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Trump boasts US will ‘totally demolish’ Iran as Lionel Messi and teammates awkwardly stand behind him to celebrate MLS win

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Trump boasts US will ‘totally demolish’ Iran as Lionel Messi and teammates awkwardly stand behind him to celebrate MLS win

President Donald Trump has boasted of “totally demolishing” Iranian military forces as world famous soccer star Lionel Messi and his Miami teammates stood awkwardly behind him.

“The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy far ahead of schedule and at levels that people have never seen before,” the president said Thursday.

Trump made the comments at the top of the White House event to honor Inter Miami’s 2025 victory in the MLS Cup. The winning squad, including Luis Suárez and coach Javier Mascherano were present, while Messi entered the room with the president.

“We’re destroying more of Iran‘s missiles and drone capability every single hour, knocking them out like nobody thought was possible,” the president said, as the players fidgeted uncomfortably.

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Donald Trump boasted of ‘totally demolishing’ Iranian military forces as world famous soccer star Lionel Messi and his Miami teammates stood awkwardly behind him at a White House event Thursday

Donald Trump boasted of ‘totally demolishing’ Iranian military forces as world famous soccer star Lionel Messi and his Miami teammates stood awkwardly behind him at a White House event Thursday (AP)

“As soon as they set off a missile, within four minutes, the launcher gets hit, they don’t know what’s happening, but we have the greatest military anywhere in the world, their navy is gone – 24 ships in three days. That’s a lot of ships.”

Trump went on to justify the campaign, nicknamed Operation Epic Fury – which Iran claims has killed 1,200 of its people – saying: “We had really no choice, they were gonna hit us if we didn’t hit them, because they’re crazy.”

“We blew up their party,” he said, adding that Iranian officials were now “calling” to ask about a deal. “I said, you’re being a little bit late, and we want to fight now more than they do.”

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Trump made the comments at the top of the White House event to honor Inter Miami’s 2025 victory in the MLS Cup

Trump made the comments at the top of the White House event to honor Inter Miami’s 2025 victory in the MLS Cup (AP)
Trump holds a signed soccer ball and Tudor Black Bay watch at an event to honor the 2025 Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami CF in the East Room of the White House

Trump holds a signed soccer ball and Tudor Black Bay watch at an event to honor the 2025 Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami CF in the East Room of the White House (AP)

After giving brief remarks on the economy and operations in Cuba, singling out Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump finally turned to the players – boasting that he was the only president who had been able to get Messi to the Oval Office.

“It’s my distinct privilege to say what no American president has ever had the chance to say before. Welcome to the White House, Lionel Messi,” he declared, adding that his youngest son, Barron Trump, had been especially excited about the event.

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“My son said, ‘Dad, you know who’s going to be there today? I said, ‘No, I got a lot of things going on.’ He said, ‘Messi,’ I said, ‘Really?’ He’s a big fan. He’s a big fan of yours. He thinks you’re just a great person,” Trump said to the Argentinian superstar, who smiled and nodded politely.

After giving brief remarks on the economy and operations in Cuba, Trump finally turned to the players – boasting that he was the only president who had been able to get Messi to the Oval Office

After giving brief remarks on the economy and operations in Cuba, Trump finally turned to the players – boasting that he was the only president who had been able to get Messi to the Oval Office (AP)

Trump continued: “I think you [and Barron] got to meet a little while. He’s a big soccer fan, but he’s a tremendous fan of yours. And a gentleman named Ronaldo. We have Cristiano – is great. You’re great to play some, some big champions, some great, great athletes in that sport, and people that really love what they’re doing, and they’re doing it well.

“And it’s an honor for us and everybody at the White House to be honoring you today.”

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Other members of Trump’s cabinet showed up for the ceremony including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Attorney General Pam Bondi. They were joined by former professional baseball player Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez.

A pink Inter Miami shirt emblazoned with “Trump” and the number 47 was presented to the president by Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas.

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Fire TV Stick users left confused by ‘random app’ on device

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The Amazon Fire TV Stick hack to fix buffering issues

The app named ‘Music Videos’ is said to have shown up on some Brits’ devices but many of them have said they never installed it in the first place.

