A MAN who learned his full-back trade in the Crystal Palace academy will make his England debut this evening.

Nathaniel Clyne has been selected by Roy Hodgson, to start at right-back in the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia at Wembley.

The 23-year-old started his career at Palace and was a big favourite with the Selhurst faithful, before moving to current side Southampton in 2012.

His displays at St Mary's have caught the eye, especially this season, as the Saints have surged to second in the Premier League table.

Clyne was selected in the last squad for the matches against San Marino and Estonia but overlooked for a starting place in favour of his ex-Southampton team mate Callum Chambers.

A LANDLORD forced to close his pub has said Croydon's watering holes cannot be saved because of low Wetherspoon prices and supermarket deals.

Michael Weeden has been a publican since he was 18 and freeholder at the Stag and Hounds, on Selsdon Road in South Croydon, for two years.

But he has submitted a planning application to demolish the tavern and build a three storey building of 12 one bedroom flats and a pair of four bedroom semi-detached houses on the land.

"The pub game is dying," said Mr Weeden. "Nothing can be done to save the pubs in Croydon.

"There are not enough customers. Out of the whole road only one elderly gentleman drinks in here.

"We can't compete with Wetherspoon pubs and supermarket deals and the younger generation don't have the drinking ethics we had."

Mr Weeden has invested personal money in the Stag and Hounds to keep it going but with more work needed he cannot afford to carry on.

"I'm not happy about it," he added.

The Advertiser reported in August that in past years 46 pubs have closed in Croydon. Steve O'Connell, Greater London Assembly member, is so concerned he published a report, Keeping Local, last year on how to save London's taverns and make them into 'community resources'.

"There are too many pubs closing down," said Councillor O'Connell. "The Stag and Hounds is a real heritage pub and a real place in the community.

"In isolation it's just one pub but there is a cumulative effect."

If the application is approved the Stag and Hounds will close soon after Christmas and become one of nine tavern to shut their doors without replacement in London each week.

Clive Thomas, a South Croydon resident, raised concerns about how losing the Stag and Hounds will impact Selsdon Road at a South Croydon Community Association meeting.

He said: "It is a very old structure and part of Croydon. If we start allowing these properties to be demolished what will stop everything else in Croydon being turned into residential houses, and we'll have a road of flats."

The application has received over 30 objections, including from Cllr O'Connell.

Mr Weeden said: "Residents are worried about parking spaces. We've allowed anyone who lives here to park in our carpark which will now stop. None of the people in the street come in here."

He added that no residents have raised concerns about the application with him.

WHEN eight-year-old Millie Timmins learned that Poppy Appeal money had been stolen from her favourite fish and chip shop, she decided to help put things right.

Her solution was to go to her school friends at and ask them to contribute to her own collection.

Last Friday (November 14), she turned up with her mum Jodie and sister Izzie at Danny's fish and chip shop, in Old Coulsdon, and handed owner Danny Tevfik the results of her efforts – a total of £52.52.

Izzie, 6, added another 60p from her own pocket money.

The Advertiser last week reported how the Poppy Appeal collection box was stolen from the shop on the day before Remembrance Sunday (Saturday, November 8).

The thief ran into the shop, grabbed the collection box and ran off towards Marlpit Lane.

Mr Tevfik believes the box could have contained as much as £70 or £80.

He said Millie's family visited his shop quite regularly and he knew her fairly well.

Mr Tevfik said: "She came in with her mum last Wednesday when the police were here and asked what had happened to me.

"Her mum told her what had happened and explained about the significance of the Poppy collection.

"It seems then she decided to do something to help and went into school the next day and asked her friends to help."

On the Friday evening she came back into the shop and handed Mr Tevfik the money, mostly collected from her schoolmates at St Anne's, in Banstead.

Mr Tevfik, who has run the shop for three years, said: "I was nearly in tears when she gave me the money.

"It was just unbelievable."

The girls' mother, of Tollers Lane, Old Coulsdon, explained: "We went into the chip shop last Wednesday and the guys in there told us what had happened.

