Darlington Borough Council approved the plans on July 7 after receiving the application earlier this year from headteacher Claire Throw and her team at St George’s Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School on Neasham Road.

The project will remove an area of soft landscaping and replace it with a new safe play surface, extra play equipment and a pergola to give children more space to learn and play outside.

A low wall, fencing and a gate will be added to keep the new play zone secure and to help manage changes in ground levels on the edge of the site.

The school, which sits close to homes and the nearby railway line, asked for permission to extend its existing play area over a space of just over 500 square metres.

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Council officers looked at the impact on neighbours’ views, noise, wildlife, trees and drainage before reaching their decision.

In their report, planning officers said the changes would mainly be seen from within the school grounds and that nearby homes on Thorntree Gardens, separated by gardens and planting, would only see limited changes along the boundary.

Officers also said the scheme would not cause problems for neighbours’ day‑to‑day living, as the new facilities sit within an existing outdoor play space where children already spend time.

Because the school sits close to the railway line, Network Rail was asked for its views and said it had no objection in principle.

However, it has told the school and its contractors to make sure cranes, digging and any other work do not affect tracks, bridges or other railway structures nearby.

The school now has three years from July 7 to begin the work, giving staff time to line up funds and contractors for the new facilities.

The US has resumed striking Iranian military targets, following the funeral of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

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The US has resumed air strikes against Iran, with Donald Trump declaring the negotiated ceasefire “over”.

The US President branded the Iranians as “sick”, as he spoke to reporters during a meeting with NATO chief Mark Rutte in Turkey.

When asked about Iran, Trump said: “It’s a very interesting question. To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them anymore.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s over. I’ll speak to our negotiators, they want to negotiate.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a waste of time dealing with them.”

Trump added that they are now striking Iran with US military strikes “20 times tougher”. He said: “They’re sick. There’s something wrong with them, reports Daily Star.

“We said ‘Go and do your funeral stuff’, and instead of that, they start shooting rockets and ships yesterday. So we hit them very hard last night.”

The US launched strikes on Iran early Wednesday (July 8), hours after it revoked a licence authorising the sale of Iranian oil in retaliation for what it said were Tehran’s attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran hit back with strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait.

The attacks on shipping threatened efforts to resume fuel shipments in the strait that are crucial to the global economy.

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The crossfire came during the days-long funeral for Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 in the war’s first moments.

The funeral, which ends Thursday, was supposed to be a period of lower tensions — though mourners have repeatedly called for the killings of Mr Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Negotiations to reach a final deal had been due to start after Mr Khamenei’s burial and focus on the toughest matters, including fully reopening the strait and rolling back Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme. However, the new attacks threw that into question.

The US military’s Central Command said American forces launched the strikes “to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway”.

It said it hit Iranian targets including air defence systems, radars and over 60 small boats used by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Those boats have been key in harassing ships in the strait.

The US military remains “postured and prepared to hold Iran accountable when the agreement is not adhered to or obeyed”, it added, saying this round of attacks had ended.

Iran acknowledged the strikes, but offered no word on any losses.

By IMOGEN GARFINKEL – SENIOR FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER

Published: 08:55 BST, 8 July 2026 | Updated: 11:45 BST, 8 July 2026

A Pakistan-registered Boeing 737 cargo plane with five crew members on board lost contact with air traffic control on Tuesday night after reporting a navigational system problem on its way to Karachi, Pakistan aviation authorities said.

Early flight data indicated the 27-year-old converted freighter operated by K2 Airways from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates possibly crashed into the sea southwest of Karachi after a series of sharp altitude changes before a steep final descent, according to flight-tracking service Flightradar24.

Aviation expert Imran Aslam told local ARY News that it remains unclear what caused the aircraft to disappear from radar. 

He said that even if an aircraft suffers an engine failure, it would normally continue gliding rather than plunge suddenly. 

‘I still cannot understand how the plane went down so abruptly instead of gliding,’ he said. 

Authorities have launched a coordinated search and rescue operation at sea through various agencies to locate the missing plane, Pakistan Airports Authority said on Facebook.

K2 Airways said it was cooperating with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and other government agencies.

‘We continue to pray, earnestly, for the safety of our colleagues,’ the aircraft operator said on Facebook. Boeing did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The plane reported a navigational system issue at 9.18pm Pakistan Standard Time (4.18pm GMT) while flying toward Karachi, the airports authority said.

