The six talented performers will head to Orlando next month for the World Cheerleading Championship.

A talented group of cheerleaders from Stirling are ready to make some noise as they head Stateside to show their talents for the world.

The youngsters – Freya Speirs, Mollie Manton, Jessica McAra, Amelia Aitken, Heather Shore and Hayley Stewart – represent a pair of local dance schools and will join up with Team Scotland for the World Cheerleading Championship in Orlando in April.

Between them, the girls represent Kay Klass Dance, based in Raploch, and DMC Allstars, based in Springkerse.

But they have launched a bid for funding to help them achieve their ambitions of getting to Florida and perform on the biggest stage as part of the Scottish squad of 72 performers.

The trip to Orlando will include competing, as well as training in state-of-the-art facilities with world-class instructors. The event will see over 10,000 athletes from more than 140 member countries taking part.

A JustGiving page has been launched to help with the funding goal, with a group of parents hoping to raise a target goal of £450 and get some Stirling support behind the girls.

On the page, it says: “We are raising funds to help these local, Stirling girls realise their dreams and join the national team on their quest to be world champions.

“This is an incredible opportunity for these young athletes, and any local support would make a significant difference in helping them represent both Scotland and the Stirling area on the world stage.”

To donate, visit here.

Crews from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service attended

Part of the A14 road was closed last night for more than five hours after a vehicle fire. The A14 eastbound between junction 23 and junction 24 was closed to allow for emergency resurfacing works following the vehicle fire.

Crews from Huntingdon, St Neots, and Cambridge were called to a vehicle fire at around 3pm on Thursday, March 5.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish a fire involving a car. The crews returned to their stations by 4.40pm.”

The cause of the fire was confirmed to have been accidental.

At the time of the closure, National Highways East said: “The A14 in Cambridgeshire is CLOSED eastbound between J23 (Godmanchester) and J24 (Swavesey). This is to allow for emergency resurfacing works to take place following an earlier vehicle fire.”

But local pubs and clubs which want to stay open for Scotland’s opening game against Haiti on 14 June will have to apply for a licence to keep their doors open until beyond 2am.

West Lothian will not follow its neighbours with a general extension to licensing hours during the World Cup.

Falkirk, Edinburgh and East Lothian have all agreed elements of a general extension, with the capital’s being the most generous through the tournament later this year.

But local pubs and clubs which want to stay open for Scotland’s opening game against Haiti on 14 June will have to apply for a licence to keep their doors open until beyond 2am.

The Scotland squad will kick off their first World Cup in almost 30 years. Most local councils have introduced elements of a general extension. Edinburgh’s rules apply to all games.

READ MORE: West Lothian thieves ‘filling trolleys and walking out’ as incidents on the rise

Falkirk’s rule applies to only Scotland’s games including Haiti, Morocco and Brazil. These two latter games have kirk off times of 11pm rather than the 2am start in the Haiti match.

The “ once in a generation event” as the competition has been dubbed could see a big boost in takings for licensed premises which have taken a financial battering since the Covid lockdown in March 2020.

A spokesperson for the council said: “After consideration, the West Lothian Licensing Board has determined that it will not grant a general extension of licensed hours for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

READ MORE: Plans for new West Lothian residential care home for children to be redrawn

“Licence holders of licensed premises permitted to televise sport, wishing to extend their licensed hours, for the purposes of televising Scotland matches, will be required to submit an application for extended hours.”

To ensure that applications are processed before the commencement of the World Cup, applications should be submitted no later than 31 March 2026. The Board may determine it appropriate to attach conditions to applications granted.

A list of the conditions which may be attached will be published online at www.westlothian.gov.uk/licensing by 17 March 2026.

READ MORE: West Lothian woman ‘exposes herself’ to passers-by as police make arrest

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BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungarian authorities have detained seven Ukrainian citizens, including a former Ukrainian intelligence officer, and seized two armored cars carrying large amounts of cash across Hungary on suspicion of money laundering, officials said Friday.

Ukraine accused Hungary of taking the Ukrainians hostage and illegally seizing millions of dollars in cash.

“This is state terrorism and racketeering,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X late Thursday.

The seven were employees of the Ukrainian state-owned Oschadbank, and they were traveling in two armored cars that were carrying the money between Austria and Ukraine when they were detained, Sybiha said.