"When we left, Millie said straight away that it was terrible and she wanted to raise some money

"It started with £5 of her own pocket money and then she collected the rest from family, friends and teachers.

"Everyone was just popping money in because they knew it was such a good thing she was doing.

"She said she just wanted to raise money for the soldiers."

Mrs Timmins added: "Danny got a bit emotional I think. It's just nice that the community has come together like this.

"I'm really proud of her."

Mr Tevfik said the good news did not end with Millie's effort because since the box was stolen, customers have donated £150 to the appeal and he and his staff added another £100.

He said: "With the money from Millie it means we have raised about £300 which I am told by the Royal British Legion makes us the record holder for this year.

"It shows how people are in Old Coulsdon."

"At the end of the day things have turned out really well and it will be even better if the police now catch the thief," he added.

Croydon's Ben Haenow gives Advertiser readers an exclusive sneak peak behind the doors of the X Factor house in his weekly blog about life on the show...

IT'S getting stressier and stressier by the minute in the X Factor house.

We'd just run through our ensemble today and they announced there will be a double elimination this weekend so I'm doubly nervous now.

We all are, that's taken a silver lining off everyone's weekend.

My nan is becoming an international televised superstar now. She was always a superstar but there was a video of my her on the Xtra Factor last week and now they want her to appear every week. She thinks it's hilarious.

At any age you can become a star so follow your dreams. She's the one who told me to go on X Factor and that I could be prime minister, so that's next!

I've been able to go home to Croydon a couple of times and spend time with my missus and my mum. I've been having sit-around-in-your-pants days not doing an awful lot!

I've been catching up on TV and eating a little bit of pizza, which I shouldn't tell the stylists. We create our own pizza at home, we have pepperoni, pineapple, olives, mushrooms and onions. Everyone is always unsure about it before they try it but once they do they never go back!

I've been watching the Chase USA. It's one of my favourite programmes, a bit boring but that's me! You can join in if you need to and learn a little something, educational and fun!

It's been nice to step away from the house because when you get back it's a bit fresher which is nice. After a couple of months in here it does start to get to you a little bit.

I've been trying to go on a diet and get in the gym to slim down.

Before I came into the house I used to swim for an hour and a half every morning and being out of the gym for so long is starting to take its toll.

There's a pool in the house but we can't use it unless there is a lifeguard there so it's a bit difficult. But we have a gym and sauna so we're not too hard done by.

So I just ate the topping of my pizza!

Everyone is just rehearsing like hell now it's getting to the stage where we have to nail it every time.

It is a lot of hard work. It's the best laugh I've ever had but at the same time there's a lot of rushing around. I wouldn't change it for the world but once you're living it, it's very different to what you see on TV.

This weekend is Whitney vs Elton week so I thought I'd go in the opposite direction to people's expectations and do a Whitney Houston song.

It's probably one of her most iconic songs. I don't think there will be too much movement this week but that's not to say it's not an upbeat song.

THE care worker brother of a schizophrenic woman who died in a house fire in South Norwood says the care system has failed his sister.

Janet Ramsey, 63, was found dead in the back lounge of her house in Waverley Road last Friday (November 14) shortly after 8pm.

Ms Ramsey had lived at the house all her life with her father and mother until their deaths four years and four months ago respectively.

Her brother Tony Ramsey – who fears his sister started the fire that killed her – said she had fallen into a deep depression coming to terms with those losses and had threatened to take her life on a number of occasions, including one failed attempt in early September.

But Ms Ramsey, who was placed at the Royal Bethlem Hospital, in Shirley, was allowed to return to the Waverley Road house alone, despite her brother's pleas not to let this happen.

Mr Ramsey, who works as a carer in Eastbourne, said: "I said 'don't send her back', she needs to go into respite or stay in Bethlem.

"I told them I didn't care how much it costs, money is no object. Just don't let her go back to the house."

Ms Ramsey was allowed to go back to the house in September where, according to neighbour Mick Edwards who was present at the visit, she told her doctor from Woodside Medical Centre she planned to end her own life.

