A new programme in Belfast is teaching women DIY and repair skills so they can fix things for themselves. The ‘Women Repairing It For Themselves’ workshop, hosted by Belfast Tool Library on the Shankill Road, aimed to teach women essential skills they can use in everyday life.
The free course took place as part of Belfast Repair Week on Thursday, March 5, to coincide with International Women’s Day. It was supported by the Northern Ireland Resources Network and Belfast City Council.
On the day, women were taught how to do basic electrical work, how to fix and change locks, how to fix holes in walls, as well as how to make small furniture repairs.
Speaking to Belfast Live, workshop co-ordinator at Belfast Tool Library, Jane McMahon, said they were blown away by the interest they received for the event – and hope to run it again in the future.
She said: “The demand for this workshop has been absolutely off the scale. It’s something we have put out with NIRN, Belfast City Council, Reclaim the Agenda, and the Belfast Tool Library.
“Over 4,500 people have viewed it on Facebook, with 240 likes and counting. Now, due to the demand, we’re hoping to repeat the workshop, and are looking for funding to repeat it as many times, because the demand is out there.
“Women want to learn how to do DIY and repair. Because nearly half of all DIY work is done by women now, having a space where they can come learn the skills and practise them in a very hands-on way, people are practising what skills they want to take away with them.”
Advertisement
Jane added that working with natural materials such as wood has “incredible” effects on overall mental wellbeing, which they have seen as a result of surveys participants have taken.
She added: “When people are working with wood, it quietens that white noise in their head, it relaxes people. People can feel the tension reducing.
Advertisement
“People come here on courses and see it as a sanctuary; they see it as a very peaceful place away from the pressures of daily life.”
Corrina Askin, an artist based in Belfast, first came to the Belfast Tool Library around a year and a half ago to get support with building an outdoor frame to support an art trail she was building at Belfast Castle.
She said the group have helped her learn so quickly, and has always been there for support and advice. Corrina praised the 50/50 male and female membership, as well as how helpful it is to be able to access over 1,500 tools whenever she needs them as part of the membership.
As for the event for women, she said: “It’s very empowering – it’s very important to have this. When I first came here, I think I’d used a screwdriver before, but that’s about it.
Advertisement
“I learned bits like how to fix wonky chairs, and I’m actually doing an art trail up at Belfast Castle, which I needed an outdoor frame for, which was a specific project for me. But when I got here and started learning, I realised I’ve now learned how to do those everyday repairs around the house.
“For anyone interested in learning, I would definitely say come on down. You do an induction and get a run-through on what the tools are and how they work. We have everything here in the tool library. Just like a book, you can borrow a tool for up to a week.
“There are women of all ages here. There are women who have retired and just thought they’re tired of waiting around to find something, so they’re doing it for themselves.
Advertisement
“It’s a very welcoming, can-do place. It’s very informal. I finished my project within six weeks, but I’m still here a year and a half later, because I just love it.”
Belfast Repair Week raises awareness of the wider circular economy, from reuse and upcycling to sharing and repair and supports more sustainable choices across the city.
You can find out more about membership and workshops at the Belfast Tool Library by clicking here.
Lest there be any doubt, the special relationship is pending repair.
Donald Trump had barely left the tarmac at Dover Air Base, a president in mournful respect for America’s fallen, when his attention turned to the UK prime minister.
Trump is clearly bruised by an old ally turning its back in his hour of need.
This is, after all, a president who maintains America’s alliances on America’s terms, who questions why international law should come between old friends.
It’s also hardly surprising when the US president picks him as the point man on points of conflict.
And yet, it had been a day of dignity at Dover Air Base in Delaware.
In this conflict, from this White House, dignity isn’t a given.
Advertisement
Dover Air Force Base was the setting for Saturday’s “dignified transfer” of the six American soldiers killed in combat.
The president cut a figure of mournful respect as he stood in honour of the six US soldiers killed in combat, the solemn duty of a commander-in-chief.
It was an image in contrast to the picture presented by his administration during a week of hostilities.
Rumours Trump asked Iraqi Kurds to go into Iran ‘not true’
Advertisement
Take a look at the social media content posted in recent days by White House staffers.
They’ve posted short films portraying the attack on Iraq as a video game. Footage of destruction is intercut with “point-of-view” video in which you, the viewer, are holding the weapon.
You can almost hear the sniggering and high-fiving of a production team playing it for likes.
It’s jingoism and triumphalism for the modern age, and, in conflict, maybe there’s a place for both.
Advertisement
In the context, it’s also tone deaf and tasteless.
Advertisement
Iran’s president responds to Trump
This military campaign has claimed hundreds of lives of various nationalities across a wide area, and Trump is warning there will “likely” be more US casualties.
Currently, the Americans face questions over possible involvement in the bombing of a girl’s school that killed more than 160 youngsters – something Trump claimed was “done by Iran” during a gaggle on Air Force One.
Advertisement
The reminders are everywhere of the horrors of war and its enduring trauma.
This is a military action with so many uncertainties surrounding its rationale and its objectives.
To spin it as entertainment on social media is to diminish the impact on all concerned.
It is jarring, as is the hyperbole passing as commentary by the administration’s political players.
Advertisement
The dignified transfer of US troops threw a focus back onto the absolute certainty of war, reinforced through time – its tragedy and its loss, laid bare.
6 key points after Noah Donohoe inquest week six | Belfast Live
Need to know
The coroner also said the progress of the inquest was “moving, maybe, not as quickly as I would have hoped”
Fiona Donohoe, the mother of 14-year-old Noah Donohoe, and solicitor Niall Murphy (right) arrive at Belfast Coroner’s Court(Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire)
6 key points after week six of inquest into death of Noah Donohoe
A police search adviser believed there was a 5% possibility that Noah Donohoe was in the culvert in which his body was eventually found, the inquest heard this past week. Sergeant Hutchings, who was the lead Polsa (police search adviser) in the search for the 14-year-old in 2020, said there had been no evidence to suggest the schoolboy had entered the underground water tunnel.
A jury cannot be reassured by a police officer’s claim that nothing could have been done differently in the search for Noah, a barrister for his mother Fiona told the inquest. Brenda Campbell KC challenged an account given by Sergeant Hutchings that the teenager could not have been found any sooner.
Police investigated the possibility of the involvement of known sex offenders when Noah was not found quickly after his disappearance. A police officer also told Belfast Coroner’s Court he believes Noah’s body would never have been found if he had not decided to start a search of underground water tunnels in 2020.
The body of Noah was found in a water tunnel as “quickly and safely” as was possible, a police officer told an inquest. The PSNI sergeant also told Belfast Coroner’s Court how he decided to carry out a search of a storm drain after discovering a cover on it could be opened.
A witness said that there was “complete and utter darkness” in the tunnel system where the schoolboy’s body was found. Owen McGivern, an official from the Department for Infrastructure Rivers, was also questioned at Belfast Coroner’s Court about access to the culvert system from the rear of houses in a north Belfast estate.
The coroner Mr Justice Rooney also told the jury this week that he would update them on the progress of the inquest, which he said was “moving, maybe, not as quickly as I would have hoped”
Get ready for a new week (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Jupiter has been in retrograde since November 2025 and turns back direct this week.
During this time, you may have been returning to your roots in some respect, thinking about the past and its impact on the present, generational patterns and traits, bonds you want to strengthen… or indeed loosen.
Now the retrograde is over, you emerge with a clear sense of what matters to you about your family, ancestors, past and background. It’s time this week to make your mark here, to set out as you mean to go on.
What shift will you be executing? Let’s ask the tarot cards…
Advertisement
Aries
March 21 to April 20
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by the Nine of Swords (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Aries for this week: Nine of Swords
Meaning: You’ve realised you have carried unspoken dread, insecurity or fear that comes from events or establishing beliefs experienced in childhood. And you’re ready to address that, to voice it, to say out loud how you think you’ve absorbed these fears from what was once the case long ago.
The power of saying things out loud cannot be overestimated. Find a confidant or friend (or even your mirror) and speak about this. Put down this weight. Release it.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by the Three of Coins (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Taurus for this week: Three of Coins
Meaning: You now understand just how loved you were (and are) and that things you resisted or felt were hard were all done from love. This kind of understanding often deepens when we have our own children or just hear other folks’ stories and see the differences.
Folk may have made mistakes, but it doesn’t diminish the love they had towards you, and that is precious, worth holding on to, and perhaps revisiting and celebrating now. Share love with those from your past. They did their best.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by The Emperor (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Gemini for this week: The Emperor
Meaning: You’re noticing how you were ‘shaped’ by a dominant figure in your childhood (likely a parent, likely a father or fatherly figure, but not necessarily).
Their discipline, approval, strictness and rules were boundary-creating and kept you within range of the ‘straight and narrow’ but maybe also tempered something in you that is naturally wilder, louder, bigger… and maybe now, as an adult, you can give that side of your nature permission to come out and play! Be wholly and fully you. Rebel.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by The Magician (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Cancer for this week: The Magician
Meaning: You’ve looked back at ‘little you’ and seen yourself clearly, especially your natural, innate talents and skills and interests. You’re realising you were born hardwired with certain powers and they’re the ones you should lean on in this life.
You may have circled other careers and experiences, but you’re ready to return to the ‘little you’ talents and interests you’ve always known were there. These form the blueprint of your potential for success. Work with it, enhance it, build on it. This is a new beginning.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by the Knight of Cups (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Leo for this week: Knight of Cups
Meaning: You are recognising your love language and defaults in relationships as being a product of the examples and environment from your childhood, what you saw growing up, what was presented as normal. We all have this blessing or curse!
The truth is that we can see the signs, recognise the patterns, and if they’re leading us down blind alleys, we can challenge it, we can change it. Do you want to? This is your love project homework this week.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by The Devil (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Virgo for this week: The Devil
Meaning: You are noticing repeat patterns, habits, self-limiting beliefs or behaviours that you, honestly, think have started and carried on in your life since childhood. They are so ingrained you never really noticed yourself doing it. But you do now. It’s one of those ‘can’t unsee it’ moments.
Break the chains, run wild and free from your old selfhood, smash through limiting ideas and opinions and challenge your thinking, prove yourself wrong. Change is afoot and it will liberate you.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by the Two of Swords (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Libra for this week: Two of Swords
Meaning: You’ve come to realise that choices you made in your past do not define or confine you. It’s the truth that they shaped your past experience but they don’t have to dictate your future path.
You can simply make new choices. Reunite, forgive, turn away, turn back, say yes, say no, revisit, return, move on. Whatever it is you regret, just make a new choice and put the wheels in motion this week.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by the Death card (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Scorpio for this week: Death
Meaning: This card is your sign’s actual talisman in the tarot deck, so this is a powerful pivot week, a transformation and transition lies ahead. Between now and your birthday, you are leaving the old, dead and false elements in your realm behind. Shedding and purging. And, along the way, you’re picking up new people, ideas, options and opportunities.
This links to childhood because you’re returning to your authentic nature and talents, your true selfhood, your original character before ‘adulting’ kicked in. This feels liberating, powerful and compelling. This is a major year for you.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by The Moon (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Sagittarius for this week: The Moon
Meaning: You’ve discovered there are secrets and illusions in your past that you could now, with technology and everything being as it is, uncover and resolve. Are you up for a mystery? Are you up for playing detective?
