Auckland Castle’s Walled Garden, a Grade II-listed site in County Durham, is one of six projects in the running for the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026, which celebrates emerging architectural talent.

The restored garden was brought back to life by MawsonKerr Architects in collaboration with landscape architect Pip Morrison.

The new space includes a Victorian-inspired glasshouse (Image: Oli Sturdy)

A citation from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) praised the transformation and its thoughtful approach.

It said: “The Walled Garden at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, has a rich and distinctive history.

“Its restoration by MawsonKerr Architects with landscape architect Pip Morrison strikes a compelling balance between sensitive repair and thoughtful reinvention.”

The glasshouse (Image: Dan Kerr)

Judges also commended the restored garden walls and the integration of new, functional elements.

The citation continued: “The Grade II-listed walls enclosing the garden have been meticulously restored and seem content to resume their role as a backdrop to a productive landscape after years of dereliction.

“MawsonKerr’s new-build interventions are small, precise, and beautifully executed.”

One of the key new additions is a maintenance block that blends into the bankside, designed with reclaimed and new brick and topped with a sedum roof.

The Walled Garden is central to the Castle’s transformation into a major visitor attraction (Image: Oli Sturdy)

According to the judges, this building “merge seamlessly with the surrounding landscape” and reflects the high level of care applied to the entire project.

The citation also highlighted the wider purpose of the site beyond its visual appeal.

It said: “These functional interventions ensure that the Walled Garden is more than a visitor attraction or productive plot.

“It now serves as a resource for education on seasonality and biodiversity, with produce grown on-site used in local restaurants and surplus donated to local charities.”

Staff wellbeing and volunteer engagement have visibly improved since the garden’s transformation, according to feedback from those working on the project.

The glasshouse was described as the “jewel in the crown.”

A distinctive ridge and furrow roof maximises morning and evening light (Image: Oli Sturdy)

Inspired by the “ridge and furrow” design of Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace, the new structure sits lightly on the footprint of the former pinery-vinery and supports the work of gardeners and volunteers.

The structure was developed in close collaboration with JC Consulting, and judges praised its lightness, both visually and structurally.

Budget constraints shaped the project, but the judges said its quality did not suffer as a result.

They concluded: “Through close collaboration with manufacturers, client, and contractor, they have created something genuinely special that could so easily have been ordinary.”

They also recognised The Auckland Project’s commitment to regeneration through culture, heritage, and high-quality design.

This is not the first time Bishop Auckland has been recognised for architectural excellence.

The glasshouse is now the third RIBA North East Award–winning project within a 100-metre radius.

Elsewhere on the Stephen Lawrence Prize shortlist are projects in London, Hertfordshire and Cornwall, including a new junior school, a converted department store, and an urban stables scheme.

The Auckland Castle Walled Garden is described as “a thriving hub for education and community wellbeing.”

Matthew Goldschmied, jury chair and managing trustee of The Marco Goldschmied Foundation, said: “Once again, the shortlist presented the jury with a diverse array of outstanding projects by early-career architects.

“Through excellence in community connection, regeneration of public spaces, education environments and ecological sensitivity, these projects collectively reassure us of the undoubted talent emerging into the profession.

“Those shortlisted have become part of the living memorial to Stephen Lawrence, and we are looking forward to visiting all projects and meeting the project architects and clients behind them.”

Chris Williamson, RIBA president, added: “This year’s shortlist is a powerful reminder of the talent, creativity and innovation emerging within our profession.

“From the sensitive restoration of historic buildings to the creation of new structures that support education, wellbeing and community, these projects demonstrate the enormous impact architecture can have when people and purpose are placed at its core.

“Not only are these emerging architects shaping the future of our built environment, but they are already delivering projects of exceptional quality and social value.”

The winner of the Stephen Lawrence Prize 2026 will be announced at the RIBA Stirling Prize ceremony on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Old Billingsgate in London.

Officers want to trace 37-year-old Luke Linley, from Leeds, who is wanted by the domestic abuse integrated offender management team from the city force for breaching the conditions of his licence.

Despite extensive enquiries, police said they have been unable to locate Linley and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Recommended reading:

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “We are renewing an appeal for information to help trace a man from Leeds who is wanted on recall to prison.”

Anyone who has information regarding this person is asked to call police on 101, or report online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat.

Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please cite reference number 13260197766.

