Benefits of the deal highlighted by Aslef to its members include an extra 35 days away from work a year, average weekly rostered hours being cut to 34 from current average of 36, as well as more time at home and less time travelling to and from work, meaning less fatigue and giving drivers a better quality of life.

If you find ghosts a frightening prospect that’s best avoided, you will probably struggle to relate to Yvette Fielding.

That’s how I felt when I spoke with the longtime host of Most Haunted, which has just put out series 28 on Pluto TV and is already filming its 29th. They’re even location scouting for the 30th, if you have any spots you want to write in with ghoulish tales of.

The 57-year-old presenter co-created the format with her husband Karl Beattie in 2002. She likens ghost hunting to an ‘addiction’, but also recounts a crisis of conviction some years later when a crewmember had to be rushed to hospital after an apparent ghost attack.

The incident unfolded in the Edinburgh Vaults – which have a rich if rather sombre history of murder, witch persecution and more – during a live broadcast across the UK and US.

During the episode, three crewmembers were cut, scratched and wholly shaken up. Their sound man collapsed with a cut down his leg that was ‘so deep you could actually see the bone’, Fielding recalls to Metro.

The veteran TV presenter struggled to keep it together and resigned live on air. ‘I had never thought that we could get harmed,’ she says. ‘I kept crying and saying, “That’s it. I’m done. I can’t cope with this. What the hell are we dealing with?”’

When the taping was done, Fielding was prepared to pack it in then and there, but agreed to take a month to think about it. Many conversations with her husband ensued.

‘My resolve hit through. I was like, “No, I’m not going to let this beat me”,’ she says. ‘I then started researching cases throughout history where people were physically hurt by, seemingly, a spirit. It was unbelievable the amount of terrifying cases that were reported in newspapers – bite marks, burn marks, scratches, bruising.

‘I just thought, if you’re going to investigate the paranormal, then you’ve got to go the whole way. You can’t just go, I’m frightened of it. You’ve got to do the whole thing.’

She adds: ‘Now, if somebody gets a little scratch or a burn mark, I get so excited.’

See? Not terribly relatable to us scaredy-cats. But it does make sense why Fielding has spent as many years as she has entering rooms that would have horror audiences screaming, ‘Don’t go in there!’

Don’t be rude and say “What a load of rubbish”, because I’m not going to say that about your religion.

Not everyone has the same mettle. A fair few Most Haunted crewmembers have upped and left in the middle of filming after experiencing something they ‘can’t explain’.

‘When crew come and work on the show, they might think it’s a TV show, so stuff’s made up,’ says Fielding. ‘But when they realise this is real, they start questioning things. It really can be quite upsetting and unnerving.’

Fielding rapidly relays a succession of events in the latest series alone. They include a metal crucifix flying across a room, a rocking chair moving of its own volition, tapping and scraping sounds, stalking footsteps, slamming doors, moans, groans and children giggling. It’s a full-on fright night.

‘I might scream and be terrified, but it is like an addiction. I can’t wait to go back and do it again. I don’t know why. I love it,’ she says. On particularly scary filming days, she will listen to the Mary Poppins soundtrack on the way home to calm the nerves.

Despite the show’s extensive ghosthunting back catalogue, Most Haunted doesn’t seem to be running out of locations to visit. To Fielding, it’s the locations that make the show

From time to time, certain spots are so spooky they merit a second look. Many come in as fan suggestions. All of them have to be vetted to weed out the charlatans.

This involves rounds of interviews and eyewitness testimonies. ‘It’s like a jigsaw puzzle,’ says Fielding. ‘You’re putting all the pieces together and hoping that it makes a full picture.’ 

Because this is ghosthunting, there’s something beyond research and rigour that they rely on too: the feeling when they first walk in.

But ultimately, ‘seeing is believing’, says Fielding, which is why Most Haunted is so gung-ho about getting sceptics, scientists and journalists to ride along. (I too am invited on a ghostly sojourn – watch this space.) 

‘We have nothing to hide,’ says Fielding. ‘I want these people, especially sceptical people, to experience something and go away puzzled.’

For Fielding, spiritualism is her religion and she doesn’t take kindly to naysayers denigrating it. ‘They should respect our views, which is, there is life after death,’ she says. ‘Don’t be rude and say “What a load of rubbish”, because I’m not going to say that about your religion. 

