A top wrestler suddenly died at the age of 66 with the cause of his death currently unknown. Van Hammer – whose real name was Mark Hildreth – competed for WWE and WCW but was best known for his glory days in the latter as one of its ‘heavy metal’ stars.

Friends and former colleagues including Marc Mero and Diamond Dallas Page posted tributes to Hildreth, who died today (Sunday 19 April). One fan tweeted: “REST IN PEACE VAN, YOU WERE AN AWSOME WRESTLER.” An autopsy is expected soon.

Mero, 65, who has competed in the ring under his real name and as Johnny B. Badd, broke the news online, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of our dear friend, Mark Hildreth, known to so many as Van Hammer.

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“At this time, we are still awaiting answers regarding the cause, pending an autopsy. Mark was a fighter in every sense of the word. Life threw its share of challenges his way, but he had a resilience about him… he always found a way to rise, to push forward, to keep going.

“I have so many incredible memories with him that I’ll carry forever. We first met while he was vacationing in Venice, Florida, working out at a local gym.

“Not long after, I got the call from Dusty Rhodes [another legendary wrestler, who died in 2015] to come to his office the next day. Mark didn’t hesitate, he drove me eight hours so I could sign my very first contract with World Championship Wrestling.

“That’s the kind of person he was loyal, selfless, and always there when it mattered most. We went through wrestling school together, chased the same dream, and before long, he earned his own contract.

“We even lived together in Atlanta, training, grinding, and building a life around the passion we both shared. We were also chosen to help promote WCW for the United Kingdom Tour, doing countless personal appearances, television spots, and even promotional work alongside Gladys Knight.

“Those were unforgettable moments… times I’ll never forget. My heart goes out to his family, his friends, and the fans who supported him throughout his journey.

He concluded: “Rest easy, my friend. You will always be remembered.”

North Yorkshire Council has opened nominations for its annual Community Awards, which celebrate the organisations and individual volunteers who dedicate their time to improving the lives of others.

The awards scheme recognises the impact of voluntary work across the county, and this year introduces two new categories.

Carl Les, leader of North Yorkshire Council, said: “The Community Awards are a fantastic way of honouring the everyday heroes who improve the lives of residents in so many aspects.

“Every year, we hear inspiring stories from those who send in nominations, spanning our urban and rural areas, and from differing backgrounds.

“We want to keep our categories fresh to shine a spotlight on relevant topics.

“This time we are showcasing the importance of wellbeing and inclusivity among communities, and we want as many people as possible to nominate local champions.”

The closing date for nominations is July 5.

The first of the new categories is wellbeing and community connection, which recognises organisations or groups who help people feel healthier, more connected, and included, with a focus on physical and mental wellbeing.

The second, inclusive communities, is for groups working to bring people together and support them to thrive, such as by removing technological or physical barriers to participation.

The commitment to the community category, which honours individual volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, also returns this year.

Last year’s winner of the collaborative spirit category, Malton Free Fridge, is a volunteer-run scheme where unpaid volunteers collect food six days a week that would otherwise be wasted from local businesses, supermarkets, gardens and allotments, and distribute it to any taker.

Lindsay Wrightson, chair and founder of the project, said: “The award gave our volunteers more confidence in what they are doing and an increased look at the wider community they serve, therefore opening their eyes to more possibilities.”

Share Skipton was named the winner in the community impact category.

The organisation runs a “library of things” where residents can borrow useful household items at low cost and hosts a repair café where items can be fixed by volunteers for free.

Jill Coupe, project coordinator at Share Skipton, said: “After being nominated, the team was both surprised and thrilled to be selected as the winner.

“It celebrates the incredible efforts of our dedicated volunteers, as well as the growing number of residents embracing our services to share, reuse, mend, and learn.

“This award has helped raise awareness of Share Skipton.

“It has been an amazing year, and we are very grateful to North Yorkshire Council for their support.”

Angela Monaghan, founder and chair of the trustees at Share Skipton, said the recognition highlighted the group’s practical approach to both social and environmental concerns.

