Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have launched missiles at Israel in their first attack since the current Middle East conflict broke out.

The Houthis, whose involvement on Saturday risks broadening and prolonging a war that has entered its fifth week, warned their operations would continue until the “aggression” on all fronts ended. Israel said it had ⁠intercepted a missile from Yemen.

Experts have warned the rebel group may attempt to block the Bab al-Mandab Strait south of Yemen, further disrupting shipping lanes around the Red Sea.

The escalation comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s latest update on the war suggested the conflict would last “weeks, not months” and Iran had indicated a willingness to talk about “certain things”.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has closed the Strait of Hormuz,adding that any transit through the waterway will face “harsh measures”, according to state media.

Rubio raised concerns that Iran could operate the strait using a tolling system if their control over the waterway persisted.

He also said that he believed the US could achieve its goals in Iran without ground troops, despite reports from theDonald Trump is considering sending another 10,000 troops to the Middle East.

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In Photos: In Pictures: Israel hits Beirut’s southern suburbs

Vishwam Sankaran28 March 2026 10:15

Tehran threatens to retaliate with ‘decisive and crushing’ response if infrastructure targeted

Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has threatened to deliver a “decisive and crushing response” if Tehran’s key infrastructure and economic centres are targeted by the US and Israel.

“We have repeatedly stated that Iran does not carry out preemptive attacks, but in response to attacks on infrastructure and economic centers, we will deliver a decisive and crushing response to the aggressor enemy,” Pezeshkian wrote on X on Saturday.

“To the countries of the region, I say: if you seek development and security, do not allow our common enemies to orchestrate the war from your territories.”

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Maira Butt28 March 2026 10:02

Who are the Houthi rebels? And why experts are worried their involvement will be worse for shipping chaos

The Houthis, formed in the late 1990s, developed as political-religious Shia movement and launched a series of guerrilla wars against Yemen’s national army upon conception.

The rebels have developed an arsenal including ballistic missiles and armed drones capable of hitting Israel more than 1,000 miles from Sana’a.

In 2024, the rebel group launched its first sustained attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea claiming it was in retaliation for Israel’s attacks on Gaza. The onslaught disrupted global trade by striking the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which is a narrow strip of sea between Yemen and east Africa that is a key international trade route.

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Experts say the Houthis, along with Gaza’s Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, form part of Iran’s “axis of resistance” – a military alliance built over four decades to oppose Israeli and American power in the Middle East.

Maira Butt28 March 2026 09:45

Explosions and sirens heard across Israel as Houthis enter the fray

Israel’s military said it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel early Saturday and the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels later claimed responsibility for the attack, their first since the war in the Mideast started.

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Brigadier General Yahya Saree, a military spokesperson for the Houthis, claimed responsibility in a statement aired Saturday morning on the rebels’ Al-Masirah satellite television.

The possible entry to the war of the Houthis calls into question whether the group will again target commercial shipping traveling through the Red Sea corridor.

Sirens went off around Beer Sheba and the area near Israel’s main nuclear research center for the third time overnight Friday into Saturday as Iran and Hezbollah continued to fire on Israel overnight.

Loud explosions also filled the air in Tel Aviv and Israel’s Fire and Rescue Service said it was responding to 11 different impact sites across the metro area.

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Maira Butt28 March 2026 09:31

FBI confirms Kash Patel photos were leaked by Iran-linked hackers

An FBI spokesperson confirmed that the agency chief Kash Patel’s email was hacked by the Iran-linked Handala Hack Team.

The group published dozens of emails and photographs on Friday that they said were taken from a personal inbox belonging to Patel.

“We have taken all necessary steps to mitigate potential risks associated with this activity,” FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson said today.

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The data accessed by the hackers were “historical in nature and involves no government information”, Williamson said.

Vishwam Sankaran28 March 2026 09:10

How war disrupts semiconductor production

Iranain strikes have forced the shutdown of Qatar’s production of helium, which is critical to semiconductor manufacture.

