BBC Local Live: Beds, Herts & Bucks

A Milton Keynes primary school has been chosen to be part of the welcome ceremonies for teams competing in the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Milton Keynes CouncilCopyright: Milton Keynes Council

Chestnuts Primary School choir is one of only 20 schools in England and Wales to have been selected by the independent charity Youth Sport Trust and the RFU.

Chestnuts pupils will be welcoming Samoa to Brighton in September.

Slavisa Jokanovic's wage demands are the reason the Hornets head coach has yet to agree a new contract with the club, the Watford Observer understands.

This afternoon's radar picture shows plenty of heavy showers, some of which had hail, moving across the region.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Those showers will die away through this evening and overnight and the temperatures will fall low enough for a touch of grass frost in sheltered locations.

Tomorrow will be drier, brighter and warmer with lots of sunshine, but still the risk of a few showers. Top temperatures 15C (59F).

One lane is closed because of a broken down vehicle on the M1 southbound in Hertfordshire at J9, with congestion to J10.

On the M25 clockwise in Buckinghamshire there's been a collision involving a car and a van between J16 and J17 - traffic to J12.

A bus company has set a new speed record today at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.

Reading BusesCopyright: Reading Buses

The land speed record attempt for a service bus, #projectvroom, saw Reading Buses' low emission vehicle hit a top speed of 80.78 mph.

The buses run on biomethane compressed natural gas (CNG), more commonly known as cow dung.

Here are the latest updates on Local Live:

• Matthew Keough, of no fixed address, has admitted murdering Sally Campion at her Hertfordshire home last July
• A 21-year-old woman has told a jury how she first had sex with an Aylesbury man who groomed and abused her when she was 12
• Police have confirmed that the 27-year-old victim of an assault in HMP Woodhill last year has returned to prison

A 21-year-old woman has told a jury how she first had sex with an Aylesbury man who groomed and abused her when she was 12.

Science Photo LibraryCopyright: Science Photo Library

The alleged offences took place in cars, vans, flats and sometimes the girl's own homes in and around Aylesbury, between 2006 and 2012.

The Old Bailey heard yesterday that two vulnerable schoolgirls were abused on a "massive scale" by 11 men, including six from Aylesbury, one from Milton Keynes and one from Buckingham. All 11 men deny a total of 52 sexual offences.

One in five trains run by rail operator Southern is late, according to the latest figures.

BBCCopyright: BBC

The Office of Rail and Road said 78.3% of trains arrived within five minutes of their scheduled time, down 2.4% on the same time last year.

Govia Thameslink, which covers Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, managed 83.9% and London Midland, covering all three counties, 88.6%, up on last year. Southern said it was aware of the issues and was working to make changes.

Police have confirmed that the victim of an assault in HMP Woodhill last year has returned to prison.

PACopyright: PA

Thames Valley Police had previously refused to say whether the 27-year-old had returned following the assault on 20 November.

Andre Thompson, 47, of HM Prison Maidstone, Kent, has been charged with one count of grievous bodily harm with intent and is due to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court on 2 June.

There's been a collision on the A1 southbound between J9 for Letchworth and J8 for Stevenage.

Two lanes are closed after a lorry collided with the central barrier. Delays of 30 minutes are expected.

Presenter Nick Coffer has been dodging the rain at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this afternoon.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Here he is speaking to Hertfordshire-based Patricia Thirion and Janet Honour from a Touch of France Garden Design, which designed the Runnymede Surrey Magna Carta 800th Anniversary Garden.

The garden has been awarded a bronze medal in the Artisan Gardens category.

This afternoon's updates for the three counties:

• Matthew Keough, of no fixed address, has admitted murdering Sally Campion at her home in Hertfordshire last July
• A girl who alleges she was abused by members of a child sex ring in Aylesbury has been giving evidence at the Old Bailey
• A man comes forward after police issued a CCTV image of a person they wanted to speak to in relation to the attack on Watford fan Nic Cruwys

Matthew Keough, 44, of no fixed address, has admitted murdering Sally Campion at her Hertfordshire home last July.

Fairley'sCopyright: Fairley's

Keough had previously admitted breaching a restraining order by going to her home in Bartholomew Road, Bishop's Stortford, on 2 July. Ms Campion, 45, was found with serious head injuries and later died in hospital.

Keough was remanded in custody following his appearance at St Albans Crown Court via a video link.

Nick Coffer carried out a social experiment to try and find out if we judge a wine by how much it costs.

BBCCopyright: BBC

He spoke to local Master of Wine Sarah Abbott, and they put reporter Matt Lockwood to the test - with an £8 bottle and one costing £45.

Matt wasn't impressed with either wine, but he was surprised by the result.

