The demolition of the former shopping centre in the town centre is expected to be completed in 2027.

This will make way for a “mixed use development” made up of flats, offices, businesses, restaurants, as well as a new pedestrian route from the square to Bradshawgate.

This week, more than 200 local business representatives heard speakers explain how they hope the Crompton Place project will help fuel further investment in the town centre.

Federated Hermes regional development director Dan Hyde said:  “Regardless of where you regenerate, I think it’s very important to develop for a place, rather than just in a place.

The panel discussed how Bolton town centre is evolving (Image: Place North West)

“It’s really important to look at local needs, this is going to be a residential-led mix-used scheme that’s going to provide homes, workspace and leisure.

“The connectivity to the rest of Bolton is going to be so important, so that it sets the stage to carry on transforming the town centre and fulfil the council’s ambitions.

“When you take all those factors into consideration, along with the scale and the heritage that’s already in the town, you will tick a box where the people of Bolton will be proud of what we develop.”

More than 200 business representatives attended (Image: Place North West)

Federated Hermes, which previously worked on projects like NOMA in Manchester, Wellington Place in Leeds and Paradise in Birmingham, was chosen as the developer last month.

Mr Hyde was one of several speakers at the “Crompton Place and Beyond: How Bolton Town Centre is Evolving”, which aimed to introduce his company to the borough.

Speaking on the day of the event, Bolton Council Leader Cllr Nick Peel said: “I think it speaks volumes that one of the first things we decided to do as a partnership was to come together and speak directly to the business leaders, employers and investors who know Bolton so well.

Cllr Peel addressing the event (Image: Place North West)

“Today shows that this is a developer that is investing in Bolton, in every sense.”

The event also highlighted other recent town centre development projects, including the Wellspring Innovation Hub, Moor Lane, Deansgate Gardens and the transformation of Church Wharf.

Cllr Peel said: “What were once concepts and plans on a page are now real places delivering tangible benefits for Bolton.

“Homes where families live, places of work where businesses are innovating, and public spaces we can all be proud of.

“This is what we mean when we talk about the regeneration of Bolton, and today it enters an exciting new phase.”

The position can still be bracing, and the surroundings are unmistakably beautiful but the 1974 Local Government Act saw the town shift its allegiance to Lancashire. The town now stands in the Lancashire Borough of Pendle but within the boundaries of the historic West Riding.

Shops and businesses along Rainhall Road. PHOTO: Martin Bostock Known locally as Barlick, it appears in the Domesday Book and in the 12th century monks founded a monastery here. You can still visit the Grade I listed church of St Mary-le-Ghyll, complete with box pews and an unusual three tier pulpit.

Today, Barnoldswick – the largest town in England without an A road – welcomes visitors. Most shops are independently owned, offering everything from antiques and witch paintings to artisan bread and organic meat, with a lively market held every Thursday and Saturday. The Great British High Street Award was impressed both with its shops and calendar of free community events.

Barnoldswick war memorial was unveiled, in 1924, by Elizabeth Sutcliffe who lost three of her five sons in World War One. They are among the 282 names listed from that conflict. PHOTO: Martin Bostock These include Barnoldswick in Wonderland, which takes place on March 29 and features The Cheshire Cat and The Mad Hatter. Spring Bank Holiday Weekend sees Bands on the Square: a variety of bands performing in the picturesque Town Square. Summer welcomes Barlick Beach – sand is imported and there are donkey rides, a Food Court and plenty of activities. The Kite Festival – another summer event – takes place in Victory Park.

The town is also serious about work. Rolls Royce, a major employer since 1943, is often referred to as ‘the cradle of the jet engine’. Rolls Leisure is part of the community with everyone welcome to visit its restaurant and gym. Silent Night is another major employer, including an employee whose sensitive buttocks – used to test mattresses – were insured for a million pounds. Last year the company raised £30,000 for local charities, including Pendleside Hospice and this year, their iconic mascots Hippo and Duck reach 40.

