Make sure you get out and about to make the most of that sunshine

The sun is back just in time for the weekend and since we haven’t seen much of it lately, make sure you get out and about this weekend to make the most of it.

According to the Met Office, the weekend will be a mix of patchy cloud and some sunshine, with high temperatures of 12°C forecast on Saturday. Cloud will drift in from the west through the day but eastern areas will see plenty of sunny spells.

The weather outlook for Sunday sees some bright spells in places in the morning before turning cloudier later on with the chance of some light rain in places.

READ MORE: Northern Ireland in for hot spell this week as Met Office says temperatures to hit 18CREAD MORE: Rat activity shows significant increase after hot summer and recent rain

Here’s what to expect for the coming days in Northern Ireland:

Saturday:

It will remain dry on Saturday. Feeling a touch milder again with some bright spells or hazy sunshine. Quite windy in the north and west. Maximum temperature 12°C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Variable cloud and bright spells on Sunday and Monday with occasional spells of rain. Cloudy and windy with rain on Tuesday.

UK long range weather forecast: Wednesday 11 March – Friday 20 March

The first part of this period will continue to see the UK located at the interface between high pressure across Europe and low pressure over the North Atlantic. As such, western areas will likely see spells of rain at times, along with stronger winds, whereas eastern parts should see more in the way of drier interludes, though even here, some rain is possible from time to time.

Towards the middle of March, there is a signal for unsettled conditions to perhaps become more widespread, with all parts seeing a higher chance of rain and stronger winds. Throughout, temperatures should overall be a little above average for most areas.

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The nursey works closely with parents to keep them updated on their child’s development.

A nursery in Cambridgeshire has been rated strong in all of the categories assessed by OFSTED. The Day Nursery in Peterborough has been praised for the “very good progress” children make during their time there.

The Day Nursery was inspected by the regulator on Wednesday, January 14, with the positive report published on Monday, March 2. The report said: “Teaching is highly effective across all rooms of the nursery. Staff know the children extremely well. They take the time to help them settle and build loving, trusting relationships from the start. Staff working with babies are highly skilled and trained.”

It continued: “They understand baby development, including the importance of developing and strengthening children’s large and small muscles. They give them space to crawl, climb safely and provide equipment to help them pull themselves up to standing. Staff maintain eye-contact when talking to babies and repeat words to begin building their vocabulary.”

Jade Smith, the Early Years Manager, said: “I would just like to say how incredibly proud I am of our team, we have previously been rated outstanding three times and have remained committed to delivering the highest standards achievable.

“A special mention also needs to go to our nursery owner Lynne Blyth who dedicates her time fighting for the best outcomes for all local nurseries by being involved in local and national Early Years groups and forums.”

As well as developing a good relationship with the children, the report said staff also help them to “develop a secure knowledge of mathematical concepts” by using real life examples and activities. The report added that children are able to follow instructions “very well” and show ‘impressive’ levels of concentration and focus.

Mealtimes are also used to further children’s development with children from the age of two years old serving their own food, according to regulators. The children “highly benefit” from routines at the nursery, including time outdoors and yoga, music, and movement sessions.

On the leadership and governance of the nursery, the report detailed: “Leaders appreciate and value their staff. They monitor practice to help nurture and guide staff’s personal development. Regular supervision sessions consider staff’s wellbeing and identify professional training opportunities.

“Leaders are passionate about continuing professional development opportunities for all staff using tailor-made, customised and bespoke training. This means staff can continually deliver high-quality teaching experiences and constantly build their skills.”

The staff at the Day Nursery also build partnerships with the children’s parents and “gather the essential information about their child to help them settle”, the report said. Many parents have “extremely positively” commented on the information they receive about their children’s daily activities.

The site is of national, historic interest due to its connection with the Barbour Family in the 19th century.

Northern Ireland’s world famous Hilden Mill could be set for a significant planning boost amid “rumblings” of developer talks.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s regeneration and growth committee will now be presented with a report in the coming weeks on the long running plans for the heritage site.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that developers ‘Cubic3’ and Clanmill Housing have become involved in “complicated” discussions.

