Patrick Vieira was ‘disappointed’ to see Eberechi Eze taken off in Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City, claiming the forward was just beginning to ‘get into the game’ when he was substituted.

Erling Haaland scored his 23rd league goal of the season to steer City to within three points of Arsenal, with Pep Guardiola’s men boasting a game in hand over the leaders.

The Gunners produced a spirited display after their recent dip in form, with Kai Havertz making it all square just moments after Rayan Cherki’s solo piece of brilliance to open the scoring in the 16th minute.

The visitors had chances to draw level in an entertaining second half, with Eze striking against the woodwork and Havertz squandering a huge chance after being put through by Martin Odegaard.

But Haaland’s 65th-minute effort ultimately proved the difference and City can leapfrog Mikel Arteta’s men in the Premier League table with victory over lowly Burnley on Wednesday night.

Ahead of kick-off, Vieira questioned the ‘big gamble’ to recall Odegaard to the starting XI given the midfielder’s apparent lack of match fitness, which meant he sat out Arsenal’s clash with Sporting in midweek.

And after the final whistle, the ex-Arsenal captain suggested Arteta had made another possible mistake removing Eze from the field of play when he was beginning to make inroads in the final third.

Asked if Arteta was wrong to move Eze out to the left, Vieira said on Sky Sports: ‘No because he didn’t stay on the left-hand side, he came inside and created the overload and that was, I think, the tactical plan.

‘It was really interesting because he touched the ball a lot.

‘I was a bit disappointed, to be honest, that he came off because I think he was getting into the game and he could create chances for scoring goals because he’s got that quality.

‘Taking him off, I think I was disappointed to see him off.’

The result means Arsenal have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions and Arteta’s side must quickly regroup ahead of their clash with Newcastle in a week’s time.

Roy Keane was encouraged by the Gunners’ display against City – but argued the visitors ultimately failed to deliver when it came to ‘the hardest part of football’.

‘The criticism with Arsenal over the last few months is maybe that lack of creativity,’ the ex-Manchester United captain explained.

‘There was plenty of it today but the hardest part of football is putting the ball in the back of the net.’

Keane’s Sky Sports colleague, Micah Richards, felt the result could be the beginning of the end for Arsenal’s title charge, with City wrestling the ‘momentum’ in their favour at a crucial stage of the campaign.

‘I’ve always said whoever wins this game will have the momentum,’ ex-City and England defender Richards declared shortly after the final whistle.

‘Obviously City got to go to Burnley and win that but Arsenal have still got two games before Manchester City play again, they’ve got Newcastle and Fulham.

‘I just thought this was the game. If they could get over the line in this game and stay within three points of Arsenal, I just think with the experience, the big players, the big moments…

‘I thought Arsenal were very good in all honesty today, but Manchester City just get over the line and Rayan Cherki, what a player he is.

‘Bernardo Silva, the energy that he puts in, the way he gets on the ball, being an older guy. Leaving at the end of the season. But they just have that momentum going into the end of the season.’

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In a season to forget, those Liverpool fans situated in the corner of the Hill Dickinson Stadium will never forget this afternoon on the banks of the River Mersey.

As Virgil van Dijk headed in a 100th-minute winner, the 3,000 Liverpool supporters went wild.

Yet again, Liverpool had snatched an injury-time winner against their local rivals. For the sixth time in Premier League history to be precise.

In this fixture last season, it was Everton celebrating an added-time equaliser when James Tarkowski scored in the last ever Merseyside derby held at Goodison Park.

Now, no matter what happens, Liverpool will always have the bragging rights of the first derby at the Hill Dickinson.

For one afternoon in the Merseyside sunshine, they will not have cared one jot about the struggles they have endured this season.

Everton came into this game with real belief but it was Liverpool who defied the early storm to take a surprise lead through Mohamed Salah and they deserve credit for their work on set-pieces in training, which came to fruition when Van Dijk got on the end of Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner to exploit an Everton weakness that had been identified in the days leading up to the game.

Crucially, Arne Slot’s side now look set to secure Champions League football for next season and the Dutchman had two of his most senior players to thank for one of Liverpool‘s biggest victories this season.

“At the end of the day, it’s the players who have been brilliant for such a long time for Liverpool Football Club that have come up with the goods. It’s Virgil van Dijk again, it’s Mohamed Salah who has managed to do it again and break Everton hearts,” said Pat Nevin on 5 Live.

