NewsBeat

Heroics on the Somme of south Durham’s Roland Bradford VC

Published

1 month ago

30 June 2026

Heroics on the Somme of south Durham's Roland Bradford VC

They had been engaged in the heaviest fighting on the Somme since September 15, practically without a break, and many had paid the heaviest price – within five days the 9th Battalion had lost four officers and 44 men were dead, 27 were missing and nine officers and 219 men were wounded. This meant that 44 per cent of the battalion’s strength had been wiped out.

Even the young commanding officer, Col Bradford, 24, had been wounded when he was struck by shrapnel. It was a nasty wound, but he stayed with his men rather than seek treatment, meaning that he took many months to heal.

Brigadier-General Roland Bradford.

A day before the assault on October 1, the British heavy guns began a bombardment of the German trenches. The Germans returned fire.

Ninety minutes before the Durhams were due to go over the top disaster befell the 6th Battalion. Its commanding officer, Major GE Wilkinson, was struck by shellfire and had to retreat to a casualty station, leaving it leaderless.

SEE MORE: NORTHERN PERSPECTIVES VIEW OF THE WITTON PARK STATUE ERECTED IN 2016 TO COMMEMORATE BRADFORD AND HIS BROTHERS

Into the breach stepped Col Bradford who swiftly and decisively led the two battalions into battle.

For 24 hours, “bomb fighting of a severe nature raged around” the DLI. Despite the heavy shelling they made it into the first German trenches. They saw off the enemy counter-attack and, by sending out patrols probed deep into the German defences – a maze of trenches known as ‘The Tangle’.

The British troops on either side of the Durhams appear not to have been so well marshalled and had not made such good progress, so after two days of constant fighting the battalions dug in and consolidated their gains, even as shells rained down on them.

In his report back to the 9th Battalion headquarters Col Bradford spoke of how the men had “fought conspicuously well and with great gallantry”. He wrote: “In all, we had 70 officers and men killed and 400 wounded…

“The men are all happy and fit and eager to meet the accursed Germans.”

Carwood House in Witton Park, where the Bradford brothers spent their early years. The house still stands

Col Bradford was one of four fighting brothers, all born in Witton Park, near Bishop Auckland, where their tyrannical father was a colliery manager. When Roland was two the family moved to a farmhouse at Morton Palms, on the eastern edge of Darlington, and four years later into a large Victorian house in Milbank Road in the West End of town. This was the house Roland called home.

Milbanke House, Milbank Road, Darlingotn, home of the Bradford brothers.

The fighting Bradfords: the four brothers in the garden of their home at Milbank Road, Darlington, in 1914. From left: Roland Boys Bradford: awarded the Victoria Cross and the Military Cross; he became, at 25, the youngest brigadier‑general in the British Army and was killed at Cambrai in 1917; George Nicholson Bradford: Royal Navy lieutenant‑commander whose leadership in the Zeebrugge raid on St George’s Day 1918 earned him a posthumous Victoria Cross; James Barker Bradford: An officer in the DLI awarded the Military Cross for his actions on the Somme, before dying of wounds after a week‑long battle; Sir Thomas Andrews Bradford: The eldest and only surviving brother, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and twice Mentioned in Despatches, later becoming a knight and holding public offices in County Durham

On October 3, after nearly 20 days fighting on the frontline near Eaucourt L’Abbaye, what was left of the battalions was stood down. The men moved back to a training camp, where it rained heavily on their tents.

Col Bradford barely rested. He was designing, making and erecting a large wooden cross in memory of his fallen men. He was badgering those higher up the command chain to send his men a weekly parcel of treats – “of, say, polonies, cakes, kippers, condensed milk and a few socks”, he wrote. He was organising a battalion band.

As many of his men had Durham musical backgrounds he had campaigned for those at home in the county to send out spare instruments, and arranged shows with the new band supporting his theatrical group. He was doing anything that could make life better for his troops.

Lt Col Roland Bradford of DLI awarded VC for bravery on October 1, 1916;.

Plus, he was planning their next attack.

Because of their success the DLI was tasked with capturing the Butte de Warlencourt – a prehistoric burial mound, 50ft high, that stood out like a sore thumb in the flatlands around the Somme.

It still does, beside the tree-lined D929 that runs dead straight through the flat fields on the northern bank of the river.

Its past gives it a presence, and it grabs the eye of passers-by as it looms over the landscape in much the same way that Roseberry Topping stares down on the Tees Valley.

The Germans were entrenched on top of it; the fields approaching it had been churned into a porridgey quagmire, and Col Bradford wondered whether the cost of capturing it would ever be worth it – it was so exposed that it attracted enemy fire, and it was such an obvious target that it would have been difficult for the British to hold.

He later wrote that the Butte – which is French for ‘mound’ – was “of doubtful value” and “of little use”.

The Butte de Warlencourt, looming large over the flat fields of the Somme

“The Butte de Warlencourt had become an obsession,” he said. “Everybody wanted it. It loomed large in the minds of the soldiers in the forward area and they attributed many of their misfortunes to it. Newspaper correspondents talked about “that miniature Gibraltar”.

“It seems that the attack was one of those tempting and, unfortunately, frequent local operations which are so costly and which are rarely worthwhile.”

And it was the Durhams that would pay the cost.

As well as Bradford’s 9DLI on the left, the 8DLI were on the right and the 6DLI – recruited mainly from the Bishop Auckland area and rejoicing in the nickname of the ‘black buttoned bastards’ – were down the centre, like a football formation.

But it was so wet that their match was postponed for a fortnight as day after day it came down like stair-rods. The opening of November was a little drier, but a heavy shower before kick-off filled the trenches and ensured the field of play was as bad as any infantry ever faced.

“The muddy ground, torn by shellfire and churned into deep porridge by heavy rain, was from knee to thigh deep,” wrote Aycliffe historian Harry Moses in his book, The Fighting Bradfords.

Zero hour was 9.10am on November 5.

Attacking the Butte de Warlencourt, drawn by Capt Robert Mauchley of the DLI

“The officers’ whistles sounded the advance,” wrote Lance Corporal Harry Cruddas of 6DLI. “Immediately the first wave mounted the trench, they were met by a terrific and annihilating fire and crumpled up like snow in summer.”

Even though they had to advance just 300 yards to the Butte, 6DLI could not make any headway. 8DLI fared a little better, but when they got within 30 yards of the mound, under heavy fire from the Germans in front, they were suddenly struck by British artillery from behind and Australian artillery from the side.

Those who were not killed outright fell from their wounds and drowned in the mud.

Perhaps because the other battalions took all the fire, 9DLI, led by Lt Col Bradford, made it out of their Maxwell Trench, across No Man’s Land and up to the top of the Butte within an hour.

But the Butte was a honeycomb of trenches and the enemy was ensconced as tightly as a nest of ants beneath a heavy stone in workings that had first been dug out during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

Lt Col Bradford wrote: “Over 100 German soldiers were lurking down in the dark warren of dugouts and tunnels beneath and around the Butte. So began a murderous game played out with bomb and bayonet, with little or no quarter on either side.”

Plus, reinforcements were able to reach the Germans.

They counter attacked at noon. 9DLI held on.

They counter attacked at 3pm, knocking 9DLI back – but still the Durhams held the Butte.

The memorial to the DLI on top of the Butte de Warlencourt

“About 6pm the Germans made a determined counter attack preceded by a terrific bombardment,” wrote Lt Col Bradford. “A tough struggle ensued. But our men showed the traditional superiority of the British in hand-to-hand fighting, succeeding in driving out the enemy.

“The 9th DLI was now getting weak, but it was hoped that the Bosche had now made his last counter attack for that day.”

He hadn’t. Further reinforced, the enemy came again at 7.15pm, all but forcing the ‘Gateshead Gurkhas’ to relinquish their grip on the Butte.

“At about 11pm, battalions of the Prussians delivered a fresh counter attack,” wrote Lt Col Bradford. “They came in great force from our front and also worked round from both flanks. Our men were overwhelmed. Many died fighting, others were compelled to surrender. It was only a handful of men who found their way back to Maxwell Trench and they were completely exhausted by their great efforts and the strain of the fighting.”

Back where they had begun, the Durhams counted the cost. The 6th and the 8th battalions had lost, in one way or another, about 1,000 men between them. 9DLI’s figures are more precise and of a similar magnitude: 42 killed, 230 wounded, 157 missing.

It later transpired that in total, 273 Durham men had died.

And all for the Butte that was worth b*gger all.

The survivors stayed in the frontline trenches around the Butte until they were withdrawn for recuperation at a rest camp at Millencourt on November 16.

The Victoria Cross

There, on November 25, they received an announcement: Roland was to receive the Victoria Cross for leading the two battalions into battle on October 1.

The men joyously chaired their young colonel around the camp – although he modestly said it was recognition for them all.

His citation told of how the 6DLI’s commander had gone down injured, causing the men to “become dangerously exposed at close quarters to the enemy. Raked by machine gun fire, the situation of the battalion became critical”.

But, said the citation, Col Bradford “asked permission to command the exposed battalion in addition to his own”. When permission was granted, “he at once proceeded to the foremost lines”.

“By his fearless conduct under fire of all description and his skilful leadership of the two battalions, regardless of all danger, he succeeded in rallying the attack, and captured and defended the objective.”

It concluded that by his “most conspicuous bravery and good leadership in attack, he saved the situation”. For that he was awarded the nation’s highest award for military gallantry.

He became the youngest recipient of it in the First World War and when his brother, George, was also awarded the VC for his naval bravery in 1918, they became the only brothers in the war to ascend such a pinnacle.

But Roland could barely be bothered to collect it. He stayed on the Somme with his men that Christmas and got them a special lunch of pork. He stayed with them through the winter, despite picking up another little wound, developing new tactics and leading them into battle. He stayed with them despite receiving the devastating news that on May 10, 1917, his brother James was killed fighting with 18DLI.

Perhaps that insight into mortality softened him a little because at the end of the month he gave in to pressure to return to England to receive his VC.

“I made a hard fight to get out of it, but the General said he could not disobey a direct order from the King,” he wrote.

So on June 2, at Hyde Park in London, George V was able to present this remarkable soldier with his richly deserved award.

It was a huge occasion – 350 military medals were presented, including 11 VCs, watched by 600 hospitalised soldiers and thousands more interested people.

“For the convenience of the onlookers a booklet had been prepared in which each recipient was numbered and the number was displayed as the heroes marched up to the platform,” said The Northern Echo. “Two VCs, Capt A White, Yorkshire Regiment, and Lt-Col Roland Bradford, Durham Light Infantry, were kept by the King chatting for some moments.

“During the ceremony, four or five aeroplanes passed over the enclosure. They were acting as aerial guard to the king.”

Immediately afterwards Roland dashed up to Darlington to see his mother, Amy, and his brother’s new widow. The town mayor wanted to make a song and dance of ‘wor’ war hero’s homecoming, but Roland refused such ‘pomp and ceremony’ and threatened to take the first train to London if anything was in the offing.

He didn’t stay long, and as he left his home in Milbank Road he must have known there was a good chance he would never see it again.

And so it was.

Roland Bradford.

Back on the Western Front, in September 1917, he led 9DLI on what his commanding officer described as “an excellent raid full of originality and thought”. He had planned it so well that on November 4 he was promoted to Brigadier-General – at the age of 25 he remains the youngest member of the British Army to hold this exalted rank.

It didn’t last long. He led his men into the Battle of Cambrai, on the Somme, then fell back for rest and recuperation.

On the morning of November 30 he left his headquarters to visit his men. By early afternoon he hadn’t returned and a search party was sent out.

He was found lying dead: shrapnel from a stray shell had pierced his spine and flukishly killed him outright.

The Northern Echo of December 5, 1917, reporting on the death of Brig-Gen Roland Bradford

He is buried in Hermies Cemetery, a small, quiet, immaculately tended graveyard from the Bapaume to Cambrai main road. By the gate in its low brick wall is a metal cupboard containing a visitors’ book. Many of the messages have been left by the people of Darlington and south Durham who have been to see his last resting place.

Chris Lloyd with the grave of Brig Gen Roland Boys Bradford

When I last visited, one of the most recent messages read simply: “Our hero.”

THE Germans finally retreated from the Butte de Warlencourt on February 24, 1917, allowing the British to clamber up its slopes. On its chalky peak, they erected three rudimentary wooden crosses – one for each of the three Durham battalions who have fought so valiantly, and at such cost, in November 1916 to capture it. In 1926, the crosses were taken down and brought home, in lieu of the men who had lost their lives. One went to St Andrew’s Church in Bishop Auckland; another went to the Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert in Chester-le-Street, and the third was positioned in Durham Cathedral.In July 2016, to mark the Battle of the Somme, the three Butte crosses were brought together in the cathedral’s DLI Chapel where they stand arm to arm just as they had once stood on top of the hillock overlooking the D929 were so many Durhams, fighting hand-to-hand, had died exactly 100 years ago.

Before his death in November 1917, Roland Bradford had ordered thousands of these Christmas cards for his men in the trenches

The Bradford sculpture in the Witton Park memorial garden was made by sculptor Ray Lonsdale and unveiled in 2016. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The unveiling of the Bradford memorial garden at Witton Park Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT.

Unveiling of the Bradford memorial stone in the new garden in Witton Park by the Lord-Lieutenant of Durham, Sue Snowdon, in 2016

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Welsh sailor faces sharks, 15m waves and crew member with broken leg in race across globe

Published

2 minutes ago

2 August 2026

NewsAdmin

Skipper Gav Rees and his crew came second in an 11-month round-the-world Clipper race

A Welsh sailor is back from the voyage of a lifetime after 11-months at sea braving 70mph winds, 15 metre waves, sharks and medical emergencies navigating the globe.

Gav Rees, from Abergavenny, was skipper for a crew which changed along the route for The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and included some who had never sailed before ranging in age from 18 to 75.

Racing on the the 70ft yacht, The London Business School, they took second place in the legendary Clipper race, the only round the world race which admits people who have never sailed before. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

Gav, a father-of-two, skippered the boat, competing against nine other identical racers. He was also acting chief medical officer and engineer – all on no more than four hours sleep a night and no showers for the entirety of the near year-long voyage.

“I was acting doctor, engineer, meteorologist and skipper,” says Gav, who left his job with a pharmaceutical company to take part in the race, sometimes dubbed the toughest endurance challenge of its kind.

The crew crossed oceans from Europe, to Africa, Australia, Asia and America, skirting the Southern Ocean near Antarctica and in near tropical conditions around the Philippines.

Covering 45,000 nautical miles, equivalent to more than 50,000 land miles, they faced down raging storms, waves the height of houses, broken sails and a first mate with a broken leg.

Magical moments included pods of whales filling the Southern Ocean near Antarctica at sunset, a flock of 10 booby birds joining the vessel for a stretch and seeing dolphins and albatross as they headed through some of the most remote waters on the planet.

Christmas dinner on the waves was cooked on a four ring hob in a galley kitchen the size of a phone box but was complete with turkey, ham, roasties and gravy.

It was harder for Gav to keep track of the Welsh rugby and World Cup football scores with satellite Wi-Fi covering just one email and phone for the vessel.

The Clipper Round the World yacht Race is the only event of its kind that trains everyday people to sail around the world on 10 identical racing yachts. The race is split into eight legs, with race crew choosing to take on one, multiple or all eight of the legs.

Lou Boorman, from Haverfordwest, who now lives in Malta, skippered for rival Team Tongyeong in the race.

For most of the challenge Gav and his crew fed on easy-to-store dried food like pasta while in cold conditions it was safe to keep nets of fruit and veg bought on the brief stops as they raced on.

The vessel, built for speed not comfort, only had enough bunks for the crew to take turns sleeping and a bucket and sponge did for washing. Swimming was banned as it could slow them and be risky while the boat sped on.

There was just one toilet, without a seat, for all 16. Staying on the toilet as the yacht surfed over house-high waves and lurched from side to side was not always easy, so the crew had to pick their moments for comfort breaks.

“Sleep is a privilege rather than a right and the toilet, flushed through with sea water by pump, can be an adventurous place to be on a boat being thrown around,” said Gav.

“We take the seat off because it could be dangerous. There was no shower, just a bucket and sponge and wet wipes.”

The unique sights as they crossed the Atlantic, the Southern Ocean and the Pacific made it all worthwhile, says the former officer cadet in the Royal Regiment of Wales, now the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.

Gav’s crew was made up 16 at a time from a 55-person squad, some of whom were on-board for the whole 11-months and some for as little as a week. The longest leg at sea was five weeks before they hit land.

All this was only possible with the strong bonding, daily crew meeting and joint ambition to have the experience of their lives whilst staying safe, says Gav.

Staying safe was at times easier than others, he admits.

The worst moment came when his first mate Zoe Longley broke her leg in several places a week’s voyage from Cape Town a few months into the race when a sail fell on her in October 2025.

“There’s no real text book for these things,” admits Gav as he describes how the main sail had then swung to one side in strong winds making the boat go backwards instead of forwards. For an hour there was a huge task righting the boat all whilst getting Zoe to safety.

Gav has high level first aid training and a vet was also on board and they made the decision to keep Zoe comfortable while they made it to a hospital in Cape Town, rather than have her helicoptered off.

While other boats could be contacted none nearby had any better kit to help.

“We set up sleeping bags on the floor next to her bunk, immobilised her and gave her pain relief. She had dislocated her ankle and her tibia and fibia were fractured in three places but she only had paracetamol and ibuprofen.

“It was significant and not pleasant and the boat was precarious as the sails were on the wrong side leaning the wrong way,” recalls Gav.

Less than four months later Zoe was out of hospital and re-joined the boat as it neared the Philippines in January 2026.

To get to this point the crew had to sail through “huge breaking waves” going from Cape Town to Australia near Antarctica.

“The Southern Sea is cold and grey but a very special place,” says Gav. “The wildlife was incredible with huge pods of whales. One evening there was a flat sea and pilot whales everywhere surfacing and blowing. It was magical.

“We also saw albatross, which are only unlucky if you kill or injure them, and lots of dolphins on the race.

“We saw sharks and turtles and in the Pacific booby birds took up residence on the boat. We didn’t feed them and I don’t know why they stayed, maybe for a rest. They weren’t bothered by us, they were just remarkably comfortable with 10 on one night.”

The race, which started in August 2025 in Portsmouth, took a route via Spain to Uruguay, South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Japan and South Korea.

It went through the Caribbean to the USA and out through the Panama Canal. From there the route went across the Atlantic to Oban in Scotland and back to Portsmouth where the race ended and Gav and his crew came in second on July 25.

Back on dry land Gav is now wondering what to do next.

“People were selfless when conditions were awful and I was proud we had a really strong bond,” he says. “We enjoyed each other’s company and there was unity.

“These boats are designed for racing and surf up and down the waves which can be quite fun. Our top speed was 30 knots.”

It is the first time that Gav, a lifelong sailor, has done the Clipper Race, let alone skippered for it.

“It is a lot of responsibility and I wanted to bring everyone back safe. I have always had a passion for team work since being an officer cadet in the Royal Regiment of Wales.”

This week Gav is glad to be back home with wife Vicky and daughters Mollie, 16 and Bethan, 10 and plans to take it easy before planning his next adventure.

“I am taking a lie down in a darkened room for now,” he jokes.

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The ‘magical’ centuries-old wood that once belonged to Oxford University

Published

15 minutes ago

2 August 2026

NewsAdmin

It was owned by an Oxford university college for over 700 years

Across Cambridgeshire, there is history right on peoples’ doorstep, with many parts of the county dating back to ancient periods. Many of the buildings that stand in the county today are hundreds, or even thousands, of years old.

However, there are natural sights that are even older. One woodland that dates back thousands of years is the ancient Gamlingay Woods.

The 48 hectare woodland is at least 1,000 years old. The Wildlife Trust, which oversees the woods, describes it as “magical” woodland that is “atmospheric at any time of year”.

The woodland has played an important role over time for the local community. It was useful as it was used as a source for building materials and firewood. There are conifers planted across the woods that were first planted during the Second World War. However, the Wildlife Trust is gradually removing these.

An array of wildlife inhabits the woodland, including a myriad insects like the speckled wood and purple hairstreak butterflies, longhorn beetles and different species of dragonfly.

A Wildlife Trust spokesperson said: “Along the grassy rides and paths, clouds of butterflies rise up from the flowers, then, as dusk gathers, bats hawk along the rides to take advantage of the abundance of moths. Birds are active year-round, whether trilling warblers, tapping woodpeckers or hooting owls.”

Despite being in Cambridgeshire, part of the woodlands were once owned by the University of Oxford. From 1268 to 1959, parts of the woods were owned by Merton College.

The reserve is a popular site for people to visit. There are numerous pathways for people to enjoy a walk around including the 3km Rippengal’s walk, named after Robert Rippengal, who was an archeologist. He founded and directed a Cambridge-based company selling wood-fuelled renewable heating systems. Robert enjoyed walking through the woods. After he died, his family and friends felt naming a walk after him would be a fitting tribute.

It’s worth bearing in mind that there is no dedicated parking when planning a visit to Gamlingay Woods. The nearest parking is 200m away to the west of allotments on Church End Road.

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47 pictures from Seaham Food Festival 2026 opening day

Published

23 minutes ago

2 August 2026

NewsAdmin

47 pictures from Seaham Food Festival 2026 opening day

Traders from across the North East spent the day dishing out everything from sweet treats to salty snacks and handmade artisan products.

Meanwhile, visitors soaked up the atmosphere and stocked up on goodies to take home.

At some stalls, children begged their parents to let them buy brownies, cakes and more, including fresh takes on the normal baked fayre like ‘cookie pizzas’.

Others dined on paellas packed with flavour and Yorkshire pudding wraps stuffed with meat and roasties.

Elsewhere, focaccias with every topping you could want, mac and cheese, foot-long Geordie Banger sausages, and warming build-your-own crumbles were on offer.

Some knocked back a tipple while others relaxed on sunloungers sipping from hollowed-out pineapples.

At the TV cookery stage, returnee Chris Bavin once again hosted events and welcomed demonstrations from celebrity chefs including Masterchef 2012 winner Shelina Permalloo and Indian chef Cyrus Todiwala.

The festival continues on Sunday (August 2) from 10am til 4pm, with more traders, live music and attractions set to draw crowds back for a second day.

Here are 47 pictures from the opening day of Seaham Food Festival 2026 – can you spot yourself in the crowds?:

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Celebrity cook Shelina Permaloo and host Chris Bavin. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Macaroons on offer. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Celebrity cook Shelina Permaloo and host Chris Bavin. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Macaroons on offer. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Celebrity cook Cherish Finden, weekend host Chris Bavin, and celebrity cooks Cyrus Todiwala and Shelina Permaloo. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Bell & Bullock present ‘The Garden Show’. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Celebrity cook Cherish Finden, weekend host Chris Bavin, and celebrity cooks Cyrus Todiwala and Shelina Permaloo. (Image: Chris Booth)

The festival continues tomorrow (August 2) from 10.00am to 4.00pm, with more traders, live

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Bell & Bullock present ‘The Garden Show’. (Image: Chris Booth)

For more information about tomorrow’s schedule, visit: Seaham Food Festival Schedules –

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Singer Mcxxne entertains. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Singer Mcxxne entertains. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Celebrity cook Cyrus Todiwala and host Chris Bavin. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Celebrity cook Cyrus Todiwala. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Celebrity cook Cyrus Todiwala. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Singer Mcxxne entertains. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. Bell & Bullock present ‘The Garden Show’. (Image: Chris Booth)

Seaham Food Festival takes place in the town. (Image: Chris Booth)

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Shane Richie’s circle fear over his ‘gruelling schedule and nineties drinking buddies’ as his wife ‘walks away from their business’ – after he was arrested for drink driving

Published

29 minutes ago

2 August 2026

NewsAdmin

There are reportedly fears within Shane Richie's circle over his 'gruelling schedule' and 'nineties drinking buddies' amid claims that his wife has walked away from their business together

There are reportedly fears within Shane Richie‘s circle over his ‘gruelling schedule’ and ‘nineties drinking buddies’ amid claims his wife has walked away from their business together.

It emerged on Friday the EastEnders star has been charged with drink-driving after police were called following a row with petrol station staff.

Richie, 62, who plays Alfie Moon on the BBC soap, was challenged after he was seen vaping at the Tesco petrol station in Harlow, Essex.

Footage of the incident, which unfolded just after 11pm on Wednesday, saw Richie tell staff ‘I don’t give a f***’ when warned about the dangers of using any kind of smoking device around petrol.

Now a new report in The Sun has claimed those close to Shane think he could be ‘spiralling’ and could end up being let go from the soap.

A source told the publication: ‘This has been a long time coming. Shane has been struggling to keep up with the demands of his workload and it appears it has all got a bit much. Everyone is so concerned about him.

There are reportedly fears within Shane Richie’s circle over his ‘gruelling schedule’ and ‘nineties drinking buddies’ amid claims that his wife has walked away from their business together

It emerged on Friday that the EastEnders star has been charged with drink-driving after police were called following a row with petrol station staff

‘Since his character Alfie took over as landlord of the Queen Vic, he has been filming all the time because he is at the centre of the show.’

‘It is a pretty gruelling schedule. Plus he’s got a big tour in September which he has been rehearsing for. When Shane gets stressed he does like a drink, he has made no secret of that.’

The source went on to claim that BBC bosses ‘won’t take the incident lightly’, adding: ‘It wouldn’t be a surprise if they suspended him.’

Next month Shane is due to perform in nationwide theatre tour Prat Pack alongside Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley and Joe Pasquale but the publication claims there are fears he will be away with his ‘drinking buddies from the nineties’ for a whole month.

There are now also reported questions over his marriage to actress Christie Goddard who he wed in 2007. They have three children together.

The publication claims that Christie was terminated as director of their joint company Bluebelle Skye Productions in June so now has no control over the business empire they have run together since 2017.

A representative for Shane has been contacted by The Daily Mail for comment.

The row at the petrol station this week began after Richie, real name Shane Roche, drove his white Hyundai onto the forecourt seemingly with a flat tyre.

After exiting his vehicle and being spotted with a large vape by staff, the actor was told he could not smoke at the station.

Brandishing the vape, Richie replied: ‘It’s not smoking.’ Upon realising he was being filmed, the EastEnders star then claimed: ‘This is not a vape.’

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Should stars facing personal struggles step back from the spotlight or does the show always go on?

It has been claimed that his wife Christie was terminated as director of their joint company Bluebelle Skye Productions in June so now has no control over the business empire they have run together since 2017

He was previously married to Loose Women star Coleen Nolan from 1990-1999. They share son Shane, 37. Shane was unfaithful to Coleen during the marriage

After staff told him the vape ‘is a risk’, the actor, while reaching back inside his car and with his back to the employee, said: ‘I don’t give a f***.’

As the manager of the petrol station phoned police, claiming Richie was being ‘aggressive,’ he told the man filming: ‘Someone’s coming to change my tyre.’

Police were later seen arriving at the forecourt.

Richie was arrested and later charged with drink-driving. He is set to appear in court next month.

It is a criminal offence to smoke a cigarette at a petrol station due to the danger posed by sparks in the proximity of fuel, which is highly flammable.

It is not a specific offence to vape on forecourts, but firms strictly prohibit it over concerns about the same risk.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: ‘Officers were called to reports of a suspected drink-driver in Church Langley Way, Harlow, shortly before 11.20pm on Wednesday July 29.

‘On arrival, officers arrested a man. A charge of drink-driving has subsequently been authorised against Shane Roche, 62, of Surrey.

‘He is due to appear at magistrates’ court on Wednesday, September 9.’

Richie is best known for his EastEnders role, having appeared on the soap for multiple stints since 2002, and his character has currently been part of the line-up since 2022.

He portrayed Alfie Moon again in a six-part spin-off Redwater in 2017.

A representative for Richie was contacted for comment on Saturday morning.

Shane has had a complicated past with his relationships and was previously married to Loose Women star Coleen Nolan from 1990-1999. They share son Shane, 37.

Shane was unfaithful to Coleen during the marriage.

‘He was so brilliant at convincing me I was wrong,’ Coleen said in 2017.

‘He would look me right in the eyes and convince me I was wrong,’ she said. ‘He made me feel paranoid.

‘I remember that feeling of elation when I found out [he was having an affair] I went ‘Yes! I knew it.’

‘It was a feeling of euphoria before the absolute devastation hit me – he still convinced me to stay.’

In 1996 Shane had an affair with dancer Claire Tyler while married to Coleen, and admitted his deception in his 2003 autobiography Rags to Richie: The Story So Far.

Shane once confessed: ‘I lost my first wife through my drinking. A bottle of Jack Daniel’s and I was off.’

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The iconic Cambridgeshire river that changed its name by mistake

Published

36 minutes ago

2 August 2026

NewsAdmin

The city and the river have both seen their names evolve over the centuries

Cambridgeshire is known for its many natural landmarks and among the most famous is the River Cam. People may think that the city was named after the river, but it was actually the other way around.

Long before the university, there was an Anglo-Saxon trading town on the river ‘Granta’, which likely meant ‘Muddy Waters’. This Old English town was called ‘Grantabrycge’, or ‘Granta Bridge’. It centred on the Great Bridge that features on the city’s crest.

After the Norman Conquest of 1066, French-speaking nobles struggled with pronouncing Anglo-Saxon placenames. ‘Grantabrycge’ evolved into the more elegant ‘Cantebrigge’ by the late 14th century before the middle was thrown out entirely to form ‘Cambridge’.

All the while the river continued to bear its Anglo-Saxon name, ‘Granta’. But as ‘Cambridge’ grew in popularity, its inhabitants started to question its source of life.

Assuming the town was named after the river, they changed its name. By the 17th century, the River Cam had usurped the Granta.

Beyond the city walls the ancient moniker survives. Residents upstream from the Mill Pond embrace the River Granta, as does the Granta pub on Newnham Terrace. Indeed ‘Grantchester’ itself survived the fate of ‘Granta Bridge’.

Grantchester joins the hundreds of other Old English placenames that proudly survived the Norman Conquest.

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Encrochat dealer “Elpazzo” flaunted drug-laced Wonka bars and cocaine blocks

Published

42 minutes ago

2 August 2026

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A number of criminals have been caged in Scotland after French authorities cracked the highly encrypted EncroChat messaging service in 2020.

Gangsters, drug lords, weapons dealers and county lines runners have been rounded up after their dodgy dealings were exposed on the app.

The Record’s new series will explore Scotland’s biggest encrochat busts – and the individuals behind the deals who believed they were untouchable.

“Elpazzo” and the Wonka bars

Aaron Bradford was the first person in Scotland to be convicted following a trial using EncroChat evidence.

The drug trafficker, who operated under the EncroChat handle “Elpazzo”, was caught flooding the country with cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis laced ‘Wonka’ chocolate bars.

The 35-year-old believed his conversations about his drugs empire were hidden from law enforcement on the encrypted platform. But French authorities infiltrated the messaging service, favoured by criminals and gangsters.

The breakthrough triggered Operation Venetic – a UK-wide investigation that exposed organised crime groups operating across Europe.

Bradford, from Dundee, was jailed for eight years at the High Court in Aberdeen after being found guilty of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

The court heard Bradford was involved in plans to distribute significant quantities of cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis products, including cannabis-laced “Wonka” chocolate bars.

Investigators uncovered messages in which he discussed a £17,000 drugs deal. He also flaunted a photograph of a large block of cocaine while using the messaging platform.

Police raided his home in June 2020 as part of Operation Venetic. Detectives recovered equipment linked to large-scale drug dealing.

They also seized a blender, hydraulic press and digital scales, along with paperwork detailing drug debts, customer names and amounts owed.

The offences were aggravated by a connection to serious organised crime, with prosecutors also beginning confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover any criminal profits.

The case was the first of many to follow, with Encrochat communications forming evidence for some of the biggest crime busts.

Following the sentencing, Sineidin Corrins, Deputy Procurator Fiscal for Specialist Casework at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: “This was a coordinated effort to release a sizable quantity of drugs into Dundee.

“But now, thanks to the efforts of Police Scotland and COPFS, this individual faces a lengthy prison sentence.

“We will continue to target all those who threaten communities across Scotland, not only drug couriers but also those who direct their movements.

“With each case of this kind we can help reduce the harm these drugs inflict on those communities.

“COPFS will continue working with the police and other agencies as a member of Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce to ensure that these crimes are detected and those responsible prosecuted using all measures at our disposal.

“Proceeds of Crime proceedings have now been commenced to ensure the profits obtained through criminal conduct are confiscated.”

Detective Inspector Julia Ogilvie, of Police Scotland’s Organised Crime Unit in Dundee, said the case highlighted the success of international cooperation against organised crime.

She said: “There is no doubt the excellent working partnership between law enforcement agencies is paying dividends.

“We will continue to carry out systematic, targeted operations which lead to arrests and cause significant disruption to the criminal fraternity. This sentencing underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“We remain committed to our fight against those involved in serious and organised crime to ensure our communities are safe.”

EncroChat was an encrypted communications service marketed as offering complete privacy through modified mobile phones with disappearing messages and a remote “panic wipe” function.

Although owning an EncroChat handset was not illegal, the platform became widely used by organised crime groups across Europe. In 2020, French investigators infiltrated the network, allowing police to read messages exchanged by thousands of users and leading to hundreds of arrests under Operation Venetic.

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Mum with bad sleep ‘for 10 years’ says it’s ‘so much better’ with 55p-a-day drops

Published

51 minutes ago

2 August 2026

NewsAdmin

More than 500 of the supplement drops have been bought in the past month on Amazon

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For one mum, feeling tired had become the norm after nearly 10 years of poor sleep – but she says a simple addition to her morning routine has helped her feel ‘much better’, with her energy levels higher than before. The BlueIron Liquid Iron Supplement with Nordic Blueberries + Vitamin C is now down to £13.60, from £16, on Amazon in a limited-time deal.

The product is a liquid iron supplement designed to make it easy to add iron to a daily routine, with a 10ml serving from the 250ml bottle costing around 55p a day. It can be mixed into food or drinks and contains iron, which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and normal energy-yielding metabolism, the brand says.

Feeling tired all the time, which is sometimes dubbed TATT, or ‘Tired All The Time’, has become something many people simply accept as part of modern life. But iron plays an important role in the body, including normal oxygen transport and the formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, meaning getting enough can be important for overall wellbeing.

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BlueIron has also launched its High Strength Drops (50ml) formula for those looking for a higher-strength option. It is priced at £10.35, down from £13, and delivers 20mg of iron per daily serving, equivalent to 142% of an adult’s recommended daily intake of iron, the brand says. It comes in a 50ml bottle with an easy-to-use pipette.

The original BlueIron Liquid Iron comes in a 250ml bottle and is made with wild Nordic blueberries, giving it a naturally fruity flavour. It also contains vitamin C, which contributes to normal immune function and helps with iron absorption, while the liquid format is designed to be easy to take.

The BlueIron Liquid Iron Supplement is available from Amazon

£16

£13.60

Amazon

Buy here

The product is currently discounted

The brand uses a micro encapsulated form of iron, which is designed to be released in the intestine, and says the formula is gentle on the stomach. The supplement is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and can also be used during pregnancy, although anyone considering an iron supplement should check that it’s suitable for them with a healthcare professional.

BlueIron is available through Amazon, as well as Holland & Barrett, where the 250ml liquid supplement is currently listed at £16. With women particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency due to factors including menstruation and pregnancy, the brand is tapping into growing awareness around how nutritional deficiencies can contribute to tiredness.

However, persistent or unexplained fatigue can have many causes, so it’s worth speaking to a GP rather than assuming low iron is responsible. An alternative option is the Kiki Health Ionic Iron Liquid Concentrate (50ml) for £20 from LookFantastic.

This is described as an iron supplement drink that is designed to be added to water. Each serving contains 5mg of iron, which is 36% of the recommended daily intake, the site says, and it contributes to normal cognitive function, energy-yielding metabolism, red blood cell and haemoglobin production and oxygen delivery.

Or at Superdrug, there’s the Vitabiotics Feroglobin B12 Iron Supplement Liquid (200ml) for £4.99. The site says Feroglobin is specially formulated with a gentle source of moderate level iron, vitamins and co-factors, ideal to help support health and vitality for the whole family.

The BlueIron Liquid Iron Supplement on Amazon has been rated highly by shoppers. One said: “I have suffered badly from low iron on and off for nearly 10 years, since I had my children. Tablets make me feel nauseous and give me an awful tummy, so when I found out about Liquid Iron, I had to try it out. Wow!!! It’s absolutely fabulous! A wonderful taste with no metallic aftertaste! Within a couple of days I felt a difference, my sleep is much better, and my energy levels are higher. So easy to include into your morning routine! Great price. Will most definitely buy again!”

A second said: “Since purchasing BlueIron, I feel less tired. My sleep routine has been terrible and I really feel that taking BlueIron has given me back a restful night’s sleep, which means my days have been full of energy. The taste is great, meaning I am happy to keep taking it. Will keep on top of things.”

Others, however, deducted stars and left feedback. One said: “Blueberry flavour doesn’t fully cover the bloody taste of an iron supplement, but it does help. Very thick liquid, almost like gel. I used it in the second trimester of my pregnancy and it worked great.”

Another said: “Not a bad taste, not too sure of the texture being syrup-like. But it’s high quality and drinkable.”

Overall, though, most were happy with their purchase. Another reviewer commented: “I love this product, BlueIron Liquid Iron Supplement is above any beyond the standard of other supplements with its delicious Nordic blueberries and vitamin C, B12, Folic Acid. I would say this is the best Iron supplement on the market.”

The BlueIron Liquid Iron Supplement with Nordic Blueberries + Vitamin C and the High Strength Drops (50ml) are available on Amazon.

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Being diagnosed with cancer at 19 ended up changing my life for the better

Published

57 minutes ago

2 August 2026

NewsAdmin

Enlli Thompson has had chemotherapy, lost her hair, had a full hysterectomy, had to freeze her eggs, and entered immediate menopause all before turning 20

Enlli Thompson was 19 when she first went to her GP for help with the persistent headaches and stomach issues she was suffering from. What followed was a journey resulting in a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Since then, she has had chemotherapy, lost her hair, had a full hysterectomy, had to freeze her eggs, and entered immediate menopause all before turning 20.

Her story is one of life-changing medical procedures, and understandable physical and mental strain. It is also a story of what she believes were missed chances to diagnose her, but it is one of hope, and strength, because she says her cancer, the treatment and all she went through – and continues to do so – has changed her life for the better.

March 2024 is where Enlli starts her story, but her symptoms had actually started before that. She was underweight and was struggling a lot with stomach pains and migraines so she went to her GP.

She was on the birth control pill and the GP recommended she come off that, wait for two cycles, and return if things hadn’t improved. They hadn’t and the pain was unmanageable.

At the time she was an apprentice motor mechanic and had to keep paracetamol in her toolbox constantly. “I was just taking it every four hours by the end because I was in so much pain, counting down the hours till I could take another one,” she said. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

In October 2024 she went to A&E at Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital in Bangor with suspected appendicitis. When her blood test came back clear, she was told she wasn’t a priority because it wasn’t appendicitis and she had a total 16 hour wait. Enlli says a junior doctor told her it was likely a urine infection, and that she shouldn’t be wasting A&E time.

When she was told she would be discharged, she asked for a second opinion.

A senior doctor then arrived, the 20-year-old said. “He barely examined me, and he could see the pain I was in, and he just instantly told me, ‘You need a CT scan’.”

It was that which revealed a mass in her pelvic area. She says she was told in the waiting room and told she would be taken to the gynaecological ward. “I was just sat there then, millions of thoughts in my head. I instantly thought, ‘I have cancer’,” she explains.

After an ultrasound and other tests she asked that question aloud and was told they couldn’t say.

In the first week of December she went back for another ultrasound and eventually a 10cm mass was found. She says it wasn’t until she was put under the care of Richard Peever’s team, a leading cancer specialist gynaecologist, she felt she was taken seriously.

“I could never ask for a better team from then. Honestly, if it wasn’t for them and the senior doctor in A&E, I would not be here today, which is really scary. Especially the senior doctor in A&E, if he wouldn’t have listened to me, I would definitely not be here today,” she says.

In February 2025, she had one ovary, a tube and the tumours removed, and biopsies were carried out but it actually took until the following month for her to have an official diagnosis of cancer.

Enlli, from just outside Caernarfon, immediately had to go through fertility treatment in the hope of one day having a family.

“I always knew I wanted a family of my own, but at 19 I had no plans of having children for a good while. It wasn’t on the agenda.

“I wanted to get my career on the go, I wanted to do everything else. I wanted to get married,” she says.

Then in May 2025, she had a full hysterectomy which put her into immediate menopause. She was 19.

How did she keep going through the diagnosis, chemo, surgery and then menopause? “It was hard, but I think I’m quite grateful that I’m the type of person who can’t sit still. Even when I was in agony, I was going 100 miles an hour. I was desperate to get back to work,” she said.

She went into remission on November 6, 2025, just before her 20th birthday. She continues to have checks, every few months, but remains on medication.

Of the many changes she’s faced, another is her career. She loved training as a mechanic, but had to give it up due to the physical effect of cancer. She initially began work as an NHS admin, but that too had to stop.

“I had suffered a real bad burnout. But I always knew after being diagnosed, I wanted to do something with cancer, being a public speaker advocating for people, or advocating for better knowledge and awareness for gynaecological cancers and young people’s cancers.

“If that means me going into the medical world and becoming a specialist nurse I am not sure at the moment, but I am absolutely loving the public speaking at the moment,” she says.

“I think cancer has changed me for the better, because it’s given me this passion for advocating and gaining awareness and fighting for change.

“Whilst I was going through treatment, I was doing a lot of TikToks, and I tried to not show the negative side at that point, because I felt enough of that was in the media. When I got diagnosed, I was watching a show where someone got diagnosed with cancer, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, that’s what I’m going to be like’. So, I wanted to show you can actually still smile, you can still be dancing whilst you’re going through treatment.”

One of the first things she did with Tenovus was a fashion show, at the suggestion of her specialist nurse, some with wigs, some without.

“I could not say no to that. I was so excited and so grateful I got that chance, and from that I think I gained a lot more confidence because I went on without a wig, I went on with a blonde wig and then I went on at the end with a brown wig as well, which I loved,” she says.

Between the menopause symptoms and heatwave, she has had to put wearing a wig to one side for now. Instead, she is embracing the curls that have grown after her chemo.

“Everyone knew that I was a patient as well, and again, I think that shows that cancer’s not just all this depressing stuff. You can still live your life when you can,” she said.

Tenovus recently carried out a survey of GPs in Wales to try and understand issues with diagnosing gynaecological cancer, a survey in support of Claire’s campaign, set up by the late Claire O’Shea.

Every year, there are nearly 1,200 cases of gynaecological cancers in Wales and around 470 women die of the disease and targets for timely cancer treatment are not being met, while women report feeling dismissed, delayed and unheard when presenting with symptoms.

The survey found 34% of GPs feared over-referring patients to the NHS, there was limited consultation time for GPs as well as difficulty distinguishing cancer symptoms from other benign issues.

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For Enlli all that rings true. She doesn’t, she says, blame her GP for not immediately suspecting cancer but she does think her diagnosis and treatment were delayed because of her age and gender. She was repeatedly told her symptoms could be due to anxiety or her mental health.

“If I was a bit older, I don’t think they would have been saying ‘Yeah, it’s mental health’. Even after my diagnosis and my treatment and being in remission, they’d still tend to say, ‘Oh yeah, it’s anxiety. It’s this, it’s that’.

“I do also think it’s because I am a woman, because they were not fussed about the gynaecological aspect to it.

“I did tell them that I was getting really bad pains, and my periods were getting much more painful that even when I was not on my period, I was getting a lot of pelvic pain. A lot of things to do with that, my periods were getting heavier, which was not usual for me and they never thought to refer me to a gynaecologist.

“I was young, I had bleach blonde, long hair. I looked very girly, but I was a mechanic so I wasn’t one of those girls who would complain, ‘Oh, I’m in pain’ after stubbing my toe. I was like, ‘Get on with it’.

“I do think they just saw what I looked like. I think, ‘Oh yeah, she’s not really in pain. She’s just a young girl that has a low pain tolerance’ but realistically, I was working full-time as an apprentice as a mechanic in constant pain.”

A number of times, as she explains her story, she says she “regrets” not speaking up sooner.

Of the period between scans, she says: “I regret letting them do that looking back, because once you’ve heard that you’ve got a mass, I personally, I regret I didn’t advocate for myself in that time, asking them to do more tests then, and not being discharged,” she said.

“Maybe if I had advocated for myself earlier, it wouldn’t have reached stage three,” she says.

Referencing the finding that GPs said they didn’t have time to look at notes properly, she says: “If they had looked at my symptoms in the time that I was going back and forth between March and October, I was going nearly every month at this point and I was complaining about the same issues, and a lot of it was a gynaecological issues.

“I don’t blame them for not thinking cancer, because who does expect ovarian cancer in an 18-year-old?

“I don’t blame them for that. I blame them for not taking the gynaecological issue seriously, because it points to so many different gynaecological issues.”

She says even now, when she arrives at an appointment, the bulk of time is spent with her explaining her history.

“I still have to advocate for myself, I’m still not listened to. Even after everything I’ve been through, I’m still not listened to, and it’s still pointed to anxiety or my age or whatever,” she says.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “As a new government, we are taking decisive action on cancer by developing a 10-year National Cancer Strategy to transform how the health service prevents, diagnoses, and treats the disease, with a focus on earlier diagnosis.

“We are determined to ensure women’s pain is taken seriously. The Deputy Minister for Women’s Health recently brought together clinicians, researchers and women with lived experience at a summit to tackle the normalisation of pain in women’s healthcare.

“Following this, minimum standards for service user engagement will be drafted to ensure women’s voices continue to shape the Women’s Health Plan.”

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What can you do if a neighbour’s pet poos in your garden? I asked legal experts and they all agreed

Published

1 hour ago

2 August 2026

NewsAdmin

If your neighbour’s cat or dog is regularly fouling in your garden, you might be wondering what your rights are – and what you can realistically do about it. I consulted some experts to find out, and I was quite surprised

If you’re a homeowner with a garden, you’ll understand that a lot of effort goes into maintaining its appearance. It’s particularly vital to keep it looking good, especially during the summer months, when you’re using the outdoor space more often.

However, one issue that can be genuinely frustrating is when your neighbour’s pet repeatedly fouls on your lawn. Naturally the animals aren’t aware it’s inappropriate, and it can be overlooked occasionally.

But if it’s turning into a frequent problem and you’re unsure how to proceed, I consulted several legal experts – and they all offered the same guidance, which can help you to avoid a potential conflict with your neighbours.

What to do if a cat keeps pooing in your garden

Interestingly, the regulations differ for dogs and cats – meaning your rights vary too.

Jack Malnick, Founder and Managing Director at Sell House Fast, explained: “When it comes to cats, the law is different compared to dogs. Cats are not covered by any specific legislation that requires owners to keep them confined, unlike dogs, which are subject to rules under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

“This means cat owners are generally not legally responsible if their cat wanders into a neighbour’s garden or enters another property, as long as the cat is not causing structural damage or health issues. However, cat owners do have a “legal duty of care” to make sure their pets’ welfare needs are met. This includes allowing cats to display normal behaviours, such as exploring and roaming.”

However, his guidance — which was what basically all the professionals suggested — is to speak with your neighbour initially before escalating matters. He said: “If a neighbour’s cat or dog is causing problems, the best first step is usually to have a calm conversation with your neighbour. They may not even realise there is an issue, and talking it through can help both sides find a simple solution and avoid rising tensions.”

What if it’s a neighbour’s dog?

If it’s a dog that’s making a mess of your garden, the situation is different. According to David Gammill, owners of dogs have more responsibility, and are more liable.

He said: “Dogs are treated differently because their owners are expected to keep them under control. If a dog leaves waste in a public or shared area covered by local rules, the person responsible for the dog will usually need to clean it up. If they fail to do this, the council may issue a fine.

“Communal gardens, shared courtyards, and paths may be covered by council, housing association, or building rules. If dog waste is regularly left in one of these spaces, you can report it to the council, landlord, housing association, or property manager.

“If a neighbour’s dog repeatedly enters your private garden, the situation may involve trespass or nuisance. If the dog damages your grass, plants, fence, or other property, you may also be able to ask the owner to pay for the damage.”

What do the professionals advise?

As mentioned earlier, the majority of experts recommended that you shouldn’t confront your neighbour aggressively. Instead, attempt to collect some evidence initially, so you can present it if needed.

Benson Varghese, a Board Certified Criminal Lawyer, observed: “The first thing that homeowners suffering from a long-lasting problem should do is to keep a journal of the situation with pictures or video evidence.

“Having an evident example of the ongoing problem will be much more effective compared to a one-off case. Usually, before any legal action is taken, mediation is the preferable way to settle a dispute, as it often proves to be quicker and cheaper.”

If talking to your neighbour is unsuccessful and you’re still experiencing the issue, the sensible next move is to send a letter. This also establishes a record demonstrating that the owner was informed about the matter, according to Everett Lupton from Slaughter & Lupton.

Following this, the local authority might investigate whether any local regulations are being violated. Everett said: “If the pet causes clear damage, the homeowner may ask the owner to cover the cost. A civil claim may also be possible when there is strong evidence and a specific financial loss.”

The experts also agreed that while pursuing your neighbour through the courts might ultimately be an option, it should be an absolute final measure, so it’s worthwhile attempting to resolve matters amicably first.

How to deter cats and dogs from your garden

Thankfully, there are numerous safe methods to discourage animals from entering your garden and causing disruption.

Peter Thum-Bonanno, Co-Founder and CTO of GetAgent, suggested motion-activated sprinklers, citrus peel and proprietary cat repellent granules, describing them as ‘all legal and widely used’.

He went on to say: “Securing boundaries where possible, checking for gaps in fencing or hedging, removes the point of entry entirely. These are not legal remedies but they solve the practical problem quickly while any formal process runs its course.”

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Wildfire prompts thousands to evacuate in eastern Washington

Published

1 hour ago

2 August 2026

NewsAdmin

Wildfire prompts thousands to evacuate in eastern Washington

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — A fast-moving wildfire driven by strong winds and high temperatures swept across northwest Spokane on Saturday before jumping the Spokane River and prompting the evacuation of thousands of people.

The Old Trails Fire started around noon, burning brush and grass in an open area, but quickly spread north and east toward residential areas. Cars lined the roads as people fled their homes, and orange and red flames were visible from the highway.

The blaze sent a plume of smoke billowing over the region, and as of the evening almost 4 square miles (10 square kilometers) of terrain had been burned, said Courtney James, spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

The cause was under investigation.

“We urge residents of Spokane to heed evacuation orders and to stay alert to changing conditions and evacuations as they are rapidly changing,” James said.

Some structures were lost but officials did not yet have a solid count, said Jessica Watson, a DNR spokesperson for the fire. Firefighters had zero containment as of the evening and the wind continued to blow, she said.

Power company Avista said it implemented public safety shutoffs in the area due to elevated fire risk.

Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency Saturday after unusually high temperatures and high winds exacerbated record wildfires across the state. The National Weather Service issued a “particularly dangerous situation” red flag alert for eastern Washington.

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