The anarchic Rik Mayall was a perennial joker and the funniest man in whichever room he was in. But a new film shines a heartbreaking new light on his life and his friendship with Adrian “Ade” Edmondson.

On stage, or at public events, he was the effervescent funnyman, taking it upon himself to ensure he put a smile on everybody’s faces throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, through raucous TV shows The Young Ones and Bottom and rip-roaring live tours with his co-star and close friend Edmondson.

In the Sky documentary Rik Mayall: Magnificent B’stard, we discover new insights into Mayall and Edmondson’s early starts, including a double act called Flash Rick and Deaf Ade, which might have changed the very fabric of British comedy if they’d managed to sell it. We see unseen sketches and hear audio testimonies from the man himself; close your eyes, and it’s like he’s in the room with you.

However, the documentary also reveals that, out of the spotlight, the self-conscious comic would be crippled by worries and concerns that being just himself wasn’t enough.

His public-facing image, as an endless well of laughter, was perpetuated by the man himself, who would “immediately stand taller, puff out his chest and really make a show of it” the moment he was around members of the public.

This behaviour was a “dichotomy”, according to his daughter Rosie Richardson, as people would view him as a carefree comedian who had no problems of his own. The opposite was true. “He loved that sort of attention; on the other side, it’s exactly who he wasn’t,” TV director Bob Baldwin said.

In fact, his other daughter, Bonnie, said “people would probably be quite surprised to know about his anxieties”, caused by the belief that, if he didn’t crack a joke, he wasn’t “interesting or debonair enough”.

“He wanted to be always the funniest, best version of himself, which tended to be a character ‘cause that’s what he felt most comfortable with,” his daughter explained.

Things took a dark turn in 1997, when Edmondson noticed Mayall was “secretly drinking” while preparing their third Bottom tour, Hooligan’s Island.

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“My little office was overlooking a pub, and then I’d start to see him going in for a quick couple of shorts before he came in to write,” he recalled. “Strange, as we used to enjoy alcohol so much together.” Rosie realised something wasn’t quite right a year later when, during a trip to Devon, she discovered he’d packed his briefcase with miniature bottles of alcohol.

“He just kept getting these little bottles out the bag,” she said. “I said: ‘What are you doing, darling?’ He said: ‘Just don’t tell your mother,’ knocking them back.” When they arrived at the farmhouse, Mayall decided to ride his new quad bike. The last thing he remembered was sending his daughter back inside after noticing drops of rain on his arm, thinking: “This isn’t very safe.”

Moments later, Mayall nearly died after flipping the bike. His son Sid recalled: “There was a huge pool of blood around his head – it fractured his skull – and he was completely unconscious. There was bleeding inside the skull and in the brain, so they had to put him into a coma, so that he could heal.”

When he awoke, he was, according to those closest to him, forever changed. He was left with seizures and was told by doctors he had to stop drinking, which only heightened his anxieties surrounding social engagements.

Edmondson also noticed a change in his co-star’s personality. Deciding against another tour, the pair instead focused on making a film, the slapstick comedy Guest House Paradiso. During this time, Edmondson realised that his friend “was never exactly the same person” and found him “bizarrely more emotional”.

They eventually went back on tour together, for a fifth time, but Edmondson called time on their partnership on the final night in 2003. However, a tearful Mayall found it difficult to accept the news.

“Endless touring did us in. I kind of realised we couldn’t really do it anymore, and we never really got to an understanding about that, which makes me very sad,” Edmondson recalled.

They eventually hit the stage once again in 2001, and again in 2003 – but the writing was on the wall for Edmondson who believed “endless touring” had ruined their friendship. On the final night, he ended their 27-year partnership.

“I kind of realised we couldn’t really do it anymore, and we never really got to an understanding about that, which makes me very sad,” Edmondson said.

Rosie remembered her dad saying to her: “I don’t know what I’ve done wrong, I don’t know why this has happened.”

She continued: “I think he just felt like the carpet had been pulled from underneath him, and he was just sort of left going, ‘Well, now what?’ I just think that my dad deserved more, so much more. But then again, Adrian was completely entitled to do what he needed to do as well, for his own mental health.”

