A village in Cambridgeshire offers a range of local amenities as well as a small community with a big history

A picturesque village in the northernmost part of Cambridgeshire has a “stunning little museum” and was once home to a genius poet. Helpston offers a small community with a big history, as it was once claimed by another county.

Helpston is situated around seven miles from Peterborough and lies close to today’s Northamptonshire border. The village is part of Cambridgeshire, but for the majority of it’s existence, was in Northamptonshire.

Described by guests as “a lovely little museum of arguably one of UKs best (least known) poets”, John Clare Cottage offers an intriguing museum, cafe and giftshop showcasing the heritage and history of John Clare’s former home.

He was born in 1793 in Helpston, in what has now been preserved as Clare Cottage. The son of a farm labourer, John grew up in a modest thatched home surrounded by open fields, ancient hedgerows, and the common lands that sustained rural communities for generations, according to the cottage.

With only basic education, John taught himself to read and write, quickly developing a talent for poetry and soon became best known as an unparalleled ‘peasant poet’ who celebrated rural English countryside life.

House prices in Helpston had an overall average of £403,857 over the last year, according to Rightmove. The majority of properties sold in Helpston during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £311,250.

Home to The Bluebell Inn, a village pub with rooms to stay, and other local amenities including a village hall, a church and a local school called John Clare Primary School, this village offers a range of services you need to raise a family there.

The Bluebell Inn, believed to have been built in the 1700’s, said it offers guests “all the charm you’d expect from a village inn with oodles of quirky character thrown in” and promises a “warm, friendly smile and the same hospitality which has been offered here for over 250 years”. It appears that previous guests agree, with one highlighting “what a beautiful little gem this is” in a Tripadvisor review.

Another person wrote: “It is a beautiful old place with what is clearly a contemporary interior – attractive in quiet colours, smart and clean – but one that is entirely harmonious with the venerable building. It is one of those cosy, compartmented pubs with lowish ceilings and low, comfortable lighting. Full of character.”

A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with road traffic and domestic offences.

Two people are in hospital after a car allegedly collided with a number of parked vehicles in a Scots town.

Emergency services were called to the incident on Gilmour Street in Eaglesham, East Renfrewshire, at 8.45pm on Friday, May 15. Crews attended and a man and woman were found injured.

They were taken to hospital for treatment, where their current conditions are unknown. A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with road traffic and domestic offences.

He is due to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday, May 18.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 8.45pm on Friday, 15 May, 2026, police received a report of a vehicle colliding with several parked cars on Polnoon Street at its junction with Gilmour Street, Eaglesham. Emergency services attended and a man and woman were taken to hospital.

“A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with road traffic and domestic offences. He is due to appear at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday, 18 May, 2026.”

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Officers believe the assault took place at around 4.45am on Tuesday morning

A murder investigation has been launched after a man died following a break-in at an apartment building in East Belfast.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) said emergency services were called to reports of an assault in the Holywood Road area in the early hours of Tuesday.

The victim, named by police as 51-year-old Nicholas Gordon, was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Detective Chief Inspector Duffie, said: “We received a report at around 8.25am on Tuesday, 12th May of an assault in the Holywood Road area, where a number of intruders had entered an apartment building and attacked another male, before making off.

“We believe the assault took place at around 4.45am that morning.

“Officers attended the scene, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and a man in his fifties was subsequently taken to hospital.

“Two people – a 24-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman – were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm. They were later released on bail, to allow for further police enquiries.”

Detective Chief Inspector Duffie continued: “Sadly, the injured man, 51-year-old Nicholas (Nicky) Gordon, has now passed away and a murder investigation has been launched.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time and we are appealing to anyone who was in the Holywood Road area on Tuesday, 12 ^th May and may have seen something, or who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation – including any dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage – to contact detectives on the 101 number, quoting reference 224 of 12/05/26.”

You can also make a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Welcome to our live coverage of United’s clash with Forest.

United are looking to end the season on a high and a point today would secure third place in the Premier League. We’re still waiting for news on the manager front, with Carrick inching closer to being confirmed as the permanent head coach. United had hoped to have the deal done by today’s game but still we wait.

We’ll bring you any manager updates as soon as we get them and will bring you all the updates and analysis you need from today’s game.

WHERE do you begin when introducing someone to York’s culinary scene? That’s the question I asked myself for this review, wanting to show off the best of the city to my housemate, a relative newcomer here.

After trying to work out what we were both in the mood for, my mind went to an old reliable – Indian food – and we headed to Fossgate to Mumbai Lounge: one of my favourite places in the city where I can always find a new dish to try.

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Deciding to chance it, we arrived without a reservation at about 8pm on a Sunday evening and, despite a number of large groups already seated in the restaurant, we were thankfully given a great spot by the window straight away.

From the off, the service was exceptional and this continued throughout the night with the waiter seating us, placing our napkins in our lap, and confirming whether or not we’d like poppadoms so that they could be brought out after ordering.

We ordered drinks – a large Bangladeshi lager for me (£6.25) and a Peroni Zero (£3.95) for Esther – before attempting to narrow it down from the pages of options.

Poppadom (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

Normally, a large menu is something that I would find a bit off-putting, but at Mumbai Lounge, each item is so unique and well explained that every item feels like it’s earned its place with options for literally everyone.

Once we finally decided, the first course arrived and whilst I am a bit of a fiend for a poppadom at the best of times, the pickle tray at Mumbai Lounge is one of my favourites.

Skipping the onion chutney, I devoured the rest with the mango chutney adding a lightness, the pickled chillies delivering a perfect heat, and mint sauce tasting unlike any other I’ve had before (in the best way).

Paneer Pakura (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

If we hadn’t ordered starters, I’d definitely have ordered another poppadom to finish up the sauces.

The aforementioned starters came out about five minutes after we’d finished the poppadoms and both were presented attractively with dots of sauce around the main attractions.

As a lover of all things cheese, I’d opted for the paneer pakura (£5.50) where I was presented with four fried cheese ‘dumplings’, with a gravy jug full of the mint sauce that came with the poppadoms and a small side salad. It was tasty and I enjoyed it, although I do wish the batter around the paneer had a stronger flavour.

Salmon Tikka (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

Esther opted for the salmon tikka (£6.90) – which was on the smaller size, but was absolutely exceptional with tender, flaky salmon that she said tasted incredibly fresh. She added that the outside was perfectly crisp and you could taste the tandoori flavour.

Service is a well-oiled machine and, much like the poppadoms and starters, our mains came out fast without making you feel rushed.

My food, Asams Lamb (£15.90) – a medium lamb curry with peppers in a double-cooked tomato sauce, even made an unexpected sizzling entrance. 

Whilst I found it to be mild rather than medium, the sauce was delicious and gave the tender and perfectly-cooked lamb a rich tomato flavour that complimented it well. It also clung to the peppers, which I loved.

Asams Lamb (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

Esther opted for a Special Seafood Bhuna (£16.90) – salmon, king prawn (singular), and scallop cooked up in a delicious and fragrant tomato sauce with just a hint of seafood flavour.

She said that the prawn was lovely, cooked well with a bouncy texture, and praised the good amount of flaky melt-in-the-mouth salmon. Her scallops were generously donated to my plate and they were fantastic, soaking up the sauce and retaining their texture.

Our spread at Mumbai Lounge (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

Esther was all praise, but having tried it before, I think it’s important to note that the amount of seafood in it varies (on my last visit, there was only one scallop) and it would be nice to see a slightly more even amount. 

Would that put me off ordering it? No, and I think you should try it because, in my eyes, the seafood curries are honestly what makes Mumbai Lounge special, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to divide up the dish.

 Alongside the curries, we split a fluffy garlic cheese naan (£5.30) and a garlic rice (£4.70), which was cooked to absolute perfection with a light garlic flavour that would compliment pretty much any dish. 

Sag aloo (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

 We also had a small portion of sag aloo as a side (£6.30) that was enjoyable, but did not stand out amongst the other delicious dishes on the table.

After this, we were stuffed, but, thanks to the recommendation of the waiter, finished things off with a portion of kulfi – traditional Indian ice cream that, unlike Western ice cream, is not churned to give the ice cream a richer texture and depth of flavour.

I opted for mango and Esther went for pistachio (both £3.25). Whilst mine was tasty, hers was exceptional with fresh nuts sprinkled on top and a rich, nutty flavour that made both of us go ‘wow’ out loud after our first bite.

Mango Kulfi (Image: Alice Kavanagh)

After about an hour and a quarter, we asked for the bill which, despite two of the large groups also preparing to leave, was brought right away. We paid £88.55 for our feast, plus a good service tip.

The staff then held the door for us when we got up to leave – something that Esther said made her feel like ‘royalty’.

Ultimately, Mumbai Lounge stands alone for me in York – not only because of the fantastic and unique range of curries, but due to the exceptional service. It makes the meal out that bit more special.

Reviews are independent and meals paid for by The Press

Fact file

Mumbai Lounge, Fossgate, York

Phone: 01904 654155

Menu: https://www.mumbailoungeyork.co.uk/ 

Reservations: https://www.mumbailoungeyork.co.uk/

Verdict:

Food: Consistently great

Ambience: Comfortable

Service: Perfect

Value: A little expensive, but not crazy for the cuisine and quality.

