Staff at Rose Funerals on Cumberland Road in Middlesbrough have begun restoring an original coal yard weighbridge hidden beneath their grounds – a relic of the days when the site was a busy depot supplying homes and businesses across Teesside with coal.
The weighbridge, which once measured the wagons coming and going from the yard, has sat largely unnoticed as the area has changed around it.
Now, instead of covering it up, the funeral home plans to bring it back into view as a permanent feature.
Old coal yard weighbridge, now on the Rose Funerals site on Cumberland Road, Middlesbrough. (Image: Rose Funerals Memories)
The news has prompted locals to share their own memories of the coal yard on social media.
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One Facebook user commented: “My mam lived next door to the coal yard when she was a child, she used to tell us lots of tales about her and her siblings playing in the coal yard.”
Another said: “I remember playing in there on a night and the watchman with his dog.”
Once the restoration is complete, the weighbridge will be preserved with information plaques telling the story of the depot and its role in keeping the town heated and powered.
Rose Funerals says it wants to honour both the memories of the families it serves today and the history of the place it calls home, by making sure this piece of Middlesbrough’s story is not lost.
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Updates on the restoration will be shared as work progresses, with staff saying they “can’t wait” to reveal the finished result to local people who may never have realised they were walking over history.
Lewis & Cooper, on High Street, has been serving customers for more than a century and remains one of North Yorkshire’s best-known independent food retailers.
The business, based at 92 High Street, was founded by Mr Lewis and Mr Cooper, who built a renowned food emporium from their bustling store in the market town.
Today, the tradition continues from the same site, with a façade little changed but an interior now home to a food hall, deli, wine store, tearooms and hamper department.
Lewis & Cooper, on High Street, Northallerton (Image: TRIPADVISOR)
The business says: “After more than a century of service, Lewis & Cooper has grown into a multi-award-winning independent gourmet food store that offers both local delicacies and global gastronomic delights of uncompromising quality.”
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Customers have praised the shop for its range of unusual and high-quality products, with one online reviewer saying it sells “so many great foods that are hard to find in supermarkets, if at all”.
Another described it as “a true deli experience” and “a treasure trove of food”, while one visitor called it “a jewel in Northallerton’s crown”.
Its founding partners were known for their attention to detail, with the managers’ quarters once fitted with a discreet window so Mr Lewis could keep a constant watch over the shop floor.
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Lewis & Cooper is also known for its hampers, which are packed with local delicacies and treats and shipped far beyond North Yorkshire.
The tearooms were opened in 1999 to mark the company’s centenary, taking over the former manager’s apartment above the shop.
The business says the tearooms celebrate “the best of fresh local produce with stunning views over Northallerton’s traditional High Street”.
Reviewers have also praised the café side of the business, with one customer saying: “Excellent food, service is great and all the staff are very friendly.”
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Another visitor said people should “forget going to Betty’s”, adding that the upstairs tearooms offered tasty sandwiches and one of the best coffees they had during a four-week trip in the UK.
Others have praised the “great tea and scones” served in the tearooms.
Lewis & Cooper continues to attract customers looking for traditional service, unusual products and high-quality food.
One reviewer summed up its appeal by saying: “It really is an excellent shop, with a wide range of goods.”
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They added that it “reminds me of how shops used to be”.
Unseen hands have wafted Andy Burnham to the doorstep of Downing Street, where he now stands poised for power. Unseen hands have destroyed his forerunner Sir Keir Starmer, who must still be wondering exactly what – and exactly who – hit him.
Mr Burnham says the removal of Sir Keir wasn’t his doing, so we must accept that. Indeed, judging by Sir Keir’s farewell, the Labour Party got rid of him purely because they loved him so much and thought him so wonderful. How much electricity was needed to pump all the insincerity out of the Palace of Westminster, once that ceremony was over?
No doubt the Net Zero enthusiast Ed Miliband will be checking up on this. Has there ever been such an accidental, secretive, slippery and unexplained transfer of power in modern Britain?
North Korea’s political process (you have to be called Kim to succeed) is more open than Mr Burnham’s miraculous unscrutinised ascension.
