From front-page news to powerful moments you may have missed, this gallery showcases today’s top photos chosen by Associated Press photo editors.

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Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

Nikita Henderson, of Venable Road, Guisborough, was found guilty under the Single Justice Procedure at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on July 14.

The court heard Henderson deposited a cigarette on the ground at North Road, Durham bus station, on February 28.

This was in breached of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which makes it an offence to throw down, drop, or leave litter in public spaces.

Henderson, who did not attend court, was ordered to pay a £220 fine.

The court also imposed an £88 surcharge to fund victim services and £204 in costs.

A collection order was made for the total amount of £512, with payment due by August 11.

Court documents confirmed the case was proved in Henderson’s absence. 

Liverpool round-up as one of the Europe’s most exciting young players becomes available

A crucial pre-season is underway at Liverpool as Andoni Iraola attempts to revive the club’s fortunes following a torrid title defence. Preparations will move up a notch next weekend when the Reds face Sunderland in Nashville.

Further friendlies in the US, against Wrexham and Leeds United, will follow before home games against Monaco and Como ahead of the Premier League opener at Newcastle on August 23.

Two new players have joined the club so far this summer, with Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz arriving from Rennes and Osasuna, respectively. However, much more remedial work is needed if Liverpool are to launch a title challenge this season.

World Cup stars Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola are among a host of players to be linked with a move to Anfield. As new campaign edges closer, here’s a round-up of some of the latest Reds news…

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Reds beat Bayern

Liverpool have beaten Bayern Munich to the signing of Samuel Martinez. As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the Reds have agreed a fee of around £740,000 with Atletico Nacional for the attacking midfielder.

As part of the deal, he will remain at the Colombian side for a further 12 months and will arrive during next summer’s transfer window after turning 18 in April. The 17-year-old was wanted by a host of European giants, including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.

It has also emerged that Bayern were strong contenders for Martinez’s signature. The youngster had been on the radar of the German champions for months and was on their summer target list, reports TZ. Bayern scouts are said to have likened Martinez’s style of play to that of Brazilian legend Kaka.

They also had a trump card in the shape of the player’s agent, Daniel Neumuller, who is from Bavaria. However, it is Liverpool who appear to have won the race to sign him, even if fans will have to wait a year to see him in the flesh.

Mbaye on the move

The Reds have been put on alert after Ibrahim Mbaye of Paris Saint-Germain was made available for transfer. It’s no secret that the Reds are in the market for a wide man or two.

Hopes of signing Diomande appear to have faded, with the Ivorian reportedly holding out for a move to PSG and prepared to spend another season at RB Leipzig. Therefore, Liverpool may turn to 18-year-old Mbaye, one of the most exciting young talents in Europe.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Senegal star will leave PSG this summer, with super agent Jorge Mendes said to be “in control of his future.” The report adds that Premier League and Bundesliga clubs are on standby to take advantage of the situation.

While competition will be intense, the Reds would be an attractive proposition given the obvious vacancy on the right flank following Mohamed Salah’s departure.

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Ukrainian forces have struck three oil depots and a fuel facility in Russia’s southern Stavropol region this morning, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

The Ukrainian president said three Russian “shadow fleet” tankers were also hit in the Black Sea.

It comes after a major Russian aerial assault on Kyiv and other cities this morning, which Ukrainian authorities said killed at least six people and injured 16 others.

The attack on Ukraine’s capital is believed to be the biggest ballistic missile attack of the war.

The Kyiv government said firefighters were responding to blazes in five different districts after the attack, one of the biggest in recent weeks, hit residential buildings, office and industrial sites, a dormitory and vehicles.

Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said the raid involved “around four dozen” ballistic missiles, the largest number in a single attack since the war began.

The attack on Kyiv comes a day after Ukrainian drone strikes killed at least nine people at warehouses belonging to a major Russian shopping website.

Volodymyr Zelensky said the strikes targeted “significant logistical facilities”, accusing Wildberries of providing equipment for drones and navigation equipment for the Russian military.

