“It’s perfect, now I sleep like a baby.”

For those troubled by overheating during the warmer months, spring and summer can bring numerous restless nights tossing and turning. Investing in a new cooling duvet could help people settle into sleep more comfortably.

Simba is a well-regarded bedding brand at the cutting edge of innovative cooling sleep technology. The company offers a carefully curated range of specialist duvets, including its Hybrid Duvet, priced between £139 and £259 depending on whether shoppers choose single, double, king or super king sizes.

The Hybrid Duvet carries a 10.5 tog rating and is described as lightweight yet luxurious. It boasts a breathable cotton cover alongside Stratos technology, which can render the fabric up to 3°C cooler than conventional materials, producing a refreshingly cool surface.

READ MORE: Dusk’s ‘expensive-looking’ £23 wall light transforms any dingy space into an ‘atmospheric’ delight

READ MORE: ‘Luxury’ £30 summer bedding means ‘no more struggling to get a bulky duvet into its cover’

This design seeks to prevent heat accumulation while drawing moisture away – ensuring sleepers remain drier, more comfortable, and sustain an optimal temperature throughout the night. Simba’s Hybrid Duvet features square stitching to stop the filling from clumping, and is machine-washable (provided the appliance is sufficiently large).

The company is also offering complimentary bundles when shoppers purchase selected mattresses. For instance, those who buy the Hybrid Pro Mattress (priced from £899 to £1,499) will receive two Hybrid Pillows (valued at £218), a Hybrid Duvet (valued at £259) and a Quilted Performance Mattress Protector (valued at £169).

Those with a more substantial budget for bedding may wish to consider the Simba Hybrid 3-in-1 Duvet, priced between £249 and £449 depending on whether customers require single, double, king or super king sizes. The duvet comprises multiple layers, including 7 tog and 3.5 tog options; when combined, they form a 10.5 tog duvet that’s ideal for chillier months, reports Bristol Live.

Shop here

£199

£159.20 (for a double size)

Simba Sleep

Buy Now on Simba Sleep

The duvet is designed to allow plenty of airflow through the duvet for drier warmth.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Dunelm is currently offering 20% off the Fogarty Temperature Balance 10.5 Tog Duvet, now £33.60 to £44.80, reduced from £42 to £56. It’s available in single, double, king and super king sizes.

Over at Amazon, shoppers can find an offer on the Slumberdown Cool Summer Nights 4.5 Tog Duvet, starting from £15.99. The duvet incorporates soft, moisture-wicking fibres that enhance airflow and assist with body temperature regulation.

The Simba Hybrid Duvet has established itself as a bestseller, achieving a 5-star customer satisfaction rating from over 17,000 reviews. One purchaser enthused: “So happy for my duvet, sleeping like a baby. I don’t feel cold or hot, it’s very amazing. Everybody needs to have it and feel amazing like me.”

Advertisement

Another satisfied customer wrote: “The best choice I could have made. I had a lot of duvets, but this one I love: not too cold, not too hot, with a feeling that it wraps you very nicely. It’s perfect, now I sleep like a baby. I would definitely buy it again. No doubt worth the price.”

Not all customers were won over, however, with one buyer commenting on the rustling sound of the material: “The duvet is comfortable, it feels a good weight which I like.

“The only issue I have with it is that it is quite noisy, sounding like it is plastic and rustles whenever I move it, which can wake me up.”

Advertisement

Another purchaser had a far more positive experience, writing: “Best decision I’ve made this year! Felt instant differences, and by day three, I’ve slept like a baby – no more aches and pains in the morning. I don’t feel my partner moving around and getting out of bed early. Pure perfection.”

A fifth reviewer noted: “Very comfy, warm temperature, and great spread of thickness. Great investment; would recommend to anyone looking for high-quality comfort. It might get a bit warm in the hotter months, which is my only other point.”

Meanwhile, one final customer concluded: “The weight of the duvet is so nice! It’s comforting and cosy but never too warm.”

June starts busy and lively in Gemini season, so expect lots of travel and horizon broadening, new ideas and innovation — with this inventive and exploratory energy peaking around the New Moon in Gemini on June 15.

Then the wheel of the year turns again on June 21, with the Summer Solstice and the start of Cancer season, which slows everything down a little. Languid, relaxing, homely and indulgent vibes arise, perfect for summer holidays and breaks.

Venus’s move into sexy, charismatic Leo onJune 13 also heightens the summer romance possibility, and makes sure we all get the attention we desire!

