For nearly a decade, Paul Limb of Action Coach, Bolton, has been coaching local business owners as part of Action Coach – a worldwide franchise operating in over 80 countries.

Now Paul is now also podcast host, with the first episode of Lancashire Business Stories – showcasing local business talent – which aired on March 16.

Paul recently started a podcast – Lancashire Business Stories – dedicated to highlighting local business people and their stories (Image: Paul Limb)

Paul said: “I’s all about helping local businesses grow, creating more jobs, and getting more money into the local economy.

“Local businesses are already being impacted by events at home and abroad.

“I wanted to offer them support in the form of ideas they can implement to build a more resilient business, able to withstand challenges and thrive in difficult conditions.”

Paul has had an unusual journey towards his current position.

His first role was as a high-performance sports coach, helping athletes improve via training in mental toughness and stamina.

He also worked with parachutists and skydivers.

“I’d be in the plane telling them ‘it’s ok’ and ‘you can do this,’” said Paul, “then I’d have to leap out with them.”

His first ‘proper’ job – as Paul put it – was in publishing, working in various Lancashire papers throughout the 80s, including the Lancashire Telegraph and the Lancashire Evening Post.

Then, in a second twist, Paul moved into working on home interiors in 1990.

Action Coach event (Image: Paul Limb)

He did this for several decades before moving towards the business coaching side of things when he set up Lancashire Business Coach in 2017.

Lancashire Business Coach then bought the rights to franchise the Action Coach brand in the Bolton area.

This didn’t affect the work Paul was doing – it just gave him the right to use the already-established Action Coach brand name.

Now, Paul is has even started a podcast – Lancashire Business Stories – showcasing local business owners as they take listeners through their lives and careers.

He will also be hosting a free workshop at the Bridge Street Holiday Inn on Friday, March 27 to help people build 90-day business plans.

The event can be booked via the Action Coach website, with business owners getting in free by using the code VIPGuest when booking tickets.

“We want to create 10,000 jobs over the next ten years,” said Paul, “that’s the goal.”

UK travellers are being reminded that airport security can refuse items even if they’re usually permitted in hand luggage

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Brits preparing for holidays abroad are being reminded of potential restrictions they may face whilst travelling. Some unspecified items might not be allowed in your hand luggage.

Most of us are aware that specific things are forbidden on aircraft as part of cabin baggage. For example, corkscrews, knives, and scissors are banned.

However, you might not realise that an item which may “normally” be listed as acceptable could still be rejected at security. The Government explains on its website: “There are restrictions on what items you can take in your hand luggage and hold luggage when boarding a plane in the UK.

“There are different rules if you’re taking goods to sell or temporarily abroad for business reasons, for example, sales samples, professional equipment or musical instruments for a performance.” GOV.UK provides a comprehensive list of all items prohibited on flights.

Nevertheless, it’s vital to understand that occasionally an item might be considered acceptable to bring but could still be refused entry. GOV.UK states: “Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.”

As a general rule, though, these personal items are not permitted in hand luggage:

• Corkscrew – but allowed in checked luggage
• Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) – check with your airline whether it’s allowed in checked luggage
• Large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm) – check with your airline whether it’s allowed in checked luggage
• Non-safety matches – and not allowed in checked luggage
• Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps – and not allowed in checked luggage

Additional items subject to specific regulations include lighters, food and powders, and frozen goods.

Lighters

GOV.UK states you may only take one lighter on board. It must be placed inside a resealable plastic bag (similar to those used for liquids), which must remain on your person throughout the flight. You must not:

• Place it in your checked luggage
• Place it in your hand luggage following screening

Food and powders

Food products and powders in your hand luggage may obscure images on x-ray equipment. Your bags might require manual inspection again by security. You may place these items in your checked luggage to reduce delays.

Frozen items

GOV.UK states: “You cannot usually carry frozen items in your hand luggage, for example, liquid, food or ice packs.” Some exceptions apply including:

• Medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements
• Baby food and baby milk

Liquids

There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can carry in your hand luggage. Where feasible, pack liquids in your checked baggage (luggage that you check in). At most airports, you’re not allowed to take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This rule applies even if the container isn’t full.

However, some airports now allow passengers to bring liquid in containers capable of holding up to two litres. As of the time of reporting, these airports included:

• London Heathrow
• London Gatwick
• Birmingham
• Edinburgh
• Bristol
• Belfast International
• Belfast City
• Bournemouth

It’s recommended to check the specific rules regarding liquids at your departure airport before travelling.

Locals say the area is ‘overcrowded’ and they wish there were better parking and more shops

People living in a 10-year old housing development say its becoming too overcrowded as ‘too many houses are being built’. The first residents of Alconbury Weald in Huntingdonshire first moved in around 2016, with new houses still being built at present.

While residents like the neighbourhood, some think some things could be improved. Sandra, who wished for her surname to not be included, moved to the area around three years ago with her partner Brian.

She said it was a “very nice neighbourhood”, but added how she wishes parking was better. She said: “The only downside is the parking. I don’t think they [developers] thought about parking properly.” Sandra also believes there are too many houses being built in the area now.

She added: “We are seeing too many houses built. It’s becoming overcrowded.” Currently, Alconbury Weald only has one shop, which is a Co-op.

Some people hope to see more shops soon to offer them more variety. Tereza Mistolerova, who moved to Alconbury Weald with her husband in September, hopes for this.

She said: “We would like a big shop because in the little Co-op, by 8am all of the pastries are gone! Also there is a gym, but it’s more like a hotel gym. We’re just praying there will be a big leisure centre at some point.”

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, also wants more shops. She said: “We need more shops rather than just one Co-op.

“I understand there will be plans for others, so I am hopeful we will have some more, then it will be the perfect place to live.” Developers of Alconbury Weald, Urban&Civic, said the first phase development of the area is “well underway”.

Paul Murfin, communications and partnerships manager for Alconbury Weald said: “[There is] over 75% of the homes delivered alongside a nursery, primary school and special educational needs school, with the new secondary school due to open in September 2027.

“Really importantly, we know that what makes a place come to life is the shops and cafes for meeting friends and neighbours. Alongside The Watch Office Bar and Kitchen, Co-op and our regular food trucks, we are pleased that Swynford Coffee will be added to the mix next month.

“Work has also started on the parade of shops at The Glade (which will open next year) and the health centre (which will open later this year). We continue to work with residents through formal consultations as well as regular meetings with them and with Alconbury Weald Community Association.

“This helps ensure the facilities that come forward are shaped by them and meet their needs. The design and layout of future spaces also respond directly to feedback from them through these discussions as well as regular independent Quality of Life surveys.”

Clubs from across the region gathered at the park for a busy day of junior and senior racing, bringing another competitive winter of cross-country action to an end.

Proceedings began with the under-11 boys’ and girls’ race, which was held as an individual event. The relays then got underway, with under-13 and under-15 teams of three athletes each tackling single-lap legs around the park.

The senior races followed in the afternoon, with both the women’s and men’s events featuring teams of four. Athletes from under-17, under-20, senior and veteran age groups all competed together in the senior categories.

Each runner completed one lap, with changeovers playing a key role throughout.

Medals were awarded to the top three teams in each category, rounding off the day’s competition and giving clubs the chance to end the season on a high.

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

North Yorkshire and South Durham Harriers league cross country relays at South Park in Darlington (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The first 45 minutes was the epitome of two teams cancelling each other out – but once the second half began the landscape was set for City’s win.

They were the more progressive, aggressive side. Their attacking intent started to overwhelm Arsenal, the pressure became impossible to resist. Smoother on the ball and more cohesive than an Arsenal side based on organisation, the traffic only flowed one way.

Arrizabalaga already had Arsenal’s nerves on edge with an injudicious dash from goal which resulted in a yellow card for a panicked foul on Jeremy Doku.

Much, much worse was to come for Arsenal and their goalkeeper.

It remains six years since Arteta won his one and only trophy as Arsenal manager, and the way in which his team went into their shell here will be a concern that he must hope is not repeated as the pressure mounts in the closing weeks of the season.

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Sport: “Manchester City played to win. I think that’s what they’re bred to do over ten, 15 years. I think now they’re very much bred to win. I think they’ve been really disappointed with the FA Cup final at the end of last season [when they lost to Crystal Palace].

“A lot will be read into it putting a marker down or whatever, but I don’t think so. I think it was just about Manchester City winning trophies, which is what they’ve done so regularly recently – and this is another big one.

“It is also a huge day for Pep Guardiola, who’s won everything, but now stands alone in terms of managers winning the League Cup. He’s won it five times, going one clear of Sir Alex Ferguson. How much of a testament is that to his ability, his special touch and what he’s done over the years with Manchester City?”

Arteta is braced for the battle to recover from this setback and focus on three trophies, saying: “We had eight amazing months with this team. Today is a disappointment. We need to use that fire in the belly for the next two months to have an incredible season.”

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s painful, especially for our players and supporters, because we really wanted to lift that trophy. It was two very different halves, especially the first half when I think we were better than them and had the best two chances of the game.

“We didn’t capitalise on that. Credit to them for what they have done. A really sad day.”

He must hope it is the last sad day of what has been an outstanding season so far – for Guardiola, he will hope City’s win, and the manner in which it was achieved, will play on Arsenal’s nerves.

