The Motability Scheme offers a Driving Lessons Grant that can provide up to 40 hours of funded driving lessons, but eligibility criteria apply

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Many people receiving the higher or enhanced rates of disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), may be unaware that they could also qualify for free driving lessons through a grant provided by the Motability Scheme.

The ‘Driving Lessons Grant’ can offer up to 40 hours of funded driving lessons with a local driving instructor, arranged via the AA Driving School. It can also provide familiarisation lessons for those who have received a grant for driving adaptations.

It is worth noting that access to the grant is exclusively available to those who have a Motability Scheme vehicle or one due to arrive within the next four months, hold a provisional UK driving licence, have passed their theory test and receive a means-tested benefit.

Means-tested benefits include Universal Credit, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance (income-related) and Job Seekers Allowance (income-based).

It is estimated that the average learner driver requires between 40-50 hours of lessons before they are ready to sit their test, meaning these free lessons offered through the Motability Scheme could potentially cover an individual’s entire learning journey, reports the Daily Record.

Guidance on the Motability Scheme website explains: “The Driving Lessons Grant can be used if you’re learning to drive for the first time.

“If you are already a full licence holder, but we have grant-funded a change in driving adaptations to your Scheme vehicle, we may be able to fund familiarisation lessons. These help you to get used to a new way of driving.”

While the Driving Lessons Grant offers vital support for disabled individuals who have a vehicle lease, or are due to receive one, certain costs fall outside the scope of the grant.

These include:

• The cost of your theory or practical driving test
• Familiarisation lessons if you have not received a grant for driving adaptations
• Driving lessons for family members, carers or personal assistants
• Adaptations such as dual controls or an instructor brake for self-funded driving lessons

Full details on eligibility and how to apply for the Driving Lessons Grant can be found on the Motability Scheme website.

Based from Nunnington, walk along the River Rye, visit three peaceful villages and take in the good views.

Only five miles south of Helmsley, there is a National Trust-maintained country house in the small village of Nunnington.

Nunnington Hall has a perfect riverside setting, is not large but inside has some pretty Georgian period rooms.

Nunnington & Stonegrave (Image: Jonathan Smith)

Park in the car park, take the footbridge to the hall and at the main entrance enter Low Road heading west through some attractive Yorkshire stone buildings.

Where the road bends sharply left, take the stile directly ahead and join a riverside path.

A sign points to High Moor Lane, one mile distant.

The River Rye itself starts high on the moors to the north before joining the River Derwent further east.

After half a mile, the path leaves the river, bends left and passes a copse of trees before heading south along High Moor Lane.

Cottages in Nunnington (Image: Jonathan Smith)

The track climbs towards a quiet road, cross the road and a few metres on your left the path carries on through farmland uphill towards a broad ridge.

Continue over the high point and follow the track as it descends, initially leisurely but as it starts to bend, more steeply.

The final 100-foot drop is much steeper and arrives at a busier road.

This is Stonegrave.

Cross the road and enter the hamlet; no more than 100 residents reside here.

It will not take long to explore but search out Stonegrave Minster, a fine church with origins in the 8th century.

Re-cross the road and 100 metres to the east of the outbound path, a bridle path heads uphill, where the path forks keep left, contouring up the slope.

It is a lovely wide path flanked by attractive woodland.

Spring brings out its best side, particularly when the trees gain their foliage.

On arrival at the high point of Caulkleys Bank, the views open out beautifully.

To the north, the moors are shown to good effect whilst elsewhere the Vale of York and the Howardian Hills add interest to many miles of countryside.

The walking along the lane at the high point of the bank (there is a trig point and bench at 98m) does not seem to last long enough and soon starts to drop down towards the third hamlet of the day, West Ness.

Enter West Ness, and yet again it is worth having a look at the beautifully presented buildings (East Ness is not far away either).

Don’t cross the river but keep to the south bank and join the riverside path heading back to Nunnington.

The path is well signposted, in fact, I generally find the paths better signposted on this side of Yorkshire as opposed to the Dales end!

Pass the Old Mill and its nearby weir before leaving the river and arriving back at Nunnington.

There are some good views of the hall before arriving at the village centre.

Fact Box:

Distance: Roughly seven miles

Height Climbed: 140m (460 feet)

Start: SE 669796.

Park in the NT car park.

Difficulty: Medium.

The tracks are excellent and well signposted although the paths by the river can be muddy at this time of the year.

Refreshments: Nunnington Hall has a café but there is no pub as marked on the O/S maps.

Be Prepared:

The route description and sketch map only provide a guide to the walk.

You must take out and be able to read a map (O/S Explorer 300) and in cloudy/misty conditions a compass (essential on this walk).

You must also wear the correct clothing and footwear for the outdoors.

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, walkers head out at their own risk.

Please observe the Countryside Code and park sensibly.

Jonathan runs Where2walk, a walking company based in the Yorkshire Dales:

He has written three books on walking in the Dales; ‘The Yorkshire 3 Peaks’, ‘The Dales 30’ mountains and the long distance path ‘The Bracken Way.’

Buy them direct from Where2walk.

Jonathan runs Navigation Training Courses.

The next Beginners Course is on Saturday June 27th from Long Preston, near Settle.

You can buy Dales 30 Guide Book, T-Shirts and branded caps from the NEW Dales 30 website.

Start the challenge today.

Where2walk.co.uk features 100s of walks with descriptions across Yorkshire and beyond, from easy strolls to harder climbs.

Visit the website for details of all these walks, guiding days and navigation.

The school land is on the market for £7.5million

Residents have mixed thoughts on the potential sale of land at a Cambridge school. Last week, it was revealed that land at North Cambridge Academy in Arbury Road was up for sale for £7.5million.

The land in question was described as “largely derelict” by a school and Meridian Trust spokesperson, and it had not been used by the school for five years. The school is looking into if the land can be redeveloped. Alternatively, if the land is sold, the money would be put back into the school.

Some nearby residents see the sale as an opportunity to develop much-needed housing, while others fear it could be a loss of green space that could be utilised by the community.

Alexander Harris, who lives 750m away from the school, said the sale would be “good for the community”. At the moment, Alexander said the site is a “piece of land that no one is able to do anything with”.

He added: “Everything lines up. It gets money into the academy and it could lead to more housing. It’s a piece of wasteland that is not being used. And we definitely need housing in the area.”

If it is redeveloped, Alexander would like to see it turned into a mixed use site. He added: “I would like to see housing of three to five storeys built and shops. In order to reduce the cost of housing, we need to build more houses.”

Anna Ghale works at a local college and would like to see the site used for local sports. She said: “It would be amazing if the community could have more sports facilities for local people. Arbury and Kings Hedges have always been neglected compared to other more affluent areas of Cambridge.

“It’s time to invest in our area, especially as so many working people’s community shopping areas are being taken away. With the rise of AI and people being buried in their phones and online, getting people to interact socially is more and more important.”

Local resident Michal, who wished for his surname to not be included, is “concerned” as he feels the sale could lead to a “big project”. He said: “I look out of my window and I see a big patch of green space. Lots of homes could be built there, which seems like a huge change. I am not looking forward to it [if they build], as it would mean more traffic and more noise.

“I am concerned as it’s only across the fence from me.” Michal said he is not against new housing, but would prefer the land to remain as a green space. He added: “This is a great green space, but at the moment it is private. I would be in favour if it’s redeveloped into a green space for the public – maybe a football pitch or a sports area.”

Callum Labourn has “mixed thoughts” on the sale. He said: “Development and sale of the derelict site, if done properly, would be a good thing The site is currently an eyesore and attracts flytipping. We need more housing in Cambridge, particularly affordable housing. Young people like myself need affordable places to live.

“I am, however, strongly against any development on the school playing fields. Based on what we know of developers, I am not optimistic that any new development will include much affordable housing.” If it is redeveloped, Callum said he would like to see a “large proportion” of it used for affordable housing.

