007 First Light – you know his name (IO Interactive)
The creators of Hitman bring James Bond back to the world of video games, with a wholly original story starring a younger version of the world’s most famous superspy.
At time of writing there’s still no real clue as to who is going to be the new cinematic James Bond. Dune director Denis Villeneuve will helm the next film but we’re worried that he’s not the right man for the job. He’s an exceptionally skilled director but there are many facets to Bond and we’re not sure there’s a single joke in any of Villeneuve’s films – unless you count unironically paraphrasing Life of Brian in Dune: Part Two.
There have been so many clones and parodies over the years it’s easy to lose track of what makes the Bond film series work, with Hollywood increasingly pushing it into being a straight action franchise. But developer IO Interactive, best known for the Hitman series, clearly know exactly what makes Bond tick, with 007 First Light proving to be considerably more entertaining and authentic than many of the recent movies.
It’s pointless to say that Patrick Gibson, who portrays Bond in the game, should also be the new movie version of the character, because he’s too young, but his performance, and that of the rest of the cast, is superb and the centrepiece of what is one of the best licensed video games of all time.
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The premise of First Light is that it’s not in continuity with the movie series, but it does take considerable influence from it, and to a lesser degree the original novels, including the music, the traditional intro sequence, and the relationship between Bond, M, Q, and Moneypenny. Although the latter is actually Bond’s superior, since he starts the game as a twentysomething naval recruit, before fate brings him to the attention of MI6.
As has been clear since the game was first unveiled, this has nothing whatsoever in common with the classic GoldenEye 007, but shares quite a bit of DNA with Hitman. It’s a third person action game where the majority of levels take place in small open world areas, where you have an objective but are rarely given any specific instructions on how to achieve it. Although there’re also shorter, linear action sequences and some that are a mixture of the two, where you’re spoon-fed instructions in a more Red Dead Redemption 2 style fashion or engage in some Uncharted style platforming.
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As an example of a more open-ended section, at one point you’re trying to get into the VIP room at a club, which has several solutions, including sneaking around in the vents, picking up an unattended tray of drinks and pretending you’re a waiter, or eavesdropping on a conversation that gives you a clue as to how to bluff your way in. Sometimes you can just punch or shoot your way through but not usually, and certainly not in this case.
There are no side quests as such but you can find and do other things not directly connected to your mission, which can open up new dialogue options or, for example, an extra way to sneak up on enemies when a fight breaks out.
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The game makes a clear distinction between areas where you’re free to do whatever you want and those that are restricted, and you’ll get thrown out if you’re discovered or attacked if it’s somewhere you really shouldn’t be. In most cases you don’t have authority to use your gun unless the enemy opens fire first, so while there are plenty of more linear action sequences a lot of the time you’re relying on your wits and not your Walther PPK (which is never referred to as such, despite a lot of licensing for other products, including a pleasing variety of classic British cars).
Surprisingly, you can’t move bodies, but otherwise the stealth is slick and enjoyable, as you use a Q-watch to hack machinery and CCTV cameras, as well as temporarily disorientate people or laser open padlocks. There’re a few other gadgets too, but you can only bring a set number with you at a time, and there’s generally less reliance on them than you might think.
Despite being a relatively minor part of the game, the melee combat and gunplay are very good, with the former based on a simple colour-coded system of dodging and countering incoming attacks. It feels very physical and all the levels are impressively destructible, as you electrocute goons by slamming them into servers or smash them into mirrors and see the picture frame next to it sway in sympathy.
First Light is surprisingly sexy (IO Interactive)
One shoot-out in a museum gallery, dominated by blood red lighting and the shadows of ancient statues, is so visually impressive it’d be a shame if they didn’t copy it for a future movie. While a later boss fight, where you’re trapped in a shed filled with fireworks, is also visually clever in a very cinematic way.
We didn’t expect much from the car sections, since that’s one thing IO has no experience in at all, but they’re actually good fun – especially when you commandeer a bin lorry and smash it through the heart of Kensington, Blues Brothers style. There’s a wide variety of different vehicles too, including an escalation of the bin lorry concept later in the game that comes with a wonderful musical moment.
