But ask anyone from the North East and North Yorkshire, and they’ll tell you: Saltburn-by-the-Sea has always had something special.

Now, as more Brits turn their backs on overcrowded southern hotspots in favour of quieter, characterful breaks, this Victorian seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast is enjoying a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Saltburn cliff lift (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Saltburn lies 12 miles south-east of Hartlepool and just five miles from Redcar, perched along the Cleveland Way long-distance footpath.

What began as a tiny fishing hamlet known as Old Saltburn, once associated with smugglers and 17th-century inns, was reshaped in the 19th century after ironstone was discovered in the Cleveland Hills.

Railway pioneer Henry Pease famously imagined “a town arising on the cliff” during a coastal walk in 1858.

The result was a carefully planned Victorian resort, complete with grid-pattern streets, sea views and the distinctive “Jewel Streets”.

Saltburn (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

One of Saltburn’s biggest draws is its Grade II*-listed pier, the only pleasure pier on the North East and Yorkshire coast.

“It’s like stepping back in time,” wrote one TripAdvisor reviewer.

“The pier is beautifully restored, and the views along the coastline are simply breathtaking.”

Another visitor described it as “peaceful, nostalgic and far less commercial than other seaside towns, exactly what we were looking for.”

Just above the pier sits one of the town’s most charming features: the Saltburn Cliff Lift.

Walkers on Saltburn beach (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Opened in the 19th century, it remains one of the oldest water-powered funiculars in the world. The short ride from town to the seafront is an attraction in itself.

“It might only last a few minutes, but it’s worth every penny,” one online review reads. “The kids loved it and so did we.”

The coastline is known nationally for its surf, with competitions held during the autumn and winter months.

On TripAdvisor, beachgoers frequently praise its scale and cleanliness.

One reviewer called it “one of the best beaches in the North, huge, clean and never feels overcrowded”.

Another added: “We came expecting a quick stop and stayed all day.”

The town’s friendly surf school and independent cafés give it a laid-back, creative feel that appeals particularly to younger travellers and families.

Saltburn’s recent Airbnb recognition forms part of a wider shift in UK travel habits.

Research suggests that while 90 per cent of Brits have holidayed in the South over the past five years, only 39 per cent have ventured North.

That imbalance is beginning to change. More travellers say they are actively seeking destinations they haven’t seen all over social media.

In that sense, Saltburn feels perfectly placed.

It offers the pier, the cliff lift, the jewel-coloured beach huts, without the heavy crowds of more famous resorts.

Saltburn railway station connects the town directly to Middlesbrough and Darlington, with onward links across the region.

Meanwhile, annual events such as the Saltburn Festival of Folk Music, the Custom Classic Car Show, and even the Yorkshire Day Duck Race add to its community feel.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago launched Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, causing immense suffering for civilians and harrowing ordeals for soldiers while rewriting the post-Cold War security order.

The fighting enters its fifth year on Tuesday, and it shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

The U.S. has brokered talks with delegations from Moscow and Kyiv as part of the Trump administration’s yearlong push for peace. But reconciling key differences, such as the future of Russian-occupied Ukrainian land and postwar security for Ukraine, has thwarted progress.

Meanwhile, thousands of each countries’ troops have died on the battlefield, and Ukrainian civilians have been battered by Russian aerial strikes that have brought years of power outages and water cuts.

Here’s a look at the conflict, by the numbers, since the full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022.

1.8 million

The upper end of the estimated number of soldiers killed, wounded or missing on both sides, according to a report last month by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank.

It estimated that Russia suffered 1.2 million casualties, including up to 325,000 troop deaths, between February 2022 and December 2025 — what it said was the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in any conflict since World War II.

Russia has not released figures on battlefield deaths since January 2023, when it said more than 80 soldiers were killed in a Ukrainian strike, bringing the total military deaths Moscow has confirmed to just over 6,000.

CSIS estimated that Ukraine has seen 500,000 to 600,000 military casualties, including up to 140,000 deaths.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this month that 55,000 Ukrainian troops have died in the war. Many are missing, he said.