‘We go on. Our consciousness goes on. I know that my relatives are happy. I know that they come and visit. If you talk out loud to them, they will draw close and you’ll feel a little bit better within a short space of time.’

The 47-year-old could be following in the footsteps of his son Bobby, 22, who reached the final of the BBC show in 2023.

A source told The Sun: “Jeff was approached by the Beeb about taking part in Strictly this year and he is tempted.

“Previously he said he wouldn’t do it because he didn’t want to step on Bobby’s toes.

“But three years have passed now and it’s a massive opportunity for Jeff.

“He has discussed it with Bobby who thinks it would be amazing if his dad was to give it a go.

“Jeff has yet to sign his contract but everyone around him is urging him to do it.”

Jeff Brazier rumoured to be part of new Strictly line-up

Bobby was partnered with professional dancer Dianne Buswell and finished runner-up to Coronation Street star Ellie Leach and her professional partner Vito Coppola.

In a 2024 interview, Jeff explained why he was hesitant to do the show.

He told The Sun: “Bobby’s been there, it’s his thing.

“I feel like to step into that world would almost be to sort of steal his thunder slightly.

“That was Bob’s thing and I want to leave it to him…

Top 5 most iconic Strictly performances

“I’ve got plenty of things that I really enjoy doing, I’ve got lots of exciting projects moving forward and I’ll stay in my lane, I think.

“But I don’t think that going on Strictly would be right for me right now.”

The Strictly rumours come after the cancellation of a planned ITV reality show featuring Jeff and his sons Bobby and Freddy.

The documentary was reportedly dropped earlier this year due to “ongoing stress” within the family.

A source told the Daily Mail: “Jeff has pulled out of the show, leaving pre-production in chaos.

“Nobody really knows why, but there is a lot of ongoing stress in the Brazier clan, especially with [son] Freddy about to become a dad.

“It’s a lot, but Jeff deciding to take himself away from the show has come as a shock to ITV, who had it down as a big ratings winner.”

Newsquest approached the BBC for comment, but the broadcaster declined to comment on the speculation.

Who would you like to see take part in Strictly Come Dancing this year? Let us know in the comments below.

Kammy’s Un-Beer-Lievable lager will help raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK, adding to the £15,000 the lager raised in 2024, when it was launched for the 2024 European Champiuonship.

The beer is being brewed at Brew York’s Osbaldwick brewery in York and will be pouring at Brew York and Brew+ venues in time for the World Cup which is being screened to the general public and, where available, in pre-booked seating to maximise the tournament experience.

Kammy, who played for Swindon Town, Brentford, Stoke City, Leeds United, Sheffield United and Middlesborough, said; “Brew York have been a perfect partner to work with for this project. It’s exciting to know it will feature heavily in their pubs and bars and raise awareness of prostate cancer. I’ll certainly be having a few cans whilst I’m cheering on England at the World Cup.”

RECOMMENDED READING:
Special Brew York beer named Minstermen Pride for York City

Wayne Smith, co-founder and Managing Director, Brew York added: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be collaborating with Kammy again. His enthusiasm for this beer – and the money it raises for Prostate Cancer UK – is irresistible.

“It was extremely popular when we brewed it in 2024 and of course, we’re aiming to add as much as we can to the £15,000 raised previously.”

James Steven, Head of Partnerships, Prostate Cancer UK concluded: “We’re delighted that Brew York and our long-time supporter Kammy are once again supporting us ahead of another massive summer of football as the World Cup kicks into action.

“Through the funds raised and awareness generated from this collaboration, we’re reaching men with a health awareness message in an environment where they feel most comfortable, whilst also raising money that will help save lives. We are excited to see this come to life over the summer!”

The beer, at 4.1% abv, promises to be a crisp, refreshing lager with a gentle spicy-herbal aroma. It will be pouring at Brew York and Brew+ venues from June 5 – as well as being available in cans to take-away, Brew York’s online shop as well as selected craft beer bottle shops across the UK.

A can of the fundraising beer (Image: Pic supplied)

As part of the promotional push, trade customers of Brew York will also get the chance to win an appearance from Kammy to their own venue where he’ll give his thoughts on the World Cup as well as reflect on memorable moments of his career – in his own inimitable style.

