All but two areas of Cambridgeshire have seen an increase in property prices

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One area has been named Cambridgeshire’s property hotspot, with prices growing faster than anywhere else in our county. Average house prices in the Peterborough City Council area were £237,000 in the year to January 2026.

That’s an increase of 6.1 percent compared to the same time last year, the equivalent of an extra £14,000 per home. It’s the largest annual increase in our county and far higher than the UK average of 1.3 percent.

East Cambridgeshire, meanwhile, has seen average house prices increase by 5.0 percent to £346,000. That’s the equivalent of an extra £16,000 on every home. In Fenland, average prices are up by 4.8 percent (equivalent to £11,000 per home), and in Huntingdonshire by 3.3 percent (equivalent to £10,000 per home).

Two parts of our county have, however, seen prices fall over the last 12 months. Cambridge’s average house price was £477,000 in the year to January 2026. That’s a fall of 2.5 percent compared to a year earlier, equivalent to £12,000 being shaved off every house.

South Cambridgeshire has seen a less dramatic drop. The average house price there was £430,000 in January, down by 0.6 percent over the course of the year, equivalent to £3,000 per house.

Use our gadget below to see how house prices have changes across the country

Across the UK, house prices have continued to fall, down by £4,000 in just three months. It cost £268,000 to buy the average house in the UK in January, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.

That’s down for the second month in a row, falling from an all-time peak of £272,000 in November 2025. It means prices have dropped by £4,000 in the space of just three months, and average house prices are now back to where they were in June last year.

Despite these recent falls, however, the cost of buying a home is still higher now than it was at the same time last year. January’s average prices are 1.3 percent higher than in January 2025, when the average was £265,000.

The health of the property market varies across the UK. Average house prices in the Newry Mourne and Down council area in Northern Ireland have seen the steepest increases over the last 12 months. The average house price in the area in January was £219,000. That’s a 12.4 percent increase compared to a year earlier, equivalent to an extra £24,000 per home.

Mid Ulster has the UK’s next largest increase for a local authority area. The typical home there cost £189,000 in January. That’s a 10.7 percent increase compared to the same time last year, equivalent to an extra £18,000 per home.

The third largest increase is also in Northern Ireland, with prices in Fermanagh and Omagh rising by 10.2 percent, equivalent to an extra £18,000 per home. Meanwhile, back in England, Forest of Dean has seen the largest increase. The typical home there cost £301,000 in January, 9.6 percent more than a year earlier and equivalent to an extra £26,000 per home.

Darlington has England’s and the UK’s next largest increase at 9.5 percent. That’s followed by Wirral at 8.8 percent and West Dunbartonshire at 8.6 percent, which is the largest annual increase in Scotland.

The Pentagon is reportedly considering diverting crucial weaponry initially earmarked for Ukraine towards the Middle East.

It comes as the escalating Iran conflict places significant strain on the United States military’s critical munition supplies.

The potential redirection of weapons, including air defense interceptor missiles, was reported by the Washington Post, which cited three informed sources.

The missiles were acquired through a Nato initiative launched in 2025, designed for partner nations to purchase U.S. arms for Kyiv.

The potential move coincides with a marked intensification of U.S. military operations across the Middle East.

Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command, said on Wednesday that American forces had struck over 10,000 targets inside Iran and were on course to curtail Tehran’s capacity to project power beyond its borders.

A Pentagon spokesperson told the Washington Post that the Defense Department would “ensure that U.S. forces and those of our allies and partners have what they need to fight and win.”

Neither the Pentagon, the U.S. State Department, nor Nato immediately responded to further requests for comment.

Last week, U.S. defense officials told the Associated Press that a sizable number of U.S. Patriot air defense missiles had been moved from Europe toward the Middle East.

Two Patriot missile systems were sent from Germany to Turkey after several ballistic missiles were fired toward Turkey from Iran since the start of the war, the Turkish defense ministry and three U.S. officials said.

The U.S. officials said missiles for the Patriot system were moved from various locations around Europe in an effort to reinforce air defenses towards the Middle East.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters.

They said that the diversion of resources towards the war on Iran had left concerning gaps in Europe’s air defenses against Russia.

Meanwhile, Russia is close to completing a phased shipment of drones, medicine and food to Iran to bolster its war effort, according to a report.

Senior Iranian and Russian officials began secretly discussing the delivery of drones days after Israel and the U.S. launched their first attack on Tehran in February, two officials briefed on the intelligence told the Financial Times.

