Mr Muir said he had been “alarmed by some of the highly inaccurate and irresponsible commentary surrounding the team’s actions”.

Civil servants have received threats and abuse following controversy over the shooting of 51 cows in Co Tyrone, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has said.

Providing an update to MLAs, Mr Muir said that “no animal was chased around fields” by staff and no cattle were shot multiple times.

He did, however, state that some animals had made it onto a public road and had been chased “for a significant period of time” after a local farmer had expressed interest in buying some of the cows.

Stormont’s Agriculture Committee is due to meet on Monday to discuss the cull carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (Daera) Humane Slaughter Team on land near Fivemiletown in June.

Concerns have been raised by some political representatives about the nature of the incident and Mr Muir has ordered an external review of the circumstances.

Mr Muir provided a written update to MLAs on Thursday of actions taken by officials in his department.

He said it arose following a court order requiring the department to act after a man was convicted of a number of offences and disqualified for life from keeping animals.

The minister said the department gave the herd keeper three weeks to sell off or dispose of his animals, but he “only divested himself of a small number of animals”.

He said this left 51 cows on the land which had to be removed from the disqualified keeper.

Mr Muir said: “The department was unfortunately left with no reasonable alternative to comply with the court order, other than to euthanise the animals.

“While it is generally preferable for the animals to be removed from the premises and euthanised remotely, in certain circumstances, such as this case, it was the assessment of professional veterinary staff that this option was simply not possible.”

He said officials had decided the animals could not be moved to a different location.

He said that 50 cattle were “euthanised” on June 29 and another one the following day.

The minister said: “The staff in this team are highly trained, in line with best practice and legislative requirements, and highly respected across these islands for their expertise following procedures that provide for a humane death.”

Mr Muir said he had been “alarmed by some of the highly inaccurate and irresponsible commentary surrounding the team’s actions”.

He said: “Officials have outlined that no animal was chased around fields by Daera staff, no animal was shot multiple times, nor were there sounds of loud gunfire.

“It is standard practice that silencers are used, an important detail both from an animal welfare and from a public concern perspective.”

Mr Muir said the the animals were “collected and disposed of the next morning” with efforts made to keep this operation out of public view.

The minister added: “Two of the sites were very remote with limited public access and the cattle were euthanised on these sites by approximately 1.30pm on June 29 with no issues arising.

“On the third site, I understand that issues did arise when a local farmer approached staff at the scene to indicate a potential interest in purchasing some of the animals.”

Mr Muir said operations were “halted immediately to provide space for any transaction to take place”.

He told MLAs: “The local farmer seeking to purchase some of the animals, another individual and the herd keeper were facilitated to remove the animals from a field into a lorry.

“They chased the animals for a significant period of time and released them onto a public road which created further health and safety risks.

“While those actions delayed the completion of operations, ultimately Daera staff had to intervene as the individuals were unable to detain the animals which by that stage were stressed.”

Mr Muir said by this point there was a “small number of protesters at the site” but operations did not recommence until they had left the scene.

He added: “With the assistance of some neighbouring farmers, staff were able to move the remaining cattle from the road and they were subsequently euthanised.”

The minister said there had been “highly irresponsible and very misleading” political and public commentary about the cull.

He said: “Other commentary, particularly on social media, has had the effect of encouraging and provoking quite disgraceful and unacceptable reactions, including some that are abusive and clearly misogynistic.

“That commentary has led to threats being made against some Daera staff and multiple other staff being subjected to significant abuse online, in person and through written correspondence.

“That is not acceptable in any scenario, and certainly not when it comes to our civil and public servants carrying out their lawful duties.

“My senior officials now have to review risk assessments, reassure staff as to the value and importance of their work, and assess what specific security, policing or legal responses are required in the case of some comments.”

Responding to the ministerial statement, Agriculture Committee chairman and Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler said a “central question is whether every alternative to euthanasia was genuinely exhausted”.

