Renewing my passport was so much easier by picking a different option
Summer is almost here, with many Brits counting down to their holidays. However, before boarding planes, hopping on ferries or getting on the Eurostar, it is vital to do a passport check.
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I recently planned my summer holiday, but realised my passport needed renewing before the trip. Since the UK left the European Union, entry rules to countries across Europe have changed.
Due to these rules, my passport was classed as out of date, and so I set out to get a new one. In previous years, I chose to renew my passport through a paper form at the Post Office.
However, this time I decided to do it all online, which turned out to be cheaper and easier. It currently costs £102 to renew or replace your passport if you submit the forms online.
Otherwise, it costs £115.50 if you do it by paper. Another change that has made the process easier and faster is that passport photo booths now provide digital copies of your photo as well as a physical printout.
It means you get a digital code that links to your photo, so you simply enter it to upload it to the gov.uk website.
Once you have filled in your details and uploaded your photo on the UK Government website, you must return your old passport. I simply posted it to the address provided and waited for my new one to arrive.
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The Passport Office says it typically takes three weeks to get your new passport.
They start working on your new one as soon as they receive your documents, so it is important to get your old passport sent off as soon as you can.
To my surprise, my new passport arrived in just one week after posting out my old one. The process was much easier and faster than I had expected.
Typically, the Passport Office warns that it could take longer to receive your passport in peak seasons.
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It added: “It may take longer than three weeks if we need more information, or we need to interview you. We’ll tell you this within 3 weeks.”
However, from my own experience, I had no issues and would certainly choose to get my passport online in the future to save time and money.
It will impact 200 restaurants across the UK and cut 3,800 jobs
Premier Inn’s parent company is set to close down two well-known restaurant chains, with numerous sites across the north west to be impacted.
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Whitbread has announced it will shut the remainder of its Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants. This will see 200 restaurants across the UK close down and will hit 3,800 jobs.
The closures comes as part of a new five-year strategy which will see the firm attempt to make a quarter of a billion pounds in cost savings while overhauling its restaurants. The firm said it will retain the vast majority of its 30,000-strong workforce, however the cuts will see roughly 12 percent of employees laid off across the closed locations, the Mirror reports.
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Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants are typically located next to or inside Premier Inn hotels. The closures will see Beefeater restaurants close after 50 years in business, while Brewers Fayre was not far off celebrating the same milestone in 2029.
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Whitbread has blamed Rachel Reeves’ budget for the closures and its chief executive Dominic Paul said the move was necessary “in light of significant cost increases in the form of business rates and National Insurance”. The change will see Whitbread selling and leasing back up to £1.5 billion of its freehold properties, and will “recycle” the amount to “fund future growth”.
Speaking about the plan, Mr Paul said: “We plan to convert all our remaining branded restaurants to an integrated food and beverage offer that is preferred by our hotel guests and will unlock the addition of more highly profitable extension rooms. Our continued efforts to drive our commercial plan and efficiencies will extend our market-leading position and allow us to take share from our competitors, many of which are struggling to grow.”
Full list of Brewers Fayre restaurants set to close
It was praised for being ‘family friendly’ as well as having many local amenities
A look around Trumpington
Residents say they like living in a neighbourhood just outside of Cambridge becasuse it is “well connected” and provides the “perfect balance” of city and village life. Trumpington is conveniently located around two miles away from the city centreand is home to more than 12,000 people according to the 2021 census.
Within the rather large neighbourhood, there are a number of amenities including convenience shops for essentials, parks, schools and local services. There are also a range of charming places to eat and drink such Sole & Duck Restaurant, Hudson’s Ale House and Cafe Trumpington.
As part of our Exploring Cambridgeshire series, we spoke to residents in Trumpington about what they think of it. Daniela Casti, 38, really enjoys living in Trumpington, but since having her child, she said: “We actually enjoy it much more because it is a quiet area, very family friendly, and there’s lots of playgrounds.”
Daniela commutes to London on the weekends and she either goes via Cambridge Station or to Royston and she believes it will be “much easier” when Cambridge South opens. “It is well connected to the city centre. So by bike, we can reach the city centre in seven minutes”, she added.
Hanako Kawasaki, 26, previously lived in Chesterton but moved to Trumpington around two years ago. Hanako “loves” living in the neighbourhood and says “it is much more residential” than Chesterton. Comparing it to Fen Ditton, Hanako said that Trumpington has similarities to the newly built area especially because of the architecture and houses.
