Click 'play' to listen to the latest Newbury Sound news bulletin.

In the news today (click on headline for more):

West Berkshire charities can apply for a share of £125,000, with an increase in applications expected.

Volunteers are needed to help a Newbury charity raise money for victims of the floods in Pakistan.

There are just 24 hours to go until the Newbury Blues kick off the new rugby season.

Rewarding Time

A Thatcham Police Officer has been rewarded for his loyalty and commitment.

The hard work of PC Mark McMurdo was recognised yesterday at the Chief Constable Commendations at Drayton Park Golf Club.

He received a Long Service Award for 22 years so far in the force.

Club Wins

A couple of months after the Bell at Aldworth was crowned Pub of the Year, a Hungerford outfit has now been named Club of the Year.

The Hungerford Club has been recognised by CAMRA - the West Berkshire Campaign for Real Ale. 

Bosses will be presented with their award tonight and the venue will go through as a nominee for the National Club of the Year awards.  

Future's Bright  

The future of one of Newbury's most popular tourist attractions remains safe.

Last night Councillors gave the green light to match fund an £84,000 Heritage Lottery Grant to go towards the refurbishment of the West Berkshire Museum in the Wharf.

It means the building will have to close for around three years at the end of 2010 to allow the extensive work to go ahead.

There is still a 20 per cent chance that a second round of lottery funding, amounting to almost a million pounds, won't be granted, but Councillors say there is other money in the pot to allow for this.

We'll have more on this story in our drivetime news from 4 o'clock this afternoon.

Assurance For Park

Meanwhile assurances were given last night over another of Newbury's gems.

Surveyors are about to descend on Victoria Park to work out why cracks have started to appear in its pavements and areas of the green space have been shrinking.

It is not yet known whether the damage is down to a dry summer, water being pumped to the new Parkway development or some other cause.  

The survey itself is costing Newbury Town Council thousands of pounds with repair costs expected on top of this.

At a meeting yesterday evening West Berkshire Council said it would "remain open" to helping out financially, depending on where fault is found.

Yes For Kingsclere Centre

Kingsclere will be getting a brand new youth centre.

Last night Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council gave the thumbs up to the building that will house a pre-school as well as youth and sports clubs.

It is due to be built on the Holding Field in the North West Hampshire village, a decision that caused some controversy with a number of people saying it shouldn't be taking up valuable green space.

Back in May villagers turned out in their hundreds to vote over the plans with a majority of 117 in favour of it going ahead.