Princess Eugenie is expecting her third child with husband Jack Brooksbank this summer, and the mum has previously opened up about the guilt and parenting challenges of motherhood

Princess Eugenie has announced she is expecting her third child with husband Jack Brooksbank this summer — with King Charles said to be “delighted” by the Royal Family news.

Eugenie already has two sons, August and Ernest, aged five and two respectively, who are reportedly “very excited” about welcoming a new sibling. The 36-year-old shared a photograph of her boys holding a baby scan with her 1.7 million Instagram followers, alongside the caption: “Baby Brooksbank 2026!”

The princess spoke honestly about motherhood last May when she appeared on the Lessons From Our Mothers podcast, where she opened up about the aspects of parenting she occasionally finds difficult.

Discussing those challenges, she said: “For me it’s similar, trying to be perfect, not saying that my mum (Sarah Ferguson) was perfect, but I guess trying to make the perfect world for your children when you don’t hit the mark, feeling that guilt.

“And so I think that’s something that I struggle with or is definitely a challenge where the guilt of maybe not being there the whole time or missing out on a moment or when I lose my temper.

“I think there’s something to remember that little people are little people and we put a lot of old grown-up things like 34 years of grown-upness onto little people sometimes.

“At night, for their bath time routine, you know how stressful that is, and it’s because I like to brush my teeth and brush my hair and have a bath and put my moisturiser on because I’m 34 but this three-and-a-half year old little boy does not want to do any of that.

“And it’s to be okay, the bath might be missed one night or tooth brushing might not happen and to go that’s fine because they are little people learning and they can’t be perfect.”

Rounding off her thoughts, she added: “So I think it is just constantly, and that’s what mum always did, she always was the kid as well, and she’d much rather sit and talk to a bunch of kids than she would to talk to grown-ups.

“She always still says now, ‘no grown-ups’, so I think for us, as mums, for me especially, is to, the guilt side of things, not let that consume the days, because the days are so precious.”

Her third child, due to arrive “in the summer”, will sit 15th in line to the throne, though the baby will not hold an HRH title.

The child will become the 15th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and only the third to have been born since her passing in 2022 at the age of 96.

The baby will also become the fifth grandchild of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, following his other daughter, Princess Beatrice, who welcomed a baby girl last January.

The 9.46-acre development was meant to be a bustling marina with swanky cafes, shops, restaurants and brand new apartment blocks – but has been left abandoned for nearly three years

An abandoned ghost estate left incomplete for years has been labelled an eyesore by furious residents after becoming a magnet for yobs. Work on the 220-home estate in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire ground to a halt nearly three years ago, leaving the shells of dozens of hollow structures.

The development was meant to become a thriving marina, boasting swanky cafes, shops and restaurants, alongside brand new apartment blocks. But locals living nearby claim the 9.46 acre construction site has now become a hotspot for teenage gangs starting fires and daubing graffiti.

Ali McDonald, 40, lives opposite the eerie abandoned development and says she’s had to ring the fire brigade three times since construction was paused.

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Mum-of-one Ali, who works as a cleaner, said: “It’s an eyesore, it’s in front of my house. I can see it out of my living room every day. They’ve not done any work in about three years after working on it for about 18 months.

“There have been a few times where I’ve been leaving for work in the morning and had to call the fire brigade because of fires there.

“I’ve rang them three times and a neighbour has a few times. One time one of the machines that was left there was torched. We don’t have a clue who it is, but we think it’s teenagers going on there, hanging out the windows and going in the houses.”

The brownfield land, which is set just off the River Trent, is up for auction with a guide price of £950,000. Only 20 dwellings had their foundations laid out before workers packed up their tools nearly three years ago.

Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said the site looked unsafe and feared for kids playing there. The woman said: “One teenager had to have an ambulance because they fell out the window gap. He was holding onto the brick and slipped and fell. From what I got told he broke his arm.

“They need to makeup their minds about what they’re doing with it. Knock it down and flatten it, or rebuild it. They need to do something about it, because it looks horrible.

“We got told it was going to flats and a shop, but it could be anything now.”

The brownfield site, located just off the River Trent, is being put up for auction with a guide price of £950,000. Just 20 properties had their foundations laid before workers downed tools almost three years ago.

A further neighbour, who asked not to be named, said the development appeared dangerous and expressed concern about children playing there. The woman said: “I don’t know who’s going to take this on but someone needs to, and they need to sharpish.

“I’ve lived her 11 years and what it’s done is basically turn the area into an eyesore. It’s the first thing you see as you come into town – you don’t want that on your doorstep.

“We see kids or teenagers playing on there but it’s unsafe. There’s unfinished homes and they’re empty inside. It’s basically asking for something to go wrong.”

Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said the site looked unsafe and feared for kids playing there. The woman said: “We need action to fix whatever this is soon, as I can’t stand looking at it any longer.”

Lib Dem councillor Trevor Young, who represents the ward, said the council were attempting to contact the landowner in order to reach a resolution.

He said: “It’s having a negative impact on residents, not only for the residents opposite, but it’s on the main route through Gainsborough. It’s also having an impact for visitors coming into the town and how they see the town and for future investors.”

“It doesn’t paint a great picture. The site also presents a lot of health and safety issues. We’ve had instances of youths on that site. It’s adjacent to a very large river. And the police have been involved.

“All building sites are dangerous, you shouldn’t have kids playing around on them, someone will get hurt or worse. We’ve previously tried to get the landowner into the council, but he’s refused to meet with us.”

The councillor added: “The owner of the site has put this up for auction. We need to find a solution, hopefully a buyer will come forward. It had huge aspirations, it was supposed to be a marina. It would still be possible, but most of all we need those houses and someone coming forward to finish them.

“To be fair to the council they have put a lot of effort into making the town look nice, and this is having an impact on it. If you lived opposite it you’d think ‘oh god’ it’s not very attractive having that site across from you. It is a massive eyesore for us.”

Fellow Lib Dem councillor Lesley Rollings added: “Millions of pounds have been spent in Gainsborough town centre, businesses have been set up, but this site has been set up and just abandoned.”

“People aren’t seeing how attractive Gainsborough is. It’s on the main road into the town and it’s one of the first things you see. So many parts of the country people are desperate for housing. It changes people’s perception of the town when they visit here, it’s absolutely huge.”

“All it requires is the council putting pressure on people to build or finish these. Housing is a national issue so there should be some drive.”

West Lindsey District Council was contacted for comment.

The unassuming new venture, run by a family‑owned farm in Westhoughton, quietly opened over the weekend and has already drawn crowds keen to sample fresh milk and milkshakes made metres away from the cows themselves.

Louise Fitton opened Mootop Dairy’s self-serve milk machine for the first time in a ‘soft opening’ on Sunday, May 3, and already people in the local area have been flocking to the farm to try it out for themselves.

The mum-of-two said the idea for the machine came from her children and realising she had the perfect location for it, accessible by public footpath, the 45-year-old embarked on getting all of the equipment sorted.

Customers turn up at Moss Hall Farm, just off of Wingates Lane, to find an unsuspecting red shipping container in the corner of a car park, next to a barn full of cows.

Inside the unsuspecting shipping container you can serve yourself a milkshake (Image: Ruby Watson)

Inside the container, named Mootop Milkshake, is the self-serve milk machine, and visitors can choose from milk or a milkshake.

Plain milk is available, but there is also the option to flavour milk or milkshakes.

Customers can choose classic chocolate, banana or strawberry, or there are even some special flavours of the week too.

For the week of the soft opening, these were salted caramel, blue bubble gum or vanilla.

A small bottle is priced at £1.50 and a large at £2.50, the plain milks cost £1 for a small milk and £1.50 for a large milk.

The small milkshakes are priced at £1.50 (Image: Ruby Watson)

The flavoured milk and milkshakes are each served in a glass bottle, and Louise said she hopes that this will deter people from using plastic, as they can come to have this refilled time and time again, even with plain milk.

Louise said: “We opened this to try and be sustainable, keep farms going really. We need to keep the farms going.

“If we don’t keep the farms going, we lose the green space. It’s a good thing.

“We already have a milk round. So we can do this alongside the milk round anyway.

“It’s been really good. Really busy yesterday.

Chloe Fitton, 16, with her mum Louise Fitton, 45 (Image: Ruby Watson)

“It’s really nice knowing that all the hard work and all the preparations gone into something and and people like it.

“People like the design and they and they like the process and they like the fact that they can sit and watch the cows while they’re having the milkshakes.”

Once the drink has been mixed up, there are seating areas outside where the cows can be seen from the barn.

Louise said the family have always had the cows but only began milking them in October last year.

You can watch the cows as you enjoy your milkshake (Image: Ruby Watson)

She said: “We sell raw milk as well, which is basically directly from them.

“Our cows get milked, the milk gets pasteurised, and it goes into the machine. That milk is directly from them.

“So they milked yesterday, so that milk is fresh from yesterday. So it comes straight from the cow to this.”

Eggs from the farm are also available to purchase, for £3.50 a dozen.

She said she hopes to have a nice opening event towards the end of the month, where visitors can also meet the cows.

Once open officially, customers will be able to come to grab milk from 6am until 10pm most days. For more details visit Mootop Diary facebook page.

The Wellbeing Farm, a wedding venue in the stunning surroundings of Edgworth, was featured on the first episode of Channel 5’s Rich Wedding Poor Wedding as the luxury option along with a castle.

Janet and Gary wedding at The Wellbeing Farm. Picture The Wellbeing Farm

And couple Janet and Gary , from Salford, opted for the award-winning venue, complete with bow tied llamas, instead of the more traditional setting, with those behind the village venue, saying the decision highlighted a growing shift in what modern couples value – ‘moving beyond status and towards meaning, experience and impact’.

Janet said that the venue ‘just felt perfect’.

Janet and Gary wedding at The Wellbeing Farm. Picture The Wellbeing Farm

The two opted for a magical woodland theme with trees, fairy lights, candles and even an owl delivering the rings to the happy couple as they sat on white thrones.

The couple said: ““Being greeted with cakes when we first came to view it was such a lovely touch but from that moment on, everything just felt perfect.

“The customer service, the location, the style, the animals, it all just came together.”

They added: “It felt magical. The barn is such a blank canvas, which meant we could really make it our own and create something personal to us.”

The two added: “A place where your money does good”

For the couple, the venue’s values played a key role in their choice.

“It’s a really good place to put your money. If you’re going to invest in your wedding somewhere, this is where it should go,” they said, “Knowing that some of that money goes into doing good elsewhere made it feel even more worthwhile. It wasn’t just about us, it felt like part of something bigger.”

Janet and Gary wedding at The Wellbeing Farm. Picture The Wellbeing Farm

They also highlighted the importance of the venue’s ethos:

The couple said: “Celia is very involved in charity work and her B Corp certification really stood out to us. It showed us this wasn’t just a venue, it’s a business that genuinely cares.”

Founder Celia Gaze said:“ We’re seeing more couples wanting their wedding to represent who they are and what they stand for, not just how it looks,” she said.

“To be chosen over a castle was incredibly powerful. It showed that for many couples today, meaning, personality and impact matter just as much as prestige.”

She added: “At The Wellbeing Farm, we’ve always believed celebrations can be joyful, memorable and responsible at the same time. This is about creating experiences people feel proud of, not just on the day, but afterwards too.”

Those behind the farm say they work with couples to cater for all budgets. From offering extravagant three-course luxury dining experiences using their own family butchers ‘Whitehead’s Butchers, to street-food catering options, the venue prides itself in offering a truly personalised experience.

Watch the programme on catch-up.

Forest, meanwhile, are three points clear of the relegation zone after a mixed Bank Holiday weekend but can move one step closer to survival with another positive result in west London. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge.

Pupils at Harrogate Ladies’ College, soon to be Duchy College, Harrogate, are beginning a new tradition after receiving personal, handwritten correspondence from the legendary TV presenter.

The school will hold its inaugural David Attenborough Day on Attenborough’s 100th birthday following a successful pupil-led campaign and a personal exchange with the iconic broadcaster and natural historian.

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They say the initiative began in the Prep 4 classroom, where pupils were studying “Eco-Warriors” and the life of Sir David Attenborough. Captivated by his lifelong dedication to the planet, the class intended to launch a national petition via Change.org to create a public holiday for his 100th birthday on Friday, May 8.

After sending letters to Sir David, the school received a surprise; handwritten responses from Attenborough himself. While he admitted he would be “extremely embarrassed” by a national day in his honour, Attenborough expressed his delight at the school’s proposal to hold an annual celebration, writing that he was “very happy” for them to proceed and hoped the event would be a “great success”.

Members of the Harrogate Ladies’ College and Highfield Eco Committee with letters from David Attenborough (Image: Supplied)

“To receive a handwritten note from Sir David is a wonderful feeling,” Highfield Eco Committee reps, Daisy and Georgia, said.

“It is amazing to know he is aware of our event and we are all very proud to be honouring such a wonderful human being.”

The upcoming David Attenborough Day is designed to empower the next generation of eco-warriors to shape the school’s environmental impact.

