Pressure washers have endless uses, from cleaning your car or bike to the patio, the gutters, a well used barbecue, dusty garden chairs and even your windows. Some even use them to clean carpets and chimneys, which seems foolhardy, but the trick is to use the best pressure washer for the job since the likes of Kärcher and Clarke differ from Bosch and Worx.
Using high pressure is essential to lift any sort of deeply ingrained dirt, but lower-pressure washers are more economic if you’re just cleaning mucky boots. Either way, these handy devices use less water than trying to clean stubborn dirt with a hose because they require far less water to make an impact.
Pressure washers can cost anything from £50 to £650, but you can find in-depth reviews of all the biggest brands in the business below, and some advice from a professional gardener on how to use them. First, here’s a quick look at our top five:
The key thing to look at is the cleaning pressure. Anything over 150 bar is high, capable of blast-cleaning concrete, while anything under 50 bar is low and best left for plastic garden furniture. Consider the quality of the materials too, metal pumps are better than plastic ones, for example.
Also take into account any additional features and accessories it comes with – such as nozzles, spray washers or a remote control – since these can be expensive to buy separately. Hose length, noise level, weight and value for money are also important. They generally draw between 1,400 and 2,800 Watts, which at today’s prices will cost between 37p and 74p an hour to run
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Lily Allen’s latest tour in support of her West End Girl album is the hottest ticket in the UK at the moment and is coming to Wales next week.
The Cardiff date is on March 18 at the New Theatre and while it sold out months ago, there is still a way to get tickets for the first of two shows the Madeline singer is performing in Wales in 2026.
Allen, whose West End Girl album hit the top of the charts when it was released in October last year and was written following her split from husband, David Harbour, is also playing at the city’s Utilita Arena on Wednesday, June 24. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
Tickets for the New Theatre show on March 18 sold out a while back but there are still options on resale sites like viagogo and Twickets.
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So far there is a pair of tickets on sale at viagogo for £221 each.Twickets have none for sale at time of writing but it’s worth checking as the gig gets nearer.
There are cheaper tickets for resale for the Utilita Arena gig on June 24, though. Ticketmaster have them starting at £172 each, here.
Official retailers Ticketmaster and Seat Unique may still have tickets leftover for the UK tour as a whole, too. While the former sold out shortly after their release, the latter still has some VIP and hospitality tickets left over.
One member of the Iranian women’s football team has decided to leave Australia, taking the number seeking asylum to six, amid fears they could be in danger after they did not sing Iran’s national anthem before a game.
They were in Australia for the Asian Cup when the Iran war began just over a week ago.
Two more women – a footballer and a member of staff – had decided to join five players who were granted humanitarian visas a day earlier and remain in Australia.
But one woman decided on Wednesday to return to Iran, taking the number seeking asylum in Australia from seven to six.
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The change of heart highlights the difficult decision the footballers faced off the back of the Asian Cup competition in Queensland.
Australia’s home affairs minister Tony Burke told reporters that, after making security assessments, not everyone who applied for a visa was granted one.
“There is a reason why some people were not made a direct offer [to stay]. There were some people leaving Australia who I am glad are no longer in Australia,” he said, without giving further details.
The rest of the team departed from Sydney late on Tuesday to return to Iran.
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The six team members remaining in Australia have received humanitarian visas for 12 months and can then begin the process to permanent residency.
Image: The players before Sunday’s match with the Philippines. Pic: Reuters
Speaking after five people originally applied for visas, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women. They are safe here and they should feel at home here.”
The Australian government had been under pressure to protect the women after they were knocked out of the tournament.
The players were reportedly criticised on Iranian TV, with a commentator saying they had committed the “pinnacle of dishonour” for staying silent during the national anthem before their match on 2 March – two days after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran.
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“Traitors during wartime must be dealt with more severely,” presenter Mohammad Reza Shahbazi said, according to the Reuters news agency.
Some believed the team’s silence was an act of resistance, while others saw it as a show of mourning following the initial US-Israel attacks on their country.
The team has not made any specific comment on their stance.
They sang and saluted ahead of defeats to Australia on Thursday and the Philippines on Sunday, but there were concerns they had been ordered to do so.
