Grays Court Hotel won the accolade, along with the Grand York, which includes others across North Yorkshire.

Grays Court owner Helen Heraty says the prestigious accolade recognises the hotel’s commitment to exceptional hospitality, great food  and outstanding guest experiences. 

“Across the board, Yorkshire has fared exceptionally well and we are delighted to be one included with such prestigious company.

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“We are just so proud so to have been included in The Telegraph’s Top 250 list.  This recognition reflects the hard work, passion and dedication of our entire team.

Helen Heraty, owner of Grays Court Hotel, which has been listed in a UK top 250 of hotels by The Telegraph. (Image: NQ staff)

“As an independent business, we are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued support and for giving us the opportunity to share this special place. 

The Long Room at Grays Hotel (Image: @kluens)

“This building is such an integral part of York’s history and look forward to welcoming our returning and new guests to experience it with us.”

The Summerhouse at Grays Hotel (Image: Grays Hotel)

The Telegraph says Grays Court, whose building dates back to the 11th Century, has the best address in York, being so close to the Minster.

The newspaper wrote: “A hotel that vibrates with the past, yet feels timelessly elegant.”

The Grand York (Image: The Grand York)

Commenting on the furniture, it also said: “It feels elegant and luxurious yet relaxed- like a stately home but without the stuffiness.”

The Telegraph accolade adds to high ratings on the reviews websites.

Google awards 4.6 stars out of five, based on 515 Google reviews.

TripAdvisor awards 4.6 stars out of five, based on 811 reviews, ranking it 5th out of 53 York Hotels.

Booking.Com awards a ‘superb’ 9.3 out of ten, based on 167 reviews.

TripAdvisor’s most recent review awarded five sats and said the hotel was “ideal for visiting York, a real gem.”

The review also said: “Backing on to the Minster it’s an easy 5 min walk to the shambles and other sights. Dog friendly and rooms are very comfortable and spacious. Loved the double walk-in shower! First class restaurant, but NB closed on Monday & Tuesdays. “

“Spectacular garden accessed from the long gallery and Bar- perfect for recharging the batteries after a long journey or visiting sights. Very friendly and professional staff. Will definitely be back.”

York’s other entrant, the Grand York, the Telegraph recalls is a former Edwardian railway headquarters.

The Alice Hawthorn in Nun Monkton (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Amid other comments, the newspaper also said: “York’s only five star hotel is well-named; it offers tip top service, a choice of restaurants and an impressive new spa.”

The nearby Alice Hawthorn at Nun Monkton is also mentioned. The Telegraph said: “The restaurant serves faultless gastropub fare with an annexe of Scandi barn-style rooms that have a sustainable design.”

Other North Yorkshire venues listed include Grantley Hall, Ripon; Middleton Lodge, Richmond; Myse, Hovingham; Pignut and the Hare, Scawton; Rudding Park Hotel and Spa, Harrogate; Swinton park, Masham; The Abbey Inn, Byland, The Angel at Hetton, Skipton; The Black Swan at Oldstead, Oldstead; The Owl at Hawnby, Hawnby; and The Star Inn at Harome, Harome.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath says he expects protests against the side’s upcoming Israel fixtures to “heat up” after Thursday’s friendly win over Qatar was disrupted.

The Aviva Stadium game – which the Republic of Ireland won 1-0 thanks to Nathan Collins’ early header – was twice briefly interrupted in the first half when home fans threw tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag on to the pitch.

After the game, RTE reported that protesters were ejected from the ground, and McGrath expects more backlash before the Republic of Ireland face Israel in a neutral venue on 27 September and 4 October in Dublin in the Nations League.

Earlier this week, Republic of Ireland stalwart Seamus Coleman said the situation “should have been dealt with above us”.

“I obviously listened to Seamus’ interview and I think he was spot on,” McGrath told BBC Sport NI.

“It’s obviously a unique scenario. The people [protesters], we have to listen to them, they have the right to do what they do, as long as it’s done in a peaceful way, that’s all that matters.

“I’m sure it’s going to heat up over the next few months. Like I said, we don’t want to be put into a position. Hopefully the powers above us can work something out or use it for the greater good, I’m not sure what the process will be as it heats up.

“At the end of the day, we’re footballers and we don’t want to be caught in this, but sometimes we might have to.”

Police taped off the road in Oldham

A major cordon was put in place on a busy main road in Oldham following reports of a serious crash on Thursday night (May 28).

Numerous police vehicles could be seen after arriving on blue lights on Ashton Road (A627). The road was taped off between Keb Lane and Simkin Way following the incident.

Officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Unit were seen carrying out investigations at the scene late into the evening. They appeared to be also focussing their efforts at the traffic lights and nearby crossing.

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There were numerous police vehicles at the scene with crime scene tape stretching over both sides of the road.

The scene remained in place for a number of hours on Thursday as investigations continued.

No further details about the nature of the collision have been confirmed. Greater Manchester Police has been approached for a statement.

Books & Bevs, in Front Street, was presented with the award after thousands of readers voted to declare their winner in the competition.

Speaking about this, owners Joe and Allie, said: “We are thrilled to be named the best independent retailer in York for 2026.

“It was an honour just to be a finalist, winning is quite surreal, especially since we haven’t even been open 6 months yet.

“We are part of such an amazing community in Acomb and wouldn’t be where we are without the support of every customer that calls in and helps small independent businesses thrive.”

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Books & Bevs opened in December 2025 and has proved a firm hit with locals, who value the bookshop’s cosy and comfortable space where customers can pour over a new book with a hot drink.

Books & Bevs opened in Front Street, Acomb, six months ago and has already become a firm favourite in the city (Image: Books & Bevs)

Joe said: “Whilst we’re in esteemed company bookshop-wise in York, the addition of the Bevs side of our business offers customers a chance to grab a hot drink and browse at their leisure or let the younger ones find their next read while they relax.

“It’s early days for us but we aim to keep providing and improving a great space for book lovers, coffee enthusiasts and somewhere for people to come relax and unwind.”

Throughout the Press competition, Books & Bevs championed each finalist with posts on social media.

“It was an honour just to be a finalist, winning is quite surreal, especially since we haven’t even been open 6 months yet” (Image: Books & Bevs)

Joe said that it gave him and Allie a “wonderful” chance to highlight the city’s many “great small businesses”.

The pair also works with the Blueberry Academy, dedicating a space in their shop for students to displace project ‘Blind Date With A Book’.  

The Pay As You Feel initiative invites customers to pick up a mystery book, wrapped by students at the Blueberry Academy, based on a short description.

Students at the Blueberry Academy in York individually wrap the mystery books for customers to select (Image: Books & Bevs)

Joe said: “It makes such a difference to the students, who have worked so hard on this.

“We are so, so happy to host the space for the incredible work the students have done and the merchandising they’ve provided is top quality.”

Aside from this, the bookshop also hosts two monthly book clubs, regular Polymer Clay Jewellery classes with local artist Cheeky Budgie Design and a Creative Writing Workshop for eight to 12-year-olds – hosted by local writer Dan Peacock.

The cosy space is designed with reading lovers in mind (Image: Books & Bevs)

“We’ve also had author events at the shop where local and non-local authors have had the chance to promote their work and discuss their writing process with an engaged audience.”, Joe said.

Speaking about the competition, he added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the other finalists who reached out to pass on their congratulations and well wishes once the final 10 were announced.

“We are blessed with so many incredible independent businesses in York and to be alongside the fellow finalists was a huge achievement for us personally.”

Devon and Cornwall Police say residents living close to the fire on Vauxhall Street have been evacuated from their homes.

No injuries have been reported, it added. “Our officers are currently at the scene of a property fire in Vauxhall Street, Plymouth, along with fire and ambulance service colleagues,” a statement reads.

“A number of nearby residents have been evacuated but no injuries have been reported.”

Experts have found that more younger women are developing type 2 diabetes due to ‘little’ care from hospitals.

Diabetes is a life-changing condition that can have a huge impact on how patients go about their day. While type 1 diabetes sadly cannot be cured, those who develop type 2 diabetes could end up reversing the condition if given the right support from healthcare professionals.

However, there seems to be a failure in the system as new analysis has found that rates of type 2 diabetes are rising twice as fast in younger women than in older women. According to charity Diabetes UK, this shocking statistic could be down to pregnant women who develop the condition receiving “little to no follow-up care”.

While some people can develop type 2 diabetes due to age, family history, lifestyle, or their weight, many women can develop a form of the condition called gestational diabetes (GD) when they are pregnant. This happens when the women cannot produce enough insulin, which leads to high blood sugar.

For many people GD can disappear after birth, however some patients can face a higher risk of this developing into type 2 diabetes. According to research, twice the amount of younger women are developing the condition compared to older women.

Analysis from 2017/18 to 2023/24 shows that diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in women under 40 rose by 47 per cent, compared to 22 per cent in women aged 40 to 79.

Diabetes UK is now raising concerns that one of the contributing factors to these rates is poor follow-up care for GD, which affects around 10 to 20 per cent of pregnant women.

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Women with GD are offered HbA1c blood tests between six to 13 weeks after birth to check for diabetes, with another check once a year to measure average levels.

Colette Marshall, chief executive at Diabetes UK, said: “These figures should be a wake-up call. Type 2 diabetes is rising twice as fast in younger women compared to older women, and a crucial opportunity for prevention is being missed.

“Every diagnosis is life-changing, but when it develops in younger people, type 2 diabetes is even more aggressive.”

She added: “Pregnancy shouldn’t be a pathway to ill health. Yet despite facing a much higher risk of type 2 diabetes, too many women with GD receive little or no follow-up care after pregnancy.”

An example of this reported lack of follow-up can be seen through Meg, who is a teacher from Somerset. She was diagnosed with gestational diabetes in 2020 when she was pregnant with her son.

However, six years later, she says she has still not had a postnatal check-up regarding diabetes despite being at a high risk factor.

The 33-year-old said: “I had gestational diabetes for the last two weeks of my pregnancy, before my son arrived prematurely at 29 weeks. I was given no information about my increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the steps I could take to prevent it.

“I had a phone call with my GP after the birth, but there weren’t any discussions about my gestational diabetes.”

She added: “I’m surprised that I never had follow-up HbA1c checks, particularly as I’m considered high risk for type 2 diabetes, not only because of the gestational diabetes, but also because I have polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome and family members with type 2 diabetes.

“Having clear facts about what gestational diabetes means for you during and after pregnancy, and how to manage it, would have made me feel so much more supported, both physically and mentally.”

Baltazar L’Quy died after getting into difficulty in the River Thames in Oxford during the UK heatwave

A teenager who tragically lost his life after getting into difficulty in the River Thames has been named and pictured, as his heartbroken mother reportedly issued a warning to other parents about the dangers of wild swimming.

Baltazar L’Quy became the 11th person to die in a water-related tragedy during the heatwave after his body was recovered in Oxford. The Oxford Timorese Community Association confirmed the teenager’s identity and expressed its “deepest condolences” to the boy’s family.

Thames Valley Police described the death as “unexplained but not suspicious”, after officers were called to the river near Donnington Bridge at around 5.30pm on Wednesday, reports the Mirror.

Speaking to the BBC, a representative of the Oxford Timorese Community Association called it a “heartbreaking time”.

“This has been a very painful moment, not only for the family, but also for the Timorese community, in Oxford and across the United Kingdom,” they said. “This tragedy is very sad and is shocking to most parents – not only within the East Timor community.”

The community representative revealed they had spoken directly with L’Quy’s family. “The mum was actually saying that this is happening to them, and it’s shocking and it’s very sudden,” they said.

“But she would like to remind all the other parents, to remind the children when they’re out there – don’t just go into any water and to always make sure that they go with an adult.”

Thames Valley Police released a statement on Thursday, saying: “We are sad to confirm a boy died after getting into difficulty in the River Thames at Donnington Bridge yesterday.

“The 14-year-old boy’s family have been informed and offered support; our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.”

The teenager’s death comes after a string of fatal water-related incidents involving young people in Lincoln, Halifax, Rotherham, Warwickshire, Cheshire, Farnborough and Lancashire, as well as a man in his 60s in Cornwall and a woman in her 70s in Wales.

Some of those who died have been named and tributes paid, while others are yet to be formally identified by police.

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Officers were first called to the scene at 11pm on Tuesday

A stand-off at Bury the Rock between police and a woman at the car park is nearing the 48 hour mark. Cordons remain in place with emergency services and specialist negotiators at the scene.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Greater Manchester Police said officers ‘remained at the scene throughout the day and night’. It followed concern for welfare calls first made at 11pm on Tuesday (May 26).

As of Thursday at 10pm, some 47 hours after being called to the incident, the woman remained on the top floor of the multi-storey car park. Greater Manchester Police said her welfare was ‘our priority’ and that emergency services would continue ‘working towards a safe conclusion’.

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Pictures taken on Thursday night show cordons still in place on the ground along Derby Way. The woman has since been given a police jacket to keep warm. Fire service crews and multiple ambulances remain in attendance.

The Manchester Evening News understands the same woman sparked an alert at the same location in Bury town centre last week.

In a statement on Thursday lunchtime, GMP said: “While this incident remains ongoing, our priority is the welfare of the woman and working towards a safe conclusion.

“We understand the disruption this has caused to nearby residents, workers, businesses and visitors. Resources and emergency services are at the scene to resolve this safely.

“We are aware this is a recurring incident, and we continue to work with other services to avoid a repeat and prevent further disruption.”