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In chambers, Lisburn North independent councillor Gary Hynds said: “I have heard rumblings of interest in the Hilden Mill site.

“This is an important heritage site for Lisburn.”

Hilden Mill is a Grade B+ listed thread mill in Lisburn, located next to the River Lagan which once powered the mill via a waterwheel.

The site is of national, historic interest due to its connection with the Barbour Family in the 19th century. William Barbour & Sons went on to become world’s leading linen manufacturers employing thousands of people and exported its products all over the globe.

The LDRS further understands from a developer source, that an appeal is currently in play against a council decision against knocking down some of the Hilden Mill heritage buildings with a decision likely later this month.

The demolition application is by PJK Developments, with a spokesperson labelling the council officers’ decision not to demolish some of the buildings “a farce” as it was not put before the elected members of the planning committee.

Since it was abandoned in 2006, the 24 acre former factory has been subjected to numerous arson and vandalism incidents causing its listed buildings to deteriorate further.

A council officer responded: “Yes, there is interest, but it is of a complicated nature. There are a number of people engaging with the developer. There are ongoing conversations that may or may not lead to development.

“The protection of the heritage would need to be implemented moving forward.

“I will bring a brief back to the committee in a few weeks.”

A previous owner of the Hilden Mill site, Galliard Homes, was granted planning approval for a redevelopment scheme that involved up to 600 houses, but that permission has since lapsed.

Cubic3 have worked on infrastructure projects in both the public and private sectors across Ireland and Britain.

Locally in the past two decades these have included Laganside Courts, SW Acute Hospital, Republic of Ireland Applegreen Services Stations, Duncreggan Student Village in Derry and with Choice Housing on social housing.

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Russian missile strikes have killed seven people in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city.

The number of dead includes two children, the region’s governor Oleh Syniehubov said.

Mr Syniehubov said the missile damaged a five-storey residential building in Kharkiv.

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Raise a glass to her with something as thoughtful and exceptional as she is…

Mother’s Day is a time to slow down, gather close, and celebrate the women who’ve shaped our lives with love, strength, and endless generosity.

Whether you’re planning a sunlit brunch, an elegant dinner, or a simple toast at home, the right bottle can turn the moment into something truly memorable.

From delicate, floral-driven wines perfect for spring afternoons to refined spirits ideal for crafting her favourite cocktail, our curated selection of Mother’s Day recommendations is designed to suit every palate and every style of celebration.

Raise a glass to her with something as thoughtful and exceptional as she is…

Champagne Drappier Rosé de Saignée, £48.60

Crafted using the traditional saignée method, this striking rosé undergoes a gentle three-day maceration, allowing the Pinot Noir grapes to reveal their naturally intense pink hue and beautifully layered aromatics. The result is a Champagne of striking purity and structure.

Bathtub Gin Persian Lime & Orange Blossom, £34.95

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For the mum who loves a zingy, aromatic G&T. Think zesty citrus oils, heady orange blossom, and a finish of cardamom and clove – like the world’s most sophisticated Earl Grey, in a glass. Serve with tonic or bitter lemon

Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin, £38

Housed in a striking Art Deco-inspired bottle, Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin looks as stunning on your drinks cabinet as it does in a G&T. For a show-stopping Mother’s Day serve worthy of the red carpet, pair 50ml of Trevethan 1929 Dry Gin with premium light tonic over ice.

Compass Box Limited Edition Hedonism 2026, £91.50

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This sip is full of star quality, with the label showcasing a unique, bespoke piece of art by Inverness-born Hollywood actress Karen Gillan. A celebration of female strength and creativity, this could be the perfect gift for the special women in your life.

Pasqua 11 Minutes Rosé 2024, £15

Pasqua’s 11 Minutes Rosé offers a fresh and elegant alternative to Provence rosé. Named after the 11 minutes of skin contact used during pressing, the wine blends Corvina, Trebbiano di Lugana, Syrah and Carménère grown near Lake Garda, creating a rosé that is both delicate and expressive.

