The Highlight Active Wellbeing Hub in Hartlepool, which opened on Monday, June 22, stands on the former Jacksons Landing site in Hartlepool.

It has opened after two-and-a-half years of construction, backed by Hartlepool Borough Council, the Tees Valley Combined Authority, and Sport England.

And with doors now open, the first visitors have already praised the new centre.

One user said: “Absolutely love the place, the equipment is first class, it’s beautifully clean.

Another said: “The place is fantastic, it’s lovely, really lovely.”

Councillor Graham Harrison, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Highlight represents a huge investment in the health and wellbeing of our residents.”

(Image: Active Hartlepool)

Designed by GT3 Architects and built by Wates, the modern facility features panoramic views of Hartlepool Marina and a wide range of amenities set up for residents of all ages.

Its aquatics centre includes a 25-metre, eight-lane pool, a 25-metre four-lane learner pool with a movable floor, and a leisure pool with water play features and a race slide.

Despite some setbacks, including a delay with its shrivelled ‘kebab turf’, the hub finally welcomed in its first visitors, exploring the 100-station gym, two fitness studios, a spinning studio, soft play areas, and a party room.

Families can enjoy a café with seating for 100 and ground and first-floor terraces overlooking the marina.

The new venue replaces the former Mill House Leisure Centre, bringing together leisure services, NHS care, family-friendly activities, and social spaces.

Membership options start from £18.50 including unlimited swimming, and access to the gym and classes at both Highlight and the Headland and Brierton sports centres.

The centre aims to become a focal point for health, fitness, and integrated care in the borough and a place for people of all ages to stay active and connected.

A 26-year-old man died less than a week after being diagnosed with an ‘incredibly rare condition’

A mum said she believes that if her son was diagnosed with his a rare condition, “even a day earlier” he might not have died. Brendon West, 26, died on July 25, 2025, less than a week after being diagnosed with a rare condition called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

A pre-inquest review hearing was held on Tuesday, June 23. The pre-inquest heard that Brendon was treated for a condition called immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) before a later diagnosis of TTP.

During the hearing, Belinda West, Brendon’s mum, said that TTP was ruled out at one point. She asked: “How can you rule out a condition if you don’t test for it?”

In a tribute, Belinda described her son as a “very kind, considerate and loving man” who was an “avid” Formula One fan and also “loved” gaming. She added: “He was a massive part of my life. He was a trusting person. He trusted the medical professionals, he never questioned anything.”

Belinda explained that Brendon “actually saved my life” following a medical emergency by helping to treat her before emergency services arrived. Brendon has one brother, who misses him dearly, Belinda explained. She said Brendon “didn’t get the opportunity for marriage, and to have children”.

Brendon’s aunt Susan Selkirk explained that while Brendon was being treated in hospital, he put his faith in the experts. She said: “Mistakes happen. It is not a blaming game but things do need to change.”

Belinda continued: “Just because it is rare, doesn’t mean it will not happen again. It is a curable condition, people live with this. It is manageable. Even a day earlier and he would still be here with us.”

Senior Coroner David Heming, who held the pre-inquest review hearing, said that the case is a “complex area” and described Brendon’s diagnosis as an “incredibly rare condition”.

It was agreed by the coroner and all interested persons that a jury was not necessary. Brendon’s family, the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, and Cambridge University Hospital Trust were identified as interested persons.

This hearing was a pre-inquest review, and is yet to be concluded. A future pre-inquest hearing date is due to be set. Following that hearing, a final inquest date will be decided.

A tribute by Brendon’s family on a fundraising page reads: “After many family losses, he became the glue to our family. He was everyone’s rock, one of the most selfless people you could ever meet.

“On the 23rd of July he was diagnosed with TTP (thrombocytopenic purpura) which sadly took him from us within one short week. This devastation has purely broken everyone’s hearts and has left everyone with a heavy heart.”

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust was approached for a comment.

The alert was placed on the entirety of Yorkshire by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and will remain in place until 11pm on Friday (June 26).

People sweltered under a humid 30C heat in the city centre – with many seeking sanctuary under park shade – enjoying ice creams and cold drinks.

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It comes as southern England and the Midlands have been placed under a red heat alert for the same period.