Activities for the celebration include a community bake sale with proceeds donated to a wildlife conservation charity, screening of wildlife documentaries and pupils creating endangered animal displays, providing the wider community with key facts, figures and how they can help conservation efforts.

Sir David Attenborough pictured at the Yorkshire Museum in York (Image: Newsquest)

In June last year, the school announced plans to begin the gradual transition to a fully co-ed school from 2-18 years from September 2026. Alongside the move to a co-ed senior school, their family of schools will be known as Duchy College from September this year.

There will be further developments to the school’s campus and academic provision from September, including: the opening of a brand new sixth form centre, which will offer individual study spaces; an extended sports provision; a new baccalaureate programme running from prep school into senior school; and an enhanced co-ed “boutique” boarding environment.

The school began life as a boys’ school in 1893, before becoming a girls’ senior school, and went on to open a co-ed prep school 25 years ago. 

It will once again welcome boys to the senior school in Year 7 and Year 12 from September, and will operate under the new name of Duchy College for all pupils from 2 to 18 years.

The school will continue to be led by principal, Joanna Fox along with the current senior leadership team and the existing board of governors led by chair of governors, Dame Francine Holroyd.

This Bosch pressure washer deal is great for cleaning patios, bricks, decking and more – and Amazon has 44% off the full price, bringing it down to just £113.99

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After a gloomy winter, we more eager than ever to make the most of the great outdoors. For those whose garden spaces are looking a little neglected, Amazon has a fantastic offer worth snapping up.

The Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 High Pressure Washer is currently on sale for £113.99, representing a 44% reduction from its full retail price of £199.99. This is a limited time deal on an Amazon’s Choice product, with over 1,000 of the pressure washers bought in the last month.

This corded electric high-pressure washer is a guaranteed way to freshen up any fencing, decking, brickwork, patios and more. It features a convenient 3-in-1 nozzle, incorporating a fan jet, rotary jet and point jet – enabling more precise and powerful cleaning. The Bosch device promises ‘powerful cleaning action’, delivering 135 bar of pressure and a 1900-W motor.

It boasts a seven metre-long hose and tips the scales at 6.55kg, making it lightweight enough to be effortlessly transported around. It has a pull-out handle for ease of use, while also folding down into a compact unit, ensuring it won’t hog too much room in the garden shed.

This high pressure washer features a detergent system for adding soap, along with a built-in water filter to safeguard the pump. Customers can purchase the device as standard, or pay an additional £5 to have it unpacked upon delivery, while £149 covers unpacking and full assembly. Alternatively, shoppers might want to consider the Karcher K4 Power Control Pressure Washer, available at Argos for £195, down from £220. It is said to make it ‘unbelievably easy to clean every surface at the right pressure’, and connects to a Karcher smartphone app, reports the Express.

At the more budget-friendly end of the market sits the 90 Bar High Pressure Washer with 1600W Power Aluminium Motor, priced at £71.99 (down from £79.99) at B&Q. It boasts a pressure of 9MPa along with a built-in filter.

Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 High Pressure Washer has accumulated an impressive 4.4 star rating from more than 2,900 reviews on Amazon. “I’m absolutely delighted with this pressure washer,” enthused one satisfied customer.

“I used it to clean the red bricks around my drive yesterday and they now look brand new. It is easy to use and move around. Storing it is much better than with others I have used as the handle folds down so the machine fits back into its box.”

Another reviewer commented: “It delivers very good pressure from the patio cleaning nozzle and having 3 nozzles in one is a good touch. It is well made and is good value for money. It is easy to assemble and easily portable. Very pleased with the purchase.”

While a third customer noted: “Excellent machine that is light, easy to manoeuvre, and with a powerful spray that does the job of cleaning patios efficiently. It has a number of spray patterns that are very useful in alternative uses. Furthermore, it’s a Bosch.” Some customers did share a few minor criticisms, with one reviewer deducting a star and commenting: “I always buy all Bosch tools where possible [as] they’re reliable and inexpensive. Worked great on small to medium areas and for washing the car. For large areas a higher pressure unit would be better.”

Another added: “Once I finally worked out how to assemble (hour on Youtube and Google) I am very impressed. It is powerful and has cleaned my patio very well. I will finish tomorrow. I am not really sure what the difference is with the different modes. I would have given 5* but for lack of instructions. I just hope it lasts!”

Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 High Pressure Washer can be purchased on Amazon.

