Two teenage boys died following a devastating car and lorry collision in Co Donegal, with the third victim in a serious condition

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Two teenage boys have tragically died following a horrific road collision, whilst a third remains in a serious condition in hospital.

The crash, which involved a car and a lorry, took place in the St Johnston area of Co Donegal at around 11.15pm on Tuesday (February 24). Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene immediately.

One casualty was pronounced dead at the location, with his body later transported to the mortuary at Letterkenny University Hospital. The second casualty was initially taken to Altnagelvin Hospital, where he sadly died shortly after arrival.

The driver was also conveyed to Altnagelvin Hospital for treatment of serious injuries before being moved to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. The lorry driver is understood to have escaped injury, reports the Irish Mirror, reports Belfast Live.

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Gardaí have confirmed the R236 road remained closed as of Wednesday morning, with a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators due to take place.

In a formal statement, the force said: “Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

“Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 10.45pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday 24th February 2026 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on (074) 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

I looked for shoes that were safe, easy to clean and comfortable to walk or garden in.

I walked a mile in every pair of shoes I tested, from clogs to small wellies, using them on my regular dog walk. The route includes grass, mud, a gravel path, steps and pavements. I wore lighter clogs in warmer weather and more enclosed shoes when it was cooler. Back home, I headed to the allotment for a bit of weeding and light digging.

Next, I cleaned the shoes using a hose and scrubbing brush. Some pairs were not designed for muddy grounds, so I rubbed them in some dirt first to test how easy they were to clean without also needing to wash my feet.

I wanted each pair to perform for its intended purpose, or prove itself a good all-rounder. As with the best pair of gardening gloves, fit matters. I asked two friends to try them on: one with narrow feet and one with wider feet. This helped me judge how they perform across different foot shapes.

Although I tested women’s gardening shoes, most are unisex. You will find links for both men’s and women’s versions throughout the guide.

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Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best gardening product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don’t accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles.

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Perry Groves believes the emergence of Max Dowman will prompt the departures of several big-name Arsenal players in the summer transfer window.

The intense competition for places in Arsenal’s midfield and forward line has already prompted Mikel Arteta to sanction Ethan Nwaneri’s loan to Marseille.

Captain Martin Odegaard’s place in the team is far from secure give his questionable form allied to Eberechi Eze’s brace in last weekend’s north London derby.

Dowman, meanwhile, became the youngest player in the club’s history earlier this season when he made his debut against Leeds United but an ankle injury has ruled the teenager out of action for the past few months.

Whether the 16-year-old, who returned to training earlier this month, will play a part in the run-in remains to be seen but Groves is confident his undeniable talent will eventually force other players out of the club.

‘The thing is though, you won’t have to fit them all in,’ Groves told talkSPORT when contemplating the selection headaches Mikel Arteta is facing on a weekly basis.

‘Because there will be a few that will be gone at the end of the season.

‘The squad is that strong, and there will be new faces that come in, so there will be a few that will be surplus to requirements.’

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Groves continued: ‘They all want to go and play.

‘Like you mentioned, Nwaneri, if you’re talking about the inside where he wants to play…

‘You’ve got Eze, Odegaard, then Max Dowman who is unbelievable, trust me.

‘So then Nwaneri quite rightly will be thinking, ‘I want to go and play.”

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Viktor Gyokeres, meanwhile, believes Arsenal’s statement derby win against Tottenham was the ‘perfect response’ to silence the club’s critics.

Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze both scored twice to secure a 4-1 triumph over Spurs just four days after Arsenal were rocked by a 2-2 draw at Wolves.

The dropped points at Molineux led to questions about Arsenal’s title mentality. However, their performance against Tottenham – which took them five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League – went some way to silencing the doubters.

And Gyokeres, who extended his league tally to the season for 10, said: ‘It’s always going to be difficult when you get a result like we had at Wolves, but it’s how you handle that, and how you respond to it, and today we showed that it in a good way.

‘To get this result and this performance, it was the perfect way to respond. So, it’s a good sign.

