Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café in Pickering won the title at the Northern Farmer Awards.

The awards dinner was held in Harrogate.

Mandy Avison, co-founder of Cedarbarn, said: “We were delighted to be shortlisted for this prestigious farming award, but to win it is amazing.

“We’re over the moon.”

Cedarbarn beat finalists Hutchinson Hobbs and Knitsley Farm Shop to take the title.

Organised by the Northern Farmer magazine and featuring charity partner, The Farming Community Network, the Northern Farmer awards are designed to reward and celebrate the farmers who keep the nation fed.

Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café began in 1995 as a pick-your-own strawberry business operating out of a caravan.

It has since grown into a destination offering a farm shop, café, miniature railway and various events.

A mum was approached by an older man as she was feeding her toddler and twins in the boot of her car in a car park – she said the interaction completely changed her day

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A mum said her day “completely changed’ when a man approached her while she was feeding her children in a car park.

Going out with a baby can be stressful for parents, especially if it’s their first child and they’re still getting used to being new parents..

There are lots of things that will be running through their minds, such as how do I keep them occupied? Are they hungry? When is their next nap?

The experience can be quite overwhelming, and the same was true for Romes, a toddler and twin mum from Devon.

The mum-of-three out and about with her infant twins and her toddler when she was approached by a man.

At the time she was sat in the boot of her car in a car park feeding her three children.

She said: “If you see a twin mum, please don’t say you’ve got your hands full, please say this or just be kind. An old gentleman today said the most beautiful thing to me and it has improved my mood to no end.

“I was in the back of the car and the kids were having their lunch, and this old chap comes up to me and he goes, please can you give me your phone so I can take a photo so that when you’re old like me you can look back and actually be in the photo.

“Honestly, it was just so wonderful. So if you see a twin mum, she’s probably having a really overwhelming day and having ‘double trouble’ or ‘you’ve got your hands full’ really makes that worse.

“So say something really lovely. What she’s doing is beautiful and her kids are beautiful because it will just lift her mood to no end.”

Other parents shared their own experience of people approaching them while they’re out with their children.

One person said: “I was in Tesco recently (with the twins but without the toddler) and an old man said to me you are doing a great job, I almost cried.”

A second said: “How lovely!! I had a gentleman come over to me and my twins once with the kindest smile and said ‘wow what a blessing’ and it really stuck with me.

“Wish it happened more often as we normally can’t even get into the shop before someone has told me I’ve got my hands full.”

A third said: “An older lady did this when me and my partner were feeding our tiny newborn twins on a bench and she said we’d want to remember this moment.

“At the time we were a bit like ‘sure’ because we spent half our days feeding but now I treasure the photo. Partly because of the positive interaction.”

“Both our boys have additional needs and we believe there is not enough in Northern Ireland to help families feel supported, especially during school closures.”

A Co Antrim dad is preparing for his toughest challenge yet this weekend after being inspired by his two sons.

Dad-of-two Daz Tweed, 36, from Ballymena is attempting to run 100km on Sunday, March 1 for an organisation close to his heart: a new community-led initiative, WAVES, that puts children with additional needs at the heart of everything they do.

WAVES (Welcome. Accept. Value. Enjoy. Shine.) was set up to help kids with additional needs feel accepted and included while also providing support to their parents.

READ MORE: ‘Our community paediatric care team has been a lifeline for our family’READ MORE: Co Down family rallies around ‘precious’ Paige battling one of the world’s rarest illnesses

Formed by a group of passionate parents and professionals in partnership with Ballykeel 2 & District Community Association, it was born out of a shared concern: children with additional needs were being left behind, especially during school holidays and weekends. With no inclusive local activities or safe spaces, families felt isolated and unsupported.

Determined to change that, the group began small—introducing quiet hours at community events and launching “Lads, Dads and Dames,” a monthly stay-and-play evening designed to support fathers and their children in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

The response was overwhelmingly positive; today, the initiative is much more than just a summer scheme, offering vital respite for families and a chance for children to thrive, connect, and shine.

