The King has named its meadows among the finest in the country. His father played dominoes in the pub.

And last month, Prince William sat down in the same pub for a chicken and ham pie, chips, mushy peas and gravy.

But visitors arriving for the first time often make the same mistake before they have even set off – they get the name wrong.

So how do you say it?

Some people might be tempted to say “MUCK-er”, as though it rhymes with the slang term for a friend.

The correct pronunciation is “MEW-ker” – two short, clean syllables.

King Charles standing in the Coronation Meadow at Highgrove. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Think of it as MEW, like the sound a cat makes, followed by a quick KER.

Where does the name come from?

The name is Norse in origin, which is why it sounds nothing like it looks. Muker derives from the Old Norse mjór akr, meaning “the narrow newly cultivated field” – a reference to the thin strip of fertile ground between the River Swale and the steep fells that rise on either side.

The earliest recorded form of the name, from 1274, was written as Meuhaker – considerably closer to how it is still said today.

Over seven centuries of spelling drift, the word compressed and shifted on the page while the spoken form stayed much closer to its roots.

The village the royals keep coming back to

Muker’s connection to the Royal Family is long and genuine.

King Charles, then Prince of Wales, visited in December 2004 and stopped into the Farmers Arms, where he played a game of dominoes with locals.

He returned to the village several times over the years, and in 2013 designated Muker’s hay meadows as one of just 60 Coronation Meadows in England – a personal project to protect the country’s most important wildflower grasslands in honour of the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation.

The meadows at Muker are now an official Coronation Meadow, celebrating some of the finest surviving upland hay meadows in England.

On May 5, Prince William followed in his father’s footsteps – visiting hill farmers in Swaledale before stopping at the same Farmers Arms for lunch.

The pub announced afterwards: “The team at the Farmers Arms were honoured to host HRH Prince William for lunch during his visit to Swaledale.

“He enjoyed a hearty lunch of chicken and ham pie, chips, mushy peas and gravy, which got the royal seal of approval.”

(Image: owen humphreys)

Why people visit

Muker’s wildflower meadows are at their absolute peak in early June, for a window of only a few weeks before the hay cutters move in.

The fields surrounding the village turn vivid with wood crane’s-bill, globeflower, melancholy thistle and hundreds of other species that have all but vanished from lowland England.

A flagged path leads directly from the village through the meadows, and a circular walk to the village of Keld takes in four waterfalls along the Kisdon Gorge.

The village itself has a pub, a well-regarded tearoom, and a shop selling hand-knitted woollens made from local Swaledale wool.

Getting there

Muker is in Upper Swaledale, approximately 24 miles west of the A1 near Scotch Corner via the B6270 through Richmond. There is a small pay-and-display car park in the village.

Have you visited Muker?

Let us know in the comments below.

NEW YORK (AP) — Here are select winners so far at the 2026 Tony Awards.

Actor in a leading role in a play

John Lithgow, “Giant”

Actress in a featured role in a play

Laurie Metcalf, “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman”

Direction of a musical

Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, “Cats: The Jellicle Ball”

Original score

“Schmigadoon!” (Music & Lyrics: Cinco Paul)

Book of a musical

“Schmigadoon!” Cinco Paul

Choreography

“Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons

Play

“Death of a Salesman,” Joe Mantello

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For more coverage of the 2026 Tony Awards, visit https://apnews.com/hub/tony-awards.

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s Richmond area planning committee have already given approval for the work at Morris Grange Nursing Home, near Middleton Tyas.

But the scheme will be reconsidered by councillors after issues emerged with the scheme.

Health and adult services staff concluded that the level and type of care originally proposed was not currently in demand.

As a result, the applicant wants to amend the proposed care model to better meet current needs.

A land ownership issue has also emerged which required a new consultation exercise.

The application seeks full planning permission to demolish, extend, and refurbish the existing facility to create a 36-bed care home.

The project also includes the construction of a new two-storey building containing 13 care apartments, alongside associated access improvements and car parking.

