Minister Torsten Bell has urged people to check online if they are affected by state pension age changes as the retirement age increases from 66 to 67

A DWP minister has urged people to check whether they will be affected by an upcoming change to the state pension. Senior minister Torsten Bell encouraged the public to visit the Government’s website to find out if they are affected.

The minister addressed the Work and Pensions Committee regarding proposed changes to the state pension age. The qualifying age for the benefit is set to rise from this April, increasing from 66 in stages, before reaching 67 by April 2028.

The state pension age is scheduled to rise once more, from 67 to 68, between 2044 and 2046. Mr Bell discussed what support is available for those who face a longer wait before retiring and must remain in employment as a result.

He also outlined how individuals can determine whether they are affected by the rise in state pension age. On this matter, he confirmed that advertisements have been issued “encouraging people to go and check their state pension age”, directing people to an online resource.

The minister said: “There are digital tools that enable people to know their state pension age. All people need to do is put their date of birth into the Work out your State Pension age tool and it tells them straight away.” This tool is available via the Government website, reports the Mirror.

The tool can also be used to check your bus pass age and when you will become eligible for free bus travel. Mr Bell referenced a survey suggesting that 96 per cent of people aged 60 to 64 find it very or fairly straightforward to find out their state pension age.

The minister said: “That is good news. Our wider work is to drive people to those tools. Some of that is around radio campaigns-you will probably hear some of those-where the evidence shows it is most likely to have an effect. They have higher trust in radio advertising than others.”

Letters going out

He noted that the previous Conservative Government had contacted all those affected by the gradual transition from age 66 to 67, in 2016. He added that the DWP under the current Government intends to carry on writing to individuals as they approach retirement age.

Mr Bell said: “Three million letters have already gone to people who will be in the 67 cohort-the ones that are coming after 2028. I am sure we need to keep doing more on that front.”

The minister revealed that the DWP is also working “closely” with employers to ensure they are fully informed of the shifting state pension age. He elaborated: “We work with HMRC, who have bulletins that go directly to employers.

“It is important that it is not just about individuals knowing about the state pension age. Part of this is about employers expecting workers to either need or want to work later, so the communication is also with them.”

Alan Titchmarsh has shared how one garden item can attract rats and offered two simple tips to prevent the problem

Advertisement

Rats are a frequent issue in gardens, and with the arrival of spring, the problem is set to intensify. As the weather warms up, many households will be keen to spend more time outside.

However, spring is peak breeding season for rats and mice. They’re hungry, seeking shelter, and they recognise that our gardens can offer perfect nesting spots and food sources.

Infestations can turn into a nightmare to eradicate and can be expensive to resolve. It’s crucial to prevent rats from taking over, and gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh has some essential advice.

The horticultural guru revealed that one activity beloved by gardeners could actually be luring rats. Feeding birds can draw rats into the garden, as they too are eager to feast on their food.

Alan stated: “Most gardeners, myself included, love encouraging garden birds, so bird feeders are everywhere in this garden. But, they can also be a magnet for rats.”

Fortunately, there’s a way to deter rats from going after the bird food and invading your garden. Alan explained that it all comes down to where you place your bird feeder, reports the Mirror.

He advised: “The key to success with them is to position in the open, in the middle of your lawn. Rats hate running through exposed areas. If you put your bird feeder alongside a hedge or wall, that’s great as they have shelter and they rush out and grab what they want and rush back.”

Alan suggests positioning your feeder right in the centre of your garden, well away from bushes, hedges and walls. Additionally, it will provide you with a clearer view of the birds when they visit to feed.

The gardener stressed: “So, in an open space is by far the best place for a bird feeder. Then, you shouldn’t have the rat problem.”

Alan has another tip that can be used to eliminate rats coming into the garden, alongside the position of the bird feeder. He recommends not leaving any bird food out overnight.

Alan said: “Put it out first thing in the morning.” He acknowledged many gardeners might be worried about his tip, as birds like to eat first thing in the morning.

