The Class 599 trains have been in service for 46 years and will be fully phased out this summer.

Metro operator Nexus has announced that the final week to guarantee a journey on the iconic yellow carriages will begin on Monday, June 22, with a train operating between 9.30am and 5.30pm each day on both the Yellow and Green lines until June 26.

Haymarket platform (Image: Paul Young)

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “After giving our region 46 years of service, I’m pleased to confirm the original Metro train fleet will soon be phased out completely.

“I promised that by summer every single journey people made would be on a new train, and that’s what we’ve done.

“This is a really significant milestone for our region, one that I’ve no doubt will generate a lot of nostalgia and fond memories for many.

Archive picture from 1982 (Image: Nexus)

“It’s great that people will have one last chance to travel on them before they go.

“It’s the end of an era for Metro, but it’s time we look ahead.”

The original trains have carried 1.7 billion passengers since they began service in August 1980 and have travelled a combined total of 500 million kilometres.

Cathy Massarella, managing director of Nexus, said: “The old Metro trains have given us sterling service over the last 46 years, but we’re now getting ready to say that historic farewell.

“We’re in the final few weeks where customers are guaranteed a journey on the few that remain running.

A Metro train taken in 1982 (Image: Nexus)

“These trains helped to change the face of public transport in our region in 1980, and over the four decades that followed.

“They have served us well, surpassing their expected life expectancy.

“They’ve now come to the end of the line.

“They’re making way for the new generation of trains, which are delivering a bright future for the Tyne and Wear Metro.”

The £362 million Stadler fleet is now in service, marking the biggest upgrade in the Metro’s history.

Nexus plans to have all 46 new trains operational by the end of 2026.

The new fleet was designed following an extensive customer consultation which resulted in over 23,000 responses and features linear seating, charging points, 44 CCTV cameras, climate control, battery technology, and improved accessibility, including an automatic sliding step at each set of doors.

Most of the old trains are being recycled at a specialist facility in County Durham.

However, two have been preserved for heritage purposes, and one has been donated to the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for training use.

Scotland, Liverpool and Celtic great Sir Kenny Dalglish is undergoing treatment for cancer.

The legendary forward and former manager wanted to keep the news private but confirmed the diagnosis after accidentally sharing the news initially in an “inadvertent social media post”.

“I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer,” Dalglish, 75, wrote on social media. “Unlike my mobile phone use, the treatment is going well.

“Ideally, this would have remained private because that’s the way it should be, but my useless technology skills have forced my hand.

“Obviously I did not mean to make this matter public so I would appreciate it if the privacy of my family and myself are respected.

“As ever, thank you to the wonderful medical staff who have shown incredible care and discretion, not just for me but for many, many others. They are a credit to themselves.”

The former forward scored 30 goals – a joint national record alongside Denis Law – in 102 appearances for Scotland and is the country’s most capped player.

He scored 167 goals in 320 appearances for Celtic between 1969 and 1977, winning four league titles and four Scottish Cups.

Dalglish signed for Liverpool for a British record fee of £440,000 and spearheaded a golden era for the club, winning three European Cups and eight First Division titles across his 515 appearances.

He was appointed player-manager with the Reds in 1985, a spell in which he guided Liverpool to three First Division titles and two FA Cups – including the double in 1985-86 – as well as leading the club through the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, before retiring from playing in 1990.

After resigning as Liverpool boss in February 1991, he went on to manage Blackburn – where he won the Premier League in 1995 – Newcastle, Celtic and Liverpool again in 2011-2012.

In a statement, Liverpool said: “The support, best wishes and love of everyone at Liverpool FC are, and will be, with Sir Kenny and his family.

“The club would also like to underscore his request for privacy moving forward.”

Ian Rush, who played alongside Dalglish at Liverpool, posted: “The King is one of the strongest and most positive people I’ve ever known. If anyone can face this battle with courage and determination, it’s King Kenny. We’re all behind you.”

England and Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, who Dalglish signed from Sunderland in 2011, said he had contacted the Scot because he has been “a huge figure in my whole career”.

