New research from Thistle Tavern Trading Cards named the city number one for organised play in card games like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!.

According to the figures, Sunderland has eight active event locations and 100 per cent of trading card shops in the city host organised play.

Thistle Tavern Trading Cards named the city number one for organised play in card games like Pokémon. (Image: Thistle Tavern)

This puts it ahead of other UK cities, including Newcastle, which came second with 20 event locations and 95.2 per cent of shops hosting events.

Stuart Robb, a card game expert at Thistle Tavern Trading Cards, said: “Trading card games thrive on face-to-face interaction.

“Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or someone who’s just opened their first booster pack, local events are where the magic really happens.

“Seeing cities like Sunderland achieve 100 per cent participation from trading card shops is incredible.

“It shows there’s a real appetite for organised play, and that shop owners are investing in building strong, welcoming communities.”

In Sunderland, there are five Pokémon TCG event locations, one for Magic: The Gathering and two for Yu-Gi-Oh!.

Reading took third place nationally, with 12 event locations and 92.3 per cent of shops running events.

Mr Robb is co-owner of Thistle Tavern Games Hub in Aberdeen, which hosts daily events and offers trading cards online.

For more information, you can visit thistletavern.com.

Gorton and Denton by-election saw ‘extremely high’ family voting cases, independent observers have said

The Gorton and Denton by-election returning officer has issued a statement following claims election law has been breached with ‘family voting’.

Independent election observers Democracy Volunteers said there was an ‘extremely high’ number of family voting incidents at the polls today (February 26), when family members enter a voting booth together and collude or direct voting intentions. It is a criminal offence in the UK under the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023.

Democracy Volunteers said it was the ‘highest levels’ of family voting they have observed in ten years, having visited 22 of the 45 polling stations in the Gorton and Denton constituency. John Ault, Director of Democracy, said: “Today we have seen concerningly high levels of family voting in Gorton and Denton.

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“We rarely issue a report on the night of an election, but the data we have collected today on family voting, when compared to other recent by-elections, is extremely high.’”

In response, the acting returning officer running the by-election has hit back at the claims, asking why the group issued their statement after polls closed at 10pm and not sooner. They also said staff were not told of family voting issues on-the-ground.

A spokesperson for the acting returning officer said: “Polling station staff are trained to look out for any evidence of undue influence on voters. No such issues have been reported today.

“If Democracy Volunteers were so concerned about alleged issues they could and should have raised them with us during polling hours so that immediate action could be taken. We have operated a central by-election hub which has been rapidly responding to reported issues during the day, in liaison with the police – who had a presence at every polling station – where necessary.

“It is extremely disappointing that Democracy Volunteers have waited until after polls have closed to make such claims.”

The result of the by-election is expected to be declared in the early hours of Friday, February 27. Follow live results here.

TV presenters Ant and Dec have hosted the major show together three times but the Geordie duo have ruled out ever returning to presenting duties

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Television presenter Anthony McPartlin has opened up on the one show he is not in a rush to host again.

The TV star is well known for presenting a number of shows alongside hosting partner Declan Donnelly and among the many is the iconic BRIT Awards.

The duo have fronted the music ceremony on three occasions – 2001, 2015 and 2016. However, Ant, 50, has since explained the evening is enjoyable for those nominated, but presenting it proves difficult.

During their podcast, Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, the duo seemed pleased not to be hosting this weekend’s ceremony.

Ant said: “(We’ve hosted it) three times, never again. And the reason why we always say, ‘oh, never again’, it’s not because we don’t believe in the awards. I really do. I think they’re really good for British music.

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“It’s actually a really good night if you’re there as somebody who’s been nominated, because we’ve been nominated for a BRIT back in the day. That was a fun night. We didn’t win that night.”

The duo first met as young performers on CBBC drama Byker Grove, and later released pop music as PJ & Duncan, including their chart success Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble, which debuted in 1994.

In 1995, they received a BRIT award nomination for best British newcomer but were beaten by rock group Oasis.