She said: “In a time of rising costs and climate urgency, we are offering practical solutions that bring people together and prove that sustainable living and stronger communities go hand in hand.

“The recognition marks a significant milestone for the organisation and highlights the positive impact of grassroots community initiatives in addressing both environmental and social challenges.”

The winner of each category will receive £1,000 for the project, group or nominated relevant local charity in the case of the volunteer awards, while two runners-up in each category will receive £250. Each finalist will receive a trophy and a framed certificate.

All finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony on October 16, at the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference, held at the Pavilions of Harrogate, North Yorkshire Showground.

It is rare for a team to be challenging for the title without a forward in the conversation for team of the season, but it is difficult to argue against the fact that is where Arsenal are.

Man City’s Haaland and Antoine Semenyo will undoubtedly be in contention for the end-of-the-season awards while past title-winners have boasted the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero and Didier Droga.

Arsenal‘s available forward options of Gyokeres, Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, Eze and Gabriel Jesus undoubtedly have their strengths – but it feels a stretch to call any of them ruthless match-winners.

The all round play of Gyokeres has been questioned and he is often only effective against sides that aren’t at the top end of the table.

Havertz’s opening goal was his first of the season, Leandro Trossard has not scored for 22 games, Madueke has two league goals, while Eze has six – but five of those have come in two matches against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal were also without Bukayo Saka, who missed out with an Achilles injury, but despite usually being one of Arsenal‘s most reliable forwards, his numbers are down this season.

Arteta’s side have been criticised throughout the season for their style of play with their strengths being their threat from set-pieces and their excellence in defending the cornerstones.

At times throughout the season, Arsenal have struggled to create chances and that is reflected in their goals from open play.

Arsenal have 35.8 expected goals from open play this season – sixth in the league. Manchester City are second (42.1) with Chelsea top (43.2).

“Teams were starting to get scared of Arsenal‘s set-pieces,” former Arsenal defender Gael Clichy said on BBC Radio 5 Live.

“This is great when you get points but the more and more time goes on, you start to rely on this and start to feel comfortable with this. You don’t concede many goals, you don’t create many goals but you get those chances where you feel like you are going to score.

“The message you are giving is, ‘don’t worry guys, stay strong and if we get set-pieces we can count on that’.”

And the former defender thinks if Arsenal played with a different style, their forwards would flourish.

“The more time that goes on, the less you think about how you are going to create and hurt people,” he said.

“It’s not about playing ‘free football’ and scoring five goals but I do feel with the players they signed over the summer, they could damage any team if you give them that freedom.

“I have just felt over the last few weeks, it feels like they are just not trying to make mistakes rather than trying to take risks and going for the win.”

PARIS (AP) — Nathalie Baye, a French actor who was a fan’s favorite for her her down-to-earth charm and great versatility, has died. She was 77.

French president Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to an actor “with whom we loved, dreamed and grew.” French media reported that Baye died on Friday in Paris from a neurodegenerative disease, quoting a statement from her relatives.

“We loved Nathalie Baye so much,” Macron wrote in a message on X. “Through her voice, her smiles, and her modesty, she accompanied the past decades of French cinema, from François Truffaut to Tonie Marshall.”

Baye featured in more than 80 movies, switching from mainstream comedies to auteur films with ease in a career that spanned over five decades. She twice claimed the prize for best actress at the Césars, France’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Baye, who was Leonardo DiCaprio’s on-screen mother in Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can,” won both popular and critical acclaim for her role in “Venus Beauty Institute,” a romantic comedy that follows three women working in a Parisian beauty salon as they search for fulfilment. Marshall won the César award for best director in 2000 for the movie.

The daughter of artists, Baye first trained as a dancer then honed her acting skills at the famed Cours Simon and the Conservatoire. She took the spotlight in François Truffaut’s “Day for Night” in 1973 and, five years later, worked with him again on “The Green Room.”

