Start by deciding whether you want an underblanket or mattress topper, which go underneath your bedsheets, or a heated throw, which lies on top of you on the sofa.

Then, the main points to consider are the electric blanket’s comfort, ease of use, energy efficiency and safety features. Look for soft, thick fabrics which cushion the wires. Anything too thin can be uncomfortable or feel too hot to touch.

If you and your partner prefer different temperatures, an electric underblanket or mattress topper with dual controls will stop arguments by enabling you to heat each side of the bed separately. Some have separate controls for warming the feet and body differently, too.

“Look for electric blankets that have built-in safety features like automatic shut-off and overheat protection and don’t buy them second hand as you won’t know the history of the blanket,” says Capanna.

Generally, it’s not advisable to wash electric blankets too often. But, it is worth reading the washing instructions carefully too, as while most electric blankets today are “machine washable”, some tolerate it better than others.

Finally, check the guarantee period as this will indicate the quality and durability of the product.

Choosing the best electric toothbrush could make a tangible difference to your general health as well as giving you a better smile. Research into brushing teeth found that gum disease can accelerate mental decline and good dental health could slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s. Dentists generally recommend brushing with an electric toothbrush over a manual model.

For this guide, I constantly test the latest electric toothbrushes from major names like Oral-B, Philips and Spotlight, as well as innovative contenders. I also keep an eye on the latest deals.

I tried value options starting at £40 RRP all the way up to £800 toothbrushes. Some have quite quirky features, including a 365-day battery life, antibacterial travel case and tongue cleaning settings.

You can find my full reviews further down, followed by some advice on how best to use them, plus Telegraph reader feedback on certain products. But if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at our top five:

The best electric toothbrushes: At a glance

JUMP TO REVIEWS

How to choose the best electric toothbrush

Rotating and oscillating are the two main types of toothbrushes, according to cosmetic dentist Dr. Tara Francis. “An oscillating toothbrush has bristles which oscillate or work by moving back and forth, similar to a pendulum, to help clean teeth and gums. A rotary toothbrush rotates and spins the bristles round and round.

“Some toothbrushes combine the two actions and are known as rotating-oscillating. This is my personal recommendation to patients and what I use. Other mechanisms of action include pulsing and sonic. Pulsing and sonic are additional features to a rotating, oscillating or rotating-oscillating brush.”

When it comes to sonic toothbrushes, you’re looking for any toothbrush that delivers more than 30,000 sonic vibrations per minute to encourage “fluid dynamic activity”: this is where the sonic waves massage the salivary glands, stimulating more saliva. The saliva binds with the water and toothpaste to act as a stronger cleaning agent. Combined with the sonic vibrations from the toothbrush, this helps to better remove plaque and clean harder-to-reach areas of the mouth.

How we test electric toothbrushes

Malcolm Morrison from Paisley was visiting family in Dubai when Iranian counter-attacks erupted, forcing hundreds of British tourists to evacuate on suspended Emirates flights

A Scottish holidaymaker visiting relatives in Dubai has described the frightening moment drones headed in their direction whilst they were at a brunch gathering on Saturday afternoon.

The initial Emirates service returned from the upmarket destination on Wednesday evening as relieved Scots expressed their gratitude at touching down on British soil once more. The passenger jet landed at Edinburgh Airport following its journey from the Middle East.

Onboard were hundreds of travellers who found themselves embroiled in the conflict after hostilities spread to the affluent cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

READ MORE: Man dies 43 years after hospital blunder left him brain-damaged as a babyREAD MORE: WW3 mapped as US and Israel launch strikes on Iran

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Iranian retaliatory strikes commenced over the weekend following a joint US and Israeli missile offensive against Iran, prompting numerous regional airspace shutdowns, reports the Daily Record.

Malcolm Morrison and his partner, hailing from Paisley, were visiting family when missiles and blasts struck the nation. The family subsequently received an alarming notification on their mobile devices instructing them to immediately find shelter.

Malcolm, 40, told the Record: “It feels great to be home but it was very worrying. We only got there on the Wednesday. We were at a brunch at the W on the Palm when the missiles flew towards us. At first they told us it was fireworks, but you could feel the vibrations.

“It was half 4 at this point, but once it got dark we started seeing multiple missiles in the sky. Then we started seeing the black plumes of smoke. There wasn’t much news getting out but we knew it was bad. We got a notification to see they had stopped flights. Then we heard a bang, then we saw the smoke.

