WE have rounded up some of Reading's most shocking, exciting and important stories from the past week.

Here are a few of the most significant stories readers should be aware of:

1. Reading prison Banksy mural given protection

Reading's very own Banksy mural has been given better protection after it was defaced by the name of another street artist.

Back in March, residents were concerned over the future of the mural on the wall of Reading Prison after no protection was given to it.

Read more here.

2. Indian variant found in Reading Penta Hotel

Reading Borough Council has called for the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) run Quarantine Management Facility (QMF) in Reading to urgently close.

It follows a significant outbreak at the DHSC facility in central Reading which has been linked to several positive cases of the 'Delta' variant which originated in India in the local community.

Read more here.

3. Batman's classic Austin hearse which featured in films restored

Classic Austin hearse Morag has been lovingly restored to her former glory to mark her 65th birthday this summer.

Morag, believed to be one of only three or four Austin FX3 hearses still in existence, is the pride and joy of Miles & Daughters Funeral Directors of Berkshire.

Bought by former Miles & Daughters owner Adam Miles more than ten years ago, Morag has become a local celebrity in and around Reading, Wokingham and Maidenhead, turning heads and lightening the mood of hundreds of funerals.

Read more here.

4. Vote for your favourite Reading fish and chip shop

Fish and chips on a Friday – it’s one of our most beloved traditions and we’re on the hunt to find out who does it best here in Reading.

Suggestions came pouring in last month when we launched our competition to find the best chip shop in the borough.

And because there were so many, we decided to extend our closing date to give even more of you the chance to vote for your favourite chippy.

Nominations now close on June 20 and the top 10 will be announced the week commencing June 21.

Read more here.

5. Pubs to watch the Euros in Reading - 2020

The European Championships kicked off last week.

Many of the games are set to take place in stadiums across Britain.

This includes the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, July 11.

Plenty of people in Reading will be desperate to experience live sport again, sharing the highs and the lows of the tournament in the company of equally passionate fans.

Read more here.