A skydiver crashed into the massive scoreboard at Virginia Tech’s stadium, dangling from a parachute before first responders carried out a rescue without injury.

Footage from inside Virginia Tech’s Lane Stadium shows two skydivers descending into the arena before one of them hits an electronic scoreboard above the stands and becomes entangled.

Emergency crews were seen using an aerial ladder to reach the skydiver.

Virginia Tech said in a statement that the skydiver was safely brought to the ground without injury.

Ashley Parr, 35, was more than twice the legal alcohol limit and had illegal traces of cocaine in his body during the 23-mile pursuit from the York Outer Ring Road to Junction 42 on the A1(M), said Brooke Morrison, prosecuting.

He tried to evade police by going across a hatched area as he suddenly changed direction, weaving between lanes, clipping the central reservation and swinging straight across three lanes of traffic before taking a slip road.

Ashley Parr suddenly changes direction at the last minute (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

The site manager of a housing development hit 142mph during his 10-minute flight along the A64 and A1(M) after police signalled him to stop at Copmanthorpe on the York Outer Ring Road, said Ms Morrison.

There was moderate traffic on the roads.

Defence barrister Phil Morris said the crash that ended the chase left Parr unconscious and injured him so badly he was off work for nine weeks. He had a broken shoulder bone and broken ribs among other broken bones.

“He comes before the court remorseful and apologetic,” he said. “This was a prolonged period of madness.”

Judge Simon Hickey said he had never encountered a case involving such a high speed in his entire career.

“For such driving on two arterial roads that run through our county, major roads, and driving in such a manner there can only be one sentence and that is immediate custody,” he said.

Ashley Parr drives onto a roundabout at Junction 42 of the A1(M) (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

Parr, of Moorland Drive, Guiseley, Leeds, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, drug driving and drink driving and was jailed for 16 months.

He was banned from driving for 44 months and must take an extended driving test before driving alone again.

Traffic Constable Nick Simpson from North Yorkshire Police said: “This was extremely dangerous driving that could easily have resulted in the death of other road users, as well as the driver himself.

“We are relentless in our approach to making North Yorkshire’s roads safer for everyone. Removing individuals who drive in this manner sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I would also like to thank the member of the public who reported this driver. If you witness driving that poses an immediate danger to others, please call 999.”

Ashley Parr’s BMW 3 series airborne at Junction 42 of the A1(M) (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

Police first heard of Parr’s BMW driving erratically on the A166 at Garrowby Hill shortly before 9pm on July 21. Traffic officers were alerted to be on the lookout for him and TC Simpson spotted him at the Fulford interchange heading west and followed him.

Ms Morrison told the court the police officer signalled Parr to pull over. The drink driver slowed down and appeared to be about to take the Copmanthorpe slip road. But at the last second, he swerved across the hatched marking, sped off towards Leeds and the chase began.

It ended when he lost control at the A1(M) and A63 junction, drove onto a roundabout and his car catapulted into the air.

Ashley Parr’s BMW 3 series somersaulting at Junction 42 of the A1 (M) (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

Mr Morris said Parr had no explanation for his actions. He handed in references showing a different side to Parr, who had no previous driving convictions.

A Buddhist monastery operating from a former golf course in Kearsley plans to welcome monks visiting from Thailand

Plans have been submitted for blocks to house monks at a Thai Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Bolton. The Wat Sriratanaram temple and monastery, Moss Lane, Kearsley, was created in 2016 at the former clubhouse of Manor Golf Club.

Recently submitted, retrospective plans published by Bolton council, seek to formalise the erection of ‘temporary monk accommodation, including people visiting from Thailand’.

A design and access statement, published in support of the plans, said: “The proposal will provide temporary overnight accommodation for up to 12 monks at any one time.

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“The accommodation has been formed from the conversion of three metal steel storage containers which have been linked together in a u-shape to form basic overnight accommodation for visiting monks including showers and toilets.

“The buildings are situated on a raised plinth with doors and windows cut out of the steel to form openings.”

The supporting documents said the building is single storey formed from metal storage containers with a central communal area.

Five separate sleeping areas and six separate toilets and five shower units are provided in the building.

In 2016, permission was granted to use the golf club as a Buddhist temple with four monks residing at the property on a full time basis. The plans also included an indoor meditation and ceremony area.

The latest application states that the development use is consistent with the land being in the green belt.

The supporting statement, produced by Ashall Town Planning said: “The proposal which is to provide basic overnight monk accommodation including people visiting from Thailand, ancillary to the existing Wat Sriratanaram temple is considered to conform with relevant planning policies.

“While an unusual form of development, no material harm is caused to the general surrounding area.”

Bolton council will make a decision on the plans in the coming weeks.