Comment: The West is preparing for the wrong post-war Russia

The West has long assumed pressure would force Russia to moderate or collapse. Both assumptions misunderstand how the Kremlin responds to weakness, says senior policy adviser Dan Sleat.

Nicole Wootton-Cane20 July 2026 03:00

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Ukraine buries its unknown soldiers as families wait for identification

In a military cemetery in Kyiv, a brother and sister walk between the crosses, carrying a bunch of carnations. Each cross in that section bears the same words: “unknown defender of Ukraine,” with an ID number below and a note that identification is ongoing.

One grave stands out: beneath the inscription, a photo was later attached, showing Ihor Yalynych, a soldier last seen alive in Kharkiv region in 2022. After four years of searching, Stanislav and Oleksandra Yalynych found their father.

Identification of the dead is a reckoning that will stretch on for years, among the longest-lasting wounds of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Some graves may remain nameless forever, with the families left to wait.

For most of the war, there was nowhere to bury the unidentified dead. The bodies lay in refrigerated storage while the national military cemetery was still being built. Even before the cemetery was completed in January, the first group of the unknown soldiers were laid to rest in August. More than 300 now lie beneath numbered crosses, with more graves being dug.

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Nicole Wootton-Cane20 July 2026 02:00

A US license could let Ukraine produce Patriot missiles, but it won’t be simple or quick

US President Donald Trump’s pledge to give Ukraine a license to produce Patriot air-defence systems could mark a major breakthrough for Kyiv, but experts and Ukrainian officials warn that turning the idea into real weapons would likely take years.

Speaking last week alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump said the United States would allow Ukraine to make the US-designed systems that Kyiv has long sought to shield its cities and infrastructure from Russian missiles and drones.

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“We’ll give them the right to make Patriots. We’ll show them how to do it,” Trump said. “I think they can produce them pretty quickly.”

But the statement left open a crucial question: What exactly would Ukraine be allowed to produce?

Nicole Wootton-Cane20 July 2026 01:00

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I have visited Russia every year since the Ukraine war began. The mood has changed

The mood regarding the war in Ukraine has changed in recent months. Ukrainian drones have struck Russian oil infrastructure, causing fuel shortages across Russia. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is exuberant about finishing the war from a “position of strength”.

The hope is that an economic crisis in Russia leads to social unrest and political instability, possibly resulting in the collapse of the ruling regime. This would not be an unprecedented event in Russian history. The Soviet Union rapidly unravelled amid economic and political crisis in 1991.

But how likely is this scenario for Russia today? Alexander Titov writes:

Nicole Wootton-Cane20 July 2026 00:00

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Watch: Outrage in Ukraine as Zelensky sacks defense minister after six months

Nicole Wootton-Cane19 July 2026 23:00

How Storm Shadow missiles could be replaced by new UK strike weapons

Britain has successfully tested new long-range strike weapons, with the government aiming to deliver them to Ukraine within months to bolster its defence capabilities.

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The initiative, known as “Project Brakestop,” seeks to produce munitions more quickly and affordably than current systems like Storm Shadow missiles, with specifications including a 500km range, 225kg warhead, and speeds over 600km per hour.

Initial trials took place at a range in the Hebrides, involving three remaining suppliers – MBDA UK, MGI Engineering, and Rotron Aerospace – after a competitive development process that saw 27 industry bids.

Nicole Wootton-Cane19 July 2026 22:00

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Russian strike on cargo ship in Black Sea kills five, Kyiv says

Russian forces struck an international cargo vessel in the Black Sea off the coast of Ukraine’s southern city of Odesa, killing at least five crew members, Ukrainian officials said on Sunday.

The Guinea-Bissau-flagged ship had left port loaded with corn and was carrying a crew of 17 sailors from India and Syria, in addition to one Ukrainian, said Prime Minister Sergii Koretskyi.

Eight crew members were rescued from the vessel — which was still burning late ⁠on Sunday — and five remain missing, he added.

