The overhaul involves demolishing the existing pavilion building and removal of two bowling greens, followed by adding four containers, manager dugouts, floodlighting, fences and a new 3G football pitch.

Councillors have unanimously approved a project to upgrade Whifflet Park, the home ground of grassroots club Burnbank FC.

The overhaul, which was the subject of a planning application submitted to North Lanarkshire Council on behalf of the club, involves demolishing the existing pavilion building and removal of two bowling greens, followed by adding four containers, manager dugouts, floodlighting, fences and a new 3G football pitch.

The upgraded Coatbridge facility will also have 35 parking spaces.

A report to the council’s planning committee recommended granting the application on the grounds that it would not represent a significant detriment to the surrounding area.

The planning application attracted 13 objections expressing concerns over the effect of floodlighting on nearby properties, noise, complaints about the consultation process and an alleged disregard from the club for engaging with the community, traffic, loss of open space and also trees which are more than 100 years old, anti-social behaviour and the operating hours of the clubhouse.

These issues have been addressed in conditions attached to the planning permission, removal of the clubhouse and spectator stands during revision of the proposals and clarification that matters such as anti-social behaviour are not planning considerations. No objections to the plans were made by the council’s various departments.

The report also noted that the club positively affects the mental and physical health of those involved, and overall there was no reasonable justification for refusing the application.

The committee agreed and unanimously granted planning permission subject to conditions.

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Keith Richards is synonymous with rock’n’ roll excess, to the point that his living to the age of 82 is regarded as something of a modern miracle.

The Rolling Stones rocker recently became a great-grandfather for the first time, and is preparing for the release of the band’s 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues – neither feat being something naysayers predicted he’d live to see.

In a new interview, Richards reveals that it was only six years ago that he quit smoking – and the only reason was that he viewed it as “childish”.

“I tended to listen to my body just before it screamed for help,” he told The Guardian of his hard-living years. “I mean, I wasn’t far from the end of the runway before I screamed for help. But you tend to slow down if you want to keep going; you pace yourself.”

Of quitting smoking, he said: “Suddenly, I felt like after all these years of smoking – because, you know, a man smokes – I was sat around with this silly thing in my mouth thinking: how childish. It was that that put me off more than anything, although I smoke a lot of weed.”

Richards said he still drinks “in moderation”, joking: “So yeah, it’s only a ton of heroin a day now.”

The legendary guitarist has been open about his hedonistic antics over the years, most notably in his 2010 autobiography, Life.

In one anecdote, the musician detailed how he only gave up cocaine aged 62, after he split his head open falling from a tree while foraging for coconuts – requiring him to undergo brain surgery.

He described running around Swinging London fuelled by speedballs, a cocktail of cocaine and heroin that he once dubbed “the breakfast of champions”.

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Addiction expert Dr Robert Lefever told the BBC in 2010 that there was only one possible explanation for Richards’ longevity: “He must have the constitution of an ox.”

Meanwhile, writer and music journalist David Quantick agreed that Richards must be made of sterner stuff: “It’s almost as though others die so Keith Richards may live,” he said.

However, he added: “Still, it’s not as though any children are going to think he’s a good example. Just look at him: he’s got a face like a prune’s wallet.”

Richards was the subject of a number of drug busts over the years, most infamously at his Redlands in Sussex, England, in 1966, when he, Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull were coming down from an acid trip.

“There’s a knock on the door, I look out the window, and there’s this whole lot of dwarves outside,” wrote Richards. “I’d never been busted before, and I’m still on acid.”

The two bandmates were brought up on drug charges and received brief prison sentences that were eventually overturned.

Foreign Tongues, the new Rolling Stones album, will be released on 10 July.

If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here.

In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP

Available for over a year

Today, Labour’s Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by election – so how could we see a challenge to Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader?

Burnham won almost 25,000 votes, beating Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes. In his victory speech Andy Burnham said “Everyone knows that politics isn’t working, and has previously said he would seek to enter any Labour leadership contest.

So what happens now?

Adam and Chris are joined by Kevin Fitzpatrick political reporter for Radio Manchester and Luke Tryl Director of More in Common.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren. The social producer was Jem Westgate and Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Police charged a third suspect on Friday with an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue that was allegedly directed by Iran.

