The executive director for the Abdorrahman Boroumand Centre for Human Rights, Roya Boroumand, says that an information vacuum in Iran “allows the state to broadcast its narrative, ie portray protesters as violent actors or foreign agents, while its victims, including those sentenced to death, and informed sources are silenced”.

The not-so-coveted title is given to beaches rated “poor” by the Environment Agency due to high levels of bacteria, including E. coli, which can come from sewage, animal waste and surface water runoff.

Sampling takes place between May 15 and September 30 each year.

The award is part of the Brown Flag Awards, created by Holiday Park Guru using Environment Agency data, highlighting beaches with the lowest water quality ratings.

A Holiday Park Guru spokesperson said: “Swimming in the sea is a high priority for us on holiday – but I want to be the only thing floating.

“And so, in an effort to highlight England’s beaches that you might want to avoid… we are proud to present the third ever Holiday Park Guru Brown Flag Awards.

“It’s the Oscars of the sewage world.

“We’ve spent hours analysing official Environment Agency water quality data to select the ‘winners.’

“We have even offered to send tasteful brown flags to the worst beaches, so they can warn swimmers.”

Other Brown Flag ‘winners’ nearby

Two North East beaches also won the ‘award’, Holiday Park Guru announced.

Cullercoats beach in Tynemouth entered the ‘top of the plops’ rankings for a third time, while South Shields’ Littlehaven also made a return to the list.

What are the ‘awards’ based on?

The Environment Agency bases its ratings on around 7,000 water samples from more than 400 designated bathing sites across England, collected over a four-year period.

The system uses a four-tier scale: three stars (excellent), two stars (good), one star (sufficient), and zero stars (poor).

Currently, 67 per cent of England’s bathing waters hold a three-star rating, while just five per cent score zero.

Tests measure levels of faecal bacteria, including intestinal enterococci and E. coli, which can indicate contamination from sewage, agricultural runoff, wildlife and road drainage.

The Brown Flag Awards aim to warn the public about beaches where water quality falls below acceptable standards.

Ryan Mbella Ngongue, 19, stabbed a man in the neck 13 times with an improvised knife while serving a sentence at HM Young Offenders Institution Werrington in Stoke on January 25 last year.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Mbella Ngongue had been serving on the “Bravo Wing” when he and several other inmates attacked their victim.

Henry Blackshaw, prosecuting, said: “The defendant played a leading role in a directed attack by him on another prisoner, which triggered violence between a number of different inmates.

“Improvised stabbing weapons ‘shivs’ or ‘shanks’ were used by four of them, including the defendant.

The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Phil Taylor)

“Of three weapons which were recovered from others, two were adapted from plastic cutlery and one from a pen with an enhanced grip and a metal point.

“From the CCTV it can be seen that the item wielded by the defendant had a significant blade, no other description of it is available and it was not recovered from him.”

Mr Blackshaw told the court how Mbella Ngongue came up to his victim from behind before stabbing him repeatedly in the neck, leaving him with 13 stab wounds.

He said that on being taken back to his cell by the guards Mbella Ngongue said “obviously just crashed it on my n**** innit” but gave no further explanation of why he had attacked the man.

Mr Blackshaw said on searching his cell, the officers could not find the makeshift knife while Mbella Ngongue appeared to laugh and say: “it’s not here” and something like “it’s gone”.

He said there was no evidence that the defendant was interviewed but that a statement from the prison governor spoke of the vital need to protect order.

But just months later, after having finished his sentence at the young offenders’ institute, Mbella Ngongue was then involved in another stabbing incident, this time back in Bolton.

He was one of around 12 people, all dressed in black and masked up, some of them on e-bikes, who launched the attack on Hudson Close, Daubhill on July 28 last year.

Before going into their victims house the group of men called out his name and shouted something that Mr Blackshaw said sounded like “you’re finished, you!”

Before going into the house Mbella Ngongue said something sounding like “where is my shank man?” and was handed a knife.

The man picked up a metal gate and tried to defend himself but was attacked by a group of four other men, including Mbella Ngongue and was left with several stab wounds.

The attackers all the fled the scene but Mbella Ngongue was recognised on CCTV footage by a police officer who had had dealing with him.

Mbella Ngongue was arrested at his home on Rosamond Street, Daubhill on August 14 that year.

Mr Blackshaw said that the victim had not provided any statement out of “fear of reprisals” but said that the incident had clearly been an “organised, coordinated group attack”.

Mbella Ngongue pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an unauthorised weapon in prison in connection with the young offenders institution attack.

For the Bolton knife attack, he confessed to a section 18 assault and possession of a bladed article.