A Reuters witness in Odesa saw smoke billowing from a large vessel off the coast. Moscow has not publicly commented on Sunday’s strike. Russia has stepped up attacks in recent weeks on deepwater ports in southern Ukraine that handle much of the country’s grain and other critical cargo in the fifth year of war.

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“A civilian ship. An international crew. A route serving global food security. Putin saw another target,” acting Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“This attack leaves no room for illusions. ‌Putin’s Russia does not care whom it ​kills.”

On Saturday, one person was killed when Russia attacked port infrastructure in Odesa, hitting a vessel under the flag of Antigua and Barbuda. A day earlier, three people were ‌killed in Russian ​strikes on Odesa and ‌Mykolaiv.

Holly Bancroft19 July 2026 21:26

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Protesters rally in Kyiv as Zelensky moves to oust Ukraine’s defense minister

Protesters gathered in downtown Kyiv earlier this week after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky moved to dismiss his defence minister, as parliament convened to appoint a new prime minister as part of a major government reshuffle.

The shake-up could become a test of Zelensky’s political authority as Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches four and a half years.

Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, 35, is considered to be a moderniser whose technological expertise is credited in part with a significant improvement in Ukraine’s military performance in recent months against Russia’s bigger army. He was expected to leave the government after just six months in the post.

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You can read more about the protests below:

Nicole Wootton-Cane19 July 2026 21:00

Recap: Russia pounds Kyiv with 41 different types of missiles in overnight attack

Russia hit Kyiv with an overnight onslaught involving 41 different types of missiles in the early hours of Sunday morning, Volodymyr Zelensky said.

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Residential buildings, warehouses, a supermarket and a dormitory were among the structures damaged, said Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, adding that three people were ⁠in a serious condition.

At one location in western Kyiv, emergency workers picked through smouldering debris ⁠and doused bombed-out apartments.

Closer to the city centre, the strikes damaged a frequently targeted metro ‌station and destroyed an underground pedestrian passage nearby, leaving a pile of ‌rubble.

Nicole Wootton-Cane19 July 2026 20:00

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Kyiv residents react to Russian strikes

Residents in Kyiv have spoken of their determination and fear after Russia launched an overnight onslaught of strikes on the capital.

A resident who identified himself as Vlad told Reuters he had been inside his ​apartment when ⁠a blast tore off his balcony door, which ‌smashed him in the head.

“My grandmother lives with me, and she can’t walk. How could I run away and leave her behind?” he said.

Others continued ordinary life with quiet resilience. Later on Sunday, ⁠workers cleared rubble from around the damaged Kyiv metro station and caved-in underpass as passersby looked on, ⁠seemingly unfazed.

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Fruit vendors resumed business as usual in their makeshift stalls as an excavator poured debris into a dump truck in the background.

“Kyiv will ‌flourish,” said Iryna Lomeyko, 68, ​hinting at the stubborn normality of a neighbourhood that has ‌been heavily damaged by repeated Russian strikes.

“Those idiots destroy ​everything, but we’ll repair it and build anew,” she added. “Everything will be alright.”

Nicole Wootton-Cane19 July 2026 19:00

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US President Donald Trump took center stage at MetLife Stadium on Sunday as he awkwardly invaded Spain’s iconic trophy lift at the end of the FIFA World Cup final. 

The European outfit clinched their second World Cup title after beating Lionel Messi‘s Argentina 1-0 in extra time, following a late strike from forward Ferran Torres.

Shortly after the full-time whistle, the US President made his way down to the field, where he was loudly booed by the crowd before making his way onto the stage alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.

Trump and Infantino handed out various awards to match officials and players, before officially welcoming Spain’s players up to the stage to lift the World Cup trophy.

The US President presented the prestigious title to Spain captain Rodri, who took great pleasure in raising it aloft in East Rutherford.

Much like when he presented the Club World Cup title last summer, Trump stood awkwardly alongside the Spain squad as they lifted the trophy and celebrated wildly.

The President, along with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, presented the trophy to Spain’s Rodri

It appeared as though Infantino attempted to usher Trump away – but the President remained

It seemed as though, when Spain were about to perform the trophy lift, Infantino had attempted to usher Trump away from the players – though the President remained. 

He stood to the side of the squad as the confetti cannons went off at MetLife Stadium, clapping and grinning while Infantino laughed off Trump’s awkward cameo.

There were an estimated 1.5-1.8 billion viewers tuning in to watch the summer tournament’s showpiece finale, where Trump and Infantino took center stage once again. 

Loud boos had come from the stands when Infantino and Trump made their way onto the pitch, as fans made their feelings on the duo undoubtedly clear. 

Prior to the official trophy lift, Trump also handed out silver medals to Argentina’s players – including Lionel Messi – after their heartbreaking defeat in New Jersey. 

Fans noted that one Argentina star – Tottenham defender Cristian Romero – completely ignored the President as he collected his medal from Infantino. 

In a video which swiftly went viral on social media, the Argentinian could be seen receiving his silverware from the FIFA chief before waltzing past Trump on stage. 

Meanwhile, Trump also presented a trio of awards to Spain’s stars; including the Young Player of the Tournament, the Golden Glove and the Golden Ball – which were claimed by Pau Cubarsi, Unai Simon and Rodri respectively.

Trump and Infantino stood on stage as golden confetti rained down around them in New Jersey

The US President welcomed Spain’s stars onto the stage before presenting the prestigious title

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The President also handed out silver medals to Lionel Messi and Argentina after their loss

Trump pictured presenting Lamine Yamal with his medal after the 1-0 win at MetLife Stadium

Argentina defender Cristian Romero appeared to ignore Trump as he walked on stage

There was a degree of irony in regards to Trump presenting Spain with the World Cup trophy, after previously launching a stinging attack on the country at a UN summit earlier in July for not contributing enough money to NATO. 

‘Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. They don’t participate. They don’t pay. I don’t want anything to do with Spain. Cut off all trade with Spain, please, including visits,’ he said. ‘Don’t even talk to them. They’re hopeless, bad people.’

Then, on his way back to the United States on Air Force One, Trump said Spain had tried to improve their standings with him.

‘I did have issues, and ​I still do. But Spain, they came back all the way today. Spain was very generous today,’ he said.

‘They honoured a request for lots of payments, and if they didn’t, we wouldn’t have even ⁠talked to them.’

Earlier in the day, Trump and his wife Melania were seen taking in the action inside a packed MetLife Stadium suite – alongside FIFA President Infantino, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Trump also shook hands with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez as Infantino stood beside them.

Spain’s Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI also greeted the president. Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, is watching the game from home due to ‘superstition,’ The New York Times reported. 

Trump cozied up to FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the private suite on Sunday afternoon in New Jersey

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Inside the private suite, Infantino posed for pictures with the president’s son, Eric Trump, his wife, Lara, and their children

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania joined the massive crowd at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the 2026 World Cup final match 

The commander-in-chief also waved at the crowd from behind the glass. 

Inside the private suite, Infantino posed for pictures with the president’s son, Eric Trump, his wife, Lara, and their children. Barron Trump also showed up for the big game.

Ahead of the match, Trump told Fox News’ Jenny Taft on the FIFA Red Carpet that ‘it’s hard to bet against Messi,’ speaking of Argentina’s 39-year-old star.

However, in the end, it wasn’t to be for the veteran soccer star after he and Argentina came up short in their battle against European outfit Spain in East Rutherford. 

The match was decided by a ferocious, close-range strike from Spanish star Ferran Torres in the 106th minute, after a 0-0 stalemate at the end of regulation time. 

However, there were ugly scenes once the full-time whistle blew – with a number of frustrated Argentina stars taking out their anger on Spain’s players after their loss.

After the whistle, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was sent off for punching Eric Garcia and pushing Gavi to the ground. 

Argentina’s Nahuel Molina also punched Rodri in the torso as he was running by, while Thiago Almada was involved, too. 