The 26-year-old cycles from her house to the city, and said it can take around 10-minutes. She said this is ideal for her because it is “really close” to the city centre but still far enough away that she can enjoy her privacy.
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Hanako said it has the “perfect balance” between village and city life, so that she can enjoy the nature around her, but not be far from shopping, cafes, and experience the “city vibe”. On the other hand, Hanako also feels as though Trumpington is swallowed by the city due to its close proximity, and bustling life.
She said that she would “highly recommend” Trumpington as a place to live for those who want “a good balance between city and nature”.
Raneem Almutairi, 32, has lived in Trumpington for around eight months. She said she thinks it is the “best area for families to live in Cambridge”. She added: “I like how everything is so close, we have supermarkets here, Sainsbury’s, Nisa, the library, schools here, so I think for families, it is perfect.”
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The 32-year-old used to ‘love’ living in London but she said that now she has a family, living near Cambridge is “more reasonable” because of the close connections.
Oliver and Rachel have both lived in the neighbourhood for more than 20 years and have seen it “grow and change” overtime. More recently, Oliver said he lives in part of the newer development, and since moving there, he is of the opinion that it has “doubled in size” and is generally comprised of ‘wealthier people’.
Frazer Leader, 33, highlighted the ideal links to the city, and alternative transport options to get elsewhere. He is particularly looking forward to Cambridge South Station because he thinks that Trumpington will get “busier and busier” which will “build more of a community”.
It has been a long time, hasn’t it? With the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, F1 has had an enforced and unexpected spring break after just three rounds of the new regulation set. But here we are, back in Miami for a sprint weekend, with some tweaks to the regulations.
Without going into too much detail – and the new regulations are so detailed that it beggars belief – there will, of course, be hope that the tweaks make for better, more sensible racing as well as bringing some of the challengers close to leaders Mercedes. Hard to say if that has happened on the basis of one (albeit extended) practice session in Miami, but there were some fairly promising signs.
Charles Leclerc was fastest for Ferrari ahead of Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, nearly 0.3sec behind, followed by Oscar Piastri, Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton and then the lead Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli. George Russell, who is hoping to overturn the Italian’s championship advantage this weekend, was sixth, only marginally behind his team-mate.
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I am not sure the additional 30 minutes in FP1 feels like enough time for the teams before sprint qualifying, but who cares? It’s up to them and the drivers to get on with it. Plenty of upgrades here as well as the regulation amendments, so let’s see if they have made a difference.
SQ1 begins at 9.30pm and the whole session should be done in about an hour, so let’s get back on with it, shall we?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) carries out reassessments of PIP awards through scheduled reviews and when certain changes are reported or identified
Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer
03:00, 02 May 2026
Individuals receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may be required to undergo a reassessment to verify their continued eligibility for support, though many remain unclear about what actually prompts a review. In the majority of cases, PIP awards are not indefinite and include a specified review period.
This can vary from as short as nine months to as long as 10 years for a ‘light touch’ review, depending on the likelihood of someone’s condition changing. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) specifies the review date on the award letter that all successful PIP claimants receive.
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However, the DWP can also conduct an unscheduled reassessment if particular changes are reported or detected. One of the most frequent triggers is a change in your health condition, reports the Daily Record.
If your condition improves, deteriorates, or you are given a new diagnosis, you are required to inform the DWP as quickly as possible as it may result in your award being reviewed.
Alterations to your daily living or mobility requirements can also initiate a reassessment, especially if they impact the level of support you need.
Other triggers can include:
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Moving into or out of hospital or a care home
Spending extended time abroad
Information received during routine checks or from other government departments
In certain instances, reassessments may also be initiated as part of broader reviews of claims. Most people will undergo a planned review at the conclusion of their award period.
Shorter awards: often given where a condition is expected to change – may be reviewed within one to two years.
Longer awards: these can last five years or more, while some people receive ongoing awards with a ‘light touch’ review after around 10 years.
A ‘light touch’ review is usually granted to claimants who have:
very stable needs which are unlikely to change over time
high level needs which will either stay the same or get worse
a planned award review date due on or at State Pension age
a special rules for end of life claim due when of State Pension age
Even where awards are granted over a longer period, claimants ought not to assume their payments will remain unaltered, as periodic reviews are still conducted to ensure they are receiving the appropriate level of support.
What happens during a reassessment
When a review becomes due, claimants are typically sent a form enquiring whether their condition or personal circumstances have changed. They may additionally be required to attend a further assessment, though decisions can occasionally be reached using existing medical documentation.