However, he said it won’t be an issue for the birds as they can simply wait. Alan added: “If you have had a rat problem, they can wait half an hour before you put it out. That way, you’ll enjoy the garden birds and hopefully not a rat in sight.”

A BBC murder mystery from 2019 has soared up Netflix’s top 10 series, landing at number four today. 

The Irish crime drama was quietly added by the streamer earlier this month and it’s already proving popular.

It stars Sarah Greene (Bad Sisters, The Death of Bunny Munro), and Killian Scott (Kaos, Trespass Against Us).  

The Dublin Murders sees detectives Rob Reilly (Greene) and Cassie Maddox (Scott) working for an elite murder squad. 

The BBC synopsis reads: ‘When a young, talented ballerina is found dead on an ancient stone altar, her death drags up another tragedy that befell this community years before – when three children disappeared into the local woods and only one returned.’ 

Set in the outskirts of Dublin, this twisty series is based on the novels of Tana French, a crime novelist and New York Times bestselling author. 

Since the series landed on Neftlix, viewers have been delving into its dark world, contributing to an audience score of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes.

This included user Anthony Y, who heralded The Dublin Murders as ‘a beautifully brutal’ miniseries with ‘perfect’ performances.

Stephen C called it a ‘dark and well made’ show, while Arya S described the script, acting and story as ‘first rate.’

Consensus from critics was largely positive too, with Observer praising it as ‘atmospheric, often terrific, never dull viewing.’

ScreenRant called it a ‘satisfyingly dark and twisty crime thriller,’ while Den of Geek said that it was an ‘excellent, unique crime story.’

These reviews contributed to a 79% ‘fresh’ score on the review aggregator.

The series is based on two of French’s books, encompassing In The Woods and its follow-up, The Likeness. 

In spite of the show’s title, much of it was shot in Belfast and surrounding areas of Northern Ireland, as well as Dublin.

Advertisement

The woods where the murders take place were shot in Tollymore Forest in Northern Ireland – a location which has also been used for Game of Thrones and the movie Dracula Untold.

For scenes set in the 1980s, the nearby village of Drumaness was utilised, with 80s-era Garda vars, green post boxed and ice cream vans popping up in the area when filming took place.

Speaking at the time of the programme’s release, the show’s creator Sarah Phelps told the BBC she was ‘compelled’ by French’s novels. 

On the lead characters, Phelps explained: ‘This case will unpeel the thing that they have in common and share, the pact they have made with each other. I can’t say too much about it because there’s a huge spoiler, but there is something deep and dark about them that they share.  

Advertisement

‘It is something tragic and highly personal that has dogged them all of their adult lives. This story is about how they are going to be able to get on with the serious, difficult dirty business of just living with it.’ 

Reflecting on her performance in the series, lead actress Sarah Greene described filming as ‘pretty heavy.’

Speaking to Hot Press in 2019, she added: ‘It does get under your skin. I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m “method”, but it was dark in places.’

She went on to reveal how the series had employed an advisor to help her and Scott get into the headspace of hard-boiled detectives.

‘When you see a body you have to get up close to look for details, while setting your emotions to one side. How do you tell a family that something has happened to a loved one?’

Advertisement

The Dublin Murders is available to stream now on Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: BBC reveals how much Thomas Skinner was paid for ‘embarrassing’ Question Time appearance

Advertisement

MORE: BBC’s Beyond Paradise confirms character exit after ‘being put in difficult situation’

MORE: Inside The Capture star Holliday Grainger’s private life with famous partner

Comments


Add as preferred source

TV Newsletter

Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.

Advertisement

The petrol stations attached to Sainsbury’s and Asda in Monks Cross were closed earlier today (March 28) after fuel sold out across the city.

Sainsbury’s have since confirmed that they have reopened, whereas Asda have stated that their closures are temporary whilst a delivery is on route.

RECOMMENDED READING:

This follows petrol and diesel costs climbing sharply since the end of February, after the war between Iran and US-Israeli forces disrupted oil production and supply from the region.

