Redcar and Cleveland was recently named the North East’s “coffee capital” in a study conducted by Manchester marketing agency Dark Horse, and it’s easy to understand why.

A wave of independent coffee shops are turning areas like Middlesbrough and Redcar into must-visit destinations for coffee lovers, and we have compiled a list of five Teesside cafe’s you need to try.

1. Off The Ground Coffee, Middlesbrough

Off the Ground Coffee, Middlesbrough. (Image: Tees Valley Combined Authority)

A speciality coffee shop on Grange Road, Off The Ground has built its reputation on expertly made, ethically sourced coffee and a rotating selection of baked goods. It feels more like a coffee bar than a café‑restaurant, making it ideal for people who care about the brew itself.

2. Café Etch, Middlesbrough

Café Etch, Middlesbrough. (Image: Cafe Etch)

Tucked away on Gilkes Street, Café Etch is an independent spot where the focus is firmly on drinks and cake. Reviewers praise the quality of the coffee, the homemade bakes and the relaxed, creative décor, making it a natural stop for a mid‑morning or afternoon pick‑me‑up.

3. De Melo, Middlesbrough

De Melo, Middlesbrough. (Image: De Melo)

On Linthorpe Road, De Melo is a family‑run venue that locals know for coffee, ice‑cream and desserts. Customer reviews frequently highlight it as a go‑to for a latte and something sweet with a range of treats on offer.

4. Cacau Brazilian Patisserie, Redcar

Cacau Brazilian Patisserie, Redcar. (Image: Tees Valley Combined Authority)

Cacau is an independently run patisserie in Redcar, consistently ranked among the town’s best cafés. It specialises in Brazilian‑inspired cakes and pastries, paired with good coffee, and is regularly recommended to visitors looking for somewhere a bit different for their sweet fix.

5. Route 1 Coffee House, Redcar

Route 1 Coffee House, Redcar. (Image: Route 1 Coffee House)

Route 1 Coffee House offers a modern, relaxed setting for locals and visitors of the seaside town. It features near the top of local “best coffee” lists, with customers praising the friendly service and quality of the drinks.

An honourable mention goes to Headland Espresso, a newer spot on the Stray between Marske and Redcar that’s fast earning a reputation for speciality coffee paired with an unbeatable sea view.

Independent coffee shops and cafés are quietly putting the North East on the map as a friendly, down‑to‑earth destination for people who care about an authentic brew and a freshly baked slice of cake.

The display known as ‘David Bowie: On Tour,’ features 100 relics related to the famous performer and icon.

A selection of these items has never been publicly shown previously.

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The display is set to come to Ferens Art Gallery in Hull from February to May 2028.

Including artifacts from Bowie’s distinct Ziggy Stardust era, the collection boasts costumes designed by Freddie Burretti and Kansai Yamamoto.

One notable feature of the exhibition is an acoustic guitar utilized during Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust days.

David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust-era acoustic guitar, dating from the 1970’s (Image: David Parry/PA Media Assignments)

Several key members of David Bowie’s Ziggy‑era band, the Spiders from Mars, were Hull musicians, giving the city a direct stake in one of rock’s most famous line‑ups.

Lead guitarist Mick Ronson was born and raised in Hull, working for the council parks department before Bowie recruited him, and went on to become central to the sound and arrangements on albums such as Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust.

Bassist Trevor Bolder, also from the Hull area, joined Ronson in the Spiders from Mars and played on the core Ziggy‑era records, later enjoying a long career with Uriah Heep.

Drummer Mick “Woody” Woodmansey hailed from Driffield and completed the Yorkshire rhythm section, meaning Bowie’s most iconic band was anchored by a trio of musicians rooted in the Hull and East Riding scene.

The exhibition will be divided into four sections.

Along with the already mentioned items, there will also be concept art for the cover of Low, Bowie’s apartment keys from Berlin – where he worked on albums like Low and Heroes, and a Grafton Alto saxophone, Bowie’s first instrument, bought by his father in 1961.

