Airbourne Colours, based at the airport, painted an Airbus A320-200 for Brussels Airlines donned with the Belgian favourite Tintin.

The project, which took 14 days to complete, marks the sixth “special livery” job Airbourne Colours has completed for Brussels Airlines. It is also the first project the company has caried out from Teesside.

One side of the aircraft features Tintin and the Moon, while the other shows Snowy and Captain Haddock.

The aircraft’s inaugural commercial flight was scheduled yesterday (February 13) to Milan, which is hosting the ongoing Winter Olympics.

Airbourne Colours Chief Executive Steven Darbyshire said: “We have built a strong and trusted relationship with Brussels Airlines over the years, and we are extremely proud to have delivered another bold and eye-catching special livery for the airline.

“It’s fantastic to see our Teesside team rising to the challenge on a project of this scale and profile. It shows the skill, precision and passion we have here, and we look forward to continuing with our partnership with Brussels Airlines on future projects.”

After establishing its first site at Teesside in 2024, the company expanded its operations at the airport late last year, opening a second 27,000sq ft facility and creating more jobs.

Teesside Airport Managing Director Phil Forster said: “This is another fantastic example of the work Airbourne Colours do.

“To see such a striking aircraft painted here underlines the capability and expertise we host.

“The company has made a big commitment to Teesside Airport, and this is another great example of the kind of high quality, global work now happening here day in, day out.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “To see Airbourne Colours and their trainees work on this aircraft at Teesside is another feather in the cap for both the firm and our brilliant airport.

“Airbourne Colours has been a great addition to Teesside – creating jobs, training new staff and welcoming aircraft from around the world.

“We’re looking forward to the firm having even more names from across Europe and worldwide landing and flying off from Teesside.”

The two other boys were charged with conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. They appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court and Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court respectively on Saturday, 14 February. They have been remanded into youth detention and will both appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 17 February.

A woman has shared what she said is a ‘fool proof’ way to get perfectly poached eggs in under two minutes with her unconventional method – but not everyone was convinced it worked

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Poached eggs can be a tricky dish to master. Whether they split or become overcooked, it often seems like only professional chefs can get them just right. But now, one food enthusiast has shared how she managed to get perfectly poached eggs every time, and it takes her less than two minutes to do.

Food enthusiast Elise Brulotte has amassed a massive 469,000-strong following by sharing her best recipes and cooking life hacks tricks. In one particular video, Elise demonstrated her fool-proof method for when time’s tight, allowing her to tuck into perfectly poached eggs in under two minutes.

“The random life hack that I learned and never stopped doing is microwaved poached eggs. I am always in a rush, I never have to do anything. And this hack literally saved me,” Elise stated at the beginning of her TikTok video where she showed off her poached egg hack.

With a mug positioned before her on the counter top, she proceeded to walk viewers through the simple technique – requiring nothing more than a mug and microwave.

“So you just microwave a quarter cup of water for a minute and then crack an egg in there directly from the fridge,” she explained while cracking an egg into the cup.

She then advised gently prodding the yolk with a cocktail stick, while being mindful not to pierce it completely and risk it breaking apart.

“And then you’re gonna cover it and microwave it for another 30 seconds,” she instructed before jumping ahead to reveal her finished microwave creation.

“And then you’re just gonna dump it onto a paper towel, and look how cute she is,” she remarked, admiring her poached egg before slicing it open to show off the gloriously runny yolk. “I’m gonna eat this with some sourdough toast, but it’s cooking, but look at that.”

She declared: “It’s actually perfect, it took two minutes.” However viewers were quick to flood the comments section with queries about her unconventional cooking technique.

One viewer questioned why she’d pierced the yolk beforehand, prompting another user to explain: “So it doesn’t explode.”

“Poached eggs the normal way take no time at all what u talking about!” a second viewer commented, while a third person said: “Worked fine until it didn’t. Don’t do it unless you want to spend an hour cleaning exploded egg from the microwave.”

Should you microwave eggs?

While the viewers were right to say microwaving an egg could be dangerous, there are safe ways to do it.

The reason it can be dangerous to microwave an egg is because the water inside heats quickly when microwaved which makes it turn into steam and building extreme internal pressure. This is what commonly causes eggs to explode, creating a huge, hot mess and burn hazard, even after removing them from the microwave.

To safely microwave eggs, you must break them into a dish, whisk them (like scrambled eggs), or pierce the yolk to vent steam, allowing moisture to escape slowly. So by following Elise’s instructions, your egg should cook nicely in the microwave thanks to cracking the egg in the mug and piercing the yolk before heating it.

Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking ring extended all the way to Africa’s southern coast – held together by the invisible chains of psychological bondage that kept his victims ensnared for years at a time. 

“Invisible chains is a good way to put it, it was like I was handcuffed invisibly,” says 43-year-old Juliette Bryant.

“I’d never even told my family, I never told anyone about what happened with him until he died.”

Juliette was recruited from Cape Town by Epstein in 2002, as a first-year university student and aspiring model. At only 20 years old, she thought her life was about to change for good.

“It just seemed like my dreams were all coming true because our family was struggling financially and I just really wanted to try and make a difference for my family.”

Juliette was on a flight to New York on her first overseas trip outside of South Africa, three weeks after meeting Epstein for the first time at a Cape Town restaurant with Bill Clinton, who was there on an official AIDS awareness trip accompanied by actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker.

Hours barely passed after arriving in New York City when she was told she would be travelling on to the Caribbean. A driver dropped her off at a runway at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey and she boarded a private jet where Epstein and the women she says initially recruited her in Cape Town were waiting to fly to his private island.

“He patted the chair next to him… and then I went and sat there. It was such a confusing situation for a young person to be in.

“As the plane took off, he started forcibly touching me in between my legs, and I just freaked out and I suddenly realised – oh my God, my family aren’t going to see me again, these people might kill me, you know?

“They [the women] were laughing. I was really petrified.”

It is unlikely she was the only young woman trafficked by Epstein from Cape Town. Emails from the Epstein files show flight details for unnamed female travellers being shuttled from Cape Town to London, Atlanta and New York up until late 2018.

Juliette says she was not trafficked to other men but raped by Epstein repeatedly.

“I would see him at lunch, breakfast and dinner, and then I would be called to his room. Otherwise, I didn’t see a lot of him, he was always off working.

“I spent a lot of time there on my own. I’d sit by the pool or read books, and I also found disposable cameras in the kitchen which I took to, so I took photos while I was there.”

Juliette’s photos flit between beaming smiles in the embrace of other young women and haunting portraits of desolation and loneliness.

“There was no way of getting away, you know. They had my passport and by then we had landed on one of the Caribbean islands and then were taken on a helicopter to his island. There was just no way of getting away. I’m not strong enough to swim away. I wouldn’t be able to swim off there.”

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Were Epstein’s victims secretly filmed? Sky’s Tom Cheshire investigates

Read more:
‘I am too young and he is too old’: Epstein survivors’ diaries
Epstein asked staff to install hidden video cameras at his home
How Epstein made his money

Her entrapment was more than physical. Even after she was sent back to Cape Town, she boarded more flights to Epstein’s properties in New York, Palm Beach, Paris and New Mexico where she says she met women and underage girls from Brazil, Romania, France and Spain.

Juliette tells us she is still piecing together the depth of Epstein’s dark machinery while contending with her psychological recovery and constant exposure to news about her abuser.

“I look on Facebook, I see Epstein’s face. I look on X, I see Epstein’s face. I look at the news, there it is again. You know, there are times when it’s made me feel physically ill, to be honest, it is just constantly there and there is no way of escaping it.”

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‘All horror’: Epstein survivors’ stories told for first time

The controversial US Department of Justice release of the latest Epstein files saw dozens of vulnerable victims exposed by insufficient redactions. Juliette’s emails to Epstein were published unredacted and show her expressing support for him ahead of his trial in 2008 and continuing to contact him until 2017.

“Whenever I sent emails, it was always when I had been drinking or when I was having a bit of a breakdown… I always felt like he was watching me, and that was also why I emailed.

“I have nothing to hide. It has obviously been upsetting because it confuses people because obviously the man had a terrible grip on my mind.”

It comes as the character, along with Moth and Conkers, performed in front of the studio audience and judges Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, Mo Gilligan and Maya Jama, for one last time.

Last year’s winner Pufferfish, aka Samantha Barks, known for her role in Frozen the musical, also appeared as a guest judge this evening.

Who was Toastie on The Masked Singer UK?

Toastie performed Jocelyn Brown’s A Star is Born, followed by a duet with Pufferfish (Samantha Barks) to Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves by Eurythmics.

Just some of the guesses on Saturday included Vanessa Williams, Brenda Edwards, Jennifer Hudson and Mica Paris.

But in the end, Toastie just missed out on being crowned champion of The Masked Singer this year, as they were eliminated from the final three, and told it was time to finally remove their mask.

Hiding underneath the Toastie costume was in fact Mica Paris – soul diva, actress and presenter.

After revealing her identity to the studio audience and judges, Mica said: “I’ve had the best time, it’s been amazing.

“I wanted to do it for my grandkids.

She added: “I’m so proud I made it to the final.”

Recommended reading:

Who has been unmasked on The Masked Singer UK 2026?

Here are all the characters who have been unmasked on The Masked Singer this year, prior to the final:

• Disc Jockey – Alex Jones – TV presenter on BBC’s The One Show (episode 1)
• Teabag – Professor Green – Rapper, singer and songwriter (episode 2)
• Yak – John Lydon – Sex Pistols frontman (episode 3)
• Gargoyle – Marcella Detroit – singer from Shakespears Sister (episode 4)
• Monkey Business – Kate Nash – singer and actor (episode 5)
• Artic Fox – Anton Du Beke – Strictly Come Dancing judge (episode 5)
• Red Panda – Harry Hill – comedian (episode 6)
• Sloth – Ben Fogle – TV host (semi-finals)
• Can of Worms – Marvin Humes – Radio host and singer (semi-finals)

Who was your favourite on The Masked Singer UK this year? Let us know in the comments below.

This local shop in a small corner of Carmarthenshire was saved from closure because the people who use it refused to give up. Now, a new shop is being built, complete with a cafe, which will benefit the community for generations to come

In April 2008 the UK Government announced that more than 2,000 Post Office branches across the country would close. It was a move, we were told, that would “modernize and restructure services”.

In reality its main achievement was to hurtle parts of Wales, particularly rural areas, into a modern age where community spirit is becoming harder to maintain, where neighbours are strangers, where half-an-hour drives to the nearest town offer the best opportunity of communication, companionship even.

The loss of a village shop and post office can decimate communities. Jobs are lost, social hubs wiped out. Property values go down, isolation goes up. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here.

Whether it’s a pub, a shop, a post office, a village hall, communities need something, otherwise a village is essentially just a road you travel through on your way to somewhere else.

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As part of the nationwide changes made in 2008, Dryslwyn Community Shop and Post Office, serving the hamlet of Dryslwyn and the village of Cwrt Henri in Carmarthenshire, faced up to the reality of a new way of life.

Set in the gorgeous Towy Valley between Carmarthen and Llandeilo, this community, bound together by a post office that had served its people since the mid 1800s, was to lose its focal point. It was in no way financially viable to keep the post office open, and it closed on March 28, 2009.

But thanks to dozens of volunteers, various donations, and plenty of community spirit, the shop reopened, less than a week later, on April 3, 2009, only this time as a not-for-profit, volunteer-led project which proved that if there is a will, there is always a way.

That was almost 17 years ago, and the shop is still thriving. In 2021, it won The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – the highest honour awarded to a voluntary group. It was one of the last awards signed and sealed by Queen Elizabeth II before she died the following year.

“When they said in 2008 that the post office and shop would have to close, a lot of the people around here just said ‘no’ and didn’t accept it, so everyone clubbed together, volunteers came forward and we worked with the owner of the land and the shop was saved,” said Michele Powell, a director at the shop and one of the army of volunteers who keep it running.

“It’s been a big success since then, we didn’t even close during Covid-19. We have two part-time staff but everybody else who works here is a volunteer – there’s around 40 of us, all from the local area.

“We’re a not-for-profit organisation so everything we make just goes back into the shop, and we also provide grants to other local organisations.”

While the shop continues to thrive, it is about to embark on a new chapter which will safeguard its future for generations. The existing building will return to its owner, and the community shop will be relocated to an adjacent piece of land in a new 2,000 sq ft building which will boast not just a shop and post office but also a cafe.

The idea was first discussed as something of a dream years ago and now, with construction under way following the gifting of a piece of land by local man Tom Lloyd, that dream will become a reality this autumn when the new shop is set to have its grand opening.

“We had been thinking about a move for a while,” said Michele. “I mean, this place is lovely, but it can be a bit cold and there’s no toilet! The owners have been very supportive, but a change in their plans gave us that bit of a kick to get on with our plans.”

Michele added: “Without a local shop, people wouldn’t know each other. We support people. We know what they want, they ring us up, we put things aside for them. We know we’re not going to get people doing their weekly shop here but it’s a vital part of the community.

“The new building will expand on that; there will be more space for people to meet up, there will be more parking, and a cafe.

“It’s very exciting. I was in a pub up the road the other day and people kept asking about the new shop, so there’s definitely a buzz about it. It’s just brilliant for Dryslywn and Cwrt Henri and for the future of the wider community.

“We’ve evolved as a shop because we’ve had to. We’re small but we can react in ways that a big supermarket can’t because we know our customers and they tell us what they want.

“There will always be a call for a local shop, for people who don’t want to drive miles and miles to the nearest big shop in a town. And of course, people love coming in for a chat!”

Strolling around the Dryslwyn Community Shop and Post Office is like taking a warm and reassuring walk back in time; it has a nostalgic sheen to it which reminds you of what every village once had but many have since lost.

Pens, Sellotape, glue, newspapers, Welsh tea towels, magazines, a book swap service, ring binders, wellies, milk, groceries, fresh (and very nice!) chicken salad rolls……there’s also a side room you can use as an internet cafe with printing facilities. They think of everything here.

Another volunteer who helps make the local shop tick is Nigel Jones. He always had something of a calling to one day work in a post office.

“My wife started volunteering here because it’s up the road from us, and then a couple of years later I started too,” said Nigel, who is chair of the new build project, SiopNEWydd Dryslwyn.

“My father ran a post office in Llanybydder for years so it felt a bit like going back to my roots; as a kid I was used to post office life!

“The project for the new shop really got off the ground during Covid, when we had a lot of meetings online, and then we had meetings where the community just told us what they wanted. The message was clear: they wanted to keep the shop and the post office, and also add a cafe, if it could be done.

“We’re very fortunate that the land owner gifted us half an acre of land to build the new shop on, while the existing tenant using the land kindly agreed to end his tenancy early.”

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Volunteers have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure grant funding from the UK Government, the Welsh Government, the National Lottery, and various charitable organisations.

“We have a local volunteer called Dr Rosie Plummer who has put all the grant applications together and it’s been a remarkable success,” said Nigel.

In total the project is expected to cost more than £1m and promises to be “light in its environmental impact, big in its social impact”.

The community may need to source even more volunteers for the new venture if how busy business already seems to be is anything to go by.

Talking to Nigel on a typical Tuesday morning is difficult because he keeps being called back to fulfil his till duties as customers bustle in and out of the shop.

“It was a bit of a dream previously and I think some people thought it might never happen, but it’s very exciting because you can see it happening now, you can see it being built,” said Nigel.

“Having a bigger premises with a cafe will be a big change. Some people don’t want to have a cup of tea when they come here in case they need to use the toilet and we don’t have one!

“So the new building will be totally different. It will bring new challenges and that’s what it’s all about.”

The importance of securing the shop’s future is not lost on anyone connected to it.

“It’s so important for everyone because it means they can get out and about without having to travel into towns all the time just to get basic goods,” said Nigel.

“The cafe will only add to that. We haven’t got the room here for people to have a sit down and a chat, so the new building will give people that opportunity.

“It’s been a long and winding road but we’ve always been heading in the right direction! Planning permission came through in 2023 but getting to that point was the easy bit. There’s more work to be done but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel now.

