NewsBeat

Peppers and potatoes in padella

Published

3 hours ago

17 July 2026

I cook frugal meals a lot, mostly because it means I don’t have to shop every day. There’s always beans and pulses, pasta and rice, eggs, cheese and vegetables in the kitchen, plus a good stock of spices and pots of herbs.

For this recipe, change the herbs you add depending on the time of year. Basil is great in the summer. (Padella is italian for ‘pan’.)

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Portsmouth MPs welcome universal newborn screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Published

5 minutes ago

17 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Portsmouth MPs welcome universal newborn screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Portsmouth’s MPs, Amanda Martin MP and Stephen Morgan MP, have welcomed the Government’s announcement that every baby born in England will be screened for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) from 2027, describing it as “fantastic news for families” and a major step towards ending the postcode lottery in access to life-saving early diagnosis.

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All The Best Camping Gear You Need For Your Outdoor Summer Adventure

Published

14 minutes ago

17 July 2026

NewsAdmin

A Complete List Of Camping Gear You Need For Your Outdoor Summer Adventure

We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

The weather is hot, hot, hot. So of course, our natural instinct is to flock to the great outdoors.

If you’ve caught that bug in quite a severe way, the call of sitting in a campsite, or the near-wilderness, will soon become inescapable.

And sure, with 2026 being crowned as the year of analogue and whimsy, there’s really no better escape than setting up a little campsite with our friends and family away from the everyday demands of life.

Not to mention the rising cost of holidays abroad and the dwindling likelihood that any of us will be able to escape the UK any time soon.

Whether you’re a complete newbie to the world of camping, or a connoisseur of the campsite, we’ve rounded up the best camping essentials to shop now.

From six-person tents, to fleece-lined sleeping bags, and even a cooler for your beer, these are the essentials to stock up on – or upgrade to – before the weather gets warm.

Best camping gear to shop now

Camping tents

In case you feel like assembling another object with poles, a windbreak can be a useful addition to your set up to give your tent that little extra protection from the elements. It also has a handy little window so you can see what’s going on on the other side – like if you’re being approached by a mountain lion or your kids are running off into the forest. That’s the kind of thing that happens when camping, right?

Desperate to get away, but the weather isn’t looking promising? Don’t worry, this tent has you, and all the family, covered for all weather eventualities. As well as being suited for a family of six, or four if you’re sleeping next to smelly teenagers. It even comes with room dividers, so you can opt for extra privacy, and has double the ‘living’ area so you can get some alone time even if it’s raining. Speaking of rain, this one comes set with 4,000mm waterproof protection to get you through the roughest of storms.

Should you be planning a walk, and you’re not keen on lugging around a huge heavy tent, here’s a lightweight option that can happily fit a couple. It weighs just 2.5kg, but somehow manages to still tick all our boxes. Namely: it has a mesh upper and double doors to keep it fresh inside, takes under five minutes to set up, and has 3,000mm waterproof protection. Plus, it’s our lifestyle writer’s favourite dome tent, thanks to being surprisingly roomy in both porch and tent.

If you want to avoid resting your head next to your stinky, soggy boots, this tent has its very own porch area that makes for great storage. Or, you know, just sheltering from the rain without getting crumbs all up in your sleeping bag. It can comfortably fit a double blow up bed and, more importantly, it’s easy to set up. Should our sporadic British weather catch you off guard, it can also withstand up to 200L per hour for three hours, and comes with a 2,400mm waterproof groundsheet so you can stay cosy while you sleep.

There’s nothing worse than a steaming hot tent, so this one from Mountain Warehouse has mesh doors to keep the air flowing all summer long. You’ll need it, too, because this tent fits up to four people (although some reviewers say it fits three more comfortably). It also comes with its a sewn in groundsheet and comes with 2000m hydrostatic head waterproof protection, meaning you’ll stay protected if things get showery. Just avoid full-on torrents.

Sleeping bags, mattresses, and roll mats

Just look how happy this guy is; that could be how happy you are camping, too. But it won’t be if you don’t have enough blankets to keep you warm. This thermal double bed-sized one will keep you warm, or can be scrunched up into its little bag to double as an extra pillow.

Speaking of that cold, hard ground, there is a way to improve it – and that’s to lift yourself off it. This 190 x 120 cm inflatable mattress is great value for money. Not only does it stay inflated the whole night through (which you’d think would be the bare minimum, but…) it also inflates in just under two minutes, so you can have your sleeping arrangement set up in a pinch. It also comes in a single size, if you’re sleeping in a tent that comes in on the smaller side.

