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NewsBeat

The first-class training hub advancing careers in education

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The first-class training hub advancing careers in education

Growing up in Crook, Catherine went to Parkside Comprehensive School, in Willington, and returned there to become an English teacher before progressing, via different roles, into senior management, and specialising in teaching and learning and professional development.

Now, as she celebrates her 30th year in education, Catherine is in her ‘perfect job’ – heading up an innovative training hub launched by a growing North-East Education Trust.

Last September, she became director of the ALP Institute of Teaching, Leadership and Research, established by the Advance Learning Partnership. Strategic partnerships with Evidence Based Education (EBE), and Durham University have strengthened the reach and impact of the Institute.

“It’s already exceeded expectations, growing rapidly into a successful hub for learning and development in our Trust and beyond,” says Catherine. “It’s so exciting and rewarding to see the levels of engagement and the impact it’s having on our colleagues.”

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The Advance Learning Partnership’s origins go back to 2012 when Parkside converted to academy status. ALP was formally established five years later, growing into a mixed-phase Multi Academy Trust, serving nursery, primary and secondary pupils across County Durham and Darlington.

The majority of the 23 schools are in communities facing social and economic challenges, and ALP Institute’s launch is the latest phase in the Trust’s development.

“Having been a pupil at Parkside, then to go back there as a teacher, and be given so many opportunities to develop my own career, this role feels like a unique opportunity to give something back,” says Catherine, who has worked for ALP throughout the Trust’s existence.

“I have benefited greatly from professional development, so that adds to my passion and determination to help others thrive in their careers in education.”

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Since it was launched in September, the ALP Institute’s strategic partnerships have expanded. As well as Evidence Based Education, links have also been forged with Bishop Auckland College and New College Durham. More than 100 free opportunities have so far been offered for professional learning and development, with 1,254 places booked by education professionals through a central online hub.

Forty-six ALP staff have been involved in delivering training, with external education experts also being brought in to lead courses.

The fact that so many ALP staff have signed up for a course already, underlines the healthy level of engagement in an initiative underpinned by three words: ‘learning, empowering, innovating’.

Earlier this year, the training body held its first public conference, with 75 delegates from different schools and Education Trusts coming together at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington, to share ideas, strategies and good practice.

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Catherine Hydon speaking at the ALP Institute conference at Hummersknott Academy (Image: Chris Barron)

Delegates at the ALP Institute conference in Darlington (Image: Chris Barron)

A second half-day conference, focused on Artificial Intelligence, will be staged at Whitworth Park Academy on July 2.

“This is only the beginning, our training programme is evolving all the time, and the aim is for our Institute to become a national resource,” says Catherine.

‘IT MADE ME BELIEVE IN MYSELF MORE’

ELLIE Butterworth, head of Year 9 at Whitworth Park Academy, in Spennymoor, embarked on the ‘Aspiring Senior Leaders’ course through the ALP Institute.

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Ellie, who has been teaching since 2009, is in her third year with the Advance Learning Partnership and is keen to take the next step in her career.

“The course was perfect for my continued professional development – a chance for me to experience what senior leadership would be like,” she says.

The course, comprising six monthly sessions, was led by Whitworth Park headteacher, Stuart Dixon, alongside other senior leaders from the Trust.

“Being able to network with other people on the course, and hearing their stories, really helped. It made me believe in myself more and gave me the confidence that I’m ready for the next stage of my career,” Ellie added.

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Ellie Butterworth, Head of Year 9 at Whitworth Park Academy; Lee Stott, Deputy Headteacher at Parkside Academy; and Karen McKeough, Assistant Headteacher at Whitworth Park Academy (Image: Chris Barron)

‘THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE’

AFTER 26 years in education and eight years at the Trust, Karen McKeough is new to senior leadership.

As well as being assistant headteacher at Whitworth Park Academy, she also leads on professional learning across her school – a position that enables her to signpost staff to the right courses.

So far, she has personally benefited from a number of courses, including the ‘Leading Teaching and Learning’ course and the ‘Training The Trainer’ course, led by Julie Hurst and Val Rayner, deputy headteachers at Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington.

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“It was really helpful to get different perspectives from people with experience on strategies that are employed in schools. The course leaders were really knowledgeable about the challenges of leading change, and provided practical advice and strategies,” says Karen.

