The initiative, delivered in schools and nurseries across Bolton, is designed to improve oral health from an early age and reduce health inequalities in communities most at risk of tooth decay.

The scheme is delivered by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and commissioned by Bolton Council.

Lorna Dibnah, senior oral health practitioner at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “National Smile Month is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of good oral health from an early age.

The scheme has reached 80 schools and nurseries in the past year (Image: Supplied)

“By working closely with families, nurseries, schools and our public health partners, we are helping children across Bolton build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

“We are incredibly proud of the positive engagement we have seen so far through both our early assessment contacts and the supervised tooth brushing programme.”

To support children and families, public health nursing teams and family hub locality practitioners provide free toothbrushes, toothpaste and oral health advice during early assessment appointments.

Councillor Jackie Schofield, executive member for public health at Bolton Council, said: “Good oral hygiene in childhood is essential not only for healthy teeth and gums, but also for children’s confidence, wellbeing, speech development, and overall health.

“Tooth decay remains one of the most common reasons for hospital admissions among young children, despite being largely preventable.

“Through education, early support and community partnership working, Bolton is taking positive action to help every child achieve a healthier smile.”

The scheme has reached 80 schools and nurseries in the past year and forms part of a wider focus on prevention and early intervention.

During National Smile Month, families are encouraged to visit Bolton Council’s Family Hubs for additional support.

Throughout the month, oral health-themed ‘Chat, Play, and Read’ sessions will be held.

Free toothbrush packs will also be distributed at ‘Baby, Babble, and Bond’ groups during ‘Top Tips for Teething and Teeth week.’

A 23-year-old British man, Ayrton Redfearn, was killed in action in Ukraine‘s Donetsk region. He died on 9 May.

From Devon, Mr Redfearn had joined a specialist unit supporting the Ukrainian army in 2025, his mother, Natasha, told the BBC, adding she “lived in fear of the police coming to my door with bad news”.

“This fear became reality on the evening of 11 May, and the world of myself, and Ayrton’s 10-year-old brother, then fell apart,” she said.

Mr Redfearn was a Torquay Air Cadet as a child, joining the RAF at 17 before travelling overseas.

His mother stated: “We are trying to have just 1 per cent of the strength, bravery and courage of Ayrton, and if we can do this, it will help us to eventually come to terms with our life without him.

“I am very grateful for all the tributes, messages and support from those who knew Ayrton and from strangers.”

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who has died in Ukraine, and are in contact with the Ukrainian authorities.”

The FCDO warns British nationals fighting in Ukraine face a high risk of maltreatment.

Its website states: “British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of maltreatment, is high.”

NEW DELHI (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India marks an effort by Washington and New Delhi to steady strained relations as the two countries seek to reinforce strategic and economic ties despite recent trade tensions.

In meetings Sunday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Rubio stressed cooperation on trade, energy, defense and maritime security. Rubio said the countries remained strategically aligned and expressed optimism about a broader trade deal.

Rubio’s four-day trip also includes talks with members from the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, the Indo-Pacific alliance more commonly known as the Quad.

Here is what Rubio’s visit means for India-U.S. ties:

India-US ties strained by tariffs

Relations between India and the U.S. have strained in recent months after the Trump administration imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports, partly over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The move angered Indian officials and fueled concerns in the Indian government over Washington’s reliability.

The two countries later reached an interim trade arrangement that eased some tariffs and expanded Indian purchases of U.S. goods, including energy products. But talks on a broader trade deal remain unresolved.

Despite the tensions, India and the U.S. continue to strengthen defense and technology ties, with Washington viewing India as a key counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific region.

During his talks with Jaishankar on Sunday, Rubio described India as one of Washington’s most important strategic partners and said he was optimistic the two countries would finalize a bilateral trade deal soon. Rubio also conveyed an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump for Modi to visit Washington later this year.

Questions over the Quad’s role

Rubio’s visit also is expected to include talks on Tuesday with foreign ministers from India, Australia and Japan, which are member nations of the Quad alliance along with the United States.

The grouping has become a key platform for cooperation on maritime security, supply chains and regional strategy as China expands its military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific.

The Quad has repeatedly criticized China’s actions in the South China Sea, accusing Beijing of militarizing disputed waters. The Chinese government has accused the Quad of trying to contain China’s rise and regional influence.