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It’s relatively uncommon, but you’ll also get into full-blown gun battles and over-the-top Bond set pieces, filled with explosions and implausible plans, like chasing a cargo plane in an airport ladder truck. That’s a chase that ends up with you climbing aboard and fighting on the wings… before you use your watch to hack the aircraft controls, allowing you to bank it left and right – crushing enemies beneath boxes – while you’re still fighting.
Despite how well everything works this is not a pure action title. Instead, it’s a game that takes its time with everything, leaving you plenty of opportunity to experiment with level solutions, but also to talk to other characters and soak in the ambience. Gibson’s performance is praiseworthy on several levels, not least because his Bond walks around with a permanent smirk on his face. He’s a cocky, overconfident smartass (just as Bond always is) and yet you still like him and actually feel sympathy for him.
The game keeps the background lore of him being an orphan but it’s vague when it comes to exactly how posh he’s meant to be – although his irresistibility to women is as strong as ever and while the game isn’t sexually explicit it doesn’t shy away from Bond’s womanising. He goes through a lot in the story and it’s impressive that IO takes the time to show his reaction to things like his first kill and how he’s affected by the deaths of his allies (including a line about preferring to repress his emotions rather than cry, which clearly isn’t just a joke).
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Bond feels more like a real person than he does in most films and it’s encouraging that the game understands that it’s the dialogue and character interactions that are the most important element in a movie, even an action orientated one. However, at times it does feel like it’s going a bit too far and the pacing can be very languid. Video game Bond already does a lot more actual spy work than his movie counterpart but there’s a surprising amount of casually wandering around and solving puzzles, even at very late points in the story.
First Light is absolutely not a reskinned Hitman and one of its many qualities is how unpredictable and varied it is. One level involves almost Zelda-esque puzzle-solving, while one-off set pieces and action scenes can come out of nowhere at any moment. It’s all done so impressively cinematically too, with a fantastically well-coordinated training sequence that may count as the best training level ever seen in a video game, as it builds up the characters as well as your understanding of the game mechanics.
The game in general is very good at slowly building up the tension, as missions segue from banter and observation to increasingly tense exploration and infiltration, before inevitably ending in violence. Although it is surprising that there’s no sort of score or rating after completing a level, as there would be in Hitman, so while there are achievements for things like not being spotted, the game doesn’t judge you for cheesing it through a level or being a terrible spy.
The main bad guy is enjoyable unpleasant (IO Interactive)
On a technical level the facial animation is very good and while we did experience two crashes there were no graphical bugs at all, just a few questionable actions from patrolling enemies. Instead, the only real technical problem is the mammoth load times after you die, which feels like you’re back in the PS1 era, reading the data off a CD.
We don’t want to spoil too much of the story, but while you perhaps don’t see quite enough of the main villain he is good. The game is also agreeably unflinching in its criticism of AI, which becomes a major plot point. On a pedantic note, we were also pleased to see the game avoided too many Americanisms, although we’re not quite sure how IO (who are Danish) managed to use the word trainers instead of sneakers but couldn’t stop themselves from labelling a toilet as a ‘restroom’ – in a building purposefully filled with jingoistic British iconography.
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Overall, the script is good, although trying to give Bond a one-liner for almost every situation means the hit rate is predictably low. There are some good one though, such as when he’s asked over his earpiece for his status and he replies ‘Happily single.’ There’s also some clever playing around with the classic ‘Bond. James Bond’ quote. The music throughout is excellent too, keenly aware of the expectations of the franchise but sensibly holding back on both the theme tune and the title song by Lana Del Rey, until just the right moment.
If you’re a Bond fan then this is a dream come true, with endless subtle references to the movies and lore, but it’s significant for more than just being a good licensed game. It’s one of the most ambitious and cinematic action adventures of the generation; one that manages to combine dialogue, exploration, and action seamlessly and with only minimal cut scenes (which is a purposeful dig at Metal Gear, because in some ways First Light is reminiscent of a less pretentious Hideo Kojima production).