Moscow began its deliveries in early March, and they were expected to be completed by the end of the month, western intelligence said.

The shopper couldn’t believe their luck after discovering an unbelievable bargain in charity, so many people even claimed to be “disgustingly jealous” at the recent purchase

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Charity shopping can be rewarding but a lengthy process. You might get lucky instantly when bagging a bargain, or spend ages finding designer items for less, either way it can surprise you.

Now one shopper recently visited a thrift shop and came across quite the item. Charities are a good place to donate money to a great cause and pick up any second-hand items someone may no longer want anymore. Just recently, a person bagged a designer jacket for an insanely great deal – and many people are extremely jealous of the purchase.

Posting on Reddit, the person revealed: “Vintage Burberry trench (reversible) for £38!” On the r/CharityShopFindsUK thread, a photo showed the bargain hunter wearing the designer trench coat.

New Burberry trench coats certainly don’t come cheap and typically retails for £1,385 or more.

Prices vary based on length, material, and design, with specialised styles costing over £2,500.

Since they shared their charity shop purchase, people were floored by the price. One said: “Oh I am disgustingly jealous, what a find,” to which the buyer replied: “I honestly couldn’t believe my luck!”

Another commented: “I’m sick with jealousy, that’s an unreal score.” A third gushed: “Suits you. Love an occasional charity shop find!”

While a fourth posted: “What a BARGAIN,” as a fifth chimed in: “YOUR coat found you! And you’re rocking it.”

Also in the comments section, the person revealed the purchase was made at a charity shop in London.

Charity shops offer significant benefits by funding causes through the sale of donated goods, raising roughly £300million annually in the UK.

They promote sustainability by reducing landfill through recycling and reusing, provide affordable clothing and household items to the public, and offer valuable volunteering opportunities that build confidence and skills.

Finding designer fashion in charity doesn’t come easy but it’s certainly possible depending on where you shop.

Certain locations in London, like Mary’s Living & Giving (Primrose Hill) and British Red Cross (Chelsea) curate high-end brands like Gucci, Prada and Chanel.

Some of the prime locations for finding designer donations are Chelsea, Notting Hill, Kensington and Hampstead.

You can also look for charity shops branded as “boutiques” or ones with dedicated vintage sections.

Meanwhile Oxfam Online Shop, Barnardo’s online on eBay, and Retromania offer online options to hunt for bargains.

Lisa Riley, known as the legendary Mandy Dingle on the Yorkshire Dales-set ITV programme revealed she had a “very bad fall” at the weekend, which resulted in “massive damage” – a UCL tear in her thumb.

The actress, who appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in December last year blamed the accident on an “extremely slippy” breakfast stool and her cardigan.

Lisa has also praised her specialist surgeon at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) for looking after her.

In a post on Instagram, the 49-year-old told her followers on Wednesday evening: “OUR NHS @nhsengland IS INCREDIBLE……. I have to massively thank my specialist surgeon Mr Daniel Thornton at LGI LEEDS hospital and all the beautiful team, every single one of you who treated me this afternoon – I had a very bad fall over the weekend (no I’m sober) no drunk jokes – it was my extremely slippy breakfast stool and a woollen cardi – my left thumb took all of it – so today hence the massive damage I have had my operation, surgery, treating my UCL in my Thumb repaired.

“#NHS at it’s absolute best – bye for now I have some fantastic pain relief to take #surgery #leeds #hospital #thumb.”

The photos in the social media post show Lisa posing with her arm in a foam sling, and smiling next to her surgeon.

Many of Lisa’s celebrity friends and fans have sent well wishes to the Emmerdale favourite, including presenter Steph McGovern who commented: “Oh no!! Sending love xx.”

Former jungle queen Scarlett Moffatt replied: “Sending love chick xxxx.”

Coronation Street star Cait Fitton put: “Sending love beautiful one.”

Is Lisa Riley going back to Emmerdale?

Lisa recently returned to Emmerdale as Mandy (a role she has played for more than 30 years) after taking a break to appear on I’m a Celeb.

Towards the end of 2025, her character was seen heading off to stay with Irish relatives, so Lisa could take time out to film the ITV show in Australia for three weeks.

Although Lisa has been in high demand after becoming the eighth celebrity to leave the jungle in December, Emmerdale still remains her primary focus.

She told The Sun last month: “That is where my heart lies — I love working there.

“I never ever take anything for granted and, as long as the Emmerdale ­producers want me, I want to stay.

