The proposals include new homes as well as a café and healthcare facility

New homes, a café, public cark park, and an NHS healthcare facility could be built in a Cambridgeshire village. Ceres Property has submitted a planning application on behalf of landowners Mr & Mrs Duberly for the development of land at Brook Farm in Great Staughton.

Great Staughton is a small village around eight miles south-west of Huntingdon. The applicant has submitted full planning permission to Huntingdonshire District Council for the demolition of an existing building and the construction of up to 10 new homes, a café, a flexible commercial unit, public car park, and upgraded site access. They have also submitted outline planning permission for a new healthcare facility.

The GP surgery in Great Staughton is currently on the Highway, but has outgrown its current location, and the new location would allow the surgery to expand. It would be in the centre of the site, opposite the café. All patient services would be provided on the ground floor, with office and staff spaces on the first floor.

A planning statement says: “The size and layout of this has been developed in conjunction with Great Staughton Surgery to provide the functionally they need to improve and develop their services. The size and amount has been driven by the number patients the surgery needs to serve and the spaces and facilities required to deliver this level of care.”

The plans say the café would be a modest building which could potentially accommodate approximately 40 covers internally, with more outside dependent on the weather.

The 10 new homes will be a mixture of apartments, two storeyhouses , and single storey houses. Existing silos on part of the site could be converted into a four-bedroom home.

On another part of the site, a two storey agricultural style building is proposed to contain four homes. These would be accessible single level apartments with a mix of one or two bedrooms. Attached to this would be a single storey two bedroom unit.

The new homes will also include two semi detached homes, each with three bedrooms, and two detached four bedroom homes.

All the residential plots have access to private amenity space and aim to be provided with parking in a courtyard arrangement around the buildings. A footpath links the courtyard with the public car parking area which the applicant says would be “convenient for visitors”.

A surface level public car park is shown within the site to accommodate approximately 46 vehicles including some disabled bays. The planning statement says: “This would be available for community use, the occupiers and visitors to the commercial building, visitors to the café and also visitors to the new medical facility.

“This would help to alleviate parking problems and congestion in The Highway, providing an alternative safe location for local people to park when visiting the new facilities provided by the development and elsewhere in the village.”

Lewis Firth, 26, and 25-year-old Nathan Bowen each denied a charge of robbery at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court.

The alleged offence took place in Darlington, on Sunday, April 26.

Firth also denied having an article with a blade or point, a knife, in a public place, in Jedburgh Drive, on the same day.

Two men are to stand trial at Durham Crown Court later in the year accused of robbery in Darlington in April (Image: The Northern Echo)

He also denies further charges of damaging property, a house and tree, belonging to a woman, plus assaulting a man, both also in Darlington, on Tuesday, April 7.

A trial date was agreed for all four charges to be heard at the court in October.

Read next … more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

Recorder Mark McKone set a timetable for the presentation of evidence in the case by the prosecution, on June 17 with a signed defence statement by both defendants to be submitted by July 15.

The Recorder remanded Firth, of Whitby Way, Darlington, who appeared by video link from Holme House Prison, Stockton, to remain in custody until the start of the trial, on Monday October 19.

Bowen, of Ringway Grove, Middleton St George, near Darlington, was granted extended bail until the start of the trial.

A 92-year-old great-grandmother has become the first person in the UK to receive a pioneering cancer treatment after being told her liver tumour was inoperable.

Brenda Iveson, from Harrogate in North Yorkshire, was initially told conventional cancer therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, would be ineffective against the six-centimetre tumour in her liver.

However, medics at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust offered her a minimally invasive alternative, robotic-guided electrochemotherapy – a treatment that combines a small dose of chemotherapy with targeted electrical pulses.

Surgeons used robotic needle guidance to precisely position needles around the tumour, directing the treatment in a method never before performed in the UK.

Now Mrs Iveson’s tumour has shrunk by around 80 per cent.

Due to the tumour’s location and her frailty, Mrs Iveson had been told “nothing could be done” following her diagnosis in late 2025.

But when Professor Tze Min Wah, research and innovation lead for the interventional oncology programme at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and professor of interventional radiology at the University of Leeds, saw Mrs Iveson’s case, she realised that the pioneering treatment could offer hope to Mrs Iveson and her family.

Clinicians used robotic needle guidance to precisely place needles around the tumour.

