It won the Collaborative Excellence in Working Together to Improve Care award at the RLDatix Awards 2026 for its Learning Disability and Autism Awareness Education programme, designed to help pre-hospital clinicians deliver more person-centred care.

Karen Gardner, deputy director of people development at NEAS, said: “Winning this award is a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment of the education team, colleagues and partners who have worked together to create something that is making a real difference for both our staff and the patients we care for.

“By listening to people with lived experience and embedding their voices throughout the programme, we’ve created learning that is practical, meaningful and directly relevant to the realities of ambulance care.

“We’re incredibly proud to see this work recognised on a national stage.”

The programme was co-produced with people who have lived experience, as well as their families and system partners.

It uses real ambulance scenarios, patient stories and immersive learning methods.

More than 2,000 NEAS colleagues have completed the training, with 99 per cent compliance.

Early results show increased staff confidence, a better understanding of patient needs and improved delivery of safe, personalised care.

The RLDatix Awards celebrate individuals and teams across health and social care who make demonstrable improvements to care quality, patient safety and workforce effectiveness.

Entries are judged by an independent panel of health and care leaders.

Paul Sanders, president of RLDatix UK and Ireland, said: “Every day, we see incredible examples of people across health and social care making a real difference for patients, service users and colleagues.

“Through the RLDatix Awards, we are proud to provide a national platform to celebrate these achievements and share the stories and learning that can inspire progress across the wider health and care community.

“It is both an honour and a privilege to recognise and celebrate the exceptional people, teams and organisations who are helping to raise the standard of care, everywhere.”

The RLDatix Awards 2026 were held on July 9 at the Telford International Centre, with more than 500 health and social care professionals in attendance from across the UK and Ireland.

The event aimed to recognise collaboration, innovation and excellence in improving care.

Pupils from Lakes Primary School and Wilton Primary Academy in Redcar have buried a time capsule at the site of The Lookout, a new development in Redcar town centre.

Harry, Aria, Katie and Lillian were among the pupils who helped seal and bury the capsule filled with letters and messages to their future selves, creating a snapshot of life in Redcar today for generations to come.

Local school children bury a time capsule at The Lookout in Redcar. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The capsule has been buried on the High Street side of the development, just outside the attraction, where it will remain hidden until it is one day rediscovered.

The Lookout is one of the flagship projects in the Redcar Town Deal programme that aims to create a modern community hub featuring a library, learning spaces, family-friendly attractions, food and drink outlets, and a programme of year-round events.

Once complete, The Lookout will offer digital technology and learning areas, flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces, and family-friendly activities.

Local school children bury a time capsule at The Lookout in Redcar. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Jacqui Hutchinson of RCVDA coordinated the event with the help of the schools and Robertson Construction North East.

Ms Hutchinson said: “This was a lovely opportunity for local children to become part of the story of The Lookout.

“The messages they’ve placed inside the time capsule will give future generations a glimpse into what life was like in Redcar today.

“The Lookout is all about creating opportunities, learning and experiences for local people, so it’s fitting that young people have played such an important role in this milestone.”

The scheme follows extensive public consultation and sits alongside other Town Deal projects aimed at regenerating Redcar’s town centre and seafront.

Local school children bury a time capsule at The Lookout in Redcar. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Cllr Alec Brown, leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see local schoolchildren helping mark this exciting stage in the development of The Lookout.

“Burying a time capsule is a great way of connecting the town’s future with its present, and I hope the children will look back proudly knowing they’ve contributed to a project that will benefit Redcar for years to come.”

Local school children bury a time capsule at The Lookout in Redcar. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

As construction continues, the community is being reminded that the heart of Redcar remains open and ready to welcome shoppers, diners, and day-trippers alike.

The visit ended on an even sweeter note for the pupils, with an ice cream from iconic Italian parlour, Pacitto’s.

