Local historian Dave Simpson has turned his long-standing fascination with York into a richly detailed guide that blends storytelling, archaeology and visual exploration.

His latest release, City of York (The Town and Country Series), brings together centuries of history in a compact, image-heavy format designed for both visitors and locals.

Spanning 270 pages and featuring about 440 colour photographs, the book traces York’s story from Roman foundations through Viking rule and into later medieval and modern eras.

It also focuses on the city’s streets, landmarks, rivers and lesser-known corners, offering readers a layered view of a place where history is never far beneath the surface.

Dave Simpson with his new book City of York, a richly illustrated guide exploring the city’s history from ancient times to today. (Image: DAVE SIMPSON)

Mr Simpson, who lives near Durham City, said: “I wanted to produce something that showed off the beauty of York but at the same time featured substantial content in a handy size.

“Hopefully, I’ve put something together that will appeal to both locals and visitors and have tried to pack the book with lots of facts and knowledge, keeping good value in mind.”

He describes the book as a “handy” softback packed with detail.

Rich in history

Mr Simpson has held a lifelong fascination with York and its rich history.

He said: “I’ve always had a great passion for York, which I’ve regularly visited since I was a kid and feel a strong emotional connection to the place.

“I love history, particularly the medieval, Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods but most especially the Vikings, so York just resonates with my interests.

“There are some dark aspects to York’s history too and in particular the Jewish massacre associated with Clifford’s Tower in which over 150 Jews died in the 12th century.

“I’ve tried to cover this in a little more detail than other guide books.”

He describes York as a living museum, with archaeological treasures and centuries of stories beneath its cobblestones.

Mr Simpson said: “The archaeological finds are rather brilliant too: the Viking excavation at Coppergate; the Fishergate finds; the magnificent Coppergate Anglian helmet; the 42 pairs of Viking ice skates; the Gladiator burials and the Roman mosaics.

“There is just so much to the story of York.”

Lost lanes

Street and place names in York also capture his imagination, with references to places like Whip-ma-Whop-ma-Gate and Goodramgate, as well as forgotten lanes such as Mucky Pig Lane and Nowtgate.

Dave Simpson with his new book City of York, a richly illustrated guide exploring the city’s history from ancient times to today. (Image: DAVE SIMPSON)

The book also touches on York’s ghostly folklore, including hauntings linked to Guy Fawkes, Dick Turpin, and visions of Roman soldiers at the Treasurer’s House.

While sceptical of some stories, Mr Simpson said he has often felt “a strange and spooky chill” on Stonegate near Minster Gates during his visits.

He began gathering ideas for the book in 2018 but only started writing in August 2025, finishing after seven months of research and photography.

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Many photos were taken during early morning visits to York, capturing its quieter side.

Sweet temptation

The final chapter of the book features a detailed timeline highlighting York’s chocolate industry, illustrated with packets of Polos, Rolos, Smarties, and a Yorkie bar — posing the author with the “challenge” of not eating them before he finished.

City of York by Dave Simpson is available now for £15.99 from the publisher’s website, tangledworm.com.

It is expected to be stocked in bookshops soon.

Twenty British nationals, one German national who is a UK resident, and one Japanese passenger from the MV Hondius are now under observation at Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, after being repatriated to the UK.

They will undergo clinical assessments and testing during a 72-hour monitoring period.

Professor Robin May, chief scientific officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “We are pleased to confirm that all British nationals onboard the MV Hondius have now safely returned to the UK and are being supported by UKHSA and NHS medical experts at Arrowe Park, who have worked at pace to prepare for the safe arrival of passengers at the facility.

“Staff at Arrowe Park have once again demonstrated their commitment and professionalism in responding rapidly to a health emergency, and we are very grateful.

“Throughout this incident, we have worked closely with government departments including FCDO, DHSC, MHCLG and MOD alongside international partners to support the safe repatriation of British passengers.

“The safety and wellbeing of those passengers remains our priority.

“The risk remains very low for members of the general public.”

None of the passengers are currently displaying symptoms, and they are being monitored as a precaution.

Public health minister Sharon Hodgson said: “I want to thank all those who have worked to bring our British nationals home and the NHS workers now caring for them at Arrowe Park Hospital – their dedication and professionalism show our NHS at its very best.

“None of the passengers are symptomatic but we will monitor them closely over the next 72 hours at the hospital, as part of a precautionary isolation period.