Local air traffic control tried to guide the aircraft, but three minutes later radar systems showed the plane descending rapidly and communication was lost, the authority said. 

The flight was about 155 nautical miles (287 km) west of Karachi at the time, according to the statement.

Flightradar24 tracking data showed chaotic final minutes as the plane plunged about 5,000 feet in less than a minute, surged back some 6,000 feet in just 30 seconds, before a catastrophic dive from 36,550 feet. 

The last transmitted data point placed the aircraft at 1,100 feet above sea level, with a vertical rate of minus 22,400 feet per minute – about 400 kilometres per hour – an extremely steep and abnormal rate of descent.

‘Anytime you see something extreme like that, it catches your eye, but it is too soon to say what any of it means without more information,’ said Anthony Brickhouse, an aerospace safety consultant.

Pakistani rescuers scoured the waters around the presumed crash site of the plane as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to speed up search and rescue operations.

K2 Airways said the crew comprised two pilots, two engineers and one support staffer. 

Authorities have made no official declaration on their status, although Sharif expressed his ‘heartfelt condolences’ to their families.

The missing aircraft is part of Boeing’s decades-old 737 family but is two generations older than the 737 MAX version that was involved in a recent safety crisis. 

It uses engines made by CFM International, jointly owned by GE Aerospace and France’s Safran.

The 737-400 was first delivered as a passenger plane to Russia’s Aeroflot in 1999 and was converted to a freighter in 2012, according to Flightradar24.

It is K2 Airways’ only aircraft and entered into service with the carrier in 2024. Before the last flight, it had not flown since June 28, according to Flightradar24 data.

If casualties are confirmed, the incident would be the first fatal crash in Pakistan since 2020, when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320 came down short of the runway in Karachi, killing 97 people after pilots were distracted discussing the coronavirus before a failed landing attempt.

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As week two of Wimbledon 2026 kicks off, it’s not just the tennis that is winning fans over as the celebrities in attendance continue to serve chic, stylish looks. 

The tournament’s glitzy guests are ditching their bespoke designer gowns and nailing their summer outfits that are perfect for any occasion but are truly turning heads at SW19.

From Molly-Mae Hague‘s sophisticated grey tailored co-ord from her brand Maebe to Tess Daly‘s sold-out white lace dress, there is something suitable for everyone.   

If you would prefer a more colourful ensemble, Amanda Holden‘s yellow tweed jacket and capri trousers are perfect for summer events and a BBQ.

Now the Daily Mail have found the perfect high street looks inspired by the celebrity Wimbledon fashion. 

Molly-Mae Hague

Molly enjoyed a day off newborn duties as she headed to Wimbledon to take in the tennis, one month after giving birth to son Midas.

The influencer, 27, who is already mother to Bambi, three, with her partner Tommy Fury, looked better than ever as she posed up a storm at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in south-west London on day eight of the tournament. 

The Love Island star wowed in a chic grey tailored ensemble from her own brand Maebe, as she opted for the Derby Tailored Waistcoat with matching trousers and paired the look with an envy-inducing Hermés handbag and designer sunglasses. 

After poking fun at her ‘miles long roots’ over the weekend, Molly-Mae continued to flaunt her two-tone locks with bleached tips. 

Molly’s look is now available to pre-order, but there are plenty more high street looks available. 

Tess Daly 

Meanwhile, Tess Daly looked sensational in a lace Self Portrait gown as she arrived at the sporting event.

Tess showed off her amazing figure in the dress which boasted short sleeves and cinched in at the waist with a coordinated belt. 

The former Strictly Come Dancing presenter turned heads in the glamorous lace number which she paired with pink stilettos and a white handbag. 

Tess completed her outfit with a pair of sunglasses as she attended day seven of The Championship.

Amanda Holden 

Amanda made a dash across the city from her Heart Radio Breakfast Show to make it in time for the lunchtime matches.

The TV and radio star looked stunning in a yellow Paul Costelloe ensemble.

Amanda’s outfit showed off her toned abs in a boucle crop top and matching cropped blazer. 

She put on a leggy display in a pair of coordinated capri trousers and elevated her frame in a pair of towering yellow heels. 

Daily Mail have found high street alternatives to Amanda’s gorgeous butter yellow outfit.  

Ruth Langsford  

Looking chic for her day on centre court, Ruth Langsford proved that lime green can be ultra-sophisticated.

The Loose Women presenter was captured wearing a stylish green suit styled with a classic white T-shirt.

The ITV star kept comfortable for the day in the Royal Box wearing a pair of white woven flatform heels.  

Ruth finished off her ensemble with a white handbag and statement gold hoops.

Mary Berry 

The former Great British Bake Off judge and celebrity baker arrived in style, wearing a gorgeous pink midi dress for the special sporting occasion.

Designed by the luxury brand Holland Cooper, Mary’s dress is a classic milkmaid style long-sleeve midi dress, which features flattering puff sleeve detailing and intricate buttons to complete its v-neckline. 

Finished off with a full-pleated skirt and discrete side pockets, this pink dress is an outfit perfect for a special occasion.

Mary teamed the dress with a pair of neutral raffia style ballet pumps. 

Maura Higgins 

Maura made a bold statement in a tennis-inspired look as she wore white sling-backs with tennis balls pierced into the heels – in a look similar to Zendaya‘s ‘method dressing’ style while promoting 2024’s Challengers.

Maura put on a very leggy display in a white boucle sleeveless minidress and toted her belongings in a Chanel tennis ball-shaped handbag. 

Styling her dark tresses in a neat updo with a white bow in, the Love Island star looked in good spirits as she joined the stars in the Evian hospitality.  

Around 200 John Lewis employees are at risk of redundancy after the retailer unveiled plans to close its in-store foreign exchange bureaux and specialist gift-wrapping services.

The department store chain has begun consulting affected staff over the proposals, which would see bureau de change counters close in 30 stores and dedicated gift-wrapping desks shut in 25 locations.

If approved, the changes will take effect this autumn.

John Lewis said the move reflects changing shopping habits, with customers increasingly buying foreign currency online for home delivery or in-store collection. It also said more travellers are choosing to pay with bank cards or digital wallets overseas, reducing demand for in-store exchange services.

Gift wrapping will continue to be available, but will move from dedicated counters to store tills in a change the retailer said would make the service more accessible.

A spokesperson said: “Our customers are increasingly buying the broad range of currencies we offer online, and enjoying the convenience of having this delivered directly to their home or collecting it at one of our shops.”

“As we focus on modernising this proposition to meet our customers’ changing needs, we’re proposing to close our in-store foreign exchange bureaux as well as our gift wrapping service. As a result, we’re regretfully consulting with partners who currently deliver these services.”

The retailer said it would support employees throughout the consultation process and seek to redeploy staff wherever possible.

A job at John Lewis, which also owns Waitrose, was once considered one of the safest in retail.

The proposals come as John Lewis continues efforts to reshape the business under chairman Jason Tarry, who took over in 2024 after several difficult years for the employee-owned retailer, which included store closures and job cuts.

The latest changes follow annual results that showed a pre-tax loss of £21m, driven largely by £120m of one-off costs linked to write-downs of ageing technology systems.

Beneath those exceptional items, however, the retailer reported an improving performance, with underlying profits rising 6% to £134m as group sales increased 5 per cent to £13.4bn.

Waitrose continued to outperform the department store business, with sales climbing 7 per cent to £8.5bn in the year to the end of January, compared with a 3 per cent rise to £4.9bn at John Lewis stores.

Despite the proposed job losses, John Lewis remains one of the UK’s best-rated retailers for customer service, finishing second only to Nationwide in the latest UK Customer Satisfaction Index published by the Institute of Customer Service.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a four vehicle road traffic collision on the Dundrum Road, Newcastle, at approximately 8.45am this morning, Wednesday 8th July.

“Officers are in attendance alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, who are assisting those with what are believed to be minor injuries.”

Two separate groups of donors to the SNP’s 2017 and 2019 referendum fighting funds are considering legal action against John Swinney’s party.

The SNP faces the prospect of two civil actions raised by Scots demanding refunds after they donated to a fundraiser “ring-fenced” for an independence referendum campaign.

Stuart Campbell, who runs the Wings Over Scotland politics blog, yesterday published a draft summons prepared by legal firm Halliday Campbell on behalf of a group of donors who are demanding their cash back from the party.

The group proceedings action centres on how the SNP ultimately spent more than £660,000 of donations raised via two online fundraisers in 2017 and 2019.

Senior party figures repeatedly claimed the cash raised would be used for an IndyRef2 campaign, which ultimately never took place. John Swinney later admitted the party had spent the cash on “ongoing activities” and towards “independence objectives”.

But a separate group of activists have yet to join Campbell’s action and are considering their own legal options. Sean Clerkin said he and David Henry would be speaking with lawyers next week before making any decisions on whether to join group proceedings.

“If people want to join Stuart’s action we have no opposition to that,” Clerkin told the Record. “I have already suggested to two people they join him. But we have a group of about 15 people we are in discussions with, and we will be meeting with lawyers next week before we decide a way forward.

“It may be that we ultimately join Stuart’s actions, but for now we want other questions answered first”.

Clerkin was the original complainer to Police Scotland in early 2021 who raised questions about how the SNP had spent the £660,000. Following complaints from several others, cops launched Operation Branchform later that year to probe the party’s finances.

A decision was taken in spring 2023 by detectives, following discussions with prosecutors, to drop the probe into the “ring-fenced” donations and instead focus on how party cash was spent by former long-serving SNP chief executive Peter Murrell.

Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband pled guilty in May this year to embezzling more than £400,000 from his former employers. He was jailed last month for five years and three months.

Asked last month how the £660,000 of donations had been spent, Swinney said: ‘That money is part of the resources that are available to the SNP to support its independence objectives and the SNP is the party of independence and that’s what we campaign for.”

Asked if all of the money had been spent, he replied: “I’m saying it’s part of the ongoing activities of the Scottish National Party. We’re the party that campaigns for independence. We just fought an election campaign in which we had a very, very strong anchoring of our campaign for independence. If that’s not the use of the resources then I’m not sure I understand what the resources are for.”

Asked in May if he would apologise to those who donated, and whether they would get their money back, the First Minister said: “Party members have made those donations to the SNP. We don’t have that money, it’s been stolen from us.”

Campbell, who first wrote about how the donations were spent in 2020, told the Herald: “The SNP has told nine entirely different stories over six years about what happened to this money. It’s sort of refreshing that they’ve finally admitted they stole it, but bewildering that the police and Crown Office seem inclined to just let them of.

“We’re continuing to separately press for an explanation of that decision, but in the meantime the donors deserve to get their money back, just as the SNP is demanding it gets back the money Peter Murrell stole from the party.

“If the Crown Office continue to refuse to prosecute what a civil court finds to have been embezzlement, and in our view it’s an open-and-shut case, that’s going to be pretty embarrassing, and another blow to its already tattered credibility.”

It comes as former Nationalist branch secretary David Henry will meet detectives next week and hand over a dossier of evidence alleging “anomalies” in the books of Yes Scotland Ltd.

The Sunday Mail first reported the company, which ran the official 2014 Yes Scotland referendum campaign, had £1,524,998 in income which it is claimed is unaccounted for.

An SNP spokesperson said: “These were the issues which were fully explored during the course of the forensic police investigation and which resulted in no action taken against the SNP.

“In the course of this complex and extensive Police investigation, the criminal actions of Peter Murrell were uncovered and the SNP was found to be the victim of embezzlement.”

Frankie Dettori was involved in a crash last week, leaving him with several broken ribs and a broken thumb

Frankie Dettori is recuperating with family after a stint in hospital following a car crash last week. The Italian jockey suffered multiple broken ribs and a broken thumb when another vehicle collided with the rear passenger side of his car on Wednesday, July 1, causing it to spin and flip.

Dettori was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge for further treatment, but with earlier concerns regarding his spleen now dismissed, the 55-year-old was released on Friday evening (July 3).

In a statement issued by his management company H Talent Management, Dettori said: “I am very relieved that it was not worse. I have had injuries before in my career, but broken ribs are never easy and the only real answer is rest and time.

“I want to thank the emergency services and everyone at Addenbrooke’s Hospital for the care they gave me. They were excellent. I am also very grateful for all the messages and calls I have received since the accident.”

Dettori, who ended his lengthy and distinguished riding career after taking some rides in Brazil in February, recently committed to participating in this year’s Leger Legends charity race at Doncaster in September.

Despite his injuries, H Talent Management said Dettori remains “hopeful” of being in action on Town Moor for what would be his first ride in Britain since 2023, subject to his recovery and medical advice.

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