Lloyds Banking Group has announced that Halifax will be phased out over time, with customers gradually transferred to Lloyds-branded accounts as part of a major overhaul of its retail banking business.

The decision marks the end of one of Britain’s best-known banking names, which has been part of the high street since 1852.

The banking giant says the transition will happen gradually and insists customers will not lose the features they currently use.

What happens to Halifax customers?

Lloyds says existing Halifax customers will eventually become Lloyds customers, but they will keep many of the things they already have during the transition.

That includes:

• The same account number and sort code
• The same banking app design
• Access to the same branch network
• The same familiar staff in branches

Jas Singh, Lloyds’ consumer relations boss, said: “As Halifax changes to Lloyds, our Halifax customers will keep everything they know and love today – the same fantastic app design, the same friendly faces in our branches – even the same sort code and account number.

“But as Lloyds customers, they’ll get the best innovation and experiences we offer.

“Our Lloyds customers are already benefiting from a significant investment into propositions like Club Lloyds, Lloyds Premier, Lloyds Ultra and Lloyds Rewards – and now we’re really excited that Halifax customers can bank on Lloyds for more.”

Why is Lloyds making the change?

The banking group is simplifying its consumer banking business by bringing Halifax customers under the Lloyds brand.

Lloyds says this will allow customers to benefit from newer banking products and services already available through its flagship brand, including Club Lloyds, Lloyds Premier, Lloyds Ultra and Lloyds Rewards.

Will anything change immediately?

No.

The changes will happen over time, meaning customers do not need to do anything straight away.

There is no indication that customers will need to change their debit cards, direct debits or standing orders immediately, with Lloyds saying account details will remain the same throughout the migration.

Branches are already shared across Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland, meaning customers can continue banking as they do now while the transition takes place.

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Will Halifax branches close?

Lloyds has not announced any branch closures as part of the rebrand.

The group has previously invested in its Halifax headquarters and says customers will continue to have access to its branch network during the migration.

The decision represents one of the biggest changes to Britain’s banking landscape in recent years, bringing the curtain down on a brand that has served customers for more than 173 years.

What do you think of the changes? Tell us in the comments below.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said everyone employed by the PSNI must understand the importance of professional standards and a respectful workplace culture.

Two PSNI officers have been dismissed from the force over ‘abhorrent’ behaviour towards female colleagues.

The officers were dismissed on Thursday, May 28, following Special Case Hearings conducted by the Chief Constable after behaviours they demonstrated were identified as ‘abhorrent and completely dismissive’ of any respect towards colleagues in the workplace.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher outlined his commitment to having only the highest standards of professional behaviour in the PSNI at a recent meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board.

Mr Boutcher said everyone employed by the PSNI must understand the importance of professional standards and a respectful workplace culture. Head of Professional Standards branch, Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray said: “One of the male officers was dismissed after being convicted of two counts of sexual assault against a female colleague. These occurred during social events whilst the officers were off duty – and consisted of non-consensual sexual touching of a female colleague’s buttocks.

“This was determined by the Chief Constable to be gross misconduct and the officer was dismissed from the organisation. A second officer, in a separate case, faced internal misconduct proceedings following unacceptable behaviour during a work night out.

“The male officer made a sexualised comment towards a female colleague, and groped the buttock of another female colleague.

“This represented a serious breach of professional standards, and risked significant damage to confidence in policing. The Chief Constable determined this behaviour to be gross misconduct and this officer was also dismissed. The officer had been previously found guilty of sexual assault, in a criminal court, in respect of the same incident.”

Chief Superintendent Murray continued: “These dismissals demonstrate that sexual misconduct, misogyny and sexist behaviour have no place in the Police Service of Northern Ireland and reflect our zero-tolerance approach to this type of behaviour.

“We recognise the significant harm that sexual misconduct, harassment, misogynistic and sexist behaviour can cause to victims, individuals, teams and public confidence.”

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

A Scot has shared how he has ‘never been prouder to be Scottish’ following World Cup bid.