All of a sudden, it feels like IO Interactive may have been selling themselves short for only focusing on Hitman in the last few decades, because 007 First Light is an exceptional piece of interactive entertainment, that deserves to have a significant influence on the industry at large.
007 First Light review summary
In Short: Not only an extremely authentic Bond adaptation but a masterful action adventure in its own right, that manages an impressive balance of storytelling and cinematic spectacle.
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Pros: Excellent core mechanics, with solid combat, driving, and an impressively open-ended exploration system. Great storytelling that manages to balance the tropes of the franchise with proper character development.
Cons: The pacing is surprisingly languid at times, even when it feels like it should be the opposite. Peculiarly long load times when you die.
Score: 9/10
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Formats: PC (previewed), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC Price: £59.99 Publisher: IO Interactive Developer: IO Interactive Release Date: 26th May 2026 (Q3 2006 for Switch 2) Age Rating: 16
Cars are not the only thing you drive (IO Interactive)
“Seamus’s mother, from the time he went missing until her passing, she searched tirelessly to try and recover and find where Seamus was, so I would ask people to put yourselves in her shoes – how would you like it if your mother was out trying to search for you, and that there were people out there with information that can help.
Counter Terrorism Policing North West, working with Greater Manchester Police, arrested the 49-year-old on the evening of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at an address on St James’ Road in Higher Broughton.
He was arrested on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity, an offence under Section 38B of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The man is currently in custody and being questioned by police.
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The arrest is linked directly to the attack that occurred on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
During the incident, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz were killed, and three other men sustained serious injuries.
All three injured men have since been discharged from hospital.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who has operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “This evening we have arrested a 49-year-old man in the Salford area on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity, contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000.
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“The suspected offence relates directly to the terrorist attack that took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in October.
“The loved ones of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz, as well as those seriously injured in the attack, have been updated on this latest development.
“We remain unwavering in our commitment to establishing the full picture behind the attack and getting answers for those affected, including the local community.
“We are prepared to take swift, firm action where we suspect criminal offences may have occurred.
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“Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again urge anybody who may have information that could assist us to please contact police.”
This brings the total number of arrests in connection with the investigation to eight.
Among those previously arrested is a 30-year-old man detained on October 9, 2025, also on suspicion of failing to disclose information regarding terrorist activity.
He remains under investigation.
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A separate individual has been charged with terrorism offences not directly linked to the synagogue attack.
Police continue to appeal for information from the public.
Members of the public were urged to avoid the area
A major search is underway in a lake near Knutsford after a teenage boy was reported as missing after swimming. Police, fire crews, search and rescue teams and paramedics are in attendance at Pickmere Lake.
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The alarm was raised shortly before 5pm. Footage and pictures shared on social media showed a large emergency response at the scene, with footpaths around the area also taped off.
It was reported that a person had entered the water before being reported as missing, with a full search of the area being carried out. No further updates have been provided.
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A Cheshire Police spokesperson said: “Emergency services are in attendance at Pickmere Lake following reports of a missing teenage boy. Officers are making a search of the area with assistance from the police helicopter, and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
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“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area while emergency services work at the scene. Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 2336977.”
Five fire engines were also called to the scene, as well as a rapid response unit, technical rescue unit and boat unit amid the water rescue operation.
A Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service statement on the incident read: “Firefighters were called to reports of a person who had entered the water in Pickmere Lake, near Knutsford.
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“On arrival, firefighters deployed a rescue boat and water rescue firefighters to assist partner emergency services in searching the area for the missing individual.
“Firefighters and emergency services are still in attendance at the scene and further updates will be provided when available.”
The Consumer Council has offered advice as telecoms costs continue to rise for NI households
As costs connected to broadband and phones continue to rise for households in Northern Ireland, people may have options available to secure a cheaper tariff.
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The Consumer Council has offered advice to some households saying they may be eligible for social tariffs that could lower the costs they pay every month.
