Groundforce workers will strike at 12 major Spanish airports over Easter, with thousands of Irish holidaymakers facing potential delays and cancellations during the busy travel period

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Holidaymakers travelling to and from Spain this Easter face some of the most extensive industrial action at airports the country has seen in years – with as many as 12 major airports bracing for days of strikes by ground handlers and additional staff.

Spain’s three largest unions have confirmed final arrangements for thousands of Groundforce employees, which manages much of the logistics for airports and numerous airlines, to down tools from Monday, March30. The unions have selected the first genuinely busy weekend of the year – as millions journey for the Easter break – to inflict maximum disruption on their Groundforce parent company Air Europa, as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and job security. The unions have also indicated they’re willing to pursue strike action throughout the summer if their demands aren’t satisfied.

The strikes by ground handling personnel will commence early on Monday, March 30 and will disrupt all operations at: Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, Alicante, Valencia, Málaga, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Las Palmas, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. There are additional 24-hour actions involving baggage handlers on March 28 and March 29, as well as on April 2 and April 6.

As many as 3,000 ramp, baggage and cargo agents will cease work in three daily periods – early morning 5am-7am, 11am to 5pm, 10pm to midnight – in actions designed to maintain traffic flow through airports, but to reduce it to a crawl. Travellers at these airports should anticipate substantial delays or cancellations – and naturally, any hold-ups will create ripple effects across airports in Ireland and throughout Europe.

Groundforce might not manage all or even most luggage at the 12 principal airports – however, ground handling operations are so precisely calibrated in contemporary airports that any disruption in one section will rapidly impact others.

Baggage handlers from alternative companies and personnel from different departments may also down tools in solidarity as the unions attempt to increase pressure, reports Cork Beo.

Irish travellers can adopt certain measures to reduce the risk of delays and disruption – if you’re able to manage with only hand luggage, this might enable you to avoid the problems at the baggage carousels in Spain’s major airports.

Irish passengers should also keep a very close eye on advice from their airlines and the latest information on arrivals and departures from Cork, Shannon and Dublin Airports.

British holidaymakers face considerably worse prospects – these industrial actions overlap with the implementation of the new Entry Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals throughout Spain’s international airports.

The pairing of walkouts by airport personnel and the difficulties surrounding launching an entirely new visa, passport and border control framework could result in British tourists experiencing a dreadful ordeal attempting to enter and leave Spain this Easter.

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A 37-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assault and two counts of assaulting emergency workers after an incident involving a delivery driver and police officers in Walton.

A woman has been arrested following assaults on a delivery driver and two police officers. Merseyside Police officers were in the County Road area of Walton this morning (Sunday) dealing with a separate investigation when they witnessed a delivery driver being attacked.

The force confirmed the incident was reported and uniformed officers in the vicinity attended the scene, arresting a woman on suspicion of assault. A force spokesperson said that following her caution, she “assaulted one of the officers and ran off”.

However, as she fled, the woman tripped and caught her arm on a spiked, low metal fence surrounding the front door of a property on Church Road West. Merseyside Police said the woman allegedly went on to assault another officer who was attempting to administer first aid alongside a paramedic.

The 37-year-old woman was taken to the hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment for an arm injury, reports the Liverpool Echo. Alongside the initial assault allegation, she was further arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault on an emergency worker.

Residents on the street told the Echo the incident took place at around 11am. Upon arriving at the scene, the Echo found a small stretch of Church Road West cordoned off, covering approximately half a dozen houses on either side of the street.

Officers from two vehicles, including an unmarked car, were also present.

A forensic officer from one of the force’s scientific support units was conducting investigations on the pavement outside one of the properties.

One local resident told the Echo they became aware of the incident after they “heard shouting and screaming”, adding that upon looking out of their front door they “saw someone lying on the ground in pain”.

A second resident claimed they had been informed that “two women were on the floor wrestling”, while a third reported witnessing a paramedic vehicle arrive at the scene.

Despite the wet weather, queues formed outside the hall and around the grounds as visitors came to sample sweet and savoury treats from traders across the region.

The annual event, which ran from 11am to 4pm, once again brought together cheesemakers, chocolatiers, and other local producers for a day celebrating Britain’s favourite flavours.

It was held in the church gardens as well as Ramsbottom Civic Hall.

