A BARNSLEY school sent a text message to parents warning them about a suspicious incident.

It's reported that the driver of a black BMW made a suggestive comment to a woman walking along High Street, Grimethorpe.

While the woman had a child in a pushchair with her, it's believed that the comment was aimed directly at the woman and not at the child.

She reported the matter to the local school, Milefield, who then alerted police and other parents.

DCI Deb Mahmood said: "We're aware that a text message was sent to parents of children at a Grimethorpe school informing them of the incident.

"Local officers are making enquiries into the matter. I\m satisfied at this time that this incident is not connected to any others. However, if anyone has any concerns please contact us."

Anyone wishing to report suspicious activity should call 101.

RESIDENTS on a 'death trap' Barnsley road are fighting for traffic calming measures to be installed.

Anne Davis, of Cross Lane, Royston, claims that speeding has long been a problem on the street, saying her wall has been knocked down three times by speeding cars.

And it was knocked down again just a few weeks ago - along with an iron gate in her front garden.

She said: "My premiums are going up every time because there's just so many accidents happening on here. It's unbelievable.

"People come flying around the corner at such a pace and they lose control, and that's when they come flying into one of our front gardens.

"So many of us have experienced damage to our property."

Anne started collecting signatures for a petition this week to get a chicane on Cross Lane, so cars are forced to slow down.

THE young brothers who passed away after a fire in Penistone were lured to their deaths by their father.

Jack, 12, and nine-year-old Paul were rescued from the property on Tennyson Close by firefighters on October 22. However, they both sadly lost lives as a result of their injuries.

The boys' inquest, which reached its end on Wednesday, recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.

A statement from their family said: "The family are devastated by the deaths of our two kind, loving, gentle and talented boys.

"There are no words to describe the huge void which has been left in our lives.

"We would also like to thank all the staff at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, the paediatric intensive care unit at Manchester Hospital, fire and ambulance crews and the local community for their care to our boys and our family which still continues today."

Father Darren was also rescued from the property and died as a result of his injuries. An inquest into his death concluded on Tuesday, with a verdict returned of suicide.

MORE than a hundred troops are to march through Barnsley town centre again this summer.

Two years after the 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment exercised its freedom of the borough, it's been announced that they're to return to the town in June.

A parade of 120 troops, accompanied by a military band of 30 musicians, formed up outside the Barnsley Town Hall on a sun-soaked July 18 in 2013.

Expect temporary closures on the majority of the town centre's roads for most of the morning. We'll let you know when a date has been set.

A NUMBER of town centre roads are set for resurfacing work.

It will take place as follows:

Royal Street, from March 8, for approximately three weeks. Its one-way restriction will be revoked.

Eldon Street, from March 9, for approximately two weeks. A diversion route will be in place on Old Mill Lane, Church Street and Shambles Street.

Regent Street, from March 22, for approximately nine days. A diversion route will be in place on Church Street, Shambles Street, St Mary's Place, Church Lane, Old Mill Lane, Harborough Hill Road and Eldon Street North.

Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for place, said: "Barnsley Council apologises for any disruption caused by these works but they will greatly benefit the town centre once completed."

Work has been taking place since the end of June 2014, with North Midland Construction PLC carrying out the improvements to the public realm on:

Eldon Street

Regent Street South

Hanson Street

Royal Street

Regent Street

Eastgate

Market Hill

Church Street footpath

It includes paving in natural Yorkstone and granite, as well as new street lighting and street furniture.

Pedestrian access to properties and businesses adjacent to the works will be maintained throughout the duration, although vehicular access may be restricted at times as work is carried out across business frontages.

POLICE still want to hear from witnesses to a collision that saw a seven-year-old boy taken to hospital with head and leg injuries.

The boy was struck by a man riding a black Aprilia scooter on Merrill Road, Thurnscoe, close to the junction of Beechlea on January 27 at around 7.10pm.

The boy had got out of a silver Toyota taxi before being hit and was treated at both Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Sheffield Children's Hospital, but is now recovering at home.

PC Steve Zielinski said: "It was an extremely traumatic experience for the young boy.