He said: “The statement records that the keeper divested himself of some animals during the three-week period, and that on the day of the operation a local farmer approached staff indicating an interest in purchasing animals.

“If sale or transfer was possible for some of the herd, farmers will want to understand precisely why it was judged impossible for the remaining 51, and at what point that judgment became final.”

Mr Butler added: “Let me be clear about the treatment of departmental staff.

“The threats, online abuse and misogynistic commentary directed at Daera officials and veterinary staff are indefensible, and anyone amplifying such material should stop.

“Legitimate scrutiny and abuse are not the same thing, and neither should be used to excuse the other.

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said Mr Muir’s statement leaves “important questions unanswered”.

She said: “This information should not have come through a drip feed of statements and media reports over the past number of weeks. Given the level of public concern, the minister should have been far more forthcoming from the outset.”

Ms Erskine added: “The statement fails again today to apologise to constituents that witnessed this incident occur and are genuinely concerned by what happened in a quiet rural area.

“That should be at the very least something that could and should be offered at this stage.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

HMRC is due to publish its latest Advisory Fuel Rates from September, with the quarterly review potentially changing how much employers reimburse staff for business travel in company cars.

The rates are also used to calculate how much employees should repay if they use company-paid fuel for private journeys.

While the changes are usually linked to fluctuations in fuel prices, experts warn that using outdated rates could lead to incorrect mileage claims and, in some cases, unexpected tax consequences.

What are HMRC’s Advisory Fuel Rates?

HMRC reviews the rates every three months to reflect average fuel costs for company cars.

They are designed to help employers reimburse staff for business journeys without creating additional tax liabilities and to calculate repayments where company fuel has been used for personal travel.

Joe Lytwyn, personal finance expert at thimbl.com, said: “HMRC’s Advisory Fuel Rates are designed to reflect the average fuel cost of running a company car for business journeys.”

He added: “They’re reviewed every three months because fuel prices don’t stand still, so it’s important that businesses keep up with the latest figures.”

One mistake many drivers make

Lytwyn said many employees wrongly believe the rates apply to everyone who drives for work.

He explained: “One of the biggest misconceptions is that the rates apply to everyone who drives for work. They don’t.”

Instead, the Advisory Fuel Rates only apply to company cars.

Employees using their own vehicles for work are covered by separate HMRC mileage rules.

Could you end up paying more tax?

Using the wrong reimbursement rate can have tax implications for both employers and employees.

Lytwyn said: “If an employer reimburses above HMRC’s Advisory Fuel Rate without being able to justify the higher cost, the excess could become taxable.”

He added that employees who receive less than the advisory rate “may be able to claim tax relief on the difference in some circumstances.”

Keep good mileage records

Experts also say poor record-keeping is one of the biggest reasons mileage claims go wrong.

Lytwyn said: “Poor record-keeping is probably the most common issue. People often forget to log journeys properly, or they mix business and personal mileage together.”

Keeping a record of where you travelled, why the journey was for business and the miles covered can help avoid problems if HMRC or your employer ever questions a claim.

What drivers should do before September

With fresh Advisory Fuel Rates expected from September, drivers are being encouraged to check that any future claims use the updated figures.

Lytwyn said: “Don’t assume the current rates will remain the same.”

He added: “Once HMRC publishes the updated figures, check whether your employer has updated its mileage policy and make sure any new claims use the correct rates.”

He also recommended keeping mileage records up to date throughout the year, making it easier to challenge incorrect reimbursements or claim any tax relief that may be due.

It’s worth noting that the September rates have not yet been published, so drivers should continue using the current HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates until the updated figures are officially released.

Lidl announced earlier this year it had plans to open more stores in Cambridgeshire

A new Lidl supermarket could open in a Cambridgeshire village. Earlier this year, Lidl announced a “wish list” of 876 locations, including some in Cambridgeshire, where it wants to open new stores.

Plans have now been revealed for a new Lidl in Hartford, near Huntingdon. The proposed store is on a plot of land south of Main Street (B1514) in Hartford.