Neither Moscow nor Kyiv gives timely data on military losses. Independent verification is not possible.

14,999

The U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission’s count for civilian deaths in Ukraine since Russia’s all-out invasion, though it says that is likely an underestimate. More than 40,600 civilians were injured over the same period, it said in a December report.

The war has killed at least 763 children, according to the U.N.

Last year was the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since 2022. The conflict killed 2,514 civilians and injured 12,142 in the country in 2025 — a 31% increase in civilian casualties over 2024, it said.

19.4%

The percentage of Ukrainian land occupied by Russia, according to the Institute for the Study of War.

Over the past year, Russia has gained just 0.79% of Ukraine’s territory in the grinding war of attrition, the Washington-based think tank said in calculations provided earlier this month to The Associated Press, underscoring the little progress Moscow’s forces have made despite huge costs in troops and armor.

Before Russia’s all-out invasion, it controlled nearly 7% of Ukraine, including Crimea and parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in the east, as Moscow-backed separatists fought the Ukrainian army, according to Ukrainian officials and Western analysts.

13%

The percentage drop in foreign military aid to Kyiv last year compared with the annual average between 2022 and 2024, according to Germany’s Kiel Institute, which tracks assistance to Kyiv.

U.S. President Donald Trump stopped sending American weapons paid for by the U.S. to Ukraine after he took office just over a year ago. European countries, striving to make up the difference, increased their military aid last year by 67% compared with the 2022-2024 period, the institute said in a report this month.

Foreign humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine fell by 5% last year in comparison with the average in the previous three years, it said.

5.9 million

The number of Ukrainian civilians who have left their country.

Some 5.3 million of those people have found refuge in Europe, according to a report this month from the U.N. office in Ukraine.

Additionally, around 3.7 million Ukrainians forced out of their homes have moved elsewhere within the country, the U.N. said in December.

Ukraine’s prewar population was more than 40 million.

2,851

The number of Russian attacks that affected the provision of medical care in Ukraine, according to the World Health Organization. The figure covers the period from the full-scale invasion through Feb. 11.

The attacks include 2,347 strikes on health care facilities, as well as ones that damaged vehicles and the storage of medical supplies.

___

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

There were emotional scenes on the final day of the Games

The Winter Olympics ended in emotional scenes on Sunday as the United States men’s ice hockey team honoured their late teammate after winning their first gold medal in 46 years.

A thrilling final saw the US beat their neighbours Canada 2-1, with Jack Hughes winning the game in overtime after his side withstood relentless pressure from their opponents throughout the contest. The victory meant they topped the Olympic podium for the first time since the ‘Miracle on Ice’ at Lake Placid in 1980, and came after the women’s side also beat Canada 2-1 in their final to win gold.

But the historic win was also tinged with sadness as the team paid tribute to their former teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who would have likely been on the podium with them if not for his tragic death in August 2024.

The NHL winger and his brother Matthew were killed when they were hit by an alleged drunk driver while cycling together in New Jersey on the eve of their sister’s wedding. He was just 31 years old, while Matthew – also an ice hockey player – was only 29.

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Gaudreau would have been expected to be part of Team USA at the Milano-Cortina Games, with his family admitting representing his country at the Olympics was “one of his greatest dreams”.

Having been cruelly denied that opportunity, the team made sure to honour his memory throughout their Olympic campaign, with two jerseys bearing the brothers’ names hanging in the United States changing room since their first match in the competition.

Members of the Gaudreau family watched on as the United States sealed the gold medal on Sunday and there were more emotional scenes in the aftermath, as Johnny’s jersey was unfurled and carried around the ice by members of the team.

Gaudreau’s father was left in tears by the touching moment, while those watching inside the stadium and at home were also choked up as the late star’s young children – Noa and Johnny Jr – were escorted out onto the ice to join the team and hold their father’s jersey for the Team USA group photo.

Ahead of the Games, the Gaudreau family wrote on X: “As the Olympics are set to begin, our family is filled with both pride and heartache knowing how much this moment meant to John. Representing Team USA at the Olympics was one of his greatest dreams.