He added: “Nothing higher than two storeys, and in keeping with the surrounding houses. [There should also be] plenty of green space, in keeping with Kings Hedges.”

Mark Souter also feels the area needs more houses, but he added: “If flats and houses are built, yes we do need them. But, the local roads, such as Campkin Road and Arbury Road, will become grid locked.”

The Meridian Trust, which oversees North Cambridge Academy, and Cambridgeshire County Council are working together on the land for sale.

A council spokesperson said: “The footprint of the former Bellerby’s College, now demolished, and owned by Cambridgeshire County Council forms a small part of the overall site that North Cambridge Academy own and are intending to market. The county council will consider this proposal at a future Assets and Procurement Committee meeting, and no approvals or decisions have currently been made.”

In a statement previously provided to CambridgeshireLive, a Meridian Trust spokesperson said: “As part of our responsibility to manage resources effectively, we are considering whether our area of the land could be brought back into beneficial use through redevelopment, subject to the appropriate planning approvals.

“No decisions have been made at this stage. A formal consultation is now underway, inviting feedback from parents, carers, staff and the local authority. The consultation will run until June 12, 2026.

“If a sale were to proceed, any funds generated would be reinvested into North Cambridge Academy and other schools across Cambridgeshire, in partnership with the local authority. This would support ongoing improvements to facilities and enhance provision for pupils, including enhancing and extending sporting facilities, improving parking and increasing areas for those with additional needs.

“The academy and the Trust remain committed to providing high-quality learning environments and ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of its pupils, staff and the wider community.”

Man Utd boss Michael Carrick was asked about Pep Guardiola’s exit from Manchester City at the end of the season.

Michael Carrick has praised Pep Guardiola for having a “massive impact on football”. Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City after their final game of the season, following the club’s official confirmation.

Guardiola has led City to 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups and five Carabao Cups, and he has faced six different Manchester United managers in that time.

The Catalan has overseen 27 games against United during his time in charge of City, winning 13, drawing 4 and losing 10.

Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, City have become the dominant force in Manchester, but 115 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules have cast a shadow over their success.

Guardiola is viewed alongside Ferguson as one of the game’s greatest-ever managers. When Carrick was asked about Guardiola’s exit on Thursday before the official announcement, he said: “I don’t know, it’s his last game for sure, so it’s difficult to elaborate too much on that.

“Because pure respect on Pep, his family in Manchester City is a football club, so he’s had a massive impact on football on these shores, and throughout Europe really in his time, in terms of what he’s achieved, really, is the standout, I think, the way he’s done it, and the teams and how he’s produced.

“Unfortunately, I’ve been on the other side of some of that, and I’ve had some good results against them as well, so whether that is the end or not, I’m just going to carry on, I’m not getting involved in that one at the moment.”

Guardiola lost what will be his final game against United as City boss, having been defeated 2-0 at Old Trafford in mid-January.

The Manchester derby was Carrick’s first game in charge following his appointment as interim coach, and he followed the victory with three points at the Emirates against Arsenal. Those results provided the platform for Carrick to guide the club back into the Champions League. The 44-year-old has now been rewarded with a two-year contract.

“To be honest, no. I feel good, you know,” he said when asked whether he needed a break after an intense period.

“I think you get in the rhythm of working really, of different ways, I’m sure you have different hours to what I do, some of you work more than others, I’m sure you do. You get used to it, you get into the flow of it, I’ve loved it, I’ve loved every minute of it, so I certainly don’t feel that I need a break.”

Enzo Maresca is expected to be named as Guardiola’s successor, meaning Carrick will go up against the former Chelsea boss in the Manchester derby next season.

That year, women kept custody in more than 86% of cases, while shared custody arrangements accounted for only a fraction of all agreements reached. In total, across Japan, there were more than 164,000 children under the age of 18 who had divorced parents and were impacted by custody arrangements that year.

The Gates Primary School on Bristle Hall hosted an incredible festival celebrating all things green.

It was the second year running for Gates Green Fest, which transformed the school grounds into a vibrant hub of environmental awareness and community engagement.