"He is back home now and is on the mend. His injuries were not as bad as first thought.

"The scooter rider correctly stopped at the scene. It was a very unfortunate incident for all concerned but we would like more information about how the scooter was being ridden prior to the incident."

People with information are asked to call 101 and quote incident number 787 of January 27.

A BARNSLEY pub is set to be converted into two houses.

The Wharncliffe Arms, on Fish Dam Lane, Carlton, will become two semi-detached houses after approval was given to Donald Graham to convert the pub.

The pub has been closed since early 2014 and the building and land is in a derelict state.

The access ramp and entrance are to be demolished to improve the overall appearance of the building and give it more of a domestic look and feel.

POLICE are continuing with their enquiries into suspicious activity in Barnsley following a number of reports of unidentified people behaving in a strange and unusual manner.

Officers are examining CCTV footage from across the town centre following several reports over the last two weeks.

In one incident, a group of people are reported to have approached a woman walking with her child close to the Alhambra. The group did not touch the woman or her child, not did they approach or speak to the child.

However, the incident distressed the woman who reported the matter to police.

In other incidents, members of the public have reported unknown men behaving suspiciously while they have been in the town centre with their children.

Each incident has been thoroughly investigated and at this time, there is no evidence to suggest that an attempted child abduction has taken place.

DCI Deb Mahmood said: "Our enquiries are ongoing into this issue following the high level of concern in the local community after comments on social media.

"We continue to monitor CCTV and will take action against any incident brought to our attention or any individual found to be committing a criminal offence.

"I’d like to remind the public that they should report any suspicious incidents to us on 101 so that we can investigate. If you're unsure about any individual, or believe they're acting in an odd manner, call us or alert your local officers on patrol."

Increased police presence and high visibility patrols in the town centre will continue as enquiries progress.

Officers have also been made aware of an incident in the Grimethorpe area. It's reported that the driver of a black BMW made a suggestive comment to a woman walking along High Street.

While the woman had a child in a pushchair with her, it's believed that the comment was aimed directly at the woman and not at the child. She reported the matter to the local school who alerted police.

DCI Mahmood continued: "We're aware that a text message was sent to parents of children at a Grimethorpe school informing them of the incident. Local officers are making enquiries into the matter.

"I'm satisfied at this time that this incident is not connected to any others. However, if anyone has any concerns please contact us."

Anyone wishing to report suspicious activity should call 101.

A BARNSLEY man has been killed fighting ISIS in Syria.

Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central, said he understood Konstandinos Erik Scurfield had initially travelled to the war-torn country to provide humanitarian assistance.

He said: "My first thoughts are with the Scurfield family. They came to me a few weeks ago very worried for their son's safety and tragically it appears their worst fears have been realised.

"I have been in touch with them and will be doing all I can to support them. It's important to remember that these are still only reports and we don't have all the information yet."

Erik was an ex-Royal Marine who was horrified by the atrocities being carried out by ISIS. His family's understanding was that he travelled to Syria hoping to provide medical and humanitarian support as an expert in battlefield medicine.

Mr Jarvis added: "There's an issue that needs to be addressed as Erik was certainly not the first person to travel to Syria to join forces resisting ISIS.

"I wrote to the Foreign Office regarding this some weeks ago and will be now following up that letter in light of these events."

THIEVES have stolen valuable stones from a boundary wall at Barnsley Hospital.

The authorities are now asking for help from the public in trying to track down the culprits, who drove away with around £1,500 worth of stone.

They want to hear from anyone who was in the area of Pogmoor Road near to the junction of Winter Road during the morning of February 13 between 5.30am and 6.30am.

Around 30 yards of stone toppings were stolen from the hospital's wall on Pogmoor Road.

Two vehicles - a Mercedes van and a Ford Focus - were seen parked near to where the theft took place.

Anyone in the area at the time who can offer any further details should contact 01226 431889 or the hospital on 730000.

THE Reds moved to within two points of a play-off place with their fourth win on the bounce last night.

Lee Johnson's side continued their resurgence with a 1-0 triumph over Coventry, registering their fifth win in six home league games - a run which has transformed their season.

