Indian IT services provider MindTree is celebrating 10 years supporting the Spastics Society in Indian state Karnatica which was formed in 1999.

The government has invited tenders for "identity verification and authentication services", in an attempt to assess the public sector's need for something that will confirm a user's identity.

RBS is axing 1,000 technology jobs as part of a cull of 3,500 positions across the company.

Tory MP Michael Fallon romped to victory with his biggest majority since he was first elected in 1997.

With his political opponents expecting his vote to be slashed, Mr Fallon has remained tight-lipped about his prospects all week.

But even he seemed surprised when returning officer Robin Hales declared him the winner with 28,076 - a majority of 17,515.

After paying tribute to the other candidates, he told the Chronicle: "I'm delighted. It's a big increase in the majority and the share of the vote - 57 per cent."

Lib Dem Dr Alan Bullion came second with 10,561, but was disappointed with his share of the vote, hoping for 14,000.

It was Labour man Gareth Siddorn whose vote took the biggest pounding.

He picked up just 6,541 - some 2,560 less than in 2005.

UKIP's Chris Heath pipped the BNP's Paul Golding to fourth place.

They polled 1,782 and 1,384 respectively.

English Democrat Louise Uncles polled 806 and Independent Mark Ellis got just 258.

Turnout was 71.12 per cent.

See Thursday's Chronicle for the full story.

A COUNCILLOR has vowed to continue representing his constituents from his new home – 230 miles away in Devon.

Sevenoaks district councillor Peter Coates upped sticks and left Bitchet Green this week to move closer to his family near Plymouth.

The ward member for Seal and Weald did so with the blessing of his boss, district council leader Peter Fleming.

It is unclear whether he intends to accept his allowance of £3,698.18 for discharging his duties as a councillor for the coming financial year.

The retired accountant was unavailable for comment earlier this week.

Speaking on Tuesday (April 27), Cllr Fleming gave him his full backing.

"He's a really strong advocate for Seal and Weald," he said.

"I've spoken with him and he's retaining close links with his ward.

"He's going to see if he can continue as a councillor and see how it goes.

"If it becomes too much, he will let me know.

"He's got integrity. If he feels he's not doing the role to the best of his ability, he will step down."

One resident in Weald was sceptical about his ability to serve the needs of the community when he was so far away.

Shirley Partington Smith said: "How can you possibly have contact with him when he's so far away?

"I can see no sense in that at all. Surely to goodness there's someone else that can take his place."

But her neighbour Lesley Crowther wanted to wait and see.

"It depends on him and whether he wants to come backwards and forwards," she said.

Although the journey time by road is estimated by the AA as being 4hrs 20mins, Cllr Fleming believed he would still be able to attend council meetings.

"Obviously he will come up to as many meetings as he can and will be actively working on behalf of the people of Seal and Weald," he said.

"There needs to be an understanding of a district councillor's role.

"A large amount of it is done by post or by e-mail."

Cllr Coates has been a member of the district council since 2002.

In that time, he has served on several committees and was a cabinet member until 2006.

Even if Cllr Coates remains in post for the next year, Cllr Fleming said he had promised to stand down at the 2011 district council election.

ONE of life's most valuable lessons, sung by a Seal musician, is currently blasting through UK radio waves courtesy of the country's top DJs, including Steve Wright, Dale Winton and Bob Harris.

Dan Clews, 30, has composed a song about how modern life is too fast-paced, and why people need to slow down.

He said he hopes the current radio success of Move Too Fast, playlisted on Radio 2 for four weeks running, will help him secure a chart place.

"We don't really know when it's going to be played, it tends to be pretty random," he said. "When I hear it I get a flurry of text messages through to my phone and I get quite excited."

The pop tune features the vocals of Mr Clews, along with friend Marcus Plowright and 15-year-old Alice Ackerley, of Langton Green.

The musician, who will marry his fiancée Kelly Rowson in June, said he drew his inspiration from his former home in Stonepitts Farm, Seal, one of the last remaining traditional strawberry farms in the county.

He moved to Tunbridge Wells last year, but has retained his connection to Sevenoaks and holds a rock school for youngsters twice a year in the town.

During his development as a musician he moved to Sweden and threw himself into the country's music scene, collaborating with the Swedish band The Stars Above.

His work with them helped to secure a publishing deal with George Martin Music.

Beatles producer Sir George said: "I was introduced to Dan Clews by a friend.

"I have always tried to support young musicians and Dan's music impressed from the first listen," he added.

"He is too great a talent to ignore and it's a great pleasure to be his publisher."

Listeners have until (May 1) midnight on Saturday to help Mr Clews' win a chart place by buying the Move Too Fast (Radio Edit) single on iTunes.