Officials are set to strike a deal to nearly double the size of Stanmore Country Park in return for approving a housing development.

A huge expansion of the park from 88 acres to 157 acres - making it one of the biggest open country parks in London - will take place if Harrow Council approves the sale of three acres of presently derelict land for a 10-house development.

Customers at a Stanmore pub have drunk their way into the record books.

Drinkers took part in a synchronised wine tasting during a wine festival in the borough last month.

By Ian Proctor

A motorist from Edgware left a trail of destruction as he drove wildly around north-west London - and crashed into 24 cars.

Bhagyesh Mehta, 45, of Turner Road, was only stopped when he smashed his W-reg blue Ford Fiesta into a stationary van and a passer-by dragged him from behind the wheel.

People living in an Edgware street face a future without post after the Royal Mail refused to deliver to the area.

Residents of North Parade and South Parade, off Mollison Way, were each sent a letter by the Royal Mail on June 30. It stated a postman slipped on the steps at the back of North Parade, leading to concern about the level of safety.

A Chinese couple appeared at Harrow Magistrates' Court on Monday accused of producing cannabis.

He Long, 39, and Ni Ying, 28, were arrested in the early hours of Saturday morning after police were called to the three-bedroom house in Taunton Way, Stanmore, to investigate a burglary in progress and discovered an alleged drugs factory instead.

By Elaine Okyere

Neighbours are being encouraged to get to know each other at a street party planned for Edgware.

Harrow Council's community and cultural services department will be throwing a beach and street party over the next few months to improve community relations.

Stanmore library is hosting a quiz and activities day for children aged between seven to 11 years.
The afternoon is called Terry Deary's Awful Olympics and will take place at Stanmore library, in Stanmore Hill, between 2.30-3.30pm on July 24.
To book a place at this event call 020 8954 9955.

A Stanmore based charity will be hosting a celebrity cricket match to raise funds.
Aspire, the spinal cord injury charity, will be holding a cricket match between the Bunbury Celebrity XI and Aspire Saracens XI from 2pm on August 3 at Totteridge Millhillians Cricket Club, Totteridge Green.
Players will include McFly's Harry Judd and former model and singer Samantha Fox.
Tickets are 5 for adults and 1 for children. For more information call 020 8420 6705.

Batman and Robin swapped their bat mobile for bicycles as part of a bike ride for a Stanmore-based charity.
Luke Peace and John Cheasman, who both work for the spinal injury charity Aspire, based in Wood Lane, took part in the organisation's annual cycle ride last Sunday (July 20).
The two men, who tackled the course on a tandem bike dressed as Batman and Robin, have raised more than £1,000 for the charity.
It was the first time the swim-school coordinator and lifeguard had taken part in the 52-mile challenge around St Albans and Harpenden.
Mr Peace said: "it took us four hours and 47 minutes and we only stopped for two water breaks.
"The weather held out, which was good. It was a bit restrictive in fancy dress the Lycra was quite tight, but fancy dress and the tandem bike was a great way of raising money."
Aspire's Andrew Ogierman, who co-ordinated the event, said: "The second Aspire summer cycle was a great success.
"All those taking part had a fantastic day. We are well on course to raise over £10,000 from the event."
Anyone wanting to donate money should contact Andrew on 020 8420 8951 or email andrew.ogierman@aspire.org.uk.

By Tara Brady

Two landmark buildings dating from the 18th Century have been successfully restored to their former glory.
The property previously known as the Kings Head Hotel in Harrow on the Hill and the walls of George V Memorial Garden in Canons Park were taken off English Heritage's At Risk Register this week.
English Heritage, the national body which preserves historical monuments, warned last year that 10 dilapidated properties in Harrow were in need of repair or complete restoration.
The Kings Head, which dates back to the 1720s, once served as an inn but by the 20th Century was falling into disrepair.
Harrow Council oversaw the project and made sure the building was restored using the same lime render and timber windows that had been used in its original construction.
Baj Mathur, retired architect, town planner and executive member of Harrow Heritage Trust, said: "Unfortunately, buildings do become dilapidated and their owners let them fall into disrepair. But with the help of English Heritage, the council and people who are interested in these buildings they can be saved.
"Harrow Heritage Trust commended both projects and so it is great news to hear that they have been carried out."
Using a grant of £917,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the council also worked with Friends of Canons Park and successfully restored the vast parkland which runs between Stanmore and Edgware, including its buildings.
As part of the restoration programme the walls of George V Memorial Garden were also removed from the register.
Sharon Graham, of Friends of Canons Park, said: "We are over the moon. The garden looks beautiful and the wall has been restored to its former glory. It has taken a couple of years but we are all so pleased. It is now up to the council to make sure it stays like this but we a park keeper so we know it will be looked after."
Eight buildings are still classified as being at risk. They include the Garden Temple in Canons Park, Canons Farm Barn in Pinner and East End Farm Barns, also Pinner.
Councillor Marilyn Ashton (Conservative), responsible for planning, development and enterprise, said: "The At Risk Register is an important asset in our understanding of the threat posed to protected sites in Harrow.
"There are more than 300 listed buildings in Harrow and the limited number of entries on the register reflects the council's commitment to protecting the borough's heritage.
"We are delighted the former King's Head Hotel and the walls of the George V Memorial Garden have come off the register and are confident in 2009 other buildings will follow."