You may have used this time of year to give your home its annual once-over, mow the grass again, and finally wash the car. But have you given your finances a spring clean?

James Kelly – North West Manager for the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) – offers some guidance on the help that’s available from MoneyHelper (https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en)– MaPS’ government-backed money-guidance service.

Organise your income and expenses

An easy place to start is knowing what’s coming in and going out.

Check your bank account

If you haven’t already, it is worth going through your bank account and checking your transactions, so you know exactly what you have to spend each month and where you can potentially cut back. Are you spending too much on coffee?

Do you need that extra subscription? It is a small thing, but some little cuts can make a big difference.

James Kelly, Regional Manager for the Money and Pensions Service (Image: MoneyHelper)

Get everything you’re entitled to

Recent research suggests millions of households could be missing out on unclaimed benefits and social tariffs worth billions of pounds. Whether it is Child Benefit, Universal Credit or Pension Credit, you could be entitled to more.

Make a clear budget

Once you know your income, you can make a budget that works for you. Start by calculating your essential expenses, and then you can plan for the things you enjoy. If this sounds daunting, don’t worry, MoneyHelper has a helpful Benefits Calculator (www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/benefits/benefits-calculator) and Budget Planner (www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/budgeting/budget-planner) to help you make the most out of your finances.

Your pension

It might seem like a lifetime away, but it’s never too early to start saving for retirement. The earlier you start, the more you will have when the time comes. It sounds simple, and it is, but here are a few useful tips to keep you on the right track.

Check your statements

Our previous research shows that only a third of people who pay into a pension actually engage with it. Check your statements annually, or log in online at any time, to see how your pension is doing.

Update your contact details

Ensure your contact details are up to date – if you’ve moved home or changed names, it’s hard for your provider to get in touch with you.

Get a Pension Wise appointment

If you’re over 50 with a Defined Contribution pension, you can get a free Pension Wise (www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pension-wise) appointment to discuss your pension options. You can also visit MoneyHelper.org.uk for further support.

Future-proofing

When spring cleaning your finances, try to think further into the future if possible. It’s not just saving for that rainy day, but in the shorter term, it could be covering that new car, or even helping towards your new home.

Savings

There are a range of options when it comes to savings, and it is always worth shopping around to find the best interest rates. Stocks and Shares ISAs can offer higher returns than cash savings in the long-term and are tax-free, but always be aware of the risks.

Making your will

No one wants to think about it, but everyone should have a financial plan in place for when they die. However, just over half of adults between 50 and 64 do not have a will in place.

Setting out who gets what is just good sense and ensures your nearest and dearest have some comfort when the time comes.

Don’t worry, it is easier than it sounds, and before you speak to a solicitor, MoneyHelper has a step-by-step (www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/death-and-bereavement/planning-what-to-leave-in-your-will) guide to help.

A NEW poll published today has found that one in three people in Yorkshire and nearly half of UK adults spend just three hours or less outdoors a week.

The survey commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts and carried out by Savanta, also found that 6.2 per cent of people said they now spent an hour or less per week outside.

The trend appears to have grown over time, as 92 per cent of respondents had positive memories of spending time outside as a child. The survey revealed deep connections between childhood and nature in Yorkshire:

Enjoying being outside – Photo by Leia Morrison

· Nearly two thirds (65 per cent) of people spent more than half of their time outside as a child

· 66 per cent of the people questioned said they were more likely to reconnect with nature after thinking about their childhood memories

· 89 per cent of the parents asked to recall their childhood memories said they now wished to encourage their own children to have more natural childhoods

One in three in Yorkshire rarely go outdoors

There is already a wealth of evidence to show that spending time in nature boosts happiness, health and wellbeing, and The Wildlife Trusts now plan to tap into the power of positive childhood memories to help adults to venture outdoors more. They are calling on people to ‘rewild your inner child’ by taking part in the 30 Days Wild challenge in the month of June.

The annual challenge to take time out to notice nature during June happens when wildlife is in peak performance mode.

People can ‘re-wild their inner child’ by making use of the free 30 Days Wild guides, wildflower seeds, activity packs and inspiring community events – and reconnect with everyday wildlife found in gardens, local greenspaces and beyond.

