Five people have been killed in a shooting in a town in northern Germany, police said.

A large police operation is under way on Dankersstraße in Stade, near Hamburg, with residents urged to avoid the area. Citing police sources, local media report that the shots were fired at a youth centre.

The situation has been described as “dynamic” and rapidly evolving, with reports saying that “many shots” were fired. The reasons behind the shooting are unclear.

Hundreds of ball boys and ball girls will take to the courts in SW19 over the next fortnight to ensure things run smoothly

The sporting world’s attention will turn to SW19 this week as Wimbledon commences.

Some of tennis’s most prominent figures will compete on the renowned grass courts over the coming fortnight, with the likes of defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner, seven-time winner Novak Djokovic, women’s world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka and British favourite Emma Raducanu all anticipated to draw significant interest.

However, it will not only be the players taking the limelight in south-west London. Also commanding attention will be Wimbledon’s renowned ball boys and ball girls (BBGs), who are responsible for ensuring all 675 matches proceed seamlessly by retrieving stray balls and providing players with fresh ones promptly.

Wimbledon officials typically receive approximately 1,400 applications annually from youngsters keen to become a BBG. Around 280 are subsequently chosen, with the majority aged between 14 and 17.

In total, roughly 180 of those are Year 9 and Year 10 students from participating schools in the surrounding area, with an additional 100 who served at previous Championships asked to return for another period of duty.

Serving as a BBG can be an arduous undertaking, with preparation for the position commencing in February. Would-be candidates attend several weekly sessions at the All England Club’s training facility in Raynes Park, where they undergo rigorous speed drills, court exercises and written examinations designed to evaluate their understanding of rules and procedures.

Former Wimbledon ball boy Alex Crockford, who served at the Championships during the 2000s, said the preparation was considerably more challenging than many spectators appreciate. “The training was intense and very physical,” he told the Express. “We practiced how to throw the ball perfectly to the players and how to stand still for long periods.”

From mid-May onwards, preparation shifts to the grass courts at Wimbledon, with BBGs refining their skills in full uniform as they gear up to perform before millions of viewers worldwide. Despite the rigours of the role, they do not receive a wage.

Instead, they generally receive a stipend of approximately £200 to cover costs during the fortnight of competition. For most youngsters, though, the chance to work at one of the most esteemed events on the British sporting calendar is valued far beyond any financial reward.

There are extra benefits as well. BBGs are provided with complimentary meals and drinks while on shift and are allowed to retain their official Wimbledon kit, which is supplied by high-end fashion label Ralph Lauren.

The highest-performing BBGs may also secure the opportunity to work on the premier show courts such as Centre Court or Court One, offering them a prime vantage point for some of the most significant matches in world tennis.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Carol Kirkwood will not be part of the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage this year after retiring from BBC Breakfast, as host Isa Guha leads tributes to the beloved weather presenter

BBC presenter Isa Guha paid tribute to former weather presenter Carol Kirkwood who is not featuring during the broadcaster’s Wimbledon coverage for the first time this year.

Tens of thousands of tennis enthusiasts will descend upon SW19 over the coming fortnight as the Wimbledon Championships get under way once again.

Guha returned to front the BBC‘s early morning coverage on Monday (June 29), alongside Tim Henman and Anne Keothavong. However, one much-loved BBC stalwart will not be joining them in the broadcaster’s line-up this year.

Kirkwood, who has traditionally provided weather updates throughout the Championships, will be absent from screens after stepping down from her role on BBC Breakfast back in April.

Following a remarkable 28-year career, Carol announced her retirement to concentrate on her marriage and travelling the world.

Guha paid a warm tribute to Kirkwood just minutes into Wimbledon’s opening coverage on Monday, saying: “Now, this is normally the time in the show that we head across to Carol Kirkwood for a British weather update, especially here in the sunshine.

“It would have been great to see her, but after 28 years on BBC Breakfast, Carol has moved on. So, we wish you all the best, Carol. Hopefully you’ve got your feet up on the sofa with a cup of tea to enjoy the tennis this week.”

Confirming Kirkwood’s replacements, Guha continued: “Of course, there isn’t one presenter who could replace Carol, so we’re going to have a selection of BBC weather’s finest over the two weeks, including today with Matt Taylor.

“Welcome along, Matt. How is it looking today, and for the rest of the fortnight?”

JOIN OUR WALES FOOTBALL FB PAGE! Get latest news, analysis and more on The Dragons

Taylor, who was standing outside the training courts, then said: “Morning Isa. Absolute pleasure to be here, even if we are missing Carol. But I suspect eagle-eyed viewers may be able to spot her in the crowd somewhere today indulging in a love of tennis right here at Wimbledon itself.

