Yesterday (Saturday, February 28) marked the 25th anniversary of the Great Heck Railway Tragedy.

Ten people lost their lives and 82 were injured when two trains collided near Great Heck at approximately 4.45am on February 28, 2001.

It came after a Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) train, travelling from Newcastle to London, struck a Land Rover towing a Renault Savanna on a trailer.

The train partially derailing before a southbound Freightliner train collided with a passenger train.

The Land Rover had left the M62, travelling down an embankment to the East Coast Main Line.

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The freight train driver, the passenger train driver and eight passengers were killed.

Those killed in the disaster were: Steve Dunn, John Weedle, Christopher Terry, Robert Shakespeare, Raymond Robson, Paul Taylor, Barry Needham, Alan Ensor, Clive Vidgen and Stephen Baldwin.

North Yorkshire Police joined emergency services to remember the lives lost on February 28, 2001 (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

They were remembered in a poignant ceremony held at Selby Abbey on Saturday (February 28).

The service was attended by the families of those who died, survivors, emergency services, industry colleagues and LNER representatives.

‘Today is first and foremost about the ten men who never came home’

Speaking about this, Inspector Rob Campbell for North Yorkshire Police said: “I attended today as the local Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, but also as someone who has lived just a couple of villages away from Great Heck my entire life.

“Today is first and foremost about the ten men who never came home, and about the families and loved ones who have carried that loss every single day for 25 years.

“It is also about the survivors, those who were injured, some very seriously, and the many more who carried invisible wounds long after that morning.

“But today is also a day of profound gratitude.

“To the emergency services who responded in darkness and bitter cold to scenes no training can fully prepare you for. To the police officers, fire crews, the paramedics, the medical professionals across the region who worked tirelessly to save lives.

“And to this community, which came together without being asked.

“It was a moment that reminded me why days like today matter so much, not just to remember, but to come together.

“I feel genuinely privileged to have served alongside officers from North Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Police who were there that day.

“What they faced, and what they carried afterwards, deserves to be acknowledged and remembered.”

Ten candles were lit for the men who died from the disaster (Image: LNER)

Deputy Managing Director at LNER, Warrick Dent, said it was a “privilege” to join those in attendance at the service.

He said: “Saturday was dedicated to remembering and honouring those involved in the tragic incident at Great Heck 25 years ago.

“It was a privilege to join with the families of those who lost loved ones, alongside survivors, emergency service workers, rail colleagues, and the local community to pay our respects to those who lost their lives.

“They will always be remembered.”

The UK Foreign Office is advising British citizens in Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait to remain indoors in secure locations following retaliatory strikes across the Middle East

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Airlines worldwide have continued to suspend flights throughout the Middle East following “major combat operations” across Iran by the US and Israel. This prompted retaliatory strikes across the Middle East – targeting Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait, all locations of US bases, as well as Israel.

Airspace throughout the region has remained largely empty. Significant Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have been closed or heavily restricted as a consequence.

Numerous Britons enjoy taking holidays in destinations such as Dubai and have experienced disruptions to their planned itineraries. The UK Foreign Office has advised Britons against travelling to Israel or Palestine, and is recommending people currently in destinations such as Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait to find shelter, reports the Mirror.

In a statement on its website the Foreign Office said: “Due to the threat posed by escalation in the region, we recommend against all travel to Israel and Palestine. On 28 February 2026, the US and Israel commenced joint military action in Iran, Israeli airspace has now closed.”

The Foreign Office has also revised its guidance for British nationals presently in destinations including Dubai, Bahrain and Kuwait. It said: “Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

The circumstances are rapidly evolving, so anyone scheduled to fly in the forthcoming days should also obtain guidance from their airline operator.

Cancelled flights to the Middle East

Aegean Airlines – Greece’s largest airline has suspended flights to Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon and Erbil in Iraq until March 2.

Air Astana – All flights to the Middle East have been cancelled until March 3.

Air Canada – All flights from Canada to Israel have been cancelled until March 8 . All flights to Dubai have been cancelled until March 3.

Air Europa – The Spanish airline has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and is monitoring the situation to assess operations on Tuesday.

Air France KLM – All flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut were cancelled on Saturday. Dutch KLM weekend flights to and from Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh have been cancelled.

Azerbaijan Airlines – All flights to and from Dubai, Doha, Jeddah and Tel Aviv suspended.

British Airways – Flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain cancelled until March 3.

Cathay Pacific – Flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh suspended.

Emirates – All flights to and from Dubai suspended until March 2.

Etihad – Flights from Abu Dhabi suspended until 2pm local time on Sunday.