“I’ve just signed a new one-year ­contract. If I were to take any extra things on, it would have to be around Emmerdale.”

Who is in I’m a Celebrity South Africa 2026?

Following Lisa’s success on I’m a Celeb 2025, the spin-off series will be returning in just a matter of weeks.

I’m a Celebrity South Africa will be back on our TV screens for a second year, starting on Monday, April 6 from 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

An all-star cast made up of those who have left their mark in the Australian jungle over the years, will be battling it out once more to be crowned the ultimate legend.

The celebrities taking part are:

• Adam Thomas
• Ashley Roberts
• Scarlett Moffatt
• David Haye
• Beverley Callard
• Seann Walsh
• Sinitta
• Sir Mo Farah
• Gemma Collins
• Craig Charles
• Jimmy Bullard
• Harry Redknapp

The series, hosted by Ant and Dec was pre-recorded in South Africa last year, but a twist for 2026 will see viewers able to vote for their winner during a live final broadcast from London.

The champion will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of I’m a Celebrity South Africa 2025’s ultimate legend, Myleene Klass.

Who are you most excited to watch on the programme when it starts in April? Let us know who your favourite I’m a Celeb campmate is, in the comments below.

Altrincham residents say ‘it’s a great atmosphere, very easy-going, nice mixture of people. It’s superb’

It was one criticised as empty and a ‘ghost town’. But now, Altrincham residents feel nothing but fiercely proud of their sought-after town after its rapid rise to the best place to live in the North West.

Back in 2010, the Trafford market town was labelled a ‘ghost town’ by the national press and had the highest shop vacancy rates in the UK. A third of its shops stood empty. One of its two main shopping centres, The Graftons, was in administration.

Today, the picture couldn’t look more different. Altrincham is thriving. Rain, shine or snow, the town centre always feels busy and bustling.

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First established in 1290, its market has undergone a renaissance and is still going strong today. The market hall was redeveloped in 2014, turning it from a drab, outdated space to a thriving shopping and dining hub.

A growing number of independent businesses, restaurants, bars and cafés fill the high street, drawing people in. These are mixed in with big brands like M&S, Flannels and Waterstones, offering something for every shopper.

Residents are proud of their town and, it seems, with good reason. Altrincham was named the North West’s best place to live in this year’s The Sunday Times 2026 guide, an accolade it last won in 2020.

Judges praised its ‘classy, cool and effortlessly comfortable’ vibe, saying: “Alty is a top-notch town brimming with independent businesses and big brands. Now it’s flying even higher.

“Co-working has arrived on the high street, with three floors of space at Foundation, in the old Rackhams department store; it also houses a bowling alley and the Yum Cha dim sum restaurant.”

As well as noting Altrincham’s development, the judges praised the town’s ‘stand-out’ schools, Georgian and Victorian terraced gems and its resident’s love for fitness.

‘It’s superb – it’s a great place to live’

Those living and working in the town agree with the judges’ assessment. Zoe Poole works as a solicitor at a local firm. The 28-year-old said the town has a ‘great community feel’.

She added: “It’s obviously had quite a resurgence in the last few years. The marketplace is great.

“Lots of people come through the town now that didn’t used to, and it’s nice. It’s been regenerated to a place that actually feels like it’s alive and it’s actually got a really nice community in it but you still get that sort of town feel.”

Retired chemist Paul, 62, has lived in the town for 35 years, saying it is a ‘fantastic place’ and he always likes coming back home to Altrincham when he has been travelling.

He added: “It’s got everything. I think it’s reinvented itself with the market, it’s got a good mix of local shops, is handy for Manchester with the direct tram, and yet you’re on the edge of the countryside as well.

“There’s a great atmosphere, very easy-going, nice mixture of people. It’s superb.”

Paul said he has seen the town struggle in years past, particularly as the Trafford centre is a short drive away. However, he feels Altrincham has ‘reinvented itself’ in recent years.

He continued: “I think it’s a great place to live and new shops are coming all the time.”

Businesses and charities also speak warmly of Altrincham. Jo Cushing, creative director of OYEZ Arts, based in the Town Hall, said local people are proud of the place it has become.

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She added: “[When it was] said that it had the least number of shops open, the whole town got together. There were groups of people from all over the area and they wanted to change the town and change that title.

“The people here are very proud of where they are and where they live, and that is still true, 16 years later. They fight for Altrincham. They’re intensely proud about where we live and want it to succeed all the time.”