Average unleaded prices are at a two-year high – jumping by more than 14p a litre over that period, reaching 147.19p, according to RAC figures published earlier this week.

Allan Leighton, executive chairman of Asda, said the retailer has seen bumper demand from drivers amid price volatility, but  stressed that the issue has only affected “the odd pump” at a small number of its petrol forecourts.

He said: “Our fuel volumes are up quite significantly and clearly demand has been outstripping supply. Supply is tight and we are all trying hard on that.

“The issue is a temporary one, and some could see issues when we are waiting for delivery, and we can expect to see that continue.

“The spikiness at the moment makes this tricky for us, as spikes can lead to temporary shortages. These are temporary and are addressed very quickly.”

The boss also rejected claims that fuel retailers have boosted their profits through recent price increases.

Emergency services were called to Glynne Street at around 4:08pm, with a fire engine from Chadderton attending alongside police and paramedics.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said crews arrived quickly and worked with Greater Manchester Police to make the scene safe.

One female casualty was treated at the scene before being taken into the care of North West Ambulance Service.

Images from the scene show a police vehicle, an ambulance and a fire engine in attendance, with the front of one vehicle appearing to be severely damaged.

The front of the vehicle is several damaged (Image: Public)

Firefighters remained at the scene for around one hour and 20 minutes and were still in attendance into the early evening.

A GMFRS spokesperson said: “Shortly after 4:08pm this afternoon (Saturday 28 March), a fire engine from Chadderton was called to reports of a road traffic collision on Glynne Street in Farnworth, Bolton.

“Crews arrived quickly and are working alongside colleagues from Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe. One female casualty has been taken into the care of North West Ambulance Service.

“Firefighters have been in attendance for around one hour and 20 minutes, and are still at the scene.”

Fire crews remain at the scene of the incident. (Image: Public)

Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service have been contacted for further information.

An eyewitness said: “It looks like a pretty bad accident.”

“I hope everyone is okay.”

The Grade II listed Welsh Presbyterian Church on Princes Road, Toxteth was once the tallest building in the city

Advertisement

No applications have been lodged for a Liverpool church that developers pledged to restore “to its former glory”. The Welsh Presbyterian Church on Princes Road, Toxteth, remains in a dilapidated state and roofless following three decades of abandonment.

Once Liverpool’s tallest structure, the church was purchased by private developers in 2022, who vowed to “transform the Welsh Church into a space that can be treasured by the community for generations to come”. Those remarks were made following the collapse of a substantial section of the temporary roof in 2023.

Since that time, no planning applications have been submitted by the developers, Audsley Holdings Ltd, who utilised the building as security for a loan last year, according to publicly accessible records.

For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Local residents said the structure is “pure danger” as they worry the Grade II listed church, with its 200ft spire, will collapse.

‘It’s disgusting they’ve let it get to that state’, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The ‘Welsh Cathedral’ sits at the entrance to the south of the city, standing guard over the broad boulevard that cuts through the centre of Toxteth. Tourist coaches travel along the Beatles trail daily.

A substantial opening in the temporary roof can be seen from a considerable distance back towards Princes Park. Stained glass windows are shattered, walls are deteriorating, weeds force gaps between blocks of Welsh granite, and rat holes are evident in the walls of the Sunday school at the rear of the church. Mary Thompson, 74, who has resided behind the church for decades, said: “It’s disgusting they’ve let it get to that state; it’s being used as a dumping ground, it’s a complete eyesore, and it’s such a shame.

“It’s pure danger as well, the structure is rotting. They will need to flatten it, which is such a shame for such a beautiful building.”

Neighbour Lillian Langton, 90, told the ECHO: “It’s going to fall down, and if the steeple goes down it will land in the middle of the road. Nothing’s been done.”

Another resident told the ECHO: “The church was lovely inside when the Brotherhood was there. It was beautiful. The Welsh Cathedral, built by the Welsh people who came to this area and were so important. If this was in another area, Allerton or Woolton, it wouldn’t be allowed to be left like that.