June ends with a Mercury Retrograde (just ignore it!) and a Full Moon in Capricorn, which is a call to action to audit and reflect on your career progress and purpose.

The best time to look at this life area is when you’re relaxed, vs stressed and with your back against the wall. Perhaps there are changes or things you’d like to push on towards in the latter half of 2026 around your work realm? Now’s the time to plan if so

Let the tarot guide you towards where your energy should be directed this month.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

Tarot cards for Aries for June: Ace of Coins, The Sun, Queen of Coins

Meaning: Feels like you’re going to have your own blazing mini summer holiday this June; the whole month will feel like a wonderful dream and really recharge your batteries. The Sun is the tarot’s most positive card and blesses this month with romance, success, travel (ideally to warm climes), joy and prosperity. Good fortune will follow you, so aim high and be confident.

The Ace and Queen of Coins are bringing you up to that Full Moon in Capricorn at month end with a brilliant new career idea, goal or plan. You’re thinking about the long-term, about the factors you control and can change, and the ideal or vision you’re working towards. Something is going to begin very soon that will take at least a year to fulfil (maybe a shift in direction, a new network, a training course) but will be worthwhile and bring you a great deal of riches and rewards. You are on the up!

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Tarot cards for Taurus for June: The Emperor, The Magician, Six of Cups

Meaning: A blast from the past enables you to rewrite history, get on top of an old story and tell it your way, and create a new idea, ambition, relationship or project from it that’s set to be very successful! The Six of Cups means something from the past is rearing its head, and in a good way. Maybe a reunion, a piece of news, a different slant on an old wound, a rekindling of a bond that has faded, a memory of a hobby or talent you brushed aside long ago. Something is returning.

The Emperor shows that the difference with it now is that you’re older, wiser and in control, you’re the one who makes the decisions and says yes or no, and this is a game changer. I feel like it will lead to a new ‘something’ in your life, with the powerful inventive Magician. Maybe a new role, relationship, project, creative idea or invention, even a fresh perspective on something that feels much more comfortable. This is the month of second chances.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Tarot cards for Gemini for June: Ace of Cups, Ten of Cups, The High Priestess

Meaning: I feel like forgiveness is a theme this June. Maybe something happens around your birthday that warms your heart, makes you remember something or someone, and you feel willing to put aside whatever grudge you held. The High Priestess is a deep intuitive feeling that emerges from your heart and changes your mind. Don’t suppress this. Don’t hold onto hate or resentment.

The Ace and Ten of Cups bless your relationship realm with real romance, passion and sizzle. Venus in Leo is a great transit for you, amplifying your charms, your flirty nature, and your ability to score with the person (or people) you’re trying to influence, persuade, befriend, or get closer to. Use your fabulous humour and wit to dazzle folk, and you’ll attract quite a crowd for your birthday season. Definitely a great time to throw a party!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Tarot cards for Cancer for June: Four of Swords, The Wheel of Fortune, Eight of Wands

Meaning: Mercury is in your sign all June long which, alongside this chatty Eight of Wands, makes you super sociable. Not so much in a crowd (that’s not your thing) but one-on-one with people you really love and like. The conversation is great, the intimacy is building, and you feel safe and secure, ready for your birthday season to begin.

The Four of Swords gives you permission to take a little break around the Summer Solstice, maybe a weekend away, a few days off at home chilling, or just a long weekend doing very little. Bliss!

In an easy but powerful way, your life is going to look different by the end of June than the beginning. The Wheel of Fortune invites you to make one big positive change, and promises that the momentum will build and the ripple effects will spiral out, provoking wider transitions and transformations, almost effortlessly.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Tarot cards for Leo for June: Four of Coins, The High Priestess, The Lovers

Meaning: You’re in a questioning mood. The Four of Coins has you feeling a little stuck in a rut, living the same day over and over again. The Lovers has you questioning what you’re really into right now, or even who. Venus moving into Leo sparks up your desire for attention and connection and appreciation, and this can lead you off into new adventures with new faces. Just be sure you’re not throwing out the old for the sake of it. Don’t prioritise new friends over old. Be mindful about the company you seek.

