The soap star was filming a new ITV series in the area and the youngpeople met him but were told he could not give an interview, reports thepaper. "It's a shame because we only had a few questions," said15-year-old Emma Higgins. It is a shame that ITV's PR machine preventedthese eager newshounds from getting the scoop they deserved. Still, thestory of how they didn't get a scoop was just as good.
- "Traditional verses such as Humpty Dumpty are in danger of dying outbecause mothers and fathers are singing pop songs to their childreninstead," reports the Daily Mail, one of many nationals to get excitedabout yet another meaningless survey.
Nevertheless it gave hacks a chance to play around. The Metro helpfullyprinted the lyrics to Baa Baa Black Sheep in full while The Guardian'sLucy Mangan researched the origins of nursery rhymes. Giddiest of allwas Martin Samuel from The Times, who invented some new rhymes for the21st century, prompting a reader to email this gem: "Simple Simon worean iPod, Going to the fair, said Simple Simon to the pieman,'What?'"
- Most papers covered sweeping changes to the National Curriculumincluding the introduction of lessons on managing money. But it seemssome young people are already clued-up when it comes to financialmatters.
The Coventry Evening Telegraph reported the exploits of three childrenwho spotted a novel fundraising opportunity. "Ben and Jake Simpson, aged10 and 12, and their cousin, 11-year-old Adam Langham- Dobson, chargedmourners for using the loo at the funeral of their 'inspirational'grandfather," we're told. The trio raised 171 for charity and"brought a smile to many faces on what was otherwise a sad day".
SOUNDBITE
"Civil servants don't usually get excited but we are excited about thecreation of the Department for Children, Schools and Families" - RalphTabberer, director general, schools, for the department.