The Natasha Korniloff-designed costume Bowie wore in the 1980 Ashes To Ashes video and a clapperboard from The Man Who Fell To Earth (1975) will also be on showcase.

David Bowie’s storyboard sketch for ‘Ashes to Ashes’ music video, dating from 1980 (Image: David Parry/PA Media Assignments)

Sir Tristram Hunt, the V&A director, said: “David Bowie: On Tour is a landmark national partnership for the V&A, bringing highlights from an extraordinary archive to audiences across the UK for the first time.

“Working with our colleagues in museums and venues nationwide, we’re opening up Bowie’s story in the places connected to his life and legacy.”

The exhibition debuts at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in Dundee, where the display is set to open in November and run until February 2027.

It then moves on to Showtown in Blackpool (June to September 2027), the Bowes Museum in County Durham (October 2027 to January 2028), and after the Ferens Art Gallery to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery (June to September 2028).

Further venues are expected to be announced in due course.

In September last year, the David Bowie Centre made its debut at the V&A Storehouse, offering a permanent home to the archive filled with unique artifacts.

The much-celebrated figure in the world of music chalked up five UK number one singles and 11 UK number one albums during his lifetime.

Costume designed by Kansai Yamamoto for David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust, dating from 1972 (Image: David Parry/PA Media Assignments)

He is especially remembered for iconic tracks like Space Oddity, Ashes To Ashes, and Sound And Vision.

Constantly reinventing his sound and appearance, Bowie first gained fame in the 1970s through glam rock albums such as The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars and Aladdin Sane.

The eclectic Bowie also explored genres such as soul, dance, and jazz, collaborating with artists like Queen, Mick Jagger, and Trent Reznor.

‘Blackstar’ was Bowie’s final album, released two days before his death in 2016.

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson chose Les Hoey to be her guest on the day.

Wishaw charity king Les Hoey joined other local heroes from across the country at the official opening of the Scottish Parliament.

Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson chose Les to be her guest on the day.

Les has dedicated decades of his life to supporting seriously ill children, young people and their families through the incredible work of the DreamMaker Foundation.

Ms Adamson said: “Through his vision, compassion and determination, Les has helped create life-changing experiences and lasting memories for children facing some of the most difficult challenges imaginable.”

On the day, King Charles praised the Tartan Army as he opened the Scottish Parliament for the first time in his reign.

The monarch hailed Scotland’s football fans for demonstrating the country’s “rich culture” and “friendliness”.

The occasion began with the Crown of Scotland being escorted down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, before being taken into Parliament alongside the Elizabeth Sword through a guard of honour made up of young people.

The mace, Crown and sword were carried into the chamber in a procession featuring three Team Scotland athletes preparing to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer.

Speaking after the King’s speech, John Swinney, First Minister and SNP leader, welcomed the monarch and emphasised the connection between England and Scotland.

He said; “Last time we welcomed a deeply respected Elizabeth, Queen of Scots. This time we welcome with the same respect Charles, King of Scots, a new monarch rooted in the deep, rich ground of the sovereignty of a people and a place that goes back many many generations.”

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Novak Djokovic left a ball girl horrified at Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic pranked a Wimbledon ball girl by feigning injury during his match with Stefanos Tsitsipas on Centre Court.

The Serbian tennis legend had just won the second set to establish a 2-0 lead on Wednesday night when he asked the young girl for some help with cutting the taping on his shoulder.

Djokovic handed his unlikely helper a pair of scissors to trim the tape. And, as she began snipping, the 24-time Grand Slam winner pretended he had been nicked by the scissors.

The youngster had a face of horror as the seven-time Wimbledon champion winced. But he quickly burst into laughter as the girl put her hand on her chest.

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Watching on the BBC’s coverage, presenter Clare Balding said: “He’s going to get help from one of the ball girls.

“Oh that’s funny. He’s joking. He’s joking. Oh you’re so funny! Poor girl, she was absolutely terrified there.