The rural site, located near Scotch Corner, has been vacant since its closure in 2019, having previously operated as a 71-bed facility.

Planning officers are recommending that permission be granted, noting that while the new-build element partially conflicts with standard countryside development policies, it occupies the same footprint as a recently demolished building and represents an overall reduction in resident capacity compared to the site’s historical use.

A Section 106 agreement will be required to ensure the 13 new apartments remain dedicated strictly to residential care use.

The application will be considered at the planning meeting on Thursday next week.

“Many skilled tradespeople – electricians, roofers, installation specialists, technicians and craftspeople – are earning excellent incomes and are desperately needed by society,” Van der Helm explains. “It’s a very money-driven society for young adults. When they see a carpenter doing what they like and making a lot of money fast, they see that as aspirational.”

From psychological thrillers to gripping crime dramas, here are the best David Morrissey shows to stream this weekend

If you’ve become captivated by Channel 4’s latest thriller series Tip Toe, you’re in good company.

The series, penned by Russell T Davies, has been hailed as a “masterpiece” by viewers who report being left with ‘chills’ following its powerful scenes.

It follows the disturbing surge of homophobia through an intense, escalating dispute between two neighbours that spirals to devastating extremes.

The narrative focuses on Leo (Alan Cumming), who operates a bar named Spit & Polish in Manchester’s Gay Village, and Clive (David Morrissey), his austere and troubled neighbour, with whom he’s shared a boundary for almost 15 years.

If you’ve raced through the new series and find yourself wanting for something equally compelling, look no further. Here’s a selection of 4 David Morrissey dramas to binge.

Gone

ITV’s recent drama Gone makes for ideal weekend binge-watching material.

The new six-episode psychological series, featuring David Morrissey and Eve Myles, centres on a “chilling” missing persons investigation. It sees local headteacher Michael Polly (David) become the principal suspect in his wife’s disappearance.

What unfolds is a cat-and-mouse pursuit between Michael and the detective investigating his case, Annie Cassidy (Eve).

Gone is available to stream on ITV and ITVX.

Thorne

ITV’s intensely gripping detective drama Thorne features the consistently excellent David Morrissey as the eponymous DI Tom Thorne, tasked with the grim responsibility of hunting down the most disturbing serial killers.

Drawing from author Mark Billingham’s novels, Sleepyhead and Scaredy Cat, the programme, which debuted over ten years ago, ranks amongst the most suspenseful detective dramas available.

Two three-episode series await viewers, each presenting a fresh – and equally chilling – series of killings.

Thorne is available to stream on ITV

The Long Shadow

ITV’s The Long Shadow chronicles the distressing true account of the five-year police hunt for serial killer Peter Sutcliffe.

The programme, originally titled The Yorkshire Ripper, boasts a stellar ensemble including David Morrissey, Toby Jones, Katherine Kelly, Jill Halfpenny and numerous others, examining both the investigating officers and Sutcliffe’s victims alongside their families.

You can stream The Long Shadow on ITVX

Sherwood

Drawing inspiration from actual events, Sherwood presents the compelling tale of a Nottinghamshire community still bearing the scars of the 1984-85 miners’ strike, which faces upheaval when two shocking murders resurface long-suppressed tensions.

Crafted by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter James Graham, the two-series production features Lesley Manville, David Morrissey and Lorraine Ashbourne. In the opening season, audiences are transported to a Nottinghamshire village reeling from the savage killing of ex-union activist Gary Jackson.

The second season leaps forward to present day, tracking two fresh families whose lives become entangled with the infamous Sparrow family.

Sherwood is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Global jewellery specialist Pandora is set to move in to a unit at the out-of-town shopping centre.

The Denmark-headquartered brand has lodged a planning application to City of York Council to install three new fascia aluminium store signs in pink, and one illuminated projecting sign on one of the stand-alone units.