Henderson, who spent 12 years at Anfield, told BBC Sport: “It was a big shock but just sending all the love and prayers to him and his family – hopefully he can make a strong recovery and he’s back to his fighting self in high spirits soon.”

Former Liverpool left-back Stephen Warnock, who plays golf with Dalglish, added: “It’s just a sad day because he’s done so much for cancer charity, him and Marina Dalglish. Obviously we are all behind him and hopefully he recovers from it.”

The news emerged a day after another Liverpool great, Kevin Keegan, revealed he has stage four cancer.

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after a car was broken into in the early hours of the morning last month.

The theft took place at around 12:45 am on May 21 in Hollins Crescent, Harrogate, and saw a man break the passenger window of a white Vauxhall Corsa.

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“The offender broke a passenger window of the vehicle, which was parked on the driveway, stole a bag from inside and ran off,” said a spokesperson for the force.

He is described as a white, male, with a bald head, who was carrying red carrier bags with him.

If you can help, have dashcam, or CCTV footage, please contact Constable 1222 David Fulford at david.fulford@northyorkshire.police.uk

Please quote reference 12260091893.

Our People’s Oscars will honour the nation’s unsung heroes – ordinary people quietly living extraordinary lives and making a difference in their communities.

Forget the Baftas and the Brits, when it comes to awards shows, the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises is the hottest ticket in town.

Our People’s Oscars will honour the nation’s unsung heroes – ordinary people quietly living extraordinary lives and making a difference in their communities.

From humbling acts of kindness and selfless acts of bravery to raising millions for charity, our country is packed to the rafters with incredible folk who have done amazing things that deserve to be celebrated.

And on Monday night we will be doing just that with a red-carpet extravaganza at the Glasgow Hilton which will see some of the world’s biggest stars pay tribute to our winners.

Famous names taking part include singing star Susan Boyle, Rab C. Nesbitt actress Barbara Rafferty, Star Wars actor Denis Lawson and Taggart star Blythe Duff who will pay special tribute to our 11 winners.

John Michie of Taggart fame will also be attending.

Also honouring our local heroes will be Scots gladiator Sabre aka Sheli McCoy, Traitors winner Stephen Libby and Still Game’s Gavin Mitchell and Greg Hemphill.

Hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli, the awards will be attended by Love Island’s Paige Turley and Saint Phnx singer Stevie Jukes, who will present live from the red carpet.

Also there to hail the winners will be Strictly stars JJ Chalmers and Dr Punam Krishan, Eastenders’ Laurie Brett and Scot Squad’s Jordan Young, Karen Bartke, Manjot Sumal, Chris Forbes and Louise McCarthy.

Scotland’s Home of the Year presenter Anna Campbell-Jones, TV presenters Amy Irons and Jean Johansson and radio stars Cat Harvey, Ewen Cameron, Fred MacAulay and Garry Spence will also be there on the night.

Saluting our unsung heroes from the world of sport will be a host of Olympians including Kirsty Muir, Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds, Paralympians Dame Sarah Storey and Libby Clegg, Davy Zyw and Robyn Love, former Scotland and Rangers footballer Allan McGregor, former rugby player Kenny Logan and basketball star Kieron Achara.

The spectacular will feature a performance by chart topper Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX who will be playing their uplifting Scotland World Cup anthem Home.

Last year, our awards night was packed with smiles, spectacular surprises, tears of joy, emotional moments and stunning reunions, and this year’s event is promising to be just as memorable.

We launched our search for local heroes of 2026 back in November 2025 and were inundated with thousands of nominations from across the nation.

Categories include the Emergency Services Award, Child of Courage, Teenager of Courage, Young Hero, Fundraiser of the Year, Outstanding Bravery, King’s Trust Young Achiever, Special Recognition, Lifetime Achievement and the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award.

All of our phenomenal will be revealed in the Daily Record on Monday, June 8 – ahead of the event that night.