FlyDubai – All flights to and from Dubai suspended until 3pm local time on Sunday.

ITA Airways – Flights to and from Tel Aviv and not using airspace of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran until March 7.

Lot Polish Airlines – Flights to Tel Aviv have been suspended until 15 March. Services to Dubai and Riyadh have been cancelled until March 2.

Lufthansa – Services to and from Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon and Oman have been suspended until March 7. Flights to and from Dubai on Saturday and Sunday have been suspended.

Norwegian Air – All flights to and from Dubai have been suspended until March 4.

Pegasus Airlines – Flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon have been cancelled up to and including March 2.

Qatar Airways – Flights have been suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. An update is expected by 9am local time on Monday.

Turkish Airlines – Flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman were cancelled on Saturday. Flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan have been cancelled until March 2.

Wizz Air – Flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman have been halted with immediate effect until March 7.

Knock-on effect

Air India – Flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar to London, New York, Chicago, Toronto, Frankfurt and Paris on Sunday have been cancelled. Additional flights to London, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Zurich, Milan, Vienna, Copenhagen and Frankfurt have also been cancelled.

IndiGo – There has been a temporary suspension of international flights using Middle Eastern airspace until Monday.

Japan Airlines – A flight on Saturday from Tokyo Haneda to Doha and the return flight on March 1 have been cancelled.

Lufthansa – The airline will not fly through Israeli, Lebanese, Jordanian, Iraqi and Iranian airspace until March 7.

Virgin Atlantic – Will bypass Iraqi airspace, leading to some pre-arranged rerouting of flights.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) said it was called by Durham Police to a fire on Eighth Street, Horden, yesterday evening.

The service tackled the fire for more than two hours, before handing the scene back to police.

A CDDFRS spokesperson said: “We received a call from the police at 7.24pm informing us that a boarded-up property was on fire on Eighth Street, Horden, Peterlee.

“We sent two appliances and an officer. We used breathing apparatus and two hose reels to tackle a fire on the first floor of the address.

“The electricity board assisted in isolating the electrical supply and the incident was handed back to the police at 9.37pm. Significant damage to the property was caused.”

Northern Powergrid also attended the scene.

The electricity company and Durham Police have been contacted.

Andrew and Fergie’s daughters have remained silent and out of the spotlight since their parents were mentioned in the Epstein files

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Since the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, his daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have remained silent, maintaining a low profile away from the public gaze. While Eugenie was seen in London earlier this week, her elder sister Beatrice has not been spotted since Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson became entangled in the scandal following the most recent release of the Epstein files.

Jennie Bond, a former BBC royal correspondent, suggests that the royal sisters would be feeling the pressure by association, as more secrets are revealed about the billionaire paedophile’s longstanding relationship with their parents.

Jennie told the Mirror: “Beatrice and Eugenie must still be reeling from the shock of seeing their father arrested and then photographed slumped in the back of a car trying to hide from the cameras. They, too, are now paparazzi prey and they must feel spied on whenever they decide to venture out. So far, we have only seen Eugenie break cover and it was brave of her to do so. Both women must be under enormous pressure and their feelings hugely conflicted.”

After the disclosure of the latest batch of millions of files relating to Jeffrey Epstein, both Andrew and Fergie have been shown to have had long-standing associations with the paedophile. And while Beatrice and Eugenie have not been accused of any wrongdoing, Jennie believes their parents should have warned them about the impending storm.

“Their parents have been exposed as liars,” Jennie stated. “It would have been responsible and thoughtful of their parents to warn them about what might be revealed in the Epstein files. The trouble is neither Andrew nor Sarah knew what was going to be uncovered. Their worst nightmares must by now have been realised.”

Despite Andrew and Fergie’s exile from the royal family, it’s reported that Beatrice and Eugenie maintain a positive relationship with their uncle, King Charles. The royal siblings spent Christmas at Sandringham with the entire royal family.

Jennie commented: “I can’t see the royal family changing their attitude to Beatrice and Eugenie. They have repeatedly let it be known that the women, with their spouses and children, are welcome at royal gatherings.”

Beatrice and Eugenie have established their own careers and generally lead private lives. However, as Jennie pointed out, the sisters’ silence regarding the Epstein scandal has led many royal observers to question what information they may have had access to.

“Even so, legitimate questions are being asked about how much the princesses knew about Epstein and why they apparently agreed to show some of his guests around the Palace,” Jennie noted. “So far, we have heard nothing from the women and that’s probably how it’s going to stay. But an explanation would be helpful. What’s needed now is full transparency and honesty.”