For more information on the Lookout and other Redcar Town Deal projects, visit: https://redcarcleveland.uk.engagementhq.com/hub-page/redcar-town-deal

The Milbank Arms, in Barningham, sits close to the A66, Barnard Castle, Richmond and the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

The pub, which is Grade II-listed and dates from the early 19th century, has become a popular stop for walkers, diners, overnight guests and people travelling through the area.

On Tripadvisor, The Milbank Arms has a 4.4 rating from reviews, with visitors often mentioning “an incredible welcome”, “pudding” and “Sunday lunch”.

The Milbank Arms, in Barningham (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The venue describes itself as a “historic country inn offering a cosy atmosphere, accommodation, locally sourced cuisine and a welcoming pub, combining rustic charm with modern comfort”.

Recent reviews suggest the pub has become a destination in its own right.

One visitor from Ipswich said they stopped at The Milbank Arms on the way to Scotland, describing it as a convenient halfway stop just five minutes off the A66.

They said the accommodation was “very clean and comfortable and quiet”, while supper in the bar was “excellent”.

The reviewer added: “Proper chef clearly works in kitchen and the menu was well thought out.”

Another visitor described it as “a lovely gastro pub in an idyllic setting” after calling in for Sunday lunch following a walk around the surrounding countryside.

They praised the “delightful” pub, friendly staff and food, saying the roast beef was rare and the lemon sole was “fantastic”.

The Milbank Arms has also been praised as an overnight stay.

One guest who stayed for Valentine’s Day said the pub was in “such a lovely little village”, with snow making the setting even prettier.

They described their room as cosy, the bed as very comfortable and the food as “absolutely delicious”.

They added: “The staff were so so welcoming and friendly, so hats off to them; their customer service was 10/10.”

Another reviewer said they could “100 per cent recommend” The Milbank Arms after an overnight stay in a large room with “pretty decor” and a “super-king-size bed”.

They praised the evening meal, describing the pub as “spacious yet cosy”, and said breakfast was another highlight.

Diners have praised dishes including steak, roast beef, lemon sole, monkfish, venison, arancini, steak pie, vegetarian options, puddings and cooked breakfasts.

One solo visitor who stopped for a pint and food said staff were “warm and friendly” and praised a pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord before describing the steak as extremely high quality.

They wrote: “Cooked to medium rare, well seasoned and served with new potatoes. No extra fuss and nonsense, but really top service.”

Another reviewer, who visited for a family birthday party, said The Milbank Arms hosted 38 people “exceptionally well”, adding that the food was “outstanding”.

The pub has also been used for a company leadership strategy away day, with one business visitor saying they “couldn’t fault it”.

They wrote: “Beautiful rooms, wonderful food, friendly hospitality.”

The family of a young mum who was stabbed to death by an intruder while she slept alongside her husband and their three-month-old baby have said they want ‘justice’ for her ‘shocking’ death.

Kirandeep Kaur, 24, was allegedly attacked by stranger Daniel Sean James in her home in Hayes, west London, on the morning of July 12.

Ms Kaur, who had been living in the UK since 2024 on a student visa, suffered a stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 8.26am.

Speaking to ITV News, Ms Kaur’s mother Baljeet said: ‘We send them somewhere safe to study then this happens. We didn’t realise hooliganism and violence is happening there too.

‘We want justice, we want our daughter’s body returned from Hayes.’

Ms Kaur’s brother Gurvinder Singh said the family had found out only on Friday that she had died.

He said: ‘We were shocked, we don’t understand what we can do.’

Mr Singh said the family do not have anyone who could bring Ms Kaur’s body back home to their village in Punjab.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall Gurdwara to help raise money for funeral arrangements for Ms Kaur as well as the repatriation of her body to India and for her family.

As of Friday night, it has raised more than £34,600.

Before the random attack, James allegedly walked through a playing field in Hayes dressed all in black and carrying a large knife.

The 46-year-old was caught on CCTV and doorbell cameras approaching three different addresses before coming up behind a man in his 20s in the street and stabbing him in the back, it is claimed.

Minutes later, at around 7.51am, he is said to have kicked at the door of the home Mrs Kaur shared with her husband and three-month-old baby and broke in while they were asleep in bed.

The husband awoke to the sound of a scream from his wife and saw a figure leaving the bedroom, prosecutor Charlene Sumnall told the Old Bailey on Thursday.

The court heard James, of Pinner, west London, left the property in Uxbridge Road two minutes later by jumping out of a window from the kitchen-living room area.

Having broken both ankles, he allegedly tried to flee but collapsed after 10 metres.

The Old Bailey was told that both victims were complete strangers to the defendant, who was treated in hospital before being taken into custody.

He was subsequently charged with the murder of Ms Kaur, attempted murder and having a blade.

Judge Nigel Lickley KC set a plea hearing for October 1 and a provisional three-week trial from April 5 next year, while James was remanded into custody.

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

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Published: 10:31 BST, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 11:58 BST, 18 July 2026

Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has slapped down net-zero champion Ed Miliband with plans to launch new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. 

He is reportedly set to announce the plans when he becomes PM on Monday.

It comes after fierce debate over the future of two oil and gas fields in Scotland – Rosebank and Jackdaw – where licences were approved in 2022 and 2023 before being overturned last year. 

Sir Keir Starmer previously faced criticism over his opposition to drilling for fossil fuels, arguing granting new licences does not mean cheaper bills for customers, as proponents claim.

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Instead, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, often branded a ‘net-zero zealot’, has pushed renewable energy sources which do not contribute to climate change. 

But amid pressures on energy prices including the war between the US and Iran, Reform and the Conservatives have pushed the government to approve new licences.

This would go against the party’s 2024 manifesto, which pledged no new licences for oil and gas.

Previously Miliband, who has described the decision to issue a licence to Rosebank as ‘climate vandalism’, was touted as a potential Chancellor under Andy Burnham, although in recent days Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also been put forward.

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Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has slapped down net-zero supporter Ed Miliband with plans to launch new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea

It comes after fierce debate over the future of two oil and gas fields in Scotland – Rosebank and Jackdaw

It is unclear exactly what Burnham’s plans for oil and gas entail, but it has been trailed he will make a raft of announcements next week on policy.

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Ahead of his ascension to the top job, trade unions representing the oil and gas industries sent Burnham a letter calling on him to back them. 

Any new licences could mark a further falling out between him and Miliband, who is likely to receive a cabinet job. 

Burnham allies have insisted he has not yet made final decisions on cabinet roles, with these expected to be announced on Monday. 

Among policy declarations expected are plans to nationalise water and energy firms and initiate a council house building programme. 

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He pledged in a speech on Friday to bring about the ‘most significant change moment in our politics for 40 years’.

Burnham accused politicians of ‘surrendering control’ of housing, water, energy and transport, and also said he would overhaul social care.

In his highly-anticipated speech on Monday after becoming Prime Minister, Burnham is expected to say he wants to make a ‘tangible’ change to people’s lives.

Burnham allies have insisted he has not yet made final decisions on cabinet roles, with these expected to be announced on Monday

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The former Manchester mayor is set to unveil measures to tackle the cost of living and ‘grasp the nettle’ that is social care reform.

He is also said to be considering capping bus fares at £2 across the country – something he previously enacted in Greater Manchester. 

But much of the speculation centres on who will form Burnham’s government with him.

Allies including Angela Rayner and Louise Haigh are expected to be welcomed back into the fold with cabinet positions, while potential competition in the likes of Wes Streeting are also set to retain top jobs.

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Current Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to remain in government, but in a different role. 

Officers are appealing for information

A 43-year-old man has been taken to hospital with a serious head injury following an alleged incident in Barry. A second man, aged 30, has been arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

The incident happened on Skomer Road at around 11.20pm on Friday, July 17. According to Google maps there was a road closure in place on Saturday morning.

South Wales Police is appealing for information to assist the investigation. Always keep on top of the latest Welsh news with our newsletter

A spokesman for the force said: “Officers are appealing for witnesses following assault which took place on Skomer Road, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan at around 11:20pm yesterday (Friday July 17).

“A 43-year-old man from Barry has been taken to hospital with a significant head injury.

“A 30-year-old man from Barry has been arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. He is currently in police custody.

“If you witnessed this incident or recorded any footage, please get in touch via 101, quoting 2600229849.”

By JOSHUA HAINING, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 10:41 BST, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 11:39 BST, 18 July 2026

Sadiq Khan was caught on camera saying the House of Lords should be abolished just four years ago, despite becoming its latest member.

The London Mayor is one of 15 new Labour peers announced in Sir Keir Starmer‘s resignation honours list as he clears No10 for Andy Burnham who will become PM on Monday. 

But a video of Sir Sadiq discussing his progress as Mayor of London in 2022 has now exposed his hypocrisy.

In the London Assembly meeting, Khan referenced a heated City Hall exchange he had with Conservative peer Shaun Bailey who ran against him for mayor in 2021. 

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He said: ‘That exchange between Shaun Bailey and myself is proof, if it was ever needed, that we should abolish the House of Lords.’

However, Sir Sadiq is now among the 25 new peers from across the parties who will be entitled to £390 tax free for every day they spend at the Lords.

There are typically 150 sittings a year which means if Sir Sadiq attended each one, he would receive £58,500 on top of his £170,000 salary as mayor.  

Aides did not immediately say whether he would accept the payment or donate it to charity.

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Just four years ago Sir Sadiq Khan called for the House of Lords to be abolished but hehas now been appointed a peer

In the video from a London Assembly meeting, the Mayor of London said a heated exchange between himself and Lord Bailey was proof it should not exist

Sir Sadiq was one of 15 new Labour peers announced by Sir Keir Starmer in his resignation honours list

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And despite his controversial appointment, Sir Sadiq will not give up his job and could leave as late as 2028, when his third term ends.

Joining the Lords would also allow him to become a government minister, but it is understood that he would not accept a role under Mr Burnham.

It has not been made clear what the incoming Prime Minister thinks of Sir Keir’s appointments. 

In the latest batch of appointments to the Lords, the Conservatives nominated three new peers, including former army chief General Patrick Sanders and Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross.

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The Lib Dems were granted five peers, but there were no nominations from the outgoing PM for Reform.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: ‘Sadiq is honoured to be given a peerage.

‘London gave Sadiq the opportunities to go from a council estate to being Mayor, and his focus will continue to be ensuring that all Londoners get the same shot at reaching their full potential that London gave him and his family.

‘Serving as Mayor of the greatest city in the world continues to be the privilege of Sadiq’s life. 

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‘He is excited about what more can be delivered in the years ahead and he will devote his time and energy to standing up for our city and building a fairer, safer, greener London for everyone.’

North Yorkshire Police have released this image of a man that they’d like to speak to after a bank card was stolen then used without permission in the town centre.

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It happened on July 2 at The Majestic Hotel in Harrogate.

“Please contact us if you recognise the male pictured on CCTV, as he may have information that will assist our investigation,” said a spokesperson for the force.

A second picture of the man that police are hoping to speak to (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

If you can help, please contact the police by emailing PC 1824 Chatland on ed.chatland@northyorkshire.police.uk, using the website or live chat, emailing 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Please quote reference 12260124153 when providing information

The 78-year-old former MP was found dead at her home on July 9

The suspect in the murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe has been named as Joshua Kerry. The 78-year-old former MP and MEP was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, Devon, on July 9.

Counter-terrorism police are leading the probe into the ex-politican’s death. A 28-year-old white British man arrested on suspicion of murder – and the commission, preparation, or instigation of acts of terrorism – remains in custody.