Tom Wright, director of fundraising and engagement at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, says: “Whether you were a mud-pie enthusiast, liked building dens in your local woodland, playing tag on the grass or hunting for bugs and beasties in your garden border, nature has left its green mark on all of us – even if we struggle now to make time for it.

“The number of people who spend so little time outdoors is deeply alarming. Being outdoors in nature has so much joy to offer us all – fresh air, sunlight, birdsong and so many proven health benefits – and it is clear many of us hold a deep nostalgia for our wilder years.

“Given how strongly community areas like town parks featured in reported childhood memories, this survey highlights the vital need to maintain and provide more precious urban green spaces to offer access to nature for everyone. We must recall the wilder and greener years of our childhoods and create opportunities for young people to experience the same: because without that connection to nature, there will be no drive to help us create a wilder future.”

Take the challenge

The Trust is urging people to spend a few minutes recalling a childhood memory of being outside and then to venture outdoors and experience nature once more. Taking a moment this June to rewild yourself can be as simple as stopping for a few deep breaths at your local park, scattering free wildflower seeds in your garden or window box, or lying on the ground looking up through the trees to the birds above.

Having fun outdoors.. Photo -Evie and Tom Photography

30 Days Wild has attracted more than three million participants across the UK and, with thanks to players of the Postcode Lottery, has helped people to enjoy and connect with nature for over a decade.

This year The Wildlife Trusts have teamed up with Acamar Films and Bing to create a new range of fun, inspiring activity resources, designed especially for the next generation of young nature explorers. With much-loved children’s TV character Bing by their side, children can enjoy simple outdoor adventures, spot wildlife, use their imagination and make their own lasting memories of being in nature.

To take part in this year’s 30 Days Wild challenge visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/30dayswild

Seaham Hall, the award-winning resort on Lord Byron’s Walk, and one of the best hotels in the world as rated by La Liste Magazine, has launched a £10.7 million collection of high-end holiday properties designed for overseas professionals seeking an investment and a base back home.

With one, two, and three-bedroom options, the new Residences offer a blend of private ownership and access to resort amenities.

(Image: Ryan Wicks)

Owners can enjoy the Serenity Spa, dining facilities, and a fully managed subletting service with potential returns of up to £56,133 net per year.

Ross Grieve, managing director of Seaham Hall, said: “Our new Residences offer something incredibly special – the chance to own a piece of North East heritage in one of the UK’s most breathtaking coastal settings.

“For those who have built lives overseas, this is about coming home in a way that feels effortless, luxurious and entirely flexible.

“Whether staying for family celebrations, summer holidays or remote working escapes, owners have complete freedom and the added benefit of strong income potential when they’re away.”

Guide prices for the properties range from £425,000 to £750,000.

(Image: Seaham Hall)

Jack Hurley, commercial director of Seaham Hall, said: “What makes our luxury lodge ownership stand out is the freedom that comes with it, which is something that we find is attractive to a lot of overseas buyers looking to invest.

“With our Residences, you have the choice to make complete use of the property yourself or can rent or sublet throughout the year to maximise your potential income, with guaranteed rental returns of up to £56,133 (net) annually.

“This allows you to seamlessly integrate ownership into your lifestyle and make the most of your coastal retreat.”

The homes were designed by Gaunt Francis, inspired by contemporary coastal living and echoing the luxury of estates such as The Lakes by Yoo.

The launch expands Seaham Hall’s growing property portfolio and positions Seaham as one of the most desirable coastal investment opportunities in the North East.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has lambasted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for sharing a video of Army Blackhawk helicopters flying above race cars at the Indy 500.

The helicopter flyover, conducted by Indiana Army National Guard members in the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade Sunday, was part of the “Pace Lap for America,” honoring the U.S. military and the nation’s 250th birthday.

But Newsom, known for trolling the Trump administration, team didn’t seem impressed, given the economic worries plaguing Americans.

After Hegseth shared a video of the flyover on X, along with an American flag emoji, Newsom’s press office replied, “Sir, we just want lower gas prices.”

