Four years ago, Robert Brovdi was more comfortable in auction houses like Christie’s than filthy trenches. A well-off grain dealer in those days, with a sideline as an art collector, fragments of his pre-war life survive in the paintings and sculptures by Ukrainian artists dotted around the bunker. They’re displayed beside missile casings and captured drones. He’s an ethnic Hungarian, from Uzhhorod in western Ukraine, and best known by his military call sign, Magyar. Clean-shaven before the war, he now wears a long ginger and grey-speckled beard.

It is no surprise Lingard is following developments at Manchester United closely, and he reflects on an “amazing chapter” at his boyhood club.

Lingard spent 20 years at United, leaving in June 2022 when his contract expired. He joined Nottingham Forest the following month.

“We achieved amazing things,” he says. “But there’s going to be a point in time where you move on. For me, it was Korea.”

Lingard knows “everyone was a bit shocked” when he moved there, but says he needed to do so to focus on football and “clear my mind”.

Like Corinthians, United have had a turbulent season, but are on course to return to the Champions League following an upturn in form since Michael Carrick succeeded Ruben Amorim as manager in January.

Lingard says United have come on “leaps and bounds” under his former team-mate and is certain Carrick should be given the job permanently.

“It can be difficult with different managers coming in, having different ideas, different personnel,” he says.

“But I think they’re really on the right track with Michael. I know him from my United days. I know how he operates. The lads are doing really well under him.

“He’s got that Manchester United DNA inside of him. He knows the ins and outs of the club.”

Lingard remains in close contact with United captain Bruno Fernandes.

“He always wanted to see the best of me at United,” says Lingard. “He’s always been a guy that’s been there, that I can always reach out to.”

Fernandes, 31, has provided 18 assists in the Premier League season – two short of the record with five matches remaining.

Former team-mate Paul Pogba said earlier this week that Fernandes would be in contention to win the Ballon d’Or if he played for a team like Manchester City.

Lingard believes Fernandes should be in the running anyway.

“100%,” he says. “His performances at Manchester United this season have been extraordinary. He has to be up there.”

South Wales Police is appealing for help locating Lucy Jones, 40, who is missing from Bridgend.

The force says Lucy was last seen at 3.35pm yesterday (Sunday, April 26) in Brackla, walking in the direction of Wildmill.

She was wearing a black denim jacket with blue denim jeans and suede boots which have fur on them, and carrying a blue blanket. She is of skinny build, with long, dark hair.

If you have seen Lucy, or have any information which will help to find her, please contact South Wales Police quoting ref: 2600128599.

How many of these classic Mancunian insults and put-downs have you been on the receiving end of?

Are you likely to dish out a ‘do one’ or tell someone their new haircut is bobbins? Perhaps you regularly refer to the large group of youths doing wheelies by the park as a bunch of ‘scrotes’?

If so, then you are certainly well-versed in the lexicon of Mancunian insults and put-downs. For decades, two of the city’s most famous sons, Liam and Noel Gallagher, have regularly displayed their expertise in mixing up some rustic Anglo Saxon with a classic Manc insult.

This week, it was reported that the University of Sheffield is compiling a “swear map” of regional words and phrases across the UK. The academics involved hope to create a snapshot of how English is spoken in 2026, at a time when they say the language is evolving faster than ever.

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They’ve even set up a link for people to contribute their local salty language, particularly if it is specific to a town or city and may not be known elsewhere.

Around Manchester, as well as liberally peppering our sentences with swear words commonly heard throughout the UK, we’ve also had our own, let’s say, more creative insults and put-downs to add to the linguistic mix.

So if you’re looking for the perfect put-down to describe your mate who just won’t stop scrikin’ (crying), then you might find it in our list below.

1. ‘Angin

Usage: ‘She’s had nine jagerbombs and a kebab. She’s proper ‘angin’

Describes the dreadful feeling that follows a hangover or overindulgence. Also used to describe something unpleasant or rough-looking.

2. Cob on

Usage: ‘Why’s our kid gone home?’

‘No idea, he’s got a right cob on.’

When someone is being grumpy, bad-tempered, miserable or sulking, they are said to have a ‘cob on’. (And more often than not, a ‘right cob on’)

3. Couldn’t stop a pig in a ginnel

Usage: ‘The state of Frank’s legs in those jeans. He couldn’t stop a pig in a ginnel’

A colourful way of describing someone with bandy legs.

4. Do one / off you pop

Usage: ‘You’re doing me ‘ead in. Do one.’

Typically deployed when you want someone to leave or be quiet.

5. Give your ‘ead a wobble

Usage: “Lager and lime? Give your ‘ead a wobble!”

Telling someone to reconsider their actions or decisions.

6. Is it ‘eck as like

Usage: ‘The Printworks is the best night out in Manchester’

‘Is it ‘eck as like’

To express strong disagreement with something or what somebody has said.

7. Mardy

Usage: ‘I can’t be fussed hanging around with Donna, she’s being a right mardy get’

When somebody is being soft, a cry baby or won’t stop sulking.

8. Mingin’

Usage: ‘The toilets in there are mingin”

Describing something that is horrible/revolting/unpleasant.

9. Daft ‘apeth

Usage: ‘He dropped his phone in his pint again, the daft ‘apeth’

Describing a foolish or silly person, but usually in a light hearted way. Also sometimes pronounced as daft ha’p’orth.

10. Rank

Usage: ‘That pub is well rank’

Describing something that is disgusting.

11. Shut yer cake ‘ole

Usage: ‘I wish Liam would shut his cake ‘ole. He’s always scrikin’ over that bird.’

Telling somebody to be quiet.

12. Snide

Usage: ‘Give us a chip, don’t be snide’

Accusing somebody of being tight or ungenerous.

13. Mither

Usage: ‘I can’t be mithered with town’

When something is too much hassle/aggravation/effort.

14. ‘What did they cut your hair with, a knife and fork?’

Quite self explanatory, but a question asked to somebody you think has had a poor haircut.

15. Seen their a**e

Usage: “Well someone’s seen their a**e haven’t they”?

They are annoyed.

16. Peckin’

Usage: ‘You’re peckin’ me ‘ead.’

You are annoying me.

17. Stop ya chattin’

Stop talking a load of rubbish.

18. More life in a tramp’s vest

Usage: “I’ve seen more life in a tramp’s vest”

You probably heard this a lot during your moping, teenage years for being too lethargic and not enthusiastic enough for your mum or dad.

19. Strop

Usage: “She threw a strop soon as I got in.”

An outburst or tantrum.

20. Bobbins

Usage: “That film was bobbins.”

Not very good.

21. Chufty bag

Usage: ‘What were you expectin’ – a chufty bag?’

A non-existent medal for doing something insignificant and expecting a reward.

22. Scrotes

Usage: ‘Some little scrotes are hanging about outside.’

A delinquent group of youths that are up to no good. Also Scallies.

‘Great outdoor box, really easy to put together, even for me, being a lady in my early seventies’

Households without a shed or a garage may find it hard to store items such as DIY tools, bikes, and gardening equipment. An alternative, that costs less and takes up less assembly time, is an outdoor storage box.

These can be particularly useful for people with smaller gardens, yards or even balconies. There are many options on the market, including a Keter Samoa Outdoor Storage Box from Dunelm that shoppers praise for its durability and outdoor use.

The Keter Samoa Outdoor Storage Box is priced at £59 and has a 270-litre capacity, which the retailer recommends as being ‘perfect for smaller spaces’. It’s made from a moulded resin with a rattan effect and is water-resistant, helping keep belongings dry.

Dunelm’s Keter Samoa Outdoor Storage Box arrives flat-packed, so it needs to be assembled upon delivery. It’s a black colourway and is easy to wash – simply use a damp cloth. The external dimensions are width: 45cm x length: 117cm x height 57cm. The internal dimensions are width: 40cm x length: 114.4cm x height: 51cm.

For larger options, shoppers may opt for this Keter 880-litre Outdoor Storage Box from B&Q, priced at £125. The unit can be used to store items, such as toys and tools, or as a bin box, as it has a lift-away lid.

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£59

Dunelm

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Dunelm’s Keter Samoa Outdoor Storage Box is perfect for those without a shed or garage.

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Over at Amazon, this Outdoor Deck Box is £114. It’s part of the marketplace’s own-brand homeware range and has a 375-litre capacity. It’s made from a double-wall resin construction with a wicker pattern.

Dunelm’s Keter Samoa Outdoor Storage Box has an overall rating of 4.6 out of five, based on 31 reviews. One person wrote: “I bought two for nine-seater garden furniture cushions, which all fit in. We have covered them for extra protection. I am very happy with them, worth the price and easy to put together.”

Another pleased user wrote: “Spacious box. It fits all my tools from the outside toilet into this box, and now I have a functioning outdoor toilet!” An equally happy consumer penned: “Great outdoor box, really easy to put together, even for me, being a lady in my early seventies. You can also get a lot inside it.”

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One person knocked off two stars because of the set-up, explaining: “Good size but was difficult to assemble and flimsy.” Luckily, an additional shopper had more luck, saying: “Bought some cooking gear for the grill, to include crockery and utensils.”

Someone else said it was ‘exactly what I was looking for’, adding: “It looks great, completely waterproof and looks lovely.”

“Good storage container for a small space. The clip-on lid easily breaks. We had to buy two extra clips to keep the storage container closed,” another user said. Whilst another person remarked: “My cushions from the garden furniture are nicely stored away in my Keter Samoa storage box, nice and dry despite all the heavy rain we have been having.”

A final shopper concluded: “This is a well-priced garden storage box that simply clicks together. We use it to store kindling for our wood burner and so far, it seems to keep everything dry. It was available to collect from our local store within 48 hours of ordering online and we were helped to carry it to our car. All in all, very satisfied with both the service, price and product.”

The report suggests landowners may be less likely to plant trees due to the policy shift, with more than 200 woodland owners, estate managers and agents taking part in the study.

The survey was conducted by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), the Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor), and the Royal Forestry Society (RFS).

Gavin Lane, president of the CLA, said: “A drop in tree planting, earlier felling, land sales – these are the warnings from the UK’s forestry sector, as woodlands risk becoming unintended casualties of the government’s inheritance tax changes.

“We know these reforms are hurting family-owned businesses across the UK, but their impact on forestry has received far less attention.”

Mr Lane said: “The government has legally binding environmental targets and ambitions to accelerate tree planting.

“This evidence suggests those goals are now in danger, undermining the sector and the investment made to date.”

Just one third of respondents in the survey said they believed they would not be affected by the tax changes.

Almost 60 per cent said they were now less likely to create new woodland, directly conflicting with government woodland creation ambitions.

In response to the policy changes, many landowners are now considering earlier timber harvesting, woodland sales or adjusting succession plans. Others said they may be reducing future investment in woodland management.

The survey highlights that while forestry can represent significant capital value, it often yields low income and long-term, irregular returns.

Family-owned woodlands and mixed estates are seen as especially vulnerable, facing risks of fragmentation, earlier felling and reduced long-term management.

Such trends could carry serious consequences for domestic timber supply, carbon storage, nature recovery and continuous cover forestry.

The evidence is being sent to the Treasury and Defra, with the CLA also writing to MPs and other industry stakeholders highlighting the concerns of our members.

Antony opens up on life following his troubled spell at Manchester United

Antony has described leaving Manchester United as the best decision of his life as he flourishes at Real Betis. The 26-year-old was part of the so-called ‘bomb squad,’ a group of United players considered surplus to requirements and made available for transfer.

