“For years I believed I wasn’t capable. Now I know I can achieve what I put my mind to it.”

After years of believing university was beyond his reach, with the right support in place, including tailored help for his ADHD, Jonathan Breen has transformed not only his career, but also his confidence in his own ability to learn.

Jonathan, 35 and from Belfast, had spent 14 years working in mental health services, beginning as a nursing assistant and supporting patients through some of their most challenging moments.

Inspired by the nurses he worked alongside, he began to consider progressing his career.

READ MORE: ‘Losing my parents young inspired me to a greater calling in caring for others’READ MORE: ‘I had severe postnatal depression and a mum and baby mental health unit is long overdue’

“I loved working in mental health, listening to people’s stories and helping then through difficult times. I saw how nurses were able to offer additional support and guidance.

“It was never about the pay increase. It was about being that person someone could rely on when they felt hopeless,” he said.

But university had always felt out of reach. At school, Jonathan struggled with undiagnosed ADHD and left with just four GCSEs, without English and Maths.

“For years I believed what I had been told growing up, that I wasn’t smart enough for university,” he said. “I assumed it simply wasn’t an option for me.”

That perception began to shift when he saw colleagues successfully studying through The Open University while continuing to work.

Encouraged by their experiences, Jonathan decided to take the first step. He completed additional qualifications in Maths and English to meet entry requirements and applied for the nursing degree.

From the outset, the support he received played a critical role in his success. Studying part-time while working in the health service allowed him to maintain financial stability, but it was the personalised academic and wellbeing support that made the difference.

As Jonathan began to better understand his learning needs, including seeking a formal ADHD diagnosis during his studies, Open University staff worked with him to adapt his approach to learning.

“The flexibility was vital. It allowed me to build a study routine that worked for me and learn in a way that suited how my brain works.”

With guidance from support staff, Jonathan developed strategies to manage focus, structure his time, and approach assignments in a way that aligned with how he processes information.

“The support team gave me a safe place to talk about what I was finding difficult. They helped me realise I wasn’t ‘not smart’, I just learn differently,” he explained.

The ability to study flexibly also allowed him to build routines around his ADHD, fitting learning into his life in ways that felt manageable.

Whether studying during quiet moments at home or joining tutorials remotely while travelling, Jonathan was able to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Balancing work and study was not without its challenges, but with consistent support and a growing belief in his own ability, Jonathan set himself a personal goal: to graduate with a First-Class Honours degree in Mental Health Nursing.

“I didn’t need a first to get a job,” he said. “But I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.” After years of dedication, and with the right support behind him, he achieved exactly that.

Now working as a Band 5 Mental Health Nurse in an inpatient service for older adults, Jonathan’s transition from healthcare assistant to registered nurse was confirmed when he received his Nursing and Midwifery Council registration.

Reflecting on his journey, he says the experience has fundamentally changed how he sees himself: “The degree unlocked confidence in myself that I didn’t know was there.

“For years I believed I wasn’t capable. Now I know I can achieve what I put my mind to it.”

Jonathan hopes his story will resonate with others who may doubt their ability, particularly those with ADHD or other learning differences.

“The biggest thing that holds people back is fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgement, fear of not being good enough. If you’re thinking about doing it, take the opportunity. You might surprise yourself,” he said.

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The cruise ship is currently carrying around 150 stranded passengers and is now travelling to Tenerife

Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency is “continuing to monitor” the Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship.

The regional public health organisation said it is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on the “evolving situation” associated with the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, which is situated off the coast of Cape Verde.

The cruise ship is currently carrying around 150 stranded passengers and is now travelling to Tenerife, where it is expected to dock on Sunday. It comes as a third British national has suspected hantavirus linked to the cruise ship outbreak.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency said: “The Public Health Agency is working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on the evolving situation associated with the MV Hondius.

“We will continue to monitor the situation alongside other agencies and partners. Further information and updates can be found on the UKHSA website at www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-update-on-the-hantavirus-cruise-ship-outbreak.”

Hantavirus is usually transmitted through breathing in infected rodent urine, faeces or saliva. Although uncommon, human-to-human transmission can occur, potentially causing severe and life-threatening respiratory failure.

The UKHSA said none of the UK citizens on board the ship are currently reporting systems, but they are being closely monitored.

A spokesperson for the UKHSA added: “UK Government staff will be on the ground ready to support the British nationals disembarking.