“It’s sad that it’s been left to wrack and ruin. People used to come down and take the Welsh granite away. It’s a beautiful building and something needs to be done about it; but this is Liverpool 8 – that’s the way it goes here.

“When friends visit me they ask why there’s a derelict church at the end of the row of houses.”

Brotherhood of the Cross and Star

The church was sold in 1982 to the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, a Nigerian religious movement that identifies itself as a “Kingdom founded on the rule of love” and a “physical manifestation” of a new form of “theocratic government” outlined in the bible. Followers believed the founder, Olumba Olumba Obu, to be a God incarnate.

Its website states: “The Head of this Government is His Holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, The King of kings and The Lord of lords. He is the Leader of The Unified Universal Theocratic Council and The Head of Administration of BCS Worldwide.”

The Brotherhood was established by Olumba Olumba Obu in 1956, with the first UK chapter being set up in London in 1974. The Brotherhood still operates two churches in London and one in Moss Side, Manchester, but the Welsh church has been vacant since around 1992.

Advertisement

In 2002, the council issued an urgent works notice to the Brotherhood due to concerns that part of the church might collapse. In 2005, £100,000 worth of work was undertaken using funds from the £1m pot allocated to Liverpool’s conservation department by the Northwest Development Agency. The Brotherhood was then asked to reimburse the money.

In 2008, The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star was taken to court by Liverpool City Council to recover a £345,000 sum owed to the city for repairs made to the church.

That same year, the council considered issuing a repairs notice to the owners, giving them two months to commence repairs or risk losing their ownership.

The church paid £380,000 to the council in 2009. Later that year, the Brotherhood agreed to sell the building to the council for £50,000 – the amount it would cost the council in legal fees to acquire it under a compulsory purchase order.

The ECHO contacted the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star’s office in London this week. The phone rings out before a voice over the crackling line invites the caller to leave a message. There are a few beeps before a robotic voice says ‘memory full’, and the call disconnects.

The ECHO received no response to its emails to the Brotherhood.

Merseyside Building Heritage Trust

In 2013, the church was sold to Merseyside Building Preservation Trust (MBPT) for £1. Feasibility studies were undertaken, and a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund was planned for full restoration works in 2015.

The Trust had been involved in efforts to save the church for two decades. However, by 2015, plans for full restoration had been abandoned. The Trust was working with Baltic Creative on a £7m development that would see the shell restored and a three or four-storey “timber pod” built in the body of the church to host creative businesses.

Nothing materialised from the plans. In 2018, proposals were submitted by Stephen Yip to transform the church into a hub for his KIND charity for disadvantaged and deprived children. But the scheme collapsed partly because of failure to secure funding from the Government’s Levelling Up fund for regeneration projects around the country. Mr Yip commented at the time: “Our plans for the old church were amazing and would have won awards. This is a 153-year-old building which has been derelict for so long. We were going to give it back to the city.

“The church has been part of my life. I was pushed past it when I was a child in a pram, and I’ve pushed my own kids past it in their prams. I’m heartbroken about it. This was going to be our legacy to the city, but now it won’t be.”

The Church was purchased by Audsley Holdings in 2022.

The ECHO has attempted to contact Merseyside Building Preservation Trust for comment but has received no response.

Audsley Holdings

The directors of Audsley Holdings comprise doctors from Manchester and St Helens alongside directors of local hotel businesses. The company has yet to lodge a single planning application with Liverpool City Council concerning the site, four years after acquiring the church.

Neighbour Janet Dainton recalls the roof collapsing in high winds in 2023. She remarked: “All the other churches are done up. If something was done with it it would be great. It could be a community centre.” Following the collapse, Dr Mustafa Rabia, the public representative of the group, stated: “Following interest from residents in the area, we wanted to assure those local to the former Welsh Presbyterian Church that we are currently working closely with our teams of expert surveyors and architects on how we can best preserve this Liverpool landmark. As a building that has historic links with the community and is associated with the personal stories of many, it is vital that this site is restored to its former glory and we are privileged to be able to take on this work as its new guardians.

