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Historic street signs snapped up in Sussex auction

Rupert van der Werff of Summers Place Auctions in Billingshurst, West Sussex. Credit: PA

Some of London's most recognisable street signs, including those which have stood in Downing Street and Abbey Road, have fetched thousands of pounds at auction in West Sussex.

The distinctive enamelled Downing Street sign was bought by London-based advertising executive Trevor Beattie for £7,800, achieving far more than its estimate of up to £1,500.

And the Abbey Road sign fetched £4,350 after being bought by north London-based property investor John Antoniou as a present for his son, a musician and producer.

A collection of black aluminium finger signs which have directed tourists to world famous landmarks in the capital also went under the hammer at Summers Place Auctions in Billingshurst, and fetched £4,200.

Dame Judi launches 'Upkeep Club' appeal

Dame Judi Dench has begun an appeal today to raise funds for the RAF's Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park.

The monument, unveiled last summer, honours more than 55,000 air crew who lost their lives during the Second World War.

Donations from the public raised the five and a half million pounds needed to build it.

But the RAF Benevolent Fund must now find another one and a half million pounds for its maintenance.

So it's created "The Upkeep Club" - named after one of the bouncing bombs used by the RAF in its Dambuster Raid 70 years ago this month.

Dame Judi's late husband - the actor Michael Williams - served in the RAF.

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Arrest following Luton shooting

A man's been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, following a shooting in Luton yesterday morning.

Police say the man in his 20s has also been arrested on suspicion of Threats to Kill, Arson and Criminal Damage.

A 27-year-old man is still in a serious condition in hospital, having been shot in the leg.

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Meridian

REPORT: Bridging the future at Dartford?

The government has announced the start of consultations over building a new Thames Crossing. There are three options: Dartford, Swanscombe and a site near Gravesend. The cost could top £5 billion.

We speak to Roads Minister Stephen Hammond, Richard Knox-Johnston from CPRE Protect Kent, Cllr Bryan Sweetland from Kent County Council and Natalie Chapman from the Freight Transport Association.

Man arrested over Luton rush-hour shooting

Detectives investigating a shooting in Luton yesterday morning have arrested a man on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

The Luton man, who is in his 20s, was arrested this afternoon following the incident in Dunstable Road at the junction of Leicester Road at 8am on Monday.

The suspect has also been arrested on suspicion of threats to kill, arson and criminal damage and will be questioned at Luton Police Station.

The victim, aged 27, suffered a serious injury to his leg and remains in hospital where his condition is described as serious but stable.

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