The Airbus A350-1000 transmitted a Squawk 7700 code – the international code for a general emergency – while cruising at 39,000 feet.

A Virgin Atlantic flight from Los Angeles declared an emergency upon entering British airspace.

The crew of the Airbus A350-1000 transmitted a Squawk 7700 code – the internationally recognised signal for a general emergency – while cruising at 39,000 feet, due to a “serious medical situation” involving a passenger on board, according to reports.

The aircraft made a hastened descent towards London Heathrow Airport, AirLive reports. Having departed Los Angeles International Airport at 3.41pm on Monday, the plane touched down at Heathrow Terminal 3 at 10.06am on Tuesday – roughly 10 minutes ahead of schedule, according to flight-tracking data.

The pilots alerted air traffic control, who granted the flight priority landing status. The plane then began a swift descent to the runway, where emergency services and ground crews were reportedly standing by. Virgin Atlantic has yet to issue any statement regarding the incident.

Virgin Atlantic is Britain’s second-largest airline, operating a range of transatlantic routes from London Heathrow to destinations such as New York, Orlando, the Caribbean, Delhi and Johannesburg. The carrier is headquartered in Crawley, West Sussex, approximately 2.5 miles from Gatwick Airport station, reports the Mirror.

The incident follows a separate emergency involving a Jet2 flight from London to Tenerife, which was forced to declare an emergency after a baby on board fell seriously ill. The drama unfolded aboard Jet2 flight EXS2V travelling from London Stansted to Tenerife South on Saturday. Air traffic controllers granted the aircraft priority landing after being notified that an infant was struggling to breathe. The plane touched down nine minutes ahead of schedule at approximately 2.20pm.

Spanish air traffic controllers announced shortly before the aircraft’s arrival: “The crew of the flight from the UK arriving at Tenerife South informs us that they require priority to attend to a baby with respiratory problems.

“We are shortening their approach as much as possible while coordinating medical assistance on the ground with the airport. We wish the little one a speedy recovery.”

It remained unclear at the time whether the infant had been taken to hospital following landing.

easyJet is urging passengers to follow certain steps

easyJet is urging passengers travelling to Spain, and a host of other destinations, to follow some key pieces of advice.

The airline released guidance earlier this month, with over 100 airports affected by a significant post-Brexit rule change. In an “important update” shared on April 1, easyJet warned that queue times may be impacted, as it said: “Airports across Europe may experience longer queues at passport control whilst the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) border checks are being completed. This will mean you may need to have your biometrics taken including your face and fingerprints scanned.”

To ensure travel goes as smoothly as possible, easyJet is requesting passengers to follow these steps:

• Plan your travel to and through the airport, as you may experience longer queues
• If you need to go to Bag Drop, go there as soon as it opens
• Make your way through security as early as possible
• Be aware there may be additional checks at passport control before your gate
• Head to the gate or boarding area as soon as it’s announced
• Make sure you have the correct documents to travel

The airline further advises: “You may experience longer queues in your arrival airport”. The EES applies to 29 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following the incident in Wheelgate, Malton.

It happened outside Cooplands at approximately 11,45am on Monday, April 13.

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A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “It involved a black Vauxhall Astra which collided with a pedestrian. The Astra was heading south on Wheelgate and the pedestrian was crossing from Cooplands towards St Michael Street.

“The female pedestrian sustained a laceration and fracture to her ankle and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

“We’re now appealing for any witnesses to the collision, anyone who may have seen the vehicle prior to the collision, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage or CCTV, to contact us.

“If you can help, please email Alyssa.Upton@northyorkshire.police.uk if you can help. Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Alyssa Upton.

“Please quote reference 12260065645 when passing on information.”

Lesley Johnstone is passionate about helping others lose weight without overspending or giving up the foods they enjoy most.

Lesley Johnstone never thought her love of dirty fries would have a place in a weight loss story, yet they sit right at the heart of how she lost an incredible 4st 2lb and changed her life.

Now a Slimming World consultant in Shotts and a recent graduate of the Slimming World Academy, Lesley is passionate about helping others lose weight without overspending or giving up the foods they enjoy most.

“Dirty fries have always been my favourite,” Lesley laughs. “Crispy chips piled high with chilli, chicken and cheese.

“For years they were my comfort food and usually ordered as a takeaway.

“You don’t realise how often you’re ordering until you add it up. It becomes second nature.”