The technology helps improve the accuracy of the electrochemotherapy, particularly for tumours in complex or hard-to-reach areas.

The treatment was carried out under general anaesthetic and does not use heat, which means it can safely treat tumours located close to vital structures such as blood vessels and bile ducts.

It is the first time this treatment has been delivered alongside the robotic guidance in a liver in the UK, Leeds Teaching Hospitals said.

Mrs Iveson said: “I had been told there was nothing that could be done.

“So to be offered this treatment gave me real hope. I’m so glad I went ahead — it wasn’t painful or debilitating, and I feel very well.”

Professor Wah said: “This treatment allowed us to offer an option where there would otherwise have been none.

“The addition of robotic guidance improves precision and opens up new possibilities, particularly for patients with tumours in difficult locations or who are not suitable for other treatments.”

She said: “Introducing robotic guidance really helped with this particular case, the needles provided more accurate placement and made the treatment times shorter – she is the UK first for the robotic guidance to insert the electrode chemotherapy needles into the tumour for treatment.

“She is doing well and she is very grateful that she has had this treatment because otherwise she did not have any other options.”

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is currently the only hospital in the UK delivering liver cancer electrochemotherapy as part of a European research study.

The study is assessing the safety and efficacy of the treatment for patients with liver cancer. It is also examining the impact of survival, quality of life and pain.

Mrs Iveson, who has been happily married for 70 years, said: “Research may offer real results when there are no other options.

“You’re looked after so well, and it’s how medicine moves forward. If it helps me and future patients, then it’s worth it.”

Current scans show that Mrs Iveson’s tumour is in a stable condition and she is being monitored closely by experts at the hospital trust.

“We are all happy that something could be done that might prolong my life and which was not painful or debilitating in any way,” Mrs Iveson added.

“It seems to be a very effective treatment and particularly useful in older patients who are frail.”

With the stadium awash with shirts bearing Kohli’s name and iconic number 18, the former India captain delivered once again on the biggest stage.

He may turn 38 later this year but a player famed for his ability to master a chase shows there is plenty left in the tank as he chalked up his fastest IPL half-century.

Kohli and fellow opener Venkatesh Iyer, who struck 32 from 16 balls, gave RCB the perfect start with a rapid 62-run opening stand.

Mohammed Siraj made the breakthrough by dismissing Iyer, before Kagiso Rabada removed Devdutt Padikkal to give Gujarat with an opening.

Rashid Khan then swung momentum further in the Titans’ favour, claiming two wickets in an over as captain Rajat Patidar fell for 15 and Krunal Pandya followed soon after.

But Kohli, who retired from T20 internationals after the 2024 World Cup, remained stoic, as he shared a crucial 41-run partnership with Tim David to steady the chase.

David made 24 before departing, which left Kohli to guide RCB home alongside Jitesh Sharma.

Kohli even provided the iconic ending the majority of those inside the stadium craved as he crashed Arshad Khan over long-on for six to seal the victory.

“Such is the demand of the sport today. You have these super young players pushing you all the time and asking you to change your game and up the ante,” said Kohli after winning the player-of-the-match award.

“It’s an exciting situation because it gives you something to improve on, something to work towards. And I just take a lot of pride in getting better and just trying to figure out areas where I can improve.”

The free community event, backed by Darlington Borough Council, took over the Market Hall on Sunday (May 31) from midday until 4pm, with stalls, food and activities.

Eid al-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar, marking Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God and falling on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Pictures show visitors at the market sampling a range of food and drink, with Rumi’s Kitchen, Deli-cious and Ambi Ambi Mocktails among those serving up dishes and alcohol-free cocktails.

Families headed to Darlington Market today as the town came together to celebrate Eid al-Adha (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Families headed to Darlington Market today as the town came together to celebrate Eid al-Adha (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Families headed to Darlington Market today as the town came together to celebrate Eid al-Adha (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Families headed to Darlington Market today as the town came together to celebrate Eid al-Adha (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Stalls also offered sweets and savoury treats, adding to the festive atmosphere.

There was a variety of arts and crafts, with Islamiccalligraphymb creating personalised Arabic calligraphy and canvases, and Khurshada showcasing handmade arts, crafts and henna.