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“The shutdown of Qatar helium production due to the US-Iran military conflict has removed roughly a third of global helium supply and shifted the market from oversupplied to undersupplied,” Deutsche Bank analysts said earlier this month.

Experts warn that a drawn-out war could forced chip makers to seek alternate sources and supply routes.

Russia, which is the world’s third largest helium supplier could gain from this disruption.

“If Qatari disruptions persist, Russia is well placed to further expand its role in China’s helium supply mix,” Center on Global Energy Policy researcher Erica Downs wrote in a blog post.

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Vishwam Sankaran28 March 2026 08:51

Kuwait international airport suffers ‘significant’ radar system damage after drone attacks

Kuwait International Airport was targeted ⁠by multiple drone attacks ⁠that ​caused ⁠significant damage ⁠to its ​radar ⁠system ‌but resulted in no ‌casualties, state news ‌agency KUNA ⁠said on Saturday, citing the country’s Civil Aviation ‌Authority.

Tara Cobham28 March 2026 08:45

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India prepares for internet disruptions as war threatens key subsea cables

India’s telecom department convened a meeting yesterday to draw up contingency plans as the Iran war threatens critical subsea cable routes which could put India–Europe connectivity at risk.

Telecom companies have reportedly sought the Indian government support to engage with Iran to safeguard subsea cable infrastructure.

Experts warn that the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz are key risk zones for international data flows via undersea cables where disruptions could take months to repair.

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“While a complete internet blackout is unlikely, India remains exposed to congestion and performance issues due to its reliance on limited routes and landing points,” Amajit Gupta, chief of cloud connectivity services provider Lightstorm, told Moneycontrol.

“Strengthening resilience will require diversifying cable landings, expanding eastward connectivity, and building domestic repair capabilities with policy support,” Gupta said.

Vishwam Sankaran28 March 2026 08:30

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FAO chief economist warns of severe global food security risks

The chief economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization warned that the disruption to the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing war in the middle east is a “systematic shock affecting agrifood systems globally”.

The region accounts for nearly half of the global sulphur trade, necessary to produce fertilisers for crops.

FAO chief economist Máximo Torero warned that disruptions to Sulphur supply are already translating into higher costs for farmers worldwide.

“Farmers are facing a dual cost shock: they have more expensive fertilizers alongside rising fuel costs affecting the entire agricultural value chain, including irrigation and transport,” Torero said.

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Vishwam Sankaran28 March 2026 08:10

Video: UN warns Somalia ‘on the edge’ as war deepens aid crisis

Vishwam Sankaran28 March 2026 07:50

The open days will feature garden games and padel taster sessions, while there are also some special plans for Easter

If you are looking for ways to keep your children entertained and want to get outside to enjoy some fresh air, you might want to visit a park or an estate in Cambridgeshire. The county is home to many grand estates that often open up their gates to visitors on certain days of the year.

Found on the edge of Cambridgeshire, Waresley Park Estate will be opening its gardens for guests on bank holiday Mondays across spring and summer with plenty of events lined up for families to get involved in. You might want to plan a trip to the estate, as these gardens are not usually accessible to the public.

The estate covers 120 acres and is “known for its scenic, rural landscape” that was designed by Humphry Repton in 1792. If you want to enjoy a slow stroll around the gardens, you can take your time walking around the gardens to discover the range of plants blooming through the spring and summer.

Guests can also take a moment to explore the spa and new gym and padel courts. Families can get involved in garden games at the water garden or try out the padel taster sessions.

Especially for Easter, there will be some themed activities including an Easter egg hunt, workshops, and experiences. After letting off some steam playing garden games and walking around the estate, you can enjoy food at one of the many spots in the park.

If you fancy something light, you can enjoy tea and scones in the walled garden. There will also be handcrafted pizzas, cooked in the courtyard pizza oven, and a BBQ if you need something a bit more substantial.

In terms of drinks, there will be a range of hot and soft drinks as well as a licensed bar where you can try the estate’s newly launched pale ale.

