Joe Swift, presenter of Gardeners’ World, shared his top tips for pruning lilacs and highlighted nine of the “finest” varieties for gardens this season

Gardening expert Joe Swift has revealed a straightforward technique to ensure your lilacs bloom beautifully again next year. A lilac is a flowering shrub, or occasionally a small tree, celebrated for its fragrant purple, pink, white, or blue blossoms that typically appear during spring.

Drawing on his extensive gardening experience, the Gardeners’ World presenter named the plant as one of his personal favourites.

“There is something rather wonderful about capturing a plant in all its brief glory, a precious week or two before it’s over for another year,” he shared.

“This is how I feel about lilacs, which tend to flower for about two to three weeks, although their backdrop-forming heart-shaped foliage is certainly an asset in the summer and autumn months.”

Offering his pruning guidance, he wrote in The Times Weekend Magazine: “Once your lilac gets to about 6ft tall, prune it lightly every year after flowering to develop a nicely balanced framework of stems.

“Thin it out a little by taking off any weak twiggy growth, non-productive and rubbing stems and any suckers from the base. Cut long (what you think is too long, that is) and thin stems back to a pair of leaves so that you are left with branches about the thickness of a pencil, and it should flower nicely the next year.”

He further pointed out that lilacs “cope well” with extreme temperatures, thrive in most soil types, with the exception of highly acidic ones, and can tolerate pollution with ease.

Detailing the “nine fine lilacs”, he identified:

• Syringa vulgaris ‘Andenken an Ludwig Späth’
• ‘Bellicent’ (Syringa × josiflexa)
• ‘Charles Joly’ (Syringa vulgaris)
• ‘Madame Lemoine’ (Syringa vulgaris)
• ‘Firmament’ (Syringa vulgaris)
• Syringa microphylla subsp. pubescens ‘Superba’
• ‘Red Pixie’ (Syringa hybrid group)
• Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ (Korean lilac)
• Syringa meyeri Flowerfesta Series (White, Pink, Purple)

Should any of your lilacs be aged, misshapen, excessively large, overly dense, or struggling to flower properly, Joe suggested it might require some “significant pruning”.

In these situations, he recommends cutting the plant down to within 15-20cm (6-8in) of ground level during spring, although earlier in the season is better.

“Yes, you’ll lose flowers that year. This severe pruning will throw up many shoots. At roughly the same time next year, select and retain several strong, healthy shoots to form the new framework, prune back to pencil thickness and remove all the others at ground level,” he added.

Joe’s guidance follows Alan Titchmarsh revealing his five essential gardening tasks to tackle before April ends.

According to him, the present moment is ideal for addressing the lawn, especially as it may have been impacted by moss following winter.

He also suggests pricking out young seedlings, sowing seeds in the vegetable patch, planting hardy perennials, and introducing cherry trees to the garden.

The church stands central as a prominent landmark in a Cambridgeshire town

Across Cambridgeshire, there are many buildings that are suffering from deterioration and decay. As a result, these buildings have been placed on the Historic England “at risk” register. One building at risk is St Mary’s with St Benedict Church in Huntingdon. This church is said to be the “mother church of Huntingdon”.

The Grade I listed building dates back as far as 972 AD. It’s thought the church at this time would have been a wooden structure and existed in the Saxon times.

The founding of the present stone church was not until 1109 AD. At this time, there was a bishop and 12 monks that created a monastic foundation on the north west side of the churchyard.

Over its history, the church has had its “ups and downs”, according to A Church Near You. During the 13th century, a clerestory was added to the church. Stained glass was then added to the south side of the church, and this is the same stained glass seen in the church today.

In 1609, the church faced a dilemma. Part of the tower fell into the nave of the church, but it’s unsure how it fell down. It was rebuilt between 1609 and 1620. Around 100 years later, another part of the church fell. Part of the south aisle fell in and had to be rebuilt.

The church had to undergo a bit more work in the early 19th century, when the roof supports were replaced with iron ones. This was to make sure the roof didn’t collapse into the church.

Today, the church stands as an important landmark in Huntingdon’s town centre. Unfortunately, it’s an at-risk building as emergency roof repairs had to take place in 2020. In 2025, Historic England deemed the building to be in “poor condition”. It also said it was in “slow decay”.

US President Donald Trump had to be rushed to safety by his security agents after a gunman fired shots inside the hotel hosting the White House correspondents’ dinner.

Others in attendance included Vice-President JD Vance, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and a host of high-profile politicians, diplomats and journalists.

According to US media reports, the suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.

Police said Allen was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the dinner was taking place, and was carrying multiple weapons – including guns and knives.

One US security agent was injured and received treatment in hospital, authorities said.

More on this story.

The programme, announced this week by the Government, will provide bespoke health support for firefighters and includes regular health checks and funded research into the long-term physical and mental health impacts of their work.

The scheme forms part of the new Firefighters’ Concordat on Health and Wellbeing and has been welcomed by leaders across York and North Yorkshire.

Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, said: “Firefighters in York and North Yorkshire face real physical and mental demands in their work protecting our communities.

“This Government commitment recognises that firefighter health and wellbeing must be treated as a long‑term priority, not an afterthought.

“Mayor David Skaith and I have made workforce safety and wellbeing central to our Fire and Rescue Plan, and this national funding will help strengthen our local work.”

Leaders across York and North Yorkshire say the national plan aligns closely with existing regional priorities, as outlined in the Mayor’s Fire and Rescue Plan and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Risk Management Plan.

Both documents emphasise the importance of a healthy and resilient workforce and outline strategies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all staff.

The new concordat comes amid growing awareness of the long-term health risks faced by firefighters.

These include exposure to contaminants, physical strain and trauma, with impacts that may not appear until years later.

Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service welcomed the announcement, saying: “I welcome the Government’s commitment to improving firefighter health and wellbeing through the introduction of a Firefighters’ Concordat, stronger national research and a renewed focus on prevention and early intervention.

“A clearer, evidence‑based national approach – particularly around occupational health monitoring and better recognition of the risks firefighters face – has the potential to make a meaningful difference during service and long after people leave the role.

“We already work hard to protect the health of our workforce, and it’s important that this builds on existing good practice and strengthens consistency.

“Looking after firefighter health is not just about supporting our people – it is fundamental to protecting the communities we serve.

“A healthy, well‑supported workforce is better able to respond safely and effectively and that resilience benefits everyone.

“We look forward to engaging with partners across the sector to help shape a concordat.”

The new funding and framework are expected to improve not only the health and wellbeing of individual firefighters but also the long-term resilience of fire and rescue services.

The Combined Authority will work closely with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, national partners and the Government as further details of the programme are confirmed.

Ronnie O’Sullivan started strongly in his blockbuster second round clash with John Higgins at the Crucible, looking ‘pretty evil’ when in the balls, according to former world champion John Parrott.

The Rocket breezed into the last 16 with a 10-2 demolition of He Guoqiang, but a sterner test awaited in the form of four-time champion Higgins.

The Wizard of Wishaw downed Ali Carter 10-7 in his first match and arrived at the Crucible this year after reaching the finals of the Masters and two ranking events this season.

There is a long way to go in their best-of-25 encounter, but O’Sullivan is in control early on, leading 6-2 after Saturday night’s first session.

He opened with a breezy 86 and made further breaks of 82, 137, 95 and 76 in a session he dominated and looked good doing so, while the Scot struggled to find anything close to his best.

Higgins scrapped away to try and pinch the final frame from behind, but didn’t manage to get the snookers he required and Parrott felt 6-2 was an appropriate reflection of the play.

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‘It’s absolutely the right result. If John could have got out of it 5-3 behind he’d have been delighted,’ the 1991 world champion said on the BBC.

‘I think on what we’ve seen on the play, 6-2 is definitely the right scoreline
Ronnie was pretty evil there amongst the balls and was definitely the best of the two players.’

The Rocket’s form was a little questionable ahead of the tournament, having had a quiet season, although he was brilliant at March’s World Open and appears to have continued in that rhythm since then.

On Higgins’ chances of a comeback, Parrott said: ‘He knows he’s very capable of beating Ronnie 6-2. At the moment…usually if you want to turn a score around you’ve got to play great and you need a little bit of help

‘That little bit of help I don’t think is going to be forthcoming, so John’s going to have to his top game because it doesn’t look like Ronnie’s going to dip any time soon.

‘I think tinkering about and getting the method he’s happy with and hitting the ball, I think he’s really happy. I was talking to him the other night in the practice room and he’s saying it’s the best he’s felt hitting the ball, he’s really happy with the way he’s striking it.’

Steve Davis is also liking what he sees and hears from the seven-time champion during this event, as his chances of a record eighth title appear increasingly good.

‘I quite liked a couple of interviews he’s done. Very measured and I think he’s enjoying it and enjoying the challenge. That’s half the battle,’ said the six-time Crucible conqueror.

‘Sometimes he’s come here and he’s not been revelling in the attention. This time I think he’s got the right amount of ability to withstand all the eyes upon him. As a result of that, he feels more relaxed around the venue.’

The clash of the Class of 92 legends is played over two more sessions, on Sunday night and Monday afternoon, with the winner taking on either Chris Wakelin or Neil Robertson in the quarter-finals.

That game is level at 4-4, with play still to come on Sunday afternoon and Monday evening.

Already into the quarter-finals are Barry Hawkins and Mark Allen who both came through tough contests in the second round over Mark Williams and Kyren Wilson respectively.

The Hawk was delighted to see off three-time champion Williams, as he returns to the last eight at the Crucible for the first time since 2018.

‘To come here, play like that and beat him at the Crucible is a special result for me,’ said the current Welsh Open champion.

‘I’ve beaten him the last couple of times we’ve played now. I think in the past I had too much respect for him. I used to crumble against those sorts of players. I think in the last four or five years I’ve had more belief in myself and that has made the difference in the last few days.

‘It was an amazing reception. I could see on the screen before I walked out that there was already a standing ovation. They weren’t standing for me, they were standing for the Class of 92. When I walked out, what a feeling, it is the best place to play when it is like that.’

MORE: Kyren Wilson blasts celebration police: ‘What planet are these people on?’

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A man has been left feeling guilty after a neighbour complained about their loud morning routine – but once listening to their message it nearly cost them their job

We all have mornings where dragging ourselves out of bed feels like a monumental task. But for some people, this battle plays out every single day, with many claiming they struggle to even hear their blaring alarms going off in the early hours.

This was precisely the situation for one individual, who received a note from their next-door neighbour complaining their alarm had been waking them up between 4:30am and 6am for several weeks on the trot, urging them to turn down the volume. However, doing so caused the heavy sleeper to snooze straight through their morning alarm, leaving them hours late for work.

The person soon took to Reddit’s ‘ApartmentLiving’ forum to ask for advice as to what to do, as they almost lost their job by complying to the neighbour’s complaint.

“I received this note on my door today and I feel like a b****. I do have to say my alarms are very noisy and they are very f***ing early,” the user wrote.

They went on to explain they had slept through their morning alarm a few weeks earlier, resulting in them arriving three hours late for work. Upon realising they had overslept, the user rang their manager to explain the situation and let them know they were on their way. By that point, their manager had already arranged cover for them, meaning they lost a full day’s work.

“So I made my alarms more frequent and to the loudest setting possible which has helped me. I use an Amazon Echo on my nightstand and I believe the wall behind it is this neighbour’s bedroom wall as well,” they explained.

They added they were also a deep sleeper, who also has sleep apnoea and uses a CPAP machine, which they claimed can be noisy and make it harder to hear their alarms.

But since this had lead to their neighbour leaving them a message, the heavy sleeper went on to ask others for solutions to this problem.

They explained: “I really don’t want to disturb other people as I understand sleep is very important, but at the same time I really cannot afford to miss work again in fear of termination. I genuinely want to cry, I feel like such an awful person.”

Thousands of people soon took to the comment section to share their sympathies, as many also revealed solutions to try.

One user said: “Maybe look into alarm systems for deaf people, physical sensation instead of noise.”

Someone else shared: “For people who are blind and or deaf, they have pads that you put on your bed that will vibrate and shake so that it wakes you up possibly try that.”

Another user said he and his wife wake up at different times, and ended up getting FitBit watches, which vibrates on your arm once the alarm goes off, instead of generating a loud noise.

To this, another user also said: “My Apple watch is great for this, I can easily sleep through sound-only alarms but the vibration on my wrist never fails.”

However to this, the user said: “Apple Watch vibration is not enough, and all of my apartment lights and bedroom lights are automated to turn on at 4:15am every morning.”

Another summer of upheaval is expected at Chelsea this summer, with the club expected to desert its youth-focused transfer strategy in favour of signing more experienced talent. The priority, though, will be signing a new manager, with Andoni Iraola, Marco Silva and Cesc Fabregas all linked with the job.

King Charles’ state visit to the United States is set to go ahead in just a few days, but security measures for the royal are under review after the shooting in Washingon DC last night.

An apparent would-be assassin stormed a dinner event where Donald Trump was preparing to address top US journalists last night.

Gunshots rang out at the hotel where the formal White House Correspondents’ Dinner was taking place, with one Secret Service agent hit but ‘in good spirits’, the President said.

Speaking about the attack, chief secretary to Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Sky News today: ‘As you would imagine, with His Majesty the King, this week our teams are working closely to ensure that security arrangements are put appropriately in place.

He added: ‘As you would imagine, the government and the Palace were in close cooperation with American counterparts in advance of the visit anyway, and further discussions will be taking place today, ahead of next week.’

The King and Queen are due to visit the US for a state visit at the end of April. 

The president has promised them ‘a beautiful banquet dinner’ and revealed the ‘historic state visit’ will take place over four days from April 27-30 – despite Buckingham Palace deciding not to release the exact dates in its own official announcement.

‘I look forward to spending time with the King, whom I greatly respect. It will be TERRIFIC!,’ Trump said at the time of the announcement.

It’s expected that the Americans will roll out the red carpet for the King, despite celebrating 250 years without British rule.

Trump will also likely give a tour to Charles around the White House – though he was quick to say that he won’t show off as many historic items to the King.

During his state visit this year, Trump joked, ‘You know what? I’m going to treat you to a state dinner, you can come to the US, and I’m not going to drag you around the Lincoln Memorial. You can just have dinner and then go to bed.’

The transatlantic trip will be subject to the King being well enough, with the 77-year-old head of state currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

Charles was last in Washington, DC, for the funeral of former President George H.W. Bush in Washington, but he’s met many Presidents.

He is expected to be joined by his wife, Queen Camilla, for the landmark visit.

Charles has made more than a dozen overseas trips since becoming King, including state visits to France, Italy and Kenya.

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

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The beach provides a quieter seaside spot than some of its more popular neighbours

A beach under two hours away from Cambridge has been named as one of the best in the UK by Condé Nast. Walberswick Beach, on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, is a sandy and shingle beach is known for its majestic dunes, and being a popular spot for crabbing.

This beach offers a quiet alternative for those looking to spend some time relaxing in the rays, unlike neighbouring Southwold which tends to be a much busier spot.

Condé Nast wrote: “For a classically British beach, plan a trip to the rugged shores of Walberswick. With wild grassy dunes and rolling sandy stretches spilling into frothy waves, it’s a brilliant place for a foodie seaside trip.”

There are plenty of pubs offering crisp refreshments and the classic fish and chips. Although, if you are looking for a broader variety, Condé Nast also recommends visitors to Walberswick hop aboard Dani Church’s row-boat ferry across the river to the excellent “plethora of fish restaurants” in Southwold.

Talking of pubs, Walberswick is home to two – The Bell Inn and The Anchor. The Bell Inn is over 600 years old and offers a range of food and drink and has a large beer garden to make the most of your time in the sunshine. This lovely establishment recommends tourists try a sea swim for breakfast like “the locals do” as well as taking buckets and bait to attract some crabs in the “unofficial home of crabbing”.

The Anchor is an award-winning inn and restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced produce to serve up a range of dishes. Some items on offer at this pretty establishment include oysters from West Mersea, smoked fish from Lowestoft, Jimmy Butler’s Blythburgh pork, Red Poll Beef reared in nearby Westleton, and vegetables from local farms and their own allotment.

Walberswick is also a picturesque place to take a leisurely walk in the fresh air and Dunwich isn’t too far if you are feeling extra adventurous.

Asked if there are any extra concerns for the King’s safety during the state visit that begins on Monday, Mr Jones said: “As you would imagine, the Government and the Palace take the security of His Majesty very seriously, and there were already extensive discussions taking place, which will continue over the coming days.”