Sick of politics? Here are five stories that will make you forget all about the general election

But don't worry, we've got your back.

These five Gazette stories will make you forget all about the general election. 

#5 Mum's plea to help find autistic son's beloved teddy bear Bob 

Marcus Vaissiere, who suffers with severe learning difficulties and autism, has not seen his beloved teddy bear, Bob, since the end of last month.

His mum, Sharon, says her 19-year-old son has had the bear for 15 years has been “really struggling” ever since he went missing.

“Bob to him is like his comfort blanket,” she said. “He takes him to surgeries, to him it’s like his best friend. Where Marcus goes that bear follows.”

She added: “He’s just really confused and upset that he can’t find him.”

“I hear him in the morning, he gets up at 6am and I hear him asking his dad for Bob.”

Marcus’ bear hasn’t been seen since November 22 when he went missing in Winchester Street.

Since then Sharon says he was spotted outside Lemon Plaice, in the same street, where he was propped up outside against one of the lampposts.

But the person who found him says that by the time they left the shop, the bear was gone.

“I just can’t understand where he’s gone,” said Sharon, “I’ve been searching everywhere just to try and find something.

She added: “I think he thinks it’s probably going to come home when Christmas is over, as he’s gone to help Santa.”

Can you help Marcus? Read the full story here

#4 Dramatic rescue sees firefighters descend on sewer to release trapped swan 

Their job certainly isn't a nine to five one.

And firefighters in Basingstoke found themselves battling an unusual problem when they had to scale down into a sewer tank to release a trapped swan.

The poor bird had got confused and became trapped in the smelly pit. 

Full story here

#3 Want to party like it's 1775? How Jane Austen used to throw it up over Christmas 

If history is your bag you may be interested to know in Jane Austen's time they celebrated Christmas for a month.

While workers today are lucky to get the Bank Holidays off, back in Austen's time it was customary to enjoy four weeks of frolics from December 6 until January 6.

And the Basingstoke lass knew all the best places to a party or two. 

Read more here

#2 Be proud of where you live: Seven things to love about living in Basingstoke 

Loving where you live is an important part of achieving happiness, according to experts.

And living in the south east, is supposedly among the happiest parts of the country. 

And we have to agree. From a bustling business community to investment in parks and leisure, Basingstoke enjoys a plethora of opportunities that many other towns would be grateful for.

We compiled a list of seven things we love about Basingstoke. Do you think we missed anything? 

Have a look here  

#1 Mother calls for justice after her son is left for dead in attack on Halloween

This week the Gazette spoke to the mother of a man who was brutally attacked on Halloween. 

She bravely spoke out about their family's heartache in the hope of encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

So if you want a challenge that's non-politics related, help raise awareness by sharing her appeal. 

Read the full story here