Tanfield Railway, known as the world’s oldest railway, has launched its new Steam Driver Experiences, offering a rare opportunity to operate one of its historic industrial locomotives.

Under the guidance of a qualified crew, participants will spend 40 minutes on the footplate learning how to drive the powerful engines, including models like Sir Cecil A Cochrane and Keighley Corporation Gas Dept No.2.

Tanfield Railway in County Durham, the world’s oldest railway, has launched new Steam Driver Experiences, allowing visitors to operate historic industrial locomotives and enjoy a unique hands-on heritage attraction. (Image: Tanfield Railway)

Euan Sharp, visitor experience lead at Tanfield Railway, said: “Our experience packages have been incredibly popular over the past few years, and the response from the public has been nothing short of fantastic.

“However, the Steam Driver Experience is the one we’ve been working so hard to offer, and I’m thrilled it’s finally here.

“It provides a true, hands-on experience of our industrial railway heritage, and you never know, we might even get a few more volunteers out of it too.”

These rugged locomotives, built for industrial work rather than speed, were manufactured by historic Tyneside firms Robert Stephenson and Hawthorn Leslie, capturing a piece of the North East’s industrial legacy.

Participants will wear traditional footplate attire, including a flat cap and boiler suit, and will be taught how to master the regulator and tackle the steep 1-in-40 gradients that have tested engine crews for generations.

Tanfield Railway in County Durham, the world’s oldest railway, has launched new Steam Driver Experiences, allowing visitors to operate historic industrial locomotives and enjoy a unique hands-on heritage attraction. (Image: Tanfield Railway)

The experience also includes a complimentary day of unlimited train travel for the participant and a guest, plus a Tanfield Railway goody bag.

Sessions are currently scheduled for May 25, July 5, August 1, and August 31.

Participants must be aged 21 or over and meet basic fitness requirements to safely enter and operate the locomotive cab.

Booking is available now at www.tanfield-railway.co.uk, and spaces are expected to sell out quickly.

Tanfield Railway operates on the route of a historic waggonway first laid in 1725 to transport coal from the Tanfield area to the River Tyne.

Today, it serves as a living museum, preserving the atmosphere and machinery of the industrial era from 1920 to 1950.

Visitors can explore the Marley Hill Engine Shed, the oldest working engine shed in the world, in use since 1854.

They can also visit the iconic Causey Arch, the world’s oldest surviving single-span railway bridge.

The railway is maintained and operated almost entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers.

The Next Kit Table Lamp has amassed hundreds of 5/5 star reviews with many shoppers praising the ‘gorgeous’ design and wide range of colours

A well-chosen lamp can quietly transform a room, adding both warmth and character without the need for a full redesign. It can be placed on a bedside table or tucked into a cosy corner and it’s one of the simplest ways to effortlessly elevate your home.

The Next Kit Table Lamp does exactly that, blending practicality with a clean, contemporary look. The table lamp is priced at £22 and is designed with a 50% metal and 50% textile construction.

What sets it apart is its touch functionality – no switches to fumble for in the dark, just a simple tap to turn it on or off. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a noticeable difference in everyday use, especially in bedrooms where ease and comfort matter most.

The table lamp is available in 10 different colours, it’s easy to find a version that complements your space, whether you lean towards neutral tones or something a little bolder. The lamp is described as an accessible way to refresh your décor without overthinking it.

The champagne gold version has amassed hundreds of five-star reviews praising its lightweight feel, stylish design and convenience, it’s clear why this lamp has become a popular choice.

One shopper said: “Beautiful lamp. Lightweight, modern and stylish, just right for my bedside tables. No fumbling around in the dark trying to find the switch, just gently tap to light up. Highly recommended.”

Another said: “I am pleased with this touch on/off lamp. The colour matches the scheme in the bedroom that has been decorated. It is exactly the right shade.”

Whereas one thought: “Really nice lamp but would have preferred a taller base small dumpy lamp colour great.”

Regardless, another review of the Next lamp said: “I bought two of these lamps a few weeks ago. They look very nice in my freshly decorated bedroom. The lamps are easy to turn on and off, all you do is touch the rim. They look more expensive and really smart in person.”

Another popular lamp option is the Dunelm Keko Rechargeable Touch Dimmable Table Lamp, a cordless £20 option available in three colours.

Alternatively, the Dusk Lucille Ornate LED Rechargeable Wireless Lamp is another cordless option with a stylish design.

Welsh rugby’s soap opera has taken another turn following the WRU’s announcement on Wednesday

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has claimed the Ospreys’ future is secure beyond the end of the current decade – despite the Welsh Rugby Union once again reiterating their intention to cut the number of professional teams to three by 2028.

Cllr Stewart’s statement was issued following the confirmation that the deal for the Ospreys’ owners, Y11, to buy Cardiff had fallen through. Y11 and the WRU had been in discussions over Cardiff since January.

A 60-day period of exclusivity was initially granted, before that was extended by another 30 days.

Now, the latest deadline has seen the deal fall through – with the WRU continuing to own Cardiff, having rescued the Arms Park club from administration in April 2025.

Y11’s bid to buy Cardiff had been met with staunch resistance – with Swansea Council having launched legal action against the WRU.

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As such, the failure for that deal to get over the line has been treated as a victory by the council – with Cllr Stewart claiming the Ospreys‘ future is now secure beyond 2030.

“This is a major win for the campaign to save the Ospreys that I’m proud to have been a part of,” read a statement from Cllr Stewart. “This is the outcome we have been working for and it’s amazing to see it happen.

“This now secures the Ospreys future into the 2030s and allows four professional regions to continue to play in Wales – which is what the fans players and public wanted.

“The Ospreys playing at a redeveloped St Helen’s from the start of next season will be fantastic for the city our local economy and the supporters.

“I’d like to thank the team at Swansea council, the supporters, fans, players and public who have supported the campaign – this win is for all of you.”

As well as Y11’s deal for Cardiff collapsing, the WRU also announcing that both the Ospreys and Scarlets would be offered the chance to enter the existing PRA25 agreement – almost a year after the west Wales clubs had refused to sign it.

“We could have been in this position a year ago had the WRU not presided over chaos and confusion,” added Cllr Stewart. “The clubs and the union have suffered financially and fans and our game have faced unnecessary uncertainty.

“This was completely avoidable and the leadership of the WRU have to take responsibility for the crisis they caused. I’m pleased they have now offered PRAs to all four clubs and provided much-needed certainty for professional rugby in Wales.”

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As conflict intensifies in the Middle East, energy markets swing wildly and the cost of living keeps climbing, a pressing question is emerging for anyone who is tied in to the fluctuating energy and food markets: how do we build resilience?

Big political and economic solutions still matter. But they take time. Increasingly, attention is turning closer to home, and to communities themselves.

Among these, intentional communities – once seen as niche – stand out as an increasingly viable option. Intentional communities are groups of people that share land and resources collectively. They can include cohousing and housing cooperatives as well as other projects. These communities do not constitute an escape from the world, but a way of coping with it. In some cases, they are already softening the shocks of global instability.

One of the most visible consequences of conflict in the Middle East is felt in energy bills at home. Disruptions to oil and gas supply chains push up fuel prices. That ripples through everything like transport, food and heating. In the UK, households feel it quickly.

But some intentional communities are less exposed. They have changed how they produce and use energy. At Bridport Cohousing in Dorset, residents share heating systems and generate solar power. On the Isle of Eigg in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, the entire island runs on a community-owned electricity system powered by wind, water and sun.

Of course, these systems don’t make communities immune to wider pressures. But they can cushion the blow by lowering bills and reducing dependence on volatile global markets.

Rising energy prices feed directly into food, housing and everyday costs. For many households, the pressure is relentless. Intentional communities respond differently. They pool resources. Food is often bought in bulk or grown collectively. Meals are shared. Housing is organised cooperatively, which can help to bring down rents and mortgages.

While pooling resources doesn’t eliminate costs, it can spread them. And that makes a difference, especially for those on tight or fixed incomes.

Social resilience in uncertain times

Resilience isn’t just financial. Intentional communities can also help buffer the psychological and social effects of living in times of conflict or uncertainty.

The pandemic offered a glimpse of this. While many people experienced isolation, collaborative housing communities often mobilised quickly because support networks were already in place.

A 2023 study of 18 intentional communities in England and Wales found they were able to quickly build on their existing and well-established social infrastructure. Regular contact, shared decision-making and mutual support helped people cope. In uncertain times, that kind of connection matters. It reduces isolation and makes crises easier to navigate.

One example was an older women’s cohousing group near London who set up online movie and book review clubs, as well as regularly sharing homegrown food from their communal allotment.

Disrupted fuel supplies – as we have seen in the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz – can have cascading effects on agricultural production and food distribution. This can lead to price increases and occasional shortages.

Many intentional communities try to buffer against this by growing their own food. Small-scale farming, permaculture and community gardens are common.

For example, the Redfield community in north Buckinghamshire grow much of their own food, as well as keeping chickens, a small flock of sheep and bees on their 17 acres of land. This increases self-sufficiency, meaning they are less exposed to global disruptions. It also builds skills – knowledge that often spreads beyond the community itself through friends, family and even courses on growing, permaculture and self sufficiency.

None of this makes intentional communities self-contained utopias. They still rely on wider systems. Renewable energy infrastructure requires investment, for example. Skills and resources are uneven, which means that no community is fully insulated from global crises. But that may not be the point.

What sets these communities apart is not independence, but adaptability. They spread risk and diversify how needs are met in terms of energy, food, housing and care. And systems that are more diverse tend to be more resilient.

Intentional communities are, in effect, testing grounds. They show what happens when people reorganise everyday life around cooperation rather than individual consumption. Some of their ideas, like shared ownership, local energy and community food networks are already spreading beyond them into local and national government policy, builders and architects and wider community groups.

Coventry City won the Championship last night in emphatic fashion and by means of congratulations, Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney jokingly offered a tantalising award

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has playfully offered Frank Lampard and his Coventry City squad an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas – just days before their pivotal Championship showdown with the Red Dragons.

The Sky Blues clinched the Championship title on Tuesday evening in stunning style with a 5-1 home victory over Portsmouth. Ephron Mason-Clarke netted twice while Haji Wright, an own goal from Regan Poole and an injury-time strike from Kaine Hayden rounded off a 5-1 triumph.

Promotion to the Premier League had already been secured with last Friday’s 1-1 away draw with Blackburn Rovers, but there were still scenes of jubilation at the Ricoh Arena. Once the celebrations subsided, McElhenney – also known as Mac – light-heartedly extended the ultimate congratulatory invitation to Sin City…provided it happened before the away fixture against Wrexham!

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McElhenney took to X and wrote: “Congrats to Coventry City. My friend @VancityReynolds (Ryan Reynolds) and I would like to offer you a first class trip to Vegas. Please be ready in the am and be back in time for kick-off on Sunday. A little late is okay too.”

The tongue-in-cheek post from McElhenney comes as Wrexham pursue their own push for Premier League promotion. They travel to the Ricoh Arena to face Lampard’s side this Sunday.

The Red Dragons currently sit sixth, but are separated from seventh-placed Hull City only on goal difference. A win against the Sky Blues will almost certainly be required to keep their play-off destiny in their own hands as the season reaches its conclusion.

If Wrexham are able to get into the playoff places, win the two-legged semi-final and then triumph at Wembley, they’d become the first ever side to enjoy four consecutive promotions. It would also open up many more lucrative financial doors for the Red Dragons, as a result of the broadcast money which comes with being in the Premier League.

On February 9, the two Hollywood actors celebrated their five-year anniversary of co-owning the club. Wrexham were down in the National League when they strode into the Racecourse Ground.

Now there is an achievable, but still difficult, route to the Premier League. In March, while commentating on Sky Sports for Wrexham’s victory over Swansea, Reynolds said: “You have high expectations in long term, but our goal was to listen and learn and at that point, you don’t know what you’re saying, if that’s just going to sound preposterous or naive.

“But our goal was always the Premier League. I mean, we’d be foolish to not aim for that. I didn’t think we would be here this quickly.

“However, sometimes the ball bounced our way. Other times, this team’s grit, determination and character is what really kind of pushed them across, even more so than just skill.”

After Coventry, Wrexham play host to fellow play-off chasers Middlesbrough in what could be a win or bust clash for both teams, depending on their results in the previous match.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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Donald Trump is reportedly drawing up a tiered list of NATO allies based on their support for the US-Israel conflict with Iran,

Donald Trump is reportedly exploring ways to penalise NATO allies who’ve declined to support his war with Iran.

The US President has allegedly been compiling what appears to be a “naughty and nice” list of NATO countries based on their involvement – or absence thereof – in backing the US-Israel conflict with Tehran.

The combined effort saw the US and Israel launch ‘Operation Epic Fury’ on February 28, with missiles hammering targets across Iran and igniting a large-scale conflict throughout the Middle East.

NATO allies, including the UK and France, have steered clear of direct involvement in the war, with much of Europe calling for peace amid a global shortage of oil and gas, triggered by the continuing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Three European diplomats and a US defence official told Politico that a breakdown of NATO members’ contributions to the alliance has been compiled by US officials, which divides countries into tiers, reports the Mirror.

One diplomat said the White House list seems to sort countries into “naughty and nice” categories, though the specifics are being kept under wraps for now.

“They don’t seem to have very concrete ideas…when it comes to punishing bad allies,” another unnamed European official said. “Moving troops is one option, but it mainly punishes the US doesn’t it?”

This comes as Trump has made his threats against allies who haven’t followed his instructions crystal clear – even warning he could pull out of the pact entirely. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly recently stated: “While the United States has always been there for our so-called allies, countries we protect with thousands of troops have not been there for us throughout Operation Epic Fury.

“President Trump has made his thoughts on this unfair dynamic clear, and as he said, the United States will remember.”

It remains unclear which nations feature on the ‘nice’ list, though Romania and Poland are widely tipped to rank highly given their backing. The Polish government foots nearly the entire bill for hosting thousands of American troops on its soil, while Romania recently expanded an air base to accommodate US military operations during its conflict with Iran.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also dropped hints about which NATO allies might be in favour or in the firing line last year. He said: “Model allies that step up, like Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others, will receive our special favour… Allies that still fail to do their part for collective defense will face consequences.”

EXCLUSIVE: Some everyday food items have risen in price nearly four times as fast as wages since the last Holyrood election in 2021.

Scots have been hammered by soaring food prices over the last five years as sluggish wage growth has been outstripped by the rising costs of everyday items like sugar, beef and eggs.

Research published by the independent think-tank Future Economy Scotland found that median earnings in Scotland have increased by 31 per cent since voters went to polls at the last Holyrood election in May 2021.

But the price of goods including sugar and beef has risen more than twice as fast as wages in that time, with consumers seeing price rises of over 65 per cent. The price of olive oil, which topped the list, has risen nearly four times as fast as wages, with prices up a staggering 119 per cent since May 2021.

The price of eggs and chocolate has also far outstripped wage growth, rising by 61 per cent and 54 per cent respectively.

While the price of many household essentials has soared, other goods – notably consumer electronics – have become cheaper. Since 2021, personal computers and mobile phones have fallen in price by around 25 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

Laurie Macfarlane, Future Economy Scotland co-director, said: “Polling shows the cost of living is a top concern among voters this election, and it’s obvious why.

“For the past five years, Scots have been squeezed by a pincer movement of weak wage growth on the one hand, and rising prices on the other.

“Our analysis shows that the price of essentials like beef and sugar have risen more than twice as fast as wages, while olive oil has risen nearly four times as fast. It’s little wonder voters are feeling the pinch.

“That computers and phones have become cheaper will be little consolation to those struggling to feed their kids and heat their homes.”

READ MORE: Keir Starmer has ‘severely damaged’ Scottish Labour election campaign, says John SwinneyREAD MORE: Scottish independence referendum won’t happen in next five years, predicts SNP veteran

Macfarlane added: “While global factors have contributed to price rises, the Scottish Government is not powerless to act. After nearly two decades of flatlining living standards, more of the same simply won’t cut it.

“Political parties must move beyond empty rhetoric and put forward credible plans to raise wages and improve affordability. Scotland simply cannot afford another five years of stagnation.”

It comes as John Swinney last week pledged to use the Scottish Government’s powers to intervene on public health matters to impose price caps on basic items such as bread and milk.

But the promise was met with with a backlash from retailers and warnings from economists that such a huge intervention by the state in the grocery market could lead to shortages of certain items in shops.

It is also far from clear if the Scottish Government has the legal ability to dictate prices in shops, given it is bound by the UK Internal Market.

Speaking today, the First Minister admitted the scheme could only be introduced in the immediate term – and avoid lengthy legal challenges in the courts – if retailers agreed to sign-up on a voluntary basis.

The SNP has pointed to the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) on alcohol as an example of the Government using public health powers to intervene in domestic markets.

But that policy was held up for years after it was repeatedly challenged by distillers.

Asked if his price cap vow could realistically be introduced by next year, Swinney said: “The steps on food prices could, if we got voluntary agreement on that.

“I’ve got public health powers I can use, but there’s a lot of ways we can make progress by agreement. And I think it’s in everyone’s interests to do that.”

Former Newcastle player Tavernier was signed by Mark Warburton from Wigan in the summer of 2015, when Rangers were in the Scottish Championship.

He helped the Ibrox side win that division and captained the team in the absence of the injured Lee Wallace as Warburton made way for Pedro Caixinha.

