A superb bowling performance breathed life into England’s T20 World Cup campaign as Harry Brook’s side beat co-hosts Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their opening match of the Super 8s phase.

England remained unconvincing with the bat in posting 146-9 but their bowlers took full advantage of a tricky surface to knock over their hosts for 95.

Jofra Archer dismissed key batter Pathum Nissanka and fellow opener Kamil Mishara but even more impressive were the three wickets for all-rounder Will Jacks inside the powerplay.

Jacks, who has struggled with the ball at times in this tournament, removed Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake in consecutive deliveries and added the scalp of Dunith Wellalage as Sri Lanka crumbled to 34-5 under the pressure of a chase.

After Kamindu Mendis chipped back a catch to Liam Dawson and Dushan Hemantha hit his own wicket, Jacks combined with Tom Banton to complete a fine relay catch on the boundary to dismiss Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka’s captain and the last recognised batter, for 30.

That England’s batting remains far from perfect is pushed to another day. Jos Buttler made a tortured seven from 14 balls, Jacob Bethell fell to a wild slog and Tom Banton ran himself out.

Phil Salt’s 62 and 21 from Jacks, who was the next highest scorer in a fine all-round display, were crucial.

England play Pakistan on Tuesday and New Zealand on Friday in their remaining Super 8s matches.

Two wins would guarantee a semi-final place. One may be enough.

Incongruous as it seems, after two weeks of insipid cricket, England are now on the verge of a World Cup semi-final slot. A crushing 51-run victory over Sri Lanka in Kandy, overcoming a pitch that offered grip and turn, means that a win against either Pakistan or New Zealand will take England through to the last four.

When Sri Lanka are playing at home, you do not need to see the score to tell how the hosts are faring; your ears will suffice. The sound of the famous papare band and the effervescent local crowd betrayed England’s strife as they staggered to 68 for four and 106 for six and then a final total of 146 for nine. Thereafter, the silence – interspersed only by occasional bouts of music on the loudspeaker system – betrayed that Sri Lanka were heading inexorably to defeat.

England’s win was inevitable long before Dilshan Madushanka was clean-bowled attempting a heave against Adil Rashid. In the space of 20 frenetic balls during the Powerplay, England took five for 19, effectively securing the match.

This passage of play was vindication for Harry Brook’s captaincy. He enlisted Will Jacks to bowl the second over, reasoning that the off-spinner could locate grip and bounce on a turning pitch. After conceding just four from his first over, Jacks bowled straight through during the Powerplay, following his crucial cameo of 21 by taking three wickets to secure the player-of-the-match award.

The identity of the other new ball bowler was rather less surprising: Jofra Archer. But, recognising the need for early wickets, Brook supported Archer with a combination of aggressive fields and enlisting him to bowl three overs straight. In the penultimate ball of Archer’s new-ball spell, he unfurled a brutal 93mph delivery which Kamil Mishara could only prod to gully.

From the wreckage of 34 for five, Sri Lanka never threatened to mount an assault on their target of 147 thereafter: the pitch was offering too much turn, and the shot selection was too shoddy. The upshot was that, barely an hour after their World Cup prospects were in peril, England are now poised to return to India for a semi-final. Should England beat Pakistan back here at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, or New Zealand in Colombo on Friday, they are guaranteed to qualify.

Facebook page Eerie Echoes & Dark Tales Of Bolton is captivating local residents.

Jane, who runs the page says it about getting people’s stories out there and every effort is made to back up the reports they received through research.

And it comes as no surprise there are plenty of haunting tales to tell give the rich history of the town and the well documented hauntings.

Jane has experienced the supernatural in Bolton.

Jane said: “I was on my own upstairs in The Old Three Crowns pub, and I’d heard the thudding of footsteps on the landing, walking all the way to the front end of the room. As I turned around, they stopped right in front of me.”

That was just one story personal to Jane, who said: “You’ve just got to be at the right place at the right time,” she says about encountering paranormal spirits- and especially at the famously paranormal spots in the town’s long history.

Eerie Echoes & Dark Tales of Bolton was devised after a group of women investigated these places.

Smithills Hall

That group disbanded in the pandemic- and now has a presence on social media.

Talking about other encounters, the enthused supernatural explorer has heard voices when listening back to sound recordings.

The Watermillock House, which is now a Toby Carvery off Crompton Way, has been investigated before for its supernatural secrets.

When live steaming in the 19th century building’s server’s quarters on Facebook, they noticed holes in the wall- and asked on stream what they were for.

She said: “We didn’t heard anything at the time, but people were commenting saying we’ve just heard a man.

“There were no men there, but when I listened back later there’s a man’s voice, he does say something in direct response to my question.”