The 20-year-old man was one of three masked offenders who broke into the Adass Israel Synagogue, doused the interior with flammable liquid then set it alight in the early hours of Dec. 6, 2024, a police statement alleged.

The fire caused extensive damage to the synagogue and a worshipper sustained minor injuries.

The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which brings together federal and state police with a spy agency, charged the man, who has not been named, with offenses including arson.

He was charged in a Melbourne jail where he was already being held in custody on unrelated offenses. Police declined to elaborate on those offenses.

His co-accused Giovanni Laulu, 21, was arrested in July last year and another suspect, Younes Ali Younes, 20, was arrested a month later.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of directing the synagogue fire and an arson attack two months earlier at a Sydney kosher eatery, Lewis’ Continental Kitchen.

Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the nation’s main domestic spy agency, said the Revolutionary Guard used a “complex web of proxies to hide its involvement” in both antisemitic attacks.

Iran’s ambassador to Australia and another three Iranian diplomats were expelled. Tehran has denied Australia’s allegations.

Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier told reporters on Friday that investigators were working with international partners in the continuing investigation.

Police were also investigating whether the three alleged arsonists knew who ordered the attack.

“They may not actually be aware of the people who are directing or the principals of these investigations. That remains a key line of inquiry for us,” Crozier said.

Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul O’Halloran said police had informed the local Jewish community of the third arrest before the news was made public.

The Australian government has established a public inquiry to investigate a rise in antisemitism across the country, including the killing of 15 people when two gunmen opened fire on a Sydney Hanukkah celebration in December.

Andy Burnham (Labour): 24,927 (54.81%)

Rob Kenyon (Reform) 15,696 (34.51%)

Rebecca Shepherd (Restore) 3,111 (6.84%)

Michael Winstanley (Conservative) 997 (2.19%)

Sarah Wakefield (Green) 308 (0.68%)

Jake Austin (Liberal Democrat) 163 (0.36%)

Count Binface (Binface) 95 (0.21%)

Howling Laud Hope (Loony) 45 (0.10%)

John Dyer (Independent) 37 (0.08%)

Peter Ward (Rejoin) 35 (0.08%)

Dan Clarke (Libertarian) 18 (0.04%)

Ed Gemmell (Climate) 18 (0.04%)

Robert Pownall (Independent) 18 (0.04%)

Paul Gould (Independent) 8 (0.02%)

Fire crews attended the Farnworth-based hospital just after 11am on Thursday, but fortunately there was no incident, with a fire spokesman saying it was a “routine call-out for a fire alarm”.

Firefighters were only on the scene for 15 minutes.

The hospital confirmed the attendance of the firefighters was routine and there was no incident or issues.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service say that all homes should have a working smoke alarm on every level of the home and a heat alarm in the kitchen area.

Smoke alarms should be tested every month.

Those eligible for a Home Fire Safety Assessment visit from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service may have a free smoke alarm fitted depending on the fire risk.

More information on the fire services can be found on the GMFRS website

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who are marking their 27th wedding anniversary today, had a unique dress code rule for their royal wedding, but not everyone followed their request

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are marking a landmark occasion today — their 27th wedding anniversary. Prince Edward and Sophie exchanged vows at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on June 19 1999, in what was widely regarded as an “informal” royal wedding. Guests turned out in their droves, among them the late Queen and Prince Philip, King Charles and his sons Princes William and Harry.

Sophie looked breathtaking in a wedding gown by Samantha Shaw and was granted permission to wear a tiara from the late Queen’s private collection. The relaxed atmosphere of the occasion saw the couple opt for a less rigid dress code — requesting that guests arrive in evening wear and leave their hats at home.

Yet it appears some royals chose to bend these rules — with one family member seemingly disregarding them altogether. Photos from the occasion show the groom’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth, sporting a delicate lilac fascinator, while the groom’s sister Princess Anne chose a small green hair accessory.

When it came to Edward’s grandmother, the late Queen Mother, she still arrived wearing a hat — though the couple may well have been perfectly content with this, given she was rarely spotted in public without one. Following their ceremony at St George’s Chapel, the newlyweds enjoyed a carriage ride through Windsor before heading to their reception in St George’s Hall.