TikToker Free Tech Official recently shared a video investigating the app’s surprise appearance with a few suggestions on why it may have happened.

He claims the app has been automatically installed onto your Fire Stick by Amazon themselves, and the global shopping giant have now confirmed this is true.

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The TikToker claims that it may be the company’s push towards getting their customers to use ad-supported free streaming platforms.

He says Amazon would rather you use a streaming music app where they can gain a revenue rather than you using a different app to stream your tunes from.

Amazon confirmed that pre-installed apps and experiences are an industry standard practice across consumer electronic devices as they help create a better experience for customers.

The app ‘Music Videos’ offers customers quick access to music videos, which represent unique content that isn’t always readily available on traditional music streaming services

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Amazon states that offering free, ad-supported content is one way they make it easier for customers to access content on the Fire TV Stick.

Free Tech Official claims that when some users click on the app it may freeze or doesn’t even launch and while TV Fire Stick users are saying they never downloaded the app in the first place, he points out that annoyingly it cannot be uninstalled.

Free Tech Official said: “A random app is appearing on Fire Stick and Fire TV devices and I’ll be interested to know if you see this app as well.

“On your Fire Stick if you go to the app section on the right hand side, go to the three squares and the plus icon and click on that.

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“It’ll bring up lots of your apps and channels which you’ve got installed.

“And if I go down to the end, you can see one here that says ‘music videos watch free now’.

“Most of the people that are seeing this haven’t actually installed the app and a lot of people are wondering how it got there?

“And there is a reason for this. But first of all, if I click on this app, it takes me straight to the Amazon app store to download it.

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“But it is showing in my app section like I’ve got it installed.

“Other people can open it and it works, some people open it up and it just freezes and doesn’t even launch.

“And this is actually being installed automatically by Amazon.

“So it’s nothing you’ve done or it’s nothing somebody else might have done.

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“Another interesting thing with this as well is you can’t remove it, you can’t uninstall it.

“Now Amazon’s really pushing towards ad supported free streaming and I suppose they’d rather you use something where they gain a revenue rather than you going to different apps and streaming music from there.”

An Amazon spokesperson said: “The Fire TV experience is designed to get customers to what they want to watch—fast. 

“With access to over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, all major streaming apps, and AI-powered search and recommendation features, Fire TV helps customers navigate endless entertainment options and discover content they’ll love across all their apps and subscriptions. Music Videos is another way we’re giving customers access to more free content.”

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Woman with kidney disease desperately needs a donor, then something amazing happens

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Daily Mirror

There is nothing worse than a member of your family or a close friend becoming unwell or being diagnosed with a life-long illness such as kidney disease

A woman with kidney disease who desperately needed a doner for a transplant was amazed when doctors found a doner hiding in plain sight.

There is nothing worse than a member of your family or a close friend becoming unwell or being diagnosed with a life-long illness. Although it is gruelling for the person having treatment, it can be awful for their loved ones as they feel helpless.

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That was the same for one husband, who stood by his wife when she went into acute renal failure and was forced onto dialysis.

There is no cure for kidney disease, with the only option of recovery often being a transplant. He wrote about what happened on a Reddit thread which asked married users ‘ what did the “for worse” look like in your marriage?’.

The husband said: “ My wife of thirty years suddenly came down with acute renal failure and was forced onto dialysis.

“Dialysis keeps you alive, and slowly kills you. There’s no cure to kidney disease, but there is a treatment: get yourself a transplant. And get it from a living donor, because cadaver donors have already spent some time being dead and that’s not good for kidneys.

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“Well, guess who was a perfect match. Hello, it’s me! And thank the Lord for that, because I would do anything for that woman, and I consider myself lucky that I could do this for her after all she’s done for me.”

After surgery, the husband said their life took “a turn for the worse” as she didn’t fully recover and her anti-rejection medication was causing her to be “wobbly and in pain”.