For a less extreme investment, this oh-so-lightweight mat comes in at just 520g. You’ll barely notice that you’re adding another thing to carry around with you because, rolls up to into the size of that dinky little bag. It even has its own pillow for neck support, while the hexagonal design evenly distributes your weight across its surface so you won’t wake up with achey muscles.

Unlike your favourite Simba mattress, the hard dirt floor won’t mould around your body weight or warm up throughout the night (that is, unless something’s seriously wrong). To give yourself a boost of heat while you sleep, adding a reflective mat can help trap warmth between you and the earth to prevent any unpleasant moments of waking up shaking with the cold.

I think we can all agree that a good night’s sleep is invaluable. So don’t skimp on what you’re going to sleep in: fleece-lined sleeping bags are far cosier than their plasticky counterparts. This one comes with four ounces of filling, which makes for a comfortable sleep anywhere between 0 and 15 degrees. And if you buy two, you can connect them with one another thanks to having a handy double zipper.

You’re already camping, you don’t need to punish yourself any more than that. This is us giving your permission to buy yourself a pillow that feels like home, like this foam-filled one from Sea to Summit that rolls up into 17% of its original size for easy transportation.

Two pillow people, listen up. Providing 12cm of distance between you and the floor, this blow-up pillow will help support your neck. And if it does happen to get dirty (finger crossed it doesn’t) it’s easy to clean thanks to having a removable fabric cover.

Tables, kettles, and more eating/drinking essentials

Don’t waste your time trying to find somewhere to frolic in the grass. There are times for that (namely: at your local park on the hottest day of the year) but this is not one of them. You’ll want a surface to rest your plates on, and this one even has drink holders so you don’t have to shoulder the tragedy of losing your hard-earned G&T to the wind. It also folds up nice and thin, and clicks into place, making for a quick set up and getaway in emergencies.

Don’t worry, this isn’t another thing to put in another little bag. This fold up chair is held together by its very own elastic strap, meaning you won’t have to play mix and match with all the little holding bags you have stowed away in your tent at the end of your trip.

If your idea of a holiday is not having to make small talk with your family while you eat, this chair has all the accoutrements you need to fly solo, like a side table, drinks holder. It even has a storage holder at the arm, so you can really hunker down and get some solo time.

At home you might wait until 6pm to be polite, but out camping 5pm sharp is cocktail time. These tumblers will keep your drink cool for longer than most, and they also double as a great mug for warm coffee, tea, or soup.

You might think you can survive on dips, crisps, and snacks (a girl can only dream) but at some point the reality of needing a warm coffee or hot chocolate will hit you. And we’re going to estimate it’ll be sooner rather than later. This three piece set fits snuggly within itself, and includes a kettle and two pans that can be converted from frying to saucepan and back again using the handles.

You go without a lot of basic comforts while camping, but you shouldn’t have to forfeit a cold can at the end of the day. This cooler from Yeti can comfortably hold up to 20 cans, and when paired with the Yeti’s medium ice sheet, will keep them cold for three whole days, according to one reviewer. “I didn’t think I needed it until I did and now it goes with me every where,” they said. This is what dreams are made of.

You wouldn’t believe just how versatile the humble sandwich bag could be. For keeping food safe and dry, yes, but also for rubbish, packing individual items of extra layers in your bag so you don’t have to fish around in the dark for hours, and even for putting over your feet when you have to wear leaky shoes.

You might be thinking: £65 for a glorified mini tool box? And we’d forgive you for that. Now think of the rage you’ll feel if you forget one of the things on this knife that you need. Yup, really puts things in perspective, doesn’t it? This knife has 21 functions to cover everything you’ll need to do out in the wilderness, from cracking open a cold one to filing a broken nail.

Stoves, firestarters, and torches

Okay, everyone has a torch on their phones nowadays. But when you’re in the wilderness you’re going to want something a bit more reliable than that; this handheld one lasts for up to 35 hours. It’s also IPX 6 waterproof, meaning it can withstand heavy rainfall, so even if you leave it outside in the rain (I mean, don’t) it’ll be able to give you light provided the batteries haven’t died.

