Revelstoke Road children’s home in Sunderland was praised by Ofsted for its “homely atmosphere” and carers’ “exceptional understanding” of the children.

Operated by Together for Children (TfC), the home houses six children with social and emotional needs and is one of nine homes run by TfC, which works in partnership with Sunderland City Council.

Simon Marshall, chief executive of TfC and director of children’s services at Sunderland City Council, said: “It is fantastic to see Revelstoke Road recognised as Outstanding.

“This is testament to the dedication and understanding of the carers, who have created a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and remain fully committed to providing the highest standard of care and this recognition of our carers is well-deserved.”

The outstanding grade was awarded during an inspection in March, with Ofsted noting the positive relationships between children and carers as key to the children’s progress.

The report stated: “Children are thriving in this home.

“They make excellent progress because of the close, positive relationships that they have with staff.

“Children talk about carers fondly and the home is filled with laughter.”

Inspectors highlighted the home’s efforts to help children engage in meaningful education, secure volunteering placements, part-time jobs and college opportunities.

Carers were commended for helping a young person build road safety awareness, enabling them to walk to school independently.

Support for health needs and life-story work was also recognised as important in helping children make sense of their personal histories.

Mark Christie, manager of Revelstoke Road, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team and the young people who live here.

“We work hard to build reparative relationships with the children, within our therapeutic model and to make sure they are listened to, supported and valued, so it really means a lot to us to see the team’s effort reflected in this latest Ofsted report.”

The system will allow passengers to tap on at a gate or platform validator at the start of their journey and tap off at the end

Translink’s new tap-on/tap-off ticketing system will be rolled out to rail services between late 2027 and early 2028, the Infrastructure Minister has confirmed.

Minister Liz Kimmins was responding to a written question from DUP MLA Peter Martin, who asked her to detail the reason why ticket machines were chosen for the new Translink ticketing option at train stations and not contactless hop-on and hop-off payments.

When rolled out, the new system will operate similarly to London’s Oyster system, where passengers can tap their contactless card or device at the ticket barrier when getting on and off the train, with the best fare calculated for the passenger at the end of the day.

“As part of Translink’s Future Ticketing System project, the introduction of contactless ‘Tap On and Tap Off’ account-based ticketing is planned to commence across the rail network in late 2027 or early 2028,” Minister Kimmins said.

“This system will allow passengers to tap on at a gate or platform validator at the start of their journey and tap off at the end, with fares and any applicable discounts calculated automatically through back-office systems. Gate and platform validator devices have already been installed at rail stations across the network in preparation for this future contactless payment capability.

“Ticket vending machines were installed at rail stations as an interim and complementary measure to ensure that all customers can continue to access rail services prior to the introduction of contactless Tap On and Tap Off payments. Not all passengers are currently able, or may wish, to use contactless payment methods.

“This includes customers entitled to concessionary travel, such as Senior SmartPass holders, yLink card holders and Half Fare SmartPass holders, as well as those who prefer to purchase paper tickets.

“The provision of ticket vending machines, alongside gates and platform validators, enables customers to purchase or validate tickets prior to boarding services. This reduces reliance on on-train ticket sales, supports conductors in carrying out their duties, and helps to ensure that fare revenue is protected to the optimum level across the rail network.”

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The Friday letters page isn’t sure what to make of the new Resident Evil movie trailer, as a reader tries to work out what Xbox’s next gen plan might be.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Personal best
People have been talking about Rockstar games that aren’t GTA recently and it got me thinking what is actually their best game? I think a lot of people would say GTA 5, at the moment, but since it’s so old I’ve kind of got sick of it and can’t bring myself to play GTA Online anymore.

But if it’s not that then the obvious answer is Red Dead Redemption 2 and I’m afraid to say I don’t really see anything else as being particularly close. L.A. Noire was only ever a novelty, they never worked out what to do in lessons with Bully, and The Warriors wasn’t a particularly good beat ‘em up.

I could see an argument for their table tennis game but, let’s be real, it’s Red Dead Redemption 2 that’s the best thing they’ve ever done. Let’s hope that changes with GTA 6 though or otherwise this long wait will have been for nothing.
Larson

Movie accurate
Great preview of 007 First Light and very glad to hear that it’s looking good, as I’ve found the trailers so far a little underwhelming. GoldenEye 007 may have been a great game but it wasn’t very much like a Bond movie. He doesn’t gun down dozens of people every five minutes and while there was a more than that to the game, it’s still a shooter before anything else.