Yarn bombers add jolly colour to the town. PHOTO: Martin Bostock Esse makes its famous cast iron stoves and wood burners in the town. Their products were used by Ernest Shackleton, Florence Nightingale and even, James Bond. They remain popular worldwide, making sure the town is known to celebrity chefs, such as Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Other Barnoldswick firms may not be as famous but they contribute to the town’s successful economy. Raptor Titanium, who make motocross footpegs used by several world champion riders, have recently received a King’s Award for International Trade. Barnoldswick knows how to work, how to play and it’s successful at both.

Huppach Jewellers, Barnoldswick. PHOTO: Martin Bostock Family jewels

When Friedrich Huppach travelled from Germany to Barnoldswick, his ambition was to design jewellery and in 1978, he bought a jewellery shop and began to carve himself a reputation.

It’s a reputation that his son, Stefan and grandson Declan have built upon. They design bespoke pieces, melting down, rolling and making the pieces on the premises, much the same way as Friedrich did, and still using his official maker’s mark: FHA.

‘We see a client in our private consultation space,’ says Stefan. ‘Some clients may only have the vaguest idea of what they would like but we guide and help. We’ve been here for decades so we’re in no rush.’

Huppach Jewellers, Barnoldswick. PHOTO: Martin Bostock Stefan and Declan begin by discovering a little about the recipient, before making dummy parts and Declan adds: ‘That enables a client to visualise the piece. A widower brought us his late wife’s jewellery to make it into a locket, incorporating her ashes, for his son. His son was a young man and, after discussing it, felt a dog tag might be more appropriate.

‘Similarly, a grandad wanted us to make a St Christopher’s medallion for his granddaughter’s graduation but together we discovered she might like something more timeless, such as a piece featuring a solitaire diamond.

‘Fashions change. One lady inherited an old-fashioned charm bracelet. She didn’t like it but didn’t want to shove it in the back of a drawer. We made her engagement and wedding rings from it. We always find a solution.’

Travel consultant Rebecca James. PHOTO: Martin Bostock All inclusive

Everyone loves a holiday. However, for some families with children or adults living with autism, special needs or physical disabilities they may decide the stress involved in arranging a holiday simply isn’t worth it.

But Rebecca James says it needn’t be that way. She runs James’ Travel, an independent travel consultant which specialises in arranging holidays for those whose needs may not be met elsewhere.

She is ideally suited for the role. For many years, Rebecca worked for major holiday firms, arranging luxury vacations.

‘I had masses of experience but it wasn’t until my son, Henry, was diagnosed with autism, that I appreciated the difficulties. There are very few independent travel consultants in this field and so I formed my agency,’ says Rebecca.

‘Many people with special or sensory needs may require particular bedding or a quiet place in which to have breakfast and accessible rooms that really are accessible,’ says Rebecca who also arranges door to door transport and airport lounges to relax in.

Rebecca also works with hospice patients, making sure hoists and medical beds are provided and visits locations around the world regularly to personally vet hotels.

‘I visit Disneyland annually, in order to tell families about details such as rides which might include jump scares or dark places. Everything is personally tailored,’ adds Rebecca who has even organised safaris for wheelchair users.

The Barnoldswick Art Group. PHOTO: Martin Bostock The art of the community

Barnoldswick Art Group usually has a membership waiting list but it will welcome new members during 2025.

‘We’re looking forward to meeting new people and sharing our love of painting. We have members from various East Lancashire towns and we have a real sense of fellowship,’ says committee member Jeff Watson, who found the support of the group a tremendous help following the death of his wife, Joan.

‘Painting is a wonderful way to make friends and of course, expressing oneself creatively is always a good thing to do. We have many abilities, so new members shouldn’t worry if they don’t know one end of the brush from the other to begin with – they soon will. And of course, not everyone uses a brush – some of us prefer pencil or charcoal.’

The group hold an exhibition every November in Barnoldswick Library and throughout the year they regularly invite professional artists to give demonstrations. They also host activity days and workshops and events planned for spring include a demonstration by Harriet Quilty, and studies of pencil drawing and Aboriginal painting.

Jeff, who has exhibited and sold his work since joining the group, believes Barnoldswick is an ideal spot for painters.

‘We’re a lively town with a strong sense of community and there are many picturesque spots, and of course we’re surrounded by some lovely countryside.

