Strange, saucer‑shaped clouds had plenty of people in the North East glancing at the sky over the Bank Holiday – and checking their photos twice for UFOs.

The unusual formations, spotted from Darlington to Sunderland, looked uncannily like flying saucers stacked on top of each other, hanging almost motionless.

What people were really seeing were lenticular clouds – rare, lens‑shaped clouds that often get mistaken for unidentified flying objects because of their smooth, sculpted edges and layered, ‘spaceship‑like’ appearance.

Lenticular clouds over Sunderland during the bank holiday weekend (Image: Ian Maggiore/Northern Echo Camera Club)

They don’t behave like typical fluffy cumulus clouds; instead, they tend to sit in one place for a long time, forming and fading in the same spot, which only adds to the eerie, other‑worldly effect.

That stillness against a hazy blue backdrop is exactly what made them so eye‑catching during the Bank Holiday heatwave.

Lenticular clouds usually develop when stable, moist air is forced to flow over higher ground, such as the Pennines or the Cheviots, and begins to ripple in a series of invisible waves on the downwind side.

Lenticular clouds over Darlington during the bank holiday weekend (Image: Claire Bott/Northern Echo Camera Club)

As the air rises at the crest of each wave it cools, the moisture condenses and a distinctive, lens‑shaped cloud forms; as it sinks again, the cloud evaporates, giving that sharply defined, “cut‑out” edge.

During the heatwave, strong temperature differences at different levels of the atmosphere and changes in wind speed with height made these waves more pronounced, increasing the chances of lenticular clouds forming.

With clear skies, warm evenings and half the region outside for the bank holiday, it was the perfect recipe for these mini UFO clouds and some spectacular photos to go with the science.

Other contestants hoping to couple up include electrician Samuel, 25, from Dudley; primary school teacher Sean, 25, from Galway; videographer Ellie, 24, from West Lothian; model Samraj, 25, from Birmingham; West End performer Ope, 27, from Lincolnshire; fashion business owner Jasmine, 27, from Dubai; and property broker Aidan, 23, from Kent.

Pupils from Woodlands High School were part of the Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals in London.

Pupils from Woodlands High School had a day to remember last week as they travelled to London to take part in the Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals.

The Cardiff-based school’s side were one of 11 to compete in the Nursery Pavilion, at Lord’s Cricket Ground, for the right to call themselves national champions.

Teacher Nathan Griffith-Williams, 51, was beyond proud of his students for reaching the showpiece event for the second successive year.

“It’s amazing to be here at Lord’s,” he said. “We were lucky enough to be here last year as well, so a lot of these guys are coming back for a second time. The students have learnt so much. The accessibility of the game, the camaraderie, working together, being a team, it’s just gone through the roof. We’re now having regular table cricket sessions, so it’s really taken off.”

Table cricket is a fully inclusive and adapted version of the game aimed at young people living with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities. Teams of six compete to avoid fielders and hit specific scoring zones while the ball is bowled using a ramp and played on a table tennis table.

Table cricket provides an incredible opportunity for these young people to make new friends and develop life skills such as confidence and independence, while also helping them understand the importance of leadership and teamwork in competitive environments.

Student Callum Laver, 19, was delighted to play on the big stage and had the time of his life on the tables.

He said: “It’s a privilege to be here again. I came last year for this, and it feels good to be back. This is my last year in school so I’m just here enjoying it. Table cricket has given me experience and skills I didn’t have before. It’s helped me build confidence around other people and in different places.”

Lord’s Taverners president and former England captain David Gower attended the Home of Cricket and said: “The opportunity the students get to play a version of the game here at Lord’s is fantastic. It’s brilliant to see the spirit in which the games have been played. The Lord’s Taverners do such great work and I’m proud to be able to be a part of it.”

Much of the Lord’s Taverners work in cricket for young people with a disability is made possible thanks to funds raised by Postcode Lottery players and awarded by the Postcode Active Trust, in addition to support from the ECB and Sport England.

Lord’s Taverners provides free, inclusive, and impactful cricket programmes across the UK empowering young people living with a disability or facing socio-economic disadvantage, to overcome the challenges of inequality and unlock their potential – visit www.lordstaverners.org

The distress caused by Moore was described as “unfathomable”

A man has been jailed after he groomed a 14-year-old boy online and lured him to his flat for sexual activity. Darren Moore, 57, started communicating with the victim in early 2024 and, despite knowing the boy’s age, turned the conversation sexual.

