Motorists in England, Scotland and Wales will see the new number plates on the road when they are released today.

They must make sure their own number plates adhere to specifications in order to be road legal, with a warning that those that do not comply with rules could be hit with a £1,000 fine.

DVLA number plate warning

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is reminding drivers to check their own plates meet the required specifications.

Plates that do not comply can lead to a fine and an MOT failure.

The DVLA said: “Number plates (also known as licence plates) must show your registration number correctly. You cannot rearrange letters or numbers, or alter them so that they’re hard to read.

“You could be fined up to £1,000 and your vehicle will fail its MOT test if you drive with incorrectly displayed number plates.”

Is your number plate legal?

These are the rules you should be aware of around licence plates from the DVLA.

The number plates on your vehicle must:

• be made from a reflective material
• display black characters on a white background (front plate)
• display black characters on a yellow background (rear plate)
• not have a background pattern
• be marked to show who supplied the number plate
• be marked with a British Standard number – this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021

The characters must not be removable or reflective. If your number plates were fitted after 1 September 2021, they must also be a single shade of black.

Your number plates can also:

• have 3D (raised) characters
• display certain flags, symbols and identifiers
• display a green flash, if you have a zero-emission vehicle

Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing , said: “Characters must not be removable or reflective, however, your number plates can have 3D (raised) characters, display certain flags, symbols and identifiers and display a green flash, if you have a zero-emission vehicle.

“It’s important to drivers to understand the nuances of what’s required for their licence plates as even the smallest modifications could make it illegal. For example, 3D characters are allowed on licence plates, but if the raised letters are not black or have a reflective coating on them, this could make them illegal.

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“It’s also important for drivers to understand that any modifications around their licence plate, that could make it unreadable, are also considered illegal.

“For example, licence plate lights must be white – not tinted blue or any other colour – and need to illuminate the plate evenly without causing any shadows. The bulbs themselves must not be visible.

“Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines of up to £1,000, as well as an MOT failure for the vehicle.

“Motorists looking to replace or customise their plates should only buy from DVLA-registered suppliers who follow the legal guidelines. Plates that feature illegal fonts, incorrect spacing, tinted backgrounds, or missing supplier information can all lead to penalties.

“For those unsure whether their plates comply, checking with a reputable supplier or consulting DVLA guidelines is the safest way to avoid unnecessary fines or complications.”

By SIMON JONES and MICHAEL PAVITT, SPORTS REPORTER

Updated: 10:54 BST, 1 September 2026

The weatherproof Keter Store It Out Max can hold garden equipment, furniture and two wheelie bins, helping to keep everything protected from the elements while making the garden look tidier

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Garden sheds can occupy considerable space, but one homeowner has discovered an ingenious solution by replacing theirs with a storage box. The Keter Store It Out Max Garden Storage Shed is presently on offer at Argos for £146.

This weather-resistant storage option has capacity for garden tools, furniture and two wheelie bins, ensuring everything remains shielded from the weather while creating a neater outdoor space. Constructed from fade-resistant plastic, the container requires minimal upkeep, eliminating the need for routine painting or material treatment.

Its waterproof design makes it ideal for storing items outdoors all year round. Unlike certain garden storage alternatives, this box features broad front doors and a piston-supported lid, providing users with flexible access to their possessions from either the top or front, depending on requirements.

The sloped entry point offers another handy benefit, enabling wheelie bins and bicycles to be rolled straight in without having to hoist them over a raised barrier. Internally, ventilation is incorporated to help stop condensation accumulating, while the robust base can accommodate heavier objects such as bins and lawnmowers.

For added security, the doors and lid feature padlock compatibility, while lid-lifter chains ensure the lid stays propped open when you need both hands free for manoeuvring bulkier items. With dimensions of 125cm x 145.5cm x 82cm, there’s ample space for outdoor gear while keeping a reasonably compact size, reports the Daily Star.

Over on Amazon, you’ll find the Aoxun Garden Storage Box priced at £99.99. Boasting a 600-litre capacity, it’s described as ideal for patios, balconies and snug garden spaces.

There’s also the Storaway 842L box available at The Range for £99.99, reduced from £124.99. This model offers double-door access combined with a lift-up lid and includes lock fastening for extra peace of mind.

The Keter Store It Out Max Garden Storage Shed has received excellent feedback on Argos, with one customer commenting: “Great storage, we bought this to replace a shed and this takes up a lot less room and works really well in the garden.”

Another reviewer noted: “Had this for a few months and no complaints. It’s a good size and easy to open. Hasn’t seen us through winter yet, so can’t comment on true weatherproofing, but (it) has seen plenty of rain and everything inside is OK. Looks quite nice, large capacity. We store a lawnmower, hose, pressure washer etc. in there. Might get another one.”

