“We have a talented and passionate team and it is particularly gratifying for us to know we are a significant local employer able to offer a stable and rewarding working environment to those looking to start their career with us and progress.”

A leading rail engineering company specialising in maintaining, refurbishing and overhauling passenger and freight trains has celebrated its 30th birthday – with the business going from strength to strength.

Brodie Engineering operates from two sites in Kilmarnock, employing more than 150 people and boasts an active training and apprenticeship programme.

Founded on February 26, 1996, by Gerry and Debbie Hilferty as a specialist engineering firm, the company quickly developed expertise in rolling stock maintenance, refurbishment and heavy engineering services for the rail industry.

As demand for its high quality expertise has grown, Brodie Engineering has expanded its operations and workforce, developing a strong reputation for delivering complex engineering projects for major rail fleet owners and train operating companies on both sides of the border.

In 2020, the firm added to its existing Bonnyton Works site in Kilmarnock by acquiring and reopening the historic Caledonia Works site on the other side of the town’s rail track.

The business then entered another new phase of growth in 2024 when one of the UK’s leading rolling stock financiers Porterbrook, acquired a 49 per cent shareholding in the company. The strategic partnership has since enabled Brodie Engineering to double its workforce in just two years as new streams of work have been opened up.

All staff are employed directly by the company, with some having built careers spanning more than 15 years – joining as semi-skilled workers and progressing through the ranks to become supervisors and others who joined as supervisors and are now department directors.

The team are committed to nurturing the skills of the next generation, recognising that investing in young people is essential to the long-term strength and sustainability of both the business and the wider industry. There are currently 11 modern apprentices and another three undertaking student placements.

Brodie Engineering is also signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant and is recognised by the Ministry of Defence’s gold level Employer Recognition Scheme Award, with reservists among its workforce.

Managing Director, Gerry Hilferty said: “Debbie and I have watched the business go from strength to strength over the last 30 years and we are proud of what the team has achieved.

“We offer a comprehensive range of refurbishment, maintenance, overhaul and repair services to the rail sector and have expertise ranging from passenger trains to specialist infrastructure vehicles. We understand the requirements needed for train operations and our expertise is our greatest asset.

“We have a talented and passionate team and it is particularly gratifying for us to know we are a significant local employer able to offer a stable and rewarding working environment to those looking to start their career with us and progress.

“We are also proud of our role in our community, including our work with local charities and our annual on-site Armistice Day ceremony, which is one of the biggest of its types in Scotland.

“Our successful partnership with Porterbrook is supporting our growth and we look forward to continued success.”

Perhaps you’ve only clicked on this article to come and snark in the comments about the exorbitant prices. No shame, we’ve all done it. But I want to prove to you that the best bedding doesn’t have to be the most expensive. Our Best Value picks are selected for their high scores across the board, not just their low prices.

For example, plain cotton sheets are far more affordable than their Egyptian counterparts, but a sateen weave can replicate that silky-smooth finish. Bamboo is one of the most expensive bedding materials around, but we’ve found one set with a refreshingly low double-digit price tag. The design is simple and the packaging is nothing to write home about, but the sheets resist wrinkles and keep you cool.

Alternatively, coverless duvets are the norm in America and they’re growing in popularity this side of the pond. They’re durable enough for regular washing and even our Best Buy is just £65 for a double.

One thing I wouldn’t compromise on is a pillow. You need something with enough squish to cushion your head and sufficient support for your neck and shoulders. The right ratio of firmness to softness will vary depending on your sleep position.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The U.S. military says a KC-135 refueling aircraft supporting operations against Iran crashed in western Iraq and rescue operations are underway.

The U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said the crash followed an unspecified incident involving two aircraft in “friendly airspace,” and that the other plane landed safely.

Here’s what is known so far about the tanker, which is the fourth publicly acknowledged U.S. aircraft to crash during the war against Iran:

The KC-135 is a long-serving tanker plane

The KC-135 Stratotanker is a U.S. Air Force aircraft used to refuel other planes in midair, allowing them to travel longer distances and maintain operations longer without landing. The plane is also used to transport wounded personnel during medical evacuations or conduct surveillance missions, according to military experts.

Based on the same design as the Boeing 707 passenger plane, the tanker has been in service for more than 60 years, supporting the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps as well as allied aircraft, according to an Air Force description. The aging plane is set to be phased out as the air force receives a full complement of next-generation KC-46A Pegasus tankers.

Despite upgrades over the years, the KC-135s’ age has fueled concern about their reliability and durability.

“The last of these planes were produced in the 1960s,” said Yang Uk, a security expert at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies. He added that the transition to the KC-46A has progressed more slowly than expected.

According to the Congressional Research Service, the Air Force last year had 376 KC-135s, including 151 on active duty, 163 in the Air National Guard and 62 in the Air Force Reserve.

A basic KC-135 crew has three people: a pilot, co-pilot and boom operator. Nurses and medical technicians are added in aeromedical evacuation missions.

Refueling typically happens at the back of the plane, where the boom operator is located. A fuel boom is lowered to connect with fighters, bombers or other aircraft. On many of the planes, the boom operator works lying face down while looking out of a window on the underside of the plane.

Some KC-135s can also refuel planes from pods on their wings. The tankers also have room above the fuel stores to carry cargo or passengers if needed.

Refueling tankers could play an increasingly important role if the Iran war drags on, as U.S. aircraft may need to fly longer missions to pursue Iranian forces retreating deeper into the country, said Yang.

Cause of crash and condition of crew not immediately known

It was not immediately clear if there were any casualties from the crash in Iraq. A U.S. official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the developing situation, said the plane was carrying at least five crew members.

A second U.S. official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said the other plane involved in the incident was also a KC-135. Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S., wrote on X that the other plane landed safely in Israel.

The U.S. Central Command did not elaborate on the circumstances of the crash, but said it “was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire.”

Yang said it would be rare for a refueling tanker to be downed by enemy fire because such operations are usually conducted in the rear of combat zones.

The crash came after three U.S. F-15E fighter jets were mistakenly downed last week by friendly Kuwaiti fire.

Past accidents

KC-135s have been involved in several fatal accidents. The most recent happened on May 3, 2013, when a KC-135R crashed after takeoff south of Chaldovar, Kyrgyzstan while taking part in the war in Afghanistan.

In that crash, the crew experienced problems with the plane’s rudder, according to a U.S. Air Force investigation. While they struggled to stabilize the plane, the tail section broke away and the plane exploded midair, killing all three crewmembers onboard.

The most serious mid-air collision involving the plane happened in 1966, when a B-52 bomber carrying nuclear bombs struck a tanker near Palomares, Spain.

The accident caused the tanker to crash, killing four onboard. The disaster led to an extensive decontamination effort to clean up nuclear material dispersed when conventional explosives in the hydrogen bombs detonated after hitting the ground.

___

Schreck reported from Bangkok. AP writers Ben Finley and Konstantin Toropin in Washington contributed.

Royal Air Philippines is a budget airline based in the Philippines, which first began operations in 2018.

It operates domestic flights in the Philippines and international flights to other Asian countries, including:

• Cambodia
• China
• Hong Kong
• Macau
• South Korea
• Taiwan

Royal Air Philippines started as a charter airline, named Royal Air Charter Service, in 2002, before receiving a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Civil Aeronautics Board in 2017, allowing it to offer regular commercial flights (which launched in 2018).

“By 2020, the airline had expanded its fleet with the introduction of Airbus A319/A320 jets – this allowed the airline to carry more passengers and offer long-haul routes,” Alternative Airlines added.

Royal Air Philippines enters administration with 4,000 flights cancelled

But Royal Air Philippines has now fallen into administration, with around 4,000 flights between January and March (2026) cancelled as a result.

The airline is currently working to provide affected passengers with refunds, according to the Daily Express.

The airline’s website previously read: “We are working on providing refunds and hope to resume flights at an unspecified date in the future.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you aboard soon.”

Access to the Royal Air Philippines website is no longer available, with those trying to access the website greeted with a “ready when you are” message, with a type of ‘loading’ spinning circle.

The failure of Royal Air Philippines is believed to be a result of decreased flight numbers in recent years, Philstar Global said.

It added: “Royal Air showed signs of partial recovery in 2023 and 2024, when it flew 100,323 and 116,324 international passengers, respectively.

“However, the carrier ferried just 51,764 in the nine months to September 2025, signaling a slowdown.

“The picture is worse on the domestic front, where Royal Air posted a 63 percent dip in passenger traffic to 38,845 in 2024, from 104,473 in 2023.”

UK airlines that have entered liquidation recently

Royal Air Philippines is not the only airline forced to shut down operations, with several UK airlines also entering liquidation recently.

EcoJet Airlines, billed as “the world’s first Electric Airline”, entered liquidation in February after just three years, resulting in the cancellation of all planned flights.

Three other UK airlines entered liquidation in 2025, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority:

• Blue Islands Limited (November)
• Air Kilroe Limited t/a Eastern Airways (November)
• Play Airlines (September)

Meanwhile, four UK travel companies have also ceased trading in 2026, resulting in the cancellation of flights and holiday packages to destinations around the world.

The four UK travel companies that have closed down in 2026 (so far) are:

• Regen Central Ltd
• Gold Crest Holidays
• Asiara UK Ltd
• Simply Florida Travel Ltd

All four have ceased trading, according to Companies House, and have lost their Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL).

Police are appealing for information

A cyclist has died several weeks after a crash. Emergency services were called to the crash on Rhubarb Bridge, near Lincoln Road in Peterborough, at around 6.45pm on February 21.

The crash involved a cyclist and no other vehicles. The cyclist, a 49-year-old man from Peterborough, was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

He sadly died on March 9. A police spokesperson said: “Officers and paramedics were called to Rhubarb Bridge, near Lincoln Road, at about 6.45pm on February 21.

“A 49-year-old man from Peterborough was taken to hospital in a critical condition and later died on 9 March. No other vehicles were involved.”

Cambridgeshire Police is appealing for information. Anyone with information should call police on 101 or report it online and quote incident 444 of February 21.

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Stephen Libby, the breakout fashion star and recent winner of the BBC‘s hit show The Traitors, is offering fans a chance to own a piece of his distinctive wardrobe, with all proceeds going to charity.

The cyber security consultant, who hails from the Isle of Lewis, is auctioning off items on eBay to benefit The Leanne Fund, a Scottish charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by cystic fibrosis. Among the pieces set to go live on Thursday are Vagabond loafers, Cos trousers, and Second Skin shorts, with bidding starting at just 99 pence.

Libby became renowned on the programme for his slick, vintage-inspired aesthetic, often favouring a 1970s look characterised by cropped jackets, geometric patterns, wide-legged trousers, and a vibrant use of colour.

The move comes amidst a surge in pre-loved fashion, a trend highlighted by Amy Bannerman, eBay’s pre-loved style director. She noted: “Pre‑loved fashion has exploded in the last few years, and I think that’s down to a mix of cultural shift, celebrity influence and a growing desire for pieces that feel more individual and considered.”

Bannerman added that items with “real character, whether that’s a beautifully cut 70s jacket like the one Stephen is auctioning, or a rare vintage handbag,” hold significant appeal. She also emphasised the growing trend of selling pre-loved items: “More people are realising there’s incredible value sitting in their wardrobes and love the idea of giving great pieces a second life rather than letting them gather dust.”

Libby secured victory in the fourth series of the popular reality game show alongside fellow traitor Rachel Duffy, marking the first time a pair of Traitors won as a team. Reflecting on his style in an interview with Esquire magazine in January, Libby stated he likes to “wear what I feel like I look good in,” having developed his love for vintage clothing during his university days in Glasgow.

The charity auction is scheduled to run until March 17.

Mark Rhodes, 40, was less than three years into a 10-year jail sentence when in a move a senior judge said left him “almost lost for words” he was moved to an open prison at HMP Kirkham.

Bolton Crown Court heard how after walking out of prison Rhodes went in to burgle people across the town, including retired people and families with young children.

Gwen Henshaw, prosecuting, said: “On August 13, 2025 Mr Rhodes was transferred to Kirkham, which is described as an open prison.”

Ms Henshaw said Rhodes, who’s criminal record includes burglaries, fraud, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and a previous escape, walked out of prison on December 16.

The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Anthony Moss)

He then returned to Bolton where he burgled a house where a man and his seven-year-old son had been staying on Torrington Avenue, Halliwell on December 19.

Ms Henshaw told the court Rhodes, who watched on via video-link from prison, told the man “Sorry mate, wrong house” before fleeing.

On December 18, also on Torrington Avenue, a woman noticed that a spare tyre, Ugg gloves and a mobile charger had been taken from the glove compartment of her Audi.

Rhodes then went on to burgle a house on Bride Street, Halliwell on December 19 while the same night he was seen by a man trying his neighbour’s door on nearby Lomax Street.

That same night a retired woman, again on Lomax Street, was told that a man dressed in black had been seen trying her door.

Finally, Ms Henshaw said that Rhodes then tried to burglar another retired woman at assisted living accommodation on Hobart Road, Halliwell, still on December 19.

Ms Henshaw said the woman “looked up and saw a tall male come through the door” who she at first thought was her grandson but who then fled when she shouted out for her son.

A victim impact statement read out by the prosecutor set out the effect this had had on the retired woman and how “I believe I have the right to feel safe in my own home”.

Brought before the courts Rhodes, formerly of Romer Street, Tonge Fold, confessed to escape from lawful custody, theft, three counts of burglary and two counts of attempted burglary.

Andrew Costello, defending, said he had been representing Rhodes, who has 34 previous convictions for 103 offences, since 2002 when he had been a youth.

He said the 40-year-old had earned credit for his guilty plea and that he had struggled throughout his life with no positive role models or family to support him.

Mr Costello said Rhodes was “relatively institutionalised” but had completed course during his time in custody.

But the Honorary Recorder for Bolton Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said he was troubled by the decision to have put Rhodes in an open prison to begin with.

He said it was “astonishing that someone with such a prolific record” had been dealt with this way less than three years into a ten-year sentence.

Judge Clarke said: “Somebody decided it as a good idea to put him in an open prison.

“Unfortunately for those good people you’ve told me about who’s homes, cars and properties were invaded, they are the ones who have had to suffer for that decision.

“I am almost lost for words.”

Judge Clarke noted that Rhodes had a “sorry history” bit also that he had been involved in a previous attempt to escape from lawful custody in 2023.

He jailed Rhodes for 51 months, which will be added to the 10-year sentence he is already serving.

Judge Clarke told Rhodes he would “serve such a proportion depending on agreement between the government and the Home Office”.