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The team failed to get past the group stage and players’ union FIFPRO said it was “really concerned” about their welfare and had been unable to contact them.
Dozens of people chanted “let them go” and “save our girls” as the team’s bus left the stadium on the Gold Coast after Sunday’s match.
Supporters said they could see at least three players making the international hand signal for help, according to CNN.
Image: Supporters ran up to the bus as it left the stadium. Pic: Reuters
Image: Pic: Reuters
Before the rest of the squad left the country, some Iranian Australians held a protest at the team’s hotel and at the airport, seeking to prevent the women from leaving the country, citing fears for their safety in Iran.
Mr Trump posted on Truth Social about how some players felt they had to return “because they are worried about the safety of their families, including threats to those family members if they don’t return”.
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Image: Sara Didar of Iran during the match with South Korea on 2 March. Pic: Reuters
‘Ongoing threat’
Exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who lives in the US, said he had been told that Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh and Mona Hamoudi were now in a “safe location”.
He earlier said the team faced an “ongoing threat” after their “brave act” not to sing the national anthem.
“As a result of their brave act of civil disobedience in refusing to sing the current regime’s national anthem, they face dire consequences should they return to Iran,” he posted on social media.
The Australian Iranian Council had also urged the government to protect the players.
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It launched an online petition asking authorities to “ensure that no member of Iran’s women’s national football team is to depart Australia while credible fears for their safety remain”.
Personal assistants play a vital role in helping people live independently.
Opportunities have been boosted for people needing tailored day-to-day support after students gave an enthusiastic reaction to learning about a little-known social care post.
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A series of presentations at South Lanarkshire College explained the role of the personal assistant (PA) and the ways in which it can be a perfect fit for students.
Personal assistants play a vital role in helping people live independently and make everyday choices and, although the role remains unknown to many, it is in growing demand.
That momentum is being strengthened after social care students at the college showed strong interest in becoming personal assistants following the series of presentations about the role and the difference it makes to people needing this type of individualised support.
The sessions highlighted how PA roles can offer flexible, paid work alongside study, while supporting people to live full lives at home and in their communities.
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The initiative reflects South Lanarkshire Council’s commitment to working closely with the college to support the development of the local social care workforce, including through its work within the South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).
Personal Assistants are paid carers who work directly for an individual who has been assessed as needing support. They work with people with a wide range of needs, including disabilities, mental health issues and learning disabilities, as well as with older people and families, providing support in the home or community.
The role is rooted in the Independent Living Movement, which champions disabled people’s right to choice, control and independence in everyday life.
The presentations were organised by Anne Broderick, fieldwork manager with the HSCP, who said demand for PAs continues to outstrip supply.
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She said: “We’ve heard from many people who feel a PA would be the right option for them but who are struggling to recruit.
“By engaging directly with social care students, we can raise awareness of a role that works well for both the individual needing support and the PA.”
Anne was joined by Louise Docherty, from the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living (GCIL), which supports disabled people to develop person‑centred support arrangements.
Louise said: “The PA role offers flexibility in contract hours to suit both the supported person and PA, builds valuable experience that will help future job applications and provides both an extra source of income and a great sense of fulfilment.
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“It was encouraging to see students recognising how rewarding this work can be and how it can fit alongside their studies. We’re passionate about promoting PA roles that offer purpose, job satisfaction and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
South Lanarkshire College welcomed the opportunity for students to hear directly from partners working in social care.
Scott Gray, curriculum quality manager for health, social care and science, said: “Roles like personal assistants allow students to complement their studies with paid, real‑world experience, while helping employers access motivated, well‑prepared trained staff direct from college.”
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Professor Soumen Sengupta, chief officer for health and social care in South Lanarkshire, said the work highlighted the importance of valuing and developing the PA workforce.
He said: “Personal Assistants play a hugely important role in supporting people to live independently and with dignity.
“Working with South Lanarkshire College helps raise awareness of the Personal Assistant role and the principles of self‑directed support, while giving students a clear understanding of the difference they can make. The enthusiasm shown by students is genuinely encouraging — they are the workforce of tomorrow.”