Baye worked with directors Maurice Pialat, Claude Sautet and Bertrand Tavernier, among others. She rose to fame with “The Return of Martin Guerre” in 1982. A year later, her role as a tough-talking streetwalker devoted to her down-and-out gangster boyfriend Philippe Leotard in “La Balance” earned her a César.

Baye liked to work with emerging filmakers such as Xavier Beauvois. She won the César for best actress for his movie “The Young Lieutenant” in 2006.

Alan Shearer has backed Manchester City to go on and win the Premier League after their statement 2-1 win over title rivals Arsenal.

Arsenal produced a spirited performance after a wretched run of just one win in their previous five contests in all competitions, but Erling Haaland’s second-half strike ultimately proved decisive at the Etihad.

Kai Havertz’s equaliser – gifted to Arsenal by Gianluigi Donnarumma – had given the visitors hope of a famous victory away from home, with the German’s effort cancelling out Rayan Cherki’s exquisite opener.

Mikel Arteta’s side were punished for their wastefulness in front of goal in the second half, though, ensuring hosts City – who have a game in hand over Arsenal – closed the gap at the summit to just three points of the leaders.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men will claim top spot if they get the better of struggling Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

‘I believe today, I believe on Wednesday, I believed a week ago because I see them every day and I know the level that we have,’ Arteta told reporters shortly after Arsenal’s setback.

‘But today, if they need to be more convinced, I think they are now more convinced. We are talking about it in the dressing room.

‘It’s a new league now. We have three points of advantage, they have the game in hand.

‘Everything is still to play for. We know how much we want it and we are not going to stop!’

Arsenal will be desperate to get their title charge back on track when they return to action at home to an out-of-form Newcastle in just under a week’s time.

Dissecting Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash on NBC Sports, ex-England and Newcastle striker Shearer said he saw a difference in Arsenal’s overall performance compared to their recent below-par displays.

But according to Shearer, the away team were made to pay for their wayward finishing as several chances came and went in the second period.

‘Where’s that [spirit] been for the last five or six weeks? That’s the big question,’ Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer, explained.

‘Yes, they were much better in terms of energy, playing more on the front foot, creating chances, and they were much better than they have been, but they just fell short.

‘They had their chances and they didn’t take them. There was a great chance in the last minute for Kai Havertz, with a wonderful ball in, and he has to score that goal.

‘That’s been the difference today unfortunately for Arsenal.’

Asked if he believes City will go on and win the title, Shearer replied: ‘Yeah, I always felt that if City won this game, with the form they’re in, with the experience that they have and the momentum they’ve got, I do believe they’ll now go on and win it.

‘It just feels like that. Looking at Erling Haaland, looking at their fans in the stadium and listening to it, you get that feeling that that’s exactly how they’re feeling as well.’

Shearer felt Arsenal missed a big opportunity to wrestle the momentum back in their favour when they stumbled at home to Bournemouth in their previous encounter.

He continued: ‘I thought their opportunity was last week against Bournemouth, particularly after winning in Sporting, I thought the momentum from that would have carried them on.

‘But it was such a weak, limp performance against Bournemouth and it’s very, very difficult, at whatever level of football you’re playing, to flick a switch and go again.

‘You can’t just do that, you need momentum. And there’s one team with momentum at the minute and that’s Manchester City.’

Wayne Rooney took an altogether different view to Shearer after the final whistle, though, insisting Arsenal remained in pole position despite their crushing loss in Manchester.

‘This title race is not over yet, I still feel like there are some more twists and turns to come,’ the former Manchester United and England forward said.

‘It is is obviously going to be tight but City have got one more game to try to win, so I still have Arsenal down as slight favourites.

‘I’ve been in this situation myself, where you need to win all your games for the title. You look at your games and you think well we should win this one, or that one, but it never pans out that way.

‘From now until the end of the season it is just going to be down to which team keeps their composure the best – that’s who will win it.’

While he stopped short of agreeing with Rooney, Guardiola was keen to sound a note of caution and remind his ow players that winning the league from this position will be far from a forgone conclusion.

