“I am 66 years old and my teeth were quite badly stained. The results were beyond my expectations by a long way, my teeth are noticeably lighter and a lot of the staining has been removed”

A trip to the dentist or hygienist can often leave your wallet considerably lighter, even if your smile ends up brighter and your confidence gets a welcome boost. However, savvy shoppers have uncovered a way to achieve whiter teeth from the comfort of home, thanks to an affordable kit that currently has 45% off, and works out at just 27p per day.

MySweetSmile is a dentist-approved teeth whitening brand whose formulas have left customers thoroughly impressed by the transformation in their smiles after just a handful of uses. With several deals currently running in celebration of payday — available until 11pm on April 30th — perhaps the standout offer is on its Pro Teeth Whitening Kit.

The kit contains the brand’s award-winning Teeth Whitening Powder — which is individually on sale for £20.99, reduced from £29.99 — PAP Whitening Strips and a Fresh Breath Spray, with the full kit now priced at £39.99 down from £72.97. This works out at roughly £13 per item — around £7 less than the sale price of the powder alone, which at £13 equates to approximately 27p per use when a single tub lasts six months.

The highly regarded Teeth Whitening Powder features a non-abrasive formula containing Calcium Carbonate, which gently buffs away stains caused by everyday culprits such as coffee, tea, food, wine and smoking. Pentasodium Triphosphate then works to break down discolouration while actively preventing new stains from taking hold.

Alongside these ingredients, the peroxide-free powder is also enriched with Strontium Chloride, which (as the brand explains) “forms a protective barrier over the nerve endings in your teeth so you get the whitening without the sting”. This is a welcome feature as certain whitening products have been known to trigger tooth sensitivity.

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Shop the Pro Teeth Whitening Kit at MySweetSmile

It’s advised for daily use for two minutes during the initial fortnight to remove stains, and then twice weekly for the rest of the container to maintain results, reports the Mirror. For those who stick to this routine, the outcomes have – according to reviews – been impressive, with one person enthusing: “I am in my 60s and really didn’t think this would work.

“How wrong I was!! No they’re not as white as when I was young, but they are far brighter and vastly improved. I’d recommend this to anyone!”

Another customer observed: “This product is the best thing ever for my teeth. I am 77 years old and have always looked after my teeth and this product has made them whiter than ever, I don’t use anything else now and I love using it as it tastes wonderful and my teeth feel like the hygienist has polished them.”

While some customers reported seeing minimal to no improvement after several weeks, the bulk of critical feedback has centred on delayed delivery or the applicator container, as reflected in one three star review, where the individual struggled with opening the jar and had to use pliers. One satisfied MySweetSmile customer added: “It was quick and easy to order the whitening strips, I am 66 years old and my teeth were quite badly stained.

“I was not convinced that anything could help but it was affordable enough for me to try. The results were beyond my expectations by a long way, my teeth are noticeably lighter and a lot of the staining has been removed. I am very happy with the value for money and the results.”

While this particular treatment is designed to be used independently of a standard dental routine, those who prefer to incorporate it into their existing regime can opt for SmileTherapy’s PAP+ Pro Teeth Whitening Powder, currently reduced to £19.99 from £39.99, offering a six-month supply. The brand advises: “Start by applying your toothpaste, and then gently dip your toothbrush with the toothpaste into the PAP+ Powder” and complete routine as normal.

It is recommended for use three times a week. While the MySweetSmile whitening powder itself has left customers pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness – “I have only used the powder 3 times and the strips twice and can already notice difference! Not had the product a week yet! Very impressed” – the brand’s whitening strips, which claim to ‘reverse deep yellowing from within the enamel’, have also attracted a wealth of glowing testimonials.

Containing 42 strips, equivalent to 21 treatments, the whitening strips, which are priced the same as the powder, feature a PAP (Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid) formula that’s free from peroxides, parabens, PEGs, and phthalates, making them suitable for sensitive teeth. Requiring 30 minutes per treatment, they’re convenient to use while preparing for an evening out, working or unwinding in the evening.

The strips have been hailed as a ‘game changer’ for those seeking a straightforward, effective teeth whitening solution, with one user enthusing: “As someone in their 40s, I was nervous about whitening my teeth because of past sensitivity issues. These strips are a game-changer-gentle, effective, and perfect for coffee lovers like me.

