Death Valley in California – the hottest place on Earth and the driest place in North America – is currently carpeted in wildflowers in what is shaping up to be the best bloom in a decade.

The National Park Service (NPS) officially categorised this as an above-average bloom year on 22 February, with low-elevation flowers blooming throughout the park.

It is the best event the site has seen since 2016, with swathes of the desert transformed and covered in golden and violet flora.

He will join the funniest doctor in medicine, Dr Kevin Jones, for the annual Bury Hospice Comedy Festival.

Dr Jones, recently retired as a consultant physician at the Royal Bolton Hospital, and still lives in Bolton, will compere the festival, which over the years has attracted some big name comedians, including Mick Miller, Scott Bennett, Nina Gilligan and Justin Moorhouse.

Dr Kevin Jones Image: Dr Kevin Jones

And this year is no exception. Performing on both nights are Big Lou (Lewis Jones) and Rod Woodward.

Big Lou is a local lad from Prestwich who is a great favourite in the area with a comedy style which is a mixture of Les Dawson and Jimmy Carr.

Rod Woodward is from Cardiff and has the almost unique distinction of being invited not once but twice to entertain in front of royalty at the Royal Variety Performance.

On Friday night, Martin Gold will appear who was voted Comedian of the Year for two years running by the Variety Club of Great Britain.

Paul Sinha is also known as The Sinnerman on The Chase Image: ITV

On Saturday, the Sinnerman from the Chase is headlining.

Dr Jones is a Trustee at Bury Hospice and has been dubbed Britain’s funniest doctor.

He said: “ I am delighted to be able to help with the Comedy Festival. I have worked with all the comedians previously and was very keen to get them to come to Bury to perform. The comedians at the previous shows have all loved the experience and so have the crowds. There is a wonderful atmosphere and of course it is all for a very important cause.”

The festival will take place Festival will take place at the Polish Social Centre in Back East Street BL9 0RU Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st.

It is being sponsored by JD Sports.

Tickets for the shows can be bought from the Bury Hospice website

www.buryhospice.org.uk/events/comedy-festival

Neil Simpson and his guide Rob Poth won Great Britain’s first medal of the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics with silver in the alpine combined.

It is a third Paralympic medal overall for the visually impaired skier, who had recorded two fourth-place finishes earlier in these Games.

In the alpine combined, skiers complete a run of both the super G and slalom, with their factored times combined to determine the final standings.

Simpson and Poth had sat in fourth after the morning’s super G, 0.57 seconds short of third place.

But in the slalom, they recorded the fastest time of the day to move up two places as Canada’s Kalle Ericsson and his guide Sierra Smith fell out of contention.

Italy’s Giacomo Bertagnolli and guide Andrea Ravelli won gold, finishing 0.65 seconds ahead of Simpson and Poth overall, while Austria’s Johannes Aigner and Nico Haberl won bronze.

“I’m really chuffed with the performance, some good skiing on the second run and we carried out the plan we had,” said Simpson, 23.

“The visually impaired men’s [category] is really strong, there are lots of really quick guys in there so I’m pleased to get on the podium.”

Four years ago, Simpson, guided by his brother Andrew, won GB’s only gold of the Beijing Games with victory in the super G, a win that cemented him as the first British man to win gold at a Winter Paralympics.

His medal at Milan-Cortina adds to the bronze he won in the alpine combined at the last Games, while it improves on the fourth-place finishes he recorded in both the downhill with his brother and super G with Poth in recent days.

For Poth, 28, it is a first Paralympic medal at his maiden Games.

“I’m buzzing. For me it was a little bit of a relief, but our slalom is in a great place,” he said.

Simpson and Poth have two further chances of medals at these Games, in Friday’s giant slalom and Sunday’s slalom.

That they set the fastest time in the slalom run of the alpine combined, crossing the line in 42.52 seconds, one-tenth of a second quicker than the next fastest run, bodes well for both events.

“With the giant slalom, we feel pretty ready for that, and for the slalom, we’re feeling really good and hopefully we can do well,” said Simpson.

Poth added: “Run by run, we are building up the confidence, that has definitely taken it up a notch and we’re getting closer to that top step.

“We’re on a high and hopefully we can continue on that trajectory.”

Alternatively, if there were still high gas and oil costs from the war, he stressed: “If in May, we are still in this position and it looks like the October, so the winter price cap, is going to stay high and there are no cheap fixes because wholesale rates haven’t come down, that is where we start to get talking about intervention points when it comes to energy bills.”