The High Priestess reveals the best of times this month might happen in your own company. Meditation, mindful walks, peaceful pastimes, running or swimming, cooking or cleaning, sunbathing or gazing out of windows! Your mind has been whirring, trying to latch onto the next ‘big thing’, but I promise the fastest route to that outcome is to just be still, be quiet, be in solitude. Something amazing is brewing… let it stew a while longer.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Tarot cards for Virgo for June: King of Swords, The Star, The Hierophant

Meaning: The New Moon in Gemini mid month is a great wishful thinking phase, an invite to manifest a dream come true, and you’re well set up for that with The Star card — the tarot’s wish pass. Make it something powerful, significant and slightly out of reach. You will get cosmic help to accelerate towards your dream.

The King of Swords asks you to be rational and objective about your ideals. Make a plan, break it down, schedule the steps. Treat this manifesting lark like a proper project. The Hierophant brings the theme of education and learning into your realm, be that formally or informally, be it related to work or play, be it with you as the teacher or the apprentice, or maybe both. They say the best way to learn something is to try and teach it to someone else. You are a natural student and love soaking in new skills and knowledge, so bask in it this June!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Tarot cards for Libra for June: The Empress, Seven of Wands, Knight of Swords

Meaning: Known as the great diplomat, the people pleaser, the charmer… this June actually has you in a more assertive and even combative role with the competitive Seven of Wands and pushy Knight of Swords. Sometimes we have to put our armour on and fight back, stand up for what we believe is right, and defend our ground. The world is a realm of rivalry. So, know your foe. Protect yourself. Push for what you desire and deserve… and you will win this battle.

On the flip side, as Summer Solstice passes and Gemini changes to Cancer season, this combative mood is relinquished and you enjoy the benefits of The Empress card. She represents Venus, your ruler, and is a beautiful blessing of fertility, passion, love, family time, happy homes, and natural beauty. You will feel in flow, creative, loving and loved. A blissful start to your summer after a battle well fought.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Tarot cards for Scorpio for June: Ten of Coins, Ace of Wands, The Devil

Meaning: Don’t they say that a form of madness is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results? Well, we all fall into that trap sometimes, and The Devil shows you’ve recently recognised a longstanding pattern in your outlook and behaviour that has led you into a no-win habit you’re keen to break. And you will!

The Ace of Wands brings that fresh energy, the motivation and determination to do it all differently. You are removing, replacing and substituting whatever is necessary in order to make this new habit the default, easy option. The key is to make your environment work for you, not against you.

The Ten of Coins is applause from the Universe for this shift — it’s the right move, it’s the right step long-term and will bring you rewards and success. So, make a plan and stick to it. Out with the old and in with the new. You can do this.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

Tarot cards for Sagittarius for June: Ten of Coins, Temperance, Five of Swords

Meaning: There’s a conflict in your mind about the best way to go about building your wealth, security, and long term prosperity right now, as shown by grounding and reality-checking Temperance and the combative Five of Swords.

From Mars entering into Gemini at the end of the month, you will have your answer, and it will be a compromise, a mixture of responses. What is the most stable and risk-free route to security? Does it yield high enough returns? Is there perhaps a middle pathway of tempering risky ventures or investments or projects underpinned with a steady heartbeat of earnings and returns?

You are a shrewd and savvy player, as shown by the Ten of Coins. You are going to build on your successes and enjoy real wealth and reward. This is a month where you reflect on how you go about it, make some bold choices, and get the ball rolling. Play to your strengths. Be led by your best hopes. Do what you’re in demand for already. Mix up the risky with the known returns.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Tarot cards for Capricorn for June: The Star, Seven of Coins, Page of Cups

Meaning: You are probably the most ‘adult’ sign of the zodiac as you’re ruled by Saturn, so you take work, money and responsibility very seriously indeed. No one ever need tell you to ‘grow up’, you were born old and wise! However, the combination of Seven of Coins and Page of Cups makes me think there has been a welcome regression unfolding this year.

You’ve been letting go of your seriousness, relinquishing burdens and chores that aren’t yours alone, refusing to take on more obligations, and letting yourself return to a more childlike, wonder-eyed, and innocent version of yourself. It has been refreshing, it has been relaxing, it has made each day that little bit more fun and magic. Keep going! You’ve reached a point now where you can see an old version of you and your dreams back then, and you remember how much you wanted a certain outcome.

The Star enters the stage to give you a dream come true pass! Use it this on this New Moon in Gemini on June 15. Make a wish. Will you spend it on this nostalgic daydream? I think you should! Let adult you make a dream into a reality for childhood you. This is going to be a magic moment this June.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

Tarot cards for Aquarius for June: Queen of Swords, Eight of Cups, Strength

Meaning: One of my favourite poems says that ‘There is room in the halls of pleasure, For a large and lordly train, but one by one we must all file on, through the narrow aisles of pain’. It’s true! In fact, for you it’s a welcome truth, as you don’t like to be watched or fussed over when you’re hurt about something, or someone.

