The Harmony Youth Project, based on Bradshawgate in Bolton, has launched its new “Sharper Choices” initiative, which centres around a specially converted intervention van that replicates a prison cell environment.

The project aims to educate young people about the consequences of carrying knives and becoming involved in violence, with the van set to visit schools, youth groups and community events.

Harmony Youth Project founder Charlie Barrett said the organisation has seen a worrying rise in incidents involving young people and knife crime in recent years.

“We’ve been doing this for 25 years, but we’re dealing with things now that we never had to 10 years ago. It’s scary stuff,” he said.

Mr Barrett, who lost his nephew last year in a drug-related incident, said violence and crime often escalate from smaller issues and that early intervention is vital.

“One thing leads to another and another,” he said.

“Bolton is not as bad as the major cities, Manchester and London, but we’re definitely going down the same road and we want to try and educate people about knife crime before it gets worse.”

Inside the Mobile Prison Van (Image: Harmony Youth Project)

He stressed the initiative is not designed to frighten young people, but instead to encourage positive choices.

“It’s not about using fear tactics, it’s about creating positive awareness,” he said.

“Most people who pick up a knife don’t intend to hurt people, but there’s a ripple effect that impacts communities, schools, friends and families of victims.

“It’s about trying to make positive choices.”

Mr Barrett also raised concerns about the influence of harmful content and misinformation online.

“The influences young people have on their phones, fake news and social media – we need to change the views of parents as well,” he said.

“When parents think their children are safe in bed, they may actually be looking at harmful content online.

“It’s so important. Even if we save one life, that could save thousands more because the effects ripple through communities.”

The official launch of the “Sharper Choices” initiative will take place at Westhoughton Hub on Tuesday, May 19.

The community event will bring together partner organisations, local groups and guest speakers who have supported the project.

Members of the Blackout Crew will also make a special appearance to help engage young people and raise awareness of the campaign.

Residents will be able to tour the mobile prison van, speak to organisers and learn more about the project’s work tackling youth violence across the region.

Hywel Dda Health Board executives will face questioning from Pembrokeshire councillors over changes to emergency general surgery at Withybush Hospital

Health Board representatives are set to face questioning from Pembrokeshire councillors next month regarding alterations to services at Withybush Hospital.

During a meeting of Pembrokeshire Council, an urgent motion tabled by the authority’s 11-member Conservative group called for the Welsh Government to immediately reverse the decision to end emergency general surgery at Withybush Hospital. Last year, Hywel Dda University Health Board carried out a public consultation on proposed changes across critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology services.

Following a two-day meeting earlier this year, the board approved modifications to emergency general surgery provision, meaning emergency surgery procedures will no longer be performed at Withybush, though same-day emergency care (SDEC) will be enhanced. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

During the March council meeting, the Conservative group, headed by Cllr Di Clements, put forward a motion stating: “This council requests that the Labour Welsh Government intervenes in Hywel Dda University Health Board’s recent decision to cease emergency general surgery at Withybush hospital and immediately reverses their decision.

“We believe removing this service critically undermines the sustainability of Withybush hospital’s A&E department.

“Also, the decision by the health board does not take into account the impact and potential serious risks it will have on Pembrokeshire residents.”

Councillor Clements’ supporting statement, which included a call for the-then Leader Jon Harvey to write to the First Minister and Welsh Government, said Pembrokeshire residents “have seen continual downgrading of services over the years, and this has been detrimental to all residents,” adding: “We believe this recent decision is life threatening to those who need emergency surgery and a matter of resident’s safety.”

During the meeting, councillor Michael John remarked that “there had been an erosion of services for many years,” backing Cllr Clements’ call, while proposing the addition of a request for the health board to meet with councillors.

In response to councillor Clements’ request, Leader Jon Harvey agreed to any letter writing, stating he had “fought long and hard to return services to Withybush”.

Members endorsed Cllr Clements’ motion, with Cllr John’s amendment incorporated. Subsequently, an update was presented at the 14 May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.

A report submitted to members stated that, following the March meeting, councillor Harvey wrote to the-then First Minister Eluned Morgan on 10 March, with Chief Executive Will Bramble also writing to the chief executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board advising him of council’s decision on the same date, requesting his and the Board chair’s attendance at the May council meeting.

Since then, Health Board Chair Dr Neil Wooding and Chief Executive Professor Phil Kloer have agreed to appear at an Extraordinary Meeting of the council on 15 June to brief the council on service changes and specifically the issue of emergency general surgery, with members having the opportunity to ask questions on the presentation.

Members agreed to note the report ahead of the special June meeting.

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Labour is edging closer to implosion following its bruising local election results and increasingly bitter divisions over Brexit.

For months, speculation has swirled around Keir Starmer’s future and whether a poor set of election results could eventually trigger a leadership challenge. Now those fears have been realised, tensions between rival camps are escalating rapidly, with allies of potential successors openly clashing over the direction Labour should take next.

Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham have both effectively thrown their hats into the ring for a possible future leadership contest. But their supporters have been accused by deputy prime minister David Lammy of “lighting a match and standing in the petrol” as divisions threaten to consume the party.

Senior Labour figures have also warned that prolonged infighting risks making the government appear chaotic and distracted while Nigel Farage and Reform UK continue to gain ground nationally.

The latest flashpoint came after Streeting reignited the Brexit debate by describing leaving the EU as a “catastrophic mistake” and signalling he would ultimately like Britain to rebuild a much closer relationship with Europe.

The comments sparked fury among Burnham allies, who accused the former health secretary of reopening old divisions and handing ammunition to Reform ahead of the crucial Makerfield by-election, where Burnham hopes to return to parliament.

Meanwhile, rumours about former deputy PM Angela Rayner’s ambitions have been circling since she was forced to resign from Sir Keir’s cabinet last September, after it emerged that she had underpaid stamp duty on her Brighton flat.

But her supporters believe the door to a future leadership bid swung back open last week when she was formally cleared over her tax affairs.

With Labour increasingly divided over both policy and personality, we want to know who Independent readers believe should lead the party into the next general election.

Vote in our poll and share your views in the comments below:

The Next Seamed Sleeveless Denim Maxi Dress costs £48 and comes in three colours and multiple sizes, including petite, regular and tall lengths.

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Shoppers are loving a denim dress from Next that they’ve said is “very flattering” and “great quality”.

The Seamed Sleeveless Denim Maxi Dress, £48, comes in three colours – white, washed black and light blue – as well as sizes 6 through to 24. The dress is also available in petite, regular and tall lengths, ensuring there’s sizes to fit everybody.

The product description on the Next website says: “This seamed sleeveless denim dress combines a structured silhouette with flattering seam details to create a versatile everyday look. The draped fabric adds a soft touch to the durable material, ensuring a comfortable fit that retains its shape throughout the day.”

Features of the dress include:

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For those looking for a mini option, shoppers might consider this ASOS DESIGN denim fitted shirt mini dress in rich blue, available for £32.

Elsewhere, River Island stocks the Blue Denim Halter Neck Midi Dress for £39.00, featuring a halter neckline and a back slit to make walking more comfortable.

Back at Next, the Seamed Sleeveless Denim Maxi Dress has received a 4.5 star rating from 10 reviews.

One shopper said: “This dress is very flattering to wear and good value for money.”

“Beautiful dress, perfect fit and good quality,” penned another.

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A third said: “Just what I had been looking for comfortable easy wear dress.”

Another echoed the same sentiment, saying: “Easy wear, stylish but comfortable. Perfect for my holiday.”

However, others had issues with the length of the garment, with one reporting: ” “Lovely quality dress fitted well but should have ordered a petite.”

Another agreed, saying: “Bought petite length. I’m 5ft 2. Still ankle length but kept as I love the fit otherwise.”

Someone else said: “I was looking for a simple shift like denim dress however I didn’t think this style suited me. The dress is lovely just not what I was looking for.”

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Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return to the cage when he takes on Max Holloway this summer in a rematch of their clash in 2013

Conor McGregor will return to the cage this summer when he takes on Max Holloway for a second time.

The rivals clashed 13 years ago when McGregor outpointed the Hawaiian in Boston, despite suffering a knee injury during the bout. McGregor went on to win world titles at featherweight and lightweight while Holloway also went on to become featherweight world champion.