Rick Lister moved to Altrincham with his partner 15 years ago, and opened boutique store Madam Butterfly in Greenwood Street three years later. He said they picked Altrincham, despite the negative headlines, because they ‘had an inkling’ of what it could become.

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The journey has been a ‘rollercoaster’, Mr Lister added, and he has seen many businesses come and go during that time.

“I think it’s great,” he continued, “I think it’s almost cool. That’s not something you would have ever said about Altrincham in the past.

“It’s perhaps not as cool or hipster-ish as say Chorlton locally, but it kind of bridges that gap.”

Mr Lister does, however, think Altrincham has a little further to go until it has it all. He said: “Oh, I love the town, don’t get me wrong. I’ve lived here a long time. But I think it lacks certain areas. I think it lacks any kind of live music scene or anything like that.”

Hill and Hill jewellers has stood in George Street for seven years. Manager Bethy Highton said The Sunday Times listing was ‘brilliant news’ and Altrincham was a ‘wonderful place’.

She added: “I think it’s a really lively, vibrant place. It’s got a really nice mix of people, a nice mix of independent businesses alongside some chains.

“It’s got a lovely green space. It’s very well maintained. It’s a lovely place to live.”

Trafford council has also celebrated Altrincham’s new title. Liz Patel, Trafford Council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said she was ‘delighted’ by the award, adding: “[Altrincham] is a huge success story and goes from strength to strength.

“It’s a wonderful mix of national and independent shops and has a thriving cultural scene, amazing leisure facilities and wonderful bars and restaurants. Trafford Council is committed to improving and regenerating all of its town centres and will continue to celebrate them all now and in the future.”

Which? compared a list of 245 branded items, such as Heinz, Nescafé, and Mr Kipling in February, finding that it was, on average, most expensive for customers at Sainsbury’s and Tesco who were not using the loyalty schemes.

The watchdog acknowledged that most shoppers are part of a membership scheme, but said some may be unwilling to sign up to loyalty cards for reasons such as data privacy, while others have no choice because of eligibility criteria.

Tesco customers who are under 18 can not sign up to a Clubcard, although the supermarket has announced it will review this before the end of the year.

@lynx Honestly I’ve been using lynx for year’s but in tesco £5.90 for a can of antiperspirant is absolutely shocking…. Think it’s time to use another brand… Deals are only on a short while and I’m fed up with it… Nearly 20 year’s using your products #lynx #expensive

— KEITH ︻デ┳═ー (@essex_keith) March 22, 2026

The Which? list of items was most expensive at Sainsbury’s for non-Nectar members at £942.66 – 14% more than the cheapest retailer in the study, Asda, which cost £823.58.

Tesco followed behind Sainsbury’s, with its non-Clubcard price totalling 11% more than Asda at £916.56.

Both Tesco and Sainsbury’s – the UK’s two largest grocers – were more expensive for non-members of their loyalty schemes than Waitrose, which cost £899.05.

Waitrose was 9% more expensive than Asda and emerged as a “more competitive option”, Which? said.

Fuel is so expensive now, Sainsbury’s are just turning off the prices so as not to scare people 😆 pic.twitter.com/X2uZZUuLtK

— stormcab (@stormcab) March 21, 2026

Which? said the figures showed the “dramatic price gulf” created by loyalty pricing.

Meanwhile, Which? found customers who used a Nectar card at Sainsbury’s could expect to pay only 3% more than Asda at £848.56 for the entire list of items.

Which? retail editor Reena Sewraz said: “Our analysis reveals a shocking truth and shows the impact loyalty schemes have had on grocery pricing.

“Branded favourites can actually be cheaper at Waitrose than at the UK’s biggest supermarkets for shoppers who don’t use a loyalty card – something that would have seemed unthinkable until a few years ago.

“If you’ve got your heart set on specific brands, your best bet is to shop around, keep a close eye on the unit price, and stock up whenever you see a good deal – otherwise, you’re likely to end up paying way over the odds.

“While loyalty cards definitely offer some savings, if you don’t use one you’re better off heading to Asda, where the pricing is usually cheaper on a range of branded goods.”

stop the world i want to get off pic.twitter.com/d97i5L2kgJ

— chloé 💚🇵🇸 (@chlveh) March 15, 2026

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “We have invested over £1 billion in recent years to help keep prices low and we know more customers are choosing to do their shop at Sainsbury’s.

