When it comes to seafaring adventures, bigger isn’t always better, especially where cruise ships are concerned.

Amid the fanfare surrounding giant floating resort-style ships, it’s easy to forget that under the radar is a flotilla of atmospheric smaller craft brimming with character.

Billionaire-style mega-yachts and skippered sailing boats along with graceful square riggers and intrepid expedition ships offer a complete contrast to the big-ship experience that is more intimate and sociable.

Passengers are in their hundreds rather than thousands and on the smallest boats, max only number 10 or 20 guests.

So it’s not surprising that sea-goers are increasingly discovering this alternative style of cruising, with research showing that interest in taking to the seas on more petite craft is growing exponentially.

‘Small ship cruising has become increasingly popular because it offers such an intimate and immersive way to travel to destinations that larger ships are unable to reach,’ said Andy Harmer, UK and Ireland managing director of cruising body Cruise Lines International Association.

‘Whether exploring remote islands, sailing into smaller ports or spending longer in destinations, these voyages allow travellers to experience places in a very different way.’

OFF ALASKA’S BEATEN TRACK

Escape the rising number of big ships cruising Alaska’s spectacular wilderness by jumping aboard smaller vessels that weave into its deserted bays.

Specialist UnCruise Adventures has the only permits around Chichagof Island, which is prime bear-spotting territory, but guests can explore remote areas by kayak or skiff and venture into the forests on mountain bikes and hiking treks.

A highlight is sailing to the imposing LeConte Glacier, accessible only to smaller craft like the 86-passenger Wilderness Legacy which resembles the coastal steamers of a century ago with period décor, though top deck hot tubs are among welcome modern touches.

BOOK IT: A nine-night package, comprising a one-week round-trip cruise from Juneau costs from £5,575pp, departing April 30, 2027. Includes flights, an overnight hotel stay in Seattle, plus all activities and excursions (small-cruise-ships.com).

COSY CROATIA

Head to Croatia for crystal clear seas, island stops and a lively ambience

Sprinkled like precious gems across the aquamarine waters of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands attract a fleet of small coastal boats that generally combine Dubrovnik and Split with the sophisticated isle of Hvar, tiny medieval Korcula and sleepy Vis.

Sleek motor-yacht MV Aretis, accommodating 36 guests, takes on a sociable fun feel with group tours and daily swim stops in deserted craggy coves where guests can help themselves to the boat’s water toys.

On Unforgettable Croatia cruises, the lively captain’s dinner often cements friendships made during the week over shared breakfasts and lunches, with guests dining ashore most evenings.

BOOK IT: Seven-night sailing from Split to Dubrovnik, departing May 8, 2027, costs from £1,842pp, based on half-board. Price includes excursions, plus two dinners and drinks with meals. Flights extra (unforgettablecroatia.com).

TALL SHIP TO COSTA RICA

Head to Costa Rica for a journey on a Star Clipper ship

There’s nothing quite like riding the waves on one of Star Clippers’ tall ships spurred on by the salty tang of sea breezes.

Sailings are full of nautical flavour complemented by evocative moments, from climbing up to the Crow’s Nest to lying in the bowsprit nets while watching dolphins diving in the waves beneath.

On this voyage Star Clipper, which holds 166 guests, follows the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica and Panama under wind-power (where conditions allow).

Spot squawking macaws and slumbering sloths in the Costa Rican town of Quepos, kayak through mangrove forests and spy sea turtles while snorkelling in Panama’s Golfo de Chiriqui marine park.

BOOK IT: A 15-night package featuring a one-week round-trip sailing from Puerto Caldera in Costa Rica and an eight-night stay ashore costs from £6,308pp on January 1, 2027. Flights included (starclippers.co.uk).

FRENCH RIVIERA YACHTING

For a real taste of luxury, hop on board the Orient Express Corinthian

Sophisticates can mingle with the jet-set on a French Riviera sailing aboard the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian, which promises refinement in abundance.

The luxury train and hotel operator is one of a clutch of upmarket hotel brands dipping its toes into cruising waters with this revolutionary solid-sail yacht.

Interiors epitomise understated luxury with vintage-inspired lighting and handcrafted materials.

There’s no compromise on amenities as the 110 butler-pampered guests can choose from five restaurants, eight bars plus a theatre and spa – and even let off steam with water toys from the marina platform.

BOOK IT: A six-night Gems of Provence and Monaco voyage from Marseilles to Monte Carlo, including stops at St Tropez and Cannes, departs on July 11, 2027. From £14,600pp all-inclusive. Flights extra (orientexpress.com).

CRUISE THE NILE IN STYLE

Take to the River Nile for a small cruise journey like no other

There’s no better way to conjure up the evocative spirit of the pharaohs than by exploring the Nile on an Egyptian dahabiya.

