Vanessa Stoltz, restaurant manager and head sommelier at Pine in Northumberland, has been ranked 22nd in the fourth edition of the Taylor’s Port UK Top 100 Sommeliers List, climbing from 26th the previous year.

The latest edition marks her third consecutive year on the list.

Ms Stoltz said: “To maintain your place in a list like this requires constant learning, keeping pace not just with wine, but across the full spectrum of drinks service, from beer and spirits to sake and no- and low-alcohol alternatives.

“It demands real passion and dedication, and I think people don’t always appreciate the effort that goes into it.

“That’s why recognition like this means so much.

“I’m proud to fly the flag for the Northeast and delighted that the Top 100 continues to shine a light on the role sommeliers play in delivering truly exceptional guest experiences.”

The Taylor’s Port UK Top 100 Sommeliers List was announced on Monday, June 22, at The Dorchester in London and recognises excellence in wine service across the UK.

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Nominees are put forward by industry peers, fellow sommeliers, and diners, before being rigorously assessed by an expert panel that evaluates career achievements, education, experience, daily responsibilities, and competition performance.

Sian Byerley, operations director and co-owner of Pine, praised Ms Stoltz’s dedication, adding: “We couldn’t be prouder of Vanessa.

“To feature in the Top 100 for a third consecutive year and to have climbed from 45 on debut to 22 today is a remarkable journey, and one that reflects her thirst for knowledge and her unwavering commitment to her guests.”

Police, emergency services, and council workers were called to the old railway bridge in Huntington Road today (June 26) after a lorry became stuck.

The incident is thought to have happened at around 11.05am and the road was open to traffic until around midday, before shutting between The Brigadier Gérard pub in Monkgate to Fossway.

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The lorry was towed out from under the bridge at around 2.35pm after around three and a half hours.

One eyewitness, Chris Timms of Huntington Road, said that as a wagon driver. he was concerned about the lack of signage close to the bridge in Huntington Road.

The road is currently closed (Image: Chris Timms)

He said: “There are only one or two small signs facing away from town – easily missed when you are trying to navigate the parked cars and the oncoming traffic, including single deck buses.

“There is enough room to stop before and reverse into Ramsay Close and turn around, so I think the lorry must have seen the sign and thought he had room.

A van has become stuck under a bridge in York (Image: Josh Allenby)

“The trailer is a quarter of the way under and the tractor unit had been lifted and twisted to its left side – showing how much force there was and potentially how quick the full lorry was travelling.”

Chris added that his children – Immogen and Daniel, who were at the scene – were shocked to see the lorry and that they said they were concerned about how badly things could have gone if a person was using the pavement at the time.

The violence broke out near Melksham Square, Midfield View, and Elm Tree Avenue around 7.45pm on Thursday, June 25.

A blue VW Polo is believed to have been in the area and crashed near The Avenue on Bishopton Road West at the time.

Two women and four men reportedly got out of the vehicle and fled the area.

Cleveland Police is appealing for witnesses and footage of the incident.

Anyone with information or dash cam footage is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 123557.

An intense heatwave in France sees temperatures reach up to 33C

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Tragedy struck in France after an 18-month-old baby was ‘forgotten’ in a hot car. It is the fourth child death in France following an intense heatwave.

The child died at La Timone Hospital in Marseille on Tuesday (June 23) as firefighters discovered him in the parking lot of Aix-Marseille University medical campus. DailyStar reports the baby was found unconscious and suffering from hyperthermia.

The child was taken to the emergency room at La Timone hospital in critical condition but medical staff were unable to save his life. According to reports by French publication BFM, the one of the child’s parents apparently forgot him in his car.

The parent reportedly works at the campus. Éric Berton, President of Aix-Marseille University, has spoken out about the tragedy on campus with “deep sadness”.

Éric Berton, President of Aix-Marseille University, said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the tragic news that occurred on the Timone campus. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim.

“We also express our support to all those who witnessed or were affected by this tragic event.”

The incident is the fourth child death in three incidents across France this week. Two kids were found dead in a hot car after their mum reportedly “forgot”.

The children were discovered in the family vehicle, parked in the garage of a detached house in the Bois de l’Ubac area of Carpentras, France. Despite efforts to resuscitate them by emergency services, both children sadly passed away. A manslaughter investigation has since been launched.

A police source informed Le Parisien that the mother claimed to have “forgotten her children” while out shopping. A manslaughter investigation has been launched.

The other incident saw a boy, three, found dead by his parents on Wednesday (June 24) evening in Saint-Gratien, Val-d’Oise, as calls were made to emergency services at around 7pm..

The child was discovered in cardiac arrest in the family vehicle after the boy had told his parents he was going for a nap in his room.

It is believed the parents both thought he had been in his room before they frantically realised he was not there. Around 45 minutes later, he was found in the boiling car.

His mother reportedly let out a scream when he was found that caused a passing bus driver to stop his vehicle and come to try save the boy by performing CPR. He continued till emergency services arrived.

It is currently unknown as to how and why the boy had gotten in the car as police are now investigating.

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TAIPEI (AP) — A small aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest building on Friday, according to a witness account and media reports, triggering evacuations and drawing a large police and ambulance presence in the city’s business district.

Photos show what appeared to be a hole in the glass facade on one side of the CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun.

A person working in the building told The Associated Press an aircraft crashed into the skyscraper, and a fire alarm was triggered. The person spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retaliation. Incidents such as crashes are considered sensitive by Chinese authorities.

Images and videos shared on social media appeared to show debris from a small aircraft near the skyscraper. While the images were consistent with the location, it was not possible to independently confirm their authenticity and they were quickly removed from the internet.

Hong Kong-based newspaper South China Morning Post reported that a small airplane crashed into the tower, which stands at 528 meters (1,732 feet.)

Heavy police presence, as well as fire engines and ambulances were seen outside the building. Onlookers gathered to observe and take pictures, but police asked them to stop photographing and leave the area.

The cause of the crash was not immediately clear, and authorities have not issued a statement.

The 108-story CITIC tower, shaped like an ancient Chinese wine vessel, is one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in Beijing.

Last month Beijing authorities enacted new curbs on its already tightly regulated airspace, effectively banning the sale and operation of consumer drones within the capital.

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — Former Trump administration national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty on Friday to illegally retaining classified information, sealing a deal with federal prosecutors that could allow him to avoid a prison term.

Bolton, who became an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump after serving in the Republican’s first administration, is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 28 by U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Bolton pleaded guilty to a single count of illegally retaining classified information. His plea agreement with the Justice Department may enable him to avoid time behind bars, but the judge ultimately will decide his punishment.

The plea agreement recommends capping any prison sentence at five years but the judge isn’t bound by that part of the deal. Bolton can withdraw his guilty plea if the judge issues a longer prison sentence or a fine greater than $2.25 million.

Bolton was charged last October with 18 counts of either retaining or disseminating classified information, including diary-like notes that he shared with relatives as he wrote a memoir about his career in government.

Other Trump adversaries have been charged with federal crimes during his second term in the White House. While some of those cases have collapsed under judicial scrutiny and amid claims of political retribution, Bolton didn’t mount a vigorous defense against his charges before cutting a deal.

FBI agents searched Bolton’s Maryland home and Washington, D.C., office last August, but the investigation began before Trump returned to the White House in January 2025.

Bolton served for more than a year in Trump’s first administration before getting pushed out in 2019. He later published a book called “The Room Where it Happened” that presented an unflattering portrait of Trump’s leadership.

The Trump administration fought unsuccessfully to block the book’s release, claiming it contained classified information that could jeopardize national security. Trump derided Bolton as a “crazy” warmonger who would have led the country into “World War Six.”

Bolton’s indictment focused on notes that he shared with his wife and daughter rather than the contents of his book. After sending one document, Bolton wrote in a message to his relatives, “None of which we talk about!!!” In response, one of his relatives wrote, “Shhhhh,” prosecutors said.

What’s a typical day for you and your team?

Colin, South East

Of course, it depends on the time of year. But at the start of each day, some of the team go out on site to make sure that the gardens are looking tip-top, for the members of the public or the staff or whoever we’ve got coming in.

From my side, it’s slightly different. I’ve got lots of meetings and organising to do for the year to come. When I can, I like to get out and get my hands dirty, but that doesn’t happen as much as I’d like.