They continued: “I’ve already seen a difference after just one 7-day cycle!” Another brand whose whitening strips have achieved some impressive results is Hey Smile, whose £19.99 Teeth Whitening Strips also promise no gum or tooth sensitivity.

The third product in the kit is the Fresh Breath Spray, which preserves the results from the powder and strips while keeping breath fresh. For those who’d prefer to select individual products of their choosing, the brand’s Buy 2 Get 1 Free offer remains available and customers can also combine this with its 30% off all products.

This encompasses not just the aforementioned powder (which is also available in a strawberry variant) and strips, but also its Precision Teeth Whitening Pen – requiring 10 minutes per application and perfect for whitening touch-ups while out and about as well as difficult to access areas – alongside its treatment serums including the Enamel Care and Hyaluronic Gum Serums. The latter product addresses dry, inflamed, and receding gums to deliver hydration, calm inflammation, and fortify gum tissue, while the Enamel Care formula works diligently to restore and reinforce enamel.

Its toothpastes ranging from its Fresh Mint Toothpaste to Fluoride-Free Mango Toothpaste are also featured in the sale – though customers who spend above £40 will receive a complimentary mystery toothpaste. Shop the MySweetSmile sale here.

Roberto De Zerbi bemoaned Tottenham’s injury curse after a first Premier League win of 2026 away to Wolves was overshadowed by potential significant problems for Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke.

Joao Palhinha’s 82nd-minute tap-in earned De Zerbi a first victory as Spurs boss and ended a 16-match wait for a league win, but the north London club remain in the bottom three after West Ham produced a last-gasp winner at home to Everton.

De Zerbi was eager to move on from results elsewhere and yet struggled to hide his frustration at injuries to Xavi and Solanke, who were forced off either side of half-time with knee and left leg problems respectively.

“I’m happy for the result. I hope this result can change something in our head, in our mentality and for the other results, it’s already very tough to win a game for us. If we put our heads on the other teams, it becomes too tough for me,” De Zerbi said.

“I wouldn’t like to lose any other players because (Cristian) Romero, (Mohammed) Kudus, now Solanke and maybe Xavi.

“We can win the games with the players, not with the coaches. The coaches are important but the players are more important. But I want to be positive.”

Spurs started strongly at already relegated Wolves and Randal Kolo Muani sent one effort wide before Xavi dragged another shot off target.

An innocuous injury to Solanke after 37 minutes knocked Tottenham off their stride and Xavi collapsed to the floor in agony in the 57th minute, but De Zerbi revealed the playmaker felt better after full-time.

De Zerbi added: “For Solanke it is not a big problem. I don’t know how many games we lose him but I would like to know the situation with Xavi because the knee is always different than the muscular injury.

“(Xavi) felt pain. Now I spoke to him two, three minutes ago. He feels better than the beginning of the injury.”

After the departure of Xavi, Spurs were indebted to back-up goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky for quick reactions to thwart Adam Armstrong before Palhinha sparked wild celebrations from the 3,010 away fans when he slide in to convert Richarlison’s scuffed shot.

Tottenham momentarily went out of the relegation zone when Everton levelled at West Ham before a late winner at London Stadium was almost followed by an equaliser for Wolves, only for Kinsky to produce a sensational one-hand save to deny Joao Gomes’ free-kick.

“When I knew better my players, I understood we have the possibility and the chance to stay up. We have two points (from safety),” De Zerbi said.

“Not 10 points, we have two points from West Ham. They are a good team, but also Tottenham have very good players and are a very good team.”

Wolves’ relegation had been confirmed on Monday night, but they produced a spirited display and boss Rob Edwards was eager to focus on the positives.

“It’s been really hard this week. The final nail in the coffin and relegated. Maybe other teams would have gone under and they might have been a shambles, it wasn’t that,” Edwards said.

“It was a proper game of football but we’ve lost it. So there will be people that say what they want to say, but those boys that were out there gave everything.”

A YouGov survey of more than 2,300 British adults, published this month, found that while voice notes have become slightly more popular in the last year, still only 15% communicate via voice note regularly (i.e. a few times a week). Across men, women, and across every age group – including Gen Zs – voice notes were the least popular method of communication.

The Lozman-Sturocks are taking part in The Neighbourhood hosted by Graham Norton.

The show sees households compete for a £250,000 cash prize.

The family is made up of Katie Lozman, 29, and Jordan Lozman, 34, from Darlington and Jordan’s mum Christine Sturrock, 71, and her partner Dave Sturrock, 66, who live in Redcar.

The Lozman-Sturrocks hosted a watch-along for the first episode of The Neighbourhood (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The first episode aired last night, with the first three episodes available to stream on ITV X.

The Lozman-Sturrocks hosted a watch-along party with family and friends, including fellow competitors The Kandolas and Samra.

The families dressed up for the occasion in suits and dresses, with members of The Kandolas and Samra families wearing Graham Norton facemasks.

The Lozman-Sturrocks were pictured holding a Babul’s jumper, the well-known south Asian restaurant in Darlington.

The Lozman-Sturrocks hosted a watch-along for the first episode of The Neighbourhood (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

The Neighbourhood sees six households move onto the same street where they must socialise and build relationships with their neighbours.

However, the twist is that the households will also vote each other out while taking part in a series of challenges designed to test them as they try to eliminate rivals without becoming unpopular enough to be removed themselves.

The winning household will take home a £250,000 prize.

Jordan previously said: “There is never really going to be another chance where you can move back into a home with your family, go back to your youth and have no social media, no phone anything like that so it was something I definitely wanted to get on board with.

The Lozman-Sturrocks hosted a watch-along for the first episode of The Neighbourhood (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

“We were honest, maybe too honest at times but we are straight talking and that’s the way of the North East.”

The family are safe from the first elimination after not receiving any votes at the end of the first episode.

The second episode airs at 9pm on ITV One tonight.

The blaze, which at its height was visible from Mount Snowdon in Wales, broke out on the afternoon of Friday April 24 at an industrial site on Trafford Park.

Firefighters from across Greater Manchester were called and after many hours of tackling the blaze, the fire service said on Saturday morning that there had been a significant reduction.

Speaking on Saturday morning, a Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters remain at the scene of a large fire at an industrial premises on Clarence Avenue in Trafford Park, which was first reported at around 1.25pm on Friday April 24.

The huge blaze broke out at Trafford Park (Image: Newsquest)

“Overnight, crews continued working to damp down hotspots and monitor the affected buildings, following significant progress made during the evening. The fire is now contained within the premises, and there has been a continued reduction in smoke.

“This morning, firefighters are continuing to make the area safe and carry out further checks, while working closely with partner agencies, including local authority building inspectors and utility providers.

“Precautionary cordons remain in place while assessments are completed.

“Nearby residents and businesses are advised to continue keeping windows and doors closed as a precaution while crews remain on site.

“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation as firefighters continue their work.”

“The proposed changes aim to create a forward-looking, mixed-use destination that contributes to the vibrancy of London Bridge City, with ground-floor cafes, shops, and restaurants to generate employment opportunities and increase tourism footfall,” Gensler says on its website.

Beadlam Grange is located just outside of Helmsley and breeds its own “award-winning” Limousin beef cattle.

Also within the farm shop, there is a butchers, a delicatessen, a greengrocers and a bistro set out over two floors.

There is also a dog-friendly seating area and a toddler play area in the undercover fold yard.

@ell.dickinson Lets visit one of the best farm shops in Yorkshire – Beadlam Grange… From the cutest live-in dog, fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, gifts and a delicious bistro, it’s not one to miss! #york #yorkshire #farmshop #yorkfarm #yorkfarmshop #beadlam #beadlamgrange #northyorkshire #uoy #uniofyork #ysj #yorkstjohn #universityofyork #yorkstudent #fyp ♬ Summer day – TimTaj

North Yorkshire farm shop hailed ‘best around’

The Beadlam Grange website shares that the farm shop has “a passion for providing good, real, honest, tasty, local feel good food.”

In the farm shop and deli, there is a “tasty selection of locally produced fresh food, dairy, fruit and vegetables to tickle your taste buds.”

Beadlam Grange adds: “Fresh fruit and vegetables are delivered daily together with bread and cakes from local bakeries and fresh farm milk and dairy products.

“To compliment the fresh and seasonal produce we have frozen fruit and vegetables, patisseries, savoury and fish products.

“We sell ‘COOK’ frozen ready meals together with their amazing desserts. All are excellent quality and very good value.

“We have many Yorkshire suppliers, too numerous to mention who keep us well stocked with great tasting and exceptional quality produce.