Families headed to Darlington Market today as the town came together to celebrate Eid al-Adha (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Families headed to Darlington Market today as the town came together to celebrate Eid al-Adha (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Families headed to Darlington Market today as the town came together to celebrate Eid al-Adha (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Meedhi Mehendi Henna Artist was also there offering traditional henna designs.

Shoppers browsed clothes, jewellery, accessories, knitwear and other items from a variety of traders.

The event formed part of a series of council-supported activities aimed at bringing communities together in the town centre.

Alan Cumming

David Morrissey

Pooky Quesnel

Jackson Connor

Joseph Evans

Elizabeth Berrington

Iz Hesketh

Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nyawo

Paul Rhys

Charlie Condou

Denise Welch

Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

SUMMER holidays are upon us, but that does not mean your healthy lifestyle and fitness needs to fall off track.

In fact, holidays can be a great time to stay active in a more relaxed way while still enjoying your food, drinks and time away.

READ MORE: Health expert explains why staying hydrated becomes more important with age

A lot of people think fitness has to stop when they go on holiday. They switch off completely, then struggle to get back into routine when they return home.

The good news is, it does not have to be all or nothing. You can enjoy yourself and still look after your body at the same time.

The key is to keep things simple. You do not need a gym or structured workouts. You just need a bit of movement each day. Walking is one of the best ways to do this.

Whether you are exploring, heading to the beach, or just moving around more than usual, steps quickly add up without it feeling like exercise.

Swimming is another great holiday activity. It is easy on the joints and a brilliant full body workout without feeling like hard work. Even a short swim can help you feel refreshed and energised.

You can also do short bodyweight sessions in your room or outside. Ten minutes is more than enough to keep your body moving. Simple exercises like squats, lunges and press ups can help you stay on track without taking time away from your holiday.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they need to be perfect. Holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Food, drinks and treats are part of the experience. The goal is not to restrict yourself. The goal is to find balance.

A good approach is to focus on one healthy habit each day. It might be a walk in the morning, drinking more water, or doing a short workout before heading out for the day. Small actions like this keep you feeling good without taking away from your holiday.

Hydration is also important, especially in warmer weather. Drinking enough water will help with energy, recovery and how you feel day to day. If you are drinking alcohol, try to balance it with water throughout the day.

The main thing to remember is that holidays should not undo your progress. In fact, they can actually help you reset mentally. A bit of movement, fresh air and balance can leave you feeling better than when you left.

Enjoy your time away, stay active in simple ways, and you will come back feeling refreshed rather than needing to start again from scratch.

Lancashire Police said they were contacted at 8.31pm on Saturday by the ambulance service informing the force it was treating two people who had been recovered from the sea off Rossall beach in Thornton Cleveleys by the coastguard.

Police said that, currently, they understand the pair had got into difficulty in the water after entering to rescue their dog which had become stuck.

The woman in her 60s was treated at the scene near Fleetwood Beach Cafe but was pronounced dead later in hospital.

Inquiries to identify her next of kin are ongoing, the force added.

The man, also in his 60s, was taken to hospital where he remains in critical condition, while the dog was recovered safe and well.

Police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and a report will be passed to the coroner in due course.

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The Light That Failed was based on a Rudyard Kipling story about an artist who is losing his eyesight as a result of a wound sustained fighting on the frontiers of Queen Victoria’s empire.

The film was made in Hollywood in 1939, starring Ronald Colman and Ida Lupino, but it was considered too depressing for wartime Britain, and so it didn’t appear on British cinema screens until 1946.

On the evening of Wednesday May 29, it was showing to a full house – around 2,000 people – at the Union Street Odeon.

The cinema was much bigger then that it was in more recent times before it closed. What’s now a Lidl supermarket was then the cinema foyer. As well as a huge single auditorium, it also had a restaurant.

The film started showing at 6.25. Early on in the film, the gunshots rang out onscreen.

It’s passed into local legend that the shots in the film masked the sound of real gunshots in the cinema manager’s office. The earliest reference to this is a newspaper report that there were five shots on the soundtrack followed by a sixth in the office. Actually there are loads of gunshots in the film, and in the manager’s office two bullets were fired.

Between 6.40pm and 6.45pm, the supervisor of the cinema’s cafeteria entered the office of the manager, Robert Parrington Jackson, to ask him if he was ready for his tea. She went into shock as she found him lying on the office floor bleeding from a wound in the head.

The police were called and detectives came running from the Bridewell station close by.