He continued: “But she’s not on dialysis, and she’s not going to die, and the kidney I gave her should see her all the way through. We will be able to grow old together, as best we can, and that’s a gift beyond measure.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: when I promised for better or worse, in sickness and in health, I f****** meant what I said.”

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Other Reddit users became emotional when reading the post, with one user saying the husband was a “legend”.

One commenter said: “You’re a legend dude, so much fierce love in this message.”

A second said: “That’s so amazing and beautiful. I have a good friend who donated a live kidney (she also did a liver donation too) one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met. Best wishes for you and your wife to have many years yet cheers.”

A third added: “Holy f*** this is what I love.”

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A fourth said: “Omg this is SO CUTE god bless you you are real husband, I hope I have a husband like you in the future. Your wife is lucky to have you. God bless you both.”

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Popular restaurant set to open in Cambridgeshire city this summer

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Cambridgeshire Live

It will replace a pub which closed at the end of February

One of the UK’s most popular restaurant chains is set to open a branch in Cambridgeshire. Hickory’s Smokehouse is set to open the first of its kind in Cambridgeshire and is expected to create around 100 new jobs.

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It will be located in Hampton, Peterborough, replacing a former pub called Mulberry Tree Farm. The pub, which closed on February 28, is currently undergoing a major refurbishment inside and out ahead of opening.

Hickory’s has confirmed its new restaurant is set to open early this summer on Kempley Close in Hampton. The new restaurant will include a mix of seating to suit every visit alongside a chef’s bar, where you can watch the chefs in action.

Outside will feature a secluded garden inspired by Southern outdoor living complete with a covered dining terrace ideal for the summer months. Additionally, a ‘neighbourhood bar’ offering a selection of cocktails, craft beer and their very own ‘Hickory’s Pale Ale’ will be on offer for guests to enjoy.

The bar will also have screens for the sport lovers to relish in with a drink in hand. A special feature for young guests includes a movie room where they can come and go as they please.

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When it comes to the main event (the food), visitors will be able to indulge in their classics including Memphis ribs and 16-hour smoked Texas-style brisket. Their appetisers and desserts include Brisket Popcorn Bites and Frickles as well as their Peach Jam Jar Cheesecake and Table Toasted Campfire Marshmallow.

In their recent blog, it said: “Get ready to enjoy authentic flavours that’ll whisk you away on a journey into the hear of the Southern States.”

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Manchester’s trendiest new dessert was obscene – just in the best possible way

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Manchester Evening News

The modern-day food scene is no stranger to what you might call fads. Sushi tacos, Dubai chocolate, cronuts, cruffins, brookies: all manner of novelties that would make a time traveller from the 2000s scratch their head and shrug.

The same can perhaps be said of Manchester’s food scene. With the likes of Fat Pats (huge sandwiches weighing approximately the same as a small mammal), Get Baked (Matilda-inspired chocolate cake by the £20 slice) and Gooey (Hong Kong French toast), there’s no shortage of places turning new twists on old favourites into internet virality – and then real-life queues out the door.

Every year it seems like there’s a new trend you have to try – the tiramisu drawer, the £15 sub, hot chocolate served inside a biscuit cup…

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So when a tantalising clip of a concept known as ‘sweet focaccia’ hit my Tiktok page this week, I can’t say I was surprised – but I knew I had to try it.

This newest Frankenstein creation comes from the team at Ferma pizza bakery. This Brewski off-shoot began life as Foldies, on Booth Street in the city centre and a stone’s throw from St Peter’s Square.

They’ve expanded from their folded pizza-style sandwiches to a whole range of pasties, muffins and sausage rolls, plus the full gamut of coffees, juices, crisps and snacks.

There’s also something interesting called a pizza bomb, a bready pocket stuffed with pizza toppings – and all made from pizza dough. That’s not what drew me there, though, but rather their focaccia offering.

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Not just dotted with garlic and rosemary to be used as a sandwich, it’s now a vehicle for all kinds of customisable sweet toppings, from caramel/biscoff to Jammie Dodger, tiramisu and, inevitably, Dubai chocolate.

