Review of the year: February

THERE was lunch box outrage, a carehome chemical spill and a taxi driver convicted of rape in February.

•A MOTHER hit out at a Stevenage school for dictating what pupils can eat and drink.

Karen Dunne was furious that a change in policy at Camps Hill School, where her two sons attend, outlawed snacks and sugary drinks.

“They’ve got no right to tell parents how to feed their children,” she said.

•A FOUR-YEAR-OLD girl who cannot walk or talk was given a standing ovation before a Stevenage FC FA Cup tie.

Grace Allen from Stevenage, who has cerebral palsy, was mascot for the Fourth Round match at home to Reading and received huge applause when taken around the pitch before the game.

•ELDERLY residents were evacuated from a carehome after a chemical spill.

The emergency services were called to The White House in Letchworth GC after cleaning fluid was spilt and entered the building wearing gas-tight suits and breathing apparatus.

Eleven residents were treated by paramedics for eye irritation.

•A TAXI driver from Stevenage was found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman.

Tariq Mahmood, of Archer Road, received the verdict at Luton Crown Court after carrying out the sexual assault in Ripon Road in October 2009.

The 48-year-old was later sentenced to 10 years in prison.