Construction crews have moved in on the former Judges County House Hotel to transform it into the “top drawer” Kirklevington Hall. 

The project, led by property developer Chris Musgrave, will feature a new restaurant, events pavilion, and garden lodges alongside a community of premium self-build homes.

Plans for the site were approved by Stockton Borough Council last month, despite concerns of the hotel being a “Trojan horse” for new homes. 

And now, pictures taken this week show how new Kirklevington Hall signs have been erected where the Judges signs used to sit on the entrance to the estate, just off the A67. 

Signs for the new Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

A large new sign has also recently been put up teasing the “private gated community” of “exclusive self-build plots available by appointment only”. 

Kirklevington Hall was originally constructed in 1888 as a rural retreat for the Richardson family of Hartlepool, remaining a private residence for decades. 

Signs for the new Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

It was eventually adapted as lodgings for circuit judges who were visiting the North East to preside over court proceedings and was then developed into Judges.

Judges operated until March 2023 when it suddenly closed its doors and cancelled weddings and events. Shortly after, the building was bought by Mr Musgrave. 

(Image: KYMEL)

Now, the property developer and hotel and restaurant operator Kymel are putting a more than £25 million investment to breathe new life into the site, which was in a “poor state of disrepair” following its closure. 

The development will include a luxury spa and wellness facilities, woodland lodges set within the grounds, a high-end events space within the historic walled garden, the conversion of the former stables for events and hospitality use, and a premium food and beverage offering.

Signs for the new Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Once operational, the hotel and spa will create a further 80 to 120 permanent roles across hospitality, wellness, events and estate management functions. 

The construction phase is expected to support between 120 and 180 direct and indirect jobs. 

A sketch of the proposed development at Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: GSSArchitecture)

Mr Musgrave said he wanted to celebrate the site’s heritage while “creating a destination of genuine regional and national appeal”. 

Kymel chairman Paul Mackings said Kirklevington Hall is a “rare opportunity to create a truly special destination, incorporating fine dining and luxury overnight stays to spa breaks, bespoke weddings and high-end events”. 

Self-build plot reservations are now open.

The Maxine Peacock actress revealed that she will be undergoing chemo treatment

Coronation Street legend Tracy Shaw has revealed that she is fighting breast cancer in an emotional social media post.

The 52-year-old actress is best known for playing Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap. Tracy made her debut on the cobbles back in 1995.

Known for working with Denise Osbourne (Denise Black) and later Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) in their salon, Maxine was married to Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), but had a dramatic pregnancy story following her affair with Matt Ramsden (Stephen Beckett).

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Sadly, Maxine was infamously murdered by the villainous Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) when she walked in on him attacking Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire) with a crowbar. The episode was watched by over 17 million people.

Taking to Instagram on Friday night (April 24), former Weatherfield actress Tracy revealed her diagnosis in a candid video. She captioned her post: “My diagnosis of breast cancer.

“So the journey begins. Love to everyone who is also going through this journey, looking forward to hearing from you all, especially you amazing survivors. Peace.”

Tracy said that she was due to have surgery in two weeks. However, the doctors at the Royal Berkshire Hospital told her she has to have chemo treatment following tests which found HER2 in her cells.

According to the NHS, HER2 is found in all human cells and controls cell growth and repair. High levels of HER2 are found in some types of breast, oesophageal and stomach cancer, which helps the cancer cells grow and survive.

Around 1 in 5 breast and stomach cancers are HER2 positive. HER2 is a protein that promotes cancer cell growth and is found in more aggressive types of the disease.

Speaking in the video, Tracy said: “I have come on just to explain a situation that is happening in my life. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I have to have chemo for five months, then hopefully surgery to have lumps removed and take the nymph glands out. Thank you for messaging me to check how I am because I haven’t been present.”

The comments section of Tracy’s video saw a host of her former Corrie colleagues and famous friends sending her messages of support and commending her on her honesty.

Jenny Bradley actress Sally Ann Matthews said: “Love you baby girl.” Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, added: “Sending love to you Tracy.”

Denise Welch wrote: “Sending lots of love to you and the boys.” Former EastEnders actress Luisa Bradshaw-White posted: “Sending you massive amounts of love.”

Shobna Gulati, who played Sunita Alahan, commented: “Sending you all the love, brilliant you.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, divided opinion with this month’s trip to Australia, with some questioned the nature and purpose of the tour

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be eyeing another “faux-royal” tour — despite criticism following the Australia trip.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were accused of using their titles for publicity and mixing charitable engagements with commercial ones when they visited Australia this month. The backlash by some became so severe calls were made for the couple to never carry out “royal-style” tours again.

