A good weighted vest should balance comfort, fit and function. If it pinches, rubs or feels tight, you are unlikely to use it. Look for adjustable straps with Velcro or buckles, ensuring a snug fit that suits your build.

Think about how you’ll use it. Runners need a vest that stays in place, while gym-goers should choose shorter styles that allow free movement for squats and lifts. For everyday wear or walks, comfort and a slim fit that works under outer layers are key.

If you plan to use it across different activities, opt for a vest with removable weights. This lets you adjust the load easily and practise progressive overload; the gradual increase of weight or intensity that helps build strength. Check the quality of the weight pockets and materials, since frequent use demands durability.

Finally, consider practicality. Some vests take time to set up, but once fitted, it should be simple to put on, remove and adjust mid-session. A well-chosen vest makes strength training and daily activity noticeably more effective.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows said the Irish State “collectively failed its duty towards its citizens” and should have made sure people were extradited for terrorism in Northern Ireland

The Irish Government does not need to apologise for its extradition policy on terror suspects during the Troubles, the Foreign Affairs Minister has said.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows said that the Government of Ireland should state that its conduct during the Troubles was “unjustified and unjustifiable”, in reference to words used by then prime minister David Cameron during his 2010 public apology for the Bloody Sunday killings in Derry.

On Bloody Sunday, 13 people were shot dead when members of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in the Bogside area of Derry on January 30 1972, regarded as one of the darkest days of the Troubles.

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Another man shot by paratroopers died four months later. Many consider him the 14th victim of Bloody Sunday but his death was formally attributed to an inoperable brain tumour.

Mr Burrows, a former chief inspector in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, told the Irish Times that the Irish State’s approach to extradition during the Troubles “stands out as an equivalent of Bloody Sunday” over “a long period of time”.

Expanding on his view on Monday, Mr Burrows said: “Many terrorists after they committed acts including murder, fled to the Irish Republic, and there was a failure of the Irish State to extradite them back to the United Kingdom, back to Northern Ireland to face justice.

“There was virtually a blanket refusal to extradite them. And not only did that deny justice for victims, but actually help preserve the capability of those terrorist groups, principally the Provisional IRA.”

Mr Burrows said this caused “a real, lasting hurt and harm in Northern Ireland”, arguing that an acknowledgement and apology “will go a long way to building reconciliation”.

Asked to explain how he could equivalate between the actions of the Irish State and the killing of unarmed civilians in Derry, he told RTE’s Morning Ireland: “The comparison is not necessarily with the Act, the comparison is with the act of reconciliation following it.”

Pressed on whether he was minimising the acts of Bloody Sunday, Mr Burrows said: “I don’t think I am, what I’m doing is saying that they were hurt on both sides and (there) was wrongdoing on both sides.”

The UUP leader said the Irish State “collectively failed its duty towards its citizens” and should have made sure people were extradited for terrorism in Northern Ireland.

Mr Burrows said any legal and constitutional issue around extraditing to Northern Ireland at the time should not prohibit the making of an apology.

He drew a comparison to slavery and said: “Because something had a legal basis, doesn’t mean it was right, doesn’t mean it was a signed legal basis and it’s clearly, plainly wrong.”

He added: “It was vile criminality committed by both loyalists and republicans.

“That is where there should have been a government intervention to say: ‘Sorry, this isn’t working, this isn’t correct, this isn’t politics – it is crime, and we need to change’.

“And eventually change did come but it came too late for many people and it has left a legacy of distrust.

“And it would be an act of courage and reconciliation for the Irish Government to step forward and say ‘on reflection, we could have done better, we could have moved earlier, and we could have brought justice’.”

Asked about the request for a State apology, Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee told the same programme: “There’s a lot of conversations to be had, I do wish him well and I look forward to meeting with him but I don’t agree with those comments.

“And I think we need to work collectively and to support each other on really positive progress being made on legacy issues at the moment.”

On that progress, Ms McEntee pointed to the establishment of a garda liaison unit on legacy matters as well as legislation around engaging with the legacy commission and the Omagh Bombing Inquiry.

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The award-winning restaurant has earned five AA rosettes and two Michelin stars

An award-winning restaurant is loved by locals and celebrities – including a famous British chef and TV host. Midsummer House is a popular spot in Cambridge and it was even visited by James Martin recently.

He said it had taken him over 20 years to make it “to this mecca of food in Cambridge”. James Martin is a British chef and television presenter, best known for his television work with the cookery series Saturday Kitchen and current ITV show James Martin’s Saturday Morning.

