Paving experts have shared their tried-and-tested natural cleaning formula to clean patios

Algae is a widespread problem on patios, caused by microscopic plant-like organisms that flourish in wet, shaded and poorly aired conditions. It typically manifests as a green, slippery coating on paving slabs, stone, or concrete, particularly after the winter months. While largely harmless, it can leave patios looking grimy, neglected and discoloured.

Keeping algae at bay requires regular maintenance, and spring represents the ideal opportunity to tackle it head-on. There are numerous removal methods available, including white vinegar and citrus-based solutions.

Paving specialists at the Reclaimed Brick Company have revealed a formula they’ve relied upon throughout their careers.

Despite taking a week to prepare, they describe it as the “best natural method” available.

Creating citrus vinegar couldn’t be simpler – collect citrus peel in a jar, submerge it in white vinegar, and leave it to steep for seven days.

Once ready, strain the mixture and dilute with additional white vinegar before application.

The experts said: “The natural citrus oils help fight algae film and leave a fresh smell. The mild acidity loosens grime without harsh chemicals.”

The pros added: “Sweep the patio first to remove loose leaves, soil and grit.

Then, pre-wet the patio with warm water. This will help the diluted spray to spread evenly.”

Test on a small area first, then apply using a spray bottle or watering can, reports the Express.

Work in sections, scrubbing with a stiff outdoor brush using short, firm strokes.

Allow five to 10 minutes for the solution to penetrate the algae before rinsing thoroughly with clean water, directing the dirty runoff away from flower beds and drains.

The specialists cautioned: “Do not mix vinegar with bleach, ammonia, or any other cleaners. Never use strong acids on limestone or very soft limestone; always test first and keep the mix mild.

“Regular cleaning prevents algae, moss and grime from building up, which can make the area slippery and shorten the life of the paving.”

I thoroughly enjoyed my month of Calo meals, taking plenty of positives from the experience. The best thing it gave me was more minutes in my day. Over the course of the month, the app estimated that it had saved me 75 hours of cooking time, and while this seemed a tad high, I definitely noticed the difference.

Each week I received deliveries on Mondays and Fridays containing four and three days’ worth of food respectively. Each day consisted of a breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and juice.

The breakfasts – usually protein-rich yoghurts with nuts and seeds or omelettes with greens – were a high point. Being a fitness writer, I know fuelling my workouts appropriately is critical for optimal results, but as someone who exercises before work there are some days I simply run out of time to make breakfast. Calo bypassed this problem, delivering a generous dose of protein and fibre before 9am.

Whether I was eating at my desk, out on a dog walk or on the gym floor after coaching, I didn’t miss a single breakfast all month, and enjoyed improved results during my regular strength training sessions as a result.

The lunches and dinners impressed me too; they were tasty, varied and took just two minutes to heat up. I tend to eat fairly intuitively, but the nutritional breakdown (calories, carbohydrates, fat and protein) on the front of the packet was handy to have, allowing me to make more informed choices in my wider diet.

However, the best part was having a hot, nutritious meal ready to eat in 120 seconds. At the end of a busy work and workout day, this felt like absolute bliss. Not only did it make my lunchtimes and evenings considerably more relaxing, but I also noticed a lift in my productivity levels. Without having to plan meals and snacks, I was able to get more done at work, and the extra hour or so each evening allowed me to get on top of life admin – my wash basket has rarely looked so empty.

Office days were a dream too. Who needs a soggy, unsatisfying sandwich when you have a yoghurt bowl, tofu cubes snack and a spicy salmon and quinoa lunch packed in advance? Between the time it took for me to put these in my bag, and the two minutes they needed in the microwave, these meals took me a few minutes to prep at most.

A few highlights included a tamarind sea bass noodle dish, bang bang shrimp and a greens and tofu bowl, but there wasn’t a single recipe in the line-up of meals I was sent that I didn’t find enjoyable.

There was also a surprising amount of variety, considering my often option-limiting pescatarian status. The ability to sub choices out up to 24 hours in advance on the app was handy, and every week there were enough fresh options to keep me excited for each new delivery.

My experience with Calo was largely positive, but there were a few personal teething issues here and there.

When I signed up for the Calo app, I almost ordered three rounds of snacks, juices, breakfasts, lunches and dinners for each day. This might be down to my technological shortcomings, but I found the app and the language it uses took a bit of acclimatising to – each “bag” was a day’s worth of food, rather than representing one of my twice-weekly deliveries.

While getting started, I was also asked for a series of details including my age and goals so the app could calculate a target daily calorie, protein, carb and fat targets for me – 3,693, 198g, 363g and 161g respectively.

The daily meals tended to take me two thirds of the way there – more on the protein front – but I had to fill in the gaps. I didn’t mind this as I actually came to miss my time in the kitchen on more relaxed days, but it’s worth noting that those with larger appetites or muscle gain goals might need to supplement their deliveries with other food throughout the day.

I also found the cold-pressed juices and smoothies were surplus to requirements. Some people may love them and the bottles say a lot of the right things – one of your five a day, no added sugar – but I found I would rather grab a piece of fruit than neck a juice. This is personal preference, however. You do you.

The only other negative I encountered was the lack of variety in the automatic meal selections. The Calo app allows you to switch selections out for alternative options with a few thumb taps, provided you do it at least 24 hours ahead of your delivery. However, I have to hold my hands up here and admit there were a couple of occasions where I forgot to do this.

Because I chose pescatarian, high-protein options, my choices were whittled down, and I wound up receiving three or four of the same meal. They were still delicious, although by the fourth round I wouldn’t have minded a departure from harissa salmon and quinoa.

This is easily solved by remembering to tinker with your choices in advance, and opening up your preferences beyond the high protein options – these contain roughly 60g of protein per serving, while other meals still usually offer a decent 20g-40g hit.

The TV star and radio presenter is among the celebrities who have returned for the new series of I’m a Celebrity… South Africa, which began yesterday (March 6).

He was on the 14th series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2014, but left the series early after learning that his brother Dean had died after suffering a heart attack.

Now, he has spoken about the tragedy and revealed it led to him leaving the Cobbles in 2015.

Coronation Street star Craig Charles on why he left the ITV soap

Craig Charles played taxi driver Lloyd Mullaney on Coronation Street from 2005 to 2015.

His character, which was popular with viewers, was notably involved in the show’s dramatic 50th-anniversary tram crash storyline, which was broadcast live.

It was in May 2015 that Craig announced he would be leaving Coronation Street for Red Dwarf, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music.

Now, he has spoken about the time as he rejoins the I’m a Celeb cast for another go at the ITV show.

Craig said: “The death of my brother, and my unexpected departure as a result, did change my life.

“It made me re-evaluate things and made me ask: ‘If that had happened to me, would I be happy with what I had achieved?’

“I came up with the answer and it was ‘no’.

“I was 50 at the time, my brother was 52, I had been in Corrie for ten years and I felt in a rut.

“I was really enjoying my time in the Australian jungle and it got sadly cut short.

Craig Charles has revealed he left Corrie in 2015 after the sad death of his brother (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

“I knew I wanted to have some new adventures after that.”

He also opened up on his readiness to return to the program and give it another go.

Craig said: “Since I left, there have been years of ‘what ifs?’

“At first, I’m A Celebrity felt bittersweet after I’d left, and in the first few years I couldn’t watch the show.

“It made me sad and it opened a world of loss.

“Every year it came around, I would feel a sense of loss and a feeling of what might have been – both for my brother and for me.

“He was only 52 and he would have been 63 now, which is no age.

“But that feeling has decreased over the years, and the last few years I have been able to watch it again without feeling the pain and the grief.

“And so, when this came round, it was at the right time. I feel strong and confident enough to face it again and have a laugh!”

Who is on I’m a Celeb South Africa 2026?

Craig is one of many famous faces that have returned to I’m a Celebrity for its all-stars series in South Africa.

The show returned for its second series on Monday (March 6), with former campmates taking on even more challenges and tougher Bushtucker trials.

A new element for the new series, which has been pre-recorded and hosted by Ant and Dec, will give the viewing public the power to decide who is crowned the “ultimate legend 2026”.