The Queen of Swords is you in solitude right now, of your own making, because you’re processing something. Strength is the power to overcome, to heal, to push ahead wiser not wounded. You do this is solitude, with your own thoughts, putting the narrative in place, extracting the life lessons, deciding what to do next. And this process will finish this June and lead to an amazing outcome!

The Eight of Cups shows that a second chance will emerge yielding something better than what you’ve been grieving or regretting. Look ahead, get your head up, embrace the future… something great is just around the corner.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Tarot cards for Pisces for June: Six of Wands, Seven of Cups, The Moon

Meaning: The Moon indicates that the New Moon on June 15 and the Full Moon at month end will both bring you revelations, news, information that changes the game, so pay attention, ask questions, validate and research the answers, and dig until you’ve found what you feel, intuitively, is the truth.

All month long, you will feel lucky, uplifted, supported, and met with good fortune and happy coincidences. The Six of Wands is giving you a six-week good fortune spell. Spend it wisely on things you wish to manifest in your realm. Focus on what’s good, what you want to happen, and people you love being around.

Your imagination is ignited by the Summer Solstice and sister sign Cancer’s season on June 21. You feel, with the creative Seven of Cups, full of ideas and artistic expression and whimsy. Fall into it headlong, bring your ideas to reality, breathe life into your creations. You are in full flow this June.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

MORE: Daily horoscope May 30, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

MORE: Full Moon in Sagittarius tarot horoscope – the adventure your star sign needs before summer

MORE: Daily horoscope May 29, 2026: Today’s predictions for your star sign

It is estimated that 730m bits of rubbish are dropped as litter every year in the UK. Just this weekend alone, Keep Britain Tidy (KBT) estimates that motorists will toss out three million pieces onto the roads, and there are barely verges anywhere in the country that do not sprout takeaway boxes or drinks cartons.

Littering is a distinctly different problem to fly-tipping, and Government data suggests that it 2024 there were more than 1.1m reports of rubbish being dumped illegally – that’s 3,157 reports every day, which is one every 27 seconds. Which is staggering.

Why do we use our coasts and countryside as a waste bin – and, as a KBT survey found 49 per cent of adults admitted dropping litter in the previous 12 months, this is a “we” problem?

And is it a peculiarly British problem – travellers on the continent regularly report that verges are spotless and there is a civic pride in keeping town centres tidy?

Is it because our home rubbish collections are too infrequent? Is it because we are being priced out of our local dumps? Is it because there are no longer bobbies on the street or along the prom to growl “pick it up, son” at an offender? Or is it because we are losing our pride in our local neighbourhoods and so don’t care what they look like?

Or is it simply because we are lazy?

Yet 51 per cent don’t drop litter. Perhaps that majority should step up a gear. Womble Claire Hampson says she “decided that I will be the change” and collected 10 bags of litter at Cod Beck on Tuesday. If all 70m of us picked up one piece of litter a day, the mountain of 730m pieces would be gone in a fortnight…

In the event, the SNP did not win the overall majority First Minister John Swinney sought in the 2026 Scottish election. However, between them the SNP and the Greens won 73 seats, 57% of all MSPs. It is the largest ever contingent of pro-independence MSPs at Holyrood.

Yet between them the two parties won just 41% of the regional list vote. The avowed aim of the parliament’s mixed-member proportional electoral system is to produce a distribution of seats proportional to each party’s share of the list vote. However, as the table below shows, this is not the first time disproportionality has benefited the party of government and its potential allies. But it is the biggest discrepancy yet – even greater than that which favoured the Labour/Liberal Democrat coalition at the first two Holyrood elections.

Why was the outcome so disproportional? The reason lies primarily in the outcome in the constituencies. The first-past-the-post system used to elect constituency MSPs reflects a party’s standing relative to its competitors rather than simply the share of the vote it has won. Despite winning a relatively modest 38% of the constituency vote across Scotland, the SNP had a 19-point lead over its nearest rival, Labour. Given also that SNP support is geographically relatively evenly spread, such a gap was inevitably going to mean the party would win the vast bulk of the constituency seats. Only those where one of its opponents was especially strong locally were likely to avoid its grasp.