James posted: “One word…epic…well done to @midsummerchef and his amazing team you have created something very special indeed! If you want to see what food at the highest level is in the UK go to Midsummer House, one of my favourite meals!”

Midsummer House replied: “It was lovely to welcome you to Cambridge. The team were buzzing.”

Daniel Clifford joined James Martin on his ITV show Saturday Morning on February 7, making a lychee parfait . He was joined by chef José Pizarro and TV personality Peter Andre.

The award-winning restaurant has earned five AA rosettes. It the only restaurant in the East of England with two Michelin stars.

It has also reportedly seen other notable figures dining there. These include Pierce Brosnan and the late theoretical physicist and author, Stephen Hawking.

Former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is pictured allegedly having dinner with a model while on a taxpayer-funded trip.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been spotted in new photos released in the Epstein files. The former prince is pictured allegedly having dinner with a model while on a taxpayer-funded trip.

At the time, Andrew was a UK trade envoy and he can be seen in the photos with a model – identified as Miya Muqi – and another young woman. The photos were sent to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and have been included in the latest release of documents.

The discovery of the photos marked the latest in a long chain of embarrassments for Andrew. Taken 16 years ago in 2010, the photos come from an official trade visit to China.

Exchanges between David Stern, a former aide to the former prince, and convicted paedophile Epstein were found alongside the photos which appear to have been sent to Epstein, reports the Mirror.

In one photo, actress and model Ms Muqi can be seen having dinner alongside two men, seated at a table with plates and glasses in front of them.

Another photo captures Andrew, hands clasped on top of the table, looking towards someone or something with a bouquet of lilies placed in front of him.

A further photo shows Andrew on a boat with a second, unidentified woman wearing a pair of sunglasses. Both are draping what appear to be life jackets over their laps.

The photos are understood to have been sent in a link to Epstein, alongside a comment which included a derogatory term used to refer to young women.

He is said to have written: “We have dinner on Sunday in Beijing with this p.”

Being included in the Epstein files does not amount to any indication or allegation of wrongdoing, and Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing stemming from his friendship with the convicted sex trafficker.

The recent pictures are just the latest of Andrew that have come from the newest batch of Epstein files, which captured the royal in an embarrassing position with another unidentified woman.

The snaps, captured quickly when the emails emerged earlier this month, show several angles of the then-Prince crouched over a woman, one in which he peers up to the camera. No further context has been provided with the photos, and the woman’s identity was redacted.

Outside the photos, emails mentioning Andrew appear to have captured the then Duke using his status as a trade envoy to organise a meeting between the disgraced financier and Libyan dictator Colonel Gadaffi.

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The offer includes two AeroDown pillows, worth £120, alongside the Essential double mattress which is priced at £649, or monthly from £17.16, from Simba Sleep

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Bargain hunters are snapping up a sleep deal that includes premium extras at no extra cost, with many attracted to a mattress hailed as a game-changer for a comfortable night’s sleep. The offer includes two AeroDown pillows, valued at £120, along with the Essential double mattress, priced at £649 or monthly from £17.16, from Simba Sleep.

The mattress, designed by Simba Sleep, prioritises a blend of support, temperature control and motion isolation to create a balanced feel. At its heart is a hybrid design that combines patented Aerocoil microsprings with Simbatex foam, providing both cushioned comfort and responsive support.

Up to 1,000 titanium alloy microsprings are positioned near the surface, compressing individually to offer targeted pressure relief whilst promoting airflow for a fresher, cooler sleeping environment. Temperature regulation is further improved by graphite-infused Simbatex foam, designed to provide significantly more airflow than traditional memory foam whilst helping to draw heat away from the body.

This allows sleepers to enjoy the contoured feel associated with foam, without the common problem of overheating. A responsive foam base also supports key areas such as the hips and shoulders, encouraging alignment throughout the night.

The Aerocoil spring layer also works to reduce motion transfer, meaning movement on one side of the mattress is less likely to wake a sleeping partner. Practical features include a breathable cover engineered to promote airflow and a removable zip-off design that’s machine washable, reports the Express.

For those seeking alternatives, Origin’s sale is offering discounts of up to 27% on mattresses plus up to two complimentary pillows valued at £196. Dusk is also running a promotion, with mattresses starting from £199 including its Foam 1000 Pocket Sprung Mattress, a Memory Foam 2,000 Pocket Sprung Hybrid Mattress and Memory Foam 4,000 Pocket Sprung Mattress.

