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You’ve been told you shouldn’t scratch that itch. Is that true?

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You've been told you shouldn't scratch that itch. Is that true?

WASHINGTON (AP) — You’ve likely heard it since childhood: Don’t scratch that bug bite or rash, you’ll make it worse. But why would something that feels so good be bad?

A lot of things can cause itchiness, sometimes serious diseases. Whatever the cause, doctors have long warned that scratching too much can damage the skin. Now researchers better understand why even a mildly annoying itch could put you on an itch-and-scratch cycle if you give in.

How did they find out? In part by putting tiny “cones of shame” onto mice to uncover what happens on a cellular level when an itch gets scratched — or left alone.

They also gained insight into why a good scratch at least at first brings a sigh of relief. After all, not just people and other mammals scratch, even fish do. The commonality suggests there must be some evolutionary reason and the mouse experiment hints at a little germ protection — but still not a reason to scratch.

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Expect a more swollen, itchier spot if you can’t ignore that bug bite

Dr. Daniel Kaplan, a University of Pittsburgh dermatologist whose lab studies immune reactions in skin, was exploring a run-of-the-mill type of itch called allergic contact dermatitis, caused by irritants such as poison ivy or nickel in jewelry.

Kaplan’s research team put a rash-inducing irritant on the ears of mice. Normal mice scratched and inflammatory immune cells rushed to the site, increasing swelling. The rash was much milder in mice bred with defective itch-sensing nerve cells. But was the difference really the scratching?

Normal mice put into collars like those veterinary “cones of shame” so they itched but couldn’t scratch gave the answer: They, too, had much less swelling and fewer inflammatory cells.

Kaplan said that evidence matches people’s everyday experiences that scratching really can make things worse.

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Ignore a mosquito bite and the itch is “gone in five or 10 minutes for most people,” he said. “But if you start scratching it, it’s your friend for a week,” getting itchier and more inflamed.

The immune system’s first responders can help — and hurt

To understand what was happening in the skin, Kaplan’s team took a deeper look at mast cells, among the immune system’s first responders. When called into action, they release compounds that can help fight germs or toxins — or, through a compound called histamine, trigger itchy allergic reactions.

Scientists have long known that allergens can activate mast cells. But other signals can summon mast cells, too, including pain. And when we scratch, “we tend to scratch until it starts to hurt,” Kaplan noted.

Pain-sensing nerve cells release a chemical messenger called substance P. In findings published last year, Kaplan’s team reported that substance P can activate mast cells through a different molecular pathway than allergens do — a double whammy that explains why scratching further inflames itchy rashes or bites.

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Then why does a little scratching feel good?

If we experience pain like touching a hot stove, we’ll learn not to do that again. Yet relief from a good scratch, in evolutionary terms, is positive feedback. Why?

One long-held theory is that it may help creatures slough off parasites like fleas or mites. But Kaplan also was intrigued by other labs’ findings that mast cells could fend off a common type of skin bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. So his team infected mice and then repeated the cone-of-shame itch experiment. Sure enough, those that scratched had lower levels of that germ on their ears, maybe because of the extra inflammation or some other mast cell-related compound.

But that’s not enough of an upside to change the health advice.

“Ultimately, scratching is deleterious,” Kaplan stressed. “You should avoid scratching,” he said, although acknowledging that it’s “easier said than done.”

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Here’s how to handle a minor itch

What fights an itch depends on its cause and there’s a need for better treatments. For now, antihistamines and certain other drugs for hives can tamp down some itchiness triggered by mast cells. Drug companies are experimenting with other approaches called MRGPRX2 blockers that target the pathway Kaplan’s team linked to scratching. Kaplan hopes better understanding of that pathway eventually could help skin diseases such as chronic eczema.

For the summer itchiness of bug bites, poison ivy and other types of contact dermatitis, dermatologists recommend anti-itch balms such as hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or oatmeal baths.

Another trick from Kaplan: Menthol-containing creams can temporarily fool the skin into sensing cold instead of itch, just long enough that “if you don’t scratch, then you break that itch-scratch cycle,” he said. “It’s like a cheat code.”