“British passengers and ship crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK Government staff to an airport and given free passage back to the UK.”

It said Foreign Office officials and UKHSA teams will continue to support passengers, with a dedicated repatriation flight being organised for passengers and crew.

The statement added: “UKHSA is working with partners to ensure the flight operates under strict infection control measures.

“Public health and infectious disease specialists from UKHSA and the NHS will be on board to monitor British nationals whilst on the flight, to ensure that preventative measures are in place and to provide any care in the unlikely event that any passengers become unwell on the flight.”

The UKHSA said two British nationals have confirmed hantavirus but there is now “an additional suspected case of a British national on Tristan da Cunha”.

The patient remains on the remote South Atlantic island. The other two British nationals remain in hospital in the Netherlands and South Africa.

All British passengers and crew from the ship are being asked to isolate for 45 days upon returning to the UK, with close monitoring by UKHSA officials.

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John Swinney’s party will form the Government again after a resounding victory.

John Swinney has challenged Downing Street after the SNP won a commanding victory at the Holyrood election.

The First Minister, whose party fell short of the majority he said was needed for indyref2, said the UK Government has a “lot of listening to do” after Labour was humbled.

Labour and Reform are still battling it out for second place after Anas Sarwar’s party suffered a terrible defeat.

The SNP victory came after a fractious election campaign which failed to capture the public’s imagination.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s troubles hit Labour hard, boosted Reform and led to the SNP romping to another win.

The SNP picked up seats in Shetland and Eastwood and an overall majority was within touching distance early on Friday afternoon.

But they lost seats to the Greens in Edinburgh Central and Glasgow Southside, as well as to Labour in Na h-Eileanan and to the Lib Dems.

Losing Edinburgh Central meant Swinney’s cabinet colleague Angus Robertson lost his place at Holyrood.

READ MORE: SNP has ‘significant mandate’ for independence referendum and UK Government ‘must not stand in the way’READ MORE: SNP veteran Angus Robertson crashes out of Holyrood after Greens gain Edinburgh Central in historic result

The SNP easily won more seats than any of their rivals but failed to reach the 65 cited by Swinney as the mandate required for a second referendum.

With most of the results announced, the SNP are on 57 MSPs, while Labour and Reform are on 17 and 15 respectively.

The Highlands and Islands List, which is still to declare, will determine who comes second. The Greens are currently on 13 MSPs, with the Tories on 11 and the Lib Dems 9.

Swinney said: “It is now clear that the SNP has won and we have won emphatically.

“Living in a democracy is something that all of us should cherish and I would like thank everyone who voted in this election.

“Once again the people of Scotland have put their trust in us.

“However you voted today, I promise that I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland.

“All of us care about our country’s future.

“I give you my commitment that I will work every day to improve your life and make Scotland the nation we know it can be.”

Swinney also said he wanted a “more cooperative” relationship with the UK Government after a recent “souring”.

He said Labour had been “hammered” at the election and urged Starmer to learn lessons.

He said: “My message to Downing Street tonight is very, very clear. They have got a lot of listening to do.”

The vote for First Minister will take place after MSPs are sworn in later this month, with Swinney set to be re-elected to the top job.

Meanwhile, the surge for Reform UK south of the border was replicated at the Holyrood election.

They came second in a swathe of constituencies and racked up MSPs on the regional lists.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who campaigned to win the election, had a dismal night after losing to the SNP throughout the country.

He set a target of winning 38 constituencies, but only picked up Na h-Eileanan an Iar were squeezed on the regional Lists.

At the election count in Glasgow, where Sarwar was returned as a List MSP, Sarwar said:

“This clearly is a disappointing result for us as a Scottish Labour party. We argued the case for change….it’s an argument we lost.”

Asked if he blamed the Prime Minister, he said: “Is there a national wave though that we tried to overcome, but failed to do so? Yes.”

He was also asked if he would stay in post after leading Labour to two defeats at Holyrood elections:

“My party is hurting. We are disappointed. We advocated for change. We didn’t win that argument, but it’s my job to hold us together and that’s the job I intend to do.”

Scottish Labour’s defeat triggered a blame game between insiders who blasted Starmer and those who pointed the finger at Sarwar’s campaign.

Candidate Paul Sweeney said the Prime Minister needed to think “very carefully” about his position.

He said some of the UK Government decisions had been “deeply, deeply disappointing” for “core voters”.