“That goal has probably given Liverpool what they need – and what they need is Champions League football. They’re going to bring in a lot of players next season – yes, the name of Liverpool Football Club means a lot and that will drag a lot of players to them, but the Champions League helps. It really helps and I think they’ll get that after that moment from Virgil van Dijk,” Nevin added.

When it comes to days like this, the result trumps everything but Slot and Liverpool will be aware of the scale of the task that lies ahead.

That they look to set to secure Champions League football is primarily because Chelsea have lost their last four Premier League games and none of the chasing pack are likely to catch up with Liverpool, who have lost 10 league games this season.

If the hierarchy choose to stick with Slot, then there are clear questions. Can this Liverpool team adopt an actual identity? What needs to be done defensively? How do you get the best out of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak? And perhaps above all, how do Liverpool live without Salah?

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC Sport: “Not being in a Champions League spot is a catastrophe for Liverpool and that win today goes a long way to putting them in it.

“I think every win for Liverpool is important at the moment, by hook or by crook – it doesn’t matter how they do it because the pressure is on.

“They are not playing well and they do look disjointed. They gave up chances today and they were second best in the first half.”

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland admitted he could have got Gabriel Magalhaes sent off for pushing his head towards him, which means the Arsenal centre-back will be available for the Premier League run-in after he avoided a red card in the title showdown.

Haaland and Gabriel were involved in a long-running battle at the Etihad but tensions spilled over in the 83rd minute. It was sparked when Haaland gave Gabriel a push from the side after he had been fouled from behind by the Arsenal defender.

Gabriel reacted by putting his head towards Haaland’s and they stood for a moment with their foreheads touching. But Gabriel then made a another movement and pushed his head towards Haaland’s for a second time.

Haaland did not respond, as team-mates from both sides then broke them up. Anthony Taylor then showed both Haaland and Gabriel a yellow card for their involvement in the altercation, while the incident was checked by VAR.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Haaland said: “If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would be red card. I’m not sure, I haven’t seen the situation. It is what it is, I will not fall on the floor. For me I don’t know why he comes up to my face.”

What did the VAR say?

Referee John Brooks was the VAR. He decided that Gabriel’s contact towards Haaland’s head was not “deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent”. He agreed with Taylor’s on-field assessment. Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, received his seventh booking of the season protesting the lack of punishment. Guardiola could be seen acting out a ‘headbutt’ on the touchline.

It may raise some eyebrows, however, that Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez was sent off for pulling Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Monday, while Gabriel avoided harsher punishment. Gabriel also avoided an earlier yellow card after ripping Haaland’s undershirt in an earlier grapple.

Could Gabriel be sanctioned?

As referee Taylor saw the incident, and it wasn’t missed by VAR, it means Gabriel will be available for Arsenal’s next three games. Arsenal will host Newcastle and Fulham before going to West Ham in their next three Premier League fixtures, with just five games of the season remaining.

What did Erling Haaland say?

The striker told Sky Sports: “If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would maybe be red card. I’m not sure, I haven’t seen the situation. It is what it is, I will not fall on the floor. For me I don’t know why he comes up to my face.”

Haaland was also praised by Manchester City captain Bernando Silva, who called the striker an “animal” for how he competed against Gabriel and William Saliba.

“Erling was fantastic today, fighting for every ball,” Silva told Sky Sports. “It’s not easy with two centre-backs that strong. Apart from the goal that he always scores, today he fought like an animal.”

It is arguably the best season of the year for a walk

An approximate five-mile walk by National Trust has a mix of many sights including charming villages, two pubs, and a gorgeous meadow. It even takes you through a village that The Telegraph has named as one of Britain’s poshest.

The walk begins at Houghton Mill, in the idyllic village of Houghton on the River Great Ouse. According to the National Trust, milling has been happening here for over 1000 years. Take the path diagonally across the mill car park, and through the kissing gate where you can turn right and find a narrow path called Love Lane.

At the end of the path, turn left and head down Thicket Road. Continue along the path alongside the river to St Ives until you reach All Saints’ Parish Church. Stop for a minute to take in the church, which marks the site of the original Saxton village of Slepe. Among those who later worshipped there was Oliver Cromwell, whose signature has been left in the vestry book. Holt Island Nature Reserve, a peaceful haven for wildlife, is over the bridge on the right and the walk continues through the churchyard.

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The route leads along the Waits, past the Norris Museum and into the Broadway until you reach the Victoria Memorial which celebrates Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. When you get here, take the right branch along Merryland. There are several debates over how Merryland got its name. Some say it is a reference to the Virgin Mary whilst others believe it is because there used to be five pubs all in a close area.

Take the first right onto Bridge Street and go over the old bridge. This bridge was built in the 1420s and is one of only four in the country to still have a chapel built midstream. From here, turn right and head through the Dolphin car park and onto Hemingford Meadow. Walk across the meadow and follow the path diagonally left to a stile at the far side. Follow Meadow Lane until you reach a sharp left with a track on the right.

Then, take a small path straight ahead that comes out onto a road and follow the path until you reach another road. You’ll now find yourself in the village of Hemingford Grey. There are several shops and pub here which can be explored by turning left to reach the High Street. Turn right towards Hemingofrd Grey church if you are not visiting the High Street.

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Next, turn left alongside the graveyard and follow a path along the riverbank. Keep following the path, with the river on your right to the far end of the High Street and then turn right to continue on the riverbank. As you leave the village, keep an eye out for Hemingford Grey Manor house which was built in the 1130s. It’s one of the oldest continually inhabited buildings in Britain, as was one home to Lucy Boston, the author of Green Knowe.

The path will continue, crossing over two meadows, and alongside a mobile home park on the edge of Hemmingford Abbots, the village which was named as one of the poshest by the Telegraph. Once you reach the charming village of Hemingford Abbots, be sure to enjoy the lovely cottages, rustic homes and learn about the history of its church while you’re there. Don’t miss the 15th-century pub called the Axe and Compass, to quench your thirst, or even enjoy a mid-walk meal.

The walk then continues by turning right an following the road until you reach the Axe and Compass. Finishing up, continue along Common Lane and turn right into Meadow Lane next to the post box and over the Black Bridge. Cross Hemingford Meadow and walk back through Houghton Hill where the route ends.

Austrian police have confirmed the discovery of rat poison inside a jar of HiPP baby food, following a widespread recall across more than 1,000 SPAR supermarkets in the country due to serious safety concerns.

A sample from one of the 190-gram “Carrots and Potatoes” baby food jars, reported by a customer, tested positive for the toxic substance, according to a statement from police in Burgenland.

HiPP had previously said on Saturday that it could not rule out the introduction of a dangerous substance and that its “Carrots and Potatoes” jars may have been tampered with, warning that consuming the contents could be life-threatening.

Authorities advised that affected jars might have a sticker with a red circle on the bottom, a lid that appeared opened or damaged, a missing safety seal, or an unusual smell.

Initial laboratory tests on similar jars seized by police in the Czech Republic and Slovakia also indicated the presence of a toxic substance, following warnings issued to Austrian authorities after investigations in Germany.

HiPP said on Saturday: “According to our current knowledge, this critical situation involves an external criminal interference that affects the SPAR Austria distribution channel.”

A SPAR spokesperson said that the product recall was a precautionary measure, impacting 1,500 stores in Austria but no outlets elsewhere.

Both SPAR and HiPP have urged customers not to consume the contents of any jars purchased from SPAR Austria, offering full refunds for returned products.

Police also recommended thorough handwashing for anyone who came into contact with a jar.

Manchester City defeated Arsenal to take control of the Premier League title race following an enthralling showdown at the Etihad.

Erling Haaland scored the winner in the 65th minute to settle a thrilling contest after the Gunners went agonisingly close to taking the lead.

Eberechi Eze struck the inside of the post just a couple of minutes before Haaland held off Gabriel to volley City into the lead.

It leaves City three points behind Arsenal in the title race and with the chance to go top for the first time this season on Wednesday night.

And, after Kai Havertz missed a golden chance to equalise in stoppage time, it means the title race will go right down to the wire.

Here are five talking points from Man City’s 2-1 win over the Gunners.

Erling Haaland’s ripped shirt symbolises Man City’s win

Three years ago it was the sight of Erling Haaland’s long hair flowing behind him as he celebrated the final goal of Manchester City’s thumping 4-1 over Arsenal that summed up how Pep Guardiola’s side had ripped apart Mikel Arteta’s challengers. Three years later, the sight of Haaland’s ripped undershirt, following his latest grappling duel with Gabriel Magalhaes, that symbolised another defining victory.

City were not rampant this time. Arsenal went away from that bruising defeat in April 2023 and returned stronger, physically and mentally. And yet, Haaland was still able to hold off Arsenal’s biggest and most important defender as he fired the winning goal to settle a colossal clash. Following Jeremy Doku’s surge into the box and Nico O’Reilly’s flick across goal, Haaland pounced on the chance as he held off Gabriel to volley in. In a fascinating tactical duel, City had the muscle to take a step closer to the title.

At full-time, Haaland could be seen pointing his ear and signing, “Ooooh, sometimes, I get a good feeling”. He’s been in this race before.

Should Gabriel have seen red card for Haaland ‘headbutt’?

So, turns out Gabriel was a little bit frustrated by being beaten to the ball by Haaland for the winner. In the 83rd minute, there was another flash point between the pair after Gabriel fouled Haaland from behind and the striker pushed the defender away from him when he got back to his feet.

Gabriel reacted by putting his head towards Haaland’s and they stood for a moment with their foreheads touching. But Gabriel then made a second movement and pushed his head towards Haaland’s for a second time. Haaland did not respond, as team-mates from both sides broke them up, but Gabriel was extremely fortunate that Haaland did not go down as it would likely have ended up as a red card for violent conduct.

Instead, both players were booked by referee Anthony Taylor for the altercation, while Pep Guardiola was also cautioned for his appeals. The Manchester City manager could be seen acting out a heatbutt on the touchline.

The incident was checked by VAR, according to the Premier League Match Centre. “The referee’s call of no red card was checked and confirmed by VAR – with the action from Gabriel deemed not to be excessively aggressive or violent.“

With a title race that is this close, however, Gabriel staying on the pitch and avoiding a three-game ban for violent conduct could be crucial. “He can thank Haaland a lot, Gabriel, for not going down and holding his nose,” Gary Neville said on Sky Sports.

Haaland admitted as much after the match, telling Sky Sports that he could have made more out of the contact but chose not to. “If I fell on the floor there, which I will not do unless someone really attacks me, then it would maybe be red card,” Haaland said.

Was this the moment Arsenal could have won the Premier League?

Mikel Arteta fell to his knees. In a title race of the finest margins, Kai Havertz’s header in stoppage time was the golden chance Arsenal had to take to keep the title race in their hands. Instead, Havertz headed over the top of the bar to leave Arsenal knowing they could be knocked off top spot for the first time since October on Wednesday night.

It wasn’t the only chance Arsenal had in the second half. In fact, they had two brilliant opportunities when the match was level at 1-1 – which, given how an Arsenal victory could have knocked City out of it, may have been even more critical to the outcome of the title.

In the 62nd minute, a counter-attack saw Martin Odegaard slipping Havertz through on goal with just Gianluigi Donnarumma to beat. But the goalkeeper stood tall and made a redemptive save, given his earlier error. Arsenal had a four-on-two but could not capitalise.

A couple of minutes later, Eberechi Eze hit the inside of the post with a curling shot from the edge of the box, the rebound off the woodwork skirting across the face of goal. That was how close Arsenal came to taking charge of the title race and getting their hands on a first league trophy in 22 years.

Did Arsenal’s kick-off force Donnarumma’s blunder?

Almost 14 years to the day since from Fernando Torres’ goal for Chelsea against Barcelona, the early stages of Manchester City vs Arsenal gave us “Gary Neville at Camp Nou: The Sequel”. In the first few minutes, David Raya’s heavy touch from a goal-kick that almost rebounded into the net off the charging Erling Haaland, left Neville shaking his head and asking “what the hell” the goalkeeper was doing.

Then, just moments after Rayan Cherki’s stunning goal, Neville was at it again. The Etihad was still bouncing and there appeared to be no danger at all when Mathues Nunes went back to Gianluigi Donnarumma from a throw-in. But after Kai Havertz closed him down and the deflection looped up and into the empty net, Neville and Peter Drury were left with an all-timer of an “OOOAAAAH”.

Pep Guardiola stood with his hands on his head in disbelief. He had been asking his goalkeeper to go long before then, with Arsenal pressing well. Interestingly, Arsenal went into the corner straight from kick-off, rugby union style, in an attempt to pin City back following Cherki’s opening goal. Nunes then obliged by throwing back to his goalkeeper.

‘Special’ Rayan Cherki evokes Messi with stunning goal

Lionel Messi had an ability to make even the greatest defenders look a bit silly. See, for example, his goal against Bayern Munich in the 2015 Champions League semi-finals that twisted Jerome Boateng inside out and reduced a towering World Cup and Champions League winning centre-back into a meme for the rest of his career.

It wasn’t quite as humiliating, but what Rayan Cherki just did to Gabriel Magalhaes, the best centre-back in the Premier League this season, wasn’t too far away, either. Starting his run from outside of the box, Cherki twisted right and left and slipped past Gabriel’s outstretched foot as he entered the box. That just doesn’t happen to Gabriel, but this was a special goal. The manner Cherki then wriggled away from Declan Rice and slid his finish under William Saliba and away from David Raya was sublime as well.