In the event, the SNP won 57 constituencies. In contrast, if in every constituency the rises and falls in each party’s support had matched exactly what happened across Scotland as a whole, the SNP would have won four more, 61 seats. Geographical variation in the parties’ performances did reduce the SNP tally somewhat – though in the Highlands & Islands the SNP found itself compensated for its resultant net loss of one seat in the allocation of list seats, leaving the party with its final total of 58 seats. Overall, the geographical variation in party performance resulted in the SNP being three seats down on what would otherwise have happened.

Two of these losses were to the Greens – one in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow. As it happened, however, the resultant reduction in the SNP’s representation in Edinburgh paved the way for the Greens to pick up a regional top-up seat on which they would otherwise have narrowly lost out. Only the second extra SNP loss in the capital (to the Liberal Democrats) served to reduce the tally of pro-independence MSPs. However, the Green success in Glasgow Southside enabled Labour to gain a top-up seat and thus did reduce the pro-independence tally by another seat.

SNP share of list vote down

In short, the gains and losses of constituency seats that arose as a consequence of locally exceptional party performance reduced the total tally of pro-independence MSPs by two – and thus helped to reduce the scale of the disproportionality in favour of pro-independence MSPs. Nevertheless, the large tally of pro-independence MSPs was wholly unsurprising given the party’s tallies on the constituency vote.

At the same time, however, the SNP’s share of the regional list vote was a record 11 points below that in the constituencies. This further served to increase the pro-independence disproportionality.

The table below shows what would have happened if all the seats in each of the eight regions had been distributed by proportional representation. In effect it shows what would have happened if the electoral system was achieving its stated aim. The SNP would have won 18 fewer seats, scattered across every region apart from Highlands & Islands. In contrast, the over-representation enjoyed by the SNP in 2021 was just four seats. The combined tally of SNP and Green seats would have been only 60, 13 down on their actual total and five short of a majority.

Holyrood’s electoral system was devised by Labour and the Liberal Democrats in the Scottish Constitutional Convention. Initially it served their interests well. However, after landing the SNP a majority in 2011 on just 44% of the vote, it has now, on an even lower tally, given the SNP and the Greens the largest ever majority of pro-independence MSPs. The first law of politics is the law of unintended consequences.

A version of this article is available as part of the Scottish Election Analysis 2026.

We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

It’s social season, which means you’ll be hard stretched to find a weekend over the next few months where you won’t have a drink in your hand the whole time. You’ve gotta stay hydrated, after all!

While the appeal of an Aperol is inescapable, it might shock you to know there are other seasonal drinks out there.

As someone who always has to have at least three drinks on the go, this is a topic I take seriously.

From soda, to spritzes, and wine, I’ve taken it upon myself to test the newest releases and tried and tested favourites that make excellent summer sips.

Keep reading for my selection of the best non-alcoholic and alcoholic summer drinks (so far…).

Mandi Murray’s heartbroken children paid tribute to their mum after her tragic death just a day after she flew out on holiday.

A Glasgow mum has tragically died after suffering a heart attack on holiday in the Canary Islands. Mandi Murray passed away in Lanzarote on Thursday, May 28, only one day after flying out.

The 46-year-old, who worked as a door steward at The Ferry music venue in Glasgow, was a big supporter of Celtic and Scotland. Her family paid tribute on social media today, with a GoFundMe page also set up to help Derek – Mandi’s husband and dad to their children.

Her son, Steven, shared an emotional post online paying tribute to Mandi. He said: “Today, I woke up thinking about my mum and realised that she wasn’t just my biggest critic – she was also one of my best friends.

“She was a family woman through and through and would have gone to the ends of the earth for the people she loved. She was a friend to many and was known for being incredibly outspoken – which is probably the biggest understatement I’ll ever make.

“Some of my favourite memories are the nights we spent sitting chatting, laughing and putting the world to rights until three in the morning. Then, the minute I said I was heading to my bed, I’d be called a lightweight.

“Tonight, I’ll be raising a vodka to her memory, and anyone who knew and loved her is welcome to join me. Sleep tight, Mum. You’ll be missed every day, but you’ll never be forgotten. Love always, Steven.”

Her daughter McKenzi, shared a touching picture of her mum and friends and family lined up to pay tribute. Ann Kelly said: “Lovely photo, Mckenzi. Fly high with the angels, Mandi.”

Elaine Mcmanus commented: “I am in shock, I dont even have words. I am so sorry. I have wonderful memories of mum and dad. R.I.P Mandi.”