‘The thing is, that we have to keep showing it in the next game and the game after that.

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‘There’s a lot of games to go. But if we perform like this, it’s going to be good, for sure.’

MORE: Didi Hamann names the team that will deny Arsenal the Champions League

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Norway’s King Harald has been taken to hospital after falling ill during a trip to the Canary Islands.

The 89-year-old, who is the oldest living monarch in Europe, was on holiday in Tenerife with his wife Queen Sonja when he became unwell.

The king, who celebrated his birthday on Saturday, was taken to hospital on Tuesday evening suffering from an infection and dehydration.

A spokesperson for Norway‘s Royal Palace said the monarch, who has been the country’s ceremonial head of ‌state since 1991, was in a good condition.

Norwegian Prime Minister ‌Jonas Gahr Stoere told public broadcaster NRK: “I wish our king a speedy recovery.”

An update on the king’s health is expected to be issued on Wednesday after he is assessed by his personal doctor.

Read more from Sky News:
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King Harald was hospitalised ​in 2024 for an infection ⁠while on holiday in Malaysia, and received a temporary pacemaker at ⁠a hospital there.

He was ​later transferred to Norway, where ​a permanent device was implanted.

“Labour, too, will take heart from polling that shows them battered yet unbowed, and still in contention to hold on to the seat despite a dire national polling environment, scandals embroiling the Government, and intense anti-incumbent campaigns attacking them from the Left and the Right simultaneously.”

It has a factory at St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan and said job losses were necessary in the face of Donald Trump’s tariffs

Luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin, which has a factory in the Vale of Glamorgan, has confirmed plans to cut its global workforce by 20%. The company said its financial performance was being undermined by President Donald Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies.

The carmaker, renowned for its connection with the James Bond film franchise, employed just under 3,000 staff, suggesting redundancies of more than 500 workers.

It employs more than 500 at its St Athan factory in the Vale, which was established with nearly £19m of Welsh Government financial support. Its UK HQ and main manufacturing base is in Gaydon in the Midlands. Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings

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For its financial results for 2025, the London Stock Exchange listed firm posted pre-tax losses of £363.9m. With a tax charge total losses widened to nearly £500m. Meanwhile, revenue plummeted 21% to £1.3bn

Confirming its latest job losses, following a round last year, the company said: “Having undertaken, at the start of 2025, a process to make organisational adjustments to ensure the business was appropriately resourced for its future plans, we had to take the difficult decision at the end of 2025 to implement further changes. This latest programme will ultimately see the departure of up to 20% of our valued workforce.

“Linked directly to this necessary action, we expect associated annualised operating expenditure and capital expenditure savings of circa £40m of which the majority will be realised in full year 2026.

The manufacturer said it had recognised a provision of £18.7m in relation to anticipated restructuring costs as it consulted on reducing its global workforce as part of an operational review.

Pressure has intensified on the carmaker amid heightened international trade tensions. Over the past year, the group’s wholesale volumes dropped 10% to 5,448 units.

Adrian Hallmark, Aston Martin chief executive, said: “In 2025, we navigated a highly challenging trading environment whilst delivering on critical operational milestones.

“An unprecedented backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties and macroeconomic pressures, including heightened tariffs in the US and China, weighed on our performance and ability to execute our plans effectively.”

Last May, UK car production tumbled to its lowest level since 1949 as manufacturers bore the brunt of the US trade policy. Following Trump’s introduction of substantial tariffs on foreign-manufactured vehicles, British companies including Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover were compelled to halt US-bound shipments from April.

In October, the manufacturer attributed a combination of economic pressures and the continuing impact of tariffs as it cautioned sales would decline year on year.

Aston Martin is forecasting a “material improvement” for the year ahead, with approximately 500 deliveries of its limited-edition hybrid supercar Valhalla and the advantages of its transformation strategy.

Mr Hallmark described the commencement of Valhalla as the “highlight of the year”.

