Tyne Rivers Trust has opened its annual photo competition for the 2027 charity calendar, inviting submissions from photographers of all ages and abilities.

Images should feature the River Tyne catchment throughout the seasons, from sea to source.

Sophia Stovall, chief executive officer at Tyne Rivers Trust, said: “We were blown away by the quality of entries last year.

“For the 2027 calendar, we want to see even more of the diverse nature of our waterways, from the hidden tributaries to the iconic main river, the wildlife that calls the Tyne home, and the stunning landscapes that surround it.”

The 2026 calendar generated strong community interest and sold more than 100 copies, raising funds for the environmental charity.

Photos can be professionally shot or taken on smartphones, with the focus on capturing any aspect of the river across the year.

Proceeds from calendar sales help fund the trust’s work to improve water quality, address climate change, and protect the river’s ecosystem for the long term.

The 2027 calendar will feature 12 winning images, with each month available for sponsorship at £1,000.

Sponsors will have their logo and information included in the calendar and all funds will support the trust’s ongoing projects.

The public are encouraged to visit the riverbanks this season and capture their best Tyne-inspired image.

Selected entries will be featured in the printed calendar, giving contributors the chance to see their photography in print and support an environmental cause.

For full entry guidelines, sponsorship opportunities, and competition details, visit www.tyneriverstrust.org/2027-calendar-comp/.

Actor James Cartwright has said he ‘can’t wait’ as his next villainous role was confirmed following his exit from the ITV soap

Former Coronation Street star James Cartwright has said he ‘can’t wait’ as his next villainous role was confirmed, just a couple of weeks after he was seen bowing out of the long-running show.

As fans of the ITV soap know, the actor made his debut on the famous cobbles back in March 2025 as Theo Silverton, who quickly struck up a sizzling romance with local undertaker, Todd Grimshaw.

However, what followed was a heartbreaking and difficult-to-watch 13-month domestic violence and coercive control storyline, during which Todd, played by Gareth Pierce, was seen suffering both physical and mental abuse at the hands of his partner.

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But as viewers eventually saw earlier this month, after a flashback episode aired in February revealed five characters as the possible victims of a shocking murder, it was Theo who was killed, putting an end to his long reign of terror in Weatherfield.

That being said, while not physically present, Theo has mentally scarred Todd, who is now in the frame for his murder, as well as his loved ones, George Shuttleworth, Christina Boyd, and Summer, alongside Gary Windass and Theo’s ex-wife, Danielle Silverton, who could also be guilty of Theo’s demise.

While the ‘whodunnit’ continues to unfold on-screen, with DS Lisa Connor-Swain and DC Kit Green leading Weatherfield Police’s investigation, James is planning his acting future as his next role was confirmed, as he will appear in a pantomime this Christmas.

The 41-year-old, who is the son of playwright Jim Cartwright, has landed the role of Abanazar in Bournemouth’s Pavilion Theatre’s production of Aladdin, running from December 5 to January 3, 2027.

Speaking about the job, James told the theatre’s official website: “I can’t wait to be a part of it. Bournemouth is such a beautiful place, and to be here over Christmas, performing for local families and visitors alike, feels really special. Pantomime has such a brilliant tradition, and I’m super excited to dive into that world.”

Producer Martin Dodd of UK Productions added: “Known to many as the very dangerous Theo Silverton in Coronation Street, James brings a commanding stage presence and a sharp edge to his performances – perfect for a larger-than-life villain.”

It comes as James and Gareth were reunited over the weekend as they represented Corrie at the 2026 Bafta Television Awards. The soap was up for the soap gong at the prestigious ceremony on Sunday (May 10) night, and Gareth and James, as well as fellow Corrie stars Sue Devaney and Tanisha Gorey, were seen swapping the cobbles for a star-studded red carpet ahead of the ceremony getting underway at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.

Sadly, the Bafta hasn’t returned home to Manchester as the soap gong was awarded to EastEnders. On hand to pick up the award was BBC soap stars Michelle Collins, Jessie Wallace, Diane Parish, and Aaron Thiara, as well as former executive producer Chris Clenshaw and his successor, current boss Ben Wadey.

But it didn’t stop the Corrie stars from enjoying their evening. A string of photos was shared of the foursome on Corrie’s Instagram page, in which former on-screen couple Gareth and James looked dapper in matching black suits and bow ties, while the two ladies dazzled in different styles of black gowns, with Tanisha rocking a sleek, sheer-detailed number, while Sue slipped into a bedazzled plunging number before adding a fur shawl around her shoulders.

Several farms have been targeted by thieves with GPS equipment being stolen

Cambridgeshire Police are asking for anyone who notices any suspicious behaviour in two Cambridgeshire areas to report it. Farms along the A47 between Thorney and Guyhirn were targeted by thieves last night (Monday, May 11) and this morning (Tuesday, May 12) with GPS guidance systems stolen from agricultural vehicles and machinery.

Officers from the Rural Crime Action Team are working closing with farmers and are patrolling the area to target offenders. The police are asking for anyone with footage or who may have noticed anything suspicious in the two areas to come forward.

You can report anything through the force website by quoting the references 35/35067/26, 35/35055/26 and 35/35090/26. You can call 101 if you do not have access to the internet.

You can also report anything anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800555111.

PC Brady Slack said: “We believe these thefts could be linked because of their locations along the A47.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the Thorney and Guyhirn areas recently. This includes anyone acting suspiciously, unfamiliar vehicles, vans or cars parked near farms and fields, particularly overnight or during the early hours of this morning.

“People may also have been loading items into vehicles or loitering around agricultural machinery. If you have any CCTV, dashcam, video doorbell footage or information about any of this, do get in touch with us.

“These GPS systems are highly specialised, costly to replace and essential to modern farming operations.”

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LONDON (AP) — King Charles III on Wednesday will deliver the government’s legislative program for the coming year to lawmakers with all the pomp and historic trappings that accompany the ceremonial opening of Britain’s Parliament.

The question is whether Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be around to implement it and, even if he survives the latest government crisis, whether he will have the authority to push his proposals through Parliament.

The King’s speech will be Starmer’s second attempt to save his premiership after his Labour Party suffered huge losses in local and regional elections last week. That weakened his already tenuous grip on power and fueled calls for him to step down from members of his own party who believe Starmer has been too timid in attacking the rising cost of living, wealth inequality and the country’s creaking public services.

The pressure on Starmer has only increased since a Monday speech to party supporters, promoted as the first leg of his fight back. But it was criticized as “tone deaf” and lacking the bold policies needed to tackle Britain’s problems. Former Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips resigned from the Cabinet on Tuesday, saying the government needed to “have a row, push back, make arguments, bring people along.”

Historic power collides with modern reality

The King’s Speech will be a moment when the historic power and grandeur of Britain will collide with the reality of the modern United Kingdom, a mid-sized country with an underfunded military, rising debt and waning international influence. It’s a country struggling to control immigration and pay for public services such as health care and education.

The speech is just one element of the state opening of Parliament, a traditional set piece of the political calendar that uses carefully choreographed pageantry to showcase Britain’s evolution from an absolute monarchy to a parliamentary democracy where real power is vested in the elected House of Commons.

This year’s edition will be closely watched because of Starmer’s precarious position.

The speech is likely to take on cost of living crisis

The speech is expected to include proposals to address the cost of living crisis, create a national wealth fund to stimulate private investment in public infrastructure and tighten rules for asylum seekers. It may also include the government’s controversial proposal to abolish jury trials for some cases in England and Wales, lower the voting age to 16 and introduce a “duty of candor” for public officials, requiring them to tell the truth and cooperate with investigations.

The problem for Starmer is that many of the proposals expected to appear in the speech have been announced previously. That raises the question of whether he will be able to win over his doubters.

Even so, the speech is the focal point of a day of ceremony and tradition that has been followed since 1852, with elements of the program dating to the 16th century.

King Charles III visits the Commons

The monarch traditionally travels from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament, a distance of less than a mile, in a horse-drawn carriage. He then dons the Imperial State Crown and robe of state before leading a procession into the chamber of the unelected House of Lords.

A Lords official called Black Rod, named for the ebony rod he or she carries, then goes to the House of Commons to summon the chamber’s members to a joint sitting of Parliament. The doors to the Commons chamber are slammed in Black Rod’s face to symbolize the chamber’s independence from the monarchy, and they aren’t opened until Black Rod strikes the doors three times.

Once members of the Commons have crowded into the Lords’ chamber, the king delivers a speech written by the government and laying out its legislative program for the coming session of Parliament.

After the speech is read and the king leaves, the two houses of Parliament begin several days of debate on its contents.

The Liberal Democrats said they were “sorry not to have expanded into other parts of the city”

The Liberal Democrats say they will “work constructively” with other parties after last week’s election’s shake-up left Cambridge City Council without a leader. Cameron Holloway lost his seat, meaning both the council and local Labour Party must find a replacement.

Cambridge Labour will decide on a new leader at this Sunday’s AGM as discussions continue about what the next council administration may look like.

Labour remains the largest party on the council with 17 councillors, though after losing their majority no single party has the required 22 seats. The Green Party is now the second largest with 12 seats, picking up six from Labour, and the Liberal Democrats are third with 11.

Councils with no overall majority can be governed in a few different ways. Some have a minority administration, with one party in control despite not having more than half of all councillors. This usually happens where they have the most councillors or close to a majority.

Other councils are run by coalitions of parties. In some, the largest party is unable to rule as a minority because a coalition of smaller parties has banded together.

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to “work constructively” with other parties after the results which saw them hold three seats, but fail to gain more.

Cllr Tim Bick, Cambridge leader of the party, said they were “sorry not to have expanded into other parts of the city” but “missed out by very narrow margins”. He said they held their seats with “increased majorities”.

He described this as a “resounding vote of confidence in how Liberal Democrats serve and champion our local residents”, particularly given the party won every seat in South Cambridgeshire bar two.

He said Cambridge faces “two vital years” before the council is replaced with a new unitary authority with “major decisions on housing, the local plan and local services to be made”.

Cllr Bick said: “This calls for the political parties to find the right formula to work together to hand over to the new unitary council in a way that benefits the city for the long term. For our part, in this more open political environment, we Liberal Democrats are ready to work with others to try and achieve the priorities we have campaigned on.

“We will work constructively with other parties who are open themselves to do that: willing to share in responsibility and respond positively to last week’s election result. People voted for a change last week and they must see that in the way their council is run over the next two years.”

Parties are currently discussing political agreements to allow a new administration to be formed, such as what the political make-up of a new cabinet would look like. Councillors will vote on a new leader and appointments to committees at an annual meeting on Thursday, May 21.

The application sought for approval to vary existing planning conditions attached to the wider Hamilton Community Growth Area masterplan.

Plans linked to the long-running Hamilton Community Growth Area development have been approved despite public objections.

Councillors on today’s planning committee (May 12), approved proposals which relate to land south and west of the town near Strathaven Road, Meikle Earnock Road and Highstonehall Road.

The application sought for approval to vary existing planning conditions attached to the wider Hamilton Community Growth Area masterplan.

This now means that developers have greater flexibility to submit future applications covering matters such as housing layouts, housing types and numbers, positioning of buildings, infrastructure and landscape details.

The wider Community Growth Area spans around 171 hectares and already benefits from planning permission in principle granted in 2017.

Planning officers say the changes are intended to “future proof” the development and make it easier for underdeveloped parts of the site to come forward over time.

A report prepared for the Planning Committee states the principle of residential development on the site is already established under the South Lanarkshire Local Development Plan.

Council officials also stated that the proposal supports national housing policies aimed at delivering “high quality, affordable and sustainable homes”.

READ MORE: South Lanarkshire Council reveals new support for care-experienced young people

And it was established that the site is in a sustainable location and would support the creation of “20 minute neighbourhoods”.

But, the proposal did generate 42 objections during the consultation process.

Residents raised concerns including continued large-scale housebuilding in the area, loss of greenspace and wildlife habitat, increased traffic and congestion, pressure on local infrastructure, drainage and flooding concerns, impacts on woodland and protected species and claims of inadequate public consultation.

The report presented to councillors notes that future submissions will still need approval on issues including flood risk, biodiversity, roads and transport, landscaping, public transport provision, play areas, drainage and sewage disposal, archaeology and pollution control.

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READ MORE: New Post Office opens it doors in Motherwell

Four Cambridgeshire kebab vans are in the running to be named ‘Van of the Year’

Four Cambridgeshire kebab vans have been shortlisted for an award at this year’s Turkish Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (TURTA). Diamond Kebab in Cambridge, Gourmet kebab kitchen in Caxton, HsK Kebab Van in Cambridge, and Haddenham Kebab And Burger Van are all in the running to be named ‘Van of the Year’.

The awards help to promote the importance and popularity of Turkish cuisines. TURTA states: “The Turkish Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (TURTA) stand as a celebration of excellence, heritage, and innovation within one of the UK’s most vibrant culinary communities.

“Bringing together chefs, restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and food lovers, the awards recognise the outstanding contributions of Turkish, Kurdish, and Turkish Cypriot businesses that have helped shape the nation’s dining landscape.”

This year’s semi-finalists have been selected following a nationwide nomination process in categories including Fine Dining Restaurant, Best Value Restaurant, and Best Regional Takeaway. The awards now enter a voting phase giving the public an opportunity to support their favourites.

A ceremony is due to be held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on June 22. It will mark the fourth year of the awards taking place.

Diamond Kebab in Cambridge on Arbury Road is a popular hotspot among locals. It is described by customers as “hands down the best kebab in Cambridge” and a must-try for visitors. The menu offers a large variety of kebab options alongside burgers and sides.

Gourmet kebab Kitchen in Caxton offer a range of items including kebabs, burgers, salads, and sides. The van is described by customers as “fresh, tasty, and cooked perfectly” where “you can really tell the guys put their passion into it”.

HsK Kebab Van is located on Histon Road in Arbury. This top-notch van offers a similar style menu with a range of kebabs, burgers, and gyros. It seems to be in popular demand with some previous diners claiming they were “really impressed”.

Haddenham Kebab And Burger Van can be found on Chewells Lane. Reviews have said this van offers the “best quality” service and “huge” portions all while serving “flavourful” food.

After an argument with the woman and others, painter decorator Stephen Lee Wood, 51, went to his van, drank a “vast amount of vodka” and returned, said Judge Simon Hickey,

In a bid to “punish (her) son or maybe in revenge,” the drinker tried to hit the son and hit the woman instead.

Jordan Parkinson, prosecuting, said the woman suffered bruises on her arm, soreness to the right of her face, swelling to her mouth and a headache.

Wood had gone to the council house in west York to paint its exterior and had announced his arrival by knocking on its window.

But after he had climbed a ladder to start work, the woman inside the house claimed he was working in an unsafe manner and the argument started.

After he went to his van and returned, CCTV footage showed him being asked to leave, but not doing so, and people pushing and shoving each other.  It also showed violence towards Wood.

Wood was working for a company sub-contracted by City of York Council to do painting work.

Wood was on a suspended prison sentence at the time for hitting a paramedic in the face three times, kicking them in the leg and other offences and has 44 convictions.

“You lost your temper, turned to drink again and very foolishly went back to the house. That is why you are here,” Judge Hickey told Wood. 

After reading a letter handed in by Wood’s lawyers from a Leed-based alcohol rehabilitation organisation about his efforts to deal with his drinking, the judge said the painter appeared to be starting to turn his life round.

He gave him a six-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered him to do 20 days’ rehabilitative activities and wear an alcohol abstinence tag for 60 days.

The earlier suspended prison sentence remains in force.

Wood, 51, of no fixed address but based in Leeds, pleaded guilty to affray and breaching the earlier suspended prison sentence.

Thomas Doyle, for Wood, said: “He is a man absolutely ravaged by alcoholism and poor mental health which have acted co-ordinately with disastrous results. He has relapsed into alcoholism and fallen into a dark pit of despair.”

He had lost his job, his home and his relationship and last autumn had been suicidal.

But he had been sober since December and was now taking medication that was helping him.

As temperatures across the UK begin to rise, a doctor has warned that a common condition one in three Brits suffer from may starts to worsen as the weather warms up.

As the mercury rises across Britain and summer approaches, certain health conditions may see their symptoms become more pronounced during the warmer months. With varicose veins affecting one in three people in the UK, a doctor has issued advice to those living with the condition and explained how to properly manage its symptoms as temperatures increase.

Varicose veins occur when veins become enlarged and twisted, often appearing as bulging, bluish lines visible under the skin’s surface. They’re primarily caused by underlying problems, usually weakened vein walls and faulty valves, although factors including genetics, age, lifestyle choices, and pregnancy can all contribute to their formation.

While varicose veins pose challenges year-round, symptoms often worsen and become more noticeable when the weather gets hotter, reports the Express.

Dr Mark Bratby, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at VeinCentre, explains: “Warmer temperatures cause your veins to dilate more, meaning as your veins get larger, the valves struggle even more to deal with blood flow.

“This leads to more accumulation of blood inside your veins, resulting in swelling, bigger bulges, and ultimately greater discomfort.”

In addition to the uncomfortable symptoms that can trigger restlessness and frustration, many people with varicose veins also experience heightened self-consciousness during warmer weather, as they shed layers of clothing to keep cool.

Dr Bratby says: “For those who don’t have varicose veins, it’s easy to think that the impact is simply physical, but often weighs heavily on patients’ mental health.

“It can be a dent in people’s confidence levels, as the veins become more visible when they expand, making some feel apprehensive about wearing clothes that expose their legs and feet.”

However, there are numerous approaches to managing varicose veins when the weather gets warmer, from simple changes to your everyday habits right through to pursuing medical intervention.

Keep cool and stay hydrated

The most straightforward solution for dealing with overheating is to try and lower your body temperature. Avoid direct sunlight where you can to stop your veins from becoming overly dilated, and make sure you’re drinking enough water to stay well hydrated.

Dr Bratby adds: “If you’re on holiday in a warm country, try and get in the pool or paddle in the sea to lower your body temperature.”

Keep active

While exercising might be the last thing on your mind when it’s hot, it can actually be remarkably helpful for people dealing with varicose veins.

Dr Bratby shares: “Staying active can be beneficial for your veins, as it gets your heart pumping and encourages better blood flow, which will help your circulatory system to clear some of the blood that accumulates in your varicose veins.”

Raise your legs

This is a simpler change than some of the previously mentioned suggestions, and can be easily worked into your everyday routine.

Dr Bratby advises: “Elevating your legs when you’re sitting or lying down will give your veins a helping hand getting your blood back to your heart.

“It’s also beneficial to avoid standing up for prolonged periods, so make sure you have multiple breaks if you are out and about during the warmer weather.”

Seek treatment

For numerous sufferers, the discomfort – not just during the summer months but all year round – can become intolerable, especially as symptoms are only likely to worsen over time.

Fortunately, a range of effective and minimally invasive treatment options are on offer.

Dr Bratby says: “You can put the discomfort of varicose veins behind you and begin feeling more comfortable and confident by getting treatment.

“The best treatment for your varicose veins depends on their severity and your individual needs, but by booking a consultation with an experienced Vascular Consultant, you can take the first step to healthier looking skin.”