The Farnworth-raised comedian took to Instagram to look back at where it all began ahead of his 10th appearance for England, a milestone that will see him become Soccer Aid’s all-time appearance holder in its 20th anniversary year.

The post highlights just how long he has been part of the event, with images featuring a host of familiar faces from across sport and entertainment.

Over the years, he has shared the pitch with stars including Stormzy, Tom Hiddleston, Jamie Redknapp, Freddie Flintoff, Mo Farah, Olly Murs and Niall Horan.

In the caption, he wrote: “I’m back to make my record-breaking 10th @socceraid for UNICEF appearance.

“Made my first appearance in 2010 and here we are 16 years later!!!

“I’ve got another load of pics for you tomorrow! Too many to show on one carousel.

“This year the match will take place at @londonstadium on Sunday, May 31! Let’s go!!!!”

Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised more than £121 million since it was launched in 2006 by Robbie Williams.

This year’s match will take place at the London Stadium on Sunday, May 31.

Often seen in goal for England, Paddy has become one of the most recognisable faces in the squad over the past 15 years and this latest appearance marks a significant personal milestone.

Samantha Bryan, daughter of child killer Ian Huntley, has said a “funeral is pointless for a man like him” after her dad died this morning.

The daughter of child murder Ian Huntley has broken her silence after his death and called for his ashes to “flushed down the toilet”. Samantha Bryan, 27, said the Soham killer “isn’t worth a funeral” as she spoke for the first time after he died in hospital.

Huntley became one of the most infamous killers in British history after he murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002. In a statement released this morning, the Ministry of Justice said his crimes remain “one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation’s history”.

Speaking for the first time after his death, Samantha said that not only should her late dad’s ashes be flushed “down the toilet”, but he doesn’t deserve a grave and will burn in hell, reports the Mirror.

She told The Sun: “He shouldn’t have the dignity of a funeral and grave. I will not be going. A funeral is pointless for a man like him. Funerals are supposed to be about celebrating someone’s life and there’s nothing about him to celebrate. It takes up people’s valuable time and he’s not worth it.

“There’s no point having a funeral as he’ll burn in hell. There is no place for him in heaven. The devil is waiting.”

Samantha added that she didn’t want a grave for Huntley as she believed “freaks or weirdos” could show him “twisted respect”.

She said: “I don’t want there to ever be any possibility of freaks or weirdos going to a resting place or memorial, to show him some kind of twisted respect. The thought of that is disgusting. For the sake of what he’s done I want people to forget him.” Her attitude towards the killer is in line with the opinion shared by the rest of Soham, who believe the killer’s “not worth their breath or time”.

Huntley died at the age of 52 after he was brutally beaten with a metal pole in a prison attack last week. The double child murder was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle following the attack on Thursday, February 26.

The attack is said to have left him blind and in a ‘vegetative’ state. His life support was turned off overnight.

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In a statement this morning, Durham Constabulary confirmed only that Huntley had died in a hospital on Saturday morning, and that his death following “an incident in the workshop” at the prison were he was being held.

The service confirmed a “police investigation into the circumstances” is now ongoing, with no one arrested or charged in relation to his death.

A spokesperson said: “Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26.

“A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.”

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These Aldi staples help keep ultra-processed foods out of my weekly shop whilst staying on budget.

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Like so many others, I began this year with one goal – to improve my eating habits and, hopefully, enhance my overall wellbeing too. My previous diet wasn’t terrible by any stretch, but there was certainly room for improvement.

The internet is full of information about dietary dos and don’ts right now. But it typically boils down to this – consuming whole foods with minimal processing is likely best for both mental and physical health.

I’ve been making a deliberate effort to add more of these into my meals in 2026, and I’m pleased to report it’s been surprisingly easy.

Dedicating some time to meal planning at the start of each week has been vital for maintaining consistency. While my aim is to reduce ultra-processed foods in my diet, I become bored quite easily, so my meals and snacks must be interesting.