Oliver Jarvis, defending, said the 19-year-old had earned credit for his guilty plea but said he had been given no instructions on why the young man had committed his crimes.

He said that Mbella Ngongue had made “bad choices, exposed to peer influence.”

Mr Jarvis said the defendant was an “impulsive young man, who acts without thinking about the consequences.”

The Honorary Recorder for Bolton Judge Nicholas Clarke KC ordered that Mbella Ngongue be brought back to court to be sentenced on Wednesday April 13.

The village has been named the “most beautiful in Northern Ireland” for a number of reasons. You can visit the castle, explore the historic grounds and stop by the independent cafes for a coffee

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For those seeking an exceptional day out, this village in Northern Ireland is well worth a visit. Whether you prefer sampling the local pubs or wandering through the picturesque gardens, the destination has it all.

The delightful village centres around an 18th-century castle, offering visitors the chance to discover its elegant rooms, 100 acres of peaceful gardens and a nearby fort. Families are well catered for too, with a woodland-themed outdoor play area nestled within the forest park keeping youngsters entertained. The location in question is Royal Hillsborough in Co Down.

A content creator recently highlighted a visit to the village, describing it as the “most beautiful in Northern Ireland”.

Sharing on TikTok, Laura told her 18,500 followers: “Save this village for the perfect day trip in Northern Ireland.

“Tucked into the green hills of County Down, this beautiful village feels like a little world of its own. Best of all it’s only 20mins from Belfast, making it an ideal day trip from the city.

“Stroll the flower-lined Georgian streets where you’ll find cosy pubs, quaint cafés, and boutiques that feel more like treasure troves.

“At the heart of it all is Hillsborough Castle, surrounded by peaceful parklands and gardens as tranquil as they are beautiful.”

Wrapping up her post, she remarked: “Is it worth the trip? Absolutely. Royal Hillsborough has a quiet magic that shines in every season in Northern Ireland.”

What to do in Royal Hillsborough:

To begin with, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is an essential destination. As the official royal residence in Northern Ireland, it offers visitors the chance to discover its elegant grounds, stunning gardens and the nearby historic fort.

While there, make your way to the 18th-century Hillsborough Fort before enjoying a leisurely walk around the surrounding forest and lake.

After working up an appetite, unwind in one of the village’s well-loved cafés, such as Arthur’s Coffee House, or settle into welcoming pubs like The Hillside or the historic Plough Inn.

The village also boasts charming independent shops where you can find distinctive gifts and locally-made crafts. Families can take advantage of the outdoor play area situated within the forest park.

Do bear in mind when organising your visit to Hillsborough that castle tickets should be reserved in advance. For those interested in a guided tour of the castle, early booking is advisable as spaces fill up quickly.

The newly refurbished Hotel Victoria “proudly” overlooks the picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay and boasts some of the “best” coastal sights in the county.

It’s also described as the “perfect base” to explore other popular seaside locations such as Whitby, Scarborough, Staithes and the “treasures” of the North York Moors National Park.

The hotel’s dining areas include Osborne’s Restaurant and Osborne’s Lounge Bar but it’s Osborne’s Garden Bar & Terrace that really makes it stand out from the crowd during the warmer months of the year, and is where visitors can tuck into a quintessential afternoon tea.

North Yorkshire hotel’s beer garden by the coast has ‘breathtaking vistas’

Osborne’s Garden Bar & Terrace is said to offer a “truly unique opportunity for outdoor dining, allowing you to enjoy a selection of classic British and Mediterranean-inspired small plates while taking in spectacular coastal views”.

The Hotel Victoria website shares: “Nestled in the charming UK village of Robin Hood’s Bay near Whitby, this outdoor bar provides an unparalleled setting for relaxation and enjoyment.

“With its prime location, Osborne’s Garden Bar & Terrace offers breathtaking vistas of the Yorkshire coast and the North Sea, making it the perfect place to unwind.

“Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Robin Hood’s Bay, you’ll find this coastal bar to be a serene retreat with stunning scenery.

“The menu features an extensive selection of fine wines, award-winning local ales, and expertly crafted cocktails, ensuring there is something to please every palate.

“Whether you prefer a refreshing ale, a fruity, full-bodied glass of wine, or a meticulously prepared cocktail, our bar has you covered.

“For those enjoying this outdoor dining experience with friends or loved ones, why not enjoy some mouth-watering light bites from our small plates menu?

“Designed for sharing, these seasonal dishes are perfect for sampling and enjoying with friends and family in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.”

Guests can indulge in a “delightful” afternoon tea in the garden bar, which includes delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked cream scones, and a selection of cakes that will “tantalize [sic] your tastebuds”.

The hotel continues: “For an extra touch of luxury, add a glass of fizz or a classic cocktail to truly savour this Great British tradition.”