These traditional sailboats travel at a slower pace, mooring at small landing jetties that larger boats cannot access, enabling guests to visit lesser-visited historical sites. 

Taking just 12 guests, the luxurious Farouz El Nil dahabiya recaptures a bygone age with wood-panelled cabins and elegant décor which extends to the sundeck where guests can relax to views across to the Valley of the Kings and lusher riverscape of Aswan.

BOOK IT: A one-week round-trip voyage from Luxor on February 22, 2027, costs from £3,185pp full-board, including flights and excursions (discoveregypt.co.uk).

SCILLY ISLES UNDER SAIL

Learn to sail the Pilgrim of Brixham in the Scilly Isles

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Salty seadogs, from beginners to pros can help sail the Pilgrim of Brixham, a gaff-rigged ketch built in 1895 and one of the last surviving wooden sailing trawlers built in the Devon town.

A zest for adventure is the key requirement of this voyage which goes around Land’s End before making the 12-hour crossing to the Scilly Isles where the glorious white-sand beaches of St Martin await along with Bryher’s lagoons and Tresco’s botanical gardens.

Life aboard is traditional with home-cooked meals in the main saloon and cosy bunk beds for the ten guests.

BOOK IT: A six-night round-trip from Falmouth, on full-board, costs from £1,750pp departing July 7, 2027 (venturesailholidays.com).

AUTHENTIC BAHAMAS

SeaDream Yacht Club’s mega-yachts offer a snazzy way to explore the Bahamas

Sailing beyond the Bahamas’ glitzy resort isles of Nassau and Grand Bahama to the Out Islands is like entering another world far removed from giant ships and cruising masses.

The Exumas, Andros and San Salvador are sleepy retreats of dazzling beaches and sleepy settlements, reflecting a history rich in explorers, adventurers and exiled British loyalists who fled here following American Independence.

Among the few ships able to navigate these shallow waters are SeaDream Yacht Club’s 112-guest mega-yachts.

With varnished woods and polished brass, SeaDream I and SeaDream II have a classic house-party feel marked by intuitive service and first-class cuisine.

BOOK IT: One-week round-trip Bountiful Bahamas sailing from Palm Beach, costs from £5,697pp, all-inclusive, departing March 20, 2027. Flights extra (seadream.com).

GO WILD IN THE HEBRIDES

Cruise along Scotland’s west coast in the Hebrides, with expansive views and wildlife-viewing opportunities

Autumn’s mellow days are just the ticket for viewing wildlife along Scotland’s west coast with sightings of red deer, eagles and common seals. 

Among the small boats cruising these waters are those of family-run Hebrides Cruises with its three-strong fleet holding up to ten guests each.

Wildlife cruises are held on Lucy Mary, a classic motor yacht with modern interiors and a rear deck area which is the setting for freshly prepared al fresco feasts of local fare, sea-to-table treats and sunset toasts.

These sailings are flexible – guided by the tides, weather and the guests, who get the chance to go ashore every day.

BOOK IT: There’s still space on the Inner Hebrides Big 5 Autumn Wildlife Cruises departing on October 2 and seven. The four-night round-trip voyages from Oban start at £2,375pp (hebridescruises.co.uk).

SEARCH FOR TIGERS IN INDIA

A cruise along India’s Brahmaputra River will take you on a journey through the country’s history and culture

Sail deep into Assam in India’s far north-east, where tigers roam and the misty peaks of the Himalayas crown the distant horizon.

Cruises along the Brahmaputra River delve into a wilderness of temples, tribal villages and tea plantations, while one of the most noted draws is the Kaziranga National Park, home to the world’s largest population of one-horned rhino and elusive Bengal tigers.

The MV Mahabaahu is a traditional-style riverboat that takes 46 guests on voyages along this waterway, with its open top deck allowing for panoramic views.

BOOK IT: A 15-night package, including the 11-night voyage and three nights in Kolkata, departs on January 10 and 31, 2027. From £6,295pp, including flights and shore excursions (noble-caledonia.co.uk).

The National Trust describes the property as an ‘oasis hidden away in an urban environment’

National Trust properties are known for being grand and set within acres and acres of grounds. In Cambridgeshire, we are lucky to have some beautiful National Trust properties to visit. While most are quite big, there is one in Wisbech that could be easily missed.

Peckover House can be found on North Brink, one of the main roads in Wisbech. Most of the buildings along North Brink date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, which means that Peckover House blends into its surroundings.

Described as a “secret gem” and the perfect place for a “quiet wander”, Peckover House was lived in by the Peckover family for more than 150 years. It was built in 1722 and is a classic Georgian merchant’s townhouse. The National Trust describes it as an “oasis hidden away in an urban environment”.

