Ellie Gilligan, 22, and Ella Rand, 21, have organised the event to raise funds for the shelter on Northolt, which cares for lost, stray and abandoned dogs and cats.

Ella, who works as a dog walker and trainer, recently lost her own rescue dog and wanted to give something back to a charity close to her heart.

Teaming up with Ellie, a paramedic in training at the University of Greater Manchester, the pair began planning what will be their first ever charity event.

Despite having no previous experience of organising a fundraiser, they have already been overwhelmed by the support from local businesses and residents.

Ellie said: “We’re putting on a big raffle and we’ve had over 50 companies donate prizes to us, which is amazing.

“We’re also doing bingo and a DJ has kindly offered to do the whole night for free.

“We just want to raise as much money as possible for the shelter.”

The event will take place on March 7 at the Victory Reform Club, off Chorley Old Road.

Tickets are priced at £3 on the door, with guests receiving a wristband on entry.

Ellie and Ella said every penny raised on the night will go directly to the Destitute Animals Shelter.

The Bolton charity ensures all animals in its care are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before being rehomed.

To find out more visit: https://business.facebook.com/events/737131012768709/?ti=ls

What Did The Supreme Court Rule?

How Has Trump Reacted?

Why Is This So Important To Trump?

What Has The UK Said About Tariffs?

Dissatisfied voters have often wondered if a robot could do a better job than their elected politicians.

Now Colombians have a chance to find out for sure.

An AI avatar has entered the Latin American country’s 2026 congressional elections, due to be held on March 8.

The bot, called ‘Gaitana’, is aiming to win one of the seats reserved for the Indigenous communities.

The blue figure, with an artificially generated voice, is pumping out election material on social media.

For legal reasons, there is a human candidate registered on the electoral roll, with Gaitana acting as their digital representative.

But only the name ‘AI’ will appear on the ballot paper.

The AI politician is positioning itself as an ‘environmentalist’ and ‘animal rights advocate’.

The initiative is being spearheaded by Carlos Redondo Rincón, a membner of the Zenú people, and Alba Rincón.

They say their robot’s policy platform is drawn from the views of more than 10,000 online users.

The idea behind the iniative is to kickstart a new form of ‘digital democracy’.

This would see legislative proposals put to virtual voting by citizens before being presented to parliament.

The name ‘Gaitana’ references a 16th-century Indigenous leader who resisted Spanish colonisation.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die just seriously bummed me out

MORE: Games Inbox: Could memory shortages destroy the console industry?

MORE: Meta patents an AI that lets people post from beyond the grave

As the former Strictly host admits she ‘begged’ Channel 4 to let her work on this year’s Crufts, the dog-loving TV presenter has made divisive admissions about her pooch, Skip

Traitors star Claudia Winkleman has admitted she “kisses” her dog’s paws, having previously revealed she ‘french kisses’ him, after landing her latest gig presenting Crufts. The 54-year-old, who left her job co-hosting Strictly Come Dancing with Tess Daly at the end of 2025, has since bagged herself a primetime chat show on the BBC.

After landing herself a role on Crufts, Claudia admitted she had “begged” Channel 4 bosses to let her be involved in the dog show, revealing she is “in love” with canines. But when she’s not busy taking over the small screen, the in-demand TV star likes to get very close with her two-and-a-half year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Skip.

READ MORE:

READ MORE: WWE legend to join Claudia Winkleman at Crufts as line-up gets more bizarre

READ MORE:

READ MORE: Claudia Winkleman BBC chat show gets ‘sexy members club’ makeover

Claudia pampers her pooch, letting him sleep in bed with her and husband Kris Thykier every night. She told the Sun on Sunday: “He sleeps in our bed, we chat to him constantly, I kiss his paws and we can no longer go anywhere without him.”

She explained how she and film producer Kris waited until their kids had grown up to get a dog so they could be sure to have enough time for one. And after attending Crufts as a visitor last year, her love for dogs is only growing, with the star admitting: She said: “I went not to work, but just for fun, and I couldn’t get over the dogs. I had to be dragged away.”

Claudia previously confessed that she ‘french kisses’ Skip. While speaking to Kathy Burke on her podcast, Where There’s a Will There’s a Wake, she discussed the bizarre comment, saying: “So I have recently got a dog who I am in love with. I mean, I’m going to bore you till your ears bleed. The two [kids] have left home. I didn’t know what to do. I thought I might steal a baby.