This isn’t Daz’s first big challenge; on World Down’s Syndrome Day, March 21, last year he started to run 21km for three days in a row to raise funds for the Causeway Down’s Syndrome Support Group.

The 21km distance represented the third copy of Trisomy 21, the genetic condition known as Down’s Syndrome. This cause was also deeply personal to Daz, as his 14-year-old stepson, Jack, has Down’s Syndrome and benefits greatly from the group’s services. Daz and his wife, Amber, also have a six-year-old son, Mikey, and both boys attend Castle Tower School in Ballymena.

Daz told Belfast Live: “Both our boys have additional needs and we believe there is not enough in Northern Ireland to help families feel supported, especially during school closures. WAVES started with a summer scheme last year and it helped us massively as well as other families in Ballymena and surrounding areas. With a little bit of fundraising hopefully they can offer more in 2026 at Easter, Halloween and Christmas etc so I’m trying to raise money for them.

“I started training for this in December with something called the Advent Calendar Challenge where you run a kilometre for every day of the month so December 1st was one kilometre and 2nd was 2 right up to 24 kilometres on Christmas Eve. Then I had a week off over Christmas and in January I started an eight-week block which is finishing this week.

“The plan for Sunday is to start at 6am from the Ecos car park and do a 20 kilometre lap of Ballymena, and then I do 24 kilometre loops of the Ecos. It’s more for convenience for supplies and so that people can join in. I will be hoping to complete the 100km in 12 hours so it’s by far my biggest challenge yet to support an organisation that has helped our family and many others who have kids with additional needs.”

Daz has launched a GoFundMe page as part of his campaign, which has already raised over £500 towards the £2,000 target and you can donate here.

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Private schools in England are facing new financial realities. Following the UK general election in July 2024, the new government introduced VAT on school fees and removed charitable business rates relief for independent schools. At the same time, staffing costs have continued to rise. Employer national insurance contributions have increased, and the national minimum wage has risen.

For some schools – particularly smaller institutions with limited endowments or declining enrolments – this has raised questions about their sustainability.

Although the full impact of these funding changes remains to be seen, they have intensified concerns about sustainability within parts of the independent sector and raised broader questions about reform.

One viable yet underexplored option is the conversion of private schools to the state sector.

Although still relatively rare, a small number of independent schools have taken this route over the past two decades. In a new report, commissioned by thinktank the Private Education Policy Forum, my colleague Tom Richmond and I have carried out the first comprehensive analysis of what happens when independent schools become state schools in England.

Between 2007 and 2017, 27 independent schools converted into state-funded academies or free schools. Twenty-four are still operating today. While the legal route from independent to state provision technically still exists, it has largely fallen out of use, with no conversions taking place since 2017. Independent to state conversion is therefore often overlooked in debates about the future of private education.

Conversion is often viewed as a last resort taken only by schools in serious financial trouble. However, while financial pressures were relevant to many of the schools that converted between 2007 and 2017, they were not the whole story. Schools have also framed conversion as a way to return to their founding missions, which were often explicitly about inclusion and serving local communities rather than educating a fee-paying intake.

The transition itself was not straightforward. Schools reported significant challenges in adapting to the expectations of the state sector. These included the loss of academic selection, the requirement to deliver the national curriculum, and regular inspections by Ofsted, England’s school inspectorate. Many also highlighted the absence of clear guidance from government on key aspects of the conversion process.

In practical terms, this meant that schools which had previously operated with considerable autonomy had to adjust to a far more regulated environment. In some cases, early Ofsted inspections highlighted weaknesses in data use, governance and oversight as schools adjusted to the demands of state accountability.

However, these difficulties were not permanent. Over time, outcomes improved markedly. All but one of the schools that converted and remained open are now rated “good” or “outstanding” by Ofsted.

