To vote, eligible residents must be on the electoral register by midnight on Monday, April 20.

Residents in North Lanarkshire are reminded to make sure they are registered to vote in the Scottish Parliament Election on May 7.

To vote, eligible residents must be on the electoral register by midnight on Monday, April 20.

It takes five minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote with your National Insurance number.

“The Scottish Parliament election is an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues including health, education, housing, justice and the environment,” said North Lanarkshire Returning Officer Des Murray.

“Research by the Electoral Commission shows that some groups, including young people, students and those who have recently moved, are less likely to be registered than others.

“If you’re not registered by April 20, you won’t be able to vote so please take a few minutes to register now.”

When registered, voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

Voter ID is not required to vote in person at the Scottish Parliament election.

READ MORE: Council grants planning permission for development of new car wash in Motherwell

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday, April 21, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on Tuesday, April 28.

For information on how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post or by proxy, visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter

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READ MORE: Scotland netball captain surprises Lanarkshire players for international women’s day

Crookhaven stars Dougray Scott and Carmel Laniado appeared on BBC’s The One Show

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BBC Crookhaven star Dougray Scott suffered an awkward moment as he discovered that he hadn’t been added to the cast group chat

The actor, 60, is set to star in the upcoming BBC drama series as he takes on the role of Caspian Lockett, the headmaster and leader of the secretive Crookhaven.

Ahead of the new show, Dougray appeared on Wednesday’s (March 18) episode of BBC The One Show alongside co-star Carmel Laniado, who plays his daughter, Penelope.

However things took an awkward turn as Carmel revealed that there is a group chat with cast members that Dougray has not been added to.

Opening up about the bonds she has made on-set, Carmel went on to say: “To be able to do this now at 21, I’m just so grateful to have all these like different opportunities and also I feel like when you’re older, you definitely are a lot more like aware of what’s going on.”

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She continued; “You can actually build friendships with people on set and with your crew members and your cast so yeah, definitely really appreciate it. All of us, we’re best friends now to this day.

The actress then shared: “We still text on the group chat all the time.” Dougray looked stunned as he pointed out: “I’m not in that group chat.” Carmel awkwardly laughed as she replied: “I need to add you. I promise you, you honestly would not want to be in it.”

Based on the beloved novels by J.J. Arcanjothe, BBC’s adaptation is set in the secret school for crooks, where students, or Crooklings, are taught to perfect their skills to do good, bring balance, justice and order to the outside world.

Centred on pickpocketing genius Gabriel (Lucas Leach) and his arch-rival, headmaster’s daughter Penelope (Carmel Laniado), the series follows a group of eight very different, young international students.

As they go head to head in the competition for the infamous Crooked Cup – all while battling a terrifying enemy, The Nameless.

Joining Dougray and Carmel is an award-winning cast including Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Coronation Street, The Pact, Broadchurch), Keith Allen (Shallow Grave, Trainspotting, Kingsman, Marcella, Bodies) and Naomi Wirthner (Slow Horses, Alex Rider).

As well as an exciting ensemble of talent who play the high achieving, hand-picked Crookhaven students sharing credits such as Adolescence, Game of Thrones, Heartstopper and The Witcher.

Screenwriter Justin Young said: “From the moment my daughters and I read the first Crookhaven book, I knew it had the potential to be a thrilling, timeless series for the whole family.

“Bringing the Crookhaven world to life has been a glorious adventure, and it’s both an honour and a thrill to be working with such an extraordinarily talented cast and crew — truly a dream mix of industry legends and dazzling new faces.”

BBC The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer

Eddie Howe has confirmed that Sandro Tonali has suffered a groin injury during Newcastle United’s 7-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Newcastle equalised twice through Anthony Elanga at Camp Nou in a thrilling first half but Barcelona went into the break 3-2 in front via Lamine Yamal’s penalty.

Howe’s side then collapsed in the second half as Barcelona went on to score four more without reply to secure their place in the Champions League quarter-final where they will play Atletico Madrid or Tottenham.