Before joining Slimming World, cooking from scratch felt intimidating. Lesley believed healthy eating would cost more and take longer, and she did not feel confident in the kitchen.

Stepping into her local Slimming World group changed that outlook completely.

“What surprised me most was how realistic it all felt,” Lesley says. “It wasn’t about buying special products or fancy ingredients. It was about using what you already have and planning a bit better.”

One of the first habits Lesley picked up was batch cooking.

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“If I’m making chilli or a sauce, I make extra,” she explains. “I’ll bulk it out with extra veg and freeze portions.

“Those meals are brilliant for nights when I might otherwise order a takeaway.”

Learning to love her freezer helped Lesley save money without feeling restricted.

She now keeps frozen veg, bread and meat to hand so nothing goes to waste.

“Buying in bulk and freezing portions has been a game changer,” she says. “It means I always have the base for a meal.

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“I plan my meals and go in with a list. I focus on what’s on offer, especially fruit and veg, and build meals around that.

“I also use own-brand tinned foods like tomatoes, beans and pulses they’re cheaper and just as good.”

The biggest revelation, though, was discovering she could still enjoy dirty fries.

“I just make them at home now,” she smiles. “Crispy Slimming World air fryer chips, homemade chilli using mince and tinned tomatoes, lighter cheese and a big salad.

They’re just as tasty, far cheaper and I feel satisfied instead of sluggish.”

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By cooking more at home and saving energy with appliances like her slow cooker and air fryer, Lesley noticed changes quickly.

“Meals cost less, I felt more organised and the weight started coming off,” she said. “I wasn’t even trying to save money at first, it just happened naturally.”

As her confidence in the kitchen grew, cooking became something she enjoyed rather than avoided. Fakeaways, batch cooked favourites and simple one pot meals replaced last minute takeaways.

After losing 4st 2lb and transforming her relationship with food, Lesley decided to train as a Slimming World consultant.

She now supports members in Shotts who are struggling with rising food costs as well as their weight.

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She added: “So many people think healthy eating costs more. I love showing them that with a bit of planning and support, you can eat really well, lose weight and save money too.

“I never imagined my own weight loss journey would lead me here. Now I get to help others feel happier, healthier and less stressed about food. And yes, dirty fries are still on the menu just done my way now.”

Lesley runs the Shotts Slimming World group every Wednesday at 7pm in the Brass Band Hall, Windsor Street, Shotts. To join, pop along or contact Lesley on 07842 201642.

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This is a very similar situation to the one that surrounded Red Bull’s former head of strategy, Will Courtenay, who is now McLaren’s sporting director.

It emerged at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix that Courtenay had signed to join McLaren when his contract ended, and Red Bull emphasised that he would not be allowed to leave before 2026.

They did not specify exactly when in 2026, and BBC Sport has been told that negotiations were held that led to him starting work at McLaren on 1 January this year.

Despite that, for the entirety of last year, Courtenay stayed in his previous role, even though Red Bull were fighting McLaren for the drivers’ championship.

For now, the same thing will happen with Lambiase – he will continue in his role as Red Bull’s head of racing and race engineer to Verstappen for the foreseeable future.

However, just because Red Bull’s statement announcing his departure said he would not be joining McLaren until 2028 does not necessarily mean that will be the case.

McLaren’s statement said Lambiase would join “no later than 2028”. That means they will be hoping to come to an agreement with Red Bull that shortens that timeframe.

It’s worth pointing out, meanwhile, that McLaren have emphasised that Lambiase is joining to provide support for team principal Andrea Stella, not ultimately replace him.

Stella has until now been fulfilling the role to which Lambiase has been appointed, that of chief racing officer, in addition to that of team principal.

Stella said last week: “Zak (Brown, the chief executive officer of McLaren Racing) and I have built a flat team structure, in which it is essential to ensure all leaders are properly empowered, but at the same time, we must guarantee there is always the necessary level of long-term support.

“It goes without saying that, with this approach, the dual role I currently hold could not be sustainable in the long run.”

McLaren have indirectly – but very clearly – rejected what are said to be inaccurate reports that Stella is on his way to Ferrari.

Stella said in a statement issued by McLaren on Friday: “Some of the recent rumours, including those regarding astronomical salaries and mythical pre-contracts, have made me smile.

“It almost seems as though the ‘silly season’, which usually begins before summer, has arrived early.