A third customer remarked: “This storage box was so easy to assemble despite no text in the assembly manual. I assembled it with my wife and yes, we are still married!” Not everyone was entirely convinced, however, as one reviewer noted: “Does feel less sturdy than (my) last purchase. Easy to erect. Looks OK.”

A further customer commented: “Didn’t find the build instructions very clear, feels a bit flimsy when opened up with not having a central front upright. Plenty of space inside and clever locking mechanism, too early to comment on waterproofing.”

The Keter Store It Out Max Garden Storage Shed can be purchased from Argos.

Cornerstone Pubs, introduced on August 26, is part of a strategy to bring together some of Greene King’s existing value and carvery venues under a single concept focused on community pubs.

Greene King, which operates around 2,600 pubs across the UK, including at least 18 in the North East and seven in North Yorkshire, said the move is not a large-scale rebranding, but rather a consolidation of select venues.

Speaking to the Daily Express, Clair Preston Beer, chief digital and commercial officer at Greene King, said: “Cornerstone Pubs helps to strengthen our value-led offering in local communities across the country, bringing together our existing value and carvery formats to enhance customer experience and drive operational excellence.”

Customers are not expected to notice immediate changes, as the pubs will retain their current branding for now, and staff and management teams will remain in place.

However, Greene King has indicated that future updates to menus and entertainment options could be introduced at locations.

The launch coincides with wider changes across Greene King’s estate, including a review of 65 pubs for potential sale and plans announced earlier this year to convert 150 venues into tenanted pubs.

These changes are unrelated to the Cornerstone Pubs rollout.

Greene King’s focus remains on supporting its core estate while exploring new ways to deliver value and improve the customer experience in neighbourhood pubs.

​​Whitby’s historic Whale Bone Arch, which has stood at the top of West Cliff for more than 170 years, was removed on Tuesday, September 1, as part of a plan to preserve the town’s maritime heritage for generations to come.

​A £70,000 “ethical bronze replica” is set to be installed next year and will have “an indefinite lifespan and a patina that will develop over time”.

​Although it was last replaced in 2002 – after being gifted by Whitby’s twin town of Barrow in Alaska – the structure has deteriorated due to weather exposure.

Whitby Whale Bone Arch Photos. Courtesy Numminen Ldrs

​Whitby Town Mayor, Cllr Sandra Turner, said: “The whale bone arch means a great deal to residents and visitors alike.

​“While it is sad to see the current bones reach the end of their life, the new bronze arch will ensure this landmark continues to celebrate Whitby’s history and provide a focal point on West Cliff for future generations.”

​Bronze was chosen as the material for the replacement due to its strength, longevity and ability to withstand the challenging conditions on Whitby’s West Cliff.

Whibty Whale Bones Removed. NYC.

​Over time, it will develop a natural patina, while retaining the distinctive form that has become synonymous with the town’s seafront.

​North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, Cllr Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include harbours, said: “The whale bone arch is one of Whitby’s most treasured landmarks and an important part of the town’s maritime heritage.

​“The removal of the arch is a landmark day in the town’s recent history, as visitors have flocked to see and photograph the bones for over two decades.

​“Importantly, the bronze replicas provide an ethical alternative to the use of whale bones, allowing this iconic landmark and its connection to Whitby’s maritime heritage to be preserved in a way that reflects modern conservation values.

​“We look forward to seeing the new arch in situ. It will stand for decades to come, ensuring this iconic feature continues to inspire residents and visitors long into the future.”

Whibty Whale Bones Removed. NYC

Feedback from residents and visitors has shown a bronze replacement as the most fitting option to reflect the maritime heritage and importance of the internationally recognised symbol of the town, framing the famous views towards Whitby Abbey and attracting thousands of visitors every year.

​Creating the new bronze arch, costing £70,000, is a complex process that will involve producing moulds from the existing bones and manufacturing a bespoke internal framework, the council said.

​

While waterlogging usually prompts the abandonment of a football match, in the Cotswolds a thoroughly soaked pitch is simply part of the appeal.

Two teams plunged into chilly waters to participate in the traditional Football In The River fixture at Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.

Although much of the country has basked in successive heatwaves this summer and drought has been declared in many areas, there were no such concerns in the Cotswolds as the playing surface remained in tip-top wet condition.

The 50-minute game, which kicked off at 2pm, was contested between mixed teams from Bourton Rovers men’s squads alongside the club’s veterans.

Several hundred spectators lined the banks of the river to enjoy the annual five-a-side clash played out in the ankle-deep water of the Windrush.

While it is not clear how the concept of playing a football match in a river first arose, the local tradition has reportedly been going strong for around 100 years.

The match regularly draws large crowds and fans are advised to wear waterproofs if they plan to stand close to the side of the “pitch”.