This game sounds like it’s actually like one of the movies, where you’re doing the same sort of stuff. I particularly like the idea of just wandering around a party and listening in and chatting to people. It might not sound very exciting but it’s the sort of thing you’d see in the films but that most games would leave out or put in a cut scene. Will be keeping a close eye on this from now on.
Coby

Reinventing the wheel
I do agree that relying on remakes is not the way forward for Assassin’s Creed. Ubisoft are obviously trying to copy Capcom, but the thing is the old Resident Evil games, even 4, are almost unplayable nowadays with their clunky controls and retro graphics. Nobody but a hardcore fan is going to pick up 2 on the PlayStation and play it nowadays, so it needed a remake.

But Black Flag still looks fine for an Xbox 360 and while the new version will look better it’s not suddenly going to make an outdated game playable again.

It’ll probably sell anyway, because nostalgia, but for me it’s a distraction from making the next game better. Shadows was fine but it was the setting and graphics that sold it. I don’t see anyone getting excited about witch trials in Germany like they did about being a ninja in Japan.
Schnorbitz

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Evil in residence
I’ve seen a lot of negative responses to the Resident Evil movie trailer, but I think this breakdown by the director explains things pretty well. He basically says that he’s trying to get across the style of the game, rather than repeating any of the stories.

So you’ve got a third person camera that acts like a game, lots of sorting through drawers, and always hunting for keys and ammunition and health. So the film is doing all the things the games do but this time the hero is just a regular guy who isn’t a combat pro or anything.

I’m not saying it’s going to work, or that it’s the best way to go, but it’s got to be a better approach than the terrible last one, which was the closest one of the films has been to the games. I’d much rather it be a good film than an authentic one, especially after having seen the latest Mario.
Zeiss

A Link to the cinema
Hey, here’s food for thought and I know I’m getting a little ahead of myself right now.

The Legend of Zelda movie will be out in the not too distant future. Let’s assume that there is likely to be a sequel. Only a few Legend of Zelda titles have used the same Link as the main character, hence the legend.

If a sequel is made are they going to use the same cast or stay true to the games by having a completely different blonde-haired boy?

I told you I was getting ahead of myself.
freeway 77

GC: Clearly the answer is to choose someone with pink hair.

Things can only get worse
I know they weren’t expecting anything better, but those Xbox sales results are just tragic. They’re so bad I don’t understand how it could ever be turned round. I get Microsoft is mega rich and nothing that happens with Xbox is ever going to be more than pocket change to them but what is the long term plan here?

No one’s going to buy a Project Helix, we can put that ridiculous idea to bed right now. Unless it’s half the price of PlayStation 5, but it sounds like I’ll be more like twice. They’re not making enough money from selling games, even on PlayStation 5 – although they can’t seem to get their act together on that anyway, and have things like Forza Horizon 6 come out at the same time.

So I think the theory of just sitting there waiting until video game streaming becomes big is probably the best explanation, but good luck with that. Maybe it’ll work, maybe it won’t but if there’s one thing we know Microsoft isn’t very good at it’s predicting the future.

Ultimately it doesn’t matter, since Xbox is basically irrelevant now, and to be honest, if they did give up on gaming, we’d only get someone even worse come in a try and take their place. The damage they’d done with buying up so many companies is awful but I’m sure it could be even worse.
Cranston

Multiple problems
Maybe I’m a bit slow but I don’t get why everyone is moaning about Sony and DRM. As far as I can tell it’s so they can check that you have a right to play that game if you have download it.

It means you have got broadband in order to download it, so I can’t see the problem. As a download you haven’t bought the game, you have bought the right to play the game. So what’s the problem?
David

GC: It took days for Sony to explain what it was for, leaving people to guess. Also, sometimes your broadband, or PS Plus, goes down.

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Indirect adaptation
So that Resident Evil movie trailer was very interesting. Zach Cregger is a great filmmaker, so I don’t think there’s any doubt this is going to be the best made video game movie ever. Although the situation’s so bad I don’t even know what would be the second best, at least until Elden Ring appears.