Despite the idyllic idea of camping you have going on in your head, your fire won’t be lit all the time, and it goes without saying you won’t have one inside your tent. These wind-up lanterns come in handy for running for a nighttime wee, or just for being able to see where you’re going when you get into your sleeping bag.

We’ve covered a lot of equipment without even mentioning cooking, and if you’re already thinking you can’t be bloody bothered to deal with all the effort of lugging around a huge stove, look no further.

This tiny pocket stove weighs just 90g but has the same power as a full-sized gas stove. Simply slip it on to a gas canister and you’re good to go. Yes, chef!

Unless you’re embracing the analogue lifestyle, we’re going to take a leap of faith and assume you’ll want something to charge your phone with. This 60,000 mAh charging bank lasts for days of phone charges – and it’s speedy at it, too. Plus, it’ll come in handy if you need to recharge lights or other devices as it has USB-A and USB-C ports.

For longer and wilder camping stints, a solar panel could solve the problem of not being able to recharge your power bank. This one folds up to the size of a laptop, making it easy to carry, but you’ll need to buy a converter to go alongside it.

Well, it’s not going to start itself, is it? Don’t kid yourself with fussing around with ‘natural’ fire starting, especially when you’re camping with other people. It’s all about getting the job done quickly, and this pack of 50 will be your right hand man.

You don’t want to be messing around with matches in the pouring rain; this long lighter will make sure you stay plenty safe when lighting a gas stove. It’s also refillable; just make sure you remember to check if it has enough fluid before you trek off into the wilderness.

Toiletries

Don’t take any risks when it come to bug bits. You might not see them, but they’re there, so make sure to layer up your bug repellant outside of the tent, whether you’re sitting indoors or out.

I stick to a very serious once a week hair washing schedule. While I’m confident my hair can last out in the wild, I’m not taking any chances anywhere I go, which is why I’ve tested a shit ton of dry shampoos in my time, and this one is the so powerful, it’ll even be able to revive your day five campsite hair. Promise.

Things are about to get messy and stinky, all at once. No matter how determined you are, you won’t be showering as much as you think you will be, so having these on hand to clean yourself, and any unfortunate tent spillages up is ideal.

Come rain or shine, if you’re outside, you need face and body sunscreen. Need we say any more?

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UK clothing company falls into administration after 12 years

Published

20 minutes ago

17 July 2026

NewsAdmin

UK clothing company falls into administration after 12 years

Activewear Group Ltd, established in March 2014, is a clothing and fashion retailer specialising in affordable activewear, workwear, and uniforms.

The company, which also offers printing and embroidery services, trades directly with leading brands and maintains strong relationships with the UK’s top wholesalers.

Activewear’s LinkedIn profile adds: “Our aim is to provide the highest quality of service to ensure a great end user customer experience through a cost effective approach.”

The company operates online via its website and from a 1,750 square foot warehouse in Redditch, with a 1,500 sq ft area which is used as a showroom, packing, and office/meeting area.

Activewear Group enters administration after 8 years

Now, Activewear Group is at risk of closing after having fallen into administration.

Stuart Kelly and Claire Harsley from Mackay Goodwin Limited were appointed joint administrators on July 8, according to The Gazette.

Activewear Group had registered a charge with Companies House in June, just weeks before entering administration.

The charge represents a loan or debt secured against the company’s assets, giving lenders priority in the event of insolvency.

There is a clearance sale currently running on the Activewear Group website, while other sections are unavailable.

What happens when a company goes into administration?

When a company enters administration, it means that it is unable to pay expenses, debts, or other liabilities, according to SquareUp.com.

Companies House adds: “When a company goes into administration, they have entered a legal process (under the Insolvency Act 1986) with the aim of achieving one of the statutory objectives of an administration. This may be to rescue a viable business that is insolvent due to cashflow problems.

“An appointment of an administrator (a licensed insolvency practitioner) will be made by directors, a creditor or the court to fulfil the administration process.”

A statutory moratorium is put in place once a company enters administration, giving it “breathing space” to allow for financial restructuring plans to be drawn up free from creditor enforcement actions.

A company can continue to trade while in administration, but daily management and control are handed over to the administrators.

Companies House continues: “Within 8 weeks it is the administrators’ role to formulate administration proposals.

“Creditors are then asked to vote by a decision procedure to approve the administrators’ proposals.

“If the administration involves a sale of all or part of the company’s business, the proceeds (after the costs of the procedure) will be distributed to creditors in a statutory order of priority.”