A quick Google tells me this idea isn’t exactly new, but it’s the first time I’ve ever heard of it. “Sweet focaccia?” I said to my boyfriend doubtfully on the phone on the way to the shop one Tuesday afternoon. “Will that really work?” But I would soon be eating my words.

Extremely hungry by 3pm, I looked over Ferma’s offering, which by then was some-what picked over by the crowd that had their lunch at a reasonable time. There wasn’t loads left, though the margherita pizza bomb sounded tempting – but then my eye fell on the shelf below, on a caprese focaccia sandwich approximately the size of a small book.

With just a few simple ingredients – mozzarella, tomatoes, pesto and rocket – this classic sandwich wasn’t about to set TikTok on fire. But I’m a believer that one of the best ways of judging a pizza place is to order a margherita; in other words, see if a place can get the essentials right.

And boy did Ferma get this one right. For £6.75, I’m served an absolute door-stop of a sandwich, two thick slices of focaccia whose crisp, flakey top gives way to a fluffy, airy interior which perfectly soaks up sweet balsamic vinegar and peppery olive oil.

Inside, there’s more peppery rocket, fresh tomato slices and creamy slabs of mozzarella topped with garlicky pesto. For the heft of the bread and the fresh, delicious simplicity of the filling, I’d be hard pressed to think of a better workday lunch.

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Its sweet counterpart might have you falling asleep at your desk though. At £5.50, I opted for the caramel and biscoff version, and again my eyes widened at the size of the behemoth that awaited me in the box.

Another enormous slab of bread, this one looked positively obscene, positively swimming in biscoff and caramel sauce, topped with snowy mounds of cream and yet more biscoff drizzle and crumbs.

As to whether focaccia dough works in a dessert? I needn’t have worried – rather ask myself why no-one had thought of this sooner.

The soft, chewy dough – made every morning with a touch of cinnamon and caramel that gave it a warming, buttery note – was the perfect vehicle for absorbing all that addictively sweet Biscoff sauce.

Imagine a more cake-y cinnamon roll that actually soaks up the icing and toppings, rather than letting it meekly slide off.

After polishing off about half the portion, I was defeated, and took the other half home. But I’ll definitely be back to Ferma to try more, the next time I’m in town and need a fresh, tasty bite to keep me going.

Or I also might be paying another visit when I need a ridiculously indulgent but delicious treat to drown my sorrows in.

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Royal recognition for resident’s gardening at Mickle Hill

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Royal recognition for resident's gardening at Mickle Hill

Lucy Holburn, 85, was one of the first residents to move into Mickle Hill, a retirement village for over-60s, nearly 10 years ago.

Since then, she has become known for transforming and maintaining parts of the village’s landscaped grounds.

Her long-standing commitment to gardening earned her a personal letter of recognition from King Charles in October 2025.

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Ms Holburn said: “I’ve always been a really keen gardener, I find it so therapeutic and it allows me to take some time for myself and be at one with nature.

“Getting to be so creative is just wonderful, and the picturesque surroundings here lend themselves perfectly for having green fingers.

“The letter from the King means so much to me.

“Often my neighbours and friends compliment my gardening work, but having such a special message from the King was just brilliant.”

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During the first Covid-19 lockdown, she completely transformed one of the hedgerows outside after having a chat with one of the gardeners.

Ms Holburn said: “Many residents said they found it uplifting to see the view outside their homes changing, during what was quite a dull time.”

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Yorkshire riverside village among UK best to visit in spring

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Yorkshire riverside village among UK best to visit in spring

Stamford Bridge, which has the River Derwent running through it (located close to Dunnington), is said to feel “especially vibrant” during this time of year, according to London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

The travel experts shared about its latest seasonal guide: “Spring is the perfect time to explore somewhere new.

“The days are longer, the blossoms are showing off, and suddenly the urge to get away is impossible to ignore. 

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“So why not swap the usual rush for winding lanes, market squares and views that look like they’ve been freshly painted for the season?