There was an impressive array of eco-friendly activities, with pupils showcasing their creativity through unique projects.

On Wednesday (May 20), The Bolton News went along to find out more and speak to students about the importance of sustainability.

The Gates Primary School staff (Image: NQ)

Headteacher Seán Doherty said: “We began the festival last year, working with a group of children from Year One to Year Six.

“With our Eco-Action Team, we wanted to do something based around spreading the message of positive sustainability.”

The school’s motto around sustainability is ‘Reuse, repurpose and reclaim’.

This is evidenced by the former fuel-run bus parked in front of the primary school, which has been repurposed into a welcoming reading space.

“We take things that people donate or items that are broken at the school, and reuse them for something new,” said Mr Doherty.

“We don’t have a budget, so everything is repurposed.”

The children even have their own garden, with reused wood for the planters.

The Eco Team and Gardening Club are devoted to keeping the garden thriving, planting everything from scratch.

Willow weaving (Image: NQ)

Lillia from Year 5, who is on the student council, spoke of her love for gardening.

“With my family, we’re doing a sunflower race to see who can grow the biggest one.

“My Grandad also built a planter, and together we have been finding seeds and planting them.”

Lillia said she adores being out in the garden because it “calms her down and is good for nature too”.

The Bolton News then spoke with Wyatt from Year 6, who agreed that gardening “calms his mood”.

He said helping with the school’s community garden has encouraged him to spend more time outdoors with his friends.

We also met the school’s head girl, Bea and head prefect, Florence, from Year 6, who have taken part in art projects using reused materials.

Town Mayor Councillor Sarita Chohan and Consort Mr Rishi Chohan with Florence, Bea and Mr Seán Doherty (Image: NQ)

Sarita Chohan and consort Rishi Chohan were also at the festival.

Cllr Sarita Chohan said: “It’s been a pleasure to be here, and it brings back memories for Rishi and myself because our boys came to this school.

“It’s wonderful to see passion from youngsters about how to reuse and sustain things that they use on a daily basis.

“We’ve walked around, made bird feeders, dug and planted bulbs and made marshmallows from natural ingredients.

“It’s been a great day.”

Sustainable artwork made by students (Image: NQ)

Mr Chohan added that it was great to see how enthusiastic the children were as they take steps towards creating a better world for themselves.

The school collaborated with local sustainable businesses and people who have a passion for helping the environment.

We ended our visit with willow weaving, a traditional craft using flexible willow branches to create beautiful, sustainable pieces.

A nine-story building under construction in a city north of the Philippine capital collapsed early Sunday with 22 workers managing to get out while others remain missing, police said.

The building collapsed before dawn during a thunderstorm in Angeles City in Pampanga province, north of Manila. More than 100 police and other government personnel were scrambling to rescue those believed trapped in the rubble, police Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez said.

Mendez, who was at the scene of the building collapse, said there were no immediate reports of deaths but added that some of the 22 workers who managed to scramble out of the building were injured.

He could not immediately say how many workers were trapped in the collapsed building. But Jay Pelayo, who heads Angeles City’s information office, said at least 30 workers may still be trapped in the rubble, citing a construction foreman who managed to dash out of the building as it tumbled down.

Angeles City used to host one of the largest U.S. Air Force bases outside of the American mainland until it closed in the early 1990s, helping develop Angeles and outlying cities and towns into entertainment and commercial hubs in the main northern Philippine region of Luzon.

The former U.S. Air Force base, now called the Clark Freeport Zone, in Angeles city is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Metro Manila.

The full English is a British staple and one that we all know and love – but one food lover recently put the Asda cafe breakfast to the test and was left with serious questions about whether it was worth the £11.50 price tag

Reach’s Laura Zilincanova has consumed her fair share of English breakfasts since relocating to England during her late teens, she has cultivated a real fondness for this staple of British dining. Laura was consequently eager to assess the full English breakfast at Asda Cafe.

While she harboured some reservations – knowing superior establishments for this type of meal – Laura stayed hopeful. Being associated with an affordable supermarket chain, Laura anticipated decent value for money.

