Javier Lancha, Mia Wellington and Henry Shields have obtained silver and gold medals in the recent Fencing competition celebrated last weekend in Granada in the 10 and 12 year-old categories.

After years of wrangling, the Sabinillas sports centre took a huge step to finally becoming a reality this week, when an agreement was officially announced during a presentation today in Manilva's Council Chambers.

The Department for Social Welfare, under Councillor Paqui Lopez, has recently issued letters to all foreign residents informing them of their rights under Andalucia's Law of Dependency relating to people who are dependent on others either through illness, disability or age, irrespective of age, and which applies to foreign residents who have resided in Spain for a period of at least five years.

As you may already be aware, UK State Pensioners who are resident in Spain and who receive their healthcare under an E121 will soon be affected by changes concerning the issue of the European Health Insurance Card.

Mario Jimenez Rodriguez, Manilva's Councillor for Public Works and Infrastructure, spoke to The Resident earlier this week to explain the works being carried in Plaza Vicente Espinel, Sabinillas.

Manilva's Education Department is once again running their 'Aula Blanca' scheme during the forthcoming Semana Blanca holiday. This is aimed at primary school children whose parents both work and find it difficult to arrange child care during the half term break.

Running from 9 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday at all three of Manilva's primary schools and the children will enjoy a week of social interaction, educational games, and other creative activities.

The cost is 15 euros for those children on the Manilva padron and 20 euros for those who are not.

To register your child for this visit the respective schools' secretaries or the Delegación de Educación next to the football ground in Manilva. Last day for registration is the 18th February.

Manilva's Sports and Youth Department, in conjunction with the Union of Costa del Sol Municipalities (Mancomunidad), is offering local youngsters between the ages of 15 and 17 three days at the Fuerte Nagueles adventure park in Marbella free of charge.

The programme entitled 'Costa Youth' will take place on the 26th, 27th and 28th February and includes accommodation, sporting and adventure activities, full board and medical supervision.

For more information visit the Delegación de Juventud y Deportes next to the football ground in Manilva or call 952 891 532.