Beer garden views don’t get much better than this (Image: Tripadvisor)

Local travel expert The Yorkshireman hailed the beer garden at Hotel Victoria in a recent Instagram post.

Highlighting the “most scenic beer gardens in Yorkshire,” he said: “Sitting at the top of Robin Hood’s Bay, this gorgeous hotel is home to one of the most scenic beer gardens in the whole region, with views of the bay that nowhere else in the area has”.

But what do recent customers think?

On Tripadvisor, the hotel currently has a “very good” 4.5/5 rating based on more than 1,500 reviews.

This person commented: “We stopped here for lunch whilst travelling up the coast from Lincolnshire.

“Had a delicious lunch on the terrace overlooking the Bay.

“Beautiful sunny day and sheltered from the breeze.

“The service was efficient and friendly and our meals were beautifully presented and tasted wonderful.

“Walked through the public areas to use the loos and the hotel looked delightful.

“Would love to stay here on a future visit to the area.”

Another posted: “One night stay to conquer the final stretch of the Cleveland Way.

“Perfect location, stunning views (especially the sunrise from the bedroom window).

“Great rooms – spotlessly clean and exceptionally furnished (bed was very comfy!)

“All member [sic] of the team were wonderful.

“Great breakfast too.”

Someone else wrote: “Stayed here on a short break to explore the area and were not disappointed.

“Great location with excellent views.

“Very friendly staff provided and excellent service and dining experience.

“Very varied menu and delicious food.

“Spotless accommodation and great location.”

One happy visitor said: “We had a wonderful stay at Hotel Victoria at the weekend.

“The staff were super friendly, helpful and attentive.

“The atmosphere was lovely.

“The food was superb and the location and views were outstanding.

“Would definaltey stay again and 100% recommend.”

Have you stayed at Hotel Victoria for a night away, or made the most of its beer garden on a sunny day? Let us know in the comments below.

Turton Kitchen Gardens is a place shaped by time, teamwork and quiet determination. What now feels calm and carefully planned was once something very different.

The garden had been left for years, slowly disappearing under weeds and neglected trees around the historic building, Turton Tower.

Volunteers hard at work. (Image: NQ)

Judith Rowell, part of the fruit growing team, said: “The kitchen garden was totally overgrown, it was a mess.

“It had been left for decades, with trees growing in it and everything just abandoned.”

The transformation began when volunteers stepped in and took responsibility for turning neglect into possibility.

Crates house vegetables and fruits. (Image: NQ)

Clearing, planting and redesigning happened gradually, with each year adding something new.

Judith added: “Lots of volunteers cleared it and set it up. Gradually, over the years, it’s kept transforming itself.”

One of the most exciting developments has been the fruit area, which continues to evolve.

Plants for sale. (Image: NQ)

It has opened the space, inviting people in rather than keeping it hidden away.

She said: “This is our biggest transformation this year, the fruit cage.

“It’s still a work in progress, but it’s opened it up so everybody can come in and enjoy it.”

A view of the large and well-designed garden. (Image: NQ)

Everything at the gardens is powered by voluntary effort and community fundraising.

No one is paid, and every improvement relies on creativity and commitment.

Hazel Markland, also from the team, said: “People are starting to come in more.

“Everybody’s a volunteer. Nobody’s paid. The money we make is all fundraised, and we do ask for donations as well as selling plants.

Chamomile is among the many flowers. (Image: NQ)

“The idea is for the public to come in and enjoy it. Normally the garden is totally open and free for people to enjoy.”

Since the pandemic, more people have discovered the space and made it part of their routine.

Open days now attract visitors from far beyond the local area.

Judith said: “People come from Liverpool and the Lake District on open days.

Judith planting strawberries. (Image: NQ)

“Locals come any time, but open days are usually visitors.”

Behind the scenes, the garden runs through teamwork and structure.

Different volunteer groups focus on fruit, vegetables, borders and construction. These teams ensure someone is caring for the garden almost every weekday.

The variety within the space continues to grow year by year.

Spring flowers. (Image: NQ)

Hazel said: “There are hundreds of plants. We’re always looking for unusual ones.”

Benches, themed gardens and quiet corners invite visitors to slow down, and for many volunteers, the garden offers something deeper than physical work.

 Judith said: “It’s lovely to come up here. You forget everything else and just enjoy being here.”

Visitors can explore different sections of the garden – The Tudor Garden, The Victorian beds, Japanese Garden, rocky beds and more.

Turton Kitchen Gardens is not just a place to visit, but a shared achievement still unfolding.

Dozens of homeowners are suing Elon Musk’s SpaceX, alleging that sonic booms from rocket testing damaged their Texas homes.

The lawsuit was filed last week in federal court by 80 South Texas residents. They accused SpaceX of gross negligence and trespassing from sonic booms that happened during 11 rocket tests between April 2023 and October 2025, according to the Texas Tribune.

Because SpaceX tests involved rockets that launched and returned, sometimes the homes faced prolonged periods of damaging noise, according to the suit.

A sonic boom is a wave created by an object moving faster than the speed of sound. According to the U.S. Air Force, some strong sonic booms can cause damage such as shattered glass.

SpaceX did not respond to the Tribune about the lawsuit. The Independent has also reached out to SpaceX.

The residents say that during a Starship rocket launch in 2023, the force from the 33-engine booster destroyed the launch pad and sent debris as far as three-quarters of a mile away.

Specific damage to the homes was not included in the lawsuit, according to the Tribune. However, the filing stated that booms can cause damage to walls, windows and roofs.

The filing asks for an unspecified amount of money.

The Federal Aviation Administration in 2025 authorized SpaceX to launch up to 25 rockets per year from South Texas, according to the Tribune. That is five times more than the year before.

SpaceX has also seen massive growth in the South Texas region in recent years. Company employees founded the city Starbase, Texas, in May 2025.

Rocket launches have closed an eight-mile stretch of beach near the South Texas launch pad, the Tribune noted. That issue has led to a separate lawsuit about how often the company can close the area.

SpaceX was founded in 2002 and Musk currently serves as the company’s CEO. A recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that only Musk has the power to remove himself from the company.

The SEC filing comes as SpaceX prepares to offer stocks in the company, which could happen as early as this summer, according to the Wall Street Journal.

As in all things in life, there are good programmes of renovation work and not-so-good ones, where style wins out over substance.

Thankfully, that’s not the case with this splendid period stone farmhouse and its more than 3,800 sq. ft of beautifully modernised accommodation which combines period character with contemporary luxury.

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

The incarnation of Rokeby Close Farm that exists today oozes elegance from every pore, with bespoke fittings adding to the feeling of quality and style throughout.

The reception hall featuring conservatory-style panoramic glazing, parquet flooring and a galleried first-floor landing provides an impressive first glimpse of what lies within.

From here a squared arched opening leads into the dining room which features painted timber ceiling beams and a fireplace with a wood-burning stove.

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

Double doors open from the dining room into a stunning south-facing sunroom at the rear – a large additional reception room which is flooded with natural light and enjoys views over and access to the gardens.

Doors from both the dining room and entrance hall open into the elegant drawing room, with a log-burning stove set into a feature fireplace and triple aspect windows framing views across the countryside beyond the gardens.

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

Also on the ground floor is a home gym with a sauna and shower room creating a luxurious private wellness space, and the heart of family life – the living kitchen.

An open-plan space with exposed wood beams and parquet flooring, this is divided into two separate areas – the kitchen which includes bespoke cabinetry, a central island, a split butler’s sink and a Falcon range cooker and gas hob, plus a living area with a grand fireplace housing a log-burning stove.

Off the kitchen is a utility room.

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

Upstairs, the galleried landing leads to four spacious double bedrooms, all with en suite facilities.

These include the principal suite which includes a stylish en-suite bathroom with freestanding tub and walk-in shower, while one further bedroom features an en-suite bathroom, and two others benefit from en-suite shower rooms.

Rokeby Close Farm is accessed via a gravel driveway with ample parking that leads to an integrated double garage.

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

Its landscaped gardens are laid mainly to lawn, dotted with mature trees.

To the rear, the land gently slopes down to a beautiful spring-fed lake of approximately three acres which has recently been enhanced for fishing and wildlife conservation.

It is stocked with a range of coarse fish including large common and mirror carp, tench, rudd and roach.

The lake – a haven for wildlife that regularly attracts oyster catchers, ducks, moorhens, geese and other native species – also features widened paths and seating areas.

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

A summer house and hot tub area provide a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

In addition, a stone-built barn with an adjacent quarter-acre paddock makes Rokeby an ideal equestrian facility, or provides scope for development, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents.

There is also a secure 30ft x 60ft fully fenced chicken coop that has a number of potential uses.

Rokeby Close Farm sits in a rural setting close to the small village of Hutton Magna, within easy reach of Barnard Castle and the stunning countryside of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and is just 13 miles from Darlington.

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

Property facts:

Rokeby Close Farm, Hutton Magna

Guide price: £1.295m

Knight Frank 01423 222076

www.knightfrank.co.uk

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)

Cap: Rokeby Close Farm combines period character with contemporary luxury and tops it off with added extras that range from a sauna to an orangery and a private lake (Image: Knight Frank)