Following the reassessment, payments may remain unchanged, rise, fall or cease entirely, depending on the outcome. Failing to declare a relevant change could impact your payments and may result in overpayments that must be reimbursed.
North Yorkshire Water Park wants to build a pair of padel courts at its site in Wykeham, Scarborough, which is located 1.5km south of the village of West Ayton.
The site and facilities at the Water Park are accessed off Long Causeway Road.
If the plans are approved by North Yorkshire Council, the two padel courts would be constructed at an accessible location adjacent to other sports facilities in “a safe environment”.
Padel is a racquet sport that uses the same scoring conventions as lawn tennis, but is played on courts around a third smaller, the submitted plan states.
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The siting of the new padel courts has been proposed adjacent to the site’s main water park facilities, which are owned and managed by Dawnay Estates.
The two courts would be enclosed by a lightweight steel frame and green wire mesh sides, incorporating tempered glass panels.
Each court is set to be 10 metres wide and 20 metres long.
The applicant said that the padel courts would be open for use between 8am and 9pm, seven days a week, and access would be via a code generated through an online booking system.
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The North Yorkshire Water Park has its own designated general manager, as well as other full and part-time staff, who ensure the site is well looked after and managed.
According to submitted plans, the padel tennis court is owned and managed by Padel X and would be leased from the land owner if planning permission is granted.
North Yorkshire Water Park boasts one of the largest natural water sports lakes in North Yorkshire and offers a “unique range of fun-filled activities, including stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, open water swimming, pedalos, and a zip line.
Padel Court Elevations, North Yorkshire Water Park. Courtesy Applicant
Since its expansion in 2021, North Yorkshire Water Park has received around 80,000 visitors annually and has capacity for up to 1,000 people a day in the summer at peak levels.
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The site is “readily accessible” from the A170, is within an hour’s drive from York, Middlesbrough, Filey and Bridlington, and is only six miles from Scarborough, the applicant added.
North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the application.
Ants are common in the spring, and it can be easy for them to get into your home, but two common items will get rid of them in seconds – and will also destroy the nest
You could banish your ant problem in seconds with a hack that uses just two common household items from your kitchen cupboard.
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With winter now well and truly over, countless households are opening their windows wide and allowing the crisp spring breeze to flow through their homes. While warmer weather signals an end to cold and gloomy days and ushers in evenings of enjoying the garden, the arrival of spring does bring certain drawbacks.
Most significantly, spring marks the return of insects. Some of these creatures, such as bees and butterflies, are a delightful sight for keen gardeners, but others are far less welcome – particularly when they venture inside your property.
Ants are one pest that nobody wants to discover indoors. While they’re largely harmless in the garden, spotting them crawling across your kitchen worktops first thing in the morning can be deeply unsettling.
Fortunately, there’s a straightforward and effective solution to rid yourself of these uninvited visitors and stop them returning, using just two ingredients you’re likely to already have in your kitchen.
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A viral TikTok clip showed how to combine baking soda and sugar to successfully tackle ant infestations. The technique also works on cockroaches, should you encounter them in your property, though they’re far less prevalent in the UK than in warmer nations such as the US.
The man in the video explained: “You’re going to need some baking soda and some sugar. It doesn’t really matter what kind of sugar you use, the sugar is just to attract the ants and the cockroaches.”
He recommended combining one cup of baking soda with one cup of sugar, though you can adjust the quantities depending on the severity of your infestation. The crucial thing to bear in mind is that the 1:1 ratio must be maintained – so if you add more baking soda, be sure to add more sugar as well.
Should the ants’ entry point be visible, he advises scattering the mixture directly over that spot. If the entry point cannot be located, it’s best to spread a layer of the powdery blend along the skirting boards instead.
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He explained: “What’s going to happen is the cockroaches and the ants are both going to eat this mixture because they’re going to be attracted to the sugar. But it’s going to have baking soda mixed in with it.
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“They’re going to be completely fine for now, but when they go back to their nest, and they drink water, a chemical reaction will happen inside their stomach, and it’s going to kill them.”
What’s more, the ants will carry the mixture back to their colony, sharing it with fellow ants that never entered your home, ultimately resulting in the complete elimination of the entire nest.
