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Kent weekly round-up: 10 August -16 August 2024

BBC/PHIL HARRISON Bags made of firehoses on a display shelf.BBC/PHIL HARRISON
Elvis & Kresse said it had prevented 4,000 hoses from going to landfill since 2005 by using them to create fashion products

The story about a Faversham fashion designer making handbags and accessories from old firehoses proved a popular read this week.

A variety of local issues featured on the BBC News website, BBC Radio Kent and BBC South East Today.

We have picked five stories from the past week in case you missed them.

Twins receive identical A-level results

BENENDEN SCHOOL Nicola and Victoria Tsang in their school uniforms smiling.BENENDEN SCHOOL
Nicola and Victoria Tsang received the same grades in their A-levels and GCSEs

Twins at a Kent school have received identical A-level results, two years after gaining the same grades at GCSE.

Nicola and Victoria Tsang, 17, achieved A* grades in economics, A grades in maths and physics and an A* in their extended project qualification (EPQ).

"We’ve had different grades in our mocks in the run-up to the exams so I can’t believe it’s happened again," said Victoria.

The sisters from Hong Kong studied at the independent Benenden School, in Cranbrook, but are set to head to different universities next month to study the same degree subject.

Read more here

Kent Olympic climber hopes to 'inspire' others

MARTIN RICKETT/PA WIRE Erin McNeice at the Paris 2024 olympics.MARTIN RICKETT/PA WIRE
Erin McNeice, from Rodmersham, competed in her first Olympics

Climber Erin McNeice has said she hopes people are "inspired" to try out the sport after her Olympic debut.

The 20-year-old from Rodmersham in Kent narrowly missed out on Team GB's second climbing medal as she finished fifth in the women's boulder and lead final on Saturday.

Toby Roberts, from Surrey, won Great Britain's 14th gold medal in Paris on 9 August in the men's boulder and lead event.

McNeice told BBC Sport: "More than anything else I just hope that people are proud and I hope that people are inspired and maybe give it a try."

Read more here

Stricter rules for dog walkers could lead to fines

Getty Images A beagle being walked in the park.Getty Images
The PSPO would limit the number of dogs a person can walk within an area to four

Rule changes to where dog walkers can go with their pets could be enforced by fines up to £100.

Medway Council in Kent has launched a consultation around introducing a public space protection order (PSPO) which would ban dogs in some areas and require them to be on a lead in others.

The authority says the order would improve community safety and the local environment.

Residents are being asked for their views on proposals which would see dogs excluded from play areas and multi-use games areas in 99 local parks.

Read more here

Medway Council is looking at changing rules about where dogs can be walked.

First Ukrainian lion arrives at Kent sanctuary

THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY Yuna the lion.THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY
Yuna, an African lioness, is making a new home in Kent after being rescued from the war in Ukraine

A Kent animal sanctuary has arranged the rescue of two lions from the war in Ukraine.

Lioness Yuna is expected to arrive at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, near Ashford, on 16 August.

Rori, a male lion, is expected to join her in a few months, but is being temporarily housed at an animal rescue centre in Belgium while his enclosure in Kent is prepared.

The Big Cat Sanctuary plans to rescue a total of five lions from their previous homes in Ukraine, but needs to raise a total of £500,000 to do so.

Read more here

Town's gigs heritage is more than a brick in a wall

SHAUN STAVELEY A display of musicians names on a wall.SHAUN STAVELEY
The Folkestone Rock & Roll Wall of Fame was unveiled in the town on 10 August

The Folkestone Rock & Roll Wall of Fame, off The Leas in the town, features bands such as Pink Floyd, Whitesnake and Morcheeba as well as a variety of local performers.

The unveiling on 10 August was attended by musicians past and present who have a link with the town, including Pink Floyd, who performed at Leas Cliff Hall in April 1969.

Joe Ranger, musician and founder member of the Folk of the Stone organisation, which is behind the wall, said: "Not enough people realise the rich talent and great history this town boasts."

Read more here

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