Here is the full lineup for the series:

• Harry Redknapp (former football manager – 2018 winner)
• Gemma Collins (reality TV star – 2014 series)
• Beverley Callard (Coronation Street star – 2020 series)
• Sir Mo Farah (Olympian – 2020 series)
• Scarlett Moffatt (former Gogglebox star – 2016 winner)
• David Haye (boxer – 2012 third place)
• Adam Thomas (actor and TV star – 2016 third place)
• Ashley Roberts (Pussycat Dolls singer – 2012 runner-up)
• Seann Walsh (comedian – 2022 series)
• Sinitta (pop star – 2011 series)
• Craig Charles (Red Dwarf star – 2014 series)
• Jimmy Bullard (footballer – 2014 series)

The first South Africa series aired in 2023 and was won by former Australian series runner-up Myleene Klass.

How long is I’m a Celebrity South Africa on for?

I’m A Celebrity South Africa will be on for a few weeks before finishing on Friday, April 24.

It will be broadcast on weeknights, with it taking a break on weekends, with most episodes on at 9pm.

In a change from the first series, the final of I’m a Celeb South Africa will be aired live, with the entire celebrity cast gathering in a UK studio.

Are you watching I’m A Celeb South Africa? Let us know in the comments.

Minnesota United have denied rumours that midfielder James Rodriguez is suffering from a potentially life-threatening muscle-wasting condition.

The Colombia international returned to the club’s training ground on Monday after being hospitalised.

Rodriguez, 34, showed signs of illness during Colombia’s 3-1 defeat by France on 29 March and subsequently spent three days in hospital with severe dehydration.

A statement from the Colombia Football Federation on 2 April confirmed Rodriguez was under observation for a “non-sports-related medical condition” but said his prognosis was “favourable”.

Social media rumours and reports in some US media sparked concerns he was suffering from rhabdomyolysis – a rare condition sometimes linked to over-exertion which causes muscles to disintegrate and can lead to potentially fatal kidney damage when toxic muscle fibres enter the circulatory system.

However, Major League Soccer (MLS) side Minnesota United said:, external “The club and our medical professionals can unequivocally state there has been no clinical or laboratory evidence of rhabdomyolysis.”

Gardaí and emergency services were called to the scene of the collision, involving two cars, on the N53 at Rassan, Dundalk, Louth at around 10:15pm on Monday, April 6

A man in his 60s has died, and a woman in her 20s injured, after a two-vehicle crash in Co Louth on Monday night.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the collision, involving two cars, on the N53 at Rassan, Dundalk, Louth at approximately 10.15pm on Monday, 6 April.

The driver of one vehicle, a male in his late 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has been taken to Louth County Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.

A woman in her 20s, who was a passenger in the second vehicle, was brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for treatment of injuries not believed to be life-threatening. The coroner has been informed.

The scene remains preserved for technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, and traffic diversions are currently in operation, reports the Irish Mirror.

Gardaí have confirmed investigations are under way as they appealed for witnesses to come forward.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí and emergency services responded to a road traffic collision on the N53 at Rassan, Dundalk, Co. Louth, on the evening of Monday, 6 April.”

They added: “Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time are also asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact Dundalk Garda Station on (042) 9388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

The Pro-Kleen 4 in 1 Weed and Feed Lawn Treatment with Moss Killer is available for £15.95 on Amazon, with shoppers awarding it an average 4.2 out of five-star rating

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Keeping your garden and lawn in tip-top shape can be a real challenge – but one Amazon product might just be the solution you’ve been looking for. The Pro-Kleen 4 in 1 Weed and Feed Lawn Treatment with Moss Killer is currently on sale for £15.95, with customers hailing it as ‘amazing’.

Designed to boost grass colour, tackle weeds, banish moss and nourish your lawn, the manufacturer claims it provides everything gardeners require to achieve a lush, healthy and vibrant lawn this spring and summer.

The treatment is formulated with nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and iron. According to the product listing, each component plays a specific role – nitrogen promotes greener grass, phosphorous fortifies grass roots, potassium wards off lawn disease, and iron eradicates moss. The formula also boasts three separate types of weed killer.

For those seeking an alternative, Argos offers the Miracle-Gro EverGreen Natural 4 in 1 Lawn Care for £21.60. This natural, pesticide-free product reportedly harnesses 100% plant-based nutrients to ‘support lush growth while helping prevent new weeds and control moss’.

