Wharton Construction hopes to “breathe new life” into the former St John Church in Darlington, which closed in 2023. 

Plans submitted to Darlington Borough Council detail the applicant’s bid to transform the Grade-II listed building into an “inspiring, contemporary workplace while honouring its ecclesiastical character and social history”. 

The Neasham Road building had served the community as a church for 173 years and is a well-known landmark in the town for its bulky square outline as it sits on the town centre’s highest spot at Bank Top.

How the redeveloped church building could look. (Image: Wharton Construction)

Wharton Construction said the proposed redevelopment would follow improvements at the Hippodrome Theatre, Business Central campus and the forthcoming railway station gateway.

By creating the shared working space, the applicant hopes to “foster a thriving community hub where office tenants can collaborate by supporting growing businesses”. 

The proposals include a change of use from church to office, the removal of redundant pews, the organ and associated fittings, and the introduction of a new mezzanine structure to provide additional floor area. 

New lifts, ramps and stair elements are proposed to improve accessibility. All significant architectural features would be retained and celebrated, Wharton Construction said. 

A planning statement adds: “The proposal represents a balanced and considered approach to heritage-led regeneration. Preserving the special architectural and historic interest of St John’s Church while enabling a viable new use that meets contemporary needs. 

“The development will secure the long-term future of the building, deliver clear social and economic benefits, and accord with both national and local planning policy, making it a positive and appropriate form of development.”

Darlington Borough Council will consider the planning application in due course. 

The supermarket giant issued an urgent recall for the Red & Pink Harlequin Super Snuggly Teddy Duvet Set as it may contain metal pins originating from the manufacturing process.

This means that the duvet poses a risk of cutting users and doesn’t meet the requirement of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

In light of this, Asda is urging anyone who bought the single, double, or king duvet to ‘stop using it immediately’ and have pulled it from their shelves online and in-store.

Asda recalls ‘super snuggly’ duvet over ‘laceration risk from metal pins’ (Image: Kennedy News & Media)

The recall affects the Red and Pink Harlequin Teddy Single with the barcode number 5063089974438, Red and Pink Harlequin Teddy Double with the barcode number 5063089974445 and the Red and Pink Harlequin Teddy King with the barcode number 5063089974452.

Shoppers who bought the duvet, which was sold between August 2025 and January 2026, are urged to return it to the store they purchased it from for a full refund.

An Asda spokesperson said: “It’s been identified that a small number of products may contain metal pins originating from the manufacturing process.

“The presence of these foreign metal components poses a risk of laceration to users.

“The product doesn’t meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, so we have taken the decision to recall the products.

“If you’ve purchased a Red & Pink Harlequin Super Snuggly Teddy Duvet Set, please bring it back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund.

“You don’t need your receipt. The product was sold between August 2025 and January 2026.

“We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you’d like any further information, please contact: Asda Customer Relations – 0330 053 0111.”

Two years on from Philip Schofield’s very public relationship with a younger colleague, he has largely kept out of the public eye.

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Two years on from Philip Schofield’s very public relationship with a younger colleague, he has largely kept out of the public eye. Many people have been wondering what this means for the well-known, beloved British TV star.

Schofield, now 63, stepped down from ITV after admitting that he had lied about a past relationship with a younger male colleague on This Morning, while he was still married to his wife, Stephanie Lowe.

He had first met the individual when he was a 15 year old student at drama school. However, the affair did not start until years later. His shock exit marked a very sudden end to two years at ITV where he was host of popular shows such as This Morning, Dancing on Ice and prime time specials, as exclusively reported by the Mirror.

ITV confirmed it investigated the incident but had not found any evidence to contradict Schofield’s statements. Since then, he has not returned to UK daytime presenting.

PR expert Mayah Riaz says: “Phillip Schofield’s situation is complicated as it still makes people feel a bit uncomfortable because it sits in that grey area between a genuine wrongdoing and a very public unravelling.

“What Phillip did was wrong, but the scale of what followed became something far bigger than the original issue. The narrative stopped being about the incident and became about what he represented. He became the person the industry made an example of.”

She added: “There are certainly people in television who have done far worse and faced far less public and professional consequence. That is where accusations of hypocrisy creep in. Phil’s case was visible, emotional and very easy for the public to understand. That made him a perfect lightning rod.”