“It was also a time to be reflective and build confidence. I feel lucky to be part of a Trust that’s enlightened enough to establish its own training arm, so I can pick the courses that are right for me.”

Karen also participated in an artificial intelligence course, led by Jake Burdis, from Durham University, and was thrilled to have created a revision tool app, based on what she learned.

“Everyone has different training needs, at different stages of their careers, and the ALP Institute offers something for everyone,” she adds.

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‘IT’S ENABLED US TO BRING IN VITAL EXPERTISE’

LEE Stott has a dual role as deputy headteacher at Parkside Academy and artificial intelligence education lead for the Trust.

He, therefore, finds himself at the cutting-edge of emerging technology and having to shape how AI will benefit the Trust’s employees.

Lee started as AI Education Lead in March 2025 and put together a development team of staff members from primary and secondary schools with an interest in AI.

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“One of the things we discovered was that continuing professional development wasn’t embedded in relation to AI because it’s still new,” says Lee. “We recognised the need to enable staff to access expert guidance and support. Through the ALP Institute, the Trust has been able to use its partnerships to bring in that vital expertise.”

A major area of focus has been on how AI can ease workloads and boost wellbeing, helping staff to understand how valuable time can be saved.

“One of the training sessions was on the myths surrounding AI and that eased some of the natural anxieties people feel,” Lee adds.

“Now, two staff surveys, eight months apart, have illustrated a significant increase in the use of AI, with employees feeling more confident about building it into their roles.

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“By next year, we want to move on to a bigger focus on creativity and innovation to make lessons really engaging.”

‘IT’S MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN CLASSROOMS’

VICTORIA Summerfield started as a newly qualified teacher at Copeland Road Primary School, at West Auckland, and rose through the ranks to become Headteacher two-and-a-half years ago.

Copeland Road Primary only joined the Advance Learning Partnership last year, and Victoria says her staff have embraced the ALP Institute with a large proportion signing up for courses.

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“It’s particularly relevant in a small school like ours where teachers have to lead on a lot of subjects,” says Victoria.

“It’s been lovely to see how the training has fed into work in the classrooms, with staff feeling more confident about leading subjects and able to connect with staff from other schools.”

One example was Copeland Road maths lead, Emma Crawford, taking the ‘Aspiring Maths Leader’ course. As the only primary teacher on the course, she was able to forge useful connections with teachers from secondary schools. Victoria has also been able to get policy updates and share good practice on issues such as safeguarding and attendance.

“It’s given me more rounded knowledge of what’s happening in education, and what I also love is that staff can put forward ideas for training,” she adds.

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The range of courses is evolving all the time. For example, an ‘Aspiring Deputy Headteachers’ course will be added to the existing suite of leadership training next year, alongside a programme of training on Early Years and a joint project with colleagues at EBE which will focus on questioning.

Victoria’s deputy headteacher at Copeland Road, Joanne Murray, has taken the ‘Leading Teaching and Learning’ course, and found networking to be especially valuable.

“It was so useful for finding out about different ways of doing things,” she says.

Such positive feedback from professionals on the frontline of education is heartwarming for Catherine Hydon as she works with colleagues to plot the future of the ALP Institute.

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“It’s been a brilliant start, and we know there’s a demand, so it’s about building something special on strong foundations,” she says.

While some school reports might end with ‘Must try harder’ or ‘Must listen more carefully’, the first-year report for the ALP Institute of Teaching, Leadership and Research could be summed up with: ‘Excellent progress – keep it up!

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Chloe Kelly: What next for Arsenal and England forward?

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Tech Billionaire Takeover

Kelly made a rapid start at Arsenal in the second half of the 2024-25 season, scoring twice and providing five assists, and helping the club win a second Women’s Champions League title.

She then played an instrumental role in England retaining the European Championships that summer, including scoring the title-winning penalty against Spain in the shootout.

Last season however, was less successful. Hampered by injury, she only started four times in the Women’s Super League – so is itching to get going in the new campaign, which kicks off on Friday, 4 September.

“I had big goals to do amazing things at Arsenal in my first full season and I was a little disappointed I wasn’t able to,” she says.

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“I think I needed this summer to work on myself physically, balancing working in the gym, on the pitch and getting downtime.

“I am in a really good place at the moment. My main goal is to stay fit and fresh all season and be ready when called upon.”

And despite the added allure of a World Cup in Brazil next summer should England navigate the play-offs this autumn, Kelly is keeping her focus on the short term.

