The solar farm would operate to ‘meet local power demand’

Plans for a new solar farm in a Cambridgeshire village have been approved – despite concerns from residents calling it a “blot on the landscape”. FRV Powertek Ltd proposed to build the solar farm on land at Malice Farm, South Of French Drove and east and west of Scolding Drove in Thorney.

These plans have been approved by Peterborough City Council, with the site set to export 49.9 megawatts of power.. The applicant said the solar farm would “operate to meet local power demand”.

They also said it would also act as a “fall back energy source at times when sources of renewable energy and the grid are reduced or do not generate sufficient electricity to meet demand”.

It will be made up of 100,000 photovoltaic panels set out in rows, and the panels will have a maximum height of 3m above ground level. As part of the plans, a new bridge will also be constructed across New South Eau Drain.

This will provide vehicle access during construction and operation of the solar farm. The applicant plans to retain existing vegetation, including 436 trees and 33,680 sqm of shrubs in order to hide the development.

The solar farm is proposed to be “temporary” and remain in place for 40 years. After this time, it will be decommissioned and the land will be restored.

Despite the approval, there were some residents that shared objections to the plans. One objector at Willow Tree Cottage in Spalding was concerned about the loss of open countryside.

They said: “To build a solar farm there would not only be a blot on the landscape, ruining the beautiful scenery and views across the fields, but it would also be taking high quality fertile farmland out [and] food production for the next 40 years. There would also be massive disruption for people who live and work around that area.”

Another resident in Gedney Hill, Spalding, said it would result in “further significant loss of countryside land to a man-made problem”. They added: “Too much is being taken from wildlife for a huge time and not being given back in this area.

“The area is being targeted and would result in a huge loss for a vast period of time. 40 years is not a perceived temporary solution considering what it will do for the area.”

Victorian Psycho is a murderous tale adapted by author Virginia Feito from her own novel, complete with cannibalism, axe-murdering and infanticide.

It’s also the film I saw at Cannes Film Festival that was probably having the most fun.

Directed by Zachary Wigon, it’s gleeful in both its blood-letting and pitch-black humour.

Although it won’t terrify you, it’s gruesomely gothic, amusing and builds tension around the unpredictability of its titular psycho, eccentric young governess Winifred (Maika Monroe).

She is also our (unreliable) narrator, announcing at the start of the film: ‘My name is Winnifred Knotty and I’m the sanest person I’ve ever met’, all the while demonstrating an unnervingly vacant facial expression when not practising her fixed grin.

Monroe is a renowned scream queen, switching over from the horror genre’s usual ‘final girl’ part in films such as It Follows and Longlegs, to play the baddie here with a largely decent period RP accent.

While she might be the psycho, once we’re introduced to the Pound family of the grand Ensor House (led by Jason Isaacs and Ruth Wilson, both deliciously creepy and severe), it becomes clear that Winifred is not really the villain of the piece.

This is quite something to realise when she’s questioned about her past, and it transpires that she comes from a village notorious for a string of dead babies, and her most recent charges are still missing, while a previous one drowned.

There’s something about her upbeat matter-of-factness around her horrifying crimes that’s oddly endearing, and further empathy is built with passing references to her bleak childhood.

But the instructions are clear here for what Winifred must do with her young students, Andrew (Hamnet’s Jacobi Jupe) and Drusilla (Evie Templeton): ‘Make them smart but not too smart.’

Mr Pounds reminds the governess that his daughter, in fact, ‘risks fertility with over-education’, while Mrs Pounds generously requests she doesn’t beat the children.

‘I shan’t even look at them!’ eager-to-please Winifred declares bizarrely, which encapsulates push and pull between the movie’s comedy and horror elements.

In Victorian Psycho, for every silly joke or dry remark made, there’s still a good amount of gore for horror heads – from misplaced body parts, including an ear (later eaten), to sprays of blood from bludgeoning. And yes, she does shockingly kill a baby.

But among all this is the dark humour of Winifred getting Andrew to quote: ‘Please, not my daughter’s fingers’, clearly a past plea that’s stuck with her, and Mr Pounds’ casual allusion to his father’s paedophilia as he was ‘married to the children’ following his wife’s death but ‘preferred the boys’ (a twisted joke that appeared to fly over the heads of others in my early morning screening).

He’s also a phrenology fan who’s keen to get his hands on Winifred’s head, among other things, for a thorough examination, while his sour wife eyes up her looks and wants to know her secrets. Well, beauty secrets that is.

Winifred is also causing pesky whispers among the servants, which she’ll have to deal with in her own way, while befriending naïve nurse Ms Lamb (Thomasin McKenzie).

Complicating matters and stopping Winifred from being the true sociopathic serial killer from the novel is the introduction of ‘Fred’, the demon she believes is living inside her and controlling her killing impulses.