Edmondson said he particularly struggled with his grief after Mayall’s sudden death as “we never kind of repaired what our relationship was”. Mayall died aged 56 on 9 June 2014 after suffering a sudden heart attack.

“So I’ve had to explain the later part of our relationship in some ways, because people want to know,” he said. “It is obvious that something went a bit awry, but I think we should mostly remember that he was a f***ing genius.”

Rik Mayall: Magnificent B’stard airs on Sky Documentaries on 25 June.

The jury is charged with reaching findings including how Noah came by his death.

The jury at the inquest into the death of Noah Donohoe have been told to reach their findings based on the evidence they have heard in court.

Coroner Mr Justice Rooney started his charge to the jury of eight men and two women on Thursday, on the 21st week of the inquest, which started in January.

Noah, a pupil at St Malachy’s College, was 14 when his naked body was found in the storm drain tunnel in north Belfast in June 2020, six days after he left home on his bike to meet two friends in the Cavehill area of the city. A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was drowning.

The jury is charged with reaching findings including how Noah came by his death.

Noah’s mother Fiona Donohoe, who has led a high profile campaign for answers around his death, has been present at Belfast Coroner’s Court for every day of the inquest.

Mr Justice Rooney told the jury his charge would be lengthy as it covered almost six months of evidence.

He said the inquest had heard from 76 witnesses, and statements from a further 42 people, and considered maps, video footage, photographs, police logs and expert reports.

He also reminded the jury the process was a fact-finding inquiry into how Noah died, and not a criminal trial where someone is found guilty of an offence or found liable to pay damages, and not about finding fault, attributing blame or apportioning guilt.

“Your findings must be based solely on the evidence that you have heard or have seen in this court, you must ignore everything else other than this evidence. It is irrelevant,” he said.

“We are here because this inquest is required by law. You must not suppose that this automatically means that something went wrong that contributed to Noah’s death, you must not lose focus on the question we are here to consider, that is how Noah came by his death.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here

Former President Barack Obama has addressed Donald Trump’s apparent ‘obsession’ with him – saying he exists in a ‘suite in his head’.

Speaking with former NBA player Matt Barnes on ‘All the Smoke’ podcast, Barnes brought up how Trump is ‘very fascinated’ with Obama and his family.

Barnes then asked the former President: ‘Do you ever want to cuss his a** out sometimes?’

‘The thing about it is… the obsession,’ Obama replied. ‘I obviously have a room in his head, a suite in his head.’

Trump often brings up Obama. Days ago, when confronted about the ongoing issues with his reflecting pool, the President also blamed Obama, who was in office almost ten years ago now.

He replied to the reporter: ‘Barack Hussein Obama, have you ever heard of him?’

During the podcast, Obama also said his last worry during his two terms as President was worrying about his ‘predecessor’, George W Bush.

‘They’re gone. I’ve got work to do. The idea that I’d be worrying about somebody who came before and me trying to measure like, ‘what’s he done today?’ Constantly worrying about that is a strange thing to me,’ Obama added.

‘It shows me somebody who is not focused on the American people and the job they’re supposed to do.’

In recent years, Trump has brought up Obama on a number of occasions. Mainly to disparage him, but also to brag about his own accomplishments while trying to diminish Obama’s.

In 2023, Trump claimed that a former White House doctor said he was healthier than Obama.

Trump brought up Ronny Jackson, who was the physician to the president for him in his first term, Obama, and Bush.

‘He was my doctor. He was Obama’s doctor, too, by the way,’ Trump said. ‘I said, “Who’s healthier?” He said, “Sir, there’s no contest.” I won’t tell you the answer, but you know the answer, OK? It was me.’

Earlier this year, Trump posted a shocking video to Truth Social showing both Barack and Michelle Obama’s faces on ape bodies.

The minute-long video about rigged voting machines, which has since been deleted, showed a two-second shot of the former President and First Lady as apes.

They were dancing in a jungle with The Lion Sleeps Tonight playing in the background.

When a journalist criticised Trump for ‘not knowing what was going on in his name after the President claimed he didn’t post it, he lashed out.

He said: ‘I know a hell of a lot better than you do. You don’t know what’s going on. I know what’s going on.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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This Morning host Ben Shephard was full of praise for his co-star after the radio presenter won an award

This Morning host Ben Shephard congratulated his colleague on a significant accomplishment.