Greenberfield Bridge No.156, over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Barnoldswick. PHOTO: Getty

Four things to do in Barnoldswick

Bancroft Mill Engine Museum

The museum houses the largest working Mill Steam Engine in Lancashire and once powered over 1000 looms. The museum is open on Saturdays from April to November. If you want to see it in action, check the website for Steaming Days. One takes place on Sunday March 16.

Greenberfield Locks

One of the best kept locks in the country, the Greenberfield locks are at the highest point of the Leeds Liverpool canal, before it begins its descent towards Leeds. It’s a lovely place to spend Mother’s Day; maybe enjoying a champagne picnic or simply watching the barges and waterfowl.

Barnoldswick Music and Arts Centre

An acoustic based venue, with a bar and restaurant. The acclaimed Irish guitarist Grainne Duffy and her band will play on February 24 and Jim Causley, described as, ‘the finest voice of his generation’ will perform, as part of a duo with Miranda Sykes, on March 6.

Thornton Hall Farm at Thornton Country Park

Two miles outside Barnoldswick and just on the Yorkshire border, this award-winning family-run attraction has plenty to offer. The farm offers animal encounters, animal safaris, soft play and pony rides. Mother’s Day weekend will be celebrated with free entry for mums.

The Craven Heifer. PHOTO: Martin Bostock

Three places to stay in Barnoldswick

Craven Heifer

Situated in the nearby village of Kelbrook, this country inn offers a choice of accommodation, including a recently refurbished and romantically presented Loft Room. Some rooms are dog friendly. A seasonal menu is available on the premises.

Alma Cliffe Guest House

A privately owned home with very attractive gardens and, thanks to its elevated position, stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Rooms are en-suite and a family room is available. Well behaved dogs are welcome.

Deerstone Glamping

A family-run site, set in 80 acres. There are six luxury domes, suitable for families or couples and pets are welcome. A firepit sits in front of each well-equipped dome and sauna evenings with a cold plunge barrel dip. There is also a cinema dome on site.

Circular walk

This walk is almost eight miles long and contains several stiles. Begin in the car park on Fernlea Avenue, before making your way to Victory Park. Go through the park, keep the stream on your right. After the second bridge, the stream will be on the left and Rolls Royce on the right. Turn right into Greenberfield Lane, before turning left on to the tow path and heading for Greenberfield Locks.

Leave the canal by the path next to the Pump House then left, before turning right into a farmyard. Continue on the track for 800 metres, turning left at the stream.

Follow the stream to an earthed bridge, cross and continue to next bridge. Cross and continue uphill, turning right towards Stock Beck bridge. Bear left, approaching farm buildings, over the stile towards Stock. Turn left and follow the sunken track. Go straight downhill, across Stock Beck and then follow the lefthand edge of the field towards Bracewell.

Once on the road, turn right then second left towards Priory Cottage. At the gate, turn right, keep right, towards a stile in the wall. Continue left to the fence, turn right to the far-right field corner. There will be a series of gates past the reservoir.

Turn left over the ladder stile through two stiles to reach the farm. Keep the farm buildings on the left and continue onto Brogden Lane. Turn right and continue for 800 metres before turning left and crossing two stiles, across two fields towards Hollins. Turn right over a stile and go left down the lane.

It will bear left, then right. Immediately after this, turn into a field over a stile. Go across the field and then right down a track. After the Cattle Grid, turn right then left onto Esp Lane and then Town Head going towards Bancroft Mill. Just before, go down Forty Steps, turning left at the bottom onto Westgate and make your way back to the car park. visitpendle.com.

Getting to the hotel couldn’t be easier, with an underground car park on site and the town’s bus and train station just a five-minute walk away, providing connections across the country.

Located in the heart of the Midlands, the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone is a sophisticated venue offering guests a luxurious four-star experience.

Positioned right in the town centre, the Sheraton serves as an ideal base for exploring everything Athlone has to offer.

Getting to the hotel couldn’t be easier, with an underground car park on site and the town’s bus and train station just a five-minute walk away, providing connections across the country.

