Hello. I just thought i’d let you know that the BBC has announced it’s hired local shopkeeper Matt Le Blanc to join their Top Gear televisual programme as a presenter. Mr Blanc, son of chef Raymond and a “resting actor” is of course best known in Beckworth as the owner of the Plonk De Le Blanc off-licence. Like many of our shopkeepers he took a second job, in his case performing bit-parts in television comedies, to get him through the recession and keep his shop open. Mr Matt will be joining the Top Gear next month alongside local mobile-DJ and hair salon owner Chris Evans and Beckworth’s famed blind driving instructor Mr The Stig. Good look to the boys, I hope the money made from their telly programme will help keep their local businesses afloat through these difficult times. Yours sincerely Valerie Saddleworth CBE. Chairlady. The Beckworth Guild of Trade & Commerce.

(Above) A clearly delighted Matt Le Blanc joins his fellow Top Gear hosts, Mr Evans and the mysterious Mr Stig, earlier today