When Steven Gerrard arrived as Rangers manager in 2018, Tavernier became captain full-time as Wallace’s contract ran down and was a pivotal part of the Gerrard title-winning team, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Europa League finalists and Scottish Cup-winning side and Philippe Clement’s League Cup victors.

Tavernier also wore the armband during Graeme Murty, Michael Beale, Barry Ferguson and Russell Martin’s brief stints as boss. This season under Danny Rohl since October, the defender has not been an automatic starter, with Dujon Sterling often preferred at right-back.

Jack Butland and Nico Raskin have deputised as captain, with both still under contract next season.

“We’ve shared the highs and the lows together and some truly incredible moments along the way,” Tavernier said.

“To all the players I’ve shared the pitch and dressing room with over the years, thank you. The bonds that we’ve built, the battles we’ve been through and the memories we’ve created are what make this game so special.

“To the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes every single day, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and for the team. Your support often goes unseen, but it has never gone unappreciated.

“And to the fans, your support home and away, through every high and every difficult moment has meant more than I can ever fully express. You are the heart and soul of this club and it has been a privilege to play in front of you.”

An application to alter the licence of The Cottage Inn, in The Village, Wigginton, has been lodged with City of York Council.

El Group Ltd stated they also wanted to amend the existing licence to reflect the pub’s current layout and include new conditions agreed with North Yorkshire Police.

It comes as the pub is currently being advertised to potential tenants by owners Stonegate for a yearly rent of £52,000.

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The potential turnover of the pub, which features a beer garden, function room and dining area, is forecast at £627,015-a-year.

A one-bedroom flat providing accommodation for a live-in manager is also included upstairs.

The pub’s listing stated potential tenants would get the chance to run a well-established venue.

The advert stated: “The area is very well populated with discerning diners, brand seekers and some older affluent groups.

“The pub currently benefits from a good level of trade, but there is room to grow food sales still further and they are seeking the right publican who can do this.

“The Cottage has a large separate function room that is situated to the rear of the property and is heavily used for Birthday Parties, Wedding Receptions, Funeral Parties, and general events.

The Cottage Inn (Image: Supplied)

“The pub boasts a lovely, covered pergola at the front with 24 additional covers and at the rear a covered area for drinkers.”

Reports of the pub’s closure on social media earlier this month come after it received a one-star food hygiene rating in January, following an inspection in November.

Inspectors ordered improvements including to cleanliness and the condition of facilities and the building.

Major improvements were deemed necessary to the pub’s management of food safety, according to the Foods Standards Agency.

A pub first opened in the building, which was constructed in the 1800s, in 1980.

The current conditions are ideal for fires to start and spread quickly

With drier and sunnier weather forecast over the coming days, a yellow warning for wildfires is in place in Northern Ireland.

The dry weather along with rising temperatures and stronger winds, means conditions are ideal for fires to start and spread quickly. In the Republic of Ireland an orange warning for wildfires has been issued.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is reminding the public to act responsibly when enjoying the outdoors to help protect our countryside from wildfires.

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Last year, NIFRS attended 95 wildfire incidents in Northern Ireland, 83% of which were due to deliberate ignition, a stark reminder that most wildfires are human-caused and preventable.

The fire service says the majority of these incidents, 93 in total, occurred between March and May, highlighting the increased risk during the spring period when vegetation is dry and weather conditions are favourable for fire spread.

NIFRS Wildfire Lead and Area Commander Ryan Thompson said: “Wildfire incidents have the potential to devastate our countryside and put wildlife and our community at risk. They are also extremely resource intensive for our service.

“Our firefighters respond tirelessly to these incidents, often in challenging terrain and high temperatures, but the reality is that most wildfires are preventable.

“With drier weather, we urge everyone enjoying the outdoors to please act responsibly. Avoid lighting open fires in the countryside, use barbecues only in designated, safe areas and never leave them unattended.

“Remember to take all litter home and ensure cigarettes and smoking materials are fully extinguished before disposing of them properly. When parking, it’s vital to keep access routes clear so emergency vehicles can get through if needed.

“If you’re out enjoying the countryside and you see a fire, call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service. Don’t assume that someone else has made the call. Leave the area as quickly as possible and get to safety.

“Please do not attempt to tackle a fire yourself if it can’t be extinguished with a bucket of water and if you witness deliberate fire setting, report it to the PSNI as it is a crime.

“We are continuing to work closely with our partner agencies through the Wildfire Action Plan to reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires. This coordinated approach ensures our firefighters are ready to respond to incidents in their local areas to protect lives and the environment.