The Peckover family originally came from Fakenham in Norfolk and were Quakers, a Protestant Christian denomination which arose in the mid-17th century. In 1777 Jonathan Peckover moved to Wisbech and set up a grocery business. In 1782, he helped to establish a branch of Gurney, Birkbeck, Peckover and Buxton Bank. The Peckovers purchased the house in 1794, and the bank occupied a purpose-built wing on the side of the house, which later became known as Bank House.

Peckover House itself is three storeys high and is made of local amber and red brick. It’s not known who built the house. The gardens were not developed until the 19th century, and are now one of the most important 19th century town house gardens to survive.

Its two acres of surrounding gardens are made up of an orangery, summer houses, croquet lawn and rose garden filled with a variety of different roses. Part of the gardens also feature archways that add to its romantic feel.

The gardens are free to visit all year round, but entrance to the house does have a fee. After a walk through the gardens, there is a tearoom in the thatched reed barn that people can enjoy a drink and some food in.

The tearoom is open seasonally and serves hot and cold drinks, as well as cakes and light bites. There is also a second hand book shop for any bookworms looking for a bargain, and plant sales for keen gardeners.

Backlash against Sacha Baron Cohen‘s new Ali G movie is mounting, with campaigners launching a petition to ban the film from cinemas. 

Baron Cohen released the first trailer for Ali G: Who Iz I? last week, marking his return to the satirical character after a 20-year absence.

The 54-year-old actor, in his directorial debut, filmed the movie secretly over the course of a year with the mockumentary following his character’s life ‘since the world went to c**p’, alongside his pregnant girlfriend – played by Morgana Robinson.

But criticism for the Amazon MGM film, due for release in cinemas on October 23, has been widespread.   

A day after the trailer’s release, NewsCord – a UK news comparison and media monitoring platform – started a campaign urging cinemas around the world to refuse to screen the film.

The campaign group have said they have emailed 15 major chains globally with the request on behalf of those who register. As of Sunday, the campaigners report they have been instructed to send 41,000 emails.

The campaign accuses Baron Cohen of using satire as a ‘cover for enforcing racist stereotypes’, writing on X:

‘Ali G is a cover to laugh at Jamaican culture. The character enforces harmful stereotypes of how a Jamaican man behaves in society.

‘Ali G smokes weed, is a misogynist, and does nothing meaningful in life. He does this because he thinks this is what a Jamaican does.’

‘The world laughs at Ali G. But the real butt of the joke are Black people and specifically Jamaicans,’ they added. ‘This is evident in a number of Baron Cohen’s films, where a race or religion is the victim of the “joke”.’

They added in an Instagram post: ‘Black British comedians called the character “an alibi for racism” in 2000; Jeanette Winterson asked what separates it from the Black and White Minstrels; Kazakh and Arab organisations documented the harm of the catalogue behind it. Sony Pictures UK is selling it with the line “He iz back. We ain’t liable”.’

They added: ‘The screens belong to the chains, and a booking is a choice.’

Phil Clapp, head of the UK Cinema Association, told Variety in response to the campaign: ‘Cinemas are there to engage and entertain the widest possible audience. They are not there to act as censors or arbiters of public taste.

‘So where a film has been given a certificate by the BBFC [British Board of Film Classification], they will decide whether or not to play it solely with the likely response of their audience in mind.’

Baron Cohen released the first trailer for Ali G: Who Iz I? last week, marking his return to the satirical character after a 20-year absence

A defiant Baron Cohen himself also addressed the growing backlash, writing on X: ‘In an age where a comedian’s career can be ended by a single un-PC joke, I thought I’d play it safe and bring this guy back.’ 

Reports have suggested that the UK cinema chain Picturehouse had responded to the campaign and confirmed their outlets would not be screening the film.

However, Variety has since reported that Picturehouse’s email was a standard customer response to any release query about a film that hasn’t yet been booked by the company and didn’t appear on its schedule, with no decision yet made.

Baron Cohen teased the return of the comedy legend with a surprise appearance at Wimbledon in July, where he donned his character’s trademark look of bling jewellery paired with a tracksuit and sunglasses.

Last year, it was first reported he was ‘bringing back his iconic comic creation, 27 years after the character first appeared on screens – where he was staged as the “voice of youth” on Channel 4’s The 11 O’Clock Show in Autumn 1998’.

Subsequently, he became the title character of Da Ali G Show in the early 2000s, before starring as the titular character in 2002 film Ali G Indahouse.

A day after the trailer’s release, NewsCord – a UK news comparison and media monitoring platform – started a campaign urging cinemas around the world to refuse to screen the film

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Cambridge-educated comedian Baron Cohen decided to retire the character in 2007 as he became more recognisable, restricting the effectiveness of his antics.

