I assess ski socks, quite simply, by trialling them on the slopes. I’m a ski equipment expert, and I tested the men’s models, while my friend, ski coach and freeride athlete, Ffion Townsend, assessed women’s ski socks. However, many of the models featured are unisex or available in men’s and women’s versions.

There’s a range of socks available for skiing and snowboarding, so we’ve tried a large assortment and whittled that longlist down to bring you this winter’s top picks. We’ve skied in dozens of pairs, spoken with shop staff and chatted with consumers, as well as getting advice from some of the best boot fitters out there. In some cases, we’ve tested the same socks (or socks made by the same brands) for several years, or even decades.

Our reviews factor in fit, comfort, warmth, suitability for high-performance skiing and budget. We’ve also considered the materials used, and how well these control odours, temperature and moisture levels inside your boots.

Norwegian ski jumpers have said their sport does not need “that kind of attention” after it was reported that male athletes were injecting their penises in a bid to improve sporting performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

In January, German newspaper Bild, external reported that jumpers were injecting their penises with hyaluronic acid before being measured for their suits.

Hyaluronic acid, which is not banned in sport, can be used to increase penis circumference by one or two centimetres.

This would increase the surface area of their suits during competition, which, according to FIS, the international ski and snowboard federation, could increase their flight in the air.

However, some Norwegian ski jumpers have reacted to the reports with scepticism.

“I do not think we need that kind of attention, and on the women’s side we are quite calm about the subject,” Norway women’s coach Christian Meyer said.

“I have not seen anything like it, so I am also wondering whether it is true. I actually do not believe it.”

It looks like something out of a fairytale and attracts weekly visits from a celebrity

It’s easy to see why this market town was named the best place to live in the UK. It’s got cobbled streets, Tudor buildings, colourful timber-framed houses, a bustling market square and a range of independent businesses. I visited after several days of rain but the sun appeared just as I arrived. I walked through the town chatting with locals enjoying the sunshine in the market square, exploring independent shops and admiring the timber-framed houses.

Just a half hour’s drive from Cambridge, this historic Essex town was named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times in March 2025, topping a shortlist of 72 locations. Judges considered schools, transport, broadband speeds, mobile signals, access to green spaces, and the quality of the high street.

In stark contrast to so many dwindling high streets found across the country, the town appears to be thriving with its bustling twice-weekly markets and a town centre that is estimated to be home to over 200 independent shops, cafés and restaurants. In 2024, the high street was also named among Britain’s top 32 by experts from Cheffins estate agents.

The town hosts its market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, a tradition dating back to 1141, and it’s a favourite spot for celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and his son River, with the celebrity chef having spoken in the past of visiting every Saturday. The TV star spoke highly of the community spirit and variety of produce at Saffron Walden Market, which was voted Best Small Outdoor Market in 2018.

He previously said: “I’m so lucky to have one of the best markets right on my doorstep. Saffron Walden is an absolute treasure trove of artisan suppliers, from Dan at Crystal Waters fishmongers to Saffron Wholefoods making incredible ingredients.

“Going every Saturday morning is the highlight of mine and River’s week – he loves it even more than me! We look at what’s in season, what looks good and what’s crying out to be cooked up! It’s a great way to connect with the local community and support the best of the best. I couldn’t love my local market more, make sure you go out and support yours.”

Felicity Norton, who has lived in Saffron Walden for more than 35 years, said the town’s charm has never faded. She said: “I’ve always loved Saffron Walden. It’s changed over the years, but it’s still a lovely, quiet little town.”

The town’s sense of place is rooted in both its history and stunning surroundings, from the grand stateliness of Audley End House and Gardens to peaceful walks through Bridge End Garden, a beautiful restored Victorian garden.

The market town’s roots stretch back to at least the Neolithic period, evolving through a Romano-British settlement and an Anglo-Saxon community before expanding under the Normans into a thriving medieval market centre, later gaining wealth and its distinctive name from the flourishing saffron industry of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Despite challenges facing high streets nationwide, Saffron Walden continues to attract a mix of independent retailers alongside well-known names such as Holland & Barrett. While some much-loved businesses and banks have closed over time, the town has welcomed a wave of new ventures bringing fresh energy.

