The National Trust is warning that the popular coastal spot is not a traditional seaside destination.

The conservation charity says visitor numbers soar during warm weather, leading to long traffic queues, full car parks and parking restrictions in nearby residential streets.

Rare male sand lizard (Image: National Trust)

Just over an hour’s drive from Bolton, Formby is one of the North West’s most popular beaches.

But unlike resorts such as Blackpool or Southport, the beach sits within a protected conservation area with limited facilities and no parking directly next to the sand.

Amy Peacock, operations manager for National Trust places in the Liverpool City Region, said: “Formby is a wild, natural and legally protected conservation area. This means the parking and facilities we can offer here are limited.

“We have two relatively small car parks that fill up very quickly on busy days. They’re tucked away inland away from where the dunes will continue to roll back naturally over time.

“It’s worth noting that reaching the beach involves walking through the woodlands and over the dunes, which can feel a bit of an adventure, especially for little legs and when carrying all the usual seaside essentials.

“For people seeking a traditional seaside experience with quick access and a wide range of amenities, we recommend considering alternative beaches along the North West coast that offer more comfort and convenience.”

Rare dune northern tiger beetle (Image: National Trust)

The National Trust is also reminding visitors not to light fires or barbecues anywhere on site because of the risk of wildfires, and to take all litter home to protect wildlife and prevent rubbish from being washed into the sea.

Formby forms part of the Sefton Coast, one of the largest sand dune systems in England and a legally protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Its constantly shifting dunes provide a habitat for rare wildlife, including natterjack toads, sand lizards and northern dune tiger beetles.

The National Trust says visitors should be aware that there are only two relatively small car parks, both located inland.

The former Victoria Road car park next to the beach has permanently closed as part of a major sand dune restoration project.

Anyone visiting should also be prepared for a walk through woodland and over the dunes before reaching the beach, which can be challenging when carrying picnic equipment, pushchairs or other beach essentials.

The National Trust is also reminding visitors not to light fires or barbecues anywhere on site because of the risk of wildfires, and to take all litter home to protect wildlife and prevent rubbish from being washed into the sea.

Justin Matthews, lead ranger for National Trust places in the Liverpool City Region, said: “Beyond the parasols and sandcastles, you’ll find a place that’s home to one of Europe’s most important sand dune habitats where lots of rare wildlife lives.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy this special place, now and in the future, and by planning ahead and being mindful of Formby’s wonderful wildlife, people can play an important part in helping us to protect it.”

Gregor Townsend has made 14 changes to his starting side as they take on the Flying Fijians at Murrayfield

Scotland close their summer Nations Championship campaign with a showdown with Fiji at Murrayfield, with head coach Gregor Townsend naming an almost entirely changed starting side.

With 14 changes made, Gregor Brown is the only the survivor from last weekend’s defeat to South Africa as he shifts from lock to number eight. Darcy Graham returns to the side, with Stafford McDowall named as captain and first starts handed to hooker Gregor Hiddleston and flanker Freddy Douglas.

Scotland’s 42-28 defeat to the Springboks followed an impressive seven-try victory over Argentina in Cordoba, while Fiji are yet to record a Nations Championship win, with their defeat to Wales in Cardiff earlier this month followed by a bruising 73-8 defeat to England last weekend.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of today’s game.

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What time is Fiji v Scotland?

Fiji v Scotland kicks off at 2.10pm on Saturday, July 18, with the match being held at Murrayfield.

What channel is Fiji v Scotland on?

The game is being shown live and for free on ITV1.

Coverage starts at 1.10pm.

What about live streaming?

You can stream the match via ITV’s app, ITVX.

You will need a valid TV licence and an account to watch.

Fiji v Scotland line-ups

Fiji: 15 Isaiah Armstrong Ravula, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Josua Tuisova, 11 Jiuta Waniqolo, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Lekima Tagitagivalu, 6 Pita Gus Sowakula, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanavere (c), 1 Eroni Mawi.

Replacements: 16 Sam Matavesi, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Sam Wye, 22 Isikeli Rabitu, 23 Salesi Rayasi.

Scotland: 15 Tom Jordan, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Ollie Smith, 12 Stafford McDowall (c), 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 George Horne; 1 Rory Sutherland, 2 Gregor Hiddleston, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 4 Jonny Gray, 5 Max Williamson, 6 Josh Bayliss, 7 Freddy Douglas, 8 Gregor Brown

Replacements: 16 Seb Stephen, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Zander Fagerson, 19 Scott Cummings, 20 Magnus Bradbury, 21 Liam McConnell, 22 Jamie Dobie, 23 Sione Tuipulotu

Fiji v Scotland officials

Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU)

Assistant Referee 1: Eoghan Cross (IRFU)

Assistant Referee 2: Anthony Woodhouse (IRFU)

TMO: Ben Whitehouse (FFR)

FPRO: Andrew Jackson (IRFU)

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A primary school has apologised to parents after OnlyFans was listed amongst acceptable social media accounts for staff.

Delph Side Primary School in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, wrote in one of their policies the platform, which features sexual acts and pornography, was a ‘primary form of communication between friends and family’.

This meant it would be ‘unreasonable’ not to allow staff to use it.

The policy reads: ‘The use of social networking/media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Only Fans has over recent years become the primary form of communication between friends and family.

‘It would not be reasonable to expect or instruct employees not to use these sites which, if used with caution, should have no impact whatsoever on their role in school.’

Headteacher Liz Ormerod said the platform has now been removed from their policy, and at the time it was put on did not reflect OnlyFans current reputation where users can pay accounts for explicit images and videos, The Echo reports.

Ms Ormerod said: ‘Although the school’s social media policy was last updated in 2025, this section had not been updated since 2022, and the reference does not mean the school endorses or approves use of the platform by staff.

‘The wording is out of date and does not reflect the platform’s current association with adult content.’

‘All staff are expected to maintain the highest professional standards at all times and are subject to strict safeguarding and conduct requirements.

‘We apologise for any concern this may have caused.’

Metro has contacted Delph Side Primary School for comment.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

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Manchester United take on Championship club Wrexham in their first pre-season fixture this afternoon in Helsinki, Finland

After a World Cup summer, Manchester United have begun their preparations for the new Premier League campaign. A selection of senior and academy players have returned to Carrington this month to go through their early fitness checks. While the focus has been on international football, United have been working to add to their squad.

This week, three players joined the Reds. Midfielder Andrey Santos was the first arrival from Chelsea for an initial £48m fee (plus £2m in add-ons). He was followed by the free agent addition of Karl Darlow, who spent last season at Leeds. Finally, Aston Villa midfielder and Belgium captain Youri Tielemans arrived for £35m.

With the new recruits added, preparation for the new campaign steps up a notch today as United travel to Helsinki, Finland to take on Wrexham. This will be the first time United have played since the final day win at Brighton on May 24.

Supporters will be eager to see all three of United’s new additions in action. As such, MEN Sport has taken a look at when the trio could make their debuts for the Reds.

Andrey Santos

Santos’ first game for United could come today, after he was included in the 25-man squad to take on Wrexham. The midfielder has been pictured training at Carrington since joining and, after missing out on the Brazil World Cup squad, was free to begin training immediately.

Due to a lack of senior midfielders, Santos seems destined to gain at least some minutes against the Welsh club. He can play in defensive midfield, as an attacking No.8 or in the No.10 slot, so it will be interesting to see where Carrick chooses to utilise him.

Youri Tielemans

As mentioned, United are lacking midfielders for the trip to Finland and Tielemans is one of those who is absent. Upon returning from the World Cup, the 29-year-old signed for the Reds before going on holiday.

According to FIFPRO recommendations, players should receive at least four weeks of uninterupted rest during the summer. Belgium were knocked out of the World Cup on July 10. By those recommendations, the earliest we can expect Tielemans to play for United is on August 8 against PSG.

However, the more realistic debut date would be either August 12 against Leeds or August 15 against AC Milan.

Karl Darlow

Darlow was not at the World Cup this summer but he was not included in the travelling squad to take on Wrexham. United confirmed on Friday, the goalkeeper is recovering from a procedure that he had at the end of last season.

Depending on how long the final stages of the recovery take, Darlow could make his debut on July 24 against Rosenborg, or against Atletico Madrid on August 1.

An emotional Vanessa Feltz hosted her last Channel 5 daytime show on Friday. 

It was revealed last month that bosses ‘blindsided’ the presenter when they made the decision to axe her chat show after just one year on air.

A determined Vanessa, 64, told viewers she ‘is not going to hide under a rock’ and will be launching a new show on YouTube, At Home With Vanessa. 

The presenter said it will be filmed at her home, ‘Feltz Tower’ as she added: ‘I hope it’s going to be really great fun’.

It comes as sources close to the star revealed Vanessa is not coping well. 

They told the Daily Mail: ‘She was crying all morning before the show and didn’t think she would get through it. It’s been horrific for her. She’s not coping well at all.’

Vanessa herself said that she was ‘weeping in the car last night thinking, “oh God, tomorrow is my last show”.’

She added: ‘I feel very, very sad this is the last show. To anybody who is sending me nice messages, I really appreciate it.’ 

Vanessa had guests Danniella Westbrook, Cosmo Landesman and Lizzie Cundy on Friday’s show. 

Lizzie, who was also on the presenter’s first show, told her: ‘Vanessa it’s been such an honour working with you. We’ve all loved you, I’m so proud of you.’

The presenter became teary-eyed after Jeremy Vine sent in a personalised message. 

He said: ‘You’re amazing. We’re going to miss you in the afternoons, your company. You bring the sunshine, I hope you enjoy your last show. Lots of love, dear Vanessa.’

Fans wrote on X: ‘Vanessa Feltz has been my rock’, and ‘Oh Vanessa Feltz on 5’s final show is so emotional.. until we meet again’.  

Vanessa was also presented with flowers at the end of the show from her daughter Saskia and grandson AJ.  

Sources close to the show say Vanessa was left furious and stormed out of the studios in tears following the tense discussion to axe the show.

It was revealed last month that bosses had made the decision to axe her chat show after just one year on air

Vanessa was joined on the show by Lizzie Cundy, (left) and Danniella Westbrook, (right)

Lizzie and Danniella were seen making a stylish exit after their appearance on the show

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Lizzie turned heads in a pink midi dress

Danniella stunned in a white blazer and trousers 

She said: ‘It was a bit of a shock. It was meant to be a delightful year’s contract, the show was going really well…

‘I was shocked to the core and very upset and I still am. It was only Wednesday at 3 o’clock that I found out.

‘It apparently comes from Paramount, who bought Channel 5.

‘They want to show Paramount movies every afternoon at two. It doesn’t cost them any money because they already own them. I don’t think I really came into the equation at all.’

An insider told the Daily Mail at the time: ‘Vanessa was brought into a meeting after her show came off air this week.

‘She had no idea what the meeting was about and certainly didn’t expect to be told it was not being renewed.

‘She feels so blindsided but also let down by bosses.’

Her show, which aired on Channel 5 weekdays at 2pm for an hour, has been consistently targeted by scam callers during their phone-ins for months now.

The Daily Mail understands extremely low ratings for the programme are to blame for the cancellation, but also not being able to get a grip on nuisance calls.

Our insider continued: ‘Producers tried their best to crack down on the calls by limiting just landline users to phone in, but that was decided to be too restrictive given today’s technology and accessibility.

‘Vanessa has given her all to the show, she left a very good role on This Morning which is already long established for this gig.

‘She is truly devastated, but also for her team too, many of whom will now need to find new jobs.’

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

The Sutton Bank Star Hub, near Helmsley, will once again host public events after a summer pause, offering visitors a chance to explore the night sky from one of the darkest locations in the UK.

Richard Darn of Go Stargazing said: “The North York Moors is beautifully dark, which is why it was designated as an international dark sky reserve in 2020.

“We want to keep it that way by sharing our passion for the night sky and inspiring people to help protect it.”

The specially designed facility has welcomed hundreds of visitors since opening in 2021, offering telescope viewing and planetarium-style presentations.

Astronomer Richard Darn prepares for action at the Sutton Bank Star Hub (Image: Richard Darn)

A new series of events will begin on August 12 to coincide with the Perseid meteor shower, with nearly 20 sessions scheduled through the season.

Mr Darn added: “The Hub is a fantastic venue and last year we had record numbers taking part in events.

“We saw the sky in all its majesty and pushed the limits by looking at distant galaxies.

“It’s the ultimate outward-bound activity.”

Sessions are suitable for adults and children aged six and over.

The hub is wheelchair accessible, and tickets are priced at under £20, available from: https://tinyurl.com/uux8hert

Club Brugge manager Ivan Leko has confirmed Christos Tzolis is on his way to Arsenal. The Greek international looks set to move to the Emirates Stadium after a phenomenal campaign last season.

Leko confirmed the news, saying: “It’s one fantastic example, someone who was first coming on the training base, last training was like game for him, giving so much for his career.

“Then you get to go to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Europe, big thing for him, big thing for Club Brugge and big thing for Belgian football Good lesson for all young boys that in football you need to work, stop to talk, work, try to do everything to improve yourself day by day.

“On one side I’m very happy for him but very sad for me as we are losing a top player. I am convinced that he will have his minutes that he will show on highest level in Premier League and Champions League that he will show he’s a top player and that he absolutely deserves to be there.”

A perfect family day out which also supports a fantastic charity

The words ‘hidden gem’ are often thrown about too flippantly these days – but when it comes to a family day out, this urban farm truly is just that.

Carrickfergus Urban Farm was established in 1998 by Kilcreggan Homes, an independent charity based that provides housing, day and employment opportunities for adults with a Learning Disability, an autistic spectrum condition or an acquired brain injury.

Considered the “best kept secret” in the area, groups, individuals and families can visit Carrickfergus Urban Farm and Garden centre for free to see up close the pet goats, pigs, pony, poultry, waterfowl, geese and small pets.

The farm was the idea of Linda Bennett, who was a tenant at Kilcreggan, after she discovered that spending time caring for animals made her feel good.

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Knowing others would benefit too, she was motivated to create the much-loved community space where service users can engage in therapeutic activities and demonstrate their skills, passion, and knowledge for what they do.

The farm space was originally an old, derelict site but was improved and made more accessible following a successful grant from Ulster Garden Villages for £70,000.

It was then passed to Kilcreggan by Carrickfergus Council for a peppercorn rent of £1 per year for 100 years.

Open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4pm, it is only a short 25-minute drive in the car from Belfast along the shores of Belfast Lough.

If a free, fun, family day out with plenty of lovely animals to pet and meet isn’t enough, the site also features buzzing social enterprises, including a beautiful garden centre and delicious cafe for a lovely browse or a bite to eat.

The Dancing Goat Cafe, located onsite, is a perfect spot to refuel after a busy day on the farm and also support the fantastic work the charity does with people with learning difficulties in the area.

You break the bank to make special memories this summer, so why not add Carrickfergus Urban Farm and Garden Centre to your list – not only for the free family magic, but also to support the amazing work that Kilcreggan do.

To find out more about the farm, see here

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The fires are believed to have been deliberate

Two cars were set alight within an hour in an area of Peterborough. Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue were called to the first car in flames on Green Lane in Millfield, Peterborough at 3.38am on Wednesday, July 15.

A crew from Dogsthorpe attended. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used hose reels to fully extinguish the fire and returned to their station by 4.25am.

At 4.28am on the same day, less than an hour after the first blaze, firefighters were called to a report a separate incident on Green Lane. The crew from Dogsthorpe arrived to find a second car engulfed in flames spreading to a second vehicle.

Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters used a hose reel to extinguish the fire. They returned to their station by 5.10am. A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue confirmed the fires are believed to have been deliberately started.

The spokesperson added: “Anyone with information should contact police by visiting www.cambs.police.uk to submit an online report or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”