Five other people have already been named by police

A teenage boy is the sixth person to be charged after a man was shot in a Cambridgeshire town. Cambridgeshire Police was called to Leverington Common in Gorefield, near Wisbech, at around 1.55am on May 31.

A man in his 20s had been shot and suffered serious injuries. Five people were charged in connection with attempted murder and later appeared in court. Police have charged a sixth person.

A police spokesperson said: “A 15-year-old boy from Basildon, Essex, has been charged with conspiracy to murder, actual bodily harm (ABH) and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He has been released on police bail to return to Milton Police Station on September 9.”

The other five people charged in connection with the incident were:

• Jesse Hughes, 31, of St Thomas’ Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm, and perverting the course of justice;
• Billy Cameron, 21, of Grosvenor Road, Basildon, Essex, has been charged with conspiracy to murder and perverting the course of justice;
• Brandon Walsh, 29, of Long Riding, Basildon, Essex, has been charged with conspiracy to murder and perverting the course of justice;
• Eleanor Warren, 30, of Willingham Gardens, Flitton, Bedfordshire, has been charged with perverting the course of justice;
• Leah Foley, 34, of Byrd Court, Basildon, with assisting an offender.

All five appeared at Luton Magistrates Court on July 22. All five will appear at Cambridge Crown Court on August 19.

A number of ‘traditional’ names are no longer being chosen by parents

A number of baby names are quickly falling out of favour, with barely any new parents choosing them. Data spanning 120 years from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a number of traditional names that face the very real prospect of becoming extinct.

Lars B. Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com – which carried out the analysis – said: “We’ve been supporting parents in the UK for over 20 years, and have observed first-hand that baby name trends tend to be cyclical in nature. In recent years, we’ve seen the resurgence of many vintage names, such as Florence and Arthur. This got us thinking about the historic names that haven’t experienced a comeback, which set us on our path to discovering the beautiful, traditional names that risk becoming lost in time.”

He further noted that the company hopes certain names, including Freda, can be “saved”.

According to the ONS, the most recently available figures show a number of more unusual names breaking into the top 100 registered in England and Wales – with both Athena and Yahya featuring on the list for the very first time. At the other end of the spectrum, the name Cecil was once a staple among British boys in the early-to-mid 20th Century, but became officially extinct in 2024.

Baby names that could become extinct

Leigh

Leigh is a unique spelling of the more common ‘Lee’, and means ‘meadow’ or ‘delicate’. The name was only registered three times in 2024, despite fitting with the current trend for short-and-sweet boys’ names.

Maurice

A traditional Roman family name, Maurice was a staple of the top 100 most popular names from 1904 to 1954, but was registered just eight times in 2024.

Percy

Percy, meaning ‘pierce the valley’, offers plenty of vintage charm, yet has been left to almost extinction, accounting for just 0.02% of babies registered.

Claude

Claude, with roots to historical nobleness, has fallen out of favour with parents since the 1920s. A short and chic-sounding name, it’s now almost entirely extinct in the UK, with only 0.001% of babies born in 2024 given the name.

Winifred

Appearing consistently in the top 100 names from 1904 to 1934, Winifred means ‘blessed peacemaker’. Often shortened to ‘Winnie’, the adorable name has become surprisingly scarce in recent years.

Millicent

A retro alternative to the popular ‘Amelia’, Millicent, meaning ‘gentle strength’, offers a variety of charming shortenings, including Millie, Minnie, and Mila. However, just 42 Millicents were registered in the UK in 2024, compared with 2,448 Amelias.

Freda

Freda, meaning ‘peaceful ruler’, was one of the most popular names in the early 20 th Century, appearing in the top baby 100 names consistently from 1904 to 1934. However, the name is now virtually extinct with only seven babies registered with the name in 2024, according to ONS’s most recent data.

Rosina

Meaning ‘little rose’, the name Rosina was particularly popular before the First World War. Now, only 0.002% of babies born in the UK have the name, making it a perfect option for expectant parents looking for a unique, classical twist on current favourites ‘Rose’ and ‘Rosie’.

Bessie

Bessie, used on its own or as a shortening of Elizabeth or Beatrice, is a beautiful alternative to another vintage name, ‘Betty’, which has risen in popularity in recent years. Yet, it was only registered 17 times in 2024, meaning the name could die out entirely this generation.

Karanjeet Kaur Bains, who is a powerlifter and fitness coach, sustained a major knee injury during filming earlier this year, reportedly ruling her out of season four.