“For her, for the crowds, also those warming up behind me, almost perfect conditions – certainly compared to the heat and humidity last week.”

While Kirkwood soaks up the tennis, she will be replaced by a rotating roster of BBC weather presenters, expected to include Sarah Keith-Lucas, Elizabeth Rizzini, Tomasz Schafernaker, and Helen Willetts.

There is plenty to look forward to at this year’s Wimbledon, with American icon Serena Williams set to make a headline-grabbing singles return after a four-year absence from the sport. She will also revive her celebrated doubles partnership with her elder sister, Venus.

British great Andy Murray is likewise back at the scene of one of his finest achievements, this time as part of Jack Draper’s coaching set-up.

Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, where he will face fierce competition from reigning World Number One Jannik Sinner.

The crash involved a car and a motorbike

A motorcyclist was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after a crash on a busy Cambridgeshire road. Cambridgeshire Police were called with reports of a crash involving a car and a motorbike at about 9.30am on Sunday (June 28).

The crash happened on the A15 at Etton. Emergency services arrived to find a motorcyclist seriously injured.

The motorcyclist was rushed to hospital and the force has confirmed they suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries. No arrests were made.

The road was closed while recovery took place. Anyone who saw the crash or who may have dashcam footage from the area around that time is urged to contact police either online or via 101 quoting incident 205 of June 28.

The professional dancers were seen having been reunited in another country as they celebrated the love of their friends

A number of Strictly Come Dancing stars, including those who have made the decision to leave the show ahead of the new series, have been reunited in another country as they celebrated the love of their friends.

Fans of the hit BBC One dance show will be aware that there are a number of changes afoot as the popular programme returns for another series in September.

Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe are preparing to take to the helm of Strictly, having recently been announced as the show’s new hosts, marking the first time three people have been at the helm of the show.

The trio were selected to take over as the hosts of Strictly after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman left their long-running roles on the Saturday night entertainment favourite at the end of the 2025 series in December.

There are also set to be a number of changes to the professional line-up this year, following several exits. Returning from 2025’s series alongside Katya are Dianne Buswell, Alexis Warr, Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Jowita Przystal, Julian Caillon, Kai Widdrington, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, and Carlos Gu, who won last year’s series with former England footballer Karen Carney.

The BBC has also confirmed new professionals would be recruited and announced closer to the dancing show’s return in autumn to replace Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and Luba Mushtuk, who have left Strictly.

But over the weekend, the Strictly family showed that leaving the show doesn’t impact the bonds that have been built, as Karen, Luba and Gorka were among the leaving stars who were attending the wedding of a fellow dancer, Arduino Bertoncello, who will be known to fans of the BBC series due to his involvement as a choreographer and performer.

Taking to Instagram, Karen shared a string of snaps from the special day in Bassano del Grappa, a city in northern Italy’s Veneto region. Jowita, Lauren and Aljaz were all also in attendance, with Karen joined by her partner, Simon Davidson, and Lauren by her husband, Maximiliano Omar Montes de Oca.

Captioning the post, Karen wrote: “The best day celebrating LOVE [heart emojis]. A special day with special people. Congratulations @arduinobertoncello & @alberto.faccio.” Gorka was quick to respond, commenting: “Melted with love.” Lauren also gushed: “Love love love love.”

And fans were also keen to respond to the update. @kazcar55 said: “Beautiful wedding, wonderful photos & you all looked fabulous. Gorgeous dress Karen.” @jane.berry.56 wrote: “All these photos are beautiful. You all look amazing as does the venue and setting.” @k.wojciechowska123 replied: “Glorious photos, Karen you look amazing and so happy with your loved ones.” @lizzy.strictly added: “Faves! You guys look amazing!!”

Wimbledon’s strict dress code rules have been in place for decades with roots dating back to the Victorian era

Following weeks of build-up, this year’s Wimbledon has finally commenced, delivering all the customs that have established the Championships as one of the most celebrated occasions in the British sporting calendar.

From strawberries and cream to pristine grass courts, numerous aspects of the tournament’s atmosphere have stayed constant across generations. This encompasses the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s renowned dress code, which obliges players to abandon the vibrant kit worn throughout the season in favour of tennis whites.

The custom of donning all-white attire on SW19’s grass courts harks back to the Victorian period. During that era, visible perspiration marks were deemed mortifying and white garments were believed to conceal them more effectively than coloured clothing.

Since 1963, Wimbledon has mandated that competitors wear “predominantly white” attire, with the regulations strengthened further in 2014 when players were instructed to only wear items that are “almost entirely white” for both practice and matches.

That same year, Wimbledon found itself at the centre of a storm of controversy after several female players were reportedly instructed to remove bras that breached the stringent dress code, which stipulated that any visible undergarments must be entirely white.

