In October, firefighters spent three hours rescuing an adventurous dog who became trapped in pipes underneath a park.

Daring Dottie fell ran into the narrow tunnel in Sunny Hill Park, Hendon, to chase some rats - but she disappeared into the darkness.

The firefighters began digging in various places but the pipes curved and it was "total guesswork" - but she was rescued safe and sound.

Also this month, neighbours rallied together to protect the 800-year-old Bury Farm in Edgware from becoming a golf course.

Backed by MP Matthew Offord, they called it the 'jewels in Edgware's crown' as it has been used by thousands of people over the years.

Meanwhile, an inspirational 27-year-old spoke to the Times Series after having a risky transplant operation which saved her life.

Lisa Barnett was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy when she was 14 – and was told the procedure had a one in five chance of failing to make it through the operation.

She said: “What if it was your brother, your mother, your daughter or son who was going to die? If you would accept an organ for yourself or your family, you have to be on the list in my opinion.”

A disabled and terminally ill man was locked in a hellish 14-month battle to obtain a designated parking bay from Barnet Borough Council.

Simon Caldin was given more than £1,000 worth of parking tickets for parking outside his home in Victoria Grove, North Finchley.

The 44-year-old’s two carers were hit with more than 17 tickets costing £50 each time – but he argued his ill health meant parking tickets were not his priority, adding: "I’m a prisoner in my own home.”

Barnet Council promised to contact Mr Caldin to discuss the matter further.

Thousands took a defiant stance against Barnet Borough Council’s new in-house recycling system.

Under the rules, bins will only be collected once every two weeks – but many called to say this is insufficient for their needs.