“With no cases or symptoms among them and our stringent monitoring and isolation measures, the risk to the public remains extremely low.”

Passengers will be asked to isolate for up to 45 days, with ongoing support and daily contact from UKHSA health protection teams.

Regular testing and care will be provided throughout the isolation period.

The UK government facilitated the repatriation of the Japanese passenger at the request of Japanese authorities.

UKHSA has coordinated with public health teams in devolved administrations and UK overseas territories to identify and trace anyone who may have had high-risk exposure.

UKHSA will remain in close contact with these individuals for 45 days from the potential exposure.

What is hantavirus? 

Hantavirus is a group of viruses carried by rodents such as mice and rats, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and is transmitted by their droppings and urine.

This virus can cause a range of diseases from mild, flu-like illness to severe respiratory illness.

“There is currently no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for hantavirus infections,” the health experts added.

“Treatment is supportive and based on symptoms, such as hospital care and respiratory support.”

How do you catch hantavirus?

As rodents carry hantaviruses, human infection tends to occur in places where people and rodents coexist.

The UKHSA continued: “This is most commonly in rural, agricultural settings.

“The viruses can also sometimes be found in cleaning sheds, barns and holiday homes where rodents might have nested.”

People usually contract hantavirus by breathing in air contaminated with virus particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.

It can also spread through cuts, eyes, or rodent bites.

The Government agency added: “Most hantaviruses do not spread between humans, although person-to-person transmission has happened with the Andes virus strain in rare cases.”

The hantavirus currently affecting the Dutch cruise has been confirmed as the Andes strain by the WHO.

Swiss authorities have confirmed a case of #hantavirus identified in a passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship.

He had responded to an email from the ship’s operator informing the passengers of the health event, and presented himself to a hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, and… pic.twitter.com/4mmBd7qSA4

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 6, 2026

Hantavirus symptoms

Symptoms of hantavirus infection can include:

• Fever
• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Shortness of breath

The UK Health Security Agency said: “In some cases, people develop severe breathing difficulties requiring hospital care.

“Symptoms usually appear between 1 to 4 weeks after being exposed to the virus, but there are reports of symptoms occurring up to 8 weeks after exposure.”

All three Lanarkshire hospitals, the Motherwell Civic Centre and Newarthill village will light up in SAMH’s signature pink in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, which starts today.

Lanarkshire will shine bright in support of Scotland’s mental health this week, with hospitals and landmarks illuminated pink in partnership with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health).

All three Lanarkshire hospitals, the Motherwell Civic Centre and Newarthill village will light up in SAMH’s signature pink in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, which starts today.

Brian Reid, Information Officer for the Well-Informed Information Service, said: “We are illuminating significant landmarks throughout Lanarkshire to represent hope, understanding, and solidarity with people impacted by mental health challenges.

“The pink lighting will serve as a strong reminder that mental health is equally as important as physical health, emphasising that support is available and ensuring that no one should face mental health difficulties in isolation. Thank you to partners across Lanarkshire for supporting this.”

SAMH’s Lanarkshire services include the Well-Informed Service, which helps people find mental health support and access local wellbeing services, as well as ExPEERience Counts, a one-to-one support service led by trained peer support workers.

Carol Wallace, from Airdrie, has been supported by both services. She said: “For a long time, I struggled with depression and anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope.

“It was incredibly helpful to speak with someone outside of my family about the issues I was experiencing; it felt like a safe space where I could express myself freely.

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“Once the peer support started, I noticed a remarkable improvement in my mental health. I felt supported and understood, which helped me navigate my recovery journey.

“I wholeheartedly recommend SAMH’s Well-Informed Information Service and ExPEERience Counts. It really does make a difference, and they are there to help you through your recovery.

“It also helped me feel comfortable reaching out for help, which is something I had struggled with before. If you are facing similar challenges, I encourage you to seek out support.”

SAMH runs around 70 services in communities across Scotland.

The Well-Informed Information Service works in collaboration with NHS Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire Council to help individual across North Lanarkshire to find information and access services related to mental health and wellbeing.

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Provost of North Lanarkshire Kenneth Duffy said: “We’re proud to stand with our communities in shining a light on mental health.

“Mental health touches every family, every workplace, every street. That’s why our ‘Lanarkshire Lights Up Pink’ campaign matters so much. It’s about starting conversations, breaking down stigma, and making it easier for people to reach out when they need support.