The UK’s Foreign Office has explained why

With warmer weather finally on the horizon, many Brits are turning their attention to the summer months and making holiday plans.

Spain continues to be the top choice for British tourists, with millions flocking to the European country each year, keen to bask in the sun, relax on its shores and enjoy the cuisine. When travelling overseas, it’s essential to get clued up on any local laws or rules you’ll be expected to follow while you’re there. And if Spain is in your sights this year, there’s one rule you may not know about.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) regularly provides travel advice for Brits visiting more than 220 countries and territories around the world. In its comprehensive guidance for Spain, the FCDO specifically highlights balconies.

While balconies are ideal for providing a vista and giving guests somewhere to relax outdoors, holidaymakers are required to behave responsibly. FCDO guidance for Spain warns: “Hotels and other establishments will evict you if you behave dangerously on balconies. You could also get a fine.”

Those travelling to Spain are also cautioned that they must present ID if asked by a police officer. The FCDO adds: “This includes the Guardia Civil and national, regional and local police forces.

“The police have the right to hold you at a police station until they have confirmed your identity. Ignoring direct requests of a police officer can be considered as ‘disobedience’, which is a criminal offence.”

Pregnant Molly-Mae Hague looked make-up free as she stepped off a private jet with daughter Bambi, who was a bridesmaid at Tommy Fury’s sister Venezuela Fury’s wedding to Noah Price

Molly-Mae Hague appeared relaxed and content as she disembarked from a private jet alongside her daughter Bambi, ahead of Venezuela Fury’s wedding.

The television personality, 26, who is expecting her second child following her reconciliation with partner Tommy Fury, opted for a laid-back look as she headed towards a waiting vehicle.

Her daughter Bambi, three, served as a bridesmaid at Venezuela’s much-anticipated wedding to her fiancé Noah Price. Stepping ahead of her little one, who was spotted looking down while holding what appeared to be an iPad, the former Love Island star went makeup free with her blonde hair swept back in a ponytail.

Clutching her daughter’s pink lunchbox, Molly-Mae’s baby bump was clearly visible beneath a black top and comfortable tracksuit bottoms.

While the entire Fury family attended Venezuela’s wedding, it appears Molly-Mae represented her side of the family alone, as Tommy, who is also a professional boxer, was unable to make it to the lavish ceremony.

The Mirror report that Molly-Mae – who is eight months pregnant – joked with guests outside of the church and went on to the enjoy the celebrations but headed home early, returning home on a private jet just before 6pm

Venezuela’s fiancé Noah is just 18, which is two years her senior. To celebrate her sweet sixteenth birthday, Noah proposed in front of her parents and close friends.

Every element of the wedding has been marked by extravagance, so it came as little surprise that Tyson was going above and beyond when it came to arranging last-minute refreshments.

Dressed in what appeared to be his pyjamas and a pair of crocs, the heavyweight boxer was spotted heading into a supermarket in search of essential supplies, reports the Mirror.

Following reports that Paris Fury’s 16-year-old daughter was set to walk down the aisle, the announcement was greeted with considerable scepticism, with many fans feeling she was far too young to make such a significant commitment.

However, the mother of eight, who herself wed Tyson at the age of 17, revealed in an interview that she was in fact “really pleased” for Venezuela. She explained to The Sun: “I got engaged at 17, so even though I feel she’s young, I did it. I wouldn’t change a thing. So if that’s what she wants to do, then 100 per cent, me and her dad support her.”

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She also told the Metro: “Me and Tyson have been together for 20 years, and we couldn’t be happier. I’m sorry, but I didn’t realise she was going to end the life? I don’t get it.”

She went on to say: “She’s getting married, they have plans to travel the world, do different things together, he’s doing boxing, Venezuela is doing her social media work… We don’t see the problem.”

Paris continued: “If she’s happy, he’s happy, we’re happy, I don’t understand it at all. I don’t get the quotes and the things they say to me, all I can think is these people mustn’t have had very happy relationships.”

Yet it appears there is one boundary her daughter is not permitted to cross just yet, with Paris admitting that starting a family would be “too soon.” In the lead-up to her big day, Venezuela kept her fans informed every step of the way, right down to her wedding dress fittings. She told her followers at the time: “Both dresses are unreal. Having a bit of a struggle on what shoes to wear.” It was at this point that she posed the question: “Do I wear white New Balance trainers or white Crocs?”

“It’s part of the same sort of strategic approach, which is to tamp down on dissent and to shape a clear narrative around the PRC, and to do that in bolder ways, as we’re seeing,” said Lauryn Williams, a deputy director with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, which has tracked cases of Chinese espionage in the US since 2000.