Veterans, cadets and serving servicemen and woman gathered at the war memorial in Marshalswick to mark Armed Forces Day.

The city’s Mayor Annie Brewster, who laid a wreath at the memorial, said: “It was wonderful to see so many representatives from local services both young and old.”

Darth Vadar and his stromtroopers invaded Redbourn village to raise money for a play area. Children stood goggle- eyed and jaw dropping the moment the Star Wars team marched through the High Street.

The lights were out on St Albans businesses and homes, when the power went off for up to five hours on a Monday. Traders across the city lost trade throughout the afternoon as they were forced to close or offer a reduced service.

Puckering up to help break a Guinness World Record, cosmetic store Lush in the Maltings took part in an international attempt to collect the most lipstick kiss prints in one day. The store also signed up to raise awareness of products not tested on animals.

An investigation was launched after a fire ripped through the roof of Grade II listed pub, The Swan in Wheathampstead. Part of the pub’s roof had to be cut away to allow firefighters to reach the flames.

St Albans Apprentice candidate Luisa Zissman fell at the last hurdle after her pitch of a baking wholesale business failed to entice Alan Sugar’s £250,000 investment.

Paul Rollison was delighted to be reunited with his English bull terrier, Silver, which was seized and kennelled by police for more than two months after said it savaged its sheep. During a court hearing, Mr Rollison was ordered to pay £415 in compensation.