Its other members were Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia. Last summer, Antony completed a permanent move to Betis, where he had experienced a successful loan spell during the second half of last season.

Although United absorbed a substantial financial loss on a player they bought from Ajax for around £80million, his exit benefited both parties after a disappointing stint at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian is maximising his fresh start, based on his form this season, delivering 13 goals and nine assists. Betis sit fifth in the Spanish top flight and could qualify for the Champions League if La Liga receives an additional spot, though that could still be awarded to the Bundesliga.

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Speaking about his decision to convert his Betis loan into a permanent transfer, Antony told ESPN Brazil: “It was one of the best decisions of my life to stay at Betis.

“I am very happy. My family weighed heavily in the decision. Seeing them happy is important. It makes things lighter on the pitch when the family is well.”

READ MORE: Man Utd identify another Casemiro replacement as summer transfer plans step upREAD MORE: Marcus Rashford makes clear Barcelona point amid Man Utd transfer scrutiny

Antony is hopeful that his current form will earn him a spot in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for the World Cup. He said: “My biggest dream is to play in the World Cup, but I have to do my part, my work. The national team is a consequence.

“I really want to return, to play in my second World Cup. It is always my objective to wear the national team shirt.”

Antony also opened up last year, revealing he was a new man following his unhappy spell at Old Trafford. He told the FIFA website: “The new Antony is someone who has learned from hardships, who respects the process and has found joy in playing again.

“Today, I can proudly say that I’m living my best life, in a place where I’ve chosen to settle with my wife and children, in a city that has welcomed us with open arms and helped me find peace.

“The tranquillity I’ve found off the pitch has had a positive impact on my performances on it. I feel more mature, aware of my responsibilities and happy about every training session and match.”

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Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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A former charity shop volunteer has shared an insider tip for finding cheaper items – while other bargain hunters revealed how they bagged their best thrift store finds

Shopping in charity shops is fulfilling as you’re able to contribute money to a worthy cause while snapping up bargains yourself. While customers can frequently pick up items at attractive prices, a volunteer has a different role – one with rules they must follow.

Previously, charity shop workers urged visitors to stop donating one particularly unsavoury item. Now, social media users were eager to discover what some shoppers have picked up during previous visits to their local thrift store. One individual revealed they nabbed a hat for £1 bearing the slogan “Hey there weirdo”, among other “great charity shop finds”.

The thread also prompted a former charity shop worker to come forward and share a useful tip for securing future bargains.

In the Reddit post, the individual said: “I used to work in a charity shop. My best find was a pure cashmere cardigan worth over £100 I got for £5!

“To be fair, from the perspective of a charity shop retail worker it is a shop and not a boot sale (the charity still has to make a profit after all), but if you want cheaper prices, I do think it depends on the area!”

The person suggested that specific areas tend to be pricier, making it the place where certain items can be discovered.

Another contributor disclosed: “Back in 2001, When I was 19, I volunteered in a charity shop as part of a job centre course. Someone donated a N64 with five games, two controllers, memory pack, etc.

“The manager couldn’t sell it, as they didn’t have a license to sell electronics. I asked her how much she wanted for it, as it would be a waste binning it, and she sold it to me for £5. I was on £40 a week at the time, I felt like I’d won the lottery.”

What can you donate to charity?

Clothing and accessories are typically welcomed by charity shops, along with homeware, media and entertainment, toys and games, as well as quality bedding, linens and unwanted gifts.

Other items, such as furniture and electricals, are frequently sought after but come with certain restrictions – for example, a sofa would need its safety labels still attached.

Charity shops also maintain a list of items they simply will not accept. This covers anything broken, dirty or damaged. Safety equipment, such as helmets and car seats, are turned away, as are mains-powered electrical items (unless they have undergone specialist testing).

Furthermore, medical equipment, used pillows, and worn underwear are also refused by charity shops.

The North East Dog Festival will take place at Kirkley Hall in Northumberland on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23.

Established in 2015, the festival promises a packed weekend of dog-themed entertainment, activities, and shopping.

Rebecca and Dawn, directors of the festival, said: “When we started the North East Dog Festival, it was simply about creating something special for dog lovers like us.

“Seeing how it’s grown into such a loved event across the region is something we’re incredibly proud of.

North East Dog Show is returning this August. (Image: NORTH EAST DOG SHOW)

“Over the last decade we’ve kept a strong focus on dog welfare and education and the community aspect has organically grown.

“We genuinely can’t wait to welcome everyone back in 2026.”

The festival will feature more than 10 ‘have-a-go’ activities delivered in partnership with Mains Cottages, including flyball, trick training, and fastest recall – with options for dogs of all ages and abilities.

The Main Arena will showcase live demonstrations and performances such as agility, flyball, and a new Hoopers showcase.

Charity dog shows will also take place, raising funds for Northumberland Dog Rescue and Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter and offering visitors the chance to enter their pets in a range of fun classes.

North East Dog Show is returning this August. (Image: NORTH EAST DOG SHOW)

The Clever K9 Ring will offer free training sessions throughout the day on topics such as recall, loose lead walking and canine confidence.

And a Wellbeing Area will host expert talks on behaviour, training, nutrition, and rehabilitation.

Visitors can also explore the Breeds, Bants & Brains area, shop from more than 120 dog-friendly exhibitors and enjoy food and drink stalls for all the family.

Early bird tickets are on sale now. More information and tickets are available at northeastdogfestival.com.

Will you be heading to the event? Let us know in the comments.

Commuters have described the rising St Neots station parking prices as ‘extortionate’, with many saying they feel left with no alternative but to pay or abandon the train altogether

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CambridgeshireLive readers have been voicing their concerns about escalating station car parking charges, with many saying they feel caught between steep costs, restricted alternatives and conflicting messages about transport choices.

Commuters have branded price rises for car parking at a Cambridgeshire railway station as “extortionate”. Parking at St Neots station previously cost £4.40 during off-peak hours, which run between 10am and 5pm. This charge has now jumped to £11.30 for parking until 5pm on weekdays.

Some readers challenged the notion that driving to the station is necessarily beneficial. Freddly says: We mustn’t make the error of thinking that driving to a train station to take the train is virtuous. It’s better than driving all the way to work, but it’s still hauling yourself around the city in a ton of steel.”

Camssurvivor adds: “Interestingly, between 1960 and the 1990’s passenger numbers were stable . Since they were privatised in the ’90’s passengers numbers have grown by 50% . Will they decrease again with renationalising next year?”

Windypants believes: “There should be no parking at any station anywhere. There is plenty of room for bikes on the train. In fact, they should make trains cycle-on/cycle off like the Eurotunnel, that way we can remain on our bikes at all times.”

Banthebikes disagrees: “If you have no parking at stations, then people will not use the train and travel by car. You should think a little before you comment, as for making trains just for cyclists, that would make them like a cycle way and not be used.”

Over on our Facebook page, Rachel B comments: “To be fair in my home town, all parking is free except if you park at the train station. And they wonder why people avoid (where possible) parking at the train station! I avoid using the train now, due to station parking costs and very high ticket prices, it’s actually cheaper for me to drive!”

Frank M writes: “The problem is also that there are too many cars (2-3 per household). As a result, cars are parked on yellow lines, cycle/foot paths, and specific allocated parking for disabled, visitors. A station may increase the parking problem in the surrounding areas.”

Patrick D. L says: “If the price is too cheap, then there won’t be any spaces available when you get there.”

John Moore believes: “Ridiculous and will drive people off the trains and drive more. I thought the idea was to attract people to use the trains.”

Do you agree with the parking prices at this station? Comment HERE or below to join in the conversation.