This follows the release of its Northern Ireland Household Expenditure Tracker, which monitors changes to income and expenditure, has shown that despite a slight increase in available spending money for the lowest-earning households in NI, they are still left with less than £53 a week on average after buying essentials and paying bills.
It found that telecom costs, or Broadband and phone services, continued to grow as an expenditure for households and now makes up 10% of weekly spending for low-earning households. The Consumer Council said this is the highest level since it began monitoring this.
It has now offered some advice to families regarding Social Tariffs that may be available to them and could help to bring their costs down.
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Philippa McKeown-Brown, Acting Director of Strategy & Emerging Markets at the Consumer Council, said: “Being connected online is essential for accessing work, education, services and support. However, research conducted by the Consumer Council shows that many consumers in Northern Ireland are unaware that social tariffs are available through most well-known providers. These lower cost broadband and mobile packages offer the same as normal packages but typically cost between £10-£24 per month.
Philippa continued: “In an increasingly digital world, it’s important that people are not excluded. If you or someone in your household receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for these discounted packages through your current provider, or you can shop around.
It also offered some advice on social tariff eligibility, stating: ‘
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What are social tariffs?
These ‘social tariffs’ are cheaper broadband packages typically costing between £10 – £24 a month on average. Some providers label them as essential or basic broadband.
They are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price.
Eligibility
If you or someone in your household claims Universal Credit, you could switch to any of the tariffs available.
All major providers also include people on Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support.
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Some providers might include additional benefits, like Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance.
The person receiving the benefit needs to be the main person on the contract.
Benefits of social tariffs
In addition to being cheaper, social tariffs:
have little to no setup fees – your provider should tell you before you sign up
could cost nothing to switch if your provider offers a social tariff – switch any time, free of charge
the price won’t go up mid-contract – you won’t pay any more than what you agreed at the start of the contract
it costs nothing to leave – you won’t pay a fee to leave the tariff before the end of your contract
Avoid pointing the air vents directly towards you, because this stops air from being evenly distributed around the car. “It isn’t a matter of temperature, but in which direction the air is flowing inside the car,” said Ángel Suárez from Seat’s Technical Centre.
“The nozzles should be pointing upwards, not towards people’s faces. Then the air flows all around the interior of the car and reaches every passenger consistently.”
If your car has climate control, rather than a more basic air-conditioning system, Seat also recommends using the Auto setting. This not only controls the fan speed but also whether the air is recirculated in the cabin or drawn from outside, helping to cool the car more quickly and minimising fogging.
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Use it or lose it
In addition to the advice above, it is good practice to use your car’s air-conditioning on a regular basis, even throughout the winter, to help ensure long-term reliability, while regular maintenance such as replacing filters every year or two will keep it operating at its maximum efficiency.
Be aware too that over time dirt and bacteria can build up in an air-conditioning system, particularly one that is rarely used. If you find there’s a strange odour when the air-conditioning is running it is important to have the system checked and cleaned by a specialist.
Marcus Rashford is expected to leave Manchester United this summer after impressing on loan with Barcelona, while the player himself has expressed his desire to remain with the La Liga champions
Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham believes Marcus Rashford needs to answer two key questions if he is to ever play for the Reds again. The England international has been a standout performer for Barcelona while on loan with the La Liga club this season.
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Barcelona are expected to sign the United academy graduate, having already agreed on an option to buy the 28-year-old forward. However, the La Liga club have struggled financially in recent years, and while Hansi Flick is a big fan of Rashford, Barca want to take the United man on loan for another season.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, meanwhile, would rather cash in on Rashford, though there’s some talk that Michael Carrick’s appointment at Old Trafford could yet hand the England international a lifeline to return to the club.
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Discussing the state of play for Rashford, Sheringham told Boyle Sports: “Yes, things can turn around. If he did want to come back he could explain his motives over the last couple of years. Did he have a problem with Ruben Amorim? Or does he have a problem with the football club?
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“If he’s got no problem with the club, and it was all due to the previous manager, that’s an issue that can be solved and all can be forgiven, but some of the performances he was putting in during his last season weren’t great. He’d need to turn things around and win people back again.
“Michael Carrick has to make the decision on whether he knows Rashford well enough to get the best out of him or whether bringing him back would put them both back in the same scenario.
“It’s all about their relationship, for me, because it looks like Carrick is going to be at Manchester United as manager for a long, long time, and he’s got to get in the players who will respond to him as manager. I’m not sure if Rashford would respond in the right way.
“I think Rashford coming back to United would be a bad move for all concerned because the pressure would be on him and the team at every moment.”
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When asked about Rashford potentially starring for England at the World Cup this summer, Sheringham said there’s a recurring issue for the United man.
He added: “It’s still the same issue for me with Marcus. I don’t know what his best position is. He’s got flashes of world-class quality with the things he does in a game and that is what you need at this sort of level.
“He always has the potential to unleash something every now and again, go past four people and rifle one into the top corner, but we only see flashes of it.
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“He’s still not a consistent player but at a World Cup you do need people to come alive in certain moments and that’s why he is in the squad.
Just over one year ago, the Eagles had never won a major honour, but could now be considered European champions should they get the better of Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig on Thursday night.
Oliver Glasner has the opportunity to solidify his status in Palace’s history with a win, and could trigger wild celebrations across the capital should he get the result over the line.
Crystal Palace trophy parade date, start time and route
Should Crystal Palace be crowned Conference League champions this week, they are expected to stage another trophy parade near their stadium, and they may follow a similar programme to that which followed last year’s FA Cup final triumph.
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A full afternoon of festivities followed that fated day at Wembley, where Palace claimed their first major title.
Crystal Palace celebrated winning the FA Cup with their fans at Selhurst Park
Action Images via Reuters
Palace have not yet confirmed prospective parade plans if they win the Conference League, but this is what they may look like if the events mirror those of last May.
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The Crystal Palace squad enjoyed an open-top bus tour through the streets of Selhurst, driving down Whitehorse Lane before turning onto Park Road and completing a half-lap of the stadium, finishing on Holmesdale Road.
A stage was then set up inside Selhurst Park for the players and staff to address the fans. Access to the ground required a free ticket.
Crystal Palace fans lined the streets of southeast London to see the FA Cup trophy
Getty Images
The parade began at 12.45pm and lasted for roughly an hour before reaching Selhurst Park. The party on the pitch then got underway at 2.30pm and was livestreamed via Crystal Palace’s social media pages.
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Plans for the parade were not confirmed until after the FA Cup final.
The event brought with it a variety of road closures across southeast London, with Holmesdale Road, Park Road, Sangley Road and Clifton Road all shut down, along with a considerable stretch of Whitehorse Lane.
It comes after a teenager suffered a ‘bladed weapon’ injury, 700 parking fines were handed out and litter was left strewn over beaches
Visitors from across the north west have been warned over ‘unacceptable’ behaviour at UK beaches over the Bank Holiday weekend, in which a teenager was attacked and there was parking chaos.
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Those visiting coastal towns to make the most of the hot weather have been warned by police and local councils following a series of disturbances in the north west, and told to ‘go elsewhere’ if they can’t ‘act responsibly’.
During hot weather, beaches at Ainsdale, Formby and Crosby receive an ‘extraordinary number of visitors’, Sefton Council said. But over the weekend, there were repeated incidents of parking chaos and anti-social behaviour, which came at ‘the cost, inconvenience and safety of local residents.’
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There were 700 parking fines handed out for illegally dumped vehicles, while a teenager suffered minor injuries “from a bladed weapon” during a disturbance near Crosby‘s boating lake on Bank Holiday Monday. Toilet facilities were damaged as litter was dumped over the beaches and nearby areas.
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“Inconsiderate and illegally parking on residential streets near to beaches can make pavements unusable and inaccessible for some. It could also prevent emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines from reaching incidents at the beaches themselves and in local people’s homes,” a warning issued by the council said.