But the defiant pair, who married in 2018 before leaving The Firm just two years later, are now understood to be planning a similar venture — this time across parts of Africa. It is thought Harry and Meghan will visit several large cities and carry out philanthropic projects, just as they did Down Under.

“They’re not calling it a royal tour, but that’s exactly how it’s being designed. Africa is the focus, and the scope is big. Think Commonwealth-level visibility without the royal stamp. It walks like a royal tour, talks like a royal tour, and that’s the issue,” a source said.

READ MORE: Prince Harry proclaims he will ‘always be a part of the Royal Family’ during Ukraine tripREAD MORE: ‘I was crying on my flight home — then Prince Harry said three words I’ll cherish forever’

The destination would be deeply personal for the Duke of Sussex, who has often described Africa as his second home. His first trip there came when he was just 13-years-old, shortly after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Recalling the trip, the Duke of Sussex once said: “I first came [to Africa] in 1997, straight after my mum died. My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags. We were going to Africa to get away from it all.”

And, with this in mind, the new source told royal journalist Rob Shuter Harry has plans afoot to re-explore parts of the continent. Mr Shuter writes in his substack Naughty But Nice Harry and Meghan are likely to carry out philanthropic engagements, selected media appearances, and revenue-generating opportunities during this jaunt.

But some royal commentators and members of the public questioned the nature and purpose of the Australia trip. Mum-of-two Meghan, 44, was particularly criticised when she encouraging fans to “call me Meg”.

One source familiar with public reaction said: “Encouraging people to basically ‘Call my Meg’ is being seen by critics as a carefully curated attempt to project approachability, but it is clashing with a long-established perception of her as a multi-millionaire figure with exacting, and well-known diva standards. For some, it comes across less as genuine warmth and more as a calculated rebrand that does not entirely ring true.”

Speaking to RadarOnline.com, the insider added: “This kind of informality feels staged, particularly given the level of privilege and expectation that surrounds her, and that disconnect is what people are reacting to so strongly.”

​Following fierce opposition from local residents, politicians, and campaigners, ​Europa Oil & Gas’ proposal to install a 125ft (38m) rig in the village of Burniston, close to the North York Moors National Park has been stalled.

​Hundreds of people demonstrated against the plan outside Scarborough Town Hall on Friday, April 24, and following an almost five-hour meeting, councillors said they were ‘minded to refuse’ the scheme for a temporary wellsite

​The preliminary refusal is subject to the Government’s appraisal of Europa’s environmental screening and is dependent on whether the Secretary of State requests further details, and could mean the application returns to the planning committee.

View East Of Proposed Burniston Drilling Site. Courtesy Nyc

​Europa Oil & Gas CEO William Holland said his company would appeal the decision and felt “confident” about winning.

​Residents and activists from across Yorkshire had travelled to the demonstration to voice their concerns, including fears about environmental pollution, cliff stability, noise and light pollution, and impacts on groundwater.

​North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee voted to reject the application, with all but one voting to refuse, based on:

* Heritage coast and landscape harm, and concerns that the temporary nature of the plan would not mitigate the harm and would be contrary to council policies
* Proximity to residential properties and vibration, noise and disturbance, and 24/7 operation of the site
* The site, height, and lighting would impact the scenic beauty of the North York Moors National Park
* Concerns that the impact on tourism and economic benefits had not been demonstrated
* Conflict with the council’s climate commitments and objectives

Local ward councillor Derek Bastiman told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) after the meeting: “I’m absolutely over the moon with the results.

​“It’s been a long afternoon, but councillors considered everything, and they explored every avenue. I was very pleased that they listened to us, to me as the divisional member, and the three parish councils I represented.”

​More than 1,600 objections were submitted by residents, local MP Alison Hume, parish councils including Burniston, Cloughton, Newby & Scalby and Scarborough town councils, and Friends of the Earth, among others.

Wellbore Illustration. Europa Oil And Gas

​Planning officers said the scheme would not have an unacceptable impact on residential amenity or tourism, and that short-term impacts could be mitigated. They also said they were satisfied that the use of proppant squeeze did not justify refusal of the application.

​The proppant squeeze method has been likened to “small-scale fracking” and is allowed under current legislation.

​At the meeting, half a dozen public speakers opposed the scheme, including Professor Chris Garforth of Frack Free Coastal Communities, who said: “Gas from North Yorkshire will not bring lower prices, because gas from here may well be exported. Energy security comes from speeding up a transition to renewable energy.

​He added: “Visitors come here for the tranquillity of the heritage coast, which this development will blight.”