Former independent primary schools perform at broadly similar levels than other schools in their local authorities. Former independent secondary schools generally achieve stronger attainment and progress outcomes than nearby state schools, though performance varies. Initial adjustment challenges, in other words, did not prevent long-term success.

The consequences – and the future

One of the most significant changes following conversion is in pupil intake.

Removing academic selection and fees transformed who these schools serve. Since conversion, the proportion of pupils with special educational needs has more than doubled. The share eligible for free school meals has risen sharply.

Research has shown that while these schools do not perfectly mirror the national state school population, the gap between them and their local communities has narrowed dramatically.

In many cases, they are far more representative of their surrounding areas than they were as independent institutions. Conversion does not simply change how a school is funded. It can reshape who benefits from its facilities and educational offer.

A common concern is that families will withdraw their children once fees are removed. In practice, this rarely appears to have happened at scale.

Consultation evidence and enrolment patterns show that large majorities of parents supported the move, particularly because it eliminated fees and provided financial certainty. Where schools were required to demonstrate parental demand, applications frequently exceeded available places. Widespread collapse in enrolment – a frequently voiced fear – did not materialise.

Conversion to the state sector is not a solution for every school. Local context matters. The availability of places, building condition and leadership capacity all shape whether conversion is viable. But, the experience of the past two decades suggests that, where carefully managed, conversion can preserve provision, widen access and deliver strong outcomes.

As debates about school funding and the future of private education continue, independent to state conversion is likely to resurface.

If the route is to become viable again, greater clarity is necessary. A clear and permanent pathway – assessed case by case and aligned with local need – would reduce uncertainty. Drawing on the more flexible elements of earlier academy reforms and providing practical support during transition could make the process more workable.

Wales U20s went up against their senior counterparts in a full-contact training session on Friday

Wales U20s centre Steffan Emanuel caught the eye of the senior squad as the two teams faced each other in a full-contact session on Friday morning.

This week has seen a host of Wales squad members released back to their clubs for this weekend’s URC action, in a far cry from previous regimes – meaning Steve Tandy is significantly lighter on numbers in the only fallow week of the tournament.

Richard Whiffin’s U20s squad have also seen some players go back to clubs – with Carwyn Leggatt-Jones and Tom Bowen on domestic duty on Friday.

As such, the U20s offered up some stern opposition in training to end the week in a full contact session.

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“They have got a very good team,” said Wales full-back Blair Murray. “They showed their class against Scotland with the win that they had.

“They’ve been playing really well.

“Steffan Emanuel is a class player isn’t he? He’s probably the standout for me.”

The teenage centre has already impressed for Cardiff’s senior side this season, while he’s made an impression as Wales U20s’ co-captain in this year’s Six Nations.

He’s not the only young Wales player catching the eye, either, with fellow U20s international Bowen earning rave reviews from Irish pundit Ian Madigan on Friday night.

Speaking ahead of Cardiff’s win over Leinster, Madigan said of the 19-year-old on Premier Sports: “He is the real deal.

“I actually watched him in the warm-up game at Cardiff when they played Leinster in Dublin earlier in the season.

“I hadn’t heard of him before then, but he is Shane Williams 2.0. He is nippy, has great footwork and great top-end speed.

“He skinned a couple of the Leinster players in that warm-up game. He offers something different.

“He is a guy you want to get in possession at the line, using his footwork. When you get front-foot ball and you get Tom Bowen on the ball, he is lethal.”

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Whiffin’s U20s side beat Scotland last week, having pushed England and France close in their previous two games.

As for Tandy’s men, they’re still looking for their first victory after the narrow defeat to Scotland in Cardiff last Saturday.

Kimberley Burnside, 40, and Paul Burnside, 44, set up Bobbie’s Walkers in January 2024 after finding kennels impersonal when trying to arrange care for their pets during family holidays.

Faced with limited options, the pair decided to create the kind of service they would want for their own dogs.

