Ali is showcasing the people of Belfast through a different lens

A Portadown taxi driver is spreading positivity across Belfast by stopping strangers in the street to photograph them and “capture life’s unscripted beauty.”

Ali Syed, 39, regularly approaches members of the public to ask if he can take their portrait, usually choosing people who are not rushing off somewhere or listening to music.

One candid interaction with a police officer on St Patrick’s Day last year brought him online fame, with a video of the encounter now viewed millions of times on social media. Despite his growing popularity online, Ali still admits approaching strangers still pushes him outside his comfort zone..

Originally from Pakistan, he moved to Northern Ireland over a decade ago and struggled with English when he first arrived. He has been working in photography for more than ten years after first specialising in weddings, but became inspired to try street portraits after watching photographers online in other countries.

Ali said: “I thought why not do it in Belfast?

“But starting it, to be honest, was not easy. I’m not from here, I am not from here, and my English wasn’t very good when I first arrived. I always been shy talking to people as well.

“After a few attempts though, I became more confident and I started my social media pages around two years ago. Since then, I’ve had lots of messages from people all over the world and some really positive feedback. I think every person has a story to tell and photography is a great way to showcase these tales.”

Ali said the experience has helped him build confidence and connect with people in ways he never expected.

“If I approach ten people in a day, I probably get eight yeses,” he said.

“I have made friendships with people from all over the world. I’ve had offers from people in America saying I could stay in their homes while I photograph in their cities. I’ve also met photographers from other countries, including one in Prague that I am hoping to visit soon. The experiences of me doing street photography seem to stay with people as much as they stay with me.”

However, one recent message had a lasting impact on him.

“A few days ago, I received a message from the family of a man I photographed last summer who has passed away,” he said.

“I want my photography to make people happy and give them memories through my lens. That news made me very sad.”

Belfast Live spent several hours walking around the city centre with Ali as he approached people from all walks of life, always respecting those who declined to take part.

Watching him work, it quickly became clear how easily he puts people at ease. Several people said being stopped for a portrait had brightened their day, while others beamed as he showed them the finished photographs on his camera.

Ali said Belfast had become one of his favourite cities in the world because of the warmth of its people.

“The people here are amazing,” he said.

“Everyone says hello. Belfast is the best place I’ve been for street photography because people are so welcoming, Northern Ireland feels like home to me now.”

Through his social media pages, Ali often asks the people he photographs about their lives and outlook on the world, using photography as a way to connect with strangers and learn their stories.

He encourages others to pursue their passions, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zone.

“If I could go up to complete strangers and take photographs with very little English when I first came here, then I am sure other people can follow their dreams too,” he said.

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Inspectors praised a primary school for its “thoughtfully designed curriculum” which helps pupils develop into “well-rounded, confident citizens”

A Cambridgeshire primary school where children achieve “significantly above national averages” has been praised by Ofsted. Bewick Bridge Community Primary School in Cambridge has been rated ‘strong standard’ in all areas assessed in its latest report published on Monday, May 18.

The primary school in Cherry Hinton was described as “nurturing and ambitious”. The report said it offers a “a strong commitment to pursue academic, physical, social and emotional excellence at every stage” of children’s development journey.

Inspectors found that Bewick Bridge Community Primary School is a “happy school” where pupils “want to attend”. “Warm relationships run throughout this inclusive school” and pupils and staff form “kind, caring connections,” the report said.

Leaders were praised by Ofsted for being “ambitious and determined to make the school the very best it can be” and for making decisions in the “very best interest of pupils”.

Children were found to achieve “highly at this school”. The report added: “Pupils thrive academically and achieve well, including pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Published assessment outcomes, which sit significantly above national averages, reflect this success.”

The chair of governors for Bewick Bridge Community Primary School said that the inspection demonstrates that “with the right mindset, and a clear vision of high expectations for all, remarkable outcomes may be achieved”.

A spokesperson added: “All members of staff at Bewick Bridge Community Primary School are to be congratulated on their excellent work in providing the pupils with the opportunity of a first-rate education.

“This report is a tremendous outcome for the school and commends the vast amount of work by staff and pupils over a number of years of steadily rising achievement. Governors are immensely proud of the school and its commitment to holding pupils at the centre of all it does.”

The school was also praised for enriching the curriculum further by offering opportunities such as rowing and cycling, giving pupils an authentic ‘Cambridge’ experience. “This broad and thoughtfully designed curriculum helps pupils develop into well-rounded, confident citizens,” inspectors said.

