But let’s be honest – we’ve all felt that sinking feeling when you realise your child is the only one not in fancy dress or doesn’t have the book in hand as you arrive at the school gates. Between buying a costume and a copy of the book, it can get expensive – especially if the book was a long-returned library copy, one you now can’t find, or a film adaptation you want to bring to life.

The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune. These World Book Day costume ideas are quick, easy, and budget-friendly. Many of the books are available second-hand at a fraction of the price, and if you’re feeling crafty, some of the costumes can even be made at home.

When is World Book Day 2026?

It’s Thursday, March 5. Pop it in your calendar now.

Or, if you forget, the educational play experts at Playdale are here with ten of the best DIY World Book Day outfits you can put together in less than five minutes, with items you likely already have at home – perfect for that last-minute scramble.

1. Where’s Wally?

A super-simple costume that’s still seriously cute – simply give your little one a stripy top and a pair of black-rimmed glasses. Bonus points if you can find a stripy hat with a pom-pom on the top – or stick a ball of cotton wool on top.

This costume has the added benefit of essentially being normal clothes, meaning your child is unlikely to be uncomfortable or overheat in an overly complicated costume.

There are Where’s Wally books available on World of Books now from £3.50. Buy three and you get three free, so team up with your parent friends and get a great deal.

2. Miss Trunchbull

From the beloved Roald Dahl book Matilda, Miss Trunchbull is a great character to dress up as for World Book Day. She’s an iconic character in the story, so your little one can have fun playing the part, and her outfit is really simple to put together.

All you need is a pair of black trousers, a grey sweatshirt and a huge belt. Slick your kid’s hair back into a tight, low bun, add a grumpy face and the look is complete.

Matilda by Roald Dahl is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

3. Mr Men & Little Miss

This well-known series offers endless opportunities for easy World Book Day costumes. Whether your little one is a total Mr Greedy, a sunny Little Miss Sunshine or typical Mr Messy, simply dress them head to toe in their chosen character’s dominant colour.

Mr Bump could wear all blue with a few bandages tied around their head or arms, while Little Miss Shy can also wear all blue, with a dusting of bright pink blusher on both cheeks. Mr Happy can dress completely in bright yellow – with a huge smile as the only accessory required.

Mr Men books are available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

4. Violet Beauregarde

We’re thinking specifically of Violet before she becomes a huge blueberry! Another Roald Dahl invention, this time of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory fame, the character of Violet has become known for the bright blue tracksuit she sports in the 2005 film version – so simple to recreate.

To finish off the look, grab some purple or blue eyeshadow and smudge a little across your child’s nose and the tops of their cheeks, to mimic the moment when Violet begins to turn violet.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

5. The Questioneers

The brilliant series of books by Andrea Beaty gives us multiple World Book Day costumes. Have your little one dress up as Ada Twist, a scientist with a red and white spotty dress, white socks and black shoes. You could even add some yellow hair accessories to really complete the look.

You can also go for Rosie Revere, an engineer with a white dress and a red and white spotty headscarf. Or dress up as Iggy Peck, an architect with a black and white patterned jumper, black trousers and a signature pencil behind the ear.

The Questioneers is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

6. Peter Rabbit

This classic Beatrix Potter character makes for a super-simple costume. Just dress your little one in neutral colours – white or brown works best – and then add a blue, button-up jacket on top. Finally, add a pair of rabbit ears to complete the look.

If you have face paints at home, you can even decorate your child’s face with a cute bunny nose and whiskers.

Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

7. Room on The Broom Witch

Have you got an old Halloween witch costume gathering dust somewhere? Reuse the pointy hat, cloak and black skirt or dress to transform your little one into the kindly witch from Julia Donaldson’s brilliant Room on The Broom.

If your child has long hair, style it into a single plait and fasten with a cute bow. Bonus points if you have a toy cat or a sparkly wand they can carry.