Inside, the hall was busy with people milling around rows of stalls, browsing and chatting with sellers. Live music provided the backdrop, while younger visitors were kept entertained with face painting, crafts, and a roaming magician making their way through the crowds.

Emma, from Emma’s Homemade Cookies, based in Ramsbottom, said the turnout had been “incredible”. Visitors queued down the road to get in, with her rainbow sprinkle cookies proving a hit with children and classic chocolate cookies remaining a firm favourite.

Emma from Emma’s Homemade Cookies (Image: Danny Crompton)

“The way people have come out to support it is brilliant,” she said. “This is a hobby for me, but it’s nice that friends and family will come by. You see people that you know, and you get to chat to the other stallholders, we build a bit of a community. It’s just a really nice day, and one of the reasons I like living in Ramsbottom. It’s good for the whole town.”

Peter, from Jeni’s Brownies in Lancaster, said it was their first time trading at the festival. The salted caramel brownie had been their best seller.

“It’s been a really good day, very busy despite the weather,” he said. “We do events all over but this is our first time here. Everybody’s come out and it’s been really good – especially nice that it’s inside!”

Ramsbottom Chocolate and Cheese Festival (Image: Danny Crompton)

Also based in Ramsbottom, Zareena from The Samosa Hut said her biriyani had proved the most popular item. “It’s been very good, very busy,” she said. “There’s a great community feel.”

An event spokesperson previously said the festival aims to bring visitors into the town for a relaxed day out while supporting independent traders and local businesses.

First held in 2009 as a chocolate‑only celebration, it has since evolved into one of Ramsbottom’s best‑loved community events, drawing people from across Greater Manchester and beyond.

It all comes down to percentages, with there being plenty of deals to be found at 25% off, buy-one-get-one-half-price and much more.

If you can work out specific deals quickly when browsing , you can determine how much value is gained by taking it on.

Lyndsey Hartley, head of maths at Kelvinside Academy , believes learning to calculate percentages quickly in your head is “one of the most useful things you’ll ever use in life.”

How to make sure you’re getting a good value deal at the supermarket

To best work out the value of supermarket deals, Lyndsey recommends finding what 10% of the price is.

This is because it can be broken down or it can be built up to whatever you need it to be.

She explained: “So, with something that costs £10, or another number ending with 0, you’d just remove the 0.

• 10% of £10 would be £1.
• 10% of £50 would be £5.
• 10% of £100 would be £10.

“If it isn’t a nice number ending in 0, you’re just going to move that decimal point by one place.

• 10% of £15 would be £1.50.
• 10% of £55 would be £5.50.
• 10% of £105 would be £10.50.

“Once you’ve worked out 10%, you’re off to the races.  

“If something’s 5%, just halve the 10%. If something’s 20%, just double the 10%.”

This can be applied to quickly work out the value of supermarket deals, such as with something being 25% off.

Lyndsey continued: “Take 25% off an £8 item.

“Start with 10% – that’s 80p.

“Double it to get 20% (£1.60), then add half of that again to reach £2.

“So the final price should be £6.”

Additionally, buy-one-get-one-half-price deals can also be broken down quickly.

She shared: “If one item is £6, the second at half price makes two £9 in total.

“That works out at £4.50 each – so it’s only a real saving if you actually need both.”

Finally, deals like ‘25% extra free’ can be sense-checked in seconds.

Lyndsey explained: “If there are 8 rolls, 25% is a quarter – which is two more – so you’re getting 10 in total.”

One tip to keep in mind when working out supermarket deals

As a further tip to help work out the value of supermarket deals, Lyndsey suggests using the £1 rule.

She shared: “If you tell yourself that you only need to be accurate within £1, that instantly lowers the pressure massively.

“Remember, you’re not sitting an exam here, you’re just sense-checking, and that small permission can really help make people feel far more willing to try.”

Tributes have poured in for a 16-year-old girl who died after being found with serious injuries in a street in Leeds – the girl, named locally as Chloe Watson, has been described as a ‘beautiful girl’ with a ‘bubbly personality’

Tributes have poured in for a 16-year-old girl who died after being found with serious injuries.

The teenager – whose death is being investigated by police as a murder – has been named locally as Chloe Watson. Officers were called at 5.55am on Saturday to Kennerleigh Avenue in Austhorpe, Leeds, to reports that a young woman had been found unconscious, West Yorkshire Police said. She suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, where she was sadly pronounced dead shortly afterwards, the force said.

