The disease can have devastating consequences on the poultry industry

A suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been discovered at a commercial poultry premises in Co. Tyrone

DAERA have announced that disease control measures have been initiated following a suspect case near Omagh.

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher has made the decision based on a number of factors including the clinical signs and preliminary results provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, confirmed: “A suspect case of notifiable Avian Influenza was reported on Tuesday, 03 March, and initial results suggest the presence of HPAI. The CVO has, therefore, taken the decision, as a precautionary measure, to apply appropriate disease control measures, including the humane culling of all poultry on the site and the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (TCZ) to mitigate for onward disease spread.”

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Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher added: “Disease control measures are crucial to limit any potential spread of disease. and I appeal to all bird owners – backyard and commercial – to take all necessary steps to protect your flock. This includes ensuring continuous excellent levels of biosecurity and reporting any suspect cases of avian flu to DAERA immediately.

“Samples from the infected premises have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory to confirm strain and pathogenicity. Should HPAI be officially confirmed, these TCZs will be revoked and replaced with a 3-kilometre Protection Zone (PZ) and 10-kilometre Surveillance Zone (SZ).”

Full details of the scope and measures required within the TCZs have been published on the DAERA website.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for the whole of NI remains in place, which means it is a legal requirement for all poultry and other captive birds to be housed or otherwise kept separate from wild birds. As part of the AIPZ, bird keepers must follow strict biosecurity measures in order to mitigate against disease incursion.

A ban on the gatherings of galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl), anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) and poultry is also in force.

Members of the public are encouraged to report dead waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, via the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool.

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The 34-year-old was last seen on Wednesday, February 11, in the Tees Street area of Concord between 7pm and 7.30pm.

But sadly, just before midday on Wednesday (March 4), the body of a man matching Christopher’s description was found on the north bank of the River Wear off Barmston Lane in Washington.

A missing persons appeal was lauched by police who said they scoured CCTV and went door-to-door trying to find him.

Northumbria Police said that, although formal identification is yet to take place, the body is believed to be Christopher. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

Detective Inspector Nick Went, of Northumbria Police’s dedicated missing investigation team, said: “This is a desperately sad conclusion to our investigation and our thoughts are firmly with Christopher’s loved ones at this devastating time.

“We believe there to be no suspicious circumstances involved and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

“I’d like to thank all of the officers who took part in searches to locate Christopher over the past few weeks for their efforts.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those members of the public who shared our various appeals on social media and contacted us with information.

“Your support is very much appreciated by ourselves and Christopher’s family.” 

The SNP is trailing behind Scottish Labour in terms of spending power after Anas Sarwar’s party recorded a £100,000 donation from an energy magnate.

The SNP is struggling to raise cash ahead of the Holyrood election after it was revealed just three people made major donations to the party in a six month period.

It means the Nationalists are trailing behind Scottish Labour in terms of spending power after Anas Sarwar’s party recorded a £100,000 donation in November from a company owned by green energy industrialist Dale Vince.

Official figures published today by the Electoral Commission show the SNP declared £42,691 from members of the public in the last quarter of 2025.

Political parties are legally obliged to declare donations if they come from a single source and exceed £11,180 in a 12-month period. Individual MSPs or MPs, as well as local party branches, must declare all donations of £1,000 and above.

The SNP banked no major donations at all in the third quarter of 2025 – leading to John Swinney to deny at the time his party was skint. But the situation improved in the final three months of the year.

The largest donation to the Nationalists was a £37,691 bequest from the estate of the late Julian Rudd, a long-term donor to the party who died in 2024.

Margaret Gordon also donated £2,500 to the SNP branch in Argyll and Bute, while Ronald McNaught gifted the same amount to the Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire constituency party.

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In contrast, Scottish Labour announced in January it had received a “substantial” six-figure donation to the party’s election campaign fund from Sandy and James Easdale.

The brothers, who own the Inverclyde-based McGills bus franchise, reportedly made the donation conditional on Anas Sarwar committing to making the party “more Scottish-facing”.

Labour has now declared a £150,000 donation from Dalglen – a property investment firm linked to the Easdales – made on Christmas Eve last year.

Scottish Labour also banked £8,000 during that quarter from Gordon Dalyell, an Edinburgh-based lawyer and son of the late MP Tam Dalyell.

The party also received £100,000 in November from Ecotricity Group Limited, the energy company controlled by long-term Labour donor Dale Vine.

The SNP previously acknowledged it was facing financial challenges from falling membership and the loss of MPs at the 2024 general election.

The party’s last set accounts, published in August last year, revealed a deficit of £455,254 for 2024. Membership fell to 56,011, down by more than 8,500 since 2023.

Treasurer Stuart McDonald said the party had made the “very difficult” decision to cut backroom staff, but that the move would result in “significant spending reductions”.

Jackie Killeen, director of regulation at the Electoral Commission, said: “Almost £65m in donations was accepted by political parties during 2025. The UK political finance system has high levels of transparency, and we know that voters are interested in where parties get their money from.”

The Record asked the SNP and Scottish Labour for comment.

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A 21-year-old woman and two men aged 28 and 30 were arrested and charged following the incident

Two men and a woman have been charged to court following arrests made in relation to a robbery which took place in the Glengall Street area of Belfast on Tuesday, February 3.Police confirmed a 21-year-old woman, arrested on Tuesday, March 3, has been charged with robbery and is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday, March 5.The force said that, as is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. Two other people were also charged in relation to the incident.

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A 28-year-old man, charged with robbery and wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, has already appeared in court and has since been remanded in custody.A 30-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of robbery, wounding and possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place has also been remanded in custody.

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“My toddler loves this and it has improved with bedtime.”

Parents struggling with bedtime routines for their young children are singing the praises of a toy that’s making evenings easier. Designed for children aged three and above, the Toniebox uses tactile, character-shaped figures called ‘Tonies’ which are placed on the device to play stories, songs and educational content.

There’s a wide selection of characters available, including Peppa Pig. The Peppa Pig Tonie Character usually retails at £15, but I’ve discovered a method to get it for free through TopCashback’s current promotion.

The procedure may seem daunting, but it’s straightforward, quick and completely free.

TopCashback is providing new members joining its money-saving platform with a complimentary £15 sign-up bonus alongside cashback on any purchase of £15 or above. This means that new members of TopCashback and both new and existing Argos customers get it for free after cashback.

Shoppers must initially pay the £15, but this sum will be reimbursed to your TopCashback account, ready for transfer to any bank or PayPal account. It typically takes up to seven days to appear in accounts, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Featuring the same voice actors of the TV show, children will be whisked away to Peppa’s entertaining world and enjoy tales including Peppa on Holiday, Peppa going Skiing, Miss Rabbit’s Day Off, George’s Balloon and numerous others. With a run time of 62 minutes, the stories are just long enough to keep toddlers engaged.

Beyond the Toniebox, there are alternative options available, such as the YOTO Mini, a screen-free Bluetooth audio device that plays stories and music. Retailing at £59.99 on Amazon, it works with physical cards that ‘lets kids explore their imaginations as they explore the world’.

For those seeking a more visual toy, the Clementoni Disney Storytime Projector with Narration includes eight story cards and is designed to keep toddlers entertained. It’s available for £31.99 on Amazon and at Smyths Toys.

At Argos, the Peppa Audio Classic Tonie Character has achieved an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of five stars from nearly 40 reviews. One customer shared: “My toddler loves this and it has improved with bedtime.”

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Another reviewer commented: “We have a lot of Tonies and this has quickly become a firm favourite. It has the well known songs, themes, voices and stories that children know and recognise. I love the idea of the short stories where Peppa and her family visit different countries. It’s a fun and entertaining Tonie.”

A third customer added: “I bought this for my non verbal autistic 6-year-old grandson who adores Peppa Pig,” and “His little face lights up when Peppa starts talking.”

However, one buyer felt less enthusiastic about the Peppa Audio Classic Tonie Character, awarding it three stars. They stated: “I got this along with the Toniebox 2 for my kids for Christmas, despite paying for it and upon hearing it for the first time, my kids absolutely love it.

“But my son of all people says it’s not long enough and I wholeheartedly agree. For the price of these products, it doesn’t play for a longer period than you expect.”

However, another customer was delighted with their recent Argos buy, stating: “My son is a huge Peppa Pig fan and is absolutely loving this. He listens to it everyday.”

Here’s how to get the Peppa Tonies Character for free:

• To claim the new member bonus, new members of TopCashback need to sign up via the TopCashback website
• Search for Argos click ‘Get Cashback Now’
• Shop and checkout as usual
• Cashback will then track and appear in your TopCashback account within seven working days of your purchase

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Chance to win hamper during launch weekend

Dobbies has unveiled a vibrant new, garden-style cottage kitchen foodhall at its Sandyholm store.

The new foodhall reflects Dobbies’ commitment to investing in the Clydesdale store and responding to what local customers want. By listening to feedback from the Sandyholm community, new ways were identified to improve the overall shopping experience, offering customers the opportunity to discover and celebrate great food.

The new foodhall at Sandyholm has opened with a host of introductory offers including 30 per cent off Farmhouse biscuits and Belgid’Or chocolates and 20 per cent off Coolmore cakes and favourite brands like Fever Tree, available to March 31.

To mark the first weekend of opening from Thursday, March 5, sampling of some of the new products will be available at various times, and one lucky customer through the doors will win a hamper filled with selected products.

Kirsty Mcallister, general manager at Dobbies’ Sandyholm, said: “We’ve been working hard on the new format that’s inspired by a cottage kitchen garden and brings together essentials, treats and seasonal variety through a range of both popular and new brands. We’re excited to welcome customers in to see the new foodhall and try the ranges for themselves.”

With more than 500 products, Sandyholm customers will be spoilt for choice with new brands like Botham’s of Whitby and Isle of Wight tomato-based sauces.

Sweet treats will be prominent with well-known brands like Bonbons, Lindt and Tony’s Chocolonely.

There will also be a wide selection of biscuits for cheese, sharing bags of crisps, snacks and nuts from new brands like Pretzel Pete, Serious Pig and Slabs.

The ranges of gift foods will include alcohol and premium soft drinks, including gin and beer gift packs.

The new foodhall at Dobbies Sandyholm is open from today (Thursday, March 5). For more information visit dobbies.com

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The big format change will take effect from next season

The Championship play-offs will feature six teams from next season.

The EFL announced its clubs had passed a proposal to increase the number of play-off participants from four to six at an all-club meeting on Thursday.

Supporters of the change believe it will create more interest in the run-in to the Championship season, as it gives more teams a chance to qualify for the post-season and a shot at promotion to the Premier League. Teams finishing between third and eighth will be involved.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “Since their introduction in 1986-87, the play-offs have become a highlight of the domestic football calendar, capturing the drama, suspense and jeopardy that make the EFL so special.

“Following several months of discussion with clubs and other stakeholders, we are confident this change will further strengthen the Championship as a competition and give more clubs and their supporters a genuine opportunity of achieving promotion.”

The National League currently operates a six-team play-off tournament, where the teams finishing second and third progress straight to the semi-finals while those finishing fourth to seventh compete in quarter-finals.

A similar system will be used in the Championship, with teams finishing from fifth to eighth playing in eliminator ties and the winners going on to face the third and fourth-placed teams in two-legged semi-finals.

The final format will be agreed later in 2026.

The current format in the EFL – with a single-leg final at Wembley preceded by two-leg semi-finals – has been in place since the 1989-90 season.

The Championship play-off final has come to be regarded as the most lucrative single game in world football, given a place in the Premier League is at stake to the winners.

Sunderland were last season’s victors, overcoming Sheffield United 2-1. The success was estimated to have secured a minimum of £200million in extra income for the Black Cats.

The statement issued by the EFL on Thursday read: “At a General Meeting today, EFL Clubs approved changes to expand the number of teams competing in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs from four to six, starting in the 2026/27 season.

“The decision is intended to increase the number of competitive fixtures during the closing stages of the campaign, while also giving two additional Clubs the opportunity to reach the Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium and progress to the Premier League.”

Wrexham are currently in sixth place in the Championship table with nine games remaining in the regular season.

Swansea City currently sit in 16th place, with 11 points between them and the play-off spots.

Emirates has issued a statement to passengers affected by ongoing travel disruptions

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Emirates has released a statement concerning its flight operations amid “ongoing disruptions” stemming from the Middle East conflict. The airline’s support account posted an update on X for affected passengers as numerous services remain grounded.

The carrier has confirmed that all scheduled flights to and from Dubai will remain suspended until the end of March 7, extending beyond the previously announced deadline of March 4. However, they continue to operate “a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights”.

A number of Emirates services have already touched down in the UK, bringing much-needed reassurance to anxious relatives and friends. These flights have landed at multiple airports, including Edinburgh and London.

This development comes as the Iran conflict reaches its sixth day, with numerous flights expected to transport stranded British citizens home from the Gulf area. The first Government charter flight and British Airways commercial service from Muscat were due to arrive in the UK during the early hours of Thursday.

Yet a technical problem at the Omani airport stopped the first chartered aircraft from departing as scheduled. It is now anticipated to depart later on Thursday, reports the Express.

Emirates’ social media announcement represents the airline’s most recent communication from its support team on X as of March 5. The statement acknowledges that the airline’s support team is managing a substantial number of customer queries and is working to address them at the earliest opportunity.

The carrier stated: “Due to ongoing flight disruptions, our Customer Care teams are experiencing exceptionally high volumes. We’re working to resolve all enquiries as quickly as possible. Rest assured, all cancelled flights will be rebooked or refunded as soon as possible, based on your preference.”

Passengers impacted by the recent wave of cancellations have been provided with guidance on what steps to take. The airline has outlined several options, including making contact, requesting a refund and liaising with your travel agent.

Emirates explained: “Direct Message: DMs are the most efficient way to contact us right now. Please expect a 48-72 hour wait before we are able to respond. You can DM on X at http://emirat.es/xdm.

“Phone: Only call us if you are in need of very urgent assistance. Please be patient and expect a wait on hold of up to 2-3 hours. Contact numbers for your country can be found at http://emirat.es/support.

“Refunds: You can request a refund for your booking if it is on or before 12 March without contacting us. Just fill out the form at http://emirat.es/refund.

“Travel Agents: If you booked via a travel agent, please contact them directly for assistance with rebookings and refunds. If your enquiry is not urgent, please visit http://emirat.es/flightstatus for the latest updates, and contact us at a later time. Please also make sure your contact details are up to date at http://emirat.es/managebooking so we can keep you informed.”

The carrier concluded its statement by outlining additional measures available to travellers needing extra help. “If you need further assistance, DM us with your booking reference and flight details, and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you for your trust and patience,” it said.