He said: ‘I don’t know, I didn’t think Arsenal were in bad momentum. In the Carabao Cup we were better.

‘Today we were really good. They came here after the defeat with hunger and we won. They are are so competitive, we know that. But at the same time, we are too.

‘The table speaks for itself. They have been the best. Congratulations to the guys, but don’t lose the focus.

‘Wednesday is our game in hand and we can be there if we win. That’s what we have to do. Doing it will be so difficult because Everton or Brentford, or Aston Villa, Crystal Palace.

‘The games that we have. Bournemouth away. Last week they won in Emirates and Newcastle. It will be more difficult.’

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The new murder mystery series is perfect for a weekend binge-watch

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If you’re a murder mystery enthusiast seeking a series to watchthis weekend, Disney+’s latest offering might be precisely what you’re after.

The show unfolds in sun-soaked Lisbon, Portugal, tracking a diverse group of holidaymakers whose break takes an extremely sinister twist – starting with a killing on day one.

If It’s Tuesday, It’s Murder chronicles a varied collection of Spanish tourists embarking on a week-long break in Lisbon. Following the murder of one member the day after they arrive, the four surviving travellers attempt to identify the culprit – and determine whether the killer walks among them.

The synopsis adds: “This team of devoted true-crime and mystery-novel fans will have to face the police, a roster of suspects, the threat of being expelled from the trip, and their own hidden truths as the days slip away before they have to leave Lisbon.”

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With a solid IMDb score of 6.4 out of ten, the show, which was originally produced in Spanish, can be watched with English dubbing or subtitles. Spanish and Portuguese performers front the cast, featuring Álex García, Inma Cuesta, Ana Wagener, Pedro Casablanc and Biel Montoro, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The seven-episode series has garnered considerable praise, with The Guardian acknowledging that despite its ‘ludicrous’ premise, it delivers a ‘breezy crime-fighting adventure.’ Hello Magazine has dubbed it a ‘cosy crime’ drama, while the Daily Mail described the series as “fun to watch”. Fans of programmes like Only Murders In The Building will find If It’s Tuesday, It’s Murder particularly appealing.

For those whose appetite for mystery remains unsated, Netflix is currently treating Agatha Christie enthusiasts to its Marple series, which has recently soared to the summit of the streaming service’s charts, according to the Daily Mail.

First aired between 2004 and 2014, the show sees the legendary sleuth Miss Marple come out of retirement. Geraldine McEwan played the titular character for the first three series, with Julia McKenzie taking over for the remaining three.

Viewers will also spot recognisable faces throughout the programme, including Joanna Lumley, Benedict Cumberbatch and Timothy Dalton. Additional appearances feature Keeley Hawes, Brian Cox, Richard Armitage and Amanda Holden, among others.

The show takes some artistic licence with Christie’s original works, occasionally placing Miss Marple into narratives where she didn’t initially feature.

One viewer commented on IMDb: “I love the original book, and I love this adaptation. All-star cast (best hits of the actors of Britain).

“Naturally it’s very different to the original, but I enjoyed how it had been adapted, beautiful location as well!” Another viewer remarked: “I am an Agatha Christie scholar who has researched her work for years. Does that make me a better viewer? Not necessarily, but a more attentive one.

“I can honestly say this is one of the best TV adaptations and definitely worth 10 stars. It’s got everything and more. Please give it a chance and stop comparing it against other productions.”

If It’s Tuesday, It’s Murder is available to stream now on Disney+ and Marple is available to stream on Netflix.

The supermarket is recalling its 500g pack of Authentic Greek Yoghurt with Vanilla as it’s “a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to gluten or have coeliac disease”, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The affected product has a use-by date of May 12, 2026 and barcode number 29308750.

M&S has issued the recall with a “do not consume” warning for anyone with a gluten allergy or intolerance.

