Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that magistrates have granted a closure order for an address on Spring Gardens in Atherton.

Officers have thanked the community for their support in the closure, and residents are urged to continue to report any anti-social behaviour.

The force’s Leigh Police team said: “A closure order has been granted by the courts for an address on Spring Gardens in Atherton.

“This action has been taken following ongoing issues in the area, and the order is aimed at helping to restore peace and safety for local residents.

“Thank you to everyone who has continued to report concerns and support the efforts to improve our community.

“If you notice any further issues, please keep reporting them through the proper channels.

“Let’s keep working together to make our neighbourhood safer.

“If you have any information about crime in your area, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Britain’s Got Talent returned to screens on Saturday with more jaw-dropping auditions

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Fans of Britain’s Got Talent were not impressed during the latest live episode on ITV.

The hit talent competition has returned to ITV for its 19th series, with thousands of hopefuls gracing the audition stage in the hopes of winning £250,000 and landing a spot at the Royal Variety Performance.

They will be aiming to impress judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI, who has replaced Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel this year.

Saturday’s (March 21) episode saw TV favourite Stacey Solomon replace head judge Simon, after he fell ill during filming last October. After Simon returned to the panel later in the episode, the judges were introduced to an elusive magician called Aldo Nicolini.

READ MORE: Britain’s Got Talent fans demand golden buzzer for ‘out of this world’ boyREAD MORE: Britain’s Got Talent viewers fuming as ITV show dropped from schedule this weekend

After appearing from beneath a curtain, the 61-year-old Italian began his audition by putting a scarf around his neck, before his head appeared to fall off his body in a shocking illusion.

Children in the crowd quickly began screaming, with the judges similarly looking on in horror. Aldo continued to “lose his head” with several props, including a box and a handkerchief that made his head look like it was floating away from his body.

Following the audition, Amanda said: “I’ve never seen anything like that before. It was charming, it’s a yes from me!”

However, KSI didn’t agree, commenting: “I think I’m going to be a bit of a downer here, but I didn’t like it. I mean, he just kept doing the same thing over and over. It’s a no, man.”

Meanwhile, Alesha found the audition “entertaining”, with Simon adding: “I thought it was actually silly, funny and good,” before confirming Aldo’s place in the next round.

The majority of viewers seemed to take KSI’s view, with many sharing complaints on X (formerly Twitter).

“What the f***, that is disgusting,” one person wrote, with another adding: “What in the Beetlejuice is this? Halloween has come early.”

A third said: “That’s just freaky,” with another fan echoing the sentiment: “No sorry but that was disgusting.” A fifth viewer similarly shared: “What in the name of madness is this?!” with another adding: “Well, that’ll give kids nightmares tonight.”

Meanwhile, others shared their praise for the unique act, with one person commenting: “I love stupid s*** like this man.”

Another added: “Yeah that was brilliant. Something different!” while a third said: “The head guy! Completely ridiculous, but entertaining nonetheless.”

Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV1 and ITVX

They sailed straight through to the live semi finals following their rendition of One Day Like This by Elbow

A group of musical farmers including 10 from Wales have shared their joy at receiving a golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday. Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir, made up of farmers from across the UK, sailed straight through to the live semi finals following their rendition of One Day Like This by Elbow.

In the 32-strong collective is Eirion William Davies, a fourth generation farmer from Llanelli, Aled Wyn Davies, who farms in the Cambrian Mountains, Meidrim farm manager Owain Fisher, Pendine farmer Joe Shewry, Hugh Thomas from Moylegrove, Rosie Jones, a former West End performer now farming in mid Wales, Presteigne farmer Will Rogers, and Aled Griffiths, who has recently been appointed chairman of the 2027 National Eisteddfod.

The choir delivered a stirring performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome in the show which aired on Saturday night with their emotionally charged rendition bringing the audience to its feet and visibly moving the judging panel led by Amanda Holden alongside guest judge Stacey Solomon, Alesha Dixon and KSI.

Llanbrynmair hill farmer Aled, who manages 1,800 sheep in the Cambrian Mountains and whose singing career has spanned 47 countries, described the BGT moment as “surreal”. He said he missed the moment the golden buzzer was pressed as the group were embracing each other in jubilant celebration.

Hugh, who at 74 is the choir’s oldest member, joined after surviving a near-fatal battle with sepsis in 2025. He described the group as a “new lease of life”.