Even Paddington Bear enjoyed the rays today (Image: Newsquest)

In response, National Rail has urged passengers not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary.

A spokesperson for the company advised that should the public they travel today or tomorrow, all should carry water with them – using water refill stations at all Network Rail managed stations, which includes Leeds Railway Station.

Shops in York have also responded to the heat, with FatFace in High Ousegate placing a notice on its doors, informing the public that doors would remain closed to keep temperatures inside cool for customers.

The Shambles in York offered a reprieve from the soaring temperatures today (Image: Newsquest)

The amber heat alert was placed on York on Wednesday (June 23).

Forecasters say the hot conditions, which have been very rare in the UK until now, will be accompanied by high humidity and very warm nights, making it hard for people to recover overnight.

The temperature warning added that there would likely be an increased demand on health and social care services during this time, with the heat affecting many in work and those travelling.

Many enjoyed ice cream in the city centre (Image: Newquest)

Tomorrow, York will be hit with similarly high temperatures, with highs of 28C at 2pm and lows of 17C into the early morning on Friday (June 26).

In Malton the weather will be more moderate at 24 degrees but will soar to 33 degrees on Friday.

At the coast, beach-goers will be able to enjoy mostly dry weather and beautiful clear skies in Scarborough this weekend, with highs up to 30C on Friday, cooling to 27C and 23C on Saturday and Sunday.

As people flock outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and cool down, fire chiefs have urged the public to take extra care in outdoor spaces with the increased risk of wildfires and water-related deaths.

People flocked to the Minster for some much-needed shade (Image: Newsquest)

Phil Garrigan, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) chairman, said: “We have already seen the consequences that periods of extreme heat can have, with a number of lives tragically lost in water-related incidents during recent hot weather.”

Rod Dennis, road safety spokesperson at the RAC, added that there could be a record number of breakdowns this week as the heat puts extra strain on vehicles.

He urged drivers to avoid non-essential journeys if their vehicles do not have effective air conditioning, adding that longer wait are more likely.

For more on this and the weather where you are, please see here.

France’s health ministry stressed that the risk to the population was “very low”. Likewise, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “the risk to the rest of the world is low” and that there was “no need to panic”.

Efforts are underway to trace people who may have been in contact with the doctor.

Healthcare workers are especially at risk from Ebola, which is spread through bodily fluids.

Last week WHO said 17 of the 75 health workers who had caught Ebola in DR Congo had died.

The current Ebola outbreak was caused by the Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which there is currently no vaccine.

France has set up a “dedicated monitoring system” for aid workers returning from DR Congo, the health ministry said.

According to both Africa’s Centres for Disease ​Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and US public health authorities, the current Ebola outbreak has the potential to be one of the largest ever.

In DR Congo, cases are currently concentrated in the eastern provinces of Ituri, South Kivu and North Kivu.

Ituri remains the main centre of transmission, accounting for more than 90% of confirmed infections.

The WHO has warned that conflict in eastern DR Congo is making it more difficult to tackle the Ebola outbreak. The M23 rebel group is in control of large parts of both North and South Kivu.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Duane Mitchell has big plans for the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Mitchell, a 78-year-old veteran in Montana, plans to take a red, white and blue 1954 Chevrolet pickup that he restored and drive it in local parades for the Fourth of July. In honor of the country’s milestone anniversary, he bought a decorative eagle to mount on the back of the truck, accompanied by American flags.

“I’ll be driving my pickup,” he said, referring to his role in the parades. “Usually we freeze a whole bunch of candy, and I have a couple of kids from down the block who get in the back and throw candy out. Everybody loves it.”

Mitchell isn’t the only one looking forward to this year’s festivities. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults feel “proud” about the country’s 250th anniversary, according to a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Roughly 3 in 10 say “excited” describes their emotions. The milestone will be marked with events across the country, and President Donald Trump has planned several for the nation’s capital, including a fair on Washington’s National Mall.

But as the celebrations begin, many Americans also feel indifferent or conflicted about celebrating the country. Other Gallup polling shows that most Americans now feel the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be disappointed with how the U.S. has turned out, a substantial increase from 25 years ago.

Most Republicans and older adults feel proud

Most Republicans say that “proud” or “excited” describes how they are feeling about the United States’ 250th anniversary. About 7 in 10 Republicans say pride describes their emotions, compared with about 3 in 10 independents and roughly 2 in 10 Democrats.