Ben Griggs, Managing Director of Waresley Park Estate, said: “Opening the Estate to the local community is something that we consider a joy and a privilege. Just like Waresley Park Estate, Open Gardens have a long, rich history and have an important place in their local communities.

“By opening our gardens, we hope that people will enjoy exploring the grounds and learning what modern stewardship of an Estate like ours looks like. From recycling old wood for tables for our coffee shop to sustainable land management, we are excited to share our green initiatives with the wider community this year.”

Waresley Park Estate will be open on bank holiday Mondays on April 6, May 4, May 25, and August 31 between 9am and 3pm. The open days are completely free and you do not need to book in advance.

The park estate can be found on Gamlingay Road, which is a 33-minute drive away from Cambridge via the A428. There is a free car park on site for guests to use.

After a lights show at Wembley, it is time to welcome the players onto the pitch for the national anthems. There was a rather strange moment in the tunnel before the sides emerged as Uruguay captain Valverde was stood on his own in the tunnel, with none of his teammates there for quite some time. Valverde, after his hat-trick in the Champions League against Manchester City a few weeks ago, clearly keen to get going. England took quite a while to emerge from the home dressing room. “Himno Nacional del Uruguay” followed by “God Save The King”. A reminder of the teams:

England: Trafford, Livramento, Tomori, Maguire, Spence, Henderson, Garner, Foden, Madueke, Rashford, Solanke.
Substitutes: Ramsdale, Pickford, Steele, Hall, Wharton, Stones, Palmer, White, Mainoo, Calvert-Lewin, Barnes, Bowen.

Uruguay: Muslera, R Araujo, Ugarte, De Arrascaeta, Varela, Canobbio, Valverde, Olivera, M Araujo, Piquerez, Aguirre.
Substitutes: Rochet, Mele, Gimenez, Caceres, Sanabria, De La Cruz, Martinez, Nunez, Pellistri, Vina, Rodriguez, Vinas, Torres, Rodriguez.

A new food recall has been issued at major UK supermarkets

Earlier this month, MOMA Foods initiated a recall on various porridge pots and sachets. These pots and sachets are available in supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrisons. The firm stated the recall was due to potential “mouse contamination” at the production site.

This recall has been expanded today to encompass more best-before dates. If anyone possesses these items, they are encouraged to return them to the supermarket where they were bought for a complete refund. This food recall is specific to England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

This update broadens the recall to all products with a best-before date between 24 April 2026 and 12 March 2027, and excludes the 8-pack size for the MOMA Almond Butter & Salted Caramel Porridge pot 55g, which was mistakenly included in the original notice, reports the Express.

Product details:

MOMA Almond Butter & Salted Caramel Porridge Pot 55g

Pack size: 1pk, 12pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Apple, Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Porridge Pot 65g

Pack size: 1pk, 8pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Cranberry & Raisin Porridge Sachets 6x40g

Pack size: 1pk, 5pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Cranberry & Raisin Instant Porridge Sachets 70g

Pack size: 5pk, 30pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Plain No-added Sugar Instant Porridge Sachets 65g

Pack size: 5pk, 15pk, 30pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Jumbo Oats 450g

Pack size: 1pk, 6pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Raspberry & Apple Overnight Oats 400g

Pack size: 1pk, 6pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

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MOMA Banana & Peanut Butter Protein Porridge 65g

Pack size: 1pk, 8pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Blueberry & Vanilla Porridge Pot 65g

Pack size: 1pk, 8pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Cranberry & Raisin Porridge Pot 70g

Pack size: 1pk, 8pk, 12pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Golden Syrup Porridge Pot 70g

Pack size: 1pk, 8pk, 12pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Plain No-Added Sugar Porridge Pot 65g

Pack size: 1pk, 12pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Almond Butter & Salted Caramel Porridge Sachets 6x40g

Pack size: 1pk, 5pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Apple, Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Porridge Sachets 7x40g

Pack size: 1pk, 5pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

MOMA Blueberry & Vanilla Porridge Sachets 7x40g

Pack size: 1pk, 5pk

Best before: All dates from 24 April 2026 to 12 March 2027

If you have purchased the above products, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) advises that you “do not eat them”.