Deryck Thake’s son was involved in a serious car crash but made a quick recovery thanks to the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

A Cambridge man, whose son was involved in a crash that left his car in a ditch, says his son’s “quick recovery” was made possible by the air ambulance team. Deryck Thake’s 19-year-old son Andrew was involved in a serious car crash that left him in a coma.

Two crew members from the East Anglian Air Ambulance were able to reach the scene in just 18 minutes after receiving the 999 call. Mr Thake was able to reach his son where the crash had happened and said the crew remained ‘calm’ while looking after Andrew.

He said: “Unusually for a parent, I was actually able to get to the scene myself rather than meeting my son in hospital. So I could see the work they were doing. Frankly, it was like an episode of Casualty but there was an oasis of calm in the middle where the paramedic and doctor were working. They put Andrew in an induced coma so I had the unsettling experience of seeing my son on the trolley with tubes in his face.”

Mr Thake said the crew were completely in control of the situation even when they arrived at A&E. He continued: “He was then put into a land ambulance and taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital accompanied by someone from the East Anglian Air Ambulance, who took complete control when the ambulance arrived at A&E.

“They were telling everyone what to do in an authoritative but calm and respectful manner. It was fascinating to watch. He got attended to at the scene very quickly, which gave them more time to work at the scene so there’s less urgency to get to the hospital.”

He continued: “When he was at the hospital, there were various CT scans and things. He stayed in an induced coma for a day or so and was then brought out of the coma and made a very quick recovery. He was discharged from hospital in just under two weeks. I attribute that speed of recovery due to the quality and speed of the care he got at the scene.”

Mr Thake said the “service actually pays for itself” by helping to get hospital-level care to patients while still at a scene, which gives them a greater chance of recovering quicker and leaving the hospital sooner.

He decided to walk 63 miles when he turned 63 to raise money for the charity. He signed up to the Cambridge Half Marathon and walked the remaining 50 miles around Cambridge and Ely over the following two days.

Mr Thake was able to raise over £2,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, much more than his original target of £500. The charity is now trying to raise £8.2 million to be able to build its new air base in Fulbourn, as Cambridge Airport is set to close in 2030.

For people thinking of getting involved in fundraising for the air ambulance, Mr Thake wanted people to know that “anyone could need” the service. He said: “There are obviously lots of good charities. But anyone of us in this room could need the services of the air ambulance.

“We may or may not be involved in a road traffic collision at some point. We could just fall on the high street or collapse while out walking in a field and need the service of the air ambulance. That seems to me a very good reason to keep the service going and support it.”

You can donate to the cause by texting BASE10 or BASE20 to 70480 or by calling the donation hotline on 03450669999. You can also donate via the East Anglian Air Ambulance website or by using the appeal envelopes that will be sent to households across the region.

If you have been inspired by Mr Thake, you can also raise money through events or challenges like bake sales or skydives.

At least the climax to the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage provided a gripping finale to follow the previous week’s thrilling Masters. The past fortnight has shown why pro golf can be a very attractive sporting product.

On both occasions Scheffler banked multiple millions despite the frustration of finishing second on bogey-free weekends.

But credit Fitzpatrick for withstanding last Sunday’s charge from the American four-time major champion. Sheffield steel shone through as partisan US support brought a Ryder Cup atmosphere to Hilton Head.

“I’m paid so much money to be out there in front of those crowds,” Fitzpatrick said. “Having them chanting at you every week, it’s a great feeling.

“However, there’s no better feeling than coming out on top against that.”

Fitzpatrick had been on the receiving end of similar noise when Cameron Young hunted him down during the Players Championship in March.

He withstood even louder vitriol to grab a crucial half against a spirited DeChambeau fightback in the Bethpage Bearpit at last year’s Ryder Cup.

And after the brilliant shootout birdie that beat Scheffler for his most recent win, Fitzpatrick borrowed an analogy from his other sporting passion, football.

“It’s kind of winning away against your biggest rival,” said the avid Sheffield United fan. “Nothing to do with Scottie or the players; it’s the fans that have spurred me on there.”

It was a sporting spectacle that was well worth watching, although whether it justifies such inflated rewards is open to debate. PGA Tour purses would not be so grand had Saudi not pumped so much cash into the rival LIV tour.

Oil money has driven rampant inflation that has made millions for so many golfers, especially in the men’s game. But it has also benefited, to an admittedly much lesser extent, the female side of the sport.

The Ladies European Tour’s PIF Global Series includes five events in three continents, with tournaments in England, Las Vegas, Seoul, Shenzhen and Riyadh where prize funds total $15m.

And this week a Texas oil giant dips into its reserves to fund the Chevron Championship in Houston, the first women’s major of the year, to the tune of $8m.

Loose change to the likes of Rahm and DeChambeau, but perhaps more realistic sums than those that have made so much noise in the men’s game in recent years?