The hotel boasts 167 guest rooms, from compact classic spaces to expansive suites. During my visit, I stayed in a deluxe king tower room on the ninth floor. These tower rooms occupy the hotel’s upper levels, with each generous space – including my room, number 476 – featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase stunning panoramic views across Athlone and the River Shannon.

Each room comes equipped with a sumptuous king-size bed, a comfortable seating area and an indulgent bathroom fitted with both a bath and separate shower, along with premium toiletries.

Throughout my visit, I had the pleasure of sampling the hotel’s afternoon tea service. This proved to be an exquisite culinary affair, set within an intimate space adjacent to the reception, and one I’d strongly encourage guests to reserve, regardless of whether they’re residing at the property.

The savoury selection featured chicken caesar wraps, sweet chilli chicken tartlets, savoury quiches and ham and cheese gourmet sandwiches. The sweet offerings included raspberry cheesecake, lemon meringue nests, chocolate-dipped strawberries, various flavours of macarons and mini chocolate fondants, as well as a selection of homemade fruit scones served with jam, butter and cream. Alongside your preferred tea or coffee, cocktails, champagne and sparkling wine are also on hand to elevate the occasion.

Come evening, I dined at the hotel’s refined La Provence brasserie. The establishment’s executive chef assembles this menu using the finest locally-sourced produce from across the Midlands and further afield, producing dishes that appeal to all tastes.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is enhanced by the team’s exceptional attentiveness and the tranquil sophistication of the hotel’s subtle décor, making it an ideal sanctuary for unwinding and treating oneself. I began my meal with the seafood skillet, featuring a medley of prawns and mussels in garlic and chilli butter, accompanied by toasted sourdough bread – perfect for mopping up the flavoursome butter and juices from the fresh seafood.

For my main course, I chose the pork tomahawk. This succulent and tender cut of steak arrived with house fries, a roasted tomato, Portobello mushrooms, sautéed onions, celeriac and parsnip purée and pepper sauce, with every element working harmoniously together.

For relaxed evening dining, S Bar & Bistro offers hearty Irish cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced produce, alongside an extensive cocktail menu featuring specially crafted seasonal beverages.

Breakfast at the hotel is served buffet style, offering something for everyone. The wide-ranging selection includes both hot and cold choices such as full Irish and vegetarian breakfasts, creamy porridge, fluffy pancakes, granola pots, fresh fruit, pastries, cured meats, cheeses and yoghurts.

An added bonus is the availability of takeaway cups, allowing guests to take a coffee, tea or hot chocolate with them after dining in the restaurant. The hotel’s impressive leisure centre features a 20-metre swimming pool complete with hydro massage jets (targeting your neck, back and legs), alongside a spa pool, sauna and steam room.

Guests can also use the Sheraton’s modern gym, which features an extensive selection of cardio equipment and weights, allowing visitors to combine energetic exercise with peaceful relaxation.

The Sirana Spa provides an intimate sanctuary within the hotel. Drawing inspiration from the gentle warmth and earthy palette of the Sahara Desert, it’s a haven where professional expertise, tranquillity and understated elegance converge, presenting an extensive menu of treatments. Using a selection of Elemis skincare products, each treatment is tailored to individual requirements, with options focusing on deep relaxation, skincare, or targeted muscle relief.

Whether you’re visiting Athlone or the surrounding area for work, catching up with mates or enjoying a romantic break, the Sheraton stands out as a first-rate destination, where every aspect of my visit met exceptional standards of service, comfort and quality.

At this hotel, you’ll enjoy a luxurious experience that justifies the cost. For more information, visit the website.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

The show, directed and choreographed by Joanne Hand, will run at Darlington Hippodrome from Wednesday, April 22, to Saturday, May 2.

Eddie Taylor-Jones, chairman of DarlingtonOS, said: “We have long awaited the opportunity to bring Joseph to life at Darlington Hippodrome.

“This production is a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring magic of live theatre.

“Joseph’s story is one of hope, resilience, and joy, and we are proud to share it with audiences in a way that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in its timeless appeal.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to experience what promises to be a truly unforgettable show.”

The musical, written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, is one of the world’s most beloved family shows and is told entirely through song.

It follows the journey of Jacob’s favourite son Joseph and his 11 brothers, tracing his path from betrayal and imprisonment to redemption, reunion, and forgiveness.

The DarlingtonOS cast features a broad array of local talent.

Ben Connor will take the title role of Joseph, while the role of the Narrator will be shared by Samantha Morrison and Katie Spencer.

Other cast members include Julian Cound as Jacob and Potiphar, Eddie Taylor-Jones as Reuben, Luke Oldfield as Simeon, Barry I’Anson as Levi, and Baily Gascoigne as Judah.

Supporting roles are filled by Nick Robinson (Dan), Phil Bargewell (Naphtali), Joseph Arnott (Gad/Butler), Joshua Kay (Asher), Jonathan Wilson-Downs and George Rock (Issacher), Jack Machin (Zebulum/Baker), Kailum James (Benjamin), Steven Dunn (Pharoah), and Lucy Ivison (Mrs Potiphar).

The wider company includes Zoe Kent, Lucy Adams, Ali Baily, Lisa Marie Watson, Grace Mansfield, Safah Alazzawi, Eva Furguson, Joanne Johns, Stacey Dobson, Sasha Bramley, Sally Ivison, Olivia Brady, Sophie Simmons, Freya Moir, Emily Wright, Ruth Richardson, Fran Hague, Zoe Bellamy, Adele McNally, Kyra Batty, Nikitta Trainer, Faith Small, and Darrien Wright.

Young performers will also play a key part in the production, with two teams of children from the local area performing on alternate nights.

Team Pharoah includes Ellen Dickson, Grace McGuiness, Juliet Grey, Fallon Gibson, Harrison Brown, Clara Harper, Eliza Currie, and Evie Proctor.

Team Potiphar features Arabella Lowrie, Chloe Gowling, Lucie Bell, Penny Metcalfe, Thomas Loftus, Holly Neale, Rosie Tolston, and Cassie Hide.

Ms Hand brings extensive experience to the production, having previously directed DarlingtonOS shows such as Come From Away, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Musical direction will be provided by Paul Walker, who will lead a live 15-piece band.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat began life as a school concert before being released as a concept album in 1969 and evolving into an international stage phenomenon.

The show has been staged in more than 80 countries, with productions in the West End, on Broadway, and beyond.

It features well-known songs including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, Jacob and Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven, Go Go Go Joseph, and the high-energy Megamix finale.

Tickets are available exclusively through DarlingtonOS and can be booked by calling the ticket hotline on 01325 405405 or by visiting www.darlingtonos.org.uk.

Pathways, based in Redcar, is aimed at supporting 16- to 25-year-olds in Redcar who are living with autism or experiencing mental health challenges, with the programme designed to help them develop the skills needed to navigate adulthood.

The project is the latest initiative from Jenny Crawford, chief executive of Wellbeing Plus, who has drawn on her personal experiences to create programmes that support those facing health and wellbeing issues.

Ms Crawford said: “Many of the young people we aim to support have expressed that traditional youth provision can feel intimidating or unrelatable to them.

“Pathways works in smaller group sessions with a greater focus on individual needs.

“It’s all about equipping these young people so they can develop independence and the feedback so far has been very positive.

“First you have to gain trust and coming together in a non-pressurised, social setting is a good way of doing that.

“Through creative projects and skill-building workshops we can then help young people develop self-confidence, make decisions for themselves and plan and carry out activities.”

The scheme recently received a £200 grant from Broadacres’ Community Development Fund to purchase equipment for its Redcar base.

The Pathways programme offers a variety of hands-on activities, including gardening for the infirm, and making craft and decorative items that can be sold to raise funds.

These activities are designed to foster independence, encourage personal growth, and build confidence in a supportive environment.

Ms Crawford first launched Wellbeing Plus in 2018 after overcoming her own personal and health challenges, and has since helped hundreds of adults manage long-term health issues.

Her approach centres on creating safe, supportive spaces where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences and connecting with others through creative outlets.

The Broadacres Community Development Fund supports local organisations, groups, and projects in areas where Broadacres has homes.

Funding decisions are made by Broadacres residents.

Applications for the 2025/26 financial year are now closed, but organisations are encouraged to check the Broadacres website for future funding opportunities.

Those interested can visit www.wellbeing-plus.co.uk or www.broadacres.org.uk for more information.

LARGE quarters of this area of York have changed beyond all recognition over the decades.

Today, we are time travelling through the decades looking at the changing face of Walmgate.

This gallery of photos stretches back to before the First World War showing a century of change.

The ‘doss house’ at 111 Walmgate, 1913. This half timbered 15th century building was a common lodging house run by the Kilmartin family. In 1961 the building was acquired by the Civic Trust, fully restored and named Bowes Morrell House in memory

From slum clearance and flooding, the streets of this area and its people have witnessed much sadness and hardship – but displayed admirable resilience through the changes.

Share your memories

If you love delving into York’s past and seeing photos and reading stories from yesteryear then make sure you check The Press every day for its regular nostalgia stories. And don’t miss our eight-page nostalgia supplement every Wednesday in the paper.

Recommended reading:

We also have more than 10,000 members in our online nostalgia group on Facebook, Why We Love York – Memories. It is free to join and you will find us at www.facebook.com/groups/yorknostalgia/.

Walmgate in the 1930s…YEP PIC.

It would be great to see your old photos of York – and they don’t have to be from centuries ago. We all love seeing old photos from our recent past, and some of our more popular stories with readers date from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

If you have a nostalgia story for us, please email maxine.gordon@thepress.co.uk.

More York nostalgia stories:

More than 8,000 vaccines have been delivered after meningitis cases linked to the Kent outbreak reached 34.

The UK Health and Security Agency said the total number of confirmed and suspected cases had increased to 34, up from 29 previously, in an update on Saturday.

Hundreds of students at the University of Kent joined queues to be vaccinated for the third day, after two people died from the disease. By 5.55pm, at total of 8,002 vaccines had been administered and 12,157 antibiotics handed out, NHS Kent and Medway said.

Health chiefs have suggested the peak of the outbreak, described as “unprecedented” because of the large number of cases linked to a “superspreader” event at a Canterbury nightclub, has passed, but said cases may continue to rise in the coming days.

However they warned “sporadic household cases” of meningitis B could spread outside the epicentre of the outbreak in Kent.

On Friday, Dr Anjan Ghosh, Kent County Council’s public health director, said it was most likely that it would be contained in Kent with a few additional cases outside of the county, “which can be easily contained”.

Officials said secondary cases could involve people who were not infected at the nightclub, but caught the illness from someone who was there.

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More than 8,000 menB vaccines administered

More than 8,000 meningitis B vaccines have been handed out since the outbreak in Kent while the number of cases is up to 34 from 29.

Hundreds of students and other eligible people queued to receive vaccines and antibiotics on Saturday, and more are expected to be waiting outside the clinics when they reopen on Sunday morning.

NHS Kent and Medway, which is in charge of the rollout, said it moved staff to focus on sites with the longest wait times during the week.

A spokesperson said: “Our teams have been working overtime this weekend and into the evenings during the week to deliver antibiotic and vaccine clinics as fast as possible.”

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According to the trust, 8,002 vaccines had been administered and 12,157 antibiotics handed out in Kent by 5.55pm on Saturday.

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 08:26

Wes Streeting pays tribute to healthcare workers battling to contain outbreak

Health secretary Wes Streeting has paid tribute to the “Herculean efforts” of healthcare teams battling to contain the meningitis outbreak.

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Writing in the Sunday Mirror a week after the outbreak began, he expressed his condolences to the family of two students who died and said his thoughts remain with all those in hospital battling the “terrible disease”.

He added: “It has been an incredibly difficult week for those affected and for those working on the response to this outbreak.

“As we look ahead to another challenging week, I wanted to pay tribute to the Herculean efforts of everyone who has worked tirelessly to care for those affected and keep people safe. To the UKHSA and other public health officials working to contain the outbreak.

“To the NHS team who stood up a vaccination programme within one day of it being announced and distributed thousands of doses of antibiotics, and to those caring for young patients in hospital.

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“To the school, college and university staff keeping students and parents informed, helping young people through this, and keeping their education going.

“And to the thousands of students, pupils, and other members of the public who have so readily and responsibly come forward for antibiotics and vaccination.

“I am incredibly grateful to you all. Thank you. We urge people in Kent and across the country to keep following the advice, living your lives and looking after one another.”

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 08:13

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In brief: Everything you need to know about the meningitis outbreak

• The number of meningitis cases in Kent rose to 34 on Saturday, including 23 confirmed cases and 11 still under investigation, up from a previous total of 29
• Two students have died in the outbreak, including 18-year-old Juliette Kenny and another student from the University of Kent
• Hundreds of students and other eligible individuals queued for a third consecutive day at the University of Kent campus clinic for meningitis vaccinations
• As of Saturday lunchtime, health authorities had administered more than 11,000 doses of antibiotic and more than 7,000 vaccines to help control the outbreak
• Public health officials are urging vigilance for symptoms and reassuring the public that the risk to the wider population remains low, despite warnings of potential small, sporadic clusters appearing elsewhere

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 07:10

Latest: Cases rise as more than 7,000 vaccines administered

The number of cases linked to the meningitis outbreak in Kent increased to 34 on Saturday, as hundreds of students queued for a third day to get vaccinated.

Some 23 cases have been confirmed alongside a further 11 cases that “remain under investigation”, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said. Eighteen of the 23 confirmed cases are meningitis B and all required hospitalisation.

Meanwhile more than 7,000 vaccines had been administered by Saturday afternoon as health officials worked to contain the outbreak.

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Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 06:10

Experts considering expanding menB vaccine availability

Experts are said to be considering expanding the eligibility for the routine meningitis B vaccine following a call for Wes Streeting.

The joint committee on vaccination and immunisation (JCVI) reportedly launched a review following the outbreak in Kent and are thinking about a wider review of eligibility for menB vaccinations, The Guardian reported.

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The JCVI has previously said a catch-up campaign for young people who were born before 2015, when the jab was introduced for babies, would not be cost effective.

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 05:10

Towie star Jordan Brook battling viral meningitis

‘The Only Way is Essex’ star’s case is not connected to the outbreak of meningitis in Kent, where cases have now risen to 34.

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Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 04:10

WATCH: Michael Rosen opens up about son’s meningitis death

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 03:10

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Recap: Scientists say meningitis strain is not new variant

The Independent’s health reporter Rebecca Whittaker reports:

Scientists say the meningitis strain is not a new variant and may not have mutated into an “invasive strain”.

Professor Brendan Wren, Professor of Microbial Pathogenesis, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said: “The initial sequence data confirms that it is a single menB strain causing the current cluster of meningitis cases.

“The MenB ST-41/44 clonal complex has been previously identified in the UK and is not a new variant. This suggests that the strain has not mutated into a more invasive strain, but scrutiny of the full genome sequences and further studies will be required to confirm this.

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“The current Bexsero MenB vaccine based on the cell surface antigens of MenB strains should provide protection against the MenB ST-41/44 variant.”

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 02:10

Meningitis: Symptoms to look out for

Some key symptoms of meningitis and sepsis, according to the NHS, include:

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• High temperature
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Muscle and joint pain
• Pale, mottled or blotchy skin
• Spots or a rash
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to bright lights
• Being very sleepy or difficult to wake
• Fits (seizures)

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 01:10

WATCH: Hundreds queue for a vaccine following deadly menB outbreak

Amy-Clare Martin22 March 2026 00:10

Swiss-born Lehmann, 26, has spoken in the past about how she hopes to use her social media platform to build the profile of women’s football and bring the game to a new audience.

For comparison, England’s Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo have 1.5m and 1.1m Instagram followers respectively, while ex-US star Alex Morgan has 9m.

Her posts alternate between lifestyle content and her football, catering for a broad and diverse following, but making her a target for those who seek to criticise.

“Sometimes, it’s frustrating,” she tells BBC Sport. “People don’t see the work that I put in. They think I just train and then go home to make TikToks – it’s not true.

“I’m very professional. I always give everything on the pitch and I want to be the best. If I’ve not done my best when I check my data after training, I will do extra rounds to try to improve.

“People can think what they want but everything I do is focused on being the best player I can be.”

Lehmann first moved to the Women’s Super League in 2018, joining West Ham after scoring twice in the 2018 European Under-19 Championship.

Across six years in England, she made 108 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 10 assists during spells in east London, Everton and Aston Villa.

After a difficult time in Italy with Juventus and then Como, Lehmann says returning to a country she thinks of as “home” was an obvious decision.

“I signed a long-term deal in Como but after a month I realised I didn’t like it and wanted to return to England,” she explains.

“I love it here, the football is better and England feels like home to me.”

Elsewhere in the women’s draw, American Coco Gauff dropped the first set but recovered to beat Alycia Parks 3-6 6-0 6-1 in the third round, while Amanda Anisimova was a 6-4 6-2 winner against Yuliia Starodubtseva and Victoria Mboko earned 6-1 7-5 victory over Anastasia Zakharova.

Former world number one Naomi Osaka, however, said she was trying to balance the tennis schedule with being a mother after she was beaten 7-5 6-4 by Australia’s Talia Gibson in their second round match.

“I feel like this also is a dilemma for me,” said Japan’s Osaka, who returned to the WTA Tour in January 2024 after a 15-month absence around the birth of her daughter in July 2023.

“For me, my daughter is very important, and I want to be a mom. I want to be the best mom I can, but sometimes I feel like I know what I have to do to become a really good player, and it’s very difficult.

“Because for me, I want to win titles and I want to be the best player I can, but if I have to sacrifice having a lot of time with my daughter, I’d rather not do it.”

In the men’s draw, world number two Jannik Sinner comfortably beat Damir Dzumhur 6-3 6-3, while Alexander Zverev beat wildcard Martin Damm 6-2 6-4.

Zverev will play Marin Cilic, who was a 2-6 6-4 7-6 (9-7) winner against Brandon Nakashima, in the third round.

Home favourite Ben Shelton did not progress as he suffered a surprise defeat by Alexander Shevchenko, who claimed a 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 win against the world number nine.

Thomas Tuchel named his penultimate squad before picking the players that will represent England at the World Cup, with the Three Lions boss hinting that youngsters could be involved

Wolverhampton Wanderers star Mateus Mane has been selected in Portugal’s latest under-21 squad after deliberating over his international future. The 18-year-old, who burst into prominence in 2026, is eligible for both the nation of his birth and the country he moved to as a youngster.

Mane, born in Barreiro, Portugal, has represented England at youth levels and there was interest from Lee Carsley in promoting him to the 21s.

However, Portugal were also keen to grab the forward after a string of impressive performances for struggling Wolves. Senior manager Roberto Martinez is understood to have played a role and has been in contact with Wolves technical director Matt Jackson, whom he played with at Wigan.

And that extra push appears to have been decisive with Mane included for the Selecao in their upcoming matches.

READ MORE: How 7th in Premier League table can qualify for Champions League as UEFA confirm ruleREAD MORE: England release new 2026 World Cup kits as Nike opt for bold away strip

Mane made his debut for Wolves in the Premier League last May, before making his first start under Rob Edwards in the defeat to Liverpool in December.

Since then, he has become a regular for Edwards, scoring against Everton and West Ham and playing a role in the club’s considerable uptick in form.

There is already speculation over his club future, but for now, it appears an international decision may have been made. Edwards has spoken glowingly about the youngster, predicting a huge future for the player signed from Rochdale as a 16-year-old.

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He said: “He can go a long, long way. It’s been a really good start for him but that is all it is.

“He’s getting a lot of headlines and there’s a lot of noise about him, there’s not many 18-year-olds in the Premier League doing what he’s doing at the moment, especially in a team that’s been struggling this season.

“He’s made a real impact for us and he has a really, really bright future ahead of him.”

Meanwhile, Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel has recently hinted that he is ready to give players a chance, regardless of their age, with the clamour for Arsenal’s wonderkid Max Dowman, 16, to be included in his upcoming World Cup squad.

“With these young guys, of course we know all these players. We see them as you do as well,” Tuchel said, when asked about Dowman. “The thing with young players to keep the momentum maybe going, keep their excitement.

“They have a level of fearlessness with them. There is no need to call him up now and increase the pressure and increase all the noise that comes with it but we have all options.”

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