The march of new names to the UK market continues

Lepas is planning to launch three new SUVs in the UK market over the next 12 months.

Lepas is a new firm that is owned by the Chinese giant, Chery Automotive. It falls under Chery’s ‘export strategy’ programme, which introduces new brands specifically for European markets. Already, brands such as Jaecoo and Omoda have seen success under this umbrella.

The first model to arrive in the third quarter of this year is Lepas’ flagship model, the L8. It will come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, using a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and 18kWh battery pack to deliver a claimed electric range of up to 55 miles.

The second model to follow will be the L6 mid-size SUV, rivalling the Kia Sportage. It will be available with petrol, hybrid and electric options. Lepas has not revealed details on the petrol model’s powertrain, but the hybrid will be fitted with a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit mated to an electric motor, while the EV will be hooked up to a 67kWh battery pack and an electric motor to provide a claimed range of up to 270 miles.

Finally, the L4 will complete the line-up and will be the smallest model in the Lepas range. It’s a compact crossover that will rival the Volvo EX30 and BMW iX1 when it goes on sale next year.

However, powertrain details are limited at this stage, though Lepas has confirmed that it will be available with an electric powertrain.

Further details on Lepas’ SUV range will be revealed later this year, with orders set to follow.

The grass snake, the UK’s longest native reptile, is typically associated with southern and central England and parts of Wales.

However, recent anecdotal evidence and scattered public reports suggest the species may be making a quiet comeback in parts of the North East.

Sightings have been reported near wetlands, large gardens and compost-rich areas, habitats that are ideal for the elusive snake.

“It’s both exciting and unexpected,” said one local naturalist.

“For years, grass snakes were thought to be locally extinct here, but we’re now hearing more frequent, though still unconfirmed, reports, particularly around water-rich environments.”

Once widespread across Britain, grass snake populations in the North East declined sharply over recent decades due to habitat loss, climate change and increasing urban development.

Until recently, many conservationists believed the species had vanished entirely from County Durham.

Unlike the UK’s only venomous snake, the adder, grass snakes are completely harmless to humans.

Grass snake (Image: UGC)

They are recognisable by their olive-green colouring and distinctive yellow-and-black collar behind the head, and can grow up to 1.5 metres in length.

They are also strong swimmers, the only native UK snake regularly found hunting in water.

“Grass snakes are closely tied to wetlands,” explained BBC Countryfile on its website.

“They primarily feed on amphibians such as frogs and newts, but will also take small fish and occasionally mammals.”

Despite their rarity, experts say suitable habitats still exist in County Durham, particularly in areas such as the Wear Valley, Teesdale and parts of the Derwent Valley.

The species typically emerges from hibernation in spring when temperatures rise above 10°C. Breeding soon follows, with females laying eggs in warm, decomposing material such as compost heaps in early summer.

Hatchlings usually emerge between late August and September.

Wildlife organisations are now encouraging the public to report any sightings, while stressing the importance of not disturbing the animals.

“If grass snakes are genuinely returning to the North East, it’s a very positive sign,” said a spokesperson for Durham Wildlife Trust.

“It suggests that, in some places, our landscapes are recovering and can once again support species that were previously lost.”

A theatre performance in Cambridge was once cut short by real-life chaos that ended in catastrophe

Cambridgeshire has seen ghastly tragedies over the years, including a shocking event in Burwell that saw 78 people die in a village barn fire and the rail disaster at Abbots Ripton that cost 13 lives. One particular tragedy claimed the lives of four people right in the middle of a theatre performance.

In 1802, a fire alarm was raised during a performance when the audience rushed to the door in panic and confusion. Naturally you’d assume that any injuries or deaths would have been caused by a fire, but that was not the case.

During the chaos amid people’s panic, four people were trampled on leading to their death. The horrific event happened at the Stirbitch Theatre, which no longer exists. It was revealed that fire alarm was in fact fake.

Four years after the horrific event that cost four theatre enthusiasts their lives, the building was pulled down as it was rumoured to be unsafe, according to historian Enid Porter. A new theatre was built next to Newmarket but was only in use for seven years before it was replaced by another one in 1816.

The manager of the theatre reportedly put a notice in the newspaper expressing their regret for the false fire alarm. He offered a reward of 100 guineas to anyone who could identify the people who raised the false alarm and was keen to ‘punish’ them.

The name ‘Stirbitch’ is a variant of the similar name, ‘Sturbridge’ or ‘Steer Bridge’ referring to the bridge where cattle crossed the river on the way to Newmarket. Given that the theatre sat on Newmarket Road, nearby Stourbridge Common, the name was derived as a description of its location.

Dale Head Farm Tea Garden in Rosedale is often dubbed an “oasis on the moors”, known for its peaceful atmosphere, views “to die for” and “heavenly” homemade cream scones, according to visitors.

Owner Maggie reveals about the tea room’s history: “We’ve lived at the farm for over 20 years and first opened our Tea Garden in 2010.

“We’ve been serving sandwiches, cakes, loose leaf tea, speciality teas and Taylors of Harrogate coffee, as well as homemade cold drinks (such as elderflower cordial), to needy walkers ever since.”