It was the visitors who almost took the lead after four minutes when Adam Davies took too long on a back pass, Coventry's Dominic Samuel almost scoring when he blocked the keeper's clearance.

In rather determined fashion, the Reds immediately pressed back and from a corner only minutes later they were just inches from taking the lead when Martin Cranie headed just wide.

In what was becoming an increasingly open game, ex-Red Marcus Tudgay then hit the post for the visitors as both sides continued to go close.

But it was 20-year-old George Waring who broke the deadlock with what proved to be the eventual winner, nodding in a Conor Hourihane free-kick to score his second in a week 12 minutes into the second half.

"I'm very happy," Johnson said. "It's our second win in a week, fourth overall and we're on a good little run two points off the play-offs.

"We can't get carried away because that complacency can set in. We have another home game on Saturday and I thought it was a good performance."

SIXTY so-called 'Freedom Riders' boarded a train on Monday to continue their long-running protest about the scrapping of free rail travel for the elderly.

The free travel scheme was scrapped on April 1 last year but since then a hardy group has been working to get it reinstated.

Campaigners travelled to York - home of Northern Rail's headquarters - and held a rally in the city. They say what they're doing is in the 'interests of everybody'.

George Arthur, secretary of the Barnsley Retirees Action Group, said: "We live in one of the richest countries in the world - any idea that we can't afford free local travel for older and disabled people is nonsense.

"Younger people should support our campaign as well. They too will need free travel one day."

What do you think to the protests? Do they have your backing? Have your say.

SOUTH Yorkshire Police officers are now carrying out new roadside drug tests.

The new legislation, which came into force on March 2, means that the offence carries the same penalty as drinking whilst under the influence of alcohol.

Officers now have drug-testing equipment which can screen drivers for illegal substances.

Glen Suttonwood, chief inspector for roads policing, said: "Stopping a driver who you suspect may be under the influence of alcohol is relatively simple to determine either immediately by the smell or by using an alcometer kit.

"However to test for drugs, we have only been able to rely upon impairment tests, which include asking the driver to complete a series of tests and questions, for example walking in a straight line, to assess their capability to drive.

"If there's a suspicion they may be under the influence, the driver is arrested and a blood test required at the police station to determine whether there is a drug present in their system."

But the new roadside kits will now be used alongside impairment tests, enabling officers to test drivers for drugs at the scene.

As with alcometer kits that detect levels of alcohol, the drug kits will highlight within seconds as to whether there is a drug in the driver's system, and if they're running the incredibly dangerous risk of driving while under the influence.

"We're determined to make South Yorkshire's roads safer and protect drivers in our county from irresponsible and thoughtless actions of others," Mr Suttonwood added.

PAPER timetables will still be available to public transport users after public demand forced a U-turn.

We Are Barnsley reported in January that South Yorkshire transport hubs were to have reduced services, but now operators will produce their own paper-based information from April 1.

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) announced a ten per cent budget reduction at the turn of the year, meaning that £7.6 million worth of services would be slashed.

David Young, deputy interim director general at SYPTE, said: "Public transport information is already available through many different means, but by listening to our customers we've been working hard to improve the information we provide."

A COMPANY has invested over £1 million to safeguard 59 Barnsley care home jobs.

Panaceon Healthcare Ltd has bought Chapel View and Field View homes, both in Mapplewell, retaining all staff and maintaining continuity of care for residents.

Aditya Jain, director of Panaceon Healthcare, said: "We were and remain very impressed with the level of care on offer and the dedication of the staff towards the residents.

"Our aim now is to develop the homes as a centre of excellence for high quality elderly and dementia care incorporating modern technology, creativity and community links."

The company also aims to recruit up to four new staff in care, catering and administration roles within the next few months.

CONCERNED parents in Barnsley have hit out at South Yorkshire Police's response to last week's reports of attempted child abduction.

Social media pages were awash with claims that another alleged snatching had taken place in Barnsley town centre on February 26.

However, police released a statement saying that they were not aware of any reports of attempted child abduction, claiming that just two reports of 'suspicious behaviour' had been looked into and dismissed.