Moore sent explicit photos of himself to the victim. He had also described what sexual acts he wanted to perform on him when they met up in person. Moore encouraged the victim to travel to his flat in Ely by train after school. The victim agreed and spent the evening at Moore’s flat, where he was sexually abused by Moore.

The victim’s mum became worried and called the police to report him as missing after he didn’t return home after school. After the victim got home later that evening, he told his parents what happened and the police were informed.

At Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday, May 21, Moore, of Market Street, Ely, was jailed for 10 years after he admitted to one count of inciting a boy aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity, two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a boy aged 13-15, one count of grooming, and one count of engaging in sexual communication with a child.

DC Dan Knight, who investigated, said: “Despite knowing the victim’s age, Moore took the time to build a relationship with him online over the course of a few months, before he lured him to his flat and sexually abused him.

“The distress Moore has caused to the teenager, and his family, has been unfathomable, and I would like to commend the victim for his courage in reporting Moore, and supporting the investigation throughout.

“Grooming and sexual exploitation can have devastating effects on young people’s emotional development, mental health and self-esteem which stay with them into adulthood.

“I hope this sentence provides some closure to the victim and his family and shows that predatory behaviour towards children will not be tolerated.”

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Tom Gordon, who represents Harrogate and Knaresborough, is inviting people to add their name to an open letter to M&S, attracting hundreds of names already.

The closure concerns the café at the Oatlands Food Hall at the western side of Harrogate along the A61, whose closure M&S recently announced, though it has yet to set a time frame for this.

The closure is planned as part of a wider revamp of the store on Leeds Road.

RECOMMENDED READING:
M&S announces closure of its cafe in Oatlands, Harrogate

Several years ago, M&S faced opposition to earlier plans to close the café, which led to a revamp being changed to accommodate a smaller café.

The Liberal Democrat MP says many constituents have contacted him about the planned closure of the café, which he says “acts as an essential, accessible facility for older or disabled people.”

Calling for people to put their name to his letter, he added: “Originally a café was part of the planning conditions for this site so we’re writing to M&S directly so see if they’ll reconsider the closure.”

“This is just any M&S cafe, it’s a great accessible space for elderly and disabled people to socialise and enjoy.”

The M&S in Oatlands, Harrogate (Image: Pic supplied)

In his letter, Mr  Gordon argues the café is “a much-loved and well-used communal hub for local residents, and whose loss would represent a significant blow to the community.”

By letting them rest for a cuppa, he says it means many elderly can shop there independently, the café also acts as a community hub and reduces social isolation. Few cafes in the area are as accessible and it is not feasible for many to go to the M&S café in Cambridge Street.

The MP added: “We welcome M&S’s commitment to expanding the availability of fresh produce within the Foodhall. However, we would respectfully suggest that this should not come at the expense of a space that provides such clear social value and community benefit. The café also enhances the overall customer experience, encouraging longer and more frequent visits to the store.

“There is also a practical concern that, should the café close, some customers may choose to visit alternative nearby cafés while continuing to use the M&S car park, which may not align with the intended outcomes of the proposed changes.”

When M&S announced the closure earlier this month, the retailer told the Press: “We know many of our customers want to be able to shop a wider range of our delicious M&S Food products. That’s why, after reviewing our Harrogate Oatlands foodhall, we have some exciting new changes planned.

“We are re-purposing our café space to offer more fresh produce from our Select Farm partners and deliver an improved in-store bakery – we will share more details in the coming weeks. 

“All café colleagues will transfer to other roles across the foodhall and while we understand this will be disappointing news for some customers, our team will continue working hard to serve them in-store. Customers’ nearest M&S café will be at our nearby Cambridge Street store in Harrogate town centre.”

An M&S spokesperson also confirmed there were no plans to ‘repurpose’ space at any of its York stores.

To sign the letter, go to: https://www.tomgordon.org.uk/save-ms-cafe

Murtada Abady, 36, pleaded not guilty to two counts of section 39 assault by beating at a hearing before Chester Crown Court in January at the start of this year.