“Without the volunteers there would be no shop at all, it’s as simple as that. It’s about people giving something back, and it says a lot about a local community that there are so many people willing to give up their time.”

With the hard work, dedication and commitment shown by a small group of people, this shop, which in reality is so much more than that, has thrived since disaster almost struck 17 years ago.

And with a new building on the way which guarantees its future, this community hub will continue to bring people together, just as it did two centuries ago.

In a Valentine’s Day Truth Social message, President Donald Trump railed against “jerk” TV host Bill Maher for being “anti Trump” on his show, despite the two enjoying a “great dinner” together at the White House last year.

The president, who often uses his social media to lash out at late-night hosts, claimed he had indulged Maher’s request to have dinner at the White House, and even invited him to the White House Christmas Party, only to have Maher insult him on Real Time with Bill Maher.

“I’d much rather spend my time MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN than wasting it on him,” Trump wrote Saturday. “Bill continues to suffer from a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS!), and there is nothing that will ever be done to cure him of this very serious disease.”

Hitting at Maher, Trump said the late-night host was “extremely nervous” and “had ZERO confidence” when he met him last year in the Oval Office.

“To soothe his nerves, immediately, within seconds, asked for a ‘Vodka Tonic,’” Trump wrote, later calling Maher an “underrated lightweight.”

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“I’ve never felt like this before, I’m actually scared,” Trump claimed Maher said to him. The president went on to say that Maher “seemed to be a great guy” and was “very respectful” about their meeting on his show.

However, his opinion on Maher seems to have changed after comments made on his show Friday evening, in which he mocked the president for writing on Truth Social that China will take over Canada and “terminate all ice hockey.”

“What the f***,” Maher said on his show after reading Trump’s Truth Social post out loud. “I think this is the kinda thing that is causing his popularity to go down.”

The president insisted he “jokingly” remarked about China taking over Canada and terminating ice hockey.

“He went on and on about the Hockey statement, like ‘What kind of a person would say such a foolish thing as this,’ as though I were being serious when I said it,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Despite his frustration, Trump said he thought Maher was still “slightly more talented” than fellow late night hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, or Stephen Colbert.

The Independent has asked Maher’s representative for comment.

open image in gallery

Maher, known for his political satire, often uses his show to bring on a diverse group of voices in an effort to unify the country at a polarizing time.

Last year, Maher dined with Trump, alongside Kid Rock and Dana White, at the White House. Afterward, he gave a relatively positive review of the president, calling him “gracious.”

But Trump appeared angry Saturday that Maher has returned to criticizing him and his administration, rather than acknowledging his perceived successes such as the Dow hitting 50,000 points and Trump’s immigration agenda.

“Fortunately, his Television Ratings are so low that nobody will learn about his various Fake News statements about me.”,Trump wrote.

The White House mansion’s eastern facade appears to have been “excellently preserved” when demolition crews tore down the East Wing to make way for President Donald Trump’s planned ballroom, an administration official said in a memo made public Friday.

Contractors took pains to protect the White House residence during demolition, keeping heavy equipment at a safe distance and removing some pieces by hand, Joshua Fisher, director of the White House Office of Administration, wrote to the commission charged with approving plans for Trump’s ballroom. Some sections of the building were stabilized ahead of time, and vibration and crack movement were monitored, he wrote.

The National Capital Planning Commission, which is led by a top Trump aide, had requested more details about the demolition that began with little advance notice last fall. The agency has jurisdiction over construction and major renovations to government buildings in the region.

The East Wing demolition prompted a public outcry when it began without the independent reviews, congressional approval and public comment that are typical for even relatively minor modifications to historic buildings in Washington. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to halt construction of the ballroom.

The memo documents the history of the East Wing dating back to Thomas Jefferson’s presidency and lays out the White House’s justification for tearing it down, saying it was not feasible to preserve it while meeting Trump’s goals for the project. The completed ballroom will include an improved visitors center for security screening and will lessen the need for road closures during major events, Fisher wrote.

Curators documented and preserved artwork, furniture and other items of historical significance, including “the East Wing cornerstone and plaque, movie theater furniture, the East Colonnade columns, the Porte-cochere columns, interior wood paneling, chandeliers, historic windows and doors, and other hardware and fixtures,” he wrote.

“Our goal is to ensure that some of these items will be integrated into the new structure,” Fisher added.

Engineers are studying whether the West Colonnade, which connects the White House residence to the West Wing offices, can support a second story that would make it more visually symmetrical with plans for a larger East Colonnade connecting to the ballroom, the memo said. No decisions have been made.

The White House also submitted the most detailed renderings of the ballroom published to date. It shows a massive new building that dwarfs the size of the demolished East Wing and matches the height of the historic White House mansion.

The project is scheduled for discussion during a March 5 meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission.

The Office for Product and Safety Standards (OPSS) issued recall alerts for items sold at some of the UK’s biggest retailers in recent weeks.

Customers are urged to stop using the products immediately and follow the instructions in the recall alerts.

These are the product recalls you should be aware of.

Asda recall

Asda is urgently recalling a children’s toy sold in the UK supermarket because it poses a “choking risk”.

The supermarket giant issued an urgent recall for its Hapello Power Train on Thursday February 12.

It was found that in some cases the toy may release the orange steam dome from the top of the train, meaning the toy could pose a choking hazard to users.

In light of this, Asda are urging anyone who bought the toy to ‘stop using it immediately’ and have pulled it from their shelves online and in-store.

(Image: Kennedy News & Media)

The recall affects products with the barcode number 5063089308547.

Shoppers who bought the toy, which was sold between August 2024 and February 2026, are urged to return it to their nearest store for a full refund.

An Asda spokesperson said: “We’ve found that in some cases this product may release the orange steam dome from the top of the train (circled above), which could pose as a small part choking hazard.

“We’ve taken the decision to recall the product.

“If you’ve purchased the Hapello Power Train, please bring it back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund.

“You don’t need your receipt. The product was sold between 2024 and 2026.

“We’re very sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you’d like any further information, please contact: Asda Customer Relations – 0330 053 0111.”

Peppa Pig recall

Ladybird has been forced to recall Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee books due to a potential “choking hazard”.

The publisher Penguin Random House UK has issued an urgent product recall of specific printings of Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee books.

The books affected by the recall include a glitter varnish finish on the covers that is lifting and can be peeled off.

It warns that small flakes of glitter varnish could present a choking hazard to small children.

null (Image: Kennedy News and Media)

A report issued by the Office for Product Safety and Standards last week states the books pose a particular threat to children under 36 months who have a natural curiosity to place objects in their mouths.

Safety chiefs warn that the product does not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

Shoppers are being urged by both the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the publisher to remove the book from small children and return it to the retailer for a full refund.

A Ladybird spokesperson said: “As a precautionary measure, Ladybird are voluntarily recalling copies from specific printings of the above Peppa Pig and Hey Duggee books because of the discovery of a manufacturing fault where the glitter varnish finish on the cover of the books is lifting and can be peeled off.

“Small flakes of the glitter varnish could be a choking hazard to small children.

“The issue relates to a limited number of printings dating from 2020 and 2021 which were manufactured at a specific printer in the United Kingdom.”

The affected ISBN number for Peppa Meets Father Christmas is 9780241321539, Peppa’s Night Before Christmas is 9780241448625, Peppa Loves Easter is 9780241476406, Peppa Goes to Hollywood is 9780241476772 and Duggee and the Christmas Badge is 9781405947350.

The issue affects a number of printings from 2020 and 2021.

Boots recall

Shoppers at Boots and TK Maxx are being urged to stop using an eye cream “immediately” because of a risk of skin damage.

An urgent recall has been issued for the Hello Sunday The One For Your Eyes Mineral Eye Cream SPF50 after recent quality testing revealed it has a lower SPF level than is listed on the label.

Hello Sunday said they were “voluntarily” recalling the eye cream, which had been sold at Boots and TK Maxx, after testing reported lower SPF levels than declared.

As a result, the product may not provide adequate protection and could increase the risk of sun-related skin damage.

null (Image: Kennedy News & Media)

Boots and Tk Maxx are urging anyone who bought the eye cream, to “stop using it immediately” and return it for a full refund.

The recall affects all batch numbers and expiring dates.

A Boots spokesman said: “Recent test results by the brand showed the product failed to meet the level of SPF stated on the product label.

“As such, the product is being immediately recalled.

“Customers are asked to stop using the product immediately and to return the product to the point of sale for a full refund.

“If customers purchased the product through an authorised retail partner, they should contact them directly for a refund.

“If you purchased the product from Boots, please return to your local store for a refund.”

Hello Sunday said they had not received reports of any incidents related to the issue, but were still “proactively and voluntarily recalling” the product.

Tesco recall

null (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

Tesco shoppers have been issued a warning to stop using a mug sold by the supermarket giant.

A recall has been issued ahead of Valentine’s Day on a novelty mug that shoppers may be tempted to buy for their partners.

Tesco issued a product recall of the F&F Home ‘Valentine’s You’ll Do’ XL Mug after discovering the potential risk of the mug cracking.

The report claims that a small number of customers reported the mug may crack when boiling water is poured into it, causing a potential safety risk.

In a statement to shoppers, Tesco asked that the mugs be returned to supermarkets for a full refund.

Customers were also urged to stop using them immediately.

A Tesco spokesman said: “We’re recalling all batches of the F&F Home ‘Valentine’s You’ll Do’ XL Mug.

“This is due to a small number of customer reports that the mug may crack when boiling water is poured into it, presenting a potential safety risk.

“If you’ve bought an affected product, please stop using it immediately.

“Instead, return it to a Tesco store where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required.

“Use our store locator to find your nearest Tesco UK or Tesco Ireland store.

Recommended Reading:

“If you need more information and are in Ireland, please contact Tesco Customer Services on 1800 248 123.

“If you are in the UK, you find a range of ways to get in touch via our contact us page.”

Hobbycraft recall

null (Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

Arts and crafts supplier Hobbycraft has issued a recall for one of its DIY craft boxes, suitable for children.

After independent testing of its Giant Box of Craft, containing a children’s sand product, traces of asbestos have been identified.

The company says it has been found “in a limited number of samples”.

Immediately, the product was removed from sale following the concerns raised and Hobbycraft says “there is no evidence of any injury or harm to customers.”

Hobbycraft confirmed some of its Giant Box of Craft items contain asbestos (Image: Hobbycraft)

Hobbycraft added: “In co-ordination with Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety & Standards, we are voluntarily recalling the Giant Box of Craft with immediate effect.

“This recall is being undertaken as a precaution, in line with regulatory guidance and our own commitment to product safety.”

If you bought the Giant Box of Craft product, which contains 1,000 pieces of craft supplies and costs £6, you are advised to stop using it and keep it out of reach of children.

UK High Street shops that no longer exist

Hobbycraft said: “Full instructions on safe handling, disposal and refunds are available on our website, through our customer services team, and in stores, and we are in the process of proactively contacting customers where we have their contact details.”

Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose recall

Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose are urging dog owners not to feed a recalled pet food to their dogs because it may contain pieces of plastic.

The retail giants have recalled the Lily’s Kitchen Pasta al Ragu with beef, oregano and basil after the manufacturer due to potential plastic contamination.

Shoppers who bought the dog food are being advised to return it to their local store for a full refund.

The affected product is the 400g can and affects all the stock with the best before date of July 31, 2027.

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A Lily’s Kitchen spokesperson, via the Tesco recall, asked customers to accept their ‘heartfelt apologies’ for the inconvenience.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “Lily’s Kitchen is recalling a specific batch of Lily’s Kitchen Pasta al Ragu with Beef, Oregano and Basil Dog Food 400g.

“This is because this product may contain pieces of plastic. If you have bought an affected product, please do not feed it to your pets.

“Instead, contact Lily’s Kitchen via phone: 0207 433 1863 or email hello@lilyskitchen.co.uk .

“Please be assured no other products are affected by this voluntary recall. Lily’s Kitchen has isolated the issue and are confident that they have resolved this matter.

“Please accept Lily’s Kitchen’s heartfelt apologies for the inconvenience.”

A Morrisons spokesperson added: “We have been informed by the Brand Owner that the product may contain small pieces of plastic. As such they are requesting that we recall this product from sale.

“If you have purchased this product, please don’t use it and return it to us for a full refund. We don’t need a receipt.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and assure customers of our continuing commitment to the highest standard of product quality and safety.

“Thank you for shopping with us and if you need more information please contact Morrisons Online Service Department on 0345 322 0000.”

A Waitrose spokesperson said: “We are recalling Lily’s Kitchen Pasta al Ragu 400g due to plastic contamination.

“Do not feed to your pets. Package up the item. Return the product to your local Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund.

“Contact: Waitrose Customer Care 0800 188 884. We apologise that it has been necessary to recall the product and for the inconvenience caused.”

Hot water bottle Recall

A hot water bottle sold online has been urgently recalled due to a potential fire risk.

The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued the alert for the Southern Arbor Electric Rechargeable Hot Water Bottle, which was listed on TikTok Shop and found to pose a “serious risk of fire.”

The OPSS warned the product could ignite while charging, especially if misused without proper instructions.

The OPSS recall notice said: “This product presents a serious risk of fire because there is a lack of thermal protection to prevent overheating when it is subject to misuse.

“As there are no supplied instructions, it is possible that no water will be added to the product, and while it is plugged in and charging it may ignite while the user is not present, causing harm to consumer and home.”

The recall was issued on Monday and includes model QM-01, PSD number 2511-0055, with barcode 69615846554 and serial/batch number 54513127286.

Other safety concerns include an adaptor with incorrectly sized pins, which does not meet UK electrical standards.

The product fails to comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the Plugs & Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994.

As a result, it has been removed from TikTok Shop and recalled from end users.

Consumers are advised to stop using the product immediately and contact the distributor to request redress.

TikTok has been approached for comment.

Edson Brandao, who turns 60 in late February, has revealed the three-ingredient morning drink he consumes daily which helps him to maintain his youthful appearance

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Maintaining youthful-looking skin requires considerable effort, though it’s certainly achievable. Whether you’re taking daily collagen supplements or maintaining a regular fitness routine, establishing an effective regimen can take time and money.

One gentleman who prioritises his appearance is Edson Brandao – and he shared how others can follow suit. The 59-year-old Brazilian, who turns 60 in February, authored Young After 40: The Definitive Guide to Stay Younger and Healthier where he outlines his secrets to maintaining an ageless look. He’s also accustomed to sharing his anti-ageing strategies with his social media following – and his most recent post proves no exception.

Sharing with his 731,000 Instagram followers, Edson disclosed that he drinks a three-ingredient beverage every morning which he maintains offers numerous health advantages.

He wrote: “Why do I drink chia water every day?” The video then provided details about the drink, described as the “most powerful natural detox drink on Earth”.

It continued: “The seeds absorb the water and form a gel called mucilage, this gel goes into your gut cleans your intestines, soft brushes toxins, reduces bloating and keeps you full for hours and that’s just the beginning.

“This simple drink helps balance blood sugar levels, cuts cravings, boosts metabolism, supports heart health with omega-3 and even hydrates your skin from the inside.”

The video also revealed the ‘real secret’ which entails adding lemon juice to ‘supercharge it’. This citrus fruit also provides vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals and assists your liver in burning fat, supporting digestion, reducing water retention and promoting clearer skin.

To prepare the drink, combine water with chia seeds then allow 10-15 minutes for absorption. To enhance it further, squeeze in half a lemon, stir and consume it on an empty stomach.

In the video, the information concluded: “Do this for just 7 days, your stomach gets so much flatter, skin looks fresher and your energy goes up.”

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Healthline reports chia seeds and water offer numerous benefits. It said: “Eating them soaked in water may help promote hydration, healthy digestion, and lower hunger, which can support weight loss goals.

“They’re a good source of fibre, protein, unsaturated fats, and antioxidants. They also include several important micronutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.”

It also states chia seeds in water may reduce high blood pressure and inflammation, while offering benefits for heart health, bone health, blood sugar management and potential skin benefits.

The NHS recommends people should incorporate 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds into their meals.

Ensure you consult your GP or pharmacist if you wish to lose weight safely, alternatively visit the NHS website for additional guidance.