“My goals and assists are really important so I’ll make sure I’m right at it,” she adds. “For me, I’ll think about [the World Cup] closer to the time.”

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EasyJet’s hand luggage allowance in 2026, plus the bag to buy

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EasyJet’s hand luggage allowance in 2026, plus the bag to buy

Whether you’re embarking on a city break in Lisbon, a long weekend in Barcelona or a week’s sojourn in Sicily, ensuring you’ve got the right size hand luggage for the airline you’re flying with is part and parcel of planning any trip. If it’s Easyjet your flying, here’s everything to know about its luggage allowance.

The carrier sits in the middle of UK airlines: every standard ticket includes one small under-seat bag up to 45cm x 36cm x 20cm (including handles and wheels). If your luggage exceeds this or you bring an extra unbooked item, you will face a hefty £48 gate fine. For travellers who struggle to pack light, upgrading to an extra cabin bag allowance grants you a larger 56cm x 45cm x 25cm overhead case, which is significantly cheaper to book online than at the airport terminal.

Citing overstuffed bins, safety concerns for air stewards and slow boarding times, airlines have been slowly clamping down on carry-on restrictions. RyanAir’s allowance is the most stringent at 40 x 30 x 20cm, while British Airways is the most generous, offering economy flyers one larger cabin bag and one smaller bag (40cm x 30cm x 15 cm).

When choosing compliant baggage, premium holdalls and sleek rucksacks from Away and Antler offer excellent durability. Meanwhile, affordable cabin backpacks from Amazon and Primark frequently go viral for maximising every millimeter of packing space. The IndyBest travel team has flown globally with the market’s best hand luggage to discover which options slip seamlessly through airport checks. Read on for our ultimate guide to the best EasyJet-approved cabin bags for your next holiday.

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What is EasyJet’s hand luggage allowance?

EasyJet allows one bag per economy flyer, measuring 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including any handles and wheels). It can weigh up to 15kg, and must be kept under the seat in front of you. You can also bring a large cabin bag – 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm – on board at an extra cost. Every customer who books a large cabin bag can also enjoy the benefit of Speedy Boarding. If your hand luggage is too large or you bring an extra bag without paying, you’ll recieve a £48 fine at the gate.

The best EasyJet hand luggage bag

Discover more of the best carry-on luggage for 2026, tested by a travel writer

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Lindsey Graham funeral updates: Trump to deliver tribute as late senator is laid to rest

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Lindsey Graham funeral updates: Trump to deliver tribute as late senator is laid to rest

Benjamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelensky to attend ceremony

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to attend Tuesday’s funeral service in Washington.

Graham emerged as a pivotal ally on Capitol Hill for both leaders, consistently urging the Trump administration to take a more aggressive stance against Iran and to bolster support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends,” Netanyahu said following Graham’s sudden death earlier this month. “America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”

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“Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer,” Zelensky wrote in his own statement. “We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations.”

Graham and Netanyahu with the late Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain in Jerusalem on June 30, 2013 (Getty)

Joe Sommerlad28 July 2026 09:00

Full schedule for Graham’s funeral services

Funeral services for Lindsey Graham will take place over the next two days in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina.

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The schedule is as follows:

  • Tuesday: The body of the 71-year-old senator will be brought to the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, where a brief private ceremony will honor his more than two decades of service in the Senate. The ceremony will be livestreamed.
  • Tuesday at 2 p.m.: A funeral service will be held at Washington National Cathedral. President Donald Trump is among those scheduled to speak, and multiple world leaders are expected to attend. The service will again be livestreamed.
  • Tuesday evening: Graham’s remains will be transported to South Carolina.
  • Wednesday at 10:45 a.m.: Services will begin with a final visit to the South Carolina State House, including a procession featuring an F-16 flyover.
  • Wednesday at 12 p.m.: A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Columbia.
  • Wednesday: A private family burial in Pickens County, South Carolina, will follow the service.

Joe Sommerlad28 July 2026 08:35

U.S. politicians and world leaders to pay tribute to Lindsey Graham

Sen. Lindsey Graham will be eulogized Tuesday during memorial services across Washington.

The long-serving politician passed away unexpectedly earlier this month at the age of 71.

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Graham’s remains will arrive at the U.S. Capitol, where the Republican worked for more than 20 years, later today.

A funeral service will then be held at Washington National Cathedral with lawmakers and foreign leaders, a testament to his stature on the global stage.

President Donald Trump is expected to deliver remarks at the cathedral, alongside Fox News’ Sean Hannity and other conservative leaders.

Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky are planning to be in attendance.

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Lindsey Graham passed away unexpectedly earlier this month
Lindsey Graham passed away unexpectedly earlier this month (AFP/Getty)

Joe Sommerlad28 July 2026 08:15

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Big Manchester festival returns with The Traitors bash, Russell T Davies and Caroline Aherne tribute

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Manchester Evening News

There will also be an Absolutely Fabulous drag night and a celebration of Disney+ show Rivals

A popular Manchester festival will return this summer with its biggest line-up ever, opening with a special Traitors-themed party and celebration.

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SCENE has been described as Manchester’s only LGBTQ+ film and TV festival since it was first held in 2024. Now in its third outing, this year’s event will feature a series of premieres, screenings, Q&A panels, events, parties and more across eight days from August 20 to 27.

A special panel discussion honouring hit BBC series The Traitors, moderated by TV critic and author Scott Bryan, will officially kick the festival off and will feature the likes of Maddy and Wilf from series 1 and Amanda from series 4, as well as more guests to be confirmed. It will be proceeded by a Traitors-style opening party with themed cocktails and more.

Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter

The festival, which is an official Manchester Village Pride fringe partner, will also feature a special fifth anniversary screening and panel discussion of Russell T Davies’ critically-acclaimed series It’s A Sin. It will also feature a preview of the upcoming ballet adaptation of the show, which will receive its world debut at Aviva Studios next year.

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TV creator Davies, alongside executive producer Nicola Shindler, will also appear at the event to recognise the significant impact of this year’s gripping Channel 4 series Tip Toe, which starred Alan Cumming and David Morrissey as feuding neighbours in a socially-charged climate.

There will also be an intimate in-conversation event with Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman, reflecting on the impact the book series has had around the world as well as with its Netflix series, which has just concluded with a feature-length film.

Other highlights include a drag-inspired celebration of Absolutely Fabulous starring Manchester stars Anna Phylactic and Banksie, a tribute night to comedy icon Caroline Aherne, and a 25th anniversary of acclaimed stage show Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Events will take place at HOME, New Century Hall, Cultplex, Kampus, Treehouse Hotel, Aviva Studios, Vada Vada, Cruz 101 and more.

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SCENE will also feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Disney+’s hit series Rivals with cast members Gary Lamont and Hubert Burton alongside executive producer Alexander Lamb, as well as a return of Channel 4’s An Altogether Different Comedy Night which will feature a special line-up of stars.

The festival will also feature a celebration of BBC’s ground-breaking dating shows I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl, hosted by Charley Marlowe, which will feature appearances from stars from both series as they reflect on its significance on LGBTQ+ visibility on screen.

Over the eight days, SCENE will also feature a number of film premieres, including Pedro Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas, Jane Schoenbrun’s Cannes Queer Palm-winning Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan’s Chatlines, and a special screening of Adam Shankman’s wildly-anticipated drag comedy Stop! That! Train! starring RuPaul and a host of famous drag queens.

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In addition, the festival line-up also includes a St Trinian’s party screening, live podcasts, a free outdoor photography exhibition at Kampus, and a free outdoor cinema at First Street, as well as a showcase of documentaries, shorts and productions highlighting new voices.

Tickets start from £5 with many of the events free of charge to attend. Profits from all ticket sales, alongside booking fees from Skiddle, will be donated to Manchester Village Pride Charities. The festival has been made possible thanks to a number of local and international partnerships, including CityCo, Screen Manchester, SCRUFF, Aviva Studios and many of Manchester’s hoteliers.

Gary James Williams, Head of Events at CityCo and producer of SCENE, said: “We’re thrilled that SCENE is back for a third edition, and after doubling our audience last year, the festival is going from strength to strength with thousands of fans from all over the UK and across the world coming to Manchester for the ultimate celebration of queer screen culture.

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“We’ve always wanted SCENE to be a festival where audiences can discover their next favourite film alongside celebrating the shows and stories they already love. This year’s programme is our biggest and most ambitious yet – from Almodóvar to Ab Fab, Barbara Hammer to I Kissed A Girl, old classics, new stories, shorts, docs, live comedy, dance shows, parties and exhibitions there’s something for everyone.

“Whether you’re coming just for the festival or extending your visit to Manchester ahead of our city’s Pride celebrations, we’re welcoming artists, filmmakers, writers, producers, programmers and importantly amazing audiences with open arms and a bucket of popcorn.”

The full line-up and ticket details for SCENE 2026 can be found here.

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2 earthquakes strike Chinese province in 20 minutes

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Shootings at school and home in northeastern British Columbia leave 10 dead, including shooter

BEIJING (AP) — A remote province in China was struck by two earthquakes just 18 minutes apart late Tuesday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The earthquakes in Qinghai province at 11:16 a.m. and 11:34 a.m. had magnitudes of 5.7 and 5.8 at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), the USGS reported.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Qinghai province in China’s northwest is sparsely populated and often experiences earthquakes.

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A video from state broadcaster CCTV showed dust clouds rising from cliffs as the land shook.

The earthquakes also impacted Lanzhou in neighboring Gansu province, one of the largest cities in the area.. Social media videos showed lamps swinging inside residences in the city.

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‘Emergency services incident’ cancels trains through York

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'Emergency services incident' cancels trains through York

TransPennine Express said crews are dealing with an incident in the Mirfield area this morning (Tuesday, July 28).


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Services are currently being cancelled at the West Yorkshire station, with one eyewitness saying the entrance has been cordoned off.

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Rail replacement transport is in operation from Huddersfield to Manchester Piccadilly and has been requested to Leeds.

National Rail said operating trains may be delayed by up to 60 minutes and is advising customers to check its real-time Journey Planner.

A spokesperson for TransPennine Express said routes from Manchester to York, Scarborough, Newcastle and Redcar Central are all affected by delays or short-notice cancellations in both directions.

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Network Rail said delays in the area are expected until 10.30am.

Passengers are advised to check live journey updates at journeycheck.com/tpexpress.

The Press has contacted West Yorkshire emergency services.

We will provide updated information to this breaking news when we receive it.

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Two lorries catch fire after ‘significant’ A1 crash

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Traffic is queueing along the road while recovery takes place

Traffic is queueing along a major A-road after a “significant” crash involving two lorries. The A1 near Stibbington, between the A1139 Fletton Parkway in Peterborough and A47 at Wansford, was closed in both directions just after 4am today (Tuesday, July 28).

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Two lorries crashed along the road and later caught fire. The Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade attended the scene.

A fire spokesperson said: “A significant incident is currently ongoing on the A1 northbound, with multiple fire service crews, ambulance personnel, and police in attendance.

“The A1 northbound is fully closed between Chesterton and Wansford. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, seek alternative routes, and expect significant delays while emergency services respond.”

There are currently delays of around 20 minutes and two miles of congestion this morning while recovery takes place, National Highways reports.

Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue and the East of England Ambulance Service have been contacted for further information.

Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in from across the county? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in.

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Coronation Street’s Claire Sweeney opens up on exit scenes

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Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney opens up on exit scenes

The star, who played Cassie Plummer on the ITV soap since 2023, has opened up on her emotional final scenes.

Ms Sweeney is leaving the show after being cast as Miss Hannigan in the UK theatre tour of Annie.

Coronation Street’s Claire Sweeney opens up on exit scenes

“Saying goodbye to Hope and Ruby, I sobbed,” she told The Sun.

“The tears were real.

“At one point, the director even asked me to hold back a bit because it looked like I was having a breakdown.

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“The children started crying too.”

She said the stage role as Miss Hannigan prompted her departure, being something she could not turn down.

The actress has previously spoken about the impact Coronation Street had on her career, describing it as a “real turning point” and a “lovely surprise” at the age of 52.

Speaking last year she said: “I’ve done brilliant things in my life and in my career, and I’m grateful and thankful.’

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“But when I got into Corrie at the age of 52, it was a lovely, lovely surprise and a real turning point for me.

“When I was younger, I wouldn’t think, ‘This is fabulous.’ It would be, ‘What’s next?’

“But with Corrie, I’m so appreciating it and I’m staying in the moment.”

A Coronation Street spokesperson said previously: “We wish Claire every success playing Miss Hannigan and congratulate her on being offered a role she has long wanted to play.

“Cassie will be on the cobbles until the summer, during which time she will continue to make her presence felt in Weatherfield leading up to a great exit storyline.”