During Thursday’s (June 25) broadcast of the popular ITV programme, Ben and co-presenter Cat Deeley returned to screens as they covered the day’s major stories from across the UK and beyond.

Shortly into the episode, the pair were accompanied by Nick Ferrari and Sonia Sodha for the regular feature, analysing and debating the day’s breaking news and newspaper front pages.

Following a commercial break, addressing those tuning in from home, Ben began by stating: “Welcome back. Nick joins us today in the studio with Sonia to talk through more of today’s stories.”

Before launching into the discussion, Ben said: “But first congratulations and congratulations to Mr Ferrari.”, reports the Mirror.

Nick interjected: “Thank you very much.” Ben went on: “Storming the TRIC Awards.” The television host then quipped: “You won sexiest male?” Everyone erupted in laughter as Nick responded: “I didn’t want to… No, You know you got that. Come on.”

Ben noted: “You celebrated with your team, as well.” Nick confirmed: “Absolutely. Absolutely brilliant. Yes there were some of your This Morning friends there as well. It was a great day out and I’ve never won one, so now we can put that on.” Cat contributed: “Congratulations.”

The Television and Radio Industries Club, commonly referred to as TRIC, held their annual prestigious awards ceremony yesterday evening to honour excellence in British television and radio broadcasting.

This year represented the inaugural occasion the awards featured a category for best radio talk show, with Nick successfully claiming the top honour in that section.

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The ceremony was hosted by fellow Global broadcaster, Classic FM’s Dan Walker. After the significant victory, Nick posted on his Instagram, telling followers: “Delighted to have won best Radio Talk Show @tricawardsuk presented to me by my good friend @janepmoore. Also caught up with my work wife @ashleylouisejames whilst raising much needed funds for @brightyoungdreams and @refugecharity.”

The comments were filled with warm messages from supporters, with one stating: “Best by far! Congratulations Nick!” Another remarked: “Congratulations Nick! So deserved too .”

A third expressed: “Absolutely fabulous! Delighted for you!”. One listener commented: “Well done and many congratulations Nick. I listen and enjoy your show every day.”

Meanwhile, another admirer contributed: “Every time I return to the UK and I put the radio on, I listen to Nick Ferrari. It makes me feel like home and I know everything will be fine. Hugely deserved award Nick. You are a National treasure. Many congratulations.”

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX

From drivers left sweltering on ‘greenhouse’ buses, to terrified new parents watching their babies sleep in baking bedrooms, the people of Britain are calling upon the Government to introduce a national heatwave resilience strategy

In Newham, East London, a worried father struggles to get his five-month-old daughter to sleep in baking 30°C heat, knowing that the temperature of a baby’s room shouldn’t exceed 20°C.

In Bristol, currently the hottest area of the country, a multiple sclerosis sufferer battles to see as the heat worsens her condition and robs her of her sight. Down the road, a bus driver is boiling in his ‘greenhouse on wheels’.

This is the Britain of 2026 as yet another heatwave grips the nation. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), an estimated 10,781 heat-associated deaths in England were recorded as “a direct consequence of heatwaves” between 2020 and 2024. Greenpeace told us: “This is not a freak event – it’s happening every single year and it’s a public health scandal.”

Without urgent adaptation, it’s projected that this figure will soar to approximately 11,000 fatal cases every single year by the 2050s. In recent days, the stark reality has been impossible to ignore, and many have accused the Government of not doing enough to protect people.

Weather forecasting maps suggest the mercury may soar to highs of 42°C, a foreboding warning of the sweltering summers to come. As Newham dad Jackson, 32, noted, “This is going to be the coldest summer of my daughter’s life.”

According to a startling new analysis by the National Housing Federation (NHF) and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), more than 70,000 babies in England, one in every six, are currently living in overheated homes.

Babies in particular, who can’t regulate their temperature or manage dehydration, are at particular risk, and tragically, overheating can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Jackson says rising temperatures mean they’re thinking twice about having more children, with 40°C days in London becoming more frequent. “Naively, we didn’t really talk about what it means to bring someone into a world that is changing so much as a result of climate change,” he told The Mirror.

“I can’t imagine what parents are going through who have had kids in a heatwave or kids who are in neonatal intensive care units in boiling hot hospitals where air conditioning systems are failing because it’s getting hotter and hotter and they’re just not built to sustain it.”