DCI Deb Mahmood said: "We have investigated the matters that have been brought to our attention and I am satisfied that no offences have been committed.

"Whilst people will be concerned about what they have heard, there is no cause for alarm."

But parents have criticised the force's response, saying they're 'failing' to protect the town's kids.

One wrote: "I believe this is unacceptable. As no crime was committed police are basically saying we're overreacting. It's not a rant or a media stunt - parents are worried and very concerned."

Another, who claimed she reported an incident to the police, added: "My son was surrounded by a group of three men, a woman and another little boy. They stopped me from getting to my son.

"When they wouldn't let me near him I started shouting and forced my way through. Another woman was walking by at the time. I reported it to the police and they didn't even come out to me."

Police were contacted by We Are Barnsley for a further response but no statement was given.

Anyone wishing to report any suspicious activity should call 101 or speak to their local officers on patrol.

A BARNSLEY man's 14-month-old beard's days are numbered - he's set to shave it all off in aid of charity.

Gareth Goodlad, who hasn't had a shave since New Year's Eve in 2013, is hosting The Great Barnsley Beard Off on April 19 at The Court House in a bid to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, MIND and BSARCS.

He said: "The event's all about the loss of hair - I'm going to be going bald above the shoulders and a couple of others will also be losing their hair.

"I'm hoping to bring together aware for the three charities that hold a lot of special meaning for me and my family.

"I'm a little nervous as it's the first time I've done anything like this, but I'm going to give it my all to make a difference for those in need."

Click here for more information.

POLICE have appealed for information after two men abandoned a car following a collision.

The crash, on Cross Lane, Royston, resulted in two walls and a gate being knocked down.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers were called to reports of an RTC at around 4.30pm on February 16.

"It was reported that two men abandoned a silver Citroen Xsara at the scene after the car hit a lamp post, demolishing two walls and a gate.

"Enquiries are still ongoing into identifying the two males who abandoned the vehicle."

It's thought the offenders ran off in the direction of Calder Avenue. One of the men is described as approximately 20 years old, wearing a hoodie with short grey hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 703 of February 16.

A BARNSLEY couple had to be rescued from their smoke-filled home after they were trapped inside.

Firefighters were called to New Street, Darfield, at 2.30am on Sunday.

Crews had to break down their door to enter, after smoke from a fire outside filled the home.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is underway. They were not seriously injured.

A BARNSLEY Hospital midwife who kickstarted a social media craze which raised £7 million for charity has gained royal recognition.

At the beginning of August, Paula Maguire and her husband Robert caught wind of an awareness and fundraising initiative that was happening in the USA.

People were filming themselves pouring buckets of ice water over themselves and donating money to the ALS Association, an American charity raising funds for motor neurone disease research.

Paula - who is is already a supporter of the MND Association - has raised over £12,000 for them in the past and decided to set up a Just Giving page.

Once Paula and her husband’s videos were uploaded, they quickly went viral and were shared by thousands.

Her modest target of £500 was soon surpassed, with over 770,000 donations being pledged and many still trickling in. 

Earlier this month, the couple were invited to meet the charity’s patron, Princess Anne.

Paula said: "My uncle, Stuart, became ill in April 2009 and was diagnosed with MND in June 2009. He was given just five years to live but his health deteriorated rapidly and he died five months later, aged just 50.

"The MND Association is run on contributions from the public and any money raised will go a long way to help provide support, care and research for those living with or those who have been affected by the disease."

Sally Light, chief executive of the MND Association, added: "While everyone had fun doing the challenge, many understood that there was a very serious message to share - that MND is a cruel disease.

"Because so many people took part, even if some didn't realise why they were doing it but supported it anyway, more people around the world have heard of MND today than ever before and we're able to do more to fight it.

"That's given a new optimism and hope for the future to all those affected by this dreadful disease."

POLICE have urged the public to be vigilant following a number of incidents of fraud across Barnsley.

Further to guidance issued by police on February 25, they're now aware of at least 15 reported incidents of so-called 'courier fraud' across the region.