Schofield appeared on a survival style reality programme and he gave interviews that addressed his departure – and his treatment by ITV. Despite this, reaction was mixed as some viewers were sympathetic but others were much more critical.

Riaz adds: “His appearance on the survival show and his comments about ITV did not help because they reinforced a narrative of bitterness rather than reflection.

“Audiences are surprisingly forgiving when they feel someone has truly owned their mistakes. They are far less forgiving when they feel someone is still fighting the system.”

The MailOnline reported that Phil made £20,000 in 2024 which is a long way from his seven figure salary at ITV. Records from Fistral Productions, show it paid £3,947 for the year ending in November 2024.

Despite being active on Companies House, the Google profile claims it’s “permanently closed.” However, the company still claimed net assets of £2.1 million according to records.

Schofield has also owned property in London and Oxfordshire. After the scandal, he stayed at his home in Cornwall which was bought through Fistral Properties – which is a joint company established in 2019. The property had a cosy living room which can be seen in the promotional videos and photos for Philips’ book, ‘Life’s What you make it.’

Schofield and his former wife have two daughters together, Molly and Rube Lowe. the family are still very close knit and both daughters have expressed support for him.

Molly Schofield told an interviewer on Channel 5 that: “When my dad came out, it was… very hard for me, it was very hard for the entire family – mainly my mum, of course – everything was turned upside down.

“But we talked through it, and over time it’s got easier. You know, my mum, my sister (Ruby), we’re all the same, we will always continue to support him no matter what,” she added.

The presenter had support from his close friend, nurse Joshua Luke Sharman. The two were pictured leaving London’s LGBTQ dedicated cinema, Arzner Bar & Cafe in Bermondsey at 7pm and shared a kiss as they left in August 2025.

His former co-presenter Holly Willoughby also experienced fallout – although it was very different. Audiences were unsure what she knew and when.

Riaz explained: “She was absolutely collateral damage at the start. She was placed in an impossible position where any reaction was going to be criticised. Silence looked complicit, speaking out looked disloyal. That is a PR nightmare no one trains you for.”

“Her brand was built on warmth, relatability and trust. Once viewers started questioning what she knew and when, that emotional connection weakened. TV audiences are instinctive. If they feel something is off, they drift away quietly rather than loudly.”

The two have not public reconciled since the fallout from the controversy. Sources say that Holly is now ready to face her former co-star – three years on from the scandal.

“Holly is taking hold of life and facing her demons,” an insider told Heat magazine. “Phillip is one of those, so instead of burying him she will face him. She’s told pals if he wants to talk, she’s prepared to listen.

“Phil has reached out to Holly multiple times. He made several attempts to send her messages via mutual friends, but most fell on deaf ears. Holly wasn’t in a place to receive them.”

All have made the top 5 this year

Three Northern Irish towns and cities have been named in the top 5 ‘most welcoming places in the UK’.

The new data comes from travel site Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveller Review Awards. The awards are based on more than 370 million verified reviews from travellers worldwide.

The awards celebrate destinations where guests feel genuinely cared for, with personal touches, warm interactions, and hosts who go the extra mile to make trips memorable.

READ MORE: The Belfast street named one of the ‘prettiest’ in the UKREAD MORE: Belfast one of the ‘top trending’ destinations in the world for 2026

This year, Newry was crowned the second most welcoming city in the UK behind Harrogate in Yorkshire, followed closely behind by Enniskillen in fourth and Portstewart in fifth.

UK’s Top Most Welcoming Cities 2026 are:

1. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
2. Newry
3. Broadway, Worcestershire
4. Enniskillen
5. Portstewart
6. Wells, Somerset
7. Dornoch, Highlands
8. Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire
9. Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

James Waters, Chief Business Officer at Booking.com said: “From welcoming hosts who go above and beyond for guest stays to expert taxi drivers sharing ‘local-only’ tips, these personal touches can make a trip truly special for travellers

“The Traveller Review Awards continue to shine a well-deserved spotlight on our partners who help create lifelong memories for travellers. It’s one of our ways of saying ‘thank you’ from all of us at Booking.com and the hundreds of millions of travellers around the world.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter

Max was learning to drive when he was killed

The father of a teenager killed in a crash on a quiet country lane has spoken of his family’s grief as they campaign for changes to driving laws.

