larger than life character." Councillor Fisher said: "He had a real passion for his ward and knew it inside out. "He was a tough political opponent in the council chamber but outside he was affable and a real gentleman." Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Croydon's first Labour Mayor, Wally Garratt, dies aged 92

Why did council shelve soup kitchen ban but not tell charity?

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COUNCIL bosses shelved a plan to ban a soup kitchen from a public park but did not tell the charity that runs it. Further details have emerged about a council report which recommended using "all available bylaws" to force the soup kitchen out of Queen's Gardens. The report was drawn up in September following concerns raised by Borough Commander David Musker of Croydon Police. He argued that antisocial behaviour caused by people using the kitchen was diverting police resources away from where they were needed. Following the Advertiser's story on the proposed ban last Friday, the council said its leadership team had decided, at a meeting on November 11, not to use legal action to move the soup kitchen. Today it released an email sent the day after the meeting by the report's author Tony Brooks, the director of public safety, who said the decision had been taken to "start off with a measured approach". Jad Adams, chairman of Nightwatch, the charity which operates the kitchen, was given the chance to respond to the report when it was first written. Since then he has repeatedly asked the council about what was happening. He has still not been informed of the council's decision. The Advertiser has seen emails between Mr Adams and Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety, who was present at the leadership meeting. Mr Adams' emails make specific reference to the legal action recommended in the report but, at no point in his replies, the latest of which was sent last Friday (November 29), does Cllr Hoar inform him that the threat had been dropped. Speaking to the Advertiser today, Mr Adams said: "I have not yet been told that the proposal has been withdrawn and the council has had many opportunities to tell me. "I have been speaking to people and emailing people about it and I understand now only from the Croydon Advertiser story that the proposal to use legal action us has been withdrawn. "I know it has – they wouldn't dare do it now – but I haven't been officially told." Cllr Hoar, however, said he informed Mr Adams during a phone call on November 22. He said: "Either he didn't understand me or I didn't get my message across clearly enough." Mr Adams replied: "If Mr Hoar tried to tell me this when we spoke [on Friday 22] his efforts were unsuccessful, that was why I wrote him an email that day criticising the report." Mark Watson, Labour's spokesman for crime and public protection said Nightwatch had been treated "terribly". He said: "The report was produced in September and Jad has been trying to get an answer from them ever since. He was getting very frustrated. "He's been trying to get an answer from them behind the scenes, so I think it's a bit odd that they drop it as soon as the story is in the press. "What they are saying is that they made a decision but didn't tell him, even though he's been pestering them for an answer. I'm not convinced. "Why would you do that? It's a controversial decision, you know people are going to be worried about it, you then change your mind, but don't tell anyone about it. What was it going to be, a Christmas surprise? "I think it's a terrible way to treat the charity."

Why did council shelve soup kitchen ban but not tell charity?

VIDEO: Mile Jedinak signs new contract with Crystal Palace

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CRYSTAL Palace captain Mile Jedinak has signed a new three-and-a-half year deal with the club. The Australian has ended weeks of speculation over a new deal by finally putting pen to paper, extending his stay with the Eagles until the summer of 2017. Jedinak, who joined the club in July 2011, is approaching 100 appearances for the club and last year, he played a key role in the Eagles' promotion to the Premier League. He told the club's official website: "I'm ecstatic to put pen to paer on a new contract. "I've been part of this club for two and a half years and I have enjoyed every moment of that. "The first season was great and the second obviously ended in us getting promoted and now we're in the Premier League and where we want to be, so I'm really happy here and pleased that I've done this. "I've built some strong relationships with players here and I've tried to make myself available to every player that comes through the gates and make them feel welcome and part of what we do. "Everyone knows what we're about here and I have no doubts that we'll continue to push forward."WATCH JEDINAK DISCUSS HIS NEW CONTRACT BELOW

VIDEO: Mile Jedinak signs new contract with Crystal Palace

Addiscombe man 'raped woman in park after meeting her in Purley'

