It may be difficult to get your child into a top state school but affording the school uniform isn’t, reveals a new survey by the Schoolwear Association, whose members together help to clothe three-quarters of Britain’s children. All of the top 20 state schools in England insist on a uniform, and the majority also stipulate a blazer and tie. The study carried out by the Schoolwear Association reveals the average cost of a complete outfit in these schools is less than £107 - just 54p a day per school year, and even better value when you consider that items such as blazers and ties will last for more than one school year.

Birdland Park & Gardens has plenty for all the family entertained this bank holiday weekend from Saturday 27 – Monday 29 August. Head to Bourton-on-the-Water to meet King Penguins, explore the Jurassic Journey and discover an exciting array of birds. Birdland are pleased to announce that they have successfully bred a critically endangered Waldrapp Ibis chick, the first to hatch at the Park in over 5 years. The Waldrapp Ibis is a migratory bird found in barren, semi-desert or rocky habitats, often close to running water.

Underlying muscle pain can be a trigger for aggressiveness in dogs and must be considered in cases of dangerous behaviour, a canine expert has said. Julia Robertson, the founder of the Galen Therapy Centre in Sussex which treats dogs suffering from musculoskeletal pain, has spoken out about the links between underlying conditions in canines and attacks in the light of the RSPCA’s report into the Dangerous Dogs Act.

To commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, the First World War Centenary Partnership, led by Imperial War Museums (IWM), will be screening the 1916 documentary film The Battle of the Somme across the globe throughout the year. The Somme lasted for 141 days, and more than one million men from both sides were killed, wounded or captured. The Battle of the Somme film was released on August 21 1916 and recorded the early stages of the battle.

Organisers, exhibitors and visiting entertainment acts are making final preparations for the most extravagant Family Day yet at this year’s Nantwich Food Festival.  The lip-smacking three-day spectacular begins on Friday 2 September with an amazing programme of events aimed at families, children and local community groups. A full itinerary of FREE cookery shows and demonstrations will take place in the AGA Food Theatre based in the town centre.

Due to booming bar prices abroad, a family of four can now travel to Europe for less than the cost of the beverages they will drink during their stay, according to new research by Direct Line Travel Insurance. The study reveals that families holidaying in France will spend an average of £307 on drinks, while flights from London to Paris cost as little as £209. A gin and tonic will set travellers back a cool £9.19 when visiting our neighbours across the channel and as much as, £3.95 for a pint of Coke for the kids.