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Locals highlighted beloved stores including Between the Lines, Harts Bookshop, Talents gift shop and a number of independent clothing boutiques. Organic coffee shops like Esquires and Chater’s, a bakery, restaurant and cafe which even has its own on-site distillery, are among the places to stop and linger.

We were told by many local business owners that Chater’s must not be missed and that Oliver often goes there. It is known for its bold, seasonal cooking using the best local ingredients.

Among Ms Norton’s favourite spots is Neon Leo, described as “such a fun shop – they sell really different things in there”. Neon Leo is a rental and pre-loved fashion store founded by best friends Mandy Weetch and Abigail North in 2023. Located on Market Row, the shop is truly a world of its own, filled with colour, laughter and positivity. When entering the store, customers are greeted with a beautiful selection of clothing, sequins, glitter balls and art. Ms Weetch told the Express: “Saffron Walden’s got a huge amount of independent businesses.”

Ms North added: “The community is really active. People want to be part of it, whether you’re a business owner or a customer. We’ve never experienced that anywhere else.”

The pair said the town’s collaborative atmosphere sets it apart, with independent shops actively supporting one another and they also highlighted how Oliver comes every weekend to support local traders. Neon Leo hosts events emphasising confidence and self-expression through fashion, a movement they’ve dubbed “fashionism,” celebrating the power of women dressing how they want and defying outdated style rules, whether through small accessories or statement pieces. “Ultimately, you should wear what you want, wear what you love,” Ms Weetch said.

Burtons Butchers is also beloved by local residents. The longstanding family-run shop serves premium meat products to customers, restaurants, hotels, and catering companies across East Anglia.

Since 2010, more than 1,000 butchers have closed across the UK, and the number of butchers in the UK has generally been shrinking in recent years, according to data sources such as Statista. The town also has a fishmongers, a beautiful independent bookshop and a library.

Burtons Butchers was established in 1984 and serves a range of meats including venison sausages and local pork, beef and chicken sausages.

Andrew Northrop, manager of Burtons Butchers, said on market days there’s a great bustle, a “great energy” and “enthusiasm” from people for their town. “People like to see it do well and wish to support,” he added. Jamie Oliver often buys meat from the butchers and comes in with his family. They are proud to be his supplier and enjoy seeing him and having a chat.

Mr Norhtrop added: “You have to enjoy what you do, and when you’re passionate about it and enthusiastic people respond to that, and enjoy coming in here and the experience of coming in.”

Combining strong transport links to London and Cambridge, centuries of history and a high street that continues to defy the odds, Saffron Walden’s top ranking makes perfect sense.

The girl’s mother was sentenced for turning a blind eye to what was happening in the family home for years.

Three generations of a family have been jailed for sexually abusing a young girl in her own home that started when she was just six years old. Her father, grandfather and two brothers were convicted of the horrific offences at Hove Crown Court.

The girl’s mother has also been locked up after the court heard she battered her daughter, locked her in a cupboard and taped her mouth up after she spoke out about the abuse. The girl’s sister was also physically abused by the family.

Now a teenager, the victim said she remembered being attacked from the age of six, including being repeatedly raped by her father and two brothers and sexually assaulted by her grandfather. The Mirror reports that she was burnt with cigarettes, beaten with a horse whip and spat on, the court heard.

She also had any money given to her on special occasions snatched by her mother. The horrific catalogue of abuse was revealed when the youngster was age 12 and told her teacher about what was happening to her and she was too afraid to go home.

She told police: “I told how my parents keep abusing me and they’ve been doing it for years. Then I started explaining all the sexual stuff.”

The family members cannot be named due to legal reasons. The father, 43, was convicted of five counts of rape of a child under 13; one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13; three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13; one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and three counts of cruelty to a person under 16.

The mother, also 43, was found guilty of four counts of cruelty to a person under 16; two counts of false imprisonment and one count of perverting the course of justice.

The grandfather, 70, was convicted of one count of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13 and two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. The older brother, 23, was found guilty of four counts of rape of a child under 13; one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The younger brother, 20, was convicted of four counts of rape of a child under 13; two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13; one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

They have been jailed for a combined total of more than 100 years.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Harbour previously said: “This has been a complex investigation that has had a profound impact on the two victims. Our priority continues to be ensuring their welfare and safeguarding in this highly traumatic and distressing case.

“We have worked alongside partner agencies to ensure the ongoing safeguarding of the young victims. Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for Sussex Police. We encourage all victims of rape and serious sexual offences to report their experience to us.

