Dozens of players travelled from as far afield as the US and Algeria to take part in the British and World Marbles Championships.
A total of 16 teams made up of six players gathered at the Greyhound Pub in Tinsley Green, near Crawley, West Sussex, for the annual event, which was launched in 1932 but follows in the tradition of the game that dates back to the 16th century.
Tournament organiser Julia McCarthy-Fox said that, in more religious times, marbles was one of the few sports which could be played during Lent, leading to the contest being held on Good Friday. (PA)
Babysitter chases burglars away
A babysitter chased away two burglars after they broke into a house where she was looking after two young children.
The young woman was caring for the youngsters in Rutland Gardens, Hove, East Sussex, on March 20 when she found two men in the hallway.
The intruders ran off, stealing a green satchel containing a Kindle e-reader, but the babysitter gave chase and attempted to stop one of the thieves climbing over the garden fence.
She suffered a cut finger and bruised leg in the struggle. Detective Constable Jane Kemp, of Sussex Police, said: “The brave young babysitter has been left very shaken up after disturbing these two men.” (PA)
New tropical fruit on the market
A tropical fruit that is a cross between a plum and a mango is to go on sale on the UK high street.
Marks & Spencer is stocking the Bouea Macrophylla – or mango plum – after working with specialist growers in Thailand for several years.
The fruit has a bright orange edible skin, which is firmer than that of a plum, and a sweet taste similar to that of an Alphonso mango but with a softer texture. It will be on shelves from this weekend, priced at £1 each. (PA)
Dead candidate’s name on ballot
Perennial candidate Gatewood Galbraith died in 2012, but that might not stop his name from appearing on the 2015 ballot for Kentucky governor.
Terrill Wayne Newman, 68, of Pulaski County, legally changed his name to Gatewood Galbraith before filing paperwork to run as an independent for the state’s highest office. Independent candidates must obtain 5,000 signatures from registered voters by August 11 to get their names on the general election ballot.
Galbraith ran for governor five times and gained a following for his wit and his stances on legalising hemp and marijuana. (PA)
Cop rapped for Snoop Dogg photo
A state trooper has been reprimanded for posing for a photo with Snoop Dogg at the South By Southwest festival in Austin, because the rapper has several convictions for drug possession.
Billy Spears was working in security at the March event when Snoop Dogg asked to take a picture with him.
The artist posted the image to Instagram with the comment “Me n my deputy dogg.”
Department of Public Safety and Transportation officials saw the posting and cited Spears for deficiencies which require counselling by a supervisor.
Spears’ lawyer said his client did not know about the rapper's criminal record and cannot appeal against the citation because it is not a formal disciplinary action. (PA)