“Unfortunately, this weekend saw some visitors, who flock to Sefton from across the whole of the North West and beyond, park in this way. Irresponsible and dangerous parking led to around 700 parking fines being issued by enforcement team members across the Bank Holiday weekend.
“Further reports of anti-social behaviour were reported to Sefton Council, with staff from its Green Sefton service diverted from their regular maintenance and community work to deal with its effects, including littering and damage to toilet facilities.
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“The Council also understands there were anti-social incidents at local rail stations and other locations. Anti-social behaviour impacts residents, other visitors and Sefton’s protected natural habitat, and is unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, Superintendent Phil Mullally of Merseyside Police said on Monday: “We are receiving multiple reports of disturbances at train stations, on beaches and the roads. While we are dealing with these reports, the demand and disruption being caused to other visitors, businesses and residents is unacceptable.
“My advise to anyone visiting our coastline today is please be patient and respectful as you make your way home. Check the following places for any travel advice, cancellations and issues on the roads, and please respect those who live in these areas.”
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The advice issued by Sefton Council is to expect potential congestion and heavy delays if choosing to visit the coast on hot or sunny days. Every year, ahead of hot, sunny spells and Bank Holidays, Sefton Council put out reminders to visitors asking them to plan their journeys. Signage is also in place across coastal locations offering guidance to drivers.
Parking is limited and on Monday, spaces across multiple sites were quickly filled, at which point the car parks were closed, the council added.
Mark Shaw, Service Manager for the Council’s Green Sefton service said: “We have always said that we welcome visitors to our coastline. All we ask is that they act responsibly when they come here, show some consideration for the local people who live here all year round and respect the coast. We also ask them to leave the place as they find it, which might mean taking your rubbish away with you.
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“That’s not too much to ask and if people can’t manage that or want to engage in unacceptable anti-social behaviour, we’d prefer that they went elsewhere.”
Carol Ross, 87, can’t stop smiling at dance practice as she shouts out the steps of a routine to members of her tap and jazz troupe for women aged 50 and older.
“I’ve been dancing my whole life, it’s the best,” said Ross, who founded the Rodeo City Wreckettes group 23 years ago, at an age when many people are getting ready for retirement.
Ross and her 89-year-old husband and lifelong dance partner, John, have long known what more older adults are now discovering: moving to music is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Medical professionals say it doesn’t matter if it’s Western line dancing, ballroom steps, salsa, tap, Zumba at the gym, or with a group like the Wreckettes.
Julio Loya, a nurse and geriatric program coordinator at the Tucson Medical Center, affirmed, “Dancing is one of the most powerful activities for older people.”
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Medical professionals say it doesn’t matter if it’s Western line dancing, ballroom steps, salsa, tap, Zumba at the gym, or with a group like the Wreckettes (Anita Snow via AP)
Why dancing helps balance, strength and more
Dance, like other exercises, can help people lose weight, get stronger, reduce fall risk, increase mobility and flexibility, and even improve brain health.
“ It engages their brain, it changes their mood, and it connects them socially while getting them moving,” said Loya. “And it’s fun. Everybody has a good time.”
Dr. Tom Johnson, a gerontologist at the UC Health Seniors Clinic in Aurora, Colorado, said he remembers one man in particular whose passion for dance was so strong that he willed himself to attend one last class before he died in his late 80s.
“His No. 1 priority was that he danced until the day that he died,” Johnson said of his patient.
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Johnson said dance can improve the balance of his patients at the clinic, which serves about 2,500 people 75 and older a year.
He said older patients can benefit from adding two to three dance sessions to the 150 minutes of aerobic exercise he recommends for them each week, because dancing often involves movements that help with balance, such as walking backward or standing on one foot.
Meeting people by dancing together
The Wreckettes practice their routines during two-hour sessions at least twice a week in a rented dance studio.
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After studying ballet as a girl, then moving on to everything from ballroom to tap as an adult, Ross said it made sense to keep dancing when she and her husband moved from Philadelphia to retire in Tucson.