“I’m quite used to this sort of thing by now and I take with a smile. It almost looks as if some envious pastry chef has tried to spoil the preparation of a good dessert at the McLaren patisserie. However, we do know very well how to distinguish the good ingredients from the poisoned biscuits.”

Trucks full of equipment were parked in Le Mans Crescent and in front of Ye Olde Pastie Shop and Ye Olde Man and Scythe on Churchgate this morning.

Crews were seen unloading the vans labelled with the DropCity logo – a company that provides lighting, rigging and other filming equipment.

Filming also took place yesterday (April 20), for what The Bolton News understands is an advertisement.

Last week, Bolton played host to the stars of Coronation Street as ITV crews were spotted on Le Mans Crescent filming the popular soap.

Film crews on Le Mans Crescent (Image: Newsquest)

The Old Bolton Magistrates Court is often used for court scenes, and the trial following the murder of Seb Franklin was shot there in July 2021 and 2022.

Earlier this month, the upcoming courtroom drama Saviour was also shot on the scenic street which remains a popular site for film crews.

The series stars Anjli Mohindra, Shaun Parkes and Aidan Gillen, who played Little Finger in the hit HBO show Game of Thrones.

Film crews at The Wellsprings (Image: Newsquest)

Saviour follows Ben (Archie Fisher), who, after borrowing his dad’s police uniform for a costume party, gets into an altercation that results in a man’s death. 

In defending Ben from an allegation of murder, Indy (Anjli Mohindra) is confronted with a world of corruption, racial politics, media buzz, a frustratingly traditional justice system and a defendant who is keeping secrets from her. 

The shoot took place outside the old courthouse, which has been used for some of the biggest dramas, including the detective series Ridley. 

Saviour will air on ITV, STV and stream on ITVX and STV Player. 

Millions of vehicle owners could take advantage of this

Millions of vehicle owners are expected to notice a major rule change that’s expected within just months.

People without driveways will soon find it significantly easier, and more affordable, to charge an electric vehicle from home. Homeowners will no longer require planning permission to install pavement charging “gullies”, enabling cables to be safely channelled underneath the pavement instead of stretching across it – a practice currently prohibited due to tripping risks. Ministers have announced that legislation will be fast-tracked this summer to classify these installations as permitted development.

Officials indicate that by year’s end, motorists could fit a gully outside their property without needing council consent. The reform aims to eliminate one of the most significant obstacles to electric vehicle ownership for those lacking off-street parking – a demographic spanning millions throughout Britain’s urban areas.

Home charging is substantially more economical than depending on public facilities. Figures from Zapmap reveal the typical cost of using a public charger sits at approximately 72p per kWh, while specialist domestic tariffs can drop to as little as 8p per kWh.

This stark difference means drivers able to charge at home could save hundreds of pounds annually compared with those reliant on public networks. The new framework will allow motorists to thread a charging cable through a slim channel fitted into the pavement, removing the necessity to drape leads across footpaths.

Nevertheless, installation costs may present a hurdle. While certain councils are already subsidising the gullies, in numerous regions, homeowners will need to cover the cost themselves – usually around £1,000. Even so, the initial outlay can be swiftly offset through reduced electricity bills compared with petrol, diesel or public charging points.

The initiative follows a spike in electric vehicle demand, fuelled partly by stubbornly high fuel prices. Energy provider Octopus Energy reported EV sales leapt by a fifth during the first three weeks of March compared with the preceding month.

Throughout Europe, appetite is growing even more rapidly. Data from transport research organisation NewAutomotive reveals electric car sales across the EU soared by 51 per cent last month compared with March 2025, with EVs accounting for more than a fifth of all new registrations.

In the UK, electric cars have also reached a crucial milestone on pricing. According to Autotrader, the average new EV now stands at £42,620 – marginally below the £43,405 average for a petrol vehicle. The Government is simultaneously attempting to address the steep cost of electricity, which has long weakened the economic argument for switching to electric.

Ministers have unveiled proposals today to sever the connection between electricity prices and wholesale gas costs – which presently determine the price around 60% of the time. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has highlighted nations such as Spain, where greater dependence on renewables has helped protect consumers from the worst of recent price surges, as a blueprint for Britain.

Environmental campaigners have endorsed the drive. Angharad Hopkinson, political campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said: “Britain is sick and tired of an energy system where pump prices and… bills go up and down based on Trump’s latest social post. The government is absolutely right to be looking at every possible solution.”