Paul initially balanced the venture with his job as a hospital porter, but demand has since surged.

Paul with his dog walking business van (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

The dog walking arm of the business is now close to closing its books and he has moved into it full time.

Alongside the success of Bobbie’s Walkers, Kimberley has launched Marley’s Groom Room, expanding the couple’s canine offering.

In August 2025, as she continued her training for a nursing degree, she had the idea of starting a dog grooming business. Now, with only around six months left of her course, her focus is shifting.

She hopes to expand the grooming side and make it her priority, potentially only nursing one or two days a week instead.

The inside of the new grooming facility in the couple’s garden (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

She said: “With only around six months left of university I am hoping to expand and focus on the dog grooming as a priority and maybe nursing one or two days a week because dog grooming really has my heart.”

Marley’s Groom Room operates from a new premises in the couple’s garden, designed to accommodate larger breeds as well as smaller dogs. The studio features a double walk-in shower, removing the need to lift bigger dogs into a bath.

The new grooming facility in the couple’s garden (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

Mrs Burnside completed her training with a woman who once won Crufts and gained her Level 2 certificate.

She grooms no more than four dogs a day but usually limits it to around three to ensure every animal receives individual attention.

A big bernoodle in the new walk in shower (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

She said: “The new studio helps me have bigger dogs as there is now a double walk in shower so I don’t have to lift them to get in the bath so it has been perfect.

“It is really personable and we get to know the dog, play with them, run around the garden if they need and take the time to build report so that they always feel secure and safe.”

Little Maggie having a lay down after her walk with Paul and groom with Kimberley (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

Bobbie, the black lab and Marley the golden lab (Image: KIMBERLEY BURNSIDE)

The couple describe themselves as dog mad and have embraced the lifestyle fully. Their summer house and large garden space allow dogs room to relax and play, and some even enjoy a full day package, heading out on walks with Paul before going straight to grooming with Kimberley.

Both of the business names also carry special meaning to the pair. Marley’s Groom Room is named after their beloved golden Labrador, lost in January 2024. Bobbie’s Walkers honours their black lab, Bobbie, who died in July 2023.

It marks the end of a winter that will be remembered for its “relentless rain”

We’ve reached the end of February already and this weekend marks the official start of spring. That’s welcome news after a winter that has felt, for many of us, like a season stuck on repeat.

The UK has experienced a conveyor belt of low-pressure systems, prolonged rainfall, and little sunshine between December and February, according to forecasters.

The Met Office says this winter will be remembered for its “relentless rain”, with provisional figures showing many areas of the UK suffered very wet conditions over the season.

READ MORE: Northern Ireland has been relentlessly miserable this year and there’s no sign of it ending

Early provisional weather statistics show that rainfall so far this winter (up to and including Wednesday 25 February), is tracking 9% above the long-term meteorological average (LTA) for the whole of winter – wet, but nowhere near record-breaking territory.

The figures showed England experienced 35% more rain than the long-term average, Wales saw 14% more and Northern Ireland saw 25% more.

Mike Kendon, a senior scientist at the Met Office, said that while this winter did not break any national records for rainfall, it will be remembered for its “relentless rain as much as its intensity”.

He said: “A near-continuous run of Atlantic systems over the past three months has brought persistent rain, damaging storms and few dry spells.”

In the UK, meteorological spring always begins on March 1 and ends on May 31, with the three‑month season allowing scientists to compare long‑term climate records more easily.

For now, here’s what to expect for the coming days in Northern Ireland:

Saturday:

A dry morning with some long spells of sunshine. Turning cloudier through the afternoon as rain spreads eastwards. Maximum temperature 8°C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain on Sunday and Monday as winds strengthen, some drier and brighter intervals possible. Drier Tuesday with just the odd shower possible and sunny spells.

UK long range weather forecast: Wednesday 4 March – Friday 13 March

Much of this period looks like being largely dominated by high pressure, especially towards the south or southeast of the UK.

