April Fool pranksters erected a spoof ‘twinning’ sign in 1988, just before anti-nuclear marchers entered the Slough Borough, suggesting the town was twinned with…Chernobyl.

Leading Labour councillor Dennis James told the Observer: “It’s all a bit embarrassing, today of all days, but it is obviously and April Fool’s prank.”

The Chernobyl disaster occurred in the Ukraine in April 1986 when a nuclear reactor exploded, spreading radiation cloud all over Europe.

An exhibition of Slough’s railway history was opened at the town’s museum 33 years ago, to mark the 150th anniversary of the first public rail service in 1838.

Rare photographs of locomotives and station staff had been collected from British Rail, Didcot Railway and Swindon Railway Museum.

The Mayor of Slough, Cllr Bob Prosser, viewed the exhibits before officially opening a ticket office and waiting room reconstructed from the 1930s.

A Taxi driver who survived an attack and robbery became the first owner of a working London cab in 1988 to protect himself from future assaults.

Mohammed Aleem made the switch after picking up three men outside Slough railway station and taking them to St. Andrew’s Way in Cippenham, where he was grabbed from behind as he sat behind the wheel of his normal saloon car.

He later told the Observer: “I will not give in to these people, so I decided to get a London cab because the driver is sealed off from the passengers, so it is far safer.”

Tiny tot Stephen Ball was being put to bed by his father Graham when he accidentally caught him with a punch in the eye- landing him in hospital. Mr. Ball admitted himself to Wexham Park Hospital and admitted to the Observer: “The doctors and nurses thought it was hilarious when I told them my seven-month old son had done it.”

He continued: “It was quite a whack, my right eye closed totally in minutes, the next time I put him to bed I will be wearing safety goggles.”

Youngsters at Lea Nursery School put a little sunshine into Easter when 50 of them visited elderly residents at Oxford House, Upton Lea, Slough. After parading in their Easter Bonnets the children sang a selection of springtime songs including “The Sun Has Got It’s Hat on”.

Slough rally driver Carl Stevens recorded his first finish of the season with an impressive drive in the Skip Brow National Rally in North Wales.

In only his third event, Carl claimed 75th place in a field of 150 whilst behind the wheel of his Shurlock Row Garages sponsored Skoda 1300 L.

His next outing was due to take place in the Manx National on the Isle of Man, where he would be driving a Suzuki Swift Gti.