Royal Mail has launched an investigation into allegations that a postman claimed to have ‘dumped’ Reform UK campaign leaflets in a bin.

A post on a Facebook group for Royal Mail staff said: ‘My DO had reform party’s D2D today. I dumped them all in a bin. They can sack me! Idgaf!’

It was shared in a private 30,000-member Facebook group called Royal Mail Chat, which is open to Royal Mail employees and partners, as well as members of the Communication Workers Union – a trade union covering postal delivery workers.

A Reform UK legal representative wrote a letter of complaint to Alistair Cochrane, chief executive of Royal Mail, that said the screenshot was circulated on or around Saturday.

‘DO’ is an acronym for delivery office, ‘D2D’ for door-to-door or unaddressed advertising mail.

Party leader Nigel Farage said on X: ‘It is right that @‌RoyalMail has launched a full investigation into this allegation.

‘If found to be true, it would be very disturbing and an attack on the democratic process itself.’

Royal Mail issued a statement saying it ‘plays a crucial role in elections’, adding: ‘We take our responsibility very seriously and do not tolerate the deliberate non-delivery of mail.

‘We are investigating this allegation and remain committed to impartial delivery for all candidates.’

Reform demanded an immediate and thorough internal investigation within three days of its letter, dated Saturday, and a full written explanation.

It requested details of any compensation measures that Royal Mail might propose to offer Reform UK for the ‘loss and disruption caused by this incident’.

The party is also seeking confirmation that appropriate disciplinary action has or will be taken against any employee found to have participated in or condoned the destruction of the materials.

On the Facebook post, the legal representative said: ‘This admission provides clear prima facie evidence of the deliberate destruction or non-delivery of Reform UK’s door-to-door campaign materials that had been entrusted to Royal Mail.

‘Such conduct constitutes a wilful breach of Royal Mail’s statutory and contractual obligations to deliver mail and literature impartially and efficiently.

‘It also undermines the democratic process and Reform UK’s lawful right to engage in political campaigning.’

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The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond

Here are your rugby evening headlines for Sunday, April 26.

Dragons sign impressive winger

The Dragons have signed RGC wing Caio Parry ahead of next season, following a fine season in Super Rygbi Cymru.

Parry has been one of the league’s most potent players, crossing for 14 tries in 19 matches this season.

The 20-year-old also ranks highly for defenders beaten and linebreaks, while he’s also turned out for GB 7s in Rugby Europe Championship.

After RGC’s SRC hopes were ended with a quarter-final loss against Llandovery on the weekend, their coach Jon Callard confirmed the Dragons were signing Parry for next season.

“Caio Parry is going to go on to the Dragons, which is fantastic for us,” said Callard to S4C.

Welsh boss ‘delighted’ after narrowly missing out on scalp

Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies says he is delighted with the players after they came close to knocking over play-off-chasing Bulls in Llanelli.

A strong display against the Springbok-laden Bulls nearly produced a win for the west Walians, only for the boot of Handre Pollard to deny them. Even so, Davies was pleased with what he saw.

“At this level, the margins are narrow and we are working hard to make sure we are on the right side of these victories,” he said.

“We are getting there, there were a couple of key moments in the game, but overall I am just delighted with the players; I thought they were brave out there, they kept on going, we executed the gameplan really well which gave us an opportunity to win the game. I am really, really pleased with the way the boys reacted to last week.”

Davies added: “In the main, I thought we managed the game well – maybe we didn’t switch to a different type of gameplan when they were down to 13, the scrum at the end was another moment – but that is how it goes sometimes, particularly when you are a side still looking to find its feet. We are getting close and that was a real statement of intent to where this team is going.

“We are moving forward, we are gradually knocking down all the things we are talking about, we have a real clear plan moving forward and the boys are starting to execute on the field. There is a lot of hope to take from that performance.”

Northampton unhappy despite late win

Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson was unhappy with their performance against Bath, despite winning 41-38 at Franklin’s Gardens.

Bath rested a number of players for their top of the table Prem clash, with one eye on a European semi-final against Bordeaux-Begles next week.

As such, celebrations were muted when Northampton did sneak over the line late on.

“We weren’t getting through anything we wanted to execute,” said Dowson.

“We stopped playing a little bit, got into lots of box kick battles, which definitely suits Bath, and I thought their back three were excellent, in terms of dealing with those and getting Bath on the front foot.

“Defensively, we weren’t at it, particularly that part of our game was again poor, so (defence coach) Lee Radford is particularly annoyed.

“Those elements feed into how we want to attack and play, and I think some of our decision making was a bit restricted in the second half.”

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And what tourists don’t know about this charming historic street still makes locals smile.