British player Naomi Broady was amongst those who breached the regulation, leaving her with little option but to compete without a bra during her second round straight sets loss to former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki. This prompted an angry response from Pat Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon men’s champion.

“Some of the girls have been told to go back and change their bras and tops because they had slight colour on them,” he said. “I believe some of the girls didn’t have suitable sports bras and had to go without them. It has absolutely gone ridiculous.”

The all-white regulation even extended to underwear for both men and women, with Cash adding: “One of the players was called into the referees’ office because he had blue underwear that showed through when he got sweaty. So he was told not to wear dark underwear.”

Demands to update the regulations became most pronounced several years ago with the establishment of the Address The Dress Code campaign group, with activists pushing for amendments amid worries for female players experiencing their periods. In 2022, Wimbledon eased its restrictions to permit women to wear dark-coloured undershorts, as long as they are no longer than their shorts or skirt.

“We are committed to supporting the players and listening to their feedback as to how they can perform at their best,” said Sally Bolton, the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s chief executive after the adjustment was announced. “It is our hope that this rule adjustment will help players focus purely on their performance.”

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Advertisement

Dame Penelope Keith, best known for her iconic role as Margo in The Good Life, has died peacefully aged 86 after living with cancer at her Surrey home, her family has confirmed.

Advertisement

Dame Penelope Keith has died aged 86 following a battle with cancer, her family has confirmed.

Penelope was best recognised for her performances in television programmes including The Good Life and To The Manor Born.

In a statement, her family confirmed she “died peacefully” at her Surrey home. They said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years.

“The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”

Penelope launched her acting career performing at theatres across Britain. She joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 and appeared with them in Stratford and at the Aldwych Theatre in London.

Advertisement

Her television work commenced in the early 1970s when she featured in The Morecambe and Wise Show, Ghost Story and The Pallisers. She also made noteworthy appearances in spy programme The Avengers during the early stages of her career.

In 1975, she took on the role of Margo Leadbitter in The Good Life. Her final TV appearance, in 2025, was on UandGold’s The Good Life: Inside Out, a retrospective examining what made the beloved sitcom such a success with audiences.

She spent three years portraying Margo, a pretentious social climber married to her downtrodden husband Jerry, played by the late Paul Eddington. The programme aired from 1975 to 1978, broadcasting four series and a television special that was recorded before the Royal Family.

Penelope once declined the opportunity to feature in a spin-off series, reports The Mirror. She said: “People mentioned ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a Leadbetter spin-off and I said ‘No. It’s a situation comedy and the situation is strong because of the two couples’.

“Can you imagine how tedious it would have been having Margo and Jerry having their own series?”.

Penelope frequently praised the sitcom’s writers, John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, for crafting such wonderfully flawed characters that audiences embraced wholeheartedly.

Penelope explains: “Margo was the prime lady of the avenue with all the dinner parties and whatever she took part in, she had to do it perfectly and had to be top dog and sometimes she was terribly disapproving”.

“She had no sense of humour but she was terribly kind and didn’t want to offend but she engaged mouth before brain so often.

“She had enormous warmth and adored the goods and likewise jerry but he infuriated her. There is a line where she says ‘I am the silent majority’ and she said it deadpan and that is what she felt and that is what half the country felt at the time as well.”

She had previously spoken warmly about her experience on the programme. She said: “I look back on it as one of the happiest times. It was of its time at the right time.

“It was as good as it was because of everything else behind it. Everybody cared. The laughter, the joy it brought and the fact that people liked it so much and believed in it so much is reward.”

If you are having to take time off work or need to cover childcare costs over the summer, you might have a little less to spend on food.

Throughout the summer holidays, more than 330 Tesco stores are offering free meals to children from The Café and The Coffee Shop seven days a week.

The scheme has been running since June 25 and will be available until September 1.

How can I get a free meal for kids at Tesco?

You can get one free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast or Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix deal with any full price adult purchase when you scan your Tesco Clubcard.

The adult purchase can be anything from an apple that costs only 65p to a full meal for yourself.

Tesco has not put a limit on the number of kids meals you can redeem.

There are a range of dishes on the menu including pancakes for breakfast or fish fingers, pork sausages, and chicken strips as a hot meal.

Children can choose a sandwich, a drink, two snacks, and a piece of fresh fruit to make up their Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix deal.

The brand is also taking part in the Great British Summer Savings scheme with the full prices of children’s meals being cut.

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “We know that household budgets can be really stretched, especially over the long summer holiday, so offering free meals to children during this time is just one of the ways we can support families.”  

How to get free fruit from Tesco in the summer

Tesco is also bringing back its Free Fruit for Kids that will run from July 20 to August 30.

