Man jailed after fracturing his skull during level crossing smash
A farm worker has been jailed for 10 months after he drove his Land Rover onto a level crossing and was hit by a train which left him with a broken collar bone and fractured skull.
British Transport PoliceCopyright: British Transport Police
The Land Rover Discovery was sent flying into a ditchImage caption: The Land Rover Discovery was sent flying into a ditch
Dimitar Vaclinov, 34, had worked at the farm at Stretham, near Ely, where the Nairns Level Crossing was.
Cambridge Crown Court heard the train was travelling at 70mph and its driver suffered from shock and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result.
The car driver was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and spent two weeks there.
British Transport Police said he didn't get permission from the railway signal box to cross the line, and officers said he claimed he was unaware of the procedure when the smash happened on 12 August last year.
Vaclinov, of Cambridge Road in Ely, admitted endangering safety on the railway.
Det Sgt Alan Bardsley said: "This case highlights the need to comply with safety instructions whilst crossing the railway.
"Not only did Mr Vaklinov suffer serious life-threatening injuries in the collision but he also ended up in court facing a serious allegation.
"It was extremely lucky that no one else was injured, however the incident was extremely traumatic for the train driver and passengers."
British Transport PoliceCopyright: British Transport Police
Cambridge Folk Festival: Bedford singer makes short hop to 'legendary event'
Nic Rigby
BBC News
Bedford singer Danni Nichol performed in The Den on Thursday evening.
Of the Cambridge Folk Festival as a whole, she said: "It's absolutely wonderful. So chilled out. A fantastic atmosphere.
This is one of the legendary festivals."
A highlight was her song Beautifully Broken, which said was a sad breakup song.
She said she also sings songs about Bedford.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Norfolk Euro MP in bid to become UKIP deputy leader
Andrew Sinclair
BBC Look East political correspondent
Nominations close
today in the latest election to choose a leader for the UK Independence Party,
an election which could see one of the East of England's MEPs become deputy
leader.
Norfolk farmer Stuart
Agnew is the running mate of Anne Marie Waters, a controversial candidate who's
seen as one of the favourites to win.
Ms Waters has made a
number of disparaging comments about muslims and ethnic minorities and there is
pressure on the party leadership to prevent her from standing.
But Mr Agnew says he
expects her to be allowed to stand and he's praised her for her "real
courage" in being prepared to talk about issues which he says, other
people arn't prepared to confront.
"There is an
increasing element of people who are beyond the law in this country," he
said.
"Well we say we have our own way of life and culture in this
country and we want to keep it."
He said it was "really
really frustrating" that some people regarded such views
as racist.
Nominations for UKIP's fourth leader in a year close at 5pm. The list of those standing probably
won't be made public until next week.
European ParliamentCopyright: European Parliament
Stuart Agnew MEPImage caption: Stuart Agnew MEP
BBCCopyright: BBC
Leadership contender Anne Marie WatersImage caption: Leadership contender Anne Marie Waters
Local singer-songwriter in praise of 'prestigious' folk festival
Singer songwriter Emily Mae Winters, who lives in Cambridge, said she was "very excited" to be be playing her local Cambridge Folk Festival today.
"It is quite overwhelming because it is such a prestigious festival," she said.
"You feel you have to live up to it with your performance."
BBCCopyright: BBC
Posh owner quizzed on how to wash black and white kit
Katy Prickett
BBC News
Peterborough United has found itself awash with questions about how to clean its new change strip after introducing black and white colours.
The design combines kits worn in two of their biggest wins, the 2014 Johnstone's Paint Trophy and a play-off final at Old Trafford in 2011.
Supporters have jokingly (?) wondered whether they put the new kit in with the rest of the dark wash - or the whites wash.
Fans shared concerns about their "white socks going grey" and suggested they should "never take the risk of the errant red sock".
One really hard-core fan advised hand-washing or using a colour catcher.
Fans tweeted about their "#dilemma" but club owner Darragh MacAnthony admitted he was the "wrong fella" to advise...
TwitterCopyright: Twitter
The club wore the white strip for their 3-1 win over Chesterfield in the 2014 Johnstone's Paint Trophy final and beat Huddersfield 3-0 at Old Trafford in 2011 wearing the black shirt, to win promotion into the Championship.
So what's all the fuss about? Have a look below...
Peterborough UnitedCopyright: Peterborough United
Police had to 'use force' against children under-10
Sam Edwards
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire Poilce has revealed that it had to use force (anything from handcuffs to a taser) on three children aged under 10 in the past three months.
