A fight between two dogs caught the imagination of Gazette columnist 'Ariel' a century ago.

"An Irish terrier and a black dog from the Imperial Hotel had an argument on the platform at Great Malvern Station and after an exchange of the usual preliminaries of 'You're no gentleman' and 'You're another type', went at it hammer and tongs."

He went on: "The gallant Irish terrier could make no impression on the thick coat of his adversary, and was getting the worst of it, when an additional thrill was added to the excitement by the combatants rolling off the platform in front of the incoming Hereford express.

"One hears of a heroic porter risking death to save the lives of the dogs but at any rate there was more excitement at Malvern Station than there has been since Colwall Tunnel fell in."

Fifty years on, and animals were still causing trouble, according to the Gazette.

"Jackal, a pet monkey belonging to Mrs R Barbour-Simpson, wife of the headmaster of Hillstone School, gave his owners, their neighbours and residents in the vicinity unusual excitement when he slipped his chain early on Friday morning.

"The police issued a warning that Jackal could be just a little temperamental when confronted with strangers. Most residents promptly closed all doors and windows and didn't venture outside - the more heroic helped in the search."

Jackal was free for over 24 hours until found up a tree and tempted down by food.