That was the week...

Coach crash hero – A coach driver was praised for saving lives after a passenger grabbed the steering wheel of an Oxford to London bus as it sped along the M40 near Beaconsfield at two o’clock in the morning. The driver grappled with the passenger while holding onto the steering wheel and slamming on the brakes. The coach mounted an embankment and turned onto its side but none of the dozen passengers on board were badly injured. A 21 year old male passenger, who ran off after the accident, was later arrested.

Court ban – High Wycombe court became the first in the country to ban people from taking food into the building because they say sandwiches, crisps and bottles of water can be used as missiles to throw at magistrates. The ban has been criticised by lawyers and witnesses who like to bring in packed lunches or snacks while they are waiting to give evidence at court cases and inquests.

Rider collapse – A horse rider was taken to intensive care at Wycombe Hospital after collapsing at the end of her showjumping round at Tring’s annual horse show. Twenty three year old Carla Perotton slid off her horse on the ground moments after completing the course. She was resuscitated in the ambulance. It’s thought she had a heart attack.

Schools return – Thousands of children returned to school while some of their teachers and governors contemplate whether to apply for academy status, which would give them more independence. There are fears that the richer grammar schools would gain more financially at the expense of the non-grammar schools in Bucks.

Pubs bought – The Bel and the Dragon chain of pubs, which includes two of the oldest in the area – the 11th century inn at Windsor and the 14th century bar at Cookham – were bought Joel Cadbury, the heir of the chocolate fortune, and his business partner. The chain also includes a Bel and the Dragon at Goldaming and Reading.

Park closed – A council closed a popular tourist car park and picnic area because of dogging and other “inappropriate behaviour”. The car park at Cobblers Hill, Great Missenden will remain open at weekends.

Tower appeal – High Wycombe’s parish church, All Saints, launched a quarter of a million pound appeal to rebuild its 500 year old bell tower. Death watch beetles have riddled the wooden beams and the masonry is crumbling.

Bright future – Wycombe Wanderers failed to hang on to their brightest prospect – England under 19 international Matt Phillips – when he transferred to newly promoted Premiership side Blackpool on the last day of the transfer window. But it was a good deal for Aylesbury born Matt and for Wanderers whose apprenticeship scheme he joined at the age of nine. The club received £325,000 and the promise of more cash in the future, while for Phillips it was a chance in a lifetime. “We didn’t want to stand in the way of Matt playing Premiership football,” said Wanderers owner Steve Hayes.

Thames piranha – An angler hooked a three inch pirhana fish – normally found in tropical fresh water areas – from the Thames at Marlow. And if you think that’s a bit fishy, wait till you hear the Marlow anglers’ name...Richard Salmon. But it’s all true and Mr Salmon has the picture to prove it.