While Scotland’s dream of the World Cup may be over for another four years, it is safe to say that the impact the Tartan Army had on the tournament won’t be forgotten for a while. One Scot has even claimed that the Tartan Army left America and the World Cup ‘better than we found it’.

Bringing a refreshed national pride to the country, many people have confessed they have “never been prouder to be Scottish” after seeing how the fans conducted themselves in the States. One Scots has even since taken to social media to highlight the Tartan Army’s impact.

TikTok account user @fraser_reynolds has already received 28,800 views on his video since it was uploaded on June 30, with the clip gaining 4,000 likes and hundreds of comments.

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Sitting in the Scotland away kit, Fraser said: “We only scored one goal. We got pumped in the other two games, and yet I’ve never been more proud to be Scottish.

“This World Cup gave us moonwalks, kilt walks, driverless cars, bagpipe pool parties, rollerblades down Miami beach, Rabbi getting conned, Red Sox parties, the Marlins, robots, ducks, parades, keepy uppy cops, samba bagpipes, the slosh and so much more.”

He continued: “For me, we done what Scotland always does abroad. We left Boston, Miami, and the World Cup as a whole better than we found it. Football’s great but this World Cup showed me that nobody gives a f**k where you’re from, what colour your skin is, what God you pray to, or who you love.

“The media and the politicians want us to hate each other and yet here we are dancing about like total dafties with strangers from all over the world, singing each other’s songs, sharing each other’s drinks and looking out for one another.”

Fraser finished up by saying: “We might be out but we came home with pals from all over the globe. To the nations that are still there, keep partying hard and hopefully we’ll see you at the next one.”

Viewers have since flooded the comments section with their praise for the Tartan Army. One person wrote: “Brilliant. I’ve never been so proud of Scotland, being Scottish and the amazing Tartan Army… what an advert for coming to visit our very friendly nation.”

While another TikTok user added: “Couldn’t have said it any better. Watching our fans has been better than the football.”

A third person also felt like they were involved in the tournament as they wrote: “Soooo proud and loved every single video you all shared. Love our Tartan Army.”

This was followed by someone else sharing: “Couldn’t have said it better! I’m not a football fan, but even I had FOMO the last few weeks watching the high jinks of the Tartan Army.”

A fifth commenter also took a moment to thank the host cities, writing: “Thank you to the people of Boston Providence and Miami for welcoming our Scottish family and friends.”

Over the first few weeks of the tournament, the Tartan Army took over social media with their infectious energy and party spirit. Marking the first appearance of the Scots in the World Cup in nearly three decades, football fans were determined to make the most of the experience.

And they definitely left their mark. From covering cities in traffic cones to marching to baseball matches with bagpipes blaring, many Americans have shared that they didn’t want the Scots to leave when their World Cup adventure came to an end.

Martyn and Lauren Nelson, from Brotton in Redcar, have spent the past decade fostering children and use family routines and animal care to help them feel safe and supported.

Lauren said: “At the heart of fostering is making sure children feel safe, secure and happy.

“Often, it’s the simplest things that help children settle in. Spending time outdoors, caring for Troy or going for a walk with the dogs can help children feel calmer and more confident.”

The couple once fostered a young girl who loved horses but had never had the opportunity to ride before, and during her stay she was able to fulfil that dream, spending time grooming and riding Troy.

Lauren said: “She’s moved on now and has her own horse and competes in shows. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how far she’s come and know we were able to support her at an important time in her life.”

The couple began fostering in their 20s, inspired by a friend who was already a carer.

They initially thought they might be too young, but quickly learned there is no typical profile for a foster carer.

Martyn said: “Making that first call is the most important step.

“Fostering can fit around busy lives. We both work, have children of our own and Lauren is studying at university. Support is available throughout and the difference you can make to a child’s life is huge.”

While they acknowledge the challenges, they say the rewards far outweigh them.

They have since adopted a little boy they once fostered, and he has become a much-loved member of the family.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is encouraging more people to consider fostering.