Administration will end automatically after 12 months unless the administrator asks the court or creditors for an extension.

Through administration, a company can be:

Rescued and passed back to the directors
Enter liquidation
Be dissolved

Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026

It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several other retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street brands LK Bennett, Claire’s, and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.

UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation.

TG Jones will be closing 150 stores across the UK as part of a “restructuring” plan approved by the High Court on Wednesday (July 1).

Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:

Several UK travel companies have also ceased trading or entered administration in 2026:

Luxury UK holiday company Salamander Voyages shut down back in April after entering administration.

Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:

UK delivery company Yodel is set to be phased out over the coming months after being acquired by InPost.

It’s also been reported that Morrisons is looking to sell some of its in-store pharmacies as it continues to cut costs.

It hasn’t all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.

Plus-size clothing brand Evans also returned to the UK high street recently after closing all its stores and concessions in December 2020.

Bodycare is also set to return to the UK high street in 2026 after closing all its stores last year, having fallen into administration.

Have you ever purchased clothing from Activewear Group Ltd before? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.

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Plan for watersports centre and 100 homes approved – but not everyone is happy

Published

27 minutes ago

17 July 2026

NewsAdmin

‘The economic offer that helped justify this regeneration has been significantly reduced and altered’

Plans to build a watersports centre and up to 100 new homes at the waterfront in Barry have moved a step closer. Outline plans for the project at Barry Waterfront, lodged by Vale of Glamorgan and Lovell Homes, were narrowly passed by the council’s planning committee with seven members voting against it and nine for it.

The plans are the latest incarnation of a previous scheme to regenerate the waterfront. Prior applications include a now-scrapped marina and business incubation centre.

Planning documents state: “The project will include new college and community facilities which will include offices, educational/training rooms, and a café area overlooking the water as well as changing rooms, toilet facilities, and boat storage.

“These facilities will comprise three elements: boat storage, watersports activity accommodation, and public/education/hospitality space.” For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here

Charlotte Raine, a major project manager at the council, said the new proposal “represents a high quality design-led mixed waterfront scheme”.

She added: “The proposed watersports centre offers enormous benefits. It will provide a permanent solution for training, education, recreation, and community activities.”

Cllr Shirley Hodges, who is not part of the committee, spoke against the application as a ward councillor.

She said: “Is this the transformational regeneration that the people of Barry were promised?

“The economic offer that helped justify this regeneration has been significantly reduced and altered.”

She also criticised the increase in the number of houses being built as part of the scheme – an increase from 65 to 100.

The Plaid Cymru member said: “Regeneration is about the quality and legacy of what is delivered – not simply the number of homes built.”

Cllr Nic Hodges, who is part of the planning committee, also criticised the plans.

He said: “The residents down there do not want this scheme.”

Cllr Hodges added: “The scheme plainly no longer achieves the wider place-making ambition.”

Cllr Mark Wilson supported the application and cited the need for housing in the area.

He said: “It’s going to be delivered for the people of Barry on an affordable basis. This is something that we desperately need in this area of Barry.”

Cllr Ian Buckely was disappointed the marina was no longer part of the plans, as “everyone wanted to have the marina”, but still said the benefits of the watersports facility will be “significant for the people of Barry”.

As only outline permission has been granted further details will be revealed through the course of new applications.

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Binface to Reality TV: All the fringe candidates fighting Nigel Farage in Clacton by-election

Published

33 minutes ago

17 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Binface to Reality TV: All the fringe candidates fighting Nigel Farage in Clacton by-election

Count Binface and a man dressed as a fishfinger will fight Nigel Farage in the upcoming Clacton by-election after major political parties boycotted the poll.

More than 20 candidates are running in the vote on August 13.

But other than Reform, the Social Democratic Party and Rejoin EU are the only other serious political parties to field contenders.

Reform UK leader Mr Farage has been accused of using the vote as a “distraction” amid mounting questions surrounding his personal finances.

He was already being investigated by the Commons standards watchdog over an undeclared £5 million gift from Thailand-based crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne, and is now facing further scrutiny over security for him funded by convicted fraudster George Cottrell.

Mr Farage said he would fight for the Essex seat in what he billed as a “people versus the establishment” by-election.

Nigel Farage has triggered a by-election in Clacton as he faces questions about his finances (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

PA Wire

The vote has unusual field of candidates.