Additionally, the school was found to take “great pride in celebrating its diverse and multicultural community”. According to the recently published report, leaders describe this diversity as a ‘superpower’ and actively harness the strengths of their context.

In its next steps, inspectors asked leaders at the school to continue to provide bespoke and focused support for teachers at the earlier stages of their careers and continue to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve even more highly.

The Headteacher at Bewick Bridge Community Primary School said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection. The outcome is a result of the work of our talented staff team, our amazing children, our supportive parents/carers, and our effective governing board.

“We feel that the report is a very accurate description of everyday life at Bewick Bridge and we are looking forward to continuing the school’s journey.”

Barbra Streisand has found a way to show her appreciation for the Cannes Film Festival after a knee injury forced her to miss the 2026 film festival.

Days after the iconic singer, 84, announced that she would not be at the festival’s closing ceremony to receive her honorary Palme d’Or, Isabelle Huppert took the stage Saturday with the statuette. Then, Streisand herself appeared on the big screen with a video message thanking the festival for the honor and speaking about her love for foreign films.

“I was mesmerized by those images on the screen,” Streisand said about watching movies as an adolescent. “They were so powerful that they’re still in my head. I wanted to be an actress and live in those other more interesting worlds.”

She went on to say that movies taught her how to think critically about stories and ask the right questions.

“I didn’t realize at the time, but I was thinking like a director,” Streisand said. “Trying to figure out how to tell the story. And I had stories I wanted to tell.”

Speaking about her directorial debut with the 1981 film Yentl, the film legend said: “I was a woman, which was an obstacle to people. Even worse, was an actress who wanted to direct. So every studio turned me down. And for 15 years the project was on the verge of collapsing. But I had to make this movie.”

She concluded: “In this crazy volatile world that seems more fractured every day, it’s reassuring to see the compelling movies at this festival, by artists from many countries. Film has that magical ability to unite us, opening our hearts and mind. I’m so proud to be part of this community, so merci beaucoup and vive la cinema!”

The message came a week after Streisand shared a statement revealing that she would not be able to attend the festival.

“On the advice of my doctors, as I continue recovering from a knee injury, I am sadly unable to attend the Festival de Cannes this year,” she said, according to Variety. “I was also very much looking forward to spending time with colleagues whom I so admire — and, of course, returning to France, a place I have always loved.”

She continued: “While I regret that I can’t be there in person, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the filmmakers from around the world whose extraordinary talent and creative vision are being celebrated this year.”

The Canadian Grand Prix was the race in which the Formula 1 title battle finally came alive this year.

It was also, however, the race in which it took a potentially decisive turn, putting a huge dent in George Russell’s hopes of beating his 19-year-old Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli to the championship.

Russell’s retirement from the race came after 30 laps of frenetic battling between the pair which lit up the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on a damp, gloomy day so cold it tempted world champions McLaren into a seemingly inexplicable decision to start the race on a dry track on wet-weather tyres.

Russell’s retirement handed the win to Antonelli, his fourth in a row, and the Italian now has a massive 43-point lead.

Doubtless there are many twists and turns to come in the remaining 17 races. Even so, that will take some recovering.

Afterwards, Russell was stoic but understandably downbeat.

“Right now it’s his to lose,” he said. “He is so many points ahead. It feels like the gods don’t want me to be in this fight, when I look at the safety-car timing in Japan, breaking down in China Q3, fighting for pole, breaking down from the lead here today.

“But, you know, the pressure’s off. Go out, enjoy every single race. Try to win every single race. And I’ve got nothing to lose.

“I don’t want to be stood here talking like that. It is, of course, frustrating, but I want to be in that fight. Hopefully, the luck will turn.”

It’s worth double-checking which stores are open and their trading hours this bank holiday Monday to avoid a wasted journey. Here’s what you need to know about opening times for Wickes, B&Q, Dunelm, Home Bargains, B&M, and The Range across Wales

Following a busy bank holiday weekend, you might find yourself inspired to embark on some DIY tasks. Perhaps some spring tidying has encouraged you to look for new storage options to organise your home, or you’ve chosen to refresh your garden fence with a coat of paint.

If you’re contemplating a visit to some of your go-to retailers, it’s advisable to verify which shops are trading and their opening times this bank holiday Monday to prevent an unnecessary trip.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of trading hours for Wickes, B&Q, Dunelm, Home Bargains, B&M, and The Range, enabling you to stock up after the extended weekend.