“We’ve rounded up the UK’s best spring villages to visit by train, looking at everything from walking trails and nearby gardens to the variety of flowering plants and how easy it is to reach each village from the nearest train station.

“We also considered how each village comes to life in spring, from bursts of colour to those picture-perfect moments you’ll want to linger in a little longer.”

Why is Stamford Bridge among UK’s best spring villages?

LNER explained: “Just outside York, Stamford Bridge is a laid-back riverside village that feels especially vibrant in spring.

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“The River Derwent runs right through it, with wildflowers lining the banks and plenty of spots to slow down and take it all in.

“The Stamford Bridge Nature Walk is a circular route linking the village’s two historic bridges, taking you along a stretch of river protected for its wildlife.

“Keep your eyes peeled, and you might spot kingfishers flashing across the water, swans gliding by or even the occasional otter along the banks.

“And the best bit? It’s an easy hop from York with a direct bus connection, perfect when you fancy swapping city buzz for something a little calmer, even just for an afternoon.”

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Stamford Bridge is also home to Dreamery Gardens, which has been described as “the most magical day out”.

In a video on Facebook, Yorkshire-List.com shared: “If you’d like to get lost in the mystical world of forest fairies, then a trip to Dreamery Gardens is a must”.

“Situated just outside of York, you’ll find an enchanted wood home to forest fairies, elves and sprites, a whimsical afternoon tea and the country’s only fairy museum.

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“Expanding over 100 acres, discover fairy villages, inhabited bridges and hobgoblin burrows, all set within the beautiful nature reserve home to over 100 species of birds.”

The Yorkshire content creator added: “After exploring the gardens, head to the Dreamery Kitchen, home to the most whimsical afternoon tea – a feast for the eyes and the hungry explorer.

“No matter the season, you’re sure to find magic around every corner at Dreamery Gardens.”

Just some of the other highly rated foodie spots in Stamford Bridge (according to Google Reviews) are The Three Cups, No. 10 Cafe Bar & Bistro and The Square Bakehouse.

Meanwhile, if you wanted to explore the village even further this spring, you might want to check out the Stamford Bridge and the River Derwent Circular.

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This easy (and flat) walk rated 4.3/5-stars takes around an hour and a half to complete, and offers a combination of countryside and urban paths with views and historic sites.

Its AllTrails profile continues: “You will have the chance to explore the history of the village, including the site of the Battle of Stamford Bridge and the old rail line, plus a long peaceful stretch alongside the idyllic River Derwent.”

This person wrote in a review: “Nice easy walk with a mix of riverside, village lanes, farmland and woodland.

Expect a ‘long peaceful stretch alongside the idyllic River Derwent’ on this walk (Image: AllTrails/Hannah Kate)

“We were here on a weekday and hardly saw anyone else.”

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Another posted: “A lovely walk, easy to find and very relaxing.”

One walker put: “Lovely easy stroll around the characterful viaduct and along the river.

“Free parking and plenty of cafe and pub options in Stamford Bridge. Around half is roadwalking, albeit quiet roads.”

It’s important to note that some of the paths can get muddy and slippery after wet weather, so wear appropriate footwear.

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Will you be heading to Stamford Bridge this spring, including Dreamery Gardens? Let us know in the comments below.

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Old York photos of York City’s old Bootham Crescent home

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Old York photos of York City's old Bootham Crescent home

That was, of course, in the days when York City still called Bootham Crescent home.

The turnstiles clicked shut in 2021 to the dismay of generations of fans for whom the ground had been like a second home.

Aerial view of Bootham Crescent when York City played Colchester United in Division. (Image: The Press)

Licensee Dave Beavers told The Press that Burton Lane Club could soon be forced to shut its doors because of a continued drop in footfall over recent years.


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He said it had lost about £25,000 annually since York City moved to the LNER Community Stadium – the fall in match-day trade had come amid a drop in footfall and interest generally, meaning the club was no longer viable.

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January 1985 York City apprentices. (Image: The Press)

If that sad day comes, it will be the final chapter for a club which has been in the city for more than 100 years.

It seems fitting to look back and share some old photos from Bootham Crescent before the final whistle signalled the end.

York City fans clear snow at Bootham Crescent in readiness for the FA Cup. (Image: The Press)

Both Burton Lane Club and Bootham Crescent live on for many in their memories of great games, and past-match drinks – not least that incredible 1-0 victory over mighty Arsenal in the fourth round of the 1985 FA Cup.

Police keep fans off the pitch at York City’s FA Cup tie against Huddersfield Town on (Image: The Press)

Others still treasure items of memorabilia, sold off from what had been York City’s home since 1932 as housebuilder Persimmon looked to redevelop the site.

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Football fans watching York City play Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup in 1938. (Image: The Press)

These Press archive photos focus on the ground itself, the grainy terraces pressed tight against terraced streets, the scarves lifted under winter skies, boots churning mud.

Straw being used at Bootham Crescent to protect the pitch from frost in 1985. (Image: The Press)

They may be a happy reminder for older readers of the massive crowd that turned out for the 1938 FA Cup tie against Huddersfield – 28,123 people which was a record attendance at Bootham Crescent.

A more unusual sight is our photo of straw laid out to protect the pitch from frost before City’s February 1985 FA cup tie against Liverpool – a game that ended in a 1-1 draw, before Liverpool went on to win the return leg 7-0 a few days later. Remember that?

York City fans in the car park at the Shipton Street end of Bootham Crescent in 1984. (Image: The Press)

Or perhaps you were one of the devoted fans pictured who helped clear snow from the pitch ahead of that famous Arsenal game?

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We hope these photos bring back some happy memories…

WE hope you like our collection of historic photos of York.

If you love delving into York’s past and seeing photos and reading stories from yesteryear then make sure you check The Press every day for its regular nostalgia stories. And don’t miss our eight-page nostalgia supplement every Wednesday in the paper.

We also have more than 3,000 members in our online nostalgia group on Facebook, Why We Love York – Memories.

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‘I was diagnosed with this hidden disease after months of unexplained pain and uncertainty’

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Belfast Live

She has opened up about her brave battle to raise awareness and is now determined to help others

Mel’s shock multiple myeloma diagnosis

After months of unexplained pain and uncertainty, last May, Mel Walker received the devastating news that she had multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that affects plasma cells, a crucial part of the immune system. Symptoms can include persistent pain, fatigue, unexplained bruising or bleeding, frequent infections and bone damage, but they often start subtly, making the disease difficult to detect.

Diagnosis can take on average five months, longer than any other cancer. Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer in the UK and Northern Ireland, with around 173 people diagnosed here each year. While it is currently incurable, it can be managed with treatment, care and ongoing support.

READ MORE: ‘My life was turned upside down after devastating diagnosis in my 40s’READ MORE: ‘Don’t be embarrassed about bowel cancer, get help before it’s too late’

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Mel’s journey began with persistent shoulder pain, but looking back, other warning signs were there, fatigue, ongoing discomfort and symptoms that were not improving. By the time she received her diagnosis in May 2025, Mel, from Comber in Co Down had developed blood clots and bone damage.

Mel explained: “The diagnosis was a huge shock. Before this, I had never even heard of multiple myeloma. I had a sense of fear and uncertainty, but also a feeling of relief at finally knowing what was wrong, after months of not knowing.”

Since her diagnosis, Mel has undergone chemotherapy, ongoing treatments and a stem cell transplant: “It has been physically and emotionally challenging, but I have responded well to treatment and I am now focused on recovery and raising awareness.”

Determined to make a difference, Mel has used her experience to campaign for greater awareness of multiple myeloma, including speaking out at Stormont to highlight the need for earlier diagnosis and improved understanding of the condition.

Mel is also part of a local support group, Myeloma Forward, with groups in Belfast and Ballymena, creating a vital network for people affected by the condition.

Recognising the importance of early detection, Mel hopes her story will encourage others to pay attention to their health: “Multiple myeloma is often diagnosed late because symptoms can be vague and mistaken for other conditions. Greater awareness, both among the public and healthcare professionals can make a real difference in outcomes.”

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Mel has been fortunate to have had strong support from her family, friends, medical and nursing teams, which has been vital during treatment and recovery. Through Myeloma Forward, she is now helping others access that same sense of support and understanding.

She added: “It has been incredibly valuable to connect with others who understand this journey. Myeloma Forward offers a safe space to share experiences, advice and encouragement.”

South Eastern Trust, Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Emma Kerrigan highlights the importance of being aware of the signs and symptoms of myeloma and seeking prompt medical advice.

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She said: “Anyone experiencing persistent bone pain, extreme tiredness, recurrent infections and unexplained weight loss should speak to their GP without delay. Recognising these symptoms early can help speed up the diagnostic process and get onto the right management pathway.”

Mel also paid tribute to the team who have supported her throughout her treatment: “I cannot thank the staff at the Ulster Hospital enough. From the very beginning, they have shown care, compassion and professionalism. They supported me through every stage of my treatment and made an incredibly difficult time that bit easier.”

Encouraging others who face a diagnosis, Mel said: “You are not alone. A multiple myeloma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but support is available and treatments are improving all the time. Take things one step at a time, ask questions and do not be afraid to lean on others. There is a whole community ready to support you.”

For further information on Myeloma Forward, contact melwalker01@btinternet.com or myelomaforward@gmail.com.

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Millions set to receive game changing financial support

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Millions set to receive game changing financial support

From April 6, some financial firms will be able to offer targeted support, giving people more tailored guidance on what to do with their finances, based on what the firm would typically recommend to others in similar situations.

Under the change, banks, pension providers and other authorised firms will be allowed to give suggestions aimed at groups of customers who share common characteristics, rather than only offering generic information.

This targeted support is intended to bridge the gap between broad, general guidance and fully personalised, paid-for financial advice, so that more people can make confident, informed decisions.

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Customers will receive “ready-made” options designed for groups, without undergoing a full, in-depth assessment of their individual circumstances.

In December, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said that at least 18 million people could be offered extra help with their investments and pensions over the next decade with the introduction of targeted support.

According to FCA data, around seven million adults in the UK with £10,000 or more in cash savings could be missing out on the benefits of investing throughout their lives.

Lucy Castledine, director of consumer investments at the FCA, said: “Too many people aren’t getting the help they need to navigate their financial lives.

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“Without the right support to make decisions about their investments and pensions, many people risk falling short in retirement.

“Targeted support is designed to change that. It will help millions of people make better informed decisions and understand the potential rewards and any risks, including of not investing.”

Chira Barua, chief executive of Scottish Widows said: “The arrival of targeted support is a game changer for people who want help with their money but don’t know where to start.

“It bridges the gap between doing nothing and getting full financial advice, empowering millions to make better financial decisions.

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“Technology will be key to making that support available at scale.

“Our AI (artificial intelligence) agent in the Scottish Widows app will work like sat nav, by helping people understand their options and choose a route that makes sense for them, based on others on a similar journey.”



A survey commissioned by KPMG UK found that more than two-fifths (44%) of people are confident they will use targeted support if it becomes available to them.

More than half (58%) of people surveyed said they have never sought professional advice on pensions or long-term savings and a similar proportion (53%) said they would welcome being offered targeted support.

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Jane Wilson, targeted support lead at KPMG UK, said: “The fact that almost one in two consumers want to receive targeted support creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the advice gap and support the UK’s ambition to create a nation of savers.”

KPMG found that of those consumers who have never sought professional financial advice, nearly a third (31%) feel they do not have enough money to make advice worthwhile, while around a quarter (26%) said it would be unaffordable.

When looking across the age brackets, people aged between 25 and 44 who were surveyed were most open to using targeted support, with 58% of 25 to 34-year-olds saying they are likely to use the support and 56% of 35 to 44-year-olds also saying this.

Those over 65 were the least inclined to access targeted support, at 22%, which KPMG suggested is driven by this age group being particularly likely to have already made pension decisions.