The Labour Party, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Restore Britain will not be standing.

Some minor parties, as well as a number of independent candidates – including Count Binface – will be Mr Farage’s challengers.

So who is actually standing? Here are all the candidates.

Satirical candidate Count Binface will appear on the ballot – and has had his odds slashed by bookmakers in recent days.

He also stood twice against Boris Johnson, once against Rishi Sunak, and stood in the Makerfield by-election in June.

Count Binface

Previously known as Lord Buckethead, the Count said: “Nigel Farage says he wants The People versus the Establishment. So be it. Leave him to me.”

Sir Keir Starmer has appeared to give his backing to the independent candidate.

Asked during his final Prime Minister’s Questions whether Mr Farage and Count Binface should take part in a televised debate, he responded that Reform “intend to spend the summer arguing with the bin”.

“My advice to everyone is put your vote in the bin.”

Mr Fishfinger, Independent

A man calling himself Mr Fishfinger and dressed as the breaded snack has entered the race.

He has vowed to “batter” Reform and win over voters with policies that include replacing Admiral Nelson’s Trafalgar Square statue with Captain Birdseye and changing Britain’s national anthem to “Cod Save the King”.

The former actor and leader of the Reclaim Party is standing.

“We’re coming because we respect the voters of Clacton and also to elevate the Fight on the Right,” he wrote on social media.

Mr Fox also criticised the lack of candidates from mainstream parties in the by-election.

British actor-turned-politician & activist Laurence Fox

AFP/Getty

He said: “If I was a canvasser for any of the established political parties I would be pretty miffed that my party leaders had decided not to represent my voice just because they hate Nigel so much.

“What a state British politics is in when political parties don’t stand in elections. This is meant to be a democracy. People should have options when choosing who to vote for.”

According to the party website, Reclaim exists to challenge “woke orthodoxy” and promote “freedom of speech”, which it sees as being “under grave peril”.

John Stevens, the deputy leader of the Rejoin EU Party, is standing.

He is a former Conservative MEP.

Monster Raving Loony Party

Not one but three Monster Raving Loony Party members are standing in the poll.

Leader Howling Laud Hope is a candidate, alongside Nick the Incredible Flying Brick and Baron Von Thunderclap.

It will be Hope’s 38th election. The satirical group, which was formed in 1982, has run on a manifesto comprising of pledges such as allowing every UK voter to be prime minister for “15 minutes in their lifetime”.

Reality TV star Luke Worley has announced that he will run as an independent candidate, pledging to improve Clacton’s roads and high street and support independent businesses.

Mr Worley, who came to fame following appearances on Married at First Sight UK and Dating Naked, told The Sun: “I’ve survived reality TV, so politics should be a walk in the park.

“Nigel Farage might be one of the biggest names in British politics and Lord Binface might be the king of political stunts, but neither of them grew up in Clacton like I did.

“They can bring the headlines and I’m fine with that but I’ll bring the local knowledge and the respect for the local community.

“This campaign isn’t about egos, it’s about giving Clacton a fighter who actually understands what people here have been through.”

William Clouston, Social Democratic Party

The Social Democratic Party’s William Clouston is one of the candidates standing in Clacton from an established political party.

Piers Corbyn

PA Archive

Piers Corbyn announced he is standing in the Clacton by-election in a declaration speech on Parliament Square, which was filmed and posted online.

The older brother of former Labour leader Jeremy, Mr Corbyn said: “The nearest thing to a general election is this by-election happening now in Clacton. That gives us the chance to raise issues which we couldn’t otherwise raise.”

Forward Party leader Adham Alkhatip announced his candidacy on TikTok, saying he will run on an “anti-corruption, pro-worker” platform.

Kai Stephens is running for the British Democrats, a party formed as a splinter of the far-right British National Party in 2011 and officially launched in 2013.

Marc Berger is an independent candidate in Clacton by-election.

The mysteriously named “Cap” is an independent candidate.

Rees Cowne is an independent candidate.

Robert Elwes, Independent

Robert Elwes is an independent candidate.

Abi Hookway is an independent candidate.

Amy Morris is an independent candidate.

Derrick Norbert Morris, Independent Network

Derrick Norbert Morris is standing for Independent Network.

Ketankumar Pipaliya, UK Voice

Ketankumar Pipaliya is standing for UK Voice.