Bathtub Gin Rose & Cardamom, £34.95

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A ginny twist on the Turkish Delight. Delicate rose and warming cardamom float over Bathtub’s classic bold juniper base – think falooda, kulfi, and a lingering finish of rosewater. Magnificent in a Martini.

Master of Malt ‘Just for Mum’ Tasting Set

Each set contains six 30ml wax-sealed samples selected by Master of Malt’s in-house spirits gurus and is presented in a printed ‘Just For Mum’ gift box – no wrapping required. Choose from whisky, gin, rum or mixed spirits. Each box is wrapped with Katie’s artwork and available in green, blue, black, or red.

Chapel Down Brut NV Limited Edition Neoprene Jacket, £35.99

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Chapel Down’s consistently excellent non-vintage sparkling wine is presented in a neoprene jacket that mimics the stitching and appearance of a cricket ball. The jacket will also keep the sparkling wine chilled for at least two hours.

Silent Pool Rose Expression, £43.49

Rose Expression Gin shares Silent Pool Gin’s DNA in terms of complexity and a refreshingly individual character; however, the core recipe has been refined to complement and enhance the rose notes. Some of the original botanicals – pear, bergamot, cubeb, and cardamom – have been increased, while lemon becomes the leading citrus.

Ivana Ciabatti La Vodka Lounge, £63.52

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Aromatic and rounded, agreeable and balanced, Ivana Ciabatti’s Lounge Edition Vodka was created with pure Tuscan spring water, natural flavourings and 100% Tuscan cereals. Embellished with edible gold leaf and housed in a stunning bottle, this vodka is typical of the luxury Ivana Ciabatti brand.

 Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson cut the ribbon for the opening of executive principal Caroline Green’s Beaumont Hill Sixth-Form College, located on Salters Lane South, opposite Education Village.

 In a £840k scheme by the Education Village Academy Trust, the college will introduce SEND facilities for more students up to the age of 19, as well as creating an additional four classrooms on the Education Village site to accommodate more pupils. 

Bridget Phillipson, centre, with Beaumont Hill executive principal Caroline Green and principal Adrian Lynch (Image: PROVIDED)

 Beaumont Hill Academy currently holds 400 pupils from 2 to 19, but new features, including more classrooms, kitchen facilities and outdoor space means that their status as one of the largest SEND facilities in the United Kingdom will only expand.

 Mrs. Green said: “It has always been my dream to have such a sixth form college and now we have. Staff, students, parents and carers are very excited about the prospect.

 “SEND is much more visible today with greater recognition and diagnosis of conditions. Better medical intervention also allows disabled students to go to school.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson chats with students at Beaumont Hill Sixth Form College (Image: PROVIDED)

 Mike Butler, chief executive of the Education Village Academy Trust, added that the trust as a whole is dedicated to supporting all children, and reflecting the needs of all students in Darlington. 

 “Our collective endeavours have always been based on human dignity, not founded on deficit,” Mr. Butler said. “This new facility strengthens our mission, reinforces our ethos and reflects our unwavering commitment to the children and young people we serve.”

 With SEND children requiring more support, parents are thankful for the extra facilities that will be available as their children move through primary and secondary school. 

 Beverley Bird, a mother of a three-year-old with profound autism, said: “It is very stressful for parents as the places generally are not there which will affect children’s ability to thrive. So it is huge that we now have this provision as it takes the pressure off parents as their children can be here from aged two to 19.”

Performing the honours, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson cuts the ribbon at the brand new Beaumont Hill Sixth Form College in Darlington (Image: PROVIDED)

 The Education Secretary reinforced how important it was to make the necessary facilities available for parents of SEND children, because it is their “right” to be given access to specialist support. 

 Lola McEvoy, MP for Darlington, said: “To have this facility so close is wonderful. We don’t have to choose between empathy and excellence. This is proof you can have both.”