Despite this, she was allowed to remain at the property with three daily visits from carers from Eleanor Home Care.

A meeting to find her shared accommodation was due to take place in early December.

Mr Ramsey, 67, said he was irate with the Tamworth Road Resource Centre, in West Croydon – which was in charge of his sister's care plan – for not taking steps to look after his only sibling earlier.

"The system has failed her," Mr Ramsey added.

"Where is the care in the care system? I know at the end of the day this comes down to resources and I understand that, but how can you put a price on a life?" he said.

"She should not have been at home on her own.

"I also know people will look at me and say 'why didn't you offer to have her and look after her?' But me and my wife both live in Eastbourne and work as carers. A lot of the time I work seven days a week.

"She would have been on her own for so much of the time."

Mr Ramsey spoke to his sister nearly every day to see if she was taking her medication and last saw her the Sunday prior to her death.

He said: "She was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was just 14 and had to have injections and take them almost every day of her life.

"But she held down a full-time job at the Co-op in Addiscombe until just a few years ago.

"She seemed to have a good rapport with customers and she had friends who she would go to Fairfield Halls and shopping in Croydon with.

"She was a very good sister, she was very caring. She used to enjoy life up until her father died."

A spokeswoman for South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, which operates the Tamworth Road Centre and the Royal Bethlem, said: "We are deeply saddened by the death of one of our patients and extend our condolences to the family.

"The police and London Fire Brigade are investigating the cause of death and we are unable to comment further at this time."

The Advertiser was unable to reach Woodside Medical Centre for a comment.

A fire brigade spokesman confirmed the cause of the blaze is under investigation.

He said: "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found the body of an elderly woman in the rear lounge. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene."

A post-mortem examination revealed Ms Ramsey died of smoke inhalation and burning.

Her funeral will take place on November 28 at Croydon Crematorium, from 1pm. Anyone is welcome to attend.

A JUDGE has refused Shasha Khan leave to appeal her decision to reject his legal challenge against the Beddington Lane incinerator - saying he has "no realistic prospect of success". 

The Green Party activist now plans to go directly to the Court of Appeal. 

Judge Justice Patterson upheld Sutton Council's decision to grant planning permission to the £1 billion incinerator following a two-day hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in October.  

Following the ruling, issued earlier this month, Mr Khan sought permission to appeal, a request Justice Patterson has today refused. 

Explaining the decision, she wrote: "There is no realistic prospect of success or other compelling reason for a grant of permission."  

Mr Khan, a prominent member of the Stop the Incinerator campaign, said: "As is normal, the high court judge has refused permission and effectively left the issue to the Court of Appeal to decide. 

"We are undeterred and have the support of our legal team to file our request with the Court of Appeal. 

"The only obstacle is finance and we are encouraged by the massive local support for our fundraising campaign."

Mr Khan, from Thornton Heath, took on financial responsibility for the legal challenge, including meeting Sutton and contractor Viridor's costs, which were capped at £5,000. 

He fought the council's decision on four grounds, which were all thrown out by Justice Patterson. 

His legal team has challenged that ruling on the first ground, namely that Sutton breached planning guidelines which stated the Beddington Farmlands site would become part of the Wandle Valley Regional Park in 2023. 

The incinerator, if built, would replace an existing landfill site and burn 275,000 tonnes of rubbish each year. 

It is being set up by the South London Waste Partnership, an agreement between Croydon, Sutton, Kingston and Merton councils. 

CROYDON'S X Factor hope will be performing a Whitney Houston classic on tomorrow night's show.

The 29-year-old will sing I Will Always Love You, the theme from smash-hit movie The Body Guard, which famously spent 10 weeks at Number One in 1992.

Read Ben's latest, exclusive blog for the Advertiser here.

A SPECIALLY adapted car is all that stands between a little girl and returning home from hospital.

Seriously ill Melody Driscoll, 7, has been spending short periods of time with her family in New Addington after a year on a children's ward.