Public tributes posted to Facebook shared the community’s “heartbreak” over the death of the 16-year-old, Leeds Live reports. One tribute read: “I am going to miss you, Chloe Watson. Sending love to your family, looking over everyone, especially your little sisters – you had so much love for them. Love you millions, my girl.”

Another tribute read: “Rest in peace, you beautiful girl, you are so loved and will continue to be loved forever. You will be forever missed and never forgotten. Your bubbly personality, your weird laugh, and your cringy jokes will forever be unmatched. You always made sure everyone was feeling loved, and we will continue to do that for you.”

Two women aged 18, a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday. All four remain in police custody while a crime scene is in place as officers carry out enquiries.

Detectives were not immediately able to identify the teenager, but they said on Sunday that she was a 16-year-old girl from the Cleckheaton area. Her family have been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Superintendent Marc Bowes said: “Following our appeal for further information yesterday, we have now identified the deceased as a 16-year-old girl from the Cleckheaton area. Her family have been informed and we are supporting them as they try to come to terms with what has happened.

“Our inquiries into the incident which led to her death are continuing, and I would appeal again to anyone who was in the Kennerleigh Avenue area in the early hours of yesterday morning to come forward if they have any information which could assist our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or using the online live chat function, quoting log number 280 of March 28. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the Crimestoppers website.

Israeli police prevented Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Mass on the Christian holiday of Palm Sunday for the first time in centuries, the Latin Patriarchate said on Sunday.

Jerusalem‘s major holy sites are closed because of the ongoing Iran war, including the church, as the city has come under frequent fire from Iranian missiles.

The Catholic Church called the police decision “a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure.” It prevented two of the church’s top religious leaders, including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the head of the Custos in the Holy Land, from celebrating Palm Sunday at the place where Christians believe Jesus was crucified.

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and launches the Holy Week commemorations for Christians who follow the Latin calendar, which culminates in Easter next Sunday.

The Israeli police said it had notified the Catholic Church on Saturday that no Mass could take place on Palm Sunday because of safety considerations, the lack of access for emergency vehicles in narrow alleys of the Old City and lack of adequate shelter.

However, the Latin Patriarchate said the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been hosting Masses that aren’t open to the public since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, and it was unclear why Sunday’s Mass and access by the two priests was any different.

“It’s a very, very sacred day for Christians and in our opinion there was no justification for such a decision or such an action,” said Farid Jubran, the spokesperson for the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Jubran said that the church had requested permission from the police for a few religious leaders to enter the church for a private Mass on Sunday — not one that was open to the public. The Patriarchate said that the decision impeded freedom of worship and the status quo in Jerusalem.

The traditional Palm Sunday procession normally sees tens of thousands of Christians from around the world walk from the Mount of Olives down the narrow, hilly streets toward the Old City, waving palm fronds and singing.

The Patriarchate canceled the traditional processional last week because of safety concerns, and has held Masses limited to fewer than 50 worshippers in compliance with the Israeli military’s guidelines for civilians.

Pizzaballa celebrated Mass in the nearby St. Savior’s Monastery, a soaring marble church which is located next to an underground music school that the Israeli military has deemed a safe shelter space. Later on Sunday, Pizzaballa held a prayer for peace at the Dominus Flevit Shrine on the Mount of Olives, but kept his homily concentrated on Jesus and didn’t mention the morning’s incident.

Pope Leo XIV, at the end of Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, prayed for all Christians in the Middle East who he said were living through an “atrocious” conflict. He said that “in many cases, they cannot live fully the rites of these holy days,” though he didn’t elaborate.

The Vatican spokesman didn’t immediately respond when asked to comment on the Jerusalem incident.

Italy formally protested the incident to Israeli authorities. Premier Giorgia Meloni said that the police action “constitutes an offense not only against believers but against every community that recognizes religious freedom.”

“The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is a sacred site of Christianity, and as such must be preserved and protected for the celebration of sacred rites,” Meloni said. “Preventing the Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land from entering, especially on a solemnity central to the faith such as Palm Sunday, constitutes an offense not only against believers but against every community that recognizes religious freedom.”

Meloni’s conservative government tried to keep a balanced position with Israel during the war in Gaza, supporting Israel’s right to defense but condemning the toll on Palestinians.

