Slugs and snails might be “more outdoors than in”, but after a shower, they can be “everywhere” – something that can spell bad news for your plants, even if they are potted

Preventing slugs and snails from devouring your potted plants might simply require one unexpected bathroom product, it has been claimed. While they’re often regarded as pests, slugs and snails are actually part of your garden’s natural biodiversity, and are “superb at recycling waste vegetative matter”, according to BBC Gardener’s World’s Monty Don.

However, as he explains, they “do not discriminate between a fallen leaf and a delicious young seedling” – though there could be relief for exasperated gardeners.

A recent piece covering how rainfall can force common pests indoors highlighted creatures including rats, mice, ants, spiders and mosquitoes – alongside slugs, which Monty describes in his blog as having been considered gardeners’ “public enemy number one”.

Slugs and snails are “more outdoors than in”, according to Household Advice Editor Katie Mortram, though she cautioned that they’ll get “everywhere” after a shower, potentially meaning trouble for your plants.

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She explained in Good Housekeeping: “The additional moisture on the ground and in the air makes the environment ideal for their survival and travel. And your damp plants are pre-watered for consumption.”

Katie subsequently offered some guidance: “As for slugs and snails, you can protect your plants with a few small adjustments. You can create a barrier of eggshells, coffee grounds, wool pellets or copper rings.

“For potted plants, applying petroleum jelly on the outside of the pot acts as another measure.”

In other news, Richard, who presents Sheffield Made Gardens and Sheffield Made Plants on YouTube, revealed a cost-free technique for deterring slugs and other pests using an everyday garden item.

As part of a series highlighting why you should retain your old plant pots instead of discarding them, Richard recommended using one for this purpose, noting that pests appeared to have gone on an “absolute rampage” in his garden.

He said: “This year, it seems like slugs and other pests have been on an absolute rampage. My marigolds over there have been eaten by something in the greenhouse. So, I need something to keep them at bay. And plastic pots are just the answer.

“So, grab a pot that’s going to fit over the plant, very susceptible to pests, like my marigolds are. And we’re just going to take our scissors and just go through the drainage hole and make a snip.”

Following this, he punctured the base of a plastic plant pot with the scissors and cut around it to create a protective “collar”. He added: “And then we can get in there and just cut the bottom off like so.

“Just go all the way around. Doesn’t have to be too neat. And there you have it. So that has just created a nice collar that I can stick over my susceptible plants and just dig it into the soil a little bit, just so it protects them a bit better.”

‘Lovely dress and I feel wonderful in it. The material is soft and comfortable to wear’

White Stuff is a great place to shop for flattering summer dresses and timeless holiday-ready fashion, and right now the retailer has discounted several popular styles in its seasonal sale. Among the standout deals is a popular blue linen-blend dress, which is nearly £16 off.

The Kate Midi Dress, now £63.20 from £79, has proved popular with customers, earning praise for its comfortable, flattering fit. One delighted shopper even highlighted how well it works for those with a fuller bust, making it an appealing option for women who often struggle to find dresses that fit comfortably across the chest.

With a cinched waist and feminine V-neckline, the piece creates a flattering silhouette while the breezy midi length makes it ideal for warm-weather dressing. Finished in a soft sky-blue shade with a delicate floral print, it’s the kind of versatile piece that can easily take fans from sightseeing on holiday to a relaxed beachside lunch.

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For an effortless summer look, pair the dress with tan leather sandals, a woven raffia tote and oversized sunglasses. On cooler evenings, layer it with a lightweight denim jacket and simple gold jewellery to complete the outfit.

Shoppers have been quick to snap up the style, however, and stock is already beginning to dwindle. Larger sizes are currently selling out, while the petite version has completely sold through, although regular sizes 6 to 18 remain available.

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£79

£63.20

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This linen-blend midi dress is ideal for summer.

Beyond White Stuff, Boden is also hosting a huge sale right now. This Belinda Linen Shirt Dress is our top pick (£127.20 from £159 with code HDQN) for its elegant silhouette, softly flared skirt, self-tie waist belt, and flattering princess seams.

Otherwise, Nobody’s Child has this Green Sleeveless Charlie Midi Dress (£89), now back in stock after selling out earlier this year. This moss green piece features a round neckline and a shirred bodice for a comfortable fit.

Back to White Stuff, the Kate Midi Dress has racked up some great reviews from shoppers. This person shared: “Fits so well, usually I struggle with WS dresses with buttons down the front as I have a larger bust (34G).