Those visits followed a campaign by her parents, Karina and Nigel, who want to be discharged so they can have her back permanently.

To do that, they need an accessible vehicle which meets her complex needs, but they do not qualify for financial support because of the length of her hospital stay.

Melody's family have instead set up an online appeal in hope of raising £10,000 to put toward a second-hand car which fits the bill.

"This is the only hurdle left before we can bring our daughter home," Karina, 32, told the Advertiser.

Melody has Rett syndrome, a rare genetic condition which causes severe mental and physical disability. The car would require seven seats, wheelchair access, power points, privacy glass, a ramp and dual heating controls.

A vehicle which meets that specification took Melody to and from home earlier this month as she spent time away from hospital for the first time since October 2013.

They are, however, difficult to source and expensive for health services to hire. Subsequent visits have been called into question, only to be saved at the eleventh hour, because a suitable car could not be found.

Melody was able to spend five days at home this week and her mother hopes she is just one further step away from having her back permanently.

"She was so happy," said Karina. "My family came to see her and she was in her element. But, as soon as she was back on the ward, she burst out crying."

Karina said her family had been unable able to access financial help, such as disability living allowance, because of the length of time Melody spent in hospital following last October's operation.

They own a people carrier which they looked into adapting only to find it would be financially unviable.

A new specialised vehicle would cost around £45,000 but they have managed to find one second hand for £16,000. They have £6,000  - from social services and Croydon Clinical Commissioning Group - and have now set up an online appeal to raise the rest.

The Help Get Melody Home appeal began on Wednesday and has already raised more than £500, including a £100 donation from a woman in the US, toward the £10,000 target.

"Lots of people said they wanted to help and suggested we set up a fundraising page," said Karina.

"I wanted to try because this is the only hurdle left before we can bring her home.

"It's fantastic to have already had such a good response. I've got my fingers crossed that we will have Melody home soon."

To support the Help Get Melody Home campaign click here.

CHRISTMAS means mince pies, Santa Claus, Morecambe and Wise on the TV and Cliff Richard on the radio.

But, as loyal Advertiser readers will by now know, it also means something else.

Our Toys for Joy appeal is back!

Since 2010, Croydon Advertiser readers have shown incredible generosity by donating hundreds upon hundreds of goodies to our annual Christmas toy appeal.

Now, we're asking you to dig deep again and help give those children having to spend Christmas, or the build-up, in hospital a spot of festive happiness.

The toys you donate will be handed over to Croydon University Hospital's children's ward and other deserving causes.

The ward makes use of your donations all year round, as well as giving them as festive gifts.

Jennie Thompson, paediatric nurse manager at Croydon University Hospital, said: "Every year we are impressed by the generosity shown by the people of Croydon.

"All the gifts that are donated make a big difference to the children we treat in hospital and in the community over Christmas.

"They are also used on the wards and in the community throughout the year, which means all of our patients benefit from them."

The toys and games you donate will be given out at the hospital during a now traditional presentation by some special guests, including the stars of this year's Fairfield Halls panto.

In 2013, the children also received a surprise visit from X Factor singer Hannah Barrett, who played Santa Claus and handed out some of your donations.

Advertiser editor Glenn Ebrey said: "This is the fifth year we've run this appeal and, it's fair to say, the number of donations has increased year after year.

"The generosity of our readers never ceases to amaze me and I know they will give generously once again.

"If you're a shop or business willing to donate to the appeal too, we'd love to hear from you."

HOW TO DONATE

WE WILL accept both brand new and second-hand toys in a good condition, though not used soft toys.

If you'd like to donate, please drop your toys off at the Croydon Health Services community base, 12-18 Lennard Road, West Croydon, CR9 2RS, during the week from 8am until 5pm.

If you're a business interested in getting involved, please call 01737 783822 or e-mail: newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk

SCOTLAND international midfielder James McArthur is delighted to see former club Hamilton Academical flying high in the Scottish Premier League.

And he believes the club have got the right blend of characters and ages to stabilise themselves for years to come in the top flight of Scottish football.