What she experienced, though, proved more underwhelming than anticipated.

The cafe, situated within one of Asda’s London superstores, was practically deserted on a Friday morning, making ordering simple – Laura was in fact first in line.

The menu provides an extensive range, featuring smashed avocado on toast, bacon baps, breakfast wraps, and additional options. For those preferring something sweet, there were muffins, carrot cake, cookies, and scones with jam available.

Despite the appealing alternatives, Laura remained committed to her initial choice and ordered a full English breakfast (£7.72), incorporating mushrooms for an extra £1.36, reports the Express.

Altogether, including a Fanta, the total reached a substantial £11.50. By contrast, Morrisons provides a comparable meal (minus the beverage) for £7.25.

Laura told herself it would likely justify the cost. The food arrived in less than five minutes. She began with the baked beans and hash brown, purely because that pairing is her personal preference.

However, Laura could scarcely detect any flavour. The beans were remarkably bland, as though they were swimming in mildly seasoned water.

While the hash brown boasted a proper golden appearance and looked quite encouraging, it possessed a faintly burnt flavour and, once more, minimal taste generally.

The bacon delivered the most flavour, as anticipated, but it carried a distinct meaty taste that Laura doesn’t especially care for. Nevertheless, it was arguably the least underwhelming component on the plate and paired with the beans she would award it a 6/10.

Considerably worse was the sausage, which was practically flavourless and completely mushy. Absolutely no texture.

The tomato appeared more akin to a tinned product, nearly like a purée, tasting excessively acidic. And goodness, the mushrooms. What a pointless inclusion. They tasted like rubber.

The egg was passable, though it lacked seasoning and failed to provide the gratifying runny yolk effect, as it was rather small. A genuine cherry on top? The toast, thoroughly soggy.

To be fair to Asda, there were redeeming qualities too. Firstly, the café is roomy, exceptionally clean, and bathed in natural light. They certainly have potential.

Within under half an hour, the space was occupied by roughly seven contented couples with infants, though Laura found herself hoping they wouldn’t offer them the full English.

An older gentleman seated close by told Laura he loves the breakfast at Asda. While he described the prices as “competitive”, he enjoys the atmosphere and apparently really appreciates the café’s branding.

Perhaps the sole means of truly savouring the meal is by combining all the elements together. Individually, however, the components were somewhat lacking in flavour.

While the breakfast certainly provided sustenance and kept hunger at bay throughout the morning, one nagging thought remained: how exactly had Laura managed to part with £11.50 for that breakfast?

Emergency services were called to Talbot Street in Stockton at around 5.20pm on Friday (May 22), following reports of a crash.

The 4-year-old was knocked by the scooter as it mounted the kerb, causing her to fall and hit her head.

She was taken to hospital, where it was confirmed that she suffered minor injuries.

Talbot Street in Stockton (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

Two boys made off from the scene, but a 14-year-old boy has since been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, drug driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

Cleveland Police are still trying to track the e-scooter passenger, though.

A spokesperson for the police force said: “We’re appealing for information or footage in relation to an incident earlier this evening, Friday, May 22, where a child was injured when she was hit by an electric scooter in Stockton.

“The 4-year-old was knocked by the scooter as it mounted the kerb on Talbot Street in Stockton at 5.20pm, causing her to fall and hit her head.

“She was taken to hospital, where it was confirmed that thankfully she has no serious injuries, but does have a bump to her head.

“The two boys on the scooter made off from the scene, but officers have since arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, drug driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

“Officers are currently trying to trace the pillion passenger and locate the scooter.

“Anyone with information on who the passenger is and where the scooter is, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage, is asked to call 101 quoting reference SE26097415.”

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), added: “We received a call at 17:22 on Friday, May 22, to reports of a road traffic incident on Cowper Road in the Stockton area. 

“A pedestrian was reported to have been hit by a motorbike. 

“We sent one emergency ambulance and took one patient to North Tees Hospital for further treatment.”