She was forced to pull out of season three due to a complete ACL tear, meniscus tear, injuries to both the LCL and MCL, and a bone fracture.

However, Bains has now taken to social media to break her silence on her exit.

She wrote: “I’ve seen a lot of speculation recently that I’m still injured… The truth is I’ve been fully fit for several months now and honestly, I’m the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been.

“The rest I’ll comment on in due course, but I just wanted to set the record straight.

“In the meantime, here’s my latest track sessions… Actions speak louder than words.”

Fans responded with messages of support in the comments, with one writing: “We love you Athena!

“Always queen of the arena regardless.”

Another person posted: “I’m sad you’re not there.

“But hopefully see you soon.”

Filming for the new series began last weekend, but both Bains and her co-star Bionic, real name Matty Campbell, were absent due to injury.

A source told The Sun that although they won’t appear on the show this year, they could potentially return for the live tour, depending on their recovery.

Newsquest has contacted the BBC for comment.

Two other Gladiators stars exit show

Outside of Athena and Bionic not being involved in the next series of Gladiators, Cyclone will also not be returning.

Lystus Ebosele confirmed on social media that she has stepped down from the series of her own accord.

In an Instagram story shared on Thursday (July 30), the 25-year-old powerlifting champion said she was not “axed,” but chose to leave after appearing in two seasons of the programme.

She confirmed she will still take part in the 2026 Live Tour but will not return for future series.

Lystus has unfollowed the show’s official Instagram account and deleted all pictures of herself on the show.

Earlier this year, 40-year-old Jamie Bigg, known as Giant, also left the programme under controversial circumstances.

Bigg said he was let go after telling producers he intended to go public with his relationship, including the fact that his partner is an OnlyFans creator.

He said in a statement to the Press Association: “I made it clear that I was planning to go public with my relationship, including the fact my partner works as an OnlyFans creator, and shortly after that I was told I wouldn’t be continuing on Gladiators.

Are you said to see Athena leave Gladiators? Let us know in the comments.

This week marks the start of the consultation period for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA).

Over the next three months, residents, stakeholders, and business owners will have the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and share their opinions on the proposed plans.

Once a major aviation hub in South Yorkshire, flying passengers to 50 destinations in Europe, Doncaster Sheffield Airport was forced to close its doors four years ago.

Its owners at the time, Peel Group, claimed that the airport was no longer financially viable to keep it open. However, that should hopefully soon change.

The consultation follows several crucial developments earlier this year.

In April, a large jet landed at Doncaster Sheffield Airport for the first time since its closure, marking the beginning of ambitious plans to bring the site back into operation.

Staff celebrated the arrival, which is kept on constant standby as a response aircraft to oil spills around the world, calling it an ‘amazing moment’ for aviation and the for the community.

Christian Foster, director of airport operator FlyDoncaster Ltd, was equally thrilled by the development, telling news outlets: ‘It’s quite a moment seeing a jet land at the airport for the first time in almost four years.’

And just a few weeks later, in the middle of May, more good news arrived.

Doncaster Council officially approved a £57 million loan to help kickstart the project — a rather shocking turn of events given the fact that Labour and Reform UK councillors had been at odds over the matter for months.

Reacting to the news, #SaveDSA campaigner Mark Chadwick told the Doncaster Free Press: ‘After years of uncertainty, today’s result provides long-awaited clarity and sends a strong message that elected representatives have listened to the voices of local residents, businesses, trade unions and 40k plus supporters across the region.

‘People have consistently made it clear: they want Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopened and delivering jobs, connectivity, and economic growth once again.’

Tourism expert Christian Petzold previously told Metro that the DSA project is an important step towards international connections for South Yorkshire.

He shared: ‘Currently it remains the largest city-region in Europe without access to a functioning airport.

‘When reopened, the airport will significantly reduce the reliance of passengers and businesses on airports like Manchester, Leeds Bradford and East Midlands.’

Travel times would be reduced from over 90 minutes down to approximately 30-40 minutes, he added.

Airport bosses have described the consultation phase as ‘crucial’, emphasising that they want to hear from as many people as possible.

As well as delivering leaflets to nearby households, the airport also plan on hosting webinars and in-person events.

MORE: The UK has one of the best nude beaches in the world — these are the rules

MORE: Lorry carrying bales of hay bursts into flames bringing motorway to halt

MORE: One of the UK’s top holiday parks launches beachfront camping from just £7.50

Through the Young Patients Family Fund (YPFF), the SNP Scottish Government provided £72,267 to families across the Lanarkshire region during the 2025/26 financial year.

