In today's Herald. . .

Also in this week's paper, MPs Nadhim Zahawi and Jeremy Wright are again forced to defend expenses claims and we preview this weekend's food festivals in Stratford and Shipston. The Herald team will be at Stratford's - come along and see us at our stand on Bridge Street.

We've also got news of Stratford's return to the Britain In Bloom competition after a two year break and in time for a

very special year in the town's history, there's an interview with the new headteacher of Shipston High School, which also has a new building, and we have the fantastic news that the Stratford Hospital Appeal has reached the halfway mark.

Our reporter Simon Woodings and photographer Mark Williamson were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a swingers festival that was held at a stately home on our patch at the weekend and we speak to a volunteer at Stratford Samaritans in what is the first of a series of charity profiles.

Also this week, our photographer was at the Great British Food Festival at Ragley Hall, Lapworth Scarecrow Festival, the 27th annual National Street Rod Association Hot Rod Drags event at Long Marston Airfield and Claverdon Gardening Group - see the paper for pictures from each event.

We have the usual two pages are arts, a competition to win six seats at a Christmas party at the Holiday Inn in Stratford, our usual What's On Guide, three pages of sport and a special report Wednesday's Stratford Business Show, which the Herald was the media sponsor of.