A brief shower of rain in the second half did not dampen the spirits of the players or spectators.

This year’s match ended 3-3 after the first XI scored an injury time leveller.

They had taken an early lead after winning a throw-in and went 2-0 up from a penalty after a dark blue foul.

The veterans pulled back a goal from a controversial penalty shortly before half-time.

The half-time team talk transformed the veterans, and they quickly went 3-2 up after scoring from a throw-in.

A third penalty of the game was rocketed over the crossbar by the first XI, and they equalised in injury time to level the game.

Neil Teague, who refereed the game dressed as comic hero Superman, said afterwards: “It was a very, very good game – it was a little bit wet out there.

“It’s a bit of fun and it has been taking place for over 100 years.

“I came out of retirement for this game.”

The man was reportedly assaulted by two men during the incident, with one of the attackers allegedly biting off part of his earlobe

A man had part of his earlobe bitten off in a brutal attack at a train station car park.

British Transport Police (BTP) have issued images of two men they wish to speak with following the alleged unprovoked assault in Chichester, West Sussex.

The incident occurred at approximately 7.20pm on Friday, June 26, in the car park of Chichester railway station.

The victim was reportedly attacked by two men during the incident, with one of the assailants allegedly biting off part of his earlobe.

Bystanders stepped in and brought the assault to an end.

The injured man was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers investigating the incident have now issued images of two men they believe may have information which could assist with their enquiries.

Anyone who recognises either of the men is urged to contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.

When contacting police, quote reference 705 of June 26.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were spotted out for the first time since her humiliating payout from Justin Baldoni was revealed.

The actress, 39, enjoyed a family outing with the Deadpool star, 49, and her sister Robyn, 54, in New York on Friday.

Lively wore an all-brown ensemble while Robyn, seen wearing double denim, walked behind the star as she chatted to Reynolds. While Lively cracked a smile at times, Reynolds’ expression remained more stoic.

The family outing came just days after the Daily Mail revealed the Gossip Girl star was to be awarded only a small fraction of legal fees she tried to claim from Baldoni after their bitter court battle.

The actress wore a brown ensemble consisting of overalls, boots and a chunky gold necklace

On Wednesday a judge in New York ruled she will be awarded just five percent ($400,000) of the amount she sought to recoup ($8 million) for defending herself against Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit.

The judge said hours Lively had billed for her lawyers were ‘unreasonable’ and criticized the ‘discrepancies’ in the expenses she was trying to claim.

The court ruling comes months after the same judge threw out most of the claims in Lively’s sexual harassment case against her It Ends With Us co-star and they agreed to settle the case with no money changing hands.

Judge Lewis Liman had previously dismissed Baldoni’s defamation countersuit against Lively, but he did allow her to seek legal fees solely related to defending that action.

In an order obtained by the Daily Mail, Judge Liman ruled: ‘The clerk of court is respectfully directed to enter judgment for Lively in the amount of $363,245.40 in attorneys’ fees and $44,206.35 in costs’.

Lively sued Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios production company in December 2024 for alleged sexual harassment on the set of the movie, and defamation.

Baldoni responded the following month with the $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and the New York Times, which was first to publish her claims.

In October last year, a judge dismissed Baldoni’s case and in May this year, after a judge dismissed most of Lively’s claims, she agreed to settle her claim. But the legal battle didn’t end there.

While Lively cracked a smile at times, Reynolds’ expression remained more stoic 

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On Wednesday, a judge ruled that Lively will be awarded just five percent of the amount she sought to recoup for defending herself against Baldoni’s $400 million defamation lawsuit

Lively and Baldoni finally agreed to a settlement in the two-year legal battle in May – just two weeks before the case was set to go to trial. Above, on the set of It Ends With Us in 2024

It Ends with Us earned $148 million in domestic box office and $350 million globally, but whatever goodwill the film garnered was overshadowed by the allegations made by its stars 

Weeks later, Lively filed court documents seeking to recoup her legal expenses from the drawn-out lawsuit.

Last month, Lively revealed in court filings just how much she was demanding: $4,544,094 from Wilkie, Farr & Gallagher and $2,951,432 from Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, two high-profile law firms.

However, the final bill will be $300,000 higher because of costs related to a recent hearing on June 1, bringing it to $8.3 million.

The news she’d receive a measly $400,000 after demanding an eye-watering $8 million following their bombshell settlement, coincided with her birthday, when her husband shared a gushing post calling her a ‘courageous and deeply kind genius.’

Lively and Reynolds first met in 2010 on the set of Green Lantern. They started dating the following year, in October 2011.

They tied the knot on September 9, 2012 in South Carolina and share daughters James, 11, Inez, nine, Betty, six, and son Olin, three.