Clare Adamson MSP has welcomed new figures from the Scottish Government showing that 400 families across Lanarkshire have received financial support while their children were staying in hospital.

Through the Young Patients Family Fund (YPFF), the SNP Scottish Government provided £72,267 to families across the Lanarkshire region during the 2025/26 financial year.

The Young Patients Family Fund helps cover the cost of travel, food and accommodation for parents, primary carers and siblings under 18 who are visiting a child in hospital.

Since being introduced by the SNP Scottish Government in 2021, the scheme, which is unique to Scotland, has provided practical support to thousands of families facing the worry and uncertainty of a child spending an extended period in hospital.

The Motherwell and Wishaw MSP said: “Having a child in hospital is incredibly difficult for any family, so it’s really encouraging to see 400 families across Lanarkshire supported through the Young Patients Family Fund over the last year.”

“This practical help with travel, food and accommodation costs allows families to focus on being there for their child, rather than worrying about the extra financial pressures that can come with a hospital stay.”

“Whether it’s the Baby Box, funded early learning and childcare, investment in breakfast clubs or the Young Patients Family Fund, the SNP remains committed to making Scotland the best place in the world for children to grow up and for families to thrive.”

“I’m proud that Scotland continues to provide this support, helping families stay together when they need each other most and ensuring no one is left to face these challenges alone.”

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka closed schools in its tea-growing mountainous regions Tuesday as heavy rains triggered floods and mudslides that left five people dead and three wounded, officials said.

Heavy downpours over the last two days have wreaked havoc in many parts of the country, flooding homes, fields and roads. The mountainous areas in the country’s central region are the worst affected by the severe weather, according to the government’s Disaster Management Center.

So far, five people have died after being buried in mudslides that overran two houses in the central region, while three others were wounded and two people have gone missing, said Pradeep Kodippili, the center’s spokesperson.

Kodippili said rains and floods damaged 129 houses and that nearly 2,000 people were evacuated.

Navy and army troops have been deployed to rescue people trapped in the floods and help them move to safe places.

Local television channel Hiru TV showed troops and civilians rescuing people trapped in their homes because of the floods and facing the risk of being buried by mudflows.

Local channels also showed huge rocks, mudslides and fallen electric posts on several main roads in the central region, blocking traffic in some parts of the area.

The latest disaster comes as the country is still trying to recover from the devastation in November caused by Cyclone Ditwa that killed nearly 640 people, affected two million people and caused an estimated $4.1 billion in damage.

The Central province was the hardest hit by that cyclone and the government is struggling to rebuild roads, railways and houses in the region.

Mudslides and floods are among the most destructive natural disasters, causing severe damage to lives and property in Sri Lanka every year. Heavy monsoon rains mostly trigger mudslides in the central hill region while flooding low-lying areas, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

By HENRY CLARK, SPORTS NEWS EDITOR

Published: 07:53 BST, 4 August 2026 | Updated: 08:10 BST, 4 August 2026

Salmon DNA skincare treatments are still trending in the beauty world, with polynucleotides (or PDRN, also referred to as polydeoxyribonucleotide) now available for topical use as well as in-clinic aesthetic procedures. PDRN skincare claims to be regenerative, helping to improve hyperpigmentation and fine lines – and it’s appearing in everything from serums to creams.

As a 42-year-old beauty journalist, I closely track the latest innovations. But above all else, I favour affordable products that offer tangible results. So, I was excited to hear about The Ordinary’s lacto-PDRN 4% + B9 eye cream launch, particularly as its price is less than £9.

The Lacto-PDRN component is vegan, and made by fermentation of a probiotic bacterium. The Ordinary says its DNA is broken down into fragments sharing structural components with salmon DNA, so the skin also responds in a similar way. It’s billed as promoting smoother-looking skin, and improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and elasticity.

I don’t tend to use eye cream, and instead stick to a dab of intensely hydrating moisturiser for my sensitive, dry (and often dull) skin. So, could The Ordinary’s PDRN eye cream impress me? Officially launching on 28 August, IndyBest has scooped the exclusive to be the first to share all about it with you. I’ve spent several weeks putting the affordable eye cream to the test – keep reading for my honest verdict.

Read more: We tried Kiehl’s new sunscreen in a heatwave