This will mean many places seeing plenty of dry weather with variable cloud amounts and some sunshine, the best of this towards the south or southeast, but perhaps with some fog overnight.

However, frontal systems are still likely to affect the north and west of the UK at times though, maybe also briefly affecting other parts, bringing some rain and strong winds, and perhaps a little snow to the high ground in the north.

Temperatures will be near or above normal, although patchy overnight frost is still likely at times.

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Shoppers are sharing before and after photos of the red light therapy device now £160 down from £199.99

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Customers are posting their before and after images following use of a new LED Eye Mask that addresses the signs of ageing. Shoppers can secure 20% off a Keskine LED Eye Mask on the Keskine website using code EYE20, reducing the price to £160 from £199.99 on the website – a total discount of £39.99.

According to Keskine, the newly-launched eye mask can promote collagen regeneration and diminish dry lines and wrinkles. The brand states it features clinically proven wavelengths of red light and near infrared (633NM + 830NM), with 80 LEDs in total.

According to Harvard, red light therapy is known medically as photobiomodulation and previously called low-level laser light therapy. It involves using devices that emit red or near-infrared light directed at the skin.

READ MORE:

It functions by stimulating mitochondria, which are tiny powerhouses in cells, the article states, to reduce inflammation and enhance the production of collagen, which essentially makes skin firmer and more supple. Research has further indicated that red light therapy can help to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, lighten dark spots, smooth skin texture, reduce redness, accelerate wound healing, boost hair regrowth, minimise scars and ease acne.

To use Keskine’s eye mask, firstly, they advise conducting a sensitivity test 24 hours before the initial use. Then cleanse and dry the skin, switch the device on to begin a five-minute session, remove the gadget and wipe it clean, and then store it away safely, reports the Mirror.

Keskine LED Eye Mask

£199.99

£160

Keskine

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The Keskine LED Eye Mask is currently available with a 20% discount on the Keskine website using code .

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Regarding battery life, the eye mask requires approximately six to eight hours to charge and the device is entirely ‘pain free’, according to the site.

A pricier alternative currently available is the Shark CyroGlow Under Eye Cooling LED Face Mask for £299.99 from Argos, which has received positive ratings from customers. This product is the ‘UK’s first LED light therapy mask to offer under-eye cooling technology’, and it works to help soothe, depuff and tighten under eyes in three to 15 minutes, the site states.

Boots also stocks the Lumin Luminator LED Eye Mask for £109, offering a more affordable choice. This model is designed for comfort and convenience, featuring a soft silicone pad and an adjustable strap to ensure a secure fit.

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Returning to Keskine, though, the LED Eye Mask has received favourable reviews from users who reported seeing results after four weeks.

One customer said: “It is astonishing to see how technology with beauty devices has improved. It’s almost like a product brought in by aliens. Superb results!” Another added: “The results within a month is amazing considering I only used it six times. I am sure with consistent use my wrinkles will completely disappear.”

Whilst there were no negative reviews for the eye mask specifically, customers did visit Trustpilot to share their opinions on Keskine as a brand. One said about the hair removal kit: “Great product which does exactly what it says. Had a fault after a few months but was replaced with a new machine. Great customer service. Would highly recommend.”

Overall, most individuals were satisfied, as another commented: “I have always had redness under my eyes and constantly having to use makeup it ruined my confidence. Decided to try the Keskine LED eye mask and it has vanished within one month of use.”

Here are your rugby morning headlines for Saturday, February 28.

‘Lethal Tom Bowen is the real deal’

Wales prospect Tom Bowen is “the real deal” and has been branded “Shane Williams 2.0” by former Ireland international Ian Madigan.

Bowen is the hottest prospect in Welsh rugby and it is understood that La Rochelle have even enquired about the Cardiff Rugby flyer in recent weeks.

It seems to be a case of when – not if – he gets his senior call-up to the Welsh side, having starred for Wales U20s in this Six Nations campaign so far.