He has now been named as Joshua Kerry, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Mr Kerry was detained on July 11.

Miss Widdecombe’s body remained undiscovered for almost 24 hours following her death, police believe. Detectives said she was attacked at her house on July 8, 30 minutes before she was set to appear via video call on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show.

She messaged a producer at 12.19pm, but failed to respond to a text at 12.48pm. Devon and Cornwall Police believe she was attacked at 12.30pm at her bungalow on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Following the news of Ann Widdecombe’s death, outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the former MP as a ‘highly distinguished, forthright politician’ and that there were ‘wider questions to address about the safety of politicians’.

By DAVID KENT

Published: 09:37 BST, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 11:23 BST, 18 July 2026

Graeme Souness has finally been forced to concede that Paul Pogba is ‘one of France’s greatest ever talents’ as the former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder once again switches allegiance to England’s opponents.

The 73-year-old starred alongside fellow Scottish football icons Charlie Nicholas and Gordon Strachan in Paddy Power‘s comedy sketch ahead of England’s third-place play-off against France.

With Thomas Tuchel‘s side preparing to take on Les Bleus in what many view as a largely meaningless consolation match, the trio have apparently discovered French roots for the latest chapter in their anti-England campaign.

This marks the fourth time during the tournament that Souness, Nicholas and Strachan have adopted a new nationality in support of whoever happens to be facing England.

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Having previously reinvented themselves as passionate Mexico supporters, Norwegian converts and proud Argentinians, the former Old Firm trio have shown that there is no nation they will not embrace if it means cheering against the Three Lions.

In the latest instalment, Souness reappears as ‘Guillaume Sounet’. Questioned over whether his support for France is genuine rather than simply rooted in a desire to see England lose, Souness attempted to prove his loyalty to Kylian Mbappe and Co by offering rare praise for former Manchester United midfielder Pogba.

Souness offered rare praise for former United and France midfielder Pogba in Paddy Power’s latest sketch, as the Scotsman changes his allegiance to England’s opponent once again

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Souness, one of Pogba’s outspoken critics, was asked whether the former United midfielder was ‘one of France’s greatest ever talents’, to which he replied through gritted teeth: ‘oui’

The 73-year-old, long one of Pogba’s most outspoken critics, was then asked whether the former Manchester United midfielder was ‘one of France’s greatest ever talents’. 

Through gritted teeth, Souness replied: ‘oui’.

This may come as a surprise to those who witnessed the war of words between the pair during Pogba’s Premier League days.

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It began shortly after Pogba’s return to United in 2016, with Souness referring to Pogba as ‘selfish’ and suggesting that, for the Frenchman, it’s all about ‘how cool he looks’ and ‘how clever he is’.

Later, during lockdown, the criticism continued while Pogba was injured.

In a Q&A with the Sunday Times, Souness said: ‘Pogba has absolutely everything to be a top player – great athleticism, super technique – but his attitude to the game is the polar opposite of mine.

‘He goes out with one thought in his mind: ‘I’m going to show everyone how clever I am today and be the star of the show.’

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‘He’d be an absolute doddle to play against.’

Then, finally, Pogba, whom United paid £89m to re-sign from Juventus in 2016, hit back.

‘I didn’t even know who he was, really,’ the France international told the United Podcast in April 2020. ‘I heard he was a great player and stuff like that. I know the face, but not the name.

‘I’m not someone who watches a lot of punditry. I watch a lot of football but I don’t stay after the game to listen to what they say about why they did this, or why they did that. I like to focus on football.’

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While the comments from Souness continued until Pogba’s eventual departure two years later, the last Pogba said on the matter came earlier this year on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast.

Ferdinand told Pogba how he had been heavily discussed by Souness, and the Frenchman bluntly replied: ‘I didn’t know who he was. I heard he’s a legend.’

Given their long and often bitter history, Souness’s willingness to finally praise the former United star is remarkable and underlines just how far he is prepared to go to back England’s latest opponents.