Getting enough exercise is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Yet many people around the world are not active enough. Around one in three adults fail to meet the recommended levels of physical activity, while four in five children aged 11–17 do not achieve the recommended average of 60 minutes a day.

A lack of physical activity increases the risk of long-term conditions such as type 2 diabetes. It can also affect cognitive function: the mental processes that help us learn, remember, concentrate and make decisions. For children, these skills are closely linked to educational achievement and future opportunities.

Parents can find it particularly difficult to stay active. The demands of family life often leave little time for exercise, and becoming a parent can make it harder to maintain moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Because physical inactivity affects both generations, families are an important focus for interventions designed to improve health and wellbeing.

Obstacles and inspirations

In our recent research, we interviewed 24 families to explore what helps or hinders physical activity and whether experiences differed according to socioeconomic background.

Many of the barriers were unsurprising. Families frequently cited the cost of organised activities and a lack of free time as obstacles to being active together. Families from less affluent backgrounds also described limited access to local sports and leisure facilities, while families from more affluent backgrounds often viewed local facilities as an important support for staying active.

Children consistently told us that seeing their parents being active encouraged them to join in. But the influence worked both ways. Parents from less affluent backgrounds often described their children as role models, explaining that their children’s enthusiasm for movement motivated them to become more active.

This suggests that physical activity within families is not simply something parents encourage in their children. Parents and children can inspire one another, creating positive habits that benefit the whole family.

Building on these findings, we developed a family-based physical activity programme designed to help parents and children exercise together. We chose tag rugby because it is fun, adaptable and non-contact, making it suitable for people of different ages to participate together.

We then wanted to find out whether a single 45-minute session could produce measurable short-term benefits for physical health and cognitive function.

Benefits to brain and body

Sixteen families took part in the study. On one occasion, families completed a 45-minute tag-rugby session involving a warm-up, skills activities and small games. On another occasion, they completed a comparison session involving seated rest.

Before and after each session, participants completed a series of computer-based tasks designed to assess cognitive function, including working memory, attention and information processing. We also measured how their bodies responded to a standardised lunch by monitoring blood-sugar and insulin levels.

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar. After the tag-rugby session, parents had lower insulin concentrations following the meal than they did after the resting session, even though their blood-sugar responses were similar. This suggests that their bodies were able to manage the meal using less insulin.

We also found short-term improvements in cognitive function. Children performed better on a working-memory task immediately after exercise. Parents showed improvements in information processing immediately after the session, with benefits continuing for up to 45 minutes.

These findings need to be interpreted cautiously. Our study involved a relatively small number of families and examined the effects of a single exercise session. It does not show whether the benefits would persist or accumulate if families took part regularly.

But the results provide a useful starting point. Whether we are learning in school, concentrating at work or managing everyday family life, we rely on memory, attention and information-processing skills throughout the day. A form of exercise that families can enjoy together may also be easier to sustain than an activity that places additional demands on already busy parents.

Our findings suggest that family-based physical activity could offer a practical way to support physical health and cognitive performance while giving parents and children an opportunity to spend enjoyable time together. In a world where many adults and children are struggling to be active enough, creating accessible opportunities for families to move together deserves further attention.

The overhaul involves demolishing the existing pavilion building and removal of two bowling greens, followed by adding four containers, manager dugouts, floodlighting, fences and a new 3G football pitch.

Councillors have unanimously approved a project to upgrade Whifflet Park, the home ground of grassroots club Burnbank FC.

The overhaul, which was the subject of a planning application submitted to North Lanarkshire Council on behalf of the club, involves demolishing the existing pavilion building and removal of two bowling greens, followed by adding four containers, manager dugouts, floodlighting, fences and a new 3G football pitch.

The upgraded Coatbridge facility will also have 35 parking spaces.

A report to the council’s planning committee recommended granting the application on the grounds that it would not represent a significant detriment to the surrounding area.

The planning application attracted 13 objections expressing concerns over the effect of floodlighting on nearby properties, noise, complaints about the consultation process and an alleged disregard from the club for engaging with the community, traffic, loss of open space and also trees which are more than 100 years old, anti-social behaviour and the operating hours of the clubhouse.

These issues have been addressed in conditions attached to the planning permission, removal of the clubhouse and spectator stands during revision of the proposals and clarification that matters such as anti-social behaviour are not planning considerations. No objections to the plans were made by the council’s various departments.

The report also noted that the club positively affects the mental and physical health of those involved, and overall there was no reasonable justification for refusing the application.

The committee agreed and unanimously granted planning permission subject to conditions.

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Keith Richards is synonymous with rock’n’ roll excess, to the point that his living to the age of 82 is regarded as something of a modern miracle.

The Rolling Stones rocker recently became a great-grandfather for the first time, and is preparing for the release of the band’s 25th studio album, Foreign Tongues – neither feat being something naysayers predicted he’d live to see.