“Needle work is complete, Tsitsipas has gone off court for a bathroom break and Djokovic will be hoping very much he can wrap this up in double quick time.”

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Djokovic offered an apology for the prank during his post-match on-court interview, saying: “Stefanos went to change so I had some spare time. I’m sorry if I scared her.”

He stormed to a dominant 6-3 first-set victory under the Centre Court roof against a tricky opponent who has tumbled from No.3 to No.87 in the world rankings. He broke serve to lead 3-1 before recovering from 0-40 down to clinch the set in just 26 minutes.

The second set proved no more challenging for the seven-time Wimbledon champion and he had established a two-set lead within 63 minutes. He maintained that momentum in the third set to cruise to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory.

Djokovic will meet No.25 seed Arthur Rinderknech in the third round on Friday.

Imath Uddin Choudhury, 23, has been named in a JustGiving fundraiser launched in his memory following the fatal Bradford crash

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A fundraising appeal has been established in honour of a man identified locally as one of two fatalities following a 100ft crash in Bradford.

Imath Uddin Choudhury, 23, has been named in a JustGiving campaign set up in his memory. The fundraiser states he passed away on Wednesday (July 1) after spending just over a week in hospital with severe injuries sustained in the collision.

Reports indicate an Audi A3 convertible veered off Hawksworth Road in Baildon, close to the Potter Brow Road junction, at approximately 7.24pm on Monday, June 22.

A 20 year old also lost their life at the scene. The 24-year-old driver was detained on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, while a 23-year-old passenger sustained minor injuries, West Yorkshire Police confirmed previously.

The fundraiser, initiated by the Grains Of Hope Foundation on JustGiving, had already exceeded its £2,000 goal by Wednesday, reports Yorkshire Live.

The foundation stated: “In memory of Imad, Grains of Hope Foundation is raising funds to support the most needy families in The Gambia and provide water pumps in Pakistan, helping those in need whilst creating a source of ongoing reward for him, by the will of Allah.”

They continued: “May Allah forgive Imath Choudhury, grant him Jannatul Firdaus, widen and illuminate his grave, and make every donation a means of Sadaqah Jariyah for him. Ameen.”

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Weather maps show another wave of scorching conditions ahead for the UK with highs reaching 35Cs next week on the back of record breaking temperatures in June

Brits are set for more sweltering conditions ahead with temperatures climbing towards 35C after a record breaking June.

Weather maps are turning red next week with 30 counties set to see the mercury rise to 30C or more for next Wednesday (July 8) to Thursday as a plume of hot air sweeps across England.

It comes after the UK set a provisional June temperature record of 37.7C last Friday in Lingwood in Norfolk, according to the Met Office. It beats the previous June record for the UK of 35.6C dating back to 1976 by more than 2C.

The Met Office has said temperatures in the south this week will be in the low to mid-20s before they are expected to rise to the high 20s or early 30s this weekend and into next week.

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And the latest Netweather charts show the hottest conditions next Wednesday will initially develop across central and southern England before shifting eastwards the following day, bringing the highest temperatures into London, the Home Counties, Essex, Kent and East Anglia.

On Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to climb into the low 30s across large swathes of southern and central England, with an isolated high of 35C developing across parts of Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties.

By Thursday, the zone of extreme heat expands and moves further east, according to the maps, with more counties expected to exceed highs of 30C as the mercury again soars. Large parts of the Midlands are also expected to remain above 30C, while the area of intense heat stretches across much of England.

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Further north, the maps show parts of Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside nearing highs of 30C, as the warm air pushes up through England.

Across Wednesday and Thursday, the maps show the core of the heat shifting eastwards, with southern and eastern England turning deep red as temperature highs climb into the low and mid-30s.

Wales is forecast to see temperatures widely reach the mid to high 20s, while eastern Scotland could warm to around 27C or 28C. Northern Ireland, western Scotland and the far north are expected to stay cooler, largely escaping the most intense heat.