“In that final summer, John was training harder than ever, with his dad, pushing himself to be in the best shape of his life. He was determined to earn his spot on that Olympic roster. While it breaks our hearts that John won’t be there to live out that dream, we know he will be so very present with Team USA and all of his close friends competing throughout these games.

“Our family will be cheering for every player wearing the red, white, and blue, and celebrating so many friends representing teams around the world. As we work to ensure that John and Matty’s lives and legacies continue to be honored, moments like these remind us of the dreams they held and the impact they made on everyone who knew them.

“John loved this game and loved representing his country,” they added. “Though the Olympics will be bittersweet for our family, we find comfort knowing that in the hearts of his teammates, friends, and everyone who loved watching him play, John will be right there. Go Team USA. We know John and Matty are watching with pride. With love and gratitude, The Gaudreau Family.”

Coach Mike Sullivan described Gaudreau as “an inspiration” as he added: “He provides a lot of inspiration for all of us with how he lived his life, his dedication to the game, his family.

“He’s just a good person on the ice and off the ice, and I think he’s an inspiration to our players to this very day.”

From Facebook and Instagram to Netflix and Chrome, there are more than two million apps in the App Store.

In addition, there is a range of built-in features designed to do things like increase the battery life of your iPhone or enhance privacy.

However, there is one feature that Scott Bordoni, Chief Operations Officer and tech expert at Sync, said all iPhone users should be using.

The iPhone feature all users should be using

Check In is an “underrated” tool that allows iPhone users to notify someone you’ve arrived at your destination safely, without having to send a message, Mr Bordoni explains.

“Most people don’t realise this exists,” he adds.

The feature, built into the Messages app, allows users to share their journey with a chosen contact.

You can set a destination or time limit, and if you don’t arrive as expected, your chosen contact is automatically notified.

Mr Bordoni continues: “It’s not about tracking someone constantly.

“It’s about giving people reassurance when they’re travelling alone or heading somewhere new. It adds a layer of safety without being intrusive.”

If your journey is delayed, your iPhone will prompt you to extend the timer.

If you don’t respond, your contact can receive limited details such as your last known location, battery level, and signal status – helping them understand what’s happening.

“It’s a smart use of technology,” Mr Bordoni adds.

“You hope you never need it – but it’s good reassurance for any nervous travellers.”

RECOMMENDED READING:

How to use the Check In feature on your iPhone

The Check In feature can be found inside the Messages app by tapping the plus symbol in a conversation and selecting Check In.

Users can then customise what information is shared and with whom.

Mr Bordoni said: “It takes less than a minute to set up. And it’s one of those features you’ll wish you’d switched on sooner.”

Jordan James Park died last week, with his sister saying the family have been left “numb, shocked and heartbroken”.

A Kim Kardashian-obsessed TV star who labelled himself Britain’s ‘Lip King’ has passed away.

Jordan James Park died last week, with his sister saying the family have been left “numb, shocked and heartbroken”. Jordan spent more than £130,000 on cosmetic surgery, having at least four nose jobs, a BBL and 50 other procedures.

As reported by the Mirror, he discussed his multiple operations on This Morning as well as Channel 4 Bodyshockers. Speaking on social media Jordan’s sister to announce his sad passing, Jordan’s sister said: “I simply have no words to even comprehend this.

“This is going to be the hardest post I will ever have to write. Our beautiful, funny most amazing Jordan James Parke passed away on Wednesday the 18th of February 2026. We as a family are numb, shocked and heartbroken.

“There will be some unkind messages that will be posted regarding this heartbreaking news but please if you knew Jordan you will know that none of what will be posted is true and please keep him in your heart!

“Jordan I have no words to explain the sadness and heartbreak that we are feeling you were our bestfriend our Whole World our everything! We love you more than anything in the world!! “There are simply no words to express how grateful that we had you in our lives.

“The world feels so empty without you …. And I don’t know how we are going to carry on. Jordan we love you so much. I hope you are dancing in the sky with Nan and Granda. Goodnight godbless beautiful.”