“So instead I got a dog, who I treat like….I mean I don’t put him in clothes, but I didn’t know, I’d never had a dog before or any form of animal, but this little dog who I open his mouth and insert my tongue. I do.”

And it’s not the first time she’s made the stomach-turning admission. The Sun reports that last year, Claudia made a similar statement while speaking in a magazine interview, in which she said: “He’s divine. I French kiss him. I licked his entire tongue once. I slept on the floor next to him until he got used to the new house. I take him on four walks a day. Though of course now they all love him so much, they fight me to do it.”

Fans were divided by Claudia’s bold admission, with some horrified by the prospect of licking a dog’s mouth. One wrote on social media: “Hell no. As a dog lover this is disgusting! They lick their bums, eat each other’s s***, lick god knows what off the floor. Yuch!!”

Another agreed, commenting: “No one loves dogs more than me but that is not only weird it’s dangerous. They lick their genitalia, behinds , dirty feet etc. You could catch worms & God knows what else – a dogs mouth is quite poisonous.”

A third reeled off a list of reasons why not to lick your dog’s mouth: “Illnesses that humans can acquire from dog contact include ringworm, diarrhoea disease (salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, and intestinal parasites), leptospirosis, brucellosis, Q fever, visceral larva migrans, and echinococcosis.”

But others didn’t seem to see the issue. One wrote: “I have four dogs and we all kiss and cuddle several times a day. We get obsessed about hygiene that’s why we get so ill now. We a full of bacteria we would die without bacteria but still modern medicine still believe all bacteria is bad. Ludicrous our microbiology is essential.”

Someone else commented: “Humans are the filthiest species on the planet. Kissing your pet is the least you have to worry about!!!”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

The former Newsnight presenter reflected on the King’s statement following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his Jeffrey Epstein ties

Advertisement

Emily Maitlis has expressed confusion over ‘curious’ phrase in King Charles’s statement after Andrew arrest

Emily Maitlis has revealed she was left baffled by a “very curious phrase” used by King Charles III in his public response to the arrest of his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Andrew was released under investigation on Thursday, 19 February, after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The former prince, who made history as the first senior royal to be arrested in modern times, is accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

Maitlis, who notably interviewed Andrew about his links to Epstein in 2019 during her tenure on Newsnight, reflected on the King’s written statement following the arrest. The monarch said he learned of the development with his “deepest concern” and maintained that “the law must take its course.”

Reacting to the wording, Maitlis told The News Agents: “It’s really interesting because I kept on going back to those words, the deepest concern. And if I was opposite him now, I’d say, ‘Wait, what is that concern? Who is that concern for? Are you concerned about your own brother’s mental health at this point?’ — this perhaps implies: are you concerned that it has happened without his knowledge?”

Advertisement

She continued: “I mean, the King did not know about this beforehand, but it doesn’t sound as if that’s what he means because he’s saying he wants the full and fair force of the law. Are you concerned about other potential victims in this? I mean, I think it is a very curious phrase that deepest concern because I’m not sure I understand who that concern is for, but I think it is important to your point exactly that the King is talking as a monarch of the country about an arrest he was not pre-warned about. He’s not speaking as if it was the guy that he basically cast adrift last October,” reports the Express.

Her remarks reference her earlier high-profile interview with Andrew, during which she questioned him extensively about his connections to Epstein and the nature of their association. That interview became a defining moment in the royal controversy, intensifying scrutiny of Andrew’s position within the monarchy.

The King’s full statement read: “I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

“Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.

“As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.”

His statement concluded “Charles R.”

The arrest followed the release of millions of documents by the US Department of Justice connected to the Epstein investigation. Thames Valley Police confirmed Andrew was freed under investigation after approximately 11 hours in custody. Officers said searches at a property in Norfolk, Andrew’s residence on the Sandringham Estate, had concluded, while searches at his former address, the Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire, are ongoing.

He was photographed leaving Aylsham police station, hunched in the back of a car, before later returning to Sandringham as journalists gathered outside. Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing over his links to Epstein but has not directly responded to the latest allegations.

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.