“We are committed to helping customers access great quality at lower prices and remain focused on offering outstanding value across thousands of products through our Aldi price match scheme, Nectar prices, Your Nectar Prices and our own-brand value lines.”

A spokesman for Tesco said: “It’s no secret that Tesco Clubcard unlocks exceptional savings for the 24 million UK households who have one.

“More than 80% of our sales are made with a Clubcard – but it’s just one of the ways our customers get great value.

“Though everyday low prices we keep prices consistently low on thousands of branded products, and our Aldi price match ensures shoppers can be confident they’re getting competitive prices.”

​“Deeply unpleasant odours” and “uncivilised” conditions have forced council staff in Scarborough to work from home or relocate to spaces that were not designed as offices.

​It comes as North Yorkshire Council approved an ‘asset rationalisation’ plan, including the purchase of Resolution House by the A64 for an undisclosed sum and a move of staff from Scarborough Town Hall and Ryedale House.​

​The authority has said that new customer access points will be created in town centre sites in Scarborough and Malton.

​At a special scrutiny meeting on Thursday, March 26, councillors were told about the concerning condition of the buildings at the Town Hall site.

​Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Gareth Dadd, said: “In a civilised society, we cannot let our staff work in these conditions, and the time for action has come.”

​A presentation gave councillors a glimpse of the deteriorating coastal building, but corporate director for resources, Gary Fielding, said the pictures did not tell the whole story.

​“The photographs don’t capture the full odours, and some of those areas are deeply unpleasant to walk around due to the smell and damp from over the years.”

​A group of coastal and independent councillors called for a “full independent cost assessment” and for a full meeting of the authority to decide on the scheme, which was announced by the council earlier this month.

Dilapidated Condition Of Scarborough Town Hall Campus. Courtesy Nyc

​Despite concerns about the economic impact of the plans on Scarborough town centre and questions about financial due diligence, the overview and scrutiny committee voted against the motion that called for a delay to the decision.

​NYC director, Mr Fielding, told members: “It’s worth remembering that Resolution House has been refurbished to a very high spec by Anglo American, and we have had assessment support from Align Property.

​“It’s in extremely good condition.”

​Mr Fielding added that due to the condition of the town hall site, “staff are not inclined to work from the office” and that it was “quite hard to enforce” a policy encouraging staff to work on-site.

Poor Condition Of Scarborough Town Hall Campus. Courtesy Of Nyc

​The Scarborough town hall site is made up of four buildings: The listed Town Hall building, a 1950’s/1960’s extension, York House (the old Brewery), and the Customer Services building.

​The scheme has been presented as a way to avoid up to £19 million of costs to upgrade “appalling working conditions” at the ageing coastal town hall site, and could see Malton’s Ryedale House office sold to make way for housing.

Empty Office Space At Scarborough Town Hall Campus. Courtesy Of Nyc.

​Deputy leader, Cllr Dadd, said: “I believe what we are buying is virtually risk-free and helps regenerate Scarborough. If we miss this opportunity, we’re missing the opportunity of a generation.”

​​​According to a report prepared for the executive committee, the scheme would create “minimum ongoing savings in property running costs of £400,000 per annum and savings of more than £20 million in backlog maintenance liabilities across Ryedale House and Scarborough Town Hall”.

Cameron Patey, 22, said he bought a stash of the Class A drug to share with pals on a weekend trip.

A football hooligan has dodged jail again after being caught dealing cocaine.

Cameron Patey, 22, said he bought a stash of the Class A drug to share with pals on a weekend trip. Last June the Airdrie supporter was handed a football banning order for his part in a brawl with St Johnstone fans in the Lanarkshire town.

When asked about his role in the trouble, Patey told a social worker: “It’s an escape. It gives me a buzz.” Patey was back in the dock at Airdrie Sheriff Court to admit having cocaine with intent to supply others in the town’s Whinhall Avenue on March 21 last year.

He was on bail in relation to the football offence when he was detained. His solicitor, Paul Belardo, stressed Patey wasn’t a commercial drug dealer, telling the court: “He pleads guilty on the basis of social supply.”

Tammy Hislop, prosecuting, said he was caught with 53 bags of cocaine with a street value of £1,560. He claimed he’d bought it for £900 and planned to split it with friends during a weekend away.

Sheriff Derek Livingston ordered Patey, of Airdrie, to carry out 183 hours of unpaid community work as an alternative to prison. Last year the court heard that Patey was in a group of hooded Airdrie fans who confronted St Johnstone supporters at the West End Bar before a Scottish Cup tie in January 2024.

