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Step inside Bolton’s Thai Buddhist temple in Kearsley

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Step inside Bolton's Thai Buddhist temple in Kearsley

Tucked away down a quiet lane, Wat Sriratanaram feels wonderfully secluded.

Although it sits just a short distance from the M61, the noise of the outside world barely reaches the monastery.

Instead, visitors are greeted by birdsong, the gentle ripple of water or the soft sound of Buddhist chanting.

Colourful lanterns hang above the pathways, apple and pear trees frame the gardens and small wooden bridges cross a tranquil pond.

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Beyond them all, remarkably friendly sheep graze in neighbouring fields while a resident cat quietly wanders between the statues as though it has been welcoming visitors for years.

It is an unexpected pocket of peace – and one that many people know is there but few have ever had the chance to explore.

Head monk Ajahn PK welcomed The Bolton News for a tour of the monastery, sharing its history, traditions and the community that has helped it flourish over the past two decades.

Wat Sriratanaram Wat Sriratanaram (Image: Wat)

Established in 2006, Wat Sriratanaram was created after members of the Thai community wanted a permanent Buddhist centre in the North West.

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This year marks its 20th anniversary, with the monastery now one of around a dozen Thai Buddhist temples in the UK.

Walking through the grounds with Ajahn PK, it quickly becomes clear that every corner has its own story.

The heart of the monastery is the main prayer hall, where a magnificent 700kg golden Buddha sits above worshippers on an ornately decorated platform.

Wat Sriratanaram The inside Buddha (Image: Wat)

Fresh flowers, candles and offerings surround the statue, while monks gather each day for prayer, meditation and chanting, continuing traditions that have been passed down through generations.

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Outside, another striking Buddha forms the centrepiece of an open-air prayer area where worshippers pause to reflect.

Wat Sriratanaram The outdoor prayer area (Image: Wat)

The statue has its own journey, having originally stood outside an Indian restaurant before being donated to the monastery in 2001.

It is now surrounded by seven smaller Buddha figures, each representing a different day of the week.

In Thai Buddhist tradition, people pay their respects to the Buddha linked to the day they were born, giving every visitor a personal connection to the peaceful space.

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Beyond the prayer areas, the monastery’s grounds invite visitors to slow down.

A peaceful pond sits at the heart of the gardens, crossed by small wooden bridges and surrounded by carefully tended planting.

Paths wind through the site before opening onto green spaces where sheep graze quietly, adding to the sense of calm that seems to define the monastery.

Wat Sriratanaram The friendly sheep grazing in the gardens (Image: Wat)

It is difficult to imagine that this tranquil setting was once home to a golf club.

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Today, the monastery is home to around six resident monks who have made Kearsley their permanent base, dedicating their lives to Buddhist practice while welcoming visitors from across Greater Manchester and beyond.

During the tour, Ajahn PK explained that while the monastery is an important place of worship for the Thai Buddhist community, it has always aimed to be somewhere everyone can enjoy.

“Anyone can join and visit. We are looking for volunteers to help maintain the land.

“Everyone is welcome.”

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That welcoming spirit is reflected in the activities held throughout the week.

Wat Sriratanaram (Image: Wat)

Free meditation sessions take place every Saturday from 1pm to 3pm and are open to people of all faiths and none.

The monastery also runs a Sunday school for Thai and British children, alongside English language classes for members of both the Thai and wider local community.

The monastery has continued to evolve thanks to the dedication of its congregation.

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Wat Sriratanaram Inside Wat Sriratanaram (Image: Wat)

Last summer, worshippers raised £40,000 through donations to build a new road through the site, improving access for visitors.

Every improvement, from the landscaped gardens to the meditation spaces, has been made possible through the generosity of volunteers and supporters who have invested both their time and resources into creating somewhere special.

Earlier this summer, the monastery also attracted attention beyond Bolton when 15 monks embarked on a 49-kilometre Walk for Peace from Kearsley to Runcorn, believed to be the first event of its kind in the UK.

Wat Sriratanaram The Peace Walk (Image: Wat)

The walk reflected the monastery’s wider mission of promoting peace, mindfulness and community beyond its own grounds.

