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Pretty city where you can buy three-bed homes for less than £35,000 – and there’s no catch

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Pretty city where you can buy three-bed homes for less than £35,000 - and there's no catch

PROSPECTIVE homebuyers will be shocked to learn that there remains an area in Britain where three-bed homes go for over £200,000 less than the UK average.

As house prices continue to climb, more and more Brits are struggling to achieve their dreams of home ownership.

Homes in this region go for well below the UK average

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Homes in this region go for well below the UK average

Today, first-time buyers typically fork out well over a quarter of a million pounds for a place of their own.

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Just this month, a report by Zoopla showed that the typical house price in the UK is £267,100 as of August 2024.

But if you’re willing to be flexible, all hope is not lost. There are still a few locations across the UK where homes are well below the national average – and they’re easily commutable to major cities.

The stunning city of Durham and nearby town of Hartlepool are packed with properties that go for less than £40,000 – and there’s catch.

The location in northeast England also has strong connectivity to the major cities in the area.

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For example, a train from Durham to Newcastle takes just 16 minutes and a return ticket costs less than £4, while it’s just 45 minutes to York.

Meanwhile, a train from Hartlepool to the UK’s eighth-largest city takes less than an hour.

Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, told The Sun there are still parts of the country where it’s “possible to purchase a house for under £40,000, well below the UK average of £267,100.

“These include areas like Durham and Hartlepool, which provide easy access to the Northumberland Coast and the city of Newcastle with its many amenities including an international airport and high-speed train links to other major UK cities,” he said.

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Take a look at the cheapest houses up for grabs in these areas.

Best schemes for first-time buyers

Two-bed terrace in Horden, County Durham – £34,950

This house comes with two beds and a bathroom.

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This house comes with two beds and a bathroom.Credit: ZOOPLA
The kitchen and living space could require a bit of work.

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The kitchen and living space could require a bit of work.Credit: zoopla

This two-bed terrace house is up for sale on Zoopla for £34,950.

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The property has one bathroom and is located in Horden

Better yet, this home is just a six-minute walk from the local village train station, which is about a 30-minute train ride to Sunderland city.

This home will undoubtedly require a bit of work before you can move in, so it is worth factoring this in when looking at an affordable property such as this one.

But, you might be able to get a mortgage on this house with a 10% deposit of just £3,495.

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If you got accepted for a 25-year loan with 5% interest, you would be required to pay back around £183 per month.

Two-bed terrace in Hartlepool – £34,950

This two-bed in Hartlepool is on the market for £34,950

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This two-bed in Hartlepool is on the market for £34,950Credit: ZOOPLA
It comes with one bathroom and a kitchen area.

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It comes with one bathroom and a kitchen area.Credit: ZOOPLA

This two-bed property also costs £34,950 and is located in Hartlepool, also in County Durham.

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A listing on Zoopla shows this property comes with two bedrooms, one bath and one reception room.

It is about a seven-minute drive to Hartlepool train station, which is well-linked to Durham, and is 0.2 miles away from the local primary school.

Again, this home would probably require a fresh lick of paint and a few refurbishments before a family or tenant could move in.

You could get a mortgage with a 10% deposit of £3,495.

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Two-bed terrace in Durham – £35,000

Zoopla has listed this two -bed in Durham for £35,000

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Zoopla has listed this two -bed in Durham for £35,000Credit: Zoopla
It may require some work before a family moves in.

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It may require some work before a family moves in.Credit: Zoopla

This two-bed has definitely seen better days, but it’s hard to complain at such a low price.

A listing on Zoopla shows that this property in Sherburn Hill, is on the market for £35,000.

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It comes with one bathroom and a separate kitchen and lounge.

A 16-minute car journey will take you to Durham train station, where you can catch trains to Newcastle or York.

However, the area this house is in does not seem to be well connected to buses or other modes of transport, so it’s worth keeping that in mind.

On a property like this, you could get accepted for a mortgage if you have a 10% deposit of £3,500.

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Two-bed terrace in Horden – £39,950

This two-bed terrace in Hordan costs less than £40,000.

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This two-bed terrace in Hordan costs less than £40,000.Credit: Zoopla
It has a separate kitchen and living area.

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It has a separate kitchen and living area.Credit: ZOOPLA

This two-bed home in Horden costs just under £40,000.

