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New bus services proposed for Edgworth and Chapeltown villages

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New bus services proposed for Edgworth and Chapeltown villages

Now, that could finally change.

Two proposed bus routes could give residents on the outskirts of the town an hourly service into Bolton from November.

It comes after we highlighted the plight of one villager who feels stranded earlier this week.

The plans would serve Chapeltown and Edgworth, with consultation due to open next week and run until September.

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If approved, services are planned to begin on November 29.

Cllr Jude Rowley, who chairs North Turton Parish Council, said: “For elderly people or people who aren’t mobile, you are stranded, you are kind of isolated unless you can afford regular taxis.

(Image: NQ)

“It’s not an ideal way to live, and for a long time, people have felt isolated.”

The proposals would introduce Service 235 from Darwen to Bolton and Service 236 from Rawtenstall to Bolton, both generally running every two hours.

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The 235 would be a route from Darwen direct into Bolton via Hoddlesden, Edgworth, Chapeltown, Bromley Cross and Castle Hill.

The 236 would link Rawtenstall and Bolton via Balladen, Edenfield, Ramsbottom, Hawkshaw, Edgworth, Chapeltown, Bromley Cross and Castle Hill.

Their timetables would be coordinated between Edgworth and Bolton, providing an hourly Monday to Saturday daytime service along that section.

Cllr Rowley said residents had been campaigning for a regular service for years.

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He said: “There’s been, to be honest, it has been a case of either relying on taxis or walking down to Bromley Cross to catch the train into Manchester, walking up to Entwistle to catch the train in Blackburn.”

The new links could make a major difference for people without access to a car, particularly those who currently rely on relatives or taxis.

Cllr Rowley said he had found the lack of public transport difficult.

He added: “Or you walk to the station, you know, and in winter months when it’s dark you’re kind of walking 45 minutes down to Bromley Cross.

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(Image: Pete Kennington)

“It’s not the most pleasant.”

He said a taxi to Darwen costs about eight pounds, meaning a return journey can quickly become expensive for residents.

Plans aim to improve links to employment, education, healthcare and local services.

Consultation is the next stage, and Cllr Rowley urged residents to take part, whether they support the proposals or want changes.

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He added: “It’ll be a big thing once it gets going again and there’s been loads of local residents for years who’ve campaigned for this.

“Our local MP Andy MacNae as well has been really supportive since coming in July 2024 and I think it’s worth emphasising that this isn’t kind of any one person’s effort.

“It’s something that local residents have been pushing for and pushing for for years and it just looks like now it’s finally been pushed over the line, which is brilliant for everyone both in the villages and beyond really.”

The consultation runs from August 19 to September 15.

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Lewes train derailment: Rail track defect found in area where crash occurred

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Lewes train derailment: Rail track defect found in area where crash occurred

A defect in a railway track has been discovered where a train derailed last week near Lewes, East Sussex, investigators say.

Thirty people were injured, two seriously, when three carriages derailed and tipped over onto the embankment.

Police declared a major incident when some passengers were trapped inside the train in scorching temperatures, while others walked along the sides of the overturned train to escape.

A newly released photograph shows the three carriages on their sides
A newly released photograph shows the three carriages on their sides (Rail Accident Investigation Branch)

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) now says rear-facing CCTV images from trains on the day showed a “track geometry irregularity” on the “immediate approach to the point of derailment” on the line just outside Lewes railway station.

Investigators also say they have received reports from passengers on other trains of “rough riding” at that spot.

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About 150 people had been on the train, which was travelling from Haywards Heath to Lewes on Thursday.

One survivor later described the experience as “completely terrifying”.

“There was a banging. Everything just went topsy-turvy,” said 56-year-old Yana Ludwig, from the United States.

Rail workers and police officers investigate at the scene where a train with around 150 people on board derailed near Lewes
Rail workers and police officers investigate at the scene where a train with around 150 people on board derailed near Lewes (PA)

Rob Bradley, who was on board with his young daughter, told how his carriage “jumped upwards” as passengers were thrown forwards.

“The train kind of skidded for quite a while before it stopped.