Daniel Pocock, Independent

Daniel Pocock is an independent candidate.

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Dog starts accidental house fire and kills three other pets | News

Published

41 minutes ago

17 July 2026

NewsAdmin

A dog accidentally sparked a house fire when he turned on a kitchen toaster, killing three other pets.

Ring camera footage inside the Maryland home shows the dog, Bo, jumping onto the kitchen counter, where he inadvertently switched on the toaster, which ignited nearby combustibles. The homeowners were not in the property at the time.

The blaze was brought under control by 30 firefighters in 20 minutes, though up to $150,00 worth of damage was sustained.

Bo and another dog, Addie, were rescued by neighbours. However, a third dog, Dakota, and two pet cats died in the 10 July blaze.

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Matt Damon reveals the one ‘non-negotiable’ rule in his 20-year marriage to Luciana Barroso

Published

54 minutes ago

17 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Matt Damon has opened up about family life with longtime wife Luciana Barroso, revealing the rule they refuse to break.

The 55-year-old actor – who stars in The Odyssey – shares daughters Alexia, 27, Isabella, 20, Gia, 17, and Stella, 15, with Barroso, 49.

‘We have family dinner every night, and that’s non-negotiable, and it’s always been that way,’ the father of four told People.

Damon admitted that despite the practice, they sometimes struggle to stay present.

He pointed out, ‘One of my daughters said, “Well, family dinner, last night we didn’t talk.” And we realized, “Oh my gosh, you’re right.” We sat down for dinner, and you can get lost in that routine a little bit and not appreciate why you established the routine in the first place.’

‘That’s the kind of family mindfulness we’re all working on,’ he noted.

Matt Damon has opened up about family life with longtime wife Luciana Barroso, revealing the rule they refuse to break; pictured on July 14

‘We have family dinner every night, and that’s non-negotiable, and it’s always been that way,’ the father of four said; pictured in 2019

Damon and Barroso met at a Miami bar in 2003 before tying the knot in December 2005.

Two of their daughters have left home, with the younger two remaining.

‘I feel like we are facing it and embracing the fact that it’s happening,’ the Boston native said about becoming empty nesters in the near future.

‘We’ve been talking a lot about presence and about really trying to be in the moment, and because you can’t slow time down, the only way to really do it is to really be there and be in it.’

He added that he and his wife are ‘trying to be mindful of holding onto what we can.’

Earlier this year Damon revealed on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show that Barroso thought his Good Will Hunting co-star Ben Affleck was ‘the cute one’ in the classic film.

Months into their romance, he found out his now-wife was initially more attracted to his longtime collaborator and fellow Bostonian.

‘After we’d been together for a little while, probably a few months, she admitted that – I think I met her best friend from high school, and it came out that the two of them went and saw Good Will Hunting together, and her best friend thought I was the cute one, and she thought Ben was the cute one.

‘So she admitted to me… I’m like, “You got the wrong one?” She told me that 23 years ago,’ the star confessed.

The 55-year-old actor shares daughters Alexia, 27, Isabella, 20, Gia, 17, and Stella, 15, with wife Barroso, 49; pictured in July 2024

Damon, Barroso, and daughter Isabella pictured July 14

Damon appears alongside a star-studded cast in Christopher Nolan’s new epic The Odyssey, which hit theaters on Friday.

The film is an adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek narrative of the same name, which sees the titular Greek king embark on a perilous journey home after the Trojan War in a bid to reunite with his wife Penelope.

Damon plays Odysseus, while actress Anne Hathaway, 43, plays his devoted queen, who is forced to fend off potential suitors in her husband’s absence.

The project has been called Nolan’s ‘most extreme’ undertaking to date.

Known for his high-budget movies, his latest could prove to be his most ambitious, with the $250 million budget the most expensive of his career and his first film shot entirely on IMAX 70mm cameras.

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Girls’ home makes ‘some improvements’ after children ‘exposed to risks’

Published

1 hour ago

17 July 2026

NewsAdmin

The education watchdog identified that “not all serious incidents have been notified” to them

A girls’ home where “children have been exposed to risks” has made “some improvements”, according to Ofsted. The watchdog carried out a full inspection at Clare Lodge children’s home in Lincoln Road, Glinton, between June 2 and June 4.

The care home, overseen by Peterborough City Council, was rated inadequate at a full inspection in February. Now, the children’s home has been rated as “requires improvement to be good” in two areas, “good” in two areas, and “inadequate” in one.