Host Sanjeev said: “Extraordinary people rarely think they have done anything out of the ordinary. The courage, dedication and sheer determination of the Pride of Scotland unsung heroes is off the scale, and I feel privileged to play my part in honouring them. This year’s awards are going to be spectacular.”

Elaine C Smith added: “There are some remarkable unsung heroes making a difference to communities across Scotland and we might never know about them if it wasn’t for nights like this.

“This will be my sixth year as host and it’s the most fantastic and heartwarming event in my calendar.”

Neil McIntosh, Editor-in-Chief of Reach (Scotland), publishers of the Record, said: “Heroes come in every shape and size. They rarely seek attention, yet what they do changes and transform the lives of lifetime’s work. Pride of Scotland is a celebration of all of their achievements.”

Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow added: “P&O Cruises is proud to once again support Pride of Scotland. It is a real honour to recognise and celebrate individuals whose achievements and contributions are truly exceptional.”

Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.

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Man United have had injury problems in defence this season, and the partnership that ends the 2026/27 campaign could look very different to the one that starts it.

Manchester United will head into next season with five central defenders, but the pecking order at the end of the year could shift dramatically during a campaign that will offer opportunities to all of them.

United finished this season with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez installed as Michael Carrick’s preferred partnership. They started together when fit and offer a good blend of right-footer and left-footer, of dribbler and passer, strong in the air and combative on the deck.

But it’s easy to envisage that partnership drifting apart at some point next season. Maguire is now 33 and Martinez has had his injury problems, never appearing in more than 27 Premier League games during his four-year spell at Old Trafford.

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And it’s easy to forget that Matthijs de Ligt was actually the flavour of the month in the early weeks of this season. He played every minute of the Premier League season until the end of November and was then unable to shake off a back injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

De Ligt has since undergone surgery to correct that issue and although he won’t be fit for the start of the season, he will have his sights set on a place in the side once he does return to full training at Carrington.

Then there are the two youngsters and their development will be worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven started three games together last season and United won none of them, but both are considered exciting talents at Carrington.

In fact, so highly-rated are 20-year-old Yoro and 19-year-old Heaven that Maguire, who has been something of a mentor to both of them, has told club staff they could be United’s own version of Arsenal’s title-winning central defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel.

That duo have been the bedrock of Arsenal’s domestic success and are without doubt the best partnership in the league. Maguire’s faith in the long-term potential of Yoro and Heaven is telling.

Maguire signed a new one-year deal, with the option of a further year, in April and as good as he was last season, the end is clearly close at Old Trafford. Martinez’s contract situation is identical, with 12 months remaining and a one-year option. He has fitness concerns to overcome to earn an extension and will turn 29 midway through next season.

De Ligt also has to prove his form and fitness all over again. It feels inevitable that at least one of De Ligt, Martinez and Maguire will leave Old Trafford next summer, so the path for Yoro and Heaven is there.

They also have a right-foot-left-foot balance and should have attributes that indicate they will strike up a good partnership. They have already formed a connection off the pitch.

Heaven overcame a sticky spell to end the season well and was outstanding in the win at Chelsea, but Yoro didn’t kick on as expected last term. United beat Real Madrid to his £52million signature in 2024, and although he is still young for a central defender, he will be targeting a place in the strongest XI by the end of next season.

It certainly feels like there will be places in that defence up for grabs next season. Maguire and Martinez hold those shirts at the moment, but their grip on them will loosen at some point and De Ligt, Yoro and Heaven will all get their own chances to impress.

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.

A simple but full-flavoured dish to wake up the taste buds, with sweet-sharp citrus and a punchy dressing that’s hot, sour, salty and sweet all at the same time.

Grapefruit can also be used in this salad instead of blood oranges.

Hold on to the recipe for the Thai nam jim dressing here – it’s good for spooning over roast or griddled fish as well.

The US military says that Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait and Bahrain failed or were shot down, and that the US launched strikes on an Iranian facility in response.

US Central Command said the strikes were on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island, near the Strait of Hormuz, that is home to a desalination plant.