Some of the affected products are available at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Waitrose. Be sure to look where you made your purchase.

Rather, return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional details, drop an email at getintouch@momafoods.co.uk.

CAIRO (AP) — Iranians were already reeling from a shattered economy and the mass killing of protesters when the first U.S. and Israeli bombs slammed into Tehran a month ago.

Now they are struggling to get by through a war with no end in sight, wrestling with lost livelihoods, damage to homes and the stress of explosions. Many wonder where it is leading — to the destruction of their homeland, the chaotic fall of the theocracy or its survival, wounded but more extreme.

“I think we’ve experienced everything bad possible,” said a 26-year-old designer in Tehran, “from the terrible atmosphere of January and the killings and arrests to the war.”

Daily explosions, near and far and unpredictable, shake and damage homes. Businesses are struggling. An unprecedented internet blackout since January has largely cut people off from the outside world and made communication within Iran more difficult.

The trauma of war comes on top of the shock from January, when hundreds of thousands across Iran marched in the biggest protests against the theocracy in decades — only to be met by security forces opening fire, killing thousands. Tens of thousands were detained, and arrests have continued.

The AP spoke to 10 people across Iran, most of whom spoke on condition of anonymity for their security.

Businesses crumbling

The designer, who with a partner runs a factory making leather fashion products, said her business was on the verge of closing.

“When the economy gets bad, nonessential goods are the first thing to be removed from the shopping cart,” she said. Much of her sales are online, and the internet blackout practically reduced “the small sales to zero.”

Since the January protests, she has had to live off her meager savings, and the violence of the crackdown upset her so much she has not been able to return to work.

When the war began on Feb. 28, she moved to her parents’ house. A few days later, the blast from a nearby strike damaged her apartment that she had just left. Like most Iranians, she doesn’t have home insurance, so she will have to pay for repairs herself.

She only leaves her parents’ house to buy necessities.

Trying to track strikes

The terrifying cadence of airstrikes shapes daily life in Tehran.

An engineer living in Tehran tries to find a pattern in strikes – are certain times safer? Recent nights saw explosions light up the skies. One evening, a blast shook his home as he had guests over. They climbed up on the roof and tried in vain to figure out where it hit. “We didn’t see any visible fire,” he said.

He thinks the strikes are less frequent now, or maybe “our perception of it has changed,” as everyone gets used to bombings.

He feels anxious when family or friends go out on the streets, and struggles to sleep. He had a job offer before the war but does not know if it is still there. Soon, he says, many will struggle with rent and bills.

Government workers, who make up a large part of the workforce, are still getting salaries. But private businesses are struggling to pay employees as they close for days on end or reduce hours.

The collapse of Iran’s currency, largely caused by U.S. and international sanctions over its nuclear program, triggered the protests late last year.

Strained resources in the relatively unscathed north

Many Iranians have fled to the north, which has been relatively unscathed. One of the main cities, Rasht, has been packed with Iranians who fled from Tehran and elsewhere, straining local resources.

A doctor at a pediatric hospital said the number of patients has nearly doubled. Medicines are running out, he said, and patients now are asked to buy some basic supplies, including antibiotics or IV fluids, from the market.

The internet blackout is affecting his ability to access his patients’ history and check correct dosages online, he said. It has also forced the doctor to set aside his own personal effort to document the casualty toll from the January crackdown because witnesses are unreachable and the online database is inaccessible.

He plays video games or watches television to pass the time. In a week-old binge, he is five seasons into “The Walking Dead,” the American postapocalyptic horror drama series.

Anxiety over the future

Throughout, Iranians have been wrestling with widely mixed feelings over the war, the ruling theocracy and the future.

Authorities continue to organize pro-government street rallies, aiming to show public support. The feared paramilitary Basij, charged with internal security, has stepped up patrols even as it is targeted in airstrikes.

