Both Scarborough and Whitby are vying to be the first Town of Culture in a crowded field of entries from across the county.

​The competition, announced by the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy last autumn, will provide a platform for communities to “tell their own unique story and shine a spotlight on the vital role towns play in our national life”.

Alison Hume, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby, said: “Whitby is a small town, but it has a gigantic story to tell.

“Whitby already draws in huge numbers of tourists every year for the famous Goth Weekends, Musicport and Folk festivals and countless other cultural events, so it seems fitting that the town that inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula throws its top hat in the ring.”

​The strongest bids will progress to a shortlist, with each shortlisted town receiving £60,000 to help deliver their full bids for the competition.

​Three finalists – one small, one medium, one large town – will be chosen. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize, meaning that both Scarborough and Whitby could be shortlisted in the medium and small town categories, respectively.

Seven organisations, including Flash Company Arts, are currently fronting Whitby’s case, which is themed ‘Storyland’.

Ms Hume, who received BAFTA and Royal Television Society awards for her work as a screenwriter before being elected to represent the constituency two years ago, said: “Whitby lives and breathes culture.

“It is a breathtakingly beautiful town which has inspired countless writers, artists, musicians and other creatives over the years, many of whom are woven into the town’s cultural community.

“The town’s maritime history as a shipbuilding and whaling port, as well as the port where Captain Cook learnt his craft, is unmatched in a small town.

“Who knows, 2028 could be the year Whitby residents can share how proud they are of where they live, and thousands of new visitors can experience our warm and inclusive Whitby welcome?”

Commenting on Scarborough’s entry, Ms Hume said: “Scarborough has an irresistible story to tell as the birthplace of theatre in the round, the first English seaside resort and the home of an incredibly rich arts, heritage, music and cultural scene. I’m really excited about our chances.”

​The deadline for expressions of interest for UK Town of Culture 2028 is March 31, with the shortlist of towns expected to be announced this Spring.

Scarborough’s town mayor ​Cllr Thomas Murray said: “I’m fully behind Scarborough’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.

​“It’s a great opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate all the things that make Scarborough great, as well as showcase some of our cultural hidden gems.”

Rebecca Denniff, of Flash Company Arts, said: “Whitby is an amazing place to live and work, surrounded by magnificent moorland and wild seas.

“It’s a tiny town that has had a massive impact on the whole world – from the Synod of Easter all the way to its global association with Goth culture through Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

“But we need to show that we are so much more than our amazing history.

“Whitby is a place where so many stories converge; it’s an immersive experience in waiting.”

The Section 34 order came into effect at 8pm on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and will remain in force until 8pm on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Under the order, police have the power to exclude individuals from the designated area for up to 48 hours.

The notice is intended to reduce behaviour that has contributed to, or could contribute to, anti-social behaviour, crime, or disorder in the area.

The dispersal zone covers an area bordered by Windermere Road, Chester Street, Hope Street, Henrietta Street, Church Street, Charles Street, Chapel Street (including 91–93), Leigh Road (including 162–164, Hilton Park), the A572 (Spinning Jenny Way/Market Street), A578 (Wigan Road), Parsonage Retail Park, St Helens Road, and Twist Lane.

Neighbourhood Inspector Sam Davies from Wigan & Leigh district said: “These measures are designed to stop further disorder and ensure the continued safety of residents, businesses, and visitors.

“A number of individuals involved have already been identified, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the identities of the remaining suspects.”

Morgan Freeman’s narrations over the years might have seen him dubbed ‘the Voice of God’, but his latest role also saw him drop a string of surprising curse words.

The Hollywood legend, 88, has had a career spanning six decades to date, during which he’s won an Oscar and Golden Globe, whilst also being nominated for a Grammy and Tony.

Throughout the years he’s starred in films including Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption and Invictus.

He’s also narrated numerous documentaries including The Long Way Home, March of the Penguins, Through the Wormhole, The Story of God with Morgan Freeman and Life on Our Planet.

Now he’s also the voice behind the new Netflix documentary The Dinosaurs – which focuses on the history of dinosaurs from their appearance in the Triassic period until their demise in the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event.

As the official synopsis teases: ‘From the first dinosaurs to the last, this epic documentary series examines their 165 million years on Earth and the forces that shaped their evolution.’

Executive produced by Steven Spielberg, the four-part series was released last Friday, where it’s quickly soared to the top of Netflix charts around the world.

Now, a week on from on from its release, Netflix has shared a 30-second blooper reel of Freeman while he was in the recording booth for the show – and his responses are completely unexpected.

Narrating one scene showing a dinosaur hunting in the water, he described how ‘the best hunters are the patient ones’. But as the prey was snapped up, he declared: ‘Oh, he’s f***ed!’

Another showed an airborne dinosaur whose name Freeman couldn’t quite pronounce, recorded questioning: ‘How do you say that? Ar-am-burger-jean-yan-en-blah-landah?’ Unsure if he pulled the pronunciation off, he was heard laughing before adding his own spin, calling them ‘majestic creatures’.

A series of other dinosaurs with difficult names were then shown, with Freeman hilariously struggling with one and just deciding to dub it an ‘anus’. ‘Anus sounds like an a**,’ he adds, his final word being bleeped out.

‘Strange names they give them!’ he then proclaims.

When recording an outro saying his own name, the star isn’t quite satisfied with his attempts, then confidently asserting: ‘I’m Morgan f***ing Freeman.’

After watching the clip, many fans expressed their pleasure at hearing the star’s hilarious outtakes.

‘That man is a treasure,’ user DBSteiger posted on X.

‘I love everything about this,’ Sam declared.

‘He’s so casually hilarious,’ Hamish wrote.

‘Loved this documentary but now I need a version with Morgan Freeman’s unfiltered reaction to it LOL,’ Artemis asked.

‘More bloopers of Morgan Freeman trying to pronounce dino names please!’ AngryFroggo begged.

The Dinosaurs currently holds a perfect 100% rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes, where critics and viewers have shared comments praising what they’ve seen.

‘The visuals and sound design are outstanding, one of the best nature documentaries in years. viscerally, vividly real,’ What She Said wrote in its review.

‘It brings a lost world back to life, and the documentary series is every bit as epic as a story about dinosaurs needs to be,’ Solzy at the Movies shared.

‘The series has a solid narrative arc, spectacular CGI and the inimitable voice of Morgan Freeman to guide us through the 140-million-year rule of the largest animals that ever walked the earth,’ Decider added.

Meanwhile viewers called it a ‘masterpiece’, ‘captivating’, and ‘visually impressive’.  

Director Nick Shoolingin‑Jordan previously told Netflix’s Tudum that he wanted to ‘tell the full chronology all the way through and take the audience on a rip‑roaring adventure’ with the series.

Meanwhile showrunner Dan Tapster, its showrunner, added: ‘We had eight 50-minute episodes to tell the entire story of life on Earth [in Life On Our Planet], so there were lots of things where we could only scratch the surface – and the dinosaur story was absolutely one of them. With The Dinosaurs, we finally get to tell that story in full and celebrate it like no one has ever done before.’

The Dinosaurs is streaming on Netflix.

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One of the best BBC dramas of the late 2010s has just had all three seasons added to Netflix

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Netflix is now streaming a three-season BBC drama that has left viewers feeling inspired. Featuring some very recognisable faces from British television and addressing difficult subjects with care and sensitivity, The A Word deserves a place at the very top of your watchlist.

Breakout star Max Vento portrays Joe Hughes, a young boy whose troubled family discovers he has autism. Initially believing he simply has hearing problems, parents Paul (played by Lee Ingleby) and Alison (Morven Christie) must learn to cope with Joe’s communication difficulties.

Meanwhile, Alison’s brother Eddie (Greg McHugh) and his wife Nicola (Vinette Robinson) are experiencing troubles of their own, whilst Joe’s grandfather Maurice (Christopher Eccleston), a widower with a rather forthright view of the world, must learn to adapt to the changes in his family, reports the Mirror.

Shot around the Lake District, the drama’s impressive cast also features other well-known faces, such as Death in Paradise’s Ralph Little, Inspector Morse icon Clare Holman, and Coronation Street’s Julie Hesmondhalgh.

Rising star Aaron Pierre, who will next be seen in HBO’s DC superhero series Lanterns and led Netflix’s hit thriller Rebel Ridge, also makes an appearance in The A Word’s second season.

Fans have been raving about the popular BBC series even after it came to an end in 2020, so it is certainly not one to miss now it’s become even more widely available on Netflix. One viewer on IMDb hailed the first series as the “Best Program on TV” apart from Game of Thrones.

They enthused in a 10/10 review: “There are not enough dramas featuring this issue, and the lad who plays Joe needs recognition for how well he plays the part – true to life.

“From the start of this program, to the end, it has had me in tears due to how it mirrors my family’s life – with a child who is Autistic, going through the diagnosis, coping with relatives and friends’ views on this. And the strain it places on your relationships is very well portrayed.”

Another viewer described it as “The best drama I’ve ever seen”. They continued: “I have just binge watched the three series over the past few days. Couldn’t stop watching it. It was so well acted by all. So believable.”

“Wonderful show beautifully portraying a tough topic,” someone else commented.

“Amazing show, portrays Autism Spectrum Disorder really well,” they continued. “The child playing Joe is brilliant, his acting is so authentic. The entire cast does a wonderful job getting down to the root of emotions that follow a ASD diagnosis.

“The dry humour and authentic setting really draws in the viewer. Such a welcome contrast to the bright shiny TV Hollywood pumps out, this show is television at its best.”

A final viewer remarked: “A must watch for every family. The series is very interesting and I believe that every family should watch it because there is lots to learn. I enjoy each and every moment of the drama. I am really thankful to all the people who have made this possible.”

Whether you want to learn more about autism or are simply looking for a gripping new drama for your next viewing session, Netflix has the perfect series for you with this show.

Police are trying to find the driver after they failed to stop and escaped

A driver reached 120mph an hour while fleeing from police. A red Ford Fiesta failed to stop for Norfolk Police on the A11 between Thetford and Larling at around 9.30pm on Wednesday (March 11).

The vehicle was travelling at around 120mph an hour in a dangerous manner, including switching off its lights when officers turned on their blue lights and sirens, according to Norfolk Police. A spokesperson said: “It also carried out several dangerous manoeuvres, including undertaking another vehicle at speed.

“The pursuit continued onto the B1111, where officers lost sight of the car. The Fiesta passed a number of motorists on the A11 and we are asking anyone who was in the area and may have dashcam footage of the vehicle to get in touch.

“We would also encourage the driver to come forward and speak with us.” Anyone with information should call police on 101 or contact them online and quote reference 492 of March 11.

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You might recognise Dr Sophie Bostock from her regular slot on This Morning, giving advice on sleep problems, but her experience and expertise extends beyond daytime television. She’s worked with diverse clients from the Royal Marines to Google to help their staff get better shut-eye.

After all, sleep is central to our sense of well-being and most of us don’t get enough. Before you drop thousands of pounds on a brand-new mattress or experiment with every supplement under the sun, it’s worth heeding some expert advice.

And Dr Bostock knows her stuff. Her medical journey started in Nottingham, followed by a PhD in health psychology from UCL. Since then, she’s published research in partnership with the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute in Oxford and worked on Sleepio, a clinically proven sleep improvement programme, available free on the NHS. Now, she’s an independent sleep consultant with her own blog, The Sleep Scientist.

We approached Dr Bostock for our Readers Ask series, where industry experts answer questions from our Telegraph Recommended reader panel. From our top tips to tackle menopausal insomnia to her honest opinions on magnesium supplements, here are her answers.

How can I stay asleep for longer? I simply can’t get past six hours.

Stephen, South West

Six hours isn’t necessarily a problem. Most adults need seven hours or more, but as we get older, we need a little bit less. The real question is: How do you feel during the day? If you wake up feeling refreshed, function well all day without using caffeine and sugar to keep you going, and don’t lie in on weekends, you may simply be on the shorter end of normal. But if you’re waking too early and feeling tired, the most common causes are uncontrolled stress, too much evening light exposure or an overly early body clock.

Do you have advice for when you can’t get to sleep?

Andy, East of England

Firstly, have you tried going to bed later? The more hours we’re awake, the more of a drive or hunger for sleep we build up. Secondly, if it’s a racing mind keeping you awake, try a gentle distraction. Take your mind to your favourite place – a beach, a holiday destination – wherever you feel safe and relaxed. Think about what you can see, smell, hear, feel and touch to immerse yourself in your safe place.

What should you do when you wake up in the night and can’t get back to sleep?

Farah, South East

Reassure yourself that waking up between sleep cycles is a normal part of sleep. Most people wake up and roll over several times. We just don’t always remember it. Try slow breathing to calm the nervous system; inhale for four counts and exhale for six.

But if you’ve been awake for 20 minutes and you still feel wired, get out of bed. Keep the lights low. Do something gently distracting, a crossword, reading a book, watching old films and when your eyelids feel heavy, that’s your cue to come back to bed.

Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton had previously ordered information to be handed over from an inquiry.

The Scottish Government has been accused of using “preposterous and unacceptable” excuses to stop information linked to an ethics investigation into former first minister Nicola Sturgeon from being released.

Scottish Information Commissioner David Hamilton said Holyrood ministers had “once again failed” to comply with one of his decisions regarding the disclosure of legal advice given to the inquiry.

Mr Hamilton has already taken court action against the Scottish Government as part of a long-running dispute over the the release of information from an official inquiry which cleared Ms Sturgeon of breaching the ministerial code during a probe into the behaviour of her predecessor Alex Salmond.

However, with the Information Commissioner saying he can now “no longer trust the Government to handle this information unsupervised”, he said he would have to “explore more intrusive options to ensure compliance”.

Mr Hamilton added he will now have to consider if he can “resource a further intervention to examine the unusual case-handling practices in these cases”.

It came after a letter from the Scottish Government’s most senior civil servant, Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin, said while all legal advice within the scope of the freedom of information request had been released, some information had been “withheld” which “included legal advice, as well as other information subject to litigation privilege”.

Mr Griffin stressed, however, the case had involved the “disclosure of a substantial amount of material”.

Last month the Scottish Government published 18 bundles of documents from the case, involving more than 4,700 pages of information – also some of which were redacted.

Mr Griffin said: “If there is a concern that in making that disclosure ministers simultaneously withheld information considered to be within the scope of the request, I have been assured that this is not the case.

The Information Commissioner, however, is now consulting with lawyers on whether to raise this “non-compliance” with the Court of Session – a move which could allow the court to inquire into a second possible case of contempt of court.

Mr Hamilton launched a fierce attack on the Scottish Government, saying: “Perhaps worse than the fact that Scottish ministers have once again failed to comply with one of my decisions is that they appear to have tried to conceal this breach of trust with unjustified delays and a wall of silence.

“The excuses I have now been given, both in writing and in person, are preposterous and unacceptable.”

Adding that he had expressed his “dismay” at the situation during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary, the commissioner said: “The Government’s FOI handling of the Hamilton Inquiry cases stands in stark contrast to the way nearly every other case of theirs is handled.

“Following my meeting with the Permanent Secretary, I now need to assess whether I can resource a further intervention to examine the unusual case-handling practices in these cases.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.

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Police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the smash in Radcliffe

A busy main road was closed tonight following a crash between a van and a car. Police, firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in Radcliffe.

The two badly damaged vehicles could be seen side-by-side on Radcliffe New Road close to the junction with Hollinhurst Road . An onlooker said it appeared one of the vehicles had pulled out from a side road into the path of the other.

They added: “The damage is pretty bad. There were quite a lot of emergency services here earlier.

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“I spoke to someone earlier who said they’d seen one of the drivers and said they looked pretty shook up. He said there were a lot of ambulances and police blocking the road.”

Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been approached for comment. The road remains shut tonight.

Among those racing across the city was Hussein Fakih, the regional head of the government-run Lebanese Civil Defence – the country’s primary firefighting, first aid and rescue force. He said he had been seeing the same things “almost every day” since war resumed on 2 March between Israel and the Iran-backed armed group and political movement Hezbollah – which is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK, US and other countries.

With deep roots and a relaxed, modern appeal, it is fast emerging as one of the area’s most quietly appealing destinations.

A gateway to Wensleydale

Often described as the “Gateway to Wensleydale”, Bedale sits just two miles from the A1(M) at Leeming Bar, yet feels a world away from the motorway and cars streaming past at 70mph.

Its cobbled marketplace, independent shops and long railway heritage give the town character and charm, blending history with an easygoing atmosphere that continues to attract visitors.

Tourism and a changing local economy

Tourism has become increasingly important to Bedale’s economy, complementing its strong agricultural roots.

As more visitors look for authentic market-town experiences close to the Yorkshire Dales, Bedale’s mix of heritage, local businesses and countryside access is proving a major draw.

A town with over 1,000 years of history

Bedale’s story stretches back more than a thousand years. It is listed in the Domesday Book and retains clear links to Anglo-Saxon and Viking-age Britain, highlighted by the recent discovery of the Bedale Hoard.

This remarkable find provided rare evidence of high-status early medieval activity in the area, underlining the town’s long-standing importance.

St Gregory’s Church: faith and defence

At the heart of the town stands St Gregory’s Church, a building that also served as a defensive structure.

Its fortified tower once offered refuge during Scottish raids, giving it a dual role as both place of worship and place of safety.

Inside, visitors can find a rare Viking-age grave marker and a striking painting of St George slaying the dragon, unusually shown as left-handed.

Market Cross, Georgian façades and Hall grounds

Just a short walk from the church, Bedale’s Grade I-listed Market Cross, elegant Georgian façades and historic Hall grounds reinforce its role as an important medieval and post-medieval centre.

These features help anchor the town’s historic identity while providing a distinctive backdrop for today’s visitors.

Heritage railways and countryside walks

Bedale’s long connection to transport history continues to attract people to the town.

The railway station, now part of the Wensleydale Railway, reopened as a heritage line in 2003 and offers scenic journeys through the Dales towards Leyburn and Redmire.

Although the station technically dips close to neighbouring Aiskew, it remains closely tied to Bedale’s identity and story.

Beyond the rails, the town is popular with walkers thanks to footpaths along Bedale Beck. The beck winds through open countryside towards the River Swale, giving visitors easy access to peaceful rural landscapes straight from the town.

Independent shops and family-friendly attractions

Unlike many small towns, Bedale has retained a strong independent retail scene. Cafés, pubs and shops are clustered around its marketplace, creating a lively focal point for both residents and visitors.

This local high street character adds to the town’s appeal as a place to explore at a slower pace.

Nearby attractions such as Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Big Sheep Little Cow Farm help make Bedale popular with families.

Combined with the town’s own heritage and green spaces, they offer plenty to see and do within a short distance.

@kimjeynes A night in the English countryside 📍Old Park House Farm, Bedale @Jake Newall #bedale #northyorkshire #shepardshut #staycation ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – んん – 🫧音楽室🫧

Why Bedale is staying firmly on the map

As tourism in the Yorkshire Dales continues to rise, Bedale’s combination of market-town charm, heritage railways and easy access to the countryside ensures it remains firmly on the map.

Its blend of deep history, independent businesses and family-friendly attractions means more visitors are discovering why this “Gateway to Wensleydale” is worth a stop, not just a signpost.