“As a council, we are committed to doing more than raising awareness. We want to create a place where people feel heard, supported and understood every day of the year.

“If this week encourages even one person to speak to a friend, contact a service, or take that first step towards help, then it has made a real difference. And that’s something we can all stand behind.”

If you want to chat about mental health or find support, please email well-informed@samh.org.uk or call 0800 073 0918.

READ MORE: The SNP’s Neil Gray claims big victory in his Airdrie constituency

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Retail group TG Jones, formerly WH Smiths high street shops, faces financial difficulties and could collapse by July 31, if lenders do not approve a major restructuring proposal.

Modella Capital, which owns the high street chain, has put forward a turnaround plan that includes injecting £35 million of funds into the business and potentially closing up to 150 stores.

A spokesman for TG Jones said: “The decision to launch an overhaul had ‘not been taken lightly’ and that it was an ‘essential part of the company’s turnaround.’”

Eight store closures have already taken place, and the company has warned that additional locations are at risk if the plan does not go ahead.

The business has stated that failure to gain approval for the restructuring would face being put into administration if the plan is not in place by July 31.

TG Jones said the “forced name change from WH Smith” has affected brand awareness and contributed to its challenges, along with rising operational costs driven by government policy.

The chain was rebranded last year following its acquisition by Modella Capital; the WH Smith brand remains in use at travel outlets such as airports and railway stations.

A vote by creditors and a High Court hearing are required for the plan to proceed.

The court hearing is scheduled for June 29.

The business is reportedly considering using a legal mechanism known as a “cram-down”, which can allow a restructuring plan to be pushed through with the approval of one class of creditors and the High Court, even if other creditors object.

When did WHSmith get taken over?

The potential closures come less than a year after Modella completed the purchase of WHSmith’s high street arm, which included 464 stores across high streets, shopping centres and retail parks.

The constituency, which includes Shotts, saw Mr Gray hold off challenges from Labour and Reform to take the seat with 10.711 votes leaving him with a majority of over 4,000.

The SNP’s Neil Gray claimed a big victory in his Airdrie constituency – and then declared the UK Government should honour his party’s commitment to hold a second referendum on independence.

The constituency, which includes Shotts, saw Mr Gray hold off challenges from Labour and Reform to take the seat with 10.711 votes leaving him with a majority of over 4,000.

Mr Gray – who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care – has held the seat since 2021, when he finished ahead of former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard.

He was previously also served as MP for Airdrie and Shotts from 2015 to 2021.

Mr Gray said: “For a fifth time I have been given the honour to represent the Airdrie and Shotts constituency, and that is a responsibility I feel deeply.

“I will keep working hard for you all, regardless of whether you voted for me or not.

“We stood on a platform of positivity, vision and values.

“We stood against the politics of division and we have won. John Swinney and the SNP has the overwhelming mandate to govern and deliver on our manifesto, for a record 5th time.

“No UK Government should stand in the way of the democratic will of the people of Scotland.”

READ MORE: Central Scotland and Lothians West MSPs split among several parties

John Swinney put a commitment to hold an IndyRef2 at the heart of his party’s 2026 manifesto – but had repeatedly said the SNP would have to replicate its achievement in 2011 of winning an outright majority of MSPs if the UK Government was to agree such a demand.

Speaking to our sister title, The Daily Record, Mr Gray said: “We are making gains that mean we will have an historic fifth term in Government – John Swinney will lead the largest party and will be the next First Minister of Scotland”.

He continued: “Regardless of a majority or not, there is a significant mandate for the SNP to govern and for its manifesto to be implemented.

“So no UK Government should not stand in the way of the will of the people of Scotland.

“It was front and centre of our campaign.

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“Everybody knew what our campaign was about, on vision, values and the choice over our future, and no UK Government should stand in the way of the people of Scotland.”

Suzanne Macleod from Labour finished in second place in a tight contest with Reform.

Suzanne said: “Thank you to the 6,201 residents of Airdrie, Shotts and the surrounding villages who cast their votes in my favour and put their trust in me.

“My amazing team worked so hard and I value every minute they contributed.

“Sadly the overall numbers were not on my side today but I can honestly say it has been a pleasure to get to know so many lovely people across the constituency.