Jordan was known for his obsession with the Kardashian family. He once said: “It’s the whole family [I take inspiration from], but mainly Kim. But I love them all, their looks, the way they dress, they’re just an inspiration. I wanted my chin like Kylie Jenner’s, with a really defined jawline. I love her jawline and she’s got such a sharp chin.”

Following the death of beauty therapist Alice Webb, who died after she underwent a liquid Brazilian butt lift (BBL), the plastic surgery obsessive once again entered the limelight. He was arrested in 2024 on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of a mum-of-five after a BBL operation.

As of December 2025, Park was out on bail and had not been charged. Following the arrest, he was pictured leaving his Dudley home in a Mercedes G Wagon, which had a personalised number plate that read “POUT.” Taking to Instagram on September 26, 2024 he said: “I can’t talk to anybody. I was arrested.”

Alice died at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, September 24, becoming the first Brit to die after a liquid BBL. Gloucestershire. Beauty therapist Alice was mum to five young daughters – Delsie, 15, Preete, 13, Gracie 12, Nylie, 10 and Clarie, seven.

Her devastated partner Dane Knight wrote following her death: “Want to say a heartfelt thank you to all family and friends that were here for us at our time of need, including all of the kind messages sent to my children and myself.”

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Fencing and solar panels appear to have been installed next to some boats on the river, which the council said is prohibited

Cambridge City Council has confirmed the number of boats mooring without permission on the River Cam – while 25 applicants are waiting for a permanent mooring. There are currently nine boats believed to be mooring without permission, and two boats believed to be in breach of licence conditions.

An email from the chief executive of the council, seen by CambridgeshireLive, said the council was aware of ‘some’ boats mooring without permission or in breach of licence conditions. A council spokesperson has since confirmed the figures.

The waiting list for permanent residential moorings in central Cambridge has been closed since 2022. It currently has around 25 applicants and is expected to reopen in the spring.

CambridgeshireLive has also been made aware of areas on the river where fencing and solar panels appear to have been installed next to some boats. These items have been said to prevent access to the riverside by members of the public.

A council spokesperson said: “The terms and conditions of Cambridge City Council’s Mooring Licence (Residential) prohibit any temporary or permanent structures on the riverbank beside moored boats. When structures are found, licence holders are instructed to remove them. If they fail to do so the council may terminate the licence.”

They added: “The council’s enforcement team carries out regular river patrols, and there are also ad hoc inspections from other council officers. The council has a number of enforcement options to ensure licence holders comply with the terms and conditions of their licence agreement.

“These include a requirement for immediate compliance, the termination of a licence, the removal of a boat when a licence ends, and seeking a court injunction or possession order if required.

“Action against boats believed to be mooring without permission or in breach of their licence conditions will be taken as soon as the council’s legal team can prepare statements and secure court dates, now that both locks have reopened.”

Fans of the Channel 4 series will be disappointed this week

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24 Hours in Police Custody fans will be dealt a huge blow this week as Channel 4 has confirmed another change to its television schedule.

The landmark documentary follows lead detectives on the frontline as they investigate serious and intense crimes. From the moment a distressing phone call is first made, viewers witness the real life drama and urgency in the race against time as police officers fight for justice.

Since it first aired on television screens, 24 Hours in Police Custody has become a firm favourite amongst true crime fans who previously said the series is the “best ever”.

One person praised the show, penning: “Without doubt the best programme on TV”, as another added: “Without doubt the best Tv program being made anywhere, by anyone! #24hoursinpolicecustody watched all 100 episodes.”

Just this year, brand new episodes were released with fans eagerly awaiting more new instalments. However, this month, viewers realised repeat episodes had once again been put on the TV roster as they called for fresh episodes to be released.

But in another blow, those waiting for the usual 24 Hours in Police Custody slot this week week on Tuesday, February 24 will be disappointed to learn that no episode will be aired at all.

Instead, during its usual 9pm slot, a brand new series titled Dirty Business will air. Channel 4 teases: “The drama continues as David Thewlis stars in a real-life story of pollution and criminal convictions that exposes how water companies have polluted our natural resources for so long.”