For new parents like Jackson and his wife, it’s a frightening time. The couple don’t have permission to add an awning or other exterior shading, nor can they install air conditioning units. Closing the blinds can only do so much, and, with local children’s centres, which do have air conditioning, closing their doors in the heat, the family has been left isolated. The four fans they are running make little impact.

Standing out on his balcony while speaking with us, Jackson can see neighbours attempting to cool their homes with inefficient and minimally effective temporary air conditioning units. He believes it would be better for apartments to be built without “south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows that just let in heat throughout the whole day and no way to shade.” He added: “There needs to be a change in the way we design our buildings.”

Those with health conditions are also struggling in the extreme heat. Becky Lee, from Bristol, is dealing with additional heat sensitivity as a person living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic condition which affects a person’s brain and spinal cord.

Becky, 32, was first diagnosed around three years ago and can usually manage her MS well. However, heatwave conditions exacerbate symptoms such as fatigue, vision issues, and balance problems. “I’m a lot more tired. My vision is more blurry. And waking up in the morning, currently for like four hours after I wake up, and my whole body is covered in pins and needles,” she said.

The rollercoaster variations, from “boiling hot heatwave down to freezing cold again”, have made it particularly difficult for Becky to regulate her body temperature. And then there are the additional complications of living as a single person, with nobody else there to take over cooking, the heat from which has done nothing to help the situation.

“I felt ill all week. It will get better again because it will obviously cool down. But in my head, I’m planning for next year now, thinking I need to get aircon installed ASAP, which is such an expense that people don’t just have the money to kind of shell out,” she said.

A survey carried out by Scope’s Lived Experience Research Panel in June 2025 found that a quarter of disabled people are significantly affected by hot weather, while nearly half reported that their medication can make them more sensitive to its effects.

The impact on those with health conditions or disabilities was recently highlighted in a harrowing TikTok post by social media creator @Lozzy112944.

The mum shared footage of her daughter, Lola, receiving therapy on the ninth floor of a London hospital, where she claims there was no air conditioning.

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At least, in some ways, project manager Becky counts herself as lucky that she is able to work indoors. For those working outside in scorching conditions, it’s another story entirely.

The Mirror spoke with Darren Ford, a bus driver of 17 years, who described the past week’s conditions as ‘horrendous. Darren, 45, works in Bristol, where overheated passengers have understandably been complaining about the stifling conditions on board.

But, as Unite the Union rep Darren notes, while passengers may be suffering through a 30 or 40-minute journey, drivers facing down a five-hour stretch are contending with far tougher challenges.

Darren told the Mirror: “It’s like a greenhouse on wheels. You’ve got all these different windows, and it’s magnifying the heat. There’s no anti-reflective UV on any of the windows, so trying to cool it down is near impossible.”

Opening the doors at every stop means “there’s just no way to keep the inside of that bus to a comfortable degree”, and for drivers, this can take a serious toll.

According to Darren, “you just feel overwhelmed. You’re sweating, you’re getting restless, tired, becoming fatigued, lightheaded, and dizzy. You can just feel everything just draining from you.”

Even a bottle of water in a cool bag won’t do much under such circumstances. Drivers who leave the house at 4 or 5 am may well find that the “cool bag is now a warm bag” by the time the sun comes up.

This comes as Unite the Union calls upon bus firms to act immediately to protect drivers from extreme temperatures, highlighting workers’ fear of being disciplined or losing pay should they complain, plus the pressure they feel to complete journeys on time.

Darren doesn’t place much stock in the notion of maximum working temperatures, noting that “the whole of the country is going to shut down” given how common extreme temperatures are becoming.

Going forward, Darren is instead urging the Government to put a plan in place – as it has for floods, storms and pandemics – to mandate that all public carrying vehicles be fitted with some form of air conditioning and ventilation system, and to look into solutions such as different glass designs to keep the inside as cool as possible.

He reasoned: “I don’t hear about this in the news every day about Australia, Spain, Greece, when I go on holiday every summer. And we’re little old Britain, why can’t this be?”

This follows a petition urging the Government to “introduce a national heat resilience strategy and legal protection for excessive temperature in workplaces and homes.”