Saturday 18 April: @marksandspencer is recalling Authentic Greek Yoghurt with Vanilla because of undeclared gluten #FoodAllergy https://t.co/54upEpx7zJ pic.twitter.com/fM8VFRmhDM

— Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) April 18, 2026

It added: “Customer safety is of paramount importance to Marks & Spencer, and we take food safety extremely seriously.”

M&S reassured customers that “only the displayed date codes are impacted” and “no other M&S products are affected.”

The supermarket issued an apology “for any inconvenience caused”.

Food recalls explained

The FSA said: “If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or an intolerance to gluten or have coeliac disease, do not eat it.

“Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.

“For more information contact Marks & Spencer on 0333301-48555.”

What is a food recall?

The FSA explains what a food recall is: “If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be ‘withdrawn’ (taken off the shelves) or ‘recalled’ (when customers are asked to return the product).

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“The FSA issues Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food.

“In some cases, a ‘Food Alert for Action’ is issued.

“This provides local authorities with details of specific action to be taken on behalf of consumers.”

Have you shopped at M&S recently? Let us know your favourite items in the comments below.

Customers shared their frustration and after Tesco previously made the decision to axe its F&F changing rooms.

It was one of many supermarkets that removed their changing rooms during the pandemic, with many not re-opening them due to costs and shoplifting issues.

Tesco brings back F&F changing rooms after 6 years

One customer posted on Facebook on the Bargain Lovers group to share a picture of the F&F changing rooms.

They wrote: “Changing rooms are coming back to F&F in Tesco!”

Many fellow shoppers took to the comments with excitement to see the feature back after several years.

One said: “I hope this is true.”

“Another wrote: “About time too, I think!”

A third added: “Amazing news, please fit every Tesco store with changing rooms.”

Tesco told Newsquest that it has reopened its F&F fitting rooms as part of a trial across a small number of stores.

Tesco said it will listen to customer feedback from the trial to see how it can improve future in-store services.

If you are not able to try on in-store, Tesco customers can return F&F clothing to any large store within 30 days with their proof of purchase.

Tesco confirms major change in UK supermarket ‘first’

The reintroduction of some F&F changing rooms across various Tesco stores is not the only big change recently.

The supermarket giant is also switching from barcodes to QR codes in what is a first among UK supermarkets.

The UK’s biggest grocer described the move as “one of the most revolutionary retailing improvements in decades”, which would give customers access to a host of information about products via their smartphones.

Tesco is switching from barcodes to QR codes (Image: PA Wire)

QR codes will be applied to the packaging of 13 lines of Tesco’s own-brand sausages, including Tesco Pork Sausages, Tesco Pork Chipolatas, Tesco British Pork Sausage Meat, as well as British Cumberland Sausages and British Lincolnshire Sausages.

The codes can be used to provide additional product information to customers, such as nutritional content, with shoppers being able to use them to access recipes and competitions.

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Tesco said adopting the new codes would give it better information about products in stores, helping it to order more accurately and improve efficiency, reducing unnecessary waste.

In the event of product recalls, QR codes will allow retailers to identify specific batches instead of removing all items, avoiding throwing products away unnecessarily and improving availability.

Retailers will also be able to block the sale of affected items at the till and contact customers who may have purchased them.

Would you like to see F&F changing rooms reintroduced at your local Tesco? Let us know in the comments.

The gated estate’s main residence, annexe, and outbuildings are reached via a remote-controlled entrance, with a driveway and parking for several vehicles.

Extensive grounds on the Bradshaw Road, Tottington, include sweeping lawns, woodland, a stable block, and multiple storage areas.

Living room with wood-burning stove and triple aspect views (Image: Miller Metcalfe)

A further seven acres are available by separate negotiation, providing potential for additional land use.

Inside the main residence, there are three reception rooms.

The principal lounge includes a wood-burning stove set within a surround and is described as being “flooded with natural light”.

Kitchen with central island, bar, and sliding doors opening to garden (Image: Miller Metcalfe)

Another sitting room is designed for informal gatherings, and a further reception space incorporates a bespoke bar area.