John Ross is a key part of the Wreckettes’ routines, typically joining his wife for at least one number. At one recent practice, it was a saucy saunter to Merle Haggard’s “Let’s Chase Each Other Around the Room.”
“I learned early on that dancing was a great way to attract the chicks,” joked John Ross, who slid across the floor like a much younger man.
Wreckettes member Cindy Soffrin said that watching her mother suffer as she aged convinced her to stay active as she got older.
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“My mom was sedentary the last 20 years of her life. It was pretty rough,” said Soffrin, 74.
For 67-year-old Gail Kowalski, joining the Wreckettes three years ago meant finding new friends after her husband died and she moved from Utah to Tucson.
“Plus, it’s so dang fun,” Kowalski said.
The fun of performing
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The Wreckettes perform throughout the year, from holiday events to rodeo shows, dressing up in a series of matching sparkly costumes.
But they all said what they love the most is being hired by retirement homes to perform for memory care patients. Wreckette members take turns picking a favorite charity to donate their earnings.
“When we first arrive, people will be distracted or sleeping,” said Soffrin. “But once the music comes on, they perk up right away.”
A similar dance group for older women in Las Vegas, the Vegas Golden Gals, also performs at retirement homes, said Cheryl Cortez, the group’s president. They add pompoms to their routines.
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“I must now know close to 40 routines,” said Cortez, 69. “And that alone has to be great for the memory.”
How to begin dancing when you’re older
If you want to start moving to music, here are some tips from health professionals and dance instructors:
BEFORE STARTING: Check with your health provider before starting a dance or any exercise program. Choose something simple to start, like line dancing rather than intricate tango steps.
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FIND A CLASS: Check with a YMCA, parks and recreation department, or senior or community center. Community colleges often have dance classes, sometimes tailored for older people. Local dance studios and YouTube videos are other options. If you have Medicare Advantage insurance with the Silver Sneakers benefit, find out if your local gym has Zumba or other dance classes you can attend for free.
BEFORE THE SESSION: Dress comfortably for easy movement, and warm up and stretch before class.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Have fun! You are doing great things for your mind and body.
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden is a “victim” of football’s packed fixture schedule after being left out of England’s World Cup squad, says the chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association.
Foden failed to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the tournament in North America following a disappointing season for City.
The 25-year-old was among a number of leading players discussed during a meeting of Fifpro – the global body representing professional footballers.
PFA chief Maheta Molango, who also serves on the Fifpro board, said there are reasons behind why Foden has not hit the heights of previous seasons.
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Foden picked up a number of individual awards at the end of the 2023-24 campaign – including being voted PFA player of the year.
“The number of games that he’s been available for has dropped and, when he has been available, it has not been the version of Phil Foden we saw two years ago,” says Molango.
“Unfortunately, he is one of the victims of this crazy calendar that only makes sense for those pursuing commercial gain to the detriment of the quality of the spectacle and the protection of players, who should be football’s heritage.
“It’s a very sad state of affairs if someone like Phil is not on the pitch because we love players who make us dream and who have pure talent.”
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Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, 24, was another high-profile player who endured a difficult campaign and was not selected by the Three Lions.
“We’ve seen only a glimpse [this year] to the detriment of Chelsea fans [and] England fans,” Molango added.
Fifpro claim players cannot cope with “high-threshold competitive seasons” year after year without eventually suffering injuries or a decline in performance.
Data collected by the organisation indicates Arsenal‘s England midfielder Declan Rice and Liverpool‘s Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk could be at increased risk of injury or reduced form next season because of their workloads.
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Van Dijk played in all 38 of Liverpool‘s Premier League games while Rice featured in 36 for Arsenal.
Both are set to feature at the expanded 48-team World Cup where matches will also be played in high temperatures.
Molango fears the World Cup will simply become a “survival of the fittest”.
He said: “There is a big chance that may be the case because some of the most talented players at the biggest clubs will reach a point where it is simply too much.
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“You cannot go into a competition having already played 60, or close to 60, games.”
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