Designed by Royal Mint coin designer Thomas T Docherty, the reverse or “tails” side of the 50p also features the Elvish lettering and Black Speech inscribed on the Ring, representing the words: “One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.”

The discount supermarket wants customers in Tyne and Wear to suggest areas where they would like to see a new Aldi open as part of its nationwide expansion plans.

With over £370 million earmarked for new stores this year, Aldi is working towards its goal of reaching 1,500 locations across the UK.

Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “We know how important it is for people to have access to affordable, high-quality food close to where they live, which is why we’re asking our shoppers to help us identify the communities that would benefit most from a new Aldi store.

“Opening new stores in these areas means we can bring great value to more customers, while also creating jobs and offering industry-leading pay.”

Last year’s campaign highlighted London, Merseyside, and Oxfordshire as priority areas, with new stores already in progress near Pendle Drive in Liverpool and in the London areas of Hanworth and Willesden.

To put forward a suggestion, customers can email NextNewStore@aldi.co.uk, listing their chosen town in the subject line.

Submissions are open until Thursday, June 18, 2026, with Aldi set to announce the next round of priority locations later this year.

The expansion is part of Aldi’s commitment to improving access to affordable food and supporting communities through job creation.

The Department for Work and Pensions has pledged to “fix the inherited backlog by September 2027” as around 60,000 applicants await a decision on the disabled people’s support scheme

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Campaigners have welcomed efforts to address a backlog in a support programme designed to help disabled people enter or remain in employment as a “positive step”. The UK Government has committed to recruiting 480 additional case managers and caseworkers to process applications under the Access to Work scheme, pledging to “fix the inherited backlog by September 2027”.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that those recruited will strengthen the existing workforce of 658 staff. A report released earlier this year revealed that disabled people had experienced average waiting times exceeding 100 days for their applications to be processed under the programme.

The National Audit Office (NAO) report, released in February, highlighted “delays and backlogs” in handling applications to the Access to Work scheme, which was established in 1994 and operates throughout Scotland, England and Wales.

Individuals with a physical or mental health condition or disability can apply for a grant to cover practical support, assistance with managing mental health in the workplace, or funding for communication support during job interviews. Demand for the programme has “increased significantly” in recent years, the NAO observed, with total applications more than doubling from 76,100 in 2018/19 to 157,000 in 2024/25, reports the Daily Record.

The DWP stated that demand for the scheme had “surged in recent years” and that it had inherited a backlog from the previous administration, meaning approximately 60,000 applicants are currently awaiting a decision. The department stated that newly appointed case managers would receive “extensive training to handle complex applications, ensuring disabled people receive timely support to secure and sustain employment”.

Applications from those due to commence work within four weeks will also be given priority. The new staff members will take up their positions between September and December this year, with the aim of clearing the backlog by the end of September next year.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Access to Work is a lifeline for disabled people and those with health conditions, helping them to start and stay in work, but when I came to the DWP it was clear there was a major issue with people waiting for a decision.

“That’s why I’m taking action to clear the backlog, because we know that the right support can change lives. This is part of our wider commitment to move from a welfare state to a working state, building an economy that works for everyone.”

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of learning disability charity Mencap, welcomed the recruitment drive, adding that delays are currently “putting enormous pressure on disabled people who rely on this vital support to get into and stay in work”. He added: “People with a learning disability can be fantastic employees, but many will need the right support to thrive in the workplace.

“Access to Work is one of the best ways to support disabled people in work, for example funding dedicated job coaches who help people with a learning disability to develop their skills in the workplace, build confidence, and sustain paid employment. This recruitment drive is a positive step in tackling the systematic delays and bogged down administration that has threatened this vital programme.

“If Access to Work runs as intended, it will help reduce the disability employment gap and get more people with a learning disability into paid work. We look forward to seeing this announcement translate into real, lasting improvement.”

James Taylor, director of strategy at disability equality charity Scope, said it was “good to see the Government taking steps to get a grip of the situation”, adding that “cutting the backlog and reducing delays will stop disabled people being left in limbo, giving them the support they need to get in to and stay in work”.

The Government stated that the latest measure forms part of its ongoing commitment to “move from a welfare state to a working state”.

Richarlison had given Robert de Zerbi’s disappointing side hope, after Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos gave the hosts a deserved two-goal advantage, when Chelsea‘s combative left-back Marc Cucurella unceremoniously dragged Spurs defender Micky van de Ven to the floor.

It came as Mathys Tel prepared to take a corner and Spurs demanded a penalty that never came, their disbelief doubled when Cucurella was cautioned over the incident.

Video assistant referee (VAR) checks detected his foul came seconds, maybe even one second, before the ball came into play, meaning a penalty could not be awarded.

Referee Stuart Attwell could only take action against Cucurella with a yellow card, and once VAR confirmed the ball had not been kicked there was no room to initiate a review and subsequent spot-kick.

Former Chelsea and England striker Daniel Sturridge told Sky Sports: “One second difference and it is a guaranteed penalty. Cucurella is so lucky.”

It was the tightest of calls.

Spurs boss De Zerbi refused to dwell on it, but said the Everton game was arguably “more important” than the club’s Europa League final against Manchester United last season, which they won in Bilbao.

He added: “It is not my business. My business is to focus on preparing the next game and to get the points we need because Sunday is the final for us.

“This game is important, more than playing for a trophy. Last season ended with playing for a trophy. We play for something more important than a trophy because of the pride and history of the club.

“You can win a trophy but it does not change anything. The most important thing is the pride and dignity of the club, so that we can go on holiday, in the Premier League.

“We have to stay alive. Sunday against Everton is a big day for us.”

“Certainly, working with the parents would be key to all of this.”

A NI council is to crack down on the illegal use of scramblers due to public safety fears and the sinister use of youths for “drug runs” in the district.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s active and healthy committee this week approved a strategy to tackle the “scourge” of off-roaders, including E-scooters and quad bikes.

New joint patrols of PSNI officers and community volunteers could look to confiscate the vehicles in order to prevent a further fatal tragedy such as that of Dublin teenager Grace Lynch earlier this year.

READ MORE: Council CEO reacts to claims of ‘slow’ responses to the media.

READ MORE: NI council to combat ‘horrendous’ online abuse of councillors.

Bringing forward the motion, Newry Sinn Féin councillor Aidan Mathers said: “This council will actively engage with policy and the community to enforce this policy.

“It calls on the council to develop and enforce an implementation plan in collaboration with the PSNI and local stakeholders.

“This includes regular joint patrols in known hotspot areas and clear reporting pathways for residents to raise concerns.

“He added: “There is a very real and growing concern across our district.

“We are all aware of the widespread anxiety caused by illegal and dangerous use of scramblers and other off-road vehicles.

“They are causing fear and intimidation and people are afraid to speak out.

“There is a very real risk to public safety, which we see throughout Ireland and recently in Dublin with Grace Lynch, who lost her life after being hit by a scrambler.

“I’ve witnessed the driver of a scrambler in Newry speeding without a helmet and, more alarming, a passenger no older than 12 with no safety gear on.

“The potential of a real tragedy doesn’t bear thinking about.

“As we head into the summer months this issue is only going to increase, so we need to tackle it now. These vehicles should be confiscated when possible.”

Grace Lynch, 16, died in January after being hit in Finglas, Co Dublin, with her family campaigning for stronger laws in her name.

In March, Grace’s Law came into effect to ban scramblers from all public spaces in the Republic of Ireland.

In Northern Ireland, scramblers are mostly illegal on public roads and spaces, but are not subject to a blanket ban.

Mournes Alliance councillor Jill Truesdale said:”I do think we are playing catch-up with this.

“I was talking to the police as we have scramblers being used to do drug runs, it is young adults, it is not kids.

“But the problem the police have is that they can’t run the risk of chasing the person in case it is a child and there ends up being an accident.

“And nine times out of 10 they have to give back the vehicle and cannot confiscate them, which is very frustrating.

“We know the Justice Minister ( Naomi Long – Alliance) is currently working on closing legislative gaps and strengthening powers.

“We all need to work with the police, but maybe there is something higher up we can do about how these vehicles are getting into Northern Ireland, they are an absolute scourge.”

Rowallane DUP councillor Jonathan Jackson added: “We do have to focus on the age of a lot of these kids involved in this activity.

“And we need to look at how we can educate some of the parents of these people and make them realise what they are doing is obviously breaking the law.”

Newry SDLP councillo r Doire Finn said: “From speaking to the PSNI, this is a problem where some of the parents are purchasing these vehicles for their children who are using them.

“How are we going to communicate with these parents?”

A council officer responded: “We are aware that a lot of these scooters are being bought and there is not a full understanding of where they can or can’t be used.

“We will liaise with our marketing department on a campaign to target all of the areas on education and awareness.

“Certainly, working with the parents would be key to all of this.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Victoria Scholar, head of investment for Interactive Investor, said April’s lower energy price cap will “go some way towards helping offset higher petrol, airline and other prices impacted by the elevated global oil price backdrop” with Brent crude oil trading at an average of around 120 US dollars a barrel during the month.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian president Vladimir Putin are meeting in Beijing for bilateral talks. The BBC’s China correspondent Laura Bicker, and Russia editor Steve Rosenberg, break down their relationship and answer this key question – are they best friends, or is it just geopolitics?

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government will permanently drop tax claims against President Donald Trump, according to a settlement document made public Tuesday, in an extraordinary use of executive power that could effectively help shield the president from further examination of his finances and legal conduct.

As part of the settlement deal meant to resolve Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns, the U.S. is “forever barred and precluded” from examining or prosecuting Trump, his sons and the Trump organization’s current tax examinations, according to a one-page document posted to the Justice Department’s website.

The government is also barred from looking into Trump’s family, affiliates and others, according to the document, which is signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. That document is a separate addendum from the original settlement announced Monday, and was quietly added to the Justice Department website on Tuesday.

The White House referred Associated Press inquiries to the Justice Department, and the U.S. Treasury did not respond to Associated Press requests for comment.

The settlement refers only to existing audits, not future examinations, the Justice Department said in response to a request for comment on the expanded settlement.

The move comes after the Trump administration announced Monday, as part of the lawsuit settlement, the creation of a nearly $1.8 billion fund to compensate allies of the Republican president who believe they have been unjustly investigated and prosecuted, an arrangement that Democrats and government watchdogs criticize as “corrupt” and unconstitutional.

The “Anti-Weaponization Fund” of $1.776 billion will allow people who believe they were targeted for prosecution for political purposes, including by the Biden administration Justice Department, to apply for payouts, creating what Blanche called “a lawful process for victims of lawfare and weaponization to be heard and seek redress.”

Blanche, who was grilled by lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, would not rule out the possibility that people who carried out violence during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol will be considered for payouts from the new fund.

Democratic lawmakers and ethics watchdogs slammed the creation of the fund, saying it was corrupt, opaque and had the potential to become a “slush fund” for the president and his allies. Even Republican lawmakers have expressed signs of discomfort about the fund’s creation, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who told reporters that he’s “not a big fan.”

Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday that the fund is dedicated to “reimbursing people who were horribly treated.”

Daniel Werfel, a former IRS Commissioner during the Biden administration, said he was unaware of instances where the IRS agreed in advance “to permanently forgo examination of previously filed tax returns for a specific person or business.”

He said the arrangement granted Trump and his family separate tax rules from other Americans.

“Whether you are the president or Joe the Plumber, people expect the same tax rules and enforcement framework to apply to everybody.”

The fund was announced after Trump, his sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., and the Trump Organization agreed to drop their lawsuit against the IRS and the Treasury Department. The lawsuit alleged that a leak of confidential tax records caused them reputational and financial harm and negatively affected their public standing, among other allegations.

According to the original settlement agreement posted to the Justice Department website Monday, Trump will receive a formal apology from the U.S. government but “will not receive any monetary payment or damages of any kind” from the settlement. Still, the discharge of current potential tax claims could provide protection against any possible outstanding tax liabilities.

Kathleen Williams, the judge handling the lawsuit, dismissed the case on Monday and, in her filing, admonished the government agencies, notably the Justice Department, for failing to be transparent about the settlement.

She said no agency “submitted any settlement documents nor filed any documents ensuring that settlement was appropriate where there was an outstanding question as to whether an actual case or controversy existed.”

___

Associated Press writer Alanna Durkin Richer contributed to this report.

From a nationally crowned butcher near Durham City to an organic farm on the edge of Teesdale, these are the places worth adding to your bank holiday plans.

Broom House Farm Shop, Witton Gilbert

There is no better place to start than Broom House Farm, which last week was named the best butcher in the North of England at the 2026 Countryside Alliance Awards, known in farming circles as the “Rural Oscars.”

The organic farm sits above the Browney River Valley overlooking Durham City, and has been selling its own Aberdeen Angus beef, lamb, mutton and rare breed Saddleback pork since 2004. Everything on the butcher counter is reared on the farm itself.

TripAdvisor reviewers are full of praise. One visitor wrote: “We go mainly for the shop and butchers.

The butchers are very friendly and knowledgeable and the meat is always top quality. As older people on a limited budget we are selective about what we eat and prefer to pay a bit more for the best quality.”

Another said simply: “What a delightful place. Food delicious.”

The farm also has a coffee shop serving breakfasts, brunches and homemade cakes, with outdoor seating and a forest adventure play area for families.

It is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit for Saturday at the latest.

Broom House Farm, Witton Gilbert, Durham, DH7 6TR

Knitsley Farm Shop and Granary Cafe, Consett

A short drive from Lanchester and Consett, Knitsley Farm Shop sits on a working farm and holds a TripAdvisor rating of 4.7 out of 5 from more than 640 reviews, making it the second highest-rated restaurant in Consett.

The farm shop is known in particular for its homemade produce. One reviewer described it as “a culinary journey,” praising the butcher as “so helpful and knowledgeable” and the cheese and onion quiche as “the best I’ve ever tasted.”

Another regular simply called it a “hidden gem,” writing: “The ham broth and fruit scones are to die for.”

It was Highly Commended at the Countryside Alliance Rural Oscars in 2023 and the farm also starts baking at 3am, with the bakery producing fresh bread, scones and pastries that regularly sell out before lunchtime.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

Knitsley is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

East Knitsley Grange Farm, Consett, County Durham, DH8 9EW

Broom Mill Farm Shop and The Mill Kitchen, West Auckland

Not to be confused with Broom House Farm near Durham City, Broom Mill Farm Shop is a family-run farm near Bishop Auckland with a restaurant open seven days a week from 8.30am.

On TripAdvisor, one recent visitor wrote: “This is a fabulous café, where all meat is produced on their farm. The staff are extremely friendly.

Considering food is all local, the prices are very reasonable. This is the place to go if you are passionate about where your food comes from.” Another described it as a “gem of a place,” adding: “The staff were very friendly and courteous and our food was served quite quickly.”

The farm shop stocks traceable, zero food miles meats, local vegetables, cheeses and cakes, and the on-site Mill Kitchen is open for breakfast through to lunch every day of the bank holiday weekend.

Broom Mill Farm Shop, West Auckland, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 9PJ

Cross Lanes Organic Farm Shop, Barnard Castle

For those heading into Teesdale, Cross Lanes Organic Farm sits just off the A66 on the outskirts of Barnard Castle and makes an ideal stop whether you are heading into the Dales or breaking a longer journey.

It was previously named as one of the best in the country, and one TripAdvisor reviewer called it “a little gem of a café on the A66,” writing: “I had the special lamb kofte and it was absolutely amazing.

Everything was homemade, which I think goes for all things on the menu.”

Another noted: “The food is home made and freshly prepared while you wait and the portions are plentiful. You will find no processed food here.”

The site includes an organic restaurant, farm shop, butchers counter and deli, with the menu running from a full breakfast through to lunch specials.

Open Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, with Sunday hours also available.

Cross Lanes Organic Farm, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 9RT

Field and Fodder, Bearpark

One of County Durham’s newer food destinations, Field and Fodder at Aldin Grange near Bearpark won the Deli category at the 2026 Countryside Alliance Awards for the North of England at the same ceremony at which Broom House Farm won its butcher title.

Early TripAdvisor reviewers have been enthusiastic. One wrote: “Such an amazing selection of fresh ingredients. You can tell so much thought and passion goes into each dish.

“My new fave place for brunch.”

Another described it as “a must see,” adding: “The service is fantastic and the atmosphere is lovely.

I always feel so warmly welcomed into this shop and never leave disappointed.”

The shop operates as a café on Mondays and Tuesdays, and as a fully licensed bar all day on Saturdays, with charcuterie boards available for dine-in or takeaway throughout.

Field and Fodder, Aldin Grange Fishery, Bearpark, Durham, DH7 7AR

Have you visited any of these? Let us know in the comments.