Thirty five community groups and charities took part in the latest Volunteering Fair at the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington.
Seth Pearson, Director of Darlington Cares, which organizes the event, said: “Despite poor weather, it’s a great turnout that really showcases volunteering opportunities in the Darlington area. It’s a fantastic way for voluntary organisations to network and to recruit new volunteers.”
Julia Bean, trustee of Darlington Town Mission, which tackles isolation among elderly people, described the Volunteering Fair as “invaluable”.
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“We recruited new volunteers last year and one of them was a retired accountant who went on to become our treasurer,” said Julia.
“It’s a very relaxed atmosphere with great footfall, so it’s a great opportunity to connect with people who want to do some volunteering but aren’t sure what type of charity they want to be part of. The Volunteering Fair gives a real flavour of what’s on offer.”
Rachel Parry, of Darlington Oxfam, cited the example of a man who came forward as a volunteer at last year’s event and has gone on to train as a PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) specialist.
He has now helped generate thousands of pounds in revenue by PAT testing a stockpile of electrical items donated to the charity.
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“It’s a great example of the value of the event,” said Rachel.
Darlington Lions President, Denis Pinnegar, added: “The real value for us is being able to network with other local charities and learn from each other.”
Certain groups of older people on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may be able to ask the DWP to review their claim and potentially receive backdated payments for enhanced mobility rate
Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer
04:00, 12 Feb 2026
Certain elderly individuals on Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ), particularly those receiving the lower rate of mobility element, may be eligible to request a reassessment of their claim from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) due to a recent legal amendment. Those over State Pension age might also qualify for an increased award for the mobility component of PIP, even if they’ve ceased receiving the benefit.
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This legal change solely pertains to claimants over State Pension age and their eligibility for the enhanced mobility award. DWP guidelines clarify that this only applies to PIP claims reviewed between April 8, 2013, and November 20, 2020.
This legislative shift comes in the wake of a tribunal ruling on May 22, 2020, which pinpointed an inadvertent loophole in regulation 27 of the Social Security (Personal Independence Payment) Regulations 2013.
The guidance clarifies: “DWP did not have the legal powers to restrict the mobility award for claimants who were in receipt of the standard rate of the mobility award and over State Pension age, on the grounds of new medical evidence. New medical evidence is a report from a health professional requested by DWP which recommended the enhanced rate of the mobility award.
“DWP were only able to restrict the mobility award for claimants if a relevant change in circumstances was identified after they reached State Pension age.”
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To rectify this unintentional oversight, amendments to PIP regulations came into force from November 30, 2020, reports the Daily Record.
The DWP is urging anyone potentially impacted to request a review of their claim.
WXCHARTS has predicted snow will fall from Cape Wrath in northern Scotland to Hereford, starting next Tuesday, with parts of the Scottish Highlands forecast to get up to 97cm (38 inches)
05:00, 12 Feb 2026Updated 05:24, 12 Feb 2026
Britain is preparing for more wintry weather in the coming days as numerous cities across the country are predicted to see snowfall.
New maps from WXCHARTS, utilising MetDesk data, forecast up to a whopping 97cm of snow for certain parts of the UK. Starting next Tuesday, less than a week away, snow is expected to fall from Cape Wrath in northern Scotland down to Hereford in the Midlands.
Scotland will bear the brunt of the conditions, with parts of the Highlands receiving up to 97cm, and surrounding areas seeing up to 12cm. England should fare slightly better, with an average of just 2cm across the country, leaving much of the east and south untouched.
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In a separate forecast for February 15 to 24, the Met Office states: “Showers or longer spells of rain are expected as Atlantic low pressure systems dominate in the vicinity of the UK.
“Some heavy rain is likely in places, probably focussed on western hills, with some snow at times in the north, mainly on high ground. Strong winds are possible at times, especially around coasts. Temperatures will probably be near normal. Later in the period, there is a chance that drier, more settled conditions may begin to develop.”
The Express reports weather warnings are in place already for this week as snow is expected to fall as far south as Derbyshire. However, the worst of the weather is anticipated next week with the heaviest snowfall.
Cities across the UK, from likes of Perth and Stirling in Scotland, to Hereford and Birmingham in the Midlands, are expected to experience snowfall next week.