While Monroe manages to act the full gamut of Winifred’s confusing emotions and motives well, introducing some sort of immediate excuse for her behaviour does slightly dull the impact of the film’s final frenzy – as well as its commitment to being a truly shocking horror.

Victorian Psycho premiered at Cannes Film Festival on May 21. It will be released in the US on September 25. The UK release date is yet to be confirmed.

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England suffered a disappointing 14-run defeat as Sophie Devine’s brilliance levelled the T20 series for New Zealand at Canterbury.

England’s bowlers started magnificently in scorching conditions, restricting New Zealand to 11-4, but Sophie Devine and Maddy Green added a record-breaking 159 for the fifth wicket to take the White Ferns to a competitive 170-5.

All-rounder Devine blasted 87 from 57 balls before she was run out from the final ball of the innings, with Green finishing 56 not out in support.

Devine hit six sixes and five fours as England’s bowlers and fielders struggled under pressure in all-too-familiar scenes.

Linsey Smith dominated the powerplay as she finished with 3-25, removing opener Georgia Plimmer and skipper Melie Kerr for first-ball ducks, but the stunning recovery gave New Zealand the momentum into the second innings.

Although England started their chase positively, Sophia Dunkley was the first to throw away her start and fell for 26 from 18 balls.

After Alice Capsey was out for 22, Heather Knight and Maia Bouchier added 43 for the third wicket but their cautious approach saw the run-rate climb and when the pair fell in consecutive balls in the 16th over, New Zealand were within touching distance of victory.

Explosive all-rounders Dani Gibson and Freya Kemp were tasked with scoring 30 from the final two overs, but they were dismissed for 12 and 14 respectively as England finished on 156-6.

The series decider takes place at Hove on Monday, when even hotter conditions are expected.

Reeth, in upper Swaledale in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is catching the attention of more travellers who are finding it through social media, word of mouth, and online.

However, more people are just discovering it after having a drive out into the Yorkshire Dales and stumbling upon Reeth.

Reeth (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The village, about 11 miles outside of Richmond, has long been a favourite with walkers and cyclists, but growing numbers of tourists are now discovering its traditional appeal.

Much of the village centres around its large triangular green, framed by stone-built pubs, cafes, independent shops, and panoramic views across the dale.

One visitor described it on TripAdvisor as: “Peaceful and scenic, but there’s still a buzz around the green.

“It’s a great base for walking, or just sitting and watching the world go by.”

Far from being just a sleepy spot, Reeth’s appeal combines tranquillity with a welcoming atmosphere.

Walkers frequently pass through on routes across Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, including the famous Coast to Coast path.

The village also has a rich industrial history as a former centre of the lead-mining industry, which shaped Swaledale and left its mark on the landscape.

Reeth, Yorkshire Dales (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

This heritage is preserved at the volunteer-run Swaledale Museum, located behind the post office, where visitors can learn how mining, farming and crafts sustained life in the Dales for generations.

Though rooted in history, Reeth has attracted a new audience in the digital age.

Social media users have shared drone footage of the green, sweeping valley views and cycling routes, helping introduce the village to new audiences beyond traditional guidebooks.

Many describe it as ‘the Dales at their best,’ and are drawn to Reeth by posts on Instagram and Facebook.

Despite the rise in digital promotion, the village remains popular with those passing through and those who have long known its charms.

The annual Reeth Show and Swaledale Festival continue to bring together locals and visitors alike, many of whom have been coming to Reeth for generations, while the pubs, bakeries and cafes help keep the village lively throughout the year.

Nearby Grinton, just down the hill, offers further appeal with St Andrew’s Church.

Sometimes called the ‘Cathedral of the Dales,’ the church adds another layer of interest to the area.

For many, what sets Reeth apart is its authenticity and timeless charm.

On the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority website, Reeth is said to “welcome locals and visitors and has several excellent cafés, pubs and tea rooms.

Families enjoying Reeth in the Yorkshire Dales (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“Dating to 1680, long before the lead miners came, the Black Bull Inn used to serve travellers and farmers and is still trading today.

“The Buck Hotel was a coaching inn dating back to 1780.

“For a real treat, check out The Burgoyne Hotel, which offers fine dining and afternoon teas.

Meanwhile, one tourist said on TripAdvisor: “It’s the kind of place you end up staying longer than planned.

“There’s great walking, good food and a proper Yorkshire welcome.”

The village remains a working community as well as a destination, with people chatting on benches, walkers stopping for refreshments and cyclists resting between routes.

Increasing numbers of visitors are discovering Reeth through social media, drawn by its picturesque views and unspoiled atmosphere.

But for those already familiar with the village, it is the slower pace of life, natural beauty and friendly Yorkshire hospitality that keep them coming back, according to their reviews.