“It is true that the building, recently acquired by ourselves, is in a fragile state due to years of neglect, having been unoccupied for over 20 years. However, with the help of our expert partners and with significant investment from us, it is our aim to transform the Welsh Church into a space that can be treasured by the community for generations to come. We are approaching the final stages of our proposals, in preparation for presentation to Liverpool City Council. It is our aim to engage with local community groups throughout this planning process and we look forward to sharing our thoughts on the future of the former Welsh Presbyterian Church with the people of the city.”

The ECHO has made several attempts to contact the directors of the firm. Audsley Holdings previously communicated with the ECHO through a PR agency.

When approached, the agency confirmed it no longer acts for the company and did not possess contact information for the directors. The directors have relocated from addresses in Merseyside identified through publicly accessible records.

Numerous telephone numbers discovered by the ECHO for the directors are no longer in service. No reply has been received from those that remain active.

The company’s registered office is that of an accountancy practice in the city centre. The ECHO hand-delivered correspondence to this location and was given assurance it would be forwarded to the firm’s directors, but to date no response has been received.

‘This is catastrophic for the community’

Sonia Bassey MBE, who runs L8 Matters Community Land Trust, told the ECHO: “It’s in a prime location in Liverpool 8, and the land value alone must be in the millions. Audsley Holdings have had it for four years and they’ve done nothing to it.

“I suspect they are waiting for it to fall down and I’m not aware of any enforcement that’s being imposed in the current situation. The roof has now completely gone.

“The building was gifted to the Merseyside Building Preservation Trust for £1, and it shouldn’t have been allowed to be sold to a private developer; it should have come back to the community.” Sonia commented: “I’m not aware of any consultation or activity they’ve undertaken in the community. They say they want it to be for community use, but I’m not aware of any consultation engagement that they’ve undertaken with the local community about plans or what they would propose it would be.

“I don’t think anyone’s seen any plans or any aspirations for the site, or any visuals of what it could look like. It’s a massive shame that the Welsh heritage is going to be destroyed when that building is lost.

“There’s such a history around that building and its congregation. For it then to just disappear because it’s fallen down would just be really wrong.”

A spokesperson for Liverpool City Council stated: “The former Welsh Presbyterian Church on Princes Road is a privately owned, Grade II listed building. The council does not own the site.

“We understand local concerns about the former Welsh Presbyterian Church and continue to monitor the building’s condition closely and are in contact with the owner regarding repairs.

“Previous proposals to bring the building back into use did secure planning permission, but were not taken forward after full funding could not be secured.

“The building was disposed of by the Council 13 years ago to the Merseyside Building Preservation Trust – an independent not‐for‐profit organisation whose purpose is to save and restore historic buildings that are at risk. As a charity, it does not operate to generate profit for shareholders.

“The site is now in the ownership of a private developer, who has previously indicated an intention to bring forward new proposals. However, no new planning application has been submitted to the council at this time.

“The council will assess any future proposals in line with planning and listed building legislation and will continue to take appropriate action where necessary in relation to public safety.

“The council’s priority now is to work positively with the current owner to find a sustainable solution.”

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.

Fans of Gavin & Stacey will recognise the iconic seaside loaction

With miles of heritage coastline, waymarked trails, ocean views, and cosy café stops the Vale of Glamorgan is a brilliant place for short walks. A marked and numbered Vale Trails series will take you through coastal and countryside routes with the most scenic views and historical features.

The Vale has an abundance of short coastal walks thanks to its unique heritage coast with Jurassic features. Stretching from Aberthaw to Porthcawl the Glamorgan Heritage Coast offers walkers 14 miles of unspoilt coastline via waymarked trails that wind through small villages, rural farmland, and sprawling beaches.

When I crave ocean views, ice cream, and a timeless beach-town vibe my favourite stroll is from the Cold Knap in Barry to Jackson’s Bay, which passes through a famous filming location.