“This dress is perfect. I’m 5’4, and I got the 14P, and it’s exactly the length I wanted – mid-calf. The photos don’t do the fabric justice.”

Meanwhile, another said: “A lovely dress – I liked it so much that I bought it at full price. Good weight material that falls well and is very flattering to the figure, with useful pockets. Lovely colours and very stylish.”

However, they added: ” I did need to go down a size as fitting comes up rather big and neckline is on the low side, so I wear a camisole underneath.”

On a brighter note, this fan chimed in: “Lovely dress, and I feel wonderful in it. The material is soft and comfortable to wear. I particularly liked the detail in the sleeves and bodice. I would recommend it to anyone.”

Hughes, which has 18 stores across East Anglia, said it would be closing some of its smaller retail stores in the region

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An electrical appliances retailer is set to close eight branches this weekend – including one in Cambridgeshire – as it looks to channel greater investment into its digital platform and remaining stores.

Hughes, which was established in 1921, confirmed that several of its smaller retail outlets across East Anglia would be shutting down. The company’s first shop opened its doors in Lowestoft in 1928.

The company has announced it will be closing its store in Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire on Saturday, June 6.

Chief executive Mark Wardell said employees were briefed on the decision earlier and assured they would receive support throughout the “difficult process”.

He acknowledged that many of those impacted had been with the firm for considerable periods and had “played a huge part” in its operations.

In a statement, Hughes said: “The business recognises the need to adapt and evolve its offer in the face of rising operating costs, the increasing popularity of online shopping and changing customer expectations when it comes to the modern in-store experience.”

“These have not been easy decisions to make,” he said.

“All will receive the honesty, respect and support they deserve through the difficult process ahead.

“We understand the news will be very upsetting for our teams, but we have acted now to ensure the long-term success of the business.”

The eight branches closing at the end of trading on Saturday, 6 June will be:

• Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
• Dereham, Norfolk
• Diss, Norfolk
• Hunstanton, Norfolk
• North Walsham, Norfolk
• Norwich Mason Road
• Thetford, Norfolk
• Wisbech, Cambridgeshire

The shop closures will impact 35 members of staff. A proposed closure of its delivery depot in Mason Road could result in 25 employees facing redundancy, a spokesperson confirmed.

The firm will continue to run its 10 other East Anglia branches, which are situated in:

• Lowestoft
• Great Yarmouth
• Beccles
• Norwich Hall Road
• Bury St Edmunds
• Fakenham
• King’s Lynn
• Ipswich Felixstowe Road
• Martlesham
• Colchester

An 18-year-old Southampton student, Henry Nowak, was handcuffed after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, 23, who lied to police at the scene, claiming he had been the victim of a racist attack.

Digwa has been jailed for life with a minimum 21-year term.

Nowak’s parents said they hold Digwa solely responsible for the murder of their son, but the way he was treated by police was inhumane and degrading. Hampshire police has apologised to Henry’s family and the case has now been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

BBC Verify has analysed bodycam footage that was released by the police, with the permission of Nowak’s family, and looked at the key moments before Henry Nowak’s death. Merlyn Thomas reports.

Additional reporting by Emma Pengelly. Produced by Tom Joyner. Graphics by Sally Nicholls.

The Class 599 trains have been in service for 46 years and will be fully phased out this summer.

Metro operator Nexus has announced that the final week to guarantee a journey on the iconic yellow carriages will begin on Monday, June 22, with a train operating between 9.30am and 5.30pm each day on both the Yellow and Green lines until June 26.

Haymarket platform (Image: Paul Young)

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “After giving our region 46 years of service, I’m pleased to confirm the original Metro train fleet will soon be phased out completely.

“I promised that by summer every single journey people made would be on a new train, and that’s what we’ve done.

“This is a really significant milestone for our region, one that I’ve no doubt will generate a lot of nostalgia and fond memories for many.

Archive picture from 1982 (Image: Nexus)

“It’s great that people will have one last chance to travel on them before they go.

“It’s the end of an era for Metro, but it’s time we look ahead.”

The original trains have carried 1.7 billion passengers since they began service in August 1980 and have travelled a combined total of 500 million kilometres.

Cathy Massarella, managing director of Nexus, said: “The old Metro trains have given us sterling service over the last 46 years, but we’re now getting ready to say that historic farewell.

“We’re in the final few weeks where customers are guaranteed a journey on the few that remain running.

A Metro train taken in 1982 (Image: Nexus)

“These trains helped to change the face of public transport in our region in 1980, and over the four decades that followed.

“They have served us well, surpassing their expected life expectancy.

“They’ve now come to the end of the line.

“They’re making way for the new generation of trains, which are delivering a bright future for the Tyne and Wear Metro.”

The £362 million Stadler fleet is now in service, marking the biggest upgrade in the Metro’s history.

Nexus plans to have all 46 new trains operational by the end of 2026.

The new fleet was designed following an extensive customer consultation which resulted in over 23,000 responses and features linear seating, charging points, 44 CCTV cameras, climate control, battery technology, and improved accessibility, including an automatic sliding step at each set of doors.

Most of the old trains are being recycled at a specialist facility in County Durham.

However, two have been preserved for heritage purposes, and one has been donated to the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for training use.

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information after a car was broken into in the early hours of the morning last month.

The theft took place at around 12:45 am on May 21 in Hollins Crescent, Harrogate, and saw a man break the passenger window of a white Vauxhall Corsa.

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“The offender broke a passenger window of the vehicle, which was parked on the driveway, stole a bag from inside and ran off,” said a spokesperson for the force.

He is described as a white, male, with a bald head, who was carrying red carrier bags with him.

If you can help, have dashcam, or CCTV footage, please contact Constable 1222 David Fulford at david.fulford@northyorkshire.police.uk

Please quote reference 12260091893.

Our People’s Oscars will honour the nation’s unsung heroes – ordinary people quietly living extraordinary lives and making a difference in their communities.

Forget the Baftas and the Brits, when it comes to awards shows, the Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises is the hottest ticket in town.

Our People’s Oscars will honour the nation’s unsung heroes – ordinary people quietly living extraordinary lives and making a difference in their communities.

From humbling acts of kindness and selfless acts of bravery to raising millions for charity, our country is packed to the rafters with incredible folk who have done amazing things that deserve to be celebrated.

And on Monday night we will be doing just that with a red-carpet extravaganza at the Glasgow Hilton which will see some of the world’s biggest stars pay tribute to our winners.

Famous names taking part include singing star Susan Boyle, Rab C. Nesbitt actress Barbara Rafferty, Star Wars actor Denis Lawson and Taggart star Blythe Duff who will pay special tribute to our 11 winners.

John Michie of Taggart fame will also be attending.

Also honouring our local heroes will be Scots gladiator Sabre aka Sheli McCoy, Traitors winner Stephen Libby and Still Game’s Gavin Mitchell and Greg Hemphill.

Hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli, the awards will be attended by Love Island’s Paige Turley and Saint Phnx singer Stevie Jukes, who will present live from the red carpet.

Also there to hail the winners will be Strictly stars JJ Chalmers and Dr Punam Krishan, Eastenders’ Laurie Brett and Scot Squad’s Jordan Young, Karen Bartke, Manjot Sumal, Chris Forbes and Louise McCarthy.

Scotland’s Home of the Year presenter Anna Campbell-Jones, TV presenters Amy Irons and Jean Johansson and radio stars Cat Harvey, Ewen Cameron, Fred MacAulay and Garry Spence will also be there on the night.

Saluting our unsung heroes from the world of sport will be a host of Olympians including Kirsty Muir, Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds, Paralympians Dame Sarah Storey and Libby Clegg, Davy Zyw and Robyn Love, former Scotland and Rangers footballer Allan McGregor, former rugby player Kenny Logan and basketball star Kieron Achara.

The spectacular will feature a performance by chart topper Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX who will be playing their uplifting Scotland World Cup anthem Home.

Last year, our awards night was packed with smiles, spectacular surprises, tears of joy, emotional moments and stunning reunions, and this year’s event is promising to be just as memorable.

We launched our search for local heroes of 2026 back in November 2025 and were inundated with thousands of nominations from across the nation.

Categories include the Emergency Services Award, Child of Courage, Teenager of Courage, Young Hero, Fundraiser of the Year, Outstanding Bravery, King’s Trust Young Achiever, Special Recognition, Lifetime Achievement and the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award.

All of our phenomenal will be revealed in the Daily Record on Monday, June 8 – ahead of the event that night.

Host Sanjeev said: “Extraordinary people rarely think they have done anything out of the ordinary. The courage, dedication and sheer determination of the Pride of Scotland unsung heroes is off the scale, and I feel privileged to play my part in honouring them. This year’s awards are going to be spectacular.”

