The 52-year-old suffered severe brain trauma in the attack at HMP Frankland, Durham, on February 26.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “The murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman remains one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation’s history, and our thoughts are with their families.”

Holly Wells, left, and her best friend, Jessica Chapman, both 10, were murdered by Ian Huntley (Image: PA/PA Wire)

Soham killer Ian Huntley has died in hospital after he was attacked in the workshop of the maximum security Frankland prison (Image: PA/PA Wire)

Huntley, who murdered the 10-year-olds in 2002, had been on life support in hospital after being hit repeatedly over the head by an inmate armed with a metal bar.

His life support was switched off at lunchtime on Friday after brain tests showed he was in a vegetative state, The Sun reported, and he was confirmed dead this morning (Saturday).

Murderer and rapist Anthony Russell, 43, reportedly shouted “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after Huntley was attacked in the recycling area of the prison last week.

Durham Constabulary said in a statement on Saturday: “A man who was attacked at HMP Frankland in Durham last week has died in hospital this morning,” said a Durham Constabulary spokesman.

“Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26.

“A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.

“A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.”

Huntley murdered Holly and Jessica after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002. He dumped their bodies in a ditch.

The former school caretaker’s life sentence recommended he serve at least 40 years for the Soham murders.

Russell was sentenced to a whole-life tariff in 2021 for the murders of Julie Williams, 58, and her son David Williams, 32, at separate flats in Coventry, and pregnant 31-year-old Nicole McGregor, who was found in woodland near Leamington Spa three days later.

Russell also raped Ms McGregor.

The Lancashire seaside resort has been ranked the UK’s best large town

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A town in the North West has been crowned as the finest in the nation.

Liverpool and Manchester usually attract most of the spotlight in the north-western corner of England, and justifiably so. Nevertheless, when evaluating the premier large towns (importantly, not cities) across not just the North West but the whole country, one location emerges supreme.

“The town evolved out of an unplanned sell-off of land by various lords of the manor, and was destined to be chaotic. The Golden Mile and Pleasure Beach are latter-day versions of the free-for-all fête that once took over the strand,” Chris Moss writes about his leading choice.

“As the new Showtown museum reveals, the modern seaside mass-market holiday was invented here, as was much of the light entertainment and comedy that dominated the small screen for decades. You can eat well (the Wok Inn is superb), drink well and party well here but neither the prom in a gale nor the back streets after dark are for the faint-hearted. It’s a UK one-off. An obligatory stop once every decade if you want to know your nation and yourself.”

Do you agree with these rankings? Share your views in the comments section below or email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

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Chris’s selection is none other than Blackpool. He gave the legendary Lancashire seaside destination a rating of 9.5/10 in an article exploring potential candidates for the 2028 UK Town of Culture, following Bradford’s successful tenure in 2025.

Blackpool’s rise to the top position comes at the expense of prosperous Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, which claims second place, followed by Ipswich in Suffolk in third, and Rochdale, Greater Manchester in fourth.

For those who live in or cherish Blackpool, or have enjoyed sun-drenched days at this coastal resort, there’s no need for a reminder as to why this town of 141,000 deserves the leading position. However, for those yet to discover the Northern equivalent of Las Vegas, here’s a concise overview of its heritage, present attractions, and why its number one ranking may prove surprising.

The heritage

Until the mid-eighteenth century, Blackpool was a modest, largely overlooked hamlet positioned on the Irish Sea. It only became popular as a fashionable destination later in the 1700s, when visitors began travelling there for sea bathing – an activity not widely regarded as pleasurable until this wellness trend emerged.

A spike in visitor numbers resulted in the creation of several hotels by 1781, before the railway reached the town in 1846. Throughout the nineteenth century, Blackpool grew from a humble town into a major coastal resort, with trainloads of holidaymakers arriving to enjoy the sea air.

Its three piers and numerous existing attractions, such as the Blackpool Tower, were built by the end of the century.

By the mid-twentieth century, Blackpool’s population had grown to 147,000, considerably more than its present count.

What to do

Following the coronavirus pandemic, which witnessed a substantial increase in domestic tourism across the UK, Blackpool has been thriving. Figures for 2023 show the seaside town attracted 21.5m visitors – a 6% rise from 2022’s total of 20.3m.