Following Andrew’s arrest, questions have been raised about the line of succession, with the Government preparing to remove the former prince from his position as eighth in line to the throne. Consequently, many have questioned whether his daughters might also relinquish their place in the succession line, or perhaps even their royal titles. Andrew was stripped of his titles last October by his brother King Charles.

Jennie said: “Whether they want to continue calling themselves Princess is really up to them. I’m sure it still opens many doors and is helpful in their careers. There’s no suggestion that either woman has done anything wrong, so if they want to remain princesses, and my guess is that they do, I’m sure they will.”

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has denied all allegations against him.

While many of us will be brushing the correct number of times a day, it’s the way in which we brush that might be causing problems.

Some dental experts have shared what this is and what you can do instead to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Brushing too hard can cause your teeth to become yellow and your gums to recede (Image: Getty Images)

Dentists warn against brushing your teeth too hard

Several dental experts have said that brushing your teeth too hard will cause issues over time.

Dr Jas Sagoo, director of leading general and cosmetic dentists Perfect Smile Spa, said that the “wrong technique can do more harm than many people realise”.

He added: “Brushing too hard is a common mistake and it can cause the white enamel, the outer layer of the teeth, to wear away. 

“When this happens, the inner layer of dentin is exposed, which is a tone of yellow, and so the tooth becomes duller in appearance.” 

The Oral Health Foundation also backs this up, saying it can cause gums to recede and make your teeth sensitive.

They add: “If your gums are sore or your teeth feel sensitive, it may be a sign you are brushing too hard.

“Speak to your dental team if you are unsure.”

What brushing technique should you use?

Dr Jas shared that there is a gentler method he recommends for brushing to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

He said: “A good technique is to tilt your brush at a 45-degree angle, gently going tooth-to-tooth to ensure the whole surface is covered, and brushing against the gumline to free any trapped particles. 

“Using a soft-bristled brush or an electric toothbrush may bring you the best results and try to be firm without putting too much pressure on the teeth. 

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“It’s also advisable to change your toothbrush every three months, or before that if you see visible signs of fraying.” 

The Oral Health Foundation also suggested using an electric toothbrush, as many of them have pressure sensors that warn you if you are brushing too firmly.

They also recommend avoiding sawing motions and holding the toothbrush lightly so that the bristles do the work.

Do you prefer to use a manual or an electric toothbrush? Let us know in the comments.

Natural England previously issued licences to release the animals at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate in Exmoor, Somerset, and at a site in Cornwall chosen by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

The CWT released two pairs of beavers at a trust nature reserve in mid-Cornwall, within the Par and Fowey river catchment at the beginning of February.

It said: “Our team were delighted to spot these two together on the camera traps.

“They were one of the first pairs to be released and, while we hoped they may stay together, it was far from guaranteed – so really hopeful and heartening to see.”

Nature minister Mary Creagh has said the return of beavers is a vital part of the government’s “mission to protect and restore nature”.

Beavers became extinct from the wild in England more than 400 years ago due to hunting for their pelts, meat and glands.

A club statement has been issued hours before kick-off

A Welsh rugby club has publicly accused their rivals of lacking “respect and sportsmanship” hours before facing them in a cup semi-final, amid a row over the fixture’s scheduling.

Ebbw Vale RFC issued a statement on Sunday (March 1) to address the “confusion” surrounding their Super Rygbi Cymru Cup clash with Newport RFC at Rodney Parade later that day. The fixture had previously been scheduled to take place at a different venue on the previous day (Saturday, February 28) but the club has claimed that this was changed with less than a week’s notice.

According to the Ebbw Vale statement, the fixture was due to take place at Newport Stadium, Spytty Park on Saturday afternoon.

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However, they were told on Monday that Newport City football team were due to play there on Sunday and the goalposts would not be able to be changed in time for the scheduled rugby semi-final. Newport themselves issued a statement saying the stadium would be “unavailable due to operational reasons”.

After being “surprised” by the claim, Ebbw Vale say they then told Newport that the change of date and venue to Sunday at Rodney Parade meant they “could not meet this expectation due to player availability”, with the availability of front row players a particular issue.

The club statement says the matter was then referred to the Welsh Rugby Union by Newport, with the rules and regulations allowing the home club – Newport – to choose a day and venue “regardless of the opinion of the away team”.

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It adds that, following consultation between Newport and the WRU Community Game Board, Ebbw Vale found out that the game would be going ahead at Rodney Parade on Sunday afternoon “via an announcement on Newport’s social media channels”.

After launching an unsuccessful appeal for the decision to be reconsidered, the club say they have “spent most of this week trying to deal with player availability issues” with several players forced into changing work commitments at short notice.

In the statement, issued hours ahead of kick-off at Rodney Parade, club director Jon Jones said Newport had “categorically not” managed the situation with “WRU key core values, respect and sportsmanship”.

“We waited until the final decisions were reached before publicising the change of date or venue as that is the professional way to manage such situations,” Mr Jones’ statement added.

“As a board, we are mere custodians of community institutions that rugby clubs are and as a board at Ebbw Vale I would like to reassure you that we will never indulge in such behaviour and will manage the club with WRU key core values, respect and sportsmanship in all circumstances – something that Newport have categorically not done on this occasion.”

Sunday’s cup semi-final is a rematch of last year’s inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru final, in which the Black and Ambers became the league’s first-ever winners by beating their close rivals the Steelmen 27-18.

The winner of the semi-final will face last year’s cup winners Llandovery in the final, after the Drovers narrowly beat Pontypool 26-24 on Saturday.

Ebbw Vale RFC’s statement in full:

“On behalf of the Board of Ebbw Vale RFC, I would like to take the opportunity to explain to our members, sponsors and wider community the reasons for the confusion around the above game [SRC Cup Semi Final v Newport RFC].

“The date for Semi Finals of the Cup and Plate has been in the calendar from July 2025. With Newport RFC topping their pool, the fixture would be played at their home pitch on Saturday 28th February at 2.30pm.

“On Monday 23rd February, Ebbw Vale RFC were informed that there was to be a change of date and venue, to Sunday 1st March, with the game taking place at Rodney Parade.

“The rational (sic) given was that Newport City were playing at Spytty Park on Sunday and the posts could not be changed over in time. At no point was it explained why this is such an issue, other than a vague comment that there is no one available to carry out the work. As a club Ebbw Vale RFC have a great deal of experience in carrying out this task and are surprised at the claim it could not be done in 24 hours.

“We informed Newport that we could not meet this expectation due to player availability with the front row being the major issue. At this point Newport RFC referred the issue to the WRU. Unfortunately, the Rules and Regulations allow the home club to choose a day and suitable venue regardless of the opinion of the away team.

“On Tuesday 24th February, we were made aware by a member of the WRU Community Game Board that Newport had consulted with them on the Rules and Regulations. Later that day, we found out that the game had been moved to Sunday 1st March and would now be played at Rodney Parade, not via a conversation with Newport or the WRU, but via an announcement on Newport social media channels.

“Ebbw Vale asked the WRU to consider the mitigating circumstances and appeal to Newport to reconsider. This appeal was unsuccessful. As a club, we have spent most of this week trying to deal with player availability issues which has ended in several of our players having to change work commitments at short notice, which is not easy to do in today’s work environment.

“We waited until the final decisions were reached before publicising the change of date or venue as that is the professional way to manage such situations.

“As a board, we are mere custodians of community institutions that rugby clubs are and as a board at Ebbw Vale I would like to reassure you that we will never indulge in such behaviour and will manage the club with WRU key core values, respect and sportsmanship in all circumstances – something that Newport have categorically not done on this occasion.

“As a club we will make no further comment on this issue and our attention now turns to this afternoon’s game.

“Jon Jones – Director on Behalf of the Board – Ebbw Vale RFC.”

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It comes after US and Israeli forces attacked Iran on Saturday morning in what the two countries described as a “pre-emptive” strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons.

The attack prompted retaliation from Iran, with missiles reported to have targeted Israel and countries across the Middle East.

In a statement published on X on Sunday morning, Emirates airline said: “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 3pm UAE time on Monday March 2.”

The airline has advised passengers booked to travel before or on March 5 to rebook on an alternate flight, or request a refund.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities,” the airline added.

Etihad Airways advised passengers that while airspace closures continue, disruption is to be expected.

“Regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad’s operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 2am UAE time on Monday March 2,” the airline said on X.

Etihad said passengers should check their flight status on its website before travelling to the airport and ensure their contact details are up to date in their booking.

People holding Etihad tickets for travel on dates up to March 3 can also request a full refund, the airline added.

“We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience as it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered,” Etihad said.

“The situation remains dynamic and schedules may change at short notice.”

Qatar Airways said on Saturday night that flights remained temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

It said on X: “Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.

“A further update will be provided by 9am Doha time (6am UTC).”

In a later post on Sunday morning, Qatar Airways warned passengers of scammers impersonating airline staff online.

“We are aware of fraudulent accounts impersonating Qatar Airways and requesting personal information,” the airline said.