Kayden Stevensonn said: “The most beautiful soul in the world. Kenzi, I love you so much. She was the best ever.”

Nikki Carby added: “What an amazing mum. She always has been, you were very blessed to have her. I hope you are okay. I am here if you need anything.”

Daughter, Courtney, created GoFundMe page to her dad Derek financially. She said: “My mum flew out to Lanzarote a couple of days ago for what was meant to be a holiday and a break for her.

“But, unfortunately she had a heart attack while she was out there and she passed away peacefully on the 28/05/26. We are looking for any donations to help with any financial struggles and support for my dad during this time, any help will be appreciated and thank you for anything given.”

More than £1,780 was raised just a few hours after the page was created.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

The Ford Ranger is Britain’s favourite pick-up truck and to keep it in the top spot Ford introduced a PHEV version that is especially tempting to business users.

In this instalment of Drive Time John Murdoch takes a drive in the UK’s favourite pick up truck. The Ford Ranger now offers PHEV technology making it more tax efficient. John also discovers that Mazda is launching its stylish 6e all electric model this summer with a special charging deal for retail and contract hire customers.

The Ford Ranger is Britain’s favourite pick-up truck and to keep it in the top spot Ford introduced a PHEV version that is especially tempting to business users.

The Ranger PHEV delivers lower emissions that will benefit business users by reducing the tax bill while still offering all of the talents that the standard diesel model can offer. That will make it a smart choice while the Wildtrak model retains its visual appeal that helps draw customers in.

Emissions are now an important factor when it comes to business taxation, and the arrival of the Ranger PHEV makes it the perfect double-cab pick-up for those keen to keep their tax bill as low as possible.

From the outside, not a lot looks different and the Wildtrak trim is very generous for a truck.

The load bay is slightly smaller but there is the option of a sliding sports bar that allows racks to be attached above the cargo bed, while Ford’s Pro Power system allows users to connect any device with a three-pin plug to the truck’s drive battery.

Two filler flaps on the nearside rear wing are the main visual clues that the vehicle is a PHEV. One pops open to reveal the charging port for the battery, while the other is the fuel filler and is released with the push of a button on the dashboard.

These are used to refill an 11.8kWh battery and a 70-litre fuel tank respectively, with the latter supplying fuel to the 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that we’ve seen in other UK Ford models.

The set-up in the Ranger PHEV produces 277bhp and 697Nm of torque, so the plug-in model is second only to the petrol Ranger Raptor for power, while Ford’s familiar 10-speed automatic gearbox is fitted as standard.

The 0-62mph time of 9.2 seconds is impressive for such a big vehicle, while the Ranger PHEV also boasts a towing weight of 3.5 tonnes and a payload of more than a tonne, so there are no compromises there when compared with the diesel versions.

The load bed is slightly higher to cater for the battery, so cargo space is slightly reduced but not by much.

Most Ranger diesel owners face a tax bill of £7,000 but opt for the low emission PHEV and this reduces to £4,600 – a substantial saving.

The PHEV drives and feels like any other automatic Ranger and the combination of electric motor and petrol engine is good, with the former delivering instant responses while the engine gets up to speed. The petrol engine is quiet and the automatic box is good as are the brakes. The ride is also fine and no worse than some family SUVs.

The usual drive modes can be selected via the push-button controls down behind the drive selector, including an EV button that allows you to either drive the PHEV in standard hybrid mode – switching between power sources as the electronics see fit – switch to silent EV running, or save the charge for later or recharge the battery using the engine while on the move.

Like the rest of the Rangers this PHEV Wildtrak model is stylish, crammed with kit and has all the usual safety features, as well as being a good performer and it certainly makes very good sense for business users.

FAST FACTS

Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV automatic

Price: £44,900 (excluding VAT)

Mechanical: 277bhp 2.3-litre turbo petrol PHEV driving four wheels via 10-speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 105mph

0-62mph: 9.2 seconds

Combined mpg: 28 and 25mile all-electric range

Insurance group: 36

CO2 emissions: 71g/km

BIK rating: 19%

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

Overall rating (out of 5): 4.6

To tempt customers to buy their new electric 6e model Mazda is offering a tethered or untethered Pod Home Charger for only £499 if they place an order by the end of June. The deal is available to retail or Mazda contract hire customers.

