Malton Show was an annual fixture in the North Yorkshire agricultural calendar since the 1870s, but its committee had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2026 show.

However, the immediate future of the historic Malton Show has now been secured after Amotherby-based, farmer cooperative BATA (Brandsby Agricultural Trading Association Limited), answered the call for support.

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The popular event, which features livestock, vintage machinery and sheep dog trials among other attractions, is run completely by volunteers.

Traditionally held on the last weekend in June, the show has faced increasing challenges due to volunteers retiring, growing legislation and compliance matters and increasing operational costs to put the show on.

The show is run by the trustees of a charitable organisation, supported by a number of volunteers who help to bring the event together. Funding is provided by several regular sponsors, entry fees and ticket revenue from visitors.

The headline sponsor support from BATA is a commitment of £10,000 per year for the next three years promises to breathe new life into the historic event and will see them become the show’s headline sponsor. BATA will also provide logistical and marketing support for the committee.

Charlie Breese, trustee of the Malton Show charity said: “The support BATA are offering to Malton Show comes at a critical time, is invaluable and will help us to overcome a number of challenges faced by the show.

“Securing this vital sponsorship enables us to recruit a replacement for our retiring secretary, as well as take a new look approach to how the show runs and how it is managed in the future.”

Stephen Greenfield, Chairman of BATA said: “As an organisation rooted in the local agricultural community, we are pleased to commit to on-going sponsorship over the next 3 years and to be able to provide support for the committee and volunteers that make the Malton Show so special.

“We look forward to working with the Malton Show team, old and new and to helping to ensure this much loved event is once again a major feature of the local community summer calendar.”

BATA, based in Amotherby was established in 1894, as a farmer’s cooperative and retains this structure today. Currently, there are more than 3,000 share members with a share ownership of more than £6 million. Profits from its business activities are distributed to members as interest, used to fund future investment and distributed to community and charitable causes in the areas where it operates.

The business offers a wide range of agricultural products and services along with petrol stations with convenience stores in Helmsley and Gate Helmsley and 10 BATA country stores.

The Malton Agricultural Society was formed in 1833, and the first recorded summer show or exhibition was held in the early 1870s.

In 1998, because of the lack of space at the Show Field Lane site in Malton, the show moved to Scampston Park.

Anyone keen to get involved with the show committee is asked to make contact using the show email: office@maltonshow.org

For more information go to www.maltonshow.com/

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An explosion tore through Qatar’s key natural gas export terminal Sunday night as workers tried to resume operations there after Iran bombed it during the war, causing a fire that hurt at least 54 people as another 18 were still missing hours later.

The blast at the Ras Laffan industrial area could cause further chaos in global energy markets, particularly as Qatar remains one of the world’s top natural gas producers. Qatar shut down its production after Iran’s chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz meant it couldn’t get shipments out to its clients.

With Iran loosening its grip on the strait as negotiations continue over a permanent end to the war, Qatar began work to try to restart its export terminal. On Sunday night, that work sparked an explosion and fire at the Barzan gas supply facility, the state-run firm QatarEnergy said.

The scale of the damage remains unknown after the blast, with officials initially saying only a few people had been hurt. But hours later, Qatar’s Interior Ministry offered the far-greater casualty figures.

The Barzan plant had a capacity of almost 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day, which Qatar used primarily for local electricity generation and to power its crucial water desalination plants in the desert reaches of the Arabian Peninsula.

Qatar owns nearly all of the plant, with a small share also held by ExxonMobil. The oil company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In March, an Iranian missile hit Ras Laffan, sparking a fire that caused “extensive” damage before it was extinguished, authorities said. Qatar had already halted production there because of Iranian attacks.

Qatar shares its massive offshore natural gas field in the Persian Gulf with Iran. That natural gas production has made Qatar wealthy. It has used that money to raise its profile worldwide through hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, creating the Al Jazeera news network and funding its work as an international mediator, including the talks in Switzerland between Iran and the United States.

A three-year-old boy was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst zoo in Cambridgeshire and left with serious injuries after being attacked by at least one of the reptiles, but is now in a stable condition in hospital

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Police have provided a significant update regarding the three year old boy who was allegedly thrown into a crocodile enclosure at a UK zoo.

The toddler, who sustained serious injuries after ending up inside the crocodile pen at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on Thursday, is now listed as stable in hospital.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police confirmed: “The boy is no longer critical and is in a stable condition in hospital.”

In the shocking incident, zoo staff managed to pull the boy from the enclosure before emergency services rushed to the scene. According to the BBC, the boy was attacked by at least one crocodile after entering the enclosure at the zoo near Huntingdon.

The youngster, who hails from Cambridgeshire, received treatment at the scene before being transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Police confirmed that the crocodiles involved have neither been seized nor destroyed as enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident remain ongoing.

The incident unfolded at Johnsons of Old Hurst, a zoo and farm attraction near Huntingdon, at approximately 1.30pm on Thursday. A 30 year old man from Norfolk was subsequently arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

The suspect, who police believe had no prior connection to the child, has since been released on bail until September 18. Officers revealed that the man was assessed as not being fit for interview.

The BBC reported that the suspect is understood to have learning disabilities and had been visiting the attraction with carers. Onlookers described hearing screams before emergency services, including an air ambulance, descended on the location.

PARIS (AP) — France gritted its teeth Monday for a week of record-busting temperatures, sweltering under a grueling heat wave that combines daytime highs above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and sleep-robbing sweaty nights.

The national weather service, Méteo France, said that most of the country — the largest in the European Union and second most populated — is entering what is described as a “plateau” of unrelenting heat-wave conditions that isn’t forecast to start easing before Friday at the earliest.

Multiple towns in western and central France, including the major port of Saint-Nazaire on the Atlantic seaboard, with an overnight low of 23.2 C (73.8 F), experienced their hottest night ever Sunday to Monday, Méteo France said.

Paris baked through its hottest night for a month of June, not getting below 24.2 C (75.5 F) — a half-degree hotter than the previous record from 2017. The weather service warned of even hotter nights.

“This will continue through the end of the week, with heat levels never before recorded across more than three-quarters of the country on Wednesday and Thursday.”

In a country without widespread air-conditioning, people, businesses and services tried to adapt as best they could. Hundreds of schools were closed on Monday and many hundreds more were canceling some classes, the education minister said.

Broadcasts on the Paris transport network urged commuters to hydrate. Medical specialists took to the airwaves to warn of the potentially deadly cocktail of drinking alcohol in extreme heat. Authorities cracked down on alcohol consumption in public. Multiple drownings were reported as people sought relief in rivers, despite warnings about currents and other dangers.

Human-caused climate change is tied to increasing extreme weather, and U.N. climate agency projections say the next five years should shatter more heat records.

A growing swath of France, spreading on Monday to more than half of its regions, was under a “red alert” for heat, with larger areas forecast to suffer highs busting past 40 C and nights not dropping below 20 C.

Over the last four years, more than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes, and most of the fatalities were preventable, the World Health Organization’s Europe office said this month. More above-average temperatures are expected this summer, which can cause heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke.

There is a new list of items you should be carrying in your car this week

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Gritters could be out in force on UK roads this week and drivers are also being advised to keep an umbrella in their cars. The AA said drivers could see gritters out on some roads this week with the potential for surfaces to soften or become sticky under the heat, with heavy traffic even causing them to rut in some places.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “The main risk for drivers is not that the road suddenly ‘melts’ everywhere, but that patches can become tacky or uneven. That can affect braking, steering and grip, especially for motorcyclists and cyclists, and can also throw up loose material.

“If drivers come across a softened or damaged surface, they should slow down, avoid harsh braking or steering, and leave extra space from the vehicle in front.”

The AA also warned that heat can put extra strain on vehicles, with under-inflated, damaged or old tires particularly likely to fail in hotter conditions. “Before a long journey, check tyre pressures, tread and sidewalls, and carry water in case you are delayed,” Mr King said.

“In these temperatures the advice remains never to leave passengers or animals unattended in parked cars even for short periods when the interior of the car can soon get as hot as an oven.”

It comes as the Met Office issues a red warning for extreme heat across the centre of the UK for Wednesday and Thuirsday.

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Red extreme heat warnings are rare and we urge everyone to take them seriously this week. Drivers whose vehicles don’t have effective air conditioning should strongly consider postponing any non-essential car journeys until the Met Office’s weather warnings are lifted and temperatures drop. If this isn’t possible, our best advice is to travel during cooler times of day. This is especially important for anyone travelling with vulnerable people, including young children and older adults, who are at greater risk from the intense heat. We’d also remind motorists never to leave pets inside a hot vehicle, as doing so can quickly become fatal.

“This week could end up being a record-breaking one for June – not just because of the heat, but also for the number of drivers breaking down. Our last busiest June was three years ago, but there’s every chance that could be eclipsed this week as temperatures soar. Today, we expect breakdown volumes to be around 20% higher than what’s normal for a Monday in late June.

“We ask anyone who breaks down to be patient while breakdown providers prioritise the most urgent roadside jobs. The heatwave will affect services right across the UK and while all patrols will be working incredibly hard to assist drivers, longer waits are more likely. Staying safe in the heat is paramount, so we strongly recommend packing an emergency breakdown kit (see below) and waiting in the shade wherever possible.

“There are simple steps motorists can take to reduce the risk of a breakdown in the first place, however. It begins with a few basic checks under the bonnet before setting out. Make sure oil levels are sufficient and top up if needed. Coolant should also sit between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ markers – if it isn’t, top it up yourself when the engine is cold and have it inspected by an RAC mobile mechanic or reputable garage as soon as possible.

“At these kinds of temperatures, road surfaces will soften, with darker patches of tarmac often the clearest indicator. Drivers may therefore see councils deploying gritting vehicles – a sight normally reserved for the winter – as applying a fine layer of granite dust can help maintain traction on melting roads. Motorists also shouldn’t be concerned if they spot water beneath their vehicle, as this is typically just condensation from the air conditioning system.”

RAC’s top tips to keeping your car cool in a heatwave

• Don’t leave home without an emergency breakdown kit – see below
• Park in the shade. This is a simple solution that’s often overlooked by drivers. But keeping your car out of direct sunlight is one of the best ways to keep the interior cool in the summer
• Cover the seats with a blanket or jacket. If your vehicle has leather seats then the summer sun will transform the surface of the seat into a hotplate. Keep them cool by covering them up, especially if you have to park in direct sunlight
• Learn how to use your car’s air conditioning system. Do you really understand how your vehicle’s air con or climate control system works? Check the owner’s manual to fully understand how it operates and what setting(s) you need to use to cool the car’s interior quickly and effectively in the summer
• Carry water and soft drinks at all times. Keep a spare bottle of water and one or two soft drinks in your car at all times. Dehydration can impact your concentration and awareness levels, presenting a danger to drivers in hot weather conditions
• Keep a cool bag/box in your car. This will keep drinks and snacks cool in a heatwave and ensure you can properly hydrate and have a refreshing, cool snack

Your emergency breakdown kit – what to carry with you in these temperatures

• Plenty of water for the driver and all passengers – consider carrying a camping-style water carrier so you’ve always got plenty with you
• Sufficientsnacks that won’t melt or go off in the heat – in a coolbox if you have one
• Hats and umbrellas to shield from the sun
• Sunscreen
• Emergency medication if needed
• A fully-charged mobile phone – and on smartphones, download and login to your breakdown service’s app, such as myRAC, to reach help as quickly as possible (this can also help your provider with locating your vehicle)
• A means of keeping pets secure if you have to leave your car – and sufficient food and water for them

Incoming Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca finds a situation he cannot have expected with Jeremy Doku

World Cups come along once every four years, the birth of your first child is a once-in-a-lifetime event and – unfortunately – there is no premium on rent-a-gobs in a world where the more controversial or distasteful your view the more chance of it being amplified on the mainstream social media platforms.

Jeremy Doku has found himself the latest footballer to be on the wrong end of bizarre and unfair criticism because major football tournaments attract the worst kind of opinions.

It is depressing enough that the content of the attack isn’t really worth regurgitating, but safe to say it isn’t even new. Rewind 10 years to when Pep Guardiola was ready to take over and there was another (also black, would you believe!) footballer who played for City who was getting a barrage of abuse.

Guardiola hadn’t been officially unveiled as City manager while England were embarrassing themselves with a dismal exit at the hands of Iceland, yet the new boss went out of his way to ring Raheem Sterling up and tell him to ignore the abuse that he was getting in the stands and on social media from people who couldn’t recognise talent when they saw it. Sterling was reassured that not only did Guardiola believe he could shine on the international stage but that regardless he was counted on at City.

That meant a lot to a young player who had struggled after an acrimonious move from Liverpool in a City side that had drifted during Manuel Pellegrini’s final year in charge, with Sterling not even holding a regular place at the Etihad by the end of his first year there as he headed off for Euro 2016. Despite a terrible tournament for all, he came back to Manchester with a bounce because of Guardiola’s words and became one of the best players in the Premier League.

Doku has not been criticised for his football yet the abuse, and the subsequent debate it has prompted, will still have cut through and stung. In what should have been one of the happiest moments of his life, some have chosen to assassinate his character over a football match.

The winger’s phone will almost certainly have lit up with support from teammates and friends – possibly Guardiola as well – and a message from incoming City manager Enzo Maresca would surely go down well. Even if the content of the messages shouldn’t need to be said, they will all be appreciated.

Whether it is now or weeks down the road, Maresca will have to address the situation with Doku to check in on how he is and the sooner that happens it could be better for the manager. In his task of replacing Guardiola, it is a dressing room that needs to be convinced by the new coach.

Doku shouldn’t have become a story in this World Cup, but now that he is Maresca could do worse than replicating one of Guardiola’s first moves at City.

This year, he has tried to come back three times, at Dubai, Miami and Barcelona, but each time he has been dealt with another setback. Now, however, with new coach Sir Andy Murray in his corner, he feels that he can compete once more with just a week before Wimbledon. Keep up to date with all the latest with our live blog below, with expert insight and analysis from Oli Gent at Devonshire Park.

Readers have been debating the free parking scheme launching in Peterborough city centre this summer, and whether it really is ‘free’ or just subsidised

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CambridgeshireLive readers have been discussing proposals for complimentary parking at certain car parks, with considerable debate over where the scheme actually operates and who funds it.

A launch date has been confirmed for free parking in Peterborough city centre. Pending approval from Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet, complimentary parking at four council-owned car parks will begin on Monday, August 3.

The four sites will be: Bishops Road; Car Haven; Riverside; Pleasure Fair Meadow. Parking at these locations will be free from 3pm onwards.

The initiative was promised by Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow in his manifesto. The Mayor allocated £1.5 million in his budget to introduce free parking across both Peterborough and Huntingdonshire.

“I said I would bring free parking and it’s happening this summer,” Mayor Bristow said. “I made this pledge because I believe our city centre needs a lift.”

The objective of the complimentary parking scheme, which will operate as a time-limited trial, is to generate increased footfall to support local businesses, and increase the health and vibrancy of the evening economy. Several commenters noted that the free parking being discussed is located in Peterborough rather than Cambridge.

One reader, Feelgood66 simply states: “I go to Ely, no problem.”

While Freddly adds: “There is no such thing as ‘free’ parking, only subsidised parking. This is just another example of the burden that car and van drivers impose on households without cars.”

Rootintootinredux writes: “Free buses were announced this week, too. Costing the taxpayer nearly £100 per person per journey.”

Bobs26 feels: “An appalling misuse of money originally intended to improve bus services.”

Banallbikes thinks: “It’s a start, but all car parking should be free, and then more people will visit places and support the local economy.”

While over on our Facebook page, Tarnia P comments: “Only in Peterborough. There’s no way Cambridge City Council would let people park for free.”

Robert EH replies: ” All day free parking at Park and Rides, free parking at the supermarkets and retail parks. There is no space in Cambridge for mass parking in the centre.”

Simon W says: “That’s great. I’m sure the people of Cambridge love the idea of subsidising other people’s parking through their Council Tax given how reasonably priced it is to actually park in and around Cambridge itself. Crack on.”

Do you think that free parking will bring people into the town? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

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North Yorkshire Police have launched a hunt for 22-year-old Luke Downs from York after he breached his licence conditions.

This follows his release from prison, where he was jailed for possessing an offensive weapon.

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“Extensive enquiries have been carried out to locate him but he remains wanted,” said a spokesperson for the force.

If you have seen Luke or have any information about his whereabouts, please call the police on 101, or if you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online via their website.

If you have an immediate sighting of him or know where he is now, please call 999.

Please quote reference 12260107304 when passing on information.