Here are the opening times for some of your preferred shops throughout Wales this Spring bank holiday. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here

Wickes

This bank holiday Monday, Wickes will be maintaining their usual hours of 7am to 8pm, subject to the individual store.

To confirm when your nearest branch opens, you can check here.

B&Q

B&Q will be running their standard hours of 7am to 8pm on Monday. Nevertheless, some smaller outlets may open marginally later at 8am.

To confirm when your nearest branch opens, you can check here.

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Dunelm

Dunelm shops will be operating on shortened hours this May bank holiday, trading from 9am to 6pm, although exact times may vary according to your local branch.

Further details about your nearest store can be found here.

Home Bargains

While Home Bargains won’t be closed this Monday, the shop will be operating shortened trading hours from 8am until 6pm. Shoppers are advised to confirm their local branch’s opening times.

More information about your nearest store can be found here.

The Range

This bank holiday Monday, The Range may be operating with curtailed hours, although they haven’t announced their exact trading times. They usually open from approximately 8am to 7pm/8pm.

Further details about your local branch can be found here.

B&M

B&M outlets may be operating with shortened hours this early May bank holiday, although they haven’t announced their exact trading times. They usually open from roughly 8am/9am to 7pm/9pm.

These opening hours may differ by location.

Two wonderful first half goals from Eoin McElholm and Ronan Cassidy were well worthy of the great man from Ardboe

It wasn’t just during the minute’s silence that Frank McGuigan’s presence was palpable in Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday afternoon.

The passing of the man that they called ‘The King’, a giant of Tyrone’s footballing history, was always likely to galvanise the Red Hand men as they prepared to take on the freewheeling Connacht champions, and they delivered in style.

Sure, there was all the control and steel that has become synonymous with Tyrone teams in the modern era, but two wonderful first half goals from Eoin McElholm and Ronan Cassidy were well worthy of the great man from Ardboe.

“The boys wanted to put on a performance that would make the McGuigan family proud, and I think we achieved that,” said Tyrone manager Malachy O’Rourke.

“We felt that the big pitch would suit us. We felt that if we got our running game going, we had forwards that could thrive, and that’s how it proved”.

For their part, Roscommon never reached the lofty heights that they scaled in the Connacht championship.

It looked like more of the same when after Tyrone started solidly with good points from Peter Teague and Ethan Jordan, the summer’s golden boy Darragh Heneghan scorched through the Tyrone back line and fired past Niall Morgan for his fifth goal in four games.

The sides were still level going into the second quarter, when Tyrone moved things up a gear. First McElholm rolled an inch perfect shot into the bottom left corner of the net, then Cassidy exploded down the left flank of the attack – a territory that Tyrone attacked hard and often in the first half – and rifled the ball under the crossbar.

A needless turnover in the Roscommon attack in the last minute of the half saw Tyrone come back down the field and fire over a double from Jordan to make it 2-11 to 1-9, and it was all going their way.

Without ever hitting their best form, Roscommon locked down the Tyrone attack, holding them scoreless for 16 minutes, and the crowd of just over 16,000 exploded when Enda Smith fielded a high ball to put them in front. Diarmuid Murtagh added a point, and finally, they were rocking.

Then Conor Carroll, who had been flawless up to then misplaced a short kickout into Frank Burns. Two passes later, Mattie Donnelly made them pay the ultimate penalty.

Roscommon did get back level through a Paul Carey two-pointer, but they left Tyrone with 90 seconds. Niall Morgan’s kickout was pinpoint, their control of the ball in working it up the field was exquisite, and once McElholm was fouled, Ethan Jordan lobbed over the winning point.

“It’s easier to see out games when you’re winning a load of games in a row, you sort of have a wee bit of momentum behind you,” said O’Rourke.

“I suppose the way the year has gone for us, what happened in the Armagh game, it takes that wee bit of extra resilience, that wee bit of extra character. I thought the boys showed that in spades, so it’s great to see that.”

A turning point for last year’s All-Ireland semi-finalists?

“Time will tell. Looking at all the teams that are left, it’s a very competitive championship. We lost against Armagh, we were determined to bounce back today, and we did that. We’ll see what the draw throws up, and it’s going to be a big chance whoever it is.