In recent years there had been whispers of a comeback, but in 2023 Alf Lawrie, the head of factual entertainment at Channel 4, shut down the rumours, saying the show would never have come to fruition with modern rules.

He mused: ‘You can’t make Ali G, Borat or Brass Eye now because the rules have changed. You can’t hoodwink people on the same grand scale.

‘TV has become a slightly more regulated environment than it was 20 years ago.

‘When you were making Borat 20 years ago, you could pretend quite seriously that he was from Kazakhstan and until it aired people had no idea otherwise. These days you can’t mislead in the same way…

‘We’re far more respectful of our contributors now than we used to be. But it means the nature of some satire has changed.’

Tributes have been paid to prolific graffiti artist Helch, whose giant roller-painted pieces appeared everywhere from the edge of Windsor Castle to the nation’s motorway bridges and across the world.

Friends paid their respects to Michael Purdy, 34, who enjoyed a successful gallery show in December attended by collectors and had pieces on walls and rooftops in dozens of countries.

Veteran club music DJ Doc Scott was among the chorus of fans to pay tribute to the artist on Saturday, sharing an image of his canvas artwork with the caption ‘RIP Helch’.

Frontline, a renowned graffiti magazine and online platform, shared a photo compilation of Helch’s colourful works on Instagram with the caption: ‘Just heard sad news of Helch passing away. RIP Helch.’

Helch’s works captured the imagination of art fans and commuters alike.

His graffiti on motorway bridges were regarded by some as entertaining sign posts for their travels home from work or the airport, with pieces seen on the M4, M1 and M25.

But not everyone was a fan, with royal sources previously claiming the late Queen Elizabeth II was upset over 60ft high white letters reading Helch near Windsor Castle.

His tags were even the subject of a sold-out show at BSMT Space in trendy Dalston, east London, where his pieces sold for tens of thousands of pounds.

The late Queen was said to be ‘extremely upset’ after 60ft high white letters were daubed on to a railway viaduct near Windsor Castle

Network Rail, which owns the viaduct, removed the graffiti as it was deemed offensive

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In one of his final social media posts he shared a photo of his 224-page photo book, titled Lost But Living.

The glossy publication features his work across 12 countries including America and Thailand during the period of 2022-24.

The circumstances around his death have not been disclosed but friends have been left reeling by his sudden passing.

One graffiti artist told the Daily Mail: ‘Helch was at the top of his game, having smashed it for years and funded the entire thing himself.

‘He lived life on his terms and had in many ways what could be described as total freedom. He did not submit to a life of drudgery.

‘He is a legend and will be greatly missed in London and the UK. It is not for me to say any more about his death.’

Meanwhile Zonk DDS, a notorious graffiti writer in London, shared a tribute online, which read: ‘Iconic British artist gone far too soon. Thoughts are with his family.’

And SMT crew, a nationwide graffiti collective, paid tribute to Helch as ‘a big figure’ within the scene.

Sharing a photo of the artist’s massive vibrant piece on top of a Shoreditch car park, a spokesman wrote online: ‘As a crew we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Helch.

Friends paid their respects to Mr Purdy, who enjoyed a successful gallery show in December 

The Helch tag seen above the Central Line in London 

‘A big figure in the London and UK scene. RIP Helch.’

Graffiti artist Lord wrote: ‘Sad news man, Helch was a genuine good brother, had good banter I used to give him stick how long they [his roller pieces] take.

‘One of the best roller writers we ever had.’

Bams, an active graffiti writer across London, posted a photo of Helch’s work at Paddington Station with the message: ‘So sad man’.

Another tribute read: ‘Sad news to hear one of, if not London’s biggest writer when it comes to rollers has passed away. What a shame. Got to give credit where credit is due, your work will live on for the rest of all our times.

‘A London king man, prayers are with your friends and family. RIP Helch.’

Other fans of the artist flooded social media with tributes and photos of Helch’s roller pieces, one with the caption ‘sad news. Good guy. Made refreshing cool moves in the scene.’

Another message read: ‘RIP Helch buddy. Admired your dedication to graffiti and showing it to the man, every time.’

One note from an artist who knew Helch contained the words, ‘Take care of yourselves and loved ones before it’s too late’.

Tributes were even paid as far as New York City, with a compilation of his photos shared online with the message: ‘He was known in London for being a legend.

‘He brought some refreshing graff[iti] to NYC a few years ago and I enjoyed going across all these spots as they appeared.’

Terrifying footage shows passengers desperately scrambling to escape from deep inside a sinking ferry off northern Cyprus after it was battered by waves.

At least eight people were killed and 18 remained missing on Monday after the vessel capsized, triggering a major search and rescue operation. 

Survivors have claimed the captain ignored warnings that the ferry was taking on water before abandoning ship as it capsized.

The captain, seven crew members and a shareholder in the company operating the ferry were arrested and appeared in court on Monday.

Filmed from inside the stricken vessel, the chaotic video captures people desperately making their way through its interior as frightened screams and cries ring out around them.

At one point, a man is seen perched on the side of the sharply tilted ferry with a phone pressed to his ear, appearing to call for help as others scramble around him. 

Other harrowing footage captures the aftermath outside, where survivors are seen bobbing in the choppy sea alongside the partially submerged ferry.

Some cling to one another in the water while others are seen trying to pull people from inside the ship. In further footage a rescue helicopter is seen hovering overhead.

The boat was struck by one wave before a second hit as the captain tried to regain control, causing the ferry to begin taking on water, according to northern Cyprus prime minister Ünal Üstel.

Some cling to one another in the water while others are seen trying to pull others from inside the ship

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Other harrowing footage captures the aftermath outside, where survivors are seen bobbing in the choppy sea alongside the partially submerged ferry

Pictured: Passengers try to pull people out who are still trapped inside the ship 

The double-hulled ferry, which had 267 people aboard, took in water and flipped over on Sunday just off the port city of Kyrenia, leaving survivors clinging to the overturned hull

Nearly 20 people were missing on Monday after the ferry capsized off northern Cyprus, as divers joined search teams scouring deep waters for any survivors. 

The double-hulled ferry, which had 267 people aboard, took in water and flipped over on Sunday just off the port city of Kyrenia, leaving survivors clinging to the overturned hull.

They were rescued by passing vessels and coastguard authorities, with officials saying the vast majority of those on board had been rescued.

But the ferry continued towards the Turkish port of Tasucu.

Fearing for their safety as the boat continued out to sea amid poor weather, terrified passengers scrambled to find lifejackets, only to realise they were in short supply.

They then heard a blast from the ship’s bow and the vessel began to capsize, leading to an exodus of passengers who frantically jumped into the sea to escape, many without buoyancy aids.

Among the first to abandon ship, according to survivors, was the captain himself, who was arrested alongside seven of his crew members later on Sunday.

The privately owned ferry had originally been scheduled to travel to Turkey on Saturday, but its journey was delayed because of poor weather conditions, Üstel said.

Separate accounts said the wide-bodied vessel jolted violently before slamming onto the surface of the sea, with part of its bow bursting open on impact.

Naif Ezer, one of those waiting anxiously outside the port for news of passengers through the early hours of Monday, said: ‘We’ve been waiting since the morning, for 12 hours or maybe more.’

Of three friends travelling home to see their families, one had been found but the other two were still missing, he added.

Some of those waiting sat and silently wept, while others scrolled through their mobile phones for updates.

It was unclear whether people remained trapped inside the vessel, which has now sunk and is lying on the seabed at a depth of more than 500 metres (1,640ft).

Divers from Turkey were assisting the search, officials said.

A rescue mission continued into the night after a ferry carrying around 270 passengers capsized shortly after departing from the coast of northern Cyprus on Sunday

Former President of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar meets with families waiting at the port entrance

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Officials gave differing estimates of the number of people still missing, with some saying 19 and others 18.

The ship’s captain and seven crew members were detained as part of an investigation into ‘how this tragedy occurred’, Üstel said.

Authorities are also attempting to recover the ferry’s black box recorder to establish what happened.

Shortly after the doomed vessel departed from Kyrenia just before 12pm on Sunday, passengers realised that there was a problem.

They had discovered that the boat had begun to take on water and warned the captain and crew that they needed to return to port.

Unmoved by their concerns, the ferry continued on towards the Turkish port of Tasucu.

Fearing for their safety as the boat continued out to sea amid a storm, the terrified passengers scrambled to find lifejackets, only to realise they were in short supply.

They heard a blast come from the ship’s bow and the vessel began to capsize, leading to an exodus of passengers who frantically jumped into the sea to escape, many without any buoyancy aids.

Among the first to abandon ship, according to survivors, was the captain himself, who was arrested alongside seven of his crew members later on Sunday.

One rescued passenger said he spent an hour-and-a-half in the water before being rescued.

The man, aged in his 50s and not named, told local Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) television that the front of the boat ‘exploded’ and the side windows ‘blew out’ as the boat took on more and more water.

‘Those who could, got out,’ he said, adding that he saw the captain among the first to abandon ship ‘without organising anything’.

Several rescued passengers told local media that a blast had gone off at the bow before it rolled over.

Another witness, in his 30s, corroborated reports of an explosion. He said he had reported water leaks to the captain.