Iran had fired missiles towards Kuwait and Bahrain but they failed to hit their targets, the US said. The two fired at Kuwait fell apart en route, while US and Bahrain forces intercepted the missiles aimed at Bahrain.

The escalation comes as president Donald Trump calls suggestions that the US and Iran are no longer holding peace talks “false and erroneous” and insisted the two countries have been speaking “continuously”.

In a post on Truth Social, he added the US and Iran in fact spoke “four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today”.But he also said he had told Tehran: “It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal. You’ve been doing this for 47 years, and it cannot be allowed to go on any longer!”

Elizabeth Jones was found hiding in a cupboard after the frienzied attack

A woman attacked an old school friend with a knife and choked her after losing her temper “in a quite startling way”, a court has heard. When arrested, having been found hiding in a cupboard, Elizabeth Jones assaulted police and then “made up a fairy tale” about how the victim came by her injuries.

Sending the defendant down, a judge at Swansea Crown Court said while the physical wounds she had caused in the attack would heal, “the psychological impact may take a great deal longer to be resolved”.

Caitlin Brazel, prosecuting, told the court that Jones and the complainant in the case had known each other since their school days, and said that in March this year the defendant was staying with her friend at her home in Swansea. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here

The barrister said that on March 13 the complainant was asleep on her sofa when she was awoken by her houseguest who said she had taken cocaine and wanted diazepam – better known as Valium – to help her sleep. The friend told Jones she didn’t have any diazepam and even if she did, she would not give her the drug.

The court heard Jones responded by arming herself with a kitchen knife, then picked up and threw a glass coffee table – causing it to smash – before throwing drinking glasses at the complainant.

The prosecutor said Jones grabbed the woman by her hair and dragged her over the broken glass on the floor before punching her in the face, “jabbing” the kitchen knife at her stomach, and cutting her legs while shouting “I’m going to f****** kill you! I’m going to f****** stab you!”. The defendant then grabbed her friend around the throat and squeezed to the point where the woman was struggling to breath.

The court heard a neighbour of the victim’s, who had heard the sounds of a disturbance, knocked on the front door to check if everything was okay, thereby giving the complainant the chance to flee the property.

The victim went to Morriston Hospital where medics found lacerations to her ear and leg, grazes, marks on her neck, and soft tissue damage to her face.

Meanwhile police began to search for 26-year-old Jones, and she was found in a property hiding under a pile of clothes in a cupboard. When arrested she was verbally and physically aggressive to officers. In her subsequent interview, Jones denied the allegations and said she had grabbed her friend in a bear hug to stop her self-harming and said her friend had cut herself when falling into a glass coffee table.

In a statement read to the court, the victim said she had been left suffering with panic attacks, nightmares, and had trouble sleeping. She said her flat had been left looking “like a murder scene” with blood and broken glass everywhere, and said she no longer felt safe in her own home and would have to move. The woman said the defendant had been a friend for 12 years and the pair had been due to go on holiday together. She said that following the incident she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Elizabeth Jones, of Park View, Llanelli, had previously pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, making threats to kill, strangulation, criminal damage, and assaulting a constable when she appeared in the dock for sentencing. She has 16 previous convictions for 22 offences including harassment, three batteries, and three counts of criminal damage. Her last conviction is for theft from July 2025.

Matt Murphy, for Jones, said it was plain from the contents of a pre-sentence report that his client had a “deeply troubled background” which led to drug misuse and offending. He said the defendant’s period on remand in HMP Eastwood Park had been her first experience of custody and was a “salutatory lesson”. The barrister added that his client had a supportive family.

Judge Paul Thomas KC said for reasons which had never been properly explained, the defendant had lost her temper “in a quite startling way”. He said it was impossible to know the level of fear the victim experienced while being strangled, not knowing if her assailant would stop. The judge said while the physical wounds caused by the attack would heal “the psychological impact may take a great deal longer to be resolved”. He noted that Jones had then “made up a fairy tale” about how the victim came by her injuries.