The Italian leader has also said that Italy won’t participate in the Iran war, while affirming that the Islamic Republic can’t be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani instructed Italy’s ambassador to Israel to convey the protest “and to reaffirm Italy’s commitment to protecting religious freedom at all times and under all circumstances.”

In addition, Tajani summoned the Israeli ambassador to Italy for talks on Monday at the Italian Foreign Ministry to seek clarification about the decision.

Crews had to work to extricate Jonathan Willis from the tine before taking him to hospital for lifesaving surgery

The East Anglian Air Ambulance is set to feature in a new BBC One series launching at the end of March. The series will feature an episode on the “remarkable” story of a Cambridgeshire farmer, who was impaled by a forklift on his farm, and how the charity helped to save him.

Farm 999 is a 15-part documentary presented by Steph McGovern that will highlight the dangers and emergency incidents faced by rural communities around the UK. The first episode will follow Jonathan Willis and the lifesaving treatment he received from the East Anglian Air Ambulance after he was impaled by a forklift tine at his farm near Wisbech.

The tine had gone through Jonathan’s lower back and his abdomen, which posed a severe risk to several major internal organs and blood vessels. A crew from the East Anglian Air Ambulance arrived by helicopter to bring critical care directly to him at the scene.

The crew included Critical Care Paramedic Andy Bates, who also features in the episode, and worked with the ambulance, police, and fire and rescue teams for around 45 minutes to assess Jonathan’s injuries and coordinate the extrication process to get him to hospital for surgery.

Wendy Willis, Jonathan’s wife, said: “We know that without the enhanced skills of the air ambulance team that day Jonathan wouldn’t have made it to hospital. They took control of the situation – which was like living my worst nightmare – and made all the right decisions which got him to the right hospital and to the right surgeon with a fighting chance. We were then so incredibly lucky that Jonathan had one of the best surgeons in the country leading his operation. The Addenbrooke’s team quite literally worked miracles in the operating theatre that night and ensured that Jonathan came home to me and our five children in one piece.”

The East Anglian Air Ambulance is completely run by donations and receives no regular government funding making public support essential. The Willis family have helped to raise over £110,000 in aid for the charity following the incident.

The charity’s doctors and paramedics give patients essential care such as blood transfusions, anaesthesia, and emergency surgery to give them the best chance of survival and recovery. They also provide aftercare, train people in lifesaving skills, and help carry out clinical research to improve care.

The first episode of Farm 999 will feature Jonathan and the East Anglian Air Ambulance and is set to air on BBC One at 10.15am on Monday, March 30. The episodes will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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Paramedics battled to revive the man but sadly he could not be saved.

A 26-year-old man was shot dead yards away from a major train station, despite desperate efforts to save him. The man tragically died at the scene in Chalton Street, near London Euston Station, despite the best efforts of paramedics working to revive him.

Emergency crews were alerted to the incident at around 11pm after loud gunshots were heard. Cops said CCTV showed a suspect, who arrived and left on a bike, firing several shots at the man who was sitting in a white Nissan Juke.

The victim’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, reports the Mirror. Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “We are aware of the concern that this will cause for the local community, and want to reassure them that we are working hard to identify the attacker and bring them to justice.

“If anyone has any information that could help us, it is extremely important that they contact the police – either through 101, online or via independent charity Crimestoppers to remain anonymous. Our thoughts are with the young man’s family at this incredibly difficult time.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting CAD 8032/28Mar, or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Adventure Valley, located on the outskirts of Durham, will host its annual Easter Holidays event from Friday, April 3, to Sunday, April 19, 2026.

The event will include a full programme of themed activities.

Janine Calzini, owner of Adventure Valley, said: “Easter is always a truly special time at Adventure Valley, and we’re delighted to be bringing back a fantastic line-up of family-friendly activities for 2026.

“Easter Holiday at Adventure Valley offers something for everyone.

“From magical character meet-and-greets to hands-on animal experiences and plenty of opportunities to play, explore and make lasting memories.

“We’re especially excited to welcome both the Easter Bunny and Bruno the Bear across the event and can’t wait to see families enjoying everything we have planned.”

Visitors will be invited into the indoor Easter Garden for an egg hunt, followed by a meet-and-greet experience.

Those attending on or before Easter Sunday will have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny, while visitors after Easter can look forward to meeting Bruno the Bear instead.