A girl who alleges she was abused by members of a child sex ring in Aylesbury has told the Old Bailey she would be given drinks which "tasted like syrup" and made her feel "sleepy and numb".

GoogleCopyright: Google

The girl, now 21, took to the witness stand after the jury was told yesterday that two vulnerable schoolgirls were abused on a "massive scale".

Eleven men, including six from Aylesbury, deny a total of 52 sexual offences between 2006 and 2012.

It has been confirmed that bus cuts will go ahead in Hertfordshire following a full county council meeting today.

The cost-cutting measure withdraws council-funded services in the evenings and at weekends, in a bid to save £1.4m.

Labour opposition voted against the measure and wanted it to be discussed further, but they were out-voted by the Conservative majority.

Artist and creator of Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, aka the Tower Poppies, Paul Cummins tweets: Being interviewed by @nickcoffer for @BBC3CR

Christine CawthorneCopyright: Christine Cawthorne

The daughter of a World War Two night-fighter pilot has visited Gransden Lodge airfield as part of her commemorative, fundraising tour of 60 airfields which her father flew from during the war.

An 8,000 sq ft storage facility has been opened today in Royston, Hertfordshire, to support the global pharmaceutical industry.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Former Health Secretary Andrew Lansley took charge of cutting the ribbon to officially open Intertek's new site.

Find out more later on BBC Three Counties Radio and this evening on BBC Look East.

Today the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has opened its doors not only to the public, but to our presenter Nick Coffer too.

BBCCopyright: BBC

He'll be speaking to exhibitors and designers with a local link until 15:00, so get those green fingers turning the dial to tune in!

A man has been charged with one count of grievous bodily harm with intent following an assault on a prisoner at Woodhill Prison in Milton Keynes last year.

PACopyright: PA

Andre Thompson, 47, of HM Prison Maidstone, Kent, is due to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court on 2 June.

Following the incident, Thames Valley Police said the 27-year-old victim was in a stable condition, but is currently refusing to say if he has returned to prison or provide a fresh condition check.

The search continues for missing 58-year-old Brian Byrne from Hertford, who was last seen at his home address on 7 May.

Hertfordshire ConstabularyCopyright: Hertfordshire Constabulary

Mr Byrne is described as about 6ft 5in tall, of stocky build, with balding grey hair.

His white Vauxhall Combo van was seen by a member of the public in Crownfield, Nazeing, Essex, last Wednesday.

Sunny spells and scattered showers throughout the rest of the day, with some of the showers turning heavy and a risk of hail and thunder.

BBCCopyright: BBC

This afternoon stays cool and breezy. Maximum temperature: 14C (57F)

The latest updates for Beds, Herts and Bucks:

• A man comes forward after police issued a CCTV image of a person they wanted to speak to in relation to the attack on Watford fan Nic Cruwys
• The landlord of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans says he won't change the name of the pub despite calls from PETA
• A girl who alleges she was abused by members of a child sex ring in Aylesbury is due to give evidence at the Old Bailey

Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Matt Bloomfield has written about juggling his career with parenting in the latest entry in a diary he is keeping in the run-up to the League Two play-off final.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

He said: "To be honest, with a newborn I haven't had too much time today to get nervous or worried about what the weekend might bring."

The Chairboys take on Southend United at Wembley on Saturday.

There are possible delays on Thameslink services between Sevenoaks and Bedford due to a broken down train at Bromley South.

@BBC3CR tweets: "Best in show - @nickcoffer live from @The_RHS #RHSChelsea on @BBC3CR from 1200 today"

BBCCopyright: BBC

A man has come forward after police issued a CCTV image of a person they wanted to speak to in relation to the attack on Watford fan Nic Cruwys (pictured).

West Midlands PoliceCopyright: West Midlands Police

West Midlands Police said the 20-year-old man rang officers in Wolverhampton to identify himself last night.

The man will be interviewed today. A total of 12 people have been arrested and bailed.

The landlord of the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans has told BBC Three Counties Radio he will not bow to pressure from PETA to change his pub name to Ye Olde Clever Cocks.

BBCCopyright: BBC

The animal rights campaign group sent a letter requesting the pub renamed itself to "reflect compassion for animals".

Landlord Christo Tofalli told the JVS Show the pub has "more important things to focus on" at the moment.

Housing and youth will be two of the main priorities of the councillor who is set to take over as leader of Wycombe District Council next week.

Katrina Wood, who will take over from Richard Scott, says she is delighted and humbled to be given the opportunity to serve people in the community.

More on the departures of Luton Town players Shaun Whalley and Ricky Miller (pictured) from the club.