The opportunity to meet Kammy is also being extended to the public through a ‘goal’-den ticket prize draw based on each case (12) of cans purchased directly from Brew York venues and webshop.

Details of Kammy’s Un-Beer-Lievable launch and competitions will be on Brew York’s social media channels and mail list over the coming days.

Smiles for Miles returned to Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield on Sunday (May 31), with a combination of supercar experiences, displays and motorsport action made it an event not to be missed.

Smiles for Miles, which is the name of the event, supports the JPC Community Hub CIC which is based at Middlesbrough’s TAD Centre.

The hub supports adults with special and complex needs throughout Middlesbrough.

Pictures show hundreds of motoring enthusiasts taking in the collection of cars, which included Lamborghini’s and Audi’s.

Smiles for Miles at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Children also enjoyed rides in the passenger seat of some of the sports and supercars, as more than 300 cars were on display.

There was also a food village and fairground rides, with this year’s event also featuring Electric Avenue, showcasing the latest in electric vehicle technology.

Smiles for Miles at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Smiles for Miles at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Smiles for Miles at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Tim Boyd, general manager at Hardwick Hall Hotel, previously said: “Smiles for Miles was hugely popular last year so we’re very excited to welcome it back.

“This is a rare opportunity to see all of these amazing vehicles in one place and to even get the chance to ride in some of them.

“The whole day has so much for everyone – and that includes people who may not be huge car fans – so we look forward to it being another great success.”

Vickrum Digwa, 23, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 21 years after being convicted of the Southampton student murder of Henry Nowak, 18, who was stabbed to death on Belmont Road in December 2025

A man who fatally stabbed a university student with a Sikh kirpan knife after declaring “I am a bad man” has been handed a life sentence.

Vickrum Digwa, 23, carried out a vicious assault on 18-year-old Henry Nowak from Chafford Hundred, Essex, before fabricating a “wicked lie” and alleging he had been targeted in a racist attack.

Henry sustained two stab wounds to the rear of his legs before receiving a fatal blow to his heart on Belmont Road, Southampton, on December 3, 2025.

Footage captured by his victim shows Digwa declaring “I am a bad man” mere moments before the killing. He subsequently testified in court that Henry, whom he characterised as intoxicated, had directed racial slurs at him before striking him and dislodging his turban.

Digwa was convicted of murder at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday. He also faced charges of possessing a bladed article in public, while his mother, Kiran Kaur, 53, was found guilty of assisting an offender by removing the weapon from the scene. Today, Digwa received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years, reports the Mirror.

Digwa maintained he had stabbed Henry in self-defence after being threatened and grabbed by the hair, but insisted he hadn’t realised at the time that he had inflicted the fatal chest wound. He also “lied” to officers by denying he had stabbed Henry despite the student’s desperate appeals for assistance as he informed police of his injuries.

This resulted in officers placing Henry in handcuffs as he lay dying, even as they attempted to administer first aid. Tech billionaire Elon Musk posted on X an offer to fund a private prosecution against the police, while the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mark Nowak, Henry Nowak’s father, broke down in tears as he read his victim impact statement at today’s sentencing hearing, detailing the family’s anguish over losing his “beautiful son”.

He said: “As a father, it is my job to protect my child and I failed to keep him safe, I was not there when he needed me most, the thought of him lying in the road, scared, bleeding to death will haunt me forever.

“I have been traumatised by not knowing exactly what happened that night. A parent losing a child is the worst thing in the world but not knowing how it happened is like a fate worse than hell.”

Olivia, Henry Nowak’s sister, addressed the accused directly, telling him: “If you had known him, you would never have hurt him.” She also shared with the court: “My brother was my first best friend, an unbreakable bond, we lived our life to the fullest together.”

Prosecutor Nicholas Lobbenberg KC had earlier informed the court that the accused, who had undergone weapons training from the age of 12, spoke of the murder weapon in “loving terms” and that he “sleeps in a bedroom with an arsenal of weapons”. He further stated that while Sikhs are legally allowed to carry a kirpan knife, discreetly concealing a small blade beneath garments would adequately fulfil religious obligations.

He noted the accused “chose” to carry two knives, one hidden under his clothes while the larger blade used in the fatal attack was openly visible. He continued: “This is a man who likes weapons. He thinks a knife is a suitable wedding present for his brother.”

