Lumley Castle, located in Chester-le-Street and owned by the Earl of Scarbrough, dates back to the 14th century and has a storied past.

Originally a manor house, it was converted into a castle by Sir Ralph Lumley in 1389 after returning from military campaigns in Scotland.

Following his involvement in a plot against Henry IV, Sir Ralph was executed, and his lands were seized, though they were later returned to his grandson, Thomas Lumley, in 1421.

Lumley Castle is set to host a two day music festival in September. (Image: LUMLEY CASTLE)

King James I of England was among its most notable visitors, staying there briefly in 1603 on his journey from Edinburgh to London to claim the English throne.

The castle later became the residence of the Bishop of Durham in the 19th century after Bishop Van Mildert donated Durham Castle to the newly established University of Durham.

Lumley Castle served as a hall of residence for University College, Durham, with first-year students—known as Castlemen—living there before moving to Durham Castle for the remainder of their studies.

The castle was eventually sold in the 1960s by University College, with proceeds used to build new student accommodation closer to the university’s main site.

In the 1970s, Lumley Castle was transformed into a hotel, now boasting more than 70 rooms, and with a reputation as one of the most haunted sites in County Durham.

One legend claims the castle is haunted by a 14th-century lady of the manor who was thrown into a well for refusing to convert to Catholicism.

Reports of paranormal activity gained international attention in 2005 when the Australian cricket team stayed at the castle during the Ashes test.

The castle hosted Australia during the 2005 Ashes. (Image: LUMLEY CASTLE)

Belinda Dennett, Australia’s media officer at the time, told The Sun: “I saw ghosts.

“I swear I’m telling the truth.

“Several of the players were uneasy, although a lot of them in the morning said they were fine but maybe they were just trying to be brave.

“I looked out of the window and saw a procession of white people walking past.

“It was amazing, very scary.

“Then I returned to bed and the blind went up again—and there was someone looking in through the window.

“I know I wasn’t dreaming because I wrote down the message from my phone and the time.

“Certainly, when I started to tell my story, a lot of them didn’t want to know the details.”

Australian cricketer Shane Watson was reportedly so frightened he slept on teammate Brett Lee’s floor – England player Darren Gough later mocked him on the field by pretending to be a ghost and sneaking up on him.

Darren Gough mocked Australian cricketer Shane Watson by pretending to be a ghost. (Image: PA)

This is not the first time visiting sports teams have been unnerved; in 2000, three members of the West Indies squad reportedly also left the castle early after hearing unexplained noises during the night.

Lumley Castle will soon add another chapter to its history as it prepares to host Opulence, its first-ever music festival, on September 4 and 5.

Daz Flatman, operations manager at ATA Events, said: “We didn’t want to do something that was just another show in a field, we wanted a spectacular location where we could stage something unique.”

But still England are clinging to the hope that something will eventually click, that something will simply fall into place and provide them with their first complete performance of the competition.

It may come – possibly, should they beat Italy, on a flight back to the comfort of Sri Lanka where they won 3-0 before this trip – but right now England do not seem entirely clear where to look.

“I don’t know,” said Brook, asked why his side have not found their groove. “Things haven’t seemed to have clicked so far yet.”

He said what we can all see.

Brook was part of England’s squads at the 2022 and 2024 World Cups, which both began badly before turning in differing directions.

In 2022, England lost to Ireland but responded by comprehensively beating a New Zealand side that just thrashed hosts Australia by 89 runs.

England need a similar performance soon to reboot their tournament because right now it feels more akin to their efforts in 2024, when their only wins came against Oman, Namibia, the United States and West Indies.

England reached the semi-finals on that trip around the Caribbean but were beaten each time they faced the real contenders – Australia, South Africa and India.

In truth, the spark from England’s white-ball sides has been absent going back much further, ever since that night in Melbourne in November 2022.

It was absent at the 2023 World Cup, in the Caribbean in 2024 and at the Champions Trophy in Pakistan last year when the hiring of Brendon McCullum as white-ball coach failed to raise them from their slump and they left without winning a match.

Brook says it is the “belief” in the squad that makes him confident this tournament would be more like 2022 than 2024.

“We’ve been in this situation before where we have lost a game early and World Cups aren’t always smooth sailing,” he said.

Outside of the dressing room, that belief is waning.

If Brook cannot find it then coach McCullum must because an underwhelming run to the semi-finals did not save former coach Matthew Mott his job in 2024.

Salt thinks England can beat anyone on their day and it is time for them to pinpoint a date in the calendar.

Most of sport’s successful teams have had an arrogant streak. Crucially, though, it needs to be earned.

The Scotland win ensured they remain alive but England have no chance of winning this World Cup if they do not improve.

North Yorkshire Police have released a CCTV image of someone they’d like to speak to after a wallet was stolen from inside a vehicle in a York suburb last month.

The incident took place on between 6.30pm and 10pm on January 19 after a vehicle was broken into in Burton Stone Lane, York.

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“The victim’s wallet which contained numerous bank cards was stolen during this time , and their bank cards have been used at multiple locations across York,” said a spokesperson for the force.

They also asked people to contact them if they recognise the person pictured, as they may have information that will assist the investigation.

“Please contact us if you recognise the person pictured, as they may have information that will assist our investigation,” said a spokesperson for the force (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

If you can help the police, please email Nabiel.galab@northyorkshire.police.uk, call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for 000319, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 – or via their website.

Please quote reference 12260011469 when passing on information.

“A great denim dress for spring. Lovely quality material that gives a good fit”

With spring on its way, prepared fashion fans will no doubt be thinking about their transitional weather wardrobes. If your dress collection could do with an update, it’s worth turning your attention to Marks and Spencer.

The high street retailer has recently released a dress that is perfect for spring and shoppers are snapping it up. In fact, the Pure Cotton Denim Midi Shirt Dress has been labelled as ‘in demand’ and is currently the number one bestselling dress on the Marks and Spencer website.

The Pure Cotton Denim Midi Shirt Dress cost £46 but looks a lot more expensive than its modest price tag, it has longer arms for those who want to cover them up a little more, and a tie waist gives a slimming effect. Ticking all the boxes when it comes to style and practicality, those who have already got the spring dress of dreams insist that it is ‘perfect’.

READ MORE: Mature fashion fans say ‘flattering’ £36 spring dress is ‘perfect for the young at heart’

READ MORE: I found the prettiest dress for spring that’s easy to throw on with trainers and a denim jacket

Available in sizes six to 18 in petite, regular and tall lengths, the dress is designed in a regular fit, with a button-through fastening and an elasticated self-tie belt that cinches the waist. The short-sleeved piece is finished with a shirttail hem and contrast stitching for added interest.

Thanks to its versatile design, the Pure Cotton Denim Midi Shirt Dress can be styled with virtually any pair of shoes. Chuck on a pair of trainers or flats when you want to style the dress down or pair it with boots on cold days. Even a pair of heels would look good with it too.

Elsewhere, Roman’s Denim Denim Button Through Midi Dress is available for £36 instead of £40 with the discount GRAB10 applied at checkout. Crafted from soft cotton denim fabric, a stylish V-neck collar and sleeveless design make the dress perfect for warmer days.

Alternatively, Next’s Dark Blue Denim Midi Shirt Dress comes in at £58. The classic denim shirt dress offers a timeless silhouette, effortless styling and all day comfort thanks to the adjustable belt and press stud fastening.

Back at Marks and Spencer, the Pure Cotton Denim Midi Shirt Dress boasts an overall star-rating of 4.4 out of five based on almost 20 reviews. One satisfied shopper said: “Just love this dress. The denim is not too thick, not too thin. A quality piece I shall wear again and again.

A second wrote: “A great denim dress for spring. Lovely quality material that gives a good fit. Generous size, I’m normally a size 10, ordered 8 and it’s perfect.”

“This was love at first sight,” a third penned. “I ordered a size 18 as I’m a busty size 16 and kept my fingers and toes crossed it would fit. It does fit my bust perfectly and it’s not too big in the body too.

“I can’t wait to wear it. Looks great with any footwear, boots, flats, trainers, loafers, the lot. I cannot recommend this enough, ooh and I forgot it has pockets too, what’s not like?”

One shopper, however, was left feeling disappointed with the Pure Cotton Denim Midi Shirt Dress because of the sizing and gave it a two-star review. It reads: “I love the style of the dress but it’s meant to be petite and is still too long for me at 5ft 1ins. I M&S petite to not actually be petite. Disappointed.”

But another loved their latest Marks and Spencer purchase, adding: “Very nice dress. I upsized so I could layer underneath. Very comfy but also smart.”

Passengers will be moved to another plane according to Cornwall Airport Newquay

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A Ryanair flight heading for Newquay Airport was forced to divert to Spain due to a ‘technical’ problem. The diversion happened today (February 14) as the FR9448 flight was due to land in Newquay at 4.45pm.

However Newquay Airport has said the flight is delayed and expected at 5.55pm, CornwallLive reports. A passenger on the plane said that the flight landed safely in Madrid after taking off in Malaga.

The passenger said there was an issue with the plane “burning excess fuel” as it was “not able to climb high enough”. Passenger Eileen has revealed that the flight has landed in Madrid and at the time of reporting, passengers are still on the plane.

Eileen has added that luggage has started to be removed from the plane, she said: “Ryanair flight from Malaga to Newquay lands in Madrid.

“Passengers remain on board. Full flight. Landed safely in Madrid.”

Cornwall Airport Newquay said they were tracking a flight that had a technical fault, which has landed in Madrid. The airport has said passengers are expected to be transferred to another plane.

The A-road from Bowes in County Durham will be shut from 8pm today (Saturday, February 14) in anticipation of bad weather overnight.

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in place for the entire region from 9pm, until 10am on Sunday (February 15) morning.

National Highways said: Due to the Met Office forecast of heavy snow overnight we will be implementing a full closure of the A66 between the A685 at Brough (Cumbria) and the A67  at Bowes in both directions at 8pm tonight.”

The route, which crosses high ground and is often hit by bad weather, had to be closed on Friday morning due to snow.

It comes as an arctic maritime air sweeps across the country.

Due to the @metoffice forecast of heavy snow this overnight we will be implementing a full closure of the #A66 between the #A685 #Brough & #A67 #Bowes in both directions at 20:00 tonight (14/02)

For advice on travelling in snow visit our website:https://t.co/SsCBfWhkFZ pic.twitter.com/XRtshDIErL

— National Highways: North-East (@HighwaysNEAST) February 14, 2026

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The yellow warning overnight stretches from Derby to Scotland

The Met Office said snow in these areas might be “heavy at times”, adding that this could cause “some disruption to travel”.

They said “accumulations of 1-3cm (of snow) will be possible at low levels, with 3-7cm possible above about 150m elevation, and perhaps 10-15cm above 400m”.

The start of next week will remain unsettled, Mr Stroud said.

Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo came off the bench to help the Blues to an FA Cup win over Salford City in a poor game

Even a man who loves the FA Cup as much as Pep Guardiola can’t have enjoyed that. Manchester City are through to the fifth round but that is the only positive thing to say after an afternoon of football at the Etihad that will be a mercy to be left off any highlight shows.

Guardiola made nine changes from the side that had beaten Fulham in midweek but it was a show of strength for the Premier League title challengers that it did not look a weak side. John Stones was back to start his first game in nearly three months, internationals Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush and Tijjani Reijnders came into the attack and Nico Gonzalez settled in at the base of midfield.

It all looked routine in the early minutes, with Rayan Ait-Nouri’s cross being inadvertently booted into his own net by Alfie Dorrington to give City an early lead. The hosts enjoyed 94 per cent possession in the opening 15 minutes and Marmoush had a goal wrongfully ruled out for offside soon after as Blues began to think of the 8-0 they had inflicted on Salford in this competition last year.

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As it was, Salford ended up being unfortunate to go in behind at the break despite barely having possession as City were as poor as they have been in ages. Stones looked particularly rusty, but ahead of him there was nothing from Reijnders, Cherki or Phil Foden.

City’s manager was banned from the dugout for the last round against Exeter and spent large chunks of this game slumped in his seat, as if even he did not have the energy to try to sort what was going on in front of him. James Trafford was City’s best player by the end of the first half, and went further in front after the break.

That led to the cavalry being called up, with Antoine Semenyo, Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly all called for just after the hour mark and Rodri coming on not long after. It was no surprise that it was effort from Semenyo and intelligence from Guehi that earned the second goal late on to make the game safe.

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Semenyo has been sloppy in some of his City performances but never lifeless and he immediately gave the team an energy that had been somehow missing to that point. He may have lost the ball in a tussle with Rosaire Longelo on the left flank, but he won it back and earned the set-piece that City scored from when Guehi poked home his first goal in a City shirt.

That was the level required, and it does not reflect well on any of the outfield starting players that it took a substitute to come on and show them the level required. Guehi and O’Reilly also lifted standards in their own way so that is three players who will surely start next week against Newcastle.

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The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.

This game may be looked back on in a few months as a reminder of how sometimes the only thing that matters is the result, or it may be seen as a reflection of the inconsistencies in the team that have been there for a while.

In the best of all worlds, it simply won’t ever be spoken of again.

Jollyes Pets opened at the Teesbay Retail Park in Hartlepool on Saturday (February 14), with a Valentine’s theme throughout.

The opening was complete with a romantic backdrop of love letters, floral arrangements and a red carpet to set the scene for a special pet blessing.

But no one was expecting store manager Adam Davis from Bishop Auckland to get down on one knee and propose to his partner, Angela Raine – who said yes.

Adam and Angela, from Bishop Auckland. (Image: Dave Charnley)

Adam and Angela, from Bishop Auckland, have been together for 12 years and share two sons, Alfie and Jack.

Adam and Angela, from Bishop Auckland, share two sons, Alfie and Jack. (Image: Dave Charnley)

Meanwhile local Jessica Hecker and her cocker spaniel Ginny had their bond blessed by a local celebrant.

Jollyes Pets officially opens its new Hartlepool store at Teesbay Retail Park (Image: Dave Charnley)

Local dog lover Jessica Hecker and her cocker spaniel Ginny (Image: Dave Charnley)

Jollyes Pets officially opens its new Hartlepool store at Teesbay Retail Park (Image: Dave Charnley)

Eileen Temple-French led the blessing with a personalised sermon, as a live accordionist played romantic songs.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, the leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, and MP Jonathan Brash, joined staff for a red-ribbon cutting, while retired police dog Nash bit through a string of sausages to declare the store open.

Jollyes Pets officially opens its new Hartlepool store at Teesbay Retail Park (Image: Dave Charnley)

Jollyes Pets officially opens its new Hartlepool store at Teesbay Retail Park (Image: Dave Charnley)

It has created eight jobs.

Store manager Adam added: “We’re delighted to finally open the doors and welcome customers to our new store in Hartlepool.

“We know people are mad about their pets, and today was all about celebrating that bond with the pet blessing between Jessica and her cocker spaniel Ginny.

Jollyes Pets officially opens its new Hartlepool store at Teesbay Retail Park (Image: Dave Charnley)

Jollyes Pets officially opens its new Hartlepool store at Teesbay Retail Park (Image: Dave Charnley)

“It was a truly heartwarming day, filled with wagging tails, happy faces, and a little bit of love.

“The whole team here is excited to bring their pet expertise alongside the kind of value that’s been making a real difference to pet parents right across the UK”.

This year, Jollyes has opened stores in Blackpool and Ponders End, and is due to open in Whitehaven on Friday, February 27.

It’s been named the best place in the East of England according to Zoopla

Rising incomes and recent falls in mortgage rates may make getting on the property ladder easier for some people who are buying on their own, according to a property website. Zoopla analysed prices for smaller homes with one or two bedrooms, and compared this with average incomes for single earners to pinpoint cities where single home buyers may have a particularly good chance of getting on the property ladder.

The website said that single buyers account for around two-fifths (39%) of first-time purchases, with affordability constraints often working against single earners and making it harder to “go it alone”.

Zoopla found that in Peterborough was the most affordable city for single buyers in the East of England, with a typical first-time buyer home there costing around six times their average earnings. The average home price in the city is around £183,200, while the average buyer’s income is £30,500.

Richard Donnell, executive director at Zoopla, said: “Buying a home can feel out of reach for many singles who have to rely on just one income to cover mortgage and other costs of home ownership. Rising incomes and lower mortgage rates mean that owning a home by yourself is increasingly possible.

“For many, that means buying a smaller-sized home where property prices have risen more slowly than for larger, family-sized homes in recent years. It’s important to do your research, digging into mortgage affordability and products aimed at singles while considering alternative locations and selecting the right area for you.”

Kesha Foss-Smith, regional director at John D Wood & Co, said: “Single buyers are becoming far more strategic about where and what they buy. Many are prioritising affordability over postcode prestige and choosing areas that still offer good transport links, local amenities and long-term value.

“The combination of stabilising house prices and improved mortgage rates has opened doors again, and we’re seeing renewed confidence in the market, particularly for one and two-bed homes. With more choice coming on to the market and sellers being more open to negotiation, this is one of the more favourable windows we’ve seen for single buyers in recent years.”

Ireland: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; S Prendergast, Casey; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Izuchukwu, Doris (capt), Conan.

Replacements: Kelleher, O’Toole, Furlong, Edogbo, Beirne, Timoney, Gibson-Park, Crowley.

Yellow card: Casey (32 mins)

Italy: Pani; Lynagh, Menoncello, Marin; Ioane; P Garbisi, Fusco; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Lamaro (capt), Zuliani, L Cannone.

Replacements: Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Odiase, A Garbisi, Odogwu.

Yellow card: Lynagh (10 mins)