Sky Sports issued an apology after Lewie Coyle’s emotional interview following Hull City’s dramatic playoff final win

Sky Sports were forced to apologise following Lewie Coyle’s X-rated comment during an emotional interview after Hull’s 1-0 win over Middlesbrough in the playoff final. The Tigers captain couldn’t hide his emotions as he spoke about his late-father moments after captaining his boyhood club to the Premier League.

Oli McBurnie scored a 96th-minute winner to send Hull back to the Premier League for the first-time since 2017, just when the playoff final looked set for extra-time. Solomon Brynn couldn’t hold on to a cross from the left and the Scotland was on hand to poke home from close range.

Coyle lost his father, Chris, but he remained at the forefront of his mind throughout the showpiece match at Wembley. By claiming the final place in next season’s Premier League, he honoured his late-father and carried the tribute in his post-match interview, taking aim at any doubters throughout his career.

He said: “It’s tough, there’s just one man (his dad) I celebrate with, he’s not with us but I look up to the sky every game, I looked up today, he’s with me. I know he’s with me, next best thing my family are here that have been here since day one.

“There’s probably not many people that would have thought I’d captain a side to the Premier League, even saying it out loud seems a little bit wild, just an honest kid. There’s certainly one man that would’ve believed in me and that’s my old man.

“That’s all I told myself through the game, he would’ve been saying, ‘you can do it son, f*** them’ and I shouldn’t of swore, I apologise, I had to get it in there because that’s how he spoke. He got us over the line today, I know for a fact he did it.”

Pitchside reporter Jonathan Oakes allowed the Hull captain to finish before issuing an apology, he said: “Well said Lewie, we apologise for the language we know apologies are running high.” Meanwhile, after the interview concluded lead presenter David Prutton added: Just to reiterate, emotions are running very high. Apologies for any bad language you may have heard.”

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story. Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.

Leigh McDonald has been named locally as the man pronounced dead at the scene on Friday morning.

A man found dead following an alleged stabbing in South Queensferry has been named locally as Leigh McDonald.

Emergency services raced to Morison Gardens at around 6.10am on Friday after reports that a man had been attacked. Despite the efforts of paramedics, the 54-year-old, who was from the local area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Scotland confirmed the death is being treated as suspicious and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.

A 58-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has since been charged. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, May 25.

Forensic teams remained at the scene throughout Friday, with a blue forensic tent erected in the front garden of a property. Officers were also seen carrying out searches in nearby woodland areas.

Morison Gardens remains closed on Saturday, along with a partial closure of Stewart Terrace, while enquiries continue.

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Tributes have now begun to appear online for Mr McDonald. One person wrote: “Rip Leigh, can’t get my head around it.”

Additional patrols have been deployed in the area to reassure residents, with police urging anyone with concerns to approach officers.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police received a report a man had been assaulted on Morison Gardens, South Queensferry, around 6.10am on Friday.

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“Emergency services attended, however, the 54-year-old man died at the scene. Officers are treating the death as suspicious and a postmortem examination will be carried out in due course.

“A 58-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection. He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, 25 May.

“Morison Gardens remains closed, along with a partial closure of Stewart Terrace, as officers conduct enquiries.”

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James believes it is important that the event provides “something for everybody” which is why the convention focuses on being a holistic, fun day out for families

The organiser of the Belfast Tattoo Convention has urged first-time visitors to come and see what it is like for themselves, as they pride the annual event on offering ‘something for everyone’.

The third instalment of the Belfast Tattoo Convention is due to take place over June 5, 6 and 7 at the Europa Hotel. The popular show will see several thousand people pass through over its three days, with the convention’s founder saying it is “not just for tattoo lovers.”

If you have ever wondered what a tattoo convention is like, the Belfast event next month will be the perfect opportunity for you to find out. James Conway, 36, from Lurgan, launched the event in 2024 after identifying a market need. He said the city hadn’t had its own convention for some time, despite being home to some “world-class artists.” Attendees can contact artists they want to work with before the event to get tattoos done at the event.

This year, over 150 artists from across the globe will take part in the three-day spectacle, which will feature plenty of entertainment for the entire family. High-profile tattooists will include Chris Crooks, Isnard Barbossa, who was the runner-up of the popular television show Ink Master and Lorena Morato. Alongside the artists will be 25 shops, the Working Class Podcast, a variety of food offerings, including a vegan vendor and children’s entertainment.

James said, “We don’t want guys to think that they should leave the wife and kids at home because we have lots for them to do at the event as well. It is an international convention, so probably over 100 of the artists are from overseas. Every major city has a tattoo convention, and this is a relatively new show that isn’t related to the old one, because for a while Belfast didn’t have a show of our own.

“I’ve been all around the world visiting shows. When we go to other cities, we get treated really well, but we couldn’t return the favour for when people came here because there wasn’t a Belfast convention. A lot of these guys from overseas think we are still in The Troubles, so it is important that we show artists from other countries how beautiful Belfast is. When people come here, they are blown away. The event is a welcoming place for everyone, so we encourage people to come and check it out.

“We have a lot of world-class talent here in our city. This convention gives people a chance to have our own show.It also gives people who live here a chance to get tattooed by artists they normally wouldn’t have access to. We have serious world-renowned artists who are really good business people that are coming over for the event.”

James believes it is important that the event provides “something for everybody” which is why the convention focuses on being a holistic, fun day out for families. A lot of what is on offer will be included in the ticket price; more information can be found by searching for ‘Belfast Tattoo Convention’ on social media. The event will feature different music, three stages of entertainment, a hypnotist, an arcade of retro machines, Julian Simmons and other celebrities.

The shops on offer will include toy shops, a taxidermist, alternative clothing and a variety of food vendors. Some artists at the event will also work with vegan products when creating their tattoos. For children, there will be face painting, a clown, sticker collecting, a sideshow, and a balloon artist. Attendees will also have an opportunity to win a free tattoo as part of the convention’s quiz competition.

James said the family-friendly focus is a reaction to the evolution of the tattoo scene. The industry has become more modern in contrast to the images conjured up by some people of old bikers solely being those who are tattooed. Nowadays, he said, there is a cross section of different people who are now artists, including more women, people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.

The highlight of the show for the artists will be a custom-made belt on offer for the best in show tattoo. The belt will be created by a man who makes them for some of the biggest boxing organisations in the world. James said he is hoping a local artist can take the honours home this year for the first time in the convention’s history.

The show will have disabled access, card and cash facilities, and the option to pay on the door.

For more information about the event or to book tickets, click here.

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Rapper Tinchy Stryder was staying in Port Talbot before performing at the In It Together Festival

Staff at a Welsh hotel were left stunned after discovering they had been serving one of the acts performing at a major music festival. British rapper Tinchy Stryder, best known for chart hits including Number 1 and Never Leave You, performed at Port Talbot’s In It Together Festival on Friday, May 22.

What came as a surprise to staff, however, was the fact the rapper had chosen to stay locally for the event, spending the night at Blanco’s Hotel and Restaurant.

According to a spokesperson from the hotel, staff initially had no idea they were speaking to the celebrity musician during breakfast service the following morning.

“He was a guest of the hotel. The morning staff came in to serve breakfast and he just started talking to us in the restaurant,” the spokesperson said. “We didn’t realise who he was at first!”

The spokesperson added that Tinchy was “really friendly” and “very talkative” with staff members. However the biggest takeaway from the encounter was how much he loved the Welsh accent.

“He kept saying how he loved the accents down here,” they said with a laugh.

According to the spokesperson, the rapper was only staying briefly while performing at the festival and had left on Saturday. Stay informed on everything Neath Port Talbot by signing up to our newsletter here

Although staff admitted that they were surprised by the visit, the hotel is no stranger to well-known faces. “A few of the regular people we have down here are people like Rob Brydon and Michael Sheen,” the spokesperson shared. “But, we’d be happy to have Tinchy here again, of course.”

Tinchy Stryder is no stranger to Wales, having previously performed at Swansea’s Escape Into the Park festival as well as NRT Fest in Neath. He joined a star-studded line up at this year’s In it Together festival which boasted acts like Madness, Aitch and Snow Patrol.

Video footage and witness reports suggest the police have taped off a large area from the Asda Express on Oxford Road and the Maldron Hotel on Charles Street.

Witnesses have told the M.E.N. that armed police and around six police vehicles are in the area.

It is also understood that guests are not being allowed in and out of the hotel.

The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school.

Kirknewton Primary School has been awarded Gold by UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting School programme.

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school.

Gold is the highest accolade given by UNICEF UK and shows a deep and thorough commitment to children’s rights at all levels of school life.

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The external assessor noted that the pupils were confident and knew their views were taken seriously, and that they were making a positive difference in school and the wider world. It was noted that there were strong relationships with families, including high levels of engagement with the overall life of the school, and that there was a caring and nurturing environment where values of dignity and respect were valued by all.

Headteacher of Kirknewton Primary School, Kimberley Hughes, said: “I am immensely proud of our school community for achieving the UNCRC Rights Respecting Schools Gold Accreditation. This reflects the dedication of our staff, the support of our families, the passion of our pupils, and the commitment of our wider community.

“Together, we have built a culture where children’s rights are lived every day—and we remain wholeheartedly dedicated to sustaining this high standard for years to come.

“A huge thank you to Mrs Mair and our UNCRC parent and pupil group who successfully showcased all our work during our recent accreditation and represented our school to such a high standard.”

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