With a one-quarter discount for her guilty pleas, Jones was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison comprising 40 months for the offending against the complainant, and two months for the assault on the PC to run consecutively. The defendant will serve up to half the sentence in custody before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community.

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Manchester United could well have an edge in the race to sign West Ham star Jarrod Bowen this summer

Manchester United may have to act quickly if they want to complete a summer move for Jarrod Bowen.

The West Ham forward is expected to leave east London following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship. While the club are believed to value Bowen at around £50million, reports suggest an offer closer to £40m could be enough to strike a deal.

Bowen has been one of the brightest sparks in the Premier League this season, notching 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. His form has naturally attracted significant interest, with Chelsea now reportedly considering a swoop for the 29-year-old.

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But United can offer Bowen something the Blues can’t: his preferred squad number.

The England international has worn the No. 20 shirt for most of his career, including the last six seasons at the London Stadium. Conveniently for United, the number became available after Diogo Dalot switched to the No. 2 shirt ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Chelsea, meanwhile, currently have Joao Pedro occupying the No. 20 shirt at Stamford Bridge. Although the Brazilian has been linked with a blockbuster switch to Barcelona this summer, Chelsea are said to be not considering a sale after his impressive debut season in west London.

According to Metro, Chelsea have been monitoring Bowen for some time as they look to add greater experience and versatility to their attacking options. New manager Xabi Alonso is also understood to be a long-time admirer of the West Ham man, having spoke glowingly about him during his time in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

“He’s one of the top players for sure, not just in terms of goals, but energy as well,” Alonso told TNT Sports in 2024. “He’s a real threat in their transitions in the last third – he has a great foot, so that’s why he’s one of the top players in the English squad.”

That said, Bowen’s strong connection with the West Ham fanbase could make a move across London to Chelsea more difficult to sell than a switch to Old Trafford. United can also offer Champions League football next season after Michael Carrick’s side secured a third-place finish in the Premier League – ending the campaign 19 points ahead of Chelsea.

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For now, though, Bowen is keeping his cards close to his chest. Following West Ham’s relegation, he issued an emotional apology to supporters on social media.

“It’s hard to post something like this when all you’re feeling is embarrassment and pain,” Bowen shared on Instagram. “I could write loads trying to explain where it all went wrong this season, but honestly what you deserve from me is an apology.

“Winning that trophy in Prague was the best night of my career. Sunday was the worst. We just weren’t good enough. Simple as that. And that’s why the season ended the way it did.”

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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The warning comes from publican Andrew Hields, who runs three Yorkshire Dales venues – including the UK’s highest pub, the Tan Hill Inn near Richmond.

Mr Hields also runs the Green Dragon Inn at Hadraw and the Station Inn at Ribblehead.

Pubs with stunning views, large beer gardens and strong community ties could soon face higher tax bills under new HMRC guidance.

Mr Hields said: “At best they lose money for four months, break even for four months and usually only make money for four months – the latter becoming more difficult due to recent Government decisions.”

He argued the tax fails to consider the seasonal nature of such businesses and places further strain on an already struggling hospitality sector.

He said: “Most ‘nice pubs’ are rural which means they already have higher costs and often have less access to a local workforce, so have to pay more to get staff, more on service and increased marketing costs to create awareness and appeal.”

Mr Hields questioned how HMRC would define what qualifies as a ‘nice pub,’ whether by architecture, the street it’s on, or its history.

He also noted additional costs for rural pubs, such as higher insurance due to remoteness from emergency services and increased overheads like those faced by the off-grid Tan Hill Inn, which relies on generators for electricity.

He said: “We are also a lifeline for other businesses in the area we operate, from tradespeople to local producers.

“Nice in this context seems to defined by what something looks like or its setting – not taking into account the challenges and expenses these particular businesses are facing.

“Also who visits a pub that is not nice? All pubs are arguably nice or people wouldn’t go to them.

“This is an absolutely nonsensical, badly thought out scheme which will ruin lots of businesses and communities.

“The Government need to seriously reconsider before making this move, along with other recent decisions which are having a detrimental effect on the hospitality industry.”