Tonali, meanwhile, was forced off in the second half against Barcelona and is now a doubt to be fit for Newcastle’s Premier League derby at home to Sunderland this Sunderland.

When asked about Tonali’s injury after the game, Howe said: ‘I’d say he’s a doubt.

‘It looks like he’s got a groin, or a hip problem. I thought he performed really well in the first half and we really missed him in that second period.’

Analysing his side’s defeat to Barcelona, Howe said: ‘The defending today was not at the level that it was just a few days ago at Chelsea.

‘Starting with the first goal where two players slipped, then we concede a set play, then probably the big one was the penalty. So as well as we played in the first half and I thought we were outstanding in many aspects, it was really a great representation of how we want to play.

‘If we performed anywhere near or defended anywhere near the level we can, I think we would have been leading at half time.

‘The second half we said we didn’t have the same energy and when the game was effectively over, we didn’t react well to that moment either.

‘So it became a very, very difficult second half. And even changing to play lower and deeper in a compact space didn’t really help us in our efforts.’

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Tensions were high in court following a trial where the boys were accused of raping a 13-year-old girl when they were 12, 13 and 14

Family members of three young boys accused of raping a 13-year-old girl reacted with tears and heavy sighs as the jury returned their verdicts after nearly 10 hours of deliberations.

Earlier this month, prosecutors told jurors the boys raped the girl when they were 12, 13 and 14. She was 13 at the time, the Crown said.

On Wednesday, they were cleared of all charges as jurors delivered not guilty verdicts. Two boys – one now 16, the other 15 – were cleared of rape. They were also cleared of two ‘joint enterprise’ counts.

Jurors were asked to find whether the third boy – now aged 14, then 12 – had committed the acts and whether he had encouraged the other boys as he had been found unfit to stand trial. They found he did not commit the offences.

Over 10 emotional days at Minshull Street Crown Court, family members of the young defendants watched on from a tense public gallery. As the jury foreperson delivered the verdicts one exhausted voice cried “Jesus”.

Sitting next to his mum, a red-faced and bleary eyed boy wept. On the opposite side of the bench, another boy put his arm around the shoulder of a trembling family member, reports the Manchester Evening News.

As the trial began, the jury was told the three boys raped the girl, taking it in ‘turns’ and ‘swapp[ing] positions’ during the incident in Rochdale town centre in February 2024.

Part of the alleged attack was filmed on a mobile phone, the court heard. Footage was later ‘circulated among themselves’ and ‘others’, prosecutors said.

Four boys were hanging out, the court heard, and ended up at a tram stop where a large group had gathered. Jurors were told they were seen on CCTV chatting and vaping.

Among the group were two 13-year-old girls, the court heard. The defendants walked up to the station. One would later tell the court they were ‘showing off’.

They all got onto the tram at Rochdale, it was said. One of the girls sat down, her friend beside her. The boys – then 12, 13, and 14 – remained standing, with one repeatedly pressing the button to keep the door open, the court heard.

They moved between seats and struck up a conversation with an elderly lady sitting nearby, it was said. The girls watched on. One friend joked ‘she fancies you’, pointing at one of the lads, jurors were told.

Towards the end of the eight-minute journey, the now 15-year-old boy, sat next to the girl. He would later tell jurors they flirted and that there had been talk of ‘sh*gging’.

They got off the tram together at Newbold, the court heard. The boys put their arms around the girls as they moved to the other side of the platform, jurors were told.

The group made their way down the path towards Morrisons. Prosecutors alleged the now 15-year-old said: “We can do it in the bush if you want.” In his evidence, the now 15-year-old said it was the girl who ‘asked [him] for sex’.

Her friend told them she was on her period, telling them to ‘f*** off’, the court heard. The other girl told the court she said ‘no’. It was then they went into nearby bushes.

Prosecutors said the girl was bent over. Snapchat footage of the incident was played in court. Laughing could be heard. One voice was heard saying ‘s**k it’.