It is the first time the constabulary has compiled "use of force" statistics - and the figures cover April to June.
In total, officers dealt with 1,200 incidents where force was deemed necessary.
About half of them were in Peterborough - either on the streets or at Thorpe Wood Police Station.
A fifth were in Cambridge and about a tenth in Huntingdonshire.
GoogleCopyright: Google
Thorpe Wood Police StationImage caption: Thorpe Wood Police Station
In pictures: Prince William's final air ambulance shift
Stuart Bailey
BBC News
As we reported yesterday, The Duke of Cambridge completed his final shift for the East Anglian Air Ambulance last night.
Prince William joined the emergency service two years ago, but is leaving to concentrate on royal duties on behalf of the Queen.
Here are some photos from his final day with the service:
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
BBC at Cambridge Folk Festival
Your BBC Local Radio station is broadcasting live from the Cambridge Folk Festival on Sunday evening.
Sue said: "This is the third year we've broadcast live from Cherry Hinton.
"The festival is a real mixed bag of music and people. It's family-orientated and I love that you can go on a journey of discovery."
She'll have interviews and music from Nikhil D'Souza, Hayseed Dixie, Frank Turner, Midnight Skyracer, River Matthews and more.
BBCCopyright: BBC
'Terrifyingly excited' to be at Cambridge Folk Festival
Suffolk act Honey & The Bear are playing at the Cambridge Folk Festival tonight.
The duo, based near Aldeburgh, consists of Jon Hart and Lucy Sampson.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Fresh from Suffolk's Maverick Festival and the Secret Garden Party near Huntingdon, Jon said he was "terrifyingly excited to be playing the Cambridge festival after hearing so much about it from friends".
"Everyone is so nice. It seems to be the friendliest place on earth," he said.
The band is playing a fundraiser at Benhall Walled Garden, near Saxmundham tomorrow and the free gig in Eaton Park in Norwich on Friday, 4 August.
More space and 'match made in folk heaven'
Nic Rigby
BBC News
Here at the Cambridge Folk Festival we've managed to have a chat with the operations director Neil Jones.
He said that this year, Cambridge Live, which runs the festival, has reorganised the site to make it more spacious.
BBCCopyright: BBC
"One of the things people have said is that there is never enough room on the site, so we have created extra room by moving the campsite around," he said.
"This will also increase capacity."
This year the festival twinned with the Newport Folk Festival, which has been running in Rhode Island, USA since 1959.
The bigger names playing this weekend include Ward Thomas, Loudon Wainwright III, Frank Turner, Jon Boden and Shirley Collins, but, like all festivals, it provides a chance for smaller acts to get themselves noticed.
BBCCopyright: BBC
The band Wooden Arms, who formed in Norwich, played The Den on Thursday to an appreciative crowd.
Great Yarmouth-born Alex Carson, who started the band, said: "I'm really excited to be playing Cambridge for the first time."
The band mixes folk influences with classical roots with dramatic flourishes - helped by piano, violin, cello, guitar, trumpet and drums.
Alex lives in London now, but sings the praises of Norwich and its musical environment.
"I adore the music scene in Norwich. It's been so formative to me. It's one of the best places for any young artiste," he said.
He had developed and sold malware which led to attacks on public institutions.
Mudd, 20, of Kings Langley in Hertfordshire, made £380,000, but the victims of the software had to spend millions defending themselves against the estimated 1.7 million attacks.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Victims of the attacks included the University of Cambridge, University of Essex in Colchester, University of East Anglia in Norwich and several local councils. An attack was also made on West Herts College in Watford where Mudd was a student.
Straight out of North Norfolk’s rural outback, the five-piece was started by twins Callum (acoustic guitar, lead vocals) and Kieran Morgan (lead guitar), and features Yve Mary B (lead vocals), Matt Brocklehurst (keyboard) and Simon Tinmouth (drums).
Emily Mae WintersCopyright: Emily Mae Winters
Also playing the club tent tonight is Emily Mae Winters (pictured above), a Cambridge-based singer-songwriter, whose songs have been described as "enthralling" and "tantalising" by Folk Radio UK.
She told the BBC she was very excited to be playing the festival.
"This year, I'm lucky enough to be playing with John Parker [Megson, Kate Rusby] on double bass and Jasmine Watkiss on fiddle and backing vocals," she said.
"It's a lot more fun with the band on stage, so I can't wait!"