"They're doing really well," said McArthur.

"They've gone through a wee stage lately of not winning but playing in the SPL, you're always going to go through runs like that.

"It's about having big character and they've got players with experience and players who have had the last four or five years at young kid and learning."

By Mark Ritson (Twitter @MR_LWMedia)

For the full interview with McArthur, don't miss this week's Croydon Advertiser.

A DOCTOR who was once struck off is under investigation, after claims she called a teenage girl "obnoxious", "grossly obese" and complained she "stank of cigarettes" after treating her for suspected shingles.

Dr Salma Uddin, who previously owned Kenley care home Little Hayes, is now practising in Suffolk – three years after having her medical licence revoked for 'dishonesty' and pursuing a bullying vendetta against a member of staff.

The recent complaint about Dr Uddin has come from the parents of Shannen Manning, 19, who was taken to Ipswich Hospital A&E department last Friday night (November 14) when a rash – which her GP the day before had suspected was a result of shingles – worsened.

Shannen's mum Rachel Holdsworth said Dr Uddin dismissed her rash as a "case of acne".

On Monday, the Sainsbury's worker was taken back to her regular GP who produced a report by Dr Uddin she said she didn't want her daughter to see.

The report, seen by the Advertiser, states that Shannen was a "foul-mouthed/obnoxious individual", "grossly obese" and "stank of cigarettes".

Ms Holdsworth, 40, said: "I am livid with this. Our jaws were just on the floor when we read those comments.

"Luckily Shannen has been brought up quite broad-shouldered and to remember the whole 'sticks and stone won't break your bones' thing."

In regards to the barb about her weight, Ms Holdsworth said: "She's not stick thin and she's probably classed as overweight but she's normally a size 14.

"She hasn't got any issues with the way she looks."

Ms Holdsworth also alleges that Dr Uddin had refused to go anywhere near her daughter and "barely looked" when she pulled her top up to show the rash.

Since visiting her GP again in Ipswich on Monday, it has been confirmed Shannen does not have shingles but instead has a blood infection.

Ms Holdsworth said: "She said it was just acne but how could Shannen have a 40 degree temperature if it was just that?

"We had described her symptoms to someone over the phone on the 111 line and they had said we should go to an out-of-hours doctor.

"You don't go to the hospital late at night for fun."

Dr Uddin now works for the Suffolk GP Out of Hours Service, run by Care UK.

Dr Jon Craig, regional medical director for Care UK, said on Wednesday: "I can confirm we have very recently received a complaint regarding one of our out-of-hours GPs.

"We take all complaints seriously and, in line with our robust governance procedures, this complaint will be promptly and fully investigated, after which we will report back to the patient with our findings and details of any action to be taken."

A "MOMENTOUS" leap forward in Croydon's regeneration began this week as work started on redeveloping a key site which has stood derelict for more than 40 years.

Tuesday's official groundbreaking ceremony heralded the start of the first phase of Stanhope/Schroder's Ruskin Square development.

The development, made up of a plinth and 22-storey tower, will provide 161 homes close to East Croydon Station.

Working with housing group Places for People, the apartments will comprise a mixture of private homes, shared ownership and rent.

It also includes penthouses, a roof garden and a private communal open space.

A sales launch of the apartments is planned for early next year.

The block is part of an overall redevelopment of the nine-acre site site which will eventually include 625 homes, 1.25 million sq ft of offices and 100,000 sq ft of shops, cafes and restaurants.

The development will move forward again in the second quarter of next year when work starts on a speculative office building.

Councillor Alison Butler, the council's cabinet member for homes and regeneration, joined with Ian Mason, head of UK Specialist Funds at Schroder Property, and Mary Parsons, from Places for People, at Tuesday's ceremony.

Cllr Butler said: "When you are talking about the regeneration of Croydon, this site has always been a key part of that." She said the area was one of the first things people saw when they arrived at East Croydon Station and its redevelopment would, at last, give a good impression of how Croydon is moving forward.

Cllr Butler added: "To see a building going up is momentous.