This isn’t the first time a sound recorder picked up supernatural occurrences.

In the Old Three Crowns pub again, there’s said to be a girl’s spirit who has lived upstairs for many years.

When talking about her with a sound recorder present on an investigation, Jane said there was a girl’s voice saying ‘I can hear you.”“That made me think actually she’s real, she’s actually haunting The Three Crowns,” Jane added.“I’ve spent many years trying to find out who the little girl is that haunts there, but I’ve never been able to find out.”

As well as those places, other favourites from the page are Ye Olde Man and Scythe, Smithills Hall and Chorley Old Road, where there are tales of a UFO sighting.

To Eerie Echoes & Dark Tales of Bolton, they try to be as accurate as possible, backing up history and reports with newspaper archives or evidence.

However, sometimes it’s just about getting people’s stories out there.

Some fans message in and put their supernatural experiences out there.

Though standing at over one thousand followers, Jane noticed people are just as interested in hearing the history of Bolton as hearing about the spooky details.

It begs the question of what the group thinks happens after death- and though not religious, Jane holds a belief.

She said: “I would love to know the answer, but I’m a sceptical believer. There is something after that, but what?

“There is some sort of energy. Whether that would be something to do with the stone tape theory is why we’ve heard these male voices in direct responses. I would love to know more than anybody what happens.”

The stone tape theory is that ghosts are like tape recordings through supernatural energy when a person has gone through emotional or traumatic events- and recording them onto rocks .By nature, Bolton is historic.

There are countless tales, and some paranormal tales may still slip under the rug- and go unnoticed.

Good things come to those who wait, at least that is what Zoe Atkin will be hoping as she goes for gold in the women’s freestyle halfpipe competition in Livigno.

The Briton qualified in first place for the final thast was originally scheduled for Saturday evening. A snow storm prevented the final from taking place, so it has been rescheduled for Sunday. Yes, snow stopped play at a Winter Olympics…

Atkin nailed a first run score of 91.5 that was enough to top the standings, while China’s defending champion Eileen Gu made it through in fifth place.

It was a major statement of intent by 23-year-old Atkin, whose older sister Izzy won Britain’s first ever medal on skis when she took bronze in the women’s ski slopestyle in Pyeongchang in 2018.

Atkin won the world title in Engadin, Switzerland, last year, and came to the Games fresh from a gold medal in the superpipe competition at last month’s X Games in Aspen, Colorado.

She admitted the prospect of eclipsing her sister’s medal colour was a major motivation. “There’s definitely a little bit of rivalry between us, and I think that’s more from my side because I’m the little sister,” said Atkin.

“I grew up kind of in her shadow a little bit and I feel like only now am I making a name for myself. But she is the whole reason I got into skiing and she has been my biggest role model.”

Gu has so far won silver medals in both slopestyle and Big Air, and is the only athlete attempting to take on all three disciplines.

She has been critical of the hectic schedule she has endured as a result, and rode her luck to reach her third final after crashing out of her first run.

Gu had another shaky moment halfway down her second as she stared early elimination in the face, but recovered to score 86.5 that was comfortably enough to see her through.

The competition was delayed for 15 minutes following a bad crash by Canada’s Cassie Sharpe, the 2018 gold medallist and 2022 runner-up, who was attended by medics before being carried from the course on a stretcher.

This pub has built a strong reputation for glowing reviews

Cambridgeshire residents and visitors are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to places to dine. From affordable places, to ones where you go when you’re looking to celebrate with a special treat. You name it, this county has it.

Hidden away in the lovely countryside of Cambridgeshire is Ellington, home to an enchanting country pub. The Mermaid, located on the high street, has received some glowing reviews. The hidden gem is definitely worthy of a place on your must-visit list.

The pub is known for its roaring fires, high-quality food, and old ship timbers. The interior offers a cosy style that gives off the aesthetic of a dining room that you would find in a home.

Chris and Kay currently run the rustic inn. They bought it again, having previously owned it before, and it underwent renovations to the interior.

This 14th-century village eatery offers a variety of classic home-cooked pub grub. This includes the chef’s seafood pie, the classic gammon steak, or even beef lasagne.

Vegetarians will find a delightful array of choices to satisfy their palates. From vegetarian wellington to a moussaka, this place caters to every need.

The Mermaid has built a strong reputation among diners and earned an average rating of 4.6 out of five stars from more than 600 reviews on Tripadvisor.

One happy diner captioned their experience on Tripadvisor as “A place NOT to be missed”. They wrote: “What a gem of a traditional pub.”

They added: “A lovely log fire, warm atmosphere and a decent menu variety to choose from that is not limited to burgers, pizzas and fish and chips that you can anywhere.”

