The centuries-old tradition sees scores of families ascend the 363m tall pike every Good Friday to touch the four corners of the tower before descending.

Crowds were slightly diminished this year due to the bad forecast, but those intrepid enough to make the journey were surprised by a day more mild than had been predicted, with views as stunning as ever.

Climbers at the top of the pike (Image: Dan Dougherty)

“We’ve done it every year for about four or five years,” said John Leonard, 58, who climbed the pike with his wife Carol.

“I actually run up here quite regularly – I’m training for a half marathon, so I quite often run Rivington Pike and some of the other hills around here.

“I actually ran up it last week!”

John and Carol Leonard (Image: Dan Dougherty)

John and Carol both seemed unfazed by the hike, the only huffing and puffing audible coming from my direction.

The grade-II listed tower at the top was built in 1733 as a hunting lodge, although the inside is now inaccessible.

The Easter tradition began in the 19th century – celebrated on Whitsunday rather than Good Friday, and it moved to its current date in 1900.

Refreshments stalls on the way up the pike (Image: Dan Dougherty)

Walkers streamed in from all directions to climb the pike, some walking up via the steps on the Western side, some taking the slightly more treacherous Southern route.

Refreshment stalls dotted the pathways, alongside games for the kids.

The noise, mingled at points with the smell of grilled onions, gave the event the atmosphere of a country carnival.

Easter Bunny Paul Harrison, who gives out sweets to the children every year (Image: Dan Dougherty)

People were frequently bumping into people they knew, people they hadn’t seen in a while, commenting on how much their friends’ kids had grown since they last saw them.

“We’ve been doing it for well over 21 years,” said Ann Kaye, who had climbed the pike with her family.

“I know it’s about that long because I did it carrying my son on my back when he was little – he’s 21 now.

Ann Kaye (second from right) has been doing the climb annually for over 21 years (Image: Dan Dougherty)

“We live in Adlington, it’s something we do every year – lots of locals do it.

“It’s a bit quieter this year than usual though – I think people were put off by the forecast.”

Another rambler, Brian Pilkington, was there at the top of the hill, looking out over the scenery with his binoculars.

A frequent climber, Brian was well prepared to make the most of the incredible views – Blackpool tower is visible at a distance of 25 miles, as are some of the mountains in the Lake District.

Brian Pilkington, binoculars in hand (Image: Dan Dougherty)

Matt and Jo Withers – themselves frequent climbers – enjoyed the scenery at the top of the pike, reflecting on 15 years of similar journeys.

“We do it every year,” said Matt, “It’s been a tradition for hundreds of years.

“We really enjoy it – the weather isn’t great this year, but when the sun comes out people are all sitting on the grass looking out over the hills.”

Jo and Matt Withers (Image: Dan Dougherty)

This year’s Good Friday walkers were also invited to take a pit stop in the Pigeon Tower, located on the way up to the pike.

Open 10am to 3pm on Friday and Saturday, weary travellers could nip in for a nice drink as they sat next to the roaring, well-stoked fire.

The Middleham Open Day took place across the town, near Leyburn, on Good Friday, April 3, with nine leading training yards welcoming visitors from 9:30am.

Racegoers and families had the chance to meet some of the sport’s best-known horses, including unbeaten classic contender Crown Relic and multiple group one winner Fallen Angel.

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Dawn Goodfellow, chief executive of Racing Welfare, said: “Middleham Open Day is one of the most special days in our calendar.

“It gives people a genuine insight into life behind the stable doors, while celebrating the dedication, skill and community that define this town.

“The success of this year’s employee award winners shows just how strong that community is.”

At Karl Burke’s Spigot Lodge yard, visitors were able to see Crown Relic, Fallen Angel and Royal Champion up close. Royal Champion has earned nearly £2.4 million in prize money during his racing career.

Meanwhile, Charlie Johnston Racing hosted horse swimming demonstrations and welcomed guests to a live question-and-answer session. Visitors were also able to meet horses including Venetian Lace, entered in both the English and Irish Guineas, and Epsom Derby runner-up Lazy Griff.

The Middleham Marketplace opened earlier at 9am with trade stands and a traditional hounds parade, before entertainment began on Low Moor at 11.30am.

The inter-yard Challenge followed, before the Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog Show.

The event also celebrated the people behind the sport, including recent winners of the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards from Middleham.

Among those recognised were Kieran Kourdache of Karl Burke Racing, who was named Rider/Racing Groom Award winner and Overall Employee of the Year; Freddie Wilks of Charlie Johnston Racing, who took the Newcomer Award; and Hayley Clements of Micky Hammond Racing, who received the Community Award.

All proceeds from the day support Racing Welfare, the industry’s only charity that helps racing workers and their families. The charity offers assistance with health, housing, finances, careers and more.

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Locals say they feel ‘lucky’ to live in the village, but some feel it could offer more

People living in a village just off the A1 say they feel ‘lucky’ to live there, but some feel more could be done to attract visitors. Hovering on the Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire border is the historic village of Wansford.

Popular for its posh hotel – The Haycock – and countryside walks, Wansford is full of people who have either been born there and stayed, or others who moved there decades ago. Its residents praise the village for its charm and character, but some feel there could be more on offer to attract people outside the village to visit.

As part of the Exploring Cambridgeshire series, we spoke to some locals about what it’s really like to live in Wansford. Anne Bradshaw, who was “born and bred” in the village, says Wansford “punches above its weight”.

“It’s a small village – and a very friendly village,” said Anne, a former journalist. She added: “We get a lot of people come here. The river gets people here, both summer and in the winter.

“We have people who swim here all year round, which is crazy. A lot of people have been here all their lives, and that seems to be the natural thing. We’ve got lots of pubs, restaurants and pubs, but yet you’re also out in the countryside. You’re also in spitting distance of the A1.”

Anne also owns a shop in the village called Shopy McShopFace, selling items she gets from auctions. The shop was previously owned by her uncle and auntie. Anne said she loves to meet new people who visit her shop. One of Anne’s customers, who asked not to be named, said “you are a very lucky person” if you live in Wansford.

Another lady, who asked not to be named, said she “loves” the village. She added: “It’s middle class here, and generally people are very friendly.

“I love coming to the shop because they have all the things I like. I know a lot of people in the village, there are a lot of activities to do but because of my health I can’t do them because of my health. If you want to get involved there is a village hall. There is a mini village walking group and we have very nice lakes to walk around.”

She continued: “It’s filled with beautiful buildings and beautiful countryside. Everyone pretty much knows each other, and people are always nice to each other. The posh hotel brings in some people to the village, but there is also lots of support from locals. It’s a very tight knit community and I’m lucky to live here.”

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Elizabeth Weald described Wansford as a “place like no other”. She added: “There is so much history all around with the buildings being so old. It’s a quiet and peaceful place to live, especially with all of the countryside around. It’s very close to the A1, so we’re not far away from places like Stamford and Peterborough.”

Gillian Elleyne has lived in Wansford for 19 years. She finds the village to be “lovely”, as well as “pretty”. However, she feels the area could attract more visitors. She said: “There is not a lot to do here. I enjoy my gardening and the nearby garden centres. We occasionally go out. Our friends go to the Haycock and say its fabulous.

“We have some pubs. The Cross Keys, it’s a local pub for local people, but I’ve never been in 19 years. The Post Office is desperately needed, so that is really useful. We just don’t have the footfall here.”

Robert Hudson said he “instantly fell in love” when here moved there several decades ago, but also feels Wansford could offer more. He said: “It’s a village filled with lots of friendly people. The only thing I’d say is you don’t see lots of people come here.

“It’s a nice place to stop by for the Haycock, but I’d say the pubs rely on a lot of local people. That’s good, but it would be good to get lots of more people come and see how great the village is.”

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said they love Wansford, but also would like to see more in the village. They said: “I feel it could use a bit more to bring people in.

“We don’t want it to become overcrowded, but it would be good to get a few more people into the village and show what’s on offer. Other than that, Wansford is a lovely place to live.”

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The Artemis II astronauts have captured our blue planet’s brilliant beauty as they zoom ever closer to the moon.

NASA released the crew’s first downlinked images Friday, 1 1/2 days into the first astronaut moonshot in more than half a century.

The first photo taken by commander Reid Wiseman shows a curved slice of Earth in one of the capsule’s windows. The second shows the entire globe with the oceans topped by swirling white tendrils of clouds.

As of midmorning Friday, Wiseman and his crew were 90,000 miles (145,000 kilometers) from Earth and were quickly gaining on the moon with another 168,000 miles (270,000 kilometers) to go. They should reach their destination on Monday.

The three Americans and one Canadian will swing around the moon in their Orion capsule, hang a U-turn and then head straight back home without stopping. They fired Orion’s main engine Thursday night that set them on their course.

They’re the first lunar travelers since Apollo 17 in 1972.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

The F-35 fighter jet is understood to have been struck over central Iran with state media sharing images online of what appeared to be American aircraft in the area including helicopters and drones

A United States fighter jet has been brought down over Iran, with state broadcasters reporting the pilots managed to eject.

The F-35 combat aircraft is believed to have been hit over central Iran, with state media subsequently posting footage online appearing to show American military hardware in the vicinity, including helicopters, aircraft and drones.

Two aviators are understood to have been aboard the jet and their whereabouts remain unknown.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that a second F-35 fighter jet was eliminated using an advanced defence system of the IRGC Aerospace Force and the aircraft was from the Lakenheath squadron.

During the conflict, Iran has issued numerous assertions about downing manned enemy jets which proved to be false. However, Friday marked the first occasion that Iran broadcast a televised appeal to the public to search for a suspected downed airman, reports the Mirror.

Several US media outlets and sources have verified the reports, following the initial assertions in Iranian press.

A public appeal for assistance indicates the Iranian military, police and security forces have a limited footprint in the rural territory that covers more than 15,500 square kilometres (5,900 square miles).

The province is predominantly inhabited by Iran’s Lur population, with many working in agriculture. The far south of the province marks the beginning of Iran’s oil reserves in the region. The Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency shared footage on its Telegram channel showing a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, which it alleged was involved in a US search and rescue mission connected to the downed aircraft.

The post stated: “America’s attempt to free its downed fighter pilot has failed. Sources told Tasnim’s reporter in Kohgiluyeh that the Americans, starting an hour ago, conducted a search operation using Black Hawk helicopters and a Hercules 130 to free their fighter pilot who was shot down by Iran’s armed forces; however, their efforts have failed.”

The US military has not yet responded to these claims from Iranian media. Yesterday evening, CENTCOM, the US military command overseeing the region, posted on X dismissing an earlier Iranian assertion that a fighter had been brought down over Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz as “false”.

Almost a fortnight ago, a US F-35 fighter jet carried out an emergency landing following damage from what was believed to be hostile fire.

The 1928 coin was uncovered during nursery building works at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Shotton Colliery.

Reception pupils Mirabel and Lester, both five, described the coin as “treasure” and said they were “thrilled” by the find.

1928 coin uncovered during nursery building works (Image: Supplied)

Lester said: “It was so exciting to find treasure!”

Lynsey Wetherell, EYFS lead at the school, said: “This remarkable discovery coincides with the very year our school was established, making it a piece of history that holds special significance for us.”

The King George V penny prompted conversations about life in Shotton Colliery a century ago, with pupils imagining who might have held the coin and what the area once looked like.

1928 coin uncovered during nursery building works (Image: Supplied)

Ms Wetherell said: “This discovery has not only brought history to life for our students but also connected our past with our future as we continue building our nursery.

“Finding such a piece of history on our school grounds is a wonderful reminder of our roots and the stories waiting to be discovered.

“It was a lovely reminder of the hidden stories beneath our feet, leaving everyone curious about what other treasures might still lie undiscovered.”

The school’s new purpose-built nursery is set to open in Autumn 2026 and will offer flexible 15 and 30-hour places for children aged three and above.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School is part of the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.

To learn more about nursery places, email office@ourladylourdesdurham.org.

Details about the trust are available at www.bccet.org.uk.

For Harry Potter fans eagerly awaiting HBO’s new TV adaptation, the streamer is preparing to air a behind-the-scenes teaser to tide them over.

This weekend, months before the series’ Christmas Day debut, the streamer will release a standalone special, Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic.

“Told through the lens of the artists, craftspeople, and technicians bringing J.K. Rowling’s beloved books to life for a new generation,” it will offer “an in-depth look at the making of the first season,” a press release states.

Narrated by Nick Frost, who plays Rubeus Hagrid in the show, the exclusive will also feature interviews with key cast members, including John Lithgow, Janet McTeer, and Paapa Essiedu, who star as Albus Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape, respectively.

In a trailer for the special, released Thursday, a set designer standing beside a mock of the Hogwarts castle says: “To play in a sandbox this big, it really is incredible. We’re adding a level of world-building beyond what the audience is familiar with.”

Each season of the series will be based on one of Rowling’s seven books, with the first eight-episode season covering the events of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

It will welcome young newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, 12, Alastair Stout, 12, and Arabella Stanton, 11, as the leading trio Harry, Ron and Hermione. All three are reportedly being paid £500,000 for the first season, with a source recently telling The Sun that they are “on track to be multi-millionaires before they turn 18.”