He also denied controlling and coercive behaviour and of committing an act or intending to commit an act intending to pervert the course of justice at the same hearing.

Judge Patrick Thompson scheduled a trial before a jury to take place before the same court, which had been expected to take place in the week beginning Monday, June 1.

But this week the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the charges had been dropped.

They confirmed that Mr Abady, of Robin Hood Lane, Frodsham in Cheshire, will face no further criminal action in relation to these matters.

In a world that often feels divided, two simple intentions can make a powerful difference: kindness and trust.

Kindness doesn’t have to be big – our small everyday actions can lift someone’s mood and strengthen our connections. And kindness spreads, so when we help someone, it often creates a ripple, inspiring others to do the same. So whenever something happens, a helpful question is: What’s the kindest way to respond to this right now? The same is true for trust. When we show faith in people – by giving responsibility or saying ‘I believe in you’ – they’re more likely to live up to it.

We can’t control the whole world, but we can influence the tone of the world around us. And when we amplify kindness and encourage trust, we help to make life happier for ourselves and others around us too.

Image: Priscilla du Preez

Emergency services were called to the scene near the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel last night after a blaze broke out in an area of vegetation.

Fire crews are still tackling a blaze near Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh nearly 24 hours after it first broke out.

Emergency services were called to the scene near the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel after a fire ignited in an area of vegetation at around 6.50pm on Monday, May 25.

Crews worked through the night to quell the flames and two fire engines remained at the scene at 2pm on Tuesday, May 26.

Clouds of smoke could be seen rising from the area as firefighters tackled the blaze and local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors shut as a precaution. There were no reports of any injuries.

The blaze came as the city felt the heat during the current sunny spell, with a maximum temperature of 25C recorded by the Met Office on Monday.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Two fire appliances remain in attendance to dampen down hot spots following a fire on Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh.

“Firefighters were mobilised to the area after the alarm was raised at 6.50pm on Monday, May 25, and firefighters worked to extinguish a fire affecting a large area of vegetation. There are no reported casualties.”

Speaking on Monday, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are in attendance at Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh following reports of a fire on the hill on Monday, May 25, 2026. The park is closed to vehicles and we ask the public to avoid the area while emergency services deal with this matter.”

During the Edinburgh Marathon at the weekend, a number of runners were treated for heat exhaustion. The Scottish Ambulance Service said 16 people were taken to hospital on Sunday.

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Charlotte Tilbury has launched a bank holiday sale with 20% off sitewide, including the Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick reduced from £32 to £25.60 — but the deal ends at 6am on Wednesday, May 27

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Charlotte Tilbury fans have a limited opportunity to snap up one of the brand’s most coveted complexion essentials at a discounted rate – but time is running out. The beauty retailer has launched a Bank Holiday sale, perfectly aligned with payday, offering 20% off across the entire site, though it expires in under 24 hours.

Amongst the offerings is the highly praised Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick, which, while appropriate for all age groups, has particularly impressed older customers with its ‘radiant’ results. This multi-purpose blush stick has rapidly become a summer beauty staple due to its glowing, natural-looking finish, now dropping from £32 to £25.60.

The discount requires no code, as the reduction is automatically deducted during checkout. Nonetheless, quick action is essential, as the promotion concludes at 6am on Wednesday, 27 May.

Designed to give cheeks and lips a vivid splash of colour, the Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick comes in six shades ranging from cool pinks to peachy corals and deep berry hues. Drawing inspiration from ‘beautifying summer light’, the smooth formula delivers soft-focus radiance while helping skin appear more refined and luminous.

The skincare-infused formula additionally features hyaluronic acid and Collageneer alongside Charlotte Tilbury’s Skin Barrier Defence Matrix. The brand claims this blend hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier while creating a healthy, glowing appearance. The most popular shades include Pinky Glow, a striking cool pink, Peachy Glow for a golden hour-inspired radiance, and Cherry Glow, a rich sunset red designed to create a sun-kissed look. The versatile formula can be applied as a delicate hint of colour or layered for a more dramatic appearance, reports the Express.

Meanwhile, Rhode’s Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush is proving equally popular, with several shades regularly going out of stock at Sephora. The Hailey Bieber-created products cost £25, with 10 different shades on offer.