On sale in Europe since last Autumn, the updated Mazda6e will arrive in the UK this summer with a new 78kWh single battery specification – priced at £38,995 for the Takumi and £39,995 for Takumi Plus. With stylish premium saloon proportions combined with hatchback functionality – the Mazda6e reinvents the Mazda6 for the electric age.

Commenting on the Pod Home Charger offer, Mazda UK Sales Director, Laura Brailey, said: “We recognise that many prospective Mazda6e customers may be new to electric vehicles and the simplicity, convenience and the well-established end-to-end installation process associated with this offer is designed to deliver a seamless and stress-free move to electric car ownership.” As an additional benefit all retail and fleet customers will also be eligible for a £500 public charging credit when opening an account via the Mazda Public Charging App<. This benefit provides customers with a £500 charging credit that’s redeemable via the app across participating public charging networks.

Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK, said: “The Mazda6e is the car our dealers have been waiting for, with a nod to the popularity of the Mazda6 it’s a real statement of intent for the future and illustrates how Mazda can bring great design, technology and style to battery electric vehicles.

“And with the suspension, power steering and braking carefully calibrated by the team at Mazda Research Europe in Frankfurt to match UK preferences, I’m sure the Mazda6e will be an electric car that delivers the engaging driver experience you’d expect from Mazda”. He added, “In the UK we are facing some unique and complex challenges in the balance between EV legislation and consumer demand but at Mazda we will introduce new models and ensure our product range fits the pace of actual consumer demand in the UK with technologies that are amongst the best in the market.

“The arrival of the Mazda6e in UK showrooms this summer is perfect, it’s a fantastic and timely addition to our multi-solution approach that includes mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric offerings.

“With a UK price that sees both models under £40,000, this value proposition is even more tempting when you see the huge tally of equipment and technology fitted as standard across both the Takumi and Takumi Plus. The Mazda6e is also a car that positions Mazda strongly in the expanding D segment BEV fleet market, where the cars blend of style, value, practicality and desirability will I’m sure win over business users”. Available to configure and order now, the first Mazda6e will arrive in UK dealers this summer, while later in the year the next chapter in Mazda’s BEV story will arrive in the UK – with the debut of the all-new Mazda CX-6e SUV.

*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.

Sylvester Abayomi, 50, died after a collision in March this year, caused by Uways Hussain, 20, and Usmon Mahmood, 23.

Two men have been caged for killing a “caring” man in what officers called “one of the most extreme dangerous driving cases officers have encountered”.

Sylvester Abayomi, 50, died after a collision in March this year, caused by Uways Hussain, 20, and Usmon Mahmood, 23. The two ‘highly dangerous’ men filmed themselves speeding at up to 139mph in a 30 zone, the court heard. As reported by the Mirror, driver Hussain and passenger Mahmood filmed themselves consistently travelling at speeds of well over 100mph in a Golf GTI.

The duo reached over 130mph several times – before jumping a red light and hitting a car driven by Mr Abayomi on Kingsway, Manchester. He suffered serious injuries and died in the collision shortly after 4.30am on March 9.

The pair were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Friday. Hussain was sentenced to 11 years and eight months, while Mahmood was sentenced to 12 years and nine months.

Rachel Shenton, prosecuting, told the court in the five seconds before the crash the Golf’s speed was recorded at 139mph – with the speed on impact 99mph.

Hussain was filmed driving one handed at high speed in the hours before the crash. He jumped red lights, weaved in and out of traffic and inhaled from nitrous oxide balloons while steering. Police said it was “one of the worst disregards for speeding” they have ever seen.

The court heard Mr Abayomi was on his way to work when he pulled onto Kingsway in his Volvo S40 on green light – before being fatally struck after the offenders ran a red light.

After the smash, the two men discussed fleeing the scene and removing evidence, considered reporting the car stolen and booking an Uber to escape. The court heard the conversation was recorded after Hussain’s Apple watch detected a high speed crash and made an emergency call.

Mahmood – the owner of the Golf – was heard saying: “You just wrapped my whip bro.” They said ‘book an Uber quick’ and spoke of their DNA being on the airbags. Neither man approached Mr Abayomi’s car to check on his condition.

When police arrived they were able to trace Hussain through his watch. They found him hiding in a garden and had to taser him. He told police: “None of us were even there, what’s happened? Did someone pass away.” He initially denied being the driver.

Mahmood was also found in a nearby garden. The court heard a number of nitrous oxide canisters were found around the area the men were arrested.