Friday's weather: Mainly dry, becoming more cloudy later
Elizabeth Rizzini
BBC Look East weather
A few changes in the forecast for today.
It's looking mostly dry until we get to this evening, maybe a few stray showers at times and it'll still be quite breezy as well.
The best of the sunshine is likely to be this morning, before the cloud thickens from the west as we head into the afternoon.
Top temperature across the BBC East region: 20C (68F).
Watch my full regional forecast here:
Good morning
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
Welcome back to live updates for Cambridgeshire on Friday, 28 July.
We'll be here until 18:00 keeping you up-to-date with the latest news, sport, weather and travel from around the county.
Coming up first, a full forecast for the day.
We couldn't not show you this picture sent in by BBC Weather Watcher Impington Geoff. Just look at those clouds!
Live Reporting
Adam Jinkerson
All times stated are UK
Get involved
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British Transport PoliceCopyright: British Transport Police The Land Rover Discovery was sent flying into a ditchImage caption: The Land Rover Discovery was sent flying into a ditch 
British Transport PoliceCopyright: British Transport Police 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
European ParliamentCopyright: European Parliament Stuart Agnew MEPImage caption: Stuart Agnew MEP 
BBCCopyright: BBC Leadership contender Anne Marie WatersImage caption: Leadership contender Anne Marie Waters 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
TwitterCopyright: Twitter 
Peterborough UnitedCopyright: Peterborough United 
GoogleCopyright: Google Thorpe Wood Police StationImage caption: Thorpe Wood Police Station 
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BBCCopyright: BBC MawkinImage caption: Mawkin 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
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Ollie AliCopyright: Ollie Ali 
Emily Mae WintersCopyright: Emily Mae Winters 
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Latest PostOur live coverage across the week
Andrew Woodger
BBC News
That's it for another week with BBC Local Live: Cambridgeshire.
Cambridge is the place to be this weekend if you're a folk fan - we will bring you more pictures from the festival at Cherry Hinton Hall on Monday.
And Cambridge United host a friendly on Saturday where they are fundraising for fan Simon Dobbin.
Mr Dobbin was left brain-damaged after being attacked and stamped on in Southend after attending a match at Roots Hall.
Southend United are the visitors tomorrow....
'Maddison will not be sold on the cheap'
Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony insists star forward Marcus Maddison will not leave for less than a 'seven-figure sum'.
Read moreNew heart patient reunited with surgeon
Simple tasks like walking up the stairs were beyond Carol Town before her 1987 transplant.
Read moreMan jailed after fracturing his skull during level crossing smash
A farm worker has been jailed for 10 months after he drove his Land Rover onto a level crossing and was hit by a train which left him with a broken collar bone and fractured skull.
Dimitar Vaclinov, 34, had worked at the farm at Stretham, near Ely, where the Nairns Level Crossing was.
Cambridge Crown Court heard the train was travelling at 70mph and its driver suffered from shock and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result.
The car driver was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and spent two weeks there.
British Transport Police said he didn't get permission from the railway signal box to cross the line, and officers said he claimed he was unaware of the procedure when the smash happened on 12 August last year.
Vaclinov, of Cambridge Road in Ely, admitted endangering safety on the railway.
Det Sgt Alan Bardsley said: "This case highlights the need to comply with safety instructions whilst crossing the railway.
"Not only did Mr Vaklinov suffer serious life-threatening injuries in the collision but he also ended up in court facing a serious allegation.
"It was extremely lucky that no one else was injured, however the incident was extremely traumatic for the train driver and passengers."
Cambridge Folk Festival: Bedford singer makes short hop to 'legendary event'
Nic Rigby
BBC News
Bedford singer Danni Nichol performed in The Den on Thursday evening.
Of the Cambridge Folk Festival as a whole, she said: "It's absolutely wonderful. So chilled out. A fantastic atmosphere. This is one of the legendary festivals."
A highlight was her song Beautifully Broken, which said was a sad breakup song.
She said she also sings songs about Bedford.
Norfolk Euro MP in bid to become UKIP deputy leader
Andrew Sinclair
BBC Look East political correspondent
Nominations close today in the latest election to choose a leader for the UK Independence Party, an election which could see one of the East of England's MEPs become deputy leader.
Norfolk farmer Stuart Agnew is the running mate of Anne Marie Waters, a controversial candidate who's seen as one of the favourites to win.
Ms Waters has made a number of disparaging comments about muslims and ethnic minorities and there is pressure on the party leadership to prevent her from standing.