Whether this is ancestry and lineage research, replaying an old event, getting the truth of a situation you were lied to about, you know, deep down, things are not all as they seem or were presented to you before. But now you can crack the code and get the truth. Make it a mission this week.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by the Seven of Wands (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Capricorn for this week: Seven of Wands
Meaning: You’ve come to recognise a pattern of rivalry or competition in your past that has perhaps made you who you are today. Perhaps a friend or cousin who you competed with, perhaps sibling rivalry, perhaps trying to impress a parent or teacher.
Whatever it was, it ignited a competitive streak in you that has long lasted and served. But maybe you need to learn to conserve this streak for when it best serves, and put it away when it does not. Perhaps that is the lesson of this retrograde.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by the Ace of Coins (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Aquarius for this week: Ace of Coins
Meaning: You’ve worked through your roots and influences, from childhood, regarding life’s foundations – health, wealth, work, home. You know where you’ve picked up good values and habits, and where you want to branch out and do it differently, and this self awareness feels positive and empowering.
There’s no blame or pity or regret; it’s all about seeing patterns, working with them, and using your experience to make good sound choices now. You are building something new. A new year-long project in one of your foundation areas is beginning.
You are working with a new perspective on the past this week as shown by the Ten of Coins (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Pisces for this week: Ten of Coins
Meaning: You’ve seen your life story in its entirety so far, extracted key lessons and wisdoms, cemented magical memories, celebrated the highs and shown compassion for the lows and feel, in the end, a tremendous sense of gratitude and excitement that there’s still so much more to write, do and create.
This story is far from finished, and you know the best is yet to come. You feel excited and optimistic this week and ready to start designing your best-ever era in life. This is a true starting point.
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
Emma Hudson, husband Paul, and daughter Sadie, from Middlesbrough, said tourists like themselves have felt “abandoned” amid the week-long crisis arising from the ongoing conflict between the USA, Israel and Iran.
It began on the day they were due to return home from the UAE, last Saturday (March 1), after an eight-day winter break in Dubai, when their British Airways flight was cancelled.
In the days since, there have been a string of further cancellations of planned repatriation flights amid ongoing safety fears, with Iran’s targeting of Gulf nations thought to be assisting the US, with drone strikes, many of which have been intercepted.
Emma Huson, from Middlesbrough, hopes she and family can return from Dubai on flight on Sunday (March 8) (Image: Emma Hudson)
The family has now managed to book onto an Emirates flight to Newcastle, scheduled to leave Dubai on Sunday morning.
Advertisement
She said if that is also cancelled, they are also booked onto another Emirates flight on March 12.
Paul Hudson and daughter Sadie, hoping to make return flight from Dubai on Sunday (Image: Emma Hudson)
But with further emergency alerts on Saturday night, the Hudsons were preparing to spend what they hope will be their last night in Dubai in beds provided in the basement of their hotel for safety reasons, in case of further strikes.
One of the regular alerts received by holidaymakers in Dubai, warning of potential drone attacks in the Gulf state (Image: Emma Hudson)
She said they have a taxi booked for early in the morning, but conceded she did have some misgivings over the potential safety of flying from Dubai at the moment.
“I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing, struggling with the decisions I’m making.
Advertisement
“Is it the right thing to fly?
“Is it safer on the ground or in the air.
“As a parent, it’s very difficult.
“I don’t want to harm my daughter.”
Advertisement
She conceded if she was a member of cabin crew or a pilot she would not take the risk.
Mrs Hudson said there was also a suicide drone attack on Saturday morning at the very terminal from where they are due to fly.
She said they have also considered going to neighbouring Oman as her nephew took the six-hour drive there and is there, now, also awaiting a repatriation flight.
But she opted against it, on safety grounds.
Advertisement
Mrs Hudson said she has felt failed and abandoned by the Government, having been given conflicting advice and merely “stay inside”, while she as also pointed to local charities which could assist.
She said they have been “traumatised” by the noise of drone strikes being intercepted, a now familiar sound.
preparing for night in Dubai hotel basement amid further retaliatory drone strikes by Iran (Image: Emma Hudson)
“My daughter suffers with anxiety, and she’s been absolutely petrified,” she said.
“We can hear them intercepting missiles, it’s so loud.
Advertisement
“On Sunday night (March 2), we had to go and hide in the basement, it was traumatising.
“People on social media are trying to say life is normal and nothing has happened, but that’s not true at all.
These ersatile and affordable Aldi products are great if you want to lower your ultraprocessed food intake on a budget.
Nicola Roy Spare Time writer
03:06, 08 Mar 2026
Like many others, I began this year with a goal – to start eating better, and hopefully feel better in myself. My diet previously wasn’t poor, by any means, but it could have benefited from a bit of improvement.
There’s so much information across the internet right now about what you should and shouldn’t be consuming. But it typically comes down to this – eating whole foods, minimally processed, is probably best for your mind and body.
Advertisement
I started making a deliberate effort to include more of these in my diet in 2026, and I’m pleased to say it’s actually been quite straightforward.
Dedicating a bit of time planning out meals at the start of the week has worked wonders for staying on track. While my goal is to include less ultra-processed food in my diet, I do get bored easily, so my meals and snacks need to be interesting.
There’s no true definition of ultra-processed food, but generally, it means food that has been modified with additives and other ingredients that you probably wouldn’t have in the kitchen. Not all UPFs are bad for us – such as wholegrain breakfast cereals, types of hummus and seeded bread – but having a quick scan of the label and picking things with the fewest or healthiest-sounding ingredients possible is always a good idea, and I think it’s made a real difference to how I feel, reports the Express.
Advertisement
Fortunately, this needn’t break the bank either. I do the majority of my grocery shopping at Aldi, and there are five items I consistently purchase most weeks.
While they may not all be entirely unprocessed, they’re adaptable and tasty, so here’s what I often select from the aisles.
Ensure our latest lifestyle and travel headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Sourdough
Beginning with an excellent sourdough loaf. I’m fond of a Jason’s loaf, but Aldi has significantly improved their sourdough range lately and one of the recent additions might be my new favourite.
The Jason’s ciabattin loaf is typically my first choice, as it’s smaller than a standard sourdough and has a sharper taste which I love. Towards the end of last year, Aldi launched their own alternative, and I believe I’ve purchased it every week since.
You can’t tell the difference between the two, and with the Aldi one costing £1.59, it’s truly a no-brainer. The ingredients are minimal, it freezes great, and it makes the perfect slice of toast – what’s not to love?
Dark chocolate
Everyone loves a sweet treat, but if you’re keen to maintain your health goals, dark chocolate is an excellent choice. The higher the cocoa percentage, the better – and Aldi stocks an 85% variety which I purchase without fail every single week.
Each piece is individually wrapped, which is ideal for portion control. Dark chocolate contains high levels of polyphenols, according to Healthline, which help the body in combating stress and preventing illnesses.
I enjoy having this during the evening with a cup of tea, or using it for healthy sweet baking. At £2.49, it’s excellent value for genuinely quality chocolate.
Peanut butter
Nut butters, whilst calorie-dense, provide an excellent source of healthy fats. Peanut butter typically is my preference, though some varieties are considerably healthier than others.
Numerous jars available in supermarkets contain excessive sugar and unnecessary additives. I aim to buy peanut butter containing solely peanuts and nothing else, and Aldi offers an excellent option.
It’s available in both smooth and crunchy versions, catering to all preferences. I enjoy this as a snack with apple slices, adding it into stir-fry sauces with soy and garlic, or spooning it to my overnight oats in the morning.
They’re also £1.59 each, which is a substantial saving compared to alternative brands such as Whole Earth.
Advertisement
Chia seeds
Following on the list are chia seeds, which contain exceptionally high fibre content, supporting digestion whilst delivering a nutritious source of omega-3 fatty acids as well.
As previously mentioned, I become tired of consuming identical meals repeatedly, so I need variety. I’ve discovered chia pudding makes an excellent choice – for the base, you simply need Greek yoghurt, a spoonful of chia seeds and some milk, then combine and allow it to set in the refrigerator overnight.
Then come morning, you can garnish with whatever takes your fancy. I alternate between toppings such as raspberry ripple, mango, peanut butter, cinnamon apples, blueberry cheesecake – the seeds are an excellent ingredient to stock, and they’re incredibly filling too, all for £1.69.
Advertisement
Tofu
The last item that always ends up in my trolley every week is tofu. This soft protein derived from soya beans is considered minimally processed, but there are still numerous significant health advantages that shouldn’t be ignored.
It’s an excellent source of protein, especially if you avoid animal products but still want to support muscle recovery. It also provides all of the essential amino acids your body requires, according to Healthline.
You may think that tofu is bland, but when prepared properly with enough seasoning, it’s delicious. I love coating small chunks in cornflour and sesame oil, air frying for 15 minutes, and then adding into rice and noodle dishes.
Advertisement
It’s equally delicious in curries, stews and tacos – there are genuinely limitless methods to prepare it, and at Aldi, it’s just 95p for a block, which is remarkable value.
The death of the Soham murderer Ian Huntley is a focus for Sunday’s papers, with the Sunday Mirror headlining the news as the “death of a monster”. The convicted killer has died 10 days after he was attacked in prison, Sunday Mirror reports, quoting a former guard, who said “no one will shed any tears”. The former school caretaker had been serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years for murdering best friends Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002.
Sunday People headlines with a “special place in hell” for Ian Huntley who has “finally died”, the paper reports, after an attack in prison. Above an image of the child murderer is a US Air Force bomber at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which the paper describes as capable of delivering 34 tons of explosives.
Similarly, the Sunday Telegraph leads with former UK prime minister Tony Blair rebuking Starmer over his failure to back “Trump’s war”. Blair, who supported the US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, told a “private luncheon” on Friday that Sir Keir should have done more to support the US from the “very beginning of the escalating conflict”, the paper reports.
A former Formula One engineer has urged UK defence chiefs to “harness the innovative skills within motor racing to arm Britain for a potential conflict with Russia”, the Sunday Express reports. Mark Mathieson, who once worked at Mercedes and McLaren, believes the answers to “improving slow, ineffective” processes “used by the Ministry of Defence” can be found in the sport.
The 52-year-old suffered severe brain trauma in the attack at HMP Frankland, Durham, on February 26.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “The murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman remains one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation’s history, and our thoughts are with their families.”
Holly Wells, left, and her best friend, Jessica Chapman, both 10, were murdered by Ian Huntley (Image: PA/PA Wire)
Soham killer Ian Huntley has died in hospital after he was attacked in the workshop of the maximum security Frankland prison (Image: PA/PA Wire)
Huntley, who murdered the 10-year-olds in 2002, had been on life support in hospital after being hit repeatedly over the head by an inmate armed with a metal bar.
His life support was switched off at lunchtime on Friday after brain tests showed he was in a vegetative state, The Sun reported, and he was confirmed dead this morning (Saturday).
Advertisement
Murderer and rapist Anthony Russell, 43, reportedly shouted “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after Huntley was attacked in the recycling area of the prison last week.
Durham Constabulary said in a statement on Saturday: “A man who was attacked at HMP Frankland in Durham last week has died in hospital this morning,” said a Durham Constabulary spokesman.
“Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26.
“A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.
Advertisement
“A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.”
Huntley murdered Holly and Jessica after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002. He dumped their bodies in a ditch.
Recommended reading:
Murderer Ian Huntley has ‘life support switched off’ after Frankland attack
Murderer Ian Huntley ‘blind with little chance of survival’ after Frankland attack
Officer who dealt with ‘arrogant’ Ian Huntley lifts lid on ‘beastly’ HMP Frankland
The former school caretaker’s life sentence recommended he serve at least 40 years for the Soham murders.
Advertisement
Russell was sentenced to a whole-life tariff in 2021 for the murders of Julie Williams, 58, and her son David Williams, 32, at separate flats in Coventry, and pregnant 31-year-old Nicole McGregor, who was found in woodland near Leamington Spa three days later.
The Lancashire seaside resort has been ranked the UK’s best large town
Milo Boyd Digital Travel Editor and Commercial Content Lead
02:39, 08 Mar 2026
A town in the North West has been crowned as the finest in the nation.
Liverpool and Manchester usually attract most of the spotlight in the north-western corner of England, and justifiably so. Nevertheless, when evaluating the premier large towns (importantly, not cities) across not just the North West but the whole country, one location emerges supreme.
Advertisement
“The town evolved out of an unplanned sell-off of land by various lords of the manor, and was destined to be chaotic. The Golden Mile and Pleasure Beach are latter-day versions of the free-for-all fête that once took over the strand,” Chris Moss writes about his leading choice.
“As the new Showtown museum reveals, the modern seaside mass-market holiday was invented here, as was much of the light entertainment and comedy that dominated the small screen for decades. You can eat well (the Wok Inn is superb), drink well and party well here but neither the prom in a gale nor the back streets after dark are for the faint-hearted. It’s a UK one-off. An obligatory stop once every decade if you want to know your nation and yourself.”
Do you agree with these rankings? Share your views in the comments section below or email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
Chris’s selection is none other than Blackpool. He gave the legendary Lancashire seaside destination a rating of 9.5/10 in an article exploring potential candidates for the 2028 UK Town of Culture, following Bradford’s successful tenure in 2025.
Blackpool’s rise to the top position comes at the expense of prosperous Cheltenham in Gloucestershire, which claims second place, followed by Ipswich in Suffolk in third, and Rochdale, Greater Manchester in fourth.
For those who live in or cherish Blackpool, or have enjoyed sun-drenched days at this coastal resort, there’s no need for a reminder as to why this town of 141,000 deserves the leading position. However, for those yet to discover the Northern equivalent of Las Vegas, here’s a concise overview of its heritage, present attractions, and why its number one ranking may prove surprising.
The heritage
Until the mid-eighteenth century, Blackpool was a modest, largely overlooked hamlet positioned on the Irish Sea. It only became popular as a fashionable destination later in the 1700s, when visitors began travelling there for sea bathing – an activity not widely regarded as pleasurable until this wellness trend emerged.
Advertisement
A spike in visitor numbers resulted in the creation of several hotels by 1781, before the railway reached the town in 1846. Throughout the nineteenth century, Blackpool grew from a humble town into a major coastal resort, with trainloads of holidaymakers arriving to enjoy the sea air.
Its three piers and numerous existing attractions, such as the Blackpool Tower, were built by the end of the century.
By the mid-twentieth century, Blackpool’s population had grown to 147,000, considerably more than its present count.
What to do
Following the coronavirus pandemic, which witnessed a substantial increase in domestic tourism across the UK, Blackpool has been thriving. Figures for 2023 show the seaside town attracted 21.5m visitors – a 6% rise from 2022’s total of 20.3m.
Advertisement
The annual STEAM report showed that full-time employment within Blackpool’s tourism and hospitality sectors has grown to 23,419 positions – representing a 5.3% increase on the previous year.
The reasons are clear. Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Tower, SEALIFE Blackpool and the Blackpool Illuminations remain major attractions that draw in considerable visitor numbers each year.
The resort is also famous for its evening entertainment and has become an increasingly popular choice for hen and stag parties, thanks to excellent venues such as the Cask and Tap, Rhythm and Brew Room, and Shickers Tavern, plus the fact that getting a decent round of drinks for £20, with change to spare, is still possible.
