Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) staff members Maddy Ellison and Jasmin Conway were presented with Chief Midwifery Officer Award certificates by NHS England for their outstanding contributions to infant feeding support as part of the OUH Infant Feeding Team.

The awards celebrate individuals who consistently demonstrate the NHS values in their everyday roles and make a positive difference to patient care.

Milica Redfearn, director of midwifery at OUH, and Sharon Andrews, head of midwifery at OUH, said: “They have transformed early postnatal care through their daily delivery of ‘early days infant feeding’ sessions, tailored support for families and staff, and the development of accessible education videos which were launched on World Patient Safety Day.

“Their work has improved consistency, confidence, and equity in infant feeding support, giving families the knowledge and reassurance they need at a critical time.”

Ms Ellison, who received her award from Fay Corder, South East regional quality lead for maternity at NHS England, said: “I was delighted to receive this award, which recognises the work our team do every day to support families in the early postnatal period.

“It’s vital work, and I’m proud to be part of a team so committed to giving parents the best possible start.”

The pair were commended for developing a series of short, accessible breastfeeding patient information videos, as well as delivering daily infant feeding sessions and tailored support for families and staff.

Ms Conway said: “We work tirelessly to reach and support as many families as possible, and this recognition means so much to our team and the families we care for.

“Thank you.”

Ms Redfearn praised their dedication and the impact of their work.

She said: “Maddy and Jasmin bring real warmth, care, and dedication to everything they do.

“They put mothers and babies at the heart of their work every day, and the difference that makes for families in those early days is huge.

“I’m absolutely delighted to see their work recognised nationally, and we are so proud of them both.”

Ms Andrews said both support workers have a remarkable effect on the families they help.

She said: “Anyone who’s seen Maddy and Jasmin support new parents will know how special their work is.

“They help families feel calmer, more confident, and better supported at what can be an overwhelming time.

“We are so proud of them both as they receive this thoroughly deserved recognition.”

But were you aware of the nine garden plants that you do not want anywhere near your own personal plot of peace?

From plants hitting your wallet hard (£2500 in some cases) to toxic plants infecting the area, you’ll want to make sure you know what is what.

Garden experts from Power Sheds have listed the top criminal plants that can grow in gardens, as well as the fines homeowners could face for having them.

Japanese Knotweed

The Japanese knotweed is one of the most invasive plants around. It has bamboo-like stems and clusters of small white flowers which can cause significant damage to property and infrastructure.

It is difficult to eradicate once established, making it even more important to avoid in your garden. It can regrow quickly and can be costly to leave.

Spear Thistle

The plant has spiky leaves and purple flowers and can spread quickly, causing harm to crops and other vegetation. If discovered, the fines for it can cost up to £2,500.

Common Ragwort

The common ragwort is easily recognisable with its bright yellow flowers and feathery leaves.

Although it is one of the most common weeds, this toxic plant is harmful to livestock.

Broad-Leaved Dock

The plant can be recognised by the broad leaves and spikes of small yellow flowers. If they are found in your garden, you can be fined £2,500.

Curled Dock

Another noxious weed, the curled dock, has distinctive curly leaves and spikes of small yellow flowers.

It can spread quickly and is a flexible weed. Fines of up to £2,500 can be given for allowing it to grow on your property.

Rhododendron Ponticum

The plant has evergreen leaves and large clusters of pink or purple flowers and is poisonous to vegetation and wildlife. It is difficult to eradicate once established, making it even more important to avoid growing it, otherwise, you could face a £5,000 fine.

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Himalayan Balsam

Perhaps one of the quickest to spread, each plant has around 800 seeds that are easily transported by wind, animals, or water, and will grow again.

The plant has spikes of showy pink or purple flowers, and fines can go up to £2,500.

Giant Hogweed

This toxic plant is harmful to humans, as its chemicals can cause significant wounds to the skin.

While for some, it is just a burning sensation, for others, it can cause permanent scars. They can be recognised by their large white flowers and towering height.

New Zealand Pigmyweed

It’s an invasive plant and the sales of this seed have been banned since 2014.

The plant has small green leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers, and it can harm even aquatic environments. If found guilty of having it in your garden, you could face a fine of up to £2,500.

The main reason is the increasing use of temporary and variable speed limits, which are enforced automatically by speed cameras.

 On busy stretches of the M4 — particularly between junctions 19 and 20 — speed limits often drop to 50mph or 60mph because of congestion, roadworks or safety concerns.

READ MORE: Police catch driver at 32mph in speeding operation

Several motorists have been taken to court after being recorded at speeds such as 67mph or 72mph, which many drivers still assume is acceptable on a motorway. In law, even a few miles per hour over a temporary limit can result in fines and penalty points.

A Swindon motorist was fined after being caught by an automated speed camera driving at 67mph on the M4, where a temporary 50mph limit was in place. 

Joseph Amenebede, 38, of Dydale Road, Taw Hill, was recorded travelling eastbound near junction 19 in September 2025, when he was caught breaking the speed limit.

 Amenebede avoided a driving disqualification and he was fined £230.

 He was also handed three penalty points and he was ordered to pay a surcharge of £92.

 In a separate case, a Wiltshire motorist was disqualified from driving for six months after being caught travelling at 67mph during a temporary 50mph restriction on a stretch of the M4 between junctions 18 and 19.

 Fernando Rodrigues, 56, of Gloucester Road, Trowbridge, pleaded guilty to exceeding a variable speed limit at Bath Law Courts on January 13.

 Magistrates also imposed a £320 fine alongside the driving ban.

 Confusion has been made worse by concerns over faulty speed camera systems. In early 2026, it emerged that some National Highways cameras on the M4 may have been enforcing limits before signs had fully updated, leading to thousands of potentially incorrect fines dating back several years.

The Department for Transport ordered an independent review, with some drivers now in line for refunds or points being removed.

 There has also been wider public debate about whether drivers spot the signage clearly enough — especially at night or in heavy traffic — and whether enforcement feels disproportionate when motorists are travelling close to motorway speeds rather than racing.

Authorities maintain that variable speed cameras are essential for traffic flow and safety, but the volume of prosecutions suggests many drivers still underestimate how closely these limits are monitored.