“We have many old favourites but are always on the lookout for new tasty products.”

Customers can also find a “tempting display” of popular Yorkshire gins and liqueurs, beers, cider, wine and prosecco, as well as all the mixers.

Meanwhile, The Bistro serves freshly prepared home-cooked food for customers every day.

Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, scones, cakes and a wide selection of drinks.

Someone who visited for Sunday lunch recently left this review on Tripadvisor: “We go for Sunday lunch most Sunday its become our favourite place to go for this.

What’s your favourite farm shop to visit in York and North Yorkshire? (Image: Tripadvisor)

“The food is out of this world with generous portions and a good choice is on offer. The service is exceptional very professional and very attentive staff. We can highly recommend it.”

Another posted: “Had a lovely lunch here today. The fresh salad bar was great and they serve a proper coffee. Lovely staff and a great atmosphere. Love coming here the best farm shop around! Thank you.”

Fancy a chippy? This person commented: “We visited today for my birthday at the Beadlam Grange. We had the fish and chips for two at £25 . They were superb. Definitely worth a visit.”

Beadlam Grange can be found at Beadlam, York, YO62 7TD.

The SNP’s Westminster leader has said the May 7 election is the chance for Scotland to escape the “constant chaos of Westminster control”.

The Holyrood election is “Scotland’s opportunity to vote ‘no confidence’ in Keir Starmer”, the SNP’s Westminster leader has said. Stephen Flynn said the May 7 election is the country’s chance to secure a “fresh start with independence” and escape the “constant chaos of Westminster control”.

Mr Flynn said it is a “disgrace” that the UK Government is “completely consumed by the Peter Mandelson scandal and distracted from the issues that matter to voters” amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has faced calls to resign amid the fallout from the Lord Peter Mandelson vetting scandal which was sparked after it emerged he had not passed vetting checks but had still been appointed British ambassador to the US.

The Prime Minister fired Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins over the issue and has said he has been exonerated over accusations he misled MPs by evidence from Sir Olly.

Mr Flynn said: “The election on May 7 is Scotland’s opportunity to vote ‘no confidence’ in Keir Starmer and secure a fresh start with independence. If Labour MPs won’t do the decent thing, and bring forward a vote of no confidence themselves, Scottish voters can take action on May 7 – by voting SNP to sack Keir Starmer and escape the constant chaos of Westminster control.

“It is a disgrace that, at a time when families need a government that is fully focused on tackling the cost-of-living emergency, the Labour government is completely consumed by the Peter Mandelson scandal and distracted from the issues that matter to voters.

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“While John Swinney’s SNP government is laser-focused on helping families – Keir Starmer is only interested in saving his own skin and hasn’t lifted a finger to help households with the soaring cost of living under the Labour Party.”

Lord Mandelson was sacked last year, less than a year into the job, after details of his association with the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein emerged in files published by the US government.

The Prime Minister has been under pressure over the vetting issue in recent days.

Mr Flynn said: “Keir Starmer is doing more damage with every day that he clings on to power. His position is completely untenable and Labour MPs are doing voters a disservice by keeping him in place.

“The election is the key moment that can seal Keir Starmer’s fate. On May 7, people in Scotland can vote SNP to show Keir Starmer the door and secure that fresh start of independence.”

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said “The SNP’s endless attempts to deflect attention from its own shameful record in government is getting embarrassing.

“This election is about Scotland’s government, our NHS, our schools, our local services, our community safety and our transport system – but Stephen Flynn seems to think these issues don’t matter.

“Anas Sarwar has been clear that a vote for Scottish Labour in this election is not an endorsement of Keir Starmer – it is a vote to change the government here in Scotland. The SNP is letting Scotland down but only Scottish Labour can beat them.

“The choice on the ballot on May 7 is between more of the same with John Swinney and the SNP and change with Anas Sarwar and Scottish Labour. A Scottish Labour government will fix the mess, get the basics right and deliver a better future for Scotland.”

Enjoy Blue Meet and Greets, Mini Land Rover rides, carnival attractions, live music, great food and drink and much more

The countdown is well and truly underway for 20 Years in Bloom at Glenarm Castle, and this year, there’s something for everyone, including a special meet and greet with popular children’s TV character Bluey.