Max Greenhouse, 17, died after the car he was travelling in left the road and crashed into a farm building on Fir Tree Lane in Aughton, Lancashire, shortly after 9pm on December 11, 2024. He had been a passenger in a Vauxhall Corsa with three friends.

Despite being rushed to hospital with serious injuries, he d

ied a short time later. Fourteen months on, Max’s parents, Andy and Ally Greenhouse, continue to campaign in his memory.

Speaking about the anniversary of his son’s death, Andy, 53, said the first year had been especially difficult. He said: “Last year was really raw.

“The anniversary was difficult, we ended up going out for the day and going for a big walk, we just tried to keep ourselves busy doing that. It was even more difficult because we knew the police were working on charging someone but we got a year down the line and we didn’t know if there was going to be anyone in court over this.”

Regarding his grief, he said: “You go through waves of it. I’ll have bad days and pick myself up, then Ally and then the kids. We just pick each other up at different times. Our energy levels are just empty.”

In a interview with the Liverpool Echo, Andy and Ally explained how Max developed a love for music, turning his hand to DJing. This proved to be his passion, which he practiced alongside his joinery course at Southport College. The former Deyes High School pupil was determined to make it as a DJ.

Alongside his passion for music and his busy social life, Max was a lifelong Liverpool FC fan and after his death a banner was draped on the front of the Kop at Anfield as Liverpool drew against Manchester United in January last year. The entire stadium burst into applause before an emotional rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone was sung.

Andy opened up on the struggles the family have faced just leaving their home. When the heartbroken parents last spoke, it was in their home in Lydiate where Max had grown up. But since, they have moved further afield to Haskayne in West Lancashire.

Andy said: “You feel more anxious and not great in social situations in case people ask questions. People have good intentions but you still feel nervous. We don’t go back to Maghull or Lydiate, we don’t go shopping round there, we go out of the area to do things like that because we don’t want to go over it again.”

Ally and Andy are now backing a campaign for graduated driving licences (GDLs). Not only that, the family are encouraging law changes around how many hours learner drivers must log behind the wheel before passing their test in a bid to make the roads safer.

Max was learning to drive when he was killed, preparing to start lessons after being out in the car with his dad on several occasions, with his parents keen to ensure he was not rushed into driving. The initiative would see restrictions placed on new drivers who have recently passed their practical driving test. It would allow drivers to be gradually given privileges drivers have.

Following a year of campaigning under the name Max’s Mission, blue ribbons in Max’s memory appeared across not just the North West but even across Europe when friends and family travelled out of the country.

Andy, along with family and friends, will be making their way through Liverpool city centre today (February 7) where they will remember Max and campaign urge people to sign their petition.

They will attend 17 landmarks where they will spend 17 minutes at each with a chair Max built during his joinery course. Andy said: “As a group, we want to keep raising awareness.

“We’re doing this because we don’t want any more empty chairs, we don’t want people to go through what we have. We’re going to spend 17 minutes at each landmark and get people to sign the petition.”

The route will see them travel from Central Station through the city centre, stopping at the Philharmonic and St Luke’s Bombed Out Church before heading to the Liver Building and ending at the Liverpool FC shop in Liverpool One. The full route is:

It was announced last month Northern Ireland will be introducing a a GDL scheme. The reforms include a mandatory minimum six-month learning period, night-time passenger restrictions (11 pm-6am) for new drivers, and two-year R-plate display requirements.

When asked what it would mean to have the legislation implemented in England, Andy said: “When people say it means the world to them – for us it would mean that Max’s passing wasn’t for nothing if something good can come from it. If we can prevent any future deaths, that’s what matters.

“We would never want for someone to go through what we have been through. We have a strong group around us but some people go through this alone. It would mean something has come out of this, something good and positive.”

Maria Vanifatova, chief executive of Meaningful Vision, says the number of chicken shops has been growing in the UK with a long list US chains have entered the market in recent years – including Raising Cane’s, Chick‑fil‑A, Slim’s Chicken, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Popeyes, and Wingstop.

A taxpayer contacted HMRC as they had seemingly paid the wrong amount of tax

HMRC has set out the specifics of one of its tax rules. Taxpayers may want to check their records to make sure they are paying the right amount of tax.

The issue arose after a concerned taxpayer contacted the authority as they had apparently had paid an incorrect amount of tax. Posting on social media, the person said they were baffled after receiving a tax rebate, only for their tax code to be altered because “you [HMRC] predicted I won’t be paying enough tax for this year”. HMRC replied asking whether the refund they had received related to a previous tax year or the current one.