‘The seats started to float, the captain kept going, and the bow exploded,’ he said.

As the boat went down, elderly people were reportedly left trapped inside the vessel and were unable to escape in time.

Video footage showed chaotic scenes on board, as life jackets were in short supply, leading to some jumping into the water without any buoyancy aids.

Other clips showed some of the survivors sat atop the ship’s overturned hull, as others desperately awaited rescue in the surrounding waters.

By late afternoon, the ship had completely sunk, settling on the seabed at a depth of 514 metres (1,686ft), according to authorities.

They said divers from Turkey would be assisting the search.

Emergency services were called to Balmer Hill in Gainford at 8.10pm on Saturday (August 29) after gunshots were fired at the home.

The victim, a 46-year-old man, suffered birdshot injuries to his abdomen and was rushed to hospital.

On Sunday (August 30), police and CSI officers were seen working at the detached home, while a cordon was put in place. The window had been smashed and door damaged by gunfire.

The house on Balmer Hill, Gainford, County Durham (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

This morning (August 31), police have left the scene, and a cordon is no longer in place.

The window has been boarded up to make the home secure.

Police and CSI on the scene on Sunday (August 30) (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and both remained in custody.

The damaged door at the Balmer Hill house (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The boy has also been arrested on suspicion of theft, failing to stop and driving without a licence, police said.

A spokesperson for Durham Police said on Sunday: “An investigation has been launched after a man was shot in Gainford last night.

A boarded-up window at the Gainford house (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“Emergency services were called to an address in Balmer Hill just after 8.10pm following reports that suspects had driven to a house and fired at it from their car before making off.

“A 46-year-old man suffered birdshot injuries to his abdomen and was taken to hospital. His condition has been described as critical but stable.

A boarded-up window and damaged door at the property (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“No one else at the address was injured and officers remain at the scene today.”

Neighbours, who did not want to be named, told The Northern Echo they heard two loud ‘pops’ around 8.10pm.

“I was just sat watching the TV,” they said. “They were talking about Newcastle on Sky Sports News, then we heard like a pop.

“At first I thought it was a car backfiring. We jumped.

Police have left the scene of the property this morning (August 31) (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“And then there was another pop, and it was a case of ‘What the heck was that?’

“Then the next thing we saw was a red soft-top car go down the road.

“After the pops, I looked along towards next door and we saw all the glass that was outside, and the front windows were gone.

A boarded-up window at the Gainford house (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“It is something you see in movies or television.

“You don’t expect to see it in a little village, in your own of street.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: “We were called to an incident at a private address in Gainford, Darlington at 8.10pm on Saturday, August 29.

“We dispatched one ambulance crew, one duty officer, one clinical team leader and were supported by Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

“One person was taken to hospital by road.”

Vicky Mcloughlin was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer in 2024 but has been denied surgery based on her age, her daughter has said

A mum who was told she had stage three bowel cancer after struggling to use the toilet for two weeks has now been refused surgery that her daughter says could ‘cure’ her.

Vicky Mcloughlin, 66, was given the devastating news in November 2024 after her daughter, Chloe, 33, said she “wasn’t herself”.

The mum experienced bleeding and underwent an endoscopy that initially failed to detect anything untoward. But Chloe then took her mother to A&E, where a scan revealed a mass in her cervical area.

A biopsy confirmed cancer, with doctors establishing the tumour had formed in her bowels before spreading to her cervical area.

Yet despite having to make frequent trips to the hospital ever since her diagnosis, Chloe says her mother has been denied surgery twice, Birmingham Live reports.

Infections and a build-up of fluid, caused when the spreading tumour created a tear in both her bowel and cervical area, meant she was deemed unsuitable for surgery. Vicky was instead given two rounds of chemotherapy.

Chloe appealed to medical teams at Solihull Hospital and St Mark’s Hospital in London to perform surgery and remove the tumour, but both refused on the grounds of excessive risk, fears Vicky could lose a leg and a likely deterioration in her quality of life.

In correspondence sent to Vicky, doctors said they had “significant concerns” about how she would cope with the surgery, saying it would not be “in her best interests”.

But her family argued her quality of life was already drastically impacted as she needed hospital visits every fortnight.

Chloe, who owns a dog walking business in Tamworth, said: “It was a lot to process when she was diagnosed.

“We never would have thought where we are now and be in the situation we are now. The only way to cure her is through surgery.

“A hospital in London, and one in Solihull both refused.

“They said it was too major and she could lose her leg and they said with her age they don’t know if she’d survive the surgery.

“They said she’d have a better quality of life without the surgery – but to me that’s not the case.

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“It’s constant – every other week she’s back in hospital. It does nothing – it’s just torture.

“It’s a living nightmare. I don’t know what else to do.”

Vicky’s tumour has so far remained confined to the bladder, bowel and cervical region and has not spread elsewhere. But the infections she contracts can trigger sepsis. Chloe said: “When the tumour broke through it caused a hole in the bowels and cervical area. So infections were caused.

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“She had multiple drains to drain out the fluid collection. She’s had four in the last two years.

“She had to have surgery for a stoma bag too. But the collection of fluid with the last drain didn’t drain out as it was too thick.

“They eventually managed to remove it as it was putting pressure on her kidneys. The urine was going back towards her kidneys, so she had surgery for two tubes to go into her back through her kidneys and they drain out her urine.

“So now she doesn’t go to the toilet at all. She was in such a strong position but now I don’t know how she’s alive today.

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“She has sepsis all the time.”

Vicky has had sepsis five times in the last two years. Her condition means that cannot have any more treatment.

A spokesperson for University Hospitals Birmingham, which runs Solihull Hospital, said: “We have great sympathy for Mrs Mcloughlin and her family at what is clearly a difficult and distressing time.

“Decisions about radical cancer surgery are very complex and are never taken lightly.

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“Any advice given is based on a careful assessment of the potential benefits and risks, and are coordinated by a multi-disciplinary team, with the clinical team’s overriding priority being what is safest, and in the patient’s best interests.”

London North West University Healthcare Trust said it could not comment on individual patients’ circumstances.

Dolly Parton’s sister Freida Parton has shared a heartfelt tribute to the country music icon following her private Nashville funeral, revealing the special role Dolly played in her life and announcing a special project in her honour

Dolly Parton’s sister Freida has spoken out following the country music legend’s private funeral, sharing a heartfelt tribute to the woman she affectionately referred to as her “Dolly Momma”.

Freida, one of Dolly’s 11 siblings, revealed she was finding it difficult to accept the loss of her “big sister” after the iconic singer passed away aged 80 last week following a brief battle with cancer.

The funeral took place in Nashville on Friday, August 28, with only close family members in attendance. Dolly’s niece Lainey Mae Parton announced the news via an emotional Instagram post, accompanied by a collection of photos of the star, expressing how challenging it was to articulate her sorrow.

The singer was interred next to her late husband Carl Dean at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Nashville. Dean passed away in March 2025 after nearly 60 years of marriage to Dolly.

The star had previously expressed her desire for an intimate and private send-off.

Reports suggest she was buried wearing a simple cotton dress and her signature high heels, a nod to the country star’s iconic fashion sense while respecting her preference for a more modest final goodbye. Freida has now posted a deeply moving tribute to her sister, disclosing the unique bond Dolly held in her life, The Mirror reported.

In a Facebook post, Freida wrote: “Thank you all for bearing with me as I mourn the death of my big sister. I know to the entire world, she was a superstar, but to me, she was my Dolly Momma.”

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She continued by recalling childhood moments between them, explaining how Dolly would provide reassurance when they felt scared.

“She was the sister who would climb into bed with me when I was little because we were both afraid of the dark,” Freida wrote.

“She was the woman who stepped up and became my Momma, raising me from ages 13 to 18.”

Freida also recounted a more lighthearted recollection of Dolly attempting to encourage her to wear her wigs during performances at Dollywood.

“She was the one who tried to convince me to wear her wigs at my shows in Dollywood (sorry, sister, but I definitely didn’t listen to you on that one),” she said.

Despite their strong connection, Freida acknowledged that, like any siblings, they had encountered their fair share of disputes over the years.

“Like all sisters, we definitely had our share of arguments and disagreements throughout the years, but even through all the highs and lows, and all the laughter and tears, I never stopped loving her,” she wrote.

She subsequently asked supporters to keep her family in their prayers as they process their heartbreaking loss.

“I asked you all months ago to pray for Dolly, but now I’m going to ask you to please pray for me and my entire family as we navigate this insurmountable loss,” Freida said. The singer’s passing has left her family, friends and countless admirers across the globe grieving one of country music’s most iconic figures.

Dolly was celebrated for hits such as Jolene, 9 to 5 and I Will Always Love You, while her career encompassed acting, business ventures and charitable work.

However, Freida explained that her sister’s impact within their family extended far beyond her celebrity status.

“There will never be anyone who can replace her in our hearts, and I know she holds a special place in many of yours as well,” she wrote.

“I know she would want me to keep going, keep smiling, and keep sharing the love she gave so freely with others. That is what I’m going to try to do, even on the days when it feels impossible.”

Freida also disclosed that she is developing a special tribute project in memory of her late sister.

“I’m working on something very special for all of you in her honour,” she said. “It’s my way of keeping a little piece of my Dolly Momma with me, while sharing her with all of you who loved her, too.”