Britain’s early spring warm spell is set to come to an abrupt end this week with the arrival of rain and colder temperatures.

Much of the country will see the mercury return to single figures after an unusually dry and sunny interlude to March.

An early heatwave saw temperatures rise as high as 20C last week in parts.

Scotland had its hottest day of the year so far on Friday, with a high of 20.2C recorded at Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire.

But it may be too early to put away the winter coats as the country is set to experience a ‘cold plunge’, the Met Office has said.

From Monday, colder air and winds will see temperatures fall along with some showers towards the middle of the week and even possibly snow in Scotland.

Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said a new weather system coming in from the north west would turn conditions colder for most.

But he added that temperatures would stay in the mid teens for the vast majority of southern England until Wednesday.

He said: ‘Wet weather continues to spread south and eastwards through Tuesday.

‘Colder weather moving in from Wednesday. A notable drop in temperatures, wintry showers, particularly across the north of the UK and staying chilly into Thursday as well but a little drier.’

Forecaster Alex Deakin said conditions would return to around average for the time of year later this week, Sky News reported.

But he added that the drop could be a ‘shock to the system’ for some after the warm spell.

He said: ‘Temperatures by Wednesday (will be) single digits for many, and that’s the max, so it’s going to get cold at night.

‘Probably the peak of that cold will be on Wednesday night, that’s when the cold plunge really comes in.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

The couple’s solicitor, Catherine Lee, from legal firm Irwin Mitchell, added: “Whilst the trust has recognised the severity of the failings Aarav suffered and the need for improvements, it’s now vital that staff are supported to uphold the highest standard of care at all times.”

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The event, which will include live music, original storytelling and newly created animation will take centre stage at the James Holt Concert Hall in Kirkbymoorside, offering audiences of all ages the chance to experience a brand new creative collaboration.

The Adventures of the Bear and the Angel, brings together the talents of local historian, naturalist and author Martin Watts, whose much loved Bear stories have charmed readers for years, and the famous Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band, under the musical directorship of the 2024 Brass Band England Conductor of the Year, Sarah Woodward.

Martin, who served as curator at the Ryedale Folk Museum for around 15 year, has created an uplifting tale of courage, friendship and hope, inspired by the real-life bear and beetle who reside in the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens where he worked for a number of years.

At the heart of the story is a group of friends who set out to help a stranger, confronting challenges, “important people” and their own fears along the way. Celebrating themes of kindness, determination and imagination it is a show for all ages.

The idea for the project emerged after a conversation between Martin and Sarah who was fresh from attending the Brass in Concert festival at The Glass House in Gateshead.

Sarah was keen to explore how live brass performance could be combined with film and narrative right here in Ryedale.

Knowing Martin’s creative work—and his role in documenting the band’s own history—the partnership quickly gathered momentum.

To bring the visual world of the story to life, the team enlisted award winning animator Andy Burns, a filmmaker with more than 20 years’ experience and a strong record of community-focused projects. Burns’ animation has been crafted to work hand in hand with live performance, creating an immersive backdrop for the music and narration.

The result is an evening designed to offer something genuinely different for audiences: an imaginative blend of live brass music, storytelling and cinema suitable for all ages, families, schools, and anyone with an interest in local creativity.

The project has been supported by J and W Kirby Historic Conservation, The Yorkshire Quince Company and Salt and Steam.

The Adventures of the Bear and the Angel takes place at 6pm on April 11at the James Holt Concert Hall.

Tickets are available at: trybooking.com/uk/FZCU

The event, organised by Darlington Borough Council, marked the end of Ramadan with a vibrant showcase of culture and creativity.

Visitors moved through the market spaces on Sunday, March 22, taking in a lively mix of Eid inspired crafts, traditional henna art and music that added to the festive atmosphere.

Stalls throughout the Market Hall offered a variety of handmade items, drawing families and visitors to browse and take part in the celebrations.

Musicians and performers brought energy to the afternoon, creating a welcoming space where the community could come together and celebrate. The combination of crafts, food and music turned the town centre into a lively hub of activity for the occasion.

The free event provided an open and inclusive way for people to experience Eid festivities in the heart of Darlington, with the Market Hall serving as a focal point for today’s celebrations.

Here are some pictures from the event:

Eid ul Fitr at Darlington Market Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Eid ul Fitr at Darlington Market Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Eid ul Fitr at Darlington Market Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Eid ul Fitr at Darlington Market Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Eid ul Fitr at Darlington Market Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Eid ul Fitr at Darlington Market Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Eid ul Fitr at Darlington Market Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Eid ul Fitr at Darlington Market Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Eid ul Fitr at Darlington Market Hall (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)