But a Labour source attacked Sarwar: “Watching Anas’ campaign was like watching someone trying to carry four pints back from the bar – everyone else knew what was going to happen, but he still thought he was making it to the table.”

The Lib Dems picked up constituency wins and the Greens also powered to their best ever result at Holyrood.

Winning Edinburgh Central and Glasgow Southside was the first time the Greens won constituencies at Holyrood.

However, the Tories under Russell Findlay’s leadership had a poor night.

Although they held on to many of their constituencies amid an SNP onslaught, they lost a number of List seats.

Sarwar and Starmer clashed this year after the Scottish Labour leader called for the PM to quit.

The Glasgow MSP was first out the traps last night to write to party members:

“The results today are not what we wanted or worked for and I know how disappointed everyone in our movement will be this evening.

“We tried to make the case for change but sadly we fell short across the constituencies in which we had been fighting so hard.

“We are hurting as a Party tonight and I see it as my job now to hold us together, as we regroup and chart the course ahead.

“I still believe it falls to the Scottish Labour Party to hold the SNP to account and in time deliver the change that our communities and our country need.

“We must also continue to stand together against the poison of Reform and we will do so by staying true to our values.”

Forty minutes later, Starmer also wrote to members:

“This is a really tough result and a difficult day for Scottish Labour. We’ve lost brilliant Labour members of the Scottish Parliament who’ve stood up for their communities and gave so much to our party.

“Today’s results were not the ones we hoped for, but I know that was despite the effort of Scottish Labour members, who knocked on thousands of doors, speaking to voters across Scotland and taking forward our message of change. So I want to say to you, a massive thank you.

“We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to Anas for the energy he brought to the campaign. He rightly sought to focus this election on two decades of SNP failure and his vision for a better Scotland and I know he will continue making that case as we move forward from these results.

He added: “I know how much today hurts. As Labour Party leader and Prime Minister, I take my responsibility seriously. When Scottish voters send a message like this, it’s important to reflect and respond.

“The government I lead has always sought to deliver change to all parts of the United Kingdom. But I know people in Scotland are still deeply frustrated. They feel let down by decades of a failed status quo. And their lives aren’t changing fast enough.

“We’ve gone through a tough time as a country – we have weathered economic shocks and international conflict. People have seen incalculable damage to their communities and years of political chaos.

“I was elected to take on those challenges.”

​Although Europa Oil & Gas’ proposal to install a 125ft (38m) rig in the village of Burniston, close to the North York Moors National Park, was rejected at a meeting last month, local campaigners have warned that “the fight is not over yet”.

​It comes as the oil and gas company behind the scheme has said it will lodge an appeal against the council’s refusal of its plans to explore for gas near Scarborough.

​At a meeting of Frack Free Scarborough on Friday, May 8, campaigners reflected on the “really successful” rally that saw hundreds of residents, campaigners, and activists from across the country protest outside Scarborough Town Hall in April.

Anti Gas Rig Demo Scarborough Town Hall. Courtesy Numminen,, Ldrs.

​The meeting was also held to consider next steps for the organisation.

​John Atkinson, of Frack Free Scarborough, said it was “absolutely vital” to broaden the group’s campaign.

​“In fact, we would like a coordinated national effort to put pressure on the government to stop the proppant squeeze loophole,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

​Europa has said there is no ‘loophole’ in the moratorium on fracking. ​

​The proppant squeeze method has been likened to “small-scale fracking” and is allowed under current legislation.

​Mr Atkinson said that since the rally at the planning meeting last month, Frack Free Scarborough had seen “an uptick in people joining” the group.

​He added: “We need them to come out and actively oppose this. It’s fine that they show their opposition, but they’ve got to show that physically, they’ve got to come out and oppose this, and numbers really matter.”

Anti Gas Rig Demo Scarborough Town Hall. Courtesy Numminen, Ldrs.

​Asked if he was optimistic about whether or not the proposal would progress, Mr Atkinson said the industry had “people lobbying at all levels”.

He added: “It’s an extremely tough fight, and it’s going to take everything we’ve got to stop this.

​“And I think, yes, people will rise up.”

​Speaking last month, ​Europa’s CEO, Mr Holland, said: ​“I’m quite confident that the grounds that it’s been rejected on, when we go to appeal, and we will appeal it, the decision will be overturned at appeal.”