A fight broke out in the pub and spilled on to the street. Patey, who admitted causing a breach of the peace, was spared jail but was ordered not to attend any regulated matches in the UK or pubs showing football for two years.

It was the second time he had been given a court football banning order.

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The Mirror accompanied Tony Hayes as he jetted 1,800 miles to Rhodes, Greece, and visited the spot where he waved goodbye to his 15-year-old daughter Jessica before she fell to her death in 2020

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The dad of a teenager who fell to her death parasailing tragedy on a Greek island has returned to the spot where she lost her life. Tony Hayes, 43, made the 1,800-mile trip to Rhodes for the first time since his daughter, Jessica, 15, and her cousin, Mikey Connelly, 13, died after falling on to rocks below in 2020.

And today (Thursday) he laid two white roses in the sand just hours before the watersports boss who operated the trip was due to face a criminal prosecution in court, The Mirror exclusively reports.

Nikos Mallios, 57, is accused of breaching a raft of health and safety regulations after the rope tethering Jessica and Mikey to his speedboat snapped, sending them spiralling to earth. Michael’s older brother James, then 15, was also being towed in the “three-man ride” but miraculously survived. Today, the Mirror accompanied Tony as he returned to the same beach where he waved Jessica off and told her: “We love you.”

In an exclusive interview, Tony said: “I never want anyone to have to experience anything as traumatic as this. Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen. I need to come back to re-live some parts of it so I can process it.” He added: “It’s difficult to be here. It’s very, very hard. What’s hard for people to understand is that it’s been five and a half years. But for us it feels like it’s still exactly the same day. That time has passed but because of what happened and the court case is ongoing, we haven’t had a resolution to that.

“So I look at a picture of Jess, or see a video of her, and I can’t process what happened. I’ve had to have PTSD counselling. But it’s difficult because I can’t remember the good times because I’m consumed with the ongoing case.

“When I look at the hotel I have so many mixed emotions. So I have this moment where the family is together and we were having a really lovely time. Then it all changes in a moment. On that day we didn’t think anything about the overall risk that was involved. It’s so important we get justice. It’s important a message goes out to people.”

Tony’s return to Lindos, Rhodes, is the latest step in his five-year journey for justice following Jessica and Mikey’s death. Tomorrow Mr Mallios, 57, will take the stand at Rhodes Courthouse where, if convicted, he could face prison for failings which left Tony and his wife, Kayleigh, 39, a catering manager, devastated. Three British witnesses – who were on holiday at the time of the tragedy – have travelled to Rhodes to give eyewitness accounts.

Tony said: “I want him to go to prison, I want it to be long. I think it would help me come to terms with what happened. It might mean that instead of looking of pictures of Jessica and thinking of her death, I’d be thinking of happier times. But I’m also a bit scared about the legal case coming to an end. This feels like the last thing I have been able to do for Jessica. “I’ve felt like I’m still able to do something as her dad, for her. When this is over, I won’t have any more dad duties.”

Tony, from Corby, Northants, went to the Greek island in 2020 with his wife Kayleigh for his father-in-law Phil’s surprise 65th birthday. The couple were on holiday with Kayleigh’s brother Phillip Connelly and wife Sharon – parents of James and Mikey. In the days before the accident, Jessica, Mikey and James played games and watched bands in the hotel. Jessica told her parents the day before she died it was “the best holiday she’d ever had”.

On October 28 they booked on Mr Mallios’ boat in Lardos Bay after seeing the rides on advertising board around the hotel. Tony said goodbye at 12.30pm on the beach outside the hotel, but never saw them again. He said: “Jessica was having a great holiday. There are pictures of James and Jessica revising because they were preparing for their mock exams.

“We had some special moments the night before. She had danced with her grandad and said she was having a great time. The night before she slipped in the shower and bumped her head. Me and Kayleigh lay in the bed with her.

“We didn’t know at that time that it would be the last time we would be that close.” Tony added: “When Jessica, James and Mikey were getting on the boat, we told them we loved them and gave them a cuddle. When we said goodbye, all of the family was together. Instead of staying in front of the hotel, the boat started heading around the bend in the coast. Straight away we knew something wasn’t right.”

A storm erupted and when the rope snapped the parachute veered uncontrollably toward the rocky coast where they suffered devastating injuries. James spent more than two weeks in a coma before being evacuated to the UK. Tony said: “The next thing we knew, the boat had come back and everyone was crying.” The families were initially told two of the children had suffered broken bones while the third was alive but in a more serious condition.

