David Green, head of innovation, and Clara Saliba, AI and data insights analyst at the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation, were recognised in Computing magazine’s AI Leadership Index.

The list features individuals who are helping to shape the future of artificial intelligence in a responsible and sustainable way.

Dominic Hare, chief executive of Blenheim Palace, said: “We are all extremely proud that not one but two of the outstanding individuals in the country in the field of AI are people at Blenheim Palace.

“I don’t think anyone who works with these individuals is in the least bit surprised by this recognition.

“I feel very lucky here every day to work with an extraordinary group of people; along with the support team which includes Tawhid Sharior, they are without a doubt the finest AI team in the country.”

The index highlights individuals who not only advance AI, but also influence how it is built, deployed and governed.

Mr Green was praised for directing AI and automation initiatives that have transformed operations at the heritage site.

The magazine noted that his approach ‘balances cutting-edge technology with heritage conservation’ and demonstrates ‘that AI can enhance rather than replace the human expertise needed to care for irreplaceable historic buildings and landscapes’.

Ms Saliba was recognised for her work applying both modern AI and classical machine learning, from analysing visitor surveys to detecting ticket fraud and developing predictive maintenance models for the estate.

Ron Murray, 67, from Goring-on-Thames, created the Goring Slot Racing Circuit after his wife Gillian was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 14 years ago at the age of 48.

Mr Murray said: “From the time of Gill’s diagnosis, we wanted to do something to support Parkinson’s UK.

“We started with events at home like Pimms for Parkinsons, Great American Breakfast, Craft Cakes & Collectibles sales, but I wanted to find a way to involve more people and reach a wider community.”

Using his engineering background, Mr Murray collected and refurbished old Scalextric track to build a 27-metre digital circuit, complete with race simulation software and more than 400 handmade model trees.

Since opening in 2020, the circuit has hosted more than 120 race sessions and welcomed 600 visitors, raising £8,171 for Parkinson’s UK.

Mr Murray said: “It’s become really popular with local families, especially during holidays.

“People come to race each other, celebrate birthdays or just try something different, and they’re supporting a great cause at the same time.

“I feel very lucky that something I enjoyed building continues to bring people together and raise money for Parkinson’s research.”

Support has poured in from residents of Goring and neighbouring areas, with many families returning for repeat visits.

Sarah Jones, community fundraiser for Thames Valley at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to Ron for creating the Goring Slot Racing Circuit and for all his fundraising for Parkinson’s UK.

“Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time.

“Affecting 166,000 people in the UK, it has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure.

“On behalf of everyone at Parkinson’s UK, thank you to Ron and the whole community for making such a meaningful difference.”

Mr Murray continues to expand the circuit with new features and interactive elements, including a Batmobile that emerges from a hidden Batcave.

He said: “In today’s world, it’s great to have somewhere people can come, have fun, forget things for a while and contribute to a good cause.”

To learn more about the project, visit ronmurray9.wixsite.com/mysite.

Someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK every 20 minutes and the number of people worldwide with the condition will double to 25million by 2050, according to Parkinson’s UK.

Parkinson’s UK is the leading European funder of Parkinson’s research and provides support throughout every stage of the Parkinson’s journey.

The charity’s free, confidential helpline is available at 0808 800 0303.

The 68-year-old married Elliott Spencer, 38, in 2015 when they were 57 and 27 respectively.

Former QI host and Blackadder actor Sir Sephen has now addressed critics of the age gap during an appearance on the ITV series The Assembly.

On the programme, participants who are autistic, neurodivergent or have learning difficulties, question well-known personalities.

Sir Stephen Fry arrives at BBC Broadcasting House in London, 2025. (Image: PA)

The actor, writer and presenter was responding to a question from the assembly which asked him: “What do you say to people who don’t like age-gap relationship?”

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Sir Stephen, a former visiting professor of creative media at the University of Oxford, said: “I feel a bit sorry for them. I don’t see why they should have such an opinion about thing.”

He explained that the only thing that should matter in any relationship is ‘genuine love so long as it is mutual and not exploitative’.

“It just works for us, extremely well”, he said, “If people don’t like it, well, sod them.”