If you’re up for a longer adventure tackle the Vale’s seven-mile park and seaside walk, known as Vale Trail Four, starting at Limpert Bay car park. But for a leisurely wander this shorter route is ideal.

The journey from Cold Knap to Jackson’s Bay along the Wales Coast Path covers about 2.5 to three miles and takes about an hour or so. Along the way you’ll pass Watchtower Bay, the lively Barry Island, and the rugged headland of Nell’s Point.

Gavin & Stacey fans will be delighted as the walk takes you right past Barry Island. Cap off your stroll with a spin at Nessa’s slot machines and a treat from Marco’s cafe where you can get an affordable bacon bap and a coffee.

The walk starts at the Cold Knap car park in Barry (CF62 6TF), near Knap Gardens and beach, providing easy access to the Wales Coastal Path. Parking charges at this location have been suspended until spring 2026 so for now it’s free to park there but make sure you check when you visit.

Advertisement

Here the pebble beach meets the mighty Bristol Channel which is home to the world’s second-highest tidal range, rising and falling an impressive 12-14m.

Just behind the beach you’ll find the lovely Knap Gardens. These Grade II-listed grounds feature a harp-shaped lake where ducks and swans glide and there’s also a fresh new skatepark, a lively model boat club, and winding coastal paths leading toward Porthkerry Park.

This area once buzzed with swimmers at Knap Lido, which opened in 1926 as one of the UK’s largest outdoor pools. Its golden era lasted until the 1980s when sun-soaked European getaways and heated pools drew crowds elsewhere.

The lido closed its doors in 1996 and, despite passionate local protests, demolition began in 2004. Many still dream of its return as a beloved swimming spot.

Plod onwards to Watchtower Bay, which is one of the quieter beaches in the Barry Island area. At high tide the pebble beach here is flanked by rocks on one side and low-rise cliffs. When the tide recedes a vast expanse of sand is exposed that you can walk across

The old watch house still stands on the beach having been built in the 1860s to keep watch over the harbour. It serves as a reminder of the area’s seafaring days when the port bustled with life in the 16th and 17th centuries.

From here wander on to Barry Island and Whitmore Beach, which has a lively mix of shops, cafés, and arcades. Don’t miss the legendary Marco’s, made famous by Gavin & Stacey.

The Welsh Italian family-owned café is a thriving local business with many tourists and fans of the programme flocking to take selfies, feast on bacon baps, and enjoy proper cups of tea.

Some of the show’s most memorable scenes were shot in Barry Island including classic moments outside Stacey’s house and the retro amusement park where the characters bonded over chips and banter.

Advertisement

The show’s enduring popularity draws fans from near and far eager to walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters and relive scenes brought to life on screen.

Nessa, the show’s hilarious multitasker with multiple jobs, is best known for operating the slot machines on the Island. Fans can step right up to Nessa’s Slots located along the seafront.

The arcade now doubles as a treasure trove of Gavin & Stacey merchandise so you can play and shop in one go. Look for it on the Western Promenade of Barry Island.

Fans also used to make a pilgrimage to Boofy’s, which often had queues out its doors and as featured in the background of countless episodes of Gavin & Stacey.

Sadly the chippy closed “for good” in the new year after 25 years on Barry’s seafront. Locals and regulars were devastated to hear the news, claiming Barry “wouldn’t be the same” without Boofy’s famous fish and chips.

However it’s just been replaced by Farnham’s with customers able to get the first taste of their award-winning fish and chips in the spring sunshine. The team said they have “always” wanted to open a shop on Barry Island.

The announcement comes after Farnham’s at Fontygary was one of four Welsh fish and chip shops named among the best in the UK on a prestigious list published annually by a fish-and-chip magazine. Fry Magazine announced their top 50 Best Fish and Chip Takeaways in Britain in January and Farnham’s made the cut.

Fancy a detour? Head to Trinity Street where the terraced houses served as the location of Gwen and Stacey’s home. Just up the road you’ll find Uncle Bryn’s house too.