The court heard the girl’s friend ran over and pulled her away. The boys ran home, jurors were told. The girl cried, the court heard as her friend said: “She said she wanted to leave it, she didn’t want any more drama.

“I said we should call the police. She then said to call her mum from my phone.” Minutes later, the girl’s mum pulled into the car park. She found her daughter and friend sitting in a family member’s van. Police had put up a cordon.

Jurors were told the boys, by then at home, messaged each other. The now 15-year-old sent the video he had filmed to the now 16-year-old, it was said.

The now 14-year-old, the court heard, wrote: “Send all the videos… send vids… send me the videos.”

The trial heard evidence from the girl, in the form of a recording of a police interview. She was later cross-examined by barristers on behalf of the boys.

It was put to her by Rachel Shenton, representing the now 16-year-old, that there was flirting on the tram. “My friend pointed and said I like[d] him as a joke,” she said. “But it didn’t come from my mouth.”

“Did you point to one of them and say ‘I would sh*g him’?,” Ms Shenton asked. “No,” the girl replied. “Did you fancy one of them?,” she was asked. “No,” the girl said.

The girl became emotional as she was questioned. “Did you willingly bend over? Did you say anything to anyone in the bushes? Did you try to move away from the bushes? Did you scream?,” Ms Shenton asked her.

“Did you do anything to make the boys think you did not agree to it?” The girl replied: “I never said yeah.” Later in the trial, as the defence closed its cases, it was suggested the girl had lied about being raped.

“[Her friend] told them to f*** off,” Ms Shenton told. “I asked [the alleged victim] if she told them to ‘f*** off’. She did not. She went into the bushes. I’m not seeking to throw shade at her. She is a young girl… immature. Why didn’t she shout? Why didn’t she scream?”

Ms Shenton said the girl had been embarrassed about being called a ‘sl*g’ by two strangers who walked past. She added: “How does she react? ‘I was raped’. It is a get out of jail free card. This was not a rape, it was a shameful encounter.”

Ms Shenton said the girl had been ‘untruthful’ and ‘inconsistent’. Peter Gilmour, representing the now 15-year-old said: “These are children. We must not judge children by the standards of adults.

“If there was a point she had second thoughts, she didn’t give any indication. And she immediately regretted that and says to her friend she had been raped. She went into the bushes, she went willingly. Her answer was ‘I never said yeah’. How was he supposed to know?”

Both boys told the court what happened in the bushes was consensual. They were virgins and had both left school at a young age with no sex education, the court heard.

The now 16-year-old said he felt ‘happy’ after the experience, thought said it was not ‘successful’. He said he would not have done anything if he didn’t believe she was consenting.

The now 15-year-old said the girl had asked him for sex. “I could tell by the way she was looking at me, she fancied me,” he said. He denied running away after, instead saying he was ‘not h**d’ and so ‘couldn’t do anything’.

For the Crown, Kim Whittlestone said that according to the defence: “[The alleged victim] had made herself available for not just one, but three of them.

“Alone and combined, the evidence shows this is not a case of her leading the way. Far from it. A bit of smiling and teen flirting on the tram does not equate to consent to a foursome in the bushes.”

“It was asked in cross examination by one of the barristers ‘did you gang rape [her]?’. The prosecution held back from using that phrase – it is headline grabbing and emotive.

“But, sadly, that phrase best describes what happened to her in those bushes. From the evidence in this case, ‘gang rape’ fits the description perfectly.”

Ultimately, jurors found all three boys not guilty on all counts. They were discharged from court as families embraced and wept.

Across Europe, many banks alongside motorways are planted with grass to stabilise soil and keep roadside landscapes tidy.

But there may be a better solution. Already some countries are experimenting with using moss in built-up areas to absorb air pollution. As countries search for nature-based solutions to climate and environmental challenges, roadside moss is starting to attract attention. So could mossy motorway banks work?