___

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Bolton man charged with cocaine supply after stop search

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Bolton man charged with cocaine supply after stop search

Mohmed Bax, 45, of Eden Street, has been charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said he has also been recalled to prison.

The charge relates to a stop search carried out by officers from the Bolton North Neighbourhood Team on Eden Street on Friday (June 26).

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Bax was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court today (June 27).

According to an earlier report, police made the arrest after attending a quarterly Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting, where residents reported suspected drug activity on Old Road.

A spokesperson for GMP in Bolton said: “The PACT meeting is an opportunity for the community to raise concerns about crime in their area with the police, local councillors and the council.

“One concern raised by the community was around people supplying drugs on the street in the Old Road area of Astley Bridge.

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“After the meeting, officers from the Bolton North Neighbourhood Team searched a man on Eden Street, off Old Road, suspected to be involved in supplying drugs in the area.”

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‘Andy Burnham can unite progressives and bring voters back who drifted from Labour’

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Daily Mirror

‘If he does end up in Number 10, the country will get the same Andy Burnham I am privileged to call my friend’, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram writes

I’ve known Andy Burnham for a long time. We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder through campaigns, rows with governments of different colours, and more than a few battles for the North.

On Monday night, amidst all the political frenzy and speculation, we managed to find time for a drink far from the madding crowd. It didn’t feel like I was chatting with someone who might be about to take the helm of a G7 country. It was just two mates putting the world to rights, catching up on family, football, politics, the state of the country, of battles won and those to come.

I found myself thinking that, for all the noise about what kind of Prime Minister Andy might be, he’s still the same person I first met nearly two decades ago.

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For him, what matters has always been people, places and how power can be used to make life better. The truth is that a lot of people have fallen out of love with politics altogether. You can hardly blame them.

For years they’ve watched living standards stagnate, public services come under pressure and promises come and go without much changing in their day-to-day lives.

Meanwhile, politics has become dominated by people telling us who to blame. Migrants. Civil Servants. Benefits claimants. Young people. Older people. Pick a target and somebody will try to build a political movement around it. The grifter Nigel Farage has made a career out of it.

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But I’m not convinced most people wake up in the morning looking for somebody to be angry with. I think they’re looking for reasons to feel optimistic. A decent job. A secure home. The chance for their kids and grandkids to do better than they did. The confidence that things are moving in the right direction.

Labour’s challenge is holding together the coalition needed to win and keep power. Reform’s rise reflects a frustration that is real. Dismissing that won’t make it disappear.

Andy gets that. He knows that people want politicians who listen – and then act. That’s why I think he could unite progressive voters, while also winning back people who have drifted away from us.

Not through the politics of gimmicks or grievance but by offering a commodity that has been in short supply for far too long: hope. And after putting the world to rights over a pint on Monday night, I came away more convinced of that than ever.

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If he does end up in Number 10, the country will get the same Andy Burnham I am privileged to call my friend. And I reckon we’d be all the better for it.

‘Delivering Hillsborough Law isn’t finished yet’

There are some promises that carry more weight than others. For people in Liverpool, the Hillsborough Law is one of them.

The families of the 97 have spent decades fighting not just for the truth – but for justice too. They should never have had to endure what they did or had to fight so hard to uncover the truth.

Keir Starmer deserves real credit for bringing us closer than ever to making the Hillsborough Law a reality. But this isn’t a job that’s finished yet.

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I know how much this means to Andy. He understands that this law is bigger than any single tragedy. It will forever rebalance the scales of justice and ensure no grieving family ever goes through the same struggle. A fitting legacy for the 97.

‘Grandparent the best job of my life’

Six weeks ago, we welcomed a beautiful new arrival to our family and I became a grandparent. I’ve become completely besotted.

People always tell you it’s different when it’s your grandchild. They were right. It’s given me a new perspective and a reminder of what really matters.

I’ve had many jobs over the years – Bricklayer, Builder, Councillor, MP, Mayor – but I’m assured that this is the best I’ll ever have!

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‘How far can England go?’

I’ve watched football long enough to know better than to get carried away. But of course, we will anyway.