The person confirmed it concerned a previous tax year. They reiterated their confusion, stating they “don’t understand how I can overpay/underpay”. HMRC responded by explaining what might have occurred.

The group said: “In general, something has happened during the tax year that wasn’t accounted for in the tax code.” The tax authority highlighted another important principle to remember regarding tax codes.

The organisation said: “Remember tax codes are based on a prediction of what taxable income you’ll get, so are only ever an estimate.” Your tax code determines how much tax is deducted from your employment earnings or pension income.

You can find your current tax code on a recent payslip. Alternatively, you can find out what is is through your personal tax account on the Government website or via the HMRC app.

A benefit of checking through your tax account or the HMRC app is that you can also see what your tax code was for previous tax years. Also through these systems, you can register for paperless notifications, meaning HMRC will email you if your tax code changes.

HMRC can change your tax code if your earnings or other circumstances change. For instance, if you begin a new job or start receiving taxable benefits, your tax code might be adjusted.

You may also notice your tax code change if your weekly state pension amount rises. HMRC may also change your tax code if you were previously on an incorrect tax code and you owe an amount.

SAVANNAH Guthrie has said she will agree to pay a ransom to the people who are believed to have kidnapped her 84-year-old mom.

The Today Show host filmed a video pleading with Nancy’s suspected captors to return her safely after alleged ransom notes were uncovered.

Nancy’s three children held hands as Savannah made the announcement alongside sister Annie and brother Camron.

She said in the short video: “We received your message, and we understand.

“We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.

“This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

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KIDNAP MYSTERY

Police seize car and remove CCTV camera from home of TV star’s missing mum

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ON THE TRAIL

Trump reveals ‘very strong’ clues found in hunt for ‘kidnapped’ TV star’s mum

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What we know about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance…

No other details about the ransom were mentioned and it remains unclear if the Guthrie family have been in contact with the suspected kidnappers.

It comes after the alleged captors behind Nancy’s abduction reportedly issued two stern deadline demands.

The first deadline was set for 5pm on Thursday with the demands not met.

Snippets of the alleged ransom note have been reported by various news outlets in recent days.

The letter is said to have demanded millions of dollars in cryptocurrency be transferred to a Bitcoin address.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the Bitcoin address provided in the letter is active.

FBI special agent Heith Janke told reporters on Thursday that authorities had reason to believe the note was legitimate.

It contained details about the crime scene, including what Nancy was last wearing as well as mentions of a flood light that activated on the property.

Authorities said the note contained information “only the abductors would know”.

Agent Janke added that there was an additional demand with a deadline set for February 9.

This was described by TMZ as being “much more serious”.

Arizona cops and the FBI are still searching for any signs of Nancy as they continue to build up their case on her disappearance.

US President Donald Trump revealed that the FBI have some “very strong” clues in the search for the missing mom.

When asked what the clues would help with, Trump replied: “I’m not talking about a search. I’m talking about a solution.”

Cops were seen swarming Nancy’s Arizona home on Friday as they seized a car and camera wired to the roof.

FBI agents confiscated an SUV from the property where Guthrie is believed to have been kidnapped sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

A tow truck removed the blue Subaru SUV from her home before cops escorted it to an impound lot near Pima County Sheriff’s Office, according to Fox News.

Investigators did not share why the vehicle had been seized from the property on their third visit to the crime scene.

Forensic teams were also seen scouring the roof of the Tucson property to retrieve the camera that had been missed in several previous searches.

Blood drops were also found on Nancy’s front step, but detectives have not confirmed who the blood belongs to.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated the force believes the 84-year-old is “still alive”.

A reward of $50,00 is being offered for any information leading to a breakthrough in the case.

It comes as a man behind fake ransom note texts to the missing woman’s desperate family has been arrested.

Derrick Callella from California was arrested and charged for sending fake text messages demanding payments and making phone calls to Nancy’s family.

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Savannah Guthrie told the potential kidnappers of her mother Nancy Guthrie on Saturday that the family is prepared to pay for her safe return, as the frantic search for the 84-year-old Arizona resident has entered a seventh day.

“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” she said in a video posted on social media, flanked by her siblings. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

Guthrie was referencing a message that was sent to the Tucson-based television station KOLD on Friday afternoon, according to Kevin Smith, a spokesperson for the FBI office in Phoenix.