​​North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee voted to reject the application based on:

• Heritage coast and landscape harm, and concerns that the temporary nature of the plan would not mitigate the harm and would be contrary to council policies
• Proximity to residential properties and vibration, noise and disturbance, and 24/7 operation of the site
• The site, height, and lighting would impact the scenic beauty of the North York Moors National Park
• Concerns that the impact on tourism and economic benefits had not been demonstrated
• Conflict with the council’s climate commitments and objectives

News of Tess Daly and Vernon Kay’s split has shocked many, after they announced they had made the decision to ‘amicably separate’.

Tess, 57, and Vernon, 52, posted the news onto their Instagram stories, both writing: ‘This has not been an easy choice, but it comes from a place of mutual understanding and a shared desire for what is best for both of us.

‘We remain great friends and most importantly, fully committed to our roles as loving and supportive parents, which will always be our priority.’

The couple have been married for 23 years, meeting in 2001 and tying the knot in 2003.

Their relationship, however, wasn’t always plain sailing. Vernon was embroiled in a sexting scandal in 2010 that continued to haunt them later on in their marriage.

So how did one of Britain most well-known TV couples come to know each other, and what did their relationship looks like?

When did Vernon Kay and Tess Daly meet?

Vernon and Tess first met at a BBC Christmas party in 2001. On an episode of Scott Mills’ Radio 2 show, Vernon recounted how it all went down.

He recalled their relationship beginnings to the former BBC presenter: ‘Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess and I, recreated the video for Britney Spears’ Hit Me Baby One More Time. That’s how we first met,’ he began.

The Family Fortunes host continued: ‘Yeah, I was dressed…no, she was dressed as Geri Halliwell in the Spice Girls Union Jack dress; I was dressed as Britney Spears in the Hit Me Baby One More Time video school uniform. It was in a charity shop on Shepherd’s Green, Shepherd’s Bush Green.’

And he claimed that Scott played a part in their meet, too.

‘I think you teed it up. I think you set it up as, “Why don’t you and our new presenter, Tess Daly, go and do this?”‘ Vernon recalled.

Tess has previously spoken to The Sun about their ‘immediate’ connection. ‘I couldn’t imagine having more fun with anyone else. It was pretty explosive, I tell you,’ she shared.

When did Vernon and Tess get married?

After just two years of dating, Vernon and Tess got married on 12 September 2003.

St Mary’s Church in Vernon’s hometown Horwich was their chosen venue, before their reception at Rivington Hall Barn. Adding some cool factor to their special day, they travelled in a VW camper van, which had the words ‘Just Married’ written on the back window. The bride wasn’t the only one in white, with Vernon also opting for a suit in the hue and a pink shirt.

After their nuptials, Vernon said he was ‘over the moon’.

They went on to renew their vows on their 10th wedding anniversary in the South of France after Vernon arranged it as a surprise. This time, their children were present.

Who are Tess and Vernon’s children?

Tess and Vernon have two daughters together – Phoebe (born 2004), and Amber (born 2009), who were able to be at the second ceremony.

Speaking about how the couple like to raise them, Vernon told Daily Mail: ‘We let them be independent when it comes to their futures because it’s important that you allow them to find themselves, which is character building and personality development.

‘Tess and I grew up in hearty, wholesome Northern families and that’s a huge trait that helped us in our personal development and I think that’s really important,’ he added.

What was the sexting scandal that shook their marriage?

Although they shared happy times, there were also tough moments.

Vernon sent flirty messages back and forth to glamour model Rhian Sugden in 2010, leading to a public apology. At the time, he said: ‘Tess is extremely upset about this and we’re working through it. But in some ways, I’m glad this story has come out. It feels like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.’

Speaking to The Sun he admitted he had been ‘stupid and daft’ but he was ‘not a sex pest’.

In 2016, reports claimed that Vernon was back in touch with Rhian. He addressed the rumours and say that ‘there was never any inappropriate intent to our communication.’

In 2017, Tess told The Times: ‘Marriage is a work in progress. Vernon and I are just people, at the end of the day.’

When were Tess and Vernon last seen together?

Tess and Vernon were last seen together publicly earlier this year – in February they hosted The One Show together on the BBC.

Posting on her Instagram, Tess said: ‘An evening at @bbctheoneshow with some incredible guests.’

The pair stood smiling in a photo Tess shared with Bridgerton stars Luke Thompson and Yerin Ha, as well as Oscar winner Jessie Buckley and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

And only last month the couple were away together in the Caribbean with their daughter, Phoebe.