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Ms Wilson added: “The notion that financial advice is only needed if you have notable wealth is simply not true; people with modest finances perhaps need support more than anyone else.

“Retirement no longer means handing in your lanyard and putting on your slippers; people work part-time, take on new challenges, or dip in and out of work to suit their changing lifestyles or meet their financial needs.

“The strong appetite for targeted support amongst the young shows there’s a chance to move people beyond saving and give them the confidence to invest for the long term.

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“Done well, this can help individuals grow their wealth in line with their ambitions, while also channelling capital into the parts of the economy that drive sustainable growth.”

KPMG commissioned OnePoll to carry out the survey among 2,000 people across the UK in March.

Tom Shields, senior policy adviser, long-term savings policy at the Association of British Insurers (ABI) said: “We’re delighted to see targeted support now becoming a reality.

“After years of collaboration between industry, government and the FCA, this new approach is a significant step towards helping people get the support they need through their financial lives.

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“We look forward to continuing to work closely with our members and the regulator as more firms bring the service to market.”

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Funding allocated for North Yorkshire speed cameras

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Funding allocated for North Yorkshire speed cameras

The Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, has heralded a four-year transport capital funding settlement of £456 million as a “defining moment” for the region.

He added: “We’re moving away from short-term fixes and delivering the long-term solutions residents expect.

“We’re now in the driving seat with greater funding and local control that was previously out of reach and I’m investing a record amount to fix our streets and make them safer for everyone that uses them.”

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York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has agreed £298.4 million for highways maintenance and £17.5 million for active travel over the next four years.

An additional £30 million has been ringfenced for road safety work including improvements outside schools.

This pot also includes £2 million for the county’s first fixed and average speed cameras for the county.

Locations of the cameras would be determined by road safety partnerships.

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For road maintenance, North Yorkshire Council will receive £63.8 million in 2026/27 — up from £57.8 million it received the previous year.

City of York Council will see its allocation rise to £7.1 million in the same period, up from £4.4 million in 2025/26.

But the decision on the settlement was taken without the support of North Yorkshire Council leaders who say their authority will receive around £20 million less over the four years than it would if the money came directly from the Department for Transport.

They are unhappy that extra money provided by the government has been “top sliced” by the mayor for other transport schemes.

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They have also opposed a change to the calculation for road maintenance funding which means £4 million of their allocation will be diverted to City of York Council.

Conservative council leader, Councillor Carl Les, said: “To be clear, this is a decision made locally that will mean we have less money to maintain our roads.

“We had asked the mayor to reconsider the plans, and it is extremely disappointing that the proposals have now been voted through.

“There are no guarantees beyond the next financial year, and the allocations could change again to make the situation even worse.

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“The approach actually risks a worsening rating for our highways from the Department for Transport, which could lead to a further reduction in funding.”

During the meeting at County Hall in Northallerton, North Yorkshire Council’s deputy leader, Councillor Gareth Dadd, questioned what data the Combined Authority had to support the introduction of speed cameras.

In response, Jo Coles, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime, said 2,000 people had been killed or seriously injured on North Yorkshire’s roads in the last five years.

She added: “Lancashire’s own introduction of fixed and average speed cameras, which I think is probably about ten years ago now, has had a significant impact on the numbers of people killed and seriously injured on the roads of Lancashire.”

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Later in the meeting, the mayor stopped Cllr Dadd from speaking for a second time about the settlement.

In response, Cllr Dadd said it was “utterly disgraceful” that he was being “gagged” over the issue.

Both he and Cllr Les voted against the settlement.

But Councillor Peter Kilbane, deputy leader of Labour-led City of York Council, welcomed the extra funding for road maintenance for his authority.

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He said: “Conservative Liberal austerity destroyed our roads.

“We are now setting about fixing them with that additional £105 million extra over that period. I think it’s bizarre that this has been resisted and spun as somehow being the worst thing that’s ever happened to North Yorkshire.”

Last year, a fixed speed camera installed as part of a trial on the A64 in Sherburn, between Malton and Scarborough, was deliberately knocked over hours before it was due to be switched on.

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