"Having new homes and new community build is really important to Croydon's regeneration.

"We have a diverse community and this development will bring new people and jobs and will help change the face of Croydon. It should be celebrated across the borough."

Mr Mason said Schroders and Stanhope had been working on bringing about the development for "many years" and he was delighted that a start had been made on bringing about their vision for a "great gateway site."

He said: "Croydon has always made sense for us. You can't dwell on history, the important thing is that is happening now.

"The Westfield/Hammerson development has been the major catalyst to kick start the regeneration of Croydon.

"Getting the timing right for our development is very important and we think the time is now right."

Steve O'Connell, Croydon's London Assembly member, also welcomed the start of work.

He said: "We are telling people who come to East Croydon that great things are happening here."

The Advertiser caught up with MSN Senior Sport Editor and Liverpool fan Rob Jones to preview Sunday's match at Selhurst Park…and he's predicting a Reds victory, but only just.

It's been an inconsistent start to this season so far for you?

Yes, it has been tough to watch on more occasions than not. Our performance at White Hart Lane is really the only glimpse of the levels we were reaching last season with such regularity. Six wins, three draws and eight losses in all competitions is just not good enough and we rightly sit in the bottom half of the table and desperately close to exiting at the group stage of the Champions League.

How much are you missing Luis Suarez?

Suarez is an obvious reason for our failings this season. It's not just his prolific goal-scoring record and ability to conjure a goal from nothing. It's far more. His appetite to win the ball back high up the pitch and constant harassment of defenders really set the tempo of the team.

Mario Balotelli might miss the match through injury. A big miss or not?

This may be a blessing in disguise. Balotelli flew back from international duty with a hamstring strain and with Daniel Sturridge's perpetual thigh problem, Brendan Rodgers could give Rickie Lambert a much overdue Premier League start. Lambert has been given limited minutes since he moved to his boyhood club, but his work-rate will surpass the levels of the less than super Mario and will allow the media scrutiny of the Italian to subside slightly.

Who should Palace look out for now heading into the game?

Much attention has been placed on Raheem Sterling, but in recent weeks it has been the performances of Philippe Coutinho that have stood out. His guile and trickery have been a key feature and have earned him a call-up into the Brazil squad for the recent friendlies.

Which Palace players do you like the look of?

I'm a big fan of the skipper Mile Jedinak. Strong in the tackle (sometimes too strong), good aerial ability and a real leader. Arsenal, for example, would be a better side with him in front of the back four. I also like Julian Speroni and I was soo pleased he got offered a new contract and has kept his place as Palace's number one.

What are your memories of Selhurst Park over the years?

I've been fortunate enough to visit Selhurst Park a few times. It's a fantastic ground with real character and atmosphere. However, the last time I was there was a night to forget for me. Yes, I was there on that fateful night when we threw away a three-goal lead and with it the chances of our first league title in 24 years. Unlike Suarez though, I managed to fight back the tears… just!

And finally, a score prediction?

Palace 1-2 Liverpool.

Follow Rob on Twitter @msnsportrob

FORMER England cricketer and Croydon schoolboy Mark Butcher says the council should forget about building on school playing fields.

The batsman, one of the borough's best-known sporting exports, believes any plan to develop over green space would impinge on the opportunities children have to exercise and access sport.

The Surrey legend, who was a pupil at Cumnor House and Trinity schools, said: "School playing fields should not be built on unless there is an unbelievably good reason and there's no other option. I don't think we are at that point."

Last week the Advertiser revealed the council is considering building affordable housing on school playing fields.

A council report said there are schools in Croydon which have "very large" playing fields which might be considered "excessive" and could be developed upon.

Despite the councillor behind the idea going on record as saying playing fields should not be immune from development, the Labour administration appeared desperate to distance itself from the policy this week, while at the same time approving the strategy at a cabinet meeting on Monday night.

The report in question does not identify specific schools but Simon Hall, cabinet member for finance, said all of the borough's playing fields would be reviewed.

He attempted to downplay the controversy around the policy by suggesting there were certain playing fields where development could be appropriate.