BEIRUT (AP) — Israel’s government ordered strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Monday, a day after its ground forces reached their deepest point in Lebanon in 26 years and as Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel, including the outskirts of the coastal city of Haifa.

A joint statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the orders to attack targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs followed what they called repeated violations of the ceasefire by Hezbollah and “attacks against our cities and citizens.”

Hezbollah agreed to halt attacks on Israel when the ceasefire was signed in mid-April, but the militant group resumed the assaults after Israeli strikes in Lebanon that Israel characterized as self-defense.

After Monday’s warning, large numbers of people were seen fleeing the area known in Arabic as Dahiyeh, jamming roads leading out of the suburb, where Hezbollah enjoys wide support.

The fighting in Lebanon also presents a major obstacle in the emerging deal to extend the ceasefire in the Iran war. Tehran wants any agreement to include Lebanon.

Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire overnight

Israeli airstrikes overnight on southern Lebanon left six people dead, including a Syrian citizen in a village near the city of Nabatiyeh, the state-run National News Agency said. Israel struck other towns and villages near the major city, close to the strategic Beaufort Castle and other towns the Israeli military captured in recent days.

The Israeli military, meanwhile, said its air force had intercepted two projectiles launched from Lebanon toward Israeli territory, as well as a suspicious aerial target in the area where Israeli soldiers operate in southern Lebanon. No injuries were reported, the military said.

Hezbollah said it carried out rocket and missile attacks on northern Israel on Sunday. It said early Monday it attacked Israeli troops in Zawtar al-Sharqieh, just north of the Litani River, and struck what they said was Israeli military infrastructure in Tiberius, a few dozen miles south of the border.

Israel and Lebanon set to hold talks in Washington

The latest attacks came despite a nominal ceasefire that has been in place since April 17 and just before Lebanon and Israel hold their next round of direct talks in Washington starting Tuesday. Hezbollah has rejected direct talks, counting on pressure from Iran, which has demanded an end to the war in Lebanon in its talks with Washington.

The talks between officials from Israel and Lebanon, which began in April in Washington, were the first in more than three decades between the countries, which have no formal diplomatic relations.

Lebanese officials have been scrambling in diplomatic calls, including with Washington, in a desperate bid to push back Israel’s military escalation after Netanyahu’s announcement, a Lebanese diplomatic official said. Beirut is still committed to holding talks to end the conflict despite the boiling tensions, said the official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted Monday that any ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran is a “ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon.”

“Its violation on one front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts,” Iran’s top diplomat said in a post on X.

Beirut, the Lebanese capital, has been mostly spared from airstrikes since the ceasefire went into effect, apart from two targeted attacks on the city’s southern suburbs in May.

The German development minister, Reem Alabali Radovan, had planned to visit Beirut on Monday to meet with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and other officials, but she called off the visit while traveling to the city, citing the possibility of Israeli strikes in the suburbs.

Rubio proposes a fresh path to continue talks

A U.S. official said late Sunday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken to Aoun and Netanyahu to propose a fresh path to continue ongoing negotiations, as President Donald Trump weighs a tentative ceasefire extension with Iran.

Under the proposal, Hezbollah would halt all attacks on Israel, and Israel would refrain from escalating military operations in Beirut, according to the official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private diplomatic conversations.

The official said Aoun was open to the idea but that Lebanese parliament chief Nabih Berri had responded by demanding that Israel first stop all military action.

The official said the Trump administration does not expect Israel to give up retaliating for Hezbollah strikes on its territory.

Berri, a key Hezbollah ally, said in a statement Sunday that he can guarantee the militant group’s “full, comprehensive and immediate commitment to a ceasefire.” Berri added: “But who will force Israel to stop its aggression?”

Aoun on Monday said in comments released by his office that Lebanon faces “a fierce and condemned Israeli aggression.” Aoun added that his government continues work to end “the suffering of the Lebanese in general and the southerners in particular.”

Later, the president issued a statement reiterating Beirut’s commitment to negotiations, saying it is “safer” than war.”

“It will not solve the problem within moments, but it is a process that needs time,” he said. “And we have no other choice.”

The latest round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has killed 3,412 people in Lebanon and displaced more than 1 million people.

Israel’s military said a soldier was killed in southern Lebanon overnight in a drone attack by Hezbollah. Hezbollah’s use of hard-to-detect fiber-optic drones has been deadly for the Israeli military, which is struggling to respond.