According to a listing on Zoopla, it comes with one bath, a kitchen and a reception room.

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It is just a two-minute drive from Horden train centre or 10 10-minute walk if you don’t use a car.

The area is also surrounded by a selection of parks which are within walking distance from the home.

A mortgage calculator shows that you would need a deposit of £3,995 to buy this home.

The interest was calculated at 5% over 25 years meaning you would pay £210 per month.

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How to save for your first home

HAVE you ever wondered how first-time buyers manage to go from savers to homeowners?

Getting a foot on the property ladder might seem like a daunting task, but The Sun’s My First Home feature allows you to find out exactly what it takes to finally get the keys to your own place.

Leanne Gem managed to buy her £456,000 four-bed house with an “underrated scheme”.

Karis Jacobs and her husband George used the 50/50 method to buy their first home just two years after losing their jobs.

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Parents Chae and Cem used a “DIY Help to Buy scheme” to buy their £466,000 first home.

Anupam and his wife Shrabanti lost £6,000 free cash when buying their first home – here’s how you can avoid it.

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M&S shoppers clear shelves of ‘divine’ sweet and salty snack back on shelves NOW after ‘waiting all year’

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M&S shoppers clear shelves of ‘divine’ sweet and salty snack back on shelves NOW after ‘waiting all year’

Sweet treat shoppers have been clearing M&S shelves of this sweet and salty snack that has recently made a return to stores.

Described as ‘divine’ and on offer for just £2.50, the indulgent snack has been made available just in time for the run-up to Christmas.

Westfield Shopping Centre customers could head to their local branch to check shelves for the sweet treat

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Westfield Shopping Centre customers could head to their local branch to check shelves for the sweet treatCredit: Alamy
M&S shoppers have been waiting for the return of the festive find which has been described by some as "divine"

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M&S shoppers have been waiting for the return of the festive find which has been described by some as “divine”Credit: Ocado

Available in-store and online when shopping from Ocado, M&S have offered customers the chance to try out their Milk Chocolate Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Rolls.

Perfect for the festive season, the crunchy snack has been dipped in creamy milk chocolate and has been listed as suitable for vegetarians and as gluten free.

Social media users have been quick to react to a post from one bargain buyer who spotted the delight and shared on Facebook.

The photo has since gained over 5k reactions with a further 5k Facebook users flocking to the comments section.

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One user said: “I’ve waited all year for these beauties!!!”

Another wrote: “Oh I love these, I’ve been looking for them.”

Someone else put: “They are delicious xxx”

A fourth commented: “omg! Remember how many times I’ve eating these… so lovely.”

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Someone else said: “the way I would eat a whole bag!”

Those hoping to head in-store to make their purchase may want to phone up ahead to avoid disappointment due to stock levels.

Chloe Ferry shows of massive M&S Food haul as she manages to bag a week’s worth of food at discount price

Whilst those heading online should consider the added delivery fees.

One bag has been advertised as weighing 175 grams and offers around five servings – if you’re feeling generous.

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Party planners and sweet snackers have been offered far more than just the cinnamon treat with M&S revealing their Christmas range.

An incredible list of 450 new items has been unveiled, showcasing the supermarket giant’s finest festive food.

Other indulgent offerings include hot honey over halloumi in blankets, brie brulée and Turkey feast dip.

Shoppers hoping to bring the festive spirit into their home could even purchase a battery-powered snow globe or wind up biscuit tin.

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M&S CLUB REWARDS

ALL M&S credit card holders can sign up for the retailer’s Club Reward scheme.

It costs £10 a month and currently offers the following benefits:

  • Extra reward points: Customers receive two extra rewards points per £1 spent in M&S when using their card online and in-store on top of the rewards points you earn already
  • Free next day deliver: Shoppers get free next day delivery at no extra cost on full-price clothing, home and beauty purchases at M&S.com. This means you’ll save £5.99 per order.
  • Hot drinks vouchers: Members get 32 hot drink vouchers a year to spend on any sized hot drink M&S cafes. This leads to savings worth up to £88 a year.
  • M&S vouchers: Shoppers get £65 worth of free M&S vouchers each year. They get three £15 vouchers and one £20 voucher to spend in clothing or home departments, in-store or online.
  • Birthday treat: On your birthday, customers get a free £12 M&S food voucher.
  • Extra points abroad: Shoppers spending abroad can get three reward points for every £1 spent on purchases made in the local currency.

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Four handy gadgets that can be used for so much more than just hot drinks

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Four handy gadgets that can be used for so much more than just hot drinks

HOT chocolate season has officially arrived.

If you managed to grab Aldi’s Ambiano hot chocolate maker (a budget-friendly dupe of the pricey Hotel Chocolat velvetiser) you are in for a treat.

These handy gadgets can do so much more than just hot chocolates

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These handy gadgets can do so much more than just hot chocolates

But these handy gadgets can do so much more . . . 

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MILKSHAKE MASTERPIECE: Turn your hot choc maker into a milkshake machine.

Whip up your drink as you normally would. While it’s blending, fill a chilled glass with ice and pour in 100ml of cold milk.

Once the hot chocolate is ready, pour it over the cold milk and ice. Use a straw to stir the mixture, creating a thick, creamy milkshake.

READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS

To take it to the next level, add a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

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MARTINI MAGIC: Elevate your cocktail game with a decadent chocolate espresso martini — perfect for dinner parties.

Begin by making hot chocolate in your frother, then pour 50ml of it into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Add a shot of espresso, a shot of vodka and, for an extra touch of indulgence, a nice dash of Irish cream liqueur.

Shake vigorously until well mixed, then strain the cocktail into a martini glass. Dust the top with a little cocoa powder for a professional finish.

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I tested supermarket hot chocolates and winner was less than half the price of Cadbury’s – and twice as nice

DELICIOUS DESSERT: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a rich, velvety chocolate mousse. Warm 100ml of whole milk in the frother, then add two servings of hot chocolate.

Pour the mixture into a dish and pop it in the fridge for a few hours to set. Once chilled, you will have a luxurious, fluffy mousse to feast on.

COOL COFFEE: Why pay for expensive lattes when you can make your own? Just froth up some cold milk while brewing a shot of espresso.

Pour the espresso into a large glass filled with ice, then top it with your frothy milk. You could also add a few spoons of caramel or chocolate syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a tasty autumn twist.

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The result? A smooth creamy iced latte, made in the comfort of your home for a fraction of the price.

  • All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Save £9 on this 1,000-piece Clementoni Harry Potter puzzles at Home Bargains

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Save £9 on this 1,000-piece Clementoni Harry Potter puzzles at Home BargainsCredit: Home Bargains

AT home for half-term? Pick up this 1,000-piece Clementoni Harry Potter puzzle, RRP £15.99, currently £6.99 at Home Bargains.

SAVE: £9

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Cheap treat

Save 30p on this cute munchkin pumpkin at Asda

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Save 30p on this cute munchkin pumpkin at Asda

CREATE the perfect autumn display with a cute munchkin pumpkin, usually 79p, now 49p at Asda.

SAVE: 30p

What’s new?

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DOWNLOAD the All Bar One app to claim a free glass of Moet & Chandon champagne during October. If you have already got the app, you can still take advantage – just check the offers section.

Top swap

The Bottega Veneta Hop tote bag is £3,670

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The Bottega Veneta Hop tote bag is £3,670
Marks & Spencer's braided tote bag is just £45

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Marks & Spencer’s braided tote bag is just £45

WISH you could splash out on the Bottega Veneta Hop tote bag, £3,670 from bottegaveneta.com?

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Head to Marks & Spencer for its braided tote bag, for a much more reasonable £45.

SAVE: £3,625

Little helper

FOR an affordable half-term activity, check out the Pumpkin Carving event at various Cherry Lane garden centres.

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Kids will also enjoy a creepy cookie and a zombie dance-off. Tickets are £6.99 per child, and two adults can join in for free.

Shop & save

Save £15 on these blue beautiful plates from Dunelm

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Save £15 on these blue beautiful plates from Dunelm

SERVE up tea on these blue beautiful plates from Dunelm. The Hampton 12-piece dinner set was £30, now £15.

SAVE: £15

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Hot right now

SHOP online at jdwilliams.co.uk and save 25 per cent when you use the code SPARK at checkout.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

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Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle

JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

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Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

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Dunelm slashes price of cosy autumn home decorations to just £1 in huge 75% off clearance

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Dunelm slashes price of cosy autumn home decorations to just £1 in huge 75% off clearance

BARGAIN buyers have been legging it to their local Dunelm branch to get their hands on these latest autumn home essentials – and you won’t believe the price.

With a huge clearance sale on offer, savvy shoppers could be in store for a treat before Christmas or could nab the items to gift to their friends.

Milton Keynes locals could head to their nearest branch to discover remaining clearance stock on shelves

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Milton Keynes locals could head to their nearest branch to discover remaining clearance stock on shelvesCredit: Getty

Online shoppers have been offered an incredible deal with five separate items now available to be delivered straight to their door.

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Dunelm shoppers heading to the site should be as quick as they can before the items get snapped up by others.

Perfect for self-indulgence or a stocking filler for family, the Apple & Cinnamon crackle candle has been put on offer for 50% off the original price.

Boasting “hints of vanilla” and “golden spices”, the “cinnamon-dusted muscovado sugar” scent offers to burn up to 30 hours.

Available for home delivery and in your nearest store depending on stock levels, the candle which crackles as it burns has been reduced to a remarkable £1.50.

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The cosy autumnal crackle candle has been reduced 50% from its original price

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The cosy autumnal crackle candle has been reduced 50% from its original priceCredit: Dunelm
The discounted wax melts come in packs of six and have been festively shaped

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The discounted wax melts come in packs of six and have been festively shapedCredit: Dunelm
Unscented cinnamon sticks could be perfect for crafting and have been made available at half price

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Unscented cinnamon sticks could be perfect for crafting and have been made available at half priceCredit: Dunelm

For just 25 pence more, avid Autumnal fans could nab a set of six Wax Melts too.

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Shaped like leaves, the “Autumn Walks” offer an experience “reminiscent of walking through the woodlands”.

Others hoping to get hold of novelty shaped items could choose to purchase the on-the-go Pumpkin Air Freshener.

Reduced from £2 to £1 the item offers drivers the chance to catch a whiff of Autumn by infusing their car with the “delightful scent of pumpkin”.

Nature lovers and fans of decorative flair in their home could add Cinnamon Sticks to their basket.

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Priced at just £2, the beautiful bowl filler has been left unscented so could be ideal for crafts.

Those hoping to splash the cash could even be tempted by the Pumpkin Glass Tealight Holder which offers buyers the chance to nab the item in two colour ways for just £4 each.

Available in emerald and orange, the clearance value now means customers could buy two for the price of one.

That is not all on offer at Dunelm, with a further 75% clearance sale on other items.

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Anyone considering heading to their local Dunelm branch may want to phone up ahead to avoid disappointment due to stock levels.

Social media users have taken to posting the incredible clearance sale online to ensure others do not miss out.

One person commented: “I’m well overdue a visit”.

Whilst someone else said: “50% off I think a visit is needed.”

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Those hoping to get hold of the best offer on hand should consider shopping in-store due to potential delivery fees when ordering online to their door.

The Halloween season has even offered drivers the chance to enjoy the scent of Autumn

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The Halloween season has even offered drivers the chance to enjoy the scent of AutumnCredit: Dunelm
The stunning pumpkin candle has been made available in two different colour ways for those looking to add flair to their home this Autumn

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The stunning pumpkin candle has been made available in two different colour ways for those looking to add flair to their home this AutumnCredit: Dunelm

How to compare prices to get the best deal

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JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn’t mean it’s always a good deal.

There are plenty of comparison websites out there that’ll check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.

Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.

Here are some that we recommend:

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  • Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.
  • Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets. Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock.
  • Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one.
  • CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of.

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‘Need to get them!’, movie lovers raving over new M&M’s chocolate popcorn snack on shelves of major supermarket

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'Need to get them!', movie lovers raving over new M&M's chocolate popcorn snack on shelves of major supermarket

SWEET lovers are raving over new M&M’s chocolate popcorn snacks which are being sold at a major supermarket.

A picture of the Candy Pop Popcorn M&M Minis was posted in the Food Finds UK Facebook group, which has nearly 500,000 members.

A picture of the Candy Pop Popcorn M&M Minis was posted in the Food Finds UK Facebook group, which has nearly 500,000 members

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A picture of the Candy Pop Popcorn M&M Minis was posted in the Food Finds UK Facebook group, which has nearly 500,000 membersCredit: Facebook

One user, Danielle Boot, asked where they were from.

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Another user, Claire Louise Davies, said: “Seen these in food warehouse yesterday.”

Danielle replied: “Thank you so much.”

Another group participant, Caroline Scrase, said she got the “Twix one” at B&M.

Social media user Kayla Hecquet said: “I need to get these!”

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Becca Louise Fearn, who had tagged Kayla, replied: “Me too!”

Online convenience store HJodies lists the 5.25oz bags for £5.99.

The internet retailer describes the Candy Pop Popcorn M&M Minis as “the perfect snack for any occasion”.

The product description reads: “This delicious treat is made with fresh, fluffy popcorn with pieces of M&M’s.

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“This creates a delightful combination of crunchy and chewy textures.

Shoppers beg Cadbury’s to bring back 2005 recipe on iconic bar – as they moan current one ‘tastes like candle wax’

“Open a bag of Candy Pop Popcorn M&M Minis, and smell the aroma of fresh popcorn and sweet candy.

“The crunchy texture of the popcorn and the chewy texture of the M&Ms create a satisfying mouthfeel that will leave you craving more.

“The flavours of the candy glaze and the mini M&Ms perfectly complement the buttery taste of the popcorn.”

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It comes after B&M shoppers went wild after spotting a rare Cadbury chocolate bar with a twist on shelves.

Fans were left devastated when the chocolate giant discontinued Dream bars 20 years ago.

But discount chain B&M started selling a new version of the treat, also made by Cadbury, the Sun reported earlier this week.

It combined both Dream and Marvellous Creations to create a raspberry-flavoured white chocolate bar.

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Posting on the Newfoodsuk Facebook page, admins shared a whole selection of new chocolates found in the store.

They said: “Loads of new bars of chocolate spotted at B&M Stores.”

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New curry ‘hotter than the gates of hell’ made with world’s hottest pepper on shelves of major supermarket

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New curry 'hotter than the gates of hell' made with world's hottest pepper on shelves of major supermarket

A NEW curry that’s “hotter than the gates of hell” is now available at a major UK supermarket.

The Pepper X Chicken Tikka Masala at Iceland claims to be “made with the world’s hottest chilli pepper” and has an age restriction to buy.

The curry is part of a new range which requires buyers to be over 18

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The curry is part of a new range which requires buyers to be over 18Credit: Facebook
A UK Iceland store

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A UK Iceland storeCredit: Getty

The curry was crafted by Smokin’ Ed Currie, creator of the notorious Carolina Reaper.

In Facebook group Food Finds UK, one contributor shared a snap of the box – which features an X Factor-style logo.

They wrote: “Pepper X is almost twice as hot as the Carolina Reaper on the Scoville scale, coming in at almost 3m scovilles. The curry is a f**king demon.

“Oh, they also do a mac and cheese with pepper X too. £4 Iceland.”

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Commenters were quick to share their experiences with the curry.

One said: “My partner had this earlier this week…. his exact words were ‘hotter than the gates of hell’ and he loves spicy food.”

Another asked: “Do you get your milk free with it?”

One person added: “I’ve had a Madras before but this? This would be going to hell (literally, the Madras was basically nearly a bonfire but this curry would be diving into a volcano, although you’d be dead before you touch the magma, which’d be almost rock solid).”

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Though many were more than up for the challenge.

One person boasted: “3m is for the lightweights. Last one (sauce) I tried was just over 15m.

Four ways to save money on your weekly shop in Iceland

“Don’t know which was worse, the sauce or death nuts I did a few days after.

“Silly silly heat, but once past the shock it becomes easier.”

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AGE RESTRICTION

It comes after Iceland introduced an age restriction on meals in the Pepper X range – which also includes Chilli Mac & Cheese – due to the extreme levels of heat.

The searing products have Iceland staff geared up to check IDs at the tills, ensuring the measurably spicy meals are only sold to customers over 18, reports the Mirror.

Commenting on the new additions, Matthew Worsley, head development chef at Iceland Foods, said: “Our customers love spice, and they are always pushing us to turn up the heat.

“So, this time we have developed a range that will not disappoint.

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“Our Pepper X range is unlike anything we’ve ever offered to our customers before. It’s intense, it’s fiery and it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.

“With intense heat comes great responsibility, so to ensure only the most experienced spice enthusiasts can take on the challenge, we’ve decided to limit sales to customers aged 18 and over.”

The Pepper X chilli earned the title of the World’s Hottest Chilli from Guinness World Records in 2023.

The fiery meals arrived in select Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores from October 10, with a full rollout across all Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores, including online, by October 14.

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Discount chain with nearly 200 branches shuts ‘absolutely loved’ town centre shop for good

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Discount chain with nearly 200 branches shuts 'absolutely loved' town centre shop for good

A DISCOUNT chain with nearly 200 branches has shut its “absolutely loved” town centre shop for good.

The shop, based in the village of Ben Rhydding in Bradford, West Yorkshire, closed its doors forever on October 19.

The building was once a garage and car showroom

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The building was once a garage and car showroom
The Original Factory Shop took over 35 Woolworth shops in 2009

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The Original Factory Shop took over 35 Woolworth shops in 2009

The Original Factory Shop, on the corner of the A65 and Wheatley Lanea was once a garage and car showroom, but sadly the fate of the building has both been revealed and approved.

In August, Bradford Council’s planning panel approved the demolition of the building to make way for a drive-thru coffee shop.

Despite much controversy and uproar surrounding this plan, it seems the plan will be going ahead.

According to Telegraph & Argus, over 160 people wrote to Bradford Council, begging them to drop the plans.

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This was followed by another 61 people signing a petition against the application, put forward by The EG Group Ltd and Burley Developments Ltd.

The EG was founded by the billionaire Issa brothers who operates other sites such as Starbucks, Greggs and Krispy Kreme – indicating what could replace the building.

In a Facebook post, The Original Factory Shop shared the sad news with locals and pointed them to the nearest chain in Otley.

It said: “We take this opportunity to thank all of the local community and our store colleagues for their support throughout our time here in Ilkley.”

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Many unhappy locals have since taken to Facebook to share their thoughts.

One person wrote: “Absolutely loved the factory shop.”

Brechin’s Stevens Scotland Ltd Shuts Down: Dozens Lose Jobs Before Christmas

While a second took a guess at what could replace the building: “It’s being taken over by the company that owns Starbucks and Kristy Kreme, so most likely a Starbucks. Tesco have had the plans.”

In response to this comment, a person said: “Glad it isn’t krispy kreme, my diet would be out the window.”

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As locals questioned what could be replacing the shop, one person voiced their thoughts: “Well let’s hope they improve the aesthetics and make the signage in keeping with the town.”

Originally founded in 1969, the discount chain even turned 35 Woolworths stores into The Original Factory Shop stores.

It was also close to having 200 stores in the UK, but unfortunately this closure won’t get it any where nearer to that mark.

Alas, this news comes amid a wave of store closures across the UK.

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Retail woes

Other retailers, such as HomebaseBoots, and Clarks, have been reducing the number of their high-street branches.

Rising rents, energy bills, and the cost of living have also caused many retailers to fail.

Several big retailers have fallen into administration in the past year, including Wilko, Paperchase, and most recently, The Body Shop and Ted Baker.

The Body Shop collapsed into administration on February 13, putting its almost 198 branches at risk of closure.

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Since then, it has closed down 82 locations.

Why are retailers closing shops?

EMPTY shops have become an eyesore on many British high streets and are often symbolic of a town centre’s decline.

The Sun’s business editor Ashley Armstrong explains why so many retailers are shutting their doors.

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In many cases, retailers are shutting stores because they are no longer the money-makers they once were because of the rise of online shopping.

Falling store sales and rising staff costs have made it even more expensive for shops to stay open. In some cases, retailers are shutting a store and reopening a new shop at the other end of a high street to reflect how a town has changed.

The problem is that when a big shop closes, footfall falls across the local high street, which puts more shops at risk of closing.

Retail parks are increasingly popular with shoppers, who want to be able to get easy, free parking at a time when local councils have hiked parking charges in towns.

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Many retailers including Next and Marks & Spencer have been shutting stores on the high street and taking bigger stores in better-performing retail parks instead.

Boss Stuart Machin recently said that when it relocated a tired store in Chesterfield to a new big store in a retail park half a mile away, its sales in the area rose by 103 per cent.

In some cases, stores have been shut when a retailer goes bust, as in the case of Wilko, Debenhams Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Paperchase to name a few.

What’s increasingly common is when a chain goes bust a rival retailer or private equity firm snaps up the intellectual property rights so they can own the brand and sell it online.

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They may go on to open a handful of stores if there is customer demand, but there are rarely ever as many stores or in the same places.

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