A Lidl spokesperson said: “A new Lidl foodstore off Main Street/B1514 in Hartford would provide local residents with an additional shopping option, while reducing the need to travel further afield for regular grocery shopping.

“The site, located to the east of Hartford and adjacent to Huntingdon Road, has previously been identified for development. We believe a new Lidl foodstore would deliver a range of community benefits, including greater access to affordable shopping and the creation of new jobs for local people.”

The land where the new store could be had outline planning approval for 25 to 30 homes. However, the Lidl spokesperson said this scheme had “not progressed”.

Lidl is seeking feedback from the public before it submits a planning application.

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It’s been a big week of song, dance and culture in the city as part of the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music.

It’s a mixed bag for Belfast’s weather this coming weekend as the city hosts the final days of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

It’s been a big week of song, dance and culture in the city as part of the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music.

More than 200 events and 180 traditional music competitions have been taking place across city venues, pubs, and streets throughout the week-long celebration that runs until this Sunday, August 9.

Weather-wise the weekend isn’t looking too bad despite some rain forecast for Saturday before conditions improve in the coming days.

Here’s what we can expect in Belfast on the weather front this coming weekend, according to the Met Office:

Today:

This morning will be dry across all parts with sunny spells. It will remain dry this afternoon with some bright or sunny spells. Warm, locally very warm across Down. Maximum temperature 20°C.

Tonight:

This evening will be dry with some late sunshine. Then it will become cloudy overnight with some light and patchy rain extending northeast for a time. Freshening southwesterly in the northwest. Minimum temperature 13°C.

Saturday:

Some hazy sunshine in the southeast at first; otherwise rather cloudy with some rain at times in the north and west, drier elsewhere. Maximum temperature 21°C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Outbreaks of rain on Sunday, turning drier later. Dry with some sunshine on Monday and Tuesday.

UK long range weather forecast: Tuesday 11 August – Thursday 20 August

A settled start, with mainly dry conditions on Tuesday, although with scattered showers across western areas.

Then through the week, more changeable conditions are likely across northern parts, with some spells of rain or showers and stronger winds, interspersed by drier periods. Whilst southern areas will generally see more settled, drier conditions where it will become very warm or hot.

Further into August, lower pressure may start to track further south or east. This means there is a greater chance of frontal systems or thundery interludes affecting southern and eastern areas compared to recent weeks, though rainfall amounts could be quite variable with some areas still seeing relatively little.

Temperatures look to remain above average, especially in the south, where it may be very warm or hot.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Kit Green has made it clear that he’s plotting to pin Theo Silverton’s murder on Gary Windass in Corrie

Coronation Street fans have demanded that Kit Green is ‘brought down a peg or two’ as he plots to pin Theo Silverton’s murder on Gary Windass.

It’s fair to say that fans of the ITV soap, which is filmed in Salford, have taken sides after copper Kit was seen issuing Gary with an ultimatum in a bid to get his partner, Sarah Platt, out of prison for killing the abusive builder.

As viewers will recall, the builder’s lifeless body was found by a horrified Betsy Swain on the night of her mum, Lisa Swain’s, wedding to Carla Connor, but it wasn’t until a week after the wedding aired that it was confirmed Theo had died after the murder was teased to be him and four other Weatherfield villains.

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A murder investigation quickly got underway, with Corrie confirming Theo’s husband, Todd Grimshaw, as a suspect, along with his loved ones, George Shuttleworth, Summer Spellman, Christina Boyd, as well as Theo’s friend-turned enemy, Gary Windass, and Theo’s ex-wife, Danielle Silverton.

But it was eventually revealed to Corrie viewers, in scenes aired in June, that it wasn’t any of the six, as it was Sarah who appeared to deal the blow that sent a drunk Theo tumbling off the scaffolding outside his flat and plummeting to the ground – before she called on her former flame, Gary, for help.

Unable to keep her secret for any longer, Sarah ended up confessing to Todd, who ended their friendship shortly after, and eventually told her detective beau the truth, when he dropped to one knee to pop the question. Despite his job, Kit vowed to help Sarah and as she didn’t want Gary to get into trouble either, he reluctantly agreed to help him too.

However, last month, Sarah was arrested on suspicion of killing Theo. She was later charged as the evidence stacked against her, and Sarah ended up admitting to the murder, telling DS Lisa Connor-Swain it was in self-defence.

Kit is now determined to get Sarah off the hook and during Thursday’s (August 6) visit to Weatherfield, which comes as a number of Corrie stars are filming what appears to be Sarah’s court case, having been spotted filming on location at Bolton Crown Court, he continued to search the data scrubbed from Gary’s phone after getting a favour from a mate.

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After he and Bethany Platt trawled Gary’s GPS data, he planned to search the waste ground for the metal pipe used to kill Theo. Later, Kit found Gary in the Rovers, where Kit told him he’d had “an interesting day” and to pop over to his and Sarah’s flat later.

When he did, Kit told Gary he knew where the murder weapon was and that the GPS data he found would be enough to place Gary there, even if the mental pole didn’t carry his DNA. Gary tried to fight back, but in the end, Kit issued him an ultimatum – he either confesses to Theo’s murder, or Kit will hand over what he knows.

And Corrie fans have made their feelings clear that, despite Gary’s dodgy past, they seemingly don’t want to see him go down for Theo’s death. @sam_fletcher78 said: “Team Gary! Kit needs to be brought down a peg or two!” @julie49parkinson commented: “Kit needs to do one. Team Gary!”

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@anoif_9090 posted: “Kit needs to be found out and punished!!” @bigabiggsy argued: “Kit n Gary together would be an unstoppable duo. Need as mates not rivals.” @riojuniperj wrote: “Can’t stand Kit! Please send him off with Jodie . Team Gary any day.”

@NoniFlax101 shared: “Kit thinks he’s so clever, but I doubt Sarah will forgive him for this – his vendetta against Gary is fuelled by nothing but jealousy. And Sarah would never betray Gary. #Corrie.” @SouthernCazza1 added: “Disliking Kit more and more. Liking Gary more and more. Praying that Bethany’s going to go to Gary and Sarah and snitch #Corrie.”

Donald Munro has been diagnosed with a rare, incurable cancer and has been placed on palliative care.

A terminally ill man is facing a race against time to fulfil his dying wish to see Bon Jovi live in concert. Donald Munro, 45, from the Highlands, has lived with the incurable muscle condition idiopathic torsion dystonia since childhood.

Despite spending most of his life in a wheelchair and facing significant physical challenges, he has refused to let his illness define him – even after being diagnosed with a small-cell carcinoma of the bladder, a rare, incurable cancer.

He has since been placed on palliative care. Donald, who now lives in Inverness, says his final wish is to see his music icons Bon Jovi, whose music has helped him through “good times and bad”. He was delighted when the rockers announced a show at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on August 28, but sadly failed to secure accessible tickets.

As time has become precious to him and his family, he is more determined than ever to make his wish come true – to attend the concert or even receive a short personal video message or video call from Jon Bon Jovi himself.

Donald told Edinburgh Live: “If I could see Bon Jovi one last time at Murrayfield, it would mean the world to me.

“If that’s not possible, a short video message or a quick video call would be something I’ll treasure forever.

“I tried to see Bon Jovi under my own steam and was disappointed to miss out.

“But I never imagined that, only a short time later, my circumstances would change so dramatically.

“I did everything I could to make seeing Bon Jovi live again happen. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

“The right medication and Bon Jovi’s music and has helped me build a life for myself I never imagined possible.”

Donald started experiencing muscle spasms in his arm aged eight which gradually spread to the rest of his body.

By the time he was diagnosed aged 10, his legs were too weak to support him and he used a wheelchair full time.

Music became his passion, particularly Bon Jovi. He says the band has provided the “soundtrack to his life”.

He was able to see them in concert at London’s Hyde Park in 2003, but has never had the opportunity again.

Donald said: “Bon Jovi allowed my body respond to music without me worrying about what anyone thought.

“For the first time in a long time, I felt like myself again.”

Donald’s friends have created a short documentary sharing Donald’s extraordinary story to help his wish come true.

They are inviting people to help spread the word in the hope that it reaches Jon Bon Jovi and his team.

Abi Macdonald, who has been helping coordinate the campaign, said: “Donald has faced challenges that most of us can’t begin to imagine, but anyone who meets him is struck by his warmth, humour and positivity.

“This campaign isn’t about sympathy—it’s about helping a genuinely remarkable man achieve one final dream. If enough people share his story, you never know where it might end up.”

The M29 7HN postcode that covers Avon Road in Tyldesley was one of 20 of the most recent winners announced on Friday, August 7.

Ticket holders who live in the postcode are entitled to a prize of £1,000.

They won today alongside 19 other postcodes nationwide.

The postcode around Avon Road in Tyldesley was one of the winners (Image: Google Maps)

Postcode Lottery is a subscription-based lottery which raises money for charities.

Not only do players win cash prizes, but good causes also receive essential support.

A participant’s postcode works as your ticket.

For £12.50 a month, participants are entered into every prize draw and there are guaranteed winners every day.

People play with their chosen postcode and are automatically entered into all draws.

Prizes include the weekly Millionaire Street prize and monthly £250,000 or Postcode Millions prizes.

If a postcode gets picked in the £250,000 prize, for example, every ticket in that postcode wins £250,000.

Every day, there are £1,000 prizes to be won for every ticket in 20 postcodes.

Anyone who plays with two tickets will receive double the winning prize amount.

Players have raised more than £1.8 billion for thousands of good causes in Britain and internationally, funding charities including Maggie’s, Alzheimer’s Society, Dogs Trust, Mind, NSPCC, and many others, as well as thousands of small local community projects.

While most runners are chasing after a new goal or a personal best, some are chasing after something slightly more elusive: a runner’s high.

Some describe it as euphoria. Others as calm, clarity or even a sense of being completely absorbed in the moment. Many people experience some version of it after a long run or a spin class.

For years, scientists believed the phenomenon was caused by endorphins, the body’s natural opioids. But more recent neuroscientific research now indicates that this might not wholly be the case.

Instead, a runner’s high appears to emerge from several brain systems working together. This explains why a runner’s high has so many far-reaching effects – and why these effects can often persist long after the initial experience of euphoria.

The brain’s own cannabis system

Endorphins are naturally-occurring brain chemicals which are released during periods of physical stress help to reduce pain.

Aerobic exercise increases circulating endorphins. Numerous studies have demonstrated higher levels of the endorphin beta-endorphin following prolonged aerobic exercise, such as running. This is why endorphins were long believed to be the sole cause of a runner’s high.

But there’s a key problem with the endorphin theory. This is because endorphins circulating in the blood struggle to cross the blood-brain barrier – the tightly regulated system that protects the brain from substances in the bloodstream.

So while endorphins may well contribute to pain relief elsewhere in the body, they cannot fully explain the feelings of euphoria and emotional wellbeing generated by a runner’s high within the brain itself.

So scientists began searching for another explanation.

The breakthrough came with the discovery that exercise also activates the endocannabinoid system.

Endocannabinoids are naturally produced by our bodies. They help with functions such as pleasure, memory and stress regulation.

One of the most important chemicals produced by the endocannabinoid system is anandamide, one of the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. It helps to reduce anxiety, ease pain and create feelings of calm and wellbeing. And, unlike endorphins, anandamide crosses the blood-brain barrier with ease.

After a long bout of aerobic exercise, blood concentrations of anandamide rise substantially. Once inside the brain, it activates cannabinoid receptors in regions involved in emotion, motivation, reward and pain perception.

The resulting effects are remarkably similar to many features of the runner’s high – including reduced anxiety, better movement, less pain and feelings of calm.