Despite not posing for photos together, Tess posted one of her eldest and Vernon sat on a swing on the beach, and Vernon posted a reel modelling Tess’ trunks from her swimwear brand Naia Beach.

Tess and Vernon’s careers

One of the things Tess and Vernon had in common was their route into show business – they both had modelling careers, before landing presenting roles.

For Vernon, it all began at the BBC Clothes Show, where he was scouted by an agency after being convinced to walk the catwalk by a friend. At the time, he was working in a DIY shop.

He made the transition from modelling to TV with Channel 5’s The Mag – a weekend compilation show targeted at young viewers. He then moved over to Channel 4’s equivalent T4 where he stayed from 200 to 2005.

It provided a launchpad for Vernon to become a game show king. All-Star Family Fortunes, Beat the Star, Splash!, Boys and Girls and Celebrities Under Pressure all make up his CV.

Currently, Vernon is the host of BBC Radio 2’s mid-morning show after he replaced Ken Bruce in 2023. In 2024 he presented a new ITV series, M&S: Dress the Nation, in which ten candidates competed to secure a highly coveted in-house design role, with their own bespoke collection.

The DJ has hosted the BBC Children In Need live appeal twice. ‘To help means so much to me,’ he said on The One Show after he was first announced in 2024. ‘It’s going to be emotional.’

Meanwhile, Tess became the face of autumnal weekends with her role fronting Strictly alongside Claudia Winkleman.

She was also first scouted while out and about, but arguably at a slightly less glamorous location – outside a McDonald’s restaurant.

At the time, she was called Helen but changed her name as there was already a model with the same moniker. Now called Tess, she travelled the world, even living in Paris and New York – each for five years.

In the American city, she began doing red-carpet interviews after a friend suggested she would be good at it. It led to Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast in 2000, before she moved on to Smash Hits TV, SMTV Live, Back To Reality and her career-defining job, Strictly, in 2004.

Last year, Tess and Claudia announced they were quitting the show.

Again, posting on Instagram Tess said: ‘After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.’

Before they announced their separation, a source told Closer magazine earlier this week that Tess and Vernon were planning a ‘grown-up gap year’ together.

This article was originally published on October 15, 2024.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) is a Coronation Street icon, having been a familiar face on the cobbles since 1997.

Unfortunately, she hasn’t been very lucky in love during that time – but that could be set to change.

Executive Producer Kate Brooks has revealed a brand new love interest for the soap stalwart, and he is connected to Alya Nazir (Sair Khan).

‘We have Idris. He’s Alya’s cousin. He is very, very charming. The charm oozes out of every pore of this guy,’ Kate teased.

‘He’s a savvy kind of business guy, he’s got a bit of a ruthless streak, he’s not ready to get his hands dirty slightly, but he can charm the birds from the trees.’

Leanne has been known to fall for charm in the past, having previously been won over by cult leader Rowan.

Her involvement with The Institute led to the end of her relationship with childhood sweetheart Nick Tilsley (Ben Price), who broke her heart by cheating on her with sister Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor).

Nick and Leanne had an on-and-off relationship for decades, and were even married for some of that time.

Away from Nick, Leanne has had relationships with Peter Barlow, Jamie Baldwin and Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson), among others.

And now, it seems that Idris will be the next man to catch her eye.

‘He’s a new love interest for Leanne,’ Kate explained. ‘The attraction is instantaneous. It gives Leanne a new lease of life.

‘She’s been harbouring a deep-rooted resentment towards Toyah and Nick, because that’s the life she had. And this guy comes along, he’s got it all, he makes her laugh. He’s funny, he’s a handsome chap, and he ruffles a lot of feathers, but he’s not without an edge. He’s not soft, and he’s certainly no pushover. ‘

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Will Leanne finally find the one in Idris? Or will it all end in tears?

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A Georgia high school teacher is facing multiple charges after she allegedly had sex with a student on campus, authorities say.

Maris Nichols, 25, a biology teacher at Alexander High School in Douglas County, was arrested Friday and charged with two counts of sexual assault by a person with supervisory or disciplinary authority, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say Nichols had sexual intercourse with the same student on at least two separate occasions, according to arrest warrants obtained by 11Alive.

The first encounter allegedly happened on April 23 in a closet between classrooms at Alexander High School.

The second allegedly took place on May 2 inside a Hummer parked in a driveway in Douglasville.

