THE UNIVERSITY of Reading is firing up the barbecue and checking the weather forecast anxiously as it prepares to host a community forum

STUDENTS from two independent schools teamed up to tackle challenges relating to STEM subjects including maths, computing, chemistry and biology

Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police sent officers and a police dog to the on-site bar, 3sixty, to test for drugs associated with drink spiking

READING'S newest station has been a massive hit, and not just with football fans - nearly 160,000 people have used it

TWO NEW toy stores are opening in Reading this week, shops within a shop, as The Entertainer launches a new partnership with Tesco.

Chairman George Noble gave a very encouraging report on the year's activities with well-attended meetings and outdoor trips.

AN EVENING of self-doubt, possibly, and much laughter is coming to The Corn Exchange next weekend

CHALLENGES don't get much tougher ? or muddier ? than this: electric shocks, ice baths, tear gas, mud, water ? and a 40ft net to climb

WITH some pomp, circumstance and the bringing in of the mace, Reading bade farewell to one of its longest serving servants.

"EVERY day, more and more Conservative MPs are throwing in the town ? now John Redwood has," says shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves.