The church stands central as a prominent landmark in a Cambridgeshire town
Across Cambridgeshire, there are many buildings that are suffering from deterioration and decay. As a result, these buildings have been placed on the Historic England “at risk” register. One building at risk is St Mary’s with St Benedict Church in Huntingdon. This church is said to be the “mother church of Huntingdon”.
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The Grade I listed building dates back as far as 972 AD. It’s thought the church at this time would have been a wooden structure and existed in the Saxon times.
The founding of the present stone church was not until 1109 AD. At this time, there was a bishop and 12 monks that created a monastic foundation on the north west side of the churchyard.
Over its history, the church has had its “ups and downs”, according to A Church Near You. During the 13th century, a clerestory was added to the church. Stained glass was then added to the south side of the church, and this is the same stained glass seen in the church today.
In 1609, the church faced a dilemma. Part of the tower fell into the nave of the church, but it’s unsure how it fell down. It was rebuilt between 1609 and 1620. Around 100 years later, another part of the church fell. Part of the south aisle fell in and had to be rebuilt.
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The church had to undergo a bit more work in the early 19th century, when the roof supports were replaced with iron ones. This was to make sure the roof didn’t collapse into the church.
Today, the church stands as an important landmark in Huntingdon’s town centre. Unfortunately, it’s an at-risk building as emergency roof repairs had to take place in 2020. In 2025, Historic England deemed the building to be in “poor condition”. It also said it was in “slow decay”.
In Sunday’s interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the motive of the suspected shooter was still under investigation, but that “preliminary” findings suggested he was targeting administration officials, “likely” including President Donald Trump.
The York Inset Scooter Club hosted its Mods and Rockers run with more than 200 machines on display in the Eye of York for the start.
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The ride out was officially started by The Lord Mayor of York, Martin Rowley, and the York Civic Party, along with Ken Cooke, club president and York’s only surviving veteran of the Normandy D-Day landings of the Second World War.
Club president Ken Cooke and the York Civic Party got the ride underway (Image: Kevin Glenton)
The ride is also known as the John Martin memorial ride to remember a former member who died 16 years ago.
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Funds were being raised at the start for the Yorkshire and Scarborough Hospitals Charity, along with £5 donations from riders.
Before the start, committee member Nick Beilby said: “It’s wonderful to see such a good turn out and really appreciated.
Some of the scooters on display in the Eye of York ahead of the John Martin Memorial Ride (Image: Kevin Glenton)
“Staff and supporters from the charity have been here for us to raise funds.
“The charity is of great significance because several of our members had had great need of it.”
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Last year’s event raised nearly £1,000.
After leaving York this morning at 10.30am, riders will travel through the Howardian Hills, finishing at The Mended Drum pub in Huby.
Revellers were evacuated from the Pink Punters nightclub in Bletchley early this morning following the huge blaze (Picture: Facebook
A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire engulfed a popular LGBTQ+ venue in Milton Keynes.
Firefighters tackled a blaze at the Pink Punters nightclub in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire in the early hours of this morning.
Revellers were evacuated from the building at around 2am and no-one was injured, according to local news reports.
Nearby roads were closed to traffic following the incident, with cordons likely to remain in place at the scene for some time.
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A witness to the incident told local radio station MKFM the nightclub was ‘smouldering’ and had been ‘absolutely ruined’.
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‘We got everybody out, everybody was evacuated quickly and nobody was hurt or injured which is the main thing’, they said.
A clip recorded of the aftermath showed the blaze had ripped off the entire roof of the Tudor revival building.
Police have arrested a 51-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody.
The blaze ripped off the roof of the Tudor revival building (Picture: Facebook)
Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie said: ‘This was a significant fire in which a large number of people had to be evacuated.
‘Thankfully no one was injured and staff at the venue worked quickly and effectively to safely evacuate everyone.
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‘Fire crews and our officers remain on scene, and road closures are likely to remain in place for a significant amount of time.
‘Our officers have arrested a man in connection with this incident. He remains in custody at this time, while we carry out ongoing enquiries.
‘At this time it would be too early to comment on any particular motivation for this incident and we would respectfully ask for people not to speculate.’
A total of 12 fire crews attended the scene at the height of the fire, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said.
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A spokesperson for the fire service said: ‘We are now scaling back the amount of fire engines in attendance of this incident. Firefighters will still remain on scene, working hard to dampen down and check the building for hot spots.’
A TV presenter said she had “the misfortune” of meeting Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor several times as she reflected on the famous people she has met over the years
Disgraced royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been described as a “horrible and ghastly” man by television presenter Lorraine Kelly. Discussing the famous people she has met throughout her career, the 66-year-old didn’t hold back when it came to the controversial royal.
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She said: “I always give people the benefit of the doubt, you know, if they’re difficult or demanding or they’re rude, and I think, hmm, okay, you might be an a***hole, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt now.
“If they do it again the next time, then you’re an a***hole and I never want to see you again and go away.
“But, I always think you’ve got to put yourself in other people’s shoes, but I do get annoyed with people who are very arrogant,” she added.
“A prime example of that obviously is Prince Andrew, who I had the misfortune to meet a few times, what a ghastly man, a horrible man. And I’ve always said that, even before all of this stuff (his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein).
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“But then you wonder what was going on in his life and who was his role model? “It’s fascinating isn’t it, to think about that,” she added on Pete Wicks‘ Man Made podcast.
The former prince, who was stripped of his royal titles by brother King Charles last year, has faced scrutiny in recent years over his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In his 2019 Newsnight interview, he expressed regret over maintaining contact after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex offences, but the interview with Emily Maitlis was considered an unmitigated disaster.
He stepped back from royal duties after Newsnight aired and, three years later, was stripped of his military titles and royal patronages.
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The father-of-two, who was also recently named in documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice relating to Epstein, has always denied any wrongdoing. He was arrested and later released under investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
It is not the first time Lorraine has criticised the brother of King Charles.
Previously discussing his infamous interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019, she said on her show: “That, to me, just summed him up in a way as being either, you could be generous and say naïve or you could say dumb, you could say many things.
“For him to put himself in that position, first of all, and then to do such damage to his reputation that he basically is now persona non grata, that just doesn’t happen usually, does it?”
In a later discussion about his apparent return to royal life, she said: “Surely he’s not that tone deaf?”, before urging him to “just shut it and go away”.
The former prince recently relocated to Marsh Farm following his departure from the 30-room Royal Lodge in Windsor.
He said: “From a property perspective, this looks far more like a managed family arrangement than a typical move. “Marsh Farm appears to have been prepared specifically for Andrew, with privacy and security front of mind, so it’s unlikely to be a short-term stop.
“Renovating a rural property to that standard is not cheap,” he added. “Once you factor in interiors, structural updates and high-end security, costs can quickly run into the six-figure range, particularly on an estate setting.”
Sabastian Sawe did not rule out a course or even world record when asked about his chances at this year’s London Marathon.
The Kenyan won last year’s edition in two hours, two minutes and 27 seconds, and told a press conference he felt the late Kelvin Kiptum’s three-year-old course record of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds could be beaten.
And asked if his shoes, the Adidas Pro Evo 3s, were of course – or even world – record quality, the 29-year-old replied, simply: “Yep.”
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His main rival is Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo, the Chicago Marathon winner and last year’s London runner-up.
The stacked men’s field is missing Briton Emile Cairess, who placed third in 2024 and fourth at that summer’s Olympics and was targeting Mo Farah’s British record before he was forced to withdraw due to a calf issue.
Great Britain will still be well represented by the likes of Mahamed Mahamed, the fourth-fastest British man over the distance, his Paris 2024 Olympic team-mate Phil Sesemann, and Patrick Dever, all of whom have set more modest targets.
Alex Yee, the 2024 Olympic gold medallist in triathlon, made his competitive marathon debut last year in London and returns for this edition as a pacemaker.
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Ethiopian Tigst Assefa will target her own women-only world record when she attempts to defend her own London crown.
The 29-year-old set a new standard at the same event last year, beating the previous world record by 26 seconds in two hours, 15 minutes and 50 seconds.
Assefa, whose competition includes Britons Eilish McColgan and Jess Warner-Judd, as well as Kenyan Hellen Obiri, who won the New York Marathon, has been pleasantly surprised by her own form.
She told a press conference: “My training has gone well, it has been better, even, than my preparation last year, so I think it is possible to beat the record I set last year.”
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McColgan made her delayed London debut last year and was enamoured with the atmosphere, which she said “blew all my expectations out of the water” and added: “It was the toughest race I’ve ever done in my life.
“I didn’t even know how I was putting one foot in front of the other after 20 miles, but I was somehow moving forward in some sort of manner, and without the crowds I think that would have been a hell of a lot harder.”
There is a large gathering taking place on a mountain in Rhondda Cynon Taf
People are being turned away from an illegal rave which is taking place on a Welsh mountain across the weekend.
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There were reports on Sunday morning that large crowds had gathered on Rhigos Mountain north of Treherbert in Rhondda Cynon Taf. People commented that there was a lot of “police activity” in the area as rumours circulated that a rave was ongoing.
Police have now confirmed that an “unlicensed rave” is taking place near Rhigos Mountain Road.
Officers are at the scene and will remain in attendance to ensure the safety of those at the rave and other members of the general public. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “Officers are in attendance at Rhigos Mountain Road, Rhigos, Rhondda Cynon Taff following a report of an unlicensed rave.
“A policing presence will remain in the area to ensure the safety of those participating and the wider public. This incident is ongoing.”
A picture from the scene shows police blocking off access to Rhigos Road from the top of Abertonllwyd Street in Treherbert.
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“Eugene passed away just before Christmas, and it has been very hard for all of us. He was so well known in the community, a real legend to those who knew him, and someone who was always there to help others.”
A Derry chef is giving back to Foyle Hospice in a deeply personal way, after the care shown to his family during two of the hardest times in their lives.
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Leigh Thurston, Head Chef at the Ebrington Hotel, has organised a special fundraising prize draw in memory of his father-in-law, Eugene O’Donnell, and Rose Nelis, the mother of his sister-in-law, after both families experienced first-hand the compassion and support of Foyle Hospice.
With more than £5,000 worth of prizes donated by businesses across the hospitality sector, the prize draw is not only a major community fundraiser, but a tribute rooted in love, gratitude and remembrance.
Leigh said the idea came from a desire to do something meaningful after seeing the care his father-in-law received during his final days.
Leigh Thurston said:“I didn’t really know what Foyle Hospice was all about until my family needed it. When my father-in-law Eugene was admitted, the care he received from the moment he arrived until the day he passed away was just incredible.
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“From the reception staff to those caring for him day and night, washing him, feeding him and looking after every need, we could not have asked for better.
“That meant so much to us as a family, and that is why I wanted to do my part… to raise money, to raise awareness, and to let other families know that Foyle Hospice is there when it is needed most.
“Eugene passed away just before Christmas and it has been very hard for all of us. He was so well known in the community, a real legend to those who knew him, and someone who was always there to help others.
“This fundraiser is a way of honouring him, remembering Rose as well, and showing our appreciation for the care that meant so much to our family.
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“I have been overwhelmed by the support from the local hospitality industry. So many people have come together to donate prizes and back this effort, and I am very grateful to every one of them.”
The prize draw features a wide range of donated prizes, including hotel stays, dining experiences, golf breaks, afternoon teas and vouchers from businesses across the North West and further afield.
Among the top prizes are an eight-course tasting menu for 10 people plus an overnight stay for two at the Ebrington Hotel, golf and dining packages from Ballyliffin Golf Club and Enniscrone Golf Club, and a number of additional hotel, restaurant and experience vouchers.
Kathleen Bradley, Fundraiser at Foyle Hospice, who liaised with Leigh on the fundraiser, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Leigh for choosing to support Foyle Hospice in such a heartfelt and generous way. This fundraiser has come from a place of deep personal loss, but also from gratitude, love and a real desire to help other families.
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“It has been a privilege to work with Leigh on this wonderful draw, and to see the level of support it has received from across the hospitality sector has been truly moving. Every entry will help Foyle Hospice continue providing specialist palliative care and support to local patients and families at the moments they need it most.”
The fundraiser is now open, with online entry and a free postal entry route available. Tickets cost £10, and the draw will take place on Friday May 1 2026.
Every entry will help raise vital funds for Foyle Hospice, supporting specialist palliative care and wraparound support for patients and families across our community.
The fire was reported on Great Moor Street heading towards the Bradshawgate at a building that is currently undergoing works at just after 8.25pm.
No injuries were reported and firefighters found that two pallets at the top of the roof appeared to be alight.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At just after 8.25pm last night, Saturday April 25, fire crews were called to reports of a fire at a building on Bradshawgate, Bolton.
Firefighters on the scene (Image: Public)
“Fire engines from Bolton North, Farnworth and Atherton quickly attended the incident.
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“Firefighters arrived to find signs of fire on the roof of a five-storey building under construction.
“Crews gained access to the roof, where two pallets were alight.
An area was taped off (Image: Public)
“The fire was quickly contained, and there were no reports of any injuries.
“Crews remained on scene for a short time and worked with Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service to ensure the area was safe.”
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Members of the public gathered outside on Bradshawgate and Great Moor Street on Saturday evening.
The fire broke out on Saturday evening (Image: Public)
An eye witness reported seeing four fire engines, two marked police cars, two unmarked police cars and two ambulance cars on the scene.
Members of the public have been advised to always call 999 in the event of an emergency.
ITV has announced a new six-part series starring Ashley Walters and Andrea Riseborough
ITV has announced a new space drama about a woman who vanishes during a lunar expedition.
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The six-episode thriller First Woman – which is being filmed in Belfast – features Adolescence actor Ashley Walters. He plays Ben Reith, who awakens one morning to discover that his wife Claire (Andrea Riseborough) has disappeared, reports the Mirror.
This marks the beginning of an international media story “because Claire is an astronaut crewing the UK’s first moonbase and she’s disappeared into the long lunar night”, according to a synopsis from the broadcaster.
It adds: “Claire is the first woman to set foot on the moon. A biologist taking part in a groundbreaking research project, her disappearance throws suspicion on her fellow astronauts and China’s rival base.
“With hundreds of thousands of miles between them, can Ben uncover the truth behind his wife’s disappearance?”
As the narrative shifts between Mission Control in the UK and the moon’s surface, this becomes a countdown “like no other”, with Ben hoping to be reunited with Claire while the remaining crew members face mounting pressure.
Ashley, who portrayed Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe in Adolescence, commented: “What an honour to be a part of such a bold and propulsive drama with a team of people that I have dreamt of working with. I always want to be a part of projects that make us converse and think outside the box. This one does just that.”
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Co-star Andrea remarked: “As a kid, I dreamed, perhaps more than anything, of space. Of emptiness and stars, and the vastness of all that those ‘grounded’ reflected on in verse.”
“This will be endlessly compelling – I hope – for all who want to journey with us,” she continued. “I cannot wait.”
First Woman will be jointly produced by Mammoth Screen, part of ITV Studios, Alcon Television Group and ZDF Germany.
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ITV’s director of drama Polly Hill stated: “I wanted ITV to make this the moment I read it. The team that has come on board on and off screen is incredible, and a testament to the wonderful and original scripts.” She noted that audiences would be transported on “an incredible journey”.
Creator Lydia Yeoman commented: “Set in the exciting (and as-yet-unexplored) world of private space travel, First Woman is a thriller unlike anything else we’ve seen.
“This is the story of a marriage put through the ultimate test. It’s rare that you get given the opportunity to tell a story with such ambition and scope, and we’re eternally grateful to Polly at ITV and Alcon for allowing us to do that.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has phoned Donald Trump after the shooting (Picture: via REUTERS)
Sir Keir Starmer has phoned Donald Trump to express his relief that the US President and the first lady are safe ‘after shocking scenes’ at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
A Secret Service officer was injured in the shooting that saw the President evacuated to safety chaotic scenes last night.
The Prime Minister extended his best wishes following the ‘shocking scenes at last night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner’, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
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The PM expressed his relief that they were safe, and wished a speedy recovery to the officer injured in the incident, the spokesperson adds.
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The two leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the ‘urgent need to get shipping moving again in the Strait of Hormuz, given the severe consequences for the global economy’.
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