North Yorkshire cafe is a ‘well-kept secret’ serving cream teas with views

The cafe’s website also details: “Our uniquely situated Tea Garden can be found at Dale Head Farm, a working hill farm tucked away at the head of Rosedale, on the edge of the North York Moors. 

“Our garden is quite simply tranquillity itself, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful views of our Rosedale valley.

“Described as an ‘oasis on the moors’ – when you’re walking and in need of a decent cuppa and a piece of Maggie Barraclough’s famous homemade cake, here we are just waiting for you.

“Group bookings welcome no matter what the weather and well behaved dogs are also more than welcome.”

When it comes to the menu at Dale Head Farm Tea Garden, as well as sandwiches and “proper” cakes baked by Maggie, there is also soup served on colder days.

The cafe’s website shares: “Yorkshire is a place of long held traditions and if it’s the taste of ancient, well-guarded Yorkshire recipes you’re craving for, look no further than Maggie’s proper homemade cakes. 

 “All items are made in the kitchen at Dale Head Farm, from where there are usually delicious smells wafting out of the kitchen door.

 “Following Maggie’s huge success at Farmer’s markets throughout North Yorkshire, you can now enjoy her cakes at her very own tea room at Dale Head Farm.”

It continues: “Everything is homemade on the premises using local ingredients whenever possible and we offer a ‘daily special’ which changes each week.

“Choose from delights such as Yorkshire Tea bread, scones with homemade jam and cream, as well as peculiarities such as ‘Funeral Biscuits’, ‘Courting Cake’ and ‘Moggy’.”

Gluten-free sandwiches and traditional cakes, including chocolate brownies, coffee walnut, flapjacks and lemon drizzle, are available too.

Over on Tripadvisor, Dale Head Farm Tea Garden has an “excellent” 4.8/5 rating based on 228 reviews – 200 of which are independently rated as “excellent”.

Someone wrote: “Adorable tea shop, great hosts and fantastic selection of cakes and snacks.

“Loved the tea pots and mix and match crockery – absolutely perfect for the setting. Bonus – toilets available!!”

This person said: “What a find! This quirky tearoom was so unexpected in its hidden location and wonderful array of cakes, savouries and wide menu.

“We had a very warm welcome and enjoyed scones with jam and cream, Yorkshire brack with cheddar and milkshakes!

‘Wonderful location to eat heavenly cream scones whilst admiring the view’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

“Well worth a visit for the delicious food and delightful atmosphere.”

Another posted: “Friendly tearoom. Excellent homemade cake and scones.

“Best cheese scone I have had so far this year. Nice garden with good views. Worth a visit if you are walking in the area.”

One happy visitor put: “Wonderful location to eat heavenly cream scones whilst admiring the view. Perfect place to recover from walking up the valley.”

This account praised: “We were met with a lovely welcome and a nice happy smile.

“The garden has views to die for and the food is top quality you won’t want to leave!

“We will definitely return, can’t rate this place high enough.”

Will you be heading to Dale Head Tea Garden for a freshly made scone or two, along with a pot of tea? Let us know in the comments below if you have any other recommendations for a cream tea.

Jorvik Tricycles has rebranded with new visuals, four updated product categories, and its most affordable model yet, all inspired by the city’s cultural ties and Viking history.

The rebrand was led by HUB, an award-winning integrated marketing agency.

Rob Shaw, CEO of HUB, said: “Working with the team at Jorvik over the past 12 months has been incredibly exciting, and we’re proud of the transformation we’ve achieved together.

“This rebrand marks a natural next step as the business continues to cement itself as a leading name in the electric tricycle category.

“Our brief was to reimagine the brand for today’s riders while honouring its heritage.

“By drawing inspiration from historic rune lettering, we created an identity that celebrates craftsmanship and history while modernising the branding through bold typography and vibrant colours.”

The new brand identity features references to Viking runes and introduces a restructured product range.

Tricycles are now grouped into Everyday, Mountain, Explore, and Mobility categories, with renamed models that reflect Nordic and Viking themes of exploration and freedom.

The updated model names include RIDA, DRAKKAR, VANDRA, and FRELSI.

Coinciding with the rebrand is the launch of the RIDA model, named after the Nordic word for “to ride”.

The fully electric RIDA tricycle has been available since March 1.

James Walker, founder and managing director of Jorvik Tricycles, said: “This rebrand marks an exciting new chapter for Jorvik Tricycles.

“Our goal remains focused on growing Jorvik into a recognised national brand while staying true to our Yorkshire roots and the values that have shaped the business from day one.

“By evolving the brand, expanding our range, and introducing more accessible models like the RIDA, we hope to make it easier for more people across the UK to experience the freedom and joy of cycling.”

Charlestown Road remains closed

On person was taken to hospital following a major crash in Blackley. Emergency services were called to Charlestown Road following reports of the collision involving two vehicles on Sunday evening (May 3).

Fire crews attended the scene where they saved a person from a car. According to reports, six people had escaped from the crash before emergency services arrived.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said, “At around 7:45pm this evening (Sunday, 3^rd May), firefighters were called to reports of a collision on Charlestown Road in Blackley.