Advertisement
Something of a surprise
Despite its appeal, Blackpool faces certain challenges. Since the arrival of cheap overseas package holidays in the latter part of the 20th century, the North West jewel has lost some of its shine as it tries to compete with the sunshine and beaches on offer across Europe.
Blackpool grapples with significant, entrenched socioeconomic issues, often ranking among the most deprived local authorities in England. It suffers from high levels of poverty, unemployment, and poor health indicators.
The seaside town also struggles with a seasonal, low-wage economy, subpar housing, and increased crime rates.
The Farnworth-raised comedian took to Instagram to look back at where it all began ahead of his 10th appearance for England, a milestone that will see him become Soccer Aid’s all-time appearance holder in its 20th anniversary year.
The post highlights just how long he has been part of the event, with images featuring a host of familiar faces from across sport and entertainment.
Over the years, he has shared the pitch with stars including Stormzy, Tom Hiddleston, Jamie Redknapp, Freddie Flintoff, Mo Farah, Olly Murs and Niall Horan.
Advertisement
In the caption, he wrote: “I’m back to make my record-breaking 10th @socceraid for UNICEF appearance.
“Made my first appearance in 2010 and here we are 16 years later!!!
“I’ve got another load of pics for you tomorrow! Too many to show on one carousel.
“This year the match will take place at @londonstadium on Sunday, May 31! Let’s go!!!!”
Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised more than £121 million since it was launched in 2006 by Robbie Williams.
This year’s match will take place at the London Stadium on Sunday, May 31.
Advertisement
Often seen in goal for England, Paddy has become one of the most recognisable faces in the squad over the past 15 years and this latest appearance marks a significant personal milestone.
Samantha Bryan, daughter of child killer Ian Huntley, has said a “funeral is pointless for a man like him” after her dad died this morning.
22:46, 07 Mar 2026Updated 22:47, 07 Mar 2026
The daughter of child murder Ian Huntley has broken her silence after his death and called for his ashes to “flushed down the toilet”. Samantha Bryan, 27, said the Soham killer “isn’t worth a funeral” as she spoke for the first time after he died in hospital.
Huntley became one of the most infamous killers in British history after he murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in August 2002. In a statement released this morning, the Ministry of Justice said his crimes remain “one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation’s history”.
Speaking for the first time after his death, Samantha said that not only should her late dad’s ashes be flushed “down the toilet”, but he doesn’t deserve a grave and will burn in hell, reports the Mirror.
Advertisement
She told The Sun: “He shouldn’t have the dignity of a funeral and grave. I will not be going. A funeral is pointless for a man like him. Funerals are supposed to be about celebrating someone’s life and there’s nothing about him to celebrate. It takes up people’s valuable time and he’s not worth it.
“There’s no point having a funeral as he’ll burn in hell. There is no place for him in heaven. The devil is waiting.”
Samantha added that she didn’t want a grave for Huntley as she believed “freaks or weirdos” could show him “twisted respect”.
Advertisement
She said: “I don’t want there to ever be any possibility of freaks or weirdos going to a resting place or memorial, to show him some kind of twisted respect. The thought of that is disgusting. For the sake of what he’s done I want people to forget him.” Her attitude towards the killer is in line with the opinion shared by the rest of Soham, who believe the killer’s “not worth their breath or time”.
Huntley died at the age of 52 after he was brutally beaten with a metal pole in a prison attack last week. The double child murder was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle following the attack on Thursday, February 26.
The attack is said to have left him blind and in a ‘vegetative’ state. His life support was turned off overnight.
In a statement this morning, Durham Constabulary confirmed only that Huntley had died in a hospital on Saturday morning, and that his death following “an incident in the workshop” at the prison were he was being held.
The service confirmed a “police investigation into the circumstances” is now ongoing, with no one arrested or charged in relation to his death.
A spokesperson said: “Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26.
“A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges.”
Advertisement
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.