From Barry Island follow the coast past a row of colourful beach huts winding around Nell’s Point and onward to Jackson’s Bay.

This sandy bay is sheltered from the wind, offers unspoilt coastal views, is dog-friendly all year round, and features public toilets, a small coffee shack, and a wood-fired sauna.

Just beyond Barry Yacht Club and the lifeboat station the Knotty Yachty hut awaits inside the club railings ready to serve up coffee and tasty snacks.

At the hut you can treat yourself to a local coffee from the Welsh Coffee Co, grab your dog an indulgent puppuccino, or pick up a piping hot panini.

The hut also serves tea, hot chocolates, smoothies, milkshakes, pastries, cakes, hot dogs, sausage rolls, and pasties. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday from 8.30am to 2.30pm during the off-peak season and from 8.30am to 4.30pm during peak seasons. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.

Advertisement

The sandy bay is also the perfect place for a dip in the sea (if you like cold water that is) as you can warm up after in Môr a sawna. This wood-burning sauna seats up to 10 people and offers epic views of both the beach and harbour and is well worth a visit.

If you fancy paddleboarding here you can book a session with Island SUP, an ASI-accredited stand-up paddleboarding school and club operating at Jackson’s Bay, Whitmore Bay, and the Water Activity Centre.

Led by UK champion Kerry Baker they offer lessons, coastal adventures, and club sessions for all levels on the sheltered waters of Jackson’s Bay.

From Jackson’s Bay choose to continue your journey or retrace your steps back to Cold Knap after a lovely coastal adventure.

Planning a short walk in the Vale of Glamorgan

Serious hikers should consider using a detailed OS Explorer map to find walking routes and public rights of way in the Vale. You can also download the AllTrails app to help you find your way.

Remember to also bring water for long walks. Download the Refill Wales App to find locations where you can fill your reusable water bottle with tap water for free.

Want to walk with pals? Join Ramblers Cymru for group walks across Wales with like-minded hikers.

Midfielder Kenny McLean believes the experience against high-calibre opposition will stand Scotland in good stead before this summer’s World Cup.

The Scots have been drawn in Group C with Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.

They take on Ivory Coast at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday in the second of their March friendlies.

“A disappointing result. It’s good to get these challenges, we’re trying to prepare as well as we can for a big summer ahead,” said Norwich City’s McLean.

“We’ll try to get better and that’s what we’ll try to do again on Tuesday. The shape was decent enough at times.

“The second half was a bit better out of possession, but I think we could have been a bit more threatening at the top end of the pitch.

“Japan are a really good team, they press you really well, but that’s what we’re going to come up against in the summer.

“There’s an expectation now and we want those expectations on us. We want to reach a new level.”

Despite the positive noises from Clarke, former Scotland striker Billy Dodds says Scotland have to improve on Tuesday and then again before they head across the Atlantic.

After the Ivory Coast fixture, Scotland will play Curacao on 30 May and one other unnamed opponent before the World Cup.

“The boys trying to push their way in will be most frustrated because they need a team to perform to their best,” Dodds said.

“We must get a win at some point to get momentum and maybe that’s why we’ve chosen Curacao as the last fixture at home. But I would like us to play better against Ivory Coast and solve a few problems.

“We’re down because there was nothing for the crowd to get up for. It was flat. There was industry and effort but no X-factor.”

Said by, well, me — but with all the enthusiasm of someone who’s discovered the joy of hi-vis and never looked back.

I’ve always been the type to wake up early. My mum still loves telling the story of how toddler me would burst into her room at 5am, just after she’d finally settled my newborn brother. Some habits, it seems, never change.

But for years, my early rises were spent doing things that were, frankly, a bit selfish. Running, gym sessions, walking the dogs, all good and all healthy, but all for me. I wanted to give something back.

Volunteering at parkrun wasn’t really part of the plan. I was a regular runner, yes, but a hi-vis hero? That felt like a role for someone far more organised and less chaotic.