Gas prices have more than doubled since the start of the Iran war nearly three months ago. The national average for a gallon of gas is roughly $4.50, and in California, gas costs about $6.12 per gallon, according to the auto club AAA.

An Army helicopter flyby near Kid Rock’s Nashville-era mansion in March drew intense scrutiny. Two AH-64 Apache helicopters on a training run had hovered near his home, prompting an administrative review. Hegseth later said there would be “No punishment. No investigation.”

“This is a level of respect that s*** for brains Governor of California will never know,” Kid Rock, an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, posted online at the time.

The Independent has reached out to the White House and the Defense Department for comment.

After the U.S. and Israel began launching strikes against Iran at the end of February, Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, causing gas prices to skyrocket.

Earlier this month, Trump admitted, “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.”

“I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,” he said in response to a reporter’s question about the economic burden of the Iran war.

Americans are struggling not only at the gas pump, but also with high grocery bills and the cost of other living expenses. In April, the annual inflation rate rose to 3.8 percent, the highest level since 2023.

Meanwhile, Trump and his administration are pulling out all the stops for America’s 250th birthday, including a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House.

Newsom’s press office reiterated its stance when photos showing the early construction of the White House UFC ring were released. “Mr. President, we just want lower gas prices,” the governor’s team wrote on X Monday.

While the UFC is paying for the fight, which will be hosted on Trump’s 80th birthday on June 14, grand celebrations at a time when Americans are grappling with the rising cost of living can seem “out of touch,” as Democratic Senator Patty Murray from Washington state put it.

Murray was talking to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing last week. She took issue with Duffy’s reality show, which filmed him and his family on a cross-country road trip to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

“Americans don’t have corporation sponsors to pay for their gas,” Murray said. Duffy defended the project, saying at the hearing that it was meant to unite a divided America.

The mill’s flour is sold at National Trust locations

A Cambridgeshire watermill has warned customers to “stop using the flour” after an inspection. Houghton Mill, an 18th-century working watermill on Mill Street, has advised anyone who has purchased their flour with a 2026 production date to stop using it while further investigation is carried out.

The mill, managed by the National Trust, is situated on the idyllic River Great Ouse. It said it had a routine inspection on the grain used to produce Houghton Mill flour and now further tests are being carried out.

Houghton Mill have confirmed that any affected flour can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. The mill’s flour is sold at National Trust locations such as Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, which have also advised customers to not use the flour.

A statement by the mill said: “Following the routine inspection of grain used to produced the Houghton Mill flour, as a precaution, we’re advising anyone who has purchased Houghton Mill flour with a 2026 production date from our shop to stop using the flour while we carry out further tests.

“Any flour can be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund.”

Houghton Mill has three floors of traditional machinery and milling demonstrations as well as water meadows and pretty walking routes alongside the River Great Ouse.

Professor Ciaran Martin, the former head of the GCHQ agency, said in a post on LinkedIn: “Senior figures in public life should not make unsubstantiated claims about foreign (especially Russian) state hacking against them just when something inconvenient comes out, as in this Mail On Sunday splash yesterday where Mr Farage claims the source of knowledge about his £5 million gift from a crypto tycoon was hacking from Moscow.

If Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and Vicki Fowler’s (Alice Haig) wedding wasn’t chaotic enough, the following week of special EastEnders episodes, all set on one night, will certainly be!

In the aftermath of the uber-dramatic wedding, EastEnders presents: ‘the night that changes everything’, in which the Fox-Trueman, Branning, Beale, and Knight families will endure a night of unbelievable drama, with huge ramifications following for those involved and their loved ones.

Following her blood cancer diagnosis, Denise Fox (Diane Parish) is reeling, before an incident with her daughter, Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) means she’s needed urgently – what’s happened to Chelsea?

Max Branning (Jake Wood) seeks to wipe the smile off the communities collective faces, and makes a bold move in his relationship with Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), but how will she react?

Ian and Kathy Beale (Adam Woodyatt and Gillian Taylforth) share a warm mother-son moment, before he finds himself shaken to the core by a knock at the door. Left terrified for his future, what’s Ian done?