Lionel Messi’s bid for back-to-back World Cup titles ended in failure after their loss to Spain

Several stars clashed after Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina – but the South Americans started it

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Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was sent off after the whistle for getting violent with Spain 

Micah Richards said of their behaviour on the BBC: ‘It’s embarrassing. They were on the cusp every single time. 

‘Seeing that sort of stuff after the game was played, it’s not good, it’s embarrassing to be honest. Paredes is better than that. We all know what it’s like to lose a game but this is not good enough.’

Argentina only had two shots in the entire match, and the first of those only came in the 117th minute. 

By contrast, they committed 24 fouls – though Spain didn’t have clean hands themselves, as they gave away 21. 

Elsewhere on the day, World Cup fans branded FIFA’s controversial first-ever World Cup halftime show starring Madonna and Justin Bieber a ‘disaster’ on Sunday.

The futuristic segment began with Madonna, 67, singing her 2000 hit Music, accompanied by giddy Brazilian World Cup legends Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho. 

The toned music legend was dressed head-to-toe in Saint Laurent, wowing in a pink satin teddy jacket and corset, mini shorts and lace-up boots, paired with stockings as she embraced the soccer icons, before they drove her out into the stadium.

The unlikely trio then posed up on the grass and smiled at the crowds. 

Madonna and Justin Bieber’s performances during the World Cup halftime show divided fans

Shakira showed off her toned frame as she performed her hit Dai Dai with Burna Boy 

Justin Bieber made a starkly different impact on the crowd as he stepped out with only a guitar to sing a World Cup-themed version of his song Everything Hallelujah – leaving fans baffled

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Bieber, 32, made a starkly different impact on the crowd as he stepped out with nothing but a guitar to sing a World Cup themed version of his song, Everything Hallelujah.

The singer was bizarrely subbed onto the pitch by Jason Sudeikis, playing his manager alter-ego Ted Lasso. 

The star looked relaxed as he casually walked onto the pitch before belting out his hit track, adding the final line, ‘it’s the World Cup, Hallelujah’ – with fans left baffled by his song choice. 

Shakira returned to the World Cup stage as she flaunted her toned abs in a pink and yellow sequined bodysuit to perform her hit Dai Dai, with Burna Boy, while K-pop sensations BTS regaled the crowd with Dynamite.

As well as a halftime show, the World Cup final also included a closing ceremony that featured performances and appearances from Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, influencer IShowSpeed, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams and Italian singer Laura Pausini. 

Fish fingers are a staple in many households, but is it worth splashing out on a premium brand or can you get just as good a taste for less? We put some of the UK’s leading supermarket own-brand fish fingers to the test to find the best

Britons are famed for their passion for fish and chips, and equally cherished is rustling up a faster, simpler homemade version using fish fingers. Whether it is a fish finger sandwich or a quick teatime meal for the children served with chips and peas, it continues to be a household staple.

Simple and no-nonsense, fish fingers are a reliable dish that families repeatedly turn to. Numerous shoppers instinctively grab Birdseye, unaware that significantly cheaper and equally tasty alternatives to their treasured staple are widely available.

So, why not discover whether a more affordable option could lure you away from the household names?

Emily Malia decided to put several of Britain’s top supermarket own-brand fish fingers to the test in the Daily Record. She aimed to establish whether they can compete with the likes of Bird’s Eye, or whether paying more genuinely results in better quality, tastier fish.

All fish fingers were cooked for approximately 12-14 minutes at 200 degrees in the oven to ensure fair comparison, although you can experiment with other cooking methods such as frying.

Asda

The classic orange-hued breadcrumbs were satisfyingly crispy and crumbly, although the overall taste was somewhat muted.

Indeed, they proved surprisingly moreish due to their lightness, yet you hope to feel properly satisfied following your evening meal rather than left craving more. In terms of flavour, the fish taste was noticeably mild – simply not pronounced enough.

The texture, however, delivered a delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality once you broke through the crispy coating.

3/5

M&S – £2.50

Emily immediately recognised this would be a premium fish finger because it excelled in flavour, considerably stronger and chewier, so you genuinely feel like you’re consuming some protein.