For motorists who don’t have off-street parking, the regulatory shift could prove transformative – at last making domestic charging a viable prospect and reducing the expense difference between electric and traditional vehicles.

The former England opener spoke ahead of his appearance at the Roker Hotel in Sunderland for An Evening with Sir Geoffrey Boycott, reflecting on the individuals instrumental in the club’s rise in 1992.

Sir Geoffrey said: “I have loved my visits to the North East through the years.

“It has been so good to return to Durham in recent times and catch up with lots of old friends in and around the area.”

Matty Roseberry (Image: Supplied)

He praised Durham’s home ground, The Riverside, calling it a “fantastic focal point for the area” with a “fantastic reputation for staging major international matches”.

Among those he remembered was Matty Roseberry of Sunderland, who played a key role in supporting the club’s development.

Sir Geoffrey said: “Matty organised many fundraisers for Durham.

“I built up a great friendship with him, his wife Jean, and their lovely family – and whenever I was in the area, I would often stay with them.”

Mr Roseberry, who had interests in a number of hotels and pubs — most notably the Rainton Arena — was renowned for his connections and his ability to bring people together for the benefit of the game.

Sir Geoffrey said: “Matty was incredibly well connected.”

He recalled a fundraising event organised by Mr Roseberry that brought together Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton, and Sir Booby Robson in support of the Bobby Robson Foundation.

The event remains a cherished memory for those who attended.

Sir Geoffrey said Mr Roseberry’s motivation to help elevate cricket in the region was partly inspired by his son Michael.

He said: “Matty’s place in Sunderland’s heritage will live on.”

He also paid tribute to former Durham chairman Don Robson, who led the campaign to secure first-class status for the club.

Sir Geoffrey said: “He’s someone I built up a great friendship with.

Don Robson (Image: Supplied)

“He and his team worked tirelessly to get first-class status for Durham over the line.

“They were so lucky to have Don on board because he simply never gave up.

“He was always on the phone, pushing for his dream and wanting it to happen.

“His lovely wife Jenny was a real driving force in it all too.”

Both Don and Jenny Robson have since passed away, but Sir Geoffrey stressed their enduring legacy at the club.

He said: “Without their drive, persistence of these very special people, Durham would likely not be the force it is today.

“No matter what obstacles they faced, they simply found a way around them and pushed on.”

Sir Geoffrey Boycott will share these memories, along with his views on the current state of English cricket and the England and Wales Cricket Board, at his event in Sunderland on Friday, April 24.

He will also appear at The Hub, Teesside University on Friday, June 19.

Tickets for An Evening with Sir Geoffrey Boycott are available from ticketsource or by calling Goffy Media on 07990 588 424.

Sir Geoffrey said: “We will have plenty to talk about and so many English cricket fans are still in shock following the Ashes disaster in Australia and I feel sure that will feature at some point.”

The evening promises a blend of stories, insights, and strong opinions from one of cricket’s most respected and outspoken voices.

It is a rare chance to hear directly from a figure who has helped shape the game on and off the pitch, while also acknowledging those who made lasting contributions to the sport in the North East.

Disruption was expected until the late morning

Some trains travelling from Cambridgeshire towards London were blocked on Tuesday morning (April 21). There were reduced services running from Huntingdon towards London.

This is a result of a broken down train in the Huntingdon area. Disruption was expected until at least 11am.

A National Rail spokesperson said: “A broken down train in the Huntingdon area is blocking one of the lines towards London. As a result, fewer lines than normal are available heading southbound.”

Great Northern trains between Peterborough and London Kings Cross are affected, as well as Thameslink trains between Peterborough, London Kings Cross, Three Bridges, and Horsham.

National Rail added: “If you’re travelling from Huntingdon towards Stevenage and London, you should travel on an alternative Thameslink / Great Northern service to Peterborough, and change there for an alternative Thameslink / Great Northern service towards Stevenage and London.

“If you’re travelling from Peterborough to Huntingdon, you should travel on a Thameslink / Great Northern service to St Neots, and change there for a northbound service calling at Huntingdon. While travelling, you should listen to announcements and check station screens for up-to-date train running information.”

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“Someone in that club or team at the time should have been swatting him down, and they might have been, and he ignored them. But the best thing Man United did was sell him because, forget his ability, and I don’t think he is that great anyway, but I thought his attitude was a disgrace when he was at Man United.