George (Colin Salmon) finally sees his adoptive dad, Eddie Knight (Christopher Fairbank) for who he truly is and after bombshells are dropped, George makes a move that changes everything. Will the Knight’s ever be the same again?

Let’s take a deeper look, shall we?

The Fox-Truemans

Confronted by Yolande (Angela Wynter), Denise breaks down and tells her of her cancer diagnosis.

As the hospital rings, insisting she return and immediately begin treatment, Denise is pulled in another direction when it becomes clear that Chelsea needs her.

With her daughter’s life having been turned upside down, she rushes to support her.

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Yolande covers for Denise’s previous absence, but makes it clear that the wider family need to know about her diagnosis, though all Denise wants to do is rest, exhausted and broken.

As she continues to support Chelsea, Denise realises that Yolande is right and heads home to find Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).

Finally ready, she tells him about her blood cancer.

The Brannings

Aware of the mocking and criticism his relationship with Cindy has been receiving from the wider community, Max decides that it’s time to shut everybody up.

In the aftermath of the wedding, Max grabs the microphone and publicly declares his deep love and affection for Cindy.

As she blushes, he reaches down and gets on one knee, just before popping the ultimate question.

Utterly shaken, Cindy blanches as Max asks her to marry him.

What will her response be?

The Beales

Keen to avoid a confrontation between a squabbling Kathy and Cindy, Ian decides it’s time to take his mum home, completely unaware of what lies ahead of him.

Arriving home, Ian is heartened as Kathy relays how proud she is of his achievements in becoming councillor.

Outside in the Square, though, trouble is brewing.

A knock at the door soon reveals everything, sending Ian into an utter spin.

Terrified at the prospect of losing everything he holds dear, the question remains, what happened?

The Knights

After hearing of Eddie’s comments from Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway), Gina confronts her dad with the truth.

When George realises that his adoptive dad is the same racist monster he’s always been, he declares his intention to send him back to prison.

With one card left to play, Eddie reveals that Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) has orchestrated everything in exchange for money.

As things heat up, old wounds are reopened and begin to pour.

With the tension at an all-time high, George makes a decision to protect his loved ones from his evil dad after renouncing him for good, but what will he do, and will he live to regret it?

What next?

The following day, it’s evident that life for a number of residents of Albert Square will never be the same again.

As Kat and Alfie Moon (Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie) host an after party at The Vic, a number of our beloved characters are forced to take a long, hard look at the road ahead and realise just how difficult things are going to be.

MORE: EastEnders wedding drama confirmed as Max drops shock proposal on Cindy

MORE: Police swarm the Square as Max and Cindy take action in EastEnders

MORE: EastEnders fans ‘figure out’ huge tragedy that will rock Walford

Annie Evans-Lewis from Carmarthenshire was working and living near Perth in Australia

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A young woman ‘full of life’ tragically died in a car crash in Australia, as her mother paid tribute to her ‘loving and kind’ daughter.

Annie Evans-Lewis, 21 from Llanybri, Carmarthenshire, was living and working near Perth with her boyfriend Cai James, also from Carmarthenshire.

WalesOnline reports she tragically lost her life after the collision on Saturday, May 23, her devastated family has confirmed. Annie’s family has launched a fundraiser so that her body can be flown home to home to Wales and for to help pay for her funeral.

Cai, 22, who was holding Annie’s hand in her final moments, has posted a heart-breaking tribute saying “my heart is in a thousand pieces”.

As they prepared to fly out to Australia from Wales, Annie’s mother Angharad Evans and aunt Tanya Davies spoke of their grief and love for Annie. They said she loved to travel and was “full of life”.

After visiting New Zealand two years ago Cai and Annie, who had been together four years, went to work on a farm near in East Pingelly, near Perth, last September.

Angharad said Annie, who turned 21 in February, was driving her car on Saturday when she swerved and hit a tree. She died from “catastrophic injuries” in hospital later the same day. Medics have told Annie’s loved ones that she may have suffered a seizure at the wheel.

Angharad thanked the huge support the family has received from Cai and Annie’s friends in Wales, Australia and across the world.