Ant said: “It’s a fun night if you’re nominated, it’s a fun night – not necessarily if you’re hosting it though because everybody in the room just wants to get drunk and have a good time and you’re trying to wrangle the whole crowd.

“You are also trying to present a TV show and also all the artists and bands who said they would happily do an interview with you before the show starts always change their mind.”

The Geordie presenting pair are recognised for fronting ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, Britain’s Got Talent and the gameshow Ant And Dec’s Limitless Win.

Comedian Jack Whitehall will present the BRIT Awards on Saturday in Manchester.

Pop star Harry Styles features amongst the impressive line-up of performers scheduled to appear during the ceremony, alongside Raye, Olivia Dean, Sombr, Mark Ronson and Wolf Alice.

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There were claims of ‘extremely high’ numbers of family voting incidents in Gorton and Denton

Independent election observers have claimed there were ‘extremely high’ cases of illegal ‘family voting’ at polling stations as Gorton and Denton constituents headed out to vote on Thursday (February 26).

It has sparked concern among commentators and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has hit out about the ‘integrity of the democratic process’ after the findings were released by Democracy Volunteers, who are impartial observers allowed into polling stations.

The group has claimed that there was an ‘extremely high’ number of family voting incidents at the polls after they visited 22 of the 45 polling stations. They have claimed to have witnessed incidents of family voting in 15 of the 22 polling stations observed, with some 32 cases in total.

They said it was the ‘highest levels of family voting at any election in our 10 year history of observing elections in the UK’ and claimed one polling station saw nine instances of family voting.

What is family voting?

Family voting is usually when members of the same family or household enter a voting booth together and collude or direct voting intentions. However in the UK, this is a criminal offence.

In 2023, the United Kingdom passed the Ballot Secrecy Act 2023 to make family voting a criminal offence. The practice of family voting was made more clearly a breach of the secret ballot and enforceable by staff in polling stations.

Signage is now on hand at polling stations to discourage the practice, although Democracy Volunteers said they found these at only 45 per cent of the polling stations observed.

Two voters either conferring or colluding to direct each other on voting is a breach of the secret ballot.

In a statement, John Ault, Director of Democracy Volunteers said: “Today we have seen concerningly high levels of family voting in Gorton and Denton. Based on our assessment of today’s observations, we have seen the highest levels of family voting at any election in our 10 year history of observing elections in the UK.’

“We rarely issue a report on the night of an election, but the data we have collected today on family voting, when compared to other recent by-elections, is extremely high.’

“In the other recent Westminster parliamentary by-election in Runcorn and Helsby we saw family voting in 12 per cent of polling stations, affecting 1 per cent of voters. In Gorton and Denton, we observed family voting in 68 per cent of polling stations, affecting 12 per cent of those voters observed.

“The team also observed cases of voters being turned away, however, in each case this was due to them not being a registered voter for Westminster elections, such as having EU citizenship, and only being allowed to vote in local elections.

“The team also saw a number of voters taking photographs of their ballot papers and one voter being authorised to vote despite them already having been marked as voted earlier in the day.”

Manchester City Council were informed of the findings. A spokesperson for the Acting Returning Officer said: “Polling station staff are trained to look out for any evidence of undue influence on voters. No such issues have been reported today. If Democracy Volunteers were so concerned about alleged issues they could and should have raised them with us during polling hours so that immediate action could be taken.

“We have operated a central by-election hub which was has been rapidly responding to reported issues during the day, in liaison with the police – who had a presence at every polling station – where necessary. It is extremely disappointing that Democracy Volunteers have waited until after polls have closed to make such claims.”

The man has been jailed for over a year.

A man who punched and stamped on another man in a pub has been jailed. Kyle Harry, 36, was at the Wheatsheaf Inn in Church Terrace, Wisbech on December 23, 2025.

He and a woman were involved in an argument with another man in the outside area of the pub. The victim was punched multiple times and stamped on while he was unconscious.

Cambridgeshire Police were called and the victim was taken to hospital for treatment for cuts on his face and head. Harris, of Prince Street, Wisbech, was found nearby by later that day and arrested.

