Would-be train passengers in the West Midlands have been warned that they should only travel if absolutely essential over the coming days.

The warning is in effect from 9am on Wednesday, June 24 until 9pm on Thursday, June 25, covering Birmingham, Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The entire West Midlands region is also subject to a red health warning issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: “Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first.

“We’re asking passengers to check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday if they are going to, from or within the red warning zone as temperatures are expected to peak.”

The town’s month-long Summerfest begins with a day of entertainment and market stalls on Saturday, July 4.

Hamilton is getting set for a month-long celebration of summer – beginning with a busy gala day onSaturday, July 4.

The special event will feature a packed bill of live music performances, market stalls and family attractions throughout Quarry Street, transforming the town centre into a colourful festival celebrating the sunny holiday months.

It also marks the official start of Hamilton’s month-long Summerfest, which runs until August 1 and will include dozens of events including Commonwealth Games activities, Lego workshops, a Nerf battle, mausoleum tours and culminating in the Lanarkshire Pride festival.

The opening summer gala day on July 4 runs from 10am to 4pm and will showcase a host of acts at the town’s bandstand, where visitors can enjoy performances from Bonnie Banks, the Taylor Swift Effect, Garry King, Greatest Showman, Simply Ariana, Jane Henderson and drumming band SheBoom.

Attractions across the town centre are set to include Walking Theatre Co, Think Circus and the chance to try tricks with Scottish BMX, plus play equipment, face painters and balloon treats.

Shoppers at a busy market will be able to browse stalls including gifts, crafts, toys, bakery treats and local organisations including Kilbryde and St Andrew’s hospices and Hamilton Information Project for Youth.

Malcolm Thomas-Harley, of event organisers Hamilton Our Town, the business improvement district group, said: “Hamilton Summer Gala Day is a brilliant way to kick off Summerfest 2026.

“It brings music, family fun, stalls and entertainment right into the heart of the town centre; we want people to come along, enjoy the day, support local businesses and see Hamilton at its best.”

Organisers are inviting residents and visitors to “gather the family, meet up with friends, browse the stalls, enjoy the entertainment and help us celebrate the start of a fantastic summer in Hamilton town centre – everyone is welcome.”

It will launch the month-long Summerfest, which officially begins on July 1 and will feature a busy programme of children’s activities, workshops, entertainment, heritage tours, pop-up events, community activities and special days out.

The school holiday programme for youngsters includes Nerf battle arena sessions in the Regent Centre, “going for gold” activities as the Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow, a Lego club at Low Parks Museum, creative sessions with Hooked on Wool, plus sports camps, mausoleum tours, library activities and arts, crafts and drama.

A Lanarkshire Pride documentary project will be taking place at at Low Parks Museum, along with banner-making activities ahead of this year’s Lanarkshire Pride in Hamilton town centre on Saturday, August 1.

Summerfest Hamilton is described as “all about bringing energy, colour and activity into the town centre during the holidays”, with special events ranging from fun days to the chance to explore local history taking place throughout July.

Malcolm added: “It’s about giving people even more reasons to come into the town centre this summer – there really is something for everyone and we want people to enjoy what’s on, support local businesses and see Hamilton full of life.”

Details of both the July 4 gala day and the wider Summerfest programme can be accessed through Hamilton Our Town’s website and Facebook page.

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York-based property agents Barry Crux & co are selling the Ye Olde Red Lion at Holme-on-Spalding-Moor.

The pub features trade areas in a horseshoe shape around a central bar server.

There is first floor three-bed owners’ accommodation, patio to the rear, car parking for 20 to the rear, 8 detached ensuite letting rooms and 3 detached pods with hot tubs.

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The sales particulars said: “As a result, the business offers multiple income streams.”

The agents note the pub on Old Oak Road has a prominent position in the village, which is 19 miles south-east of York.

The interior is described as traditional, featuring bench seating, church pews, chairs and stools arranged around loose tables. Flooring comprises a mix of carpeting and wood-effect finishes.

Character features include timber wall panelling, exposed beams, feature fireplaces, an open fire and a separate wood-burning stove.

A separate restaurant dining room, also used for breakfast service, provides approximately 28 covers arranged on high-backed chairs around loose tables. An additional 10 covers are available within the carvery area.

The interior of Ye Olde Red Lion (Image: Barry Crux & Co)

There are also toilets, beer cellar/store and fully equipped commercial kitchen, with walk-in refrigeration.

The agents explained: “Our client has traded the business for 14 years but has now decided to semi-retire. The lease is due for renewal within the next 12 months so any sale will be subject to renewal of this agreement.”

“The two main sources of income for the business are food and accommodation. It has a strong reputation for food with this been the largest income stream time. The accommodation also proves very popular with booking well in advance on a year-round basis. Drink sales are very much ancillary to both these income streams, but particularly the food trade.”

The sales details added: “The last set of accounts showed a strong net turnover of £504,376, which does not include the income from the 3 pods. The business shows good net profit. More detailed accounting information will be provided to interested parties after viewing the property.”

As previously mentioned, the traditional pub is highly-regarded. Google awards it 4.4 stars out of five, based on 896 reviews. TripAdvisor awards the venue 4.1 out of five based on 445 reviews.

Dynamo the Magician has just performed his biggest ever stunt – and he’s gearing up for a return to the live stage too. He tells Dianne Bourne how Manchester has played a big part in his career

I’m on a call with Dynamo the Magician and when I start out by simply asking “how are you?” I get quite the unexpected answer.

“l’m a bit sore because I just escaped from a burning car 100ft in the sky in New York at the weekend,” he tells me in a ridiculously matter of fact way. He continues: “I was put in a straight jacket, chained up to the car on the inside and then it lifted 100 feet in the air, set on fire and I had to escape.”

Not quite the answer I was expecting, but then Dynamo has made a career out of breaking conventions hasn’t he?

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It turns out my call with Dynamo has come fresh from one of his biggest and most dangerous ever magic tricks, emulating the magic of the iconic escapologist Houdini. UK viewers will get to see how it all played out later this year on a special on Sky TV called Dynamo v Houdini.

It seems daft to ask if he did manage to escape without too many spoilers, although he laughs: “Obviously I made it out as I’m here talking to you today – but my body is definitely feeling it so I’ve been in the hospital for the last couple of days just getting checked out and you know just making sure I’m all right. But what I’ve just achieved is probably the greatest, biggest stunt I’ve ever achieved in my entire life.”

Burning car aside, Dynamo tells me he’s “the healthiest I’ve ever felt” which is brilliant news to hear after his health issues over recent years. Dynamo, real name Steven Frayne, took a step back from the limelight five years ago amid diagnosis with inflammatory conditions Crohn’s Disease and arthritis.

But now, he’s back, recharged and reignited with his passion for performance having announced his first major UK tour in 10 years, which will start in Salford in January 2027.

Dynamo says of managing his conditions now: “I’m in a very good routine at the moment and you know I’m pacing myself. I am feeling probably the healthiest I’ve ever felt and mentally I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time, you know.

“I’m so excited I feel like a curious kid again. It’s like I found magic all over again.”

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That will be music to the ears of fans of the star, who became a global sensation with his street magic, and conjuring tricks in front of some of the world’s biggest A list stars in the noughties. He announced earlier this month that his new UK tour will all be starting in Salford at the Lowry next January.

And it feels like a fairly full circle moment for the magic man. His last tour started in Manchester 10 years ago, but more importantly than that, it was Manchester that gave Dynamo his very first stage – thanks to one of the city’s most iconic sons, Ian Brown.

He says: “My first ever, ever time on stage was at an Ian Brown gig. He asked me to come up and perform, I always used to come and perform backstage after for his friends and for the crew, right, but then when I got there he goes ‘do you wanna come on stage and do something’.

“He brought me out in front of like 20,000 people at Manchester Arena – and I’ve never been on stage before in my life.

“It was terrifying right? And also it’s an Ian brown crowd so I know they’re a tough crowd to please – I mean you’ve gotta have a certain level of swagger!

“I think I did pretty good under the circumstances, but that was terrifying. It was my first time experience, and the fact that someone of his stature would share the stage with me all those years ago, I think it was like 2004 or something like that.

“Now, I’m excited to go on tour and go on stage, I finally found myself.”

He says he chose smaller theatre venues for the new tour to be able to have a better intimacy with his fans. “I love being able to actually see everybody in the audience and connect with people and the best thing is as well is after every show I get to hang out with everyone.

“When I do my shows after the shows I just stay around and meet everybody because I think it’s important that people who buy these tickets for these shows they’re people who have supported me over the years so to be able to thank them first hand you know at the end of every show I think it’s important.

“I don’t think that many people do that anymore but these people have supported me through thick and thin – when I’ve been too sick to perform magic and I’ve been in hospital they’re the ones who’ve been sending me messages online on social media and giving me the kind of the strength that I need when I didn’t have it myself.”

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He first met Ian Brown over their mutual love of Adidas trainers – introduced to each other by Speziali designer Gary Aspden. He has remained good friends with Brown, as well as other Manc stars like John Squire, Bugzy Malone – oh and Liam and Noel Gallagher too.

He laughs: “I’m a northerner, through and through. I mean, let’s all stick together. You know what I mean? I just look at these guys, they’re legends – what they do is iconic and if I can be anywhere there, or if I could inspire people in a tiny way similar to the way that they’ve inspired this city then I’m doing something right.

“They’re constant sources of inspiration for me and when I come to Manchester, when I go on that stage. I need to always try to be a little bit Ian Brown and have that swagger.

“With Manchester, you can’t take it lightly. When you hit that stage, you’ve got to bring the A-game. But thankfully, I’ve got the best in the business to look up to.”

We chat over zoom at his “secret magic studio” in London, where he now lives with his wife and pet dog, and where he’s already plotting what will come on the new tour.

There’s another reason for choosing smaller venues for this new tour, as he aims to rebuild the magician.

He says: “In the last few years, I’ve really had to take notice of my body and listen to what I can or can’t do. I am the magician everyone loves. So, you know, there’s obviously a couple of things, you know, as Dynamo, but as Steven, I have to realize as well, that I’m also human and I need to pace myself.

“Because if I’m going to give the audience the best Dynamo experience ever. Then I’ve got to make sure Stephen’s right.”

He performed a run of acclaimed shows in London last year under his real name rather than his stage name of Dynamo. I ask why that was.

He muses: “I think I wanted to make sure that as Steven I was good enough, you know, like I didn’t feel like a Dynamo. I was in hospital at times and I couldn’t even make a cup of tea, doing the simplest of tasks felt impossible.

“Yet as Dynamo I’d do all these crazy things all the time and I didn’t feel like I’d live up to that – it’s a lot of pressure and I think I’ve lived through a lot of imposter syndrome – probably I still do.

“But the things I’ve achieved over the last year, I finally feel like I’m in a place where maybe you know maybe the audience is going to get to see the Dynamo they all loved as well as Steven.”

He laughs: “I mean, it’s not even about me. It’s about the audience because I do what I do on that stage, but without all of you guys, there really is no magic.”

While the tour has a special start in Salford, it will also end on a high – with a big homecoming for Dynamo back to his hometown of Bradford.

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“To still be doing magic all these years later and to finally be bringing a show back to my hometown – it is a real full-circle moment – but also it’s going to be the best audience I’ve ever had because there’s friends and family who have never got to see me.

“It’s going to connect on a different level – like for me representation that you can actually relate to is important for inspiring hope because there’s lots of kids still on the estates in Bradford who might think that there’s no way out or think that they you know how are they going to become successful in their own right and seeing me knowing that I’ve come from where they come from and I’ve done what I’ve done shows them that it’s possible you know.”

Dynamo the Magician’s Up Close and Magical tour heads across the UK in 2027, starting at Salford’s Lowry Theatre from January 21 -27. Tickets are on sale now.

Britain is bracing for a potentially record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures forecast to soar to 39C, prompting extreme heat warnings and health alerts across the country.

A rare red weather warning for extreme heat has been issued for central and southern England and Wales, in effect from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday.

The Met Office has cautioned that this week could surpass the 35.6C June record set in Southampton in 1976, with sweltering conditions expected to persist until at least Thursday.

This unseasonably hot weather is being driven by a significant area of trapped high pressure building in Europe, known as a ‘heat dome’, which is triggering scorching temperatures across the continent.

Here we explore what causes a heat dome and how a heatwave is defined.

What is a heat dome?

A heat dome is created when a high pressure area stays over the same area for days or potentially weeks, trapping very warm air underneath it, like a lid on a saucepan. Because hot air expands, it creates a ‘dome’ that bulges out.

This weather phenomenon causes temperatures to become hotter and hotter, building through the day and rise above what is considered normal, since warm air becomes compressed over a smaller region.

The ground warms as well and moisture evaporates, the RMS says, making it easier for temperatures to continue to rise.

These weather systems and their prolonged heat also increase the risk of wildfire and heat-related health problems, the Royal Meteorological Society (RMS) said.

Often these pressure systems move east to west, the RMS explains. Sometimes they can be blocked when the jet stream of strong winds high in the atmosphere weakens.

Large parts of central and northwestern Europe will be covered by these conditions the coming days, with temperatures expected to reach 10C above mid-June averages, according to the Met Office.

Spain, France and Italy will see temperatures rise high into the 30Cs, and some areas will exceed 40C.

The UK will see a more varied and complex pattern, as the warm air from Europe attempts to move northwards and contrasts with low pressure in the northwest. This means northern and western parts of the UK will likely see repeated spells of rain due to the cooler weather front, while southern and eastern areas will see temperatures soar.

What is the definition of a heatwave?

A heatwave is simply a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures. What is considered an abnormally high temperature varies from place to place.

In France, the heatwave has claimed the lives of three people due to health complications, and 2,700 schools have closed or reduced classes. Authorities across the continent issued urgent warnings for Monday as temperatures soared.

Temperatures in Bordeaux, southwestern France, were forecast to exceed a scorching 42 degrees Celsius. The national weather agency, Meteo France, confirmed 49 regional administrative areas would be under a ‘red heatwave warning’ for the day. French Health Minister Stephanie Rist told TV channel TF1: “We’re heading for, at the very least, several days of very, very hot weather. We don’t know when temperatures will start falling.”

Meanwhile, in Spain, the state weather agency Aemet issued a red alert for the Basque country. San Sebastian was projected to reach a high of 40C, almost double its historic average for this time of year, according to the Reuters Climate Monitor.

Night-time temperatures in Spain’s southwestern province of Almeria stubbornly remained above 25C, and even 30C, Aemet reported. This contributed to Europe’s average high of 24C on Monday, a significant 4.1C above its 1961-1990 historical norm, making it the continent furthest from its typical climate. Asia and North America, by comparison, were 2C and 1.3C above their historic averages.

The proposal relates to the building at 14-16 Hardman Street, which most recently operated as a photography studio but has stood empty in recent years.

Previous applications to convert the property into flats and a house in multiple occupation (HMO) were refused.

Under the new plans, the two-storey red-brick building would be remodelled to provide accommodation for up to 15 residents, including an end-of-life care room.

Communal facilities would include a lounge, dining room and TV lounge, alongside administrative and support areas.

Four bedrooms would have en-suite facilities, with assisted bathrooms and toilets serving the remaining rooms.

The scheme would remain within the existing building footprint, with original window openings reinstated and alterations made to improve natural light and outlook for residents.

A lift, new staircases and wheelchair-accessible entrance ramp are also proposed.

Outdoor space would be created for residents on land to the side of the building, while secure waste and storage facilities would be provided to the rear.

Developers say the care home would be well served by nearby public transport links and local amenities, including Bradford Street Recreation Ground.

Bolton Council will decide the application at a later date.

I remind our central MP of her words at the time: “With the Conservative Party so divided and at war with itself, it is too late for a new Prime Minister, we need a new Government.”

Well exactly that same situation exists today; only more so. It is not just the Labour Party that is divided and at war with itself but the whole country is in turmoil and changing the captain of a sinking ship isn’t going to keep it afloat.

If Ms Maskell thinks Labour is doing a good job then she has no fear of a General Election or the distinct possibility of losing her safe seat.

But I won’t be holding my breath waiting for Rachael Maskell to demonstrate any consistency.

Matthew Laverack

Lord Mayors Walk

York

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Absolute tripe…

Why, oh why, has it taken so long for you to finally realise that as Prime Minister you have been absolute tripe? And that is not an insult to tripe because it isn’t that bad, so apologies to tripe and tripe lovers for that.

M Horsman

Moorland Road

York

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Starmer a disaster

Listening to Starmer giving his resignation speech outside No. 10 Downing Steet I didn’t realise we were all living in a country which, under his leadership, was achieving greatness in all aspects of life.

In reality, he leaves office having been an utter disaster, a shocking Prime Minister, nothing more than a committed fantasist.

Peter Rickaby

Moat Way

Brayton

North Yorkshire

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Starmer goes

Usually, when a PM announces they are leaving Downing Street, they actually leave Downing Street. Starmer has created such chaos, the King would not know whether to summon the awful David Lammy or the excellent Lucy Powell or the unfortunate Bell Ribeiro-Addy to form an interim government – if Starmer did actually leave.

As Starmer stays on and spends the summer stuffing the House of Lords with more unworthy appointments, you have to say the manner of his going is quite like everything he has done in office. He has eventually had to abandon the self serving policies Jenny Chapman and Alan Milburn have encouraged him to promote and turn to the Lib Dem policy on just about everything – as more compassionate, more sensible, more practical & less costly.

Starmer announced he was abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners. That is a Lib Dem policy. The Commissoners are still in office. For that reason and that reason only Andy Burnham is now forced to resign as Manchester Mayor, causing a by-election.

Starmer’s current defence secretary, Dan Jarvis, was both an MP and a Metro Mayor simultaneously for many years.

Nigel Boddy

Address supplied

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Thank you

To the lovely lady who came to my help when I fell in Carr Lane on Wednesday 17 June, your care and kindness was much appreciated. Thank you.

M Hill

Priors Walk

York

What do you think?

Send your views to: letters@thepress.co.uk. Write no more than 250 words and please provide your full name, address and mobile number

Kayley Turner and Laura Wallis, crewmembers at Hartlepool RNLI, recently achieved their Tier 2 qualification after months of rigorous training.

This assessment certifies them as fully operational crew members on the all-weather lifeboat, ready to take part in emergency launches and lifesaving missions.

Ms Turner, who works as an executive assistant to a chief executive, said: “Laura and I proved to the assessor that all the training has been paying off to successfully pass our ALB Tier 2 crew assessments.

“For anyone outside the lifeboat world, Tier 2 is a pretty big milestone.

“It’s the point where months of training ashore and at sea all come together—covering everything from seamanship, helming, towing and anchoring, to a bit of navigation, emergency procedures and working effectively as a crew when things get busy.

“Basically, proving you can stay calm while the sea does its best to make life difficult.”

She thanked the team at the station for their support.

Ms Turner said: “Massive thanks to everyone at the station who’s helped along the way and shared knowledge.”

Her fellow crewmember, Laura Wallis, is a business owner who also spoke about the dedication required to complete the training.

Ms Wallis said: “We have both dedicated a lot of time and energy into our training especially over the past few months.

“It has been an extremely rewarding process knowing that we get to be a part of saving lives at sea.

“The training incorporates many aspects of maritime knowledge and skills.

“The navigation aspect of the training has definitely been my favourite so far.”

Hartlepool RNLI coxswain Matt Adams praised the pair for their commitment.

Mr Adams said: “Well done, with the amount of time and effort Laura and Kayley have put in to their training it was no surprise that they successfully completed their Tier 2 plans.

“Laura and Kayley are both great examples of our dedicated crew at the lifeboat station.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them both put these skills in to action saving lives at sea.”