“She was a live wire,” said Angharad, “She loved being outside. She loved life. She travelled to New Zealand and came home but wanted to travel again and expand herself, so they went to Australia.”

Angharad said Annie had been due to come home to Wales for a short visit in July.

“I just want her to come home to us now so we are going out tomorrow.”

Annie, who attended Llansteffan Primary School and Queen Elizabeth High in Carmarthen before going to college to study mechanics, met Cai “on a tractor” at a friend’s farm. She loved animals and the outdoors and had a zest for life, said her mum.

Posting on Facebook Cai described how the young couple had talked of growing old together and how he instantly adored Annie: “When you came into my life I instantly thought you were special, your strong attitude straight away got me addicted,” he wrote.

“You are the most beautiful lady I’ve ever seen, you were perfect in every single way.

“We often said we couldn’t wait to grow old together and be grandparents watching our family enjoy what we built together. Without you I don’t know what to do anymore.”

Angharad described how Annie, her only child, had survived leukaemia and a ruptured kidney when she was a small child. But she said she had pulled through and had always lived life to the full.

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The family’s Gofundme appeal has already raised more than £27,000 with many people in Wales and Australia pledging support.

In a tribute, the appeal says: “The pain being felt by all who knew her and loved her dearly is indescribable.

“Annie was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, girlfriend, and a friend to many. She will always be remembered as the most energetic, chaotic, hilarious, loving, kind and down to earth person.

“Money raised from this page will go towards the process of getting her home to Wales for her funeral. This includes: Repatriation and Australian funeral care fees, at home funeral costs, family flights to/from Australia, and any other necessities for the family during this process.”

The family thanked everyone who has supported them and added in a statement: “Any donations will be so deeply appreciated, we just want our girl home, to celebrate her life, her character, and show her the love she always showed us.

“Annie had just entered her twenties when she travelled from her hometown in Carmarthen, Wales, to Perth, Australia with her boyfriend Cai to begin their wonderful lives together.

“The pain being felt by all who knew her and loved her dearly is indescribable.

“Annie was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, girlfriend, and a friend to many. She will always be remembered as the most energetic, chaotic, hilarious, loving, kind and down to earth person.”

Police in Australia are investigating the fatal crash and are appealing for witnesses.

The family’s appeal to bring Annie home can be seen here.

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A 21-year-old man and 33-year-old woman have been arrested and released on bail following an incident

Neighbours living beside a property in South Belfast that a car crashed into on Monday morning have said this is not the first time there has been an incident at the “dangerous” corner.

A 21-year-old man and 33-year-old woman have been arrested following an incident at Malone Road roundabout at 3.45am on Monday, May 25, when a blue Volkswagen Golf crashed into a property at the junction of Dorchester Park.

The car crashed through the wall of the property before colliding into a conservatory, causing significant damage. Police cordoned off a section of the road following the incident which reopened again at around 12pm.

Local residents told Belfast Live they were shocked to see the damage that had been caused to the property, but this was not the first time there had been an incident there.

One resident said: “I was sleeping in bed when I heard a loud bang and when I came out to see what had happened I saw the police and an ambulance arriving.

“This is not the first time that something like this has happened there, particularly at night time when the road is not as busy. It can be quite dangerous when cars come around it too quickly.”

Local policing Inspector Colhoun said: “At 3.45 am, we received an emergency call reporting that a blue Volkswagen Golf had driven into a wall, and then a conservatory, in Dorchester Park.

“A short time later, officers located two people suspected of being in the offending vehicle.

“A man, aged 21, and a woman, aged 33, arrested following a collision in south Belfast in the early hours of Monday, 25th May, have been released on bail to allow for further enquiries.”

Inspector Colhoun said: “Extensive damage was caused to the vehicle involved, the property and three other vehicles in the area.

“This is a shocking incident, and it’s only by sheer luck that we aren’t dealing with much more serious consequences this morning.

“The residents of the property had to be moved in the middle of the night, which was an extremely distressing experience for them.

“We would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this vehicle in the Milltown Road or Malone Road areas, especially those with dashcam or other footage, to contact our officers on 101, quoting reference 157 25/05/26.

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“You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

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