In a new interview, Richards reveals that it was only six years ago that he quit smoking – and the only reason was that he viewed it as “childish”.

“I tended to listen to my body just before it screamed for help,” he told The Guardian of his hard-living years. “I mean, I wasn’t far from the end of the runway before I screamed for help. But you tend to slow down if you want to keep going; you pace yourself.”

Of quitting smoking, he said: “Suddenly, I felt like after all these years of smoking – because, you know, a man smokes – I was sat around with this silly thing in my mouth thinking: how childish. It was that that put me off more than anything, although I smoke a lot of weed.”

Richards said he still drinks “in moderation”, joking: “So yeah, it’s only a ton of heroin a day now.”

The legendary guitarist has been open about his hedonistic antics over the years, most notably in his 2010 autobiography, Life.

In one anecdote, the musician detailed how he only gave up cocaine aged 62, after he split his head open falling from a tree while foraging for coconuts – requiring him to undergo brain surgery.

He described running around Swinging London fuelled by speedballs, a cocktail of cocaine and heroin that he once dubbed “the breakfast of champions”.

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Addiction expert Dr Robert Lefever told the BBC in 2010 that there was only one possible explanation for Richards’ longevity: “He must have the constitution of an ox.”

Meanwhile, writer and music journalist David Quantick agreed that Richards must be made of sterner stuff: “It’s almost as though others die so Keith Richards may live,” he said.

However, he added: “Still, it’s not as though any children are going to think he’s a good example. Just look at him: he’s got a face like a prune’s wallet.”

Richards was the subject of a number of drug busts over the years, most infamously at his Redlands in Sussex, England, in 1966, when he, Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull were coming down from an acid trip.

“There’s a knock on the door, I look out the window, and there’s this whole lot of dwarves outside,” wrote Richards. “I’d never been busted before, and I’m still on acid.”

The two bandmates were brought up on drug charges and received brief prison sentences that were eventually overturned.

Foreign Tongues, the new Rolling Stones album, will be released on 10 July.

If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here.

In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP

Available for over a year

Today, Labour’s Andy Burnham wins the Makerfield by election – so how could we see a challenge to Keir Starmer as Labour Party leader?

Burnham won almost 25,000 votes, beating Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon by more than 9,000 votes. In his victory speech Andy Burnham said “Everyone knows that politics isn’t working, and has previously said he would seek to enter any Labour leadership contest.

So what happens now?

Adam and Chris are joined by Kevin Fitzpatrick political reporter for Radio Manchester and Luke Tryl Director of More in Common.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren. The social producer was Jem Westgate and Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Antonio Fernandes. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Police charged a third suspect on Friday with an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue that was allegedly directed by Iran.

The 20-year-old man was one of three masked offenders who broke into the Adass Israel Synagogue, doused the interior with flammable liquid then set it alight in the early hours of Dec. 6, 2024, a police statement alleged.

The fire caused extensive damage to the synagogue and a worshipper sustained minor injuries.

The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which brings together federal and state police with a spy agency, charged the man, who has not been named, with offenses including arson.

He was charged in a Melbourne jail where he was already being held in custody on unrelated offenses. Police declined to elaborate on those offenses.

His co-accused Giovanni Laulu, 21, was arrested in July last year and another suspect, Younes Ali Younes, 20, was arrested a month later.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of directing the synagogue fire and an arson attack two months earlier at a Sydney kosher eatery, Lewis’ Continental Kitchen.

Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the nation’s main domestic spy agency, said the Revolutionary Guard used a “complex web of proxies to hide its involvement” in both antisemitic attacks.

Iran’s ambassador to Australia and another three Iranian diplomats were expelled. Tehran has denied Australia’s allegations.

Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier told reporters on Friday that investigators were working with international partners in the continuing investigation.

Police were also investigating whether the three alleged arsonists knew who ordered the attack.

“They may not actually be aware of the people who are directing or the principals of these investigations. That remains a key line of inquiry for us,” Crozier said.

Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul O’Halloran said police had informed the local Jewish community of the third arrest before the news was made public.

The Australian government has established a public inquiry to investigate a rise in antisemitism across the country, including the killing of 15 people when two gunmen opened fire on a Sydney Hanukkah celebration in December.

Andy Burnham (Labour): 24,927 (54.81%)

Rob Kenyon (Reform) 15,696 (34.51%)

Rebecca Shepherd (Restore) 3,111 (6.84%)

Michael Winstanley (Conservative) 997 (2.19%)

Sarah Wakefield (Green) 308 (0.68%)

Jake Austin (Liberal Democrat) 163 (0.36%)

Count Binface (Binface) 95 (0.21%)

Howling Laud Hope (Loony) 45 (0.10%)

John Dyer (Independent) 37 (0.08%)

Peter Ward (Rejoin) 35 (0.08%)

Dan Clarke (Libertarian) 18 (0.04%)

Ed Gemmell (Climate) 18 (0.04%)

Robert Pownall (Independent) 18 (0.04%)

Paul Gould (Independent) 8 (0.02%)

Fire crews attended the Farnworth-based hospital just after 11am on Thursday, but fortunately there was no incident, with a fire spokesman saying it was a “routine call-out for a fire alarm”.