But Mr Agnew says he expects her to be allowed to stand and he's praised her for her "real courage" in being prepared to talk about issues which he says, other people arn't prepared to confront.
"There is an increasing element of people who are beyond the law in this country," he said.
"Well we say we have our own way of life and culture in this country and we want to keep it."
He said it was "really really frustrating" that some people regarded such views as racist.
Nominations for UKIP's fourth leader in a year close at 5pm. The list of those standing probably won't be made public until next week.
Local singer-songwriter in praise of 'prestigious' folk festival
Singer songwriter Emily Mae Winters, who lives in Cambridge, said she was "very excited" to be be playing her local Cambridge Folk Festival today.
"It is quite overwhelming because it is such a prestigious festival," she said. "You feel you have to live up to it with your performance."
Posh owner quizzed on how to wash black and white kit
Katy Prickett
BBC News
Peterborough United has found itself awash with questions about how to clean its new change strip after introducing black and white colours.
The design combines kits worn in two of their biggest wins, the 2014 Johnstone's Paint Trophy and a play-off final at Old Trafford in 2011.
Supporters have jokingly (?) wondered whether they put the new kit in with the rest of the dark wash - or the whites wash.
Fans shared concerns about their "white socks going grey" and suggested they should "never take the risk of the errant red sock".
One really hard-core fan advised hand-washing or using a colour catcher.
Fans tweeted about their "#dilemma" but club owner Darragh MacAnthony admitted he was the "wrong fella" to advise...
The club wore the white strip for their 3-1 win over Chesterfield in the 2014 Johnstone's Paint Trophy final and beat Huddersfield 3-0 at Old Trafford in 2011 wearing the black shirt, to win promotion into the Championship.
So what's all the fuss about? Have a look below...
Police had to 'use force' against children under-10
Sam Edwards
BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire Poilce has revealed that it had to use force (anything from handcuffs to a taser) on three children aged under 10 in the past three months.
It is the first time the constabulary has compiled "use of force" statistics - and the figures cover April to June.
In total, officers dealt with 1,200 incidents where force was deemed necessary.
About half of them were in Peterborough - either on the streets or at Thorpe Wood Police Station.
A fifth were in Cambridge and about a tenth in Huntingdonshire.
In pictures: Prince William's final air ambulance shift
Stuart Bailey
BBC News
As we reported yesterday, The Duke of Cambridge completed his final shift for the East Anglian Air Ambulance last night.
Prince William joined the emergency service two years ago, but is leaving to concentrate on royal duties on behalf of the Queen.
Here are some photos from his final day with the service:
BBC at Cambridge Folk Festival
Your BBC Local Radio station is broadcasting live from the Cambridge Folk Festival on Sunday evening.
Sue said: "This is the third year we've broadcast live from Cherry Hinton.
"The festival is a real mixed bag of music and people. It's family-orientated and I love that you can go on a journey of discovery."
Sue Marchant's show runs from 19:00 until 22:00 on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex and BBC Radio Suffolk.
She'll have interviews and music from Nikhil D'Souza, Hayseed Dixie, Frank Turner, Midnight Skyracer, River Matthews and more.
'Terrifyingly excited' to be at Cambridge Folk Festival
Suffolk act Honey & The Bear are playing at the Cambridge Folk Festival tonight. The duo, based near Aldeburgh, consists of Jon Hart and Lucy Sampson.
Fresh from Suffolk's Maverick Festival and the Secret Garden Party near Huntingdon, Jon said he was "terrifyingly excited to be playing the Cambridge festival after hearing so much about it from friends".
"Everyone is so nice. It seems to be the friendliest place on earth," he said.
The band is playing a fundraiser at Benhall Walled Garden, near Saxmundham tomorrow and the free gig in Eaton Park in Norwich on Friday, 4 August.
More space and 'match made in folk heaven'
Nic Rigby
BBC News
Here at the Cambridge Folk Festival we've managed to have a chat with the operations director Neil Jones.
He said that this year, Cambridge Live, which runs the festival, has reorganised the site to make it more spacious.
"One of the things people have said is that there is never enough room on the site, so we have created extra room by moving the campsite around," he said.
"This will also increase capacity."
This year the festival twinned with the Newport Folk Festival, which has been running in Rhode Island, USA since 1959.
It cemented its place in music history as it was the scene of Bob Dylan's infamous electric set in 1965 where he got booed.