When Sophie joined the Royal Family over two decades ago, a few eyebrows were raised at the news that she would not receive a duchess title. Unlike her sister-in-law Camilla and her nephew’s wife Kate, Sophie was bestowed the title of Countess of Wessex upon her marriage to Edward in 1999.

However, in 2023 King Charles granted both Edward and Sophie new titles – finally elevating them to Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. It had long been the wish of Prince Philip, the former Duke of Edinburgh, and the former monarch to pass the Dukedom to Edward and Sophie following their deaths.

In a previous interview, Sophie revealed how she and Edward sat “stunned” when Philip informed them of his wishes regarding his title – in just 11 words. Recounting the moment she and her husband learnt of Philip’s intentions, she told the Telegraph: “We sat there slightly stunned. He literally came straight in and said, ‘Right. I’d like it very much if you would consider that’.”

Philip’s wish for Edward to inherit the title was a nod to his son’s decades of dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the youth programme widely regarded as one of Philip’s most cherished legacies.

The couple, who are parents to Lady Louise Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex, have often regarded as some of the Royal Family’s safest pairs of hands, quietly keeping up with duty and being an invaluable support for the King.

The pair have enjoyed a bigger public profile in recent years, especially since the likes of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from royal duties, allowing the Edinburgh’s to take more of the spotlight.

Away from their royal roles, Edward and Sophie appear to prefer life away from publicity, living under the radar, away from the cameras at their Bagshot Park estate in Surrey.

Sophie Calderley, Nicha Miller and mother and daughter Siobhan Mitchell and Lily Morris all work for Funding Futures which created the Leap For Her Future campaign.

The courageous foursome are aiming to raise £3,000 to support the CIC’s (Community Interest Company) work with women across Greater Manchester.

Sophie is an educator, mentor and project coordinator, Nicha is an educator and content creator, Siobhan is an educator, mentor and project coordinator and Lily is an educator.

Funding Futures helps women who are not currently in employment, education or training to achieve qualifications, develop new skills, gain confidence and take positive steps towards employment, further education and greater independence.

Many of them have faced significant challenges and barriers in their lives. Now, through accredited courses, tailored support and opportunities for personal development, they are helped to unlock their potential and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

The Leap For Her Future campaign was created to both raise funds and awareness of the organisation’s work and also to inspire others to support the cause and help Funding Futures reach more women.

Commented Sophie: “This year is about letting go of fear and comfort. So all I’m going to think of is letting go of that plane on the day.

“The reason we are doing this is to raise money and offer more wraparound support for more women Funding Futures gives every woman an opportunity to pursue the future they want.

“The money raised will be going towards a brighter future for so many women in the local area.”

The jump takes place at the Black Knights Skydiving Centre in Lancaster on Friday, June 19.

To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leapforherfuture?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

Iran’s involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war in the Middle East and related security concerns.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran team in the dressing room following the game against New Zealand as tensions continue.

Multiple “integral” members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the US while the FFIRI called on Fifa to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations” after their allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

“The Iranian national football team agreed to these terms,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told the BBC when asked for a response to Ghalenoei’s comments.

Iran, who switched their base for the World Cup from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico amid the conflict in the Middle East, have two group games remaining and both are in the US.

They face Belgium in Los Angeles on 21 June (20:00 BST) and Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST).

Iran said they “needed to arrive in each host city two days before every match and return to its base camp the day after the game in order to achieve optimal technical and physical preparation” but “this request was not approved” for their game against New Zealand.

“The same situation has now been repeated ahead of Iran’s second match against Belgium,” added the FFIRI.

“Given that the game will be played at 12:00pm local time in Los Angeles, the Football Federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match.

“The aim was to provide sufficient time for players to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalise preparations.

“Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied.”

The presidents of the US and Iran have signed an initial peace deal aiming to end the war but Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Fifa Task Force, said that Iran knew the situation they faced when it came to their matches.

“The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,” Giuliani told CBS News.

“They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they’ll be able to do that again in Los Angeles.”