Police were alerted at around 12.30pm on April 5 to an incident on Chorley New Road, close to the Bee Hive pub.

Officers attended and found the item was deemed a “non-viable” weapon, with police confirming it had been made to resemble a gun.

A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told The Bolton News: “At around 12.30pm on April 5, officers responded to reports of a male with a firearm on Chorley New Road, Bolton.

“One man, aged in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm, and the item has been deemed non-viable.”

Another force spokesperson confirmed to The Bolton News that the item in question closely resembled a stick.

A spokesperson for the Bee Hive said: “The safety of our customers and team is our top priority and we temporarily restricted access to the pub as a result of an incident in the local area on Sunday.

“We’re grateful for the quick response of the emergency services and reopened soon afterwards on the advice of the police.”

This Morning star Alison Hammond was quick to praise her colleagues ahead of their new show

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ITV viewers are in for a delight as a brand-new series kicks off this month, hosted by two This Morning stars.

Josie Gibson and Dan Hatfield, a regular expert on ITV’s This Morning, will be presenting How to Clean Up for Cash. They’ll journey across the country, encountering families who have the chance to convert their clutter into cash.

While the families are preoccupied with a decoy TV programme, Josie covertly enters their homes to pack up their clutter, assisted by decluttering specialist Jacqueline McLeod and Dan Hatfield.

Upon returning home, the ‘clutter culprits’ face a choice: do they retain the clutter or opt for the cash?

READ MORE: I’m A Celebrity viewers reel ‘enough is enough’ as star ‘disappears’ from showREAD MORE: Sort Your Life Out fans ‘can’t wait’ as expert shares huge announcement

Announcing the news on Instagram, Dan Hatfield gave a sneak peek of what audiences can anticipate, reports Birmingham Live.

He captioned the post: “HUGE TV NEWS I’m so excited to finally reveal that the secret filming project I’ve been teasing, is..How to Clean up for cash… coming to ITV next Monday (13th April) at 7:30pm.

“I’ve been travelling up and down the country with the gorgeous Josie and formidable Jacque to help people tackle their clutter and make some cash!

“Josie convinces the clutter culprits that we have sent them away from their homes to film a different show, whilst secretly we clear out and box up their belongings.

“When they return, we make them a cash offer for their items. Will they take it, or will they unbox their items and put them back?”

Dan hinted that viewers can anticipate remarkable discoveries, unexpected twists and ‘bags of emotion’ throughout the series, scheduled to broadcast over the forthcoming six weeks.

The post quickly garnered responses, with numerous individuals extending their congratulations, including their This Morning colleague Alison Hammond.

She posted: “This is gonna be great.” The Coupon King, another regular on the ITV programme, chimed in: “This is such a fun idea! Saw an advert for it earlier.”

Another user expressed: “Love this so much, darling! Can’t wait to watch xx.” A different individual enthused: “Sounds amazing! We can’t wait to watch.”

A fan commented: “Cannot wait to watch – huge congratulations xxx” While another shared: “Oh wow !! This sounds amazing, a definite watch!”

Before the show’s premiere next week, Josie remarked: “How To Clean Up For Cash is a show with so much heart. It isn’t just about decluttering, it’s about bringing people together.

“We’re on the ground, in homes across the country, showing viewers how much their everyday items might be worth.”

How to Clean Up for Cash airs Monday April 13 on ITV from 7:30pm

Baggy Khan, who is running to be a councillor in the Halliwell ward, posted a story to his public Instagram account which shows him sitting in the driver’s seat before the camera flips to show the steering wheel as the car drives down the motorway.

It is unclear when the video was taken, but other videos still on his Instagram appear to show him recording while driving in October 2022 and June 2023.

Mr Khan said that the videos were “very old” and he “won’t be posting driving videos” in the future.

Baggy Khan (Image: Baggy Khan)

Bolton Labour condemned the footage, which they said was “extremely dangerous” and showed “disgraceful judgement and behaviour that puts other road users and pedestrians at risk”.

They called on Greater Manchester Police to investigate the footage to determine if any road traffic offences had been committed.

Cllr Rabiya Jiva, who is Bolton Council‘s Labour executive cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “Residents in Halliwell have a right to expect that anyone asking for their vote takes public safety seriously.

“This footage appears to show shocking irresponsibility.

“If a Green Party candidate thinks filming content while driving is acceptable, then the Greens need to explain that judgment to the public.

The posts appear to show Mr Khan recording while driving (Image: Baggy Khan)

“Greater Manchester Police should review the video, and Bolton Green Party should now seriously consider whether Baggy Khan is fit to stand for elected office.”

Cllr Hanif Alli, councillor for Halliwell and chairman of Bolton Green Party, said the party is “internally investigating” the incident.

He said: “The Green Party takes this matter very seriously and we’re investigating it and will be talking to all candidates that, although campaigning is important, it’s not above the law.”

Russia and China have blocked a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz – this is a breaking story

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Russia and China chose to block a UN Security Council resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. This happened just hours before Donald Trump’s dramatic deadline for Iran to re-open the vital shipping route.

The Mirror reports the Bahrain-sponsored resolution failed after receiving 11 votes in favour, two abstentions and two against (Russia and China). Both countries hold veto power on the council.

The vote took place before the deadline of Tuesday 8pm ET (1am BST Wednesday) set by the US president for Iran to reopen the strait or face attacks on its power plants and bridges.

One-fifth of the world’s oil typically passes through the strait, and Iran’s blockage of the route has sent energy prices soaring.

Want to see more of the stories you love from Belfast Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives… To add Belfast Live as a preferred source, simply click here.

Greater Manchester Police issued an appeal to the public via social media on Tuesday, April 7, asking for help in finding the next of kin of Alan Harper.

The force said he died at Hemsworth Road, Bolton, on Thursday, April 2, and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anybody with any information should call the Police Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 4687.

A spokesperson for GMP said: “Do you know the next of kin of a man from Bolton?

“Alan Harper (48), sadly died at Hemsworth Road, Bolton, on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

“Any info? Call the Police Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 4687.”

Once the police have the details that they need, they will be passed along to the Coroner’s Office to let full cause of death be established.

Acknowledge your feelings ― but try not to take it personally.

“

If I’m grabbing lunch with a friend who tends to over-talk, I might say right at the start, ‘I’ve had such a heavy week and I really need to vent for a few minutes ― is it OK if I go first?’

– Dr. Sue Varma, clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University Grossman School of Medicine

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Be direct about what you need.

Set limits.

Adjust your expectations.

Practice empathic confrontation.

Use gentle pivots to redirect the conversation.

“

A person who is not narcissistic will usually reflect on their behavior, take accountability, and try to make more space for you in future conversations.

– Lauren Maher, licensed marriage and family therapist

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Talk about their conversational narcissism.

Michelle Collins, who plays the iconic Cindy Beale on EastEnders, was rushed to hospital after suffering a nasty knee injury that left her unable to walk

Iconic EastEnders actress Michelle Collins was left struggling to walk after suffering a horrific knee injury. The star shared that she spent her Easter Weekend at hospital after “bashing” her knee.

The star, who plays Cindy Beale on EastEnders, took to Instagram on 7 April with images from the weekend before. In her photo dump, she showed the waiting area of The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, herself on crutches with a medical brace around her knee, as well as a close up of her leg in the brace and a pic where she was sat in a wheelchair.

Michelle captioned the post with information about how the injury happened. She explained that she was trying to stop her dog from getting out of the house: “Fell over trying to stop Peggy bolting out the door while staying with friends in Norfolk bashed my knee, cuts and bruises.”

READ MORE: EastEnders fans convinced Clare Bates is set for permanent comeback after cryptic clueREAD MORE: EastEnders star’s shock death after double family tragedy – as tributes paid

She added that she loved the care she got and was disheartened to learn that the hospital was not rated well on the league table. “Staff were great, efficient, kind despite apparently very low on hospital league table. I would never have known from the service I got.

“Seems so unfair to label a hospital like this. Not great for morale as one of the lovely nurses said. Also went to my local hospital @Finchleymemorialhospital who were great too! So lucky to have them so near me. Happy Easter xx Sitting down scenes this week ! @bbceastenders.”

Fans jumped in the comments to send Michelle support. “Omg darling, so sorry. Sending all love,” said one. Another wrote: “Omg get better soon lovely.”

A third said: “Oh no… take care Michelle and I hope the healing process is as quick as it can be.” Likewise, her costar Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki Panesar, said: “Oh love!” She added a heart emoji.

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Michelle’s EastEnders character Cindy has been in hospital a couple times since returning to the show. Two Christmases ago, she almost died after being hit over the head with a shovel. In February 2025, it was revealed that her former mother-in-law Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) who whacked her over the head because she hated the woman for how she treated Kathy’s son Ian (Adam Woodyatt).

Cindy found herself in hospital again in late 2025, when Jasmine Fisher (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness) pushed her down the stairs of the Prince Albert. Cindy had realised Jasmine wasn’t being honest about her past and confronted her, leading a desperate Jasmine to push her as she tried to get away. Cindy was left bleeding on the floor.

Cindy is an iconic EastEnders villain. She has been in the show on and off since 1988 and has had many dramatic storylines, including hiring a hitman to kill Ian, faking her death in prison, having a secret family under the alias of Rose Knight and causing the Queen Vic to explode.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Following today’s racing tips? In need of some guidance? Or just fancy a flutter?

Each day Marlborough brings you the best bets from every race at every racecourse around the country.

From the bright lights of the Cheltenham Festival and Glorious Goodwood to a low-key evening meeting at Chelmsford City, we have all your racing tips and best bets covered.

Meanwhile, you can get the latest betting offers and free bets from the top bookmakers here.

Looking for a daily racing nap? Marlborough will indicate his top tip for the day in traditional style, with his other notable selection highlighted with “NB”. Whistler, The Sunday Telegraph’s tipster will also name his daily Nap.

So come back every morning for Marlborough’s daily selection. Note, tomorrow’s tips will appear towards the bottom of the page. Good luck!

Tuesday, April 7

Pontefract

1.57 Spaceman
2.27 Arabian Desert
2.57 Alpha Capture
3.27 Salaria
3.57 Arklow Lad Nap
4.27 Ashdown Forest
5.00 Liquid Cooled
5.35 Wrestling Revenue

Exeter

2.10 Dawn’s Desire
2.40 Madame de Labrunie
3.10 Arnie Moon NB
3.40 Bannerdown
4.10 Prairie Queen
4.40 Dyno Dave
5.10 Mackin

Southwell

4.55 Galileo Charm
5.30 Brazilian Belle
6.00 Captain Fox
6.30 Fanjove
7.00 Lexington Jet
7.30 Analogical
8.00 Gesayed
8.30 Raft Up

• Whistler Nap: Macklin, 5.10 Exeter
• Marlborough Nap: Arklow Lad, 3.57 Pontefract

Wednesday, April 8

Fontwell

2.30 Jetaway Holiday
3.05 Bridge
3.40 Mumford’s Magic NB
4.15 Ferret Jeeter
4.47 Rap Soul
5.17 Tyson

Nottingham

1.17 Infraad
1.47 Tornado Tower
2.22 Final Appeal
2.57 Spendmore Lane
3.32 Any Which Way
4.07 Rosemary’s Rose
4.40 Bird of War
5.10 Love Beach Nap

Catterick

1.38 Sir Benedict
2.13 Contorno
2.48 Dream Star
3.23 Vince Le Prince
3.58 Tupero
4.33 Eagles Whistle
5.05 Aberama Gold
5.38 Fizzy Crystal

Kempton

5.00 Romantic Symphony
5.30 Go Rimbaud
6.00 Domenico Contarini
6.30 Atmosphere
7.00 Restnet
7.30 Arry Up
8.00 Hint of The Jungle
8.30 Dotties Star

• Whistler Nap: Any Which Way, 3.32 Nottingham
• Marlborough Nap: Love Beach, 5.10 Nottingham

Founder Marjorie Hayward, 79, launched the community project in July 2021, and there are now more than 100 tables across the country.

Talkin’ Tables hosts weekly, free, hour-long sessions where members of the community can come together and talk.

The Bolton News has been documenting the growth of the initiative over the last few months, as it “combats loneliness one table at a time”.

Five new tables have been set up across the town in under six months, bringing the total to 25 in Bolton alone.

On March 20, the latest table was launched at Bolton Sea Cadets on Castle Street.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, often attends launches across the borough, along with the Mayoress.

Each launch is informal and relaxed, creating a welcoming atmosphere for attendees, with no airs or graces.

The co-ordinator for Talkin’ Tables across Bolton, Lynne Croston, is determined to establish tables in every corner of the town.

“There are still plenty of areas in Bolton where we’d like to set up tables,” she told The Bolton News.

“We haven’t got anything in Breightmet or Little Lever yet, and we’d like to have somewhere that everybody can go.”

Lynne highlighted the importance of setting up more tables at the weekend, noting that this can be a particularly lonely time for people.

Currently, there are no tables in Bolton on a Saturday, and Lynne said she is sure people would welcome a place for a “coffee and chat”.

(Image: NQ)

To find your nearest Talkin’ Table, visit www.talkintables.co.uk.

If you would like to be a Table Leader in Bolton, email Lynne Croston at lynneccroston@gmail.com.

Here is the full list of Bolton’s Talkin’ Tables:

Sundays

Horwich Leisure Centre, Victoria Road, from 2pm to 3pm

Mondays

Bolton Garden Centre Café, Wigan Road, from 10am to 11am

Beechvile Care Home, 653 Chorley New Road, from 10am to 11am

Chill at the Cow Shed, 46 Winter Hey Lane, from 10.30am to 11.30am

Pikes Lane Health Centre, Deane Road, from 10.30am to 11.30am

Moss Bank Park Café, Moss Lane, from 11am 12pm

The Coffee House, 2 Newport Street, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Tuesdays

Capri Café, 19 Market Street, from 10am 11am 

Bolton Central Library, Le Mans Crescent, from 11am to 12pm

Blanco Lounge, 81 The Linkway, from 10.30am to 11.30am

High Street Library, 74 High Street, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Farnworth Library, Market Street, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Wednesdays

St. John’s church café, Chorley Road, from 10.30am to 11.30am

Morgan’s Coffee Bar, 24 Black Horse Street, from 10.30 to 11.30am

Morrisons Cafe Bolton town centre, Black Horse Street, from 11am to 12pm

Living Room at 1 Point, Silverwell House, from 1.30 to 2.30 pm

Morrisons Café, Lea Gate, from 3pm to 4pm

Thursdays 

Tesco Cafe Middlebrook, Mansell Way, from 10.30am to 12pm

Retreat Restaurant, Old Village Hall, from 11am to 12pm

Brewed Coffee Company, 49 Lee Lane, from 11am to 12pm

Bank Top Church, Ashworth Lane, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Fridays

The Haulgh Hub, 101 Castle Street, from 10.30am to 11.30am

Octagon Theatre Café, Octagon Theatre, from 11am to 12pm

Walmsley Parish Community Hall, Blackburn Road, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Westhoughton Library, Library Street, from 2.15pm to 3.15pm