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The next opportunity for visitors to experience the monastery comes on Sunday, July 26, when Wat Sriratanaram will host its annual Buddhist Lent candle procession from 10am.

The event is one of the most important dates in the Buddhist calendar and welcomes visitors wishing to learn more about Buddhist traditions and Thai culture.

Wat Sriratanaram Wat Sriratanaram gardens (Image: Wat)

Standing in the gardens as the tour draws to a close, it is the atmosphere that lingers more than anything else.

There is a quiet confidence about the monastery, found in the carefully tended gardens, the peaceful prayer spaces and the sense of community that has grown here over the last 20 years.

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Before the tour came to an end, Ajahn PK presented The Bolton News with a number of gifts that reflected the monastery’s message of kindness and mindfulness.

Among them was a bracelet, given with wishes of happiness, good health and good fortune, along with books exploring clarity, calm and Buddhist teachings.

He also shared a copy of his own book, One Day Meditation, a practical guide for people interested in learning more about Dhamma and developing mindfulness in their everyday lives.

The thoughtful gesture summed up the spirit of the monastery itself – one that places as much emphasis on generosity and community as it does on faith.

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For many Bolton residents, Wat Sriratanaram is simply a place they have driven past or heard about.

Stepping through its gates, however, reveals something entirely different: a place where faith, culture and community have quietly flourished for two decades, creating one of the borough’s most unique and peaceful spaces.

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Spain vs Argentina – World Cup final LIVE: Lionel Messi and Co look to go back-to-back as they take on the European champions spearheaded by Lamine Yamal

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Spain vs Argentina - World Cup final LIVE: Lionel Messi and Co look to go back-to-back as they take on the European champions spearheaded by Lamine Yamal

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Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live coverage for the latest updates as Argentina attempt to defend their crown against European Champions Spain in the World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey

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Man’s body pulled from River Clyde in Glasgow in early hours tragedy

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Daily Record

Emergency crews were called out to the river close to the city centre shorly before 4am on Sunday.

A man’s body has been pulled from the River Clyde in Glasgow.

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Emergency crews raced to the Jamaica Street area after being alerted to a report of a man having entered the water shortly after 3.45am on Sunday.

Police confirmed that the body of a 40-year-old man was recovered a short time later by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and the force will submit a report to the Procurator Fiscal.

A spokesperson said: “We were made aware of a man having entered the River Clyde near to Jamaica Street in Glasgow shortly after 3.45am on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

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“The body of the 40-year-old was recovered nearby a short time later by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

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Two horse riders die within hours of each other at separate British competitions

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Two horse riders have died within hours of each other at separate competitions, British Eventing has confirmed  (file photo)

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Two horse riders have died within hours of each other at separate competitions, British Eventing has confirmed.

Sophie Fouracre, 34, was fatally injured in a cross-country accident while riding Rhubarbsfox Brittania at Swalcliffe Park in Oxfordshire.

Shortly afterwards, 42-year-old Kerry Donoghue died while riding Carneyhaugh Rua in another event at Penrith in Cumbria.

Medics provided emergency treatment at both venues on Saturday, with an air ambulance dispatched to Frenchfield Farm in Penrith, but neither rider could be saved.

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In a statement, British Eventing chief executive Rosie Williams said the community was ‘heartbroken’.

‘On behalf of everyone at British Eventing, I want to extend our deepest condolences to Kerry and Sophie’s families, friends and loved ones at this devastating time.

‘Our thoughts are also with their fellow competitors, organisers, officials, volunteers and everyone who has been affected by these tragic events.

‘We are immensely grateful to the organisers, doctors, paramedics, veterinary teams, officials and emergency services at both events for the professionalism, compassion and care they showed in the most difficult of circumstances.

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Two horse riders have died within hours of each other at separate competitions, British Eventing has confirmed  (file photo) 

‘The loss of two members of our eventing family on the same day is almost beyond words, and we know the sadness of these events will be felt profoundly across the sport for some time to come.

Both horses were examined and found to be uninjured as reviews of both accidents are now undertaken.