Older Americans — those ages 60 and older — are also mostly feeling proud, with about 6 in 10 saying this describes how they feel about the nation’s anniversary.

Mitchell, the Montana veteran, wants the country to be “celebrating it to the maximum.” As a Vietnam War veteran who was drafted into the war, he wants Americans to remember the men and women who have given their lives to protect the freedoms they have today.

“It was a sacrifice,” Mitchell said, referring to his service. “The most important thing about the celebration is understanding that freedom is not free, and it never will be free, so you need to celebrate that.”

About half of Republicans, 54%, say they feel excited about the country’s anniversary.

As the country marks 250 years of independence, most Americans believe the country has succeeded in achieving its founding ideals, according to new Gallup polling. About 7 in 10 U.S. adults say that America has succeeded “a great deal” or “a fair amount” in achieving the ideals for which the country was founded. That view is shared by a majority of Democrats, independents and Republicans — though Republicans are especially likely to say the country has succeeded.

Democrats and young people feel conflicted or indifferent

More Democrats and young people say “conflicted” or “indifferent” describes their feelings about America 250.

About 4 in 10 Democrats and roughly 3 in 10 adults under 30 say “conflicted” describes their feelings “extremely” or “very” well. About 3 in 10 in each case feel “indifferent.”

Laura Davis, a 44-year-old in Chicago who identifies as a progressive liberal, has struggled with what she describes as the “American declarations of grandiosity” this year, including Trump’s White House ballroom construction and the repainting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. She believes that money could be better spent on Americans in need, as well as international aid, and she worries the country’s reputation is being damaged by the Trump administration’s actions.

“It doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the things that do make America a unique and in some ways exceptional place to be,” she said. “But I think it’s more nuanced than that, and I hope that doesn’t get lost in the celebration.”

About 8 in 10 Americans say the signers of the Declaration of Independence would be disappointed with how the country has turned out, according to a new Gallup poll. Only about 2 in 10 say the signers would be pleased. That’s down significantly from 1999 — the first time the question was asked — when 55% believed they would be disappointed and 44% said they would be pleased.

Sydney Crispin, a 39-year-old Democrat in Maine, believes the country’s “incredible” foundation is worth celebrating. Still, she is conflicted by what she sees as a decline in people’s ability to have respectful discourse, something she believes is at the heart of America’s identity. She hopes communities find ways to celebrate the remarkable parts of America this Fourth of July while still reflecting on its areas for improvement.

Celebrating the 250th: Spending time with friends or family tops on list

Just under half, 44%, of U.S. adults plan to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary by spending time with friends or family, according to a recent Gallup-With Honor poll. About 3 in 10 U.S. adults say they plan to watch coverage of America 250 events on television or social media.

More than half of adults ages 65 and older plan to celebrate with friends or family, while nearly half plan to watch coverage of the event on television or social media. Adults under 30 are more likely to say they are not planning to celebrate at all.

The Gallup-With Honor poll found about 2 in 10 U.S. adults plan to participate in a neighborhood or community event, while approximately 1 in 10 say they will be attending an official America 250 event.

Lyle Nelson, a 67-year-old in Idaho, said he plans to maintain his tradition of watching the annual Macy’s firework show at home.

Nelson — who agrees with a lot of what Trump has done in office — remarked that even though Trump was disappointed that he did not get reelected in 2020, he might be pleased that he’s the one in the White House during this historic event.

“I wonder if he’s thankful that he gets to be president during the 250th anniversary,” Nelson said. “I think he’ll be excited for that.”

___

The AP-NORC poll of 2,596 adults was conducted April 16-20 using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 2.6 percentage points.

The Gallup-With Honor poll of 3,199 adults was conducted May 12-22 using a sample drawn from Gallup’s probability-based panel. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 2.1 percentage points. The separate Gallup poll of 1,001 adults was conducted May 1-17 using a sample drawn from Gallup’s probability-based panel. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.

It follows the launch of a unique sandwich last summer, but some shoppers say the new filling has gone ‘too far’

M&S appears to have divided shoppers as it has re-introduced a popular product this week with a new twist. While some are calling the change an “upgrade”, others have suggested that the retailer has now gone “too far”.