He added: “Looking ahead, I remain confident that our strategy and upcoming products will position us strongly for future success.

“In 2026, we expect to deliver a material improvement in financial performance and continue delivering year-on-year improvements over the short-mid-term with a focus on margin expansion and cash flow generation.”

Vinny Dingle (Bradley Johnson) has found himself in the middle of a new romance storyline with Lewis Barton (Bradley Riches) in Emmerdale.

Given the year he just had, it’s a hugely exciting time for Vinny, as he’s about to navigate his first relationship since he began exploring his sexuality.

We know Vinny Dingle relatively well now, but what about actor Bradley Johnson?

Here’s everything you need to know about the star.

Who plays Vinny in Emmerdale?

Bradley Johnson has played the role of Vinny Dingle in Emmerdale since 2019. Bradley is 27 years old, and appeared in a number of dramas prior to joining the ITV soap.

His credits include Shameless, The Syndicate and Harriet’s Army.

Away from his acting, Bradley is also a talented singer. Before being cast as Vinny, Bradley featured in the BBC One talent show Let it Shine, which saw a group of judges find five performers to play a boy band in a musical.

Is he in a relationship in real-life?

Bradley is in a relationship with Sammie Johnstone, who he proposed to in 2023.

In 2024, they welcomed the arrival of their first child, who is called Albie Jake Johnson.

What is happening with Vinny in Emmerdale?

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After spending the day with friend Kammy Hadiq (Shebz Miah) last year, things changed for Vinny when he tried to kiss him.

At first, Vinny claimed that the move was just a joke. He was engaged to Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) at the time, and reminded Kammy of this to cover up his confusion.

But the longer things went on, the more Vinny struggled to ignore the thoughts surrounding his sexuality. In an attempt to find some answers, Vinny started speaking to a man called Mike on an LGBTQI+ forum.

Unfortunately, Mike turned out to be a con artist and was only interested in Vinny’s money. He was brutally attacked at one point, but he still kept his secret from Gabby.

Gabby found out the truth when Vinny gave evidence at Mike’s trial. They tried to make their marriage work, but Gabby was constantly worried about what Vinny was up to. She ended their relationship, believing it was best for the both of them.

This week, Vinny and Lewis addressed their feelings for each other. After spending the day helping Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) free a flock of trapped sheep, Vinny and Lewis shared a kiss, on a high from the success of the day.

Back at Dale View, Vinny and Lewis slept together.

In today’s episode, now available on ITVX, they face their first challenge when Vinny fears Lewis has given him the brush off, as he rushes to work without really speaking to him about their night together.

MORE: ‘It’s so hard’: Emmerdale’s Danny Miller in tears as he shares update on dad

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The streaming platform has warned that millions of users will lose access to Netflix after March 2

Netflix will no longer be compatible for around 87 million devices globally as of next week. The streaming platform will no longer be accessible for those who use Sony’s Playstation 3 (PS3) to binge watch their favourite shows and films on Netflix.

Affected users have reported seeing a message appear on their device to warn them of the forthcoming disconnection. It reads: “Unfortunately, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after March 2, 2026. Visit netflix.com/compatibledevices to see a list of supported devices.”

The streamer has not made an official announcement yet but it comes after the platform ended support for first-generation Amazon Fire TV devices. Now it’s PS3’s turn as the final seventh-generation console becomes the last from its time to have official support phased out, the Metro reports.

Users relying on these older devices will now have to freshen up their gadget game if they want to continue streaming episodes of the likes of Bridgerton and The Night Agent or rewatch seasons of Stranger Things and Squid Game. While the PS3 may have stopped production in 2017, around 87.5million of them were bought globally which means a huge number of people could be potentially impacted by the changes

Most modern smart TVs are now compatible with the streamer and many come with the Netflix app built in. For those looking for alternative ways, it’s also possible to use mobile phones, tablets, computers, and streaming sticks to access the paid-for subscription service.

However, as devices get older and become less widely used, they might also be in danger of becoming incompatible with Netflix. This is because software is developing fast and older systems struggle to keep up and house such complicated and advanced applications.

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Gaming Bible reported in 2023 that PS3 still hosted around 2million active monthly users.

Many gamers still enjoy using older consoles and many Reddit users had been praising Netflix for supporting the outdated device for so long.

User Theemptyqueue said: “20 years of support is outstanding, honestly.” While others like user nighttaco echoed: “Nooo, I still use this.”

Meanwhile, user LiteratureMindless71 said it’s “time to modernise”.

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This isn’t the only big change Netflix has made in recent months. At the end of 2025, the platform cut the feature which allowed most users to cast from their phone to a bigger screen.

The handy feature enabled a better viewing experience and was a useful way to share programmes and films with family and friends. However, it was scrapped in December last year.

Statistics state that around 18 million homes in the UK had access to Netflix at the end of 2025, which equates to over six out of ten homes in Britain.

However, with this recent update of incompatible devices, user rates may fall drastically if those with no access now do not find another way to use the platform.

While many people assume that disagreements must result in a case going to court, this is far from always the case.

In fact, non-court dispute resolution has become a central part of modern family law, offering separating couples and families more constructive ways to resolve issues.

AFG Law explains what out of court dispute resolution is, how it works, and why it is so often a preferred alternative to litigation.

What is non-court dispute resolution in family law?

Non-court dispute resolution refers to a range of processes that help people resolve family law disputes without asking a judge to impose a decision.

These methods fall under the wider umbrella of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and are designed to encourage communication, cooperation, and problem-solving.

Rather than focusing on winning or losing, out-of-court approaches aim to help parties reach an agreement that works for their specific circumstances.

This can be particularly valuable in family law, where ongoing relationships, especially where children are involved, often continue long after legal issues are resolved.

Why consider resolving disputes outside court?

There are several reasons why non-court dispute resolution is encouraged in family law cases.

First, it is less adversarial than court proceedings.

This can reduce stress, protect children from conflict, and help preserve a more functional relationship between parties.

Secondly, non-court processes are often quicker and more cost-effective than litigation, allowing families to move forward sooner.

Courts themselves now expect parties to consider alternative dispute resolution before issuing proceedings in most family law matters.

Choosing not to explore these options without good reason can have cost and procedural consequences.

Common forms of alternative dispute resolution

There are several forms of alternative dispute resolution commonly used in family law.

The most appropriate option will depend on the issues involved, the level of communication between parties, and any safeguarding concerns.

Mediation

Family law mediation involves an independent, neutral mediator, who may be a specially trained solicitor, barrister or other family law professional.

The mediator helps parties discuss issues and explore possible solutions.

Mediation is voluntary and focuses on cooperation rather than blame. It can be used for financial matters, arrangements for children, or both.

Hybrid mediation can include the parties’ solicitors, accountants or independent financial advisers to help deal with specific issues.

Shuttle mediation is where the mediator spends time with each party on their own, providing the opportunity to explore issues and settlement proposals in greater detail.

Solicitor-led negotiation

In some cases, parties prefer their solicitors to negotiate on their behalf.

This can be done through correspondence or meetings and may be suitable where direct communication is difficult, but court proceedings are not yet necessary.

Collaborative law

Collaborative law involves both parties and their solicitors committing to resolving matters without going to court.

Meetings take place face to face, and everyone involved agrees to work towards settlement transparently and constructively.

Each of these options aims to avoid the need to take a case to court, while still providing structure and professional guidance.

Are agreements reached out of court legally binding?

A common concern is whether agreements reached outside court are enforceable. On their own, informal agreements are not automatically legally binding.

However, this does not mean they lack value.

In financial cases, an agreement reached through negotiation or mediation can usually be converted into a court-approved order, making it legally binding and enforceable.

In children matters, agreements can be reflected in formal arrangements or, where appropriate, approved by the court.

Taking legal advice before finalising any agreement is essential to ensure it accurately reflects what has been agreed and provides proper protection for the future.

