The debut novel by Paul Hodgson, John’s Journey, will be unveiled through a TikTok livestream on May 16 at 6pm.

Mr Hodgson said: “I’m over the moon, this is my first novel, which has been 15 years in the making (on and off).

“I really hope people like it.”

The story follows Private John Wray, whose encounter with a college friend-turned-enemy on the front lines of the First World Wa forces him into a maze of deception and survival.

Years later, Wray resurfaces as an undercover MI5 operative in Nazi Berlin during the Second World Wa.

Caught between betrayal and pursuit, he places his trust in the father of his former friend as he attempts a perilous escape to the Swiss border.

Mr Hodgson’s writing career began in the late 1990s.

His first published work was Flipper’s Side, released in 2000 by Scarsdale Books.

A revised version, Give Them Wings, was published in 2021 by G2 Entertainment.

In 2022, he published One Hundred of the Best, which highlights his favourite Darlington FC matches.

This was followed in August 2024 by For the Love of Darlo, a prequel focused on his school years.

In January 2025, another edition titled Another One Hundred of the Best was released.

He is also the author of The David Speedie Story, published in September 2025 by Pitch Publishing, chronicling the life of the former Chelsea and Liverpool striker.

His work has earned national media attention, including interviews on the BBC World Service and TalkSport.

Mr Hodgson is an accomplished scriptwriter and the winner of more than 150 writing awards.

JD Crist of Pumkin Head Publishing said: “John’s Journey is such an amazing story.

“I am honoured that Paul has entrusted me with helping to share his amazing work with the world.

“I hope readers are drawn into John’s life as much as I was.”

One of Mr Hodgson’s earlier books, When Push Comes to Shove, published in 2003 by G.W. Belton Ltd, documented two seasons following Darlington Football Club.

Flipper’s Side was later adapted into a film starring Bill Fellows and Toyah Willcox, who played Mr Hodgson’s mother.

Mr Fellows, a supporter of Mr Hodgson’s work, wrote the foreword for John’s Journey.

Katy Perry shared a comical reaction to the news her ex, Josh Groban, is engaged after admitting her hit song ‘The One That Got Away’ was about the singer

Katy Perry has reacted to the news her ex, Josh Groban, is engaged. The star revealed he is set to marry stage actress Natalie McQueen after announcing their sweet news last month.

But years before Josh and Natalie got together, he was in a relationship with Firework singer Katy. They were briefly an item in 2009 and have remained friends since.

And now Katy has offered a joking response to his exciting news. She posted a video of herself jokingly crying as she listened to her tune, The One That Got Away. She was seen taking a drink while crying and wearing a white dressing gown.

READ MORE: Katie Price shares worrying health update on mum as she admits she’s ‘really not well’READ MORE: Davina McCall says ‘you owe it to yourself’ as she issues ‘dressing-down’ to BBC star

She had previously revealed the track was about her ex. In 2017, while promoting her Witness album, she labelled Josh the ‘one that got away’.

The chorus of the song reads: “In another life I would be your girl/ We’d keep all our promises/ Be us against the world/ In another life I would make you stay/ So I don’t have to say you were/ The one that got away/ The one that got away.”

Josh admitted in 2018 that he was “not expecting that”. “That was a double take and a spit of my coffee when I saw that,” he said. “It’s very sweet of her to say that. I’m very flattered by it. But I was very surprised by it too.”

But he claimed he didn’t have a clue as the tune didn’t match him. He went on: “I listened to the lyrics of the song. And I’m like, ‘I never owned a Mustang. I don’t have a tattoo. Are you sure that’s about me?”

Describing why the pair broke up, Josh said: “We were both very private and we realised we were better as friends and we’ve been very, very good friends to this day. She’s the best.”

At the time, he also played down any chance of getting back with the star. He went on: “I think we’re both very taken at the moment, but it’s very sweet.”

Josh proposed to Natalie during a trip to Disneyland. Sharing the update last month, Josh gushed: “MY BEST FRIEND SAID YES!!! Sharing this life with you is my happiest place.”

He shared a number of snaps from their getaway. Among them was a photo of thje pa in front of Snow White’s Wishing Well and the King Arthur Carrousel. The last images showed a cake with “congratulations” written in icing on top and the couple’s hands, including Natalie’s big diamond.

Speaking about their relationship in 2023, Josh told People: “We’re both people pleasers and we’re both introverts, so that can sometimes mean that it takes a little bit of prodding, like, ‘No, how are you really feeling? And so we always just want to make things great for each other.”

Katy is currently dating former Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau.

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From May 12, 2026, learner drivers must book their own driving tests as the DVSA confirms instructors will no longer be permitted to make bookings on their behalf

Certain motorists will be affected by new driving rule changes coming into force on Britain’s roads from today (May 12). Learner drivers will notice significant updates from today in the second phase of a major overhaul of driving tests.