Recommended reading

Morrisons apologises as ‘do not eat’ warning issued due to crisp recall

Fast food chain confirms fan-favourite US item hits UK menus this week

Emmerdale star spotted on set ahead of her return 20 years after dramatic exit

More than 800 large Tesco stores and 77 of its large Express stores will be giving away free apples to children at its checkouts.

The free apples can also be claimed through the Click & Collect service at selected stores.

Will you be trying out the Kids Eat Free scheme this summer? Let us know in the comments below.

Friends star Courteney Cox has reportedly split from Snow Patrol musician and Belfast star Johnny McDaid after more than a decade together, with the couple having previously been engaged

Advertisement

Courteney Cox has reportedly called time on her romance with Johnny McDaid.

The 62 year old star, best known for playing Monica Geller in Friends, has been in a relationship with Snow Patrol rocker Johnny, 49, since 2013, having got engaged over a decade ago.

But it emerged on Saturday that the pair have parted ways, though sources have stressed it wasn’t an “ugly split” at all.

An insider told The Mail on Sunday: “Johnny speaks incredibly highly of Courteney. They had a very deep relationship and they remain extremely amicable. They are great friends and care about each other very much.

“This was not an ugly split. They had simply reached a point where they were living different lives.”

It’s believed Johnny has started seeing someone new, with his last public appearance with Courteney – who is mum to 22 year old daughter Coco with ex-husband David Arquette – happening in September at the US Open.

Just weeks before that outing, the now-separated couple were spotted enjoying a night out with Jennifer Aniston and her other half Jim Curtis, reports the Mirror, reports RSVP Live.

Courteney, who also portrays Gail Weathers in the Scream franchise, first met Johnny at a Los Angeles party through their shared pal Ed Sheeran. In 2024, the actress revealed that Johnny had previously terminated their relationship at the very start of a couples therapy appointment they were attending together.

During an appearance on the Minnie Questions podcast, she confided in Minnie Driver, saying: “We went to this therapist to talk about our boundaries – what we could and couldn’t accept of each other.

“I was like, ‘what?’

“And we were engaged. And I was so shocked. I was in so much pain. I also don’t like surprises!

“There was that much that needed to be dealt with, that he had to protect himself around his heart.”

The couple eventually navigated through their troubles and, despite calling off their engagement, maintained their relationship – until their recent separation.

Three organisations providing vital local connections are sharing more than £101,000 of SPT funding.

Three South Lanakshire organisations are sharing more than £101,000 in core grant funding from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.

Larkhall and District Volunteer Group (LDVG), Blantyre Volunteer Group and East Kilbride Community Transport (EKCT) are each receiving support for 2026-2027 from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.

They are among 19 community organisations across the region to benefit from the funding allocation to help in their work of “delivering essential journeys to healthcare appointments, shops and social activities”.

Larkhall and District Volunteer Group will receive up to £64,700 for its core operations and to support MyBus demand-responsive services.

The organisation, based at Victoria Street in the town, operates community transport minibuses and runs services including three weekly shopping bus services for older residents in Ashgill, Strutherhill, Birkenshaw and Hareleeshill, and a community car helping local people with transport to medical appointments.

Blantyre Volunteer Group will receive up to £28,000 towards core operating costs for running its fleet of five minibuses, which provides journeys for charities, youth associations, schools and community groups.

East Kilbride Community Transport will receive up to £16,000 in core funding, “helping ensure residents across the area can access the services and activities they need”.

The voluntary organisation, which has been running for almost four decades, operates three 16-seater minibuses which are booked by community groups, schools and churches for trips and social activities.

Group secretary June Harpum told the East Kilbride News earlier this year how the operation costs £5000 per month for costs ranging from ever-increasing fuel to required 10-weekly servicing of its vehicles.

SPT chair Councillor Stephen Dornan said: “South Lanarkshire has a network of dedicated community transport volunteers and operators who make a real difference to people’s lives every day.

“Whether it’s a MyBus journey to a medical appointment in Larkhall or a community trip in East Kilbride, these organisations are connecting people who might otherwise be left isolated; SPT is delighted to support their work.”

Papers for SPT’s operations committee approving the funding for the 19 organisations noted: “Community transport operators deliver essential services, with a particular focus on supporting older people, individuals with disabilities, and those on low incomes.

“These services facilitate access to key destinations, including healthcare, retail, and social activities, thereby supporting independent living and community participation.

“Applications seek funding support towards core operating costs, including driver provision, volunteer expenses, staff salaries, training, vehicle insurance, maintenance, and fuel – without this support, the sector’s ability to deliver essential transport services to local communities would be significantly reduced.

“Community rransport plays a critical role in improving access to goods, services, and facilities across the west of Scotland, particularly for older people, disadvantaged individuals and vulnerable groups.”

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.