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The King must be more than mildly astonished to have learned that his existing Prime Minister has suddenly fallen, and he must attend on the majestic whim of the King of the North tomorrow to have his hands kissed.
The monarch must feel a bit used. Mr Burnham has already done his real obeisance, to the enduring spirit of pre-Blair Labour, at the Trades Union Congress headquarters on Friday. How telling it was that Neil Kinnock, the man voters were too scared to put into Downing Street back in 1992, was there as an honoured guest to give his blessing to the enterprise. Are we now going to discover what a Kinnock government would have been like? Well may the striving classes fret and tremble, if so.
As The Mail on Sunday’s Find Out Now poll shows, voters are understandably worried that the transition will mean higher taxes, while they would overwhelmingly prefer lower spending. They see little to hope for in any of Mr Burnham’s possible choices for Chancellor, and why should they? Is there anyone anywhere near Labour’s front bench who understands economics, and who also realises that national spending and borrowing are out of control? It doesn’t look like it.
No wonder the same poll shows growing support for a General Election. People simply are not prepared to accept that a local poll in Makerfield, and a comradely coronation at the TUC, are enough to give Mr Burnham the right to rule Britain.
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A Mail on Sunday poll shows growing support for a General Election after Andy Burnham becomes PM
In many cases voters will be suffering severe remorse from having put Labour in power two years ago, by wasting their votes on Reform, which never had any chance of winning.
Much emotional fog has cleared away since that contest. Reform, after a brief period of apparent good luck, has begun to crumble, as things with weak foundations tend to do.
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Nigel Farage looks weary and embarrassed. But Kemi Badenoch’s Tory Party shows signs of real recovery and of a serious desire to get back into office and do the sensible things that Andy Burnham won’t do.
A real election, with proper debates, serious questioning of candidates, clear manifestos and an actual vote, is badly needed. Let us have one.
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MAIL ON SUNDAY COMMENT: The voters demand an election, Mr Burnham – so let them have one
He is considered one of the biggest heartthrobs of the 1980s.
His dashingly good looks and great physique even landed him the cover of the first ever issue of Men’s Fitness in 1987.
Before that the Brooklyn, New York native stole the hearts of many as he starred in numerous hit films across different genres.
Perhaps his best known role, however, was in 1983 musical drama Eddie and the Cruisers.
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Now, decades later the talented thespian still looks as handsome and dashing as ever as he was recently seen on an errand run in Los Angeles.
Can you guess who?
He is considered one of the biggest heartthrobs of the 1980s – can you guess who?
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It’s Michael Pare!
The 67-year-old star was seen out and about in LA on Monday as he headed into the gym.
The handsome star looked to be in fantastic shape as he donned a plain white T-Shirt, black gym shorts, white crew socks, and sneakers.
His short locks were combed back as he showed off his chiseled jawline before he made a short grocery stop.
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Pare is best known for his role in the aforementioned flick Eddie and the Cruisers where he portrayed Eddie Wilson alongside Tom Berenger and Joe Pantoliano.
He then went on to star in the lead role of 1984 crime film Streets of Fire.
The Walter Hill written and directed film featured a star-studded cast including Diane Lane, Amy Madigan, Rick Moranis, Willem Dafoe, Bill Paxton, Ed Begley Jr, and Deborah Van Valkenburgh.
He then went on to star as David Herdeg in 1984 science fiction film The Philadelphia Experiment.
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Join the discussion
What do you think makes an actor a true heartthrob, talent or looks?
It’s Michael Pare! The 67-year-old star was seen out and about in LA on Monday as he headed into the gym
Perhaps his best known role was in 1983 musical drama Eddie and the Cruisers
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He then went on to star in the lead role of 1984 crime film Streets of Fire as he is pictured with Diane Lane
His dashingly good looks and great physique even landed him the cover of the first ever issue of Men’s Fitness in 1987
The handsome star looked to be in fantastic shape as he donned a plain white T-Shirt, black gym shorts, white crew socks, and sneakers
Pare was the lead in the film as the cast also included Nancy Allen, Eric Christmas, Bobby di Cicco, Louise Latham, and Stephen Tobolowsky.
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He also had success on the small screen starring in comedy-drama superhero television series The Greatest American Hero which aired from 1981 to 1983.
Pare portrayed Tony Villicana in the short-lived series which also starred William Katt, Robert Culp, Connie Sellecca, and Faye Grant.
Perhaps his biggest success on television was on crime drama series Houston Knights which aired from 1987 to 1988.
The series was centered around a partnership between two very different cops from two very different cultures.
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Pare portrayed Joey LaFiamma who was a Chicago police officer transferred to Houston after killing a mobster from a powerful Mafia family and a contract hit is put out on him.
His partner in Texas was Levon Lundy, portrayed by Michael Beck, who is the son of a Texas Ranger.
His success in the 1980s as a heartthrob went on to land him the first ever cover of Men’s Fitness in 1987
His short locks were combed back as he showed off his chiseled jawline before he made a short grocery stop
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The heartthrob is seen shirtless in the 1970s
He is pictured with Ray Liotta, David Caruso in ABC TV movie Crazy Times which was released in 1981
Though his heyday was in the 1980s, his career still continued in a very strong way as he has had roles in films including 1998’s Hope Floats, 1999’s The Virgin Suicides, 2012’s Gone, and 2016’s The Infiltrator (pictured alongside Bryan Cranston)
The monthly magazine had targeted men from ages 21 to 40 and featured in-depth articles on fitness, nutrition, and sports, as well as sex tips, fashion advice, interviews, recipes, and surveys. It ultimately folded 30 years later in 2017.
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Though his heyday was in the 1980s, his career still continued in a very strong way as he has had roles in films including 1998’s Hope Floats, 1999’s The Virgin Suicides, 2012’s Gone, and 2016’s The Infiltrator.
Pare has an incredible over 250 credits to his name and has not stopped working as he recently starred in horror film Demon House released last year.
Pare also has over 30 upcoming projects in addition to eight more films in development.
Anyone travelling business class with British Airways has been issued a reminder to make sure of one thing
Passengers booking business class with British Airways this summer are being urged to check for one important detail before buying their ticket. One often overlooked difference between fare types could determine whether choosing a seat costs nothing or more than £300.
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It comes after one customer questioned why they were being asked to pay a hefty fee to choose their seats despite spending almost £5,000 on business class flights. This prompted the airline to give an official response on the matter, clarifying exactly which passengers qualify for complimentary seat selection.
Posting on X, Paul de Rita wrote: “What is going on with UK airlines? @British_Airways want to charge me over £300 to choose seats in Business Class after I’ve already paid just short of £5k for the flights?”
He added: “Time to hand back my Club account after 25 years and head elsewhere!” This would go on to generate considerable interest, with the post exceeding 700,000 views, 2,000 likes and over a hundred comments.
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British Airways explained that not every business class fare includes free seat selection from the time of booking. The airline said complimentary seat selection is only available immediately after booking on fully flexible tickets or for customers with certain British Airways Club membership statuses.
“Hi Paul! Seats are free of charge to book when check-in opens as always,” a BA spokesperson replied. “They’re also free with certain frequent flyer statuses and ticket types
“Fully flexible tickets would give free seating from the time of purchase.” That means passengers who want to choose their seats as soon as they book may need to pay for a fully flexible fare if they do not hold eligible frequent flyer status.
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According to British Airways, business class is sold in several fare types, with lower-priced Club World tickets offering fewer benefits than fully flexible fares. Customers travelling on most fares can still reserve seats free of charge once online check-in opens, typically 24 hours before departure.
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The airline also says customers with eligible British Airways Club status, including Silver and Gold members, can select seats free of charge from the time of booking on most flights. Those who do not pay to reserve a seat in advance will still be allocated one free of charge when check-in opens or at the airport if they have not already selected one.
Seat selection fees vary depending on the route, cabin and seat chosen, according to British Airways. The airline advises passengers to check exactly what is included with their fare before completing a booking if selecting a seat in advance is important to them.
The clarification serves as a reminder that paying more for business class does not automatically include every travel perk. Anyone wanting to choose their seat as soon as they book should check whether they are purchasing a fully flexible ticket before completing their reservation.
EXCLUSIVE: The incoming Prime Minister has also promised to “extend devolution” in order to “restore hope” while putting “local people in the driving seat” of their communities.
Andy Burnham has vowed to place Scottish economic growth and job creation for young people at the centre of his plan for government.
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Writing exclusively for the Sunday Mail the incoming Prime Minister has also promised to “extend devolution” in order to “restore hope” while putting “local people in the driving seat” of their communities.
Burnham said: “Scotland will be central to my plan for changing our politics and giving people real hope for the future again. I’m determined to make sure I use every lever I can to make life better.”
The MP has long argued for a federal UK with more power held outside London in the hands of new mayors and local authorities. And hinting at further devolution for Scotland he added: “People who know a place should have real power in shaping their future.
“From Aberdeen to Stornoway, from Dumfries, to Orkney and Shetland, my mission is clear. Restoring hope and driving growth through a clear, confident, authentically Labour direction. The future we’ll pave together will be rooted in fairness and will ensure local people are in the driving seat.”
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While Burnham is understood not to favour more powers for Holyrood and the Scottish Government, he promised to work constructively with First Minister John Swinney.
He insisted his priority will be delivering the “well paid jobs young people need” by concentrating on economic growth rather than “political squabbling”.
It has emerged Burnham will announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea as part of a policy blitz on entering Downing Street which could have huge ramifications for jobs in the North East of Scotland.
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And we can reveal the new Labour leader held a video call with his party’s MSPs last night in which he also reiterated his priority was industrial renewal.
A source said: “There was a big focus on the economy and what can be done to drive quality job creation, whether that is through public procurement or the energy industry.
“Andy was extremely well informed for example of the awarding of ferry contracts abroad rather than investing in Scottish engineering. He was clear that he wants to work constructively with the Scottish Government and that he respects Scottish Labour’s autonomy.
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“But it was also very evident that he knows Labour needs to get things right this time, that the party cannot afford to squander the opportunity to convince people that the party is on their side and is competent at getting things done.
“Andy is coming in with a lot of energy and optimism and that is rubbing off and the message was that it is time to roll up our sleeves and start delivering for communities rather than focussing on the opposition, infighting and petty politics.”
The Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto pledged to not issue new oil and gas licences but to honour existing ones. However there has been huge debate over two fields in Scotland – Rosebank and Jackdaw – which regulators approved in 2022 and 2023 under the then Conservative government, but were overturned in 2025 after a legal challenge.
It is understood Burnham wants to see these projects go ahead which would not contravene party manifesto commitments and could deliver a huge economic boost in Scotland.
Current Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has campaigned against new oil and gas developments in favour of pursuing green alternatives but there has been growing resistance in the face of conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine which have put pressure on energy prices.
US President Donald Trump who has made repeated calls to “open North Sea oil” and said in a social media post prior to Starmer’s resignation that he had “failed badly” on energy policy.
Burnham, who returned to Parliament a month ago in a by-election, emerged as the sole leadership candidate after being backed by 379 Labour MPs, as well as all 11 trade unions affiliated to the party, earlier this week.
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His policy agenda is believed to include new council homes, reinvigorated high streets and improvements to education.
The former mayor of Greater Manchester has also previously outlined his vision for reforms to social care, greater public control of water and energy firms and the devolution of power away from Whitehall. Burnham will unveil his Cabinet next week with rumours continuing last night over who will be offered the great offices of state.
Once Keir Starmer formally resigns as Prime Minister on Monday, Burnham will be sworn in, deliver a speech outside Downing Street, then begin appointing his candidates. Shabana Mahmood is believed to be the frontrunner for Chancellor however that has sparked fury among supporters of Ed Miliband who is understood to want the post.
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Both MPs along with big hitters including Wes Streeting, Yvette Cooper, Angela Rayner, Lisa Nandy, Lucy Powell and Louise Haigh will all be hoping for top jobs including Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary.
Health, defence, education, social security and trade ministerial jobs will also be up for grabs. There have been rumours of a shock return to frontline politics for former New Labour minister David Miliband – the brother of Ed.
Several Scottish MPs will be hoping to retain government posts and win promotions including current Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, Michael Shanks, Ian Murray and Zubir Ahmed.
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Another Scottish MP being tipped is Blair McDougall – a close ally of Burnham’s new chief-of-staff James Purnell – with speculation he could replace Alexander as Scottish Secretary.
Defence Secretary John Healey’s resignation as Defence Secretary was part of the reason Starmer was forced out, following a year of wrangling over funding for the defence investment plan.
Burnham has pledged to boost funding, but any such move will likely require cuts to other departments. Dan Jarvis, Mr Healey’s replacement is expected to be ousted and Healey has been linked to a sensational return.
Other options could include Aberdeen born former Royal Marine Al Carns.
Leon Pafu Ngoy, 15, was described by his loved ones as bringing “energy, laughter and happiness” to all he knew after tragedy struck and he was found dead at Clifton Country Park.
He was confirmed dead on Monday, June 29, after a three-day search by the emergency services.
United Utilities has now confirmed that public footpaths are still open on land it owns around the country park, but they are working with partners to look at safety in the area.
A spokesperson said: “All public footpaths on United Utilities land at Clifton Country Park, including routes from Red Rock Lane and the bridge, remain open and accessible.
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“The area next to the bridge that provides direct access to the River Irwell is private land and should not be accessed.
Some of the fencing at Clifton Country Park (Image: Phil Taylor)
“We are working with the Greater Manchester Water Safety Strategic Partnership to review safety arrangements in the area.
“Our priority is to help keep people safe while ensuring public rights of way remain available for the public to enjoy responsibly.”
Passers-by have reported seeing that routes from Red Rock Lane to the bridge over the River Irwell are open.
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Signs warning about hazards at the country park (Image: Phil Taylor)
But an area next to the bridge is on private land and is not open to the public, being protected by locked gates and fencing.
Salford City Council has previously confirmed that they are cooperating with an investigation into the incident, but United Utilities is the landowner at the site in question.
Floral tributes were left at the scene to “Leon the Champion” after the 15-year-old’s death, while his family later paid tribute to a boy who had big ambitions for the future.
The incident happened at Clifton Country Park (Image: Phil Taylor)
They also appealed for families to learn from the incident and be cautious with bodies of water.
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A statement from the family said: “Leon was our baby, our brother, our best friend, and the heart of our family.
“He was kind, respectful, thoughtful, and loved by everyone who knew him.
Private land is fenced off (Image: Phil Taylor)
“No matter where he went, Leon brought energy, laughter, and happiness.
“People will always remember his infectious smile, his sense of humour, and the way he treated others with kindness and compassion.
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“Leon had just completed his GCSEs and was excited about the future.
More of the signage at the country park (Image: Phil Taylor)
“He had big ambitions and dreams he was looking forward to pursuing.
“If Leon could speak to others today, we believe he would have one important message: no matter how safe the water may look, it is never worth taking the risk.
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“We will always wonder what might have been if different choices had been made. If Leon had gone to the local swimming baths instead of the Clifton Country Park that day, he would still be with us.
“In sharing Leon’s story, we hope that other families never have to experience the unimaginable pain and heartbreak that we are living through.
“Leon was deeply loved, and we will carry his memory with us always.”
That was the advice of retail expert Ojay McDonald, chief executive of the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM).
Ojay addressed the changes needed at the Annual General Meeting of York BID (Business Improvement District), also highlighting how BIDs help deliver such change.
He said the world had evolved citing the examples of online star influencers James Charles and Ryan Kaji, who have a global following for their articles on make-up and toys.
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Few in the audience of the Thursday evening meeting had heard of them and Ojay said this highlighted the extent of changes underway.
Familiar names like Debenhams were gone, but the changes were more than just delivery apps. Now people no longer need to work in an office, they don’t go to the cinema to watch films, physical currency is no longer needed and the digital economy has reframed how we understand the concept of proximity, he said.
Towns and cities were created to bring people together to trade goods, he explained, but the digital economy meant this proximity was no longer needed and the role of towns and cities was being eroded.
It means the traditional city centre was no longer essential, the high street no longer a place where we meet, and “we need to make it a place where we want to be,” which meant making them safe and attractive.
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Retail expert Ojay McDonald, Chief Executive of the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM) addresses Thursday night’s York BID AGM. (Image: Darren Greenwood)
“We need to work hard at it because it (the high street) is not essential anymore. We need wholesale change.”
However, high streets are not governed from high but face a ‘mess’ of different shareholders, who need to “be on the same page” to deliver change.
The high street faced three main barriers, a volatile rating system, low public sector investment, and a high cost of occupying property, with fragmented property ownership.
This leads to a ‘ghost town’ Britain of empty premises, or one full of charity shops or betting shops, or ‘clone Britain’ where the high street is full of the same brands.
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BIDs, Ojay explained, become a facilitator, they gather intelligence and help people understand the change they are seeing. BIDs influence policy and they make a meaningful difference to a city centre environment.
They can co-ordinate, help delivery, including safety and crime reduction initiatives. They help with placemaking, public realm, regeneration and offer business support.
They help fund or host cultural events and street activities that boost footfall.
York BID is among the best BIDs in Britain, Ojay added, winning two national awards in two years. Previously, it would approach other BIDs for advice, but now others come to it.
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In the questions that followed, Ojay said heritage is “one of the strongest draws for anybody” and towns and cities should “lean into heritage as much as possible.”
He also agreed with a comment from York Central MP Rachael Maskell, that if centres are child friendly, this will bring their parents and their spending money.
This is one of multiple articles which are being published on The Press website as part of a special report on city centre trade which can be found in this weekend’s edition of the paper.
John Douglas, 51, of Third Street, Stanley, admitted driving his silver Skoda Yeti on Wagtail Lane, Stanley, on April 18, with 74 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Douglas pleaded guilty at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on July 13.
The court imposed a 17-month driving ban, with the period reduced by 17 weeks if he completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course by June 15, 2027.
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Douglas was also fined £120. He must pay £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and a £48 victim services surcharge.
He has until August 10, 2026, to pay the full amount.
The court said his guilty plea was considered when sentencing.
The Odyssey director Christopher Nolan does not own a cell phone and now his leading man Matt Damon revealed how he gets into contact.
Years ago, the 55-year-old filmmaker Nolan revealed that he operates without a cell phone and does not communicate using text or email.
Now Damon – who also recently revealed that the director had ‘waterboarded’ him – recalled how he found out that he was going to portray Odysseus in the film.
The A-list star revealed to People that Nolan’s wife and Oscar-winning producer Emma Thomas ‘had texted me, “Are you around for a call today?” Because Chris famously doesn’t have a phone.’
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Damon said that it is Thomas, 54, who ‘always gives you a heads-up if he’s going to call.
‘And then you get a phone call from a nondescript number, because he’s just picking up a line at Universal Studios.’
The Odyssey director Christopher Nolan does not own a cell phone and now his leading man Matt Damon (pictured at the premiere in New York Monday) revealed how he gets into contact
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The A-list star revealed to People that Nolan’s wife and Oscar-winning producer Emma Thomas texted him if he could take a call before Nolan rung him up to offer him he role of Odysseus
Join the discussion
Is Nolan’s refusal to use modern tech a mark of genius or just making life harder for his team?
Nolan and Thomas met at University College London when he was 19 as she has worked as a producer on all of his films since 1997. They have four children together.
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The actor said that even Nolan has no idea what phone number he will be calling from.
Describing the call, Damon said: ‘He called and we chatted for 10 or 15 minutes.
‘It was only six months after Oppenheimer had gone through the Oscars and all of that.’
Damon previously opened up about the challenges he faced on set while filming the epic with the filmmaker at the helm.
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In the highly-anticipated epic, Damon portrays the protagonist in Greek and Roman mythology, the aforementioned Odysseus, as he faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca and meets creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens and the nymph Calypso along the way.
Damon recently described the intense final days of filming to People as he said: ‘We were laughing at the end because we were shooting some close up raft stuff that was too dangerous to do on the open water.
‘So we’d shot some wides, but we did some stuff on the tank that involved Chris pouring water over my face while I was lying there and I was like, “This is perfect. We’re ending this with waterboarding.”‘
Damon, Nolan, Thomas, and Anne Hathaway are seen left to right at The Odyssey premiere in New York on Monday
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In the highly anticipated epic, Damon portrays Odysseus, as he faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca and meets creatures like Polyphemus, Sirens and Calypso along the way
Damon (pictured with Zendaya in the film) said: ‘We did some stuff on the tank that involved Chris pouring water over my face while I was lying there and I was like, “This is perfect. We’re ending this with water boarding”‘
As if that wasn’t already enough to deal with, Damon joked about having to deal with a few of his ‘phobias’ including being stuffed into a giant Trojan horse.
Damon said: ‘I worked through a lot of them on this one, definitely.
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‘Claustrophobia was one, but I hope I’m on the other side of that one now.’
Every year NHS patients get to rate the level of care they receive from their GP surgery
Cambridgeshire’s best-rated GP surgeries have been revealed after an annual NHS survey. Each year, the NHS surveys patients across the country about the care they receive from their GP surgery.
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Patients are asked to give their opinions on their practice on a range of different topics, from overall experience to how easy it is to contact the surgery and how much they trust their GP. The data for this year’s patient survey was collected between the start of January and the end of March. It means patients can track how their local GP has performed.
Two surgeries, one in Kimbolton and the other in Alconbury picked up an almost perfect score with 96 per cent of respondents saying the practice was ‘good’ overall. It makes Kimbolton Medical Centre in Newtown and Alconbury Surgery on School Lane the best-rated GPs in Cambridgeshire.
Just over three-quarters of patients (77 per cent) across the whole of England said that the overall experience at their practice was ‘good’. That’s an improvement from the 2025 survey, when 74 per cent gave a score of either good or very good.
A total of one in 10 said that theirs was poor or very poor. That again is an improvement on last year, when 13 per cent gave an overall poor rating.
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An overwhelming majority of patients (93 per cent) said that they had confidence in their GP or the other health professional that they saw at their surgery. Some 86 per cent said that the health professional treats them with care and concern, while 87 per cent said that they listen to them.
Only around two-thirds (69 per cent) said that once they made an appointment, the amount of time that they had to wait felt “about right”. Almost a third (31 per cent) said that it was too long.
The top performers with the highest percentages of respondents saying the practice was good overall:
Kimbolton Medical Centre, Newtown (Kimbolton) – 96 per cent
Alconbury Surgery, School Lane (Alconbury) – 96 per cent
Buckden Surgery, Mayfield (Buckden) – 93 per cent
Great Staughton Surgery, The Highway (Great Staughton) – 93 per cent
Swavesey Surgery, Boxworth End (Swavesey) – 93 per cent
Burwell Surgery, Newmarket Road (Burwell) – 92 per cent
Bourn Surgery, Alms Hill (Bourn) – 91 per cent
Over Surgery, Drings Close (Over) – 91 per cent
Bottisham Medical Practice, Tunbridge Lane (Bottisham) – 90 per cent
Harston Surgery, Church Street (Harston) – 90 per cent
Papworth Surgery, Chequers Lane (Papworth Everard) – 89 per cent
Staploe Medical Centre, Brewhouse Lane (Soham) – 89 per cent
Moat House Surgery, Beech Close (Warboys) – 88 per cent
St Mary’s Surgery, Lynn Road (Ely) – 88 per cent
Lensfield Medical Practice, Lensfield Road (Cambridge) – 87 per cent
Yaxley Group Practice, Landsdowne Road (Yaxley) – 87 per cent
Haddenham Surgery, The Green (Haddenham) – 86 per cent
Newnham Walk Surgery, Wordsworth Grove (Cambridge) – 85 per cent
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