The DVSA has already introduced amendments to the number of changes learners can make to their test booking. Under the previous regulations, learners were permitted to alter details relating to their test up to six times, but this has now been reduced to just twice.

From May 12, further changes will be made regarding who can book and manage driving tests, with instructors set to lose this ability. Previously, either the learner driver or the instructor were entitled to book tests. However, under the new rules, only the candidate will be permitted to make a booking.

The DVSA previously stated: “From 12 May 2026, you will need to book your car driving test yourself on GOV.UK. Your driving instructor will not be allowed to book it for you. From 12 May 2026, it will be against the law to book a driving test for someone else.”

Prior to booking a test, drivers should consult their instructor to confirm they are ready to sit the test, reports the Express. It is also essential to obtain a driving instructor reference number, which is vital to ensure their instructor is available on the chosen date.

Beverley Warmington, DVSA’s chief executive, previously said: “We have listened to learners, driving instructors and voices from across the driver training industry on how to make the booking rules fairer. Our priority is to stop learners being exploited by third parties and put them in control of booking their driving test.”

Nevertheless, the DVSA emphasised that learner drivers ought to only reserve their test at a centre they actually plan to attend. Ian Edwards, young driver expert at Veygo by Admiral, previously outlined how the May changes would impact road users.

Ian said: “From May, learners will be the only ones allowed to book their driving test. If your instructor has handled this for you in the past, you’ll now need to do it yourself through the official DVSA booking service at GOV.UK.

“Make sure you’re registered and have your driving licence number to hand before you try to book. Avoid third-party websites charging inflated fees – the standard test fee is £62, and that’s all you should ever pay.”

Sweet potatoes vs yams: differences explained

1) They’re from different families

2) They’re different parts of their respective plants

3) They can look very different

4) They’re often grown in different places

5) They taste different

6) They’re nutritionally different

7) They’re cooked differently

Ben White has been ruled out for the rest of the season through injury in a significant setback to Arsenal’s bid for a Premier League and Champions League double.

White left the London Stadium with a brace on his right knee after he was substituted in the first half of Arsenal’s crucial 1-0 win against West Ham on Sunday.

Manager Mikel Arteta admitted in the immediate aftermath of the match that White’s injury “didn’t look good at all”, and Arsenal have now confirmed he will be unavailable for their final two league games, and their European final against Paris Saint-Germain on 30 May.

The injury is also set to end 28-year-old White’s World Cup prospects after he recently called time on his four-year international exile with appearances in England’s last matches against Uruguay and Japan.

A statement from Arsenal read: “Further to Sunday’s match at West Ham, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that Ben White has sustained a significant medial knee ligament injury, which will rule him out for the remainder of this season.

“Our medical team are now managing Ben’s recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting the aim of Ben being ready for the start of our pre-season preparations.”

White’s absence will provide Arteta with a selection headache at right-back for their pivotal games against Burnley, Crystal Palace and PSG with Jurrien Timber also sidelined.

Timber has been absent for two months with a groin problem, and it is unclear if he will be able to play a part in the run-in. Cristhian Mosquera would be expected to deputise, while Declan Rice has also operated as an emergency right-back this season.

PA

Pressure has undoubtedly built stress for Bompastor and that has come to the fore on occasions this season.

The 5-1 defeat by City was the catalyst for her comments on squad depth and the first hint that she was battling with club decision-makers.

She was defiant following a 2-0 win over Tottenham but admitted it had “been a difficult time” for her on a personal level.

She was later frustrated after a 3-1 defeat by Arsenal in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final in which controversial decisions by the officials marred the tie.

Having failed to make up the deficit in the second leg at Stamford Bridge, Bompastor went one step further, receiving a red card as she questioned referees for a hair pull on Thompson by Arsenal defender Katie McCabe.

With emotions high at full-time, she pulled out her phone in a post-match interview with BBC Sport and replayed the incident to back up her complaints.

Bompastor has not used these frustrations as an excuse, admitting the season has “not been good enough”.

Asked if rival teams have narrowed the gap and if the Blues have stood still, Bompastor said: “Yeah. Everyone is working hard to make sure they catch up with us.

“This season has shown that. To be honest with you, this season from us is not good enough with our ambitions.

“I’m a manager that will always give clarity at the start of the season, saying we want to win the four titles. When I give you that clarity, I always give you the opportunity to question that.

“Other managers might just say ‘we try our best’, but at Chelsea this is not good enough. I’m not happy with the fact I can’t help the team more than I have this season.”

Bompastor already has one eye on the future after admitting she expected a “transitional” campaign.

The Blues have emerged as favourites to sign Manchester City’s star striker Khadija Shaw on a free deal in the summer, with the club hoping to be active in the window.

“We will review everything then look at the future with a lot of ambitions, but also solutions to be able to fight back to win the league,” said Bompastor.