Moss could offer environmental benefits over grass, from trapping air pollution to slowing rainwater runoff during heavy storms.

Mosses are small plants that grow without roots or flowers. Instead of drawing nutrients from soil like most plants do, they absorb water and minerals directly from the air. They can grow in thin soils, shaded areas and exposed surfaces where grass often struggles. Once established, moss also requires very little maintenance. Unlike grass, moss grows slowly and stays low to the ground. This means roadside moss would require far less mowing, potentially reducing labour and maintenance costs along thousands of kilometres of roads.

Moss and air pollution

One of moss’s most fascinating features is its ability to absorb substances from the atmosphere. It can accumulate pollutants such as heavy metals.

Scientists have used moss for decades as a bioindicator – a living organism used to monitor environmental pollution. Experimental observations have shown that moss can also exhibit visible physical responses to air pollution. For example, moss exposed to highly polluted environments has been observed to change colour from fresh green to brownish.

Across Europe, the European Moss Survey uses moss samples to track air pollution levels in dozens of countries. Research shows moss can capture pollutants including nitrogen compounds and particulate matter, both of which are produced by traffic emissions. If moss grows beside busy roads, it may therefore help capture some airborne pollution before it spreads into surrounding ecosystems or nearby communities.

Another potential benefit involves water. Many moss species act like natural sponges. They can absorb several times their own weight in water and release it slowly over time. On roadside slopes, this property could help slow down rainwater runoff during heavy storms. Fast runoff from roads and embankments can overwhelm drainage systems and contribute to flash flooding. By temporarily storing water, moss could reduce the speed at which rainwater flows into roadside drains. The UK, for instance, has one of the densest road networks in Europe, and many major roads run close to towns and residential areas. Vegetation that can reduce pollution and water runoff could therefore provide environmental benefits.

Roadside vegetation can also play an important role in biodiversity. Road verges and embankments form long, connected strips of habitat that can support insects, mosses, lichens and other small organisms. In landscapes heavily shaped by agriculture or urban development, these narrow corridors can help species move between fragmented habitats. Moss-dominated banks may provide microhabitats for invertebrates and microorganisms that depend on moist, shaded environments. Although research on mossy roadside systems is still limited, increasing structural diversity along road verges could enhance ecological connectivity and contribute to wider efforts to support biodiversity in managed landscapes.

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An epic global study of moss reveals it is far more vital to Earth’s ecosystems than we knew

Moss thrives in cool, damp climates with frequent rainfall, conditions common across much of the UK, for instance. Shaded roadside slopes, especially where roads cut through hillsides or woodland, also favour moss growth. In such places, grass often struggles because soils are thin and sunlight is limited.

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Best in shade

Despite its potential advantages, moss would not be a universal solution.

One problem is it grows slowly. Establishing a stable moss cover on new embankments could take several years.
Also, roadside environments can be harsh. Salt used for winter road de-icing can damage many moss species, and prolonged dry conditions may limit growth on exposed slopes.

Another issue is pollutant accumulation. Moss can absorb airborne pollutants, but these substances remain stored within the plant material. Over time this may require monitoring or periodic removal. Finally, moss generally prefers shaded and moist environments. On sunny or dry motorway banks, other vegetation may still be more suitable.

Road networks occupy vast areas of land, yet roadside vegetation is often managed simply to keep it short and tidy. Instead of treating roadside land as space that just needs mowing, it could be designed to capture pollution, manage water and support biodiversity.

Moss will not transform highways overnight. But small ecological changes along thousands of kilometres of roads could add up to meaningful environmental benefits. Sometimes, even plants at the edges of our motorways may help tackle pollution, flooding and climate change.

The Grade-II listed power hall in the Rhymney Valley could be restored for 60 new flats while maintaining its original facade

Almost 200 new homes could be built in a significant redevelopment of Penallta Colliery including the restoration of its listed power hall.

The Grade II-listed structure, in the Rhymney Valley, would be converted into 60 new flats while preserving its original facade flanked by the former colliery’s two winding wheels.