The store has revealed a new limited-edition Chocolate, Strawberry and Pistachio Creme Sandwich, which features ripe strawberries with a pistachio creme and a Belgian chocolate spread, between two slices of cocoa‑enriched sweetened bread.

A description of the new sandwich, on the M&S website, reads: “Introducing a brand-new addition to our viral sweet summer sandwich lineup – the UK’s first dessert sandwich.

“Ripe, sweet British strawberries are paired with smooth pistachio creme and a rich Fairtrade Belgian chocolate spread, layered in cocoa‑enriched sweetened bread. This sweet sandwich is sure to get the nation talking – head to the Foodhall now to try it for yourself.”

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It follows the launch of M&S’s Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme sandwich last summer, which was inspired by Japanese “sweet sandos” – or fruit sandwiches. The unique sandwich divided shoppers last year, as some shared their excitement at trying the creation, while other said they would “pass”.

Again, the new fruit-filled sandwich appears to already be dividing opinion, as some shoppers have alluded to the Chocolate, Strawberry and Pistachio Creme Sandwich as being a step “too far”. But splitting opinion, others have said they they are excited to try the novelty sandwich for themselves.

Taking to the popular Facebook page Newfoodsuk, one excited shopper, Rosie Ann, commented: “This is one I’d like to try.” A second shopper, Ellen Mussell, echoed: “Next m&s food purchase needed hehe!”

A third, Pippa Walters, also wrote: “There’s an upgrade from last year.” While another, Nicola Dugan, added: “I’ve just had one and it was delicious.”

However also taking to the Facebook page, one divided shopper, Keighley Wilson, wrote: “Not sure now I feel about this.” A second, Gillian Jenny McKerrow, also queried: “Too far or no?”

Another conflicted shopper, Sarah-Jayne Powell, wrote: “Yay I’m so glad they brought it back! Not sure about the new one though.” On Instagram, Caroline wrote: “Just wrong on every level,” while Pete commented: “That ain’t right”.

Alongside the launch of the limited-edition Chocolate, Strawberry and Pistachio Creme Sandwich, M&S have also brought back the original Red Diamond Strawberry and Creme Sandwich. Shoppers can pick up the new Chocolate, Strawberry and Pistachio Creme Sandwich for £3.50, or the Red Diamond Strawberry and Creme Sandwich for £2.80.

Asked what fans can expect from Ebra in the final season, Gibson, 61, smiles. “More,” he laughs before elaborating. “There’s a desire to, to assist in whatever way he can, and I think you saw that beginning to happen at the end of season three, you saw it really put into motion in season four… and then I think in season five, more.”

Four more people have been charged as police investigate the deaths of two Newport teens

Four people have been charged in connection with a police murder investigation following the death of two teenagers. . Jaydon Bowyer, 19, and Ta-Shay Canoville, 16, died after being hit by a BMW while riding a motorbike in Newport in the early hours of Thursday, May 7.

Emergency services were called to Aberthaw Road in Alway at around 1am following reports of a crash between a motorcycle and a BMW which police think then left the scene before they attended.

Police launched a murder investigation following the crash, and on May 11, two men, Terell Case, 18 and Joshua Williams, 34, were charged with murdering the two teenagers.

Police have now issued a further update which says four more people have now been charged in connection with their deaths.

Yonis Zaid, 18, Ella Persse, 21, Montaser Yafai, 23, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 23, charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

The three adults were remanded into custody pending trial. The 16-year-old boy was released on conditional bail.

A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “Four people from Newport have been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice in connection to the deaths of Jaydon Bowyer and Ta-Shay Canoville in May this year.

“Yonis Zaid, 18, Ella Persse, 21, Montaser Yafai, 23, and a 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 23 June.

“Yonis Zaid, Ella Persse and Montaser Yafai were remanded into custody pending trial. The 16-year-old boy was released on conditional bail.”

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Operation Impact targeted the Seaburn, Fulwell, Roker and neighbouring areas of the city.

Northumbria Police officers were joined by partner agencies for the crackdown, on Friday, June 12.

Police out and about in Sunderland as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour (Image: Northumbria Police)

A warrant was executed at an address on South Terrace in Southwick, where a quantity of prescription medication, primarily pregabalin, was seized.