The tie-up means that from next year some artistes will be booked to play both festivals, giving them both more pulling power, said Neil.
"We are both similar sized festivals, both fiercely independent and value artiste development," said Mr Jones.
"Bringing us together is a match made in folk heaven."
More pictures from Cherry Hinton Hall
Nic Rigby
BBC News
Last night I also caught Mawkin on stage two at the Cambridge Folk Festival - they've been described as a "modern day Fairport".
They're also opening proceedings on the main stage on Saturday at 12:00.
I left the giant pigeon to its own devices:
I looked in on the fiddle session:
Backstage with "girl power bluegrass band" Midnight Skyracer:
And on Friday morning, you could wake yourself up gently with some tai chi:
The weather's not looking too bad, it's sunny but there are clouds in the sky over Cherry Hinton Hall.
For the latest, check out BBC Weather or download the BBC Weather app.
Regional act shines at Cambridge Folk Festival
Nic Rigby
BBC News
The world-renowned Cambridge Folk Festival swung into action last night...
The bigger names playing this weekend include Ward Thomas, Loudon Wainwright III, Frank Turner, Jon Boden and Shirley Collins, but, like all festivals, it provides a chance for smaller acts to get themselves noticed.
The band Wooden Arms, who formed in Norwich, played The Den on Thursday to an appreciative crowd.
Great Yarmouth-born Alex Carson, who started the band, said: "I'm really excited to be playing Cambridge for the first time."
The band mixes folk influences with classical roots with dramatic flourishes - helped by piano, violin, cello, guitar, trumpet and drums.
Alex lives in London now, but sings the praises of Norwich and its musical environment.
"I adore the music scene in Norwich. It's been so formative to me. It's one of the best places for any young artiste," he said.
Hacker, 20, who made £380k has jail term cut
Computer hacker Adam Mudd has had his jail sentence reduced at the court of appeal.
He had developed and sold malware which led to attacks on public institutions.
Mudd, 20, of Kings Langley in Hertfordshire, made £380,000, but the victims of the software had to spend millions defending themselves against the estimated 1.7 million attacks.
Victims of the attacks included the University of Cambridge, University of Essex in Colchester, University of East Anglia in Norwich and several local councils. An attack was also made on West Herts College in Watford where Mudd was a student.
Mudd admitted creating the malicious software and was jailed for two years at the Old Bailey in April.
He successfully appealed against the length of the sentence and the Court of Appeal has reduced it to 21 months.
Norfolk band headline club tent at Cambridge Folk Festival
Nic Rigby
BBC News
Norfolk Americana and alt-country band Morganway (pictured below) are headlining the Cambridge Folk Club tent tonight on the second day of the Cambridge Folk Festival.
Straight out of North Norfolk’s rural outback, the five-piece was started by twins Callum (acoustic guitar, lead vocals) and Kieran Morgan (lead guitar), and features Yve Mary B (lead vocals), Matt Brocklehurst (keyboard) and Simon Tinmouth (drums).
Also playing the club tent tonight is Emily Mae Winters (pictured above), a Cambridge-based singer-songwriter, whose songs have been described as "enthralling" and "tantalising" by Folk Radio UK.
She told the BBC she was very excited to be playing the festival.
"This year, I'm lucky enough to be playing with John Parker [Megson, Kate Rusby] on double bass and Jasmine Watkiss on fiddle and backing vocals," she said.
"It's a lot more fun with the band on stage, so I can't wait!"
Friday's weather: Mainly dry, becoming more cloudy later
Elizabeth Rizzini
BBC Look East weather
A few changes in the forecast for today.
It's looking mostly dry until we get to this evening, maybe a few stray showers at times and it'll still be quite breezy as well.
The best of the sunshine is likely to be this morning, before the cloud thickens from the west as we head into the afternoon.
Top temperature across the BBC East region: 20C (68F).
Watch my full regional forecast here:
Good morning
Adam Jinkerson
BBC Local Live
Welcome back to live updates for Cambridgeshire on Friday, 28 July.
We'll be here until 18:00 keeping you up-to-date with the latest news, sport, weather and travel from around the county.
Coming up first, a full forecast for the day.
We couldn't not show you this picture sent in by BBC Weather Watcher Impington Geoff. Just look at those clouds!
You can get in touch by email, Twitter and Facebook.
The blind refugee becoming a legal star
By Georgina Rannard & Hannah Gelbart
BBC News
How did a man born blind in Iraq become a top law graduate at Cambridge University?
Read more