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‘My brother was going to his first festival when he felt tired – days later we were turning off his life support’: Grieving sister begs students to get meningitis B jab after bug killed 18-year-old

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Nicole Zographou said her 18-year-old brother's death from meningitis B 'has bled into every part of my life.' She added: 'We were really close, and I miss him incredibly'

The grieving sister of an 18-year-old sixth form student killed by meningitis B has issued a plea begging others to get vaccinated against the deadly disease.

Nicole Zographou’s baby brother George had excitedly set off to the Boardmasters surf and music festival in Newquay, but told his sister he was feeling ill beforehand.

Undeterred and determined to enjoy himself, young George and his friend drove off from Bristol, but on the journey his condition worsened.

He developed a pain in his foot and became increasingly woozy. Overnight, he began uncontrollably vomiting and could no longer walk by morning.

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Unbeknownst to him, a meningococcal infection was ripping through his body at terrifying speed.

Hours later, he collapsed, suffering a heart attack and a catastrophic brain injury. He was rushed to hospital, where he was found to be a victim of meningitis B – a vicious bug which cruelly targets teenagers and young adults.

Five days on, his family was forced to make the brutal decision to turn off his life support. Sparkly-eyed, kind, funny, beautiful George was dead.

Nicole, 38, said: ‘He died in his peak. If George hadn’t got meningitis B, he would be with us today. He would be 28, enjoying a good career, having finished university, and still be having fun.

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Nicole Zographou said her 18-year-old brother’s death from meningitis B ‘has bled into every part of my life.’ She added: ‘We were really close, and I miss him incredibly’

Nicole, a senior public health practitioner, urged young people to get vaccinated. She said: 'Please check. Please ask. Please have the jabs and get protected. Please don't make the mistake of thinking this won't happen to you.'

Nicole, a senior public health practitioner, urged young people to get vaccinated. She said: ‘Please check. Please ask. Please have the jabs and get protected. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking this won’t happen to you.’

‘His death has bled into every part of my life. We were really close, and I miss him incredibly. I’d give the world to have him back.’ 

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The coroner’s reports stated that the only thing that would have saved George’s life would have been a vaccination, senior public health practitioner Nicole said.

She issued an urgent warning for students to get vaccinated ahead of the return to university later this month.

In a desperate plea, she added: ‘Please check. Please ask. Please have the jabs and get protected. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking this won’t happen to you.’ 

In March, two students aged 18 and 21 were killed by meningitis B in an outbreak in Kent which infected 21 people following a fateful club night out. Another 18-year-old was killed in Oxfordshire by the disease in May.

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Last week, the teenagers in Suffolk were rushed to hospital with the same infection.

Nicole spoke further about her brother’s death in 2017: ‘George felt a little unwell. Five days later he was dead. That is how quickly this disease can take hold.

‘You cannot look at a healthy 18-year-old and imagine that they could be dead within days. That’s what is so frightening about meningitis.

‘It can start with symptoms that seem ordinary, and you might not realise how seriously ill someone is until they suddenly deteriorate so quickly that they cannot be treated.’ 

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George Zographou said he had been feeling mildly ill before he set off to Boardmasters festival in 2017. Five days later his family were forced to shut off his life support after he was struck down by meningitis

George Zographou said he had been feeling mildly ill before he set off to Boardmasters festival in 2017. Five days later his family were forced to shut off his life support after he was struck down by meningitis

Nicole said: 'There were four of us in our happy family. Now we’re like a three-legged chair and we don’t really function very well any more without him'

Nicole said: ‘There were four of us in our happy family. Now we’re like a three-legged chair and we don’t really function very well any more without him’

Nicole added: 'The coroner's report said the only thing that would have saved him was a vaccination. That's what it said on his on his death report.'

Nicole added: ‘The coroner’s report said the only thing that would have saved him was a vaccination. That’s what it said on his on his death report.’

Nicole painfully recalled the day she last saw her brother – a student at St Brendon’s Sixth Form College in Bristol – before he was struck down by meningitis.

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George was excited – excited for his first festival experience, even excited by the journey, having never driven on a motorway before.

She said: ‘He told me he was feeling a little unwell and I advised him not to push himself. I told him to make sure he sought help if he needed it, but he wasn’t feeling too bad, so none of us were too worried.’

Nicole was jetting off to Ibiza for a week on her own adventure, which she had been really looking forward to as well. So they said their goodbyes and parted ways.

Soon after arriving in Newquay, George was texting their parents -mum Elaine, now 73, and dad Andrew Zographou, now 59 – and Snapchatting Nicole in Ibiza to tell them he had started feeling very unwell. 

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The following evening, a call came that changed the family forever. George had gone into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing for 12 minutes.

Nicole said: ‘From the call, I learned he’d been blue-lighted to hospital, placed on life support and was found to have suffered a catastrophic brain injury.’

She rushed back home, getting the first flight back from Ibiza and arrived 10 hours later at her brother’s side, where he was being kept alive with a life support machine.

Nicole continued: ‘He was catastrophically brain dead. But we had no idea what was going on.

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‘The doctors were asking, did he do any drugs? But George was not a risk taker and it could not have been that.

‘We found out after three days that it was Meningitis B, and his CT scan had shown he was never going to recover. So after five days, we took the only decision we could – to turn off his life-support machine.’

In a helpless moment, the family checked George’s vaccination records only to find he was not covered from the disease as they had thought. The vaccine required was not yet available in 2017.

Meningitis had already struck George’s school the year before, infecting two girls and killing one. 

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Well Pharmacy’s Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist Wendy Lee, warned: ‘George’s story is tragic, but sadly not an isolated case.

‘Although the Men B vaccine is now available free of charge for students from year 13, we are extremely concerned by its current slow uptake.

‘The new university term is now just weeks away, and we urge all eligible students to get themselves booked in at their local pharmacy for an injection that might just save their life.’

George collapsed at the festival after suffering a heart attack and he stopped breathing for 12 minutes. He had catastrophic brain injuries and died in hospital

George collapsed at the festival after suffering a heart attack and he stopped breathing for 12 minutes. He had catastrophic brain injuries and died in hospital

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Well Pharmacy's Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist Wendy Lee warned: 'George's story is tragic, but sadly not an isolated case.' adding she was 'extremely concerned' with the slow uptake of vaccines

Well Pharmacy’s Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist Wendy Lee warned: ‘George’s story is tragic, but sadly not an isolated case.’ adding she was ‘extremely concerned’ with the slow uptake of vaccines

The infection attacks the membranes surrounding your brain, inflaming them and putting dangerous pressure on the central nervous system.

Ms Lee said that the bacteria causing it can be carried harmlessly in the throat but can invade the bloodstream and cause meningitis and ‘become life-threatening extremely quickly.’

‘Around one in four 15–19-year-olds carry meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throat without knowing it,’ she said.

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To protect against the disease, two doses of the vaccine are needed at least four weeks apart. Ms Lee added: ‘If you’ve already had your first, make sure you go back for your second appointment.’

There is currently a free NHS MenB catch-up programme offering free shots to teenagers and young adults ahead of the 2026/27 university year. 

Young people born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 – the current Year 13 age group – can get it for free, Ms Lee said.

People born on or after 21 July 2001 who are starting university or certain residential further-education colleges for the first time in autumn 2026 are also eligible.

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Nicole echoed her advice, adding: ‘You just don’t know whether you’re going to be one of those people who gets it or not. And in one in 10 cases it can be fatal, just like it was for George.

‘It’s meningitis season coming up. I wouldn’t ever take the risk. It’s a very effective vaccination once you have it. And up until the age of 25, you’ve got a much higher chance to catch it, especially when you’re going into university and you’re mixing with new people.

‘It really scares me that there are people starting university in meningitis season and yet people aren’t taking this on.

‘Please take some time to go and get vaccinated. Educate yourselves, speak to your GP, your nurses. If you’re worried, you’ve got any questions, educate yourself.

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‘Don’t think you’re invincible. Get the jabs and stay safe.’

Pharmacist advice and symptoms 

Pharmacist Wendy Lee is urging Brits to get meninigits B vaccines and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease – as thousands of students prepare to head off to university this month.

Well Pharmacy’s Deputy Superintendent Wendy Lee said: ‘Meningitis is a terrifying infection. You’ll feel seriously unwell very quickly, and it can turn life-threatening within a matter of hours.’

A million youngsters in England are eligible for a two-dose vaccination available at local pharmacies as part of an NHS drive.

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The one-off programme was launched following the UK’s largest and fastest-growing meningitis B outbreak in Kent this year and two further ‘unusual’ clusters in Weymouth and the Reading.

The outbreaks left three teenagers dead – two in Kent and one in Oxfordshire.

Wendy said: ‘Starting university means youngsters are meeting lots of new people and often living in close-contact settings such as halls of residence, where infections can spread more easily.

‘MenB can become serious very quickly, and vaccination is a simple way to give students and parents peace of mind before they head off to university.

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‘It’s really important to remember that the MenB vaccine requires two doses, given at least four weeks apart. If you’ve already had your first, make sure you go back for your second appointment.

‘The second dose is important to complete the course and give you the best protection, so don’t assume that having your first jab means you’re fully protected.

‘If you’re heading off to university, check when your second dose is due and make sure you get it booked in.’

Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. While viral meningitis is more common, bacterial forms are less common but can be far more serious.

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One of the main causes is meningococcal group B (MenB), which can cause both meningitis and sepsis, both of which can become life-threatening within hours.

According to the latest UK Health Security Agency figures, there were 313 confirmed cases of MenB in England in 2024/25, accounting for 82.6% of all invasive meningococcal disease cases.

Overall, invasive meningococcal disease killed 31 people between 2024 – 2025.

According to NHS guidance, Meningococcal disease is fatal in around one in 10 cases.

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Symptoms 

Early symptoms can look deceptively similar to flu, including a high temperature, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pain and feeling generally unwell.

But warning signs include a stiff neck, dislike of bright lights, confusion, breathing quickly, cold hands and feet, seizures, or becoming very sleepy and difficult to wake.

A rash can be a key warning sign, particularly one that does not fade when pressed, but waiting for a rash to appear is dangerous because it may not develop early, or even at all.

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Wendy said: ‘If someone has a stiff neck, a dislike of bright lights, or is becoming confused and difficult to wake, these are serious red flags. Seek immediate emergency help, do not wait for a rash to appear.’

Anyone who suspects meningitis or meningococcal disease should seek emergency medical help immediately by calling 999 or going to A&E.

Bacterial meningococcal disease requires urgent hospital treatment, including intravenous antibiotics and fluids.

The consequences of surviving can also be severe. MenB can cause hearing loss, brain damage, seizures and problems with memory and concentration, while meningococcal sepsis can result in tissue damage and amputations.

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Well pharmacists can provide advice on the signs and symptoms of meningitis, when to seek urgent medical care and whether patients are eligible for the free NHS MenB vaccination.

The MenB jab is available at participating Well Pharmacies in England. Patients can check eligibility, find their nearest branch and book an appointment through the Well website now.

For Wendy, her message is simple: ‘Don’t wait and see. With meningitis, acting quickly could be the difference between life and death.’

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Weird and unexpected places to discover in Lancashire

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Weird and unexpected places to discover in Lancashire

Graves cut into rock. (Image: Dave Hamilton)

ROCK CUT TOMBS, HEYSHAM

There is a local legend that, after being shipwrecked, St Patrick was washed ashore and set up the first chapel at Heysham sometime in the fifth century. Considering St Patrick was also supposed to have been shipwrecked on the Isle of Man and Anglesey, unless he was the world’s unluckiest sailor, there may be some doubt about this story. Regardless of how factually accurate this tale is, during the eighth century a chapel was built in honour of the saint. The remains of this chapel still stand, along with eight rock cut tombs that may also date to the same era. You’ll find six of the human-sized holes cut into the rock on the west side of the chapel and two more to the east.

How to get there: A589/Heysham road north into Heysham, turn left at the Coach House onto Longlands Lane. Continue to Main Street and park in the village car park. Walk across the roundabout from the car park, following Main Street past The Royal to the churchyard. The tombs are at the back. Regular buses run from Morecambe to the village.


Clougha Pike. Clougha Pike. (Image: Dave Hamilton)

ANDREW GOLDSWORTHY’S CHAMBERS, CLOUGHA PIKE

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Andrew Goldsworthy’s artworks tend to be site-specific structures. They utilise whatever materials come to hand. In some cases these are branches or leaves, giving the sculptures a more transient nature. In others, like the three chambers, the works are made from stone and last little longer. In a remote spot like the top of Clougha Pike, this had the added benefit that he didn’t have to hike up the steep path carrying his raw materials. They were built over a three-year period between 1999 and 2001, with the artist focusing on one each year. The Duke of Westminster’s Abbeystead Estate funded the project, and it has drawn walkers to the area ever since the sculptures were installed.

If the weather turns, there is enough room for three hikers to sit and have their lunch undercover while a fourth questions their choice of friends. Opposite the car park below you’ll find Jubilee Tower, built for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee by James Harrison, a wealthy Liverpool shipbuilder. The tower has some great views over the local area, and you might just spot Blackpool Tower in the distance.

How to get there: Take the Wyresdale Road east from Lancaster, remain on the road through Quernmore and pull into the left when you see Jubilee Tower. The path up to the chamber starts at the back of the car park. It is both straightforward and confusing, especially if the weather changes, so a map and compass/navigation apps are useful. Head up the path to the brow of the hill and go over the stepladder to your left. Remain on this path, heading towards the sea. After approximately 800 metres you should see the geometric shapes of the sculptures and a path that will lead you to the chambers.


Pendle Sculpture Trail. Pendle Sculpture Trail. (Image: Dave Hamilton)

PENDLE SCULPTURE TRAIL, BARLEY

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Pendle will always be synonymous with the story of the Pendle Witches. In 1612, during a time of great superstition, religious zealotry and paranoia, 10 Lancashire women and two men were tried for witchcraft. Ten of the 12 were subsequently hanged, and one was acquitted. The final woman, Elizabeth Southern, died before the trial began after being kept in terrible conditions in Lancaster Castle’s Well Tower. Many of the ‘witches’ were healers or women dealing in herbs, and, rather tellingly, some of those reporting the ‘crimes’ seem to have been herbalists in the area who may have had competing practices. Others were tried for petty crimes that appear to be nothing more than personal vendettas between neighbours rather than any practising of the dark arts. Pendle-based Philippe Handford created the trail along with fellow artists Steve Blaylock, Martyn Bednarczuk and Sarah McDade. The trail was made to tell the story of the witches and contains different elements of the tale, such as the witches themselves, the tower where Elizabeth died, and other supernatural or ‘spooky’ carvings, such as unicorns, bats and owls.

How to get there: Park at 53.877727 -2.271122 and follow the lane south. Continue south on the footpath to Lower Black Moss Reservoir. Take a left here, then a right into the woods.


The Atom. The Atom. (Image: Dave Hamilton)

ATOM, COLNE

Designed by Peter Meacock, Andrew Edmunds and Katarina Novomestska of Peter Meacock Projects, Atom’s structure is made from glass-fibre reinforced concrete, which has been coated in bronze. Due to the shape of the structure, it serves as a welcome place to escape from bad weather as it closes in across the hills. The artwork forms part of a satisfying walk around Wycoller Country Park, taking in the ruins of Wycoller Hall, thought to be the inspiration for Ferndean Manor in Charlotte Brontë’sJane Eyre.

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How to get there: From Colne take the A56 east to join A6068 Keighley Road. Continue to the Emmott Arms and turn right down School Lane. Take the next right down Carrier’s Row, then left at the T-junction and left again to the car park. Walk into Wycoller and then take the path behind the public toilet to Atom.


Singing Ringing Tree. Singing Ringing Tree. (Image: Dave Hamilton)

SINGING RINGING TREE, BURNLEY

High on the moors, overlooking Burnley, the Singing Ringing Tree is a sound sculpture harnessing the power of the wind as it blows through a series of galvanised steel pipes. The work was part of an ambitious series of four sculptures commissioned by the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network and collectively known as the Panopticon. It accompanies the Halo and the Atom along with Colourfields in Blackburn, created by artist Sophie Smallhorn, who integrated it into a former cannon battery in Corporation Park. The pieces were made as a symbol of the area’s regeneration, and it was hoped they would become 21st-century landmarks that would stand the test of time.

The Singing Ringing Tree was created by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu of Tonkin Liu and stands three metres tall. The pipes are a mix of structural and visual elements, along with pipes tuned to various pitches over a range of different octaves. The result is a strange, somewhat discordant harmonic as the wind blows through the pipes.

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How to get there: Take the A682 south, go over A682 and take a left at the brown sign ‘Tree Panopticon’. Keep on this road as it bends; eventually, you will meet a semi-circular car park on the left. You should see the Singing Ringing Tree down the winding path from here.


HALO, HASLINGDEN

Halo is another in the Panopticon series commissioned by the East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network. Resembling a fire pit or UFO, it is an 18-metre-diameter steel lattice structure on a tripod, with a series of fairy lights positioned across the underside. It occupies a commanding position on the top of Top o’Slate, a former landfill site above the town of Haslingden in the Rossendale Valley. The ‘fairy lights’ consist of low-energy blue LED lights powered by a turbine, making Halo visible at night for those approaching from the A56.

Designed by John Kennedy of LandLab, there are footpaths leading from the sculpture out to Cribden Hill and over to Rawtenstall in the east.

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How to get there: From the Co-Op on St John’s Street, Haslingden, take a right onto Regents Street, left onto Church Street, left onto High Street, right onto Higher Lane, then a right onto Cribbden End Lane. You’ll come to a pull-in and Halo will be above you.


RIVINGTON TERRACED GARDENS, HORWICH

Once the grounds of William Hesketh Lever, this was one of the grandest gardens in the country during the early 20th century. Lever could be considered the Richard Branson or Jeff Bezos of his era, a self-made millionaire who made his fortune as the co-founder of Lever Brothers/Unilever, a company that still exists today. He set up the business with his brother in 1884, initially as a soap manufacturer, and quickly started exporting to both sides of the Atlantic. Although the gardens are a shadow of their former grandeur, there are still echoes of their past. There is a trust in place that is slowly bringing the gardens back to life, but it is a slow and costly process. This is part of Rivington’s charm as it retains a lost quality.

How to get there: Head off the M62 at junction 6 and go west into Horwich. Go past the Aldi on Chorley New Road, then take the fork between the two pillars on the right onto Lever Park Avenue. Follow the road to Great House Barn and Go Ape, then take a right-hand turn to park in Rivington Hall Barn.

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ANOTHER PLACE, CROSBY

From a distance, it’s impossible to distinguish the 100 cast iron figures that make up Antony Gormley’s Another Place on Crosby beach from real people. Once your eyes adjust to them and you realise what they are (and that they all look the same and never move), they take on an unsettling beauty. The scale of the artwork is vast, spanning over two miles between Waterloo and Blundellsands. Adding to the disquieting nature of the work, depending on the level of the tide some of the figures can be fully submerged or completely exposed, being revealed and hidden as the sea rises and falls. In a move that some may deem narcissistic but Gormley insists is more egalitarian (we are all the same under our clothes), all the figures are based on his naked body. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the figures have had a mixed reception, with the coastguard being the most vocal. Their main concern was not coming to the aid of a statue but rather visitors being cut off on sand flats as the tides came in.

How to get there: There is parking on the seafront near the Coastguard Office, L23 8TA, or you can take the Merseyrail train to Hall Road and walk to the seafront. The figures stretch from Blundellsands in the north to Waterloo in the south.


ORMSKIRK PARISH CHURCH, ORMSKIRK

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Ormskirk Parish Church, along with St Andrew’s Church in Wanborough and St Mary’s Church in Purton (both in Wiltshire), is one of only three churches in England to have both a spire and a tower. However, while the other two have distinctly separate towers and spires, St Peter and St Paul’s Church is uniquely unusual, with its tower and spire appearing to be joined together. There is an apocryphal tale that explains why the church has both, and indeed why the town is called Ormskirk. It is said that Orme, a Viking settler, wanted to build a kirk, or church, in his new settlement. His two sisters (in some stories, his daughters) quarreled over whether it should have a tower or steeple. After a protracted argument, Orme decided he would appease both siblings by building both. While there may have been a Viking called Ormr who settled here, the story about the two sisters is completely fictional.

How to get there: Easily found in the centre of Ormskirk at the junction of Derby Street West and the A570.

Park in Finnegan’s Square car park on Southport Road..


Weird Guide, published by Wild Things PublishingWeird Guide, published by Wild Things Publishing (Image: Wild Things Publishing)

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Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take part in Great North Run

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Manchester Evening News

Andy Burnham has previously completed the iconic half marathon as mayor of Greater Manchester

Andy Burnham has confirmed he will become the first sitting Prime Minister to take on the Great North Run.

The PM, who returned to the House of Commons as Labour MP for Makerfield in July, has previously completed the iconic half-marathon on several occasions during his tenure as Mayor of Greater Manchester.

Mr Burnham will be running in support of homelessness and housing charity Changing Lives, and has urged people to consider making a donation towards their vital work.

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This year’s Great North Run celebrates its 45th anniversary and is set to welcome more than 60,000 participants, including the Prime Minister himself.

The PM said: “I’m running the Great North Run for Changing Lives because I’ve seen the difference they make with my own eyes.

“A few weeks back I visited Alex’s Place in Newcastle to launch our drive to offer everyone a route off the streets by Christmas. I sat down with residents over a cup of tea and heard what it actually takes to rebuild a life once you’ve lost everything – not just a roof, but people who stick with you while you find your feet again. That’s what Changing Lives does.”

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At Alex’s Place, the Prime Minister and housing secretary Angela Rayner said that a “relentless” push to end rough sleeping could get everyone off the North East’s streets for good.

Ending rough sleeping was the first pledge Mr Burnham made after coming into Downing Street in July, reports Chronicle Live.

Ahead of the Great North Run, he added: “Tackling homelessness is a moral mission for me. It’s why I promised to end rough sleeping on my first day as PM, and why I’m proud to pull on a Changing Lives shirt today.

“If you can spare a few quid, please chip in and support them.”

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The Gentlemen Star Ray Winstone’s Guy Ritchie Feud Explained

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The Gentlemen Star Ray Winstone's Guy Ritchie Feud Explained

Given Ray Winstone’s background in the gangster movie genre, it’s hard to believe that his work in Netflix’s The Gentlemen marks his first time collaborating with director Guy Ritchie.

Back in 2024, following the release of season one, Ray told Men’s Health magazine that he and Guy’s paths had actually first crossed years earlier, when he almost landed a role in Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.

However, this didn’t end up happening, with the British actor admitting that he and the filmmaker had a major fall-out around this time.

“We were younger kids, arguing, and kind of fell out,” he recalled, admitting that he continued to watch Guy’s career blossoming from afar.

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“It’s a shame, because over the years I watched his films and, you know, begrudgingly liked them,” he joked.

Ray Winstone at the premiere of The Gentlemen season two earlier this month

During a subsequent interview with the same magazine published in September, Ray revealed that mutual friends had encouraged the two men to meet up and clear the air, which is how they came to finally work together.

“We had a chat,” Ray said. “I suppose it’s part of growing up – becoming a man instead of a silly little boy. We had a little chat and a little hug, as you do in the film business.”

Ray added that finally working with the Snatch director definitely lived up to his expectations and he “really enjoyed” the experience.

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He also opened up more on the subject during a chat with Esquire magazine, saying: “When I was younger, something happened. I just didn’t like the way… the film was put on hold and I took umbrage to the fact that no one was told.

“These actors, this crew, have rents to pay. And if it’s been put on hold and the money’s not coming through for a film, tell everyone. They’ve got a choice then – go and find some more work or whatever.”

Ray admitted: “I just thought it was a liberty. I aired my opinion, said, ‘See you later.’ Then, we had words a bit later on. I didn’t like what he’d done. There’s a way of going about your business, and I’ve probably got the wrong end of the stick anyway. But anyway, it was done, it was said, move on.”

Guy Ritchie

While he claimed that he could previously have “never” imagined working with Guy again, he conceded: “Then you watch what he’s doing. You know a Guy Ritchie film when you watch it. He’s not copying anyone. He does what he does, and the more you get to know him, the more challenging you realise he is.”

“When it came through that he was interested in me doing [The Gentlemen[, I thought I owed him to go and see him and talk to him about it,” he continued. “And we had a little cuddle. And it was all right.

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“I’m glad that did happen, because you can’t go on [carrying a grudge]. When you’re kids, you do things, don’t you?”

Ray has now played Kaya Scodelario’s on-screen father, the formidable Bobby, in both seasons of The Gentlemen.

He is expected to return for the show’s third outing, which was confirmed to be in the works last month.

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Anglezarke Reservoir reopens to visitors to enjoy

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Anglezarke Reservoir reopens to visitors to enjoy

United Utilities has confirmed that the path around Anglezarke Reservoir will be open to the public again after work on the historical dams.

The engineering works at Heapey Dam were essential to ensure the ongoing safety of the dam, which was first constructed in 1857. 

The major project involved excavating 10m into the wall of the dam and inserting rows of interlocking piles.

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Iain Pilling, United Utilities’ Area Engagement Lead for Lancashire, explained: “This is a really popular walk, and we’re delighted to reopen the circular footpath around the reservoir again in time for people enjoying some autumn sunshine.”

Anglezarke Reservoir is the largest in the Rivington chain; it has three dams and a capacity of four million cubic metres, the equivalent of 1,600 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

At 10m high and 85m long, Heapey Dam provides the embankment at the northern end of the reservoir, and United Utilities said it requires regular maintenance.

Prior to completion, controversial plans to introduce parking charges around the reservoir and also at other several locations around the Rivington Chain.

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The proposals formed part of United Utilities’ wider plans to introduce paid parking across the Rivington estate, with the company arguing the move would help fund improvements and protect the area for future generations.

However, the plans sparked significant opposition from residents and campaigners, with more than 1,000 people signing a petition against the scheme.

Campaigners argued the move amounted to the “commercialisation” of Rivington and Anglezarke and conflicted with the historic principles behind Lever Park.

In a statement confirming the decision, United Utilities said it wanted more time to engage with local residents before bringing forward revised proposals.

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All United Utilities’ reservoirs and dams undergo regular safety checks and maintenance to ensure their ongoing reliability. 

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How being robbed of our valuables on a beach in Sicily turned into a blessing in disguise

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Jack Dillon and his girlfriend Charlotte went on holiday to Cefalu in Sicily in the summer - and fell foul of criminals lurking on the beach

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Down by the beach in Cefalu, a charming seaside town 40 miles east of Sicily’s capital, Palermo, disaster struck.

My girlfriend Charlotte and I – relishing our holiday that we had saved up for with part-time jobs at university – had gone for a swim, entrusting our possessions to a respectable-looking young couple sunbathing nearby on the golden sand.

When we returned, however, the young couple had gone, as had all our valuables. No cards or cash. No digital camera. No phones.

Panic kicked in. We were miles from our Airbnb in Palermo with no access to money and unable to speak Italian. So, we went straight to the local police, who were entirely unhelpful and instructed us to go to another police station in Palermo.

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Which we did, thanks to lovely staff on the train who allowed us to travel back for free.

This was how we found ourselves walking around in the scorching heat in Palermo asking locals for directions, eventually finding the correct police station, where we completed a property loss report. 

Then we called our parents to tell them the situation, and went back to our Airbnb.

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Jack Dillon and his girlfriend Charlotte went on holiday to Cefalu in Sicily in the summer – and fell foul of criminals lurking on the beach

The pair's valuables were stolen whilst they enjoyed a quick dip in the sea close to Cefalu, where they were staying

The pair’s valuables were stolen whilst they enjoyed a quick dip in the sea close to Cefalu, where they were staying

Luckily, I discovered I had in fact left my debit card in our apartment. Using this, I withdrew enough cash for the rest of the holiday. And then something dawned on us: we could not access the internet.

This was, we immediately realised, incredibly strange for both of us.

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After our first ever dinner uninterrupted by looking at our phones, we set out to watch the FIFA World Cup final in a sports bar.

Normally, we would have used Google Maps to find a suitable place, but instead had to ask strangers in the street.

The next day we travelled by bus to Mondello beach. Yet this turned out to be stressful too as we were so used to following every step of a journey on our phones, we were worried we would miss our stop.

It was fine in the end, and we enjoyed a day on the beach reading books, talking and swimming. No need to worry about our non-existent valuables.

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In the days following we purchased a map – something completely alien to us. 

The incident turned out to be the best and worst thing to happen to the couple

The incident turned out to be the best and worst thing to happen to the couple

Initially, it was a chore trying to navigate Palermo’s chaotic streets but we soon began to love it. Yes, we got lost endlessly, but we were struck by the sense of adventure as we explored the food markets and tourist sights.

It was great. We had no worries of the outside world, no friends or family messaging us or to send message to – no need to post anything on social media. 

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Charlotte and I talked non-stop and began playing games such as chess and completing crosswords for entertainment. And we soon found we were truly enjoying the city for what it was, noticing the splendid architecture, intriguing art galleries and cosy cafes.

As the holiday went on, we became experts at navigating the city by map, and it was simple travelling back to the airport (fortunately, we had printed boarding passes prior to being robbed).

Losing our phones was one of the worst things ever to happen to us on holiday… but also, unexpectedly, the best, too.

  • Travel facts: Stansted-Palermo returns from £44 in October (ryanair.com).

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New police commander welcomes reduction in violent crime across East Ayrshire

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Daily Record

CS Trickett takes the reigns in Ayrshire from previous incumbent Suzanne Chow.

The region’s new top police officer has welcomed a reduction in violent crime across East Ayrshire.

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Local Policing Commander for Ayrshire, Chief Superintendent Conrad Trickett, appointed in June, says “focused work” and “robust action” by his officers is making a difference.

CS Trickett, takes the reigns in Ayrshire from previous incumbent Suzanne Chow.

And he was on hand to deliver Police Scotland in Ayrshire’s Q1 performance report, from April 1 to June 30 2026.

The report shows that violent crime has decreased by 4.2 per cent compared to the previous year to date, which is a 6.8 per cent decrease on the five-year average.

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There have been no homicides or attempted murders recorded within the Q1 period, according to the report.

Serious assaults decreased by 33.3 per cent within the Q1 period with 12 crimes recorded. Common Assaults have, however, increased by 5.8 per cent, though these remain four per cent down on the five-year average- an increase of 17 crimes compared to the previous year to date.

CS Trickett said in his report: “Violent crime has shown a decrease due to focused work around town centres, licensed premises and robust action leading to quick arrests of those who conduct acts of violence.

“The increase in robberies remains a focus and a trend has been identified within this increase whereby people are using violence or threats of violence to recover suspected drug debts. Often these incidents are reported to the police but the victim does not co-operate with the police investigation.”

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In his report to East Ayrshire Councillors CS Trickett said it was “an honour and a privilege” to serve as the new Divisional Commander.

He said: “I want to thank Ch Supt Suzanne Chow for her leadership during her tenure here. The Division and Local Authority are in a good place with strong partnerships and performance. I look forward to building on this success to reduce crime and build safer communities.”

CS Trickett also revealed that the force will soon deliver their new ‘National Policing for our Communities’ model in Ayrshire.

He added: “This model aims to deliver a nationally recognisable, sustainable operating model for local policing that meets the needs of our local communities.

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“As part of this change, we will engage with partners and elected members to keep them updated on this positive move.”

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Three women arrested at Donald Trump’s Doonbeg golf course amid Irish Open visit

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Belfast Live

All three women appeared before a special sitting of Ennis District Court on Saturday evening

Three women have been arrested at US President Donald Trump’s Doonbeg golf resort since Friday evening.

On the night of Friday, 11 September, a woman in her 20s was detained for trespassing on the golf links at the Co Clare venue, which is hosting the 2026 Irish Open.

Gardaí have also confirmed that two further women, aged in their 30s and 40s, were arrested on the golf links on charges of public order offences on Saturday, 12 September.

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All three women appeared before a special sitting of Ennis District Court on Saturday evening, with no further arrests having been made.

President Trump touched down in Ireland aboard Air Force One on Saturday morning, meeting with Catherine Connolly, Micheál Martin and Simon Harris in Dublin, before making his way to Co Clare to attend the Irish Open at his Doonbeg resort, reports the Irish Mirror.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said: “A significant Policing and Security Operation will continue in County Clare tomorrow Sunday 13th September 2026 in Co. Clare for the visit of the 47th President of the United States of America, Mr. Donald J. Trump.

“This is a significant policing and security operation and members of the public can expect ongoing restrictions on traffic and movement in West Clare, particularly in the environs of Doonbeg and Trump International Trump International Golf Links and Hotel.”

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Full list of delayed and cancelled flights from Manchester Airport today – Sunday, September 13

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Manchester Evening News

Passengers are urged to check their flight details and get to the airport with plenty of time

Thousands of holidaymakers are set to jet off from Manchester Airport today as they catch a flight from the UK’s third busiest airports.

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It comes after the airport was hit this week with major disruption after a nationwide outage on the Nats air traffic control system. The issue affected 15 airports across the country, including Manchester, which cancelled and delayed hundreds of flights.

Nats confirmed the system had been restored late on Tuesday night, with Manchester Airport able to run its usual service on Wednesday. Dozens of flights were delayed throughout the day however, while British Airways had cancelled some of its flights to Heathrow as it recovered from the air traffic control issue.

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Manchester Airport experienced a record-breaking summer period this year, having expected nearly six million passengers to travel through over the summer months.

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Today, most flights are expected to run as normal and on time. There are currently no cancellations but a number of flights are delayed. Passengers are urged to keep up to date with their flight information and get to the airport with plenty of time.

Here are all of the delayed (more than 30 minutes) and cancelled flights from Manchester Airport on Saturday, September 12, according to Flight Radar 24. The list will be updated throughout the day.

Full list of delayed flights

  • 12:45am SunExpress XQ3507 to Dalaman – departed 1:06am
  • 5:40am easyJet U22273 to Malta – departed 6:13am
  • 5:55am Jet2 LS1757 to Preveza – departed 6:29am
  • 6:00am Jet2 LS1765 to Kalamata – departed 8:28am
  • 6:00am TUI BY2770 to Dubrovnik – departed 6:36am
  • 6:05am easyJet U22037 to Murcia – departed 7:00am
  • 6:10am easyJet U22117 to Paris – departed 8:37am
  • 6:20am Ryanair RK1103 to Palma de Mallorca – departed 8:05am
  • 6:35am TUI BY2716 to Zakynthos – departed 7:13am
  • 6:40am easyJet U22275 to Enifdha – departed 9:11am
  • 7:00am easyJet U22141 to Antalya – departed 7:39am
  • 7:00am easyJet U22051 to Rhodes – departed 7:45am
  • 7:05am easyJet U22001 to Barcelona – departed 7:44am
  • 7:05am Jet2 LS863 to Mahon – departed 8:15am
  • 7:05am Jet2 LS831 to Palma de Mallorca – departed 7:46am
  • 7:10am easyJet U22161 to Amsterdam – departed 7:54am
  • 7:10am Ryanair RK3126 to Marrakesh – departed 7:42am
  • 7:15am easyJet U22083 to Skiathos – departed 7:59am
  • 7:15am Jet2 LS879 to Alicante – departed 7:56am
  • 7:15am TUI BY2790 to Pafos – departed 8:09am
  • 7:20am Jet2 LS929 to Reus – departed 7:51am
  • 7:20am Jet2 LS1707 to Corfu – departed 8:01am
  • 7:40am Ryanair FR5476 to Verona – departed 8:17am
  • 7:40am TUI BY2786 to Malaga – departed 8:19am
  • 7:45am Jet2 LS1755 to Olbia – departed 8:25am
  • 7:55am easyJet U22133 to Catania – departed 8:31am
  • 8:00am easyJet U22209 to Lisbon – estimated 10:04am
  • 8:00am Jet2 LS803 to Barcelona – departed 8:35am
  • 8:00am TUI BY2744 to Heraklion – departed 8:41am
  • 8:05am easyJet U22075 to Zakynthos – departed 8:47am
  • 8:15am Jet2 LS947 to Naples – departed 8:51am
  • 8:15am Jet2 LS809 to Malaga – departed 8:53am
  • 8:30am easyJet U22125 to Naples – estimated 9:59am
  • 8:35am easyJet U22093 to Preveza – departed 9:28am
  • 8:40am Etihad Airways EY78 to Abu Dhabi – departed 9:17am
  • 8:40am Aer Lingus EI3611 to Belfast – estimated 10:15am
  • 9:00am KLM KL1030 to Amsterdam – departed 9:34am
  • 9:20am Ryanair FR4927 to Pafos – estimated 9:54am
  • 10:00am easyJet U25522 to Alicante – estimated 11:32am
  • 10:35am Lufthansa LH2501 to Munich – estimated 11:15am
  • 11:35am easyJet U22031 to Mahon – estimated 12:08am
  • 12:35pm easyJet U294 to Belfast – estimated 1:59pm
  • 1:15pm easyJet U22005 to Bilbao – estimated 1:47pm
  • 3:30pm Jet2 LS919 to Tenerife – estimated 4:40pm
  • 3:35pm easyJet U2705 to Belfast – estimated 4:22pm
  • 3:50pm easyJet U22123 to Rome – estimated 5:21pm
  • 4:30pm easyJet U2715 to Isle of Man – estimated 5:01pm

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All Creatures Great and Small nominated for six TV Times Awards

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All Creatures Great and Small nominated for six TV Times Awards

All Creatures Great and Small, which is filmed just an hour or so away from Bolton in Grassington, is one of the most popular series on TV – and now it is counting on fans to vote for it in this year’s TV Times Awards in which it has been shortlisted for six awards to add to its cabinet.

In February it won Best Drama Series at the TV Choice Awards.

The Yorkshire-set series, which returns for its seventh series on Thursday, has secured a nomination for Favourite Returning Drama, while several members of its cast have also received individual recognition.

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Exploring beautiful Grassington where All Creatures is filmed

Samuel West, who plays Siegfried Farnon, is shortlisted for Favourite Actor, while Callum Woodhouse has been nominated in the Favourite Supporting Actor category.

The show’s much-loved pairing of Nicholas Ralph and Rachel Shenton is also up for Favourite On-Screen Partnership.

Meanwhile, fan-favourite Pekingese Tricki Woo has earned a nomination for Favourite Animal Star, and Thomas Riches is in contention for Favourite Young Actor.

The show’s producers shared the news on social media, saying they were “immensely proud” of the nominations and thanking viewers for their support.

Fans who enjoyed the latest series are now being encouraged to vote, with voting set to close on September 29.

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The show is known for engaging with it fans, with stars reading out fan mail on social media and answering questions of the show which has won the hearts of the nation.

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Recent cases heard at Scarborough Magistrates Court

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Recent cases heard at Scarborough Magistrates Court

James Arron-Cameron, 33, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to failure to comply with the requirements of the sex offenders’ register by not telling police his new address.

He was given a 35-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay a £187 statutory surcharge.

Jamie Clements, 54, of Fell Close, Scalby, pleaded guilty to having an indecent image of a child and having extreme pornography.  

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He was given an 18-month community order with 30 days’ rehabilitative activities and 200 hours’ unpaid work. He was made subject to the sex offenders’ register and a sexual harm prevention order, both for five years and must pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 statutory surcharge.

Joshua Ratcliffe-Tunnah, 28, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm to a man at Whitby  Youth Hostel and causing criminal damage to his glasses.

He was jailed for 24 weeks and ordered to pay £245 compensation.

Jacob Hodgson, 26, of St Johns Road, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified in Scarborough.

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He was given a 12-month community order with 50 hours’ unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 statutory surcharge.  He was banned for a further four months.

Brian Martin, 48, of Seamer Street, Scarborough, pleaded guilty to assaulting a man, having a wooden broom as an offensive weapon in public, using threatening words or behaviour, and failure to give police his name and address, all committed in Scarborough.

He was given a 12-month community order with 40 hours’ unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 statutory surcharge.

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