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“Only then, when we turned around, did we see the whole back of the train was open and smoke and dust were pouring into the carriage.”

Thirty people were injured in the incident, according to the RAIB, 20 of whom needed hospital treatment, while “significant damage” was caused to the train and railway infrastructure.

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The experts say they are analysing data from the “black box” from the front vehicle of train.

Preliminary analysis shows the driver applied the train’s brakes as it passed the point of derailment, and that the train, which had been going at around 65mph, had started to slow down. The maximum speed on that stretch of line is 70mph.

CCTV recordings, signalling data and radio communications data have also been obtained, the investigators say. The train, track and embankment have been surveyed using various methods including laser scanning and aerial photography.

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The accident happened at the height of last week’s heatwave, when temperatures in the southeast reached the high 30s.

RAIB said its investigation will consider the weather, as well as the status of the track, embankment, condition of the train and the effectiveness of any measures taken to address potential issues caused by hot weather.

Investigators have found a rail track defect where a train derailed in East Sussex last week, injuring 30 people (Network Rail/PA)
Investigators have found a rail track defect where a train derailed in East Sussex last week, injuring 30 people (Network Rail/PA) (Network Rail)

The railway line will remain closed for at least another week.

Network Rail and Southern Rail said the carriages that fell would need to be carefully lifted away by crane. The RAIB said its experts were working to ensure that evidence was preserved while doing this.

They said the location made the removal particularly difficult because the railway is close to a river, in a site of special scientific interest, and restricted road access was via a residential area.

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Once the train has been removed, engineers will be able to assess the damage to the railway and “understand the scale of the repair work needed before services can resume safely”.

Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent.

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Manchester City charges: Premier League clubs ‘want clarity’, says Arsenal chief Richard Garlick

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A head and shoulders photo of Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick

Everyone in the Premier League wants clarity and a speedy resolution in the case against Manchester City which features more than 100 alleged breaches of its financial rules, says Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick.

An independent commission is yet to publish a ruling, more than a year and a half after a disciplinary hearing concluded, and three and a half years since City were first charged.

City have always denied wrongdoing.

When asked if the length of time the process was taking was frustrating Arsenal, Garlick told BBC Sport: “It has gone on for a while.

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“Everybody – the league and the teams – would want the clarity around what’s going to happen next.

“But it’s not something that I can control. It’s not something that I can speculate on.

“And I just hope that there is a solution very quickly.”

Garlick’s comments come on the eve of the new season and after Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “I do accept it’s taking longer than expected, and I understand that people want to find out as soon as possible what’s going on, but I simply can’t provide that.”

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Describing the case as “hugely complex”, Masters added: “Our rules are very clear – we have to follow the process, and there’s only one real clear route through, which is to allow that process to reach its natural conclusion.”

Privately, officials at a host of other Premier League clubs BBC Sport has spoken to in the past 24 hours have also expressed their frustrations, while acknowledging that this is an independent process which is running on its own timetable.

One said the Premier League should be “actively seeking to put in place a better system” to ensure speedier resolutions.

Another made the point that given that the league spent £45m on legal bills during the 2023–24 season on disputes over its financial regulations, there are mounting concerns at the spiralling costs of such a long legal fight.

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Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2026 finalists announced – see if your local boozer is nominated

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Daily Record

The winners will be announced in September.

The finalists for the upcoming Scottish Bar and Pubs Awards 2026 have been revealed with food and drink venues across the country bagging nominations. The country’s best boozers will go head-to-head next month to take home Scotland’s ultimate industry honours.

The organisers of the Scottish Bar and Pubs Awards have named this year’s nominees across more than 20 categories. Now in its thirty-first year, the awards are Scotland’s longest-running celebration of the country’s best pubs, bars, restaurants, and the people who make them great.

Five pubs and bars around Scotland have been nominated for the prestigious Sunday Mail Pub of the Year award. The Bush Bar in Dundee, The Tynecastle Arms in Edinburgh, The Lismore and The Maltman in Glasgow, and The Four Mary’s in Linlithgow are all in the running to take home the top prize.

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READ MORE: Not Edinburgh or Glasgow – City bakery crowned ‘best in Scotland’ for fourth time

READ MORE: This historic Scottish spa town was just named the ‘prettiest to visit’

The finalists for the Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year title are MacGregor’s at The Whisky Vaults in Oban, The George Hotel in Inveraray, and The Islay Inn and The Piper Whisky Bar in Glasgow. Elsewhere, nominees for New Bar of the Year are Boston Bar Old Town and Nectar, both in Edinburgh, Radio and SiSi Rooftop in Glasgow, and Ruby’s in East Kilbride.

Scotland’s thriving cocktail scene is also well represented. Atlantic Bar and Brasserie in Glasgow, Bittersweet Leith in Edinburgh, Draffens in Dundee, Jimmy Badgers in Inverness, and The Wine Spa in Broughty Ferry are all up for Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Cocktail Bar of the Year.

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The Scottish Bar and Pubs Awards also recognise the country’s top restaurant with the Lightspeed Restaurant of the Year category. The five finalists for the award are Edinburgh eateries Barry Fish, The Dome, as well as Glasgow spots Five March, Margo, and The Stravaig in Ayr.

Another top prize at the awards is DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, which honours the top boozer where pooches are welcome. The nominees are Black Ivy in Edinburgh, Church on the Hill in Glasgow, The Foxton Bar and Grill in Glenrothes, The George Hotel in Inveraray, and Star and Garter in Dundee.

More than 600 of Scotland’s hospitality stars will gather for the final of the Scottish Bar and Pubs Awards 2026 on September 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central. This year’s ceremony will feature a Glam Rock theme, with “plenty of surprises” for guests on the night.

Publisher Susan Young commented: “It is fantastic to see such a strong showing from hospitality businesses and individuals right across Scotland this year. What I love about these nominations is the sheer variety. We have emerging entrepreneurs, family businesses, brilliant bar teams, cocktail destinations, late-night venues, community pubs and dog-friendly pubs.

“It really demonstrates just how diverse and vibrant Scotland’s hospitality scene is. The people working in hospitality are the real stars of these awards, and it is wonderful to see so many from across Scotland getting the recognition they deserve.”

See below for the full list of finalists at the Scottish Bar and Pubs Awards 2026.

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Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year

  • MacGregor’s at The Whisky Vaults – Oban
  • The George Hotel – Inveraray
  • The Islay Inn – Glasgow
  • The Piper Whisky Bar – Glasgow

Black Ivy and Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

  • Struan Barclay, Ruby’s – East Kilbride
  • Thomas Justice, Star & Garter/The Bush Bar – Dundee
  • Connie and James Taberner, Fintry Bay – Millport, Isle of Cumbrae

Best Bar Team

  • Arrowz Sports Lounge – Broxburn
  • The Gunners Bar – Broughty Ferry
  • Johnny Foxes – Inverness
  • MacSorley’s – Glasgow
  • The Parkville – Blantyre

Best Late Night Venue

  • Bloc+ – Glasgow
  • Charlie’s Loft – Milngavie
  • Slouch – Glasgow
  • Rewind – Dundee

Community Pub of the Year

  • The Bowlers Rest – Leith
  • Commercial Inn – Fauldhouse
  • Newton Arms – Newton, Cambuslang
  • The Pawn Lounge – Alexandria
  • Waverley Bar – Dumbarton

Deanston Whisky Guru Rising Star Award

  • Chris Anton – MacGregor’s at The Whisky Vaults, Oban
  • Cullen Hutchison – The Mother Superior, Edinburgh
  • Dagmara Jaszcz – Machair Bar, Glasgow
  • Sally Law – The Pot Still, Glasgow
  • Chris Sloan – The Black Bull, Edinburgh

DRAM Dog Friendly Pub of the Year

  • Black Ivy – Edinburgh
  • Church on the Hill – Shawlands, Glasgow
  • The Foxton Bar and Grill – Glenrothes
  • The George Hotel – Inveraray
  • Star & Garter – Dundee

Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Cocktail Bar of the Year

  • Atlantic Bar & Brasserie – Glasgow
  • Bittersweet Leith – Leith, Edinburgh
  • Draffens – Dundee
  • Jimmy Badgers – Inverness
  • The Wine Spa – Broughty Ferry

Hospitality Health Employer of the Year

  • Lisini Pub Company – Uddingston
  • The Pot Still – Glasgow
  • Turas Hotels – Inverness
  • West Coast Hospitality – Ayr

HOSPO Manager of the Year

  • Daniel Cutting – Brewhemia, Edinburgh
  • Kenny Grant – The Gallery Bar, Glasgow
  • Mirin McLintock – Why Not, Edinburgh
  • Danny Stewart – Angels Hotel, Uddingston

Inverarity Morton Family Business of the Year

  • Cawley Hotel Group – Alexandria
  • Ra Ha’s – Glasgow
  • The Fort Hotel & The Royal Arch – Broughty Ferry
  • The Original Rosslyn Inn – Roslin

Hotel Scotland Independent Multiple Operator of the Year

  • Encore Bars
  • M&R Bars
  • Rocks Leisure Group
  • The Stravaig, The Smoking Goat, Gracie O’Malley’s, The Bistro Ayr

Jamesons Best Irish Bar 2026

  • Boston Bar New Town – Edinburgh
  • Jinty McGuinty’s – Glasgow
  • Molly Malones – Aberdeen
  • Radio – Glasgow
  • Seamus’s Pub – Edinburgh

Jump Ship Brewing Best Lo and No Destination

  • Bonnie & Wild – Edinburgh
  • SOBR – Aberdeen
  • Teuchters Landing – Leith, Edinburgh
  • Vega – Glasgow

Kopparberg Best Outdoor Area

  • The Birds and Bees – Stirling
  • Black Ivy – Edinburgh
  • The Pear Tree – Edinburgh
  • The Tavern Bar – Millport, Isle of Cumbrae

Lightspeed Restaurant of the Year

  • Barry Fish – Leith, Edinburgh
  • Five March – Glasgow
  • Margo – Glasgow
  • The Dome – Edinburgh
  • The Stravaig – Ayr

New Bar of the Year

  • Boston Bar Old Town – Edinburgh
  • Nectar – Edinburgh
  • Radio – Glasgow
  • Ruby’s – East Kilbride
  • SiSi Rooftop – Glasgow

Schweppes Mixologist of the Year

  • Johnny Morrison – Vega, Glasgow
  • Elliot Monteith – Trumans, Glasgow
  • Cairo McKeown – Badger & Co, Edinburgh
  • Michael Maclean – The Dome, Edinburgh
  • Scott Stevenson – The Finnieston, Glasgow

Sims Automatics Sports Bar of the Year

  • Arrowz Sports Lounge – Broxburn
  • The Ball Room Sports Bar Dunfermline – Dunfermline
  • Houston’s Sports Bar – Johnstone
  • The Tap Yard – Glasgow

The Drum Social Media Champion

  • Buck’s Bar – Glasgow
  • Dockyard Social – Glasgow
  • Malocchio – Glasgow
  • Six by Nico – Glasgow
  • Tempura – Ayr

Sunday Mail Pub of the Year

  • The Bush Bar – Dundee
  • The Four Mary’s – Linlithgow
  • The Lismore – Partick, Glasgow
  • The Maltman – Glasgow
  • The Tynecastle Arms – Edinburgh

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James Jordan admits he spends his evenings sitting alone in a one-bed flat watching TV following split from wife Ola

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James Jordan said on This Morning on Wednesday that he spends his evenings sitting alone in a one-bed flat watching TV following his split from wife of 26 years Ola

James Jordan has spoken out on his split from partner of 26 years Ola. 

Appearing on This Morning on Wednesday, James, 48, admitted he spends his evenings ‘sitting alone in a one-bed flat watching TV’ following a ‘tough few years’.

Strictly’s longest-standing couple, who started dating in 1999 and married in 2003, announced their split with a joint statement earlier this month.

Ola, 43, and James who share daughter Ella, six, decided to end their relationship for good after a trial separation ‘some time ago’, with James moving out of their Kent family home and removing his wedding band.

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James appeared on the show to promote his new podcast Manopause with Brendan Cole and was asked about his marriage breakdown. 

‘It’s been a tough few years. I moved out a few months ago,’ James told hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle. 

‘I find it hard to talk about and I’m not going to speak about it too much because I don’t think it’s fair when she’s not here as well.’

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James Jordan said on This Morning on Wednesday that he spends his evenings sitting alone in a one-bed flat watching TV following his split from wife of 26 years Ola 

Strictly's longest-standing couple, who started dating in 1999 and married in 2003, announced their split with a joint statement earlier this month and James said it's been a 'tough few years'

Strictly’s longest-standing couple, who started dating in 1999 and married in 2003, announced their split with a joint statement earlier this month and James said it’s been a ‘tough few years’

Brendan said he has been ‘checking in’ with his close friend every day, which James said has been a lifeline in recent months.

‘Knowing that people are out there you can talk to… otherwise I’m sitting in a one bedroom apartment on my own at night watching TV going “what is going on?”.

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James also referenced reports that he told his wife he needed space and was moving out of their five bedroom family home, explaining: ‘I just feel I need that time to find myself again. People can say “it’s really selfish of you”‘.

The professional dancer added that his new venture, the podcast which focuses on men’s mental health, has been a great tool to help him talk and hopefully inspire others.

‘Women can watch and listen and hear what struggles men are going through and they might relate to that with their husband or their other half,’ he explained. 

In the shared statement released last weekend, James explained how his ‘mental health hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time’.

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The joint statement began: ‘After 26 years together, this is something we never imagined we would be sharing. Following recent reports in the press about our relationship and after receiving messages asking if everything is okay, we feel it’s important to speak directly rather than let speculation or hearsay tell our story.’

‘We have always tried to be open and honest with the people who have supported us over the years and we feel it’s only right that this update comes from us.’

Appearing on Wednesday's episode of This Morning to promote his new podcast with Brendan Cole, James, who wasn't wearing his wedding ring, was asked about his marriage breakdown

Appearing on Wednesday’s episode of This Morning to promote his new podcast with Brendan Cole, James, who wasn’t wearing his wedding ring, was asked about his marriage breakdown

‘At the moment we’re taking some time apart as we work through very difficult personal challenges. (James) moved out of the family home some time ago. This has been an incredibly painful and emotional journey for us both and it certainly wasn’t an easy decision.’

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They went on to say their ‘absolute priority’ is their six-year-old daughter Ella.

They said: ‘Our absolute priority, now and always, is our beautiful daughter Ella. She’s at the centre of everything we do. We are committed to co-parenting her with all the love, care and stability she deserves.

‘Speaking personally (James) my mental health hasn’t been in a good place for quite some time. I’ve been struggling more than I’ve let people see and I’m taking the time I need to focus on getting myself into a healthier place, both for myself and for Ella.

‘Neither of us is in a good place right now. We’re both doing our best to navigate one of the hardest chapters of our lives and we ask that people remember there are real people and real emotions behind every headline, every comment and every post.’

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‘We don’t know exactly what the future holds. For now, we’re taking things one day at a time, doing what we both believe is best for ourselves, our family and most importantly….. Ella.’

‘We’re incredibly grateful for the love, kindness and concern so many of you have shown us over the years.’

James has previously spoken about how he battled with crippling anxiety following the death of his beloved father Allan in 2021.

He said at the time how his grief made him feel extremely weak, he woke up panicked thinking someone had broken into his house and he experienced severe anxiety.

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Citing his daughter as a Godsend, James said his family, specifically his wife and dance partner Ola, had pulled him out of the emotional and dark time.

Fans wrote in the comments: ‘Take care & look after yourself & I hope you both can find each other again’ and ‘Sending love’.

'I moved out a few months ago,' James told hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle

‘I moved out a few months ago,’ James told hosts Angela Scanlon and Craig Doyle

James and Polish-born beauty Ola first met at a dance competition in Blackpool in 1999 and married four years later.

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They were initially dance partners before their professional relationship developed into romance, James proposed two years later and the couple tied the knot in October 2003.

They welcomed their daughter Ella in February 2020 via IVF following a three-year fertility battle.

The pair shot to fame as professionals on BBC One celebrity competition Strictly Come Dancing, which they both joined in series four back in 2006.

James bowed out of the show after season 11 in 2013, while Ola left at the end of series 13 in 2015.

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If you are struggling, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.

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Amanda Holden, 55, looks incredible as she poses in a skimpy white bikini on sun-soaked business trip to Crete

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Amanda Holden looked incredible as she posed in a white bikini in swimming on a business trip to Crete this week

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She is never shy showing off her enviable physique. 

And Amanda Holden looked incredible as she posed in a white bikini while swimming on a business trip to Crete this week.

The presenter, 55, made sure to work her best angles for the camera for the stunning Instagram shots as she lounged in and by the pool in the Montenegro two piece from Melissa Odabash.

She penned in the caption of her post: ‘In Crete on business. The business appears to be mainly conducted in a bikini☀️.’

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The blonde beauty accessorised with a pair of stylish shades and gold necklaces during the trip away.

Her fans were quick to share their awe in the comments as they penned: ‘Oh, the poses are everything,’ ‘Such a beautiful woman’.

Amanda Holden looked incredible as she posed in a white bikini in swimming on a business trip to Crete this week

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The presenter, 55, made sure to work her best angles for the camera for the stunning Instagram shots as she lounged in and by the pool

The presenter, 55, made sure to work her best angles for the camera for the stunning Instagram shots as she lounged in and by the pool

Back in July, Amanda playfully warned her followers that she is set to begin posting her ‘annual onslaught’ of swimwear snaps.

The TV personality said she was spending some quiet downtime with her family in Corfu before her friends fly out to join them to start the party.

Sharing snaps from the first part of the trip, Amanda posed up a storm in a red and white bikini, which she styled with a straw beach hat and aviator shades.

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The photos were taken on a boat while out at sea, with Amanda posing on the edge looking out on the water and at the wheel of the vessel.

Also included in the post was a clip of Amanda jumping off the boat into the crystal clear water below. 

Alongside the post, she wrote: ‘And so begins the annual onslaught of bikini shots. You have been warned!

‘Enjoying a little downtime with my family before the friends arrive and the partying begins.’

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She was supported by her friend Elizabeth Hurley who told her that she looked ‘fabulous’, while Piers Morgan was clearly amused and left laughing face emojis.

Alan Carr, who is likely set to join best pal Amanda on the trip, wrote: ‘Awww Corfu!’ 

She penned in the caption of her post: 'In Crete on business. The business appears to be mainly conducted in a bikini¿¿'

She penned in the caption of her post: ‘In Crete on business. The business appears to be mainly conducted in a bikini☀️’

The blonde beauty accessorised with a pair of stylish shades and gold necklaces during the trip away

The blonde beauty accessorised with a pair of stylish shades and gold necklaces during the trip away

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The sizzling snaps came shortly after Amanda revealed how she maintains her incredible bikini body. 

Amanda is never afraid to strip off for a sizzling snap and now she’s revealed the work that goes into ensuring she’s always camera ready. 

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Amanda explained that she follows Elizabeth Hurley‘s diet advice of one good meal a day, indulging in an egg white omelette with spinach, feta and avocado with a green juice for breakfast and then won’t eat again until the evening. 

‘I’m a vegetarian, so I think I’m probably accidentally pretty healthy,’ she mused. ‘But I do love my food and I love my alcohol, especially an Aperol Spritz in this weather!’

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Insisting she allows herself the odd indulgence, she continued: ‘I applaud whatever works for anybody else, but I can’t be one of those people that cuts stuff out.

‘I just think life is tricky as it is, so just let yourself have what you want within good reason. A little bit of everything is good.’

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Helicopter carrying guests from ultra-luxury safari retreat crashes in Kenya ‘with no survivors’

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The Kenyan Red Cross this morning said that it was responding to the crash

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A ‌helicopter carrying guests from an ultra-luxury safari retreat in Kenya has crashed, reportedly leaving no survivors. 

The helicopter was heading from the Loisaba wildlife reserve to ‌the ⁠Ewaso Nyiro river that flows through the Samburu National ​Reserve when the crash happened at Ololokwe Mountain at 9.13am local time on Wednesday. 

In a video, black smoke can be seen billowing into the sky at the foot of the mountain. 

An aviation source said that there were no survivors of the crash, which happened around 217 miles north of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. 

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The Star, a local paper, reported there were seven tourists onboard the helicopter, with police telling the paper their nationalities are not yet known. 

AndBeyond, a travel company that works across Africa, told the Daily Mail that guests at its Suyian Lodge were onboard the helicopter when it crashed this morning. 

A spokesperson added: ‘Out of respect for our guests and those involved in the incident, further information will be communicated in due course. Our deepest sympathies are with all those affected. 

‘The cause of the crash has not yet been determined and is under investigation by the relevant local authorities. We will share further information when it is available.’

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Prices for suites for two at the ultra-luxury lodge can be as much as £1,844 per person per night. 

Activities at the retreat include horseback riding safaris, guided nature walks and luxury helicopter flights over the country. 

The company offers guests the change to ‘Soar over the dramatic cliffs of Suguta Valley… and glide past the sacred peak of Ololokwe [Mountain].’

The helicopter involved in the crash, a Eurocopter EC130B4, had a registration number of 5Y-GYM. 

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The Kenyan Red Cross this morning said that it was responding to the crash

The Kenya Red Cross sent a crew to assist with the crash

The Kenya Red Cross sent a crew to assist with the crash 

Authorities said ​the helicopter was heading from the Loisaba wildlife reserve to ‌the ⁠Ewaso Nyiro river (pictured)

Authorities said ​the helicopter was heading from the Loisaba wildlife reserve to ‌the ⁠Ewaso Nyiro river (pictured) 

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Data from FlightRadar24 showed that the helicopter's last known position was at Mount Ololokwe

Data from FlightRadar24 showed that the helicopter’s last known position was at Mount Ololokwe

Data from FlightRadar24 showed that the helicopter’s last known position was at Mount Ololokwe.

At 9.11am local time, the vehicle was at an altitude of 5,600ft and had a ground speed of 85kts (97mph). 

The KCAA said that it is ‘coordinating with the relevant agencies and stakeholders in response to the accident. 

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‘The Ministry of Roads and Transport, Air Accident Investigation Department is leading investigations on circumstances surrounding the accident. 

‘The authority extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims following this tragedy incident.’ 

The Kenyan Red Cross this morning said that it was responding to the crash, adding: ‘Kenya Red Cross emergency response teams are participating in a multi-agency response effort as rescue teams work to access the crash site.’

Mount Ololokwe, a sacred mountain for the Samburu people whose summit rises to 6,560 feet above sea level, is a popular hiking destination. Companies offer helicopter flyovers.  

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In March, a helicopter crash in western Kenya killed six people, including a member of parliament.

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Investigators find track defect in area where Lewes train derailment took place

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A British Transport Police scene manager and investigators at the scene near Lewes last week

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A rail track defect existed in the area where a train derailed in East Sussex last week, injuring 30 people, investigators said today.

An interim report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said CCTV images from preceding services on the line show the fault, which it described as a ‘track geometry irregularity’.

Preliminary analysis of the derailed train’s onboard data recorder show it was travelling at about 65mph as it approached the point of derailment in Lewes at 3.54pm on August 13.

About 150 people were onboard the eight-carriage Southern train from London Victoria to Eastbourne. Three carriages ended up on their side, trapping passengers.

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A total of 30 people were injured, included 20 who required hospital treatment, the RAIB said.

The RAIB said its investigation will consider the weather conditions on August 13, which were hot and sunny, as well as the status of the track, embankment, condition of the train and the effectiveness of any measures taken to address potential issues caused by hot weather.

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A British Transport Police scene manager and investigators at the scene near Lewes last week

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Two people were seriously injured following the train derailment in East Sussex last Thursday

Two people were seriously injured following the train derailment in East Sussex last Thursday

Investigators are looking into whether the tracks expanded in the heat and started to warp

Investigators are looking into whether the tracks expanded in the heat and started to warp 

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M&S confirms popular cookies are coming back for 2026

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M&S confirms popular cookies are coming back for 2026

M&S has been going viral over the last few years thanks to its chocolate-covered custard creams and milk chocolate cookies that shoppers can’t get enough of, with packets flying off the shelves.

The shop has confirmed the Christmas-inspired gingerbread and white chocolate cookies will be returning for 2026.

The cookies were first introduced to the bakery section in 2024 and came back for the festive period in 2025.

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M&S bring back gingerbread and white chocolate cookies

M&S has a few flavours of its cookies that are available all year round, but items like the gingerbread and speckled egg cookies are only available for a few months.

The cookies are often hard to find in shops, as they sell out as soon as they are put on the shelves.

New Food Spotter UK on Instagram shared that the cookies will be back in a post.

The post was captioned: “@marksandspencerfood Gingerbread & White Chocolate Cookies are BACK this year!!!

“Will be in stores from Early September.”

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The cookies are made with gingerbread flavours, white chocolate chunks, and a bit of salted caramel.

The cookies will be available from September onwards, and last year were priced at £3.25 for a pack of five.

Fans of the cookies were excited for their return, with many taking to the comments on social media.

One person said: “Thank god these are my fave.”

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Another person said: “I actually can’t wait.

“These were the best things ever!”

Another user wrote: “No these can’t come back I’m gonna gain so much weight.”

What cookies does M&S sell?

While you wait for the return of the Christmas cookies, you could pick up a pack of the other cookies available.

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The brand does milk chocolate cookies, triple chocolate cookies, and white chocolate cookies.

There is also a vegan version of its chocolate chunk cookies.


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You can also get chocolate chip shortbreads and fruit granola squares.

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Fans were upset when the brand recently revealed it would be discontinuing its raspberry and white chocolate cookies.

Are you excited for the return of the gingerbread and white chocolate cookies? Let us know in the comments.

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Memorial pays tribute to teenage boy killed in Cambridgeshire stabbing

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Cambridgeshire Live

Baye Bireme Fall was stabbed outside a shopping centre in April

Memorial set up in memory of teenager killed in Peterborough stabbing

A memorial has been installed in tribute to a teenager who was stabbed to death earlier this year. Baye Bireme Fall, 16, was stabbed outside the Ortongate Shopping Centre in Peterborough on April 12.

He was pronounced dead at Peterborough City Hospital at around 9.30pm that day. A post-mortem confirmed he died of a single stab wound to his chest and abdomen.

A memorial has been installed outside the shopping centre as a tribute to Baye. The memorial is made up of a wooden well, with a smaller bucket of roses in the middle.

The well is surrounded by floral tributes and miniature stone plaques. The memorial was set up by Councillor Kirsty Knight (Con, Orton Waterville).

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Two people are set to face trial on October 12 for Baye’s murder. These are Emidas Krutkevicius, 18, of Peterborough, and a 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Krutkevicius pleaded not guilty to murder, while the 15-year-old boy was asked not to enter a plea at a hearing at Huntingdon Crown Court on May 19.

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Table top sale to raise funds for Astley Bridge community

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Table top sale to raise funds for Astley Bridge community

The event will take place on Saturday, August 22, from noon until 2 pm at the church on Eden Street, Bolton.

Visitors can browse a range of stalls selling toys, books, homeware, clothes, and gifts at small prices that support the local church and community.

Refreshments, including tea, coffee, and homemade treats, will also be available.

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The sale aims to raise funds to support the church and its work in the local community while also providing a friendly community.

Organisers say everyone is welcome to attend, whether shopping, meeting new people, or simply enjoying the friendly atmosphere.

Admission is free and there is no need to book, simply turn up on the day and grab a bargain.

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