Virgil van Dijk has branded Liverpool’s current campaign “unacceptable” following their disappointing 3-2 defeat by arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday, while also expressing bemusement at suggestions that players’ holiday time has contributed to their struggles this season.

The loss at Old Trafford has left Liverpool in fourth place, intensifying their battle for Champions League qualification.

Despite a significant injury list, which included key players such as Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and two goalkeepers, the Reds captain refused to use this as an excuse for their faltering title challenge.

“I’m not here to make excuses,” the Dutch international stated. “It’s been a very disappointing season, an unacceptable season for us, and it’s tough. We shouldn’t feel sorry for ourselves whatsoever.

“We have to work, we have to turn this around and make sure that next season these things don’t happen because it’s not Liverpool.”

Van Dijk, known for his forthrightness, addressed questions about players being pictured abroad before the United clash, dismissing the notion that this indicated excessive holiday.

“I’m not sure it’s a holiday,” he clarified. “It’s a city trip. But I think if you have one day off, and you don’t have many days off, they decide what they want to do with their families. We are not kids. Everyone is an adult.”

When confronted with the perception that the team might have too much time off, Van Dijk responded with surprise.

“Really? I wish we had a couple more days off at times because I think it works both ways. You see Pep Guardiola giving (Manchester City) three days off, for example, the last weeks in a row and they are doing pretty well. It is finding the right balance.”

He acknowledged public sentiment, adding: “But I can understand if people think that we’re not training and obviously the results aren’t there that it could be a reason for why we’re not getting results.”

The defender expressed a personal desire for improvement and a return to the club’s high standards.

“Like anyone else, obviously, personally I want this to be solved. I want us to be what I’ve experienced over my time here. I want to be successful. I want to be consistent with the team, winning games, fighting and getting the job done. At the moment, we are just disappointed.”

Emphasising the importance of sustained performance, Van Dijk concluded: “Consistency is the most difficult thing in any job, in anything you do, but it is the best way to be get results and also be successful. That’s what we have to try and find.

“But we have three more games now and then there will be a World Cup, there will be a rest and then we have to realise that next season this season we can’t repeat. It’s unacceptable.”

Attention now shifts to Saturday lunchtime’s crucial home fixture against managerless Chelsea, a match Van Dijk is determined to win.

“I will be ready for it. I’m looking forward to it and I am going to make sure we get this done.”

The Vinehouse Cafe at Helmsley Walled Garden is owned and run by siblings Mollie and Sam Chapman.

Some customers have said they had “the best food in a while” when stopping by, while others suggested it is “well worth a visit”.

Mollie and Sam aim to serve fresh food using quality ingredients from the walled garden where possible, according to the Helmsley Walled Garden website.

It explains: “This has proved a winning formula with the cafe being voted Visit England’s’ Visitor Experience Award winners in Yorkshire within the food and drink category.

“The seasonal menu includes dishes such as feta and green bean frittata; Yorkshire ham and mature cheddar melt with lashings of onion marmalade or lamb rump served on flatbread with salsa and a mint raita, accompanied by home-made salads.

“In the winter you will find hearty and warming food such as a tasty home-made soup or a pie on the menu.”

When it comes to the cafe’s sweet treats, it shares: “Our scones are freshly baked each morning and we always have a good selection of homemade cakes and slices which can be enjoyed with a cup of tea from our selection of speciality teas, or a mug of freshly ground coffee.

“With plenty of seating inside and out and fabulous views of the castle you can relax and enjoy your meal.”

‘Unique glasshouse cafe hidden by the North York Moors’

Over on TikTok, local content creator The Yorkshire Rose who “finds places in Yorkshire worth a detour” describes the foodie spot as a “unique glasshouse cafe hidden by the North York Moors”.

In a video exploring The Vinehouse Cafe, @theyorkshirerose_ adds: “A peaceful spot tucked away behind the beautiful Helmsley Walled Garden just a short stroll away from the town centre.

“Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee and cake, breakfast, lunch or an afternoon stroll in the gardens, this is the perfect setting for it.

“There’s outdoor and indoor seating, the latter of which is inside four Victorian glasshouses with grapevines trailing above the tables.

“Surrounded by flowers, fruit trees and the historic garden walls and outdoor seating, it is the perfect place on a sunny day.

‘A peaceful spot tucked away behind the beautiful Helmsley Walled Garden’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

“On the menu, there’s a range of great homemade cakes, pastries, hot and cold sandwiches, buddha bowls, seasonal specials and more.

“There’s plenty of delicious drinks to choose from too including fresh juices, coffees, teas and even gin cocktails.”

The Yorkshire Rose continued: “We tried the iced elderflower, cappuccino and an oat milk latte.

“For our food we went for the broccoli and cheddar soup which was on special, and two of the hot sandwich plates, the cheddar and onion, and the Yorkshire butchers ham and cheddar.”

Meanwhile, The Vinehouse Cafe’s Tripadvisor profile details: “Our lovely cafe is based at Helmsley Walled Garden has over 170 outdoor seats and 100 inside.

“Set within four Victorian glasshouses it’s a chilled out quirky space.

“We pride ourselves on our freshly baked scones, fabulous fresh lunches and our gin cocktails! We are dog friendly inside and out.”

On the popular review and travel advice platform, it has a “very good” 4.4/5 rating at the time of writing, with 181 “excellent” reviews out of a possible 266.

A recent guest highlighted the gluten-free menu choices specifically, and commented: “Such a lovely place, lots of gluten free options in such a lovely environment.

“I had Brie and Bacon toastie that came with a great range of salads.

“3 GF cake options, we bought the brownie and pecan slice….both were delicious.”

Another happy customer complimented: “The best food i’ve had in a while!!!

‘Eat inside under a canopy of grapevines in a renovated beautiful glasshouse’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

“The sandwiches are amazing, same with the frittata and even the sides were stunning with each little salad bit seasoned and sauced.

“Lovely staff and such a stunning venue!”

This visitor wrote: “Fantastic experience, great place. Food great, experience great, lovely people, a hidden gem, well worth a visit.

“Quick service, great place. We will certainly be back.”

Someone who had a “memorable visit” at The Vinehouse Cafe put: “Great food – Buddha Bowl – a new discovery for me – eat inside under a canopy of grapevines in a renovated beautiful glasshouse or should I say vinery.

“Querky, and characterful. Or sit outside surrounded by beautiful walled garden. A very memorable visit for all our family. Thank you.”

The cafe’s opening hours for the 2026 season are currently Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm.

Have you discovered The Vinehouse Cafe at Helmsley Walled Garden? Let us know in the comments below.

After six years on the job the police dog retired by bringing down one last suspect – the last in a number of several significant arrests.

On his final shift, Bren demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the thin blue line by protecting his handler, PC Oram, during a critical moment

PC Oram had detained a man who then attempted to evade him and his colleague. Bren was deployed for a final time, re-detaining the man, who had been assaulted both PC Oram and his colleague in the process.

Bren’s journey with GMP began in 2018, when he joined as a puppy. He and PC Oram became operational the following year and have since made multiple arrests together

“I started working with Bren when he was 10 months old, while his siblings went to other handlers,” PC Oram said. “One of his key skills I noticed from being partnered with him was that he loved to jump. He was always bounding in the air – now he is eight, I’m glad he can rest his joints.”

PC Oram and PD Bren – Handler of the Year.

Their teamwork earned PC Oram the GMP Dog Handler of the Year in 2024, with the pair securing 48 arrests over a year period. A feat that saw them feature on BBC Crimewatch to discuss how important police dogs are to the force.

One of the reasons the duo won the award was due to Bren’s impressive tracking skills.

Crediting his German Shepherd’s ability, PC Oram said: “Tracking has been Bren’s go-to skill when locating people. Thanks to him, countless individuals were found in some of the most difficult surroundings and weather conditions.”

PD Bren

An example of Bren’s impressive tracking was in February 2024, when he located a man hiding under a car. He was then swiftly arrested by officers on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and cultivation of cannabis.

Away from tackling crime, Bren’s excellent mannerisms and obedience skills earned the duo a place at the National Dog Trials in Scotland last year, becoming the first representatives of GMP to do so in over a decade.

Now he has earned a well-deserved rest from tackling crime in Greater Manchester, PC Oram is looking forward to rewarding Bren for his tremendous career with a holiday.

“Bren will continue to live with me now he has retired,” PC Oram said. “He will be able to focus on being a family dog and enjoy caravan holidays.

“He is great with people when off-duty, but when called upon, switched instantly to knowing what he had to do.”

In a final tribute to his trusty companion, PC Oram praised Bren’s dedication to him over the years and protecting others from potential danger, even on his final shift. He said: “On his last shift, when I was trying to restrain a suspect who was a lot bigger and more powerful than myself, Bren came to my aid and quickly subdued the suspect – a true partner to the end.”