It wasn’t all bad

A 15th century pub that was due to be turned into flats reopened its doors as a boozer on Sunday, after locals raised £1m to buy it back. Some 470 residents of South Stoke, near Bath, donated to the fund, then used the Localism Act, which protects community assets, to buy the pub. Sold to developers in 2012, The Packhorse Inn has now had its garden restored by volunteers, and Brian Perkins, 87, who was born in the pub and had his wedding reception there, pulled the first pint.

The first polar bear cub to be born in Britain in 25 years made its first public appearance this week. The bear was born in December at the Highland Wildlife Park in northern Scotland, to two resident bears, Victoria and Arktos. The park is now anticipating an “explosion” in visitor numbers, but staff warned that, at first, onlookers may have to be patient, as the cub still spends a lot of time asleep (although it is developing perfectly and making promising “squealing noises”). Once its sex has been identified, during a health check scheduled for May, the park plans to release a list of possible names for it.

A London teacher this week became the first British winner of the $1m Global Teacher Prize. Andria Zafirakou, 39, who teaches arts and textiles at a community school in London, was commended for the support she has given the deprived children in her care, including creating a quiet space for them to work after realising many lived in overcrowded housing, and working with local police to ensure they get to and from school in safety. Her prize will be paid in instalments, and is conditional on her remaining in education for five years.