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Ms Sweeney will begin her run as Miss Hannigan on July 7, with tour stops planned across the UK and Ireland.

Coronation Street star talks potential return to ITV soap

In other Corrie news, former star Charlotte Jordan, who played the popular Daisy Midgeley on ITV’s Coronation Street from 2020 to 2025, has spoken about a potential return to the show in the future.

The actress notably earned a British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Performance for her role.

She weighed in on a potential return to Weatherfield when speaking to Radio Times.

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She said: “Oh, well, nobody’s asked, but for now I’m happy to sort of just keep exploring and keep seeing what… I mean, I only left a year ago, it’s very early days, so now I’m happy to keep, keep giving it a good go.”

Ms Jordan’s latest role is in the new BBC period drama series The Hairdresser Mysteries, where she stars as Clary Coombs, alongside Sally Phillips, who plays the main character, Lily Petal.

Charlotte JordanCharlotte Jordan plays Clary Coombs in the new BBC drama The Hairdresser Mysteries (Image: BBC/Mill Bay Media/Gary Moyes)

It tells the story of upmarket hairstylist Lily, who leaves the city to run a hairdressers in a small town, and becomes the centre of gossip and secrets.

Ms Jordan revealed that the transition from Coronation Street to her latest project was relatively smooth.

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She said: “I mean, speed-wise, it wasn’t an adjustment.

“Corrie was a fantastic training ground in that sense, for this particular job, but I did really like playing a character that couldn’t be more different from who I played, which was great.

“I was hoping for that.

“I wanted to play someone next who was the polar opposite, so I’m grateful for that.

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“But no, it wasn’t super different technically, it was all sort of the same ingredients, but it was a very different world, and it’s a very different tone, and it’s obviously very different, it’s a different genre, different vibes.

“So that was great.”

Will you be sad to see Claire Sweeney leave Coronation Street? Let us know in the comments.

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Chelsea vs Western Sydney Wanderers LIVE: Match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction

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Chelsea vs Western Sydney Wanderers LIVE: Match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction

Chelsea are without a number of key stars who remain on holiday following the World Cup, a group that includes new club-record £117million signing Morgan Rogers, while other new arrivals such as Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda miss out through injury. However, Alonso has still taken a strong squad Down Under featuring the likes of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and recent recruit Marco Palestra.

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What you need to know ahead of Fleadh Cheoil kicking off in Belfast this week

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Belfast Live

Need to know

More than 800,000 people are expected to visit the city during the festival

Bronagh McClean and Niall McClean from Ards CCÉ join dancer Olivia Reid to tune up for this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann comes to Belfast for the very first time from Sunday. Here is what you need to know before it kicks off:

  1. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the world’s biggest celebration of Irish traditional music, song, dance and culture. It translates from Irish as “a festival, or feast, of the music of Ireland”.
  2. It is coming to Belfast for the very first time this week – running from Sunday, August 2 to Sunday, August 9 2026. With more than 800,000 visitors expected to descend on the city, it will be one of the biggest and most celebrated events ever to take place in Belfast.
  3. The Fleadh is organised annually by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) and has been running since 1951. The Fleadh features All-Ireland music and dance competitions, live stage concerts, céilí dancing, street performances, pub sessions, storytelling, language events and a huge fringe festival programme.
  4. The Gig Rig at Belfast City Hall will host a packed programme of free music and performances throughout the festival. Special performances and competitions will also take place at Ulster Hall, ICC Belfast and Waterfront Hall.
  5. During the Fleadh, Belfast City Council will need to close many Belfast city centre streets and roads to ensure safe pedestrian movement and allow street performances and activities to take place. Some roads and streets in Belfast city centre will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6am on Sunday August 2 to 10am on Monday August 10 2026.
  6. To help everyone to move with the rhythm of the Fleadh, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys and choose Park and Ride, public transport or active travel wherever possible.To create a safe and welcoming event zone for Fleadh 2026, Belfast city centre will be pedestrianised – find out more and see the map here.
  7. The Fleadh is an inclusive and family-friendly festival. Children are warmly welcomed and there is a wide range of events, workshops and entertainment designed especially for younger visitors.
  8. CCÉ has already announced that Belfast will host the Fleadh again in 2027, making it a back-to-back host city.
  9. The full event programme will be published on fleadhcheoil.ie. Visitors are encouraged to check regularly as more announcements and event details are confirmed in the run-up to the festival.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter.

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