This isn’t to suggest that endorphins play no role in a runner’s high. Modern neuroscience suggests endorphins and endocannabinoids work together – with endocannabinoids probably playing the larger role in producing the emotional aspects of the experience.

Several other neurotransmitters also play a part in a runner’s high.

Dopamine, which is central to motivation and reward, helps reinforce actions that are beneficial for survival. Rather than simply producing pleasure, dopamine encourages us to repeat a behaviour that the brain considers valuable.

Serotonin contributes to emotional stability and wellbeing, while noradrenaline enhances alertness and focus.

Exercise also stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports the growth of new and existing brain connections and plays a vital role in learning and memory

Although BDNF probably doesn’t produce the immediate euphoria associated with runner’s high, it may help explain why regular running can improve various aspects of wellbeing.

The benefits of a runner’s high

A runner’s high is about far more than pleasure chemicals.

Running changes how different brain networks communicate. During prolonged, rhythmic exercise (such as running), activity within the default mode network – the collection of brain regions associated with self-reflection, worry and thinking – appears to decrease.

At the same time, brain regions involved in attention, movement and sensory processing become more coordinated. This shift may help explain why running often produces feelings of mental clarity or being completely immersed in the present moment.

For many people, the mental benefits of a runner’s high even outlast the run itself.

Exercise influences stress regulation, inflammation, neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and change), sleep quality and emotional processing. This combination of benefits is something which few medical interventions achieve.

Importantly, scientists are increasingly recognising that the mental health benefits of exercise extend well beyond the runner’s high itself. Even people who never experience the euphoria of a runner’s high still show meaningful improvements in mood, cognition and resilience with regular physical activity.

But for those who still want to chase after a runner’s high, research suggests there’s a sweet spot to achieving it – and it doesn’t require long-distance, extreme endurance.

Most studies report increases in endocannabinoids after approximately 30 to 60 minutes of continuous aerobic exercise performed at moderate to vigorous intensity – so roughly 70-85% of maximum heart rate. The key is that the physiological stress is high enough to trigger these neurochemical responses without overwhelming the body.

That said, there is considerable individual variation. Although one survey found that around two-thirds of recreational runners had experienced a runner’s high at least once, it didn’t necessarily happen on every run.

Some people also appear naturally more responsive to exercise-induced endocannabinoid release. Genetics, sex, fitness level, sleep quality, psychological state and even expectations may all influence whether someone experiences runner’s high on any given day, too.

TransPennine Express (TPE) said a reduced service will run until 10am today.

A spokesperson for the train operator also said trains across the network may be delayed or cancelled at short notice until noon.

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Around 2pm yesterday, electricity cut out in the main control hub for North West England’s railways – the Manchester rail operating centre – near Ashburys station in the city’s east.

National Rail said the severity of the disruption means a number of trains and crew are in the wrong locations for the start of today’s planned services.

Passengers are being advised to check their journeys before travelling.

TPE said tickets dated for August 6 can be used on any of its trains on the booked route today, August 7, without additional charges.

🎥 #Manchester – The visual disruption map video has been updated#DisruptionVideos

ℹ️ Full video can be found here: https://t.co/W9hvWNiTWc pic.twitter.com/M4498fL8qz

— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) August 7, 2026

Advance Purchase tickets for today will have relaxed restrictions, allowing travel on any TPE train on the booked route.

Refunds are available for cancelled journeys or if TPE passengers are unable to complete their travel.

Affected TPE passengers can also use their tickets at no extra cost on Avanti West Coast services between Edinburgh/Glasgow Central and Preston, CrossCountry services between Leeds, York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh, and LNER services between York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh, up until 12:00 today.

East Midlands Railway services between Liverpool Lime Street and Sheffield, Metrolink services between Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly, and Manchester Victoria, and all Bee Network buses are also accepting these TPE tickets up until 12:00 today.

The main services through York to the North West area terminate at Manchester Airport and Liverpool.