Jewellery giant Pandora set to open at Monks Cross York . (Image: PA)

The business is also advertising for a store manager to work 40 hours a week at the the site which was previously home to Claire’s, the accessories store.

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The role will offer a monthly bonus of 10% if sales targets achieved, with the potential for more, as well as an employee discount, and annual jewellery uniform allowance.

Pandora is the world’s largest jewellery brand, specialising in the design, crafting and marketing of accessible luxury jewellery made from high-quality materials.

It was recognised in the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work 2023’ as one of only 11 in the ‘very large’ employers category. Its jewellery is sold in more than 100 countries, with more than 2,800 concept stores.

Claire’s Accessories announced last summer that it had appointed administrators for its UK and Ireland business explaining that its decision was to protect the business and its stakeholders.

The high street chain went on to close hundreds of its shops across the country.

In April this year, administrators for the fashion accessories chain said that about 1,300 workers were to be made redundant as a result.

The move did not affect the retailer’s 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, and its head office.

It came after private equity owner Modella Capital hired Kroll to oversee the administration earlier this year.

Erling Haaland and Norway continue their preparations for the World Cup with a clash against the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists

Croatia have proven themselves to be contenders at recent World Cups, finishing second and third in the last two tournaments.

However, despite sitting just outside the top 10 in FIFA’s rankings, they find themselves relatively unfancied – having been beaten by Belgium and Brazil in recent friendlies.

As they prepare for their World Cup opener against England, a game against Slovenia – who failed to qualify for the World Cup in the USA – could help build back some confidence.

Driving force Luka Modric will join an exclusive band of players – that includes the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi – in playing at a fifth World Cup.

Here’s everything you need to know about watching Croatia v Slovenia.

What time is Croatia v Slovenia?

Croatia v Slovenia kicks off at 7.45pm BST on Sunday, June 7.

The match will be played at Gradski Stadion in Varazdin.

Is Croatia v Sloveniaon TV?

No. Unfortunately, the match is not being broadcast on TV in the UK.

Croatia v Slovenia

Fear not, because viewers can watch the match live on Amazon Prime Video.

All you need is a subscription with Amazon to watch on mobile devices, tablets, smart TVs and desktop computers.

There is a fee to watch though – it will cost you £2.99 on pay-per-view.

Quotes corner

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic: “We have recorded some really fantastic results in recent years, something that would be deemed almost impossible for a small country like ours.

“But our willpower, our persistence and our overall quality have brought us two medals at the last two FIFA World Cups so the expectations for the upcoming tournament are also high.

“We want to get the best possible result, but at the same time, I do not want to create any pressure based on our previous results. We are going into this tournament with a lot of desire and a lot of expectations but what I want the most is for us to enjoy the tournament.

“Modric is still the main player for this team, the driving force for the national team, the player who keeps the team running,” Dalic admitted. “I think Luka Modric means a lot to this team, which he has already shown many times with his dedication, devotion, performances and behaviour.

“He is an utmost professional who performs his job at the highest possible level. Although he is 40 years old now, he is still extremely ambitious and is the main driving force behind this national team.”

“No Pay? No Way! was so physical, once you were on the train there was no stopping it,” she said. “This feels much more thoughtful than physical.”

Written by Rory Mullarkey and directed by James Macdonald, Even These Things spans three centuries and three moments in time in Manchester.

From the problems faced by an Irish emigrée recently arrived in the city to find grinding poverty and brutal conditions to the morning of the IRA bomb in 1996 to the present day, it is Manchester which is the lead character throughout.

Katherine Pearce (Jenny) in Even These Things at the Royal Exchange

“Manchester is so very present,” said Katherine, who plays a crucial role in two of the three acts. “The character of Manchester and its people is integral to the story.”

At the heart of the production is an amazing, daring and as audiences have found totally spellbinding second act which Katherine narrates with over 40 community performers taking to the stage.

It is set on the morning of June 15, 1996 as a city awakes little suspecting that a devastating event will literally shake it to its foundations.

“Initially you could be forgiven for thinking that rather like a drama class at school you would get people who weren’t taking it seriously but this has been quite the opposite,” she said. “Everybody is so focused, it really means something to them. If you turned round and said they they were all professional actors I would believe you.

“All the community performers have been so unflappable and so generous.”

Teams of around 40 performers alternate between shows, performing 44 individual vignettes looking at life in the city.

“There are some of them which are so funny I really have to concentrate to stop laughing as I’m narrating,” said Katherine. “It is a big logistical effort and it’s almost came together like a dance. They have been amazing and I trust them completely and they trust me too. What I really like is that as narrator my main focus is to spotlight them and show the amazing work they have done.”

For the first act, Elaine Cassidy is the sole character onstage and for the final act Katherine and Elaine join forces as two women meeting by chance in a Manchester park.

“It’s a bit like watching three plays in one, all with a different style but with a beautiful link to them,” said Katherine. “It will surprise audiences; it continues to surprise me every day.”

The fact that the production celebrates new writing is a particular delight for Katherine.

Read the review: ‘A remarkable piece of theatre’

“I started my career mostly doing new writing and really loving it; being part of the process and questioning the motives and the characters and what’s said,” she said. “Since Covid theatres have been in survival mode and programme more classics. You can’t blame them for that as they need to get the audiences in but there has been a downturn in new writing which has been sad.

“For the last three years I’ve really just done Shakespeare so to come back to doing a new play here is really lovely.”

Having played at the Royal Exchange several times Katherine is well aware of the unique performance space.

“Growing up in Newton-le-Willows we had the most remarkable drama teacher who would take us to see things whenever we could,” she said. “So the Library Theatre and the Royal Exchange were where I saw theatre. I thought that all theatre was in the round from that.

“But I do find it very freeing and not restrictive at all; I feel very comfortable in the round; there’s something about it not mattering where you stand and people can see you that I really like.

“It also feels very intimate; everybody is getting a different performance from you and I find that really lovely actually not being able to control how everybody sees you.”

Katherine admits that she has fallen under the spell of Even These Things which she describes as ‘a love letter to Manchester’.

“It’s a celebration and a commemoration and an acknowledgement warts and all of the history of Manchester,” she said.

The play has been staged to mark the 30th anniversary of the bomb with the final performance 30 years to the day it exploded.

“You might think that when such a traumatic thing happens people wouldn’t want to talk about it or get into how it affected them,” said Katherine, “but that hasn’t been my experience. Every time I’ve said I’m doing a play partially about the IRA bomb in Manchester people want to talk, they remember where they were. I think that’s good, the best way to deal with traumatic events in your life is to talk about them.

“The whole play is a very human experience and also quite beautiful. I have found it be tremendously uplifting every single day, you go through the full range of emotions.”

Even These Things is at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, until Monday, June 15. Details from www.royalexchange.co.uk

PARIS (AP) — It all came rushing back to Alexander Zverev when he was lying on his back on the French Open’s center court, his hands covering his face, and sobbing on Sunday as he realized that he had — finally — become a Grand Slam champion.

It was the same court where he twisted his right ankle and crumpled to the ground, wailing in agony before being pushed off on a wheelchair during a semifinal match against Rafael Nadal in 2022.

The same court where he wasted a lead of two sets to one against Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 championship match.

“All the emotions came out, because this court is very, very special to me. It’s special in a very positive way, but also special on the negative way, because I had some of the toughest moments of my life here,” Zverev said.

“I was laying on this court with an injury that I didn’t know if I would ever come back from. I lost a Grand Slam final here, so all of those memories for me, they’re not wiped out. They’re still with me, but this one will beat all of them.”

After so many missed opportunities, Zverev is no longer one of the best players never to win a major title.

In his fourth major final, Zverev beat Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-1 for the French Open title.

It was a unique opportunity for Zverev without Jannik Sinner or Alcaraz across the net and the third-ranked German took full advantage on the red clay of Roland Garros.

When Cobolli missed an overhead on the second championship point after more than four hours of the five-set encounter, Zverev joined an elite group of players that captured their first major in their fourth final: Eight-time major champion Andre Agassi, 2001 Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic and 2020 U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem.

Then when Zverev finally got his hands on the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy, he turned it upside down, held it between his legs and then hoisted it above his head with both arms as he let out a loud roar.

“This trophy for me is very important because if I would have lost this one, this self-belief would have gone down a lot,” Zverev said. “But now that I’ve won it, I feel like I can do it again.”

No Sinner or Alcaraz

Zverev had been an overwhelming favorite for the title ever since the top-ranked Sinner struggled in the first week’s heat wave and wasted a two set and 5-1 lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round. A day later, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic was also eliminated.

Alcaraz, the two-time reigning champion, withdrew before the tournament with an injured right wrist.

Zverev also lost a lead of two sets to none in the 2020 U.S. Open final to Thiem and was beaten in straight sets by Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final.

It was the 25th title of Zverev’s career.

Cobolli’s 1st Slam final

The 14th-ranked Cobolli had never been past a Grand Slam quarterfinal until this week. He was attempting to become the first Italian man to raise the singles trophy at Roland Garros since Adriano Panatta 50 years ago.

Cobolli comes from the same tennis club in Rome as Panatta did and Panatta was asked by tournament organizers to present the trophy to celebrate the anniversary of his 1976 triumph.

The honors, however, went to Zverev.

Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva won the women’s singles trophy on Saturday.

Zverev took control early on

The match was played in perfect conditions and Zverev’s game was almost flawless at the start as Cobolli appeared nervous.

A group of women in the stands held up letters to form Zverev’s nickname: “Sascha.”

Cobolli likes to stand way over near the corner of the court and hit big kick serves out wide into the ad court. Zverev knew what was coming and returned one such kick serve early in the first set with a backhand that he wrapped around the outside of the net post. Cobolli ended up winning the point, but it was a message from Zverev that he knew how to handle his opponent’s tactics.

The next time Zverev hit a wrap-around-the-net-post return, Cobolli couldn’t handle it and Zverev won the point.

Cobolli’s supporters in his box were all dressed in blue, the color of Italy’s national teams, and as Cobolli worked his way back into the match, there were chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole; Flavio, Flavio.”

Both players were treated by a trainer as the match wore on and Cobolli appeared to run out of energy in the fifth.

“He deserved it more than me at the end of the match,” Cobolli said, adding that he was slowed by cramps.

Zverev said his cramps “were more mental.

“I actually think that the cramp helped me in a way, that I let go, I kind of hit my shots a bit more and just let go,” he added.

Abuse allegations

Moments after Zverev’s previous Grand Slam final in Australia in 2025, a person in the stadium yelled out the names of two of his ex-girlfriends who accused him of physical abuse.

One case was resolved following an agreement between German prosecutors, lawyers for Zverev and his former partner. The ATP Tour investigated another case and concluded there was insufficient evidence.

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AP Sports Writers Samuel Petrequin and Jerome Pugmire contributed to this report.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers on patrol spotted the man trying to sell items they believed may have been stolen.

According to police, the suspect fled when he noticed officers approaching and ran onto the Ironman 70.3 route in an attempt to evade arrest.

However, officers quickly caught up with him, with PC Wilkinson detaining the man a short distance away.

A GMP spokesperson said online: “Upon spotting police, the male ran onto the Ironman 70.3 course but wasn’t quick enough to escape PC Wilkinson.

“It was a case of déjà vu from Ironman 2025 when the same male made off from officers onto the track and was detained by the same officer.”

Off-duty police officers who had travelled from Essex to take part in the Ironman event also assisted in stopping the suspect.

The man was arrested on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods and remains in custody for questioning.

Police enquiries remain ongoing.