Speaking ahead of Cardiff’s win over Leinster on Friday night, Madigan said on Premier Sports of the 19-year-old: “He is the real deal.

“I actually watched him in the warm-up game at Cardiff when they played Leinster in Dublin earlier in the season.

“I hadn’t heard of him before then, but he is Shane Williams 2.0. He is nippy, has great footwork and great top-end speed.

“He skinned a couple of the Leinster players in that warm-up game. He offers something different.

“He is a guy you want to get in possession at the line, using his footwork.

“When you get front-foot ball and you get Tom Bowen on the ball, he is lethal.”

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Controversial Springbok finds new club

Controversial former South Africa winger Aphiwe Dyantyi has found a new club in Europe.

Having recently had stints with the Bulls and Sharks, the 31-year-old has joined third tier French outfit Narbonne. Dyantyi was previously banned for four years after testing positive for several prohibited substances in an out-of-competition sample in 2019.

The year before, he had been crowned World Rugby breakthrough player of the year. The ban ruled him out of the 2019 World Cup and ended his Test career.

“A powerful and impactful centre or winger, Aphiwe Dyantyi is recognised for his speed, his capacity to penetrate defences and his game intelligence,” said a statement by Narbonne. “He arrives to bolster the Narbonne back lines at a crucial point in the season

“After returning to the field and playing consistently in recent seasons, the player now forms part of a robust sporting trajectory. This acquisition reflects the club’s ambition to equip itself to approach the season’s conclusion with aspiration, high standards, and resolve.

“Racing welcomes Aphiwe Dyantyi and eagerly anticipates seeing him perform soon in the orange and black colours.”

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Cardiff coach delighted by discipline in crucial win

Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl was delighted by his side’s disciplined performance as they edged out Leinster at the Arms Park to give their URC play-off hopes a massive boost.

The 8-7 victory ended Leinster’s 11-match winning run, with the Blue and Blacks coughing up just three penalties over the course of the 80 minutes.

“It’s obviously nice to get on the right side of the result,” said van Zyl afterwards. “We adapted well to the conditions – it wasn’t easy to play.

“Obviously the kicking came into play. Our discipline I think has been the best this season definitely and then also potentially what I can remember in my coaching experience because we only conceded three penalties, which was massive.

“They obviously conceded a few more, but it was frustrating because we had a few opportunities, especially the first half, to apply a little bit more pressure.

“But it’s always going to be tough, with knock-ons and that stuff coming into play. It wasn’t easy.

“It’s almost like a one-off game. You just felt like if you go out and try and put pressure on them, win the territory, win the possession, then we’ve got a good chance to get on top. I’m pleased with the plan and how it unfolded.

“We pride ourselves on performing at home. We want to make this place a fortress and be as good as we can at home, at the Arms Park, in front of our friends and families.”

Scotland happier with Wales win, not England triumph

Scotland prop Pierre Schoeman says that the win over Wales in Cardiff did more for Gregor Townsend’s side than their Calcutta Cup triumph the week before.

The Scots lost their opening match of the Six Nations against Italy in Rome, but have responded well. Having beaten England at Murrayfield, they came back from 20-5 down to beat Wales at the Principality Stadium.

“We spoke about it,” said the prop on Premier Sports. “The Welsh victory did more for us as a team than the England win.

“Just because of the resilience we showed, coming back at half-time. A few unforced errors, not too many big collisions to stop the gainline – Rhys Carre’s try speaks for itself.

“At half-time, we solved it. Some individual brilliant, the experience of individuals and executing things at the right time. That meant the world to us.”

Sitting second in the table, Scotland find themselves in the hunt for the title – while they would also seal a Triple Crown if they beat Ireland at the end of the tournament.

“So much (buzz) and so much confidence,” added Schoeman. “Stacking the small moments is key for the next two weeks.

“Not overthinking about Ireland and the Triple Crown. The first job is France at home here. They’re a quality side.”