Councillor Bill Suthers, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “The council is looking for foster carers like Martyn and Lauren to place local children in high quality local foster placements, where they have a stable home environment and the support to help them grow, develop and realise their potential.

“Anyone wishing to take up fostering will receive comprehensive support from the council.”

As Wimbledon started on Monday, June 29, Aldi has revealed a special deal to celebrate it.

Aldi will be selling its Nature’s Pick British Strawberries (227g) for only 99p, making it 55% cheaper than rival supermarket M&S, who have its strawberries on sale for £2.20.

The supermarket expects to sell around five million punnets of strawberries throughout the tournament.

When will the Aldi strawberry deal end?

The deal is set to last until the end of Wimbledon, giving you plenty of time to pick up a few punnets.

Anyone visiting the Wimbledon Aldi store can get a free punnet of strawberries up to Friday, July 3.

As well as the 99p punnet, shoppers can also get the Everyday Essentials Wonky Strawberries (227g) for £1.19, the 400g punnet of Nature’s Pick British Strawberries for £1.99, a 600g punnet of Nature’s Pick British Strawberries for £2.79, and the Specially Selected British Grown Strawberries (400g) for £2.85.

Aldi is not the only supermarket celebrating Wimbledon with special products.

Shoppers in M&S have noticed the viral strawberries and cream sandwich has returned to the shelves, as well as a strawberries and cream dip that comes with a strawberry compote and Greek-style yoghurt.

Why do people eat strawberries and cream at Wimbledon?

The tradition of eating strawberries and cream at Wimbledon dates back to the first tournament in 1877.

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The first tournament took place in June and July, when strawberries are usually at their peak and were a fashionable thing to eat.

Strawberries were also a part of afternoon tea, with many seeing the fruit forming a part of “old-fashioned Englishness” that is associated with Wimbledon.

Will you be enjoying strawberries and cream throughout Wimbledon? Let us know in the comments below.

Known as ‘The Mission Improbable team’, Tom Riddolls, along with brothers, George, Jamie and Eddy Rounthwaite, are taking on the the Verbier 140km run in Switzerland – a challenge which has a 60 per cent drop out rate – to raise funds for The Rob Stephenson Trust.

Starting on July 10 at 10pm from Verbier, the team will need to complete the route, taking on the surrounding seven peaks, and get back to Verbier within 43 hours.

Rob Stephenson was just 21 when he died on a night out in York on March 26 in 2016. He was run over after lying in a road.

Following his death, Rob’s parents, Patrick and Nicki, and older brother, Sam, set up The Rob Stephenson Trust to help young people pay for club tours or reading material at college and university.

Tom said The Rob Stephenson Trust, which was set up following the death of the popular student in 2016, was something that sat close to all of their hearts.

Tom said “With it being 10 years since Rob’s passing, it felt like the perfect moment to take this on in his memory.

“I was lucky enough to grow up next door to Pat, Nicki, Sam, and Rob, and even at a young age I can remember that cheeky smile through the fence.

“It is great to keep his memory alive and do something so positive in his name. I am sure he will be looking down, smiling, and perhaps laughing at how ridiculous the challenge we have set ourselves.”

Jamie said: “Pat, Nicki, Sam, and Rob have been such a large part of both Malton and Norton Rugby Club, Pickering, and Lady Lumley’s School.

We are a tight-knit community, and it is great to set this challenge and raise money in Rob’s memory. I am not going to lie — the challenge is daunting, but let’s see where we go and do it with a smile, and hopefully raise some funds for charity to do some great things in 2026/27.”

As part of their training the team has completed the Hardmoors 55 mile run and were getting used to hill climbing.

Jamie said: “Rather than pure distance, it’s about getting used to elevation – not the easiest when you live in the Vale of York. So we’re doing a lot of weighted stepper work, as well as trying to get up to the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District as much as possible.”

“We learnt a lot about pacing by taking part in the Hardmoors 55. It’s easy to go off too quickly. I think we all realised just how monumental the Verbier St Bernard is going to be as well.”