Firefighters were only on the scene for 15 minutes.

The hospital confirmed the attendance of the firefighters was routine and there was no incident or issues.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service say that all homes should have a working smoke alarm on every level of the home and a heat alarm in the kitchen area.

Smoke alarms should be tested every month.

Those eligible for a Home Fire Safety Assessment visit from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service may have a free smoke alarm fitted depending on the fire risk.

More information on the fire services can be found on the GMFRS website

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who are marking their 27th wedding anniversary today, had a unique dress code rule for their royal wedding, but not everyone followed their request

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are marking a landmark occasion today — their 27th wedding anniversary. Prince Edward and Sophie exchanged vows at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on June 19 1999, in what was widely regarded as an “informal” royal wedding. Guests turned out in their droves, among them the late Queen and Prince Philip, King Charles and his sons Princes William and Harry.

Sophie looked breathtaking in a wedding gown by Samantha Shaw and was granted permission to wear a tiara from the late Queen’s private collection. The relaxed atmosphere of the occasion saw the couple opt for a less rigid dress code — requesting that guests arrive in evening wear and leave their hats at home.

Yet it appears some royals chose to bend these rules — with one family member seemingly disregarding them altogether. Photos from the occasion show the groom’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth, sporting a delicate lilac fascinator, while the groom’s sister Princess Anne chose a small green hair accessory.

When it came to Edward’s grandmother, the late Queen Mother, she still arrived wearing a hat — though the couple may well have been perfectly content with this, given she was rarely spotted in public without one. Following their ceremony at St George’s Chapel, the newlyweds enjoyed a carriage ride through Windsor before heading to their reception in St George’s Hall.

When Sophie joined the Royal Family over two decades ago, a few eyebrows were raised at the news that she would not receive a duchess title. Unlike her sister-in-law Camilla and her nephew’s wife Kate, Sophie was bestowed the title of Countess of Wessex upon her marriage to Edward in 1999.

However, in 2023 King Charles granted both Edward and Sophie new titles – finally elevating them to Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. It had long been the wish of Prince Philip, the former Duke of Edinburgh, and the former monarch to pass the Dukedom to Edward and Sophie following their deaths.

In a previous interview, Sophie revealed how she and Edward sat “stunned” when Philip informed them of his wishes regarding his title – in just 11 words. Recounting the moment she and her husband learnt of Philip’s intentions, she told the Telegraph: “We sat there slightly stunned. He literally came straight in and said, ‘Right. I’d like it very much if you would consider that’.”

Philip’s wish for Edward to inherit the title was a nod to his son’s decades of dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the youth programme widely regarded as one of Philip’s most cherished legacies.

The couple, who are parents to Lady Louise Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex, have often regarded as some of the Royal Family’s safest pairs of hands, quietly keeping up with duty and being an invaluable support for the King.

The pair have enjoyed a bigger public profile in recent years, especially since the likes of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from royal duties, allowing the Edinburgh’s to take more of the spotlight.

Away from their royal roles, Edward and Sophie appear to prefer life away from publicity, living under the radar, away from the cameras at their Bagshot Park estate in Surrey.

Sophie Calderley, Nicha Miller and mother and daughter Siobhan Mitchell and Lily Morris all work for Funding Futures which created the Leap For Her Future campaign.

The courageous foursome are aiming to raise £3,000 to support the CIC’s (Community Interest Company) work with women across Greater Manchester.

Sophie is an educator, mentor and project coordinator, Nicha is an educator and content creator, Siobhan is an educator, mentor and project coordinator and Lily is an educator.

Funding Futures helps women who are not currently in employment, education or training to achieve qualifications, develop new skills, gain confidence and take positive steps towards employment, further education and greater independence.

Many of them have faced significant challenges and barriers in their lives. Now, through accredited courses, tailored support and opportunities for personal development, they are helped to unlock their potential and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

The Leap For Her Future campaign was created to both raise funds and awareness of the organisation’s work and also to inspire others to support the cause and help Funding Futures reach more women.

Commented Sophie: “This year is about letting go of fear and comfort. So all I’m going to think of is letting go of that plane on the day.

“The reason we are doing this is to raise money and offer more wraparound support for more women Funding Futures gives every woman an opportunity to pursue the future they want.

“The money raised will be going towards a brighter future for so many women in the local area.”

The jump takes place at the Black Knights Skydiving Centre in Lancaster on Friday, June 19.

To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leapforherfuture?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL