Pupils from Barnard Castle Preparatory School chose to study a cast of famous people, from cinematic and music greats to explorers and scientists, as they celebrated World Book Day in style.

Elton Johns galore vied for attention with Lewis Hamiltons, David Attenboroughs, Queen Elizabeth, and Audrey Hepburn.

On the same page L-R, Francesca Lau, Max Smith and Harry Quaintrell (Image: Supplied)

The ‘Little People Big Dreams’ themed day began in the hall with a catwalk spectacular as pupils of all ages and staff showcased their costumes.

They then returned to class to study their chosen character, stopping randomly to read a book when they heard music over the radio.

Prep School reading lead Katie Shearn said: “It has been a lovely day, from striking a pose onthe catwalk to taking part in character themed sports activities and a big quiz.

Albert Einstein gets his teeth stuck into a World Book Day quiz (Image: Supplied)

“Pupils also took home something new to read after a book swap and it’s been great hearing them talk abouttheir books and characters.

“Reading is at the heart of everything we do; it covers every subject. We strive to inspire alove of reading in children as it is something that opens up new worlds to them.

“There is asbook for everyone, it is escapism and fabulous for mental health and wellbeing.”

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February is such a short month that March comes around rather abruptly – and I always find Mother’s Day arrives out of absolutely nowhere.

I’ve spent many a year pulling together gift guides for various occasions, but now I’m a mum – and have friends who are too – I feel like I’ve got a better grasp of what mothers might actually like come 15 March (that’s UK Mother’s Day, FYI).

Sleep is top of the list (it’s also free, winner), as is ‘me-time’. Personally, I feel like flowers and really good quality chocolates never go amiss.

If you’re after something guaranteed to bring a smile to her face come Mothering Sunday, here’s what’s top of my list…

Always check the fabric composition of a silk pillowcase before you buy. Cheap “silk” pillowcases tend to be made from 100 per cent polyester, mimicking its feel through a satin weave. These may appear shiny but they lack silk’s natural properties, resulting in a fabric that feels hot, uncomfortable and slightly staticky.

For moisture retention, temperature regulation and hair cuticle protection, you need real mulberry silk. Or if you want a vegan alternative, look for pillowcases derived from natural fabrics, such as eucalyptus. Still, Vowler says to be realistic about the results you expect: “They can’t undo breakage, but they can protect your hair from tangles and future breakage.”

Next, consider momme count, the silk equivalent of a thread count. Higher counts feel softer and are more durable. Vowler says to look for between 19 and 22. Silk quality is also graded, with 6A being the finest available. Many brands don’t list this but where possible, we have listed this below.

Finally, silk pillowcases have more slip than standard cotton bedding. If you move a lot at night, choose a zip closure over an envelope for a more secure finish

The three boys were convicted at Southampton Crown Court on Thursday 5 March

Three teenage boys as young as 13 have been convicted of raping two girls in January 2025 and November 2024. The defendants, who were aged 13, 14 and 14 at the time of the offences, cannot be named for legal reasons.

The defendants were convicted on Thursday, March 5, at Southampton Crown Court after two separate incidents of rape, including a knife-point rape and other serious sexual offences, against two teenage girls in Hampshire.

The court heard that the victims, aged 14 and 15, were attacked in separate incidents less than two months apart and were physically overpowered. The girls did not know one another.

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In January 2025, a 14‑year‑old girl was assaulted after becoming separated from her friends. She was threatened with a knife and forced to leave her mobile phone and AirTag in a shop so that her movements could not be tracked, before being taken to a secluded area.

Two defendants took it in turns to rape the victim while the others encouraged the offending and filmed the assaults. The defendants left the scene when they believed they had been disturbed. The victim was later found distressed and reported the incident to police.

Forensic evidence supported the victim’s account, including damage to her trousers consistent with the use of a sharp instrument.

The investigation later identified a second victim, aged 15, who was raped in November 2024 by two of the same defendants, both aged 14 at the time.

The court heard that the victim had met one of the defendants online and travelled alone to meet him. They were later joined by another boy and taken to an underpass, where she was raped by both of them.

Lucy Paddick, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “This is a deeply concerning case which involved a disturbing level of encouragement between young boys, who acted together to rape two young girls in separate incidents.

“These girls were forced into sexual activity by boys who brazenly filmed the deeply distressing incidents.

“After speaking with the victims in this case and reviewing an extensive file of evidence, it was the Crown Prosecution Service’s case that these girls were violated and could not have consented to these terrifying encounters.

“The CPS worked closely with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to support the victims and other young witnesses to give their evidence, and we commend them for the courage they showed throughout this trial.

“Our lawyers will work tirelessly to pursue justice for victims, and we will continue to hold those responsible for crimes of this devastating nature to account, regardless of their age.”

The three defendants were convicted at Southampton Crown Court after a five-week trial. The convictions included rape and taking indecent images of a child, and they are to be sentenced at a later date.

World Book Day, March 5, is an annual celebration of authors, illustrators, books, and the joy of reading.

St Paul’s theme was the ‘Wonderful World of Words’, with children demonstrating a word of choice displayed on their costumes.

Mrs Emma Hargreaves, the school’s assistant headteacher and English lead, told The Bolton News: “We had a special parade today, celebrating the wonderful words’ theme.

“The children dressed up as a specific word to help bring vocabulary to life.

“They researched their word, created a costume, and then paraded, promoting literacy and a love of words.”

Year One (Image: NQ)

Mrs Hargreaves explained that the theme allowed the children to explore words without the financial pressure of having to go out and buy a costume.

“It brings out the creativity in our children, and we find that they really engage with it.

“It turns vocabulary into a visual and fun event.”

Year Six (Image: NQ)

Mrs Hargreaves added that this year World Book Day falls within the National Year of Reading 2026, a UK-wide campaign designed to inspire more people to make reading a regular part of their lives.

“It’s all about encouraging a love of reading and reading for pleasure, something that we promote throughout the year with our reading ambassadors, reading café, and reading buddies.

“It builds that love of words, books, and reading for our children.”

The day began with the school gathering in the hall, where pupils showed off their word choices to friends and teachers.

Nursery and the ‘Little Saints’ (Image: NQ)

Each year group took to the stage to parade their words and applaud one another’s hard work.

Even the teachers had the chance to show off, much to the amusement of the children.

St Paul’s staff (Image: NQ)

The Bolton News then went to say hello to each year group, from nursery and the ‘Little Saints’ right up to Year Six.

Along the way, we met Year Three pupil, Precious, who had chosen the word ‘journalist’.

Precious gave us a special St Paul’s report on their World Book Day as she led us around the school.

With bright sunshine overhead, the children of St Paul’s celebrated the joy of wonderful words.

The full notice in the Gazette reads: “The King has directed that the appointment of Stuart William Hogg to be a Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, dated 30 December 2023 shall be cancelled and annulled and that his name shall be erased from the Register of the said Order.”

It comes as the Prime Minister assured the nation ‘we can keep our people safe’

The Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued an important update for British citizens struggling to return home from destinations across the Middle East because of the continuing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.

In a social media post published shortly after 2pm on Thursday (March 5), the FCDO announced that the first government charter flight had taken off from Oman bringing British nationals back home. The flight contained a number of vulnerable people, who were prioritised as part of the repatriation mission.

The FCDO also revealed that further flights are planned in the coming days and that British citizens in Oman will be contacted as they become available.

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On Wednesday, over 4,000 people landed back in the UK on flights from the Middle East. Many of these people were due to return last weekend, but the breakout of war left them stuck in dangerous locations.

Any British nationals still seeking a way home from the affected countries have been told to register their presence so they can receive important information on the situation. This applies to anyone in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

FCDO Rapid Deployment Teams are in Oman and Saudi Arabia to assist British nationals on the ground. Thousands are expected to be making their way to the city on the southeastern Arabian Peninsula in a desperate bid to get a flight back to the UK.

Speaking from Downing Street on Thursday afternoon, Sir Keir Starmer said: “I know that people are worried sick about their family and friends who are caught up in this, about the impact on our lives and our economy, and about the potential for even greater escalation.

“They can hardly believe that, yet again, we are seeing missiles and drones falling and civilians in the firing line across the region.”

He continued: “So, I want to reassure the British public about the action that we are taking while the region has been plunged into chaos. My focus is providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest.

“That means deploying our military and diplomatic strength to protect our people, and it means having the strength to stand firm by our values and our principles, no matter the pressure to do otherwise.”

Mohammed Afzal, known to his loved ones as Isa, died after a violent incident outside Power League on Market Street, Bury on August 1 last year.

A trial at Manchester Crown Court this week found Abbas Hussain, 19, Mohammed Rayhan, also 19, and Biryan Ak, 20 all not guilty of murdering Mr Afzal.

But Hussain, formerly of Bolton and now of Prestwich, was convicted of manslaughter for his part in Mr Afzal’s death.

The trial took place at Manchester Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

During the trial opening, Jamie Hamilton KC, prosecuting, said: “The law and common sense say that people are entitled to defend themselves.

“We make it clear that Isa Afzal would have found himself in the dock of a criminal court for his conduct up to the point that he ran away.

“But both law and common sense say that defending yourself or others is not an excuse for any and all violence.”

During the trial, the three men had argued that they were defending themselves from Mr Afzal after he and another man in balaclavas emerged from a car.

When interviewed by police after his arrest, Hussein gave no comment but gave a prepared statement.

His statement said that Mr Afzal had launched a violent attack on him, but accepted he had stabbed the 19-year-old several times.

At the opening of the trial, Mr Hamilton said that Mr Afzal and his friends had followed a grey Corsa to the Power League complex and that he said he would “smash the guy’s car up.”

Mr Hamilton said that on arriving at the Power League, Mr Afzal then got out of his car and approached it with a baseball bat in his hand and opened the door.

This then started the incident that ended with Mr Afzal being fatally stabbed.

Hussain, formerly of Bolton, now of Windsor Crescent, Prestwich, was found not guilty of murder but convicted of manslaughter and of possession of a bladed article.

Mr Ak, of Norman Grove, Longsight, was found not guilty of murder, while Mr Rayhan, of Chauncy Road, Failsworth, was acquitted of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

The court will set a date for Hussein to be sentenced at a later date.

Mum-of-three Fiona Millroy launched Little’n, a unisex infantwear label, in October after spotting a lack of stylish, practical options for boys that weren’t “bland, boring, mini-man” designs or heavily gendered.

Fiona Millroy, 43, said: “I’ve always loved clothes and fashion, but with three young boys I soon realised the options weren’t great.

LaunchingLittle’n, a unisex infantwear label (Image: Helen Russell Photography)

“In the infantwear world, girls get all the fun and I wanted something better for my boys.”

The concept was set aside for years until a turning point in 2024, when Ms Millroy and her colleague Max Bengtteson left their roles as senior executives following a company restructure.

While meeting in Copenhagen, the pair revisited the idea, and with Mr Bengtteson’s support, Ms Millroy realised they could create a fresh alternative in children’s clothing.

Wanting to avoid gender stereotypes, she soon found the designs worked just as well for girls, resulting in a truly unisex range.

Some of the new designs (Image: Helen Russell Photography)

After a year of development, Little’n launched in October 2025.

Three core values shape the brand: design, practicality, and environmental responsibility.

Ms Millroy said: “There were three key boxes to tick for me: looking good, being functional and not costing the planet.

“We all know fast fashion has a huge impact – and infantwear isn’t immune.”

The entire range is made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and Little’n was highlighted as a sustainable brand during Index Kidswear in February.

Clothing is designed with “room to grow” features, such as foldable cuffs, so pieces last longer between sizes.

Drawing on her own parenting experience, Ms Millroy shaped the designs around everyday convenience.

She said: “We have a strict popper-free policy.

“Anyone who has done a night change knows what a nightmare it is trying to line them back up.

“Instead, we have our Notty style, which can be tied at the bottom, or two-way zips for easy access on our Grow styles.”

Currently available online, Little’n has secured its first retail partner and is planning further retail expansion in 2026.

The range includes four prints: Stars, Leopard, Sleepy Eye, and Classic White.

Prices start at £22.99 for individual pieces, with discounted rates found on three-packs.

More information can be found at www.littlen.uk.

So-called “blood rain” could fall across the UK as dust picked up from the Sahara Desert spread across Europe and tint the skies into many bright colours from gold to deep orange

Brits are set to be lashed with “blood rain” as a Saharan dust cloud sweeps over the country – but how does it form?

Dust whipped up over the Sahara Desert is riding on warm air drifting across Europe and is bound for the UK. It is expected to tint the skies vibrant shades of deep orange and gold in the coming days.

Another phenomenon that is also expected is so-called “blood rain.” The phenomenon occurs when dust mixes with rain that, in turn, gives water a reddish colour and is particularly visible when it falls on windows, garden furniture and other outdoor items.

READ MORE: Saharan dust cloud to turn UK skies ORANGE before ‘blood rain’ – all you need to knowREAD MORE: Exact locations where temperatures will top 19C today in UK spring sizzle

While “blood rain” evokes a sinister phenomenon, the Met Office said it is not a scientific phrase, nor does it describe a clearly defined meteorological event. It added: “For rain to appear red, relatively high concentrations of red‑coloured particles must mix with the water droplets in the cloud.

“Typically, these particles are sand or dust rich in iron oxides, giving them their characteristic colour. When rainfall occurs while these particles are suspended in the atmosphere, the droplets can take on that tint.”

The Met Office noted genuine red rain is “extremely rare.” While dust rain is not uncommon, the concentration of the particles are typically seen when it leaves behind dust after it dries.

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In its forecast, the Met Office said today the combination of a moist south-westerly airflow and a broad dust plume could lead to some dust settling out with the rain.

It added: “At this stage, concentrations are expected to remain relatively low, meaning rainfall itself is unlikely to appear noticeably red. Instead, where dust mixes in, the impact is more likely to be seen after showers have passed, with a light film of yellowish or brownish residue on surfaces.

“For those in the southwest, the timing of the rainfall will be a key factor. Overnight showers or early‑morning rain on Thursday could leave dust deposits by dawn. Elsewhere across the UK, dust levels are currently forecast to remain even lower, with largely unremarkable rainfall expected.”

Thankfully, there is no concern from a health perspective for the levels in the UK. Those with respiratory sensitivity might notice a slight increase in airborne particles before rainfall clears the atmosphere.