According to Netanyahu’s office, at least 26 Israeli soldiers and a defense contractor have been killed in or near southern Lebanon. Two civilians have also been killed in northern Israel.

___

Melzer reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee in Washington and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.

The findings are based on schools, childcare costs, child-friendly attractions and more

A town near Manchester has been listed among the top 10 places to raise a family in England.

The Cheshire borough of Warrington ranks seventh in the study, which looks at key factors such as safety, childcare costs, school performance, and access to outdoor space.

Aimed at highlighting where family life feels easier to manage, and where it can feel more stretched, research from the outdoor play equipment manufacturer and specialists outdoortoys, shows that in Warrington, the average cost of childcare comes to £1,096 a month and around 81% of schools are rated outstanding or good, making it ‘an ideal place to start a family’.

Click here to keep up to date with the latest Family news in our newsletter

Additionally families in the area benefit from around 20 child-friendly attractions per 100,000 people and 810 square metres of green space per person.

In practice, that means more local parks, more room to play after school, and fewer limits on how often children can get outside.

Those behind the study say: “Having more options nearby means less repetition and more chances to find activities that suit different ages as children grow. It also makes spontaneous plans easier, without needing to travel far.”

Among Warrington’s many family friendly attractions is Walton Hall and Gardens – a lovingly restored hall set within acres of parkland which has been a popular visitor destination for generations.

It’s home to some well equipped play areas, adventure golf, high ropes, woodland walks and even has its own free Children’s Zoo where little ones can see a host of animals including rabbits, alpacas, pigs, African pygmy goats and its colourful peacocks.

There’s also a land train that runs at weekends and in the school holidays.

Warrington is also lucky to have some award-winning farms on the doorstep, including the popular Kenyon Hall Farm, where its fruit picking season will soon be in full swing, as well as Grange Farm and Bates Farm.

There’s lots of family fun to be had at Apple Jacks Adventure Farm, Woodlands Alpaca Farm, and Partridge Lakes, which recently opened a new lakeside walk with a sandy beach and pedalos, along with extra food and drink huts.

The borough is also lucky to have its very own theme park, with Gulliver’s World based in Old Hall. Offering more than 30 rides and 20 attractions, the place has just been ranked among the best value theme parks in the UK. Day tickets cost from £15.75 or for £99 you can get an annual pass for a whole year.

At the top of outdoortoys’ list is Sheffield, largely due to the amount of outdoor space available to families. With 1,686 square metres per person, it offers almost double the study average of 873 square metres.

Advertisement

Childcare costs remain relatively steady at £918 a month. For many families, that makes it easier to plan ahead without regular adjustments to household spending.

Milton Keynes takes second place, offering one of the widest ranges of child-friendly attractions in the study, with 31 per 100,000 people, 11 above the study average. That gives families more flexibility when it comes to filling weekends, school holidays, or shorter pockets of free time.

Swindon rounds out the top three, with the lowest crime rate in the study at 68 per 1,000 people – meaning children can spend more time outdoors, walking short distances with friends, or using local spaces with greater independence.

It’s not as good news for Manchester itself however, as the city ranks last overall, with safety emerging as the biggest challenge due to crime levels reaching 145 incidents per 1,000 people, significantly above the study average.

Alex Price, product manager at outdoortoys, said: “Where children grow up has a lasting impact on how they spend their time. In areas with milder weather and lower rainfall, like Southampton or Cambridge, it’s simply easier to get outside more often without needing to plan around the conditions.

“When there’s somewhere nearby to play – a garden with swings, climbing frames or playhouses, a local park, or a safe open space – children tend to spend more time being active and independent. Over time, that builds confidence, social skills, and a sense of freedom that’s much harder to develop when outdoor time is limited or heavily planned.

“It’s not about having perfect surroundings. It’s about making the most of what’s available and creating simple opportunities for outdoor play as part of everyday routines.”

Top 10 places to raise a family in England

1. Sheffield
2. Milton Keynes
3. Swindon
4. Cambridge
5. Peterborough
6. Oxford
7. Warrington
8. Sunderland
9. Stoke-on-Trent
10. Portsmouth

What do you think about the findings? Would you recommend your area as a good place to raise a family? Let us know your views in the comments here.

PLUS: ‘Are you getting desperate lad?’