The engineer said decades of misrule have been hard on Iranians. But he said that doesn’t justify the U.S.-Israeli attacks. He was angered by the deaths and the damage to infrastructure and military capacities.

He’s trying to channel that anger into determination to rebuild. “I’m going to be stronger after this war. I will be damaged, just like my country. But that’s it. This is life. We’re going to make it better.”

At the start of the war, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Iranians to overthrow their leaders. Now, he says he is negotiating with senior Iranian officials who he claims are “begging” for a deal, without naming them. Iran has denied any such talks are underway.

Some Iranians fear the war will leave behind a wounded but even more oppressive Islamic Republic.

One woman in her 40s said she feared negotiations more than war. “This is what our situation has come to — we are willing to endure war in the hope of being freed from them,” she said.

The doctor in Rasht said he viewed the war as “the last remaining option” for getting rid of the ruling clerics. But he fears the way that the U.S. and Israel are conducting it. If the U.S. strikes a deal now, he said, it would only entrench the theocracy.

“We now have the Islamic Republic on steroids,” he said. “We are afraid they will take this revenge out on the people, which they very openly see as the enemy from inside.”

In southwestern Iran, a lawyer who has represented detainees and women’s rights defenders — and has herself been imprisoned — spoke to the AP earlier in the war, saying she dreamed of the day the Islamic Republic would crumble. She spoke about the power of collective action and self-determination.

After a month of bombings, she seemed more introspective, taciturn, exhausted by isolation and uncertainty.

“There is no sign of hope, no dreams, no joy,” she said. “Worry about the future has taken over.”

___

El Deeb reported from Beirut.

Model agent Ramsey Elkholy emailed Jeffrey Epstein for nearly a decade about young women and investments into magazines or modelling competitions

A model agent who connected young women to Jeffrey Epstein begged the paedophile to have sex with a woman, according to shocking emails.

Hundreds of emails between US-based model agent Ramsey Elkholy and the convicted paedophile, for over nearly a decade, were uncovered in the Epstein Files. Elkholy had suggested to the paedophile that they invest in modelling and the fashion industry in Brazil.

Another shocking email between the pair saw the modelling agent make a disgusting plea to the paedophile to have sex with a woman in her 20s who was “desperate for cash”, in 2011. Elkholy wrote: “Dear Jeffrey PLEASE just try her in bed.”

READ MORE: Epstein victim describes how paedophile raped her and used her as ‘doll’ from 14READ MORE: Jeffrey Epstein guards shown wandering just feet from prison cell

Elkholy had worked as a US-based agent in the 2010s. Emails from the Epstein Files appear to show he spoke with the sex offender from 2009 and just before Epstein was found dead in a New York City jail cell in 2019.

Most of their emails related to female models and showed how the horrific paedophile had strong links with the industry. Several modelling agents have been accused of recruiting and introducing young women to the vile criminal. Elkholy, speaking to the BBC, said he regretted the language used in some of the emails and his links to Epstein, but said he was not aware the financier had been abusing women.

Elkholy added that he was not close to Epstein. A email from the modelling agent to the paedophile, from 2009, said: “I don’t need to tell you that I also value your friendship. The reason I never ask for anything in return for introducing you to models is because I consider it more of a favor and I know that you are also good for favors.”

The agent added: “You’re a solid person Jeffrey and that means the world to me. Let me know when you want to see [redacted] or any of the other girls, and I’ll set it up.” This email was sent months after Epstein had been released from prison for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

On the woman the agent begged Epstein to have sex with, he later emailed the paedophile to say he hoped the sex offender was “getting some milage” out of the woman “being all alone” in New York. Epstein responded and wrote: “zero”.

Elkholy then sent a response a horror response which said: “Jeffrey PLEASE just try her in bed… I really need that so I can feel whole about all this because she’s such a pain in the ass. I also think it would be good to get her to know what it is like to get really [expletive].” The agent claimed he had the woman’s permission to email Epstein.

In another email, from 2009, Elkholy messaged the paedophile about a “very hot blonde” woman, before adding: “I know 23 is on the old side for you.” More emails appeared to show the agent emailing ideas to Epstein from Brazil, suggesting they invest in agencies, magazines and a competition in the South American country.