Rosie said the group has helped her rediscover confidence and belonging, and Will said he hoped their performances will showcase the resilience and passion of Britain’s farming community.

For some the experience marked a dramatic step outside their comfort zone, including Owain, who milks 240 cows daily in the small village of Meidrim in Carmarthenshire.

He said he’d never sung publicly before auditioning but was selected as the opening soloist. He described the moment he stepped onto the stage as “life-changing” and “a big leap from dairy farming”.

Eirion, who manages a 650 acre mixed enterprise in Llanelli, said the “electric” atmosphere of the performance offered a rare release from the mounting pressures facing the agricultural sector – including volatile milk prices and rising costs.

Pendine farmer Joe Shewry, who rears more than 200 calves, traced her musical journey back to her equestrian days and said singing was once a technique to calm both rider and horse. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter

Fellow Welsh member Aled Griffiths, an NFU group secretary and sheep farmer, balances industry leadership with rural enterprise and has recently been appointed chairman of the 2027 National Eisteddfod.

Originally formed through a search for “strong singers who are farmers” as part of a project linked to Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone brand, the choir has evolved into something more significant.

The group says its mission is to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention in an industry often marked by isolation and relentless pressure. “If we can highlight the mental strain our farmers are under, then it can only be a good thing,” Joe added.

The RunThrough UK Darlington Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2026, starting at 9am from High Row in the town centre.

Organisers say the 13.1-mile route will offer a mix of urban atmosphere and rural scenery, beginning in central Darlington before heading west onto quieter roads in County Durham.

(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

The course is designed to be flat and suitable for steady pacing, with long uninterrupted stretches through the countryside before returning to the town centre for a High Row finish.

Runners will pass through areas including Coniscliffe Road, Staindrop Road, Piercebridge, High Coniscliffe, Merrybent and Low Coniscliffe before heading back into town.

The event will have a three-hour cut-off time due to road closures, and is open to participants aged 17 and over.

Each entry includes a themed medal, free race photos, chip-timed results and post-race refreshments, with water stations positioned approximately every 5km along the route.

Organisers added: “Each kilometre is accurately marked with distance flags and our friendly marshals will guide and cheer you all the way to the finish. We cannot wait to welcome you to the Darlington Half Marathon.”

Darlington is set to host a brand new half marathon this December, with runners invited to take on the run through the town and surrounding countryside. (Image: Northern Echo)

A secure baggage area and portable toilets will be available, including facilities at the halfway point, while spectators are encouraged to gather in the event village to watch both the start and finish.

Parking in the town centre is expected to be limited due to road closures, and participants and supporters are being encouraged to car share or use public transport where possible.

Entries are now open, with tiered pricing available through super early bird, early bird and standard entry windows.

They added: “We have been extensively researching what runners consider important, and sustainability is fast becoming the top issue.”

Runners will also have the option to purchase an official event T-shirt at a discounted rate during registration.

Organisers said: “Come and enjoy the day with us. Once you enter you will receive a confirmation email. More information will be sent closer to the event.”

They added: “We can’t wait to see you on the start line!”

Stacey Solomon temporarily stepped in for head judge Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent

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Fans of Britain’s Got Talent said the same thing after Stacey Solomon took over judging duties this week.

Saturday’s auditions (March 21) in Birmingham featured a fresh addition to the panel. Television personality Stacey joined the programme, covering for head judge Simon Cowell. The 36-year-old, who became a household name on The X Factor in 2009, temporarily filled Simon’s seat after he fell ill during last October’s filming.

Stacey sat alongside KSI, Alesha Dixon and temporary head judge Amanda Holden as aspiring performers competed for the £250,000 prize and a prestigious spot at the Royal Variety Performance.

Shortly after the ITV programme began, audiences took to X (previously Twitter) to share their reactions to Stacey’s substitute appearance, with many voicing their enthusiasm.

“Big reception from the crowd for Stacey Solomon as she deputises for Simon,” one viewer posted, reports Belfast Live.

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READ MORE: BBC Strictly boss issues statement as longest-serving pro quitsREAD MORE: Britain’s Got Talent fans left in tears by 12-year-old boy’s audition

Another commented: “Go on Stacey!” whilst a third wrote: “Welcome to the #BGT judging Panel Stacey Solomon.”

A fourth supporter echoed this sentiment, posting: “Stacey Solomon joining the judging panel of #BritainsGotTalent!” accompanied by star emojis, with another remarking: “I’m loving Stacey as judge – she’s really settling in well.”

