QUICK-thinking neighbours alerted by new smoke alarms helped prevent a Bourne End flat fire from ending in tragedy.

Crews from Beaconsfield and Marlow were called to Selbourne House in Blind Lane shortly before 11am last Sunday, where a fire had broken out in an elderly resident's kitchen.

Neighbours helped her to safety after being alerted by the sound of smoke alarms. She was suffering from shock and the effects of breathing in smoke. Firefighters gave her oxygen before handing her into the care of paramedics.

BOURNE END (Bucks) Twinning Association is holding its annual dance night at Flackwell Heath Community Centre next week. The barn dance will start at 7.30pm on Saturday, January 28. Hot supper and dessert will be served, and there is a licensed bar. All welcome, tickets cost £10 and available from David on 01628 52 00 65.

BOURNE END’s cribbage team is appealing for new members. They are based at the community centre and play home and away games every Monday night. Call Belinda Parsons on 07849988128 for more details.

THE Meadows School in Wooburn Green has a new headteacher after Phyllis Carr retired in December after 14 years at School Road. The new head, Brendan Aspell, was previously at a school in Peterborough.

SQUIRES Country Music Club comes to Loudwater British Legion next week, with a set from Mac Bailey and Desperado from 8pm. Tickets for the event on January 28 are £6. Call 01494 528161 for details.

Email: ldunhill@london.newsquest.co.uk with news and events for these areas.