The Met Office forecast for July 6-15 says: “High pressure will dominate across England and Wales into next week, likely extending its influence across more on the northern UK with time. This will bring dry and warm conditions with plenty of sunshine for most.

“Scotland and Northern Ireland will probably see more cloud at first, with periods of rain at times. Through next week though the high pressure may extend northwards to bring periods of drier and warmer weather to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Temperatures becoming widely warm, perhaps locally hot in parts of the southeast, although not as hot nor humid as seen in the past week.”

Areas set for temperatures of 30C or more:

• Bedfordshire
• Berkshire
• Buckinghamshire
• Cambridgeshire
• Cornwall
• Devon
• Dorset
• Essex
• Gloucestershire
• Greater London
• Greater Manchester
• Hampshire
• Hertfordshire
• Kent
• Leicestershire
• Lincolnshire
• Merseyside
• Norfolk
• Northamptonshire
• Nottinghamshire
• Oxfordshire
• Somerset
• Staffordshire
• Suffolk
• Surrey
• Warwickshire
• West Midlands
• Wiltshire
• Worcestershire
• Yorkshire

Josh was last seen on Crompton Way at 4.30pm on Wednesday, July 1.

He is described as a white male, around 5ft 7in tall, of large build, with short blonde hair and black-framed glasses.

Josh was last wearing black shorts, a green t-shirt and a green sleeve-less puffer jacket with black slippers.A police spokesperson said: “Have you seen from Josh from Bolton?

“Josh, 15, was last seen on Crompton Way in Bolton at 4.30pm today (Wednesday 1 July 2026).

“Josh, is described as a white male, 5ft 7inch, of large build, with cut-short blonde air with black framed glasses.

“He was last wearing black shorts, a green t-shirt and a green sleeve-less puffer jacket with black slippers.

“Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is safe and well.

“Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact police on 0161 856 5511, quoting log 2610 of 01/07/2026.”

Caoimhe Dylan Keenan was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer months after her 10th birthday

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Heartfelt condolences and remembrances are pouring in for an extraordinarily courageous 11-year-old girl from Co Wicklow who has died following her diagnosis with cancer.

Young Caoimhe Dylan Keenan received a diagnosis mere months after turning 10 of an uncommon cancer known as Rhabdomyosarcoma. Caoimhe died peacefully at home on Sunday (June 28), encircled by her dedicated and adoring family, reports the Irish Mirror.

During a conversation with DublinLive last July, Caoimhe’s sister, Cara, detailed how the family initially became concerned when a GP identified a stomach bug

“It was only after a week that we said she really does need to be seen. Mum and Dad brought her into the hospital, and the doctors had notice a lump in her mouth.

“They suggested it could be dental. The dentist said it wasn’t dental. From there things escalated quite quickly. She had a scope put in and they said it wasn’t nasal. They took a biopsy. She was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma on July 14,” she said.

In 2025, a close family acquaintance established a GoFundMe fundraising page to assist wee Caoimhe and her relatives – over €55,000 was collected.

Caoimhe’s death notice on RIP.ie states: “Caoimhe Dylan Keenan, aged 11, passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family, close friends, and pets, in the early hours of Sunday 28th of June 2026. Caoimhe will be remembered by her loving parents Matt and Martina, siblings Cara and Jonathan, grandmothers Catherine and Geraldine, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, classmates and pets Willow and Kitkat.

“Caoimhe’s memory will be celebrated through her Funeral Mass in the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Putland Road, Bray, on Friday 3rd July at 10.30am and afterwards at her Committal Service in the Victorian Chapel at Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross at 1.00pm. The family invite everyone to wear bright and vibrant colours in honour of her fiery and energetic spirit.