During the show, the panel met 12-year-old James from Rye, East Sussex, who delivered a stunning performance of Defying Gravity from Wicked.

Following the mind-blowing performance, Alesha remarked: “That was how you do it! Everybody loves that big moment at the end, I can’t tell you how many times my children have tried to attempt that last moment in the song. It is the magic moment, and you smashed it!”

Stacey commented: “You think your kids are talented and then you’re like, ‘No, maybe mine aren’t so talented,’ when you see people like you, James. Your parents must be buzzing.”

She continued: “That was absolutely phenomenal,” whilst Alesha described James as “a star in the making”.

Other acts on tonight’s programme impressed the judges, including a magician, an ice-skating performance and a salsa dancing troupe.

Discussing her BGT involvement on ITV’s This Morning earlier this week (Wednesday, March 18), Stacey told presenters Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: “I loved it!”

She continued: “Do you know what’s really funny [about] having that full circle moment? One, I felt like I really connected with people on stage, because it’s not easy to put yourself forward in those situations.”

Referring to her popular BBC series, Sort Your Life Out, Stacey added: “But two, I realised just what it’s like to present a show where you’re not digging through people’s houses and you get to dress up, wear a nice dress and sit in a chair all day. I was like, ‘Wow, this is a great show!’”

Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV1 and ITVX

Britain’s Got Talent fans were left fuming during the latest episode of the ITV talent show

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Fans of Britain’s Got Talent were left unimpressed during the latest live show on ITV.

The popular talent contest has made its comeback to ITV for a 19th series, with countless aspiring performers taking to the audition stage, hoping to secure £250,000 and a coveted slot at the Royal Variety Performance.

Contestants will be attempting to win over judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI, who has taken over from Bruno Tonioli on the judging panel this series.

Saturday’s (March 21) instalment saw television personality Stacey Solomon step in for head judge Simon, following his illness during filming last October. When Simon re-joined the panel later in the programme, the judges encountered a mysterious magician named Aldo Nicolini.

Emerging from underneath a curtain, the 61-year-old Italian commenced his performance by wrapping a scarf around his neck, before his head seemingly detached from his body in a startling illusion, reports Belfast Live.

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READ MORE: Stacey Solomon replaces Britain’s Got Talent judge as fans say same thingREAD MORE: Britain’s Got Talent fans left in tears by 12-year-old boy’s audition

Youngsters in the audience immediately started shrieking, whilst the judges watched on in shock. Aldo proceeded to repeatedly “lose his head” using various props, including a box and a handkerchief that created the impression his head was drifting away from his body.

After the performance, Amanda said: “I’ve never seen anything like that before. It was charming, it’s a yes from me!”

However, KSI disagreed, stating: “I think I’m going to be a bit of a downer here, but I didn’t like it. I mean, he just kept doing the same thing over and over. It’s a no, man.”

Meanwhile, Alesha found the audition “entertaining”, with Simon chiming in: “I thought it was actually silly, funny and good,” before affirming Aldo’s progression to the next round.

The majority of viewers seemed to align with KSI’s perspective, with many voicing their grievances on X (formerly Twitter).

“What the f***, that is disgusting,” one individual posted, with another remarking: “What in the Beetlejuice is this? Halloween has come early.”

A third commented: “That’s just freaky,” with another fan echoing the sentiment: “No sorry but that was disgusting.” A fifth viewer similarly expressed: “What in the name of madness is this?!” with another adding: “Well, that’ll give kids nightmares tonight.”

Meanwhile, others lauded the unique performance, with one person stating: “I love stupid s*** like this man.”

Another added: “Yeah that was brilliant. Something different!” whilst a third said: “The head guy! Completely ridiculous, but entertaining nonetheless.”

Britain’s Got Talent airs on ITV1 and ITVX

The Morning Live presenter has been forced to quit the mission during which she and endurance athlete Mimi Anderson hoped to cycle 300 miles in three days.

BBC star Louise Minchin has been taken to hospital with frostbite having taken part in a gruelling Arctic challenge. The Morning Live presenter has been forced to quit her mission with endurance athlete Mimi Anderson.

The pair had hoped to cycle 300 miles in three days through Canada’s Northwestern Territories. With the aim of raising money for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Louise, 57, and Mimi got to about 87 miles when disaster struck.

After battling treacherous winds and temperatures that reached as low as -40C, they realised something was horribly wrong, and they needed immediate medical attention.