The annual STEAM report showed that full-time employment within Blackpool’s tourism and hospitality sectors has grown to 23,419 positions – representing a 5.3% increase on the previous year.

The reasons are clear. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Tower, SEALIFE Blackpool and the Blackpool Illuminations remain major attractions that draw in considerable visitor numbers each year.

The resort is also famous for its evening entertainment and has become an increasingly popular choice for hen and stag parties, thanks to excellent venues such as the Cask and Tap, Rhythm and Brew Room, and Shickers Tavern, plus the fact that getting a decent round of drinks for £20, with change to spare, is still possible.

Something of a surprise

Despite its appeal, Blackpool faces certain challenges. Since the arrival of cheap overseas package holidays in the latter part of the 20th century, the North West jewel has lost some of its shine as it tries to compete with the sunshine and beaches on offer across Europe.

Blackpool grapples with significant, entrenched socioeconomic issues, often ranking among the most deprived local authorities in England. It suffers from high levels of poverty, unemployment, and poor health indicators.

The seaside town also struggles with a seasonal, low-wage economy, subpar housing, and increased crime rates.

The complete list

25. Watford – 0.5/10.

24. Crawley – 0.5/10.

23. Luton – 1/10.

22. Oldham – 1.5/10.

21. Basildon – 2/10.

20. Basingstoke – 2/10.

19. Telford – 2.5/10.

18. Middlesbrough – 2.5/10.

17. Northampton – 3/10.

16. Slough – 3.5/10.

15. Reading – 4/10.

14. Swindon – 4.5/10.

13. Warrington – 5/10.

12. Huddersfield – 5.5/10.

11. Bolton – 6/10.

10. Blackburn – 6/10.

9. Stockport – 6.5/10.

8. Poole – 6.5/10.

7. Bournemouth – 7/10.

6. Worthing – 7/10.

5. Gateshead – 7.5/10.

4. Rochdale – 8/10.

3. Ipswich – 8.5/10.

2. Cheltenham – 9/10.

1. Blackpool – 9.5/10.

The Farnworth-raised comedian took to Instagram to look back at where it all began ahead of his 10th appearance for England, a milestone that will see him become Soccer Aid’s all-time appearance holder in its 20th anniversary year.

The post highlights just how long he has been part of the event, with images featuring a host of familiar faces from across sport and entertainment.

Over the years, he has shared the pitch with stars including Stormzy, Tom Hiddleston, Jamie Redknapp, Freddie Flintoff, Mo Farah, Olly Murs and Niall Horan.

In the caption, he wrote: “I’m back to make my record-breaking 10th @socceraid for UNICEF appearance.

“Made my first appearance in 2010 and here we are 16 years later!!!

“I’ve got another load of pics for you tomorrow! Too many to show on one carousel.

“This year the match will take place at @londonstadium on Sunday, May 31! Let’s go!!!!”

Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised more than £121 million since it was launched in 2006 by Robbie Williams.

This year’s match will take place at the London Stadium on Sunday, May 31.

Often seen in goal for England, Paddy has become one of the most recognisable faces in the squad over the past 15 years and this latest appearance marks a significant personal milestone.

Samantha Bryan, daughter of child killer Ian Huntley, has said a “funeral is pointless for a man like him” after her dad died this morning.

The daughter of child murder Ian Huntley has broken her silence after his death and called for his ashes to “flushed down the toilet”. Samantha Bryan, 27, said the Soham killer “isn’t worth a funeral” as she spoke for the first time after he died in hospital.

Huntley became one of the most infamous killers in British history after he murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002. In a statement released this morning, the Ministry of Justice said his crimes remain “one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation’s history”.

Speaking for the first time after his death, Samantha said that not only should her late dad’s ashes be flushed “down the toilet”, but he doesn’t deserve a grave and will burn in hell, reports the Mirror.

She told The Sun: “He shouldn’t have the dignity of a funeral and grave. I will not be going. A funeral is pointless for a man like him. Funerals are supposed to be about celebrating someone’s life and there’s nothing about him to celebrate. It takes up people’s valuable time and he’s not worth it.

“There’s no point having a funeral as he’ll burn in hell. There is no place for him in heaven. The devil is waiting.”

Samantha added that she didn’t want a grave for Huntley as she believed “freaks or weirdos” could show him “twisted respect”.

She said: “I don’t want there to ever be any possibility of freaks or weirdos going to a resting place or memorial, to show him some kind of twisted respect. The thought of that is disgusting. For the sake of what he’s done I want people to forget him.” Her attitude towards the killer is in line with the opinion shared by the rest of Soham, who believe the killer’s “not worth their breath or time”.

Huntley died at the age of 52 after he was brutally beaten with a metal pole in a prison attack last week. The double child murder was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle following the attack on Thursday, February 26.

The attack is said to have left him blind and in a ‘vegetative’ state. His life support was turned off overnight.

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In a statement this morning, Durham Constabulary confirmed only that Huntley had died in a hospital on Saturday morning, and that his death following “an incident in the workshop” at the prison were he was being held.

The service confirmed a “police investigation into the circumstances” is now ongoing, with no one arrested or charged in relation to his death.

A spokesperson said: “Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26.

“A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.”

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These Aldi staples help keep ultra-processed foods out of my weekly shop whilst staying on budget.

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Like so many others, I began this year with one goal – to improve my eating habits and, hopefully, enhance my overall wellbeing too. My previous diet wasn’t terrible by any stretch, but there was certainly room for improvement.

The internet is full of information about dietary dos and don’ts right now. But it typically boils down to this – consuming whole foods with minimal processing is likely best for both mental and physical health.

I’ve been making a deliberate effort to add more of these into my meals in 2026, and I’m pleased to report it’s been surprisingly easy.

Dedicating some time to meal planning at the start of each week has been vital for maintaining consistency. While my aim is to reduce ultra-processed foods in my diet, I become bored quite easily, so my meals and snacks must be interesting.

There’s no precise definition of ultra-processed food, but broadly speaking, it refers to food altered with additives and other components you’d be unlikely to find in your kitchen cupboards. Not all UPFs are detrimental to our health – such as wholegrain breakfast cereals, certain types of hummus and seeded bread – but quickly checking the label and selecting items with the fewest or most wholesome-sounding ingredients is sensible, and I believe it’s genuinely improved how I feel, reports the Express.

Luckily, eating well doesn’t have to break the bank. I do the majority of my food shopping at Aldi, and there are five items I consistently add to my basket most weeks.

While they may not all be entirely unprocessed, they’re adaptable and tasty, so here’s what I regularly grab from the aisles.

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Sourdough

Beginning with a quality sourdough loaf. While I’m fond of Jason’s bread, Aldi has significantly improved their sourdough range lately and one of the recent additions might be my new favourite.

The Jason’s ciabattin loaf is typically my first choice, as it’s smaller than a standard sourdough and has a sharper flavour which I adore. Towards the end of last year, Aldi launched their own alternative, and I thin kI’ve purchased it every week since.

You genuinely can’t tell the difference between the two, and with the Aldi one costing £1.59, it’s really a no-brainer. The ingredients are minimal, it freezes great, and it makes the perfect slice of toast – what’s not to love?

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Dark chocolate

Everyone likes a sweet treat, but if you’re keen to stick to your health objectives, dark chocolate is an excellent choice. The higher the cocoa percentage, the better – and Aldi stocks an 85% variety which I purchase without fail every single week.

Each piece is individually wrapped, which is great for portion control. Dark chocolate contains high levels of polyphenols, according to Healthline, which assist the body in combating stress and preventing illness.

I enjoy this in the evenings alongside a cup of tea, or adding it into healthier homemade desserts. At £2.49, it is excellent value for genuinely quality chocolate.

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Peanut butter

While nut butters are calorie-dense, they provide an excellent source of healthy fats. Peanut butter tends to be my favourite, though some varieties are considerably healthier than others.

Numerous jars available in supermarkets contain added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients. I opt for peanut butter containing solely peanuts and nothing else, and Aldi offers an excellent option.

Available in both smooth and crunchy variants, it caters to all preferences. I love this as a snack paired with apple slices, adding it into stir-fry sauces alongside soy and garlic, or adding it to my overnight oats in the morning.

At just £1.59 each, it’s remarkably good value compared to alternative brands such as Whole Earth.

Chia seeds

Following that are chia seeds, which boast exceptionally high fibre content, supporting digestion whilst delivering a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids as well.

As previously mentioned, I find eating identical meals very tedious, so variety is essential for me. Chia pudding has proven to be an excellent choice – the base requires only Greek yogurt, a spoonful of chia seeds and some milk, then simply combine and refrigerate overnight to set.

Then in the morning, you can add whatever toppings you fancy. I alternate between options like raspberry ripple, mango, peanut butter, cinnamon apples, blueberry cheesecake – the seeds make an excellent ingredient and are incredibly satisfying too, all for just £1.69.

Tofu

The last item that consistently makes it into my weekly shop is tofu. This soft protein derived from soya beans is classified as minimally processed, but still offers numerous significant health benefits that deserve recognition.

It serves as an excellent protein source, particularly for those who avoid animal products but still want to support muscle recovery. It also provides all of the essential amino acids your body requires, according to Healthline.

You might assume that tofu lacks flavour, but when prepared properly with enough seasoning, it’s absolutely delicious. I enjoy coating small chunks in cornflour and sesame oil, air frying for 15 minutes, then adding into rice and noodle dishes.

It’s equally tasty in curries, stews and tacos – there are genuinely endless preparation methods, and at Aldi, it costs only 95p per block, which s remarkable value.

A gathering was held at the Sails Sculpture in Glasgow Green where there was also a minute’s silence.

The annual day of reflection six years on from the coronavirus pandemic has been described as a moment for pause and remembrance. Today, Sunday, March 8, marks the annual national Covid-19 day of reflection.

It is a day when those who died are remembered alongside the work of the frontline health and social care workers, volunteers, and researchers who played crucial roles during the period. This year’s day of remembrance comes after the final public hearings in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry – which was formally launched in 2022 – were held last week.

Bereaved families have vowed to keep fighting for justice in memory of their loved ones as the final witness testimony was heard, and there are several more inquiry reports due to be published this year and next. At least 248,000 people in the UK have died with Covid-19 listed as a cause of death, according to the latest available data published by the UK’s statistics agencies.

On Saturday in Scotland, a gathering was held at the Sails Sculpture in Glasgow Green where there was also a minute’s silence. Sunday’s events are expected to include gatherings and commemorations across the four nations of the UK.

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Among them will be a short ceremony at the National Covid Memorial Wall in London where a wreath will be placed and a minute’s silence held at midday. In Wales, Caerphilly County Borough Council will host people at the Ynys Hywel Covid Memorial Woodland, with an informal guided walk and a minute’s silence.

In Northern Ireland live music, poetry and reflective speeches will take place at Belfast City Hall. While community and faith leaders, healthcare professionals and local people will gather in Manchester for a memorial service, storytelling and reflection organised by the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN).

Culture minister Baroness Twycross said: “Whenever I walk along the National Covid Memorial Wall, I’m struck by the 250,000 hand-painted hearts that stretch for half a kilometre. It is a powerful tribute to loved ones who will not be forgotten.

“The pandemic impacted everyone, up and down the country. It touched us all, and the impact of Covid remains.

“We now have the opportunity to come together as a nation to remember the quarter of a million lives lost. We also pay tribute to those on the front line during the pandemic, who made enormous sacrifices, day in, day out, to keep the British public safe – whether in health and social care, education, policing, transport or other frontline services.

“I encourage everyone to mark this day in a way that feels right for them, whether attending a community event or taking a quiet moment of reflection at home.”

Baroness Morgan, chairwoman of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, said: “For so many across the country, the Covid-19 pandemic left a legacy of grief and loss that is still carried today. Everyone lost something.

“This year’s Covid-19 day of reflection is an opportunity for us all to pause and remember the lives lost because of the pandemic, recognising the efforts and sacrifices of frontline workers, as well as the volunteering and community spirit we saw and the contribution of the scientific community.”

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Cody Garbrandt was left throwing up into a bucket after suffering three low blows in quick succession – but still went on to eke out the win in a bizarre fight at UFC 326.

Former bantamweight champion Garbrandt was up against Chinese fighter Xiao Long, hoping to get back in the win column after two successive losses to Deiveson Figueiredo and Raoni Barcelos.

”No Love” put in an encouraging first-round performance, dropping Xiao with a fierce elbow up against the fence, but his outing threatened to be derailed when Xiao connected with the groin not once but twice in the second round.

The second shot, a toe kick to the privates, left Garbrandt lying in agony and the American was soon seen throwing up, initially directly onto the canvas before someone came into the octagon to give him a bucket.

