This is in recognition of his significant efforts in suicide prevention across Oxfordshire.

Mr Vaulks has been a key figure in the club’s ‘Can We Talk?’ campaign, which was launched in October 2024 to address suicide, the leading cause of death for people under 35 in the UK.

Throughout the 2025/26 season, the campaign has expanded, reaching schools, workplaces, army bases, and universities in the county with vital workshops.

In March, the initiative, in partnership with suicide prevention charity Baton of Hope, held a workshop at the Kassam Stadium attended by 150 people.

The participants received essential training to support ongoing awareness and education.

The campaign’s key initiatives include suicide prevention and mental health workshops for supporters, accredited training for staff and players, and the introduction of a wellbeing ‘check-in’ app for club staff.

Oxford United said: “Oxford United congratulates Will on this well-deserved honour and is proud to stand alongside him in advancing mental health awareness and suicide prevention.”

Mr Vaulks will be honoured at an awards event at the House of Commons on Wednesday, April 15.

He also hosted a suicide prevention event at the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday, March 17, from 6pm to 7.30pm.

The workshop forms part of the ‘Can We Talk?’ campaign and aims to further tackle the issue of suicide.

Mr Vaulks has become one of the prominent voices in the Football League advocating for suicide awareness.

The BBC has shared a first look at the new Balamory series, coming to CBeebies and iPlayer this month.

The Scottish children’s programme first aired in 2002 and centres on a fictional small island community off the west coast of Scotland, dealing with community residents and their issues.

It was cancelled in 2005, but a revival series was announced by the BBC in 2024, which is set to air in the coming weeks.

BBC shares first look at Balamory revival series as old cast return

The BBC has now unveiled first-look images of the new series, with the return of some familiar faces as well as new ones.

The new series “retains the heart and humour that made Balamory a household favourite, while introducing refreshed storytelling and playful adventures”, the BBC said.

It adds: “The lovable community of quirky characters celebrate each day with rainbow-coloured comic adventures, filled with songs, friendship and fun.”

Julie Wilson Nimmo is back as Miss Hoolie, who runs the Balamory Nursery.

She is described as “playful and creative” and “loves joining in with the children’s games”.

She is especially close to PC Plum, “celebrating his quirks with fondness”.

Andrew Agnew is also back as PC Plum, who is Balamory’s “friendly police officer” and “takes his role very seriously, despite the fact there’s no real crime on the island”.

4 of the original cast are back for the Balamory revival with 3 new ones joining (Image: BBC)

The BBC said: “With a childlike sense of wonder and a knack for leaping to the wrong conclusion, PC Plum brings slapstick charm to every episode, whether forming a one-man band or hunting for imaginary volcanoes.”

The third returning star is Juliet Cadzow as Edie McCredie, who runs her own delivery service and is a “skilled mechanic and seasoned traveller”.

She also captains her boat, the Sea Dasher, and acts as a “modern grandparent figure”.

The final star back is Kim Tserkezie as Penny Pocket, who runs Balamory’s shop and café while “juggling an impressive list of side hustles, from sports coaching to party planning”.

She ran the village shop with Suzie Sweet, played by Mary Riggans, who died in 2013.

New characters are Danielle Jam as scientist and inventor Ava Potts, Carl Spencer as vet Dr Ollie and William Andrews as The Harbourmaster.

How to watch the original Balamory episodes

There were more than 200 episodes of the original series, some of which can be watched on BBC iPlayer.

The new series, like the original, was once again filmed in Scotland.

On the revival, Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies, said: “Balamory holds a very special place in the hearts of families across the UK, so bringing it back after 21 years has been a real joy.

“It’s wonderful to welcome back beloved characters like Miss Hoolie, PC Plum and Penny Pocket, who have shaped so many childhoods, while also introducing a new generation of Balamory residents who bring fresh energy, humour and heart to the island.

“The spirit of curiosity, creativity and community that defined the original series remains at the core of this new chapter, and we can’t wait for young viewers and their grown‑ups to rediscover the magic of Balamory together.”

Recommended reading:

When is Balamory back on CBeebies and iPlayer?

Balamory will air on CBeebies from Monday, April 20, at 5pm.

All episodes of the new series will be available on BBC iPlayer on the same day.

Did you watch the original series of Balamory back in the early 2000s? Let us know in the comments.

Nearly nine kilograms of illegal tobacco, 13,000 illicit cigarettes, 123 units of nicotine patches and 51 single use vapes were seized by Oxfordshire County Council‘s Trading Standards team in a series of raids in Oxford.

Seven shops in Cowley and Headington were visited by the team with specialist tobacco detection dogs across March 29 and 31.

READ MORE: Man found dead after major police response at Culham Lock

The total street value of the haul was estimated to be £7,500.

Raids on seven shops in Cowley and Headington saw £7,500 worth of products seized (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

Investigations into the illegal sales are ongoing, with premises facing potential criminal prosecution and additional sanctions like civil financial penalties and licensing reviews.

People suspected of having no legal right to work in the UK were also identified during the raids, and trading standards said it is liaising with Immigration Enforcement.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “There is no such thing as a safe cigarette, but it is still very concerning that counterfeit versions are so widely available, sold at pocket money prices by criminals who don’t care who they sell to. 

“Thank you again to our brilliant team for their work.

The illegal tobacco included 13,000 illicit cigarettes, nicotine pouches and vapes (Image: Oxfordshire County Council)

“We know it can be hard to stop smoking, but help is available to anyone living in Oxfordshire.

“People are three times more likely to successfully stop by using a service like Smokefree Oxfordshire. It’s free to everyone living in the county.”

READ MORE: Fire service statement after ‘black smoke’ seen over Oxford

The raids were part of Operation CeCe, an HMRC-funded national initiative tackling the sale and supply of illegal tobacco products.

Davina Walkin, Oxfordshire County Council’s trading standards operations manager, said: “The public can help us to create a healthier and safer Oxfordshire by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity, anonymously if preferred, using our hotline. 

“The illegal tobacco criminality is relentless at the moment – but so are we.”

 Illegal tobacco sales can be reported by calling 0300 999 6 999 or anonymously online at www.stop-illegal-tobacco.co.uk.