Kokova Magazine

According to the RSPCA, new figures show an alarming increase in the number of pets being abandoned, with more than 37,000 animals being dumped across England and Wales in the past year. This is a rise of 9,000 (34%) from the previous year, with financial difficulties being listed as one of the reasons people are getting rid of their pets. Every year the charity sees a sharp rise in abandonments at the height of summer and evidence from the RSPCA and other animal charities suggests some people chose to get rid of their pets rather than pay for them to be looked after while they are on holiday.

The BBC's new period drama 'The White Queen' is causing a drama of a different kind - that of historical inaccuracy. The lavish production is based on the novel by Philippa Gregory and set in 1464 during the War of the Roses, but look closely and behind the simpering stares and brooding brows lurk modern day anachronisms that are all too prevalent. These include metal hand rails, bricks, modern guttering, zips, nail polish and clothes pegs.

Matt Sworder, a 28 year old marketing graduate, gave up a lucrative career in insurance to work as a chef in some of London's top restaurants, training with Gordon Ramsay (La Noisette), Anthony Demetre (Les Deux Salons) and Adam Byatt (Bistro Union). Now, for the first time, he has opened his own restaurant, The Corner House in Minster, near Ramsgate, Kent.

Competition now closed. Congratulations to our winners - Ann Carline (Shropshire) - Jessica Newman (Essex) - Yasmin Matin (London).

Summer is here and it's time to get those feet and fingers ready for parties, pools, flip-flops and festivals. Fiskars, the world's No. 1 scissor brand have put the fun into functional with their new Bubble manicure scissors - a splash of gorgeous colours with the super sharp blades you'd expect from Fiskars.

Competition now closed. Congratulations to our winners, Brian Mackinnon (East Dunbartonshire) - Christine Burns (Lanarkshire) - Freiny Miles (Bristol).