A man from Horsham who sexually abused a girl over many years has been jailed.

Landscape gardener, Robert Aynsley, began abusing the victim when she was 12 years old, regularly subjecting her to sexual assaults until she turned 17.

The 56-year-old, was found guilty at Lewes Crown Court in November.

Last Tuesday, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Tandridge District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a housing development on land south of Barrow Green Road, Oxted, remains in place after the appellant withdrew from the inquiry.

The appeal Inquiry started on Tuesday 27 January 2026 and was scheduled to last for nine days. The planning Inspector had heard evidence from the developer, the District Council, Oxted & Limpsfield Residents Group, Oxted Parish Council as well as representations from local residents.

The appeal was part of the way through its sixth day when the appellant, Croudace, decided to withdraw. No reason was given.  The Council will be seeking to recover its costs for the appeal.

Four standout entries have been shortlisted in a fun colouring competition launched by Tandridge District Council to highlight the sustainable features of the new Talbot Road playground.

The winning design, created by seven-year-old Zachary from Lingfield Primary School, was selected for its vibrant colours, creativity and playful representation of how the upgraded playground will look.

Three additional entries were shortlisted for how well they captured the brief, with runners-up recognised for being the most colourful, the most creative and for showing the best attention to detail.

Run in partnership with Kompan, the manufacturers behind the playground equipment and Lingfield Primary School, the competition invited children aged 5 to 11 to design artwork for a permanent sign celebrating the playground’s commitment to sustainability.

Tandridge District Council is funding the new equipment as part of its wider investment in playgrounds.

All shortlisted entrants will receive a prize at the Talbot Road playground reopening event later this year and every participant will receive a certificate.

Zachary, the competition winner, said: “I loved making my picture and I’m happy it will help people learn about looking after the planet. I can’t wait for everyone to see the sign in the playground when it’s ready as I’m very proud of my design.”

Councillor Deb Shiner, Chair of the Community Services Committee, said: “Our approach to upgrading the Talbot Road playground supports our Climate Change Action Plan by using sustainable materials. Involving local school children in designing the new sign nurtures creativity and helps promote the importance of sustainability across our playground projects. We are pleased the Council can fund these playground improvements for local families, with additional support from partners.”

Photo Credie Eddie Mitchell / BBC

The driver of a black car was injured after they crashed into a set of doors at Princess Royal Hospital.

The incident happened around 7am yesterday resulting in the driver being taken to hospital with injuries.

The hospital remained open while crews dealt with the situation.