What’s one gardening decision that we wouldn’t notice that has a big impact?

Mark, London

Now that peat is being banned in the UK, lots of places are having to go peat free. We’ve been trialling peat free for use in our petunias, and in 2027, we’re looking to go completely peat free in all of our hanging baskets.

Peat-free soil is good because it stops the peat from being taken from the ground, but there are challenges; it doesn’t hold nutrients and water as well. So we’re looking at how we can incorporate different growing mediums and techniques to make sure the plants can take what they need.

How do you get rid of bindweed?

Anonymous

It’s difficult. Keep digging and putting mulch down. You can put some cardboard down to block out sunlight and starve the weed of energy. Try and keep it as organic as possible.

What are your top tips for getting rid of weeds?

Lisa, South East

Just mulching if you can and constantly getting out there with a fork, hoeing off weeds. Once they’ve been hoed off, the weeds can be compressed and left to die.

Which year has been the most challenging to keep the plants in good condition?

Helen, South West

There have been many. Whether it’s raining or there are two weeks of full sunshine, those are both challenges in a different way. We’ve had to learn how to react to whatever comes our way.

Have you ever been hit by a tennis ball while working?

Eleanor, South East

No! It has been close, though – one’s gone overhead.

What measures are you taking to improve sustainability?

Mal, East Midlands

As well as our work on peat free, we’re looking into more climate-resilient plants. We still want that English garden feel, but we’d like to use less water. We’ve got an irrigation system so we can control how much water we’re putting on and reduce waste. So, there’s plenty that goes on behind the scenes.

Have you ever had any problems with the players?

Brian, London

No, not the players. More often with the public sitting on the plants! The players are normally good.

The Wimbledon 2026 draw has taken place and Serena Williams has discovered who her first round opponent will be

Wimbledon is fast approaching and the return of tennis legend Serena Williams awaits for eager tennis fans with time to still bag a ticket or two to watch her play on the iconic grass courts with Seat Unique.

It comes as Williams received a surprise wildcard entry ahead of her return to the Grand Slam circuit after four years away from the sport she has helped shaped for decades. The seven-time women’s singles winner at SW19 has not played since she lost to France’s Harmony Tan four years ago.

The former Wimbledon champion, 44, has been given a wildcard after not playing competitively since the 2022 US Open. Her opponent Maya Joint, 20, went out in round one on her main-draw debut last year and has won one of her last 14 matches.

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Elsewhere, British number one Emma Raducanu, seeded 30th, is set to face Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic but is a fitness doubt after missing practice with a shin injury. She could meet top seed Aryna Sabalenka in round three.

In the men’s draw, Jack Draper plays sixth seed Taylor Fritz. Novak Djokovic starts his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title against Wu Yibing, while defending champion Jannik Sinner opens against Miomir Kecmanovic. Carlos Alcaraz misses out with a wrist injury. Women’s champion Iga Swiatek begins her defence against Taylor Townsend.

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Wimbledon 2026 is just around the corner and Seat Unique has tickets on sale now with VIP access.

When is Serena Williams playing?

Serena Williams is scheduled to play on day two of Wimbledon and will launch her long-awaited Wimbledon singles return against Australia’s world number 53 Maya Joint in the first round.

The seven-time champion at the All England Club has been handed a wildcard for her comeback at 44, having not played a competitive match since the 2022 US Open.

Joint, 20, exited in the opening round on her main-draw debut at Wimbledon last year and has won just one of her last 14 matches.

How to get tickets to Wimbledon Day Two?

Tickets are available on both Centre Court and Court No.1 on day two with the chance to see Williams in action thanks to Seat Unique. Tickets start from £2,435 and are given access to the debenture facilities at SW19 however you will still need to pay for food and drink on the day.

The cheapest available tickets are the VIP Debenture on Court No.1 available for £2,435 while the Centre Court tickets are priced at £3,029. Fans will experience unparalleled views of either court as well as access to the Debenture facilities on the day.

Alternatively, fans can keep checking Wimbledon’s official ticketing page for other ticketing options too. It currently states the Wimbledon Public Ballot for The Championships 2026 is closed, but additional tickets can sometimes appear later if returns are processed or more inventory is released.