In Cambridge Crown Court on Wednesday (February 25), he was jailed for 14 months. DC Lauren McKeever said: “There is no place for violence like this in Wisbech.

“Harris’ actions were shameful. I’m pleased he was apprehended nearby and has now appeared in court to answer for his behaviour.”

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James was just two years old when he was murdered by then-10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson

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The grave of James Bulger was vandalised today as his ‘heartbroken’ mother is appealing for information. James was just two years old when he was attacked and murdered by then-10-year-olds Jon Venables and Robert Thompson in February 1993.

Denise Fergus revealed in a social media post that someone walking near James’s cemetery saw the headstone and surround had been damaged. She has now issued an appeal for any information on the vandals.

She believes the incident took place today (February 26) between 10am and 3.30pm.

LiverpoolEcho reports that Denise’s post read: “Today I felt my heart break once again. We got a message from a lady walking her dog at the cemetery where James’s resting place is.

“She sadly told us his headstone and surround had been vandalised. We rushed down there to find the cherubs each side of his headstone had been smashed to pieces.

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“I need to find whoever [has] done this to my son’s resting place. I try to help as many families as I can with either justice campaigns or helping families through the charity I set up in his memory and some horrid b*****d has done this… to a baby’s grave! Really??

“If anyone has any information please send it via the charity page or contact Merseyside Police and let them know if you have seen or heard something. We think this happened between 10am and 3.30pm today.

“Could you please share this post to make sure the person or persons involved are caught and prosecuted? I’m devastated someone could be so cruel and hurtful to my James.”

In photos shared of the grave, the heads of two stone angels, which sit in front of the gravestone, have been damaged, leaving the statues headless. The heads were left broken on the floor.

Earlier this year, Denise hit out at murderer Venables being granted another parole hearing. Venables was released on licence in July 2001 and recalled to prison in February 2010 after indecent images of children were found on his computer.

He was once again freed in August 2013 and then called back in November 2017 for the same offence and was jailed for three years and four months. Denise was granted access to attend one of Venables’ hearings for the very first time.

She will then be taken to a secret prison or court facility to participate in the parole hearing, where Venables’ identity, now aged 43, will remain protected. Though she will hear his voice via video link from a separate chamber.

Parole chiefs are likely to hear mitigation from Venables about why he believes he has been rehabilitated, the first time the grieving mum has heard her son’s killer’s voice for 30 years.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Denise said: “It is distressing and frankly makes me angry that I’ve now been told that James’ killer will be afforded a parole hearing and a chance of release. Surely this person has proved he can not be given yet another chance yet he’s been given one.

“The parole board must remember, he’s not a 10-year-old anymore. He’s bigger, he’s stronger, he’s got more wits about him.

“He’s been educated to lie to his back teeth. My worry is that if he’s released, he’ll lose that protection, he’ll be looking over his shoulder the whole time, he’ll have a target on his back.

“He’s not going to like it in the real world. What is he going to do to get back inside?”

If you have any information about the vandalism contact Merseyside Police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Nottm Forest Ortega; Jair Cunha, Murillo, Morato, Hutchinson,  Dominguez, Yates, Anderson, Williams;  McAtee’ Lucca. 
Substitutes  Gunn, Willows, Sangare, Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Ndoye, Igor Jesus, Bakwa, Milenkovic, Aina, Abbott. 

Fenerbahce  Tarik Cetin; Muldur, Guendouzi, Demir, Brown;  Aydin, Yuksek, Kante; Dorgeles, Cherif, Akturkoglu. 
Substitutes Biterge, Ceylan, Asensio, Mercan, Nelson Semedo, Ekici, Uregen. 

Referee Maurizio Mariani (Italy)

Jobs have been lost after HMRC issued a winding-up order for Nottinghamshire company Midland Skip Hire Limited, which was set up back in 2002

A skip hire firm which served the community for a quarter of a century has entered liquidation.

Midland Skip Hire Limited, which had traded from Bottesford near Bingham, Nottinghamshire, for 24 years, has been issued with a winding-up order, initiated by HMRC. The High Court approved the closure of the waste management and skip rental business, which was founded back in 2002.

Commissioners for HMRC had filed the petition to shut the company and sell its assets back in November. The firm is currently under the control of a receiver and the Government’s Insolvency Service is assisting former employees to claim redundancy payments.

Midland Skip Hire’s financial accounts filed last summer for the year up to June 30, 2024, explained the company had £3,079,867 in fixed assets, but had needed to pay significant amounts to creditors in coming years.

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Documents submitted to Companies House stated that the firm had an average of 40 employees in 2024, up from 36 in 2023. It is not currently known how many staff have been made redundant as a result of the firm’s liquidation, the Nottinghamshire Live reports.

Midland Skip Hire had labelled itself as “one of the East Midlands’ premier skip hire companies” and had a history of operating in the towns of Bingham, Newark and Grantham and their surrounding areas.

“We provide a high quality service to both residential and commercial customers at competitive prices, offering a great range of waste management services,” reads the company’s website, which is still online.

“As a family run business we pride ourselves on offering low prices for a great service.

“We pride ourselves on offering low prices for a great service and we are located not far off the A52, making us available to our customers in Bingham, Newark, Grantham and the surrounding areas.”

Asif Vali, 56, who denied all the charges, was found guilty by a jury on December 18 of last year following a three-day long trial at Bolton Crown Court.

He was sentenced on Thursday (February 26) at the same court for a string of sex offences he was accused of committing against a woman in Bolton in 2013.

Vali, of Hill Cot Road, Astley Bridge, was found guilty of two counts of exposure, two counts of sexual assault and a single count of assault by penetration.

Huw Edwards, prosecuting, said that Vali’s “sexual interest” in his victim began with texts before he “progressed his sexual behaviour”.

Mr Edwards said that Vali would perform sex acts in her presence and make vulgar suggestions.

He said she “felt afraid of the defendant and also unable to report his behaviour”.

Mr Edwards read a second statement she had written after Vali was found guilty, in which she said: “Asif Vali ruined my life and my potential for a long time.”

She called him a “volatile and unpredictable man”.

The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

She said that she had felt shame since the incident, and said: “I’ve continued to punish myself for something I know is not my fault.

“I’m slowly beginning to learn that what happened to me was Asif Vali’s behaviour and not mine.

“He can take my self-worth but he will never, never, take away my strength and resilience.”

Tom Worsfold, defending, said that Vali had been on bail for six years until his conviction “without any issues”.

He said that Vali had been previously convicted for unrelated offences when he was much younger, and “he was able to turn his life around following that spate of offending”.

Mr Worsfold said that Vali had been involved with youth work following this, which is when he met Amir Khan before becoming his manager.

He said that Vali’s son had passed away at the age of 15 from cancer in 2015 and “since then he had his own mental health difficulties”.

Mr Worsfold said that following this, Vali had set up a charity to fund children’s funerals.

He called the assault “a significant fall from grace for a man with a strong moral compass and it saddens him to know that work is now tarnished by these offences”.

Judge Clarke addressed Vali and said: “By the time you were 46 years of age you had all the trappings of a successful life.

“You had been involved with Amir Khan in events all around the world and through this you had developed some standing in the local community.”

He said that Vali’s advances were “both unwelcome and offensive to her”.

Judge Clarke said: “This was the most disgusting behaviour – unfortunately she was afraid of you and felt unable to report it.

“She knows what you know – that she offered you no encouragement at all.

“Hopefully these proceedings will bring some closure knowing that she has been listened to, heard and believed.”

Vali was jailed for 11 years, with two-thirds to be served in custody, and was given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements.

Over nearly two years, from February 2002 to November 2003, Clinton flew on Epstein’s plane to Europe, Africa, Asia, Russia and – closer to home – Miami and New York, according to the flight logs. At the time, Clinton’s team was trying to raise money for his foundation – as much as $100m (£74.3m), according to a memo published by WikiLeaks.