Three mobile phones were also recovered, along with approximately £4,000 in cash and several sets of weighing scales.

A 62-year-old man and a woman, aged 34, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class C drugs.

Both have since been released on bail pending further investigation.

Operation Impact on mainly coastal areas of north Sunderland earlier this month (Image: Northumbria Police)

Officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and the Mounted Unit conducted high-visibility patrols along the coast, including in Roker Park, as part of Operation Coastwatch, following reports of anti-social behaviour involving large groups of young people in the area.

Members of Northumbria Police’s Mounted Unit cooling down after taking part in Operation Impact (Image: Northumbria Police)

A third arrest was made during the day of activity, as a man, aged 34, who was wanted for failure to appear in court, was apprehended by officers.

Members of the force’s Operation Capio team carried out patrols in Fulwell Quarry with support from the Drone Unit and Sunderland City Council’s safety team.

The area is a known hotspot for off-road bikes being used in a nuisance manner.

Police on patrol in Roker Park, Sunderland, as part of Operation Impact (Image: Northumbria Police)

Officers seized two electric scooters in connection with anti-social behaviour.

Plain-clothed officers were deployed on key bus routes where there have also been reports of anti-social behaviour.

Speed watch vans, which were deployed on Dame Dorothy Street, Keir Hardie Way, Ferryboat Lane and Chester Road, recorded 182 offences, with those responsible subsequently being issued with fixed penalty notices.

Inspector Chris Eccleston, of Sunderland’s NPT, said: “Days like this are a testament to the impact our officers have within the community.

“That’s exactly what Operation Impact is designed to do.

“We are committed to being there when the public need us by listening to concerns and tackling the issues that matter most in local communities.

“Our message is simple: ‘Please continue to work with us by sharing information about suspected criminality’.

“This allows us to take action against those who think it is acceptable to cause disruption in your neighbourhoods.”

Councillor Bill Blackett, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Enforcement, said: “As a council, we are committed to making Sunderland’s streets safer and we’re proud to be working closely with Northumbria Police on initiatives such as Operation Impact.

“Joint operations like this are incredibly important in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour, enabling us to work together to tackle the issues we know matter most to our residents.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information and intelligence to help keep our communities safe.

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

“The support of local people is vital in helping us identify problems and take action where it is needed most.”

Members of the public who have concerns about suspected criminality in their area can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the ‘live chat’ or ‘report’ form on the force website.

Anyone unable to contact police in those ways online can call 101.

He is charged with six counts of threats to kill, along with making threats to damage property and breaching a restraining order earlier this month

A man accused of issuing new threats to kill loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson must remain in custody, a High Court judge ruled today.

Robert Beck, 63, was refused bail amid claims he left “sinister” messages about the high-profile activist at a Co Down business premises.

Beck, of Bloomfield Crescent in Belfast, also allegedly stated that he planned to destroy vehicles belonging to the firm.

He is charged with six counts of threats to kill, along with making threats to damage property and breaching a restraining order earlier this month.

Beck was on release at the time while facing prosecution over separate allegations of harassing BBC broadcaster Stephen Nolan and pestering Mr Bryson.

Police were alerted again to the contents of voice messages in two phone calls made to a company based in Newtownards on June 1.

Prosecution counsel Mark Conlon said: “A number of threats were made of a similar nature.”

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Mr Bryson, who is understood to have previously represented the company at an employment tribunal, was among those named in the messages.

Some of the alleged targets later provided statements claiming to have recognised Beck’s voice as the caller, the court heard.

He is currently prohibited from intimidating or harassing Mr Bryson under the terms of an order imposed in previous criminal proceedings.

During police interviews following his arrest Beck denied making any of the calls to the business premises.

But Mr Conlon said telecommunication inquiries have established that the messages were sent from the accused’s own mobile phone.

“There is very much a concern that he will go on to commit further offences,” he submitted.

Defence barrister Turlough Madden stressed Beck’s denials and his right to be presumed innocent at this stage.

“He is someone with genuine mental health issues,” Mr Madden added.

Denying bail, Lord Justice Treacy identified “an overlap in personalities” involved in the separate cases against Beck.

The judge stated: “He seems to find it difficult, if not impossible, to comply with orders of the court.”

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