Merseyside Police said the 43-year-old, from Widnes, is accused of section 18 wounding with intent, along with a second man, Gary O’Grady, 50, from Huyton, Merseyside.

Emergency services were called at around 9pm on Sunday after a man suffered serious injuries to his face and body near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club.

He is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Barton and O’Grady, who appear on England Golf lists as members of the Huyton and Prescot Golf Club, are due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon.

Earlier, at a High Court hearing on Tuesday over a libel claim involving Barton, Gervase de Wilde, representing former England footballer Eni Aluko, said his instructing solicitor had “received a call from a duty solicitor in a police station in Liverpool” shortly before the hearing.

Mr de Wilde told the court on Tuesday that Barton, who has managed Fleetwood Town and Bristol Rovers, “was arrested yesterday and is currently being held in custody”.

Former Manchester City and QPR midfielder Barton has one England cap and also played for Rangers, Burnley and Marseille.

He now hosts podcast Common Sense With Joey Barton, which is described as an “unfiltered” look at issues in sport, society, politics and more.

The Cheltenham Festival is back and the 2026 edition promises to be action-packed and, perhaps, a little unpredictable though there is sure to be four incredible days of racing culminating in Friday’s Gold Cup with Inothewayurthinkin attempting to win the trophy for a second successive year.

First up however is Champion Day. Tuesday sees the Festival begin in all its splendor and glory and there are some previous winners and big name horses on display for the British and Irish trainers.

The Supreme Novices Hurdle kicks off proceedings with Nicky Henderson’s Old Star Park leading the way in the odds markets and with Nico de Boinville set to ride him it could be an early victory for the English trainer. In the Arkle, Willie Mullins’ Kopek Des Bordes (who won the Supreme Novices in 2025) is being backed to triumph again while Dan Skelton’s The New Lion, another former Cheltenham winner, is going for glory in the Champion Hurdle.

But, which horse do our experts fancy for this opening salvo at the Festival? Read on to find out.

Find the latest Cheltenham offers and free bets with Independent Sport ready to provide daily coverage from the festival and get our free betting newsletter for the latest Cheltenham tips. Sign up here.

Our racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge will be at Cheltenham all week to share his thoughts, insights and tips. Plus legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh has shared his tips with Paddy Power.

Champion Day – Tuesday, 11 March

1.20: Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )

Ruby Walsh’s tip: Leader D’Allier

“A smaller field than expected, but this still looks a deep Supreme. I have a few concerns about some of the market principals, and I like the look of Leader d’Allier. He has the ideal profile, he’s a solid jumper and he should see this trip out strongly.”

Jonathan Doidge’s tips: Old Park Star and Talk The Talk (both E/W)

“Nicky Henderson knows how to win this race and the type that it takes to do so. I’m not sure Old Park Star is as nippy as some he’s sent this way but he’s definitely not slow and I think he’ll get the strong pace he needs to enable him to do his best work up the hill.

“I’d also added in a second each-way play on Talk The Talk, in the belief that he’d eventually come here. I think he’d be 4-4 over hurdles but for that stumble after he’d jumped the last at Leopardstown in front and if anything beats Old Park Star, it could be him.”

Sky Bet ambassador Ed Chamberlin’s tip: Old Park Star

“The big question is who will be standing at the top after the Sky Bet Supreme, and I think the answer is Old Park Star. Mighty Park has been talked up as the next coming, which makes Old Park Star a backable price with Sky Bet. I know the Henderson team think the world of him now.”

2.00: My Pension Expert Arkle Novices’ Chase (Grade 1)

Ruby Walsh’s tip: Kopek Des Bordes

“Kopek Des Bordes surprised me with how nimble he was over fences at Navan, and he looked very impressive when I saw him schooling at Fairyhouse. They even let me sit on him one day, and I got off with a big smile on my face. He’s a proper racehorse and my best bet on day one.”

Jonathan Doidge’s tip: Lulamba

“He’s barely put a foot wrong and he’s officially 5lb superior to the favourite Kopek Des Bordes, and I am still happy to be with Lulamba in the Arkle. He impressed with his jumping at both Exeter and when winning the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown.”

2.40: Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Ruby Walsh’s tip: Glen to Glen

“Saratoga has been on plenty of punters’ minds, but I’m siding with Glen To Glen. He was a very decent performer on the Flat, and the drying ground should really suit him. He looks to be on a fair mark and has a solid chance for Joseph O’Brien.”

Jonathan Doidge’s tip: Mustang Du Breuil (E/W)

“There’s been a further nibble at Manlagaand I do think Nicky Henderson’s charge has claims in this juvenile handicap. However his stablemate Mustang Du Breuil is twice the price and they are rated only 1lb apart on their form to date. That looks like value.”

3:20: Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

Ruby Walsh’s tip: Resplendent Grey (E/W)

“I’ve gone off Jagwar, who I thought might develop into a graded performer this season. Instead, I’m taking a chance on Resplendent Grey at a big each-way price. He gets blinkers on for the first time, which will be a huge help to him. He was placed at the Festival last year, the drying ground should suit, and with Sean Bowen booked, he looks a solid value play.”

Jonathan Doidge’s tip: Jagwar

“Whichever way I look at this race, and there are a number who may well be well treated, I keep coming back to the favourite Jagwar. He loves it around here, those form figures of 1132 are clear evidence of that.”

4.00: Unibet Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

Ruby Walsh’s tip: The New Lion

“Lossiemouth will sport cheekpieces for the first time in an attempt to help her keep up with the early pace. She’s better suited to more steadily run races over this trip, and Brighterdaysahead could set a frantic gallop, which just puts me off her. It could set up perfectly for The New Lion if he can keep his jumping together. He just gets my vote.”

Jonathan Doidge’s tip: Lossiemouth (E/W)

“Lossiemouth is unbeaten at this venue and is just such a consistent and reliable mare. Detractors will say that, at her best, she wouldn’t be good enough to beat a top Champion Hurdle winner. That may still be the case shortly after four o’clock on Tuesday but I think she’s definitely good enough to finish in the first three.”

Sky Bet ambassador Oli Bell’s tip: Tutti Quanti

“Tutti Quanti is overpriced in the Champions Hurdle and I’m the only one seemingly blabbering on about it. I was so impressed with him at Newbury – yes he has to improve, but I think he’s really talented.”

4.40: TrustATrader Festival Plate Handicap

Ruby Walsh’s tip: Downmexicoway

“I was siding with Downmexicoway, whether he turned up here or in the Grand Annual. He was beaten 23 lengths in the Irish Arkle, but that margin could have been much closer. He’s on a lovely mark, and it’s Downmexicoway all the way for me.”

Jonathan Doidge’s tip: Zurich (E/W)

“Zurich has got C&D winning form against his name, in what was presumably a reconnaissance mission for this race. He showed a bit more improvement there and there’s no obvious reason why he can’t do so again in a true-run contest like the vast majority of Festival races provide.”

5.20: National Hunt Chase

Ruby Walsh’s tip: Newton Tornado

“It’s Newton Tornado for me in the last. Rebecca Curtis was keen for Paul Townend to take the ride, but he respectfully declined. She’s very strong on his chances, and she knows how to get one ready for this race, having won it twice before, including last year’s renewal. I’m hoping she can go back-to-back and end day one with a winner.”

Jonathan Doidge’s tip: Iceberg Theory (E/W)

“Trainer Paul Nolan doesn’t send his inmates to these shores if he doesn’t think they’ve a chance and I think Iceberg Theory has too. He won at both Limerick and Cork to make it 2-3 over fences. He also looks well treated from a current mark of 133.”

Sky Bet ambassador Oli Bell’s tip: Newton Tornado

“Newton Tornado later on in the card, I think Rebecca Curtis has primed this horse to run a big race with Sean Flanagan on board. I’m landing on Winston Junior for Faye Bramley, who bolted up last time and could be well treated.”

According to Richmond council documents, Lime marginally outscored Forest, and another operator, Voi, on “quality”, but Forest won by some distance on “pricing schedule”, which is based on how much each firm was prepared to pay to the council to win the contract, and how much they would charge users in bike hire fees.

Pickering (Image: Getty)

MORNING

Shameless plug here but I can’t think of a better way to start the day than with the tantalising waft of freshly baked sourdough at Cawthorne House as a full Yorkshire breakfast is served which includes thick sausages from a recipe that Liz, the family butcher at RC Hanns, says: ‘She’ll take to her grave’.

Then take a short walk up Smiddy Hill to venture into St Peter and St Paul’s Church where one of the country’s most complete set of medieval wall paintings can be admired.

At the top of the Market Place, turn right down Birdgate, towards the motte-and-bailey castle. Walk round the moat’s perimeter to the bottom right-hand corner and pick up a path that leads into woodlands belonging to the Duchy Estate. From here you can head either towards the fabulous community park, aptly named Woodlands, or meander gradually down towards Newbridge and Chris Timm’s farm on the Duchy Estate.

Walking back down the road towards Pickering, parallel to the steam railway line, pop into the magnificently restored station on this heritage line.

AFTERNOON

Head back towards the Market Place and notice how Pickering seems to have a ‘bubble of warmth from yesteryear’ with its nostalgic features and independent businesses.

Step into Feast, a lovely café, and make a beeline for the sofa before ordering one of their continental teas and coffees, together with a piece of cake.

Afterwards walk down to Beck Isle Museum, a treasure trove of social history and culture run by an army of enthusiastic volunteers. Here you’ll be able to watch the old forge in action and discover a myriad of trinkets and interesting artefacts denoting Pickering’s rich history including the town’s fame for watercress production. You might even get to have a go on the printing press.

EVENING

Walk up Westgate to the Sun Inn, which has won numerous accolades including CAMRA’s rural real ale pub of the year. This is a good locals’ pub which prides itself on serving fine ales and a good selection of gin and tonics.

Having enjoyed a pre-dinner drink, then you’re going to have to decide where to go for a meal.

It’s a hard decision but I’d recommend a fish pie at Capplemans, loin of lamb at The White Swan, sausage and mash at The Black Swan or seafood linguine at Figaro’s.

Cawthorne House Pickering, the boutique guesthouse run by Pascal and Sarah. (Image: David Mackinnon.co.uk)

DON’T MISS IN 2026

Pickering Rocks
The annual community, and family-friendly, music festival in the town.
Saturday, September 12

Artisan markets
Bramble Berry and This Little Piggy markets return to Pickering in March, including at Beck Isle.

The Pixie Trail
The latest town trail for visitors to find the historic landmarks and stories associated with the town and its residents. An app accessed via Discover North Yorkshire gives a bite-size history accompanied by old photos, of spots like the 1793 Quaker Meeting House and Garden; the Corner Shop, or the English Chemist and Druggist shop where sheep dip was once on sale. Discover North Yorkshire – Apps on Google Play.

Pike and Ring Plinth
The stone plinth was carved by a local resident back in the 1970s and was salvaged by the Community Interest Company from one of the town’s fish and chip shops. It’s now on The Ropery Bridge and represents the legend of how Pickering got its name: Local legend says that the town was founded and named in around 270 BC by King Peredurus. One day, the King lost his ring, and accused a young woman of stealing it. However, later that day, the same ring was found inside a pike that was caught for his dinner in Costa Beck. The town got the name Pike-ring – an image of which is featured in the town’s coat of arms to this day.

Volunteering
Whether it’s leading the Mindful Mile Saturday sociable run, making tea for the stall holders in the artisan markets; helping manage the traffic during public events; or knitting the latest yarnbombing display, purple-tabard wearing volunteers are often seen around the town, and are crucial to the town’s strong sense of community.

Streets ahead
Pickering has reinstated its blue heritage street signs and is recreating traditional shop fronts that hark back to a nostalgic era when town centres were a hub for the local community.

Health professionals warn spring can ramp up everyday aches and pains – new research shows 88% of Brits experience pain at least monthly

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If you’ve been feeling more achy, stiff or “creaky” than usual of late, you’re certainly not alone. Health professionals warn that spring can subtly ramp up everyday aches and pains, owing to a potent combination of unpredictable weather, damp conditions, and a sudden surge in physical activity following a largely inactive winter.

GP Nisa Aslam and adviser to Combogesic, said: “88% of Brits experience pain at least monthly according to new real-world data from my colleagues Combogesic, and spring’s unpredictable mix of cold snaps, humidity and fluctuating air pressure can aggravate joint stiffness and trigger flare-ups. These shifts can affect joint tissues and fluid, leading to stiffness or pain, with those living with arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia or migraines particularly affected.

“Research has also confirmed that weather really does affect pain. Wet and cold tolerance changes with the seasons and day-to-day weather fluctuations appear to influence how sensitive people are to pain.”

Why spring can make pain worse

Dr Aslam explained: “Drops in barometric pressure can reduce pressure on the body, allowing tissues and joints to expand slightly and trigger pain – particularly in people with joint or muscle conditions – while headaches and sciatica pain may also worsen. Damp, humid days can make joints feel more swollen, and spring allergies can increase body-wide inflammation and may make joints and muscles painful and sore.

“Rapid temperature swings also play a role, tightening joints in the cold and expanding tissues in sudden warmth. And it’s not just the weather. As the days get brighter, many of us suddenly ramp up activity – from gardening and DIY to running and spring cleaning – putting extra strain on muscles and joints that may not be conditioned after winter.”

Addressing springtime discomforts

Dr Nisa Aslam provided the following advice:

Dress in layers: This prevents muscles and joints from becoming cold and seizing up, while helping you adapt more easily to fluctuating temperatures, reports the Mirror.

Choose anti-inflammatory foods: Incorporate leafy greens (spring greens, spinach), berries and omega-3-rich options (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed) into your diet. Reduce intake of processed foods, which can trigger inflammation.

Select suitable pain relief: Research shows half of Britons rely on paracetamol, with nearly a quarter (23%) combining paracetamol with codeine. However, codeine is an opioid that isn’t suitable for everyone and may cause nausea, constipation, dizziness and headaches – plus carries risks of addiction and overdose.

Ease into spring activities: Gradually increase the duration and intensity of outdoor activities over several weeks, ensuring to include proper warm-up and cool-down routines, as well as correct lifting techniques whether dealing with gym weights or household and garden items. Avoid prolonged repetitive tasks like weeding or scrubbing, take regular breaks and maintain an upright posture.

Tackle allergies head-on: Manage spring allergies as they can cause inflammation, which may also affect the joints. Stay indoors when the pollen count is high.

Keep hydrated: A lack of fluid can impact the joints and lead to pain and stiffness.

Engage in gentle exercise: Activities such as yoga, Pilates, swimming and walking can enhance circulation and ease joint stiffness.

“We are all better for having had her in our lives”

Co Fermanagh murder victim Ellie Flanagan will be remembered as a “shining light” who was “so full of life” by those who knew her.

The 23-year-old was found at an address in the Corban Avenue area of Enniskillen on Saturday evening, March 7. A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and other related offences.

Detectives from the PSNI Major Investigation Team, who launched a murder inquiry following her death, said she was found by officers who were carrying out enquiries relating to a collision which took place on the Carn Road near Tempo at around 9.15pm on Saturday.

READ MORE: Fermanagh murder victim named by police as 23-year-old Ellie FlanaganREAD MORE: Co Fermanagh murder victim is 29th woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020

The local community has been plunged into ‘deep shock’ at the news of Ellie’s death. The young woman worked as a childminder in a play school.

An active member of the local drama scene in Co Fermanagh, Ellie’s friends at the Lakeland Players paid a touching tribute to their “beloved” member who recently shone as the Fairy Godmother in the Christmas Pantomime.

Taking to social media, The Lakeland Players said they were “devastated” sharing the news of her death.

A spokesperson said: “Ellie was a shining light in our group, and was someone who had the ability to brighten up any room as soon as she entered it.

“Our show each year and being part of our group was such a huge element of Ellie’s life, and her enthusiasm and infectious energy made her a perfect example of what we all strive to be in the Lakeland Players.

“Ellie was a fixture of our group for her whole life, joining the chorus at the earliest opportunity and more recently taking on her definitive role of the Fairy Godmother, a role which she embodied so well and undeniably made her own.

“Indeed, her dedication to the group was so much so that she arrived to the first rehearsal for this year’s show knowing all of her own lines, as well as everyone else’s.”

They continued: “There are no words we can use at the moment to describe the hurt and loss being felt across our group, but this pales into insignificance in comparison to the unimaginable loss which has been suffered by Ellie’s mother Karen, her grandparents Attracta and Roger, her dear auntie Marian, all her extended family and her many friends and colleagues.

“Our sincere condolences also go out to all Ellie’s work colleagues at Little Foxes Playgroup and all connected with the Flanagan and Haggins families.

“We gathered as a group this evening to remember Ellie, and an evening which began with sorrow and sadness grew into a gathering where we shared memories, laughter and the songs Ellie loved so much.

“This is exactly how we know Ellie would have wanted it to be, and it became clear that Ellie will be remembered as she lived, full of joy and happiness.

“Ellie was, above all, the most kind and gentle soul anyone could hope to meet, who was so full of life and joy. We are all better for having had her in our lives, and we will all hold dear so many fond memories of our time with her. In her short life, she left an indelible mark on so many.

“She will forever be our Fairy Godmother.”

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