The batter was crispy yet thinner compared to options such as Asda’s, though still delightful.

She would purchase these again without hesitation, although £2.50 is pricier than Birdseye itself, making this more of a premium choice. In our writer’s view, it’s worth the extra cost.

5/5

Sainsbury’s

Simply handling a Sainsbury’s fish finger, you can sense it’s nearly half the thickness compared to options like M&S. It feels thin and inexpensive, with a greater breadcrumb-to-fish proportion.

Flavour-wise, it seemed remarkably similar to Asda’s offering, lacking much taste, but in this instance there’s also an unsatisfactory texture. It doesn’t melt in your mouth or provide a pleasant chew either; it’s a fairly mediocre dining experience.

Perhaps grilling them might yield superior results for those prepared to experiment and at just 80p, Emily believes it’s worth attempting.

2/5

Bird’s Eye – £2.10

These were scrumptious, and while noticeably thinner and paler in appearance, they were significantly chewier and packed with more flavour. They are a well-regarded brand for good reason, and their fish expertise is evident.

While their coating was crispier and less crumbly, more akin to a traditional fish finger — something Emily personally finds appealing — their original variety feels far more comforting and nostalgic to her.

Emily still maintains that M&S beats these fish fingers, although they certainly come close, and at just 40p cheaper, this remains a dependable choice that won’t let you down.

4/5

Tesco

At a much more accessible price, these fish fingers represent a brilliant budget-conscious choice, offering a creamy fish flavour rather than the more robust tastes encountered elsewhere.

Flavour-wise, they certainly performed well, delivering a considerably gentler fish taste that will suit those preferring milder options, complemented by a melt-in-your-mouth texture with minimal chewiness.

However, the outcome was somewhat soggier than multiple rivals, and the exterior lacked the crunch Emily would have liked, with the fish fingers falling apart quite readily and adhering to the baking tray to some extent.

4/5

The pub closed down in February of this year

A Cambridgeshire pub could be given a new lease of life just months after closing. Back in February, the Sir Henry Royce pub in Broadway, Peterborough, closed its doors.

A fundraiser was set up to try and save the pub, however not enough money was raised. Now months on from its closure, the pub could reopen with new owners.

Amber Taverns Ltd has submitted a premises licence application to Peterborough City Council to transfer the premises licence. The pub was previously owned by the Craft Union Pub Company, which didn’t renew the pub’s lease.

In a notice of application for the premises licence, the potential new owners seeks to “alter the internal structure of the premises”, as well as change the opening hours.

If approved, the Amber Taverns Ltd would open the pub from 9am until 1.30am on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays and 9am until 2.30am on Wednesdays to Saturdays. The applicant also wishes to open the pub for longer in seasonal times.

For example, they seek to open the pub until 2am on Christmas eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. To prevent crime and disorder, the applicant will implement a zero tolerance drugs policy and have door supervisors.

For public safety, staff will be trained for the Challenge 25 policy, fire training and the ask Angela policy. CCTV will also be installed at the pub.

The Sir Henry Royce reopened under its current name in March 2015. It was named after the engineer and founder of Rolls Royce, Sir Henry Royce.

Sir Henry Royce was born in the village of Alwalton, around five miles from Peterborough city centre, in March 1863. He died in West Wittering in April 1933.

To prolong the life of your fresh tomatoes, one woman suggests washing them in two common household ingredients to preserve them prior to placing them in the fridge

As the hot weather continues, more and more of us are opting for a light tea, particularly ones that include salad. With that in mind, ideally we’d be able to make our fresh produce last as long as possible to get the most for our money.

One woman claims tomatoes can stay fresh in the fridge for two weeks if you wash them in two common ingredients before you store them. Aveon began a TikTok video by placing her tomatoes in the sink before sprinkling on baking soda and a small amount of distilled vinegar.

She then added water to the basin to rinse – just enough so that the fruits were submerged.