“We have been already doing that for quite a long time. Some of the things that happened [this season], I’m not really surprised.

“We want to make sure next year we are fighting for the title again.”

A beach in East Sussex could reopen to the public almost 20 years after safety concerns shut access to the shore.

Newhaven West Beach was closed by French owner Newhaven Port and Properties in 2008 due to the “dangerous condition” of its cliffs.

James MacCleary, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, presented a bill to parliament in an attempt to secure legal public access to the “beautiful sandy beach” on 28 April.

MacCleary said: “17 years ago, this beach was closed to the people of Newhaven. For generations, the West Beach was where children learned to swim, families spent their summer and memories were made. It was not just a stretch of sand; it was a part of life.”

He called on the government to “take this bill, adopt it, make it law and give Newhaven its beach back.”

Newhaven Port and Properties have previously rejected proposals to reopen the beach on health and safety grounds.

In June 2016, former mayor of Newhaven Steve Saunders said: “I am disappointed at NPP’s decision not to reopen the beach at this time and not being able to give the good news that everyone was hoping for. The people of the town are naturally angry and frustrated at its continued closure, and I completely sympathise and share in these understandable views.

“I have tried hard with officers and colleagues at Newhaven Town Council to reach a compromise solution with the Port Authority, which would see this well-loved facility available for everyone to enjoy again.”

Elsewhere, an island in Montenegro will reopen to tourists this summer after a five-year dispute over beach access.

Sveti Stefan, an island on the Budva Riviera, is set to welcome back guests from July following a settlement between the Montenegro government and island leaseholders.

The popular island was forced to close in 2021 amid a decade-long legal battle over beach access for locals.

Read more: The best beach in the world for 2026 has been named

Greggs is popular among countless people but for workers, it’s sometimes a different story. A Greggs employee has shared a “new pet peeve” unlocked by demanding customers – and fellow staff members agree

A Greggs employee has revealed a “new pet peeve” that’s been “unlocked” by frustrating customers, sparking discussion among fellow staff members. Working in customer service can prove challenging at times, and having to consistently interact with members of the public isn’t for everyone.

Certain customers have a tendency to be discourteous and demanding, others relish the chance to demean people simply carrying out their duties, and some can be unpredictable and eager to lodge complaints. One Greggs employee has revealed the customer behaviours they find most draining.

Greggs is a firm fixture on Britain’s high streets, beloved by people across all age groups thanks to a wide-ranging menu featuring classic favourites such as the enduring sausage roll, steak bake, and cheese and onion pasty; alongside its sweet offerings including biscuits and donuts, plus the popular vegan sausage roll, salads, sandwiches, pasta and more.

The bakery enjoys a dedicated following and it’s estimated that approximately 2.5 million sausage rolls are sold across the UK every week, totalling roughly 140 million a year.

Taking to Reddit, one employee was eager to reveal the reality of working behind the counter rather than queuing in front of it.

In a post titled “New pet peeve unlocked; customers telling me how to do my job”, they sarcastically wrote: “‘Did you use the correct tongs to pick up my vegan roll? You used the yellow ones but I’m pretty sure they are for vegetables.’”

They went on: “Also; I’m trying to put together a customer’s large order that’s like 10 steak bakes and 40 sausage rolls and they’re constantly asking me why I haven’t prepared their cup of tea yet.

“Also also; tell them the total price of their sausage roll and latte; ‘£3.40? Is that including the latte?’ Oh no sorry I forgot to charge you for the latte because as we all know a single sausage roll costs £3.40.”

In the comments section, other Greggs staff members were eager to share their own experiences and thoughts. One said: “Welcome to customer service! These people will never stop… just smile and wave.”

Another said: “My favourite one is when they’ve got a reward on the app they don’t want to use but they don’t let you know ahead of time so you can advise them to switch it off so it doesn’t redeem so they get the free one. I had someone ask today if I could add the free one back onto their app and they’d pay for it instead.”

A third commented: “I hate customers who blatantly know they didn’t order something and then demand you get it for them. Half the time they expect the item for free and it’s like ‘well no?’”

A fourth added: “When they say ‘I want this baguette with a latte and this sandwich with this coke’ as if we control what items the system pairs up in a deal.

“Like, it automatically puts everything into the best value, I don’t choose which combination of deals you have.”

Greggs was established in Newcastle over 80 years ago by John Gregg. His ambition was to supply fresh egg and yeast to households across the northern city, carrying out deliveries by pushbike.

10 years on, he launched Greggs of Gosforth – minus the bicycle – where he produced fresh bread and baked goods. The high street continues to feature a Greggs outlet to this day, although it has evolved considerably over the decades.

According to the Greggs website: “With over 2,000 Greggs in the UK, the important stuff still matters to us. We’re hard-working, but above all else we’re family; and it doesn’t matter who you are, where you are from or what your favourite bake is, when you come into our shops, you’re part of the family too.”