Often described as an Italianate village or ‘Little Italy’, it was originally designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis to mimic the style of traditional Mediterranean villages

Fans of the hit Channel 4 TV show Handcuffed could find themselves in the colourful village an episode was filmed while experiencing an Italian-inspired village in a historic area of North Wales. Portmeirion has been a designated must-see tourist spot in Wales since it was first conceived over 100 years ago by architect Clough Williams-Ellis.

Those wanting to experience the iconic location while getting some of the best views available in North Wales can do so through The Lookout at South Snowdon Wharf. The lodge boasts waterside views that can be privately enjoyed from included, enclosed, decked balconies.

Located in the heart of Porthmadog, the lodge is also only a stone’s throw away from Portmeirion, and is also in close proximity to Snowdonia National Park and Borth Y Gest. This also includes close access to the sandy bay, coastal path for long walks, and plenty of eateries.

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Portmeirion itself was recently featured in the hit Channel 4 show Handcuffed: Last Pair Standing, which was eventually won by Rob and Charlie, who worked together to share the £100,000 prize pool. Even if you’re not a fan of the show, however, there is still plenty to enjoy about Portmeirion.

Often described as an Italianate village or ‘Little Italy’, it was originally designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis to mimic the style of traditional Mediterranean villages but nestled in the picturesque landscape of North Wales. In particular, it was directly inspired by Portofino and includes a central piazza, pastel-coloured buildings, shops, restaurants, and even a gelato shop.

If staying on the coast isn’t your kind of thing, though, you could instead opt to stay at the Portmeirion Village & Castle Deudraeth. This historic castle overlooks the Dywrd Estuary and is situated south of the coastal village of Porthmadog, while offering a spa and wellness centre and more.

Otherwise, you could book a stay at Bryncir House, a traditional Welsh terraced cottage overlooking both the coast and the mountains of Snowdonia. This stay will see you nestled in an enclosed garden with easy access for outdoor activities across the Snowdonia landscape.

Stays at The Lookout can be booked from anywhere to one night to 28 nights for those longer holidays. However, if you just want a few days away, availability is quickly running out throughout the summer period.

Currently, though, you can book a three-night stay in August for a discounted price, going from £1,384 to £1,120. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on dates booked and availability.

Those who previously stayed at The Lookout praised it for its views and comfortability, with one traveller stating: “A lovely, comfortable, and well-equipped little apartment with stunning views over the estuary. We thoroughly enjoyed our short break, and plan to return soon. Porthmadog is a nice little town and is ideally placed for exploring the area.”

Another added: “Cottage is furnished and equipped to an extremely high standard. The views over the estuary are superb. The town amenities are only a short and scenic walk away. Eveything we could have hoped for, and more!!!!”

While a third said: “Very clean very comfortable accommodation. A lot of thought has gone into making your holiday special. All the extra touches make your holiday. The view from the balcony is second to none. We saw all kinds of birds and if you forget your binoculars, there is some there to use.

“The railway station is a short walk away and well worth a trip through the mountains. Would definitely recommend this accommodation.”

However, not everyone was 100% satisfied, with another traveller stating: “Everything you needed in property, more than enough plug sockets . Very nicely decorated and clean , could do with some hanging knobs on back of doors for your dressing gowns or coats but other than that perfect, will definitely go back.”

The proposals for the former United Services Club on Miners Avenue, Hartlepool, say the applicant is “keen to reinvigorate and transform” the empty building, describing the scheme as a “highly sustainable” way to recycle a brownfield site in the neighbourhood.

Planning permission is being sought to convert the premises into three separate commercial spaces, which together would provide 191 square metres of commercial floorspace, along with storage and toilet facilities for future occupiers.

Only the front facing section would be converted. (Image: Robinson Brown Design)

The planning statement says the site currently consists of a vacant brick building with a flat felt roof and surrounding hardstanding, and argues that bringing an existing, disused structure back into use is preferable to pushing new development onto undeveloped land elsewhere in the town.

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With West View youth club, a Baptist church and the community centre all on its doorstep, the former club is described as sitting at the heart of a “well‑established” residential area on the northern edge of Hartlepool.

Developers say the plot is within walking distance of local services and close to bus routes, and that they have looked at other potential premises in Hartlepool’s town centre and local shopping parades but found no sites of a suitable size that are both available and viable for the same amount of space.