Another diner dubbed the restaurant a “super pub”. Another wrote: “Amazing restaurant. Very welcoming and friendly. The décor is gorgeous. The service was excellent and the food was absolutely delicious. A great selection on the menu and the specials board. Good selection of wines too. We had a brilliant evening.”

Guests can also extend their visit to a night away. The Mermaid Inn offers single and double bed rooms combining vintage charm with modern contemporary décor. A single bedroom costs £75 and a double room costs £85. It is an exceptionally good value, especially considering today’s market.

Donald Trump has said he is sending a “great hospital boat” to Greenland, the semi-autonomous Danish territory he wants to acquire.

The US president threatened, at one point, to take the Arctic island by force in the interests of “national security”.

However, in late January he announced “the framework of a future deal” on Greenland and its security following talks with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte.

Now, Mr Trump has claimed he is sending a boat to “take care of the many people who are sick” in Greenland, which has a universal public healthcare system.

He announced the plan at a dinner for Republican governors at the White House.

Mr Trump posted on Truth Social: “Working with ‌the fantastic Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, we are going to send a ​great hospital boat to Greenland to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care ​of there. It’s on the way!!!”

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry reposted Mr Trump’s message on X – and added: “Thank you, President [Trump]! Proud to work with you on this important issue!”

The US Navy has two hospital ships, the Mercy and the Comfort, which support forces on deployments and provide disaster and humanitarian relief.

The White House and ⁠Mr Landry’s office have not made any further comment on the post – or revealed whether the ship had been requested by Denmark ‌or Greenland.

Denmark maintains control of the territory’s foreign affairs and defence.

Read more:
NATO starts mission to strengthen presence in Arctic
Why Trump has insisted the US ‘needs’ Greenland

Mr Trump’s post came hours after Denmark’s Joint Arctic ​Command said it had evacuated a crew member of a US submarine off the coast of Greenland after the person needed medical treatment.

The change means thousands of local residents will no longer have to wait until mid‑morning to board a bus without paying, giving them more flexibility for hospital appointments, work, volunteering and childcare.

What exactly is changing?

From Friday, March 1, anyone with a Greater Manchester Older Person’s or Disabled Person’s concessionary pass will be able to travel free at any time of day on Bee Network‑operated buses.

Until now, free travel was only available after 9.30am on weekdays, with early‑morning journeys charged at full fare.

Who benefits?

The change applies to:

• Older Person’s Pass holders (from state pension age)
• Disabled Person’s Pass holders

Bolton has one of the highest numbers of concessionary pass users in Greater Manchester, so the impact will be felt across the borough, from Farnworth and Horwich to Westhoughton, Breightmet and the town centre.

Why is the restriction being lifted?

Transport for Greater Manchester says the move is designed to:

• Help with the cost of living
• Make early‑morning travel easier for medical appointments
• Support older and disabled people who work or volunteer
• Encourage more people to use buses as the Bee Network expands

Local leaders say the change will give residents “more freedom to travel when they need to”.

Bolton pensioners can travel for free from March 1.

Do I still need to tap my pass?

Yes, the rules for using your pass stay the same: tap your pass on the reader when boarding.

Residents should remember to carry the physical pass and renew it when required.

The only difference is when you can travel for free.

What about trams and trains?

The March 1 change applies to buses only.

Concessionary rules for Metrolink and rail services remain unchanged.

What this means for Bolton?

For many older and disabled residents, the change will make everyday life easier, whether that’s getting to Royal Bolton Hospital for early appointments, helping with school runs, or simply travelling while it’s lighter in winter.

From March 1, if you’re travelling on a Bee Network bus, you’ll be able to board free of charge at any time of day.

Viewers have been left stunned after realising where they’ve seen BAFTA winner Mia McKenna-Bruce, who plays Jane Andrews in ITV’s The Lady, before

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Audiences have been astonished upon discovering where they recognise the actress portraying Jane Andrews in ITV’s The Lady.

The new four-part royal true crime series chronicles Jane Andrews, a working-class woman from Grimsby who secured the chance of a lifetime when she became Sarah Ferguson’s Royal dresser.

Jane served alongside Sarah for nine years before her existence took a devastating turn. Three years following her departure, she faced charges over the death of her partner, Thomas Cressman.

In The Lady, Jane is brought to life by actress Mia McKenna-Bruce. Ed Speleers, recognised for his portrayals as Stephen Bonnet in Outlander, Jimmy Kent in Downton Abbey, and Rhys Montrose in Netflix’s You, assumes the part of Jane’s partner and victim, Thomas Cressman.

Sarah Ferguson, meanwhile, is depicted by actress Natalie Dormer, celebrated for her performances as Margaery Tyrell in HBO’s Game of Thrones and Anne Boleyn in Channel 4’s The Tudors, reports the Mirror.