According to a report published on Thursday, July 16, inspectors identified the children’s home is “not yet delivering good help and care for children and young people”. It added: “However, there are no serious or widespread failures that result in their welfare not being safeguarded or promoted.”

During the latest inspection, inspectors recognised that children “benefit from positive support regarding their health and education” and that these areas are managed by “strong leaders who know the children and their progress well”.

The report added: “While there have been some improvements regarding the care children receive, there are still areas for development. The management of care, both internally and in relation to wider local authority oversight, is weak. Children have been exposed to risks due to staff not following risk assessments and a lack of action following incidents of self-harm or damage to property.”

According to Ofsted, there have been incidents when care staff have “not intervened in a timely manner to prevent harm to children”. The report referred to one incident where staff did not intervene fast enough during an incident of self-harm involving a knife.

Staff reportedly did not seek medical advice in relation to a leg wound. The report added: “When the health team was made aware the following day of the leg wound, appropriate action was taken for the child to attend hospital, where they required stitches. This incident is being investigated in relation to the actions of care staff but there have been delays with this.”

A review of documentation and CCTV footage indicates that some incidents are avoidable, Ofsted said. Children reportedly “frequently experience periods of boredom due to a limited choice of available activities”.

The report praised senior leaders’ “strong leadership in education” and emphasised that children are “proud of their work and produce well-presented folders, and pictures of their practical work”. The report continued: “They gain external accreditation in recognition of the progress they have made. Children find this highly motivating.”

A spokesperson for Peterborough City Council said: “We acknowledge the findings of Ofsted’s latest monitoring visit at Clare Lodge. The latest monitoring visit reflects the progress being made in some important areas, but we are not complacent and fully recognise that further work is needed to deliver the consistently high standards our children and families deserve.

“We accept the findings and remain focused on strengthening practice, improving consistency and ensuring children receive the right help and protection at the right time.”

Clare Lodge cares for up to 16 girls between 10 and 17-years-old. At the time of the June inspection, four children were living at the care home.

If you need support for your mental health the following resources are available

The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.

Samaritans (116 123 in UK and Ireland) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year.
Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
If U Care Share is a suicide prevention and postvention support charity. For free confidential text support text IUCS to 85258.
James’ Place provide free, life-saving treatment for suicidal men, and those identifying as male. Men can refer themselves or be referred by a professional including those working in health and community services, or by a friend or family

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Danniella Westbrook, 52, says she ‘hates the way she looks’ as she prepares to undergo fifth facial reconstruction surgery which will involve ‘taking a rib out’

Published

1 hour ago

17 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Danniella Westbrook has said she 'hates the way she looks' as she undergoes a series of surgeries to undo the damage years of drug abuse did

Danniella Westbrook has said she ‘hates the way she looks’ as she undergoes a series of surgeries to undo the damage years as a result of drug abuse.

The actress, 52, made the candid admission during an appearance on Vanessa Feltz’s last Channel 5 show, following its axe after just one year on air.

Danniella recently showcased the results of her latest round of facial surgery weeks after going under the knife again to undergo a hare lip reversal.

During her latest TV appearance, Danniella revealed that her fifth facial surgery is scheduled for the end of September where they plan to ‘take a rib out’.

Danniella did admit that she knows how badly she has damaged her appearance, saying: ‘I have every faith in my surgeon. I hate the way I look.

‘I did abuse myself quite badly at some point my life so that plays dividends. I’m just getting on with it’

The former EastEnders star is on an 18-month journey to repair her face after struggling with a collapsed septum following years of drug abuse.

Her most recent surgery addressed her hare lip after previously revealing it was ‘so far up [her face] now’ and was pulling in the wrong direction.

Danniella Westbrook has said she ‘hates the way she looks’ as she undergoes a series of surgeries to undo the damage years of drug abuse did

Danniella pictured in 2004

The treatment’s aim was to restore and enhance her facial features after years of well-documented health and reconstructive challenges.

The television personality has been open about her medical struggles over the years, regularly documenting her progress as she continues a series of specialist procedures designed to rebuild her appearance.

Danniella previously revealed on Vanessa Feltz‘s Channel 5 she will undergo six more procedures over the course of 18 months before her face is fully repaired.

Earlier this year in March, Danniella jetted to Dubai to have a full face, neck and brow lift, as well as a lip and nose reconstruction.