In every case, the victims received telephone calls from men purporting to be police officers, who were investigating theft and fraud from their bank account.

The victims were then told to contact their bank but, unbeknown to them, the offender stayed on the line so when they called their ‘bank’ they were still speaking to the conman.

They were then asked to withdraw money from their account so that a detective could come and collect it.

The offender who has shown up at several victims’ homes to collect money is described as black, mid 30s, medium build, 5ft 6ins tall, with short dark hair and clean shaven.

Superintendent Colin McFarlane said: "We're urging the public to be mindful of this scam as it appears to have really increased in the last 24 hours.

"Please discuss this with your family and friends and if you have vulnerable or elderly relatives or neighbours, make them aware that this is happening.

"We need to identify who is behind this scam, so I’d ask anyone with information about this to please get in touch.

"Remember, your bank will never ask for your details over the phone and police officers will never ask you to withdraw money from your account.

"Always ask for identification when someone you do not know comes to your house and try to verify their identity wherever possible by calling the company or business they purport to come from.

"If they say they're a police officer, phone 101 and ask us to check."

Anyone wishing to report suspicious activity or with concerns should call police on 101 quoting incident number 529 of February 26.

Alternatively, you can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

NEW Barnsley boss Lee Johnson celebrated his first game in charge with a win against in-form Gillingham.

The Reds - now with three consecutive wins under their belt - move up to 12th in the League One standings, just four points off the play-off places.

A recent upturn in performances has also put distance between them and the relegation zone, with the gap now at nine points after wins against Crewe, Scunthorpe and Gillingham.

After a quiet first half, it was George Waring who fired home for the visitors after Ben Pearson's shot was parried by Stuart Nelson ten minutes after the restart.

Johnson, who joined Barnsley from Oldham last week, ended the Gills' eight-game unbeaten run, leapfrogging them in the process.

He said: "I'm delighted - victory away from home and a clean sheet is a perfect result. I thought the boys were fantastic.

"It's a good win, but let's not get too excited. There's a lot more to come."

Next up is a home match against Coventry tomorrow night.

A DECISION on whether to allow almost 1,000 pupils to start and leave at the same time has been deferred over safety fears.

Proposals to change start and finishing times for year 11 pupils at Horizon, on Dodworth Road, were considered by the planning board last week.

The school want to remove the 10am and 4.15pm start/exit times and instead allow its year 11 kids to come and go with year tens at 9.30am and 3.45pm.

But the proposal was met with concern from councillors, who said much more information was needed before a decision was made.

Coun Brian Perrin said: "We're talking about Horizon not being the biggest school in the country but the biggest in Europe and when you talk about two years you're talking about almost 1,000 pupils.

"You know Dodworth Road is in a terrible state with traffic and cannot stand any more. I want members to think about this and be reasonable."

Coun Doug Birkinshaw said a lot of questions had been raised and asked for a decision to be deferred.

"The reason is it's not something I want in the future to have over our heads when a child gets knocked down," he added. "We need to get it right."

SNOW is expected to fall in Barnsley today and tomorrow.

Heavy winds are set to make conditions changeable, with bright sunshine and heavy snow taking turns throughout the day.

The showers are expected to carry on all through the night, with apparently no let up until tomorrow afternoon.

It's forced the Met Office to issue a weather warning for snow and ice.

A spokesperson said: "England will see snow chiefly over higher ground, with more than 5cm in places but with slight accumulations possible at low levels too. Ice will be an additional hazard across much of northern Britain.

"The public are advised to be aware of tricky travel conditions generally, and possible disruption to transport."

POLICE in Barnsley want to reassure the public that no reports of attempted child abduction have been received.

Two incidents of suspicious behaviour have been reported to police in the last week but after thorough investigations, no evidence of attempted child abduction has been found.

A number of comments have been placed on social media causing a high level of concern among in community.

But DCI Deb Mahmood said that no offences had been identified as a result of investigations.

She added: "We have investigated the matters that have been brought to our attention and I am satisfied that no offences have been committed.

