Local News

A local 18-year-old football player is attracting Premier League interest in recent days.

Sittingbourne FC player Lex Allan, who lives on the Isle of Sheppey, is being tracked by top clubs Crystal Palace and Millwall.

Sittingbourne FC Secretary, John Pitts, told SFM News: "Lex is an excellent defender. He has such a great ability for his age"

Lex has also been attracting other rave reviews from the six matches that he has played for Sittingbourne.

There has also been wider interest in Sittingbourne FC's squad from Reading FC and even Aston Villa have been scouting the club.

John added: "The eye for talent that the managers, Tony Cornwell and Nick Davis, bring has allowed the team to excel this season."

The central defender's success comes just days after Sittingbourne FC beat Herne Bay and landed themselves top of the Bostik South League table for the first time in 20 years.

A 25-year-old man has appeared in court after being charged with burglary.

George Patching, of no fixed address, appeared before Medway Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (5th September) having been charged with three counts of burglary, one count of affray and one count of interfering with a motor vehicle.

The offences occurred in Sittingbourne, Faversham and Gillingham between Tuesday 4th July and Monday 4th September.

Following his appearance Mr Patching was recalled to prison for unrelated offences and is due to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 3rd October.

Kent Police officers, investigating a robbery at a newsagents, have released an image of a man who they would like to identify.

Kent Police were called at 9.42pm on Saturday (19th August) to a report of a robbery at a newsagents in St John's Avenue, Sittingbourne.

A man entered the shop where he is then reported to have threatened a staff member before stealing a quantity of cash and alcohol. No injuries were reported.

Officers are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and would ask anyone who believes they may know the suspect or has information about the incident to call Kent Police on 01795 419 119 quoting crime reference XY/042021/17.

Or alternatively they can contact Kent Crimestoppers, free (from any landline) and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

All over Sittingbourne students are finding out whether or not they have acquired the A-level grades they need to take the next steps in their life's journey.

Below is a look at how each school performed:

Borden Grammar School for Boys

116 students sat exams at Borden Grammar school and 64% achieved A*-C.

One pupil at the school who stood-out was Craig Clark who achieved the best results ever achieved by a single pupil.

Westlands/SCC/Swale Skills Centre

Over 170 students sat their exams at Westlands School, Sittingbourne Community College and Swale Skills Centre. Between those students the overall A* to E pass rate was 99%.

Josie Pengelly of Swale Sixth Form obtained triple distinctions in dance and an A in English Literature which means she is off to university.  

I didn't obtain the grades I needed, so what next?

Clearing

On today's 'In The Bourne' Demi Hamandishe spoke to Julie Newlan the Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire who advised that students should remain positive and call their chosen university's clearing hotline. In addition students should visit the UCAS website which has a lot of information and guidance on clearing.

Apprenticeships

Demi also spoke to Harry Gooding from 'Arch Apprentices' on today's show, who informed listeners that university degrees are failing to prepare students for work and is a costly exercise. Harry went on to recommend that students should consider apprenticeships not as a second choice but one where you can still get qualifications, some even at degree level, along with great work experience and pay.

Harry finished with a final word of advice which was to "not put too much weight on your results, your career is a long game and the first day of it is yet to come. These results are the end of education but not the end of your career".