READ MORE: Airdrie store one of seven in UK to benefit from expansion of ‘Lidl & Go’ customer trial

“I was particularly pleased to reduce the majority of the incumbent MSP and beat Reform into third place.

“There can be no place in our country for their bitterness and division.

“That said, lessons will be learned and we live to fight another day.”

Reform UK’s Graham Simpson, who was his party’s only MSP at Holyrood after defecting from the Scottish Conservatives in 2025, finished third with 5,821 votes.

Across the other parties, Euan Blockley from the Scottish Conservatives claimed 1,145 votes while Edward John Thornley, of Scottish Liberal Democrats polled 660 votes.

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Meanwhile, independent candidate Brendan O’Donnell claimed 505 votes while North Lanarkshire councillor John Jo Leckie of the British Unionist Party and Abolish the Scottish Parliament Party gained 441 votes.

The total votes cast were 25,575 and the percentage poll was 46.93 per cent.

A total of 91 ballot papers were rejected.

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Reds10 Group completed a strategic investment in ESL Fabrication Engineers, one of East Yorkshire’s fastest-growing engineering firms, to complement Reds10’s advanced construction facility in Driffield.

Reds10 is part of a family of businesses which industrialises design, production and construction of the built environment.

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Paul Ruddick, chief executive of Reds10 Group, said: “Having worked with ESL for several years, we’ve seen first-hand the consistent quality of their service and their ambition for excellence and growth, values that closely align with our own.

“Bringing steel fabrication into the Reds10 Group adds a critical piece of the jigsaw as we launch our next phase of strategic growth to exploit advancing technologies, while integrating AI at every level of the business.”

The partnership will see ESL become part of the newly formed Reds10 Group.

This collaboration will bring steel fabrication in-house and support Reds10’s next phase of company expansion.

ESL, based in Kingston upon Hull, was founded in 2010 by father and son Paul and Gareth Thompson.

Specialising in steel fabrication across the UK, ESL handles everything from manufacturing and installation to repair and maintenance.

Gareth Thompson, co-founder and managing director of ESL, said: “We’ve come a long way since ESL’s inception in 2010 and our partnership with Reds10 feels like a natural next step that will bring clear benefits to both businesses.

“This marks an exciting next phase in our evolution, and we look forward to building on the strong working relationship we’ve developed with Reds10 in recent years and maximising the opportunities ahead.”

The company has grown steadily, reaching a turnover of £7 million in 2026 and employing nearly 50 people.

Reds10 and ESL have collaborated for the past five years on projects focused on delivering high-quality, sustainable buildings for the public sector.

Their work has emphasised sectors including defence, education, justice, and health.

Reds10 reported revenue of £144.7 million for 2024/25, with an operating margin of 4.8 per cent.

The company aims to grow revenue to £500 million and expand into healthcare, affordable housing, and temporary accommodation.

The company operates five factories covering 300,000 sq ft, where it produces sustainable and innovative buildings designed for transport and on-site assembly.

By integrating steel fabrication through this new investment in ESL, the company aims to further streamline its vertically integrated construction approach and strengthen its position in the off-site manufacturing sector.

Fire crews were called to the scene on the motorway near Whitefield earlier today

This dramatic photo showed a car up in flames on the M60 motorway.

The fire broke out in the vehicle on the motorway near Whitefield earlier this morning (Monday, May 11). Large flames and a huge plume of smoke billowed from the vehicle as motorists drove past.

Two lanes were closed off on the clockwise side of the motorway as emergency crews responded. A spokesperson for the fire service said three fire engines were sent to the scene.

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Two hose reels were used to extinguish the fire. Nobody is believed to have been injured in the incident, the M.E.N understands.

Huge queues formed on the motorway as the lanes were closed off. The motorway was fully reopened at around 7.30am.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 6.35am on Monday 11 May, three fire engines from Broughton, Agecroft and Whitefield fire stations were called to attend a car fire on the M60 clockwise between junctions 16 and 17.

“Crews arrive quickly and used two hose reel jets and breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire. Firefighters made the area safe before departing after approximately one hour at the scene.”

All traffic has been stopped on a stretch of the M62 this morning amid an accident.

Traffic is being held on a westbound stretch of the motorway towards Manchester. It is held from junction 22 for Rishworth Moor to junction 21 for Milnrow.

Long queues are building. Motorway cameras show heavy congestion up to the closure.

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