Recent trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi, along with Trump’s recent visit to China, have prompted renewed attention to the grouping.

Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said India’s growing global influence has been largely tied to its role in balancing China’s power in the region and any shift in U.S. policy toward Beijing could affect New Delhi’s strategic value to Washington.

“If the U.S. changes its approach towards China, it will diminish India’s importance,” Donthi said.

Iran war adds pressure on India

The Iran war has added to India’s energy concerns, raising worries about shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for the country’s crude imports. Rising fuel costs have increased pressure on the Indian economy.

Jaishankar said Sunday that India would continue expanding energy imports, including from the U.S., while diversifying suppliers to keep markets stable and prices affordable. He said New Delhi wants energy markets to remain open and unconstrained to support global economic growth.

India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude since the start of the Ukraine war has at times strained relations with the U.S.

Washington has urged India to increase purchases of U.S. oil and gas as part of broader efforts to diversify energy supplies, with Rubio emphasizing stronger energy cooperation during meetings in New Delhi.

Sightseeing in India

Alongside official meetings, Rubio’s visit also has included cultural engagements.

He began the trip in eastern city Kolkata and visited the Missionaries of Charity headquarters founded by Mother Teresa. He also attended a gala reception in New Delhi marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

Rubio’s itinerary includes stops in the cities of Agra and Jaipur, two of India’s most visited tourist destinations known for monuments, forts and palaces.

Chelsea‘s failure to qualify for Europe will help them become “a real threat” in the Premier League next season, says former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney.

A 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on Sunday brought down the curtain on a disappointing season for the Blues, who have sacked Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior along the way.

While they began the campaign fresh from being crowned Club World Cup winners in July, the result on Wearside allowed the Black Cats to claim the final Europa League spot at Chelsea‘s expense.

Chelsea, who started the day above Sunderland in eighth, slipped to 10th, to also finish a point and two spots behind Brighton, who qualified for the Conference League.

It is only the third time since 1995-96 that Chelsea have ended a top-flight season in 10th place or lower.

However, they notably recovered to win the title in 2016-17 having been in exactly the same position at the conclusion of the previous season.

With Xabi Alonso taking the reins in July as their new manager, Rooney believes Chelsea will become a major force.

“I think they’ll be a real threat next season,” Rooney said on the Wayne Rooney Podcast.

“Obviously having one game a week, and then with Alonso coming in, I think it’s exciting for the Premier League because I think he’s got the potential to be a top manager.

“It gives him a period of time to feel his way into the club and get his ideas across. So I think it will benefit the football club.”

Rooney’s old club Manchester United had no European commitments this season and finished the campaign strongly to take third place in the Premier League.

Chelsea advanced through the league phase of the Champions League this term before suffering their joint-heaviest defeat in a two‑leg European tie, losing 8-2 on aggregate at the hands of holders Paris St-Germain in the last 16.

Rooney stressed that a less congested fixture list will only serve to benefit the Blues, who will have the advantage of more time on the grass together.

“Pre-season this year for all the managers at all the top clubs will be disrupted, obviously, because of the World Cup,” Rooney added.

“I think that’s where it will benefit Alonso, because he’ll have that time once the season starts to get his ideas across. The teams in Europe might struggle a little bit. It could be an extra three days a week [on the training pitch].”

Hello, and welcome to WalesOnline’s live blog for Monday, May 25. We’ll be bringing you all of the latest news from across Wales – whether you’re on the move, at home or at work – as well as the latest traffic and travel.

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Households will this week find out how much energy bills are set to increase by from July when the price cap is updated as forecasts point to a rise of more than £200 and a painful winter of sky-high bills ahead due to the Iran war.

Regulator Ofgem will on Wednesday reveal the level of the annual energy price cap for July to September for a typical dual fuel household across England, Scotland and Wales.

Analysts Cornwall Insight predicted last week the cap will rise by £209 a year to £1,850 from July 1 – an increase of 13% on April’s £1,641 annual cap.

It sets a maximum price per unit of gas and electricity used, meaning households only pay for the amount of energy they use.

This means households will be largely shielded over the warm summer months, but concerns are growing over a painful hit when the cap is reviewed in October and energy demand rises as temperatures drop.

Cornwall Insight’s forecasts suggest the cap in October will be at a similar level to July, even if the Middle East conflict were to end soon, due to the physical damage to infrastructure and lingering effect of disrupted supply.

Calls have been mounting for the Government to set out action to support the most vulnerable, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves stopped short of any immediate energy measures in her cost-of-living plan.

She told MPs last week: “We stand ready to act if market conditions worsen significantly later this year and I have been leading cross-Government contingency work on design of potential future targeted and temporary support for businesses.”

Energy costs have been sent rocketing higher by Iran’s move to block the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas is carried.

But households have yet to feel the impact, as the price cap is reviewed on a quarterly basis, and April saw a 7% drop thanks to Government measures to reduce bills.

This included moving 75% of the cost of the UK’s renewables obligation from household bills on to general taxation, and scrapping the energy company obligation scheme.

Campaigners have warned over an “extremely difficult winter” ahead for the most vulnerable without extra support on bills.

Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “Households need reassurance and support, not a summer of suspense.

“That means the Government must act before winter to spell out what support will be available.”

The Government has insisted that “tackling the affordability crisis is our number one priority”.

Its package of support measures so far includes a cut in the rate of VAT on attraction tickets over the summer holidays, free bus travel for children in England during August, extending the 5p-per-litre fuel duty reduction and lowering import tariffs on more than 100 types of food products.

But the lack of further action on energy bills is seen as holding back spending by cash-strapped consumers.

Economist Martin Beck, at WPI Strategy, said recent official figures showing lower retail sales in April was already a sign that “energy pressures are biting”.

“Higher petrol prices, the prospect of an increase in household energy bills in July and weakening consumer sentiment all point to a more cautious spending backdrop,” he said.

Christopher Scott had slashed his victim on the face and body with a piece of broken glass, the town’s sheriff court was told.

Police officers found a man “covered in blood” after an attack outside a shop in Hamilton.

Christopher Scott had slashed his victim on the face and body with a piece of broken glass, the town’s sheriff court was told.

Scott, 29, admitted assaulting the victim to his severe injury in Red Road, Burnbank, on March 10 this year while on bail orders for three other matters.

It was accepted that he acted under provocation.

Daisy Bentley, prosecuting, said the victim left a shop about 9.15pm and saw Scott in the street.

She told the court: “He walked towards the accused and punched him on the face, causing Scott to fall.

“The two men then had a stand-up fight as they punched and kicked each other.

“During this the accused’s backpack fell and a bottle smashed on the ground.

“The victim walked away from the accused who was lying on the ground.

READ MORE: Newmains serial offender behind bars after crime spree

“The accused got up, collected a piece of the broken glass, went towards the victim and lunged at him, striking him repeatedly with the glass.

“The police were contacted and officers arrived to find the victim at the shop entrance covered in blood.”

He was taken to hospital where wounds to his chin and hand were stitched.

Ms Bentley added: “Police officers traced Scott at an address in Hamilton.

“They noted he had minor cuts to his hand and forehead. He also had a black eye.”

READ MORE: Blantyre residents alarmed when stranger turned up on their doorsteps

The court heard Scott has previous convictions for assault and possession of weapons.

He was the subject of a court supervision order at the time of the latest attack.

Sheriff Kevin McCallum deferred sentence until next month for background reports and Scott was remanded in custody.

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READ MORE: Seventh dangerous driving conviction for roads menace

Ali is showcasing the people of Belfast through a different lens

A Portadown taxi driver is spreading positivity across Belfast by stopping strangers in the street to photograph them and “capture life’s unscripted beauty.”

Ali Syed, 39, regularly approaches members of the public to ask if he can take their portrait, usually choosing people who are not rushing off somewhere or listening to music.

One candid interaction with a police officer on St Patrick’s Day last year brought him online fame, with a video of the encounter now viewed millions of times on social media. Despite his growing popularity online, Ali still admits approaching strangers still pushes him outside his comfort zone..

Originally from Pakistan, he moved to Northern Ireland over a decade ago and struggled with English when he first arrived. He has been working in photography for more than ten years after first specialising in weddings, but became inspired to try street portraits after watching photographers online in other countries.

Ali said: “I thought why not do it in Belfast?