Described in the listing as forming the “heart of the home,” the kitchen is open-plan and fitted with a central island and bespoke dining solution.

A selection of ‘Gaggenau’ appliances include a coffee machine, three double ovens with microwave, and an induction hob.

Main bathroom with freestanding bath, walk-in shower and countryside views (Image: Miller Metcalfe)

Sleek Corian worktops and a double-inset sink with hot water tap feature throughout the kitchen.

The utility room contains additional storage and is plumbed for a washing machine.

A double-glazed front door opens into an entrance hallway, with a further door leading to the main hallway, where a tiled floor and staircase are noted.

Fifteen acres of grazing land with mature woodland, pond and stable block (Image: Miller Metcalfe)

The listing highlights a guest WC with freestanding wash hand basin and sensor light mirror.

All principal rooms are described as taking advantage of “panoramic views” over the grounds.

On the first floor, there are four double bedrooms.

Both the main bedroom and a second double bedroom have dressing rooms and contemporary en-suite shower rooms.

Fifteen acres of grazing land with mature woodland, pond and stable block (Image: Miller Metcalfe)

The main bedroom includes a feature window overlooking the grounds.

The further two bedrooms are described as having “a lovely open aspect”.

A newly fitted family bathroom is also located upstairs, with a freestanding bath, double shower cubicle, and underfloor heating.

A detached annexe offers open-plan living, incorporating a modern kitchen, lounge/bedroom area, walk-in dressing room, and contemporary shower room.

Large windows provide views across the grounds, with a raised decked patio for outdoor use.

The estate’s outbuildings include a double detached garage, separate timber double garage, and a purpose-built stable block with four stables and a tack room.

Water and power are supplied to the stable area.

The grounds are described as private, with woodland, gardens, and grazing land, and are said to attract local wildlife including deer and owls.

Interested parties are urged to call Miller Metcalfe (Bury) on 01619 375383.

FPC Electric Land was granted permission to build a battery storage system on land near Slack Lane in 2024, but council officers put several constraints on the project.

One of these constraints prevents work during active amphibian season – March until October.

This is the condition that FPC Electric Land want to have changed, as they believe it is too restrictive.

The site on Slack Lane (Image: Google)

But Westhoughton Town Council were firmly against this proposal when they discussed it on Monday (April 13).

Westhoughton councillor and Bolton Mayor David Chadwick said: “I think that we should all object to any changes in the planning application regarding amphibians.

“Our answer should be a very firm and stern ‘no’.”

All Westhoughton councillors at the meeting assented to Cllr Chadwick’s motion.

Cllr John McHugh said: “I completely agree with Cllr Chadwick.

“This provision is there to stop developers destroying our green spaces.”

Cllr McHugh also pointed out that the Planning Inspectorate put the provision on the original plan, and therefore it would not be right to change it.

Councillor Derek Gradwell, who chaired the meeting, said Cllr McHugh’s last point was probably the most relevant one out of all the comments made.

The site plan (Image: Electric Land)

FPC Electric Land are seeking to have the amphibian provision altered due to what they believe is overly-restrictive wording.

The restriction currently states: “Works shall be timed to prevent impacts to amphibians by avoiding active amphibian season between March-October.”

But FPC – through their agent Clive Fagg Planning – are arguing that these rules are only supposed to apply to ‘vegetation clearance works’, not to work in general.

The application states this was confirmed through a discussion with Envance, the environmental consultancy on whom Bolton Council bases their planning policy.

This application will go before Bolton Council’s planning department before any decision is made on whether to alter the amphibian provision or not.

Westhoughton Town Council unanimously voted against changing the provision, but they are merely an advisory body and cannot refuse or accept planning applications.

This is the only restriction on that FPC are requesting be changed.

Westhoughton residents fighting the original plans in 2023 (Image: Martini)

All other restrictions, including other restrictions relating specifically relating to amphibians, will remain the same.

The original plans were subject to around 200 objections from local residents.

The plans were initially rejected but were then accepted on appeal.

The Bolton News has contacted Envance for comment.