Year 5 pupil Ryan Saund, from Glory Farm Primary School in Bicester, took home the top spot at the Whilton Mill Karting Academy Cadet Championship after securing pole position and delivering strong performances in all three heats.

Ryan, who only began karting in April last year, said: “It felt really, really good, but it was really tricky to complete because the other drivers were really competitive.

“What went well was I managed to defend first from pole position, and I managed to keep a good lead and keep consistent with fast lap times.

“I believe it was because of all of the hard work I have been putting into my karting over the past few months, especially when visiting other circuits.”

Ryan started karting after enjoying the video game Gran Turismo 7 and trying go-karting in real life.

He now trains at least three times a week with his coach, focusing on race skills and kart mechanics.

His parents are incredibly proud and are his biggest supporters.

His school marked the win with a congratulatory post on Facebook, stating: “Ryan in Year 5 won his first championship race over the weekend. He had 3 really dominant heats and followed that up with a dominant performance in the final. Well done Ryan!!”

Ryan’s goal now is to win the remaining six races of the season and take the overall championship.

Eynsham-based artist Jane Tomlinson created a 1,000-piece puzzle design for the UK Nationals 2026 speed puzzle championship, held over the weekend.

Her artwork, titled Old Father Thames, was selected for the championship’s new Teams category and completed by the winning team in just 54 minutes and 11 seconds.

Ms Tomlinson was present at the event to start the timer and sign copies of the puzzle after the race.

She said: “I was beyond thrilled to discover that Ravensburger wanted to use my painting in the competition – but, oh my gosh, it’s been very tricky to keep quiet about it.”

Organised by the United Kingdom Jigsaw Puzzle Association (UKJPA), the event attracted more than 600 competitors.

All puzzles were produced by Ravensburger, whose team based in Bicester collaborated with Ms Tomlinson to bring her design to life.

The puzzle is based on a watercolour painted using water from the Thames and previously won the People’s Choice Award at the Oxfordshire Museum Open Art Competition in 2024.

Ms Tomlinson said: “My painting is a reminder of how Old Father Thames could and should be.

“A space for people and wildlife and a place of joy and wonder. I live just half a mile from the river, and it breaks my heart that I can no longer swim in it.”

She hopes competitors and puzzlers alike will take the time to enjoy the layers and story woven into the artwork.

Tony Jackson, 65, from Pinkneys Green in Berkshire, is riding an electric motorbike from Land’s End to John O’Groats in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The challenge, which will begin on May 27,  and he aims to raise £10,000 for the charity.

The 65-year-old spent more than 36 years working as an RAF squadron leader in air traffic control and flight operations.

His brother, Trevor Jackson, from Aston, will be accompanying him on the journey with his electric Farizon van.

READ MORE: Disabled parking spaces in county could be cut under new proposals

Trevor, a retired RAF Flight Lieutenant said: “Whilst we have both been incredibly fortunate not to need the services of the RAF Benevolent Fund many others do require that support.”

Tony will be riding a Maeving RM1s electric bike, covering approximately 150 miles per day during the seven-day journey.

He said: “I have to rendezvous with him about every 50 miles because the bike’s batteries will only get him about 60 miles tops.

“So, we have identified lots of journey legs where there is somewhere appropriate for us to stop, change batteries and maybe have a coffee break.”

Tony Jackson (left) and Trevor Jackson (right) with his electric Farizon van (Image: Trevor Jackson)

He continued: “In his last tour of duty in the RAF my brother was in command of the largest flight in the RAF with over 100 personnel who were either suffering from injuries received in overseas theatres of war or road traffic collisions, other illnesses and some who were sadly terminally ill.

“His group was regularly in receipt of successful bids for financial support with thousands of pounds granted to personnel from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The brothers will set off from RAF High Wycombe with a media event at the main gate before heading to Cornwall to begin the ride from Land’s End.

Night stops are planned in Taunton, RAF Shawbury, Penrith, Stirling, and Inverness before reaching John O’Groats.

The 65-year-old said: “The van can go just over 200 miles on a single charge.

“My brother is also a qualified drone pilot, and he intends to set up his drone to follow him in scenic locations throughout the journey.”

The brothers hope their journey will demonstrate that long-distance travel is possible using battery-powered vehicles, while also raising awareness of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s vital work.

The charity provides emotional, financial, and practical assistance to serving and former RAF personnel and their families, this is through mental health support, welfare breaks, mental health support and more.

In 2024 the charity reported that they spent £15.1m on welfare delivery for more than 64,00 people including serving personnel, veteran and their families.