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Responding to the news of Ms Fouracre’s death online, fellow riders said they were ‘heartbroken’ and in shock.

‘Absolutely devastating,’ another wrote. ‘You will be incredibly missed. What a wonderful person.’

British Eventing initially issued two statements on Saturday saying there had been ‘serious incidents’ at the events, which had both been abandoned for the weekend.

The mental health charity Riders Minds responded to the ‘desperately sad news’ by offering ‘immediate support’ to members of the eventing community.

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Eventing consists of three phases – dressage, showjumping and cross-country. Both incidents on Saturday took place during the cross-country phase.

Deaths are rare in eventing, but there have been several tragic accidents in recent years.

In May 2024, Georgie Campbell died after her horse fell and landed on her at Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon.

And last August, 37-year-old British rider Sarah Yorke suffered a fatal accident during the cross-country phase of Aston-le-Walls horse trials.

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In 2019, 15-year-old British event rider Iona Sclater died during a training session at home, when her pony clipped a hay bale while jumping, somersaulted and landed on her.

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Smoke seen for miles around as firefighters tackle huge blaze at industrial estate

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Manchester Evening News

Crews were called out at about 4.45pm

Firefighters are battling a huge blaze at an industrial estate in Salford.

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Smoke can be seen for miles around after a fire broke out in Irlam this afternoon (July 19).

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said that crews were called out at about 4.45pm.

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Firefighters remain at the scene as they continue to work to contain and extinguish the blaze.

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The fire is said to have involved a ‘large number of pallets’.

Residents said they could see the smoke as far away as Wigan and Trafford.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Shortly after 4:45 this afternoon (Sunday 19th July), six fire engines from across Greater Manchester were called to fire on Brinell Drive, Irlam.

“Crews arrived quickly and are currently working to extinguish the fire involving a large number of pallets.

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“Firefighters remain in attendance at this time.”

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When North Korea beat Italy in the 1966 World Cup in Middlesbrough

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When North Korea beat Italy in the 1966 World Cup in Middlesbrough

“Soccer never saw such a frenzy of hugging and kissing as marked the Koreans’ victory celebrations at the final whistle,” said reporter Jack Fletcher, as, 60 years ago tomorrow, 17,800 spectators in Ayresome Park applauded.

North Korea players on the final whistle at Ayresome ParkNorth Korea players on the final whistle at Ayresome Park

Seventy countries had entered the 1966 World Cup, to be hosted by England, and Fifa determined that the 16 finalists would be made up of 10 teams from Europe, four from South America, two from North and Central America and one from Asia, Africa and Oceania.

African nations boycotted the competition, saying it was unfair, and so a mini-tournament was arranged between Australia, North Korea, South Korea and South Africa.

But South Africa were banned because of apartheid, and South Korea, who had performed badly at the 1964 Olympics, were so concerned at the potential for embarrassment at the hands of their neighbours North Korea that they found excuse to withdraw.

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This left just Australia and North Korea, and the Koreans won the two-legged play-off 9-2.

Much to the horror of the British Foreign Office, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) were on their way to Britain. It was only 13 years after the end of the Korean war, which had been, as ever, a proxy battle between the United States, who supported South Korea, and Russia and China, who backed North Korea.

The British, of course, backed the US, and after the war ended in 1953 they refused to acknowledge DPRK as a legitimate state.

The Foreign Office tried to block the Korean players’ visas but had to back down when Fifa said the tournament would be played elsewhere.

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Still, though, the British government ordered British newspapers not to refer to the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” and so the Echo called the country “North Korea” throughout, and it was fixed so that there were only national anthems at the opening and closing games meaning North Korea’s Aegukka, or “patriotic song”, was unlikely to ever be heard.

North Korea were drawn in Group 4, along with the USSR, Italy and Chile, which was based in the North East.

The 1966 World Cup provoked the updating of stadiums around the country but as Newcastle United and the city council were at loggerheads over St James’s Park, only Sunderland’s Roker Park and Middlesbrough’s Ayresome Park were ready to host matches.