Aveon dabbed the tomatoes dry with kitchen roll before dropping them into a glass preserving jar and putting it into the fridge.

“Take a mason jar, and place a paper towel in the bottom. Put your tomatoes in the jar, and place in the fridge! Voila! Fresh tomatoes for 2 weeks,” she said.

Supporting the advice, meanwhile, experts from Consumer Reports had their say on vinegar and baking soda.

“If you want to remove bacteria, there’s research that shows that soaking greens in vinegar or a vinegar-water solution can reduce bacteria levels, though it won’t kill all bacteria,” they explained online.

Consumer Reports added: “Soaking in baking soda and water can be an effective way of removing some pesticides.

“A 2017 study found that submerging apples in a baking soda solution for 2 minutes removed more pesticides than a 2-minute soak in a bleach solution or a rinse under running tap water.”

They summarised: “As a general rule, we suggest washing all produce, including those that will be peeled, in cold running water for 15 to 20 seconds.

“Make sure you do it before you cut into the fruit or vegetable so that you don’t transfer any bacteria or pesticides from the surface to the flesh. You can also use a vegetable brush or rub the produce with your hands if it has a tougher skin.”

Should you be concerned that your tomatoes have spoiled, there are typically several telltale signs to look out for.

These include visible mould, a mushy or wrinkled texture, and an unusual odour, all of which may suggest the tomatoes are no longer fit for consumption.

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But along a quiet stretch of canal in Little Lever, they’re impossible to ignore.

On warm summer days, colourful wings drift through the wildflowers at Nob End Nature Reserve, creating one of Bolton’s most spectacular free wildlife experiences just minutes from the town centre.

Running alongside the former Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal, the reserve has become a haven for some of Britain’s best-loved butterflies, from the striking peacock to the bright yellow brimstone, while dragonflies skim across the water and orchids bloom beneath them.

Peacock butterfly (Image: NQ)

It is a far cry from the area’s industrial past.

Nob End, close to the Meccano Bridge off Boscow Road, was once used for dumping waste from the local chemical industry.

(Image: NQ)

Yet the lime-rich ground left behind created something remarkably rare – a species-rich calcareous grassland that is now protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Today, that unusual habitat is one of the reasons butterflies thrive here.

During a recent Butterflies of Bolton walk organised by Groundwork Greater Manchester, visitors were treated to sightings of several species as they fluttered between the flowers lining the towpath.

Andrew spoke to the group about all types of species of butterfly (Image: NQ)

Among them was the peacock butterfly, instantly recognisable by the four colourful ‘eyes’ on its wings.

Those markings aren’t just for show either – they’re designed to startle hungry birds, while the butterfly can even make a faint hissing sound if disturbed.

This is almost certainly another Peacock butterfly with its wings closed (Image: NQ)

You may also spot the brimstone gliding through the reserve.

Its vivid lemon-yellow wings are so distinctive that many historians believe it inspired the word “butterfly” itself, while its clever leaf-shaped wings help it disappear when it settles among the trees.

The small tortoiseshell is another regular visitor.

Although common in gardens, it depends almost entirely on humble nettles during its caterpillar stage, proving that leaving patches of wild plants untouched can make a huge difference for wildlife.

In the shadier parts of the towpath, keep an eye out for the speckled wood.

Small Heath (Image: NQ)

Unlike many butterflies, it has flourished as Britain’s climate has warmed, extending its range across northern England over recent decades.

The butterflies are only part of the attraction.

Dragonflies patrol the canal throughout the summer, bees buzz between the wildflowers and rare orchids bloom across the grassland that has transformed this once-industrial landscape into one of Greater Manchester’s richest wildlife sites.

The route starts from Meccano Bridge on Boscow Road in Little Lever (BL3 1AB), , although it can also be reached from Moses Gate Country Park or by catching the 524 bus from Bolton town centre.

There is no admission fee, no booking required and no set route to follow.

All you really need is a warm, dry afternoon, a little patience and your eyes on the flowers.

With the summer holidays now under way, it might just be one of Bolton’s most underrated free days out.