Over at The Range, Doff Glyphosate Weed Killer Concentrate Sachets are available for £4.99. These are said to be highly effective at tackling grasses, nettles, willowherb and dandelions, with the formula penetrating plants right down to their roots so they ‘never return.’

Shoppers have been singing the praises of the Pro-Kleen 4 in 1 Weed and Feed Lawn Treatment with Moss Killer, giving it an average rating of 4.2 out of five stars from nearly 800 Amazon reviews. One customer commented: “Very good weed control and easy to use,” reports the Manchester Evening News.

A fellow buyer enthused: “This stuff is amazing within a week or more. My lawns were full of mass and yellow, now I have lawns (that) are going to green after putting the stuff on. It (has a) very strong smell because when watering it, (there’s) a nice strong weed killer smell, so I know it would work on the lawns as I’m a gardener. I would definitely recommend this amazing product.”

Someone else simply stated: “Good product.” However, not all feedback was positive, with one purchaser cautioning: “After being happy with the results from the first tub that I bought two weeks ago, I thought I would buy another, this time around… not so great, the packaging has been a let down.

“The tub is cracked and I’ve lost most of content!” A different user reported: “Very easy to use, although for us it didn’t work. Weeds didn’t die and the grass didn’t look any different.”

You can purchase the Pro-Kleen 4 in 1 Weed and Feed Lawn Treatment with Moss Killer from Amazon.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill was spotted in England with one of his Hoops coaches

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Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has been spotted at an English Championship match, sparking speculation that he might be scouting for the Hoops.

O’Neill watched his team claw their way back into the Premiership title race with a 2-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Easter Sunday.

Within a day, he was seen at Deepdale with assistant Mark Fotheringham, observing Preston North End’s clash with Queen’s Park Rangers.

Earlier in the season, the pair were also photographed at Fir Park, reportedly keeping tabs on Motherwell’s in-form forward Tawanda Maswanhise, although no transfer materialised in January.

O’Neill’s future at Parkhead remains uncertain. The 74-year-old has previously hinted that he won’t stay on as manager beyond this season, but there are rumours of a potential administrative role being offered to him at Parkhead, according to the Daily Record.

In light of this, it’s possible that the duo are evaluating potential signings for the next season.

The Lancashire Evening Post suggests that Alfie Devine and Lewis Dobbin – currently on loan from Tottenham and Aston Villa respectively – could be on their radar, along with Scottish centre-back Liam Lindsay.

Forward Milutin Osmajic has also been linked with a move. However, this appears unlikely given his disciplinary issues this season, including allegations of racism during a derby clash with Burnley and a red card for headbutting John Lundstram in a 3-0 defeat to Hull, which has seen him serve 20 matches worth of bans over the past 16 months at the club.

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The Princess of Wales is a fan of keeping fit

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The Princess of Wales is reportedly a fan of porridge to start her day, with a nutrition expert at BarBend noting that oats are an excellent breakfast choice for weight management. The expert noted that the slow-release energy from oats “keep Kate filled up and with enough fuel to attend royal events, exercise and run after her three children”.

Known for maintaining a disciplined fitness regime, oats “can be great exercise fuel, as they release energy throughout the whole workout”. The Princess of Wales is also said to enjoy antioxidant-rich smoothies at breakfast, “helping her maintain a natural glow and healthy skin,” according to the experts.

A nutritious morning smoothie suggestion combines “kale, spirulina, matcha, spinach, romaine and blueberries together in a delicious mix”, reports the Express. Health specialists at Healthline highlight the numerous benefits of starting the day with oats, particularly for those looking to shed a few pounds.

Oats are described as “a delicious breakfast food, also very filling” and are considered to be “among the healthiest grains on earth”. Porridge is “a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants” and is “very filling which may help you lose weight,” the health site added.

It is widely believed that Kate keeps active with a varied fitness routine encompassing cardio training, weight lifting, cycling, rowing and yoga. A passionate runner, her preferred sport is tennis, which she reportedly practises “almost daily”. Kate serves as patron of the Lawn Tennis Association and took to the court alongside Roger Federer in 2023.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to have their own tennis court at Anmer Hall, their Norfolk residence, where she is believed to also practise with the children. A royal insider claimed: “Once their school work from Thomas’s Battersea has been dealt with satisfactorily, both George and Charlotte enjoy tennis lessons on their green court. Kate plays almost daily with the children and they like their practice sessions with her.”