The Russians stayed in Sunderland and trained on Durham university’s grounds – the Russian flag was stolen from outside the university sports centre and strangely handed in to The Northern Echo 51 years later – while the Italians stayed at Houghall and also used the university grounds.

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The Chileans stayed at a hotel in Surrey and caught the train up to games, while the Koreans opted to stay at the St George’s Hotel, next to Teesside Airport.

They tried training at various grounds, including the Clairville Stadium in Middlesbrough, until Billingham Synthonia’s Northern League ground caught there eye – not the immaculate first team pitch but two reserve pitches separated by a cricket wicket out the back.

The Koreans, not understanding the delicacies of cricket, asked that the goals on the reserve pitches be rotated through 90 degrees so they could play across the wicket – this, they said, would ensure that the sun was in the position it would be when they played at Ayresome Park.

The ICI hierarchy, which kept the Synthonia ground, was consulted and, fearing another Korean War, reluctantly agreed.

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The Teesside Star, a left wing paper, reports on North Korea's defeat by Russia at Ayresome Park in 1966. Picture: Teesside ArchivesThe Teesside Star, a left wing paper, reports on North Korea’s defeat by Russia at Ayresome Park in 1966. Picture: Teesside Archives

It seemed not to work in the Koreans’ favour, as in their first match, on July 12, they were beaten 3-0 by the USSR. “The Russian steamroller fulfilled expectations,” said Jack Fletcher’s report. “It was proof that at any level of football the good ‘uns have an edge on the good little ‘uns. Korea can have little hope of living with the giants.”

The North Korean team outside the Saint George Hotel at Teesside Airport, which was their base for the group stage of the 1966 World Cup

But the people of Teesside were falling in love with the Koreans. They loved the friendly way they went in the ICI Social Club after training and signed autographs; they admired their nimble, fearless attacking play and the way they didn’t cynically kick their opponents; they felt a natural affinity for the plucky underdog, and they loved the fact that they played in red – just like the Boro.

Three days after the Russian defeat, the Koreans were back in action at Ayresome Park, taking on Chile.

“A last minute goal from Pak Seung Jin gave the outsiders an unexpected point,” said Jack Fletcher as Korea’s penalty went in. “Ayresome Park erupted in a great gust of joy…

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“Who could have imagined such a remarkable salute for a goal by a team of unknowns from the other side of the globe whose line-up reads like the inside of a Chinese restaurant menu?

“It is a curious commentary on life that while, in the higher realms of international affairs North Korea lies beyond the pale, her footballers have gained an affection which, in this bit of England at least, is unmatched by any foreign team.”

Middlesbrough mayor Jack Boothby had the Ayresome Gardens laid out as a floral football pitch in their honour, but still everyone expected them to be going home soon.

When the USSR beat Italy 1-0 at Roker Park on July 16, it set up an intriguing final match at Ayresome Park on July 19: Italy needed a point to go through but if Korea could somehow get the two points for a win, they would qualify for the next stage and send the Italians home.

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The Italians cancelled their appearance at a Sunderland civic banquet the night before the match and all their players were tucked up in bed by 10pm.

“Italy, one of the most powerful soccer nations in Europe, will be fighting for their World Cup lives when they meet little North Korea at Middlesbrough,” said the Echo’s big-match preview. “Once strong contenders to win the Jules Rimet Trophy, they are now visibly shaken by poor performances against Chile and Russia.”

The North Koreans defending against the Italians at Ayresome Park 60 years ago

Italy started the match strongly, but Korea’s keeper, Li Chan Myung, a slender figure with his dark top tucked tightly into his dark shorts, made several outstanding saves.

But the game changed in the run-up to half-time. On 35 minutes, Giacomo Bulgarelli, perhaps the best Italian midfielder of all time, was stretchered off with a bad knee injury. As there were no substitutes, Italy were down to 10.

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Pak Doo-Ik scores past Italian keeper Enrico Albertosi at Ayresome Park 60 years ago

Then, on the 42nd minute, from just to the right of the penalty spot, Pak Doo Ik swivelled swiftly and powerfully side-footed a half volley into the far corner past Enrico Albertosi, Italy’s highly regarded goalkeeper.