Customer reviews for Simba products have been overwhelmingly positive, with one person stating: “I will never change mattress for anything else. Very satisfied with this one as well.”

A verified purchaser reported that their Simba mattress has enhanced their sleep quality, noting: “Best mattress and great night’s sleep.”

One satisfied customer shared how their new mattress had alleviated their back and hip discomfort, stating: “I purchased my Simba mattress in the hope of achieving better sleep and received much more than that. After enduring months of sciatica pain, the improvement has been remarkable. The support is perfectly balanced, maintaining my spine alignment and easing pressure on my lower back and hips. Within weeks, my pain subsided and I’m finally waking up comfortable and free from pain. Incredible sleep, exceptional quality, this mattress genuinely transformed my daily life. It’s the best mattress ever. Comfortable and maintains a consistent temperature, neither too warm nor cold, just right throughout the night.”

However, another reviewer was less enthusiastic, commenting: “The mattress is alright. Not very thick. Reminds me of a hospital bed.”

The Essential double mattress can be purchased from Simba Sleep.

The date and time has been revealed and where you can see the eclipse

The first solar eclipse this year is set to take place this week, though the spectacular phenomenon will be visible from only certain locations. This rare astronomical event, famously dubbed a “ring of fire,” occurs when the earth, sun, and moon reach perfect alignment.

During this alignment, the moon passes directly between the sun and our planet, casting a distinct shadow and leaving only the sun’s outer edge visible as a glowing celestial ring.

Marking a major highlight for the 2026 lunar calendar, the eclipse is due to take place on Tuesday, February 17. While the event promises a stunning visual display, visibility remains the primary concern for those hoping to catch a glimpse.

Because the moon’s shadow follows a specific path, only skywatchers in select regions will have the opportunity to witness the sun transformed into a celestial ring of light.

Whether the “ring of fire” will be visible from the UK depends on specific geographic pathways of the Moon’s shadow, with experts noting that only those in certain places will witness the alignment in its full glory.

The first solar eclipse will take place at 7.10am on Tuesday, February 17. However, the spectacle in the sky will only be visible in a handful of locations, according to National World.

The path of annularity – the path the solar eclipse will take and be visible from – will rise across western Antarctica and set off across the Davis Sea coast and the Southern Ocean.

This means that the upcoming solar eclipse will not be visible in the UK. According to Space.com, the following list is the locations where a partial solar eclipse will be visible from and the percentage of the sun’s disk which will be covered in each location:

• Heard and McDonald Islands, Australia – 88%
• French Southern and Antarctic Lands, France – 88%
• Mascarene Islands, Mauritius/France – 35%
• Port Louis, Mauritius – 32%
• Saint-Denis, Reunion, France – 31%
• Antananarivo, Madagascar – 20%
• Durban, South Africa – 16%
• Maputo, Mozambique – 13%
• Maseru, Lesotho – 11%
• Gaborone, Botswana – 4%
• Harare, Zimbabwe – 3%
• Ushuaia, Argentina – 3%

After Tuesday’s solar eclipse, there will be lunar eclipse on March 3-4. This will turn the moon a red shade in the sky, with the Earth instead passing in between the Moon and Sun and casting its shadow onto the Moon. Due to the reddish hue of the Moon during this phenomenon, a lunar eclipse is sometime referred to as a “Blood Moon”.

Householders have been warned not to empty their bins tomorrow, or they may face some consequences, and one woman has shared the reasons you’ll want to take heed

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Households have been advised against emptying their rubbish bins tomorrow for a significant reason. Whilst it might be routine for you to put the bins out daily, you should refrain from doing so on Tuesday, February 17. Whether it’s your general waste, recycling, or paper collection, everything ought to remain inside your property for just one day.

This is because, according to Big Brother 2023’s Yinrun Huang, it’s considered unlucky to empty your bins on the Chinese New Year. There are also several other activities you should steer clear of tomorrow if you wish to begin the year of the fire horse properly.

“Helping you start your Chinese New Year RIGHT,” Yinrun captioned her Instagram video, revealing “What you should not do on Chinese New Year”. Yinrun explained that if you “feel like you started 2026 on the wrong foot, this is your second chance to start again,” so you’ll want to follow her guidance.

1. Don’t sleep in

Yinrun stated: “We need to start the first day of the year fresh and early to attract all of the good energy”.

2. Don’t empty your bins

“Don’t empty your bins because that symbolises throwing away all the luck and the wealth from your home,” Yinrun urged people, adding: “No! We don’t wanna do that. We wanna keep everything in”.

3. Don’t argue with people

Yinrun emphasised that you mustn’t become “angry and upset” with others and quarrel with them, explaining that you “don’t need that negative energy,” noting you want “happiness [to] come in, and sadness [to] go out”.

4. Don’t wash your hair

Yinrun advised: “Don’t wash your hair. You can wash your hair the day before for a fresh start, but not on New Year’s Day, because washing hair on New Year’s Day symbolises washing off all your wealth and fortune”.

Therefore, if you’re in need, make sure to wash your hair today!

5. Don’t wear black or white clothes

It’s crucial that you avoid wearing black or white garments during the Chinese New Year, and instead, choose something red, as this is considered the luckiest colour to wear.

“People wear black or white for funerals in China,” she revealed, adding: “If you want to be discreet, red underwear is always a good option”.

How were the animals chosen for the Chinese zodiac?

There are numerous myths surrounding how the animals were chosen for the Chinese zodiac. One widely known story involves a competition among the animals.

According to Lakeside Arts, “Long ago, in China, the Jade Emperor decided there should be a way of measuring time. On his birthday, he told the animals that there was to be a swimming race.

“The first twelve animals across the fast-flowing river would be the winners, and they would each have a year of the zodiac named after them.”

The animals subsequently gathered along the riverbank, arriving at different times.

The 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, which adhere to a cyclical 12-year sequence, are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat (also referred to as Sheep/Ram), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is associated with specific personality characteristics and relates to a year in the lunar calendar.

For example, people born under the Rabbit are considered to be gentle, compassionate, and elegant, whilst those born in the Monkey year are regarded as clever, witty, sociable, and energetic. After the Chinese New Year in 2026, it will transition into the Year of the Fire Horse. The Horse holds seventh place among the Chinese Zodiac animals.

According to China Highlights, “In Chinese culture, the Horse is known for its energetic and dynamic nature. It symbolises vitality, speed, and perseverance. People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to possess similar traits, such as being hardworking, warm-hearted, and independent.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following the incident on Melrosegate, at the junction with Fourth Avenue.

It happened at 3:22pm yesterday (Sunday, February 15) and involved a silver Vauxhall Corsa and a red Volkswagen Polo.

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A police spokesman said: “Following the accident, the driver of the Polo was taken to hospital for precautionary checks. The road was closed for a period of while we investigated the scene and to allow for the vehicles involved to be recovered.

“We’re appealing for any witnesses to the collision, anyone who may have seen the vehicles prior to the collision, or anyone with relevant dashcam footage, to contact us.”

Anyone with information is urged to email david.ellison@northyorkshire.police.uk if you can help. Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for David Ellison.

Please quote reference 12260028528 when passing on information.

The result gives the Glens real impetus in their challenge for the league title and McEneff says he knows a winning mentality when he sees one

Aaron McEneff sees no reason why Glentoran can’t bring the good times back to east Belfast – and soon.

The midfielder put in a man-of-the-match display in the Glens’ 2-1 comeback win over Ballymena United at the weekend, equalising from the penalty spot before curling a gorgeous 25-yard shot past visiting keeper Brad Wade.

It was a huge three points for Declan Devine’s side, cutting the gap to leaders Larne, who lost 2-1 away to Portadown, while second-placed Coleraine could only draw 1-1 at Carrick Rangers.

The result gives the Glens real impetus in their challenge for the league title, and McEneff – who only joined the club in January from Shamrock Rovers – says he knows a winning mentality when he sees one.

“I’ve won trophies in my career but make no mistake about it, I want to win more. I wouldn’t have signed here if I didn’t think there was a chance of that,” said the 30-year-old.

“There’s a great group of lads in there. There’s still a lot of football to be played between now and the end of the season.

“There are lads in the changing room driving standards. That’s what you want as a footballer — pushing each other day in, day out. It’s the only way you get better as a player and as a group.

“If we can add more quality to our play between now and the end of the season, it’ll be something to look forward to.”

The Derry man has settled straight into life in east Belfast, and he praised the atmosphere created by Devine and his management team.

“It’s been really good so far. From the day I met Deccy, Paddy (McCourt) and Paul Millar, you could see the club wants to go in a really positive direction. From speaking to them, it was something I wanted to be part of.

“You can see on the pitch everyone’s together and pushing in the right direction.

“When fans see players giving 100% on the pitch, that’s all they want. They’ll forgive mistakes. But if they see people running and working hard for each other, they can’t complain.

“I think we did that against Ballymena.”

For assistant coach McCourt, it was a no-brainer to bring someone of McEneff’s calibre to the club.

“Aaron McEneff is a top player,” said the former Celtic star.

“When the opportunity to get Aaron came up for us, it was one that we wanted to really try our best to do. Fortunately, we got it over the line.

“The word I would use for him is ‘class’.

“I think there’s more to come from Aaron when he gets really up and going.”

Meanwhile, Larne’s 18-game unbeaten league streak came to an end as they fell to a shock 2-1 defeat to Portadown at Shamrock Park on Saturday.

The Premiership leaders were caught out early on when Josh Ukek surged to the byline and teed up Jack Scott for a simple finish.

Andy Ryan levelled before the interval with a sharp first-time strike, yet the visitors’ joy was short-lived as Eamon Fyfe quickly restored Portadown’s advantage.

Larne’s hopes faded further when Chris Gallagher was dismissed early in the second half, and the hosts stood firm to end their own four-match losing run in style.

Second-placed Coleraine were unable to take full advantage, held to a 1-1 draw by in-form Carrick Rangers at Taylors Avenue.

Will Patching’s corner drifted in at the back post, but Mikey Place responded with his first goal for the hosts.

Champions Linfield cruised to a 3-0 win over Glenavon thanks to a Matthew Fitzpatrick double and Sam Taylor’s tap-in.

Crusaders recovered from two down to draw 2-2 with Bangor at Seaview, Stewart Nixon and Fraser Bryden coming to their rescue after goals from Harry Lynch and Ben Cushnie.

On Friday night, Dungannon Swifts edged Cliftonville 3-2.

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The Environment Agency has warned locals that flooding is ‘expected’ in some areas

Flood alerts and warnings have been issued for Cambridgeshire areas by the Environment Agency on Monday (February 16). Locals have been advised that flooding is ‘expected’ in some areas, and ‘possible’ in others.

Locals in areas with flood warnings have been told flooding is expected and to “act now”, according to the government agency. Flood warnings mean that homes and businesses are at risk, as are roads and railway lines.

The flood warnings issued are as follows:

• Areas close to the River Great Ouse at Wyboston, Eaton Socon, Eynesbury, Eaton Ford, and St Neots. It is advised to take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through the flood water. This is because of the rising river levels.
• North Bank Road alongside the River Nene, east of Peterborough and west of Dog-in-a-Doublet Sluice. Whilst the warning is in force, the local authority will close North Bank Road and other routes will be put in place.
• B1040 Thorney to Whittlesey Road to the South of the River Nene. River levels are expected to remain high and the local authority may close the road for safety reasons. Diversion routes are set to be put in place.

There are also several flood alerts in place. If a flood alert is issued, it means flooding is possible and locals should ‘be prepared’ to follow a flood plan.

The flood alerts issued are as follows:

• Bury Brook. Areas most at risk are around Bury Brook, from Abbots Ripton to Ramsey.
• Alconbury Brook. Areas most at risk are around Alconbury Brook at Hamerton, The Alconburys, Little Stukeley and Brampton.
• Ellington Brook. Areas most at risk are around Ellington Brook at Spaldwick, Ellington and Brampton.
• River Kym. Areas most at risk are around the River Kym and River Til from Yelden, and Upper Dean to Hail Weston.
• River Great Ouse in Central Bedfordshire, Beds Borough and Cambridgeshire from Wyboston to Brampton. Areas most at risk are around the River Great Ouse from Wyboston to the south of Brampton, including Duloe Brook, Hen Brook and Fox Brook.
• River Rhee. Areas most at risk are those around the River Rhee from Guilden Morden to Haslingfield.
• Lower River Cam. Areas most at risk are around the River Cam from Stapleford to Waterbeach.
• River Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire from Brampton to Earith. Areas most at risk are around the River Great Ouse from Brampton to Earith, including Back Brook, Hall Green Brook, Parsons Drove Drain, Swavesey Drain and Wadsbys Folly.
• Hundred Foot Washes. The causeway at Sutton Gault has approximately 52cm of water on the road. The causeway at Welney has up to 43cm of water on the road. Floodwater is now rising onto Earith causeway. Due to the uneven surface of the roads, water may be deeper in places.