There’s no precise definition of ultra-processed food, but broadly speaking, it refers to food altered with additives and other components you’d be unlikely to find in your kitchen cupboards. Not all UPFs are detrimental to our health – such as wholegrain breakfast cereals, certain types of hummus and seeded bread – but quickly checking the label and selecting items with the fewest or most wholesome-sounding ingredients is sensible, and I believe it’s genuinely improved how I feel, reports the Express.

Luckily, eating well doesn’t have to break the bank. I do the majority of my food shopping at Aldi, and there are five items I consistently add to my basket most weeks.

While they may not all be entirely unprocessed, they’re adaptable and tasty, so here’s what I regularly grab from the aisles.

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Sourdough

Beginning with a quality sourdough loaf. While I’m fond of Jason’s bread, Aldi has significantly improved their sourdough range lately and one of the recent additions might be my new favourite.

The Jason’s ciabattin loaf is typically my first choice, as it’s smaller than a standard sourdough and has a sharper flavour which I adore. Towards the end of last year, Aldi launched their own alternative, and I thin kI’ve purchased it every week since.

You genuinely can’t tell the difference between the two, and with the Aldi one costing £1.59, it’s really a no-brainer. The ingredients are minimal, it freezes great, and it makes the perfect slice of toast – what’s not to love?

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Dark chocolate

Everyone likes a sweet treat, but if you’re keen to stick to your health objectives, dark chocolate is an excellent choice. The higher the cocoa percentage, the better – and Aldi stocks an 85% variety which I purchase without fail every single week.

Each piece is individually wrapped, which is great for portion control. Dark chocolate contains high levels of polyphenols, according to Healthline, which assist the body in combating stress and preventing illness.

I enjoy this in the evenings alongside a cup of tea, or adding it into healthier homemade desserts. At £2.49, it is excellent value for genuinely quality chocolate.

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Peanut butter

While nut butters are calorie-dense, they provide an excellent source of healthy fats. Peanut butter tends to be my favourite, though some varieties are considerably healthier than others.

Numerous jars available in supermarkets contain added sugar and other unnecessary ingredients. I opt for peanut butter containing solely peanuts and nothing else, and Aldi offers an excellent option.

Available in both smooth and crunchy variants, it caters to all preferences. I love this as a snack paired with apple slices, adding it into stir-fry sauces alongside soy and garlic, or adding it to my overnight oats in the morning.

At just £1.59 each, it’s remarkably good value compared to alternative brands such as Whole Earth.

Chia seeds

Following that are chia seeds, which boast exceptionally high fibre content, supporting digestion whilst delivering a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids as well.

As previously mentioned, I find eating identical meals very tedious, so variety is essential for me. Chia pudding has proven to be an excellent choice – the base requires only Greek yogurt, a spoonful of chia seeds and some milk, then simply combine and refrigerate overnight to set.

Then in the morning, you can add whatever toppings you fancy. I alternate between options like raspberry ripple, mango, peanut butter, cinnamon apples, blueberry cheesecake – the seeds make an excellent ingredient and are incredibly satisfying too, all for just £1.69.

Tofu

The last item that consistently makes it into my weekly shop is tofu. This soft protein derived from soya beans is classified as minimally processed, but still offers numerous significant health benefits that deserve recognition.

It serves as an excellent protein source, particularly for those who avoid animal products but still want to support muscle recovery. It also provides all of the essential amino acids your body requires, according to Healthline.

You might assume that tofu lacks flavour, but when prepared properly with enough seasoning, it’s absolutely delicious. I enjoy coating small chunks in cornflour and sesame oil, air frying for 15 minutes, then adding into rice and noodle dishes.

It’s equally tasty in curries, stews and tacos – there are genuinely endless preparation methods, and at Aldi, it costs only 95p per block, which s remarkable value.

A gathering was held at the Sails Sculpture in Glasgow Green where there was also a minute’s silence.

The annual day of reflection six years on from the coronavirus pandemic has been described as a moment for pause and remembrance. Today, Sunday, March 8, marks the annual national Covid-19 day of reflection.

It is a day when those who died are remembered alongside the work of the frontline health and social care workers, volunteers, and researchers who played crucial roles during the period. This year’s day of remembrance comes after the final public hearings in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry – which was formally launched in 2022 – were held last week.

Bereaved families have vowed to keep fighting for justice in memory of their loved ones as the final witness testimony was heard, and there are several more inquiry reports due to be published this year and next. At least 248,000 people in the UK have died with Covid-19 listed as a cause of death, according to the latest available data published by the UK’s statistics agencies.

On Saturday in Scotland, a gathering was held at the Sails Sculpture in Glasgow Green where there was also a minute’s silence. Sunday’s events are expected to include gatherings and commemorations across the four nations of the UK.

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Among them will be a short ceremony at the National Covid Memorial Wall in London where a wreath will be placed and a minute’s silence held at midday. In Wales, Caerphilly County Borough Council will host people at the Ynys Hywel Covid Memorial Woodland, with an informal guided walk and a minute’s silence.

In Northern Ireland live music, poetry and reflective speeches will take place at Belfast City Hall. While community and faith leaders, healthcare professionals and local people will gather in Manchester for a memorial service, storytelling and reflection organised by the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN).

Culture minister Baroness Twycross said: “Whenever I walk along the National Covid Memorial Wall, I’m struck by the 250,000 hand-painted hearts that stretch for half a kilometre. It is a powerful tribute to loved ones who will not be forgotten.

“The pandemic impacted everyone, up and down the country. It touched us all, and the impact of Covid remains.

“We now have the opportunity to come together as a nation to remember the quarter of a million lives lost. We also pay tribute to those on the front line during the pandemic, who made enormous sacrifices, day in, day out, to keep the British public safe – whether in health and social care, education, policing, transport or other frontline services.

“I encourage everyone to mark this day in a way that feels right for them, whether attending a community event or taking a quiet moment of reflection at home.”

Baroness Morgan, chairwoman of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, said: “For so many across the country, the Covid-19 pandemic left a legacy of grief and loss that is still carried today. Everyone lost something.

“This year’s Covid-19 day of reflection is an opportunity for us all to pause and remember the lives lost because of the pandemic, recognising the efforts and sacrifices of frontline workers, as well as the volunteering and community spirit we saw and the contribution of the scientific community.”

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Cody Garbrandt was left throwing up into a bucket after suffering three low blows in quick succession – but still went on to eke out the win in a bizarre fight at UFC 326.

Former bantamweight champion Garbrandt was up against Chinese fighter Xiao Long, hoping to get back in the win column after two successive losses to Deiveson Figueiredo and Raoni Barcelos.

”No Love” put in an encouraging first-round performance, dropping Xiao with a fierce elbow up against the fence, but his outing threatened to be derailed when Xiao connected with the groin not once but twice in the second round.

The second shot, a toe kick to the privates, left Garbrandt lying in agony and the American was soon seen throwing up, initially directly onto the canvas before someone came into the octagon to give him a bucket.

Garbrandt had five minutes to recover but after getting back to his feet and wiping his mouth, he resumed the fight having used just half of that allotted time, with Xiao being deducted a point by referee Herb Dean.

Garbrandt gave his opponent something of a death stare before flying out of the blocks, sending the crowd into raptures.

But the action didn’t get much of a chance kick on again, with Garbrandt falling victim of a third low blow to Xiao before the second round’s end.

That resulted in another point deducted for Xiao, meaning he could not win the bout without a finish.

It led to a bizarre third round, with Xiao knowing he had to go all guns blazing to save the fight, while Garbrandt went as far as to literally run away from his opponent to stay out of the danger zone.

“No Love” managed to see out the contest after subduing Xiao in the clinch, but the drama was not over at the buzzer with Dean needing to hold an incensed Garbrandt back from Xiao.

The pair continued to argue before the result was made official, with UFC security entering the cage to prevent anything from breaking out.

Garbrandt emerged victorious on the scorecards by unanimous decision and Xiao was left to rue his crucial two-point deduction, with all judges scoring the bout 28-27 in the American’s favour.

The tone has always been feisty and combative, but in recent years it seems to me like opinion has ossified, weaponised, and tribalised. There’s a growing fear (among political scientists and others) that in our modern, social media-driven world, every issue is reduced to a zero-sum game and shoved into a political tick box. I feel that I’m walking on eggshells. Causes and positions are embraced uncritically. Nuance and understanding are viewed as signs of weakness. Either you’re with us, or you are history.

The Bolton ‘am dram’ scene puts many other towns to shame and it continues today.

Here we have been into the archives for a few photos which were taken to promote various productions over the years.

The youth group from Farnsworth Little Theatre were presenting Trapped in January 1992 which included scenes from Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox and The Diary of Anne Frank

From Gilbert and Sullivan to uproarious farce and from school musicals to thought-provoking works, Bolton’s societies and schools have been responsible for a dazzling array of productions.

Perhaps you were involved in one of them or maybe you might recognise some of those who were.

The DWP has confirmed that disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), will rise by 3.8 per cent in 2026 – here are the new payment rates

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance will increase by 3.8 per cent for the 2026/27 financial year. The revised weekly payment rates will come into effect from 6 April 2026.

At present, PIP ranges from £29.20 to £187.45 per week, with payments typically issued every four weeks which equates to awards of between £116.80 and £749.80.

A 3.8 per cent rise will see payments increase to between £30.30 and £194.60, or £121.20 and £778.40 every four-week payment period, according to the Daily Record.

PIP payment rates for 2026/27.

PIP is made up of two components – daily living and mobility. From Monday, 6 April, PIP will be paid at the following amounts per week:, reports the Mirror.

Daily Living component.

• Enhanced: £114.60 (from £110.40)
• Standard: £76.70 (from £73.90)

Mobility component.

• Enhanced: £80.00 (from £77.05)
• Standard: £30.30 (from £29.20)

PIP payment combinations for 2026/27.

Individuals on PIP could receive the lowest rate of one or both parts, the highest rate of one or both parts, or a mixed award of the lower or higher rates of each component.

The DWP will send letters to all claimants before April detailing their new payment rates. There are eight possible awards, these are listed below.

Single component award only.

You may be awarded the lower or higher daily living or mobility component:

• Standard daily living only – £76.70 per week, £306.80 per pay period
• Enhanced daily living only – £114.60 per week, £458.40 per pay period
• Standard mobility only – £30.30 per week, £121.20 per pay period
• Enhanced mobility only – £80.00 per week, £320.00 per pay period

Lower rate for daily living and mobility.

If you are on the lower rates of both components, your new payments are forecast to be:

• Standard daily living and standard mobility – £107 per week, £428 per pay period

Higher rate for daily living and mobility.

If you are on the higher rates of both components, your new payments are forecast to be:

• Enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility – £194.60 per week, £778.40 per pay period

Lower rate of one component and higher rate of the other.

If you are on the lower rate of one component and the higher rate of the other, your new payments are forecast to be:

• Standard daily living and enhanced mobility – £156.70 per week, £626.80 per pay period
• Enhanced daily living and standard mobility – £144.90 per week, £579.60 per pay period

Remember, PIP and all disability benefits are tax-free and do not affect the benefit cap.

It comes as the popular UK sports channel prepares for one of the “most highly anticipated” F1 seasons in recent years, which began in Australia yesterday (March 6).

With this in mind, consumers can expect a “deeper way to watch F1” such as a “new immersive sidebar”.

New feature for Sky Sports F1 2026 coverage revealed

Sky revealed: “New for 2026, fans can look forward to even more flexibility and choice with a new immersive sidebar for TV viewing during race weekends.

Jenson Button and Craig Slater discussed the first F1 qualifying of the season which saw George Russell claim a dominant pole position for Mercedes in Australia 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/DiJW9HHWnK

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 7, 2026

“Features will include Race Control, Recap and in-race standings plus dedicated driver & team pages with onboard cams, enhanced data, explainers and improved homepage navigation.”

The feature will be available later this season for Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Sky Q customers (an official date has not yet been confirmed).

Additionally, as part of the Sky Sports F1 coverage this season, fans will be able to select an onboard live stream of any of the 20 drivers.

This will be complete with team radio messages for every race, Sprint, qualifying and practice. 

Elsewhere, viewers will have access to pre-race insights and VIP interviews from the track, approximately 30 minutes before “lights out”. 

As part of The F1 Show, on  Fridays, the Sky Sports team will be previewing the race ahead and bringing customers the latest news live from the paddock on Sky Sports F1. 

Sky continued: “They will be with you on Tuesdays to break down all the action from the weekend and take on fan questions – available on YouTube or as an audio listen for fans on the go.”

For those who are non-Sky subscribers but want “instant, contract-free access” to all Sky Sports channels including Sky Sports F1, you can purchase a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership. 

When is Sky Ultimate TV package with Netflix, HBO Max and more launching in UK?

The new F1 features on Sky Sports isn’t the only recent update from the TV giant, with the release of the Ultimate TV package now just weeks away.

In February, the company announced a “world-first” single subscription including the likes Sky, Disney+, Hayu, Netflix and HBO Max.

The entertainment bundle will be available from £24 a month, starting April 1.

At the time, Sophia Ahmad, chief consumer officer at Sky shared that Sky Ultimate TV “marks a new era for Sky and NOW”.

Sophia explained: “Nowhere else offers this breadth of incredible entertainment in a fully integrated experience, with everything customers love watching side by side so viewers can jump from show to show with ease.

“Millions of existing customers will get easy access to this new line-up as standard at unbeatable value.

“All NOW Entertainment customers will get access to HBO Max, included at no extra cost, fully integrated within the NOW app.

“We’re proud to continue Sky’s legacy of innovation, making it easier than ever for people to enjoy the very best entertainment and best experience, all in one place.”

Eddie Howe has warned Arsenal that Manchester City are getting back to their best form under Pep Guardiola after Newcastle United’s FA Cup exit.

City ran out deserving 3-1 winners over Newcastle in the FA Cup fifth round at St James’ Park on Saturday night to secure their place in the quarter-final draw.

Harvey Barnes had given Newcastle the lead in the 18th minute but City equalised through Savinho before a second-half double from Omar Marmoush sealed the win for Guardiola’s men.

Meanwhile, City currently sit seven points behind Arsenal in the Premier League table after they were held at home to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest earlier this week.

But Howe believes City are now hitting top form and claims Guardiola’s side have been ‘the best team’ Newcastle have faced this season.

‘I think that they [City] made changes to their team but I think you see the strength in depth that they have and they possess,’ Howe said after Newcastle’s defeat.

‘I think that was probably a step too far for us today against them when they’re in that mood, I thought they were excellent and we fell away in the game.

‘We seemed to lose our energy but they do that to you because they keep the ball so well, they make you run, they make you chase, then you’re tired and you make another technical mistake and you’re chasing again.

‘They’ve done that for years. That’s why, for me, they’ve been the best team that we’ve continually faced and today I thought they were in a really good place and we just fell out of energy.

‘I don’t think it was necessarily a tactical problem for us, it was more the way they play and how good they are technically. They took a stranglehold of the ball and when we got it back we gave it away too easily, maybe looking too vertical and not horizontal enough at times.

‘Then as soon as you make a technical mistake against them you’re not seeing the ball again for long periods and then your energy just drains away.

‘That’s why they’ve been the best team for so long and I think they’re coming back into the type of form that makes them that team again. They’re evolving into a different version of what they’ve been before but very, very effective.’

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