It is not yet known when 24 Hours in Police Custody will return to TV screens and whether there will be new instalments or old repeats, but previous episodes can still be streamed online for those wanting to watch the show.

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Just this week, plunging viewers into Bedfordshire Police’s largest operation into historic abuse, 24 Hours in Police Custody Horror House Part 2 aired on Channel 4 as detectives continued their investigation and fight for justice.

Channel 4 teased: “Will the victims of alleged historic child sex abuse finally get justice? Or will the suspect walk free, like he did before?”

Taking to X, many viewers were quick to share their thoughts on the chilling episode. One person wrote: “Only half way through #24hoursinpolicecustody & I’ve tears streaming down my face.” Another said: “I saw both parts of this investigation & was sickened beyond belief.”

24 Hours in Police Custody is available to stream online. For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.

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Doctor Amir Khan is known for sharing handy health tips on ITV. According to him, people should keep a key item in their loo to aid bowel movement, and it’s easy to do

Using the toilet is a routine part of daily life, yet it can become a real struggle when constipation strikes. Whether you suffer from it regularly or only occasionally, it’s worth paying attention, as a straightforward solution could help resolve the problem rather quickly.

ITV‘s Doctor Amir Khan is well recognised for dispensing a wide range of health advice online, and one particular piece of expert guidance is especially useful for those who may need a little help when visiting the loo. According to him, keeping just one item in your bathroom could be the remedy, and it’s something everybody ought to consider having to hand should they ever encounter the problem.

This isn’t the only method that works to tackle the issue, however. It was previously revealed that a natural remedy can also aid the problem too.

In a video shared on Instagram, he outlined what people can do to reduce their discomfort. His recommendation is refreshingly straightforward, as you may only need a single item to get things moving.

The doctor said: “We know that pushing hard to open your bowels increases risk of piles (haemorrhoids), anal fissures and even a rectal prolapse. But did you know that research shows the best position to be in whilst sat on the loo is with your knees higher than your hips?

“This opens up the rectum making it easier to pass poo. It mimics the natural squatting position. Also remember to drink water, eat fibre and exercise. Plus, get any worrying persistent bowel changes checked.”

He further noted that, when seated with your feet flat on the floor, you don’t always achieve full relaxation, which can make it more challenging to pass stools. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution.

Simply place a small footstool or box beneath your feet to facilitate “easier passage of stools”. This guidance is consistent with the natural squatting position, which has been described as the “most efficient” method for using the toilet.

Additionally, it’s advised to drink plenty of fluids, boost your fibre consumption and maintain regular physical activity to encourage consistent bowel movements. Following these straightforward tips could make a tremendous difference.

Numerous people acknowledged that the technique has worked brilliantly for them, with one person writing: “I have a squatty potty – game changer.” Another commented: “Thank you Amir! You are brilliant at all these embarrassing topics!”

A third remarked: “I got advised to do this by a colorectal nurse after having bowel surgery. It really helps! Thanks Amir. These little videos you are doing are great!”

It appears that keeping a stool in your bathroom could be the way forward. For those who suffer from constipation, the doctor suggested it may be the key to providing relief.

What to know about constipation

Constipation commonly presents itself as changes in bowel habits, such as difficulty passing stools or reduced frequency of toilet visits. It’s a prevalent condition affecting individuals of all ages and can be triggered by insufficient fibre or fluid intake, changes in diet, lack of physical activity and even stress.

Fortunately, constipation frequently responds well to straightforward dietary and lifestyle modifications. To combat this uncomfortable condition, taking measures such as following a balanced diet, consuming sufficient water, reducing alcohol intake, incorporating more physical activity into daily routines and progressively increasing fibre in meals can prove helpful.

Whilst the doctor’s guidance might prove useful when you’re experiencing difficulties, it’s always essential to seek medical advice if you’re concerned about the issue, or if it’s failing to improve. If there’s a significant change in your bowel habits and it’s causing you concern, it’s always advisable to contact your GP for guidance.