That’s the curse of being a football fan: hope gets the better of reality every time.

There’s real talent in this England side and, if they play with freedom, who knows how far they will go?

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why British heatwaves hit differently

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why British heatwaves hit differently

Every time the UK experiences a heatwave, many ask the same question: why does the heat in Britain feel so unbearable when people seem to cope with it in Spain, Greece, or India?

Humidity is part of the answer. But Britain’s housing, long summer days, and lack of experience with extreme heat also make hot weather worse.

The geography of the British Isles, surrounded by seas and on the edge of the North Atlantic, frequently exposes the region to moist air, making the weather more humid than many inland European locations. A 35°C day in Madrid might have relative humidity of around 20%, for instance, whereas in London it could easily exceed 40% – meaning roughly twice as much moisture is being held in the air.

This matters because humidity means sweat evaporates more slowly, and sweating is the main way our bodies cool themselves. Sweat does not cool us simply because it is wet. It cools us because it evaporates. Evaporation takes energy, removing heat from the skin and helping keep body temperature within safe limits.

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When the air is already humid, the body is forced to work harder to achieve the same cooling effect, which combined with the heat itself increases the risk of heat exhaustion and cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.

The combined effect of temperature and humidity can be understood through “wet-bulb temperature”, used in the calculation of relative humidity. It measures how far evaporation can cool a surface, given the temperature and moisture of the air. On its own, wet-bulb temperature can be used to assess the risk of humid heat stress.

During the current heatwave, wet-bulb temperatures in southern England might reach around 25°C – that’s well below theoretical survival limits, but high enough to put older people and other vulnerable groups at risk.

For your body to experience similar stress in much drier air, the actual air temperature would need to be considerably higher, typically 40°C or more.

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Built to survive winter, not summer

But humidity is not the whole story. There is also the question of acclimatisation.

In hotter countries, daily life is often organised around avoiding the worst afternoon heat. Outdoor activity is reduced. Buildings are designed to minimise heat gain. Shutters, external blinds, thick walls and shaded streets help keep indoor temperatures lower. Air conditioning is also far more common and is treated as a necessity rather than luxury.

External shutters are common in countries with a longer history of extreme heat.
Sue Winston / unsplash, CC BY-SA

Most people in Britain simply have relatively little experience of prolonged extreme heat. For hundreds of years in the past, the UK has been designing homes to retain heat during winter. Many types of buildings, including concrete high-rise flats and typical brick-walled, tile-roofed houses, act as thermal batteries, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly overnight.

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When heat arrives suddenly

The seasonal progression of heat in these regions also differs from Britain. Across large parts of India, for example, temperatures typically rise gradually through spring. This gives people, infrastructure, and institutions time to adjust ahead of many consecutive days above 40°C.

In contrast, British heatwaves often arrive abruptly following much cooler weather. May 2026 saw temperatures swing from frosts and chilly evenings to a record-breaking heatwave within a matter of weeks. Such rapid changes leave far less opportunity for acclimatisation.

Hot weather warning sign on London underground

The UK is scrambling to adapt to the new normal.
ZUMA Press / Alamy

Long days, sleepless nights

Britain’s long summer days also contribute to the discomfort. During June and July, strong sunshine persists well into the evening, allowing buildings, roads and urban surfaces to continue absorbing heat long after the hottest part of the day has passed. While it can still stay warm in the tropics after sunset, nearly half of each day is consistently spent in the respite of darkness.

Nighttime plays a crucial role in the risks during heatwaves. One of the greatest dangers comes from the so-called “tropical night” where temperatures stay above 20°C. The body needs cooler conditions to recover from daytime heat exposure.

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For now, tropical nights remain relatively uncommon in the UK. They are more likely in urban areas due to the “heat island” effect as buildings and roads let out stored heat built up during the day. Humidity often remains high overnight in general, which further impairs the body’s ability to cool itself during tropical nights. These conditions are affecting parts of the UK during the current heatwave.

