The big format change will take effect from next season

The Championship play-offs will feature six teams from next season.

The EFL announced its clubs had passed a proposal to increase the number of play-off participants from four to six at an all-club meeting on Thursday.

Supporters of the change believe it will create more interest in the run-in to the Championship season, as it gives more teams a chance to qualify for the post-season and a shot at promotion to the Premier League. Teams finishing between third and eighth will be involved.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “Since their introduction in 1986-87, the play-offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special.

“Following several months of discussion with clubs and other stakeholders, we are confident this change will further strengthen the Championship as a competition and give more clubs and their supporters a genuine opportunity of achieving promotion.”

The National League currently operates a six-team play-off tournament, where the teams finishing second and third progress straight to the semi-finals while those finishing fourth to seventh compete in quarter-finals.

A similar system will be used in the Championship, with teams finishing from fifth to eighth playing in eliminator ties and the winners going on to face the third and fourth-placed teams in two-legged semi-finals.

The final format will be agreed later in 2026.

The current format in the EFL – with a single-leg final at Wembley preceded by two-leg semi-finals – has been in place since the 1989-90 season.

The Championship play-off final has come to be regarded as the most lucrative single game in world football, given a place in the Premier League is at stake to the winners.

Sunderland were last season’s victors, overcoming Sheffield United 2-1. The success was estimated to have secured a minimum of £200million in extra income for the Black Cats.

The statement issued by the EFL on Thursday read: “At a General Meeting today, EFL Clubs approved changes to expand the number of teams competing in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs from four to six, starting in the 2026/27 season.

“The decision is intended to increase the number of competitive fixtures during the closing stages of the campaign, while also giving two additional Clubs the opportunity to reach the Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium and progress to the Premier League.”

Wrexham are currently in sixth place in the Championship table with nine games remaining in the regular season.

Swansea City currently sit in 16th place, with 11 points between them and the play-off spots.

Emirates has issued a statement to passengers affected by ongoing travel disruptions

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Emirates has released a statement concerning its flight operations amid “ongoing disruptions” stemming from the Middle East conflict. The airline’s support account posted an update on X for affected passengers as numerous services remain grounded.

The carrier has confirmed that all scheduled flights to and from Dubai will remain suspended until the end of March 7, extending beyond the previously announced deadline of March 4. However, they continue to operate “a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights”.

A number of Emirates services have already touched down in the UK, bringing much-needed reassurance to anxious relatives and friends. These flights have landed at multiple airports, including Edinburgh and London.

This development comes as the Iran conflict reaches its sixth day, with numerous flights expected to transport stranded British citizens home from the Gulf area. The first Government charter flight and British Airways commercial service from Muscat were due to arrive in the UK during the early hours of Thursday.

Yet a technical problem at the Omani airport stopped the first chartered aircraft from departing as scheduled. It is now anticipated to depart later on Thursday, reports the Express.

Emirates’ social media announcement represents the airline’s most recent communication from its support team on X as of March 5. The statement acknowledges that the airline’s support team is managing a substantial number of customer queries and is working to address them at the earliest opportunity.

The carrier stated: “Due to ongoing flight disruptions, our Customer Care teams are experiencing exceptionally high volumes. We’re working to resolve all enquiries as quickly as possible. Rest assured, all cancelled flights will be rebooked or refunded as soon as possible, based on your preference.”

Passengers impacted by the recent wave of cancellations have been provided with guidance on what steps to take. The airline has outlined several options, including making contact, requesting a refund and liaising with your travel agent.

Emirates explained: “Direct Message: DMs are the most efficient way to contact us right now. Please expect a 48-72 hour wait before we are able to respond. You can DM on X at http://emirat.es/xdm.

“Phone: Only call us if you are in need of very urgent assistance. Please be patient and expect a wait on hold of up to 2-3 hours. Contact numbers for your country can be found at http://emirat.es/support.

“Refunds: You can request a refund for your booking if it is on or before 12 March without contacting us. Just fill out the form at http://emirat.es/refund.

“Travel Agents: If you booked via a travel agent, please contact them directly for assistance with rebookings and refunds. If your enquiry is not urgent, please visit http://emirat.es/flightstatus for the latest updates, and contact us at a later time. Please also make sure your contact details are up to date at http://emirat.es/managebooking so we can keep you informed.”

The carrier concluded its statement by outlining additional measures available to travellers needing extra help. “If you need further assistance, DM us with your booking reference and flight details, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you for your trust and patience,” it said.

The changes will be enforced from the start of the new school year

The government has announced new rules that all schools must follow from September this year. The plans will see UK schools put in place stronger protections for children with allergies.

Under the new rules, announced by the Department of Education on Wednesday, all schools will be required to stock life-saving allergy pens to ensure the safety of their students. Schools must also have a dedicated allergy policy and put teachers through compulsory training to make sure requirements are met.

