News in Oakham

Beastly thieves stole a pig from an enclosure on farmland in Braunston.

The thieves swiped the saddleback pig from farmland in Wood Lane sometime between 4pm on 7 December and 12 noon on 8 December.

Plans are underway to ensure EMAS is ready for another busy winter period.

As in previous years, the ambulance service is preparing for increased demand during December and January, especially on 'Black Friday' (20 December), New Years' Eve and New Years' Day.

Chinese lanterns are being banned at Oakham Castle and other Rutland County Council-run venues.

And, in the light of their potential environmental impact, the council is urging parish councils, event organisers and venues in the county to do the same.

An updated timetable for Rutland's RF2 bus service is being introduced in January to help reduce delays and improve reliability for passengers.

RF2 connects Oakham with Melton Mowbray - stopping at Burley, Exton, Greetham, Cottesmore, Barrow, Market Overton and Teigh, in Rutland.

Rutland County Council is getting ready to launch its Christmas waste campaign to encourage recycling over the busy festive period.

The campaign, which kicks off on Christmas Eve, aims to help local residents reduce, reuse and recycle rubbish.

Members of Rutland County Council's Growth, Infrastructure and Resources Scrutiny Committee are meeting on Thursday (19 Dec) to review proposals being made to Rutland's Local Plan.

The committee will review recommendations relating to the scale of development for the county, in terms of both housing and employment land.

Generous Oakham shoppers have dug deep and donated presents and stocking fillers to Central England Co-op's first ever toy appeal.

Running throughout November, customers and members donated gifts to the Central England Co-op's first ever Christmas Toybox Appeal at special collection points in Oakham's Braunston Road and Burley Road stores and Co-operative Funeralcare in High Street.

Schools and early education providers from across Rutland have pledged to do all they can to support the county's armed forces community by signing the national Armed Forces Covenant.

Representatives from 14 local schools and early years' settings gathered at Greetham Valley Hotel to take part in a special conference focused on meeting the needs of pupils from armed forces families.

More than 200 customers enjoyed the opening night of a festive alpine-themed après ski bar in Oakham on Monday (9 Dec).

Pop-up Après Bar has taken over the former The Yard, in Church Street, this month thanks to the premises' new owner Jonny Spencer.

After clinching a historic Conservative general election victory, the party has kept the Rutland and Melton seat - with an increased majority.

Alicia Kearns polled 36,507 votes, 26,924 more than nearest challenger Labour's Andy Thomas.