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A WOMAN was raped in a park by a 58-year-old man she had only met that evening, a court heard on Monday. The 27-year-old woman, from Whyteleafe, told Guildford Crown Court how she had been approached by Colin Ford in the Oxted Inn following a tiff with her partner. She said she could remember only hazy details after that, but vaguely recalled being taken to two pubs in Purley - the Jolly Farmers and the Foxley Heath - before the alleged attack place at about 1am in Whyteleafe Recreation Ground. Prosecutor Alexia Durran concluded: "The defendant took advantage of a drunk and vulnerable young woman, and raped and sexually assaulted her." Ford, of Fernhurst Road, Addiscombe, denies two charges of rape, on May 18. He has also pleaded not guilty to assault by penetration. In a statement to police Ford said he had consensual sex with the woman. The trial is expected to last a week.

Addiscombe man 'raped woman in park after meeting her in Purley'

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis calls on fans to play their part in spicy West Ham clash

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CRYSTAL Palace boss Tony Pulis believes there will be a bit of "spice" in Tuesday's London derby against West Ham United. The Eagles kick-off at Selhurst Park at 8pm and Pulis admitted he's looking forward to the atmosphere created from home fans. "It's going be tough, and the supporters have been absolutely magnificent too," he said. "People have told me what it's like (at Selhurst Park) and I'll have a chance to say 'thank you' tomorrow. "The fact that it's a local derby gives it a little bit more spice. "With Sam (Allardyce) in charge, you always know what you're going to get. "I don't think he gets the credit he deserves. He's a top manager in the Premier League. "Everybody has so many high expectations now and Sam has stabilised the ship there. "He got them promoted and they've got some top players. He's invested very well. "They have been unfortunate with Andy Carroll (through injury), and I'm sure if he was playing, they would be in a better position than what they are now." On his own team, Pulis was happy with Saturday's second half performance in particular at Norwich City and believes with the crowd behind the players, they can hopefully take advantage. He said: "What we need is a break. There are incidents in that game (Norwich) where things could have gone for us but didn't go for us. "What we need to make sure we change that and turn that. It's those fine lines, especially in both boxes. "The performance was very good, as an away performance. I think the players took a lot out of it as well. "Our home form is vital. If we get the crowd behind us tomorrow, which I'm sure we'll get, and we get a couple of breaks, fingers crossed we can get a result."Tune in to our Twitter account @AdvertiserSport for live updates from 7.30pm tomorrow night.

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis calls on fans to play their part in spicy West Ham clash

Crystal Palace star was Stoke City target in January

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TONY Pulis had admitted he wanted to sign Mile Jedinak in the January transfer window when he was manager at Stoke City. The 29-year-old midfielder signed a new three-and-a-half year contract this afternoon after months of negotiations. It was understood earlier this year that following the FA Cup third round clash at Selhurst Park, Jedinak was under the watchful eye of Pulis in the replay at the Britannia Stadium. And while a £2.5m fee was speculated, winger Yannick Bolasie was also understood to be a target for the 55-year-old. "We were very interested in him when I was manager at Stoke," Pulis said. "He played against us in the FA Cup twice and did exceptionally well. "He's got great leadership qualities, he sets an example by the way he plays and he's a good lad as well."WATCH A VIDEO OF JEDINAK DISCUSSING HIS NEW DEAL BELOW

Crystal Palace star was Stoke City target in January


Former Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway hotly tipped for Wigan job

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JUST over a month after his exit from Crystal Palace, Ian Holloway is being tipped for a quick return to management. The 50-year-old has been linked to the vacancy at Wigan Athletic, created by Owen Coyle's departure, which was confirmed this morning. Holloway still has a home in the north-west because of his spell at Blackpool, and stressed on leaving Palace that he wasn't finished in management just yet. However, he also admitted at his departing press conference that he needed a break from the dugout, having gone straight from Blackpool into the Eagles' hot seat. Holloway is the second favourite with the bookies to take over at Wigan, behind former Man Utd assistant boss Mike Phelan. SkyBet have Ollie at 5/4, behind the 10/11 favourite Phelan.

Former Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway hotly tipped for Wigan job

Fireworks and festive fun to mark opening of East Croydon bridge

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A HUGE street festival will mark the opening of the new footbridge at East Croydon Station on Thursday night. Lansdowne Road will be closed for the event, which will feature a Christmas market and live entertainment from street artists and musicians. There will also be a lights show and fireworks from 6pm. The Celebrate Croydon street festival is being held from 4-10pm, to mark the opening of the pedestrian link from East Croydon Station into the main business and retail areas of the Town Centre. The link is part of the £50m Connected Croydon programme, with a chunk of money coming from the Mayor of London, to improve accessibility in different parts of central Croydon.

Fireworks and festive fun to mark opening of East Croydon bridge

Former Crystal Palace manager Steve Coppell leaves Crawley Town

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FORMER Crystal Palace boss Steve Coppell has left his director of football role at Crawley Town tonight. Coppell leaves the West Sussex club just five days after manager Richie Barker was given the boot. There had been previous talk of a return to Selhurst Park for Coppell during the Eagles' month-long search for a new manager recently. And with Tony Pulis not hiding the fact he may look to bring in new backroom staff alongside Keith Millen, could there be a return for the man who was in the Palace hotseat four times previously? Coppell masterminded Barker's appointment to Crawley in August 2012, but it was thought following the former Bury man's dismissal last Wednesday, he would follow suit. Town chief executive Michael Dunford has issued a statement this evening, saying: "Steve will always have a special place in our hearts at Crawley Town FC because he was instrumental in assisting Craig Brewster in securing our promotion to League One and has since been a very good advisor to the both the board of directors and the team management. "Steve is a long term friend of our owners and will always be welcome at Crawley Town FC and we wish him every success for the future."

Former Crystal Palace manager Steve Coppell leaves Crawley Town

Kate Moss poses nude for Playboy ahead of 40th birthday

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CROYDON'S most famous son (or should that be daughter) Kate Moss has bared all on the eve of her 40th birthday. The model, who hails from Addiscombe, has posed for Playboy - as the cover star for the magazine's 60th anniversary edition. Moss is pictured on the cover in the traditional Playboy outfit, complete with bunny ears. In other shots, taken by fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, she is wearing rather less. The supermodel, who turns 40 next month, features on no fewer than 18 pages of the publication. While some may question the motives and morals behind Playboy, its editorial director Jimmy Jellinek has defended the magazine's stance. He said: "Playboy's anniversary edition is a testament to 60 years of beautiful women, discerning taste, sexual emancipation, groundbreaking fiction and world-changing journalism." On Kate Moss, he added: "Having Kate Moss, a global icon and the most important supermodel of the past 25 years, appear on our cover makes this issue the perfect way to launch Playboy's next 60 years."

Kate Moss poses nude for Playboy ahead of 40th birthday

VIDEO: Croydon-crowned World Memory champion goes on Newsnight... and forgets Jeremy Paxman's name

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IN CROYDON this weekend, Jonas Von Essen was crowned the World Memory Champion. So you'd think, when appearing on one of the country's more famous TV shows, he'd remember the host's name? Well, only just... as this clip of car crash TV shows. Jonas appeared on Newsnight on Monday, after showcasing his mental capability over the weekend at the world championships, held for the first time in Croydon. The Swede fought off 112 competitors from 30 countries, to emerge victorious at the Croydon Conference Centre, in Surrey Street. During his interview, Paxman also aimed a dig at our town, showing surprise that the event was held in Croydon "of all places". And it seems the sharp tongue of Paxo left our memory man feeling a little forgetful, as his attempts to reel off the programme's closing credits almost fell at the first hurdle.

VIDEO: Croydon-crowned World Memory champion goes on Newsnight... and forgets Jeremy Paxman's name

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