Eddie said they didn’t have a target time, the main aim was just to complete it.

“Running through the night is going to be a major challenge, and if and when we sleep, as we’ll be up for 42 hours. I think it’s important we stay together and remember we’re doing this as a team.”

“This is one of the hardest high-altitude ultras in Europe and is part of the UTMB World Series. That means at the front you’ve got some of the best ultra runners in the world, and I think it has around a 40% completion rate.

“The main thing is to see how far we get within the cut-off times at each checkpoint, as that will ultimately dictate whether we complete it or not.”

The Rob Stephenson Trust has raised over £250,000 and has spent money supporting various sports organisations across the UK as well as in countries including South Africa, Kenya, Brazil, India and many more.

Eddie said: “The Trust’s motto is ‘Laugh, Live, Learn, Play’ and that is the mantra we’ll carry with us through this challenge. There will no doubt be plenty of all four along the way — and we’re sure Rob would expect nothing less.”

Rob’s mum, Nicki said: “The trust reflects so much of what Tom, Jamie, Eddy, and George have been lucky enough to experience growing up in North Yorkshire.

“The trust helps break down the financial barriers that sometimes exist, giving young people the chance to get involved in sport, access opportunities, and feel part of a supportive community. From supporting local youth cricket teams to donating equipment internationally, it’s about more than just sport — it’s about culture, family, and a support system that stays with you.

“Myself, Patrick and Sam are really proud that the lads have decided to support Rob. We really hope they succeed and wish them lots of luck.”

The team are currently being sponsored by The Paddle Farm, York, Arable Advisor, Rounthwaite & Woodhead, The Helmsley Group.

Anyone else who is is interested in sponsoring the team should contact Jamie on jamie@rounthwaite-woodhead.co.uk phone 07977 441679 or Tom Riddolls tom-riddolls@helmsley.co.uk phone 07901 893838.

To make a donation go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/missionimprobable-tom-jamie-eddy-george

The incident took place around 6.50pm on Tuesday, June 30, when police received a report of an injured man near the Co-op on Howden Road West.

A Co-op was taped off in West Lothian following a stabbing incident which saw a man rushed to hospital.

The incident took place around 6.50pm on Tuesday, June 30, when police received a report of an injured man near the Co-op on Howden Road West.

The road – which is just around the corner from St John’s Hospital in Livingston – was taped off by emergency services.

A 62-year-old man was rushed to hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries and inquiries are ongoing.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 6.50pm on Tuesday, 30 June, 2026, we were called to a report of a man injured on Howden Road West in Livingston.

“The 62-year-old man attended hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries. Enquiries are ongoing.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service has been approached for comment.

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The shocking incident occurred due to a decision made by the attraction’s owners on the Grand Strand in the North Myrtle Beach/Atlantic Beach area in South Carolina.

Two teenagers fell to their deaths while they were bungee jumping as the parents of one of them watched in horror.

The shocking incident occurred due to a decision made by the Beach Bungee attraction’s owners on the Grand Strand in the North Myrtle Beach/Atlantic Beach area of South Carolina in the United States.

One of the boys involved in the tragedy was 17-year-old Zachary Steinke, while the other was “bungee jump master” and Beach Bungee employee, Michael Nash, 19.

The attraction featured a 175-foot-tall archway which raised visitors in a cage, similar to a lift.

The two teenagers were lifted to around 150 to 160 feet inside the steel jump cage, completely unaware the original chain-driven lifting system was broken.

This was as the owners of Beach Bungee decided to replace the faulty system with a makeshift commercial shrimping which was used alongside a wire rope, instead of opting for a like-for-like replacement.

The system that was installed was not fit for purpose, leading to the shocking double death.

The evening of the incident, on August 10, 1993, was particularly wet and rainy, leading to reduced visibility as the cage was lifted into the sky.

The wire rope was unable to handle the load and, after being strained, it snapped, reports the Irish Mirror.