It was only when Sharon forced her way into the hospital that nurses told her that Jessica and Mikey had died. Mr Mallios was arrested and bailed while prosecutors decided whether he should face manslaughter charges. Legal teams acting for the families in Greece – led by solicitor George Moschos – say triple-seat parasailing is forbidden, as is taking kids under 14.

They also claim Mr Mallios could have breached guidelines by operating in bad weather and going outside of a designated watersports area. But Jessica’s death has cast a shadow over Tony’s life and he is wracked with guilt for allowing her to go on the excursion.

He said: “I should have been far more cautious. I could have just said no. I have a lot of guilt about that. I struggle a lot with the fact I could have ultimately made the decision for them not to go out on the parasail. For me that’s hard. I don’t want to tell people going on holiday: ‘Be super cautious, don’t enjoy yourself.’ But watersports companies should be operating to the highest standards and not cutting corners because it puts people’s lives at risk. They have to protect the tourists who put their faith in them. We also want the authorities that oversee these companies to enforce the law.”

Despite being at the centre of a criminal probe, Mr Mallios was not arrested and was free to continue operating from the same spot where he picked up Jessica, Mikey and James. In 2022 the Mirror revealed he was taking boatload after boatload of thrillseekers out to sea on €75 jaunts.

Our exclusive pictures showed the bronzed watersport chief launching his neon yellow speedboat emblazoned with the word “parasailing” on the hull. Today Tony said: “He’s been able to continue operating despite what happened. How many British tourists has he unknowingly taken up in his parasail? If he were a truck driver and he’d killed someone then they would have taken his licence off him.”

Mr Mallios is also scheduled to face more significan charges in Kos later this year.

The Friday letters page enjoys the madness of the Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream demo, as one reader doesn’t have the time for Crimson Desert.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Assembling the team
Seeing Fox McCloud in the new Mario movie was a genuine shock to me. I know the Pikmin were already in it, but I thought that was just Miyamoto giving his favourite franchise a cameo (they’re also at the Super Nintendo World in L.A.). But Star Fox? That makes a cameo by Samus Aran now very possible, if not probable.

I get that the space setting is being used as an excuse to get them together, but I’ll bet quite a bit of money that the next Mario movie finds an excuse to include Zelda and other fantasy characters like Fire Emblem.

To me, a Super Smash Bros. movie is now inevitable. We are witnessing the build-up to the original Avengers all over again, but this time with Nintendo characters! Now all we need is some new games to go along with them and I would be very happy with a new Star Fox and Smash.
Badgerman

Delaying the inevitable
I really don’t know why publishers bother holding back review copies when they know the games are going to get reviewed anyway and reviewers are then probably going to go into them assuming there’s a problem from the start.

Gamers too, because even if Life Is Strange: Reunion’s good (or more likely okay) the name has already been through the dirt. Starfield never recovered from its initial bad press, for the very good reason that it’s not a very good game. Even if it had someone got good reviews, nothing would’ve changed that.
Lumpy

Slow-mo train crash
$300 million to make a new video game? That’s more than most movies! And people wonder why the games industry is in trouble. In 40 years we’ve gone from one person making a game in his bedroom as a hobby to bloated ‘epics’ that are so expensive they have to sell tens of millions of copies to turn a profit. Oh, and they take so long to make you can only have one every five years (at best).

I think it’s clear at this point that no publisher is making any attempt to fix this problem and at some point the house of cards is going to collapse in on itself and who knows what will be left after that. It’ll be awful but we all see it coming and as upset as I’ll be I definitely won’t be surprised.
Focus

Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Forbidden love
RE: Alex the cousin lover. Is it just me who finds that the Japanese obsession with adopted siblings, (i.e. stepbrother/stepsisters entering relationships) is a whole lot weirder than the second cousin thing?

You may only see your second cousin/extended family once maybe twice a year, at family dos or gatherings, it’s exciting, a thrill ride, something different to the everyday… your stepsis/bro well, they are your sisters and brothers, you see them every day, you love, you hate, you grow together… but ultimately, they’re ya sister or brother!

There’s something to get all keyboard warrior-y about… also, who’s Alex?!
big boy bent
PS: Loving Pokémon Pokopia. However, I’m a little stuck on Bleak Beach. Prof. Tangly says bring more light; I’ve connected all the street lamps, they’re on, but the story isn’t moving on? Any hints, anyone? Maybe I’ll ask my second cousin!