They include fields which are disproportionately large compared to the number of pupils at that school and others with certain areas Cllr Hall said are no longer in use.

Mr Butcher believes any level of development would set a dangerous precedent.

He said: "I appreciate housing is at a premium, but I think [developing on playing fields] is a very dangerous idea because you remove places for kids to be able to get out and run around.

"This isn't about Croydon producing less professional sports people, it's about children being introduced to sport. It's something that's bloody important for life skills, not just getting careers out of.

"There's no justification in saying it would only be certain parts of fields. If you look ten miles north of here, children don't have green space to use. Fast forward 30 years and Croydon could become like that.

"I'm no expert but what I do know is once these things start to creep they become insidious and very difficult to stop.

"At some point you have to draw the line and say 'no, I'm afraid not. This has to say as it is'."

Cllr Hall, cabinet member for finance, said last week that the council, which faces having to find £90 million of cuts while providing more school places, has to make the best use of its assets and that school playing fields should be "in the mix".

This week his party appeared desperate to row back from the policy when confronted about it.

Council leader Tony Newman eventually took to Twitter on Tuesday to claim the council had no plans to build on school playing fields, despite approving the strategy containing the idea – without amendments – the previous evening.

Gavin Barwell, the Conservative MP for Croydon Central, has begun a campaign against any potential playing field development, describing the policy as "appalling".

"There are plenty of brownfield sites in Croydon suitable for development," he said.

Sarah Jones, his Labour rival for the seat at next year's General Election, said she had received assurances from Cllr Newman that playing fields would not be built on, but declined to say what her position would be if they were.

The council has not revealed which playing fields are 'excessive' despite Cllr Hall telling the Advertiser that a list of schools had been drawn up.

COMEDIAN Steve Coogan said 'A-ha!' to Croydon College students as they took a trip to perform in his new Alan Partridge series.

The Norwich radio presenter is producing a new series of Mid-Morning Matters for Sky and a group of Year 1 and 2 performing art students from the college were paid £50 for their work in a sketch.

James Miller, the college's programme leader for performing arts and production, said: "What a fantastic and valuable experience for the students.

"Not only gaining practical knowledge about acting and filming but also being directed by Steve Coogan.

"It will look good on their actor's CV and also feeds into their professional practice."

Meanwhile, Coogan made a surprise visit to Croydon last Friday night (November 14).

The comedian and actor was at town centre pub The Spread Eagle, to watch a performance of 'Albert Einstein' – the latest show in the pub's upstairs theatre.

Coogan was joined in town by Tim Key, best known as Partridge's radio pal Sidekick Simon.

A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a young dad in Thornton Heath following the discovery of a body near the River Thames.

Colin McSweeny, 58, appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court this morning charged with murdering Shaun McSweeny, 24, and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Colin McSweeny, of Parry Road, South Norwood, was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday (November 25).

Father-of-one Shaun McSweeny was found in the back of a car in Evelyn Street, near Deptford Wharf shortly before 3am yesterday (Friday) and was pronounced dead at the scene.

His friends gathered outside court to pay tribute.

A friend who had known Shaun McSweeny for five or six years, but asked not to be named, said: "He was a top bloke who had raised a little one almost by himself. He was just the nicest bloke you could ever meet and he was always up for a laugh."

A MAN has been charged with the murder of a young dad which is believed to have taken place in Thornton Heath.

Colin McSweeny, 58, of Parry Road, South Norwood, has been charged with the murder of Shaun McSweeny, 24, after a body was found in the back of a car near the River Thames.

The Advertiser understands Colin McSweeny is the foster father of Shaun McSweeny.

Mr McSweeny was found with head injuries in Evelyn Street, near Deptford Wharf, shortly before 3am on Friday (November 21) morning and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr McSweeny had a young daughter who he looked after and it is believed he went to school in Caterham. 

Colin McSweeny is due to appear before Bromley Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning.  

A BENEFITS cheat who drove around in a new top-of-the-range BMW and sent her children to private school has been jailed.