Then my running club held a parkrun takeover early last year. I missed out on the core roles, but there was space for pacers — and if there’s one thing I’ll happily do, it’s try and pace a race.

And that was it. I was hooked.

There’s something exhilarating about having a group tucked in behind you, chasing their PBs, and knowing your encouragement might be the nudge that gets them there.

Suddenly, I’d fallen headfirst into a community that’s both wonderfully chaotic and strangely soothing. A weekly ritual that belongs to everyone.

The first thing you notice is the colour: that unmistakable hi-vis pink. Pulling it on feels faintly ridiculous and official at the same time. You’re no longer just a spectator, you’re part of the machine.

Me as a pink hi-vis hero at Darlington parkrun (Image: The Northern Echo)

The clappers, the cheerers, the barcode scanners, the course-checkers. The ones who keep everything moving.

That’s the magic of it.

When you volunteer, you see people at their absolute best.

Nervous first-timers hovering at the back (pretending they don’t care about their time). Older runners gliding past with enviable ease. Parents pushing buggies and still managing a breathless “thank you!” as they go by.

Regulars who know the course better than their morning commute.

As a marshal, you become a tiny landmark in their morning. At my spot, the three trees, I clap and shout, “Well done, great running!” to every person who runs past. And without fail, everyone calls back, “Thanks, marshal!” as if I’ve done far more than wave enthusiastically.

But for them, I have done something. I’ve shown up. I’ve helped make it happen.

And in return, I get this sense of belonging that’s hard to find anywhere else.

My favourite moment is the tail walker’s appearance in the distance, a sign that the morning is winding down. That’s when volunteers close ranks, cones are collected, signs are stacked and packed away.

It’s truly local life stitched together by people who might never meet if it weren’t for these Saturday mornings.

Volunteering at parkrun has taught me something unexpected. Community isn’t built on grand gestures. It’s built on turning up.

Again and again. In drizzle, in sunshine, in frost. With a smile, a cheer, and a vague point in the direction runners should go.

And honestly? I can’t think of a better way to start the weekend.

Darlington parkrun is held at South Park every Saturday at 9am.

Junior parkrun is held every Sunday at 9am.

First timers briefing is held at 8.50am, and there is always a friendly face in a pink hi-vis willing to offer a helping hand for anyone new and nervous about attending.

Christian Pulisic couldn’t figure out teammates from opposing Belgians in a friendly with kit confusion.

“That can’t happen. It was a bit strange,” the U.S. star said after Saturday’s 5-2 loss to Belgium.

The U.S. wore its new Nike jerseys with red and white horizontal stripes that resemble a waving flag, an apparent homage to American jerseys at the 1994 World Cup with vertical red-and-white stripes.

Belgium had on its new Adidas road jerseys with a background of a light color called Frozen Blue mixed with pink and black trim, a tribute to surrealist artist René Magritte.

“It definitely was a little bit difficult whenever you do like a quick glance to tell which was which. It was almost like a 50-50 thing,” American midfielder Weston McKennie said. “So you definitely have to maybe take a little more time on the ball before you made a decision or play one touch to a player.”

Both teams exchanged uniform plans well ahead of the match, according to the U.S. Soccer Federation, and the outfits were cleared before the game by the match officials.

Belgium’s home jersey in a solid red while the U.S.’s other is dark blue with a subtle star pattern and red trim, which it plans to wear for Tuesday’s friendly against Portugal.

While the flawed fashions became apparent during the first half, neither team had different sets of jerseys on site they could switch to at the break.

Decisions could depend on shorts — the U.S. wore blue and Belgium white. The Americans had white socks and the Belgians blue.

Players hadn’t been concerned about the game’s sartorial aspects.

“I didn’t know until we took off the pre-match, whatever, shirts and then saw it and I was like — everyone was a bit shocked,” Pulisic said. “A lot of times you get the ball, you look up, you can’t really lock in on something. You only can base it off the color of the shirt. That’s how it works. And when it’s very similar, it’s difficult.”

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer