1) Pick up plant pots

2) Generally speaking, you should water in the morning

3) Use the “knuckle test” to check soil moisture

4) Water containers with 10% of their volume

5) Choose rainwater when possible

6) Aim water right at the base of your plants

7) Know the signs of dehydration

8) And learn the signs of overwatering, too

9) Don’t let leaves stay wet for too long

10) Use water smartly

The Met Office said Saharan dust is being blown north across parts of Europe and towards Britain

Saharan dust and “blood rain” are expected to bring colourful skies to the UK on Thursday on what could be the warmest day of the year so far. The Met Office said Saharan dust is being blown north across parts of Europe and towards Britain.

Temperatures on Thursday could reach 19C or 20C, which would beat the previous 2026 high of 18.7C recorded in Kew Gardens last week. A Met Office spokesperson said: “The London area is expected to be the warmest part of the country today with temperatures in the high teens quite widely.”

The Saharan particles in the atmosphere transform ordinary sunsets into vibrant displays of oranges and reds, but also mix with rain to produce a red residue. Sunset today is around 5.45pm – meaning in the period 5.15 – 5.45pm will probably have the best show.

Jim Dale, senior meteorological observer at British Weather Services, said: “Blood rain is a dramatic title. There is no blood involved at all, it is the colour.

“Saharan dust is very fine sand particles off the Sahara desert which get lifted by the wind. “The dust of the sand comes down, joins with raindrops and it leaves a film of sand or dust that is red/brown coloured on surfaces such as cars.”

Claire Ryder, a professor at the University of Reading who specialises in dust transport, explained the dust is brought over to the UK by strong, warm winds coming from the south.

“The dust particles are smaller than a grain of hair and can stay in the air for a long time,” she said. “They will slowly be settling but they can also be taken out of the atmosphere by rainfall and clouds.”

Dr Ryder believes the best sunsets will be across the east of England on Thursday evening. She added: “The peak dust concentration is through tonight and it is going to get much more severe through the night and into tomorrow.

“Tomorrow, skies will be less visible as it is more cloudy so the best chance to see a great sunset is this evening.”

Clouds are expected across much of England and Wales on Friday, although Ireland and Scotland should enjoy sunny weather, according to the Met Office.

Temperatures will also drop to around 11C-12C across England and Wales on Friday.

The weekend will be a mix of patchy cloud and some sunshine, with high temperatures of 12C-13C on Saturday and 14C on Sunday.

“By the point I was diagnosed with endometriosis after 17 years, it was in my lungs.” “I was ignored for nearly 20 years, and now I rely on crutches.” “My pain was dismissed for 27 years, until I needed a full hysterectomy and a stoma.”

If you follow women’s health, these kinds of stories will be, sadly, all too familiar. The process of getting help for heavy period or endometriosis symptoms is – often literally – painfully slow. Being diagnosed can take over a decade. There is no known cure. Doctors still aren’t even sure why endometriosis occurs, and scientific research suffers due to historic under-funding. This March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, but the condition is still widely characterised and dismissed as ‘just a bad period’.

“My periods were always really painful,” Dr Raj Arora, who is a GP and has endometriosis herself, told me on The Independent’s Well Enough podcast. “Every month, I’d be in bed with extreme pain. When I talk about it on social media, I’m always alarmed at how many women write back resonating with what I’ve experienced, with no idea that it could be endometriosis.”

“Pain relief wouldn’t even touch it”

For Dr Raj, it took 11 years to get a diagnosis. She believes that her upbringing in a South Asian family, where her mother and grandmother would tell her period pain was normal, meant she didn’t even consider that something might be wrong for years. The expectation to just ‘get on with it’, paired with cultural stigma around discussing intimate health, pushed Dr Raj to ignore the distress signals screaming out from her body. She thought what she was experiencing was normal; she didn’t want to make a scene. The instinct to suppress her discomfort followed her into adulthood, too.

When she reminisces on her early career, the positive memories are clouded by consistent physical pain. “When I was a junior doctor doing surgical placement, I’d be in the theatre at 6am, scrubbing in with my seniors and sweating from the cramps. I’d worry that I was going to be sick. Pain relief wouldn’t even touch it. Every time, I’d think: how am I going to get through this surgery?”

What is endometriosis?

One misconception Dr Raj is passionate about fighting is that endometriosis is a gynaecological issue. Endometriosis is caused by the endometrium – the cells which line the uterus, thickening and shedding over the menstrual cycle – developing on other organs, like the ovaries or the bowel. When endometrial tissue spreads in these areas, it can’t shed as it is meant to and, instead, remains inside the body. This can cause chronic inflammation, leading to scar tissue on the organs which can cause them to ‘stick’ together.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are:

• heavy periods (which the NHS defines as ‘when you need to change your pads or tampons every 1 to 2 hours, or bleed through your clothes,’)

• severe period pain

• pelvic (lower stomach and back) pain

• bowel and bladder pain or dysfunction

• fatigue

For Dr Raj, the penny finally dropped when she decided to try for a baby. After having some trouble concieving, she and her husband went for tests, which revealed endometrioma, or a ‘chocolate cyst’ (a benign, blood-filled cyst) on Dr Raj’s ovary. She also learned that her left ovary was stuck down. Fortunately, she was able to have children despite her endometriosis – but many aren’t so lucky. Endometriosis often causes issues with fertility, but exactly why or how this happens is still not known.

How to tell the difference between endometriosis and a bad period

The main indicator of a potential case of endometriosis is symptom severity. “Painful periods are key,” Dr Raj explains. “Now, periods can be uncomfortable, and that’s normal. You might have some cramping, some fatigue, some back pain. But with those symptoms, you can get on with day-to-day life.”

The moment to start paying closer attention is when ‘normal’ symptoms become overwhelming and disruptive. “With endometriosis, the pain is severe. The cramps are so strong that you can’t get out of bed, or they make you nauseous, or you’re sweating a lot.

“If you’re losing a lot of blood, that’s also important to note. If you’re bleeding through heavy-duty pads, or you’re seeing clots bigger than a 50 pence piece, those are things that could be signs of something abnormal.”

What to do if you have symptoms

Going to speak to a GP about any health concerns is always the first step to take if something is becoming a concern. And once you get there, “if you ever feel that you’re not being listened to, please push and ask for a second opinion,” Dr Raj says emphatically. “Even if it’s in the same GP surgery. Still, go and see a different GP.”

But whenever possible, Dr Raj recommends arming yourself with relevant, valuable information before that first meeting with a doctor. A symptom diary not only provides more information to you about what’s happening with your body, but also lays out the patterns, triggers, symptoms and issues in a way that a GP can quickly assess.

“Make notes about: this is what’s happening every single month, this is how long my periods last, this is how much pain I’m having, this is how many pads I’m using. Having all that information at hand is really helpful, especially if you’re waiting for an appointment for a while.”

The doctor also recommends making the most of the resources at hand. Dr Raj is an ambassador for Endometriosis UK, and highly recommends their menstrual helpline and symptom checker.

Endometriosis cure and treatment

There is no cure for endometriosis, but surgery or medications can help to treat symptoms. Surgery is typically performed with a keyhole surgery called a laparoscopy, in which a small incision is made in the stomach under general anaesthesia. Medications like the combined pill can also be used to help reduce the hormonal burden, which might be causing or adding to the condition. Heat therapy – like using a TEMS machine – is also recommended for pain management.

Dr Raj recommends these treatments for endometriosis, but also stresses the importance of lifestyle changes. “Diet and graded exercise were the biggest changes which helped me. I was never an athlete, and I’m always busy, but things like mindfulness, Pilates, Yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques really help to ground you and reduce pain perception. I take less pain relief now, as a result.”

The disease can have devastating consequences on the poultry industry

A suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been discovered at a commercial poultry premises in Co. Tyrone

DAERA have announced that disease control measures have been initiated following a suspect case near Omagh.

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland, Brian Dooher has made the decision based on a number of factors including the clinical signs and preliminary results provided by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, confirmed: “A suspect case of notifiable Avian Influenza was reported on Tuesday, 03 March, and initial results suggest the presence of HPAI. The CVO has, therefore, taken the decision, as a precautionary measure, to apply appropriate disease control measures, including the humane culling of all poultry on the site and the introduction of Temporary Control Zones (TCZ) to mitigate for onward disease spread.”

READ MORE: Three released on bail as PSNI probe into fraud involving local councilREAD MORE: Police seek public’s help to locate missing person last seen one month ago

Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher added: “Disease control measures are crucial to limit any potential spread of disease. and I appeal to all bird owners – backyard and commercial – to take all necessary steps to protect your flock. This includes ensuring continuous excellent levels of biosecurity and reporting any suspect cases of avian flu to DAERA immediately.

“Samples from the infected premises have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory to confirm strain and pathogenicity. Should HPAI be officially confirmed, these TCZs will be revoked and replaced with a 3-kilometre Protection Zone (PZ) and 10-kilometre Surveillance Zone (SZ).”

Full details of the scope and measures required within the TCZs have been published on the DAERA website.

The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) for the whole of NI remains in place, which means it is a legal requirement for all poultry and other captive birds to be housed or otherwise kept separate from wild birds. As part of the AIPZ, bird keepers must follow strict biosecurity measures in order to mitigate against disease incursion.

A ban on the gatherings of galliforme (including pheasants, partridge, quail, chickens, turkey, guinea fowl), anseriforme (including ducks, geese, swans) and poultry is also in force.

Members of the public are encouraged to report dead waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or gulls, or five or more dead wild birds of other species in the same location, via the DAERA Dead Wild Bird Online Reporting Tool.

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The 34-year-old was last seen on Wednesday, February 11, in the Tees Street area of Concord between 7pm and 7.30pm.

But sadly, just before midday on Wednesday (March 4), the body of a man matching Christopher’s description was found on the north bank of the River Wear off Barmston Lane in Washington.

A missing persons appeal was lauched by police who said they scoured CCTV and went door-to-door trying to find him.

Northumbria Police said that, although formal identification is yet to take place, the body is believed to be Christopher. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

Detective Inspector Nick Went, of Northumbria Police’s dedicated missing investigation team, said: “This is a desperately sad conclusion to our investigation and our thoughts are firmly with Christopher’s loved ones at this devastating time.

“We believe there to be no suspicious circumstances involved and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

“I’d like to thank all of the officers who took part in searches to locate Christopher over the past few weeks for their efforts.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those members of the public who shared our various appeals on social media and contacted us with information.

“Your support is very much appreciated by ourselves and Christopher’s family.” 

The SNP is trailing behind Scottish Labour in terms of spending power after Anas Sarwar’s party recorded a £100,000 donation from an energy magnate.

The SNP is struggling to raise cash ahead of the Holyrood election after it was revealed just three people made major donations to the party in a six month period.

It means the Nationalists are trailing behind Scottish Labour in terms of spending power after Anas Sarwar’s party recorded a £100,000 donation in November from a company owned by green energy industrialist Dale Vince.

Official figures published today by the Electoral Commission show the SNP declared £42,691 from members of the public in the last quarter of 2025.

Political parties are legally obliged to declare donations if they come from a single source and exceed £11,180 in a 12-month period. Individual MSPs or MPs, as well as local party branches, must declare all donations of £1,000 and above.

The SNP banked no major donations at all in the third quarter of 2025 – leading to John Swinney to deny at the time his party was skint. But the situation improved in the final three months of the year.

The largest donation to the Nationalists was a £37,691 bequest from the estate of the late Julian Rudd, a long-term donor to the party who died in 2024.

Margaret Gordon also donated £2,500 to the SNP branch in Argyll and Bute, while Ronald McNaught gifted the same amount to the Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire constituency party.

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In contrast, Scottish Labour announced in January it had received a “substantial” six-figure donation to the party’s election campaign fund from Sandy and James Easdale.

The brothers, who own the Inverclyde-based McGills bus franchise, reportedly made the donation conditional on Anas Sarwar committing to making the party “more Scottish-facing”.

Labour has now declared a £150,000 donation from Dalglen – a property investment firm linked to the Easdales – made on Christmas Eve last year.

Scottish Labour also banked £8,000 during that quarter from Gordon Dalyell, an Edinburgh-based lawyer and son of the late MP Tam Dalyell.

The party also received £100,000 in November from Ecotricity Group Limited, the energy company controlled by long-term Labour donor Dale Vine.

The SNP previously acknowledged it was facing financial challenges from falling membership and the loss of MPs at the 2024 general election.

The party’s last set accounts, published in August last year, revealed a deficit of £455,254 for 2024. Membership fell to 56,011, down by more than 8,500 since 2023.

Treasurer Stuart McDonald said the party had made the “very difficult” decision to cut backroom staff, but that the move would result in “significant spending reductions”.

Jackie Killeen, director of regulation at the Electoral Commission, said: “Almost £65m in donations was accepted by political parties during 2025. The UK political finance system has high levels of transparency, and we know that voters are interested in where parties get their money from.”

The Record asked the SNP and Scottish Labour for comment.

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A 21-year-old woman and two men aged 28 and 30 were arrested and charged following the incident

Two men and a woman have been charged to court following arrests made in relation to a robbery which took place in the Glengall Street area of Belfast on Tuesday, February 3.Police confirmed a 21-year-old woman, arrested on Tuesday, March 3, has been charged with robbery and is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court today, Thursday, March 5.The force said that, as is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. Two other people were also charged in relation to the incident.

READ MORE: Three released on bail as PSNI probe into fraud involving local councilREAD MORE: Police seek public’s help to locate missing person last seen one month ago

A 28-year-old man, charged with robbery and wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, has already appeared in court and has since been remanded in custody.A 30-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of robbery, wounding and possessing an article with a blade or point in a public place has also been remanded in custody.

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“My toddler loves this and it has improved with bedtime.”

Parents struggling with bedtime routines for their young children are singing the praises of a toy that’s making evenings easier. Designed for children aged three and above, the Toniebox uses tactile, character-shaped figures called ‘Tonies’ which are placed on the device to play stories, songs and educational content.

There’s a wide selection of characters available, including Peppa Pig. The Peppa Pig Tonie Character usually retails at £15, but I’ve discovered a method to get it for free through TopCashback’s current promotion.

The procedure may seem daunting, but it’s straightforward, quick and completely free.

TopCashback is providing new members joining its money-saving platform with a complimentary £15 sign-up bonus alongside cashback on any purchase of £15 or above. This means that new members of TopCashback and both new and existing Argos customers get it for free after cashback.

Shoppers must initially pay the £15, but this sum will be reimbursed to your TopCashback account, ready for transfer to any bank or PayPal account. It typically takes up to seven days to appear in accounts, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Featuring the same voice actors of the TV show, children will be whisked away to Peppa’s entertaining world and enjoy tales including Peppa on Holiday, Peppa going Skiing, Miss Rabbit’s Day Off, George’s Balloon and numerous others. With a run time of 62 minutes, the stories are just long enough to keep toddlers engaged.

Beyond the Toniebox, there are alternative options available, such as the YOTO Mini, a screen-free Bluetooth audio device that plays stories and music. Retailing at £59.99 on Amazon, it works with physical cards that ‘lets kids explore their imaginations as they explore the world’.

For those seeking a more visual toy, the Clementoni Disney Storytime Projector with Narration includes eight story cards and is designed to keep toddlers entertained. It’s available for £31.99 on Amazon and at Smyths Toys.

At Argos, the Peppa Audio Classic Tonie Character has achieved an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of five stars from nearly 40 reviews. One customer shared: “My toddler loves this and it has improved with bedtime.”

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Another reviewer commented: “We have a lot of Tonies and this has quickly become a firm favourite. It has the well known songs, themes, voices and stories that children know and recognise. I love the idea of the short stories where Peppa and her family visit different countries. It’s a fun and entertaining Tonie.”

A third customer added: “I bought this for my non verbal autistic 6-year-old grandson who adores Peppa Pig,” and “His little face lights up when Peppa starts talking.”

However, one buyer felt less enthusiastic about the Peppa Audio Classic Tonie Character, awarding it three stars. They stated: “I got this along with the Toniebox 2 for my kids for Christmas, despite paying for it and upon hearing it for the first time, my kids absolutely love it.

“But my son of all people says it’s not long enough and I wholeheartedly agree. For the price of these products, it doesn’t play for a longer period than you expect.”

However, another customer was delighted with their recent Argos buy, stating: “My son is a huge Peppa Pig fan and is absolutely loving this. He listens to it everyday.”

Here’s how to get the Peppa Tonies Character for free:

• To claim the new member bonus, new members of TopCashback need to sign up via the TopCashback website
• Search for Argos click ‘Get Cashback Now’
• Shop and checkout as usual
• Cashback will then track and appear in your TopCashback account within seven working days of your purchase

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