Speaking to her Instagram followers from her hospital bed on Friday, Louise explained: “We are out of the race, but we are safe, warm and being well looked after.”

After 14 hours, they had no choice but to leave the Inuvik Weekend Warrior Fat Bike Challenge, which sees participants cycle across the Arctic wilderness and frozen rivers. The Mirror reports that the challenge is described as taking cyclists “through some of the coldest, toughest and most beautiful terrain.”

Louise wrote: “We did around 140k in temperatures as low as -40 degrees. When we got to this point, both of us knew we were very dangerously cold. The combination of the temperature and wind meant despite having prepared as much as we could have it was a huge risk to go on.

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“Turns out we were right to stop. We both have frostbite and are being looked after incredibly well looked after. At the moment we remain in good spirits.”

The video Louise shared showed her and Mimi with their fingers bandaged up in blue dressings as they sat in hospital together. Frostbite can be caused in as little as 10 minutes when they wind chill is as cold as -36C, which were the conditions Mimi and Louise faced as they cycled through the Northwester Territories.

The condition can cause pain and numbness to begin with, but if left untreated and exposed it can lead to frozen skin, swelling, blood-filled blisters and a loss of sensation. In extreme cases, necrosis can begin, which is when the skin turns black as it starts to die.

Louise’s celebrity pals flooded the comments with well-wishes after their disappointment. Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid said: “Big hugs,” while Olympian Greg Rutherford posted: “Bloody hell Lou! Be safe.”

Fellow BBC presenter Helen Skelton shared: “What an achievement so far.” With endurance runner and writer Susie Chan added: “Bloody hell ladies. You are such a pair of baddies!!!! Stay warm!”

Author Adele Parks praised their journey, typing: “What a huge achievement doing 140k! So proud of you both. Especially proud for recognising when you need to get in doors!! So sorry to hear about the frostbite!!! Take excellent care of each other and please please please get fully better soon xxx”

Just the day before, Louise shared a photo of herself as she set off on her journey. She wrote: “Today I set off on what is likely to be the adventure of a lifetime, an epic bike race in the Arctic Circle, 300 miles in 3 days in temperatures as low as minus 30C. Why? You might ask, believe me, I have been asking myself the same question a lot recently.

“The simple answer is that when Mimi Anderson, legendary endurance runner and friend invited me to join her on the inaugural Weekend Warrior in Canada’s Northwest Territories it sounded fun. @marvellousmimi.”

She added that her aim of raising money for young people to join the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme would be the incentive to keep pushing when “the going gets tough”. Louise shared: “I went on my first expedition with DofE over forty years ago and that is where my passion for challenging myself started.”

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McDonald’s newest oversized burger is drawing attention across the country — not just for its size, but for how much its price can vary depending on where customers order it.

The fast-food giant recently introduced the Big Arch in the U.S., a limited-time menu item featuring two quarter-pound beef patties, white cheddar cheese, crispy and slivered onions, lettuce, pickles and a signature sauce on a sesame and poppy seed bun.

A survey by NeoMam Studios of more than 450 McDonald’s locations, reported by Time Out, reveals significant price differences across the country. The burger costs as little as $7.46 in Columbia, South Carolina, but climbs to $12.99 at a Lewiston, Maine location, a nearly 74 percent difference.

State-level averages show similar variation, with Alaska ranking as the most expensive overall at about $10.32, while Oklahoma averages $8.05, and Texas and Indiana are slightly higher at roughly $8.

Other high-cost states include Washington, Hawaii and Arizona, where the Big Arch typically approaches or exceeds $10. These differences can be attributed to regional factors such as higher transportation and operating costs, as well as McDonald’s franchise pricing flexibility.

Designed as a “heartier” menu option, the Big Arch burger was first tested internationally in early 2024 in countries including Canada, Germany, Portugal, France and Switzerland. It officially launched in the U.S. on March 3, following widespread attention when McDonald’s CEO and Chairman Chris Kempczinski posted a video of himself attempting to eat it — a clip that has since gone viral and been widely mocked.

In the video, Kempczinski awkwardly struggles to bite the oversized burger, curiously calling it a “product.” The clip quickly sparked a trend, with CEOs from rival chains, including Burger King, Wendy’s and KFC, filming themselves attempting their own menu items.

The Big Arch is McDonald’s largest burger in the U.S., containing 1,020 calories and 53 grams of protein. A full Big Arch Meal, which includes a medium Coke and medium fries, totals 1,610 calories, according to the company.