But while he has been active in recent years, McGregor will be fighting for the first time in five years, since he broke his leg in the first round of his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. And while the Irishman will surely be hampered by his inactivity, he will be boosted by the fight being held at welterweight on July 11.

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McGregor has fought at 170lb on three occasions, twice against Nate Diaz in 2016 and then against Donald Cerrone six years ago. He returned to lightweight for his second and third fights with Poirier but has since bulked up. Holloway, on the other hand, has never fought at welterweight but has competed four times at 155lb, including his defeat by Charles Oliveira earlier this year.

McGregor earned a reputation as a KO artist and has not gone the distance since his rematch with Diaz 10 years ago. And while his clash with Holloway will be expected to end early, the Dubliner may struggle with his stamina should it go the distance, given his long absence from the sport.

McGregor had been scheduled to return against Michael Chandler in 2024, but the fight was cancelled when the former champion sustained a broken toe. Last October, McGregor accepted an 18-month doping ban, backdated to September 2024, for three failures of the whereabouts system, but he is now eligible to compete again.

Last year McGregor lost his appeal against a civil jury’s finding in favour of Dublin woman Nikita Hand, who accused him of rape. British star Paddy Pimblett is also on the card for UFC 329, taking on Benoit Saint Denis in the lightweight division, and will be joined by fellow Brit Lone’er Kavanagh who takes on Brandon Royval.

Former TOWIE star Pete Wicks has had a chequered love life but he was told he “needs a nice homely woman” in his life after meeting a succession of “wrong ones”

TV personality Pete Wicks has been told he “needs a nice homely woman” – and he’s even been advised when the meeting will take place.

The former TOWIE star has had a colourful love life over the years but at the age of 37 is still yet to settle down. His past romances include former TOWIE castmates Jess Wright, Megan McKenna and Shelby Tribble and I’m A Celeb star Maura Higgins, while he has recently been linked to his pal Olivia Attwood.

Pete recently appeared on the Grime Gran podcast with the viral internet sensation, real name Margie Keefe.

Margie claims to be a psychic medium and told Pete some home truths about his love life.

She said: “I think, and I know I’m right, you need a nice homely woman and you’ll meet one when you least expect it. She’ll come into your life. I want an invite to your wedding.

“I’m sure that you will meet someone and it will be the love of your life. You’ve been meeting the wrong ones.” Pete replied with: “Fingers crossed,” before joking: “It could be you. When you least expect it.”

After joking that he was going to “say something really inappropriate there,” Pete added: “If I do, I’m going to have to bring her to see you. I don’t know you particularly well but the time I’ve spent with you, you’re someone’s opinion who matters to me and I trust.”

Grime Gran, who is in her 80s, shot to prominence when her grandson, grime videographer RiskyRoadz, started filming her interviewing major music stars over a cup of tea.

She recently started her own YouTube channel, and along with Pete has interviewed TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark and Inbetweeners star James Buckley and his wife Clair.

Recently Pete was left far from impressed as his mate Sam Thompson teased his rumoured relationship with Olivia Atwood. Following the breakdown of the former Love Island’s marriage to Bradley Dack, Olivia has been seen growing closer to her good friend Pete.

Olivia, 35, and Pete were seen sharing a kiss on what appeared to be a cosy date night and the former Towie star was spotted on airport duties as Olivia returned from a girls’ holiday.

While neither will confirm they are dating, ex Made In Chelsea man Sam couldn’t help but make a sarcastic comment about their situation.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Staying Relevant podcast, Pete’s best pal Sam discussed the duo attending Olivia’s birthday party over the weekend with Sam’s girlfriend Talitha Balinska. As they chatted, Sam joked that him and Pete had both been partying with their ‘other halves.’

Pete immediately looks unimpressed at the comment and moved to shut down the topic.

The injured man was taken on to hospital following the incident

A man was taken to hospital after being punched in the head and knocked unconscious in a weekend assault.

Police in north Belfast are appealing for witnesses and information following the incident in the Tomb Street area in the early hours of Sunday morning, May 17.

Police received a report at around 12.30am that a man had been punched to the head by another male and knocked unconscious.

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Officers attended the scene and the injured man was subsequently taken on to hospital.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information, including dash-cam, CCTV or other video footage, to contact police on the 101 number, quoting reference 50 of 17/05/26.”

You can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.

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