​William Holland, the CEO of Europa Oil & Gas, told the committee: “Developments of this nature can be carried out responsibly and we are committed to working constructively with the local community throughout.

​“The development is limited, and it does not determine any future development. Let’s be clear, if we are successful, we will make another application and it will create jobs and support the UK economy, it will also create gas that will be consumed here in Yorkshire.

​“Let’s say yes to Yorkshire gas for Yorkshire people.”

Europa Ceo Wiliam Holland. Courtesy Numminen, Ldrs

​Cllr Andy Brown raised concerns about odours from gas burning “which is permitted for 15 weeks” and highlighted “a shrouded ground flare would be sited in the northern corner of the site, which will be 12m in height, with all produced gas during the testing period disposed of by burning the gas in the flare”.

​Planning officers said they believed that “odorous releases of gas would be minimal”.

​Councillors also raised concerns about the impact of lighting on the North York Moors National Park’s dark skies policy.

Drilling Phase Light Spill.

​Speaking at the meeting Cllr Andrew Timothy said he was “concerned with public safety impacts and that should be paramount in everything we do.

Anti Gas Rig Demo Scarborough Town Hall. Courtesy Numminen,, Ldrs.

​He said: “I don’t believe its possible for us to know if its safe or not and as such I can’t support this application.”

​Cllr Arnold Warneken told the committee: “I do not feel the evidence is sufficient to support the safety of residents.”

​However, speaking to the LDRS after the meeting, Europa’s CEO Mr Holland said he was not surprised by the committee’s decision.

​“I’m quite confident that the grounds that it’s been rejected on, when we go to appeal, and we will appeal it, the decision will be overturned at appeal.”

​Commenting on the environmental concerns raised by residents, he added: “We need to be concerned about the environment, but if we don’t produce domestic gas, we buy it from overseas. 77 per cent of people in Yorkshire consume gas for their heating, so there’s a tremendous consumption of gas in Yorkshire.”

The biker died at the scene.

A man has been arrested after a motorcyclist died in a crash on a Cambridgeshire A-road. The crash happened on the A1303 on Thursday (April 23) at around 4.45pm at the junction with Bell Road at Bottisham.

It involved a silver Honda motorbike and a white Kia EV4. Cambridgeshire Police and paramedics attended but the biker, a 62-year-old man from Newmarket, died at the scene.

The driver of the Kia, a 36-year-old man from Stevenage, was taken to hospital but was not thought to have been seriously injured. He has since been arrested suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries. Officers are now asking for anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage from the collision or the moments leading up to it should contact Cambridgeshire Police online quoting Operation Excel. Anyone without access to the internet can call 101.

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The pedestrians were taken to hospital to be checked over.

Two children were taken to hospital after being hit by a van. Cambridgeshire Police were called at just before 9am on Wednesday, April 22, following reports of a crash in Eye.

The crash on Crowland Road involved a van and three pedestrians. The pedestrians, including two children, were taken to hospital to be checked over.

The van involved in the crash left the area. Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “We were called just before 9am on Wednesday (22 April) with reports of a collision between a van and three pedestrians on Crowland Road, Eye. Officers attended and the pedestrians, including two children, went to hospital to be checked over.

“The vehicle involved had left the scene, investigations are ongoing.”

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“If I play with Kolo Muani as right winger, it’s because he has played in that position. If you go to YouTube, and you go to Kolo Muani Eintracht Frankfurt, you can see he played very well in that position, and he scored a lot of goals in that position,” De Zerbi added, while acknowledging that both Kolo Muani and Tel could improve ahead of the final five games of the season.

The tip, which has been circulating online, highlights a small detail many customers may have missed.

If you are shopping at Aldi, it might be worth taking a closer look at shelf labels.

What is the Aldi ‘secret code’?

The code is a small “D” printed on price labels in-store.

According to shoppers, it signals that a product is being discontinued, meaning once it sells out, it will not be restocked.

The trick was shared by money-saving expert Jordon Cox, also known as the Coupon Kid.

He said the label is commonly seen on Specialbuys and limited-time items, but can also appear on everyday products.

Why it could save you money

Items marked with the “D” are often:

• Near the end of their time on shelves
• More likely to be reduced
• Part of limited or seasonal ranges

That means shoppers who spot the label early could pick up products before they disappear and potentially at a lower price.

Aldi says it regularly reviews prices and updates products, with new deals and limited-time offers introduced each week.

This means stock is constantly changing and some items will not return once they are gone.

Recommended reading:

The tip has sparked plenty of reaction online, with some saying they wished they had known sooner.

Others pointed out that discounted red labels are still the most obvious way to spot a deal, but the “D” could offer an early clue.

That small “D” could be the difference between missing out and grabbing a bargain before it is gone.

Have you spotted codes on supermarket shelves? Tell us in the comments below.

I’m A Celebrity…South Africa has officially crowned its 2026 winner in a live finale that descended into shouting chaos.

Adam Thomas has been named the Ultimate Legend in the second-ever all-star version of the hit ITV jungle show, in a decision made by the voting public at home.

While the bulk of the show was filmed last autumn in South Africa, the final unfolded in an epic, shouty two-part live event in London, hosted by Geordie double act Ant and Dec.

The finalists were a crop of the camp’s men, with Olympian Sir Mo Farah, former football manager Harry Redknapp, Corrie star Craig Charles and Waterloo Road actor Adam vying for the crown.

All their fellow campmates were in the audience, with the exception of soap star Beverley Callard, who was unable to attend. The hosting duo offered their ‘support and love’ to Bev during the show.

The final four were each tasked with their own trial before they were whittled down to three, with Craig first to go, followed by Harry and Sir Mo in runner-up.

The first chunk of the final was taken up with pre-recorded trials of each finalist, which put them through their paces against the gorgeous backdrop of the Kruger National Park.

Sir Mo screamed as he took on 70 snakes in his ‘viper pit’ trial while Harry took on five mystery boxes, which saw him faced with hairless rats, frogs and insects.

Craig was strapped to a board and lowered face-first into a pit full of rats as he used his mouth to retrieve stars. Last of all, Adam took on an eating trial during which he was served a sheep’s anus and vagina, as well as a tarantula.

The show then played out the final evening in the South Africa camp, where the four last men standing were treated to a meal of their favourite dishes.

After the pre-recorded bits, ITV cut back to a classic studio audience with the I’m A Celebrity cast gathered in the audience, while Ant and Dec presided over the night from the stage.

However, the viewers at home could feel the tension in the studio, after what has been an incredibly messy, catty and drama-fueled series.

The finale lived up to that series, with a finale thirty minutes that was described as ‘car crash TV’ on social media, when the cast erupted over a much-discussed argument between Adam and Jimmy Bullard.

Sinitta and Gemma Collins decided to walk off stage as Jimmy and David Haye started going at it with Adam over the argument that was reportedly edited for broadcast.

Ant and Dec rightly pointed out that David hadn’t actually been there for the argument, but Jimmy demanded ITV play the full clip.

Reacting to the live scenes in the studio, Maisey Prue tweeted: ‘This is the best live TV we’ve seen in years. Absolute chaos.’

Anna wrote on X: ‘This must be the most awkward final ever. Such bad vibes.’

ant and Dec, as always, handled this like pros. Best in the business for a reason#imaceleb

— Kaitlyn Murphy (@Katie_Murphy776) April 24, 2026

Meanwhile, Caroline tweeted that Ant and Dec were earning their pay to corral the crowd, as she added: ‘There is quite an atmosphere in that studio.’

Chris tweeted that it ‘all seems a bit awks’, while Christina added: ‘So I’m not the only one to feel that there is tension in the audience.’

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Another described it as ‘excruciatingly awkward’.

I’m A Celebrity…South Africa is available to watch on ITVX.

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Wendy Duffy decided to take her own life after her son tragically choked to death.

A woman who took her own life at a controversial Swiss clinic had not told her mum of her plans for an assisted suicide beforehand. Her 87-year-old mum, who suffers from dementia, is believed to have been unaware of her daughter’s plans to travel overseas and end her life.

Wendy Duffy, 56, a healthy mum whose only child Marcus died four years ago, tragically ended her life at the Pegasos Clinic today. Her detailed plan had been a year in the making, paying £10,000 to the Pegasos clinic, writing letters to loved ones, choosing a deathbed outfit and picking the music which was the last thing she will hear, reports the Mirror.

News of Wendy’s death emerged as the Assisted Dying Bill officially ran out of time on Friday. The House of Lords had raised more than 1,200 amendments to delay the historic bill from being approved by MPs last June.

Online strangers who heard about her plans had pleaded with Wendy to change her mind in direct messages and posts on Facebook. But her family explained “nothing was going to stop her” and she “was determined and strong-minded’. They said she could no longer live with the loss of her only child: “It it something she wanted and we couldn’t stop her.”

Her sister-in-law Paula Duffy said: “It is very sad for the whole family, very upsetting.”

Speaking shortly before Pegasos announced her passing, Paula said: “It is something she wanted to do and we couldn’t stop her. She never got back to herself after the death of her son and she didn’t want to carry on. She was very strong willed and if she has something on her mind no one could change it.”

Wendy from the West Midlands travelled to the clinic alone and died peacefully this morning wearing one of son Marcus’ T-shirts because, she said, ‘it still smells of him’ – and listening to Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars song Die With A Smile.

Wendy had told her two brothers and four sisters about her assisted dying but not her mum. Her brother Stephen last saw her a month ago, told how their widowed 87-year-old mother remained unaware.

He said: “Her mum has dementia, she still lives at home but Wendy didn’t want to tell her. She is not aware.”

Wendy, who had split from her son’s dad, is believed to have visited her mum to say a final goodbye before travelling to Switzerland. Her dad has passed away. Before he death she was in good health and considered sound of mind before she died.

In an interview with the Daily Mail this week she said the decision to take her own life had been a ‘happy’ one because her ‘spirit can be free’.

She said: “It will be hard for everyone. But I want to die. I’ll have a smile on my face when I do, so please be happy for me. My life, my choice.’

She added: “I wish this was available in the UK, then I wouldn’t have to go to Switzerland at all.’

Wendy lost her only child, Marcus, 23 in tragic circumstances four years ago after he choked on a tomato that had become lodged in his windpipe while eating a sandwich, starving his brain of oxygen.

Marcus’s death, together with the fact that Wendy tried to perform CPR on him herself, has haunted her ever since. She said she has already tried to take her own life. Wendy said her ‘beautiful boy’ would have understood her decision to finally join him.

In poignant social media posts she wrote about her love for Marcus whom she described as ‘the best’ and who ‘lived life with zest.’ In one she penned: ‘I know we’ll be reunited on a future day.’

Sister-in-law Paula said the wait to find out if the suicide had gone ahead was ‘agonising’ for the family, particularly her husband who was ‘very close’ to his sister and was too upset to speak. She said: “It is really raw, and just so very sad.”

Wendy’s ashes are due to be flown back to the UK and scattered at a memorial bench for her son.

Paula said Wendy had gone to Switzerland alone. She said: “I haven’t got a clue where she got the £10,000 from but she was always very resourceful.’

She declined to say if she and the family believed in the right of a healthy person to choose the right to die, only saying: “I believe in assisted dying if there is a terminal illness.”

She reiterated: “Wendy was not herself after Marcus passed. She was the same. May she rest in peace.’”

Ruedi Habegger, Pegasos founder, said: “I can confirm that Wendy Duffy, at her own request, was assisted to die on April 24 and that the procedure was completed without incident and in full compliance with her wishes.

“I can also confirm that neither we nor any of the professional staff assessing her mental capacity had any doubt as to her intention, understanding and independence of both thought and action. In historical terms at English law, hers was a case of “sane suicide”.’

Wendy did not inform her family of the timescale for her travel and procedure for their own protection – if anyone travelled with her, or assisted her suicide in any way, they would risk police investigation and possible prosecution in the UK.

Wendy told on her own Facebook how she would spend most days visiting her son’s bench in a local park.

She described the day he died as “truly awful” and explained how she felt “helpless”.

In a poem she said: “Attempts were made to keep you, but that was not meant to be, so I had to sit by, until you were taken from me. It’s been a painful struggle, getting through each day, trying to keep busy, in every single way.

“I now know you’re still near me, I talk to you each night, you send me some lovely memories, even tho you’re out of sight. I kiss your bench each morning, when walking up the park, the birds will come and join me, even tho it’s still dark. “

She ends saying: “Love you Markie my baby, love you Markie my son, one day we’ll be reunited, and continue laughing and having fun.”

In a tribute left in January last year, she wrote: “Three years ago you left me, a day I’ll not forget. It all happened so quickly, but one thing I don’t regret. My son for such a short time, A son you were the best, a son so kind and funny, a son who lived life with zest.

“A son who loved animals, a son who loved to sing, a son with such a humour, joy and laughter he would bring. A son who loved McDonald’s and KFC too. If he saw someone down on their luck he’d buy one for them too.

“A son who had lots of friends, he really loved them all. Hey love you Bro is what he’d say whenever they did call. Now life is so so quiet without you by my side. My love for you just the same, a love I cannot hide.

“I visit your bench each morning and always bring you flowers. People I chat with on your bench can sometimes last for hours. So many people speak to you as they pass by your bench in the park. A lot in daylight hours but also when it’s dark. I know that you’re still with me even tho you don’t come into view, but I get lots of signs saying “I’m here still with you” I’ll just keep walking forward no matter come what may, and know we’ll be reunited on a future day. “

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