Temperatures exceeding 40°C and humid tropical nights once seemed almost unimaginable in the UK, until they became reality. But the heat and humidity themselves aren’t the only problem. The country is still adapted – in its routines, its infrastructure, its buildings – to a cooler climate. And as heatwaves become more extreme and humid, that mismatch will continue to make hot weather feel even more uncomfortable and dangerous.

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Lebanon’s deal with Israel requires Hezbollah to disarm. That might be difficult

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Lebanon's deal with Israel requires Hezbollah to disarm. That might be difficult

Hezbollah’s leader on Saturday criticized a framework agreement that Israel and Lebanon signed a day earlier to end months of conflict between the militant group and Israel, raising concerns about its effectiveness.

Lebanon and Israel signed the deal in Washington on Friday without Hezbollah. The agreement links Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon to the Iran-backed militant group’s disarmament, something Hezbollah rejects.

Several previous ceasefire agreements that Lebanon has negotiated with Israel since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war were never implemented on the ground.

In a statement Saturday, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem said his group will keep fighting until Israel is forced to leave Lebanon. The group’s supporters protested in the streets of Beirut following the announcement of the agreement.

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Despite the deal, the Lebanese state news agency reported an Israeli drone strike near the southern city of Nabatiyeh.

It also reported that the Israeli military released three Lebanese and three Syrian workers who were taken near the southern village of Ain Arab on Friday.

The deal calls on Israel to withdraw but only if Hezbollah disarms

Details of the deal that the U.S. State Department released Saturday state that Lebanon and Israel aim to eventually end the state of war between them that began when Israel was created in 1948.

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The deal says Israel will withdraw from Lebanon provided Hezbollah disarms.

It calls for Israel to initially withdraw from two small areas — called pilot zones. It did not say where those two initial zones will be. The Lebanese army will gradually assume full security responsibility over those areas. The two countries will agree to future pilot zones for Israel’s withdrawal in the future, the agreement says.

The deal has a security annex that includes the details of the deployment of the Lebanese army and redeployments of Israeli troops. The security annex was not made public.

As part of the deal, Israel stresses that the disarmament of Hezbollah throughout Lebanon and additional security measures to be agreed upon between the two countries will eliminate any future need for Israeli army’s military action or presence in Lebanon.

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The talks between Israel and Lebanon were separate from the interim deal that was signed earlier this month by the leaders of the U.S. and Iran to end the fighting in the Islamic Republic.

Hezbollah’s leader rejects the deal

From Hezbollah’s point of view, the deal is nonexistent, Kassem said Saturday.

He called the agreement a “humiliation,” adding that linking Israel’s withdrawal to Hezbollah’s disarmament as a “very dangerous suggestion.”

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The deal prompted one of the group’s officials, Hassan Fadlallah, to warn that it could result in civil war because Hezbollah won’t give up its weapons and will resist any measures taken by the Lebanese army.

Judge Ahmed Rami al-Hajj, Lebanon’s top public prosecutor, on Saturday told the heads of the country’s security agencies to take measures to prevent riots.

Some Israelis and Lebanese are skeptical that the deal will last

The deal states that both Lebanon and Israel recognize that the restoration of security in southern Lebanon through the deployment of the Lebanese army, the safe return of its civilian population, and the security of Israel’s northern communities, are essential to long-term stability and peace.

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“Personally, I don’t think it will be lasting because the Lebanese military cannot really stand a chance against Hezbollah,” said Israeli citizen Ronit Belson while visiting the town of Metula along the border with Lebanon.

In Lebanon, people were divided with Rabie Sammour, a resident of the southern city of Sidon saying: “People just want to rest for good. I support the Lebanese authorities in the decision” taken.

Another Sidon resident, Khaled Ghannoum, said the deal “legitimized Israel’s occupation.”

In an apparent reference to Iran, that has sent billions of dollars in cash to Hezbollah over the past four decades, the deal states that Lebanon and the United States commit to preventing funds from flowing to any entity, organization, or individual affiliated with non-state armed groups and to take available legal measures to proscribe the activity of any such entity, organization or individual.

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The deal states that the Lebanese government explicitly commits to prevent reconstruction funds from flowing to non-state armed groups and connected entities.