How to get rid of ants in your home
To tackle an ant problem, you first need to make sure there’s no reason for the insects to find your home attractive. This means you need to remove food sources by cleaning up any crumbs, spills, or leftover food in your home. Empty your rubbish bins and wipe down countertops with a mixture of vinegar and water to destroy scent trails.
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There are a range of home remedies you can use to try and get rid of ants:
Vinegar and water: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution directly on ant trails, entry points, and even their nest if it is visible. Repeat daily and ants will lose interest in the area.
Lemon juice: Squeezing fresh lemon juice along ant entry points and windowsills can disrupt their scent trails and repel them, as they dislike the smell of citrus.
Baking soda and sugar: Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar together and place in shallow dishes near ant trails. The sugar attracts the ants, and the baking soda disrupts their digestive systems, killing them.
Ant bait: If these methods have not worked, you can buy commercial ant baits that the insects will carry back to their nest, killing the colony. This may take a few days to get results.
And North Yorkshire Police sent out a message to any other victims of abuse, saying: “It is never too late to tell us – we are here, and we will listen.”
The child he raped didn’t tell police what had happened to her until 2024 – and then had to wait for two years to give evidence against him.
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Today Hartley, 68, of Troutsbeck, Rawcliffe, is starting 14 years in jail.
Detective Constable Ebony Wonnacott of York and Selby CID praised the survivor’s bravery in coming forward and encouraged other survivors to get in touch.
She said: “This has been a long journey for the victim in order to secure her deserved justice.
“I commend the victim’s courage in sharing what happened and her resilience in seeing out justice, despite the long and difficult process to get here.”
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Det Con Wonnacott said: “I hope this case shows other survivors of abuse that the police are here for you, regardless of when the abuse took place.
“It is never too late to tell us – we are here, and we will listen.
“We are committed to bringing those responsible for such horrific abuse to justice – please don’t suffer in silence.”
Victims of rape and sexual abuse in North Yorkshire can contact police through the police website or by calling 101.
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In an emergency, always call 999.
Support services are also available, including the North Yorkshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which can be reached on 0330 223 0362 or via acerhousesarc.co.uk.
If you’re short on time then a day trip can be an excellent way to see the most iconic sights of a city. This sunny destination under two hours from the UK has been named the best for a 24-hour break thanks to its compact centre
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Is 24 hours really enough to experience a new city?
For people short on time or those who want to see only the highlights of a city, a 24-hour day trip can be a great way to get a taste of a new destination, if not a full-blown portion of a place.
Transport provider Mozio recently put together a list of the best European cities for a 24-hour holiday, and at the top is Barcelona: an iconic city with a flight time of under two hours from London.
Keen for a city to explore, and without much time to spare away from my busy family life back home, I hopped on a plane to the Catalonian capital to see how much of Barcelona I could take in in a single day.
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Lke most visitors to Barcelona, I started off at the Sagrada Família. In fact, it wasn’t that long after I landed before I stood at the foot of Gaudí’s masterpiece, in awe of the way the ornate spires seemed to stretch endlessly towards the sky. Rosa, an endlessly cheerful and knowledgeable tour guide, was on hand to help me navigate this architectural behemoth.
The small group tour meant there was no aimless wandering. Not only did we skip the lines outside, but we also learned so much about the building, its little details, and the fascinating life of Gaudí, whose passion and money were poured endlessly into the project.
A short walk away is the architect’s Casa Batlló, another attraction that is worth getting skip-the-line tickets for if you’re short of time. On the crowded pavement outside, crowds gather to take photos of the intricate facade, which features colorful mosaics resembling mermaid fins, skeletal columns, and balconies resembling masks with empty eyeholes.
Inside, Rosa led us through each beautifully designed room, explaining the features from the smooth, sleek, curved wood to the ombré tiles on the wall that get progressively darker as you climb the stairs. Every inch of the house has Gaudí’s architectural touches, down to the doorknobs.
A day isn’t a long time to try all the culinary delights that Spain has to offer, but one way to enjoy as much authentic cuisine as possible is to head to Mercat de la Boqueria. It was crowned the world’s best market by the New York Times, and it truly is a foodie heaven. The smell of jamón hangs in the air as you wander round stalls selling cones of cured meat, manchego cheese, olives, and other treats. Grab a bar stool and try some pintxos, a Spanish snack made up of small pieces of bread topped with seafood, meat, or cheese, best enjoyed alongside a cold beer or glass of wine.
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For something more substantial, book a table at Can Culleretes, Barcelona’s oldest restaurant that sits off a winding side street near La Rambla. And I’m serious when I say book a table. The queues spill out into the street. Inside this charmingly rustic restaurant that dates back to the 18th century, we were served an incredible array of tapas, including anchovies, huge prawns doused in garlic, and plates of croquettes, washed down with Spanish wine. By the time the crema catalana came round for pudding, most of us were too full to make a proper go of it.
If you’re still standing after all that tapas, and many, many steps, then you may feel like heading somewhere a little more serene. Barcelona’s metro system connects to Funicular de Montjuïc, a short two-minute ride that costs around €3, (£2.60), yet gives you incredible hillside views across the city. From Montjuïc you can watch the sun go down and the lights of Barcelona twinkling below from the bustling city centre to the sandy beach.
TUI offers three-night city break packages to Barcelona, staying at the 4* H10 H10 Madison Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, from £666 per person based on two adults sharing a classic double room, traveling on Ryanair from London Stansted Airport on September 15, 2026. Price includes 10kg of hand luggage.
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With warmer weather on the way, many people will be looking for places to take a dip, and you don’t have to go far to get those summer holiday vibes. This UK lido has been compared to Greece thanks to its Mediterranean style
A lido that has often been compared to pools in Greece and the Med will soon be reopening its doors for the summer season in time for warmer weather.
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The pool has been beloved by local families since it first opened in 1896, and now also attracts tourists from further afield. It’s not hard to see why. When you look at the lido with its perfectly blue waters, splashpad, and 300 metre-long lazy river, it’s almost as if you’re at a hotel pool overseas.
However, this shimmering blue pool is actually found in Kent, just over an hour from London, and the Strand Lido in Gillingham also has the distinction of being the only riverside saltwater pool in the UK. The pool is fed from the River Medway, then filtered and chlorinated to make it safe for swimmers to splash around.
The Lido Guide wrote about the Strand: “Nothing about the exterior gives away what lies within. What lies within is a riot of Mediterranean-resort-style colour and fun. Any children in the party will be completely unable to contain their excitement.
“The whole thing is a freeform riot of bright white painted concrete, edged in royal blue, that gives the treated river water that fills the pool a hue that is more reminiscent of Greece than Kent.”
There are six 25-metrer long lanes for swimming, and you’ll also find a paddling pool for toddlers, as well as fun features such as water fountains. Because the pool is unheated, it only opens seasonally, with the opening date for 2026 confirmed as Saturday, May 23.
The pool will then open at weekends, until the school summer holidays, when it opens daily, before closing sometime in September. Tickets can be booked online via the Medway Council website to reserve a slot at this popular pool.
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In addition to the pool, the complex has sunbathing and relaxation areas, a café that serves food, although you can bring a picnic and enjoy it in one of the shaded areas of the park, and play areas. There are changing rooms, poolside showers, and a shop selling inflatables, but feel free to bring your own rubber ring.
The Strand Leisure Park has a miniature railway that also opens seasonally, chugging around the park on sunny days, and lots of riverside walks to explore.
One positive review said: “We travelled from Suffolk and booked the afternoon session. Stopped for some lunch on the way. Lovely day out. Pool has a lazy river, kids pool and adult pool, changing rooms, toilets, café. Lots of space to set up camp for the afternoon but not a lot of shade.”
Another suggested: “Very good few hours. Looks like we are on holiday. Lazy river all around the outside (take a rubber ring). “
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Joao Pedro is on Barcelona’s summer shortlist (Getty)
Chelsea are not planning to sell Joao Pedro in the summer transfer window following interest from Barcelona, according to reports.
Barcelona have made Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is first-choice attacking target this summer as Robert Lewandowski’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
Atletico, however, are in a strong negotiating position as Alvarez still has four years remaining on his contract, which is protected by a €500 million (£431m) release clause.
According to ESPN Brasil, Barca have already initiated initial informal contacts for the Brazil international ahead of the summer window.
Joao Pedro has scored 19 goals for Chelsea this season (Getty)
The move for the Chelsea forward has been approved by both Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, and Deco, the club’s sporting director.
However, Chelsea are said to have already communicated through third parties that it will not allow a transfer this summer as the club is aware of the difficulties in finding a suitable replacement.
Joao Pedro joined Chelsea in a £60m deal from Brighton last year and has impressed in his first season at Stamford Bridge with 19 goals in all competitions.
The Brazilian also has the chance to win a second trophy with Chelsea after the team’s World Club Cup success this summer as they will play Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 16.
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