The warrants describe Nichols as “having supervisory/disciplinary authority over” the student and being “a person in a position of trust.”

Authorities alerted parents about the situation on Thursday. Nichols’ profile appeared to have been removed from the school’s website.

In a statement, the school district said it is “deeply troubled” by the allegations.

“Upon learning of the alleged misconduct, the district immediately launched an investigation. Student safety is the district’s highest priority. The alleged behavior is unacceptable and violates the professional standards all employees are required to uphold,” the district said.

“The Douglas County School System will continue to cooperate fully with state and local law enforcement,” the statement continued. “The district cannot provide additional information regarding the allegations. Any further inquiries should be directed to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.”

The district has not said whether Nichols remains employed or will face disciplinary action as the investigation continues.

Nichols appeared in court via video on Friday. Her bond was set at $40,000 and she was booked in the Douglas County Jail.

Voters in Sutton in London have had their say in the 2026 local elections.

Seats on Sutton London Borough Council were up for election in the wards of Beddington, Belmont, Carshalton Central, Carshalton South & Clockhouse, Cheam, North Cheam, South Beddington & Roundshaw, St Helier West, Sutton Central, Sutton North, Sutton South, Sutton West & East Cheam, The Wrythe, Wallington North, and Wallington South, Hackbridge, St Helier East, Stonecot, Worcester Park North, and Worcester Park South.

All 55 seats on Sutton London Borough Council were up for grabs, with each ward represented by either two or three councillors.

Before the 2026 election, the London borough council was run by the Liberal Democrats, who had 29 seats.

Councillors have been elected in all 32 London boroughs, with a total of 1,817 seats up for grabs. London borough elections take place every four years.

Polls closed at 10pm on Thursday, May 7, with the count taking place overnight. Results for the Sutton local elections are due from 4.30am on Friday.

In total, more than 5,000 council seats were up for grabs across 136 local authorities in England on election day. Mayoral elections also took place in six areas.

Below you can see the full results for every seat up for election in Sutton. You can select your ward from the drop-down list.

Speaking before the event, Monty Python star Sir Michael told the Press Association: “David, I think, is the most influential person in my life. Not just because of his programmes, and the nature of his programmes, and the messages he sends out about the state of the world, but the way he does it.

Prince William stopped for lunch at The Farmers Arms in Muker on Tuesday (May 5), where he was served a hearty plate of chicken and ham pie, chips, mushy peas and gravy.

The community-owned pub shared the moment online, saying the dish had received the “royal seal of approval” during what they described as an “incredible day” in Swaledale.

The full post from the pub read: “What an incredible day here in Swaledale!

“The team at the Farmers Arms were honoured to host HRH Prince William for lunch during his visit to Swaledale.

“He enjoyed a hearty lunch of chicken and ham pie, chips, mushy peas and gravy, which got the royal seal of approval.

“It’s certainly a day we will never forget!”

The meal is a familiar choice for regulars at the popular village pub, which has built a strong reputation for its traditional food and generous portions.

Visitors frequently praise the pies in particular, with one recent guest saying on TripAdvisor: “Food was excellent, we had the pies, the chips were great with a side of mushy peas.”

Another reviewer described the pub’s steak and ale pie as “top drawer”, while others highlight the Sunday roasts, noting “thick cuts of meat” and “lots of veg” as standout features.

Set in the heart of Muker in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, The Farmers Arms has become a go-to stop for walkers and tourists exploring Swaledale.

Since being bought by the community in 2024, it has continued to thrive as a hub for both locals and visitors, with many praising its friendly atmosphere.

The Prince of Wales meeting well wishers during a visit to the River Bain Hydro plant, a community-owned hydroelectric power station, in the village of Bainbridge in North Yorkshire (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA)

“It’s a fantastic local pub,” one reviewer said, adding that there was “hardly a seat to spare” during their visit.

Another described it as offering “a slice of the Dales with good food, beer, dogs and helpful staff.”

The atmosphere is often highlighted alongside the food, with guests mentioning the warm welcome and cosy setting. One visitor who stopped by after a winter walk said the pub was “warm and beautifully lit” with “exceptional service”.

While the Prince’s visit may have brought a fresh spotlight, regulars say the pub has long been one of the area’s highlights.

“Nothing but praise,” one customer wrote after a recent meal, adding that they would “travel the miles” to return.

Now, with a royal endorsement to its name, the dish enjoyed by Prince William is likely to be in even higher demand.