Room on the Broom is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

8. Princess Pearl

Another Julia Donaldson creation, Princess Pearl is a really easy DIY costume, especially if your kids already have a doctor or nurse dress-up set! All you need is a red dress, a long, white coat and a toy stethoscope.

Go the extra mile by adding blue shoes, white tights and a green headband – just like Princess Pearl’s.

Zog is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

9. Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs

This lovely Ian Whybrow book provides us with another great World Book Day costume idea. Simply dress your little one in blue jeans, trainers, a stripy top and a red coat to reflect Harry’s clothes on the front cover of the book. Or, have them wear their favourite dinosaur-themed outfit.

Then, pop all of your toy dinosaurs into a plastic bucket for them to carry throughout the day.

Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs is available now from £3.50. Buy three and you get three free.

10. Mog

Judith Kerr’s iconic cat is another great character for your kids to dress up as – go for head-to-toe grey and add a pair of cat ears. Bonus points if the clothes have grey stripes, or if you can re-use an old onesie.

You can even tie a grey scarf around their waist to mimic a tail, completing the look. If you have face paint at home, add a cute pink nose and some simple whiskers.

Mog and Me is available now from £3.50 . Buy three and you get three free.

Recommended reading

What is World Book Day?

It’s a day that champions the fun of reading. Reading for fun is the single biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful life – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational backgrounds or their income.

The statistics show that World Book Day is needed now more than ever. A 2024 survey revealed that one in ten children aged 5–18 in the UK don’t own a book, with just one in three kids aged 8–18 actively enjoying reading, a decrease of 8.8% in the preceding 12 months.

But with recent figures showing that 24 million of us are living below the Minimum Income Standard (MIS), affecting almost half of all children living in the UK, it’s no surprise that items like books are being forgotten in favour of essentials.

But, it doesn’t need to cost a fortune.

How to make a World Book Day costume for £1

Joel Pickering, Head of Brand and Marketing from Hobbycraft is a dab hand when it comes to whipping up a quick outfit on a budget: “We have a very quick, easy, but effective Harry Potter-inspired costume idea for those looking to celebrate World Book Day.

“Using a few simple craft supplies, you can create Harry’s signature round glasses using black pipe cleaners (£1 for pack of 12 at Hobbycraft) – just shape two circles, connect them with a small bridge, and add arms to finish.

“No wizard is complete without a wand, and you can craft your own using a wooden chopstick or knitting needle, adding texture to the top with a hot glue gun before leaving it to dry, then simply paint it brown for an authentic feel.

“To complete the look, a Gryffindor tie can be fashioned out of a sheet of red felt, before layering yellow felt stripes diagonally. Style with a white shirt or t-shirt you already have at home. Visit one of your local Hobbycraft stores to gather all the items you need. If Harry Potter isn’t your thing, check out www.hobbycraft.co.uk/ideas for more dress-up ideas.”

The Harry Potter books are available now from £3.50.

What to do if you forget World Book Day

If you only remember it’s World Book Day when you turn up at the gates and your kids are already in their school uniforms?

Just tell them to say they’re a character from Matilda, Mallory Towers, St Clare’s or the Murder Most Unladylike series.

There’s a reason so many great books are set in schools. 

New customers signing up for casino sites can claim casino bonus offers to start their wagering journey without having to use funds from their own pocket.

Casino bonuses offer customers bonus funds, free spins and more for signing up, with new customers eligible to claim a casino sign up bonus simply for registering online.

This page focuses on the best casino bonuses for new customers looking to sign up for a casino site, with our picks for operators that provide the top value on the market along with ease of use and few restrictions.

Here at The Independent, we pride ourselves on our reputation, so you can rest assured all the information in this casino bonus breakdown is impartial and reliable.

Every casino welcome offer featured has been certified by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.

Best casino sign up offers – ranked and reviewed

1. Paddy Power Games

Casino bonus: 60 No Deposit Free Spins + Stake £10 Get 200 Free Spins

Paddy Power are one of the most notable brand names for gambling in the UK. Not only do they have one of the standout UK betting sites around with a strong social media presence firming up its reputation, it also boasts an outstanding online casino site.