Luton TownCopyright: Luton Town

A statement on the club's website said Miller, 26, who signed from Boston United last summer, "has had his contract terminated (subject to appeal) following an internal investigation into a breach of club discipline".

Whalley, 27, departs the Hatters after scoring five goals in 27 matches. The club said he was leaving "by mutual consent". The two players were arrested after an alleged assault on a taxi driver.

A girl who alleges she was abused by members of a child sex ring in Aylesbury is due to give evidence at the Old Bailey today.

Yesterday the jury was told that two vulnerable schoolgirls were abused on a "massive scale".

Eleven men, including six from Aylesbury, deny a total of 52 sexual offences between 2006 and 2012.

Two vehicles have been involved in a crash on the A505, at the junction for Carters Lane, Hitchin.

BCH Road PolicingCopyright: BCH Road Policing

Expect delays travelling towards Luton. Stay up to date here.

Hello there - Craig is off now, so it will be me bringing you all the latest news, sport, weather and travel for the rest of the day.

If you'd like to get in touch about any stories, you can join in on Facebook, tweet us or send us an email.

The latest headlines are:

• A girl who alleges she was abused by members of a child sex ring in Aylesbury is due to give evidence at the Old Bailey

• An extra £13m is to be invested in five different primary schools in Hertfordshire - one in St Albans, one in Hitchin, two in Royston and another in Hoddesdon

• Convicted domestic abusers in Stevenage, Hertfordshire are volunteering to be tagged as part of a pioneering new approach to tackle the issue

Police in East Hertfordshire have released CCTV footage as part of an investigation into a missing man.

Hertfordshire PoliceCopyright: Hertfordshire Police

The footage shows the Old Nazeing Road bridge, in Nazeing, around the time that Brian Byrne was last seen leaving his van nearby - at about 09:30 on 8 May.

A man is seen walking across the bridge over the River Lea, near to The Crown pub. Less than a minute later two more people walk across the bridge in the same direction and two cars drive across, one before and one after the man.

Hertfordshire County Council plans to invest an extra £13m in primary schools in the county.

The money will pay for nearly 100 new places at five different schools - in St Albans, Hitchin, Hoddesdon and two in Royston.

Councillors say there are 10,000 more children under the age of four than there were a decade ago.

Happy 10th birthday to Milton Keynes' Open University Orchestra! The higher education facility is holding a concert on Friday to celebrate.

The Open UniversityCopyright: The Open University

The concert, which is free to members of the public, will take place between 13:00 and 14:00 at The Hub Theatre, at the OU's Walton Hall campus.

It will open with Northampton-born Malcolm Arnold's blazing Anniversary Overture. Also performing will be soloist and former member of the Milton Keynes Music Service, Emily Mowbray.

Convicted domestic abusers in Hertfordshire are volunteering to be tagged as part of a pioneering new approach to tackle the issue.

The scheme is focussed on Stevenage, which has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in the county.

Louise Gartland, from Herts-based tagging company Buddi, said: "Very few offenders reoffend while wearing the tag because we know if they do, as the police know where they are and what they are doing 24/7."

There are severe delays on the southbound carriageway of the M1, between junction 11 at the A505 (Dunstable) and junction 10 at Luton Airport spur road, in Bedfordshire.

One lane was closed following a multi-vehicle accident, but has now reopened.

A fresh appeal has been launched in connection with an attack on Watford fan Nic Cruwys.

West Midlands PoliceCopyright: West Midlands Police

Mr Cruwys, from Hemel Hempstead, was left with head injuries in March after being attacked following Watford's match at Wolves.

Police in the West Midlands have released CCTV images of a man they believe could be from Telford in Shropshire. So far 12 people have been arrested and bailed.

Today's weather will be bright and breezy, with sunny spells and an increasing risk of scattered blustery showers moving in from the north-west.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Individual showers should soon move through, however some will be on the heavy side with hail and thunder also possible.

Luton Town players Shaun Whalley (pictured) and Ricky Miller have left the club.

EmpicsCopyright: Empics

The pair were suspended by the Hatters last month after an alleged assault on a taxi driver.

These are the latest headlines this morning:

• Convicted domestic abusers in Stevenage, Hertfordshire are volunteering to be tagged as part of a pioneering new approach to tackle the issue

• Police investigating the attack on Watford fan Nic Cruwys, 44, have released CCTV images of a man they believed has information about the incident

• An extra £13m is to be used to pay for nearly 100 new places at five different primary schools in Hertfordshire

Welcome to today's Local Live round-up of all the latest news, travel, weather and sport from around Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

I'll be here until 10:00, when Dani Bailey will take over.

We'd like you to be involved as well, so feel free to contact us by emailing bhblive@bbc.co.uk or contact us on Twitter @BBC3CR or Facebook.