Meanwhile, Superintendent Phil Spurgeon added: “Our officers have remained at the scene throughout the day and night with negotiators, GMFRS, NWAS and health professionals to work towards a safe conclusion.

“We are aware of concerns around the recent high temperatures and the length of time the woman has been up there; our priority is her welfare and bringing her to safety.

“We understand frustrations due to the disruption this incident has caused for nearby residents, workers and businesses, but our immediate priority is a safe conclusion. We have resources at the scene to try to minimise any disruption and return the town centre to business as usual as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The Namibian genocide was one of the first genocides of the 20th century. Between 1904 and 1908, tens of thousands of Ovaherero and Nama people were killed under German colonial rule.

Despite the scale of these events, the material and human legacy of this genocide remains less understood than later atrocities. Historical accounts exist, but are often incomplete or shaped by the perspectives and priorities of the colonial period in which they were produced.

The landscapes of Namibia that testify to this violence still survive, but are under increasing pressure from urban expansion, infrastructure development and environmental change. Archaeological research is playing a key role in documenting and protecting this heritage.

The Centre of Archaeology at the University of Huddersfield has, in conjunction with community representatives, the research groups Forensic Architecture and Forensis and the Swakopmund Genocide Museum, conducted fieldwork in Namibia across two seasons (2023 and 2025). Our work has focused on sites linked to German colonial concentration camps in Swakopmund and Lüderitz.

Using forensic methods, our project seeks to locate, document and protect burial sites associated with the genocide. We aim to demonstrate how archaeology can confirm historical events, provide physical evidence, support commemoration and strengthen claims for reparations.

The research combines archival study with field methods including: GIS mapping (computer-based spatial mapping and analysis of archaeological data), walkover survey (systematic on-the-ground inspection of visible archaeological features), Ground Penetrating Radar (a geophysical technique that uses radar waves to detect buried structures without excavation), GPS survey, drone imagery and targeted excavation.

Crucially, it involves close collaboration with Ovaherero and Nama communities. Their priorities have shaped the research and discussions around site protection.

The sites under threat

Between 1905 and 1907, German colonial authorities established several concentration camps in Lüderitz, including the notorious Shark Island camp. Ovaherero and Nama prisoners were forced into slave labour to build railway lines and an extension to the harbour under the harshest of conditions.

For many, this was effectively a death sentence. Historical sources suggest that as many as 4,000 prisoners died at Shark Island, yet the final resting places of most victims remain uncertain. Written records and oral histories indicate that many bodies were never formally buried. Instead, they were disposed of in the Atlantic Ocean.

At Radford Bay, near a memorial to the victims, several sand mounds are believed to mark graves linked to the camps, some of which are thought to conceal mass burials. In collaboration with Forensic Architecture, using photo mapping techniques in conjunction and forensic methods, we have identified subsurface anomalies consistent with graves beneath a number of these features. At least one anomaly strongly suggests the presence of a mass grave.

The results provide the first scientific evidence supporting oral accounts of burial practices at Lüderitz. However, the site is highly vulnerable due to wind and sand erosion. It is also threatened by a planned coastal infrastructure project. Without intervention, the important surviving physical evidence and the opportunity for commemoration will be lost.

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Recent investigations at Swakopmund meanwhile, once a centre of German colonial activity, have revealed the scale and fragility of another burial landscape. At the former slave worker burial ground at Kramersdorf, thousands of Ovaherero and Nama victims were buried in shallow, unmarked graves. These burials are now under pressure from housing development, as well as damage caused by vehicles and pedestrians.

One of the most significant discoveries is the extent of unmarked burials at this site. Subtle environmental indicators, particularly clusters of vegetation forming distinct patterns, have proved crucial in identifying grave locations. These patterns reflect changes in soil composition associated with burial, allowing graves to be mapped even where no visible markers exist.

Geophysical data confirmed numerous buried anomalies consistent with graves, including some directly beneath modern vehicle tracks. This makes the conservation challenge immediate – these hidden remains are being damaged.

At one location where erosion had exposed a coffin, targeted excavation was considered necessary to verify the initial observations.

Excavation was conducted by hand, with soil sieved and human remains left undisturbed. Once identified, recording ceased and the grave was respectfully refilled, with a protective sand mound rebuilt above it.

Community leaders were present throughout the process. They conducted ceremonies, monitored the work and guided decisions about how the burial should be treated. This was an important aspect of the project, because these are not simply archaeological sites, but ancestral graves. For many participants, this work marked the first direct engagement with the physical remains of those who died in the camps.

The future of memorialisation

Beyond our fieldwork, the project feeds into wider efforts to ensure that the Namibian genocide is more widely recognised. Public engagement is a key part of this process.