The Paddy Power Games bonus provides a total of 260 free spins for new users signing up for its online casino.

Users can claim 60 no deposit free spins using the Paddy Power Games promo code PGCTV1. Users can claim 50 spins immediately, while a further 10 come in a £1 bonus for use on Paddy Power Mansion Heist.

Customers then have the further option of staking £10 to unlock 200 free spins to use on select online slots, with no wagering requirements on the entire 260 free spins amount.

The timeframe to use and claim the Paddy Power Games offer is also fair and matches others in the industry. In terms of value and ease of use, there are no better casino bonuses than Paddy Power Games.

2. Sky Vegas

Casino bonus: 50 No Deposit Free Spins + Play £10 Get 200 Free Spins

Sky Vegas are one of the biggest casino brands on the market and provide one of the strongest casino sign up offers in the UK, but narrowly fall behind Paddy Power Games on our list.

New users are credited with 50 no deposit free spins to use on online slots immediately on sign up, with users simply needing to use the link above to claim the Sky Vegas welcome offer (there is no bonus code needed).

A further 200 free spins can be unlocked after depositing and playing £10 on online slots, with no wagering requirements on any of the free spins.

The only blemish on the offer is that free spins can only be used on one slot game, though the casino welcome bonus could not be more straightforward to claim and use, and there’s plenty of time to use the casino welcome bonus with a seven-day window before your free spins expire.

3. Betfred

Casino bonus: Stake £10 Get 200 No Wagering Free Spins

Betfred are a powerful brand in the sports betting scene, but are just as notable in the world of online casinos.

If you’re not already a Betfred customer and are searching for the best slot sites with a standout casino welcome bonus, it’s certainly worth considering.

Betfred offer customers 200 free spins for signing up as a new customer through the appealing casino sign up bonus. It’s simple to sign up and the free spins have no wagering terms, meaning no playthrough requirements.

Once users have deposited and staked £10 on online slots, they will receive 200 free spins credited as either 50 Free Spins on Age Of The Gods™ at £0.20 per spin, 100 Free Spins on Better Wilds at £0.10 per spin, 200 Free Spins on Age Of The Gods™ God of Storms 2 at £0.05 per spin.

What makes this casino offer particularly appealing is this flexibility, allowing users to tailor your online casino bonus to your preferred slot style and volatility.

With flexibility, simplicity and no wagering on winnings, Betfred’s slots offer is one of the strongest casino bonuses available right now.

4. Bet365

Casino bonus: Stake £10 Get Up To 500 Free Spins

Bet365 is one of the best known gambling brands in the UK and offer users the chance to claim up to 500 free spins over 10 days, although that amount is not guaranteed with its casino sign up offer.

By clicking the link above and depositing £10 into your online account within 30 days of signing up, customers can then choose 10 colour boxes over a 20-day period, unlocking between 5, 10, 20 and 50 free spins each time.

Customers will secure a prize every day they open one of the 10 boxes available.

Free spins are available available for seven days and can be used on the following slots: Book of Horus, Curse of the Bayou, Magic Forge and Wrath of the Deep. Notably, deposits using Paysafecard are ineligible.

5. Betfair

Casino bonus: 50 No Deposit Free Spins + Stake £10 Get 150 Free Spins

Betfair are another strong operator offering a very competitive casino welcome bonus. Like Paddy Power and Sky, Betfair provide no deposit free spins, with 50 available on sign up.

Users can unlock a further 100 free spins by depositing and staking £10 online, with no wagering requirements on any free spins included in the offer.

Spins are available to use on Crabbin’ For Cash Extra Big Catch Jackpot King or selected other Jackpot King games, and the offer comes with a simple sign up process using the Betfair bonus code CASAFS.