Another popular option is the NARS The Multiple, a multi-purpose stick providing a sheer, natural look for eyes, cheeks and lips. Usually costing £33, it’s now reduced to £28.05 at LookFantastic, which also stocks 10 colour variations.

Meanwhile at Charlotte Tilbury, beauty fans have been raving about the easy-to-use blush sticks, with one customer commenting: “Love these. Easy to use and give gorgeous healthy glow.”

Another commented: “This is literally the most beautiful colour and texture. It goes on and blends effortlessly, stands out and lasts all day.”

A third customer highlighted how well the formula suited mature skin, noting: “This blush is a beautiful natural colour on my fair skin. It’s easy to apply with the CT complexion brush and a little goes a long way. I’m 64 and my skin looks radiant. I love wearing it.”

However, some customers found the products fell short of their hopes, with one review stating: “I’m not impressed. It doesn’t really last very long and I personally think the pigment isn’t strong enough, however it does glide on and feels nice at the time.”

In addition to the 20% reduction, shoppers who spend £85 or more during the offer will receive a complimentary Collagen Lip Bath in the Pillow Talk Fair shade, worth £28. The lip gloss features skincare ingredients including collagen to moisturise for fuller-looking lips, and mustard sprout extract to enhance lip volume, define the lip contours and create a plumper appearance.

For further summer beauty ideas, customers may want to consider the Hollywood Flawless Filter for a dewy ‘base booster’, now £32, or the £37.60 Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer for a ‘just back from holiday’ bronzy glow. The sweat-proof Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray is another strong option, available at £26.40 as part of the promotion.

The 20% reduction applies across the brand’s website until 27 May, excluding gift cards, bundles, subscriptions and delivery.

Marlon Wayans has opened up about supporting his transgender son while maintaining a close friendship with controversial comedian Dave Chappelle.

The Scary Movie star, 53, announced in November 2023 that his eldest child, Kai, was trans and uses they/them pronouns. Years earlier, Chappelle had come under fire for jokes he made about the transgender community in his 2021 comedy special The Closer.

However, according to Wayans, he would not “hang with Dave if he was full of hate.”

“I don’t hang with people like that,” the White Chicks actor told Variety in a new interview. “I know Dave’s heart, and his intention isn’t to punch down. Dave wants to freely tell his jokes, and if you’re going to be anti-comedy, then he’s going to keep attacking you until you learn to have a sense of humor. He’s just standing there and defending his front line as a comedian.”

Wayans continued: “As a comedian, I respect his journey. And as a friend, I respect his journey. And for my child, I respect their journey.

“And as the father of my child, I can appropriate my feelings toward my friend and my feelings toward my child, and how we can put those two things together and I can explain both sides. I’m between them, so I can explain both sides to each other.”

When Wayans first revealed his child was trans, he admitted the initial adjustment was difficult, but said he quickly transformed his hesitation into “unconditional love and support.” Kai, 26, is Wayans’ eldest child with his ex-partner Angela Zackery. The former couple also shares a son, Shawn, 24.

“All of my kids are gifts, and our love is the wrapping paper,” Wayans added to Variety. “I’m not here for hate. Transphobia is a form of hate. Homophobia is a form of hate. Racism is a form of hate. All those small-hearted, small-minded people, there’s a hell for you. And if you think you’re gonna bully my child, go somewhere else. It’s not going to happen. I won’t stand for it.”

Wayans has previously defended Kai against homophobic and transphobic attacks. In 2025, he slammed rapper Soulja Boy after the “Crank That” artist hurled a homophobic slur at his child.

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“If @souljaboy had a career he could get canceled for this type of slander. Luckily he ain’t been relevant since 2007,” the actor quipped on X at the time, later sharing a topless photograph of Soulja Boy, joking: “Hey @souljaboy My child had top surgery and still has more chest than you.”

In 2024, Wayans called out Tesla CEO Elon Musk for his treatment of his trans daughter, Vivian.

“I have a Tesla that I’m about to drive over a cliff,” Wayans joked on an episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast. “I don’t like what he be saying about his trans child. You don’t treat them babies like that. You don’t disown your babies.”