Tucked in the shadow of York Minster, Grape Lane links the steady flow of shoppers on Low Petergate with the bars and restaurants of Swinegate, brushing past the entrance to Coffee Yard and Barley Hall along the way.

Coffee Yard, off Grape Lane, in 1968.

Today it feels almost dainty: boutique shops, delis, small cafés and polished frontages, the kind of lane visitors wander down to get that all-important Instagram-worthy selfie. But behind the neat signs and soft lighting lies one of the city’s bluntest old street names – one that the Victorians quietly tweaked.

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So how did Grape Lane get its name?

At first glance, it sounds genteel, and you’d be forgiven for expecting to see vines or wine merchants lining the street. Many visitors assume just that, reading “Grape” as the fruit and thinking no further. But local guides, historians and long-term residents of this city know better.

Grape Lane, on the left, where it leads into the steady flow of shoppers on Low Petergate, pictured here in 1984.

Medieval records show the street was once known as “Grope Lane” or the even less refined “Grapc*** Lane” , linked directly to prostitution in the area and York’s former red‑light district.

The “grap/grape” element is widely understood to derive from “grope”, while the more explicit version of the name appears in documents from the 14th century onwards.

Its spelling and respectability certainly wandered.

The street first turns up in the records in 1276 as “venella Sancti Benedicti”, the lane of St Benedict, before the more notorious form emerges in the 14th century.

Swinegate in about 1900. Grape Lane is on the left, with Mad Alice Lane behind the group of children on the right.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, as attitudes shifted, many such streets across England saw their names laundered; in York, “Grope” had become “Grape”, a change often attributed to Victorian delicacy. The result is the seemingly harmless sign you see today – one that still prompts a knowing smile from locals who have heard the older name.

What is Grape Lane known for?

A more recent photo of Grape Lane from 2024.

Small it may be, but Grape Lane packs in a surprising amount of built history. On its north‑west side stands 7 Grape Lane, a house dating from about 1600, alongside later Georgian and Victorian properties at numbers 13, 15 and 17.

Most striking is No. 19, an early 15th‑century timber‑framed building that once formed part of a passage to Coffee Yard; later heightened and refronted in brick, it spent time in the 19th century as the Bloomsbury pub and is now in use as a restaurant. Inside, elements of the medieval timber frame survive, including an early cross wall and original stud pattern on the first floor, although the building has been heavily altered over time, including restoration after a fire in the late 20th century.

The Coach And Horses Inn in Swinegate.

Today, the lane’s reputation has shifted from scandal to sparkle.

Former houses of ill‑repute have given way to boutiques, cafés and bars, and by walking from Low Petergate down Coffee Yard and out onto Grape Lane you can trace a line from Roman and medieval activity to a thoroughly modern snickelway lined with independent businesses. In the evenings, the warm glow of lights and the spill of conversation from nearby venues on Swinegate give the cobbles an almost stage‑set quality, a far cry from the trade that once gave the street its name.

Short it may be, but Grape Lane’s name, hidden history and resilient old buildings ensure it leaves a lasting impression – whether you come for the shops, the stories, or simply because a guide has just told you what it used to be called.

She is fronting Metrocentre’s Fashion & Beauty Weekender in Gateshead, held on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, as part of the centre’s ongoing 40th birthday celebrations.

The free event features catwalk shows, beauty masterclasses, and live entertainment in Town Square, as well as a dedicated ‘beauty playground’ in Exhibition Square.

Metrocentre Fashion Weekender. (Image: KEVIN GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY/NICKY ROGERSON)

Helen Atkinson, marketing manager at Metrocentre, said: “Now a firm favourite on the spring-summer calendar, our fashion and beauty weekender grows year on year – but never more so than in 2026, as we celebrate 40 years since opening.

Metrocentre Fashion Weekender. (Image: KEVIN GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY/NICKY ROGERSON)

“With support from our retailers and partners, we’re creating a weekend that truly reflects everything Metrocentre stands for – style, experience and something for everyone.”

Metrocentre Fashion Weekender. (Image: KEVIN GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY/NICKY ROGERSON)

Metrocentre Fashion Weekender. (Image: KEVIN GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY/NICKY ROGERSON)

The event includes a runway show curated by charity Daisy Chain, showcasing outfits styled from donated clothing, and paid tribute to Metrocentre’s four decades of fashion.

Masterclasses and beauty demos ran throughout the weekend, with four fashion shows scheduled each day at 11am, 1pm, 2.30pm, and 4pm, and beauty masterclasses at 11.30am and 2pm.

Metrocentre first opened its doors on October 14, 1986, and was developed by Sir John Hall as what was then billed as the biggest shopping centre in Europe.

Allie Noble confronted a large black bear that had wandered into her garden and went for her fruit trees.

A Scottish mum living in Canada has gone viral after hilarious footage of her fearlessly chasing a bear out of her garden exploded online. The clip shows Allie Noble confronting a large black bear that had wandered into her garden, casually shouting and gesturing until the animal retreats.

While many people may have been left terrified at seeing a dangerous animal at such close proximity, especially having originally lived in Glasgow, Allie showed no fear. She even went on the offensive to keep the beast away from her precious cherry plum tree.

The mum-of-four can be heard yelling “it better not eat my f***ing plums – it is! Move, move.” She then opens the door and shoos it away, shouting again: “Move! Away from my plums!”.

Thousands of viewers have been left in stitches after viewing the clip – with many left stunned by her calm reaction. Allie has explained, however, that this was nothing out of the ordinary – with bears a common sight near her home in Vancouver Island.

Speaking to the Record, the 32-year-old said: “I lived on Vancouver Island for three years, and honestly, this kind of thing happened all the time. Bears are quite common, especially if you have fruit trees.

“I had cherry plums and cherries in the garden, so they were always coming around. It is quite difficult to grow them so I wanted to get him away.

“You’re also not supposed to feed them because if they keep coming back, they’ll eventually be put down. So I was trying to scare it off for its own good as much as ours.”

Despite how dangerous it looks, Allie said the reality is far less dramatic. “They’re more scared of you than you are of them”, she said. I’ve had them walk right past me while I was outside with the kids – they don’t even seem bothered.”

The incident took place back in July and Allie, from Pollok, has since moved back home. She says the clip was never meant to go public but, after months of trying, her brother finally managed to convince her to post it.

“He kept telling me to share it because he found it so funny, but I’m not really into social media,” she said. “I’ve got four kids, so I’m busy – I don’t post much. But I finally put it up and it just blew up.”

The reaction caught Allie completely off guard. She laughed: “I was so embarrassed. I turned my phone off because I couldn’t believe how far it had gone. I’m just glad it is giving people a good laugh.”

The clip has been viewed on TikTok nearly 50,000 times and users flooded to the comments in disbelief at the hilarious encounter. One person wrote: “This is the most Scottish maw thing I have ever seen! The bear is no match!!”

Another said: “I’m howling at you pssssssting it like it’s a cat. Oh my days.” Meanwhile, a third added: “I have never been more proud to be Scottish.”

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Members of York Scouts and Girlguiding groups met for an annual procession and celebration in the city centre, walking a loop from York Minster, through city centre foot streets this afternoon (April 26).

Many of the city centre streets were closed to traffic as crowds cheered and waved along the procession route, for a parade said to be one of the largest in the country.

The parade through the city centre would be repeated after two services in the city centre (Image: Kevin Glenton)

After the first event, which began at 1.20pm, Squirrels, Beavers and Rainbows attended a service at Central Methodist Church in St Saviourgate, with the Lord Mayor greeting all others before a service in York Minster.

Claire Scott, 1st Heworth Group leader, said: “It’s a beautiful day, our Beavers and Squirrels really enjoyed their service at the Central Methodist Church.

“It was really tailored towards their ages (four to eight).

“They are very excited about the upcoming procession because we’re going off with the older groups.”

Jimmy was bearing the flag for the Beavers in the group in the parade and said it made him feel proud to be leading them, and Harry, doing the same on behalf of the group’s Squirrels, said it was exciting.

1st Heworth Scout Group and leaders (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Anne Newby, a leader at Haxby Brownies and Guides has been involved in more than 40 York St George’s Day parades since she first joined in with a group from Acomb as a guide.

She said her group were “letting off a little bit of steam” after the first procession and service, as they waited in Dean’s Park for a second parade to begin.

Anne said: “For some of them, it’s their very first time.

“For the others, they always seem to enjoy it – after two minutes in, everyone is fine.

Leaders from Haxby Brownies and Guides and those from Rawcliffe and Strensall, along with Rangers (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Eleven-year-old Orla carried the flag for Haxby Brownies and Guides and said she was “really proud to represent my Guide unit and although the flag was a little heavy to carry at times it was definitely worth it.”

James Meredith, a leader at 1st Copmanthorpe Scout Group, said: “It’s a lovely service and great to see so many sections across the community in the Minster.

“The group has been surprised at how many people have been out to see them and gave a sense of the scale of the organisation to which they belong.”

Drummers rang out across the length of this year’s parade (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Squirrels and Beavers joined the rest of the group for a second procession on the same city centre loop after both services.

‘We’re just praying for a miracle’

The family of a 33-year-old woman is issuing a renewed plea for financial assistance as they struggle to repatriate her from a Tunisian hospital, where she has been stranded for over two months following a medical emergency.

Niaomi Baker, from Kirkby, was preparing to board a flight home on February 11 when she suffered what is believed to be an epileptic seizure. She was rushed to a local hospital and placed in an induced coma.

While she has since been brought out of the coma, her cousin and next-of-kin, Laylla Baker, told the ECHO that Niaomi remains bedbound and has not regained full consciousness.

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Niaomi lives with several complex medical conditions, including epilepsy, autism, and functional neurological disorder (FND). Her family remains distressed as they were unaware she had travelled to Tunisia until they were contacted four days after her hospitalization.

Critically, Niaomi did not have travel insurance, leaving her family solely responsible for the costs of her care and repatriation.

The medical team in Tunisia has recommended she be transferred to the UK for further treatment, but the family currently lacks the necessary funds for an air ambulance.

The family has established a GoFundMe campaign to cover the transport costs, estimated at £35,000. To date, supporters have raised approximately £7,500, leaving a shortfall of £27,500.

“The GoFundMe has come to a standstill,” Laylla Baker said in a statement this week. “We’ve not raised nearly enough money and we just don’t know what to do. We are just praying for a miracle.”

The 34-year-old also revealed that her own ability to manage the crisis is severely limited, as she is currently battling brain cancer.

“I feel useless, I have my own health problems everything we try doesn’t seem to work,” Laylla said. “There must be someone out there who can help us. The hospital stopped getting in touch with us so her friend went over to check on her.”

She added: “I managed to FaceTime her and when she heard my voice she opened her eyes. She still can’t talk but it was like she was trying to communicate with me. It’s horrible, we just want her back home.”

With Niaomi’s mother deceased and her father residing in a nursing home, the family is facing significant logistical and emotional challenges in navigating the international medical system.

“We completely understand times are hard with the cost of living, but we really do need more money,” Laylla added. “Our only goal is to bring Niaomi back home to the UK as quickly as possible.”

The family continues to coordinate local fundraising efforts, such as raffles, in a desperate attempt to bridge the funding gap and secure a safe transfer for their relative.

In Sunday’s interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the motive of the suspected shooter was still under investigation, but that “preliminary” findings suggested he was targeting administration officials, “likely” including President Donald Trump.

The York Inset Scooter Club hosted its Mods and Rockers run with more than 200 machines on display in the Eye of York for the start.

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The ride out was officially started by The Lord Mayor of York, Martin Rowley, and the York Civic Party, along with Ken Cooke, club president and York’s only surviving veteran of the Normandy D-Day landings of the Second World War.

Club president Ken Cooke and the York Civic Party got the ride underway (Image: Kevin Glenton)

The ride is also known as the John Martin memorial ride to remember a former member who died 16 years ago.

Funds were being raised at the start for the Yorkshire and Scarborough Hospitals Charity, along with £5 donations from riders.

Before the start, committee member Nick Beilby said: “It’s wonderful to see such a good turn out and really appreciated.

Some of the scooters on display in the Eye of York ahead of the John Martin Memorial Ride (Image: Kevin Glenton)

“Staff and supporters from the charity have been here for us to raise funds.

“The charity is of great significance because several of our members had had great need of it.”

Last year’s event raised nearly £1,000.

After leaving York this morning at 10.30am, riders will travel through the Howardian Hills, finishing at The Mended Drum pub in Huby.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire engulfed a popular LGBTQ+ venue in Milton Keynes.

Firefighters tackled a blaze at the Pink Punters nightclub in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire in the early hours of this morning.

Revellers were evacuated from the building at around 2am and no-one was injured, according to local news reports.

Nearby roads were closed to traffic following the incident, with cordons likely to remain in place at the scene for some time.

A witness to the incident told local radio station MKFM the nightclub was ‘smouldering’ and had been ‘absolutely ruined’.

‘We got everybody out, everybody was evacuated quickly and nobody was hurt or injured which is the main thing’, they said.

A clip recorded of the aftermath showed the blaze had ripped off the entire roof of the Tudor revival building.

Police have arrested a 51-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody.

Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie said: ‘This was a significant fire in which a large number of people had to be evacuated.  

‘Thankfully no one was injured and staff at the venue worked quickly and effectively to safely evacuate everyone.   

‘Fire crews and our officers remain on scene, and road closures are likely to remain in place for a significant amount of time.  

‘Our officers have arrested a man in connection with this incident. He remains in custody at this time, while we carry out ongoing enquiries.   

‘At this time it would be too early to comment on any particular motivation for this incident and we would respectfully ask for people not to speculate.’ 

A total of 12 fire crews attended the scene at the height of the fire, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: ‘We are now scaling back the amount of fire engines in attendance of this incident. Firefighters will still remain on scene, working hard to dampen down and check the building for hot spots.’

Metro has contacted Pink Punters for comment.

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