The armored cars were carrying cash as part of regular services between state banks, he said, adding that the status of the employees was unknown.

In a separate statement, Oschadbank wrote that 40 million U.S. dollars as well as 35 million euros and 9 kilograms (19.8 pounds) of gold — worth around $1.5 million at current prices — had been apprehended by Hungary.

Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration confirmed Friday that it had detained seven Ukrainian citizens and seized the two armored cash-transport vehicles. It added it was conducting criminal proceedings on suspicion of money laundering.

Hungary’s Interior Ministry, Foreign Ministry and Counter-Terrorism Centre did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

GPS data showed the vehicles were in the center of Budapest near one of Hungary’s law enforcement agencies, but that the location of the bank employees remained unknown, the Ukrainian bank said.

The incident further inflamed tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, which are embroiled in a bitter feud over Hungary’s access to Russian oil through a pipeline that crosses Ukrainian territory.

Oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline have been interrupted since Jan. 27. Ukraine says a Russian drone strike damaged the pipeline’s infrastructure, and that repairing it carried risks to technicians. It said that even if restored, it would remain vulnerable to further Russian attacks.

Hungary’s government, however, has accused Ukraine of deliberately holding up supplies of Russian crude, and has vowed to take countermeasures against Kyiv until oil flows resume.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has maintained close relations with the Kremlin while escalating an aggressive anti-Ukraine campaign ahead of crucial elections next month, has called Ukraine Hungary’s “enemy,” and accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of seeking to provoke an energy crisis in order to sway the April 12 vote.

Orbán did not directly mention the detention of the bank vehicles but alluded to the incident in statements to state radio Friday, saying: “We will stop things that are important to Ukraine passing through Hungary until we get the approval of the Ukrainians for oil shipments.”

“The Ukrainians will run out of money sooner than we will run out of oil,” he added.

Trailing in most polls behind a popular center-right challenger, the populist Orbán has staked the election on convincing voters that Ukraine poses an existential threat to Hungary’s security.

In office since 2010, the EU’s longest-serving leader has claimed that if he loses the election, the European Union will force Hungary into bankruptcy by cutting Russian energy imports, and that Hungarian youth will be sent to their deaths on the front lines in Ukraine.

Hungary, along with neighboring Slovakia, have defied EU efforts to wean off Russian fossil fuels, and continued to purchase them despite Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Orbán previously ceased diesel shipments to Ukraine, vetoed a new round of EU sanctions against Russia and blocked a major, 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) loan for Kyiv in retaliation for the interruption in oil shipments. He’s also deployed military forces to key energy infrastructure sites across Hungary, accusing Ukraine of plotting disruptions.

On Thursday, Orbán told an economic forum that Hungary would use “force,” including “political and financial tools,” to compel Ukraine to resume oil shipments.

On his post on X, the Ukrainian foreign minister took issue with Orbán’s comments, writing: “If this is the ‘force’ announced earlier today by Mr. Orban, then this is a force of a criminal gang,” Sybiha wrote.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry on Friday urged Ukrainian citizens to abstain from visiting Hungary, saying their security could not be guaranteed amid “arbitrary actions by the Hungarian authorities.”

The Ministry also called for Ukrainian and European businesses to take into account “the risk of arbitrary seizure of property” in Hungary.

Indonesia has become the latest, and most populous, country to say it will ban social media for under-16s. 

The country – which has the fourth biggest population in the world – has approved new restrictions designed to protect young people online.

And with high levels of internet use among its more than 284 million people, the ban could have a big impact.

Since Australia brought in the world’s first ban of under-16s on social media in December, a succession of other countries – including Spain, France, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece and Italy – have said they plan to do the same.

Indonesia’s communications and digital minister, Meutya Hafid, said her government would “delay access” for under-16s until platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, Youtube and Roblox “perform their obligations”.

She did not elaborate on what the obligations are.

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From 28 March, accounts belonging to teenagers under 16 on the “high-risk platforms” would be gradually deactivated, the minister announced.

“We realise this may cause discomfort in the beginning,” Ms Hafid said in a video statement.

“Children may complain and parents may be confused dealing with their complaints.”

She said Indonesia would be the first non-Western ​country to impose such restrictions, and said they were needed because: “Our children are facing risks, from porn, cyberbullying, online fraud to most importantly, ⁠addiction.”

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Malaysia will begin enforcing a ban this year, after lawmakers voted for the restrictions in November.

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TikTok, Meta, which owns Facebook and ​Instagram, Roblox, Google and X did not immediately respond to Sky News’ request for comment.

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Around 79.5% of Indonesia’s population use the internet, according to a 2024 survey of 8,700 people by the Indonesia internet service providers’ association.

The research also showed showed 48% of children under 12 had access to the internet, with some respondents of that age group using Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. It revealed internet use rose to 87% among “Gen Z” users aged 12 to 27.

People over the age of 65 have been worst hit by this illness

Brits have been reminded of a 48-hour rule over a nasty winter bug. Health experts have urged people to stay home for two days if they experience symptoms.

According to an update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases of norovirus “remain high”. Norovirus, which is also known as the winter vomiting bug, is an unpleasant illness that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

Figures from the UKHSA show that people over the age of 65 have been worst hit by the illness. Cases from the last two weeks (February 16 to March 1) have also been 30.5 per cent higher than the five-season average.

But overall, norovirus cases have started to decrease. Despite this, you still need to be careful if you experience symptoms.

Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Norovirus remains high but has started to decrease in recent weeks. Cases remain highest among people aged 65 years and over.”

She urged people to practise good hygiene. “We should all remember the simple steps we can take to help stop norovirus from spreading,” she said.

“Wash your hands with soap and warm water and use bleach-based products to clean surfaces to help stop infections spreading. Alcohol gels do not kill norovirus so don’t rely on these alone.”

She also highlighted an important 48-hour rule. Ms Douglas said: “If you have diarrhoea and vomiting, don’t return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and don’t prepare food for others in that time either.

“If you are unwell, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection to those who are the most vulnerable.” This advice is backed by the NHS, which says on its website: “Do not go to school, nursery or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days

“Do not visit others in hospitals or places like care homes until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for two days.”

Symptoms

According to the NHS, symptoms of norovirus can emerge “suddenly” and typically include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Other signs of the virus may be a high temperature, headaches, stomach cramps, and general body aches.

If you or your child has diarrhoea for more than seven days or vomiting for more than two days, you should call 111.

How to prevent norovirus from spreading

Aside from avoiding certain places for two days, the NHS also says you should:

• Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet or changing nappies (alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus)
• Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing, serving or eating food
• Wash clothes and bedding that has poo or vomit on it on a 60°C wash and separately from other laundry
• Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps and bathroom door handles
• Avoid contact with others as much as possible

Certainly this muscular and hugely effective version of the renowned ‘Scottish play’ will leave you making comparisons with the political shenanigans which currently afflict the world.

A co-production with Hull Truck and Derby Theatre, Macbeth marks a return to the Octagon for former artistic director Mark Babych. Currently artistic director at Hull, he has avoided the Braveheart world of the original work and reset it into a modern, unspecified war torn country ravaged by conflict.

It’s hugely effective and highlights the relevance of a play written so long ago.

Too often directors taking on the Bard feel compelled to throw every toy in the box at a production to make it ‘different’. Bar a few neat little tricks this version lets the story unfold at a cracking pace taking the audience with it.

Oliver Alvin-Wilson and Macbeth and Daniel Poyser, Banquo (Image: Tom Arran)

Oliver Alvin-Wilson is a physically imposing yet ultimately emotionally crippled Macbeth. In combat fatigues he is a commanding figure whose prowess in the on-going war makes him a favourite of the king.

Clearly we are in uncertain, lawless times where might is strength. Alvin-Wilson’s Macbeth is a man torn; he has ambition but you sense he knows that should he unleash that ambition, along with it comes a dark side which he fears he can’t contain.

But the lure of power is too much. The three mysterious witches who prophesy he will be king unlock the dark side, raising the question just how far are you willing to go? The old adage of power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely has never been better demonstrated.

Jo Mousley as Lady Macbeth is his more than willing partner in crime. We first see her in sensible yet stylish clothes looking every the inch the perfect hostess. But given that first tantalising glimpse of what might be she becomes the driving force behind her husband’s merciless rise.

Oliver Alvin-Wilson, Macbeth, and Jo Mousley, Lady Macbeth (Image: Tom Arran)

Her gradual descent into madness is very well done and utterly believable. She’s as much a victim of the pursuit of power as her husband.

This version of Macbeth doesn’t pull its punches. It’s hard hitting, at times brutal and always compelling.

Daniel Poyser as Banquo and Simon Trinder as Macduff  are both  played with real character and belief. The scene involving Banquo’s ghost has the potential to be farcical but in blood soaked shirt and with almost Zombie-like tics, it’s compelling stuff.

The witches – Livie Dalee, Josie Morley & Deborah Pugh – in Macbeth (Image: Tom Arran)

The role of the witches in Macbeth is often the most divisive. In this version they look like extras from a Mad Max film and yes, it does require a little suspension of disbelief, but they are pretty unnerving – the scene in which they channel their prophecies through babies on their lap is absolutely chilling.

All the supporting cast help guide the audience through the ever-increasing madness. Benjamin Wilson as Ross acts as part narrator and Colin Hurley’s porter eases the tension briefly with a well observed comic scene.

Colin Hurley as the Porter in Macbeth (Image: Tom Arran)

The staging and lighting is impressive and the fight scene at the end is very realistic.

The production pretty much stays true to the original text with just a few edits to help the audience along.

There will always be those who say ‘oh it’s Shakespeare, it’s not for me’ but honestly they are the ones who are missing out.

This version of Macbeth takes a story of doomed ambition and turns into a pretty compelling (that word again) work of theatre. At its heart is the performance of Oliver Alvin-Wilson; he’s a Macbeth we come to feel sorry for rather than despise in spite of the awful acts he commits. There’s a vulnerability behind that imposing physique which adds an extra dimension to the character.

Overall this is a very accessible, surprisingly relevant and at times challenging interpretation of one of the great works.

Don’t be put off by the fact it’s Shakespeare. Just follow the action – there’s plenty of it – and the story will come to you. One you’re in, you’ll be hooked.

 Until Saturday, March 28. Details from www.octagonbolton.co.uk

Manchester United have announced that the cost of season tickets at Old Trafford will go up by five percent next season.

The club intend to invest the extra revenue in football and facilities after spending more than £200m in the transfer market last summer.

The cheapest season tickets at Old Trafford next year will be £646, an average of £34 for the 19 Premier League home matches.

But United came under fire from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for moving 600 supporters from the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand to make way for extra, and more lucrative, hospitality seats.

United, who are on course to qualify for the Champions League, said they had consulted their Fan Advisory Board and that season-ticket holders would not pay more than one-nineteenth of the cost of their season ticket for any home European game.

But a MUST spokesman said: “It is disappointing that the club has ignored our call, as part of the FSA’s league-wide campaign, for a ticket price freeze. Supporters are paying more and more to watch their team, and as the FSA campaign said: enough is enough.

“We’ve also learned that 600 more loyal fans are being moved for ever more hospitality. Those people will be understandably furious, and need to be better treated by the club than those who went through the same thing last year were.

“That said, we are pleased the club listened to some of our concerns and there are no further restrictions on season ticket holders forwarding their tickets and no increase in the minimum usage rules. Football clubs make better decisions when they listen to fans – they should do it more!”

All players are currently given mandatory rest periods during the off-season. For example, England players who tour with the national side in the summer are then given five weeks mandatory rest before starting pre-season with their clubs, and then another five weeks before playing a match.

However when surveyed by the RPA, 36% of players said they were doing contact training in their first week of pre-season. This would mean an international player could conceivably be involved in contact training for as many as 47 weeks a year.

Under the new guidelines, which will be in place for the 2026/27 season, players will now experience a graduated return to contact, with no contact at all in week one and no full contact until the fourth week of their return. Clubs who fail to adhere to the new regulations could face a fine or a disciplinary case.

England’s most-capped men’s player Ben Youngs presented a BBC documentary exploring the issue of safety in rugby, and he believes regulation of training is a big move forward.

“Monitoring and limiting the amount of collisions and contact done within a training week is really, really important. That is the next step for elite rugby,” Youngs told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.

Those involved in the agreement believe these changes to contact training will place the Prem at the forefront of player welfare as a league.

“Prem Rugby’s vision of becoming the best league in the world can only be achieved by ensuring our players are given world-leading support off the pitch,” said Phil Winstanley, rugby director at Prem Rugby.

“Working together with the RPA and our clubs, we will continue to raise standards off the pitch so our players can perform to the highest level on the field of play.”

While these regulations apply to the men’s Prem, similar guidelines are also likely to be implemented across Premiership Women’s Rugby.