To the north and south of the hall applicant The Power Hall Limited has put forward plans for a total of 133 homes featuring a mixture of two- and three-storey terraced properties paying tribute to the types of homes historically provided for miners.

A landscaped play area and two commercial units would complete the proposed redevelopment of the site in Winding Wheel Lane, according to the proposals. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

If given the go-ahead the scheme would mark the latest phase in a complete transformation of the former industrial site following the previous approvals for two separate applications.

Directly to the west of the site the colliery’s former engineers’ hall has already been transformed into homes and recently Caerphilly council’s planning committee also granted permission for the construction of 33 new flats and a shop to the southwest.

A supporting statement by agents BBA Architects Ltd maintains the new proposals are for a “derelict” site that is “overgrown and in disrepair” – in stark contrast to its heyday as “one of the most advanced collieries in the UK”.

The plans for the 193 homes, together with the restoration of the hall and the winding wheels, “will allow this site to be brought back to life and benefit the local community”, they said.

“This development provides an exciting opportunity to restore the site’s history and provide high-quality living for the local community,” they added.

The application for listed building consent is currently out for consultation and can be viewed on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website under reference 25/0866/LBC.

Tottenham host Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this evening attempting to do the near-impossible. They trail the La Liga outfit by three goals in their last 16 tie, having lost the first leg at the Estadio Metropolitano 5-2 last week. The performance, particularly in the first half, piled pressure on under-fire interim head coach Igor Tudor, who had made a bold selection in his starting lineup.

It comes as the Entry Exit System (EES) has been introduced, which is a new digital border control system for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

It replaces manual passport stamping with electronic registration, improving border security and efficiency.

But as the system kicks off for the first time ahead of the busy Easter and summer period, holidaymakers could expect longer queues and potential delays due to lengthier processing times, and while border controls adjust to the new scheme.

🪪Got a holiday booked to the UK?

From 25 February 2026, dual British citizens travelling to the UK will need either a:

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•a valid UK passport or
•a valid Irish passport or
•a certificate of entitlement

For more information, visit: https://t.co/MhwBpCkD6Y pic.twitter.com/h3qAZS9em7

— FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) March 9, 2026

How does the Entry Exit System work at airports in Europe for UK citizens?

People should be prepared to have their passports scanned and biometric data taken at border control the first time they enter via the EES.

Paul Paddock, CEO of Post Office Insurance at Post Office explained: “Biometric data including your facial image (all travellers) and fingerprints (visa-exempt travellers only) will be taken.

“The system will also be able to capture passport details, entry and exit dates and locations, and the duration of stay. 

“Data will be kept for three years for standard entries/exits or five years if you overstay.”

Paul continued: “For subsequent visits, the process will be faster due to the data already being stored. 

“It’s important to note that no pre-registration is required – registration happens at the border during your first entry.”

EU Entry/Exit System – what UK travellers need to know

Rachel Pennycook, Europe travel specialist at The Luxury Holiday Company added: “If this sounds familiar, it’s because the system began rolling out on 12 October 2025 and is being introduced gradually at airports, ports and land borders, with full implementation expected by April 2026, ahead of the summer half term.

“Because the UK is now outside the EU, British travellers are affected, even for short holidays to other European countries.”

See the full list of Schengen area countries using the Entry Exit System via the Holiday Extras website .

How Brits can avoid Europe airport delays due to EES in 2026

With this in mind, Brits, (particularly those heading to parts of the Schengen area for the first time), are being urged to plan ahead to prevent airport delays as much as possible.

Hannah Mayfield, a travel money expert working with PayingTooMuch has shared one important mistake UK residents need to avoid when it comes to approaching the Entry Exit System.

Hannah detailed: “Travellers may now be asked for the reason of travel and details of accommodation and proof that you have enough funds for your trip. 

“While these questions are typically asked via automated kiosks, answering ‘no’ to any of them could result in being referred to a border control officer for further questioning.”  