In a message, from 2016, the agent wrote: “This would be a good investment if you wanted to build on an already established brand, and of course many opportunities to meet models, but I guess not the same direct access as the contest, where the girls are mostly country bumpkins and not experienced models.”

He added: “I’m assuming you are more interested in the access to [emoji of a woman].” He had also flagged to the US paedophile that a Brazilian fashion magazine was up for sale but it appeared Epstein was not interested.

In his last email to Epstein, from 2019, the agent spoke about a Russian woman and potentially flying her to the US. Elkholy said: “She will be in London if you want to import her.” Epstein replied that getting a visa for her would be tricky. Epstein was arrested three months after this.

The Navigators Education Skills and Training Academy (NESTA) has been set up to help Bolton’s young people who may have struggled otherwise on their journey into adulthood and work.

Supporting learners aged 14 to 25, Navigators has opened the new space on North Bolton Business Park.

On Monday, March 23, community leaders and businesspeople were invited to visit the centre and see what’s on offer.

The Bolton News toured the facilities, including the Independent Life Skills room, designed like a studio apartment where learners can practise “soft skills” such as making the bed, ironing clothes and cooking simple meals.

Independent Life Skills room (Image: NQ)

There is also a gym area, construction space and hair and beauty room.

Despite the large rooms, class sizes remain small to allow personalised training.

NESTA centre manager Tahira Hussain told The Bolton News: “We have an afternoon session and a morning session, with around 19 learners in the morning, and 10am to noon.”

Offering Level One and Level Two courses, learners can change pathways depending on their needs.

Learner at NESTA, Micky (Image: NQ)

In the hair and beauty room, we met student Micky, 18, from Great Lever, who explained why he switched courses.

He told The Bolton News: “Construction wasn’t for me; there was too much going on.

“Here, it’s nice and relaxed and chilled.

“I practise on my sister’s hair at home and think I’d like to become a professional hairdresser someday.”

Explaining how learners discover NESTA, Ms Hussain said: “Our referrals tend to come directly from the local authorities.

“The authority will be informed about people in NEET (not in education, employment or training) or with certain requirements, and then a referral is made for that learner.”

She added that discussions are held with each learner to find the best path.

Construction room (Image: NQ)

Founded in 2014 by CEO Anthony Thompson, Navigators supports young people whose needs are not met in traditional education.

The new hub offers courses in construction, fitness, vehicle maintenance, and hair and barbering.

The organisation has seen strong results in engaging hard-to-reach learners.

During the first half of the spring term, attendance rose to 77 per cent from 13.9 per cent, with many previously at zero per cent.

After the tour, guest speakers included the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and Anthony Thompson.

Mr Burnham praised the hub and the work being done to support Bolton’s future.

As of the end of 2025, nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are NEET.

When asked by The Bolton News what more can be done in Bolton, Mr Burnham said: “Navigators is still growing, but there is more that I need to do.

“One thing I am doing is working on getting a 45-day work placement in Bolton for every young person who wants one.

“What we’ve found is when they are of that length and high quality, they work for the young person and the employer as well.”

Mr Burnham highlighted the importance of an equal playing field between vocational and academic pathways (Image: NQ)

He added: “It’s a plan that we’re working on towards the end of this decade; unfortunately, it can’t be done overnight.

“I want to get very soon to a position where there is a guaranteed offer for every young person in Greater Manchester of a placement once they turn 16.”

Mr Burnham also celebrated Bolton-based employer Seddon for supporting the work placement programme.

Founder Anthony Thompson interviewed by Matt White (Image: NQ)

Mr Thompson said: “We are thrilled that we have opened our first NESTA centre in Bolton.

“Our ambition is for this learning centre to be central to the local community – it will bring together young people and employers and will be our first centre completely dedicated to employment-focused training and pathways.

“We have already established some fantastic partnerships with local businesses and are excited to see how NESTA thrives in Bolton.