Garbrandt had five minutes to recover but after getting back to his feet and wiping his mouth, he resumed the fight having used just half of that allotted time, with Xiao being deducted a point by referee Herb Dean.

Garbrandt gave his opponent something of a death stare before flying out of the blocks, sending the crowd into raptures.

But the action didn’t get much of a chance kick on again, with Garbrandt falling victim of a third low blow to Xiao before the second round’s end.

That resulted in another point deducted for Xiao, meaning he could not win the bout without a finish.

It led to a bizarre third round, with Xiao knowing he had to go all guns blazing to save the fight, while Garbrandt went as far as to literally run away from his opponent to stay out of the danger zone.

“No Love” managed to see out the contest after subduing Xiao in the clinch, but the drama was not over at the buzzer with Dean needing to hold an incensed Garbrandt back from Xiao.

The pair continued to argue before the result was made official, with UFC security entering the cage to prevent anything from breaking out.

Garbrandt emerged victorious on the scorecards by unanimous decision and Xiao was left to rue his crucial two-point deduction, with all judges scoring the bout 28-27 in the American’s favour.

The tone has always been feisty and combative, but in recent years it seems to me like opinion has ossified, weaponised, and tribalised. There’s a growing fear (among political scientists and others) that in our modern, social media-driven world, every issue is reduced to a zero-sum game and shoved into a political tick box. I feel that I’m walking on eggshells. Causes and positions are embraced uncritically. Nuance and understanding are viewed as signs of weakness. Either you’re with us, or you are history.

The Bolton ‘am dram’ scene puts many other towns to shame and it continues today.

Here we have been into the archives for a few photos which were taken to promote various productions over the years.

The youth group from Farnsworth Little Theatre were presenting Trapped in January 1992 which included scenes from Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox and The Diary of Anne Frank

From Gilbert and Sullivan to uproarious farce and from school musicals to thought-provoking works, Bolton’s societies and schools have been responsible for a dazzling array of productions.

Perhaps you were involved in one of them or maybe you might recognise some of those who were.

The DWP has confirmed that disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will rise by 3.8 per cent in 2026 – here are the new payment rates

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance will increase by 3.8 per cent for the 2026/27 financial year. The revised weekly payment rates will come into effect from 6 April 2026.

At present, PIP ranges from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, with payments typically issued every four weeks which equates to awards of between £116.80 and £749.80.

A 3.8 per cent rise will see payments increase to between £30.30 and £194.60, or £121.20 and £778.40 every four-week payment period, according to the Daily Record.

PIP payment rates for 2026/27.

PIP is made up of two components – daily living and mobility. From Monday, 6 April, PIP will be paid at the following amounts per week:, reports the Mirror.

Daily Living component.

• Enhanced: £114.60 (from £110.40)
• Standard: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Mobility component.

• Enhanced: £80.00 (from £77.05)
• Standard: £30.30 (from £29.20)

PIP payment combinations for 2026/27.

Individuals on PIP could receive the lowest rate of one or both parts, the highest rate of one or both parts, or a mixed award of the lower or higher rates of each component.

The DWP will send letters to all claimants before April detailing their new payment rates. There are eight possible awards, these are listed below.

Single component award only.

You may be awarded the lower or higher daily living or mobility component:

• Standard daily living only – £76.70 per week, £306.80 per pay period
• Enhanced daily living only – £114.60 per week, £458.40 per pay period
• Standard mobility only – £30.30 per week, £121.20 per pay period
• Enhanced mobility only – £80.00 per week, £320.00 per pay period

Lower rate for daily living and mobility.

If you are on the lower rates of both components, your new payments are forecast to be:

• Standard daily living and standard mobility – £107 per week, £428 per pay period

Higher rate for daily living and mobility.

If you are on the higher rates of both components, your new payments are forecast to be:

• Enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility – £194.60 per week, £778.40 per pay period

Lower rate of one component and higher rate of the other.

If you are on the lower rate of one component and the higher rate of the other, your new payments are forecast to be:

• Standard daily living and enhanced mobility – £156.70 per week, £626.80 per pay period
• Enhanced daily living and standard mobility – £144.90 per week, £579.60 per pay period

Remember, PIP and all disability benefits are tax-free and do not affect the benefit cap.