Ben Jackson

3 weeks ago | bbc.com | Dan Martin |Ben Jackson

Man, 81, 'elated' to complete epic charity driveDan Martin & Ben JacksonDave WhittingtonDave Whittington, and his wife Thelma, completed the epic drive over four days A grandfather who underwent life-saving lung surgery has said he felt "elated" after driving the length of the UK for charity. Dave Whittington, 81, spent more than 30 hours behind the wheel of his 57-year-old MGC as he headed south from John O'Groats, arriving at Land's End on Thursday.

Apr 14, 2024 | bbc.co.uk | Ben Jackson |Dan Martin

Leicester's new multi-million pound Roman museum is set to open early in 2025, the city council has said. The former Jewry Wall Museum is currently being revamped to create a new attraction. The council began work on the project in 2021 but said progress had been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic and contractors, originally carrying out the renovation, going bust. It now expects the museum to open within eight months.

Nov 12, 2023 | bbc.co.uk | Amy Phipps |Ben Jackson

The story of how a World War Two soldier escaped capture after his Lancaster bomber crashed has been published by his son. Ronald Morley, from Leicester, was a wireless operator on the aircraft when it was shot down over occupied territory in Belgium in 1943. His family said he rarely spoke about how he evaded capture, but told his son Keith the story before his death. Keith said writing the book had been a long and emotional experience.

Nov 7, 2023 | bbc.co.uk | George Torr |Ben Jackson

A plumber who went on to land a Hollywood deal after being overheard singing while fitting a bathroom has returned from meeting movie executives. Kev Crane, from Leicestershire, first secured a music deal after the chance encounter with a record label owner. The 51-year-old then sold the rights for a film about his life after his story was spotted by film producers in the United States. Mr Crane joked he wants George Clooney to play him in film.

Oct 13, 2023 | bbc.co.uk | Amy Phipps |Ben Jackson

Finishing touches are being made to a city cathedral that has been undergoing a huge restoration project. Work has been taking place at Leicester Cathedral - the burial site of King Richard III - since January 2022. The interior work is now nearing completion and services are expected to resume on 26 November. Work has taken place to restore and conserve the cathedral's stonework, windows and ceilings over the last 21 months.