Animal lovers have been notified that changes to the regulations which came into place on Wednesday (April 22) have now made some pet passports invalid.

Anyone travelling into the EU from the UK with pet dogs, cats and ferrets will need new documents and should no longer use EU pet passports.

On the GOV.UK website , the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) warned: “GB residents should no longer use EU pet passports to travel into the EU.

Sadly, if a pet’s owner lives in Great Britain, EU pet passports cease to be valid from tomorrow.
instead, you will now have to obtain an Animal Health Certificate from your UK vet, costing upwards of about £100, shortly before each visit to Europe.

— Simon Calder (@SimonCalder) April 21, 2026

“EU pet passports may now only be issued to people whose main home is in the EU and should not be used by people who have holiday homes in the EU or visit seasonally.

“EU pet passports issued to GB residents before 22 April 2026 may no longer be valid documents for entry to the EU.

“This means GB residents – even if they already have an EU pet passport – may need a different document to take their pet to the EU.”

The UK government adds: “To guarantee smooth travel, owners resident in Great Britain should get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for their dog, cat or ferret(s) if they’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country.”

The changes, announced by the EU, apply to the non-commercial movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets entering the EU from Britain.

Travellers will need to get a vet to issue an AHC within 10 days of their trip.

A new certificate, which can vary in price, will be needed for each trip from Britain to the EU.

However, the AHC can now be used for up to six months for onward travel within the EU and for re‑entering Britain, as long as rabies vaccinations are still valid.

Further changes to EU pet travel rules explained

Other changes to the EU pet travel rules mean extra paperwork will also be needed if the owner is not travelling with their pet.

Whoever is taking the animal abroad must have written permission from the owner.

Up to five days are allowed before the pet and owner must travel abroad.

Travellers are now also only allowed to have a maximum of five pets in a private vehicle.

There may be an exception for pets travelling to competitions, events or training.

It’s important to note that there are no major changes to pet travel requirements for re-entry into Britain.

‘Significant distress’ caused for Brits over new EU pet travel rules

However, the move has received a lot of backlash from British pet owners, which has resulted in a change.org petition being set up to “reverse new guidance on pet travel to the EU” – it currently has 1,245 signatures.

Calling on the UK government to take action, it claims that the new EU travel rules around pet passports is “causing significant distress and inconvenience” to owners.

The petition’s description says: “The recent update in guidance by the UK government on pet travel to the European Union has rendered current pet passports unusable for UK residents, causing significant distress and inconvenience to pet owners.

“This change affects thousands of pet owners who rely on the ease of pet passports to travel hassle-free with their pets across the border.

“It is crucial to address the concerns of affected individuals and to develop a solution that respects the needs of pet owners, while ensuring adherence to international travel regulations.”

Recommended reading:

Which airlines allow dogs to travel in the cabin?

If you are thinking about taking your pets abroad via aeroplane, dog nutrition experts Years have shared a list of the airlines that will usually allow dogs to travel in the cabin:

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Air France
• Vueling Airlines
• Aegean Airlines
• Iberia
• Air Canada
• Turkish Airlines
• Qatar Airways

Pet owners should be aware policies vary by route and aircraft (such as the weight of the dog), and are advised to check airline requirements well in advance before travelling.

Have the new EU pet travel rules affected you ahead of your next holiday? Let us know in the comments below.

Visitors have been heaping praise on the fish and chips at Beamish Museum for as long as I can remember, including influencers from as far afield as the United States, who have branded the offerings at the County Durham attraction as ‘better than Whitby’.

And, despite heading to the museum on various school trips and days out in my lifetime, I have never actually tasted the coal-fired battered goods on offer there.

Set in the museum’s 1910s village, which has a Methodist chapel, school and rows of miners’ cottages, the chippy is a little walk from the main entrance and past the pit. It is as equally unassuming as it is impressive – as with the rest of the site, a piece of history placed neatly in today.

Davy’s Fried Fish at Beamish Museum. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Davy’s is open from 11.30am until 3.30pm and arrived just before midday after a nostalgic trip down the mine with one of the museum’s superb guides.