_____

Mor reported from Metula, Israel. Associated Press journalist Ibrahim Hazboun contributed to this report from Jerusalem.

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World Cup 2026: Who are the Panama players England need to look out for?

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Club: Universidad de Concepcion, Chile Age: 35 Position: Forward Caps: 57 Goals: 15

The veteran forward became known to a wider audience last year after celebrating his stoppage-time winner against the USA in the Concacaf Nations League by climbing on to a TV studio platform and embracing his idol,, external Thierry Henry.

“He was there, and it came out of my heart to go hug and celebrate with him. It was totally natural,” Waterman says.

His emotions also took over in the build-up to the England game when he pushed and shoved team-mate Jose Luis Rodriguez during a disagreement on Friday.

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Waterman had to be restrained by other players as he continued to take issue with Rodriguez, though head coach Thomas Christiansen played down the incident.

Waterman went six years without a cap from 2013 but has been a squad regular in recent years and is competing with Jose Fajardo for a place in the side.

Waterman started against Ghana and came on as a substitute during the defeat by Croatia.

This article is the latest from BBC Sport’s Ask Me Anything team.

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Man in 30s dies after car ‘crashed and overturned’ in Ballyclare

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Belfast Live

The driver was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene

A man in his thirties has sadly died after a single-vehicle collision in Co Antrim. Emergency services attended the scene in the Green Road area of Ballyclare at around 6.45pm on Friday, June 26.

Police received a report of a black Audi A5 car which had “crashed and overturned.” Officers attended alongside the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, however, the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Detective Inspector Stewart, from the PSNI Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Police received a report at around 6.45pm on Friday of a black Audi A5 car which had crashed and overturned in the Green Road area.

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“Officers, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, attended, however, sadly the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“The Green Road, which was closed for a time, has since reopened.

“Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have any information which could assist with our investigation – including dash-cam or other footage – contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 1619 of 26/06/26.”

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

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

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Kirkby police incident: ‘Body found in road’ as officers swarm UK street

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Daily Mirror

A man has been found dead on a residential street in Kirkby, Liverpool, with Merseyside Police having launched an investigation into the ‘unexplained’ discovery

Police have launched a probe after a man in his 30s was found dead on a residential street in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police said he was discovered on Kersey Road in Kirkby at around 12.50pm today. Officers are currently treating the death as “unexplained”.

Witnesses told how they had seen a man “lying on the floor” before a cordon and a number of white tents were erected at the scene.

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One man living next to the cordon said his friend’s daughter found the man, who had facial injuries and did not have shoes on, reports the Liverpool Echo.

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that an investigation is underway following the death of a man in Kirkby.

“At around 12.50pm this afternoon, Saturday 27 June, we received a report from North West Ambulance Service that a man in his 30s was found deceased on Kersey Road.

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“A police cordon is in place on Kersey Road and his death is being treated as unexplained whilst enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via our website, or by calling 101 quoting log 513 of Saturday 27 June.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here.”

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North Yorkshire Police warn against drink and drug driving

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North Yorkshire Police warn against drink and drug driving

Their aim is to prevent incidents linked to the football and other events happening this evening, including Becky Hill’s performance at York Racecourse.

They are also continuing their crackdown on drug and drink driving.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “If you’re heading out to watch the game, or to one of the many events that’s taking place make sure your journey home is sorted in advance. Arrange a lift, book a taxi, or plan to stay over – but do not take the risk of driving after drinking or taking drugs.

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Drink or drug driving puts lives at risk. Let’s make today about supporting England safely.”

The county-wide operation includes high visibility and targeted patrols that will cover York city centre, town centres and rural routes.

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Kearsley hidden gem cottage with sweeping views up for auction

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Kearsley hidden gem cottage with sweeping views up for auction

This charming cottage offers a genuine taste of country living, without giving up the convenience of nearby town life.

With far-reaching views and plenty of potential, including extension, it’s a property that invites you to make it your own – with a guide price of just £150,000.

Situated on a corner plot along a private road just off Manchester Road in Kearsley, the cottage offers an easy escape to the countryside, including a farm shop, country parks and stables nearby, while Manchester and Bolton remain within easy reach.