This petition, which requires 10,000 signatures to be raised in Parliament, has called for the Government to create a joined-up strategy to tackle extreme heat and to consult on a number of related topics, including maximum safe indoor working temperatures, minimum cooling and ventilation standards for new-build housing, and funding to retrofit existing buildings, including homes.

Other suggestions include issuing public guidance and a focus on the implications for public transport during heatwaves. For many families across Britain, change simply can’t wait until next summer.

In a statement, Greenpeace told The Mirror: “The Government needs to stop winging it every time the country wilts in a heatwave. Extreme heat is no longer a rare inconvenience but a growing threat to public health, workers, children and critical infrastructure. Politicians need to start operating in the real world and wake up to the realities of a warming climate fuelled by the burning of fossil fuels.”

You can sign the petition to introduce a national heatwave resilience strategy and legal protections here

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

Prosecutors claimed he deliberately sought out a role at the facilities to give him access to children.

An adventure park volunteer who allegedly exposed himself to a group of girls said it was an “unfortunate accident” involving a damaged zipper, the High Court has heard.

Owen Lindsay, 23, is accused of targeting four members of a youth club attending the activity centre in Co Antrim earlier this month.

Prosecutors claimed he deliberately sought out a role at the facilities to give him access to children.

Lindsay, of River Mill in Randalstown, denies charges of indecent exposure, sexual communication with a child and sexual activity with someone aged between 13 and 16.

He was granted bail but banned from returning to the adventure park.

Lindsay is accused of exposing himself to the girls while working on a coffee stand at the site on June 13.

He also allegedly asked them to take off their bibs following an activity, helping one of them to remove her apron while saying, “I bet you can get undressed quicker than that”.

Police were alerted to the incident and arrested Lindsay at this home the following day.

During interviews, he accepted being at the centre and helping to organise equipment used by the children.

He denied intentionally exposing himself or any sexual motivation for his behaviour.

Claiming his trousers were faulty, he told police he does not wear underwear and had removed tracksuit bottoms due to the heat.

Lord Justice Treacy described the account provided as “very unusual”.

“He said it was an unfortunate accident that just happened to be in front of four young girls, and the zipper had been damaged for some time,” the judge commented.

Opposing bail, Crown Counsel Mark Conlon claimed Lindsay had a specific motivation for working at the facilities.

“Police are of the view that he deliberately sought employment which would give him access to children,” he submitted.

Defence barrister Turlough Madden challenged the prosecution’s assertions, arguing his client had volunteered at the adventure park for nine years.

He told the court Lindsay has been diagnosed as autistic and has been involved with mental health services since he was a teenager.

“His parents are significantly concerned about his own vulnerabilities and susceptibilities to being targeted,” Mr Madden said.

“In the past, friends took advantage and exposed him to financial risk.”

Granting bail, Lord Justice Treacy indicated there were issues which need to be addressed outside of a custodial environment.

“At the moment, Maghaberry (Prison) is not the best place for him to be,” the judge said.

But ordering Lindsay not to contact any complainants or attend the activity centre, he stressed: “Other steps need to be taken to protect young people.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

Elsewhere, Elsewhere, Millwall will be hoping to go one better after missing out on automatic promotion to the Premier League by one point. AFC Wimbledon will be hoping to look at the League One table, rather than down, after avoiding relegation by four points. Follow the fixture release live below from 10am BST!

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

Brits who are holidaying on the largest of the Canary Islands this summer have been issued advice ahead of their flight home – owing to queues caused by the EU Entry/Exit System

Brits heading to Tenerife this summer have been warned to “expect queues” and to “arrive early”, particularly when it comes to flying home from the island’s South Airport. Andrew Knight, who is originally from the UK but moved to the Canary Island and established his own bar, Buddies Bar Los Cristianos, aimed his advice at those who are reaching the end of their holiday.

“Are you flying from Tenerife South Airport this summer?” he began in a video. “They recommend you arrive three hours early if you are flying outside the Schengen Area – so that applies if you are going to the UK.”

Andrew went on to explain that the delays are largely the result of the newly-implemented EES (EU Entry/Exit System), which is a a digital border system for non-EU travellers (including UK citizens) visiting the Schengen Area.