This May Bank Holiday Weekend (2nd–4th May), the public is invited to stroll through the stunning Walled Garden, alive with thousands of colourful tulips, and immerse themselves in a vibrant festival atmosphere brimming with music, colour and fun for all the family.

Youngsters will also be thrilled by a Meet & Greet with Bluey, who will appear at intervals on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May. It’s not to be missed – so make sure you have your cameras ready to capture the moment with everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler pup!

Throughout the weekend, visitors can look forward to live music and entertainment, browse craft stalls and exhibitions, and treat themselves to a fantastic array of food and drink from local traders. For those seeking a bit of excitement, the festival boasts family-friendly carnival rides and the ever-popular Mini Land Rover Experience, guaranteeing a brilliant day out for all ages.

Festival Highlights

• Meet & Greet with the Official Bluey – the fun loving, adventure seeking Blue Heeler pup
• Show-stopping tulip displays
• Live music and family entertainment – Including K-POP Dance with Don King
• Carnival rides
• Mini Land Rover Experience for young adventurers
• Artisan craft market
• A wide selection of delicious food and drink

Lady Antrim said: “We are delighted to be celebrating 20 years of the Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival this year. The garden team worked tirelessly over the winter months, planting in excess of ten thousand tulips, which are now in their bold, colourful prime. It’s always a wonderful way to herald the start of the summer season and we hope our visitors will come and enjoy the tulips, as well as the rest of the garden, as much as we do.”

This year’s Tulip Festival is set to take place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, running from Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th May 2026, with much-loved children’s character Bluey making appearances throughout Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May. Gates will open daily at 10:00AM, with last admission between 4:00PM and 4:15PM, and the festival wrapping up at 5:00PM each evening.

Tickets on sale NOW via www.glenarmcastle.com Members Go Free! Complementary tickets can be purchased online.

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

The federal government quietly awarded a no-bid contract — with a massively inflated price tag — to one of President Donald Trump’s favorite construction firms, according to a new report, which the president has strongly disputed.

The contract was to fix a pair of decades-old fountains in Lafayette Park, located across from the White House, which have sat idle for more than 10 years due to deteriorating equipment.

In 2022, the Biden administration reportedly estimated the work would cost $3.3 million. But, in January, the Trump administration agreed to pay more than five times that figure — $17.4 million — to Clark Construction, a Maryland-based firm that is also building the massive White House ballroom, according to The New York Times.

“They just took the cover page of my estimate and just added a bunch of money onto it,” Stephen Kirk, an independent consultant who calculated the cost of the refurbishment for the National Park Service in 2022, told the outlet. “I didn’t add those extra millions on there.”

The significantly higher cost estimate was reportedly partly a result of inflation being accounted for twice.

The National Park Service awarded the lucrative contract to Clark without soliciting competing bids, invoking a rarely used “urgency” exception typically reserved for natural disasters or wartime needs, the paper said. Contracting experts described this as unusual.

Unlike the president’s $400 million ballroom, which is funded by private donors, the fountain repairs are being paid with taxpayer dollars.

The Interior Department, which oversees the Park Service, defended its contracting process.

“The way this contract was awarded is above board,” department spokesperson Katie Martin told the NYT. “The urgency is to ensure this project is done well ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.”

Clark Construction told the outlet: “Our track record reflects the quality of our work and our commitment to integrity. We bid on work we are qualified to deliver and we follow prescribed procurement processes.”

The Independent has contacted the construction firm and the Park Service for comment.

On Friday, Trump posted a video on Truth Social showing the fountains in operation, with jets of water lit by colorful lights. “My Great Honor to have funded this project,” he wrote.

The following day, after the NYT story was published, the 79-year-old billionaire fired off a 334-word broadside accusing the outlet of misrepresenting the facts.

“Once again, The Failing New York Times has attempted to grossly mischaracterize what should be hailed as the restoration of Beauty and Grandeur to our Nation’s Capital as something else completely,” he wrote.

He added: “We want to have it complete by July 4th. Once again, people will come to the front door of the White House by walking through a magnificent Park befitting these Hollowed Grounds, not a dead, dirty, rusting, and very dangerous place like it was before we got involved.”

He said he was not responsible for overseeing the contract, adding that Clark is “highly respected” and completed the work under budget and ahead of schedule. “The New York Times should congratulate us, instead of trying to make us look bad,” he concluded.

The president’s attack came just hours before he was set to appear at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where scores of reporters will be in attendance.