“It’s a cliché, but the way the league went, we knew we had an awful lot of work to do. We knew the boys were working hard, there was a good spirit among them, but it wasn’t showing maybe in some of our results and performances – and people weren’t slow to tell us that”.

Now the pressure rolls back on to Roscommon. The accusation of being lions in Connacht and lambs later in the Summer has been levelled at them before, and Rossie boss Mark Dowd says that it’s up to them to change that narrative.

“If we have the ambition of being a Division One team, getting to these big games, that’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve three weeks now of a rest but if we’re ambitious, we’re going to have these days week on week going forward.”

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Victoria Chesworth had more than four times the legal limit of cocaine in her blood when she was stopped by police

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A coked-up driver blamed the smell of wine in her car on “cooking a beef bourguignon”.

Victoria Chesworth was spotted “driving erratically” moments before she was stopped by police on July 18.

Officers pulled over the 46-year-old on London Road, Stoke-on-Trent and said they “smelled alcohol”. It was then they discovered a small amount of powder in the back of her car, reports StokeonTrentLive.

North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Chesworth was found to have 45mu g/L of cocaine in her blood, well over the legal threshold of 10mu g/L. She also had a staggering 800b ug/L of benzoylecgonine in her blood – the breakdown product of cocaine – which is 16 times the legal limit.

Prosecutor Sherrie Henry told the court: “This matter occurred shortly after 11pm. Officers saw the defendant’s red Toyota Yaris which appeared to be driving erratically along the A52. She could be seen swerving repeatedly between lanes.

“Officers pulled the defendant over and smelled alcohol. They attempted to perform a breathalyser test. They were unable to get her to complete it successfully.

“A small amount of powder was found in the back of the defendant’s car. She was taken back to the police station where a drug test was performed.”

Chesworth, of Swallows Nest Close, Blurton, pleaded guilty to two counts of drug-driving. Representing herself in court, Chesworth stated that her interim driving ban has left her “struggling financially and with transport”, appealing to magistrates for a more lenient outcome.

She tearfully told the court: “The swerving in and out of lanes, I disagree with, because I was following the one-way system. I believed the van behind me was getting too close. I didn’t realise it was the police.

“I only learned that later after they pulled me over. They could smell wine on me because I had made a beef bourguignon earlier that evening.

“I struggled to do the breath test because I had a stroke last year. I agreed to do the blood test. The white powder they found in the car is a drug I take to manage my stroke symptoms.”

Magistrates handed Chesworth a 17-month driving ban alongside a 12-month community order incorporating 20 rehabilitation days. She is also required to pay £239 in costs.

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Manchester United have an opportunity to agree a bargain transfer in the summer window

Manchester United have a chance to swoop in and sign Robert Lewandowski to address a key area of their squad this summer. The experienced striker is leaving Barcelona, providing Michael Carrick’s side with the perfect opportunity to lure him to Old Trafford.

The 37-year-old remains prolific, despite no longer being one of the first names on Barcelona’s teamsheet. He scored 14 times as the Catalan club secured the La Liga title, averaging a goal every 118 minutes in the league.

ESPN have reported that Lewandowski rejected a new Barcelona deal on reduced wages after losing his starting sport in Hansi Flick’s team. It is claimed that the striker has attracted interest from European clubs, as well as in Saudi Arabia and the USA, but has not decided on his next destination. But one thing is for certain – he will not be at the Camp Nou next season.

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The uncertainty over Lewandowski’s future provides a chance for United to pursue a marquee free transfer. Having thrived in Germany and Spain, the veteran is yet to test himself in English football and joining United could be a tempting proposition.

A new striker is not top of United’s transfer wishlist, with midfield being the team’s top priority. However, a world-class striker available on a free transfer should always be considered, particularly as United prepare to return to the Champions League.

Michael Carrick’s side have benefitted from a lack of European competition this season but the next campaign will be more demanding of the squad. Young striker Benjamin Sesko has impressed during the interim boss’ reign but is still earning his manager’s trust and honing his craft.

Both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are also capable of leading the line but Lewandowski would bring something different to the United squad. He has been an elite centre forward for more than a decade and could pass on his goalscoring knowledge to Sesko and other stars.

It is a formula that United have used on several occasions in recent years. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was an instant hit, Edinson Cavani became a fan favourite and Cristiano Ronaldo scored 27 in 54 games before his second spell came to an end.

Lewandowski still has his goalscoring instincts. The striker would have the opportunity to prove himself in England, even as a rotational player, while United’s attack could benefit from his experience at the highest level.