"While people will be concerned about what they have heard, there is no cause for alarm. We are aware of the comments made on Facebook however at this time no offences have come to light.

"We are increasing patrols in the town centre this weekend and will take positive action around any information that we receive.

"If people have any concerns about an individual's behaviour we ask them to contact 101 and we will fully investigate those concerns."

Officers increased visibility and patrols in the area after concerns were raised relating to a suspicious man in the May Day Green area last Saturday.

An investigation was launched but no offence was determined to have taken place.

Officers responded to a second complaint of suspicious behaviour yesterday.

DCI Mahmood added: "I am confident that this report was completely unrelated and our enquiries have found that no offence has taken place.

"We are working with the complainants to ensure they are happy with our actions."

Anyone wishing to report any suspicious activity should call 101 or speak to their local officers on patrol. 

NEW Barnsley boss Lee Johnson has vowed his side will play "attacking and attractive" football in the Reds' new era.

The 33-year-old, who replaces Danny Wilson, left fellow League One club Oldham to move to Oakwell and he takes his first game in charge against in-form Gillingham on Saturday.

He said: "I feel like I am the perfect fit for this club. We will play attractive, attacking football while being organised and disciplined.

"We will work with the academy and won't sign journeymen who get in the way of young players' progress.

"Attention to detail and hard work is a big part of my coaching philosophy.

"I hope I will bring workrate and that my values and personality will fit in well with the town, its history and its people."

A BUDDING Barnsley racer is making a name for himself on the competitive karting scene.

Adam Batty, 14, from Darfield, came first in both the South Yorkshire Kart Club and the Northern Karting Federation's (NKF) championships.

Adam's mum, Julie, said he even delayed joining the family on holiday so he could take part in the NKF race.

The proud 47-year-old added: "My heart's in my mouth as I watch him race, as a mum it's really difficult to watch but I do want him to win."

CONTRACTORS have finally started working on building a new Aldi store.

The retailer's plans for Barnsley Road, Cudworth, were approved by planning officers in September 2013.

The store will create up to 30 full and part-time jobs, and a further 200 jobs during its construction.

The majority of the site has been vacant since 1990, following the demolition of the former council offices. There will be a total of 77 car parking spaces.

Coun Joe Hayward said all three councillors were in support of the scheme.

A PARENT and child escaped unharmed from a fire in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Firefighters responded to a call for help after the smell of smoke was noticed in a house on Upper Hoyland Road, Hoyland, at 1.45am.

Burning electrics had generated the smoke.

A FOOD store, five shops and housing will be built on a former school site.

A 166-space car park and up to 35 new houses will occupy the former Foulstone site, on Nanny Marr Road, Darfield.

The demolition of the youth club off Barnsley Road, the only building left standing on the site, is included in the plans.

Darfield ward Coun Brian Key said: "It's vitally important for the centre of that village. We're really pleased and delighted, we welcome it. It's what we want.

"It will be a boost in the area. At the moment the school site does look an eyesore, it's a big hole in the centre of the village, so it will fill that.

"There have only been two objections and one of them was because the site is used by a few ponies. The only concern is about those ponies and where they will go."

AN e-fit has been released after a 16-year-old girl was dragged from her horse and punched by a man.

At around 6.20pm on February 12, a complaint was made about an assault and attempted theft from the victim who was riding her horse on the Trans-Pennine Trail to the rear of Lang Avenue, Lundwood.

The girl was confronted by a man who took the reins of the horse and demanded her valuables.

She refused and the suspect grabbed her by the left hand and pulled her from the horse and punched her in the face.

A struggle ensued, at which point the man ran, empty handed, from the scene. The suspect was reported as wearing gloves, a navy beanie hat, shirt and jacket.

The suspect has blue eyes, short copper-coloured hair and fair skin tone with freckles around the nose and eyes.

He is described as around 21 years old, approximately 5ft 8in tall, with broad shoulders.

Anyone that recognises the man in this picture is asked to call the South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting crime number B/14039/15.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

OLD speed cameras in Barnsley have been taken out of use - and more face the axe.

Five cameras across the borough were taken out of use last month, which could lead to them being replaced with speed indicator devices or other measures.

It's part of a review looking at the future of fixed speed cameras by the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership, which operates 23 sites across Barnsley.

The five cameras no longer in use are:

Doncaster Road, Ardsley

Wood Walk, Wombwell

Wombwell Lane, Stairfoot

Rotherham Road, Cundy Cross

Manchester Road, Thurlstone

Barry Smith, partnership manager, said: "It's a case of do we really need them or don't we? We will assess this once the data is back from the review and do what's most appropriate.

"If speeds stay within tolerable levels we may consider bagging them for a longer period of time followed by the possibility of decommissioning it.

"However, we never take a camera out unless we are putting something in its place."

A BARNSLEY quiz team are appearing on Sky on Friday night.

'The Chicks' will represent the town on Quiz Nights against Blackpool's Phoenix Knights, Quizee Rascals from Birmingham and The Quizlamics from Manchester.

The new series, made by Firecracker Films, the makers of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, follows a cross-section of pub quiz teams from across the country deliberating, squabbling and laughing as they search for right and wrong answers.

"Quiz Nights is a celebration of a quintessentially British night," said director of Sky 1 Adam McDonald.

"We wanted a show that is not only a piece of fascinating people-watching TV but that also allows Sky customers to play along from home and really get involved."

Tune in at 10pm on Friday to see if Barnsley's team win.

POLICE in Barnsley have urged people to be vigilant after two people fell victim of so-called 'courier fraud' this week.

Both victims received telephone calls from men purporting to be detectives investigating theft and fraud from their bank account.

They were then told to contact their bank but the offender stayed on the line so when they called their bank they were still speaking to the conman.

They were then asked to withdraw the money from their account and a detective would collect it.

The first incident involved a woman in her 60s from Sackup Lane, Darton, who withdrew a substantial amount of money from her account as requested.

The offender came to collect the money at around 3pm. He is described as black, mid 30s, medium build, 5ft 6in tall, with short dark hair.

A second incident involved a woman in Byland Way, Monk Bretton.
 She received a similar phone call and them withdrew a large amount of cash from her account.

At around 2pm the man claiming to be a detective arrived to collect the money. His description is similar to the first offence.

Officers investigating believe the incidents are linked and are appealing for people to be vigilant and look out for vulnerable family members or neighbours.

Call police on 101 if you have any information.

BARNSLEY Hospital bosses have defended the decision to increase its car parking charges.

It now costs £1.30 for one hour, £2.80 for one to two hours, £4.10 for two to four hours and £6.90 for four to 24 hours. There's also a weekly pass for £10.

Some have claimed it's now too expensive, particularly when being over the time limit by only a few minutes or when visiting frequently.

But bosses have defended the decision - and said free parking is still available to gravely ill patients.

Lorraine Christopher, the hospital's director of estates and facilities, said: "Our charges are reasonable for the area and are consistent with charges levied at other public organisations.

"We offer free parking to patients attending for chemotherapy, dermatology or renal dialysis and in the event of overstaying due to delayed appointments we cover the extra cost."

What do you think? Is it too expensive?

A BARNSLEY man is taking the world of rally driving by storm after a 30-year break.

David White, owner of White's Bakery in Darfield, competed in his first rally event at the age of 17 but decided to give motorsport a break and concentrate on family life and business.

Now aged 49, he has returned to competitive driving and is already proving to be a contender.

Last year in his first season, he finished winner of the Motor Sport Association Asphalt National Rally Championship and this year, after just three events, he is top of the leaderboard in the North of England Tarmacadam Championship.

David said: "Rally driving has always been my passion and it feels great to be back behind the wheel and competing.

"It's funny being the new boy on the scene at my age but I’ve got all the enthusiasm and competitive drive I had at 17 and seem to be holding my own against drivers of all ages.

"My ambition is to keep getting better times and placings and move up to the UK’s premier rallying competition, the British Rally Championship, in 2016."

David’s passion for rallying is now shared by his son Mathew, aged 21, who is his co-driver and navigator. The father and son team drive a Prodrive-fettled Subaru Impreza.