The State Pension age will soon start to rise, with the transition expected to be completed for everyone across the UK by 2028.

A significant change to the State Pension is set to start from April. The State Pension age will start to rise from 66 to 67, with the shift expected to be completed for everyone across the UK by 2028.

The proposed change to the official retirement age has been legislated since 2014, with a subsequent increase from 67 to 68 planned for roll-out during the mid-2040s. The Pensions Act 2014 fast-tracked the State Pension age increase from 66 to 67 by eight years.

The UK Government also adjusted how the State Pension age increase is introduced, meaning instead of reaching State Pension age on a specific date, individuals born between March 6, 1961 and April 5, 1977 will become eligible to claim the State Pension when turning 67.

It’s crucial to comprehend these upcoming changes now, especially if you’ve formulated a retirement plan. Everyone affected by alterations to their State Pension age will receive communication from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) with plenty of notice.

As per the Pensions Act 2007, the State Pension age for both men and women will rise from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, reports the Mirror. The Pensions Act 2014 requires a regular review of the State Pension age, at least once every five years.

The review will focus on the principle that individuals should spend a certain proportion of their adult life receiving a State Pension. The UK Government has recently set up a new Pension Commission to investigate ways of boosting pension savings, with its findings due to be revealed in 2027.

The commission will look into issues such as auto-enrolment saving rates, promoting savings among groups like the self-employed, and a reassessment of the State Pension age, according to the Daily Record.

State Pension Rates 2026/27

Full New State Pension

– Weekly: £241.30 (from £230.25)

– Four-weekly pay period: £965.20

– Annual amount: £12,547

Full Basic State Pension

– Weekly: £184.90 (from £176.45)

– Four-weekly pay period: £739.60

– Annual amount: £9,614

Other State Pension rates

– Category B (lower) Basic State Pension – spouse or civil Partner’s insurance: £110.75 (from £105.70)

– Category C or D – non-contributory: £110.75 (from £105.70)

The new payment rates will commence on April 6.

Dr Suzy Morrissey will offer insights on factors the UK Government should consider regarding the State Pension age, whilst the Government Actuary’s Department will prepare a report on the proportion of adult life spent in retirement.

The reassessment of the State Pension age will take into account life expectancy along with a range of other factors relevant to determining the State Pension age. Following the outcome of the review, the UK Government may choose to make changes to the State Pension age. However, any suggested changes would need to be approved by Parliament before they can become law.

The final Premier League weekend before the March international break continues on Merseyside as Everton host Chelsea, with both teams in contention for European spots for next season.Chelsea claimed the spoils when these sides met at Stamford Bridge back in December, winning 2-0 courtesy of goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, and are looking to complete a first league double over Everton since 2016/17. Everton though have a strong recent record at home against Chelsea, losing just one of their last eight home league meetings with Chelsea.

Everton came close to taking a point from their trip to league leaders Arsenal last weekend but two late goals for Mikel Arteta’s men meant David Moyes’ side went back to Merseyside with nothing.

“We did not take away what we wanted which was points,” Moyes said. “The players played really well. Scoring goals is the thing, but Arsenal make it really difficult. Overall disappointed, but pleased with how we played.”

They come into this game in eighth, with the chance to move up a spot and within two points of their opponents with a win this evening.

“They [Chelsea] are a little bit wounded, so we have to be ready for them coming to our place,” Moyes added. “Undoubtedly a talented group of players.”

James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite missed the defeat at Arsenal but are set to return this afternoon. Jack Grealish remains out for the hosts.

Chelsea have lost their last three games in all competitions, including having their Champions League campaign brought to an end in midweek, losing 3-0 at home to PSG to be condemned to an 8-2 aggregate loss to the Parisians.

“When you lose games, there is always damage attached to it,” Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior said. “There is also me, I am learning about the team, myself, my staff and the club. I learnt a lot this week. There is a resilience and determination to put things right from the team and me. We will see in the coming weeks what happens, which I am very confident about. Different challenges, every manager goes through moments like this, difficult weeks. I have had challenging periods before. At Strasbourg, we lost games. But I have always found ways to come through that. We are at that point again. As a group, we need to find a way to fight and come through a difficult period.”

Chelsea have the chance to move into fourth with a win this evening. Rosenior has confirmed that Trevoh Chalobah could be out for six weeks with an ankle injury picked up in the defeat to PSG whilst captain Reece James will also miss the trip to Everton due to an hamstring injury. Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen will also miss this game.

Team news to follow shortly.