GC: Have you connected the power cables up to Peakychu’s machine? He’s the key to the end of that quest.

Second thoughts
About a week or so ago, I wrote into the Inbox with a photo of my Switch in the bin, after going through my backlog.

Just to let everyone know it has been taken out of the bin since playing the Tomodachi Life: Living The Dream demo and the whole game has now been pre-ordered from MyNintendo.

Looks like there’s still life left in the ol’ hybrid yet…
LeeDappa

GC: We hope you didn’t make it say anything rude.

Max closure
It’s rather disappointing to see the fact that there won’t be a review of Life Is Strange: Reunion from GC this week. It’s released today and there’s no reviews to be seen anywhere. Which is a personal shame for me, because I’ve actually downloaded all the titles to my Ally X and I’m currently playing through the first title. Essentially the introduction of Max and Chloe, and the beginning of the franchise as a whole.

Maybe it was the negative critical reception to Double Exposure that has scared Square Enix from receiving the same outrage or outcry of disappointment, that they’re being silent over this title’s reception. I don’t really know the facts and I certainly can’t tell the whole story, but if it is another disappointment from Deck Nine that is the final nail in the coffin.

As far as the narrative of Reunion is concerned, I’m hoping it ties into the events of the first game. Especially the events carried out by Mark Jefferson. He was such an important character and I’m really hoping for closure. Maybe he’s dead in his prison cell or even sentenced to life behind bars. We need to know his fate for definite.

Because if Reunion is the end of the franchise, or at least the end of Max and Chloe’s story, it involved Mr Jefferson at the end of the day; even Nathan Prescott played a huge role. It was those events that led to Max and Chloe breaking up, after all. So I’d surely tie the events of the first game into the story of Reunion. Because I’d just like to have that needed closure and hopefully a happy ending for Max and Chloe.

If GC is able to have a review out for the game, could you guys please let me know if Mark Jefferson or Nathan are at least mentioned and there’s some ties to the first game? Or if it has moved on completely and the story is just bland and uninteresting? Maybe not a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to the review.
Shahzaib Sadiq

Always one
Totally agree with everything the reader said yesterday about the flaws of Metacritic. They really should just do a top critic version because it’s almost useless otherwise. Just take a look at it now and there’s one single review for Life Is Strange: Reunion and, you guessed it, it’s from a no-name site and very positive.

Considering what GC told us about the review copies I think we all know just how reliable that score is. And yet it’s going to be included in the final meta score, which really doesn’t seem fair, whether the game turns out to be good or not.
Gorf

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Out of time
It’s a shame that Crimson Desert was underwhelming overall, as I can see that it has its fans with some streamers and others not quite so much. It’s hard to see the pull for me and committing the time for the game is not possible, if I believe my confidence is just a little below par for dedicated gaming sessions.

The problem I have is the many hours I’ve had in Dragon’s Dogma, Death Stranding, Dragon Age, and many others with exploration involved. I also will include Assassin’s Creed games, as Valhalla nearly wiped out the passion I had for the series, after enjoying Creed games for many years.

Before I found out the company behind Crimson Desert, I thought it was done by the Assassin’s Creed developers, as I thought I saw so many of its gaming mechanics being used in the game. When I found out I was pretty surprised for sure.

Another game it reminds me of is Zelda: Breath Of The Wild, for again the climbing and of course the cooking. And like Breath Of The Wild, a story not being the most engaging part and the sub-activities being the ones of interest, strengthening your character. I think Crimson is definitely borrowing a few ideas from these other franchises that have been popular.

Like another questionable product by Nvidia and their DLSS 5 technology! What I can’t understand is how DLSS 5 devs can say lighting changes the textures and look of a gaming character! It appears makeup has been applied or a more stylish five o’ clock shadow and skin textures which unfortunately reminds me of AI creations and not a creation from a skilled development team.

Anyways, definitely a lot of heated discussions recently in the gaming industry and I will be keeping my eyes and ears open for further developments into the above topics.
Alucard

Inbox also-rans
Have you heard about the new FromSoftware sequel featuring its first Colombian protagonist and brutally hard timing? Shakira: Shadows Dance Twice.
Bll

It’s a good job I like Bluey, because if it wasn’t for that the Xbox Partner Preview would’ve been a total wash. It was nearly as bad as the recent Nintendo Directs.
Cone Dash

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The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

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