The first leisure centre in Europe for disabled and non-disabled people reopened in Stanmore on January 3, thanks to generous donations from a number of patrons.

The Aspire Leisure Centre, in Wood Lane, revamped its swimming pool facilities, installing new toilets and showers, LED lighting and underwater handrails.

Mary Tye was one of those who contributed to the refurbishment, and she was given the honour of cutting the ribbon at the reopening ceremony.

Around 120 firefighters were called to a huge blaze at an industrial site in Magnet Road, Wembley, on January 24 as they battled throughout the night to bring it under control.

And charities chosen by Harrow Council were celebrating when the borough’s Charlie Chaplin-inspired float scooped third place in the London New Year’s Day parade.

This achievement secured £8,000, which was shared between Harrow Bereavement Care and Parkinson’s UK.