In the second half, Li Chan Myung was again busy but as Italy ran out of puff, Korea began to make chances.

“Amid a great cheering chorus from all round the ground, the Koreans got on top in the second half and methodically destroyed Italy’s hopes and drained her pride,” said the Echo.

“The delighted crowd chanted ‘easy, easy’ as the Koreans, their confidence mounting, repeatedly put Italy to flight.”

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North Korea line up to face Italy in 1966.Picture courtesy of the Teesside Gazette

On the final whistle, the mighty Roman empire had crumbled. Italy, the first country to win the World Cup twice, had been humbled – by Middlesbrough’s marvellous minnows.

“It was largely due to the encouragement of the crowd that we played so well and beat Italy,” the president of the Korean Football Association told the Echo.

The coach, Myung Rye-hyun, said: “The side has improved with every game but our success is also due to the support given by the citizens of Middlesbrough and because our players fought so hard for the honour of the fatherland.”

Not expecting to progress deep into the tournament, the Koreans had not booked further accommodation. Some sources suggest they stayed at the airport; others that they took over Ushaw College, near Durham, which the Italians no longer needed and, coming from a secular Communist state, were astounded by all the religious iconography.

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They finally left the area on the eve of their quarter-final against Portugal at Everton’s Goodison Park on Merseyside. Alderman Boothy invited them for a farewell lunch, and the Korean Minister for Sport, Kim Ki Su, told the Echo: “We are reluctant to leave so many god friends for we have had joyous days with you. I have made many trips round the world but your people have shown sincerity from the bottom of their hearts.”

Up to 3,000 Teessiders travelled to Goodison Park on July 23, 1966, and watched Korea score in the first minute and roar into a shock 3-0 lead.

But Portugal legend Eusebio turned the match, scoring four and leading his side to an amazing 5-3 victory.

The Koreans were on their way home, but they had forged an unbreakable link with the steel town on the Tees.

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The seven surviving members of the North Korean team visited the Turnstile estate in Middlesbrough that was built on top of Ayresome Park, including on top of the famous Holgate End which roared them onto success

After Ayresome Park was replaced by a housing estate in 1997, the exact spot to the right of the penalty spot from which Pak Doo-Ik had scored his goal was marked – outside someone’s house – by two footprints which the seven surviving members of the team visited in 2002.

A bronze casting marking the spot where the football player Pak Doo-Ik scored the winning goal for North Korea against Italy in the 1966 World Cup. This is believed to be the only public artwork outside North Korea to be recognised by the DPRK government

Pak, who was promoted from corporal to sergeant in the army after scoring the goal and later becoming a gymnastics coach, said: “It was the day I learnt football is not all about winning. When I scored that goal, the people of Middlesbrough took us to their hearts. I learnt that playing football can improve diplomatic relations and promote peace.”

1966 World Cup Group 4
July 12 (Ayresome): USSR 3 North Korea 0
July 13 (Roker): Italy 2 Chile 0
July 15 (Ayresome): Chile 1 North Korea 1
July 16 (Roker): USSR 1 Italy 0
July 19 (Ayresome): Nork Korea 1 Italy 0
July 20 (Roker): USSR 2 Chile 1

Group 4 table
1. USSR 6pts
2. North Korea 3pts
3. Italy 2pts
4. Chile 1pt

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Mayhem at World Cup final before Trump arrives as staff misdirect fans outside stadium and tension simmers over ticket issues – but Tom Cruise has no trouble getting in!

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Thousands of fans and media members faced massive lines to enter the stadium for the World Cup final on Sunday amid several reports of security struggling to manage the situation

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World Cup final day got off to a chaotic start at MetLife Stadium with fans forced to wait for hours outside of the venue amid reports of technological glitches scanning tickets and security staff unsure of how to manage the crowds.

Organizers this week urged fans lucky enough to have a ticket to arrive up to four hours before the start of the game at the 80,000-seater stadium in New Jersey, a short drive outside of Manhattan, for Sunday’s showdown between Spain and Argentina.