“Our officers have been determined to get justice in this case, and we are pleased with the guilty verdicts returned by the jury. We urge the public not to speculate about the case online as this may jeopardise the victims’ legal right to anonymity.”

Katie Price is said to be ignoring concerns from her family about new husband Lee Andrews – and reportedly wants to reunite with him in time for Valentine’s Day

Katie Price is reportedly flying back out to Dubai this weekend to be reunited with her new husband Lee Andrews – against the wishes of her family.

The 47-year-old took to Instagram to reveal she was getting her hair and lips done in preparation – as well as having filler in her bum, that she said was not a BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift). Showing off the results of her latest procedures, Katie told her 2.7 million followers: “Hey everyone, so I’ve just had my lips done – and just had a check up on my bum.”

Panning the camera down to her tattooed derriere that had a plaster on it, Katie continued: “It’s looking really good, I’m really pleased with it and it’s healing very well – no it’s not a BBL, it is just filler.” In another snap, Katie was sat in the hairdresser’s chair cuddling one of her hairless cats. She wrote over the top: “Hair dye time.”

It’s been two weeks since Katie shocked fans by walking down the aisle with a mystery man – in the fourth time she’s tied the knot – who was later revealed to be 41-year-old Lee. The pair tied the knot within days of their engagement after apparently meeting through social media.

READ MORE: Inside Katie Price and Peter Andre’s feuds as they release unprecedented joint statement

Claims have since emerged that ‘businessman’ Lee has reportedly swindled his exes out of money in the past – and was referred to by one person the Mirror has spoken to as a ‘scammer’ of the highest degree.

But Katie hasn’t commented on the bad press around her new husband and is said to be planning to get on a plane within days, so she is reunited with him in time for Valentine’s Day. They are even said to be planning their honeymoon following their quickie wedding on January 25, with Lee talking openly about his upcoming ‘honeymoon’ on videos posted to his Instagram stories.

A source told The Sun: “Katie’s family and friends are so concerned about her relationship with Lee – but she isn’t listening. They do not want her to go back to Dubai, but she has confirmed that she is leaving today.

“Katie doesn’t want to be away from Lee over Valentine’s Day and said they are planning a honeymoon. Her family have read reports about Lee and are so concerned about Katie’s welfare. She has insisted he is a good man though and is sticking by him.” Last week, The Mirror exclusively reported that Lee spent time in custody in a Dubai prison just months before proposing to Katie after a whirlwind romance in which she referred to him as her ‘Richard Gere’ in a reference to the film Pretty Woman, also starring Julia Roberts.

A week on from their romantic nuptials, a fellow Brit who says he shared a cell with Lee for three weeks in October last year warned Katie to be very wary of her new love.

The source told us: “Katie Price’s wedding is just another of his scams. All I can say is, I really hope she made him sign a pre-nup. He was a compulsive bulls***ter inside. But even now, he’s saying he’s part of the Labour Party and friends with Elon Musk. I can’t prove it, but for me that’s just absolutely absurd.” He’s also said to have ‘begged’ inmates for cash – despite his self-proclaimed billionaire status.

Since he was announced at Katie’s new husband last month, Lee has been under even more scrutiny as former girlfriend’s have come forward – with one even claiming they received an ‘identical’ marriage proposal to the one he did for Katie just a few months ago. And it’s thought Lee is currently unable to leave Dubai as he’s on a travel ban after serving time in prison for forging his ex-girlfriend’s signature to land a £200,000 loan, according to reports. Though Lee later denied these claims.

Laws in parts of the Middle East stops people involved in active criminal and civil cases – including unpaid debts – from leaving the country. Lee had hoped to jet in Britain to meet Katie’s family and spend time with his new wife. But he was furious at the red tape and labelled the decision to keep him in Dubai as “complete b******s”.

Though Lee has denied this and told the Daily Mail: “I don’t know what this is, with the debts and lawsuits, and I’ve got good equity here. There’s no substance. My UAE bank account details and latest statement far exceeds £200,000, so it makes no sense that I would owe that or be on a travel ban for it because they would take it automatically if that was the case.” When contacted by the Mirror, Lee denied all the allegations against him.

READ MORE: Man who struggled to lose weight sheds 7 stone and gets abs after spotting Instagram ad

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