Last week, HBO dropped the first trailer for the highly anticipated show, offering a glimpse of Harry’s journey from living under the stairs to discovering a new world as the Boy Who Lived. The two-minute clip became the most-watched HBO trailer in history. It amassed more than 277 million organic views across platforms in its first 48 hours online.

Yet numerous fans expressed similar disappointment at the lack of spells and magical creatures shown in the first footage.

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“There is nothing special about Harry Potter — at least that’s what his Aunt Petunia always says. On his 11th birthday, a letter of admittance to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry opens up a hidden world for Harry: one of fun, friendship and magic. But with this new adventure comes great risk as Harry is forced to face a dangerous enemy from his past,” reads an official season one logline.

Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic will stream April 5 at 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT on HBO Max.

Sunderland City Council’s planning and highways committee this week refused plans for land at Mulberry Way in the city’s Houghton ward.

Persimmon Homes were seeking permission for 58 homes with “associated access, landscaping, open space” and a “sustainable urban drainage system.”

During a council consultation exercise there was significant public opposition, with around 122 formal objections and a 151-signature petition.

Public concerns listed in a council report included loss of greenspace,  highway safety, flood risk, wildlife impacts and the developer’s “violation of previous planning promises.”

The site formed part of a larger development granted in 2001 which included a condition which developers Persimmon “failed to fulfil”, council documents state.

A council report said developers were now “immune” from council enforcement action due to the time that had passed but noted developers “wished to mitigate the failure to provide children’s open space/informal recreation area and meadow space offsite”.

However, council planners said it was “premature” to consider housing plans until the “outstanding issue” had been addressed, adding the new application  would “result in a loss of open play space for existing residents of the adjacent estate.”

The application came before the planning and highways committee on Monday (March 30) and planning officers recommended the housing be refused.

Reasons included the historic play park issue, access worries and concerns about flood risk and ecology assessments.

Members of the public and Houghton councillors John Price and Mark Burrell spoke against the plans at City Hall.

A planning agent for Persimmon also requested the “gift of time” to address planning issues and agree details of improvements to the nearby Keir Hardie Park.

Councillors later voted to refuse the housing plans, however the decision can be appealed.

A Persimmon Homes spokesperson said it was disappointing that developers had “not been able to find a way forward” with the council to “deliver much needed new housing”.

They said they had engaged with local councillors and residents on plans to “invest in the play park at the nearby Keir Hardie Park” and added it was “disappointing that time has not allowed for these plans to be presented and for the other matters to be resolved.”

For more information, visit the council’s planning portal website and search for reference 25/01316/FUL

It brings the total number of arrests in connection with the disorder to 17.

Four more people have been arrested in connection with disorder among Rangers and Celtic fans at Ibrox Stadium.

Ugly scenes broke out following the Scottish Cup Final on Sunday, March 8. It saw flares fired into the midst of fans, while supporters, police officers and those working at the stadium came under attack.

A steward was seen being carried from the pitch, believed to have been injured in the chaos, and a number of people were pictured receiving medical treatment. The most recent arrests bring the total number to be made under the operation to 11.

Following the match, Celtic striker Tomáš Čvančara, who scored the winning penalty for his side, was interviewed for TV wearing a blood-stained shirt. He had been photographed intervening in an incident on the field. A member of Celtic’s coaching staff was also reportedly attacked. There was also violence outside of the stadium following the game.

Operation Moonglint was subsequently launched by Police Scotland to trace those responsible. Police have confirmed four further men, aged 20, 26, 30 and 47, were arrested and charged and have been released on an undertaking to appear at court at a later date.

It brings the total number of arrests in connection with the disorder to 17.

Police say inquiries to trace those responsible are ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector David Lamont said: “Extensive inquiries remain ongoing to identify and trace those involved. We will ensure those involved in acts of violence and disorder will face the consequences of their actions that day. Further arrests will be made.”

Anyone with information can call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be sent directly to the investigation team.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form to pass information, images and footage directly to the Major Investigation Team and can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26G03-PO1

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Lamerd, a town in southern Iran, came under attack on 28 February. CCTV footage published by Iranian state media – which was authenticated and geolocated by BBC Verify – showed a munition moments before it exploded above a residential area. Experts identified it as likely being a US missile, based on its appearance, the size of the blast and the distance from potential US launch sites in the Middle East.