Judge Nicholas Dean KC told the court they had shown a “flagrant disregard for the safety of other road users” and had been risk taking “seemingly for the thrill of it”. He said the CCTV and mobile footage of the driving was “terrifying” as was “far, far in excess of any safe or lawful limit”.

On their actions after the crash, the judge told them: “Rather than assist or attempt to assist, both of you fled. Not in panic as such, but discussing how in effect, how to get away with it.”

Hussain, 20 from Burnage, admitted causing death by dangerous driving at a previous hearing. After being given credit for his guilty plea he was sentenced to 11 years eight months The court heard he had received a previous 12 month driving ban in October 2024 for drug driving.

Mahmood, 23, from Levenshulme, had admitted aiding and abetting causing death by dangerous driving. It is one of the first times a passenger has been convicted for aid and abetting causing death by dangerous driving. After his guilty plea was taken into account, he was jailed for 12 years nine months.

Advertisement

They will each serve at least two thirds of their sentences and serve an eight year driving ban. They will also have to take extended driving tests before being allowed back behind the wheel.

Reading an emotional victim impact statement to the court, Mr Abayomi’s partner Denise Doyle, told how on the day of his death he kissed her and told her he loved her before heading to work. She said: “I never knew this would be the last time.”

After seeing his body in hospital, she said: “It was a nightmare, like I was in a box and couldn’t get out. He was my partner, my friend, my future.”

Advertisement

She said her partner was “kind, dedicated and full of life”, adding: “That day my life changed forever. It’s not just grief, it’s a constant emptiness. The life we were building together has been taken away from me.”

After the court hearing she released a statement paying tribute to her late partner. She said: “On Monday 9 March, the love of my life was taken away, he was the most caring soul and gentle person you could ever meet. He had time for everybody and was loved by everyone. Syll will be sadly missed.”

Detective Sergeant Thomas Johnson, from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This is one of the most extreme cases of dangerous driving we have encountered, and it has tragically resulted in the loss of Sylvester’s life.

Advertisement

“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. No sentence can ever truly compensate for the loss of a life, but the actions of Hussain and Mahmood show a complete disregard for the safety of others.

“We hope this outcome offers some measure of justice to Sylvester’s loved ones. We urge the public to challenge dangerous driving behaviour and report concerns to police.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Dull and confusing frights disappoint given promise shown by director Genki Kawamura’s flick.

I knew nothing about Japanese horror Exit 8 until I saw the intriguing, unsettling trailer.

Based on the 2023 video game The Exit 8 developed by Kotake Create, Kazunari s plays the Lost Man who becomes increasingly desperate when he realises he is trapped in a subway station.

I cannot stress enough how disappointed I was with Exit 8 as I was expecting something very special.

It starts with a long point-of-view shot on a packed subway where manners take a back seat and we find out the Lost Man has asthma and is a dad-to-be.

Then, creepily, everyone disappears – well, almost everyone.

Like the trailer, this opening is engaging and eerie, and sets up a world of potential problems for the Lost Man to deal with.

Alas, things start to get really repetitive – literally – and I found most of the remaining run time frustratingly dull.

It’s a shame as director and co-writer Genki Kawamura’s visuals rule. Environments strikingly change colour; frozen faces, dripping blood and distorted voices horrify; and a subway underwater is terror personified.

Composers Shouhei Amimori and Yasutaka Nakata’s musical score is also pulsating and, at times, disruptively loud.

Around every corner there are potential surprises but what we are presented with often misses the mark or, crucially, adds to the confusion.

Focus surprisingly shifts to other characters about half-way through, with one openly discussing what could be happening to them all.

This feels like a cruel tease as things are never properly explained and if we’re to take it that the Lost Man is simply suffering a mental breakdown given all of the stress he is under, who are these other people? And why do we follow them for spells?

Exit 8 ends up not making a lick of sense and while I can appreciate the directorial flair shown by Kawamura, I left the film feeling frustrated, cheated and bummed out.

What could’ve been an Asian horror to rival classics like The Grudge , Ring and The Eye felt like waiting all night for a train to appear only for it to be cancelled at the last minute.

● Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on any movie or TV show recommendations you have to your fellow readers.

● Exit 8 is showing in cinemas now.

*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.

Eric Schrier, president, direct-to-consumer international originals, strategic programming, and emerging media, said: “Following Ryan, Hugh and the SailGP’s BONDS Flying Roos Australian team’s journey gives us a remarkable inside view of this thrilling sport and what it takes to compete at the highest level.