The very obvious problem is that there’s absolutely nothing in the trailer that makes it obvious it’s Resident Evil. If it didn’t say the name I doubt anybody would make the connection. Maybe there are some Lickers or Hunters hiding just off-screen but I get the feeling there aren’t and that the monsters are all original.

If this was a game and that was the case I’d be all for it but for a film it does start to stray into ‘What is the point?’ territory. If nothing about the film is like the games, except maybe some zombies, should it even be called Resident Evil?

But… what if the secret of making a good video game movie is to make it have very little in common with the games beyond the general concept/atmosphere. Cregger can make whatever he wants and if it’s good that would be a hell of a lot better than anything else before it. Then just slap the Resident Evil name on and he can say it was inspired by the games, while only having the most basic of similarities.

I’ll watch it because I like his previous stuff and I like Resident Evil, but I can see a lot of super fans getting upset about it because it’s not just a nostalgia fest.
Focus

Inbox also-rans
That Invincible VS game sounds a bit disappointing. Can I ask whether Damien Darkblood is in it as a playable character?
Keyts

GC: Sadly not.

Someone took the innards out of a Switch 2 cartridge and sold the empty plastic shell? That is so much effort to rip someone off for a few pounds. People are the worst.
Jsper

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The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.

You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.

MORE: Games Inbox: Will Marvel’s Wolverine be as good as Spider-Man 2?

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MORE: Games Inbox: What new characters will be in the next Smash Bros.?

Happy Rooms will be hosted at Middlesbrough Town Hall from July 27 to August 30, featuring 12 immersive, artist-designed rooms that explore happiness through colour, creativity and play.

The event, designed to spark imagination and fun in visitors of all ages, will include a mix of returning favourites and new spaces.

It will feature 12 immersive, artist-designed rooms that explore happiness through colour, creativity and play (Image: Dave Charnley Stella)

Rachel Willis and Lyndsey Stephenson, directors of Teesside-based Stellar Creates, are behind the project.

Ms Willis said: “This year brings a perfect mix of returning favourites and brand-new rooms, designed to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.”

Lyndsey Stephenson said the event aims to capture what happiness really means, adding: “Happy Rooms delves into the essence of happiness.

“We want visitors to celebrate play, the great outdoors, colour, family, rest and relaxation this Summer.”

Quiet and relaxed sessions will also be available daily (Image: Dave Charnley Stella)

Happy Rooms will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5pm, with entry every 15 minutes and the last admission at 3.30pm.

READ MORE: Prolific paedophile pensioner searched for pictures of ‘boys in Speedos’ online
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The experience lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

Quiet and relaxed sessions will also be available daily at 9.30am and 9.45am.

Tickets are £6.50 for children and £8.50 for adults, with family bundles and off-peak discounts available.

To book, visit: www.happyrooms.co.uk

North Yorkshire Police is on the scene on the A59 at Whixley, near Knaresborough, on Thursday afternoon (April 30).

Motorists are facing delays with people urged to avoid the area, the force said.

“We are working to recover the vehicles and get the road fully open as soon as possible,” a police spokesperson said.

“There will be delays in the area at this time.”

Jenny Gilruth, SNP candidate for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, said: “The SNP has transformed childcare in Scotland – providing 1,140 hours of free, high-quality early learning and childcare, worth around £6,000 to families every year. But we have heard from families across Scotland who need more support.

The group warns the current system is “outdated, increasingly unaffordable, and too rigid” — piling pressure on public finances as the population ages.

At the centre of the proposals is a dramatic shift away from the traditional pension model.

Instead, the think tank wants a new “lifespan fund” – allowing people to build up state-backed support not just through work, but also caring responsibilities and education.

That support could then be used during key moments in life – including unemployment, retraining or caring for family.

Tom Smith, director of economic policy at the Tony Blair Institute, said: “Britain’s state pension system was built for a different era.”

He added: “We can’t keep pouring money into a system that is increasingly unaffordable.”

Triple lock ‘cannot continue’

The report takes direct aim at the triple lock — the policy that guarantees the state pension rises each year by the highest of earnings, inflation or 2.5%.

Smith said: “Pension spending must be contained, and that means the triple lock cannot continue after the next election.”

He added: “Ending it will require political leadership from all parties — but that should only be the first step.”

A £66bn warning

The intervention comes amid stark projections about the future cost of pensions.

The report warns that the number of pensioners is set to surge from 12.6 million today to nearly 19 million by 2070.