As a result, the cage plummeted 150 feet to the ground, leaving both Zachary and Michael with unsurvivable impact injuries. Zachary’s parents were among the crowd watching on as the tragedy unfolded, looking in horror as their son fell to his death before reportedly attempting CPR.

After the tragedy, a legal battle ensued. John Kassel, representing the families, explained in a post on the Kassel McVey site how the cable came to snap: “Without relieving the tension the cable would eventually fail and break.

“The scenario is well understood and actually has a name: two-blocking. Unfortunately, the bungee jump winch system had no safety devices of any kind. The system two-blocked.

“The cable ripped apart. The cage fell to the ground. Both boys were killed in front of a crowd of people, including the parents of one of the boys.”

He continued: “I was a young lawyer. I tried the case against the owners and the shrimper in federal court. One issue was to find individual liability and not simply get a verdict against a defunct corporation.”

Kassel was successful. In 1995, the families of the victims won a $12 million judgment against the individual owners of Beach Bungee.

The court ruled the owners could be held personally liable because they bypassed safety systems by installing the faulty shrimping winch in a bid to avoid losing summer tourist business.

But Kassel wasn’t done. He said: “I tried a second case in state court against the South Carolina Department of Labor, the responsible regulatory agency. There, a major hurdle was overcoming multiple immunities enjoyed by the state.

“We received a $2 million verdict. The verdict was affirmed on appeal to the South Carolina Supreme Court. I became close to the families of both boys.”

Emergency services were called to Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough at 11.03pm on Tuesday, June 30.

It is understood the A66 was closed off by the roundabout near McDonalds while emergency services dealt with the incident, but has since reopened as normal.

Two people were taken to James Cook University Hospital for further treatment.

A spokesperson from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said: “We were called to a road traffic incident on A66 in Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough at 11.03pm on Tuesday, June 30.

“We dispatched two ambulance crews and took two patients to James Cook University Hospital.”

Cleveland Police confirmed they were also in attendance.

A 30-year-old man from Norfolk was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire on June 18.

He was later bailed as police said he was “assessed as not being fit for interview”.

In a statement released through Cambridgeshire Police on Wednesday, the boy’s family said: “We would like to thank the staff at the zoo who rescued our son from the enclosure.

Police at Johnson’s of Old Hurst, in Huntingdonshire, where a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a three-year-old boy ended up in a crocodile enclosure at the zoo. Picture date: Thursday June 18, 2026. PA Photo. Cambridgeshire Po (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

“We are truly grateful for the public support and well-wishes we have received, as well as to everyone who has been directly involved in our son’s care and recovery in hospital.

“Our attention remains focused on his recovery and supporting him through this extremely challenging and prolonged period of time.”

The force said that the boy remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge “in a stable condition and faces a long road to recovery”.

The suspect in the case reportedly has learning difficulties and had been on a trip with carers.

Police said the boy was “injured by a crocodile” after he ended up in the enclosure.

Police were called to the zoo at 1.24pm by the ambulance service to reports that a three-year-old boy had suffered serious injuries.

Cambridgeshire Police said the boy “sustained serious injuries while in the enclosure” and “was pulled out by staff from the zoo”.

Tracey Johnson, the zoo’s co-owner, reportedly jumped into the enclosure to save the child.

Police said the boy “received medical treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital”.

A fundraising page has been set up to support his recovery and rehabilitation, as well as to provide the family with financial stability while they support him in hospital.

A description on the page hails the “extraordinary bravery and quick actions of those nearby” in rescuing the boy.

It said he had undergone “multiple surgeries” and “is now stable, but he faces a long road to recovery”.

“His parents are currently by his side in hospital, supporting him through both immediate and ongoing care physically and psychologically,” the author of the fundraising page continued.

Should any funds remain after meeting the family’s needs, they will be donated to charities and organisations within the Addenbrooke’s Trust.

An online fundraising page has been set up at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-the-family-of-3yr-old-injured-in-crocodile-enclosure.