Becoming a social care Personal Assistant does not require formal qualifications, and anyone interested can find out more on the council’s website.
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*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
The Met Office has issued a new yellow weather warning, as risks of snow and freezing weather hits the UK – with threats of travel disruption
Emma O’Neill Content Editor
07:38, 11 Mar 2026
Strong winds and snow are expected to sweep across parts of the UK in the coming days, with forecasters warning that travel disruption is possible.
A yellow weather warning is currently in place for parts of Scotland as strengthening winds develop across the country. The Met Office alert covers northern and western Scotland on Wednesday, where gusts could reach up to 80mph (130km/h) in exposed locations.
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The warning remains in force until 12pm GMT, with widespread gusts of 65-70mph (105-110km/h) expected across the affected areas. Forecasters say there is also a small chance that some locations could briefly see winds hitting the 80mph mark.
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The strongest winds are forecast to arrive first across the Outer and Inner Hebrides before spreading eastwards. Northern mainland Scotland and Orkney are also expected to experience the strongest gusts later in the day.
As the winds intensify, there is a risk of disruption to travel across the affected areas. The Met Office has warned that ferry services could be cancelled, flights may be delayed and bridges could impose restrictions on high-sided vehicles as the gusty conditions develop.
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Despite the strong winds, much of the UK will see dry and bright weather on Wednesday. Scotland will see more unsettled conditions, with frequent showers moving through during the day.
By Thursday the worst of the winds across western Scotland are expected to ease, but blustery conditions will become more widespread across the rest of the UK.
Large parts of the country are likely to experience gusts between 40 and 50mph (65-80km/h). Winds could reach around 60mph (97km/h) along western coasts of England and Wales, while northern and western Scotland could still see gusts up to around 65mph (105km/h).
The unsettled weather is being driven by a deepening area of low pressure positioned between Scotland and Iceland. The system is generating strong westerly winds, gales and occasionally severe gales as it moves across the region.
Forecasters are also monitoring conditions heading into the weekend as another deep area of low pressure is expected to pass to the south of Iceland. Strong winds on the southern flank of that system could once again bring blustery conditions to the UK.
From Friday, a northwesterly wind is expected to begin pulling colder air down from the Arctic region.
As a result, temperatures are forecast to fall to around three or four degrees below average. Combined with the strong winds, conditions could feel significantly colder across much of the country.
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Fast-moving hail showers could develop in many areas, and brief flurries of wet snow are possible almost anywhere, including parts of southern England.
However, forecasters say snow in southern areas is unlikely to settle.
Any significant accumulation is expected to be confined mainly to the mountains and higher ground of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Some snowfall could also occur on higher ground in Wales and south-west England.
Further wintry showers are also possible later in the weekend, with forecasters warning that conditions on Sunday could remain unsettled.
Princess Andre has admitted that comments surrounding Katie Price’s ongoing weight loss made her ‘feel sick,’ as she spoke candidly about her mother’s struggles
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
07:41, 11 Mar 2026
Katie Price is not happy with her appearance, according to her daughter Princess Andre. In a new episode of her ITV reality show, The Princess Diaries, the 18-year-old has opened up about her mum’s ongoing weight loss and appearance.
In recent months, Katie’s appearance has sparked concern among fans and her family, who have been having “honest” conversations with the former model. But her daughter, Princess, has now said that cruel comments about Katie’s frail appearance had left her feeling “sick”.
During one scene, Princess, who is carving a name out for herself, sat down with pal Heidi Katona, the daughter of Katie’s best friend, Kerry Katona. “I feel bad for mum as she is not the most happy with herself, people all slate her for how she looks,” Princess told Heidi.
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The teen went on to add: “I posted a vid of her out shopping the other day, and the comments made me feel sick. I’ve never seen anything like it. We’ve all told her she looks skinny, but why do other people have a right to comment on it? The amount of hate she got was awful.”
Katie herself has previously stated that she was concerned about her “gaunt” appearance and was seeking medical advice. Speaking on her podcast, The Katie Price Show, with her younger sister, the former glamour model commented: “I know I look gaunt, I look like I’m ill – hence why I’m going to the doctors tomorrow.
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“I don’t know how many times I have to say to people, ‘Yes, I know I’ve lost weight,’ and there’s obviously a reason, I said it to the doctor. We all know that we’re trying to sort it all out, and as soon as I know, then I’ll let everyone know.”
She went on to say that she desperately wants to put on weight but was unable to. She explained: “I just wanna put on weight, I really do, but I’m just not. Everyone knows I eat – I eat anything that I want, I’ve never had a problem with what I eat.”
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In October last year, it emerged that Katie had been hospitalised over her weight loss, and even medical staff were baffled by her ongoing problems. Speaking directly to fans, she said: “I’ve been up early at the doctors so she could do some bloods and because my veins are so s**t they had three attempts.
“They could only fill two tubes up, so I’ve got to go back in two weeks. And I’ve got to have my stitches out then because they looked at my little stab wound that I did… The reason I’m going to the doctors is because I keep losing weight and I don’t know why. So that’s that.”
But in December, the Mirror revealed that those close to Katie had been open about their concerns with the television personality. A source told us that Katie’s family have “honest” talks with her. Our source said: “They do share their concerns with Kate and have open, honest conversations with her about how she’s feeling – including her mental health and her weight loss.
“Those conversations come from a place of love, care and support, and they remain private within the family. What people too often forget is just how much Kate has been through and how much she has already overcome. Her well-being is, and always will be, the priority, and it’s something she is actively working on.”
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Our source went on to slam “absolutely devastating” speculation about Katie’s appearance. They said: “It was quite frankly completely unnecessary. It was cruel, hurtful and deeply insensitive, and it reduced a very real, very personal journey into a sensationalised narrative. There was no consideration for the impact those words might have, not just on Kate, but on her family too.”
A mum was left in a coma for three weeks after a fall on holiday – but the accident ended up saving her life as doctors found a life-changing brain tumour. Natalie Fry travelled to Jamaica to celebrate her 50th birthday, but while there, suffered a horrifying accident that left her family fearing the worst.
Her daughter, Chloe Bavin, 33, didn’t leave her mum’s hospital bedside in the hopes she would get to hear her voice at least one more time. “Sitting by mum’s bedside while she was in a coma was the most frightening time of my life,” said Chloe, from Weston-super-Mare.
“She was on a ventilator, surrounded by machines, and we were told there was a high chance she wouldn’t survive. I was in denial. My mum is such a strong, beautiful and confident woman. I had never seen her weak. Seeing her like that, with tubes and machines everywhere, broke me.
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“We didn’t know if she would wake up, if she would be paralysed, or if she would even remember who we were. I kept thinking about the last conversation we’d had and wondering if I’d ever hear her voice again.
“Staying strong for her and my children while living with that uncertainty was incredibly hard.”
Natalie, a 999 call handler, suffered the ordeal in June 2023. She had fallen and hurt her knee, which left the mum feeling unwell. After arriving back on UK soil, she was referred for an MRI scan after an examination which showed the mass on her brain.
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Chloe said: “It was awful. Mum went to the appointment with her husband Nick and he phoned me because mum was in shock and couldn’t say the words herself. Never in a million years did we think something like that could happen.
“Hearing the words ‘brain tumour’ completely turned our world upside down. “The doctors said that mum needed surgery or she wouldn’t survive. From that moment, everything changed.
“The fear, the uncertainty and the not knowing of what was coming next. It was overwhelming for all of us.”
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The procedure didn’t come without its risks, though. These included loss of hearing, sight, mobility and even death. On 3 July 2025, however, the family decided that Natalie, now 52 to undergo the nine-hour surgery.
Luckily, it was successful and the majority of the schwannoma tumour had been removed; though a little part was left as it was too close to a nerve. Just a few hours later, though, Natalie started being sick after suffering a bleed on the brain that left her in the three-week coma.
Slowly, the ventilator support was reduced, a shunt was fitted to drain fluid from her brain and her body began making tiny movements. Against all odds, the mum pulled through and spent the next six months in hospital learning how to speak and walk again.
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Now, she’s back at work despite dealing with ongoing challenges on the left side of her body, including paralysis in her face, loss of hearing, limited eyesight and no feeling. In December 2024, an MRI found another small growth which was luckily treated with radiotherapy.
It’s unclear if this has worked, though. To help raise funds for further research, Chloe is running the iconic TCS London Marathon in April, with all proceeds going to charity Brain Tumour Research.
Chloe added: “We didn’t realise the true impact of a brain tumour until we saw someone once so vibrant and independent become like a baby again. Unable to speak, breathe properly, swallow or sit up.
“We have a new normal now. It’s hard because mum doesn’t look or sound the same and the trauma has affected us all. Running the London Marathon means everything to me.
“During the darkest days, running became my therapy – the only time my mind could switch off from the trauma. To now be running 26.2 miles for mum, and to still have her here cheering me on, is something I will never take for granted.
“This marathon is about hope. It’s about showing other families that they’re not alone and about raising vital funds so that one day no one has to go through what we have.”
Carol Robertson, National Events Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Chloe for taking on the London Marathon in honour of her mum. Every step she runs will help us move closer to finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.
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“Stories like Chloe’s highlight why our work is so vital. We urgently need increased awareness and investment in research to improve outcomes for patients and their families.
“We wish Chloe the very best of luck and will be cheering her on every step of the way.”
At least six people have been killed and three others taken to the hospital with severe injuries after a man ‘set himself on fire’ in a town west of the Swiss capital.
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Police spokesperson Frederic Papaux said a ‘voluntary act’ could be the cause of the inferno on Tuesday evening in the town of Kerzers, about 15 miles west of Bern.
The regional transport bus is operated by PostBus, which is affiliated with the national postal service.
Images from the scene on Swiss media showed flames tearing through the bus.
An eyewitness told local media in Albanian: ‘A man set himself on fire inside. He poured gasoline and set himself on fire!’
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‘After rushing to the scene, rescue teams noted that the vehicle was totally engulfed in flames,’ the regional government said in a statement.
Six people are confirmed to have died from the flames (Picture: X)
Ambulance and helicopter teams ferried three injured people with severe injuries to the hospital, while two others were treated on site, police said.
Mr Papaux said an investigation was underway, and refused to say if the incident was terror-related.
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The bus was travelling from Düdingen to Kerzers, and burst into flames before the final stop, according to local media.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin wrote on X: ‘It distresses and saddens me that yet more people in Switzerland have lost their lives in a serious fire.
‘The background is being clarified. To the relatives of the deceased from Kerzers, I extend my condolences. And I think of the injured and the emergency services.’
On New Year’s Eve, 41 people died in an inferno at the Constellation in the ski resort of Crans-Montana.
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The bus had been close to its final stop before the accident (Picture: EPA)
The bar owners are facing trial for ‘manslaughter by negligence, causing injury by negligence, and causing arson by negligence’ in relation to the 41 deaths, and the severe burning of 115 others.
Around 200 people, including minors, were inside the nightclub at the time, according to Swiss news outlet Blick.
Witnesses have claimed the fire occurred after a waitress put candles on top of champagne bottles, one of which was then held up to the ‘wooden’ ceiling.
Crans-Montana is a popular destination in the Alps, particularly among British skiers, known for its views of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
Le Constellation, sometimes called the Constellation Bar, has been open since 2015. It can accommodate up to 300 people and a further 40 in its lounge.
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If there’s one thing you come to appreciate when you live with kids, it’s a good stain remover – whether it’s a laundry-related product (Napisan and Shout spray are my go-tos) or more of a carpet-based solution (of which I’ve tried a fair few over the years with varying results).
So, I was extremely intrigued by Shark’s StainForce Cordless Spot Cleaner which teams a stainer remover spray – which seems to do a lot of the heavy lifting, to be fair – with a powerful suction tool.
I’d seen a couple of videos on social media where people had spilled red wine on their rugs and then used the device, and it had miraculously cleaned stains without leaving so much as a trace.
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It left me thinking surely, surely, there’s some trick of the light going on there and they’d be left with a faint stain?! But I’m happy to say I was wrong.
A curry stain on the carpet is no match for Shark’s StainForce spot cleaner
In a weird twist of fate, the Shark StainForce arrived a few days before my four-year-old accidentally dropped curry on our pale (and very new) living room carpet, leaving a lovely bright orange splat mark on the floor.
As our table is near the window (and away from the main foot traffic in and out of the room), I hadn’t realised the stain was there until the next day, by which time it had thoroughly dried, much to my horror.
Armed with the StainForce and accompanying spray, I took a deep breath and started to work at the dried turmeric-filled blotch with the tool’s bristle brush.
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I then sprayed the stain thoroughly, left it for a few minutes, and returned, switching the StainForce tool on and brushing back and forth on the carpet while it sucked up the remainder of the mess.
The orange mark, to my astonishment, vanished.
Shark StainForce in the caddy
Obviously after this success I then had to put it to the test on the mother of all stains in another room.
We live in an old house that’s slowly but surely being renovated and one of the ‘untouched’ rooms is still home to carpet from the previous owner – who had lived there for almost a century.
There were black marks on said carpet, which looked like they’d been there decades, so I decided to see if the stain-busting tool would work on them, too.
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I wasn’t expecting much to happen, if I’m honest, as the stains were extremely bedded in. But actually, after using the spray and with a bit of scrubbing effort on my part, the marks began to disappear.
Left image is the years-old stains with stain remover spray on. Right image is the area, which was still a bit wet hence the darker patches, after using the suction tool.
The tool is designed for use on carpets, area rugs, stairs, upholstery, and car interiors – but not wool. It’s also worth patch-testing the spray on a hidden bit of carpet or upholstery before you go all in.
The device is really easy to put together and use (the video instructions are super simple), and it’s all handily stored in a caddy so you can carry it from room to room.
Reviewers particularly like using it for cleaning up pet accidents (we have two cats so I’ve already deployed it on cat sick, which it cleaned up effortlessly), as well as food and drink stains.
I’d say the main downside is the cost: it’s an investment at £169.99, but for the peace of mind it offers when a cat or child decides to vom, poo, wee or spill food on your new (or spenny) carpets, it’s worth the money.
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Similarly if you’re in rented accommodation and have spills and stains to get up in order to get your hefty deposit back, this spot cleaner is worth a shout.
Ring Video Doorbells have become an institution. While some raise privacy concerns about having a video camera on every door down the street, there’s no doubting that connecting your front door has real advantages. For me, the Ring is the video doorbell that makes the most sense.
You can talk to callers while away from home, you get alerts on your phone, you can record suspicious visitors and keep tabs on parcels that get delivered. It’s peace of mind for many and a technological convenience for others. But there is also a dizzying lineup to choose from, with some of the best features only available on expensive models (and pricey monthly subscriptions).
The Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus has the advantage of simple installation (no wiring required), while providing high-quality video with a wide-angle lens. Normally priced at £129.99, it’s not Amazon’s most expensive camera, but it’s a blend of useful features for a great price. Best of all, Amazon regularly discounts it to £69.99, which is the price it is right now, so I’d recommend snapping one up.
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Here’s the price history of the Ring Wired Video Doorbell Plus over the last six months.
When Majborough beat Marine Nationale 19 lengths to win the Dublin Chase at the start of February, Timeform rated it the best performance of the season so far.
The 2024 Triumph Hurdle winner who fluffed his lines when beaten into third after a couple of near catastrophic mistakes in the Arkle 12 months ago, returns to the Cheltenham Festival today a probable odds-on shot for the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase.
However, the race itself has been something of a graveyard for odds-on shots; seven of the last 10 being beaten, four of them (Un de Sceaux at 4-6, Douvan at 2-9, Chacun Pour Soi at 8-13 and El Fabiolo at 2-9) trained by Majborough’s trainer Willie Mullins.
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Apart from Favori de Champdou, who looks nailed on for the Glenfarclass Cross-Country, the rest of the racing looks very open on day two of the Festival. Act of Innocence can take the Turners’ and get the day off to a good start for an in-form Nicky Henderson and the trainer could also win the BetMGM Cup with Iberico Lord.
Cheltenham Festival day 2 tips and results
1.20: Turners Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1 )
Marlborough’s tip: Ballyfad
Marcus Armytage’s tip: Act of Innocence Only defeat came when giving masses of weight to a four-year-old, solid representative from a yard in good form coming into meeting.