These meals are popular, they have become ‘viral’ and this means you should be prepared to queue. I waited at least 20 minutes before being served and a further 10 minutes after placing my order owing to the staff needing another batch of chips – because of how many customers they had already seen through the doors. In fact, there is a warning on the walls suggesting it could take up to an hour to be served at peak times.

Prices at Davy’s Fried Fish at Beamish Museum. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The vibe is in keeping with the rest of the village that has been replicated there, posters are typically lowkey and in a serif font appropriate for printing methods of the age.

Your meal is served in a newspaper as staff roll a cone from an old reproduction of the ‘Chester-le-Street Chronicle’.

The fryers there are glorious machines – standing around four feet tall and billowing an orange glow from the coal hatch.

Davy’s Fried Fish at Beamish Museum. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Options include a full fish and chips (£14.20) or a dab and chips, which is a half fish (£9.10). I opted for the dab as it was not yet 12pm, and I wanted to feel a bit restrained – I also opted for it as it was not yet payday and my wallet wanted to feel a bit restrained too. The prices could seem a bit prohibitive to some, especially factoring in the admission fee to the museum itself.

Davy’s Fried Fish at Beamish Museum. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Being handed the crackly paper containing even crispier battered fish, I washed the contents with a slashing of vinegar and dusted them with salt before heading out of the door to the beautiful North Durham countryside which Beamish is carved into.

The first thing that you notice is the slightly sweet, smoky tang from the coal followed by the unmistakable meatiness from the beef dripping. It is rare to find a chip that is as crisp as it is fluffy and these potatoes balance the paradox almost too well.

I tried Beamish Museum’s famous fish and chips for the first time. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The fish also toed the line between flaky freshness and crackled buttery batter which clustered in the point of the cone.

On a hot Spring day with near 20C weather, this was the perfect way to spend a lunchtime – surrounded by local history eating a dish that has captivated the world.

Prices:

• Fish and chips – £14.20
• Dab and chips – £9.10
• Chips – £3.90
• Dab – £5.20
• Fish – £10.30

Davy’s Fried Fish at Beamish Museum
Opening times: 11.30am – 3.30pm every day

Ratings (out of ten):

• Food quality – 9
• Surroundings – 8
• Value for money – 6
• Service – 7

Arsenal were dealt another injury blow in their title run-in after Kai Havertz hobbled off in the first half of their Premier League clash with Newcastle.

Havertz went down off the ball on 33 minutes, picking up an issue in his upper leg, though the cause was uncertain.

After receiving treatment, the Germany international limped off the field accompanied by an Arsenal physio before heading straight down the tunnel.

Viktor Gyokeres replaced the 26-year-old, who assisted Eberechi Eze’s stunning opener at the Emirates Stadium in the ninth minute.

Havertz was visibly dejected as he made his way off the pitch and down the tunnel, with it uncertain how serious this latest setback could be – or whether it could impact his availability for this summer’s World Cup.

He has been plagued by injuries this season, undergoing surgery on a serious knee injury suffered following the opening day win over Manchester United in August.

That sidelined him for 32 games but he has since had to deal with other injury blows during his journey back to full fitness, including a muscle problem in Feburary.

Arsenal went into the clash with Newcastle joyous over the return of Bukayo Saka from his spell on the treatment table, who started the game on the bench.

But this latest setback will further strain Mikel Arteta’s attacking options as they look to end a six-year wait for silverware under the Spaniard.

Newcastle, themselves, are in bad form. They arrive in London on the back of four successive defeats and have since been tipped to get dragged into a relegation battle as the pressure mounts on head coach Eddie Howe, who is in desperate need of a win. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Emirates Stadium.

Littleborough is a picturesque town on the edge of Greater Manchester with stunning views of the Pennines and a tranquil lake. There is just one problem – traffic.

Ask anyone who commutes in and out of the Rochdalian town and they’ll tell you it’s nightmarish on the roads. The only saving grace for commuters is the railway station, offering a speedy train to Manchester in 20 minutes or to Leeds in an hour.

For decades locals have been crying out for the A58 relief road – it’s seen as the grand solution to the traffic problem.

Local councillors from both Labour and Conservatives, as well as Rochdale MP Paul Waugh, have been leading the charge in tackling the bumper to bumper queues.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

Not only is the pesky traffic a nuisance, it’s also costing local businesses. A recent research study found that the congested road network cost the local economy around £1m over the course of just 14 days.

Naturally, the long-term vision is to build the long-awaited A58 relief road, which would link the A664 (Albert Royds Street) to Smithy Bridge Road. Planning permission has been granted to construct the initial part of the relief road starting at Smithy Bridge Road, but this came in exchange for developers building hundreds more homes in the area.

In November, Rochdale council’s planning committee were met with boos when they approved the 309-home scheme for land off Hollingworth Road. At the meeting, local councillor Richard Jackson explained how many people refer to Littleborough as a ‘lovely place, but wouldn’t want to live there with all the traffic’.

Just like the spot next to Hollingworth Lake, the land primed for 199 homes off Smithy Bridge Road was deeply disliked locally. That was approved in January, but it did come with a planning commitment to start the relief road after a certain number of houses were completed.

Advertisement

More land would need to be snapped up in order to complete the road later on down the line. That will take years to build, so short and medium-term solutions are needed to support local businesses and commuters.

One method is stamping out what seem like an endless amount of roadworks in the area.

So local councillors are working with Paul Waugh on a Private Member’s Bill to introduce to Parliament, calling for strengthening oversight and accountability on the classification of emergency works. This would stop utility companies using the ‘emergency works’ excuse to bypass local controls.

The Rochdale MP took an initial step to write to the roads minister Simon Lightwood, putting forward Littleborough’s plight. In a prompt response, the minister understood the concerns and agreed the government would look into cracking down on utility companies abusing the ‘emergency works’ excuse.

The recent letter read: “We are considering ways to improve the operation and use of emergency works, and will consider the approach you describe. In doing so, it is important to take into account the additional burdens and potential costs such changes could place on local authorities, as well as the need to preserve the ability for works promoters to respond swiftly where genuine emergencies arise.

“More broadly, the Government is taking forward a range of measures to reduce disruption from roadworks, including supporting the roll out of lane rental schemes, promoting earlier planning and coordination, and working closely with local authorities and utility companies. “These measures are intended to improve delivery while minimising unnecessary disruption.”

Another short term solution is being pushed by Coun Adam Branton and his fellow ward councillors around Littleborough. They intend to coordinate with the council to communicate where works will take place ahead of time; help the council understand their enforcement powers; and introduce daily charges for lane occupation.

These plans, alongside the relief road decades in the making, are seen as the best way to bring back the tranquil Littleborough many residents remember from way back when.

Coun Branton is also one of the many councillors in the area calling for the A58 relief road in what has become a cross-party effort from Conservative, Lib Dem and Labour politicians. With more and more houses due to be built in the town over the next decade, those calls for the relief road to come as soon as possible will only grow louder.

MP Paul Waugh said: “Local people and businesses in Littleborough have put up with far too much disruption for far too long, so I’m really pleased the roads minister is engaging with this. Any help the Government can give to improve how roadworks are managed and reduce unnecessary delays will have my full support.

“We’re pushing ahead with local solutions like lane rental and a long-term relief road, but I’ll continue pressing for further action from ministers to make a real difference on the ground.”

Coun Adam Branton, added: “The voice of local businesses must be heard, and the economic impact fully considered in any reporting, before the council makes decisions that affect the daily lives of our residents. I am pleased to be working with Rochdale MP Paul Waugh on this — it is a sign that when an issue matters enough to a community, we can put party politics aside and get on with the job.”

Antoine Semenyo has been left out of Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final game against Southampton on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola has made eight changes to his starting line-up following the 1-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

Only Rayan Cherki, Matheus Nunes and Rayan Ait-Nouri have kept their places in the team for the semi-final at Wembley, with Guardiola concerned about his side’s energy levels due to their congested fixture schedule.

Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marc Guehi and Bernardo Silva are among the players who drop to the bench.

Meanwhile, Semenyo has been left out of City’s squad for a domestic game for the first time since his £64 million move from Bournemouth in the January transfer window.

Speaking to the BBC about his team selection before kick-off, Guardiola said: ‘I have a lot of experience, at this stage when you play every three days, travelling. I felt an incredible loss of energy, mentally fatigued.

‘The selection is top, the players are top. It’s just I want to bring the energy we need to sustain our game as high as possible.’

In a separate interview with TNT Sports, Guardiola reiterated that he wanted more energy from his side at Wembley.

‘It’s not a gift, I told them it’s not because I want to make a turnover at this stage of the season, it’s just in the past when you play a run of three games, Arsenal, so demanding, three days later, so demanding, and travel to London, we need energy,’ Guardiola said.

‘We need rhythm, sometimes we play semi-final, Champions League quarter-finals, coming here, we’re so flat.

‘If it works it will be a good decision, if not [it won’t be].’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Tottenham star mocked while stretchered off at Wolves after huge double injury blow

MORE: Nicky Butt warns Manchester United over ‘phenomenal’ £70m transfer: ‘It’s a long shot’

MORE: Arsenal vs Newcastle LIVE: Premier League latest score and goal updates as Eze scores

Steve Tandy and his coaches will be very busy over the next few weeks

As the domestic season edges towards its conclusion, Wales head coach Steve Tandy is already shifting his focus to a pivotal summer, with the upcoming Nations Cup firmly in his sights.

Wales begin their summer campaign with a clash against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on June 27, before heading into the inaugural Nations Cup, where they will face Fiji, Argentina and South Africa. The closing rounds of the United Rugby Championship offer a final opportunity for players to stake their claim, while Tandy will also be monitoring performances in the Gallagher Premiership.

In reality, much of the squad appears settled following a noticeable upturn in form towards the back end of the Six Nations. However, Tandy may look to the summer as a chance to strengthen depth and assess players on the fringes of selection.

One player pressing a strong case for inclusion is Cardiff outside-half Callum Sheedy, who was notably absent from the Six Nations squad. Injuries have left Wales short of options at fly-half, with Sam Costelow in a race to prove his fitness and Jarrod Evans sidelined by a shoulder injury sustained while playing for Harlequins.

Dan Edwards is expected to hold the No.10 shirt, but beyond him the options are limited, potentially opening the door for Sheedy’s return.

The 30-year-old has been in impressive form for Cardiff in recent weeks, showcasing a sharp attacking kicking game, strong distribution and a willingness to take the ball to the line. His improved goal-kicking has also played a key role in Cardiff’s push towards the play-offs.

Concerns also extend to the back three, where injuries to Ellis Mee, Mason Grady and Keelan Giles have left Tandy short-handed. That could pave the way for Rio Dyer to force his way back into contention after missing out on Six Nations selection.

Another player to have caught the eye is Cardiff’s Jacob Beetham, who has found form in the latter stages of the season. His versatility and current performances make him a strong candidate to feature, particularly given the injury situation.

Elsewhere, Tandy may consider casting the net wider. Bristol Bears playmaker James Williams and Harlequins centre Bryn Bradley are both potential options, with Bradley’s dual qualification making him an intriguing prospect for the future. Even a role against the Barbarians and inclusion in the wider squad could prove valuable.

It also appears increasingly likely that Exeter Chiefs back-rower Kane James will be involved, having opted to represent Wales if selected this summer; a development that will be welcomed given recent losses of dual-qualified talent such as Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Kepu Tuipulotu.

Finally, Elliot Dee could return to the fold after impressing for the Dragons since his comeback from injury. With Dewi Lake battling to regain fitness following a shoulder problem, Dee’s experience may prove crucial over the coming weeks.

Tandy may also opt to name an extended squad, allowing him to take a closer look at emerging talent. Cardiff loosehead Rhys Barratt, Dragons back-rower Ryan Woodman and Gloucester’s Wales U20s captain Deian Gwynne are all understood to be on the radar as Tandy weighs up his options.

All told, this summer represents more than just a fresh set of fixtures for Wales. It is a valuable opportunity for Tandy to refine his squad, address key areas of concern and build meaningful depth ahead of a demanding international calendar.

With injuries forcing his hand in certain positions and a number of players hitting form at just the right time, the Nations Cup could prove a defining period in shaping both the immediate future and longer-term direction of the Welsh side.

Local neighbourhood and response policing teams moved to a temporary base in Aycliffe Business Park in 2024 after officers left the former station based on Central Avenue.

The move came after the force’s former lease ended at the fire station. Staff are currently based at GLOW, a function venue in the south of the town, with the fire station still used for some services. 

Yet, residents continue to criticise the lack of a permanent town centre base for the force amid a rise in anti-social behaviour and crime. 

Chris Clements, told a Great Aycliffe Town Council meeting: “A police presence in the heart of the town isn’t just symbolic, it reflects response times, deterrents, and public confidence. 

“How do you intend to replace that lost presence in practical terms and do you accept the absence of a town centre is contributing to the problems we are now facing?”

The council meeting heard from police chiefs, including the local inspector and deputy police and crime commissioner (PCC), after residents warned that the area has become blighted by disorder. 

“We want police in the right place at the right time,” said Debbie Ingram.

She added: “You have had two or three years to find a police station. Why, in 2026, have we still not got anywhere?”

PCC Joy Allen previously said she was “absolutely committed” to maintaining a strong policing footprint in Newton Aycliffe.

Graham Hall, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I’m not the estates manager, but I’m looking at virtually anything in your town centre because I know the strength of feeling that exists here. 

“Is there some existing office accommodation that has security and is able to keep police vehicles? We would appreciate your help.”

Asked about the police force’s finances set aside for the potential new site, Mr Hall added: “We have considerable reserves within the police service, and if a premises is identified, then clearly we would have to look at the monetary availability balanced against everything else in terms of policing. 

“We have to consider policing in totality.”

Meanwhile, Newton Aycliffe-based charitable organisation Lifeline Community Action has opened a new community hub in the Aycliffe Shopping Centre. The project aims to create a one-stop space in the town for anyone who needs help, advice, or support. It will be based at the former Woolworths store on Beveridge Way.

Where do you think the new police station should open? Have your say in the comments.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said it was called to the B6276 in Lunedale, Teesdale, at 2.22pm.

A NEAS spokesperson said: “We received a call to 999 at 2.22pm to reports of a serious road traffic collision on the B6276 in Lunedale between a motorcyclist and a car. 

“We sent a clinical team leader, air ambulance, emergency ambulance crew and a community paramedic.”

Durham Police and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) also attended the crash.

The fire service said they worked at the scene for around an hour.

A CDDFRS spokesperson said: “We sent two fire engines to the incident on the B6276. One fire engine remained at the incident for approximately one hour.

“The initial call was at 2.35pm and we can confirm our engines and staff are no longer at the scene.”

Durham Police said the road is expected to be closed for a “number of hours”.

The force said: “Due to an ongoing incident, the B6276 is closed between Selset Reservoir & Brough.

“It will be closed for a number of hours. Please find an alternative route.”

A picture at the scene shows the road blocked off by cones and closed signs.

Ulster SFC preliminary round: Armagh 1-17 Tyrone 1-16 AET

For the second successive year, Armagh have pipped Tyrone at the post in another Ulster SFC thriller.

This one was more of a slow burner than the semi-final joust in Clones last year, but the finale was every bit as dramatic.

The Red Hands probably hung on to Armagh’s coattails in last season’s contest. This time, they had chances to put Armagh to the sword after playing extra-time with an extra man after Darragh McMullen picked up a second booking at the end of normal time.

Eoin McElholm spurned a goal chance in extra-time when a point would have brought his side level while Niall Morgan kicked a last-gasp ’45 wide.

Every team loves to complain about being written off. In Tyrone’s case it was true as few gave them any hope of causing an upset at a sold-out Box-It Athletic Grounds with the majority of the 16,0-91 in attendance cheering for the home side.

