Trains may be cancelled or delayed by up to an hour

Some rail passengers in Cambridgeshire are facing “major disruption” on trains heading to and from London. A person has been hit by a train between London and Stevenage this morning (Thursday, August 20).

This has resulted in major disruption on trains bound for London, with disruption expected until at least 4pm. A National Rail spokesperson said: “A person has been hit by a train between London and Stevenage.

“Whilst the emergency services carry out their work, all lines between these stations are closed. Trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised.”

Train companies affected are: Great Northern, Thameslink, LNER, Hull Trains, Grand Central and Lumo. Some trains through Cambridge and Peterborough are affected by this morning’s disruption.

Passengers affected by today’s disruption may be entitled to compensation if they do experience a delay. People are asked to check their journey before they travel.

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Ian Philip Moffat, 63, didn’t answer police questions when they arrested him for raping and sexually assaulting the girl.

He then denied abusing her in any way so that she had to give evidence against him at York Crown Court.

The Recorder of York, Judge Sean Morris, who also praised the girl’s courage, said she had been a “compelling witness”.

Detective Constable James Stewart, from North Yorkshire Police’s Safeguarding Investigation Team, said: “During each interview, Moffat only replied with no comment and by pleading not guilty shows his lack of acceptance of any responsibility for the horrendous sexual abuse he subjected his victim to for a number of years.

“I praise the victim for having the courage to report the abuse she endured, and commend her bravery for seeing through the investigation.

“I hope justice being served to Moffat helps the victim with some form of closure, to help her to proceed with her life the best she can.

“I also hope this helps other victims find the bravery to report to police – please know that it doesn’t matter when the abuse took place, you will be listened to.”

North Yorkshire Police say reports of rape or sexual abuse, no matter how long ago it happened, can be made via its website or by calling 101 and speaking to the Force Control Room.

• If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.
• IDAS is an independent charity that supports victims of sexual violence and abuse regardless of whether you have reported it to the police.
• Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.
• Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or via their website
• If you prefer not to go directly to the police and are not in immediate danger, you can contact North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362 or visit https://orlo.uk/VF5Ro
• You can also contact the Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at https://orlo.uk/cM8Ds or call 01609 643100.

By RYAN HOOPER, CRIME CORRESPONDENT

Published: 10:54 BST, 20 August 2026 | Updated: 13:02 BST, 20 August 2026

TV judge Rob Rinder shared the sad news that his dad David passed away yesterday as he raised awareness of the illness his late father was suffering from

TV judge Rob Rinder has paid tribute to his “funny, beautifully flawed and loving” dad, after his death on Wednesday at the age of 73.

The 48-year-old telly star shared a lengthy message on Instagram on Thursday alongside photos with his late father, detailing that although he and his dad David were “very different men”, he “never once doubted his pride in me”.

Saying he “wasn’t sure” whether to share the news at first, Rob ultimately decided to as he wanted to raise awareness of the “desperately under-researched” illness his dad had been suffering from. He went on to explain it was Lewy body dementia (LBD), which affects around 125,000 people in the UK.

In a heartbreaking tribute beneath a childhood photo with his father, he wrote: “My dad died yesterday aged 73. I wasn’t sure whether to share this but if it brings attention to an illness too few people understand, perhaps it belongs here.”

The barrister and broadcaster, famed for his Judge Rinder courtroom show, appearances on reality shows like Strictly and as a regular host on Good Morning Britain, remembered his father as “a London cabbie and lifelong Spurs supporter”.

He continued: “My parents divorced when I was little so I did not grow up with him at home. We were very different men. I loved opera and all its drama; he loved Tottenham and cigarettes. We both took people as we found them and we both loved women, though in rather different ways. I never once doubted his pride in me.”

Rob is openly gay and has previously discussed coming out in his early 20s, saying he struggled with feelings of shame in his youth but was ultimately accepted by both his parents. Touching on that, he said of his father: “When I came out he responded with magnificent indifference: I was still his son, there was nothing else to discuss.”

Going on to praise the work of charity Jewish Care, which looked after his father, and was “a place where dignity and tenderness were practised every day”, he wrote: “A Jewish man, held in his final days by people of different faiths: a quiet reminder that what is sacred in us is also what we share. He died with his family around him, loved and held to the last. Funny, beautifully flawed, loving and my dad.”

He concluded the post with a message about Lewy body dementia, saying the condition took his father “far too young” and “made the familiar strange and the certain uncertain”.

The TV star became a patron of the Lewy Body Society charity following his father’s diagnosis, and has since campaigned to raise awareness of the condition, which he described as “poorly understood, frequently missed and desperately under-researched”.

“Please learn its name, learn its signs and if you can, support the work to change that,” he said.

According to the NHS, LBD one of the most common types of dementia, and is rare in anyone under the age of 65. Those with the condition can suffer with slow movement, stiff limbs and tremors, as well as disturbed sleep that often includes violent movements and shouting out.

Fainting spells, hallucinations and hearing voices are common. Depression, anxiety and problems understanding, memory and judgement – similar to Alzheimer’s disease – can also occur.

Fans and Rob’s famous friends rushed to offer their condolences in the comments. TV comic Alan Carr wrote: “So sorry Rob,” followed by a red love heart.

His good pal Rylan, who Rob hosted the Grand Tour travel show with, simply responded with a heart emoji, as did his Good Morning Britain co-host Susanna Reid.

This Morning star Ruth Langsford posted: “I’m so sorry Rob… but it sounds like he lived quite the life and you loved each other despite your differences… that’s beautiful. May he rest in peace. Love to you and your family.” Dermot O’Leary said: “So sorry Rob, lovely words. Sending our love xx.”

Loose Women’s Denise Welch commented: “Much love to you Rob, A beautiful message.” While broadcasting legend Vanessa Feltz wrote: “Dearest friend wishing you long life and sending you my love, support and deepest condolences. The chequered but sustaining relationship you shared with your father was singular and inspiring. He must have been so proud of the courageous and crusading man you have become. Love always, Vanessa.”

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A woman in Kent was left with a ‘crater’ in her leg after multiple bites from a false widow spider.  

Danni Virgo’s ordeal began back in 2020 when she brought her clothes in from the washing line and decided to put on her freshly-laundered pyjamas.

Within seconds, the 45-year-old felt a sharp pinch on her right thigh before seeing a small spider crawl out the bottom of her pyjama bottoms.

The mum-of-one noticed a small red lump appear on her leg, and immediately grew concerned when the mark turned black the following day.

The 10p-sized bite left a crater in Ms Virgo’s skin that doctors confirmed was caused by the venom of a false widow – the UK’s most dangerous spider.

Luckily, Ms Virgo’s wound healed without surgical intervention, but just weeks later the mum was bitten twice more by a false widow, only to discover her garden is ‘infested’ with the arachnids.

She tried to battle them using peppermint spray on the fence along with natural oils and anti-spider sprays but nothing worked.

Horrified, Ms Virgo now refuses to go into her own garden or hang her washing outside – six years on from her terrifying ordeal.

Danni Virgo’s ordeal began back in 2020 when she brought her clothes in from the washing line and decided to put on her freshly-laundered pyjamas

NHS figures reveal that there were 100 hospital admissions in 2025 linked to spider bites – up from 47 in 2015.

This sharp rise is being attributed to the growing numbers of noble false widow spiders in the country. 

Ms Virgo – who still has a scar from the incident – is now warning others to steer clear of the venomous creepy-crawlies, especially in light of rising spider-related hospitalisations in the UK.

Ms Virgo, from New Romney, Kent, said: ‘We have a washing line in my garden and they like to hide in the pegs.

‘I’d hung my pyjamas out and brought them in and decided I’d put them on basically straight away.

‘It must’ve crawled into my pyjamas bottoms. I sat down and felt the most almighty pinch. It was really painful.

‘I had a look at my right leg and straight away there was a red lump.

‘Then I saw this spider crawling out of the bottom of my pyjama bottoms.

The mum-of-one noticed a small red lump appear on her leg, and immediately grew concerned when the mark turned black the following day

The 10p-sized bite left a crater in Ms Virgo’s skin that doctors confirmed was caused by the venom of a false widow – the UK’s most dangerous spider

‘It escalated really quickly. Within a day, it had turned black and had this massive head on it.’

Ms Virgo consulted her doctor who confirmed she’d been bitten by a false widow spider – and the wound had become infected.

Luckily, Ms Virgo was able to recover with a course of antibiotics but, shockingly, was bitten twice more by a spider just weeks later.

The mum has since discovered ‘around 100’ false widows lurking in her garden, which has left her terrified to venture outside.

Ms Virgo said: ‘The doctor knew straight away it was a false widow. It closed on its own but it has left a scar.

‘A couple of weeks later, I was sat on the sofa and felt a tickling on the back of my neck. Then I felt a sharp pain and I was bitten twice on my back.

‘I found out they come out at night so I went into my garden with a torch and my fence is full of them.

‘We have an infestation. They’re really easily recognised. There’s around 100 in my garden. There’s nests everywhere.

Ms Virgo consulted her doctor who confirmed she’d been bitten by a false widow spider – and the wound had become infected

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‘We’ve tried peppermint spray on the fence, natural oils, spider sprays but there’s just no way of getting on top of it.

‘I won’t hang the washing outside now and my husband doesn’t put my clothes out, we use a dryer indoors.

‘I was already scared of spiders and that one incident was horrendous and then for it to happen again a few weeks later just cemented that fear.

‘It definitely left me traumatised. Now I won’t go in my garden because there’s that many.

‘I would normally be out there, I would’ve painted the fences and pottered about but I just don’t do that now.

‘People need to be aware of these spiders. They’re not that big so they’re easily missed.

‘It’s not surprised me that bites have gone up. I live in fear now.’

Students and staff at Bedale High School are celebrating a third consecutive year of improvement. (Image: NYC)

GCSE and equivalent exam results were released this morning (Thursday, August 20), which will allow pupils to decide on their future in sixth-form, college or training.

Students and staff at Bedale High School have marked a third consecutive year of improvement and the school’s second successive record-breaking performance.

Three-quarters of students achieved grade 4 or above in both English and mathematics, while more than half secured strong passes at grade 5 or above. The school’s attainment 8 score also rose to a record 47.8 per cent.

Bedale High School student Simon Lewis receiving his GCSE results with his parents t (Image: NYC)

The headteacher of Bedale High School, Chris Stokes, said: “Today belongs to our students. Behind every one of these results is a young person who has worked incredibly hard, shown resilience and earned the right to feel immensely proud.

“The improvement since 2024 has been remarkable. However, these outcomes matter because of what they mean for our young people, not simply because they look impressive in a performance table.

“Every qualification gives a student greater choice over what they do next. That is what we mean by securing every child the gift of choice.”

The academic improvements have been accompanied by more than £750,000 of investment in the school’s facilities, curriculum and learning environment.

Among the top performers at Ripon Grammar School are Angus Millar, Tom Charlton, Aiden Jolly and Joel Buckley. (Image: NYC)

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said: “Today is a special day for thousands of young people across the county, and I would like to offer my congratulations to every student receiving their GCSE and equivalent results.

“These results represent years of dedication, determination, and resilience, often met with challenges along the way.

“I would also like to thank parents, carers, families, teachers, and support staff whose encouragement, guidance and commitment have helped our young people to reach this important milestone.

Boroughbridge High School pupil Phoebe Addison achieved ten GCSEs including three grade 9s and four grade 8s (Image: NYC)

“Whether your results are exactly what you hoped for or they lead you in a different direction, today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

“I wish every student the very best for the future and every success in whatever path they choose to follow.”

Ripon Grammar School recorded one of its highest proportions of top grades in recent years, with almost one in five awarded being the highest grade 9.

The results included 485 grades at 8 or 9, equivalent to the top A* grades under the former GCSE grading system, among the cohort of 128 students.

Among the top performers are 16-year-olds Angus Millar, from Nidderdale, and Tom Charlton, Aiden Jolly and Joel Buckley, all from Ripon.

National fell running champion and boarding student Angus achieved 10 grade 9s alongside two grade 7s.

Tom, who aims to study astrophysics at university, and Aiden, who hopes to become an engineer, gained 10 grade 9s and a grade 8, while aspiring doctor Joel achieved 10 grade 9s and a grade 7.

Overall, 58.4 per cent of all grades were at grades 7 to 9, while 92.5 per cent were at grades 5 to 9.

The headteacher of Ripon Grammar School, Jonathan Webb, said: “My congratulations go to all our students on these excellent GCSE results, which are the culmination of hard work, commitment and academic endeavour.

“We are particularly proud of the exceptional number of grade 9s achieved this year. The four students who achieved 10 grade 9s each have produced outstanding performances.

“Behind these headline results are many individual stories of achievement, and I would like to congratulate every member of Year 11 on their results.

“I would also like to thank our dedicated staff and the support of parents and families. These results provide our students with an excellent platform for the next stage of their education, and I wish them every success for the future.”

The corporate director for children and young people’s services, El Mayhew, said: “Congratulations to the thousands of students receiving their GCSE and equivalent exam results today. You should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished.

“These strong results are testament to teachers, school staff, parents and carers for the support they provide.

“I wish all pupils every success as they move on to the next stage of their education, employment or training.”

There was also celebration at Boroughbridge High School as students collected their GCSE and BTEC results.

Phoebe Addison, who achieved ten GCSEs including three grade 9s and four grade 8s, said that she was thrilled with her results and thanked the staff for all the support she had received. She is looking forward to studying A Levels at York College.

The headteacher of Boroughbridge High School, Kathryn Stephenson, said: “Our staff have thoroughly enjoyed working with the class of 2026 and we are incredibly proud of them.

“We are delighted that their hard work, ambition and resilience is reflected in their excellent achievements and that they are moving on to a wide range of ambitious destinations.

“We wish them well and our thanks go to our parents, carers and governors for their continued support.”

Young people who are unsure about their next steps are encouraged to talk through their options with their family, school and careers adviser.

The 79-year-old Wales legend has been honoured by the club where he spent his entire career

Welsh rugby icon Sir Gareth Edwards has been honoured with the renaming of a stand at the Cardiff Arms Park.

Ahead of Cardiff’s 150th season, the Blue and Blacks have renamed the north stand the Sir Gareth Edwards stand in honour of the legendary scrum-half. The 79-year-old, who played 195 times for the club, was arguably the greatest player to ever wear the Welsh jersey.

During his playing career in the halcyon days of the 1970s, he played 53 times for Wales and a further 10 times for the British and Irish Lions.

In 2003, a poll of international rugby players by Rugby World magazine declared him the greatest player of all time.

As well as the renaming of the stand, a portrait of Edwards, by acclaimed artist Nicholas J Smith, was also unveiled at the launch of a new book and exhibition of the club’s history.

This is the second time in recent years that Cardiff have renamed a stand, having named the south stand the Peter Thomas Stand in 2023 in honour of the club’s Life President.

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Thomas’ contribution was vast, having also been a player, patron, major benefactor and chair.

Speaking about naming the stand after Edwards, Cardiff Rugby managing director, Jamie Muir, said: “We have been talking of renaming the north stand for some time and it made perfect sense to do so in our sesquicentennial season. We are very grateful to RSK for supporting us with this project.

“To have Sir Gareth and his good friend, the late Peter Thomas, opposite each other in our stands and next to each other in the trophy room is incredibly poignant.

“This is a brilliant way to continue the celebrations of our 150th season and to recognise the contribution and legacy of one of our greatest ever players.

“Sir Gareth is an inspiration to everyone at Cardiff Rugby and remains a regular at the Arms Park. He is a true gentleman and someone we all look up to as an example of what it means to represent this great club both on and off the pitch.”

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Edwards – along with several appearances for Wales, the Lions and the Barbarians – was a one-club man.

Across 12 seasons for Cardiff, he made nearly 200 appearances and scored 67 tries.

The Sir Gareth Edwards Stand will be sponsored by one of Cardiff’s long-standing supporters, RSK.

“It is an absolute honour and privilege for us at RSK to support the renaming of the stand at Cardiff Arms Park,” said RSK’s director of sport and leisure, Wayne Mumford.

“Not only is Gareth one of the greats of the game but he is someone who is incredibly passionate about the environment and whose values align closely with our own.

“To honour such an iconic player at his home ground, alongside the RSK brand is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.

“We are proud to sponsor Cardiff as principal partners and wish them the very best for their sesquicentennial season, while we continue to support them for the next generation.”

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A woman was browsing a charity shop when she made an incredible hidden gem dress find in the bins – and she was stunned to discover its true value when she looked at the label

A woman was left unable to believe her eyes after she found something in a charity bin that she thought was a curtain or a bedspread. But, on closer inspection, it was actually a dress from a stunning brand she’d never heard of.

Stephanie discovered the stunning gown while sorting through bins of donated clothing at a charity shop recently. Because the garment was being sold for such a low price, she thought nothing of it until she did some digging, which left her feeling blessed.

Certain charity shops and vintage sales operate a pay-by-weight system, and that’s exactly what Stephanie was exploring when she stumbled upon a piece by a brand named Fanciful Doll, so she did some research about what she’d found.

Speaking to Newsweek, Stephanie revealed she was at Goodwill in Saint Paul, Minnesota, when she acquired several items for $10 (£7.33).

On Instagram, she shared a video displaying the dress, captioning: “You literally never know what the thrift gods will bestow upon you”.

The gown fit as if it had been tailored specifically for her, and was valued at an impressive $1,030 (£755.56) when new.

The Ophelia Epic Romance Gown from Fanciful Doll is characterised as an “exquisite organza masterpiece, inspired by the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s immortal tale, flows with ruffled grace down to a sweeping, romantic train. Lush green hues and a dreamy floral print transport you to a verdant lake, where you’ll feel like a true heroine of the stage”.

The designers also share: “This gown is a true work of art, a nostalgic couture masterpiece that will make you feel like a heroine from a bygone era. Whether you’re attending a formal event or walking down the aisle, the Ophelia Epic Romance Gown will have all eyes on you”.

Several onlookers questioned why the gown had “gone to the bins and not the regular store,” given that it “looks in good condition”. However, Stephanie batted away these concerns.

She thought maybe some mistook the frock for a piece of fabric or homeware, which may be why it was accidentally placed in a bargain bin. This mistake allowed the thrifter to hit the jackpot – as she got the designer dress for a rock-bottom price.

Responding to the viral post, one enthusiastic commenter wrote: “A fanciful doll dress at the Goodwill bins? Girl, I don’t think you are ever going to top that in your life when it comes to thrifting, that is insane!”

Another user said: “Oh my god, I think I would wear it all day, every day, it’s absolutely gorgeous.”

However, some admitted they “couldn’t” rummage through charity shop bins as it makes them want to “vomit”. While wading through so many second-hand items can be difficult, it can definitely pay off if you put in the work.

Previously, one woman was left astounded after realising her bargain £4.50 Chanel earrings were actually genuine after getting them authenticated.

Meanwhile, another thrifter was chuffed after spotting fancy Le Crueset cookware being sold for much less than it’s worth. So you never know, supporting your local charity shops may well just lead to you striking it lucky!

The ‘In the Square Summer Series’ will take place in Sunderland from August 21 to 31, promising a packed programme of tribute acts, throwback festivals, and family fun.

What’s On?

The first weekend kicks off this week, on Friday, August 21, with George Michael tribute Rob Lamberti, followed by the Love the 90s Festival on Saturday, August 22.

GirlyPop Festival takes over on Sunday, August 23, featuring tribute performances to Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift.

The second weekend begins on Friday, August 28, with The Bootleg Beatles headlining the night.

On Saturday, August 29, there will be house music legend Armand Van Helden performing alongside SOSA, Sidney Charles, and more.

Country fans can look forward to Road to Nashville on Sunday, August 30, with music inspired by Shania Twain, Luke Combs, Dolly Parton, and Chris Stapleton.

The series concludes on Monday, August 31 with Family Fest featuring K-Pop Live – a day of music, entertainment, and activities for all ages.

A variety of food and drink options will be available throughout the events, along with a fairground offering rides such as the Waltzer, Tagada, and Starflyer.

Remaining Tickets

Tickets remain available for all events in the series.

Events at a glance:

• Friday, August 21: George Michael tribute
• Saturday, August 22: Love the 90s
• Sunday, August 23: GirlyPop
• Friday, August 28: The Bootleg Beatles
• Saturday, August 29: Armand Van Helden
• Sunday, August 30: Road to Nashville
• Monday, August 31: Family Fest ft K-Pop Live

With Sunderland AFC’s first home match of the season also taking place during this period, the city centre is expected to be particularly busy.

Councillor Ciera Hudspith, cabinet member for culture, tourism and heritage at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of people into the city centre for what promises to be two fantastic weekends of live music and entertainment in Keel Square.

“The In the Square Summer Series offers something for everyone, from iconic tribute acts and nostalgic festival favourites to world-class DJs, country music and family-friendly fun.

“These events are a fantastic opportunity to showcase Sunderland as a vibrant destination for live events, while also bringing additional visitors into the city centre to support local businesses.”

Boston, Denver and Philadelphia have made the final shortlist to host the 2028 Democratic National Convention, as the party prepares for an open primary to choose a successor to President Donald Trump.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin said in a statement that the cities submitted “incredibly strong bids,” promising the gathering will be an “inspiring celebration of our party’s future nominee.”

Party leaders are expected to make a final selection later this year. Republicans have already chosen Houston for their 2028 convention.

Scheduled for Aug. 7-10, 2028, the convention traditionally allows the party to introduce its nominee, rally grassroots supporters, and launch the core general election campaign.

The party gave no reason for eliminating Atlanta and Chicago, the site of the 2024 event. Officials visited all five candidate cities in April and May to assess fundraising capacity and logistics.

The three finalists are liberal hubs bordered by suburbs that have grown vital to the party’s electoral strategy. They also offer access to labor unions, key demographics, and significant fundraising resources.

While Colorado and Massachusetts consistently back Democrats in presidential races, Pennsylvania remains a major battleground. Trump won Pennsylvania in 2024.

Philadelphia last hosted the gathering in 2016, Denver in 2008 and Boston in 2004.

Before turning fully to the presidential race, Democrats are aiming at this year’s midterms to reclaim control of the narrow Republican-led House and potentially the Senate.

Democrats face a fundraising deficit against Republicans, along with existing debts, leaving Martin facing criticism over his management of party finances.

At a recent party meeting in Texas, Martin brushed off critics and called for unity ahead of the midterms and the conclusion of Trump’s second term in 2028.