The changes come into force following campaigns from parents for additional measures to be enforced to protect children with allergies whilst at school. One parent, Helen Blythe, whose son Benedict died in 2021 after having an allergic reaction at school, has welcomed the change, saying the new requirements will now make it “less likely for other families to go through what we’ve been through”.

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The Blythe family campaigned for a law change to mandate allergy safety in schools for four years after their son died from accidental exposure to cow’s milk protein at Barnack Primary School, near Peterborough, in December 2021. An inquest found the school did not follow all the measures in place to prevent the fatal anaphylactic reaction, and that there were risks of contamination and delays in administering an adrenaline pen.

Following campaigns, schools will now be required to have individual healthcare plans in place for pupils with medical conditions. The changes, which come into force in September, will see compulsory training given to teachers on administering adrenaline auto-injectors, with schools also required to have a dedicated allergy policies in place.

Under the plans, from September 2026, schools must:

• Stock ‘spare’ adrenaline auto-injectors for use in emergency situations
• Provide allergy awareness training for all staff – covering symptoms, emergency response and the use of adrenaline devices
• Have a comprehensive policy for supporting children with medical conditions, including Individual Healthcare Plans to record specific arrangements for individuals like an allergy management plan

Commenting on the new rules, Mrs Blythe told the Press Association: “This is something we’ve campaigned for for a long time as a family. It’s been a hard campaign, both work-wise and emotionally.

“These measures will make it less likely for other families to go through what we’ve been through. And for Benedict his memory will be etched into the history books and into time. We’ve always said that his life mattered and his death should matter too. And in this it does, it’s his legacy, and that means a lot.”

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Minister for early education Olivia Bailey said: “No parent should have to send their child to school worried that a life-threatening allergic reaction won’t be handled swiftly.

“We have listened to the families and organisations who have campaigned tirelessly on this issue, and we are acting. These new requirements will give parents the confidence that every school has the training, the plans and the equipment in place to keep their child safe.”

However Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said schools need additional funding to make sure they have the staffing capacity to carry out duties and offer specialist health support where it is needed. He said: “Expecting schools to stock ‘spare’ adrenaline auto-injectors for use in emergency situations appears a sensible step, as is training staff to use them effectively.

“However, the Government need to be confident that there are sufficient stocks maintained across the country to ensure each setting can keep a sufficient share of adrenaline auto-injectors.”

Reports said that the men were being aggressive towards station staff and commuters

Men were reportedly “acting aggressively” at Cambridge station on Wednesday (March 4). British Transport Police were called to Cambridge railway station at around 5.30pm after reports of men acting aggressively towards station staff and commuters.

Officers attended. A man was arrested on suspicion of Common Assault and a Section 4 Public Order offence.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to Cambridge railway station at 5.29pm yesterday (4 March) following reports men acting aggressively towards station staff and commuters.

“Officers attended and a man was arrested on suspicion of Common Assault and a Section 4 Public Order offence.”

EFL clubs have voted in favour of expanding the Championship play-offs from four to six teams.

The new system will mirror the format used in the National League and will be introduced for the 2026-27 season.

It means teams finishing from third to eighth will compete for promotion to the Premier League.

Clubs finishing third and fourth will progress directly to the semi-final, while a one-legged quarter final will be played with fifth at home to eighth and sixth hosting seventh.

Semi-finals will remain as two legs and the final will still take place at Wembley at the end of May.

The proposal has been under consideration for a number of seasons and was approved by the EFL board and Football Association.

“The decision is intended to increase the number of competitive fixtures during the closing stages of the campaign, while also giving two additional clubs the opportunity to reach the play-off final at Wembley Stadium and progress to the Premier League,” the EFL said.

The four-bedroom property in the car park of the George and Dragon in Aysgarth is due to be auctioned off next week with a guide price of just £19,000.

The house and pub were sold together at auction in December, when the guide price for the entire site was £300,000.

Aysgarth and District Parish Council has pointed out that no mention is made of a 106 agreement in the latest sale details.

The 106 agreement, issued in 1996 when the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) granted planning permission for the property, means the occupant of the property should work in the pub.

Councillor John Dinsdale, chair of Aysgarth and District Parish Council, said: “We are very concerned that someone will buy the property without realising it has a 106 agreement attached.

“I’d hate for a young couple to buy it and lose their savings.”

The parish council is in the process of registering the pub, which closed last year, as an asset of community value.

A spokesperson for the YDNPA said they were aware of the situation and were liaising with the parish council.

Officers have also made contact with the owners of the property and the auction house to offer their help regarding the restrictions in place.

The house is due to be auctioned off online between March 10 and 12.

Sale particulars show the house has been renamed Meadow View.

The description adds: “Located in Aysgarth, a charming village in North Yorkshire, this four-bedroom property is in an ideal location. A beautiful family home or a bolt hole/holiday let as an investment opportunity – it’s one not to be missed.

“It has a large front garden with double garages and three separate access points into the property. It also has a side courtyard exiting from the lounge.”

Danielle Smith, a class teacher at Woodside Primary School in the town, was selected as one of four winners of the charity’s award.