6. Betano

Casino bonus: Stake £10 Get 100 No Wagering Free Spins

Betano offer a simple but effective casino sign up bonus for new users. Customers need only to click a link and sign up before depositing £10 and staking £10 online to claim 100 free spins.

Free spins are no wagering free spins, meaning winnings are paid out as cash, though one slight blemish is that the spins are only available for three days.

Free spins are available to use on popular slots including Big Bass Bonanza, Big Bass Reel Repeat, Big Bass Vegas Double Down Deluxe, Big Bass Amazon Xtreme and Big Bass Mission Fishin’.

7. Ladbrokes

Casino bonus: Stake £10 Get 100 No Wagering Free Spins

Ladbrokes are another strong brand in the industry offering a competitive casino welcome bonus for new customers. The online casino offers a simple and effective way of signing up and unlocking 100 free spins to use on popular slot titles.

Users need only to sign up, deposit £10 and play £10 on eligible slots to unlock 100 no wagering free spins.

Free spins are active for seven days once unlocked and are available to use on the following titles: Lock O’ The Irish, Big Banker, Bees N’ Honey, Cashpot Cooking, Fishin’ Frenzy Even Bigger Fish, Eye of Horus, Fishin Frenzy The Big Catch 2, Luck O’ the Irish Fortune Play 2, The Goonies Megaways Quest For Treasure Jackpot King, King Kong Cash Even Bigger Bananas 4, 3 Pots O’Riches Megaways Rapid Fire, Kong 3 Even Bigger Bonus.

8. LiveScore Bet Casino

Casino bonus: Stake £10 Get 100 No Wagering Free Spins

LiveScore Bet provide another strong offer with no wagering free spins for a low stake and deposit amount for new customers. Customers simply need to sign up using the link before depositing and staking £10 on eligible slots.

There is no LiveScore Bet promo code required, making the process all the more straightforward.

Your 100 free spins are credited once users have completed playing requirements, with all spins for use on popular slot title Big Bass Bonanza. Free spins are available for seven days, while deposits made using pre-paid cards are not eligible.

9. Kwiff

Casino bonus: Stake £20 Get 200 No Wagering Free Spins

Kwiff demands a higher deposit and play requirement than other casino sites, but their casino welcome offer comes with more spins than most of its rivals.

New users must deposit and play £20 worth of online slots in order to unlock 200 free spins. Spins are credited once wagering is complete, and this is usually within 24 hours.

Free spins are no wagering free spins and are available for seven days, with the bonus eligible for use on online slot Book of Dead.

10. NetBet

Casino bonus: 11 No Deposit Free Spins + Stake £20 Get £100 Free Spins

NetBet delivers no deposit free spins with its casino welcome bonus, although it does require a higher deposit and fewer spins than other operators.

Customers can secure 11 no deposit free spins for simply signing up for NetBet, while a further 100 are unlocked once users have deposited and played £20 worth of online slots.

Users must enter the NetBet promo code KINGKONG on sign up to unlock the first 11 no deposit free spins, which are for use on slot game King Kong Cash Even Bigger Bananas 4.

Customers must then deposit and play £20 to claim the further 100 free spins. Once wagering is complete 100 free spins are available, with customers able to use them on the King Kong slot game.

Free spins are available for seven days, with all winnings capped at £100.

These are the key factors that The Independent considers before recommending online casino bonus offers.

Licensing: We only recommend casino bonuses from online casinos licensed and regulated by the UKGC.

Wagering requirements: To crack our top 10 we want to see no wagering requirements or as little as possible. We prefer to see operators that allow customers to withdraw funds without having to play through their winnings.

Value: Value is paramount when assessing any casino bonus. We look for casino sign up bonus deals that ensure customers get the most from their money.

Games: Most casino sites have restrictions where casino bonuses can be used on their platform. The fewer the better in our book so we recommend the ones with the most flexibility.

Payment Methods: Deposits should be straightforward, allowing customers access to their casino bonus and casino games. Traditional and modern methods should be available, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. Notably, pre-paid cards are not widely accepted for casino sign up offers.