At the same time, spending on the state pension could rise sharply – from around 5% of GDP to 7.8%, putting pressure on taxes and public services.

By contrast, the proposed new system could limit spending to around 5.5% – potentially avoiding £66 billion a year in extra costs by 2070.

‘Real freedom’ but with a catch

Under the plans, people would be able to dip into their pension pot earlier in life but would later repay it through higher National Insurance contributions.

Smith said: “TBI’s proposed Lifespan Fund offers that better alternative.”

He added: “It gives people real freedom to use support earlier in life… and to top it back up before retiring on their own terms.”

Big political battle ahead

The think tank is urging cross-party talks to push through reforms before the next election – setting the stage for a major political debate over the future of pensions.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Age UK firmly believes that the Triple Lock should be retained into the next Parliament.

“Over time this policy has rebuilt the value of the State Pension, helping to improve the living standards of some of our poorest pensioners.

Recommended reading:

“Today, we continue to hear from older people who are struggling financially, and the extra money the Triple Lock delivers makes a meaningful difference to many lives.

“In new polling, 3 in 10 pensioners say they are struggling financially – even before the worrying rise in energy prices.

“Going forward, we need a national debate to determine the purpose and appropriate value of the State Pension as, at present, it is set too low to provide those reliant on it with a decent standard of living throughout their later lives.”

What do you think about these proposals to replace the triple lock? Let us know in the comments.

The Met Office has forecast temperatures could surge to 26C on Friday across the UK, with 38 counties across the UK expected to hit 20C or above during the warm spell.

The Met Office has forecast temperatures could rocket to 24C within hours as Scotland enjoys a welcome warm spell.

Despite “showers” expected to arrive in the west and south-west tomorrow, with rain spreading northeastwards, the Met Office says conditions will be feeling “much warmer” in the east. It will “feel humid for many”, the national weather agency confirmed.

The Met Office’s afternoon forecast predicted highs of 26C in southern areas tomorrow, while temperatures are expected to climb to 24C in the north. Saturday is also set to be a warm day, with highs of 23C in the south and 20C in the north.

Temperature anomaly maps for tomorrow show the UK blanketed in deep red, indicating where temperatures are forecast to rise well above the seasonal average. Glasgow and Edinburgh are expected to see highs of 18C.

The ECMWF weather model predicts highs of 23C tomorrow, with the warmest conditions concentrated in the south-east of England, particularly in and around London. Afternoon highs of 22C and 23C are also expected across the Midlands and South Yorkshire, reports the Mirror.

Overall, the ECMWF model suggests as many as 38 counties will see temperatures reach 20C or above. Disappointingly for residents of Northern Ireland and Wales, all of these counties fall within either England or Scotland.

UK counties facing 20C or above on Friday

Scotland

• Sutherland
• Ross-shire and Cromartyshire
• Nairnshire
• Morayshire
• Banffshire
• Aberdeenshire
• Berwickshire
• Roxburghshire

England

• Northumberland
• Durham
• Yorkshire
• Lancashire
• Cheshire
• Shropshire
• Staffordshire
• Leicestershire
• Nottinghamshire
• Derbyshire
• Lincolnshire
• Norfolk
• Suffolk
• Cambridgeshire
• Northamptonshire
• Warwickshire
• Worcestershire
• Herefordshire
• Oxfordshire
• Buckinghamshire
• Bedfordshire
• Wiltshire
• Berkshire
• Hampshire
• Surrey
• Kent
• Sussex
• Essex
• Middlesex
• Devon

BBC Weather forecasts for Friday: “A band of cloud and showers will sweep into many western parts tomorrow. Eastern areas will be sunny and warm, particularly in south-east England. Showers will later push east into north-east England.”

It also predicts for the weekend: “Over the weekend, it will become unsettled and cloudier with frequent scattered showers, or even longer spells of rain on Sunday, for England and Wales, with a chance of thunder. Cloudier with lighter showers further north. Monday will be mainly cloudy with some lingering spells of rain. Some sunny breaks may develop towards the far south and north-west.”

Despite the scorching temperatures, this warm period is not anticipated to be classed as an official heatwave. An official heatwave is only declared when temperatures meet or surpass the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days.

The heatwave threshold ranges between 25C and 28C across the UK. It sits at 28C in the south-east of England where temperatures tend to be higher, dropping to 25C the further north you travel.