Cottage for sale in Kearsley (Image: Miller Metcalfe/ Zoopla)

No wonder it is described as a hidden gem by estate agents Miller Metcalfe.

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The cottage has two bedrooms, three Reception Rooms and conservatory with plenty of character and original features.

The brochure, available on Zoopla states: “Standing proudly on a commanding and equally enviable corner plot,” with “incredible far-reaching views” to the front.

The agents believe that the home could be ideal for someone who wants a property that offers privacy, amazing views, and the potential to completely renovate.

The home is said to have been a “much loved family home for many years,” but the agents have noted that it “the house is dated and requires modernisation throughout.”

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Cottage for sale in Kearsley (Image: Miller Metcalfe/ Zoopla)

The home is on a large plot on the end of a private lane, with a “corner garden which is immensely private and not overlooked.”

The agents believe there is “genuine potential to extend to the side subject to the necessary planning and building regulations.”

Cottage for sale in Kearsley (Image: Miller Metcalfe/ Zoopla)

Inside the cottage, the agents say there is “an abundance of space” with a “versatile layout.”

There are three reception rooms in addition to a conservatory, with a fitted kitchen adjacent to a ground floor bathroom.

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Cottage for sale in Kearsley (Image: Miller Metcalfe/ Zoopla)

Upstairs, there are two bedrooms and another bathroom.

The agents say the main bedroom is “sizeable” and has two doors which provide the “possibility of splitting to make a third bedroom subject to building control regulations.”

The home has a “great selection of amenities” nearby such as shops, schools, supermarkets, and leisure facilities.

There are also said to be “great links to Bolton, Salford, Manchester, and beyond.”

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This property is for sale by the “Modern Method of Auction,”.

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World Cup injury ruins Man United transfer plan as fresh Mateus Fernandes talks opened

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Manchester Evening News

West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is on Manchester United’s radar this summer as they look to bolster their midfielder but their hopes of signing him have been dealt a blow

Manchester United’s plans for a third midfield signing this summer have been dealt a blow after Manuel Ugarte’s serious injury on Saturday. The 25-year-old was stretchered off during Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Spain, which ended the South American nation’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages.

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Ugarte’s injury was inadvertently caused by his own team-mate as he and Mathias Olivera both challenged for possession late in the first-half. Olivera reached the ball first and, in the aftermath, fell onto the United player’s extended leg.

It comes amid the Reds’ search for midfield reinforcements with Casemiro to leave as a free agent this summer. West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is one player United are keen to sign, although Tottenham Hotspur are said to be prepared to offer more money.

It is understood that talks have accelerated in the final week of June, given the Hammer’s financial situation, and there are suggestions that Spurs are willing to meet West Ham’s £80million demands.

However, Spanish publication Marca claim on Saturday that there has been fresh contact from Old Trafford with the Reds said to be willing to improve their contract offer for the Portuguese player. They add that United also plans to hold direct talks with West Ham.

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The significance of Manchester City’s £116m move for England and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson underlines just how inflated the midfielder market has become. Top-quality midfielders are at a premium, and clubs fortunate enough to possess such players will hold firm for the highest possible fee.

United were priced out of a move for former Newcastle star Anderson and may yet face a similar scenario with Fernandes if they do not stump up more cash.

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The Reds have planned to sign three midfielders during the summer transfer window; however, that was contingent on United finding a buyer for Ugarte.

FIFA’s Club Protection Programme will cover Ugarte’s salary if he is out for at least 28 consecutive days. The scheme pays the salary of an injured player up to a maximum of €7.5m (£6.6m) until they are declared fit to return for their club.

But that will not solve the issue of selling Ugarte with a serious injury, meaning he would likely stay at United until at least the January transfer window.

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The Reds are at least close to signing one new midfielder, having already agreed a deal with Atalanta for Ederson. The Brazilian will join after a £35m initial fee, plus £3.8m in add-ons, was finalised between both clubs.

Thousands of Man United fans upgraded their matchday last season. This is how they did it.

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