A wide range of springtime activities will run throughout the day, including pony grooming sessions, reptile encounters, and the Bunny Hop Disco.

The event is designed to be weather-proof, with acres of outdoor play areas and three large indoor soft play zones.

Activities are available throughout the day, with no time limits, so families can make the most of their visit from morning until early evening.

The Bunny Hop Disco will offer a lively break from exploring, while pony grooming sessions give children a chance to interact with some of the centre’s friendly animals.

Adventure Valley expects high demand for tickets based on the popularity of previous seasonal events and recommends booking early.

The Easter Holidays event aims to offer a fun-packed day out for families across the North East, filled with opportunities for play, exploration, and seasonal celebration.

Located just outside Durham, Adventure Valley is a visitor attraction with indoor and outdoor play facilities.

LAST Sunday I was privileged to take to the stage at Theatre Royal Newcastle.

It was a dance show. And before you ask, NO — I wasn’t dancing.

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In fact, EVERYONE who took to the stage was dancing…except me!! I was emceeing students from the Eve Trew School of Dance and Gateshead Children’s Arts and Theatre School – a charity showcase where we were entertained by hoofers ranging in age from 3 to 80+ years. Well done one and all; my feet were sore just introducing everyone!

Anyone who knows me, will tell you I was not blessed with Terpsichorean talent! Any attempt at rhythm from my feet is like a cross between a medical episode and Riverdance on melting ice.

My great pal, South Tyneside legend, Ray Spencer MBE ( there is nothing like his panto Dame) had me alongside him in The Customs House pantomime just to make him look even better, and it worked! Ray’s observations on my dancing abilities are funnier than anything I brought to the shows!

I recently attempted dancing at a Strictly event held at Hardwick Hall, for a really excellent cause. Nuvo Wellbeing is a lovely charity that brings dance and exercise to under-served areas in County Durham and beyond.

My partner on the night was the founder, Bethany Ainsley (an actual dancer!). The routine was at its best when I stood aside and let Beth do her thing, brilliantly.

Putting dance aside, (which is what I really should do) whenever I am on a great stage like Theatre Royal Newcastle, I cannot help but think how lucky I am to even stand where truly great performers have stood (or danced) on the exact same spot – I get to see the audience from their viewpoint, feel similar butterflies, hear the same hush before the lights go up.

And the history at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal really is something else. This is a stage that has hosted Hollywood royalty and theatrical giants alike.

Sir John Gielgud performed Hamlet at the Theatre Royal in 1948 and this really made it a key place for other giants to visit on tour. Thespians such as Laurence Olivier, Sir Ian McKellen, Judi Dench, and Kenneth Branagh have graced this stage.

After a refurb in the late 80’s, Oscar winner Charlton Heston starred in A Man for All Seasons here and felt a real connection to the area. His grandfather worked down Tyneside mines as a boy in the 1890s before moving to America. I later saw, and briefly met Heston in the West End but that is another story for another article.

The first show I saw in this great theatre with my Uncle John, was an RSC production of Cole Porter’s ‘Kiss Me, Kate’, starring Kate O’Mara, bouncing before the footlights in 1991.

And when I worked on BBC local radio I interviewed countless people on stage, in dressing rooms, during rehearsals, at read-throughs… everyone from choreographer Matthew Bourne (there’s dance again!!) to the panto superstars, Danny and Clive.

It is also very humbling, standing where so many greats have stood and I don’t mean in a spooky, “haunted stage” way.

Standing there last Sunday, when I wasn’t thinking of my introductions for the next dazzling dance troupe, I was being swept up by history.

Carried away by the music, the drama, the laughter, and emotion brought about by the people who’ve passed through that stage door and performed on these legendary boards.

How lucky we are, up here, to have theatres like these on our doorsteps and I will try to travel around some of our other magnificent venues for future columns!

And I promise to never dance again…honest!

FACTS & FOOTNOTES

l The Theatre Royal first opened in 1837, designed by the celebrated architect John and Benjamin Green – making it one of the finest historic theatres in the UK.

l A fire destroyed the inside of the theatre in 1899. Architect Frank Matcham completely redesigned the interior which reopened in1901.

l Upcoming shows include ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ plus the musicals ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Operation Mincemeat’.

You can email Alfie via www.AlfieJoey.com and subscribe to his free newsletter.