How the new EU entry/exit system (EES) biometric checks cause airport delays

The EES replaces manual passport stamps with biometric tracking, requiring first-time registrants to provide fingerprints and a photo at the border.

Andrew continued: “As a reminder though, if you are one of the early morning flights, don’t get here too early then because airport access is restricted when there are no [immediate] flights.”

As for those arriving at Tenerife South, the Brit told travellers to “expect some queues”, but reported things had “all been pretty smooth” in recent times.

“There’s been a few unlucky people who have had to wait a couple of hours where the [EES] system has gone wrong, so you never know… just be prepared for it,” Andrew added.

Essential travel tips and budget transportation options for Tenerife tourists

As for any potential hold-ups, he also advised: “Go to the toilet on the plane, have a bottle of water and have some entertainment ready for the kids just in case the system is not playing ball and there are some queues.”

As a money saving tip, meanwhile, Andrew suggested holidaymakers catch the number 40 express bus from the airport if travelling to locations including Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje for around €3.50 (£3.02).

“It’s a bargain and it runs every 30 minutes,” he praised. “And it will save you a big chunk on taxis.”

Andrew closed by telling his followers to be wary of what gate they should be heading to after visiting duty-free. “You will see the screens, which tell you which area your flight is going from in terms of gates,” he said. “Whether it is A, B or C, make sure you are there in plenty of time.”

Writing in response, one recent visitor to Tenerife hailed: “Flew home today, 6pm flight. Airport was so smooth, Jet2 staff were amazing sorting baggage, few bottles in duty-free ,had a meal in Giraffe, it was fab.”

A second quipped: “Flew out 6pm last night, was through in no time, the airport was a doddle. I did, however, have to sit in the VIP lounge for 2 hours drinking Cava and a mini buffet, so I was ok.”

However, a third person wasn’t as impressed, penning: “It took us 2 hours to get through because of the sheer amount of people going through and the lack of assistance.”

One school has shut for two days, while a number of others are sending pupils home early as temperatures are forecast to hit 33C across the town.

University Collegiate School and Sharples School and Westhoughton High School have both changed arrangements because of the extreme heat affecting the region.

There is a amber alert for extreme heat currently covering the town.

The official list on Bolton Council’s website. (Image: Bolton Council)

Bolton Council said University Collegiate School on Deane Road will be closed to pupils on Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26.

Sharples Secondary School will be closed at 12.30 today, June 25.

Westhoughton High School is to close today at 2.15 pm, which it did yesterday as well. The sports day will be postponed until next Tuesday, June 30.

The move comes as the town remains under warnings for exceptionally high temperatures, with today expected to be the hottest day of the week.

(Image: Newsquest)

Caroline Molyneux, headteacher at Sharples School, said: “The pupils at Sharples have been fantastic this week during the hot weather and with amendments to uniform requirements and ensuring that everyone stays hydrated, we have had a positive week.

“However, today is due to be hotter again, so allowing families the option for pupils to go home and stay cool this afternoon, which will benefit their concentration levels when they return tomorrow.”

Pupils who need supervision are allowed to remain on site until 3.15 pm, with air-conditioned rooms available.

(Image: NQ)

Year Eight parents’ evening is also due to go ahead as planned in air-conditioned rooms between 4 pm and 7 pm.

Bolton Council said University Collegiate School would reopen to all pupils on Monday, June 29.

Ms Molyneux said: “We are closing early, but students can stay on to continue learning this afternoon if parents require it.

“The school remains open all day with provision for these children and we have Parents Evening for Year Eight families this afternoon 4-7pm.”

She added: “It also means that our staff can have some respite from the unprecedentedly hot weather this week before returning for the parents evening.

“We have received thank you messages from our families for our commitment to the wellbeing of the students.”

Schools across Bolton have relaxed uniform rules this week, with many allowing pupils to wear PE kits and encouraging students to stay hydrated.

The Department for Education has said children should continue attending school if it remains open, with decisions on closures being left to individual schools.

Westhoughton High School posted: “The forecast for Thursday is now for high temperatures with no cloud cover. In accordance with DfE guidance we will postpone sports day / inflatables rewards until Tuesday June 30th.

“School will close at 2.15pm on Wednesday and Thursday this week. A full message has been sent to all families. Thank you.”