Angella Brown, of Silverleigh Road, Thornton Heath, was found guilty of nine offences taking place from 1999 to 2009, where she illegally pocketed £43,000 in benefits and income support.

Brown, 45, claimed housing and council tax benefits without declaring that she was married to her landlord and failed to tell the council she owned a property in Thornton Heath.

Jurors at Croydon Crown Court heard she even managed to get council housing, by claiming she was homeless and forced to live in overcrowded conditions with a friend.

Brown was jailed for 12 months having been found guilty of eight charges of dishonestly making a false representation and one of obtaining property by deception at an earlier hearing.

Councillor Simon Hall, cabinet member for finance and treasury, said: "This case shows that eventually, fraudsters will be caught and punished, and made to pay back the benefits they have illegally claimed."

TV presenter Gloria Hunniford, who lost her daughter to breast cancer, visited a Purley charity to launch its new telephone counselling service.

Ms Hunniford went to the South East Cancer Help Centre (SECHC) on Friday, November 14, to promote the service, which has been partly funded by money donated in memory of her daughter, Caron Keating, who lost her life to breast cancer.

Ten years ago, money given to the SECHC by the Caron Keating Foundation paid for Caron's Room, a therapy centre where cancer sufferers can relax with treatments such as facials, massage, and aromatherapy.

Now those who cannot make it to the centre can receive specialist support over the phone, as the foundation has helped pay for SECHC's new telephone counselling service, run by counsellors who specialise in helping people with cancer.

SECHC was the first centre Ms Hunniford, a presenter on Loose Women, supported. It is one of the best things the Caron Keating Foundation has done, she said.

"I have seen the centre working and admire the enormous value it provides to people battling cancer," said Ms Hunniford.

"Treatments within the Caron Keating Treatment Room take people away from what they have to deal with, and the feel good factor and relaxation gives them what they need."

Jennifer Mollett, SECHC chairman, said the room is in constant use. Sally Adams, from Bournemouth, is among those who uses the telephone counselling service because there is little help available locally.

"It was so good to have someone to talk to, even at such a distance," said Ms Adams.

"After I had been told that I had cancer I felt very much out of kilter with those around me. It was especially easy to talk to someone who I could open up to and say exactly what I felt."

Ms Hunniford added: "The fact that they are able to come here to talk to each other and get the full understanding of others who are going through what they are going through is extremely supportive. The positivity from people like Sally gives people inspiration and hope."

For more information about telephone counselling, call Nina on 020 8668 0974.

A WETHERSPOON pub was crowned the overall winner at an awards ceremony recognising Croydon's most responsibly run bars.

The George, in George Street, took home the spoils at the Best Bar None awards, which took place at Croydon Conference Centre on Tuesday evening.

The awards recognise pubs that best meet the rigorous inspections of Croydon Council's licensing team, are trading within the letter of the law and have comprehensive procedures and practices in place to support staff and customers.

For the second successive year in the scheme's history, every Croydon establishment that applied for Best Bar None status succeeded in achieving accreditation.

As well as the overall award, The George won Best Pub.

The Oval Tavern, in East Croydon, won Best Small Venue, and The Bad Apple, in Park Street, beat off stiff competition to win Best Late Night Venue.

This year, the Croydon Advertiser supported the People's Choice categories.

In the awards – which attracted nearly 10,000 votes from Advertiser readers – Best Bar Staff in Croydon was won by Reflex, in High Street, Croydon, and Best Customer Experience went to Bad Apple.

The Oval Tavern picked up its second gong with Best Family Friendly Venue and The Crown and Pepper, in High Street, took the prize for Best Food in Croydon.

The Best Bar None scheme is co-ordinated by Croydon Council and supported by the Met Police, local licensees and the Croydon Business Crime Reduction Partnership (CBCP).

CBCP chairman Nick Baker said: "Croydon's reputation can only be enhanced by local premises successfully reaching and maintaining a standard of management which is nationally recognised.

"All of this year's entrants should be justifiably proud of their achievements."