Taking the stage at...
Taking the stage at this month"s Shanghai Motor Show was a new four-door version of the Aveo small family car. Codenamed T250, it won"t go on sale in the UK - but three and five-door hatchback variants will arrive here late next year. Aveo is the name given to the Kalos in overseas markets, and we"ve discovered it"s likely to feature in British showrooms, too. A company insider told us: "We said when we transformed the brand from Daewoo we would carry over existing model names, but as cars are replaced we would move to Chevrolet ones.
Electricity company...
Electricity company Powergen has invented a fabric sleeve that slips over the current lollipop handle. It contains an electric heating element, which is powered by a rechargeable battery attached further down the stick. "It"s such a simple idea," said lollipop lady Sheila Bensley from Norwich. "The pole has a heated area on the handle, so it"s perfect for keeping our hands toasty when on patrol."
Sheila has been helping kids cross the road for more than 22 years. "I love my job, and seeing the children on their way to school always brings a smile to my face," she added. "But during the winter months, it does get pretty cold. It"s great that Powergen has recognised the work we do and given us something really useful."
Twenty prototype sticks are being tested by crossing attendants throughout East Anglia, and more poles will be trialled in Manchester, Nottingham and London. If it continues to prove popular, the device will eventually go into production.