She also prompted Brits to ensure they have all the correct documents and any required visas well in advance of their departures as the key to avoiding any pitfalls with the new EES is “preparation”.

Hannah said: “This includes checking the date on your passport and having the correct paperwork and required visas to hand.

“As the EES system is automated, it will track your entry and exit dates and can also refuse entry, so keep an eye on your eligibility to stay and avoid overstaying your welcome in the Schengen area.   

Have you used an Entry Exit System yet? (Image: Gareth Fuller/PA)

“With the right planning, the system should make travel smoother and safer in the long run.

“However, understanding these changes in advance will help to avoid any unnecessary stress and help manage any initial teething problems.”

Paul agrees and recommends a checklist which includes an essential document reminder:  

• Check your passport expiry date (must be valid for at least three months after your trip for EU countries)  
• Know your entry airport’s EES setup (expect biometric checks)  
• Keep essential travel documents easily accessible, including passports, travel insurance, accommodation confirmation, and proof of onward or return travel 

For those planning to travel in the upcoming Easter or summer school holidays, Rachel also suggested people should arrive earlier than usual, keep travel documents easily accessible, and expect queues at peak times while the system beds in with likely “teething problems”.

It’s important to note Ireland and Cyprus are not part of the Schengen area where the EES applies, so UK nationals travelling there will continue to be checked and stamped manually. 

The couple announced in September last year that they were expecting their first child

Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg have welcomed their first child into the world as they shared the first photo of their son and revealed his name on social media.

The Australian professional dancer and the YouTuber, met on the BBC dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing back in 2018. Dianne announced her pregnancy just weeks before the 23rd season of Strictly got underway in September last year.

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Becoming the first pregnant dancer to compete on the series, Dianne was paired with Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis on the dancefloor. Sadly, their time together came to an abrupt end when the Paul Robinson actor had to withdraw through injury.

In spite of this, Dianne continued to take part in a number of professional routines as the series progressed. Both during the series and since its conclusion, Dianne has been providing her fans with lots of pregnancy updates.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday evening (March 18), Joe revealed that Dianne gave birth on Monday (March 16). They’ve named their baby boy Bowden Mark Richard Sugg.

Sharing multiple heartwarming images, little Bowden can be seen wearing a blue hat as he rested in his bassinet. Another snap sees Dianne holding Bowden in the hospital bed, while a third sees Joe walking him out of the hospital in a baby carrier.

Joe captioned the post: “Never felt a love like it. Baby Bowden Mark Richard Sugg. 16/03/26.”

The comments section of the post saw a host of the famous couple’s fans and Strictly pals racing to congratulate the happy couple on their major life news.

Vito Coppola said: “Oh Finally. bello di zio. I am so so happy, crying for joy and happiness. Uncle Vito cannot wait to meet you. Love love love. Bellissimo a zio.” Nancy Xu added: “Untie Nancy can’t wait to meet you, welcome to the world my beautiful angel. CONGRATULATIONS MY D D and @joe_sugg.”

@laucapon: “Ahh congratulations guys. Bowden is the absolute cutest lil baby.” @sophiewilloughbyrose posted: “HES SO CUTE. congratulations I’m so happy for you both . The best news!!”

@aliceimogenxx commented: “congratulations!! he is so beautiful and love his name.” @saffronlnoble_sln stated: “OMG!! Congratulations! he is absolutely beautiful. I hope mother and baby are doing well.”

Dianne previously revealed how she would take a career break from her work for her child due to how demanding’ is is, saying: “It is quite tough because my job is quite demanding, and I love it so much.

“It is a tough one to balance out and think about. It would take a lot of thought, but eventually one day we will get there, but there is lots ­happening at the moment. It will happen when it’s supposed to…

“We’ve always wanted kids, it’s just finding the right time. I don’t feel worried about taking time out from dancing, I just don’t see the point in worrying. When everything aligns, it will happen. I have to have that vision. I like to practise manifestation, I’m quite spiritual.”