“We are delighted to welcome our first students, to help them gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive in adulthood, from entering the workforce to living independently.”

Cllr Safwaan Patel, Cllr Martin Donaghy, CEO Anthony Thompson and Cllr Rabiya Jiva (Image: NQ)

Asked about expansion, he said: “This is just the start of a vocational centre for the core things that young people have discussed with us.

“We want to look at more things, like sports and hospitality, based on what is going on around the town.”

He added: “We need to help the children in Bolton who haven’t had access to an apprenticeship or the job market, getting them on the right pathway.

“That’s our shared vision.”

Navigators team with Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham (Image: Phil Tragen 07739840188)

The centre can support around 80 students in total.

The day ended with remarks from Cllr Martin Donaghy, followed by Bolton’s Carrs Pasties being enjoyed by visitors.

NESTA is located at Unit 12, North Bolton Business Park on Rossini Street.

To find out more, visit: https://navigators.org.uk/

Stokes has not played since the end of England’s dismal Ashes defeat. He sustained an adductor injury on the penultimate day of the series in Sydney and was severely hampered.

Stokes was expected to feature along with many England players in the early rounds of the County Championship amid competition for places in the Test XI.

He has been retained as captain despite the 4-1 Ashes loss, while coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have also been kept on in their roles.

After those decisions were confirmed this week, Stokes said the past three months have been “the hardest period” of his England captaincy, and backed the current regime to take the team forward.

“He has been training so hard to be ready,” Campbell said.

“He has a lot to prove. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know the Ashes didn’t go so well and he is a proud man who wants England to be the best team in the world.

“He, as a professional, is working at getting right and ready to go.”

Campbell also revealed Stokes plans to play for his county in the One-Day Cup this summer.

The 50-over competition is played alongside The Hundred, with counties often fielding second-string sides.

Stokes has not played in the 50-over format since the 2023 World Cup in India and has not featured in the competition for Durham since 2014.

But with Stokes having opted out of The Hundred and not currently in England’s white-ball sides, the One-Day Cup would provide him with some cricket between England’s Test series.

The series against New Zealand ends in late June and a three-Test content against Pakistan begins on 19 August.

Join the Woodland Trust’s volunteer-led walks every first Wednesday of the month, with relaxed routes designed to help people explore the countryside.

The Smithills Estate is the largest site the Woodland Trust has ever acquired in England, steeped in history and offering a wide variety of scenic walking routes.

With picturesque woodlands and expansive open spaces, the Estate attracts visitors from across Bolton and beyond.

Eddee Endley, events and communications officer for Smithills Estate, told The Bolton News: “We work with guided walk leaders on-site, who are all volunteers.

“They have been trained to confidently lead their own walks with groups.

“However, in the past few months, they haven’t had the opportunity to do so due to the winter weather.

“So, we wanted to establish a new monthly group that will run consistently.”

Smithills cows (Image: Richard Cooke)

The walking group is called Step Out at Smithills and is hoping to encourage more Bolton residents to take part.

“We have a walk on May 6, part of Greater Manchester’s Walking Festival, and there’s still space to come along.”

During the walk, guided leaders Pete Hargreaves and Alex Lidis will share insights into the Estate’s rich history.

“It’ll be quite a relaxed hike, so it’s not too strenuous,” said Eddee.

“We’re trying to bring both new and returning visitors to the site to establish a community of local walkers.”

The guided walks can accommodate between 15 and 20 walkers in total and will cover approximately 5km, running from 11am until 1pm.

There are some areas of slightly uneven footing, which participants should be mindful of.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity to meet people and be led by an experienced guide.”

Places can be booked via Eventbrite or by emailing SmithillsEstate@WoodlandTrust.org.uk.

Upcoming walks are April 1st with Pete Hargreaves and May 6th with Alex Lidis exploring the history of Smithills, scenic views, habitats and wildlife!

Walks are ~5k on footpaths and partly on uneven ground. Its moderate with some slightly challenging parts and may not be suitable for anyone with mobility issues.