The attendance of President Donald Trump means airport-style security measures are being enforced for everyone making their way inside of the venue.

But the delays were compounded amid reports of glitches in FIFA’s ticket-scanning system, meaning those who were fortunate enough to be at the front of the long lines still faced frustrating delays.

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Daily Mail also witnessed tensions simmering between fans, media members and security staff, with officials on the ground telling anyone who complained: ‘Take it up with FIFA’. 

But those members of security staff also appeared to be confused over how to manage the thousands of people arriving for the game. 

Thousands of fans and media members faced massive lines to enter the stadium for the World Cup final on Sunday amid several reports of security struggling to manage the situation

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There were reports to tech issues and security misdirecting people around the stadium

There were reports to tech issues and security misdirecting people around the stadium

Argentina fans arrive at MetLife Stadium before Sunday's hugely anticipated final vs Spain

Argentina fans arrive at MetLife Stadium before Sunday’s hugely anticipated final vs Spain 

There were multiple instances of organizers on the ground misdirecting people over where they should begin lining up to enter the stadium with over three hours to go until the start of the game.

Sky’s Rob Harris also posted on X from the stadium: ‘Fans told to get to the World Cup final stadium now 4 hours before KO – already security staff saying FIFA system glitches not scanning passes and long queues forming. With extra security. People being misdirected around the stadium with a lack of stewarding and staffing.’

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Brazilian journalist Mariana Spinelli said it took her four hours to make it in, writing on X: ‘We’ve been in line for 2 hours for the x-ray to ENTER the stadium. Everything disorganized, a total chaos. If this were in South America, they’d call us animals, third-world country. Since it’s in the US nobody says anything. A nightmare of organization, pathetic.’

Media members also faced extra checks from the secret service given the need to bring laptops and filming equipment inside of the stadium. DHS police and state police were also seen at the venue.

This all played out as other fans decided to leave it late to get to the stadium. With four hours to go utnil the game began, many supporters were still at Penn Station in Manhattan waiting to board a train into New Jersey and towards the stadium. 

The game is set to be the most expensive to attend in the history of sport – on Sunday morning, the cheapest ticket available on most resale websites was starting at around $7,000.

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FIFA encouraged fans to arrive early in order to participate in the World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled to begin around 90 minutes before the game itself kicks off. 

But it is standard procedure for fans to arrive early for additional security checks whenever Trump attends a sporting event – and he has made it to plenty in his second term as President, ranging from the Ryder Cup to the Super Bowl. 

Extra security checks were in place ahead of the attendance of President Trump for the game

Extra security checks were in place ahead of the attendance of President Trump for the game

Tom Cruise had no such issue making his way inside before his closing ceremony appearance

Tom Cruise had no such issue making his way inside before his closing ceremony appearance

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Even on the live television coverage, the stadium was bare with a little over an hour until that closing ceremony began. 

There weren’t quite as many issues for the VIP guests, though. Tom Cruise was pictured sauntering into the venue – renamed as ‘New York/New Jersey Stadium’ for the tournament – ahead of his anticipated appearance in the closing ceremony.

Soccer greats such as Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldo, former England captain John Terry and former Argentina player Diego Simeone all appeared carefree as they entered the stadium in good time before the game. 

There were plenty of fans who were determined not to let the chaos ruin their day, too. Thousands of Argentina fans have made the journey to the stadium for what will likely be star man Lionel Messi’s last ever appearance in a World Cup at the age of 39.

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Argentina are narrow underdogs against Spain, the European champions, despite being the holders after winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar. 

Trump is expected to hand the World Cup trophy over to the winning team after the game. 

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5.5 magnitude earthquake in Peru leaves at least five dead and dozens injured

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5.5 magnitude earthquake in Peru leaves at least five dead and dozens injured

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake has rocked Peru’s Andres region, killing at least five and injuring over 20 people.

The tremor struck at 9:24 p.m. local time and has already displaced 300 residents.

The U.S. Geological Survey placed its epicenter 1.24 miles west-southwest of Sicaya, Huancayo province, at a shallow 6.21 miles.

Peru’s National Civil Defense Institute said the number of missing remains unknown.