Customer experience: Customers need to have an enjoyable and fair experience online. Methods of support should be available including live chat, phone line and email to address issues.

The Independent offers expertise and impartial advice when evaluating and reviewing casino bonuses.

I am a freelance sports journalist and casino expert who has been working for The Independent since 2023.

I specialise in producing sporting news, predictions and betting tips as well as review features that cover online gaming, casinos and betting sites.

I have built up considerable experience reviewing gambling content having spent a significant amount of time researching and testing out established online casinos and new casino sites, enhancing his expertise.

I have also developed a keen eye for casino offers and user-friendly websites, and has evaluated each bonus using the criteria detailed above, while only recommending UKGC-licensed operators.

Casino Welcome Bonus – A casino sign up offer credits new customers with casino funds, free spins or both after signing up as a new user.

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Gambling responsibly is essential whenever you engage with the best casino bonuses.

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What is a casino bonus?

A casino bonus provides new and existing customers with bonus funds or free spins to use on casino sites. This means users can play games without users having to use their own cash. These credits are non-withdrawable and must be used online.

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The ‘best’ casino sign up bonus very much depends on the type of gambling you prefer to do. Some bonuses will offer free spins that are perfect for slot players, while others will provide bonuses that are better for table games. Be sure to evaluate each offer before choosing the best casino sign up offer for you.

Are casino sign up offers safe to use?

All the online casino bonus deals recommended on this page come from online casino bonus sites that are licensed and regulated by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, ensuring that operators follow safe and legal practices.

How can you claim casino offers?

Users can claim casino welcome offers by signing up and depositing and staking the required amounts. In terms of offers for existing customers, users will often be required to opt in or stake a pre-determined amount in order to qualify.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. journalism across The Independent.

To an astronaut today, the Earth looks like a vibrant blue marble from space. But 700 million years ago, it would have looked like a blinding white snowball. This seems an unlikely cradle for life, yet new evidence suggests the frozen ocean featured restricted ice-free oases that provided a lifeline for our earliest complex ancestors.

During the Cryogenian period, from 720 million to 635 million years ago, the Earth was buried by massive ice sheets that marched from the poles to the tropics. Surface temperatures were as low as -50°C.

Because the bright, white surface of the planet reflected (rather than absorbed) the Sun’s energy – a phenomenon known as the albedo effect – the Earth remained locked in this extreme climate state, dubbed “Snowball Earth”, for tens of millions of years.

Scientists have long thought that when the ocean is sealed under a kilometre-thick shell of ice, the usual connection between the atmosphere and oceans would be prevented, muting climate variability – short-term variations in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns.

However, our new research, published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters, challenges this status quo. By forensically decoding ancient rocks, we’ve discovered that the climate became briefly more dynamic than normally expected on Snowball Earth: it even oscillated to a rhythm strikingly like our own today.

Decoding climate cycles

The breakthrough came from the Garvellach Islands off the west coast of Scotland. These rocks formed during the Sturtian glaciation (720–660 million years ago), the first of two Snowball Earth events; the second of which is the Marinoan (650–635 million years ago). The Scottish islands contain a unique exquisitely preserved archive of Snowball Earth, locking in the secrets of this weird ancient world.

Specifically, laminated sedimentary rocks, or varves, act as natural data loggers. Picture a lake today: sediment settles quietly through the water column and on to the lake bed. Over time, these layers of sediment build up at the bottom of the lake. Thousands or millions of years later, geologists can use the physical, chemical and biological information trapped in the now ancient lake sediments to track how environmental conditions – including climatic ones – changed over time.

While modern sediments like this are easy to find, detailed climate archives from deep time are vanishingly rare – leaving us in the dark about how our planet’s climate behaved during Snowball Earth – until now.

We investigated a unique pile of rocks six metres thick, containing around 2,600 such varves, on the Garvellach Islands. What they revealed was, quite frankly, jaw-dropping. Microscopic and statistical analysis showed that these layers weren’t uniform, as you might expect locked in a Snowball state.