KOLD said it received an email related to the Guthrie case on social media that day but declined to share specific details about its contents as the FBI conducted its review.

The station was one of multiple press outlets that received alleged ransom letters during the week. At least one letter made monetary demands and established Thursday evening and the following Monday evening as deadlines.

In a news conference Thursday, law enforcement officials declined to affirm that the letters were credible but said all tips were being investigated seriously. They also said one letter referenced Nancy Guthrie’s Apple watch and a specific feature of her property.

The video released Saturday was the third this week that pleaded with potential kidnappers.

No suspects identified

Investigators think Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home just outside Tucson last weekend. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said. Authorities have not identified any suspects or ruled anyone out.

The sheriff said Friday that he was frustrated that a camera at Nancy Guthrie’s home was not able to capture images of anyone the day she went missing.

Investigators have found that the home’s doorbell camera was disconnected early Sunday and that software data recorded movement at the home minutes later. But Nancy Guthrie did not have an active subscription, so none of the images were able to be recovered.

“It is concerning, it’s actually almost disappointing, because you’ve got your hopes up,” Nanos told The Associated Press in an interview. “OK, they got an image. ‘Well, we do, but we don’t.’”

President Donald Trump, speaking on Air Force One on Friday, said the investigation was going “very well.”

“We have some clues that I think are very strong,” Trump said, while en route to his Florida estate. “We have some things that may be coming out reasonably soon.”

Investigators return to scene

They were back in Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood on Friday.

The sheriff’s department posted on social media to say access was restricted to the road in front of the home to give investigators space. Journalists staked out there were directed to move.

The Catalina Foothills Association, a neighborhood group, told residents in a letter that authorities were resuming searches in the area immediately.

“I know we all stand together in our collective disbelief and sadness and greatly appreciate your willingness to speak with law enforcement, share camera images and allow searches of your properties,” the association president said in the letter.

The sheriff said Thursday that investigators have not given up on trying to retrieve camera recordings.

“I wish technology was as easy as we believe it is, that here’s a picture, here’s your bad guy. But it’s not,” Nanos told the AP. “There are pieces of information that come to us from these tech groups that say ‘this is what we have and we can’t get anymore.’”

The sheriff also said he had no new information about the note to the TV station or other purported ransom letters sent to some media outlets, saying the FBI is handling that side of the investigation.

Meanwhile concern about Nancy Guthrie’s health condition has grown, because authorities say she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.

“Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day,” Nanos said. “She requires medication. And I have no way of knowing whether they’re getting that medication to her.”

The kidnapping has captured the attention of Americans, including Trump, who said he was directing federal authorities to help investigate.

Such esteem should not come as a surprise.

This is a manager who ended Newcastle‘s seven-decade wait for a major domestic trophy less than a year ago, and who led his side to Champions League qualification in 2025 and 2023.

It is why Howe commanded instant respect from chief executive David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson when they were finally appointed earlier this season.

The pair have quickly struck up a relationship with Howe, and have repeatedly talked about the importance of alignment behind the scenes at a time when there have been very public ructions at clubs elsewhere.

There has been a degree of an understanding that this side are in transition following a turbulent summer.

There is also a recognition behind the scenes that the incredibly hands-on Howe has not had much training time with his players, and has had to contend with fatigue and injuries during a relentless schedule this season, which is a relatively new phenomenon for Newcastle.

Newcastle have a strong chance of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League, and have an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Aston Villa to come next week, but this season is unravelling. Fast.

No teams have dropped more points from winning positions in the league than Newcastle (19).

Howe’s team have only won three away games in all competitions this season, and have lost three of their last four matches at St James’ Park.

They are as close to the relegation zone as they are the top five.

Such statistics are all the more damning in a week during which Hopkinson doubled down on his assertion that Newcastle would be competing for the biggest prizes by 2030.

Howe certainly needs no reminding that he needs to spark a turnaround sooner rather than later.

“I’ve got to work better, do more and take full responsibility for everything you see on the pitch,” he said.

“I’ve got to work out solutions. That’s for me to do and it’s the same for the players.

“I have to ask them to be really honest with themselves and look at their best level and judge how we are playing against that now in this current moment.

“I don’t think there’s too many who could say they’re playing towards their best so that gives us growth to improve.”