In his four years at Barcelona, Lewandowski won La Liga on three occasions. Moreover, since 2010, he has clinched an incredible 13 league titles across his time at Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and the Spanish giants.

Lewandowski’s winning mentality could be priceless to Carrick’s team as United look to take the next step towards securing major trophies.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

Emergency crews were called to Hardwick Country Park near Sedgefield at about 11.45am on Sunday (May 24).

The Great North Air Ambulance took the injured person to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called to a person injured at Hardwick Country Park at 11.45am on Sunday (May 24).

“We dispatched two ambulance crews and requested support from the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

“After working together on the scene, one patient was flown to James Cook Hospital for further treatment.”

Durham Police has been contacted for further information.

Salford City take on Notts County at Wembley on Bank Holiday Monday in the League Two play-off final

Salford City are no strangers to writing scripts. When you have David Beckham and rest of Manchester United’s Class of 92 in your corner, cameras are inevitable. Documentary after documentary has charted the club’s journey through non-league and a new chapter could emerge at Wembley this afternoon when the Ammies face Notts County seeking a place in the third tier for the first time in their history.

But even by Salford standards, this season has been dramatic. There was a cup run for the ages which took them to the Etihad and a combative performance in a 2-0 defeat. There was the drama of the final day of the regular season when they were held by relegation-threatened Crawley to miss out on automatic promotion. And then there was the play-off semi-final against Grimsby Town.

A first-leg victory away from home had set them up for Peninsular Stadium return, and when they led 1-0 midway through the second half, it seemed as though the job was done. But Grimsby responded with two goals in the space of a matter of minutes to force extra time.

Yet Salford found resolve and a tie-winning goal through Kallum Cesay. It was a poignant moment for Cesay, whose dad Tony – a former boxer who represented Sierra Leone at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 – died earlier this month.

The 23-year-old had spent much of the second half of the campaign out injured but netted in both legs of the semi-final, and his story epitomises the spirit Salford have shown.

“He lost his dad and life is so hard when something like that happens and he just got back on the pitch and does what he does,” said striker Dan Udoh. “He is such a vital point for the team and we need him as much as needs us to put his arm around him.

“We have a respect in the dressing room and you just want each other to do well.”

Salford boss Karl Robinson attended the funeral of his young defender’s dad, with several legends of boxing in attendance.

“I went there to represent the football club and it brought me to tears,” Robinson admitted. “His dad was a credit to the boxing world. His dad is an icon in East London and when you speak about the names who were there and he respect he carried in his world. His son is in his world now creating a name for himself.”

Salford have made a name for themselves in recent years. The club is inextricably linked with Manchester United, with the Class of 92 having invested in the club in 2014 and helped fuel a rise that could reach League One later today.

Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt watched the semi-final second leg in person, David Beckham and Gary Neville, who bought out their former team-mates last year, watched it together from the Napa Valley in California. Ryan Giggs has been an integral part in the success of the club in recent years.

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Udoh, who has scored 11 goals this season, having dropped down a division to sign for Salford a year ago, regularly receives text messages from Scholes offering advice and assistance.

“These are players that have won Champions Leagues, to have advice from people like that it’s gold dust, isn’t it?” said Udoh. “You couldn’t have asked for anything better as a player.”

Robinson too knows the value of the Premier League legends involved. “I want a special mention to Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs,” said the boss. “When I met them in January, I had never been bowled over by so many geniuses around the table – not just as footballers, as coaches and people.

“With David even more involved, and Gary even more involved now, and the changes that might come, I think it’s a really exciting time for the football club.”

And that excitement is beginning to capture the attention of the city. Salford’s home semi-final had a mix of young and old supporters. There was face painting and FIFA for the kids in the bar, a fan zone for supporters to mingle pre-match with a beer and the number of young fans watching the game was noticeable.

That is something not lost on Robinson, who wants to build a legacy for the club and the city.

“Football clubs are the heartbeat of everything,” said Robinson. “You could be having a terrible time at work or in life, but football stadiums are unique. People don’t know how far we have come.

“We’re never going to be Manchester United or Manchester City, but you know what, we are the first generation of people coming to bring their kids and then bring their kids, who bring their kids, and granddads, dads, mums, grandmothers. Then that becomes a generational thing. We can’t lose that generational support because the kids haven’t had that. We’ve got to build that and then hopefully this will be a club with multiple parts of a family and generations coming to watch their team.”