Instead, they conform to predictable cycles occurring over timescales of a few years to centuries. Perhaps yet more surprising is that almost the full suite of climate rhythms we know from today are preserved; from annual seasons to modern phenomena like El Niño (a climate pattern marked by warming of sea surface temperatures in parts of the Pacific Ocean), and longer-term cycles linked to solar activity lasting decades to centuries.

We certainly wouldn’t have expected El Niño cycles – a climate phenomenon that happens every two to seven years today – not least since this requires a seamless communication between the atmosphere and oceans, which is hard to envision on an ice-covered world.

A (partially) ice-free ocean?

The cycles in these ancient sediments do raise an intriguing possibility: could parts of the ocean have been ice-free during Snowball Earth? To get to the bottom of this, we used computer climate simulations to test different climate scenarios – put simply, seeing how changing the amount of ice on the oceans changes the patterns of surface temperature across the globe. We found that when the ocean was frozen completely solid, climate oscillations were largely suppressed.

Our simulations also show that vast areas of open water weren’t needed to restart these oscillations; if just a small fraction of the ocean surface was ice free – say, 15% or so – atmosphere ocean interactions could have resumed.

Comparing the simulated climate records to the patterns we decoded in the rock record, we think these sediments most likely document a patch of open water in the tropics, sometimes called an oasis. Such oases are used by many scientists to reconcile the survival of life with the near-global glaciation.

Interestingly, several other lines of evidence suggest a partially ice-free ocean at roughly the same time. So, could our rocks provide evidence for temporary warming during Snowball Earth? While they confirm temporary patches of warmth in the surface ocean, these rocks represent a snapshot of around 3,000 years in a multi-million-year glaciation – likely a fleeting “Slushball” state within an otherwise frozen world. Another recent study even argues that liquid water could persist at -15°C, but only if it were extremely salty.

Crucially though, our new analysis shows that the climate system has an inherent tendency to oscillate, even under the most extreme conditions. Could these oases in the sea have been life-rafts for the earliest complex animals?

Perhaps the biggest paradox of Snowball Earth is that this hostile deep-freeze triggered a biological revolution. Around this time, the diversity and abundance of multicellular life exploded – an event fuelled by phosphorus-rich dust ground up by the very glaciers that threatened to extinguish it. Scientists think this happened during the warm interval between the two Snowball glaciations.

But for life to thrive after the ice, it first had to survive the second (Marinoan) glaciation. Our study offers a viable solution to this puzzle: if tropical oceans weren’t entirely frozen over, but held pockets of open water, these oases would have acted as habitable refuges.

Rather than a planet frozen solid, our work paints a picture of an “oscillating” world where thin cracks in the ice or more expansive patches of open water formed habitats that allowed, even encouraged, the colonisation of life.

By maintaining biodiversity during Earth’s most extreme ice age, these oases ensured that when the ice finally melted away, life was ready to bloom into the complex ecosystems we see today – eventually leading to us.

The biggest selling classical artist of this century, Katherine Jenkins, is set to visit York Barbican as part of her 25th anniversary tour, with 18 dates planned across UK and Ireland

The tour – which will take her across the UK from London to Belfast – will celebrate her long career with performances of her most popular songs including ‘Time To Say Goodbye’, ‘Jealous of the Angels’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’.

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Katherine said: “Reaching twenty-five years in music is incredibly emotional, but this tour is truly a celebration of the fans who have been there from the very beginning.

“To be heading out across the UK and Ireland for eighteen special shows feels less like a celebration of a career and more like a reunion with old friends and I can’t wait to stand on stage, look out into those familiar faces, and share it all over again.”

The Welsh mezzo-soprano is recognised as the biggest-selling classical artist of the century, with 14 number one albums since signing to Universal Classics at the age of 22.