“Qatar Airways will never ask for passwords, OTPs, banking details, or other sensitive information via social media or direct messages.”

Virgin Atlantic said on Sunday morning it is continuing to avoid Iraqi airspace, resulting in some pre-planned rerouting of flights between London Heathrow and the region.

“Due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East we have rerouted some of our flights and taken the decision to cancel services between London Heathrow and Dubai as well as services between London Heathrow and Riyadh on Sunday 1 March and Monday 2 March,” a spokesperson said.

There are still 83 flights scheduled to operate between the UK and the Middle East on Sunday, according to aviation analytics company Cirium.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office has advised British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates to register their presence with the UK Government to receive updates on the situation in the Middle East.

In a statement published on X on Saturday night, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said: “British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates can register their presence to receive direct updates from the FCDO on the situation in the Middle East.

“You should continue to follow travel advice and the advice of the local authorities.”

Man Utd take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday and Michael Carrick explained his team selection.

Michael Carrick has opened up on his decision to name Benjamin Sesko in his starting XI for the first time since his Manchester United interim appointment. Sesko scored from the bench against Everton on Monday to net his sixth goal in seven games.

The 22-year-old is the most in-form striker in the Premier League, but had not been given a start by Carrick until today.

“It’s really not a drama,” Carrick said about the ongoing Sesko selection debate during his press conference on Friday. However, the 44-year-old has named Sesko in his starting line-up for the first time in his tenure against Crystal Palace, naming Amad on the bench to accommodate the Slovenia international.

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Explaining the decision to start Sesko, Carrick told Sky Sports: “There are different reasons. I think as a team we’ve been playing well, attacking-wise we’ve been playing well.

“Ben’s been a good sport and he’s had a good feeling, building that belief and confidence, so I’m looking forward to seeing him today. Amad’s a great option for us to finish the game. We’re fortunate enough to have a forward line where we can be quite flexible, so it’s great to have those options.”

He added: “Every game from now on is going to be significant so it doesn’t really change one weekend to the next. There’s going to be maybe ups and downs. It’s something we’ve got to manage.

“Today is a tough game, they are a good team, really well organised, difficult to play against, so we’ve got to be ready for that.”

Adding on Palace, Carrick said: “They’re a good team. History is what it is, it’s not something we look too much into. I never really have done. But we know they are a good team, as I said, they’re going to be difficult to play against. So we will have to be at our best to get what we want from the game.”

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The Bolton half-marathon and 10k made its debut today, March 1, bringing a large-scale run event to brighten up everyone’s winter.

Competitors were on the start line at Queen’s Park for 9am, with all manner of skills and ages being eagerly cheered on by the crowds, who lined the paths of the park and the streets of the town centre and past the town hall.

The run, which was organised by Epic Events, was thought in the lead-up to be harder than other half-marathons, such as their recent Southport one, with Bolton being much hillier.

But while the best time at Southport was 1:14:57, the hills proved no issue for our half-marathon winner Jonathan Sangster, aged 41.

Jonathan Sangster, 41, the half-marathon winner, with his wife, Sarah, and their son, Oliver (Image: Newsquest)

He completed his half in 1:17:38, not bad going for a much hillier course – and was even seen overtaking the lead bike at one point!

Jonathan, who is Bolton “born and bred”, said: “It was challenging, but it was great. It is a great event. 

“It is great to see this in Bolton. Obviously we had the potential return of the marathon a few years ago but it didn’t happen, but this has been a big event and to have it on home soil is perfect. 

“It is good training for the Ironman as well.” 

To see how events unfolded, here is our live blog: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25896923.updates-bolton-half-marathon-coming-town-today/

Tom Race, 10k winner (Image: Newsquest)

Meanwhile Tom Race, aged 24, not only has the best name a runner could have, but breezed the 10k in the fastest time of 36 minutes and 18 seconds.

The Rawtenstall man said: “It is not my fastest time, but this is a difficult course, there are a lot of ups and downs and corners, so it is hard to keep a rhythm. 

“I think it is a great thing, everyone should have this on their doorstep. 

“It is great for your mental wellbeing, and it is not even 10am and I’ve already done something good with my day, and have the rest of it to go. 

“It is such a buzz when you finish.” 

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, ready to hand out medals (Image: Newsquest)

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr David Chadwick, was on hand to give out the medals to competitors. 

He said: “I think it is fantastic, I have seen so many people this morning, male and female, it is absolutely great. 

“I hope it will be an annual event.” 

He also had his own personal connection, with his son, Matthew Chadwick, taking part in the 10k.