The Prime Minister said: “The fact that I wasn’t told that Peter Mandelson had failed his security vetting when he was appointed is astonishing. The fact that I wasn’t told when I said to Parliament that due process had been followed is unforgivable, and that’s why I intend to set out in Parliament on Monday the facts behind that, so there’s full transparency in relation to it.”

The area’s newest sporting venue, Wressle Grange Padel Club, celebrated its official launch on Saturday (April 18).

The purpose-built facility, set in the heart of the countryside, welcomed over 300 visitors from Wressle and surrounding villages, many of whom were trying padel – the world’s fastest-growing sport – for the first time.

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The club boasts two all-weather padel courts – equipped with full-coverage canopies and underfloor heating.

Hundreds of people turned out to try padel for the club’s launch (Image: Wressle Grange Padel Club)

Families were able to play together in taster sessions throughout the day, with many older visitors commenting on how quickly they were able to pick up the sport and enjoy full rallies.

Emma, who travelled from Holme-on-Spalding-Moor to attend the launch, said: “I can’t believe what an amazing, social and fun environment Wressle Grange Padel Club is.

“It’s very friendly, with a huge range of ages playing. I can’t wait to join a group and come back and play again.”

Club owners Graham and Claire Foster, fourth-generation farmers at Wressle Grange Farm, were present throughout the day welcoming visitors and helping new players navigate the digital booking system via the Playtomic app.

Graham said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from our neighbours and the wider community since we first opened our doors in March.

“Seeing the courts full of people from across the generations is exactly what we envisioned. From the fast-paced challenges with Amy from HEAD Padel to families playing together, the energy was incredible.

“We wanted to create a space that feels welcoming for everyone, and the turnout shows padel has a very bright future here in East Yorkshire.”

Wressle Grange Padel Club is now open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm.

Courts cost £24 during off-peak hours and £40 at peak times, with racquets available to borrow free of charge.

The site also offers free parking, changing facilities and showers.

Bookings can be made through the Playtomic app.

Membership is available for £12 per month or £120 per year, offering priority booking and a 20 per cent discount on court hire.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East between the US, Israel, and Iran has resulted in a recent spike in fuel prices.

Several major airlines have already responded to this spike by increasing fares, adding or increasing fuel surcharges, and cutting flights.

Aer Lingus cuts 500 flights – see the services affected

Now, Aer Lingus has cut 500 flights from its schedule due to “mandatory maintenance”, according to the Sunday Independent.

The cuts are set to cause travel disruptions for “tens of thousands of passengers” over the coming weeks.

The airline is axing a select number of transatlantic flights, internal Aer Lingus documents seen by the Sunday Independent have revealed.

Aer Lingus cuts over 500 flights for ‘maintenance’ as fuel shortage fears growhttps://t.co/UCyrkgbjSF

— Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) April 19, 2026

Services to and from Seattle, San Francisco, Minneapolis-St Paul, and Toronto will be impacted by the cancellations, according to the documents.

Departures from Dublin to many European airports, including Berlin, Zurich, Athens, Faro, and Amsterdam, will also be removed from the Aer Lingus schedule, on select dates.

A “small number” of cancellations will affect passengers travelling from Shannon and Cork airports.

Flights to London Heathrow, ­Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, and Edinburgh will also be cancelled, with passengers rebooked onto other services, the Sunday Independent said.

An Aer Lingus spokesperson said: “Aer Lingus has commenced operating its planned summer schedule.

“A number of recent cancellations have been required due to mandatory maintenance on aircraft, along with a limited number of schedule adjustments.

“Schedule changes apply to approximately 2% of Aer Lingus’ overall schedule.

“Where schedule adjustments are being made, the vast majority of customers are being reaccommodated on same day services.”

Spanish Airport to close for a month with all flights cancelled

Meanwhile, Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in Spain is set to close for an entire month due to resurfacing work on the runway.

These works will see all flights cancelled, affecting thousands of British travellers.

When will Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport be closed?

Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport will be closed from April 23 to May 27 due to runway resurfacing work.

Its website continues: “During this period, the airport will be closed to all air traffic, and no takeoffs or landings will take place.

“If you have any questions about your flight status, schedule changes, or possible rebooking, we recommend contacting your airline.”

How does this closure affect British travellers?

Around 30 flights run each week between the UK and Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport.

Most of the flights operate out of London-based airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted, while there are also non-direct flights to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro from Manchester.

The major Airlines that operate flights between the two include Vueling, Ryanair, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and KLM.

All these flights will be cancelled for nearly five weeks while the airport is closed, affecting thousands of Brits travelling to southwest Spain.

For those still looking to travel to the area, the two closest alternatives to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport are:

• A Coruña Airport (around 75 km away)
• Vigo Airport (100 km)

Do these Aer Lingus flight cancellations impact your travel plans? Let us know in the comments below.