Katherine Jenkins (Image: Provided)

Her breakthrough came in 2003 with a performance at Westminster Cathedral in honour of Pope John Paul II and since then, she has performed at high-profile events including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and at the Sydney Opera House.

Alongside her musical achievements, Katherine has earned ‘national treasure” status through her charitable work – earning an OBE in 2013 and serving as a patron for a number of charities.

Tickets go on general sale Friday 20th February, with fans able to get first access to tour tickets from Thursday by pre-ordering Jenkins’ forthcoming studio album, to be released late 2026, from the official store here.

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the serious collision to come forward

A motorcyclist is in hospital with potentially life-changing injuries following a collision on a major city road.

Emergency services were called to the serious crash between a car and a motorbike in Cowbridge Road East in Cardiff shortly before 6pm on Thursday evening.

South Wales Police said the collision occurred directly between the junctions of Wessex Street and Nesta Street near Victoria Park.

The force has appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision, or has footage of the incident, to get in touch with them in order to assist with the investigation. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

A South Wales Police spokesman said: “At approximately 5.40pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026, officers attended to reports of a serious road traffic collision between a car and a motorbike on Cowbridge Road East directly between the junctions of Wessex Street and Nesta Street.

“As a result a motorcyclist remains in hospital receiving treatment for potentially life-changing injuries.

“Officers are appealing for anyone that may have witnessed the collision, has mobile phone footage of the incident, or dashcam footage, to report it to South Wales Police online or via 101 quoting reference number 2600046586.”

You can contact the police force via its live chat platform by clicking here or via an online form by clicking here.

Alternatively information can also be given via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or its online form by clicking here.

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He was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs

A man has been arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs after an early morning crash.

Police were called to reports of a one-vehicle road traffic collision in the Dunsilly area of Antrim shortly before 6am this morning, Friday, February 13.

PSNI told Belfast Live that a man in his 20s was arrested following the crash this morning which affected traffic in the area for a short while.

A police spokesman said the man was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink or drugs. They added that he remains in police custody at this time.

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What is the best way to grow vegetables?

Ratna, West Midlands

I like to grow them in the earth if I can, but lots of veg can thrive in pots. If you’re a beginner just starting to grow your own veg, start with something that you eat. Don’t ever try to grow something you’re not interested in because you’ll never bother to harvest it and it’ll go to seed. When you eat your first homegrown tomato, though, it’ll taste like heaven and you’ll be bitten by the gardening bug.

When beginners come to me, I will start them on lettuce, tomatoes, a bit of garlic and onion. Things that you’d like to eat and you’ll use in everything. Salad crops, actually, are brilliant for children, because they come up in about 30 seconds, and you don’t have to deal with that question, “Is it up yet?” These germinate so fast that soon you can say, “Yes! Let’s eat!”

Just get them in and grow all different kinds. They’re so expensive to buy but so easy to grow. I’d recommend rocket, mizuna, lambs lettuce, radicchio. So many glorious leaves, so many colours and so simple to grow yourself.

The best vegetables for beginners are the ones where you sprinkle the seeds onto a flat surface with earth in it, it grows, and then you’ll be eating it.

What are the best plants to get that don’t need much looking after?

Colin, South East

I’ve been working with some plants that don’t need any looking after. If you’re clever and you’ve got your reading glasses, you can put Lego Botanicals together very quickly (my favourites are the pink roses). Otherwise, I suppose it’s the cacti and succulents.

What would you recommend for someone who only has a balcony and not a garden?

Anna, North West

Oh, you can grow loads on a balcony. Check that your balcony will take the weight of pots or grow bags. Then use the vertical space too, for climbers like cucumbers, and I’ve even heard of folk growing melons on their balconies.

I’ve always grown bamboo in London because at night when the wind blows through it, there’s a really beautiful rustling sound coming through. It’s enough to break up the sound of traffic.

Phyllostachys Nigra is a dark brown bamboo and I would grow that anywhere, actually, wherever I was living, but only in a pot because it’ll run you ragged. It sets out runners, and you’ll never get rid of it; you’ll be chopping down for the rest of your life. So, in a nice big pot, bamboo.