While she has proudly been showing the results of her new look, the actress confirmed in her recent interview that she will have yet another surgery soon to have a metal cheekbone implanted in her face.

She said: ‘I’ve been for umpteen surgeries, I’m coming up to surgery number six at the moment, so it’s quite scary.

‘Since I got older the osteoporosis has set in on my bones. So on this side of my face, I don’t have any bone at all.

‘So they’ve got to rebuild all my bones. At the moment it’s filler, but they’ve really got to do a metal bone. It’s got to be put in there.

‘So I’ve got to do at some point a metal cheekbone here and connect it to further up in here where the bone isn’t corroding.’

The actress, 52, made the candid admission during an appearance on Vanessa Feltz’s last Channel 5 show, following its axe after just one year on air

During her latest TV appearance, Danniella revealed that her next surgery is scheduled for the end of September where they plan to ‘take a rib out’ pictured Lizzy Cundy, Vanessa Feltz and Danniella Westbrook)

When Danniella was asked by Vanessa how many more procedures she was facing, she said: ‘Another six to go, I think after this one. Every two and a half, three months, I’m in surgery.

‘I hate looking in the mirror. I’ve just recently had to have a facelift to realign both sides of my face because they were so wonky, just to get this nose in a certain position so we could start working on that.’

Danniella revealed she’s been dealing with online trolling over her appearance, telling Vanessa: ‘I’ve had people telling me to die and go kill myself and stuff like that.

‘I’ve had terrible trolling but I’ve also had a hell of a lot of nice people. I’ve had a lot of people that support me and a lot of lovely people online.

‘I think sometimes it’s best just not to look at it so I don’t often run my social media.’

Danniella underwent facial reconstruction at the Gargash Hospital in the UAE.

She said at the time: ‘I have three more nose operations to go. So we’re over half way there now. Facelift has really changed me and given me my confidence back.’

Daniella and Lizzie looked chic as they made a stylish exit from Vanessa’s show

Danniella stunned in a white suit while Lizzie turned heads in a salmon pink midi dress

The pair appeared in high spirits after their appearance on the show

The surgery was a huge milestone for Danniella, who has struggled with a collapsed septum following years of drug abuse.

Danniella used surgeon Dr Parviz Sadigh, who has carried out operations on her in the past and has now undertaken the latest bid to rebuild her face.

The TV personality found fame at the age of 16 in EastEnders but due to her cocaine use producers were forced to terminate her contract and she was written out of the soap in 1996.

Danniella has spoken in the past about how her addictions began, stating: ‘I was always in clubs and everyone was doing coke and it was glamorous – except obviously, it wasn’t at all. I was just very young, very stupid and very easily led…

‘I think there should be someone at EastEnders to say to young people when they come in, “Look, your life is about to change, you’re going to be invited places, and you’ll be offered drugs…”

‘Someone who can tell them what sort of people are about, and what sort of papers, and how quickly what you’ve worked for all those years can be gone.’

She estimated she has spent around £250k on the drug.

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John Wherritt in Scarborough to close after 181 years

Published

1 hour ago

17 July 2026

NewsAdmin

John Wherritt in Scarborough to close after 181 years

John Wherritt, located at 5 – 7 Eastborough in Scarborough, has revealed that it is preparing to close for the last time tomorrow (Saturday, July 18) as its owners are set to retire.

First opening in 1845, the shop has evolved to offer different stock over the years and now offers an array of goods from soft toys and tourist souvenirs to clocks and a variety of different homeware items.

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The shop predates the telephone and welcomed its first customers in the same year that the rubber band and self-raising flour were invented.

In a Facebook post, The ‘Wherritt Ladies’ – the shop’s owners – shared news of the shop’s closure and thanked their customers for visiting over the years, pushing the date back by a week to allow more people to come and say goodbye.

They said: “WOW!!!…..after announcing our retirement and planned closing date, we’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the response. Your messages, memories and kind words have meant more to us than we can say.

“Our closing down sale has been so busy, we have decided to stay open for one extra week to give everyone the chance to pop in before we close our doors for the final time. Saturday 18th July.”

Hundreds of people responded to the post sharing memories of visiting the shop on childhood holidays and wishing the sisters well in their retirement.

The shop has been listed as ‘sold’ on Rightmove, although it not believed that the new owners will continue the John Wherritt brand.

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