As for Jane actress Mia McKenna-Bruce, she is well-accustomed to gracing television screens. Earlier this year, she portrayed Bundle Brent in Netflix’s Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials Mystery alongside Helena Bonham Carter.

Mia also featured in the highly praised How To Have Sex in 2023, earning her a BAFTA Rising Star Award.

Nevertheless, it is her stint in EastEnders during her younger years that has sparked conversation. Mia portrayed Penny Branning in the BBC soap opera, daughter of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).

Mia appeared in the soap during 2008 before departing the same year. In 2024, however, the character of Penny returned, this time portrayed by Kitty Castledine.

Responding to a trailer for ITV’s The Lady, and mentioning Mia, one viewer exclaimed: “That’s Penny from EastEnders!” Another added: “Ah, it took me a whilst, but it is.” A third wrote: “Recognised her face, just couldn’t place where.”

**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website**

Meanwhile, discussing the ITV drama The Lady, writer and executive producer Debbie O’Malley said: “There’s a saying that ‘truth is stranger than fiction.’ I’m not sure I’d always agree, but when I first heard about the case of Jane Andrews, it was immediately clear that her true story was every bit as intriguing, compelling, and tragically heartbreaking as any fabricated thriller.

“The fascinating tale of a working-class girl who became the dresser to a duchess, with a dramatic twist that ultimately sees her on trial for murder.

“This story looks beyond the headlines whilst remaining high stakes and uniquely British. It also poses thought-provoking questions about class and entitlement whilst exploring issues around mental health that have never been more relevant than they are today.”

The Lady premieres on Sunday, February 22, at 9pm on ITV.

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This charity shop was voted as the ‘best’ by CambridgeshireLive readers.

After a visit to the ‘best’ charity shop in Cambridgeshire, I was impressed with the bargain prices of high end brands – but there was one thing missing. CambridgeshireLive readers were asked to vote for the best charity shop in the county last month.

After totalling up the votes, there was one clear winner, and that was the Scope charity shop in Burleigh Street, Cambridge. Readers described it as “amazing” with “very friendly staff”.

With £10 in my pocket, I headed to Scope to see if I agreed with our readers. As I walked down Burleigh Street, I saw a lot of other charity shops, so it had a lot of competition to contend with.

Before going inside, I admired the shop’s window display. It was very stylish, with three mannequins showcasing a range of different clothes on offer. As I entered, the shop went back further than I thought. This was a very good sign as it meant there would be plenty to look at.

The shop’s organisation was very impressive, with men’s and women’s clothes neatly set out on each side. For both genders, there were also lots of clothes on offer.

I browsed the women’s tops and straight away one stuck out to me. This was a cute baby blue top from H&M’s Divided range. Its puffed sleeves and button up detail in the middle added to its adorable look. I thought it would make a good top for daytime, but also nights out.

For £4.25, I wasn’t going to let this bargain slip away, so I decided it was coming home with me. Before browsing more clothes, I searched for a book shelf as I always love to try and find a bargain book in a charity shop.

The more I searched, I realised there were no books on offer. So far I had been impressed by Scope, but the fact there were no books left me a little disappointed. I felt this was an important thing missing, since there are lots of readers out there who love to scour the shelves for their next read.

I went back to browsing the clothes. The more I looked, the more I noticed that there were a lot of higher-end brands on offer such as Zara and Miss Selfridge.

I looked through the bags and stumbled upon a great bargain. Hidden at the back was a Dune London black and brown clutch bag. I’m not someone with many branded items in my wardrobe, but I knew Dune was an expensive brand. This bag cost £6.50 and was in a very good condition.

I searched online and saw a bag like this can sell for around or near to £100. I didn’t buy it myself, but it showed me that there were some hidden bargains in this shop.

As I headed towards the back I noticed the sale rack. I looked through here and again, recognised some classy brands. However, looking at some of the sale prices I wasn’t overly impressed by the price of them.

I then turned to the bric-a-brac section. I wasn’t on the lookout for anything in particular, but I always like to look just in case. There were some quirky items on offer, with one that caught my eye.

This was a small pair of clogs, painted in white with an eye-catching red and green design. These clogs were cute and unusual, but it wasn’t for me this time. While I browsed, I could hear the shopkeeper chatting away with customers. It was apparent some of the customers were regulars, and it created a friendly atmosphere in the shop.

Ultimately, I agree with our readers that this charity shop has a great selection of clothing, with some hidden bargains waiting to be found. The staff are also very friendly and welcoming. The only thing missing was some books, but with plenty of other charity shops almost next door, you’re sure to find a good read elsewhere.