Charlie Brooks’ tip: King Rasco Grey Paul Townend/Willie Mullins – say no more.
2.00: Brown Advisory Novices’ Steeple Chase (Grade 1)
Marlborough’s tip: The Big Westerner
Marcus Armytage’s tip: Oscars Brother Could be one of the stories of the day, one of just two horses trained by Connor King. Comfortable winner of last two starts in Grade 2s.
Charlie Brooks’ tip: Kitzbuhel His run at Kempton was unbelievable.
2.40: BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)
Marlborough’s tip: Storm Heart
Marcus Armytage’s tip: Iberico Lord (Nap) Comfortable winner of only start over this trip, needs to run career best but can do.
Charlie Brooks’ tip: Jingko Blue Beaten last time by Kabral du Mathan, who goes for tomorrow’s Stayers’ Hurdle.
3.20: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
Marlborough’s tip: Favori de Champdou
Marcus Armytage’s tip: Favori de Champdou Seems revitalised by going cross-country despite a fall first time. Runaway winner over course last time with a nice weight thanks to presence of Stumptown.
Charlie Brooks’ tip: Favori Des Champdou Looked so good over course and distance in January.
4.00: Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1)
Marlborough’s tip: Majborough
Marcus Armytage’s tip: It Etait Temps One time ante-post favourite for this has become the forgotten horse of the race after fall last time. Better ground can help.
Charlie Brooks’ tip: Irish Panther Brilliant run at Leopardstown last time, finishing close to Romeo Coolio.
4.40: Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase (Grade 3)
Marlborough’s tip: Be Aware
Marcus Armytage’s tip: Jour d’Evasion Novice chaser who has developed a winning habit.
Charlie Brooks’ tip: Rubbed Represents top trainer/jockey and has a touch of class.
5.20: Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1)
Marlborough’s tip: Love Sign d’Anjou
Marcus Armytage’s tip: Bass Hunter Looks the pick of the British. If he gets his way in front he might prove hard to pass.
Charlie Brooks’ tip: Love Sign D’Aunon Patrick rides for Willie and Goliath Du Berlais is going to be a great sire.
Big-race trends
Turners Novices’ Hurdle Another race where market prominence is a big factor. Six of the last 12 winners have been sent off as favourite, with 10 also having been trained in Ireland. In what are important considerations for novice races, every winner had at least two runs over hurdles, with 11 winners boasting at least two wins over hurdles coming into Cheltenham.
Brown Advisory Novice Chase Previous course form is the name of the game here. Ten of the past 12 winners have won at Cheltenham before winning again in this Grade 1. It is also worth noting that 10 of the last 12 winners had won over the distance before, a stat that will be tested now that the two-and-a-half mile Grade 1 novice chase is no more. This is also a race in which horses arriving fresh should be treated with caution. Every single winner in the last 12 years had at least one run in the 77 days before the festival.
Queen Mother Champion Chase A race where it pays to be wary as a punter. Only four of the last 12 winners have been sent off favourite, although 11 of the last 12 where in the top three in the betting. Despite the relatively poor record of favourites in the race, it is worth noting that 11 of the last 12 winners has at least won a Grade 1 chase.
Cheltenham Festival day 2 ground and weather
Underfoot on the Old Course, around which every race on Wednesday takes place, the going is rated as good to soft. No rain is forecast for Wednesday during the race programme although some showers could roll through in the morning.
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Betting on Cheltenham?
There’s a lot of competition between bookmakers for customers during the festival and they will often run their best promotions of the year, especially earlier in the week. Take a look at these Cheltenham betting offers to find free bets to use throughout the week.
How to watch Cheltenham Festival day 2
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the first five races of the day on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 12.45pm GMT every day until 5pm GMT. The races can also be streamed via ITVX. There is a preview show each morning from 9am GMT to 10am GMT which is shown on ITV4 and ITVX.
The final race of each day will not be shown on ITV but will be live on Racing TV. Subscriptions for the channel, which shows every race from the Festival, are available through Sky and Virgin Media and online through its website and app.