Global Counsel, the advisory firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, has collapsed into administration in the fallout from the scandal surrounding his historic links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, administrators have said.

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Gurney Pease Academy and Springfield Academy, which are both part of the Education Village Academy Trust, Darlington, have won high praise from Bridget Phillipson for what she describes as ‘a significant achievement’.

In a letter to both schools, she said: “Congratulations to you and your team on the excellent outcomes the disadvantaged pupils at your school achieved at the end of the 2024/25 academic year.

Pupils at Springfield Academy (Image: Supplied)

“Your schools’ performance places them among the very best nationally, and this is a significant achievement.

“This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils.

“It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together.

“Thank you for everything you do to give children the best possible opportunities to succeed.”

Mrs Phillipson said the schools demonstrated what was possible and she hoped they would continue to share their experience and best practice with others.

“Even the strongest schools can go further,” she said.

“We encourage you to lead the way as a system leader, sharing effective practice, championing networks, supporting collaboration, and helping raise standards across the sector.”

Acting principal of Gurney Pease, Joanne Davison, said: “We never put pressure on the children in terms of SATs but encourage them all to do their very best, to develop a sense of self-pride and self-worth, so they can work to the best of their ability.”

Springfield Academy principal Paula Austin, said: “We work to give pupils the skills for a future life, to build their resilience to cope with pressures, to give them the confidence and self-belief to enable them to fulfil their potential and aspirations.”

Both academies operate a similar ethos which pervades all aspects of school life.

At Springfield, it is called SHINE – Successful, Happy, Informed, Nurtured, Embracing Community – which is adapted for all children from ages three to 11.

At Gurney Pease, whose pupils range from two to 11, it is called PRIDE – Perseverance, Respect, Independence, Drive, and Engagement.

Mrs Davison said: “All the children receive high-quality teaching from the minute they walk through our door.

“We treat every child as an individual and know each one very well.

“We can then take action if there is any chance of any under-achievement.

“They all work incredibly hard and this means they are all ‘successful’, in their own way, regardless of their backgrounds and starting points.

“We are delighted that the work of children and staff has been recognised by the Education Secretary.”

Kalvin Phillips moved to Sheffield United on loan on deadline day having made just one substitute appearance for Manchester City this season.

Kalvin Phillips has opened up on his Manchester City exit after sealing a loan move to Sheffield United on deadline day. The former Leeds midfielder has failed to make an impact since his 2022 move to the Etihad.

Illness and injury saw Phillips get off to a bad start at City and he was later criticised by Pep Guardiola for returning from a break after the 2022 World Cup ‘overweight’. Phillips had made just one appearance for City this season before completing a temporary switch to the Blades, coming on as a late substitute in the Carabao Cup third round win over Huddersfield Town.

Phillips has revealed he received a text message from Sheffield United striker Patrick Bamford, whom he played alongside at Leeds, about a possible move to the Championship club. Having initially rejected the idea, the City midfielder eventually decided that the game time on offer at the second-tier club would make it the best move for his career.

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“It was early December. Obviously I was thinking of going out on loan and Pat (Bamford) text me and said Chris has asked me to message to see what you think about coming here for a few games,” Phillips told Sky Sports. “At first I was a bit like ‘I don’t know’, but the more I thought about it, I thought ‘why not?’. It’s not going to harm me in any way, it’s not going to do anything to my confidence, I want to play as many games as possible.

“If I’d gone to a Premier League team it would have taken me a bit longer to get into the team and they have less games and I just want to play as many games as possible.”

Asked about his struggles at City, Phillips said: “Any player that’s been in my situation, I think they will say that not playing has been one of the major reasons for a dip in their career or whatever.

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“I just feel like staying idle, like, so many players have done it where they’ve stayed at the club for so long and not played and their career has fizzled out. I don’t want that to happen.

“I just felt like, for me, I’ve still got some life in me, I’ve still got some football in me to play and I’m looking forward to the next three or four years.”

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Phillips has made two appearances for the Blades since his mid-season switch, coming on as a substitute in a defeat to Middlesbrough before being handed his first start of the season in a 1-0 victory over Portsmouth.

Kadassi Nembhard became trapped after she rushed to grab her young daughter who started to sink while playing on the sands at Whitby Harbour.

The mum, from Darwen, in Lancashire, was on the final day of a three-day trip to Whitby with her son and daughter, as well as her friend and her friend’s son.

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Kadassi said the group had gone done to the beach on Wednesday, while the tide was out, when her three-year-old daughter started to sink, as she and her friend’s son played by the water’s edge.

Kadassi Nembhard was walking along the beach in Whitby with her children, friend and friend’s son when she got stuck in the mud. Photo Kadassi Nembhard.

Kadassi said: ” My daughter panicked and as I went to grab her, I got stuck.

“I managed to get her out safely. But then my feet were completely stuck, I just didn’t know what to do.

“Panic set in and I turned round to my friend and said ‘I’m stuck’. It got deep within seconds. It was just below my knees.

“I had boots on as well. There was no wriggle room and I couldn’t move my feet at all.”

Whitby Coastguard praised Kadassi for remaining still and asking for help, which they said significantly reduced her chances of coming to further harm. Photo HM Coastguard Whitby

Kadassi said two passers-by came to try to help free her, but kept getting stuck themselves, so instead tried to keep her calm from a distance.

Shortly afterwards the emergency services arrived and managed to dig the Kadassi out with the help of a spade, a plank of wood and a signboard brought by a local fisherman.

Kadassi said the experience was “really scary” and that she would be “forever grateful” to the Whitby Coastguard and fire and rescue teams who brought her to safety.

Coastguard Rescue Officers responded to the incident alongside colleagues from Whitby RNLI lifeboat, North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Photo Whitby Coastguard

“They literally saved my life, saved my daughter’s life. I know some of them are volunteers.

“They’re real-life heroes and the aftercare they provided was second to none. I’m forever grateful to them for saving me.”

She also thanked the two passers-by who talked to her and helped keep her calm while help was on its way.

Whitby Coastguard praised Kadassi for remaining still which they said significantly reduced her chances of coming to further harm.

A spokesperson said Coastguard Rescue Officers responded to the incident alongside colleagues from Whitby RNLI lifeboat, North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, which was another great example of how well agencies work together when someone needs help.

Coastguard Rescue Officers responded to the incident alongside colleagues from Whitby RNLI lifeboat, North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Photo Whitby Coastguard

“Thanks to the close proximity of the RNLI boathouse, RNLI crew were quickly on scene and able to reach the casualty. Using digging equipment and some boarding sourced locally, their prompt and calm actions helped free the casualty safely.

“Coastguard officers then assisted the casualty to the boathouse, where they were able to warm up, change into dry clothing, and continue with their day after what would have been a worrying experience.

“Once again, a strong multi-agency response resulted in a positive outcome. The casualty did exactly the right thing by remaining still and asking for assistance, which significantly reduced the risk of further harm.

“Mud and soft ground around harbours and estuaries can be extremely dangerous, especially as tides change and weather is damper than usual after frost and snow, making ground even softer underfoot.

“If you see anyone in trouble around the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Harry Styles will be performing his new song ‘Aperture’ from his new album at the BRIT Awards 2026 at Co-op Live in Manchester next weekend

Harry Styles is just days away from taking to the stage as he performs at Manchester’s Co-op Live but insiders have revealed one thing he’s vetoed ahead of next Saturday’s awards ceremony.

Taking place in Manchester for the first time since the BRITs debuted in 1977, Harry will be performing ahead of the release of his new album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, out in early March. The show, which will air on ITV, will feature performances from a host of big names including Styles, ROSALIA, Alex Warren, Wolf Alice, Olivia Dean and Mark Ronson.

Harry’s return next month marks three years since his last performance on The BRIT Awards’ stage. In 2023, he swept the board with four award wins following the release of his last album ‘Harry’s House’ and performed on the night.

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Details about the ‘Watermelon Sugar’ star’s 2026 performance have been revealed by BRIT Awards host Jack Whitehall, who appears on this week’s episode of the Jonathan Ross Show, which airs on ITV1 and ITVX at 9.25pm on Saturday night.

The comedian joined father and daughter duo Danny and Dani Dyer, Grey’s Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey, and multi award-winning musician Self Esteem on the sofa.

Quizzed on hosting duties at this year’s ceremony, Jack teased what viewers can expect including the performances he’s most excited for, and the behind-the-scenes preparations that got a “hard-no” from Harry Styles’ team.

Jack tells Jonathan Ross: “Personally I’m so excited – Harry Styles back at the BRITs. He’s doing a performance of his song Aperture, that’s going to be one to look forward to.”

“We’re going to film a sketch. I had to send over a couple of ideas, because I don’t think the first few were appropriate. That’s what I love about Harry, he’s so great and so up for getting involved and having a laugh, and he’s got a really good sense of humour.”

Jack is further probed by Jonathan on what one of his original sketch ideas were, and reveals: “There was one that was me trekking for days trying to find him and he’d been living in a hut and he looked like Hagrid, and then it had me shaving him. I got a hard no from his team.”

Away from Harry Styles skits., Jack also reveals how his mother is keen to recreate Chappell Roan’s daring Grammy Awards look at this year’s BRIT Awards. “She’s threatening to. I did actually see her the other day.

“She was over to babysit my daughter and I looked over her shoulder and she was on Amazon and she was scrolling and trying to purchase this see-through breast plate.”

This year’s BRIT Awards nominees have been led by Olivia Dean and Lola Young, who have both earned four nominations each. Other artists to be recognised in the 2026 shortlist include Sam Fender, Lily Allen, Sabrina Carpenter, Little Simz, and Noel Gallagher, who will receive the Songwriter of the Year award.

It has now been confirmed that Sombr will be joining the list of performers at this year’s ceremony. The 20-year-old, who hails from New York, has achieved recent success with songs including 12 to 12, We Never Dated, Back To Friends and Undressed.

As well as being hosted by Jack Whitehall, the awards will feature a special Manchester-inspired trophy which has been designed by fashion and interior designer Matthew Williamson. The award features a nod to the city’s worker bee mascot with its amber toned resin design.

In addition to the show being aired live on ITV and ITVX, this year’s Brit Awards will also be streamed live around the world on ITV’s YouTube channel. The Brit Awards will take place at Co-op Live on February 28. It will air live on ITV, ITVX and ITV’s YouTube channel.

UK Athletics has pleaded guilty to the corporate manslaughter of Paralympian Abdullah Hayayei.

Hayayei died aged 36 after a metal cage fell on him while training at Newham Leisure Centre, London in July 2017.

UK Athletics pleaded not guilty to the charge in March 2025 but entered a fresh plea on Friday at an Old Bailey hearing.

Keith Davies, the head of sport for the 2017 World Para-athletics Championships, also pleaded guilty to a health and safety charge, having previously denied gross negligence manslaughter.

Prosecutor Karen Robinson asked the court to set a two-day sentencing hearing in early June, confirming the prosecution would not seek a trial and the outstanding charges would be dealt with at the conclusion of the sentencing.

Davies, 78, was granted continued bail on the condition he liaise with the Probation Service for a pre-sentence report.

If you’re still in denial that it’s been 30 years since the first Toy Story film was released, then this will really make you feel it.

Yesterday, the trailer for Toy Story 5 dropped, taking fans on a nostalgic trip once more with the revival of all their favourite characters, from Woody to Buzz Lightyear and from Jessie to Forky.

For one toy, the ageing process is starting to show – but fans are loving how it’s been portrayed.

The plot for the fifth instalment in the hit animation franchise couldn’t be more apt, as the abandoned toys unite to battle against the tech that has ‘invaded’ children’s homes.

After leaving his plastic pals in Toy Story 4 (2019) to reunite with Bo Peep (Annie Potts) and enjoy the freedom of living as a lost toy, pull-string sheriff Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) also returns to help the group, now led by Jessie (Joan Cusack), take down frog-like tablet Lilypad.

There’s one thing that doesn’t quite return, though – and that’s his hair.

Something the internet couldn’t help but notice in the latest trailer is that the beloved cowboy is, in fact, balding: where his head was once covered in brown hair, Woody now sports a bald patch at the back.

Perhaps that’s unsurprising when you remember that, in Toy Story 4, the time lapse placed Woody in his late fifties.

The other toys point it out, too, after almost being blinded by the sunlight reflecting on his bald head.

‘Someone needs a brown marker,’ they remark, while Lilypad (Greta Lee) asks, ‘What are you, some sort of old man toy?’ upon their first meeting.

‘What?’, Woody replies incredulously, to which Forky mocks: ‘She thinks you’re old because you’re bald, Woody.’

The iPad hits back once more, quipping that youngster Bonnie, who has long forgotten her toys in favour of her tablet, ‘needs help from someone at least from the same century’.

What follows is an epic adventure from the group, who call in backup to remind kids of the importance of playtime in what audiences are already declaring a valid ‘lesson’ for today’s society.

Viewers are also praising the honest representation of ageing in Woody’s hair loss, given that an estimated two out of three men will experience some hair loss by the age of 35, the most common type (male pattern baldness) affecting seven million men in the UK.

X user @aijanuart writes: ‘Woody is bald. we, who watched Toy Story 1 in elementary school, were also bald. We’re all getting older, folks.’

@rolly_onchain declares ‘childhood officially over’, while @MCstanning writes: ‘I FEEL OLD ASF WTF’.

@AParkMind adds earnestly: ‘I think this a really clever move by pixar. The actors are getting older and it makes sense to give a reason why they sound a little old. Additionally it’s a visual representation of his how old some of these toys are especially in comparison to the new modern tablets’.

Further explaining to Metro why the move from Pixar is so important, Dr Anatalia Moore, an NHS GP and cosmetic dermatologist, says: ‘It might seem like a tiny detail, but showing a character with thinning or balding hair in a big family film is actually really meaningful, and I think it’s a great step forward for the film industry.

‘Hair loss is incredibly common in men, yet it is still something many struggle to talk about openly.’

She goes on to say that ‘what people often underestimate is the emotional impact’ of hair loss, since hair is ‘closely tied to identity and confidence’ and particularly in an age of hair transplants being so common and thickening treatments endlessly advertised online.

‘That is why moments like Woody’s hair in the new Toy Story film matter, especially for children,’ she argues. ‘When young audiences see characters who are not perfectly polished, it helps normalise the reality that bodies change, and ageing is nothing to be embarrassed about.

‘It encourages kinder conversations around appearance and self worth from an early age.’

Dr Moore concludes by saying that ‘seeing a well-loved character simply exist with thinning hair sends a reassuring message that confidence and identity are not defined by hair, and that is a really positive thing for both adults and children to see.’

Another aspect of the upcoming film that’s been highly praised is the commentary on how tech has become so influential on kids.

@SketchesbyBoze says how making tech the ‘villain’ highlights ‘the effect these devices have on kids’, and @glitterjuj writes that it made them ’emotional’ to be reminded of how ‘kids need toys’.

‘They could have chosen just another wacky adventure, but instead are tackling a subversive lifestyle shift that has affected us all, not just children. Doing so in a light, entertainment film is difficult. Kudos to them if they pull it off’, posts @u_m_a_m_i.

@runawayrailways agrees: ‘in this bleak landscape for children, this movie is going to be so needed’, as @Undercovercopfr hailed the new story as ‘progressive’.

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“Whatever comes of the investigation, one thing is for certain”

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When the first unmarked car inched up the back road to Wood Farm on the morning of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s 66th birthday, Daily Mirror reporter Patrick Hill was already there.

Eight vehicles in total entered Sandringham Estate to detain the disgraced former prince, who had been stripped of his royal titles by his older brother, King Charles, in November.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office. It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Andrew remains in police custody, with Thames Valley Police confirming other addresses are being searched in connection with his arrest under suspicion. of misconduct in public office.

Below, Patrick details how Andrew’s 66th birthday stands in stark contrast to his 40th birthday, which featured a 700‑guest black‑tie party at Windsor Castle:

‘His birthdays have traditionally been lavish events held inside palaces amid revelry and dancing.

‘But any celebration Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may have been planning for his 66th birthday was unceremoniously halted at 8am. A procession of eight unmarked cars arrived at his temporary home here in Norfolk, where the former Prince has been living in exile.

‘The occupants, all plain-clothed police officers, were seen arriving via a back road at Andrew’s temporary residence Wood Farm on the King’s Sandringham estate. Then at 8.50am, three vehicles, including a Range Rover believed to be Andrew’s private car, left the address via the same back road heading to the village of Babingley.

‘Barely an hour later, Thames Valley Police released a statement saying they had arrested a man aged in his 60s on suspicion of misconduct in public office. They added the man was now in police custody and they are carrying out searches at homes in Norfolk and Berkshire.

‘The arrest was instantly world news. More and more media began arriving at the entrance to Andrew’s temporary residence Wood Farm after his arrest was announced. So much so that shortly before 1pm media were assigned a neighbouring field to park their cars in due to fears of a blocked road. By 1pm there were no fewer than 23 vehicles, including a TV satellite truck.

‘At least four separate forces are also assessing the details of flights by Andrew’s old pal Epstein’s “Lolita Express” jet in and out of UK airports in the UK. As part of their inquiries officers are examining whether women, including then 17-year-old Virginia Guiffre, were trafficked to the UK by Epstein.

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‘The raidwas a world away from Andrew’s former life and his previous birthday celebrations, which have often come on the slopes of the world’s most exclusive ski resorts. He formally celebrated his 40th at a black-tie bash, dubbed the Dance of the Decades, at Windsor Castle alongside 700 guests, including fellow royals, celebs, and his paedo pal Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

‘It came after a private ride on the London Eye in front of cheering crowds and a £30,000 ‘This Is Your Life’ party at his former Sunninghill Park mansion in Ascot, organised by his former wife Sarah Ferguson. His 50th included a trip to Swiss ski resort Verbier and two parties, including one at St James’ Palace and another at Buckingham Palace, which featured a performance by the English National Ballet and was attended by the late Queen and Prince Philip.

‘Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The former prince is currently living in Wood Farm while renovations to his soon to be permanent home at nearby Marsh Farm are complete. Scores of media arrived at the entrance to the estate since news broke of Andrew’s arrest.

‘Whatever comes of the investigation, one thing is for certain. Andrew’s 66th is a birthday he will never forget.’

It will be beside Newhill Youth and Community Centre

A community garden has been approved for the Whiterock area in West Belfast.

Elected representatives at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee unanimously approved an application for a community garden and improvements to the existing unused space, including an allotment area, a pizza and BBQ area and new pathways at 261 Whiterock Road, Belfast, BT12. The applicant is Newhill Youth and Community Centre, of the same address.

The proposal seeks to alter existing rough ground area to the rear of the centre into an area for allotment beds, wildflower and planted areas, as well as improved pathways. To the side there will be a new seating area, BBQ and pizza making space.

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Council officers recommended the application for approval. None of the statutory consultees had any objection to the plan.

One objector wrote to Belfast Council stating that higher footfall to the community centre would lead to noise and parking issues, and potential for damage to fencing.

The council case officer’s response in the report was: “The proposal is not designed to increase footfall to the centre but to improve an existing area of open ground to the rear and side of the centre.

“Potential increased noise levels have been considered by Environmental Health and a condition has been offered to ensure no unacceptable noise affecting amenity.

“The issue of parking on site or on an adjacent road is no different from the current situation. There is no increase proposed in the number of cars attending the site and the on-site parking will not change from the current level of parking.”

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