 The college will offer post-16 students a range of qualifications and accreditations, including BTEC Prevocational Award and Certificates in a range of subjects, as well as AQA awards in english and maths, physical education, ICT, entry level functional skills, and more. 

City of York Council refused plans for new signs and lighting on The Gillygate, in the street of the same name, saying they would clutter the outside of the listed building.

The pub’s plans stated the new fixtures were part of the redecoration of the outside of the building which was showing signs of deterioration.

It comes as a spokesperson for The Gillygate’s owners Star Pubs said they were finalising an agreement with a new licensee to take it on.

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Plans refused by council officers would have seen a sign bearing the pub’s name replaced and a hanging sign, four boards and four outside floodlights kept in place.

Similar plans were also refused last year, with the signs currently in place installed following the approval of an application in 2013.

The latest application stated minor redecorations had been done on the inside of the Grade II-listed building which dates back to the 19th Century.

Plans stated: “We have designed the new signage scheme based on the style and locations of existing signage.

Proposed changes to The Gillygate pub, in Gillygate, York. Picture is from SR Signs/York Council’s planning portal, available for all LDRS partners to use.

“The new decorations will enhance the appearance of the pub and and the signs themselves will replicate the existing ones.”

But council planning officers ruled the signs would negatively impact the building and surrounding conservation area.

They stated: “High level signs like the one proposed are not supported as they would harm the architectural significance of the building and character and appearance of the area.

“The proposed floodlighting would draw further attention to the high level
sign and result in further harm to the visual appearance of the listed building and conservation area.”

James Graham, 24, planned to meet a 14-year-old boy who he believed he had been chatting with online.

But, what the defendant did not know, was that he had actually been speaking with a decoy police officer from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), posing as the boy, as part of a wider investigation.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Graham sent countless sexually explicit messages stating his intentions with the teenage schoolboy and even offered to supply him with drugs.

James Graham thought he was arranging to meet a 14-year-old boy for sex (Image: Northumbria Police)

When communication began, in October 2024, NEROCU officers quickly launched a specialist operation to target Graham and bring him into custody.

It led to his arrest on January 15 last year, and he was subsequently charged with arranging/facilitating the commission of child sex offence and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

It was classed as “an attempt” as there was no actual child.

Graham, of Hovingham Gardens, Barnes, Sunderland, later pleaded guilty to all charges and yesterday (Thursday, March 5) appeared back at the court where he was sentenced by Recorder Paul Reid to a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

James Graham given suspended prison sentence with ten-years’ registration as a sex offender (Image: Northumbria Police)

But he was also made subject of registration as a sex offender and restrictions imposed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, both for ten years.

NEROCU Detective Constable Lee Robertson, said: “Cases like this show why our work in this area is so vital and we will continue to do all we can to help protect children from predators like Graham.

“I’d like to thank all the officers and staff involved for helping to bring Graham before the courts and as always, I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim, or who wants to talk to an officer and raise some concerns, to get in touch immediately.”

Read next … more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

Anyone with concerns about child abuse or wanting to report a crime, can contact their local police force via its website or by calling 101.

The advice is to always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, callers can do so anonymously, by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers, on (0800) 555 111.

France could retain the Six Nations title with a round to spare as they take on Scotland at Murrayfield.

The defending champions have been a class apart so far in the competition, following up a significant opening-round win over Ireland with successes against Wales and Italy.

Three bonus-point wins thus far have left them top of the table with 15 points, and another victory by four tries or more would make certain of the title.

Ireland’s hard-fought win over Wales last night has left them on 14 competition points and thus unable to reach more than 19, while Scotland sit in third on 11 points as they host the defending champions.

Even a high-scoring, narrow defeat for Scotland, and banking two bonus points, would not be enough to keep their hopes alive if France still win with a bonus point.

France host England in Paris on Six Nations “Super Saturday” as the final round of fixtures is held next weekend.

A championship success would be their eighth since the addition of Italy to the tournament in 2000, moving clear of England as the outright most successful side in that period.

It would be a 28th crown for France overall in the competition’s long lineage.