“But starting it, to be honest, was not easy. I’m not from here, I am not from here, and my English wasn’t very good when I first arrived. I always been shy talking to people as well.

“After a few attempts though, I became more confident and I started my social media pages around two years ago. Since then, I’ve had lots of messages from people all over the world and some really positive feedback. I think every person has a story to tell and photography is a great way to showcase these tales.”

Ali said the experience has helped him build confidence and connect with people in ways he never expected.

“If I approach ten people in a day, I probably get eight yeses,” he said.

“I have made friendships with people from all over the world. I’ve had offers from people in America saying I could stay in their homes while I photograph in their cities. I’ve also met photographers from other countries, including one in Prague that I am hoping to visit soon. The experiences of me doing street photography seem to stay with people as much as they stay with me.”

However, one recent message had a lasting impact on him.

“A few days ago, I received a message from the family of a man I photographed last summer who has passed away,” he said.

“I want my photography to make people happy and give them memories through my lens. That news made me very sad.”

Belfast Live spent several hours walking around the city centre with Ali as he approached people from all walks of life, always respecting those who declined to take part.

Watching him work, it quickly became clear how easily he puts people at ease. Several people said being stopped for a portrait had brightened their day, while others beamed as he showed them the finished photographs on his camera.

Ali said Belfast had become one of his favourite cities in the world because of the warmth of its people.

“The people here are amazing,” he said.

“Everyone says hello. Belfast is the best place I’ve been for street photography because people are so welcoming, Northern Ireland feels like home to me now.”

Through his social media pages, Ali often asks the people he photographs about their lives and outlook on the world, using photography as a way to connect with strangers and learn their stories.

He encourages others to pursue their passions, even if it means stepping outside their comfort zone.

“If I could go up to complete strangers and take photographs with very little English when I first came here, then I am sure other people can follow their dreams too,” he said.

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

Inspectors praised a primary school for its “thoughtfully designed curriculum” which helps pupils develop into “well-rounded, confident citizens”

A Cambridgeshire primary school where children achieve “significantly above national averages” has been praised by Ofsted. Bewick Bridge Community Primary School in Cambridge has been rated ‘strong standard’ in all areas assessed in its latest report published on Monday, May 18.

The primary school in Cherry Hinton was described as “nurturing and ambitious”. The report said it offers a “a strong commitment to pursue academic, physical, social and emotional excellence at every stage” of children’s development journey.

Inspectors found that Bewick Bridge Community Primary School is a “happy school” where pupils “want to attend”. “Warm relationships run throughout this inclusive school” and pupils and staff form “kind, caring connections,” the report said.

Leaders were praised by Ofsted for being “ambitious and determined to make the school the very best it can be” and for making decisions in the “very best interest of pupils”.

Children were found to achieve “highly at this school”. The report added: “Pupils thrive academically and achieve well, including pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. Published assessment outcomes, which sit significantly above national averages, reflect this success.”

The chair of governors for Bewick Bridge Community Primary School said that the inspection demonstrates that “with the right mindset, and a clear vision of high expectations for all, remarkable outcomes may be achieved”.

A spokesperson added: “All members of staff at Bewick Bridge Community Primary School are to be congratulated on their excellent work in providing the pupils with the opportunity of a first-rate education.

“This report is a tremendous outcome for the school and commends the vast amount of work by staff and pupils over a number of years of steadily rising achievement. Governors are immensely proud of the school and its commitment to holding pupils at the centre of all it does.”

The school was also praised for enriching the curriculum further by offering opportunities such as rowing and cycling, giving pupils an authentic ‘Cambridge’ experience. “This broad and thoughtfully designed curriculum helps pupils develop into well-rounded, confident citizens,” inspectors said.

Additionally, the school was found to take “great pride in celebrating its diverse and multicultural community”. According to the recently published report, leaders describe this diversity as a ‘superpower’ and actively harness the strengths of their context.

In its next steps, inspectors asked leaders at the school to continue to provide bespoke and focused support for teachers at the earlier stages of their careers and continue to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve even more highly.

The Headteacher at Bewick Bridge Community Primary School said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the inspection. The outcome is a result of the work of our talented staff team, our amazing children, our supportive parents/carers, and our effective governing board.

“We feel that the report is a very accurate description of everyday life at Bewick Bridge and we are looking forward to continuing the school’s journey.”