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“The Keenan family would like to thank all those who supported Caoimhe through her battle with cancer, including the staff of St John’s Ward in Crumlin, the North Wicklow Hospice team, the Keeley D Foundation, and the Gavin Glynn Foundation. They kindly request that donations be sent to the Gavin Glynn and Keeley D Foundation in lieu of any flowers, in gratitude for the incredible support Caoimhe has received over the past year. Time’s forever frozen still.”

Heartfelt tributes from family members, friends and members of the public continue to pour in for courageous Caoimhe.

“Matt, Martina, Cara and JJ we are truly heartbroken for you all to know Caoimhe was to love her and by goodness did we love her. She showed so much strength and resilience over the last 12 months, she fought so hard.

“She was and always will be our warrior. Hope you get the best bed up there sweetheart. Watch over mum, dad, Cara and JJ, Willow and Kit Kat. Until we all meet again,” one family wrote.

Another person wrote: “We are so deeply saddened for your immeasurable loss. Martina, Matt, Cara and JJ, and your extended family, we are thinking of you all with such love and care. Caoimhe was a beautiful and special young girl, and we will continue to think of her and remember her with awe. Sending you so much love and strength.”

A further tribute read: “Caoimhe was one of the most determined, fun loving and kind children I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. I will miss that wicked sense of humour which brought such joy. There are no words to make sense of this. I’m sending you hugs, positive thoughts and healing wishes and keeping you all in my prayers.”

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A 16-year-old boy has suffered severe gunshot wounds following a shooting in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police said the shooting occurred just before 17:30BST on Bowyer Road in Alum Rock.

The boy was taken to hospital to be treated for “potentially life-threatening” gunshot injuries, police said in a statement.

“Although this happened near a mosque, at this stage we do not believe the shooting to be connected to this place of worship.”

The statement added: “We understand this is extremely worrying for people in the area, and local officers will be remaining there to speak to anyone with concerns.”

Investigators remain at the scene.

Police are urging anyone with further information to get in contact or speak to Crimestoppers.

A TOP city attraction is celebrating 40 years in York by giving away free entry tickets to residents.

York Dungeon will celebrate four decades of scaring locals and tourists on Friday with a special giveaway.

The Clifford Street attraction is offering York residents exclusive access to the first 40 tickets Friday, July 3 for free, and 40 per cent off tickets for anyone else who, as they put it, are “brave enough to visit on that day”.

Ticket prices normally start from £19.

A spokesperson said: “Since opening its doors in 1986, York Dungeon has been at the forefront of immersive, live-action storytelling, plunging visitors into the city’s most gruesome and gripping moments from history, from plague-ridden street and Viking raiders, to witchcraft, highwaymen, and the legendary Guy Fawkes.

“The 40th anniversary marks not only a milestone for the York’s must-visit attraction, but a celebration of the city itself, a place steeped in extraordinary history that has provided no shortage of material for York Dungeon to explore through its iconic combination of education, theatre, and spine-chilling storytelling.”

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The official anniversary celebrations will kick off on Friday morning with a town crier and invited civic dignitaries in attendance.

Mark Mattinson, of the York Dungeon, said: “York Dungeon is about bringing history to life in a way that’s thrilling, surprising and genuinely unforgettable.

“To celebrate 40 years of fear, we wanted to do something really special for our visitors, and what better way to celebrate than inviting everyone to join the fun? If you haven’t been to York’s must-visit attraction yet, this is your sign. And if you have… trust us, there’s always something new to be afraid of…”

To book tickets with the exclusive 40th birthday offer, visit: https://www.thedungeons.com/york/?promocode=YorkDungeon40

He said the free tickets were reserved for local people.

“The first 40 tickets being offered for free on July 3 are exclusively for anybody with a YO postcode, and proof of address and photo ID will be required to be shown on arrival that day.

“These free tickets must be booked online using the above link only while stocks last, and no free entry will be available to secure in person on the day.”

York Dungeon is among a group of attractions across the UK and Europe:  there are dungeons located in London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Hamburg, Edinburgh, Warwick Castle and York. Each Dungeon offers a unique experience tailored to the history of each location.