Low-pressure weather systems stalling across the UK have been blamed for seemingly endless rainfall. The consistent rain is more commonly known as a “blocked” weather system.
“For many, this tax will make their holiday unaffordable, meaning families will shorten trips, forgo a break altogether, reduce their spending with pubs, restaurants, events, leisure activities and local attractions, or travel overseas – spending their money and creating jobs elsewhere.”
Whilst attempting to manage his psychic abilities, he must battle sinister forces seeking to control him.
The programme in question is Legion, adapted from the Marvel Comics character of the same name.
All three seasons of Legion received critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the show’s experimental visual aesthetic and distinctive take on the superhero genre.
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Filmmaker Noah Hawley developed an interest in Legion due to his own mental health struggles and was determined to portray the character’s unique perspective on screen.
The review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 90 per cent approval rating for the first season, with Ben Travers from IndieWire describing it as “the most intricate, intimate superhero story to date”.
Viewers also flocked to IMDb reviews to express their opinions on the series, which is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus.
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Sublimeintentions praised it as “one of the best series ever made”, continuing: “A visual masterpiece and an incredibly compelling narrative. It’s a hallucinogenic mind trip that you’ll remember.”
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Zachary-10857 enthused: “I rarely ever give higher than a nine and this show deserves the rare award of a 10 from me. I mean, this show is everything I want in a show. Forget that it’s Marvel or superhero-based. It feels nothing like a regular superhero show we know. It throws that formula out of the water. Off a bridge. Hell, it is so different than any show for that matter.”
He continued: “The visuals, cinematography – 10/10 – Some of the most impressive visuals in any tv show ever. Real eye candy.”
Glormmartin chimed in: “This is a very different show. It’s unique, well-acted and the pacing is great. The writing and story development is intelligent and sophisticated.”
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He added: “You’re not spoon-fed, but required to think about what plays out and motivated to discover the depths of the characters. A fun ride and worth the watch! Wish there was more quality programming like this.”
Itschris-48462 shared his thoughts: “I’m now beginning to question my own sanity! This show is absolute brilliance, the creators should be proud.”
He elaborated: “It’s fresh, fun and so on the edge of ‘What the heck is going on?’ Yet I don’t get completely lost, a feat not easy to pull off in film, I’m sure. The layers, the sets, the music, the acting, the craziness, brilliant!”
Legion can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus.
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**For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website**
Tim Allan, who was in charge of Sir Keir Starmer’s communications until he resigned on Monday, has issued a statement, first published by The Times, in which he says he spoke to Lord Matthew Doyle about his connections to a sex offender before the now peer was offered seat in the Upper House.
Rain will fall as snow initially over higher ground before reaching to lower levels through Thursday night.
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Settling snow will mostly be seen above 200m with as much as 10cm possible.
The rain and snow are expected to clear south during the early hours of Friday, though temperatures will fall quickly to around 3 to 6C below the average.
This will lead to ice on untreated surfaces and dangerous road conditions in some places.
As dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases become more common worldwide, researchers are searching urgently for ways to protect the brain as we age. One area attracting growing attention is hormones, particularly the role of hormone therapy during and after menopause.
This interest is partly driven by the fact that women develop Alzheimer’s disease more often than men, especially after midlife, suggesting that hormonal changes around menopause may influence long-term brain health.
Our research has focused on tibolone, a synthetic form of hormone therapy prescribed to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and poor sleep. While it is commonly prescribed to ease menopausal symptoms, our findings suggest tibolone may also offer important protection for the brain.
In laboratory studies, tibolone helped brain cells survive under stressful conditions. These included reduced glucose use (glucose is the brain’s main fuel) and the build-up of saturated fats such as palmitic acid, which is often higher in people with obesity. Both reduced glucose use and excess saturated fat are known risk factors for cognitive decline and neurological diseases.
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Tibolone appears to protect brain cells in several ways. It activates protective proteins, reduces inflammation and limits damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules produced during normal energy production or when the body is exposed to pollution or cigarette smoke. They behave like tiny sparks inside cells, damaging structures unless neutralised.
This gap likely reflects a combination of genetic, hormonal and social factors. Certain genes, including the APOE ε4 variant, a version of a gene linked to how the brain processes fats and clears harmful proteins, are associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. Other genes on the second X chromosome may also contribute. Differences in reproductive history, number of pregnancies and access to education and healthcare also play a role, because these factors influence lifelong brain health, cardiovascular risk and how early cognitive problems are detected and treated.
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However, hormonal changes around menopause appear to be especially important. When menstruation ends, levels of estradiol (the main form of oestrogen) fall sharply, while follicle-stimulating hormone rises. Both changes are linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Many women experience the everyday effects of these shifts: forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, slower thinking, low mood, poor sleep and reduced motivation. Estradiol normally helps brain cells use energy efficiently. When levels drop, the brain uses glucose less effectively, producing a metabolic pattern similar to that seen in early Alzheimer’s.
Estradiol also helps regulate fat distribution and cholesterol. When it declines, women often gain visceral fat around the abdomen. This type of fat releases inflammatory chemicals that can damage blood vessels and the brain. The loss of estradiol’s natural anti-inflammatory effects further increases the risk of metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure and insulin resistance), cognitive decline and dementia.
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Can hormone therapy help?
These findings have led researchers to ask whether hormone therapy might offset some of this risk.
Hormone therapy usually combines oestrogen and progesterone and is widely prescribed to relieve hot flashes, insomnia and mood changes. It can also improve mood and reduce depression, which indirectly supports cognitive health.
Until the early 2000s, millions of women used hormone therapy and reported benefits. Then, in 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial reported a higher risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular events in women taking combined hormones. Headlines warning that hormone therapy “increases cancer risk” led many women to stop treatment or avoid it altogether.
The WHI memory studies also found that starting hormone therapy at age 65 or older did not protect cognition and was linked to a higher risk of dementia. Later analyses revealed an important nuance: timing matters.
Lower lifetime exposure to oestrogen is linked to faster cognitive decline and greater build-up of Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain. Women who enter menopause early (before about age 45 to 50) face higher risks of Alzheimer’s and more pronounced memory loss. Surgical menopause, caused by removal of both ovaries, leads to a sudden drop in oestrogen and can trigger noticeable problems with memory and attention, particularly in younger women.
Growing awareness of the link between menopause and brain health is beginning to shape public policy.
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In a landmark move, Ireland introduced a programme in June 2025 providing hormone therapy free of charge. Removing cost barriers allows women to start treatment earlier and continue it consistently, conditions that may maximise its benefits.
Elsewhere in Europe, access varies. In England, women who do not qualify for free NHS prescriptions can purchase an annual hormone therapy prepayment certificate for £19.80. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, while France and Spain partially reimburse costs through national insurance.
Given tibolone’s protective profile, reducing financial barriers could improve access and support larger clinical trials to test its effects on brain health.
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Hormone therapy is not a guaranteed way to prevent dementia. The strongest protection still comes from a broad approach: managing menopausal symptoms effectively, possibly with hormone therapy, while also controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, staying physically active, sleeping well and avoiding smoking.
Women face a higher lifetime risk of Alzheimer’s because of intertwined genetic, hormonal and social factors. Hormone therapy, particularly when started around menopause, may help protect cognitive function as well as relieve symptoms. Alongside a healthy lifestyle, it offers one promising tool for supporting brain health and narrowing the gender gap in dementia risk.
One local man said March is “the most marvellous town anyone could live in”
Residents in a Cambridgeshire town have mixed views when it comes to the state of their high street. As shop closures hit March High Street like many others in the country, some say the town is “dying” while others say the town is “the most marvellous anyone could live in”.
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March has seen a few business closures over the last few years for various reasons, including Clarks shoe shop and Tesco Express which closed in 2024. Meanwhile, a multi-million pound regeneration project has been taking place to spruce up the town centre.
This project includes works on the Market Place, with new paving, a Broad Street transformation which began in 2023, and more recently a new toilet block expected by April 2026 in the town centre. CambridgeshireLive visited the town to find out what residents think about the high street amid the regeneration works.
Barrie Crawford, 76, has lived in March since he was a child. He said: “They have done a good job with the regeneration.”
However, he said he believes that “with online shopping, they ought to turn them [closing businesses] into houses and flats instead of more shops that aren’t going to do well”.
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Kyrie Calderbank, 37, from Chatteris, is looking to move to March. She said that the town reminds her of Chorley, in Lancashire, where she previously lived. She is looking to move to March because of the ideal transport links and things to do. She also said that the town offers opportunities for children.
Kyrie said: “The high street is dying essentially,” but added “I love the charity shops, I always have and that’s the most consistent”.
Another resident, Sandra Cumbridge, 79, who has lived in March all her life, said: “It used to be a lovely town when I was growing up, lovely, and now just horrendous,” adding “we have no good shops”.
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Susana Sanchez, 40, has been living in March for over two years. She said: “Everything is online, for shops, for clothing, for shoes, everything is better to buy online.” She believes this may be “the main reason shops are closing”.
Susana explained how she believes renting a local place in March is “expensive, so they [businesses] cannot cope” but emphasised that she still enjoys and spends time in the town.
While Susana is a relative newcomer to the town, Peter Jackman, 95, who has lived in March his whole life, says he thinks it is “the most marvellous town anyone could live in”, and that “compared to other towns, we are very lucky.”
Peter added: “We have got a wonderful park, a wonderful town centre, and the atmosphere and friendship in March is wonderful.”
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Elizabeth, who did not wish to share her full name, said: “I love the coffee shops. Sadly, the shops have all gone so we have no place to shop, but they have made the town so welcoming.”
The horror incident unfolded outside Broomie Brunch on Broomfield Road in Barmulloch, Glasgow.
Man pushing pram assaulted in street
A man walking with a baby in a pram has been viciously attacked by two yobs in Glasgow.
The horror incident unfolded outside Broomie Brunch on Broomfield Road in Barmulloch at around 11.40am on Tuesday.
In a CCTV clip, the man can be seen slowly walking past the breakfast takeaway shop with the pram.
Two men, dressed all in black, then appear as they walk around the corner towards him. There is a short discussion before one of the thugs begins throwing punches and grabbing the man as he holds onto the pram.
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The brute continues to lay blows into the victim as the pram can be seen rocking back and forth during the rammy. Dozens of punches are thrown before the victim eventually hits the floor.
The yobs continue the brutal attack as the pram rolls a short distance down the car park while the man is kicked on the ground. A man on an e-scooter could be seen passing by in the clip as two bystanders watched on from the car park area.
One of the eyewitnesses, who was dressed all in grey, eventually appeared to try to stop the attack before he is pushed away by the thugs. As the sickening clip comes to an end, the man is booted in the head.
It’s believed that there was a baby in the pram at the time of the attack and local residents were left horrified by the incident.
One person said: “The guy was out with his newborn in a pram when he got attacked. It’s horrible. The video has been circulated around. I think its terrible doing that to someone with a newborn in the pram.”
Another added: “Two people assaulted a man pushing a baby in a pram. It is a shocking, distressing video – especially someone pushing a pram.”
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Officers from Police Scotland have since confirmed that one man was issued with a recorded police warning following the incident. It is not known what sparked the brutal attack, but it’s understood the man did not suffer any serious injuries as a result.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.40am on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, we received a report of an assault on Broomfield Road, Glasgow. There were no reported injuries. One man was issued with a recorded police warning.”
The incident comes following a number of horrifying attacks across the country in recent days. Shortly after 7pm on Tuesday, a man was rushed to hospital after being stabbed on a footpath in Clackmannanshire.
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Emergency services were called to Holton Crescent in Sauchie, near Alloa, following reports that a 63-year-old man had been stabbed. Ambulance crews attended and the man was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital for treatment. His injuries are described as “serious”.
Meanwhile, in Perth, a man was taken to hospital following an alleged stabbing on a street in the city. Emergency services were called to Canal Street after receiving reports of a serious assault at 2.15pm on Sunday, February 8. Crews attended and a 52-year-old man was found injured.
He was raced to Ninewells University Hospital in Dundee for treatment, where his current condition is unknown. A 37-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman have since been arrested and charged in connection.
Marten and Gordon, who had five children together, four of whom were removed into care before Victoria’s birth, noted the couple’s “persistent reluctance to engage” with authorities, having moved around the country between 2017 and 2023, “with each move coinciding with escalating safeguarding concerns”.
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