“Whilst we were still at the party we were told to stay inside. The Fairmont Hotel beside us actually got hit so we went and stayed with my sister. On the Sunday we heard three or four bangs above my sister’s place. It’s terrifying. I’m still so scared for her.”

Carriers operating Middle Eastern routes scrapped or rerouted numerous flights following the strikes, with Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways and British Airways amongst those scaling back operations due to safety fears. The Edinburgh-bound service was one of just a handful resuming today after thousands of routes were grounded.

Malcolm went on: “Emirates said that flights were suspended but on the app it said our flight was still scheduled. We arrived at the airport today with no idea if we’d get home. We weren’t feeling confident.

“When we boarded the plane it was quite a strange atmosphere. I’m not one of these people who clap on planes but everyone was clapping when it landed. Everyone was tracking the flight path as we travelled. The first hour it was flying over countries that had been hit. That was not a good feeling.

“I’m 40-years-old but my mum has not stopped messaging me. Everyone was so worried about us. I still don’t think it’s sunk in – but we are home.”

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The Emirates flight EK23 departed at 3.10pm local time and touched down at approximately 8pm GMT. Long-distance travel across the region continues to face significant disruption as the conflict persists, with airline passengers strongly advised to verify their flight status before making their way to the airport.

Services to London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London LHR, and Manchester also operated on Wednesday, having resumed earlier in the week. An Emirates spokesperson said: “All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 2359hrs UAE time on March 4, due to airspace closures across the region.

“Emirates continues to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on 3 and 4 March. We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority on these limited flights.

“Do not go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Emirates or hold a confirmed booking for these flights. Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.”

Passengers are urged to visit the airline’s website for the latest updates.

When you tune into Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock, you’ll be treated to some onscreen magic from not one but two of the Fiennes family.

The Amazon Prime Video mystery thriller, which doubles as an origin story for the widely-loved Arthur Conan Doyle detective, Sherlock Holmes, is helmed by Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who some may recognise from the After movie quintet.

But that’s not all, he’ll be joined by his uncle Joseph Fiennes, who is stepping into an adjacent role for the show as Sherlock’s father, Silas Holmes, where fans will be able to see the real-life familial chemistry come to roaring life.

‘It’s a luxury that we have the relationship we do and that we are playing the characters that have the relationship they do, because if there is any familiarity that creeps in, it works quite well,’ Hero, 29, told Metro about making the leap from reality to fiction.

His uncle Joseph, famed for his roles in Shakespeare in Love and the Merchant of Venice, among countless others, is quick to agree.

He shared: ‘What we have is what actors are really reaching for all the time through quite hard work and research.

‘We get it for free, which is lovely, this familiarity, and so you want to lean into that; if anything, you want to embrace that.’

Joking that, naturally, great British actor Joseph is ‘obviously uncle Joe to me’, Hero acknowledged the impact growing up under his tutelage has been (bolstered, no doubt, by brother Ralph).

‘He’s also an incredible actor whom I’ve watched and, I guess, aspired to be like, so working opposite [him] in multiple capacities was inspiring, but also you make it fun as well,’ he said to a grinning Joseph, who was quick to add that he hoped he isn’t ‘the stodgy old uncle’.

The American Horror Story actor, 55, had similarly glowing words for his nephew, calling him ‘just sublime’, hugely talented’ and ‘having a great sense of leaving no stone unturned.’

He continued: ‘Off camera, he is such a graceful gentleman with the crew. That’s one thing I observed, which I just thought: “Wow, he’s got it in spades.”

‘He’s got a really, great understanding of caring and how the machine works, and also putting in the work ethic as an actor. It’s wonderful to behold.’

As an origin tale, this certainly goes off the beaten track, with the most notable shift being the unexpected friendship between Sherlock and his arch-rival, Moriarty.

But part of the process is embracing the radical changes.

‘Sometimes, you have a knee-jerk reaction and go: “They haven’t explored Sherlock and Moriarty [as] friends“. But you very quickly start to completely flip it on its head and go: “This actually justifies so much more of what I read in Conan Doyle’s works with this being the case.”‘

When it comes to the complicated father-son dynamic specifically, Joseph was compelled by the way creator Matthew used both the source material and Conan Doyle’s real life to fuel his interpretation.

Joseph pointed out: ‘Conan Doyle, I think, had a pretty unstable but brilliant childhood where his father was an illustrator, and also, sadly, an alcoholic.

‘That sense of a relationship, which is fractured and beautiful at the same time, is something that plays out within the family dynamics of the character he invented, Sherlock Holmes, and Matthew Parkhill picked up on it, so it’s really, really rich, and it’s good fun.’

All in all, Hero echoed a boatload of ‘fun’ for anyone who tunes into the show, as well as plenty of ambition to pull something like this off.

Meanwhile, paraphrasing the great crime author himself, Joseph quipped: ‘ Conan Doyle once said: “If you’re feeling low, jump on a bicycle, go for a ride” and Hero, Matthew and Guy have delivered the best exhilarating ride for [eight] episodes. It is one to pick up the spirits.’

Young Sherlock is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now.

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North Wales expat Poppy Owen says she fears debris from defensive missiles more than the explosions as Iranian attacks hit UAE

Approximately 250,000 British citizens reside in Dubai – a varied population of business professionals, social media influencers, and pensioners. So far, many seem fairly calm despite fierce aerial bombardment from Iranian drones and missiles, which has witnessed tonnes of high explosive fired at locations throughout the Gulf following US and Israeli military actions.

Welsh-born expat Poppy Owen, who for the past three years has lived in the upmarket Damac Hills neighbourhood , situated close to the UAE’s Minhad Airbase, confesses that her body “just went into pure fear and anxiety” during the peak of the weekend’s strikes. In a recent video recorded near her Dubai residence, Poppy reveals that the near-continuous explosions she heard were “too close for comfort.”

Originally hailing from North Wales, Poppy maintains her faith in the wealthy emirate’s extensive missile defence capabilities. A considerable amount of the protective weaponry safeguarding Dubai from approaching drones and missiles is deployed from Minhad Airbase – and it’s this close distance that troubles her most.

“It’s not the explosions that were something to be worried about,” she explains. “It was more the debris that when the explosions happened, it was the debris falling down onto buildings and things and places, that was the thing that we should be scared of most.”

She recounts how she has frequently guided her two young children into their bathroom, a place where they would be safe from shattered glass.

To keep her daughters calm, Poppy has attempted to convince them that the regular explosions and flashes in the sky are part of an extraordinary fireworks display.

Poppy shares: “They were reassured that it was just fireworks and nothing to worry about whereas my body just went into pure fear and anxiety because this is too close for comfort. It’s like ‘How can it be that loud? It must be somewhere quite close.’”.

“It was probably happening every 10 minutes or so. We live next to an airbase in Damac Hills – that’s no secret – and what’s happening is that they are firing missiles from the air base next to us, out towards the attacks coming in.”

Thus far, Dubai’s defensive measures seem to be effective. Whilst most incoming drones and missiles have reportedly been intercepted, some of the UAE’s most iconic structures have suffered damage – including the Fairmont The Palm hotel in the upscale Palm Jumeirah development and the Burj Al Arab.

Dubai International Airport has also allegedly been hit by a drone, as well as Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, where one fatality has been reported.

Yasser Elsheshtawy, a professor of architecture at Columbia University who resided in Dubai for two decades, expressed to the BBC that despite only a handful of Iranian strikes being successful, the city’s meticulously crafted image has sustained lasting damage.

He stated: “When you begin to see plumes of smoke rising in the city and sounds of explosion in some of the most exclusive places, that shatters that image of Dubai as this haven of security and safety.”

The scholar further noted that even minor structural harm to iconic buildings could lead to broader reputational implications.

“It will suffer for years to come,” he declared.

Poppy says that aside from an urgent grocery run, she and her family have been living under circumstances akin to the Covid-19 lockdown.

“We were just indoors because that’s what we got told to do. We got told by the government to stay indoors and close our windows, and then all day really it was just hearing the missiles and stuff like that being shot out.

“We were just waiting for the bang, and then any bangs that were happening and shaking the villa doors, at that point we were like, ‘Right, we need to get into the bathroom and just protect the children.’”.

She mentions that information has been scarce, limited to official government announcements and the sound of defensive missiles being launched.

While she and her husband have discussed the idea of leaving the country, they have chosen to stay put for the time being.

“To be honest, the best thing you can do is just stay indoors in the comfort of your own home with all your essentials and ride it out.”

In response, the school has allocated part of its budget towards further staff training and equipment for allergies. “It’s a small amount to have them there and make sure everyone is safe,” said Houghton, who meets in-person with parents of children with allergies to ensure a personalised medical plan is in place.

The Homestead Kitchen, set in an 18th-century stone-built farmhouse at Prudom House, has quickly established itself as a destination restaurant in its own right.

The Homestead Kitchen (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

Opened in November 2021 by chef-owner Peter Neville and his partner Cecily Fearnley, the couple have transformed the rural property into a relaxed fine-dining restaurant, family home and self-contained holiday cottage.

The Homestead Kitchen holds an impressive 4.8-star rating from 157 reviews.

Diners frequently describe the experience as “first class”, “just fabulous from start to end” and “one of the best” meals they have had in North Yorkshire.

Nestled against the rolling backdrop of the North York Moors National Park, the restaurant draws inspiration directly from its surroundings.

The North York Moors and their produce sit at the heart of the menu.

Moorland roe deer, Whitby crab and ingredients harvested from the flourishing on-site kitchen garden feature prominently in dishes that diners say are hearty and packed with flavour.

“We pride ourselves on having built a flourishing kitchen garden, growing organic vegetables, fruits and herbs,” says Peter Neville.

The Homestead Kitchen (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

“In our small orchard, we are encouraging the meadow to re-wild, using the flowers in the restaurant. Our sustainability mission is always changing and developing.”

The menu follows the seasons, shaped by what is growing in the garden, sourced from trusted local suppliers, or even donated by residents with a surplus of homegrown produce.

Diners can choose from a fixed-price lunch menu, an à la carte selection or, for special occasions, a tasting menu.

Recent reviews mention squid ink doughnuts, homemade bread with kipper butter, beautifully cooked meat dishes, vegetarian options and what one guest described as “the best fish pie ever”, followed by strawberries and sorbet.

The restaurant’s décor and views across the moors add to the sense of occasion.

On sunny days, guests can sit outside, while in winter the farmhouse setting offers a cosy retreat from frosty moorland walks.

Service is another recurring highlight in reviews, with staff described as friendly, knowledgeable and attentive.

One visitor who said they had spent decades dining in London’s top restaurants said the end-to-end experience was among the best they had enjoyed in years.

The Homestead Kitchen caters for a range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and offers free off-street parking for visitors.

Open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Sunday (with Sunday lunch served from noon), it has also earned recognition from the Michelin Guide for its “good cooking”, further cementing its reputation as a “must-visit for food lovers exploring the North York Moors”.

Rory McIlroy said that a “generous” offer to LIV players should not be dismissed, adding that the DP World Tour can only do “so much to accommodate these guys”

Rory McIlroy believes it was unfortunate that Jon Rahm declined the “generous” offer put forward by the DP World Tour, which would have cleared any obstacle to the Spaniard’s Ryder Cup eligibility.

Eight LIV players, including Tyrrell Hatton – a champion alongside McIlroy and Rahm in Rome and New York – accepted the conditions which required them to settle all outstanding fines, withdraw their appeals and pledge to participate in additional tour events.

Rahm turned down the proposal, alleging the DP World Tour was “extorting” players, and will persist with his appeal against the reported £2million-plus penalties he has accumulated from competing in rival tournaments.

“If you asked any DP World Tour member about the deal that they have cut with the LIV guys, I think they would all say that it was pretty generous,” said McIlroy.

“It’s a much softer deal than what Brooks (Koepka) took to come back and play on the PGA Tour.

“There’s a reason that eight of the nine took it because they probably think the same thing and one guy thinks a little differently and that’s a shame. He’s obviously well within his rights to think that way.

“The European (DP World) Tour can only do so much to accommodate these guys.”

Should Rahm’s appeal prove unsuccessful, he would remain liable for the fines, plus additional penalties accumulated as he continues to compete in LIV events without official authorisation. However, if he continues to resist payment, his DP World Tour membership could be jeopardised, potentially affecting his ability to participate in next year’s Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.

Here, Luke Donald will attempt to become the first captain to secure three consecutive victories.

“If you want to play on the Ryder Cup you have to be a member of the DP World Tour. You have to abide by the rules and regulations,” McIlroy further explained, stating that being asked to play two events in addition to the four required for membership “isn’t a heavy lift”.

“Look, the Ryder Cup is bigger than any one person. It’s bigger than all of us. We come and go. Players pass through the system.

“I think we should all be grateful that we have a platform like the Ryder Cup that we can play on and that we can showcase our skills and be a part of something that’s obviously way bigger than ourselves.

“At the end of the day it’s about the team and no one player is bigger than the team.”

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Zoja Skubis, who is the youngest Polish woman to summit Manaslu (8,163 m) and Mount Everest (8,849 m) at just 19 years old, also gets her own Barbie doll, as does Stephanie Gilmore, an Australian professional surfer who is the first woman to achieve eight World Surf League (WSL) World Championship Titles.