Cactus plants may symbolise barren land but helped a Greenford company create an opulent mirage to impress judges at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

Pod Garden Designs headed up by Mark Yabsley, of Greenford Broadway, won a silver gilt medal at the prestigious flower show this week - the second prize in so many years.

Hundreds of revellers headed to Ravenor Park this weekend for a jam-packed day of global music, fair ground rides and family fun.

Greenford Carnival returned for another great year on Saturday (30) when local bands and dance troupes took to the main stage to entertain guests.

Bollywood choreographer Jay Kumar from Northolt will MC the Big Dance Opening Night in Hounslow this weekend.

The bhangra dancer will host the night of live dance and free workshops in Lampton Park on Saturday (07) from 7pm till late.

Ealing Mencap's inclusive band hope to perform to a thunderous crowd when Greenford Carnival kicks off tomorrow (Saturday).

I Love Thunder will light up the main stage for a second time when the annual party arrives in Ravenor Park from 12-7pm.

A man with spina bifida is facing transport costs of £80 a day to reach important appointments after his free hospital travel was scrapped.

Jamie Brown was diagnosed with the spinal defect at birth and began using a wheelchair at three years old.

A gym is hoping to create a dancing sensation when it attempts to break a world record for the most number of Zumba dancers in one class.

LA Fitness in Rowdell Road is offering free classes on Saturday and Sunday next week (07/08) to help get more than 3,000 people moving and shaking to the Latin music.

Gazette reporter POPPY BRADBURY is set to race the first ever Ealing Half Marathon on September 30. In her first weekly training blog, she finds getting started takes a bit of preparation.

Like any true procrastinator, this week has been all about spending every spare moment doing anything but actually going to the gym.

A creative drama teacher has turned to mnemonics and designed lessons and study guides to help young children learn using visual and sound aids.

Marina McLeod hopes her characters Auber the Aubergine and Seed will bring maths, science and literacy to life for children aged five to 11, who may feel restricted by regular learning methods.

A new high school is to be named after the scientist who sowed the seeds of an innovative chemical industry in Greenford.

William Perkin, born in 1838, made it possible for people to afford to dress colourfully for the first time by inventing the first aniline dye called Mauveine in a small home laboratory at the age of just 17.

Young people with learning difficulties had a taste of independent life when they learned about safe travel.

Ealing Mencap staged a bus day in Greenford Broadway earlier this month to give 10- to 15-year-olds the opportunity to get out and about on their own - and for most for the very first time.