A Hamilton teacher has been announced as Scottish Book Trust’s Reading Champion for 2026.

Danielle Smith, a class teacher at Woodside Primary School in the town, was selected as one of four winners of the charity’s award.

The Reading Champion Awards, in association with Browns Books, recognise the reading role models whose fantastic work inspires others to read for pleasure. This includes school librarians, teachers and those who organise book events that promote reading within the community.

Danielle impressed judges with her dedication to creating a ‘Reading for Pleasure’ culture within the school. One of her initiatives included the ‘Reading Rockets’ pupil voice group where children can voice their opinions on how to make reading for pleasure a fun and creative experience within the school.

She also runs a lunchtime ‘Junior Librarian’ club where the children lead the improvements on the library areas throughout the school for their peers. She encourages parents to share their enjoyment of reading with their children, organises activities for Book Week Scotland and invites authors to visit the school, as inspiration for children’s love and writing.

Danielle said: “What an honour to be recognised for something you are so passionate about. The most rewarding part of this journey has been watching the children in my school fall in love with reading and hearing parents say their children can’t put books down.

“When children actively seek me out to chat about their latest book, I know we’re making a real difference. This award celebrates not just my work, but the growing community of readers we’re building together. I’m excited to continue inspiring even more young readers and families to discover the joy of books.”

Winners receive £250 worth of books for their school or library. An independent panel chooses winners based on their impact on reading culture.

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The winners were announced during World Book Day. And with 2026 being the National Year of Reading, Scottish Book Trust believes it’s more vital than ever to encourage reading for pleasure. It has been shown to improve pupils’ attainment levels, as well as their mental health and wellbeing.

Danielle was nominated by Eileen McKellar, depute head teacher at Woodside Primary. Eileen said: “Danielle is an excellent ambassador for Reading for Pleasure and it has been amazing to see the effect that her work has had on encouraging pupils to read for enjoyment bug.”

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Congratulations to this year’s Reading Champions who are deservedly being celebrated for their tireless work in promoting the joy of reading to young people. Reading for pleasure has been proven to bring many important benefits to children, including boosting wellbeing, family bonding and attainment levels, and setting them up for a successful future.

“It’s heartening to see the fantastic work these reading champions are undertaking across the country, to inspire children and teens to read for pleasure.”

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The first look at Martin Clunes as disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards in a game-changing new Channel 5 drama has been unveiled.

Doc Martin and Wuthering Heights actor Clunes will play the figure in new two-part series Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards, which will blend scripted scenes with real-life interviews to explore how British television’s most famous newreaders, who announced the death of the Queen, became embroiled in a major BBC scandal.

Edwards’s career ended abruptly in July 2024, when he pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children.

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The new show will look into the former broadcaster’s “double life”, incorporating conversations with those who initially reported the story. Ben Frow, chief content officer at Channel 5, called it “a first for the channel”.

He continued: “This is an important and shocking story of how a man in a position of power and trust betrayed that status.

”By gaining exclusive access to the key individuals involved and those who investigated the story, we explore the human cost behind the headlines.”

Edwards’ downfall began in July 2023 following a report by The Sun alleging a “top BBC Star” had paid a teenager for sexual pictures. Days later, his wife publicly named him as the presenter at the centre of the allegations, leading to his resignation in April on medical advice. He was subsequently charged in June 2024 after a Metropolitan Police investigation.

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A month later, Edwards admitted guilt to making indecent images of children, confirming he possessed 41 photographs on WhatsApp, including seven classified as the most serious type.

The BBC said it was told in November 2023, when Edwards was suspended, that he had been arrested on “suspicion of serious offences”, five months before he resigned from the corporation in April.

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In a statement, the broadcaster claimed Edwards would have been dismissed “immediately” if he were charged while still an employee at the corporation.

Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards will air soon on Channel 5.

Additional reporting by Agencies

A 43-year-old man in Pontyclun and a 68-year-old man in Powys were also arrested by counter-terrorism officers

Two men from Wales and one man from London arrested on suspicion of spying for China have been released on bail. David Taylor, the husband of Labour MP Joani Reid, was arrested in London on Wednesday, March 4.

A 43-year-old man in Pontyclun and a 68-year-old man in Powys were also arrested by counter-terrorism officers for the Metropolitan Police after being accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service. All three men have now been released on bail until May.

Three other properties in Cardiff, London and east Kilbride in Scotland have also been searched. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here

Following Taylor’s arrest Labour Scottish MP Ms Reid, who sits on the Home Affairs Select Committee, said she had “never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law”.

The men were detained under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, according to Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter terrorism policing London.

She said: “Today’s arrests are part of a proactive investigation and while these are serious matters we do not believe there to be any imminent or direct threat to the public relating to this. Our investigation continues and we thank the public for their ongoing support.

“We have seen a significant increase in our casework relating to national security in recent years and we continue to work extremely closely with our partners to help keep the country safe and take action to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.”