The Swakopmund Genocide Museum, founded in 2015 by Laidlaw Peringanda whose great-grandmother survived the Swakopmund camp, plays an important role in telling this history. Officially recognised by the Namibian government in 2019, the museum has recently secured funding to expand its exhibition space in response to growing visitor numbers.

With support from the Huddersfield Centre of Archaeology, the displays have been redesigned. They are due to be unveiled on Namibia’s officially recognised Genocide Remembrance Day on May 28, 2026.

Archaeological evidence provides a different kind of testimony from written or oral sources. It confirms the presence of burials, reveals their condition and demonstrates their extent. It can also expose gaps between official records and the reality on the ground.

In Namibia, this evidence has implications beyond historical understanding. It contributes to ongoing debates about colonial legacies, reparations and historical accountability – issues that remain unresolved

By ensuring the material traces of the genocide become visible, this forensic archaeological approach can strengthen the basis for these discussions. It ensures that the past is not only documented, but acknowledged, protected and recognised.

Kai Havertz scored the winner when Chelsea beat Manchester City in the Champions League final in 2021 and is aiming for a repeat when Arsenal face PSG on Saturday

Kai Havertz is desperate to relive the greatest moment of his career. Arsenal striker Havertz scored the winner when Chelsea beat Manchester City in the all-English Champions League final in 2021 and still describes it as a dream come true.

Now, five years on, Havertz has the chance to repeat what he believes is the hardest trophy to win but insists Arsenal are a long way from being such big outsiders against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.

Havertz said: “Personally, it is something I will never forget. As you said, I think we were the underdogs on that day, for sure. We hadn’t had the best season – but obviously now it is completely different.

“For me, personally, as a kid I could have never dreamt that I would score a goal in the final and win that game. It is a moment I will never forget. I will always be proud of it. I just try to take that feeling to next Saturday and, hopefully, I will get that feeling again.

“For me, there are obviously positive emotions. I cannot wait to play that game and bring the trophy home to North London. I think, obviously, there have been a lot of good moments for me. But if I could choose one, for sure it was the most important one for me personally.”

Thomas Tuchel was in charge of Chelsea back then and Havertz scored the winner just before half time. He joined Arsenal two years later and, despite missing big chunks through injury, he has brought not just quality but also a winning mentality.

That is what Mikel Arteta sees in him and that experience of helping Chelsea win the Champions League as well as playing on the biggest stage for Germany will stand him in good stead. Kepa Arrizabalaga was also part of that Chelsea squad.

But Havertz also believes winning the Champions League is the ultimate test – but the rewards are huge.

Havertz said: “Along with the Premier League, it is probably the hardest competition to win. There is just so much history with it. So many big players played in it. And to be there, to compete to win the trophy, is amazing.

“I remember as a child I watched all the games – and just to watch that final is something very special. So to actually play in it is unreal and I think we are all very happy.

“You need to get there, and then you still have to make that step and win it. It is going to be hard, but I think we are going to be well prepared.

“I think in general we have a lot of players that have played in big games. Obviously, Kepa and I were part of that game before and we won it. I can only give them good memories of myself, so maybe that helps. I just cannot wait to be in Budapest and to play that game.”

Havertz admits this season has been mixed with jubilation from winning the title but also frustration through injury. There have also been low points such as losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City but he says they learned from that.

He said: “I think a big one was, to be fair, the Carabao Cup final when we lost against City. It was a moment where we felt like we could do so much better and there was so much more in this team, and everyone needed to lift their spirits.

“There was the international break after and we just said to ourselves that we need to come back stronger. From that moment, things changed a bit and we were more successful.

“I think, for me, that was a big moment. You are always frustrated when you lose finals, so to come back from it and win the league like this is great.

“It feels amazing. To be fair, I just thought about it the other day because obviously I was in a bad place when I was injured. It’s not nice to be injured, especially because it came after a big injury. But all the players and staff, they helped me believe in myself and to get back to my best.”

Havertz also insists it does not matter if Arsenal are seen as underdogs against PSG – because there is confidence running through the squad.

He added: “I don’t even think about that, to be fair. I just feel like PSG won it last year, so they were probably the best team in Europe last year. They have had an unbelievable season again.

“For us, in general, it is the second time the club has made it to the final, but we have so much confidence. We have been fighting on the highest level for a couple of years now and we have finally won the Premier League.

“I think that gives us a big boost as well. We are going to see anyway, it doesn’t matter if you are an underdog or whatever. We are going to go on the pitch and are going to beat them. So, go for it.”

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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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