When major home builder Persimmon announced it was putting the brakes on new developments in the face of the credit crunch and mortgage squeeze, it underlined how alarming things are.

The good news, however, is that it's still all-systems-go for Persimmon and other developers as far as investing in Peterborough is concerned. That shows confidence that the current problems are not going to put a damper on what is one of the most exciting periods of growth in the city for decades.

There is little doubt that Peterborough is benefitting from the overheated housing market in Cambridge, where properties are scarce in some sectors, or vastly over-priced.

If this is encouraging people to look at Peterborough in a new light, then it is a welcome bonus, especially when they see what the city has to offer and how convenient the travel links are.

The decision by Argos to open a second store in the city is more proof of optimism about Peterborough's sound economic footing, and the plans for the future.

Award for a true act of heroism

UNDER a hail of Taliban bullets Corporal David Hayden of the RAF Regiment carried a fallen comrade to safety. After receiving the Military Cross from the Queen, Cpl Hayden said modestly that he was no hero. We salute him.