The application is now being considered by Hartlepool Borough Council, which will weigh it against the local development plan, national planning policy and other material considerations before making a decision.

“Each evening has been designed to offer something completely different”

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens will come alive with music with a programme of open-air concerts this summer.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the castle’s historic grounds, the Summer Concerts at Hillsborough Castle will feature three standout evenings, each offering a unique musical experience.

Taking place from the 26th to 28th June 2026, Peter Corry Productions will kick things off with Ceili at the Castle, starring The Celtic Tenors and special guests.

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On Saturday, 27th June, the spotlight turns to ‘Hillsboroughton’, a vibrant soirée hosted by Claire McCollum inspired by the hit Netflix series Bridgerton.

A spokesperson said: “Audiences can look forward to an enchanting evening of music and storytelling exploring themes of love lost, love found and love conquering all – with tongue firmly in cheek.

“A stellar line-up of local talent will be joined by acclaimed West End star Norman Bowman, creating a beautiful Summer garden party atmosphere in the Castle gardens. There’s also a prize to be won for Best Dressed on the night.”

Bringing the series to a spectacular close is ‘Thank You for the Musicals 2’, hosted by Peter Corry, who will also perform his most loved songs from the world of musical theatre.

He will be joined on stage by special guests for an “uplifting celebration of musical theatre” featuring powerful performances of some of the world’s best-loved show tunes from Hollywood to Broadway.

Peter Corry, of Peter Corry Productions, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Historic Royal Palaces to bring this exciting series of summer concerts to such a beautiful venue, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

“Each evening has been designed to offer something completely different, from the joy and energy of a traditional céilí to the glamour of musical theatre and a little tongue in cheek love and elegance with Hillsboroughton.

“It’s a chance for audiences to enjoy world-class entertainment in a truly stunning location.”

The weekend of musical entertainment will also be fueled by a number of food and drink vendors on site.

Peter added: “We are delighted that we have also teamed up with a number of local businesses within Hillsborough Village to offer exciting dine and stay packages and would encourage the audience to make the most of their trip and explore the beautiful village of Hillsborough.”

Caroline Walker, Head of Hillsborough Castle, said: “We are delighted to welcome this exceptional concert series to Hillsborough Castle.

“These events offer visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the Castle and gardens in a completely unique way, while enjoying some of the very best musical talent Northern Ireland has to offer.”

To book tickets see www.petercorryproductions.com

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The comment was made in a staff group chat after the boy’s mum had asked Into The Woods to help find his lost toy

The mum of a young boy who was called “some loser” by staff at a Carryduff soft play area has said she is disgusted that “her child was mocked” when she asked for help finding his lost toy.

Speaking to Belfast Live, the mum, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is a “disgrace” that her son, who is non-verbal with additional needs, was mocked in a staff group chat at Into the Woods, Carryduff, after she had asked for help in finding his favourite toy that he had lost while playing.

She said it was the fourth time that she had attended the play area that week with her son who “loved the place”, saying that it is advertised as somewhere suitable for children with additional needs due to the sensory equipment it has there. However she now says she would never return after the way her son was spoken about.

The concerned mum said that she only discovered what was said about her son when a former staff member made a post on social media about the business which highlighted what was said in the staff group chat.

The message said: “Some loser lost their toy. Search party first thing”, and had a number of laughing reactions.

She said: “It is a disgrace that people who are working at a soft play area for young children would talk about my son like that. To use that language about children is just horrendous.

“My son had loved going to Into the Woods because of the sensory toys that were there and it was the fourth time we had been that week. He ended up losing his favourite wee toy there and I had messaged them asking if they could have a look out for it and sent a pic of my son with the toy. I never imagined that they would then go and mock him.

“I only found out about this from a former employee there and I have been told that the person who made the comment is a manager there, although they have denied that.”

Into the Woods has said that it has apologised for the remark made about the young boy and issued a statement saying: “To address the language used in the message. We immediately gave a verbal warning to the member of staff that make the comment (it was not the owner). They assured us it was not meant with any malice or ill intent but an attempt at ‘Belfast Banter’. We explained to the staff member, that regardless of the intent, it was still unacceptable and we apologies for their behaviour.

“The staff member in question is autistic with learning difficulties and struggles with social cues, they feel deep remorse for the misunderstanding and any upset the situation has caused. We want to highlight that this is not an excuse but simply an explanation. We cannot comment on anything further at this time, due to legal action we are taking against a disgruntled former employee.”

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