Police are appealing for witnesses following a reported assault in New Street, Andover just before midnight on Monday 22 December.

The Anton River Conservation Association (TARCA) has been named the winner of the Blue Spaces category at the Hampshire Countryside Awards.

While many families are preparing for Christmas Day, the crews at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance will be on duty as usual, ready to respond to life-threatening emergencies across the region.

Andover has once again shown the true strength of its community spirit, with £7,021 raised for Countess of Brecknock Hospice through the highly successful Andover Santa Cruises, organised by Andover Community Events. The annual festive fundraising drive saw Santa take on an exceptionally busy schedule throughout the run-up to Christmas, delivering joy to residents of all ages while raising vital funds for a much-loved local charity.

Local lettings business RJ Gallagher Property & Lettings is working with the council and landlords to help Andover residents move into secure homes more quickly.

The Picket Twenty Co-op store in Andover will be among a select number opening on Christmas Day, helping local residents access essential items and offering a friendly point of contact during the festive period. Image: (c) Love Andover Southern Co-op has confirmed that its Picket Twenty store in Andover will open on 25 December, as part of a limited Christmas Day service across the South.

Radio Gaga and Queen Rocks have been announced as the headline acts for Music at the Manor 2026, a charity music event returning to Andover next July.

A dispersal order has been introduced in Andover Town Centre following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The Museum of Army Flying has issued an appeal for donations after revealing it does not currently have the funds to replace worn flooring in two of its key exhibition areas. The Andover-based charity is seeking help to replace a carpet runner and artificial grass in its 1940s house exhibit, as well as torn carpet in its Victoria Cross (VC) display area.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned that the government’s proposed police funding settlement could result in fewer officers and higher costs for local taxpayers.

Residents from Millway House care home enjoyed a special end-of-year visit to the University of Winchester, joining the Memory Choir for a festive and uplifting singing session.

Chris Rea, the acclaimed musician behind classics such as Driving Home for Christmas and The Road to Hell, has died at the age of 74. The Middlesbrough-born singer passed away peacefully in hospital earlier today after a brief illness, with his family by his side. A spokesperson speaking on behalf of his wife and two children confirmed the news, describing him as a deeply loved husband and father whose loss will be felt profoundly.

Andover-based Stannah Lifts has been shortlisted as a finalist at the Tomorrow’s FM Awards 2026, recognising innovation in lift modernisation and refurbishment services.

Six pupils from Rookwood School have progressed to the second round of the BBC 500 Words competition after standing out among tens of thousands of entries nationwide.

The region’s Air Ambulance charity responded to 207 emergency call-outs in November, with crews attending incidents across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and beyond.

The Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Gordon Bailey MBE, has shared his Christmas message for 2025, reflecting on community, kindness and support for those in need during the festive season.

A 47-year-old man from Leicester has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after attempting to steal copper wiring from a building in Andover.

A coffee kiosk at Andover Bus Station has ceased trading, bringing an end to its service for commuters and visitors. The Costa Coffee kiosk closed on 2 December 2025, following prior confirmation earlier in the year that the outlet would be shutting permanently. The decision had been communicated months in advance, giving customers and staff time to prepare for the change.

As the festive season gathers pace, town centres like Andover’s come alive with lights, treats and bustle. But beyond the cheer and seasonal spirit lies an economic truth: where you choose to spend your money has a direct impact on the health of your local community. Research in economics shows that shopping locally isn’t just a feel-good choice — it’s one of the most effective ways to support and strengthen your local economy.

Andover’s property market is beginning to regain momentum following the latest 0.25 per cent interest rate cut, according to local estate agents Austin Hawk. While the immediate financial benefit for homeowners with a typical variable mortgage is relatively modest — averaging around £31 per month — Austin Hawk says the real significance lies in the shift in market sentiment rather than the saving itself.

RSPCA teams are preparing to care for more than 3,500 animals this Christmas including a record 1,500 cats. Staff at the RSPCA’s 14 animal centres including RSPCA Ashley Heath Centre in Hampshire are getting ready to ensure the festive period is as special as possible for animals recovering from heart-breaking cruelty and neglect. It has been an incredibly challenging year for the welfare charity with growing cruelty, neglect and abandonment resulting in record numbers of animals in RSPCA care.

Well-known local band Stonepig are celebrating 20 years on the music scene with a special anniversary gig in Andover this weekend. The milestone event, dubbed the 20/20/20 gig, will take place on Saturday 20th December from 9pm at the band’s spiritual home, The Station Inn. The venue itself is also marking a significant anniversary this year, celebrating 20 years under the stewardship of Alex and Romana Gillies…

Hampshire-based adventurer Jordan Wylie MBE has completed one of the most ambitious British expeditions in recent years, becoming one of the few modern explorers to climb previously unclimbed mountains in Antarctica before skiing to the Geographic South Pole. The former soldier reached the South Pole on 16 December after weeks in some of the most hostile conditions on Earth, following a pioneering first phase of the expedition in the remote Heritage Range.

Test Valley-based vertical farm Lusso Leaf has secured a £22,500 grant to double production capacity and expand supply to leading restaurants in London and the South.

Andover 28 Winchester 2 15 On a great day for Rugby in front of a big Christmas crowd, Saxon Safety sponsored Andover overcame a good Winchester side to gain a five point bonus point win at the Goodship ground last Saturday. Andover began the first half playing down the slope, but in the face of a strong sun which made life difficult for the back three under the high ball.