Malachy O’Rourke’s men needed much to go in their favour if they were to ambush the Orchard men in their own backyard.

With just 27 minutes played, they’d lost their two most influential players with Darragh Canavan and Brian Kennedy picking up injuries. At that stage, Armagh were 0-7 to 0-4 ahead with neither team playing particularly well after a deluge of rain prior to throw-in meant conditions were difficult for both sets of players.

Ethan Jordan, Tyrone’s top scorer in 2026, kicked four first half wides, including two long-range two-point attempts.

A fine score from Darragh McMullen had Armagh 0-8 to 0-4 ahead at the end of a rather forgettable first half of football

All that was to change in the second half as Tyrone fought their way back into contention, led by the brilliance of Mattie Donnelly and Conn Kilpatrick.

Donnelly opened the scoring and, to his credit, Jordan put his nightmare first half behind him to kick back-to-back scores.

Conor Turbitt pointed on his introduction, but all the momentum was now with the Red Hands and they levelled proceedings via Kilpatrick and Peter Teague.

A cracking point from Michael McKernan then put Tyrone into the lead for the first time in the game after 56 minutes.

In a game devoid of two-pointers, the first one was worth waiting for as Oisin O’Neill raised an orange flag and raised the spirits of the home support as he restored Armagh’s lead.

The Crossmaglen ace would score another two points to put Armagh 0-13 to 0-10 ahead and seemingly into a quarter-final meeting with Fermanagh.

Tyrone ensured there’d be at least one more twist in this tail as Niall Devlin set up Ben McDonnell for a stunning late goal to force extra-time.

Within 90 seconds of the restart, Armagh had established a four-point advantage as Ross McQuillan fired over the bar before Tomás McCormack palmed the ball under it after a great one-two with Oisin O’Neill.

Displaying a courageousness that has been absent from their play thus far in 2026, Tyrone battled back thanks to back-to-back two-pointers from McKernan and the outstanding Kilpatrick.

When Donnelly kicked Tyrone back into the lead, the Red Hands were on the cusp of a famous victory. O’Neill converted another free before Turbitt fisted over what proved to be the winner.

And yet it was Tyrone who were left to wonder what might have been. McElholm opted to shoot for goal when a point would have levelled the game with Gareth Murphy perhaps doing enough to put the Loughmacrory ace off at the last second.

Still, Armagh’s supporters were bracing themselves to be put through the wringer of another penalty shootout when Morgan addressed the ball for a ’45 after Lorcan McGarrity’s late shot was blocked down.

The Tyrone goalkeeper couldn’t find the target to force a shootout as Armagh progressed to the quarter-finals by the skin of their teeth. Tyrone’s best performance of 2026 wasn’t quite enough.

ARMAGH: B Hughes 0-1 (0-1 45); P McGrane, A McKay, G Murphy ; R McQuillan 0-1, T Kelly, J Óg Burns; C O’Neill 0-3 (0-2fs), B Crealey; G McCabe, D McMullen 0-1, T McCormack 1-1; C McConville 0-1, J Duffy, O Conaty.

Subs: C Turbitt 0-2 for McCormack (43); O O’Neill 0-6 (0-3fs, 1tpf) for McConville (50); J McElroy for McQuillan (56; R Grugan for C O’Neill (65); R McQuillan for McElroy (ET); T McCormack for Murphy (ET); P Burns for McGrane (ET); C McConville for Crealey (ET); J Duffy for McCabe (87)

TYRONE: N Morgan, C Quinn, P Teague 0-1, N Devlin; C Daly, J Clarke, M McKernan 0-3 (1tp); B Kennedy, C Kilpatrick 0-4 (1tp); S O’Donnell 0-1, R Cassidy, B McDonnell 1-0; D McCurry, E Jordan 0-2 (0-1f), D Canavan.

Subs: M Donnelly 0-3 for D Canavan (19), K McGeary for Kennedy (26), E McElholm 0-1 for McCurry (48), L McGarrity for Jordan (55), B Cullen for McGeary (77).