She concluded her heartfelt message by expressing gratitude to supporters for the affection they had demonstrated towards Dolly throughout her life and since her death.

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“Thank you for loving her, for praying for her, and now, for loving and praying for all of us. All My Love, Freida.”

Dolly had already selected her funeral song Dolly had openly discussed her funeral preferences more than ten years before her passing. During a 2014 conversation with Entertainment Weekly, the legendary performer was questioned about which music she would want played at her funeral.

While she recognised that many would anticipate hearing her timeless classic I Will Always Love You, she disclosed that she had a different piece in mind.

“I’m sure they’ll be playing I Will Always Love You when I die, just like they did with Whitney Houston,” Dolly said.

She remembered watching Houston’s funeral service, where her rendition of the track was performed as the singer’s casket was carried out.

“When they picked her coffin up and started in on that song, I started to cry, and I thought, ‘Oh my lord’, that’s when it hit me that she was really gone.”

However, Dolly revealed the song she truly desired was If We Never Meet Again (This Side Of Heaven), a country-gospel hymn penned by Albert E Brumley in 1945. She shared that the track held particular significance as it had been her father’s most cherished song.

“But there’s a song called If We Never Meet Again, it’s an old country-gospel church song that talks about, ‘if we never meet again this side of heaven, I will meet you on that beautiful shore, where the charming roses bloom forever and where separations come no more’,” she said.

“That was my daddy’s favourite. We did sing it at his funeral, and I would like it to be sung at mine.”

Dolly’s desire for an intimate private ceremony was honoured, with close family members convening in Nashville to bid their final farewell. Her passing was confirmed on 25 August by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who revealed she had asked him years previously to prepare for that moment.

Her publicist subsequently announced that she had passed away after a “brief battle with cancer”.

While admirers across the globe continue to grieve the country music icon’s death, Freida’s heartfelt words have provided insight into the woman behind the fame: not merely an international star, but a cherished sister who helped bring up her younger sibling and remained her “Dolly Momma” until the end.

The mayor met representative of the Astley Warehouses Action group after a walking around the site.

Earlier this summer Logisitics firm Whistl started around the clock operations at the controversial ‘cruise ship’ warehouse complex in Tyldesley.

The development, commissioned by  PLP, has been dogged by controversy for more than year since building work started.

Many residents, some of whom have gardens just 30 metres from the 350,000 sq ft logistics site, have criticised the huge scale and appearance of the “towering warehouses”.

Incidents of flooding on nearby paths and gardens have also occurred last winter with complaints that run off from the construction site was causing the issues.

Bev Craig said : “I was really keen to talk to residents, like everyone else I’ve seen the pictures online and it didn’t sit right with me to build something so big so close to residential properties.

“I heard from residents about the noise and other problems they’ve been experiencing, the flooding and even hearing about the basics such as the quality of the landscaping.

“It’s good to see it first hand and makes it clear.

“I don’t have planning powers but I want to use the role that I’ve got to make residents feel that they are heard.

“I will be writing to Peel to make sure they are taking some ownership and will be in touch with the action group going forward.”

Steve Retford from the action group said: “This meeting was extremely positive.

“This development has affected all our lives in a profound way.

“The mayor was very understanding to our situation and had clearly done some research so she had a good idea of the burning issues we’ve got.

“She was extremely supportive to our concerns.

“We realise she’s no planning powers but we’re hoping their maybe some sympathetic ears to the Greater Manchester mayor in Westminster.

“Something clearly needs to change if the Mayor can’t challenge a planning permission which is clearly wrong. The answer may lay at Westminster”

Whistl said they ‘appreciate the strength of feeling amongst the community over the new business park’ and have had ‘active dialogue’ with the action group representing residents before taking measures to mitigate the impact of operations.

During Ms Craig’s visit, a representative from Whistl was delivering letter to households titled ‘Help Us Understand and Investigate Noise Concerns’.

The letter said: “Have you heard a noise that you believe may be coming from the warehouse? Whistl want to hear from you.

“We understand that residents have experienced noise disruption, particularly overnight. To help us investigate concerns properly, we have created a simple online form where residents can report noise incidents seven days a week, as they happen.

“The information you provide will help us understand when noise is occurring, how often it is happening and whether there are any patterns that need further investigation to remedy the cause.”

A thrilling and, potentially record-breaking, end to the summer window is in store as Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham all work on deals before Tuesday night’s deadline. Plenty of movement is expected at Arsenal with Julian Alvarez the priority signing and there has been a significant development regarding that pursuit. Elsewhere, Habeeb Ogunneye, James Scanlon and Igor Tyjon have joined the Premier League champions but Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira are set to depart.