When is non-court dispute resolution not appropriate?

Although non-court dispute resolution works well in most cases, it is not suitable for everyone. Situations involving domestic abuse, coercive control, or significant power imbalance may make negotiation unsafe or unfair.

Where there are safeguarding concerns, urgent issues, or a lack of willingness to engage constructively, court intervention may be necessary.

In such circumstances, taking a case to court may be the most appropriate and protective option.

Importantly, the suitability of alternative dispute resolution should always be assessed carefully, and no one should feel pressured to participate in a process that does not feel safe.

The role of legal advice in non-court resolution

Even when disputes are resolved without court proceedings, legal advice remains crucial. Solicitors can help you understand your rights, assess whether proposals are fair, and advise on likely court outcomes if agreement cannot be reached.

Having separate legal advice alongside negotiation or mediation can also make discussions more effective, as both parties are better informed and more confident in the process. This often increases the chances of reaching a sustainable agreement.

Does non-court dispute resolution really work?

For many families, non-court dispute resolution is highly effective. It allows parties to retain control over decisions, tailor outcomes to their needs, and avoid the uncertainty of a court-imposed order.

When both parties are willing to engage openly, non-court dispute resolution can help them reach an agreement that is practical, forward-looking, and less damaging emotionally and financially. While it is not the right solution in every case, it plays a vital role in modern family law.

How can AFG Law assist with out-of-court dispute resolution?

At AFG Law, we recognise that every family situation is different, and that resolving disputes outside court can often lead to better, more sustainable outcomes.

Our family law solicitors advise clients at every stage of the non-court dispute resolution process, helping them understand their options and choose the most appropriate approach for their circumstances.

We can support you by:

• Advising on whether alternative dispute resolution is suitable for your case
• Preparing you for negotiations or mediation
• Providing clear legal advice alongside out-of-court discussions
• Reviewing proposed agreements to ensure they are fair and workable
• Converting agreements into legally binding court orders where appropriate

Where non-court resolution is not suitable, such as in cases involving domestic abuse or urgent safeguarding concerns, we can advise you on taking a case to court.

Our focus is always on achieving practical, proportionate solutions that minimise conflict and help you move forward with confidence.

To speak to a solicitor for advice on out-of-court dispute resolution, contact us today via email at familysolicitor@afglaw.co.uk or call us on 01204 920105.

West Lothian Council is one of 19 local authorities to receive support through the third round of the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund.

Families in Almond Valley and across West Lothian are set to benefit from new Scottish Government funding aimed at tackling child poverty and helping households with the cost of living.

West Lothian Council is one of 19 local authorities to receive support through the third round of the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund.

Almost £1.9 million will back 21 projects across Scotland between 2025 and 2028, helping councils and local partners strengthen community-based services and improve access to financial support.

The funding is designed to test new approaches, improve benefit take-up and boost household incomes, ensuring families can access the help they are entitled to.

READ MORE: West Lothian Council to impose Council Tax rise of 7.4 percent from April

Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, welcomed the announcement.

She said: “Tackling child poverty and supporting families through the ongoing cost of living challenges remains a clear priority.

“I am pleased that Almond Valley will benefit from this investment, which will strengthen local services and help families across Almond Valley access the advice and financial support they need.

“Community-based projects make a real difference.

“They connect families to practical help, improve wellbeing and ensure support is available close to home.

READ MORE: Woman reunites long-lost West Lothian wedding video with owners 40 years later

“Alongside measures such as the Scottish Child Payment, free prescriptions and free bus travel for under-22s, this funding forms part of a wider package designed to put more money into people’s pockets and give every child the best possible start in life.”

The draft Scottish Budget 2026-27 sets out plans to invest £8 billion through the social justice portfolio to tackle the root causes of child poverty, support vulnerable people and ease cost of living pressures.

The Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund is now in its third year and continues to support local innovation and share learning on what works best to reduce poverty in communities across Scotland.

READ MORE: West Lothian shopkeeper attacked in violent robbery as police investigate

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