Two uniformed constables guarded the office door, but the screening continued. Aside from a message flashed up on the screen asking if there was a doctor in the house, the audience knew nothing until later.

Robert Parrington Jackson died at the BRI the following morning without having regained consciousness.

He was 33 years old, and a glamorous figure. He had tried his hand at acting, car racing and had briefly been a radio presenter. He had taken over the running of the Odeon in 1939, but left almost immediately for wartime service in the Royal Navy.

He had only been back in his old job for a few weeks when he died. He was married with a wife and four-year-old son.

Superintendent Fred Carter of Bristol Constabulary took charge of the case and started looking for a motive.

Shortly before being shot, Jackson had put the day’s takings into the office safe. By one account this was around £800. If true, this was a huge sum – the equivalent of £40,000-£50,000 today.

Yet the keys to the safe were still in Jackson’s pocket, and the money in the safe was untouched.

Suicide was ruled out. There was no gun beside his body, and besides, Jackson had been laughing and joking with the staff shortly before he was shot.

Two shots had been fired. One missed. Both came from a US Army issue Colt.45 automatic pistol, and a search for the weapon was launched immediately. For a time it was thought that the same gun had been used in the murder of a 12-year-old girl in south Wales.

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A few days after the killing, an anonymous note to the police gave them a description of a possible suspect. Aged 30-35, clean-shaven, about five foot seven tall, medium build, dark suit, white shirt, dark tie.

Police also said they were looking for a second suspect, a possible accomplice, a younger man who had been seen looking shifty and nervous in the Odeon restaurant just before the murder.

Police questioned one man in Bristol, while at their request a former American soldier was questioned by US military police in Britain. Both men were cleared.

The murder weapon was found later that summer. It had been thrown into a water-tank, one of the many which had been set up around town during the war to ensure water supplies for firefighters during the Blitz and which had still not been dismantled.

The case generated a lot of media attention, though perhaps it was not as sensational as we might expect. The post-war years saw a massive crime-wave across Britain generated by the black market (because everything was still rationed), and the ready availability of firearms, whether stolen from the armed forces or as “souvenirs” brought home by returning servicemen.

Added to this was the widespread view that many young men had grown up without the influence of fathers who were away fighting and succumbed to the temptations of a life of crime. Whatever nostalgic view we might have of the time, crime was rife.

The trail went cold, though the police maintained that they were seeking two men whose likely motive was robbery.

In the years that followed, though, the mystery generated more press coverage locally than it had done in the weeks after the murder. All manner of stories and theories were traded around town. Many centred on Jackson’s love-life; he’d supposedly been shot by a jealous lover, or the boyfriend of an usherette who had become pregnant by him, or something along those lines.

In the mid-1970s, a man living in Bristol’s Salvation Army hostel, Fred Jesser, told the Post that he’d told police in 1946 that he believed Jackson was killed because he was over-familiar with his female staff.

“Jacko was the sort of bloke who would always greet his usherettes, waitresses and kiosk girls with a hug or a kiss,” he told a reporter.

“It was nothing more than well- meant fun but I believe it led to one of their boyfriends becoming jealous. Something happened to one of the girls in the kiosk and although Jacko had nothing to do with it, he apparently got the blame.”

One of the detectives working on the case interviewed 30 years ago said that the police never took the jealous lover theory seriously.

Then came the ghost stories. The cinema was haunted by the manager, but he only ever appeared to female members of staff. In the 1990s, the then-manager told a local magazine that the ghost had appeared to a cleaner late at night. It was a hot summer evening, the cleaner said, but suddenly the auditorium went freezing cold, she saw a man, and then he wasn’t there.

The Reverend Lionel Fanthorpe, a minor TV celebrity investigator of the paranormal, visited the cinema with an exorcist.

Finally, in later 1993, came a resolution of sorts … That year, a man named Jeff Fisher walked into a police station in Cardiff and announced that his father was the killer.

Billy “the Fish” Fisher had been a petty crook in the 1940s. He and his mate Dukey Leonard had travelled to Bristol from south Wales that day in 1946 with the intention of robbing the cinema.

They had panicked, he said, when the manager walked into his office when they were trying to open the safe, and Fisher shot him.

He confessed his crime to his son when he was on his deathbed in 1989. Jeff Fisher told the police he believed that his father may have murdered more than once.

But for official purposes, the case is still unsolved.