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The quake caused widespread destruction, with buildings, including the local church and convent, collapsing or suffering severe damage.

Local media images showed the anguish of relatives in Chongo Bajo, an agricultural area among the hardest hit. Residents huddled under blankets outside damaged homes and animals were seen trapped under rubble.

A motor tricycle is stuck amid the debris of homes that collapsed after an earthquake struck Pumpuya, Peru, Sunday, July 19, 2026
A motor tricycle is stuck amid the debris of homes that collapsed after an earthquake struck Pumpuya, Peru, Sunday, July 19, 2026 (AP Photo/Jhefry Sedano)

Luis Vásquez, head of the local civil defense office, told journalists that the use of rustic adobe materials in construction in that Andean area “has contributed to the greater impact and damage.”

Earthquakes are frequent in Peru, which is located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” A 7.9 magnitude quake in 2007 devastated Pisco province, killing nearly 600.

Saturday’s earthquake in Peru comes after Venezuela was hit by back-to-back earthquakes late last month.

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The death toll from the powerful 7.2 and 7.5 quakes that struck on June 24 stood at 5,069 as of late Friday.

Venezuela’s government says 856 buildings are damaged and 190 collapsed completely. Hundreds of other types of structures, such as bridges and roads, were also affected.

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World Cup 2026: Donald Trump attendance means hours of queues for final in New Jersey

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Queues outside the 2026 World Cup final stadium

There are two levels of security at the stadium, run by both the Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The latter is usually responsible for security at airports in the United States, with fans and media having to go through airport security-style scanners.

One member of the media said they, having reached an entrance, were told to go to a different queue as there were no security dogs available to search bags at that gate.

BBC Sport has been told by World Cup volunteers at the ground that the number of people arriving early before the game was much more than the previous seven matches at the stadium.

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Gates opened for supporters at 11:00 local time – four hours before kick-off – with more gates being opened sporadically to ease congestion.

It is not thought there will be any delay to kick-off or any other disruption to the match at this stage.

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Cattal Bridge in North Yorkshire finally set for repair work

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Cattal Bridge in North Yorkshire finally set for repair work

North Yorkshire Council has erected signs warnings of the closure at Cattal Bridge, on Cattal Moor Lane, between Cattal and Tockwith in the Vale of York.

The five day closure begins on Monday July 19 until Friday July 24.

The £31,000 scheme to repair the 18th Century bridge was expected to begin before Christmas, but the need for listed building consent delayed the planned work until a planned April start.

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Cattal Bridge (Image: Darren Greenwood)

However, signs warning of the work and its related closure, only appeared at both sides of the bridge in recent days.

The Grade II-listed bridge over the Nidd bridge sustained costly damage eight years ago, after a large vehicle collided with the structure and left a sizeable hole.

Despite public pressure, financial and logistical problems have extended delays to the much-needed work, as previously reported by the Press.

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Locked In Games York Limited to be wound up voluntarily

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Locked In Games York Limited to be wound up voluntarily

Locked In Games York Limited, based at Club Chambers, Museum Street, in York, will be wound up voluntarily following a general meeting held at its registered office in Leeds on July 10.

According to company records published in the London Gazette, it was resolved that the firm could not continue operating due to its liabilities and would instead enter voluntary liquidation.

Michael Howorth, of Aurora Equity and Development Limited in Leeds, has been appointed as liquidator.

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Insolvency filings state that the business “cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its business and that it is advisable to wind up.”

Mr Howorth will now oversee the liquidation process.

Lock In Games Limited of York was incorporated in 2017 (Image: Locked In Games Ltd)

The principal trading address listed in the notice is Club Chambers, Museum Street, York.

Enquiries about the liquidation can be directed to hello@aurorarecovery.co.uk.

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Companies House records that the private limited company was incorporated in 2017.

Locked in Games York was a highly rated business, receiving 4.9 stars out of five on the reviews website TripAdvisor, based on 745 revews. Google awarded 4.8 stars out of five, based on 201 reviews.

Locked in Games announced the closure of the York business in January, but added a sister venture in Leeds remained operational.

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