Another alternative is the Keith Prowse hospitality site which also offers Wimbledon hospitality packages, but states ‘Wimbledon 2026 hospitality is already now 90% sold out’. There is the option of going via The Queue as well which is due to open on Sunday (June 28) but ticket availability is extremely limited and even more limited if we wish to get tickets for Centre Court and Court No.1.

There is of course the option that Wimbledon’s coverage is available to watch live on BBC across BBC One, BBC Two and iPlayer as well. Wimbledon 2025 delivered plenty of drama, with Jannik Sinner lifting the men’s singles trophy after beating Carlos Alcaraz in four sets.

One Trustpilot review of Seat Unique gave a five-star rating, saying: “Booking Wimbledon debentures was pretty seamless. They contacted me a week before to transfer the tickets into the MyWimbledon account, they appeared on the Wimbledon App, all with no problems.”

However, another reviewer wrote: “Booking system is fine but customer service is patronising and slow. Not the greatest VIP experience”

While another five-star review praised the customer service over their Wimbledon ticket purchase. It said: “This is a follow up to an initially frustrating experience in a significant purchase for Wimbledon tickets for July, 2023.

“After sharing my frustration, I immediately received a response from Seat Unique both via email and telephone with the details I was requesting as well as an easy way to contact a designated person to answer any other outstanding questions.

“I do not have the tickets in hand due to the nature of the event, but we are excitedly awaiting, and Seat Unique did a great job of responding to allay my concerns. Appreciate the quality customer service.”

Katie Price might have been reunited with her husband, but it seems one of her cats has now gone missing, days after the death of another pet.

The former glamour model, 48, has been busy jetting back and forth to Dubai for her husband, Lee Andrews, after he was detained.

She’s still out in the UAE, having been reunited with a now freed Lee, posting a video of them together dancing to the 2011 hit Mr Saxobeat in the car.

However, back home, her pets have gone awol with a concerned Katie suggesting they may have been ‘stolen’.

This comes days after Lee claimed one of her eight cats had died, which has not been confirmed by the reality star herself.

Two of Katie’s sphinx cats, Eilleen and Doris, disappeared earlier today, with one returning home of its own accord while the latter remains missing.

She posted a plea for anyone in the area to be on the lookout and return Doris to Arun Vets in Storrington if she is found.

‘I came to Dubai Wednesday, and my cats were home Tuesday night,’ she wrote on an Instagram Story. ‘I live in a private area and my cats don’t just disappear.

‘Whoever has them return them. They are my babies.’

Several hours later, Eilleen ‘walked through the door’, with a video shared of her drinking water as the UK heatwave continues.

In the last update, Doris was apparently still missing, although this was several hours ago.

Katie then returned to her usual posting, promoting CBD oil and sharing a snap of her and Lee’s hands, calling him ‘the best husband’.

‘Completes me in every f**ked up way,’ she wrote. ‘Met my perfect match and nothing will defy us!’

She then posted a picture of ‘mini me’ daughter Princess, who was sporting long blonde curls. Still no update on Doris’ whereabouts.

Katie’s history with pets is an incredibly tragic one, with at least eight animals known to have died in her care.

One of the animals was a kitten that Doris had given birth to last year, with two other kittens reportedly surviving.

The string of fatalities led to over 37,000 people signing a petition calling for her to be banned from owning pets in 2020, with a fresh one made in 2025.

Peta even weighed in, going so far as to offer £5,000 in exchange for signing a ‘legally binding agreement promising never to acquire another animal’.

In response to the open letter, Katie’s rep told the MailOnline: ‘Kate has asked PETA many times to have a conversation with her directly, but instead they continue to play the narrative out in the media. 

‘If they want to have a direct conversation with Kate they can get in touch.’

Katie has continued to keep animals, including her four cats, although Lee recently claimed one of the cats had died.

During a Cameo, he said: ‘She’s got five Sphynxes actually. One has just passed away.

‘Sorry, eight Sphynxes, five dogs. Eight Sphynxes, now seven, one passed away.’

Katie herself has not confirmed the loss of another cat, other than Doris going missing while she’s away.

Metro has reached out to Katie’s team for comment.

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