Juliana Leonardi, senior personal trainer at David Lloyd Kensington, added: “The key to achieving a lean, toned body like the Princess of Wales without bulking is to do several reps of low weights. I definitely believe the Princess weight trains. There are so many benefits to weight training, from making you leaner and stronger to improving your bone density, burning fat and helping with posture,” she told HELLO!

A man hailed as a hero is facing a trial for the murder of five unarmed civilians during the war in Afghanistan.

Ben Roberts-Smith, 47, a former Australian Defence Force member, was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of war crimes.

He was deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012, and faces five counts of murder and war crimes for the killing of five people.

Roberts-Smith served six tours in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2012, before being lauded with several top military honours.

Australian Federal Police commissioner Krissy Barrett said: ‘It will be alleged the victims were not taking part in hostilities at the time of their alleged murder in Afghanistan.’

She added that the victims were initially detained, while unarmed, and were under the charge of Australian soldiers when they were murdered.

Roberts-Smith has denied all of the allegations, which first surfaced after an investigation in 2018.

In 2023, he quit his job after a civil court blamed him for unlawfully killing four people while he served in Afghanistan.

Now, the Australian Federal Police investigation into Roberts-Smith, which began in 2021, has led to his arrest.

Ross Barnett, director of investigations at the Office of the Special Investigator, which is assisting in the case, said the process has been complex.

‘We don’t have access to the crime scenes, we don’t have photographs, site plans, measurements, the recovery of projectiles, blood spatter analysis, all of those things we would normally get at a crime scene,’ he said.

Roberts-Smith is facing mounting calls to be stripped of his numerous awards during service, including the prestigious Victoria Cross.

He’s set to appear before a court for a bail hearing on Wednesday in New South Wales.

What is Roberts-Smith accused of?

Roberts-Smith is facing charges of war crimes and murder in Afghanistan while serving as an Australian soldier.

Anthony Besanko, a federal judge in the court of Australia, previously found on the balance of probabilities that he had taken part in at least four murders.

The court at the time heard that Roberts-Smith had ordered unarmed men in Afghanistan to be shot dead to ‘blood’ rookie soldiers on two occasions.

He was also found to have been involved in the deaths of a handcuffed farmer, whom he kicked off a cliff.

In another instance, he captured a Taliban fighter and used his prosthetic leg as a trophy and ‘drinking vessel’.

Roberts-Smith has denied any wrongdoing.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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The high street bakery is launching the Chicken Roll, made from seasoned chicken in golden glazed puff pastry.

It joins Greggs’ signature Sausage Roll and Vegan Roll, completing what the chain describes as its “iconic roll trilogy.”

The Chicken Roll contains 305 calories and will be priced at £1.35.

Greggs is adding the chicken roll to menus. (Image: Greggs)

Greggs to launch new permanent chicken roll

A spokeswoman for Greggs said: “They say the best things come in threes, and our iconic roll trilogy is no exception.

“We can’t wait for our customers to experience the Chicken Roll as the ultimate headline act of our flaky franchise.”

Ahead of its public launch, Greggs is hosting a special one-off event at a pop-up location on Bateman Street in London’s Soho.

On Wednesday, April 8, customers will have the chance to sample the new roll during a 20-minute tasting slot between 3.30pm and 9pm.

In keeping with the trilogy theme, guests must arrive as a group of three to take part, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attendees will be treated to three complimentary rolls and a themed cocktail or mocktail.

The launch comes during a challenging period for the Newcastle-based company.

Greggs has felt the impact of the rising cost of living, higher tax and labour costs, and the growing use of weight-loss treatments.

Last month, the company reported a 17.9 per cent drop in statutory pre-tax profits, down to £167.4 million for the year ending December 27.

Despite the dip in profits, total sales rose by 6.8 per cent to £2.15 billion, supported by continued store expansion.

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In 2025, Greggs opened 121 net new shops, bringing its total to 2,739.

The company plans around 120 more openings this year and has set its sights on eventually surpassing 3,000 locations across the UK.

Will you be trying out Gregg’s new chicken roll? Let us know in the comments.