Just days after two pupils were stabbed in a London classroom, a major fight has been organised across eight different schools.

Year 9 pupils have been encouraged to ‘be violent’ and bring sharp objects such as compasses and metal combs to the McDonald’s on Mare Street in Hackney starting from this week – and ending July 6.

A social media post has listed all eight schools involved in the ‘Hackney War’ and divided them into two teams.

Anyone spotted from the opposite side should be ‘jumped and filmed’ and sent to the Tiktok account to upload it.

The schools involved are: City Academy, Cardinal Pole, Haggerston School, Urswick School, The Excelsior Academy, Bridge Academy, Mossbourne Community Academy and City of London Academy Shoreditch Park.

One grandmother, who has a grandson in the same year group, said she has pleaded with schools to notify parents.

She told Metro: ‘I have rang all the schools and so far everyone seems disinterested, but we all saw what happened at Kingsbury High School. This could end up being really serious.’

Two pupils, in year 7 and year 8, were stabbed and seriously injured while on school grounds in Brent on Tuesday.

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

There are fears the fight could lead to even more injuries this evening, as Mare Street is completely pedestrianised and isolated from other side streets.

The grandmother said: ‘There is no hiding on that street, everything is completely open.

‘What if a pupil just happens to be walking through it and gets jumped? It’s a disaster waiting to happen.’

City of London Academies Trust, said: ‘The safety and wellbeing of students is our highest priority.

‘Encouraging, organising, or promoting violence is completely unacceptable, and this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

‘We are actively engaging with parents, carers, the Metropolitan Police Service, and local partners to ensure students are kept safe and fully understand the seriousness of their actions.

‘We are committed to creating a thriving school environment, and ensuring the safety of children and young people.’

The Metropolitan Police said: ‘We are aware of these social media posts and are making enquiries to identify those responsible.

‘We will take a robust approach to any violence and use our powers under anti-social behaviour laws to deal with groups intent on disorder.

‘We are working closely with our partners in local schools and the council and would also like to reassure people in Hackney that we will be increasing patrols in the area.’

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

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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Roses are red, violets are blue — as for where to find the best bouquet in London this Valentine’s Day, allow us to guide you. From grande dame institutions McQueens and Moyses Stevens to the commendable ingenuity of Sage and Rebel Rebel and the sweetest scents discovered at The Real Flower Company, there is stiff competition and, happily, something for everyone.

Wayne Rooney, who made headlines in 2010 after hitting out at England fans for booing the team, remembers being booed quite a lot in his career.

“It’s always been there. Fans obviously have their opinions and sometimes they’re with you and sometimes they’re against you,” he said.

“It’s probably just picked up a little bit more now with more TV cameras, with social media and with phones filming from the stands.

“Obviously if a player or a player’s family is getting abused at stadiums then it can become more of an issue, but generally I think booing is fine.”

Like his former England team-mate, Joe Hart agrees it’s part of the game.

“You get booed by the away fans,” said Hart. “That’s kind of par for the course. I’ve probably received a few from home fans in my time – not many. If I was being booed I was probably doing something wrong!”

Both players think booing has always been there. But did it affect them?

“Maybe it did at the time,” says Hart. “I’ve got no scars from it though, put it that way. I was very much focused on what I was doing so whether I was getting applause or boos it didn’t make any difference to how I tried to play the game.”

Former Liverpool, Spurs and Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy also remembers difficult moments during his career.

“At Fulham when we were fighting relegation there were lots of boos,” he explains. “You have to take it as a challenge. You have to want to overcome it rather than go the other way and let it affect you, drain your energy and put fear into your play.

“I always felt like it was a challenge to overcome it, to try and do better. I think if you’re playing Premier League football and you’re at that level that’s your job to do so.

“We all love it when the fans are singing your name when you’ve scored the winner or when the team’s winning – you can’t have just one and not the other.”