Hello

It made headlines around the world, sparked protests and saw British policing come under fire. And that was all before the courtroom drama began.

Now almost two years on, we’re finally able to tell the full extraordinary story of the Manchester Airport case. As you’re probably aware, it began with a 84-second video clip that some claimed appeared to show ‘out of control’ police acting violently and potentially abusing their powers.

One officer kicked a young Asian man in the face, before appearing to stamp on his head near a car park ticket machine in Terminal 2. But footage exclusively obtained by the Manchester Evening News painted a fuller picture.

Police had been called after the man had headbutted a member of the public in a Starbucks cafe. After cops moved in, the man launched a violent assault on two female police officers.

He became embroiled in a violent confrontation with the officer who would go on to kick him in the face. The man’s brother also became involved. The pair maintained they were acting in self-defence and have since been cleared of that charge.

Almost two years later, the siblings – Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 21, and Muhammad Amaad, 26 – have now been acquitted after they faced two crown court trials. Amaaz faces sentencing next month after being convicted of assaulting two police officers and a member of the public.

It is the culmination of an extraordinary legal battle which featured interventions from Sir Keir Starmer, Andy Burnham, Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson; a social media storm; and a fractious courtroom atmosphere rarely seen in the British criminal justice system.

It also included failed bids by the brothers’ legal teams to have the trials aborted and for members of the jury to have their mobile phones examined by the judge amid claims of a ‘toxic environment’ in court. The judge also dismissed a defence ‘recusal’ application to sack himself, rejecting claims he had been ‘sexist or intimidatory’ towards Amaad’s barrister during the trial.

Here, court reporter Andrew Bardsley and crime reporter John Scheerhout look back at the remarkable case.

‘Are you getting desperate lad?’

Wigan Warriors won the Challenge Cup on Saturday by thrashing Hull KR at Wembley. In normal times that would have been the only story in town.

But these aren’t normal times. The Makerfield by-election continues to hog the headlines – and this weekend was no exception.

On Saturday Carol Vorderman sent a letter to more than 6,000 female voters across the constituency in response to Reform candidate Rob Kenyon’s old tweets about her. The broadcaster says Mr Kenyon’s posts show a ‘pattern’ of comments about women and in an interview with M.E.N. politics writer Iram Ramzan branded him a ‘little coward’.

In response to the letter Reform accused Ms Vorderman of being “a left-wing bad faith actor.” Meanwhile Andy Burnham accused Nigel Farage of being ‘desperate’ after the pair clashed over financial support for migrants.

Mr Farage quoted a story published by the Telegraph newspaper which claimed that the GMCA spends more than £700,000 to help migrants obtain housing, benefits, and use public services as part of its ‘Safer Transitions’ programme. Mr Burnham replied: “Are you getting desperate, lad? Maybe keep your crypto millions for something else.”

Keep on running

Almost 40,000 people took to the streets yesterday for the Great Manchester Run, with thousands more cheering them on from the pavement. And as ever there were some inspiring stories behind the decision to take part.

One such runner was Yoni Finlay, a victim of the Heaton Park synagogue attack. He raised more than £2,500 for the Salford-based disabilities charity Friendship Circle, despite only getting one and a half hours sleep the night before after watching the Champion’s League Final.

“I feel like I owe my life to the Friendship Circle,” he told Charlotte Fisher. “I feel like the volunteering I did for them was the reason I’m still here so this is another way I can give back to them.”

‘Why I’ve been asking strangers out on the spot’

Andrea Giro Adeleye is fed up with modern dating. So, armed with a selfie stick and her phone camera, the 22-year-old spends her time approaching strangers across Manchester and asks them one thing: Would you like to go out?

And now, as Tara Cromie reports, what began as a search for genuine human connection has since grown into something far bigger; a public challenge to modern dating culture and a surprisingly emotional portrait of a generation struggling to connect online.

Weather etc

Week-long washout: Greater Manchester is expected to face a week of rain and potential thunderstorms in a sudden shift following the recent heatwave. Forecasters have predicted ‘thundery showers’ and periods of heavy rain this coming week across the region. James Holt has the full forecast here.

Travel warning: Passengers are facing nine days of disruption as two Metrolink tram stops are closed in the city centre. No trams will call at either Shudehill or Market Street from today (June 1) to next Tuesday, June 9, with normal service expected to resume next Wednesday.