Elaine C Smith added: “There are some remarkable unsung heroes making a difference to communities across Scotland and we might never know about them if it wasn’t for nights like this.

“This will be my sixth year as host and it’s the most fantastic and heartwarming event in my calendar.”

Neil McIntosh, Editor-in-Chief of Reach (Scotland), publishers of the Record, said: “Heroes come in every shape and size. They rarely seek attention, yet what they do changes and transform the lives of lifetime’s work. Pride of Scotland is a celebration of all of their achievements.”

Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow added: “P&O Cruises is proud to once again support Pride of Scotland. It is a real honour to recognise and celebrate individuals whose achievements and contributions are truly exceptional.”

Get Daily Record Premium for just £1 per month in exclusive offer to celebrate the world cup. Click HERE.

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Man United have had injury problems in defence this season, and the partnership that ends the 2026/27 campaign could look very different to the one that starts it.

Manchester United will head into next season with five central defenders, but the pecking order at the end of the year could shift dramatically during a campaign that will offer opportunities to all of them.

United finished this season with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez installed as Michael Carrick’s preferred partnership. They started together when fit and offer a good blend of right-footer and left-footer, of dribbler and passer, strong in the air and combative on the deck.

But it’s easy to envisage that partnership drifting apart at some point next season. Maguire is now 33 and Martinez has had his injury problems, never appearing in more than 27 Premier League games during his four-year spell at Old Trafford.

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And it’s easy to forget that Matthijs de Ligt was actually the flavour of the month in the early weeks of this season. He played every minute of the Premier League season until the end of November and was then unable to shake off a back injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

De Ligt has since undergone surgery to correct that issue and although he won’t be fit for the start of the season, he will have his sights set on a place in the side once he does return to full training at Carrington.

Then there are the two youngsters and their development will be worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven started three games together last season and United won none of them, but both are considered exciting talents at Carrington.

In fact, so highly-rated are 20-year-old Yoro and 19-year-old Heaven that Maguire, who has been something of a mentor to both of them, has told club staff they could be United’s own version of Arsenal’s title-winning central defensive partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel.

That duo have been the bedrock of Arsenal’s domestic success and are without doubt the best partnership in the league. Maguire’s faith in the long-term potential of Yoro and Heaven is telling.

Maguire signed a new one-year deal, with the option of a further year, in April and as good as he was last season, the end is clearly close at Old Trafford. Martinez’s contract situation is identical, with 12 months remaining and a one-year option. He has fitness concerns to overcome to earn an extension and will turn 29 midway through next season.

De Ligt also has to prove his form and fitness all over again. It feels inevitable that at least one of De Ligt, Martinez and Maguire will leave Old Trafford next summer, so the path for Yoro and Heaven is there.

They also have a right-foot-left-foot balance and should have attributes that indicate they will strike up a good partnership. They have already formed a connection off the pitch.

Heaven overcame a sticky spell to end the season well and was outstanding in the win at Chelsea, but Yoro didn’t kick on as expected last term. United beat Real Madrid to his £52million signature in 2024, and although he is still young for a central defender, he will be targeting a place in the strongest XI by the end of next season.

It certainly feels like there will be places in that defence up for grabs next season. Maguire and Martinez hold those shirts at the moment, but their grip on them will loosen at some point and De Ligt, Yoro and Heaven will all get their own chances to impress.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

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Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

A simple but full-flavoured dish to wake up the taste buds, with sweet-sharp citrus and a punchy dressing that’s hot, sour, salty and sweet all at the same time.

Grapefruit can also be used in this salad instead of blood oranges.

Hold on to the recipe for the Thai nam jim dressing here – it’s good for spooning over roast or griddled fish as well.

The US military says that Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait and Bahrain failed or were shot down, and that the US launched strikes on an Iranian facility in response.

US Central Command said the strikes were on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island, near the Strait of Hormuz, that is home to a desalination plant.

Iran had fired missiles towards Kuwait and Bahrain but they failed to hit their targets, the US said. The two fired at Kuwait fell apart en route, while US and Bahrain forces intercepted the missiles aimed at Bahrain.

The escalation comes as president Donald Trump calls suggestions that the US and Iran are no longer holding peace talks “false and erroneous” and insisted the two countries have been speaking “continuously”.

In a post on Truth Social, he added the US and Iran in fact spoke “four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today”.But he also said he had told Tehran: “It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal. You’ve been doing this for 47 years, and it cannot be allowed to go on any longer!”