I used to get up in the morning, look at my wardrobe and decide what colour I was going to wear that day. Well, it was no surprise that most days it was pink.

I still do the same today, but it is not just my clothes, shoes and jewellery I try to match. I have an additional accessory which must blend in with my daily wear – my power-chair.

Now, to those that do not use mobility equipment the thought of having a colour for that aid might seem a bit alien. An aid is an aid right. If it gets you from A to B, less pain, less stress what’s the problem? However, having to use mobility aids is more than just needing an extra arm or leg to lean on. It is something that for many becomes a part of us for our lifetime.

When I swapped my dancing feet of the stage for the wheels of my chair, my first thought was not the colour I’ll be honest.  It never crossed my mind that maybe if I had a chair that represented me, I might have accepted me.

My first chair, a manual, was a black hand-me-down, a bit battered and dented and I would look at the chair and feel depressed. It didn’t occur that it was because there was nothing on the chair that screamed “me”.

My next chair, a power-chair, was silver with paint peeling in places. Not the best-looking thing but I could get around the shops without relying on others and without my joints sublaxing from pushing myself.

However, after getting my head around the idea of having to use a chair in the first place I started to think about how I could make it a part of me and bring out my personality. It gave me an idea.

The next year I was graduating with my law degree, that’s when I decided I didn’t want to go on stage with a battered silver chair, I wanted something that would represent me and my lifestyle. Something that stood out and said, I am more than just a girl in a chair. I turned to my PA and said: “Get out the spray can, we’re painting my chair.”

This was a bit much, even for her, so hitting her list of contacts on Facebook, a request was put out. That’s when a kind stranger stepped in. A week later and my chair was in a workshop being stripped down and re-painted. I left the shade of pink up to the garage. Used to painting police cars, ambulances and the Sainsbury’s vans, I think they were in shock at having a power-chair in their possession being painted…. PINK!

The colour I was presented with upon pick up was amazing. It just said: “this is me”. I was beyond belief. I got in my chair and it was like putting on that one pair of shoes you own that says: “I’ve got this”. For the first time since needing the chair I felt empowered.

The generosity of a stranger changed my outlook on life that day.

However, it was not just my outlook on life that the colour of my wheelchair changed, it was how people saw and treated me too.

When I graduated, rather than people pointing me out for my disability, they were pointing me out for the colour of the chair: “Did you see the girl in the pink wheelchair?”

Yes, they still saw the chair, but it will always be a part of me that I cannot change, but I was no longer the “disabled girl”.

My chair has become a real talking point. A trip to Tesco for a pint of milk can take 40 minutes as people stop and tell me they love the colour of the chair, saying their mum, daughter, auntie, sister would love it.

I just wish that the option for chairs with colour was open to everyone. The range is widening but there are still limitations. Unless you can afford to buy your own you are stuck with very few choices. Pink is available on the NHS but when you compare what I have to what is on the market there is no comparison.

We are talking about people who will need aids for the rest of our lives, whether that is  wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches. Don’t we have the right to feel empowered too!

I talk to many people about the colour of wheelchairs, and have asked them whether it matters to them.

Amanda said: “It gives me my personality. You’re not going to go voluntarily and wear a school uniform every day of your life. You come home from school as a child and you put on your clothes.

(Image: Victoria Jayne Scholes)

“You come home from work as an adult, and if you are in scrubs or you’re in specific uniform, you change out of it. That’s effectively what this is. This is me. It’s my colours. I have purple gloves that go with my purple wheels. It’s a little bit of a talking point”

Roisin said: “I think having a mobility aid that represents you is really important. I use a wheelchair and I use it everyday so I would want it to be something I feel comfortable and stylish in.

“As a disabled model, style is important to me as it’s how I show up in the world.

(Image: Victoria Jayne Scholes)

“How we show up, can affect how we are treated, and my wheelchair plays a part in this. Also being disabled, there is often a focus on practicality and functionality, especially in medical settings, and while I acknowledge that this is important – having a wheelchair that more accurately represents me makes me feel in control of my identity.

“Plain mobility aids can feel less personal and at times dehumanising. A wheelchair is more than just a mobility aid, it becomes part of someone.”

Dean said: “I’m quite a bubbly and cheerful character, and I feel that my chair should also reflect that.

(Image: Victoria Jayne Scholes)

“It reveals a bit of my personality, and I find people notice the colour of the chair and the flashing lights rather than noticing that I’m disabled. It becomes this awesome icebreaker that everyone comments on and asks questions about, rather than being a mobility aid that people sometimes get a bit intimidated by.”

Rebecca said: “I see my wheelchair as an extension of myself. Because of this I like to customise my wheelchair to echo parts of who I am. The colourful butterfly on my spoke guards highlights my love of colour and enables me to have confidence as a wheelchair user.

(Image: Victoria Jayne Scholes)

“As a byproduct, when I see others noticing my wheels and perhaps smile, I think it might change in their mind how wheelchairs are viewed. This is what I think most wheelchair user want – for wheelchairs not to be seen as a negative thing.” 

Getting in my chair is not only about feeling empowered but when I am feeling down it can help, as people talk to me rather than stare.

In a society where disabled people are getting a hard time anything to brighten a day is positive. This maybe something that should be looked at further, can a coloured wheelchair help people in the workplace? Would it stop bullying of disabled people? Maybe, maybe not. Can a colour really be that powerful?

Choice should matter and the choice of colour should be included, not just a little touch here, why can’t a wheelchair be fully pink?

We should have that choice with our aids, they are our personality, they help us stand up in the world, and they should reflect our character. They shouldn’t be viewed as a negative thing, a colour says to everyone, this is who I am!

All of the eyes of Westminster will be on the outcome of the Makerfield contest

As the polls open for the much-talked about Makerfield by-election today (Thursday, 18 June), questions are mounting across the country regarding the exact timeline for the next general election.

The extraordinary circumstances surrounding the Makerfield vote – which was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons last month to clear a path for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to re-enter Parliament – have fundamentally shaken the political landscape.

With Westminster bracing for potential leadership challenges and a surging Reform UK opposition, speculation regarding the next date the public will head to the polls is dominating discourse.

Click here for the latest on Greater Manchester’s politics in our newsletter

According to official guidelines from the UK Parliament website and constitutional analysis by the Institute for Government, the outer limits of the current parliamentary term are strictly governed by the Dissolution and Calling of Parliament Act 2022. This legislation repealed the old Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011, which previously mandated rigid five-year intervals between general elections.

The 2022 Act revived the traditional royal prerogative, meaning the government of the day can decide exactly when to call a general election by requesting that the monarch dissolve Parliament. If a Prime Minister chooses not to exercise this right to call an early election, Parliament is legally scheduled to dissolve automatically on the exact fifth anniversary of its first meeting.

Following the July 4, 2024 general election, the current parliament met for the first time five days later on July 9. This means that the automatic dissolution is scheduled to take place on July 9, 2029.

The law states that 25 working days must follow dissolution to allow for the campaign, making the ultimate legal deadline for a general election is Wednesday, August 15, 2029.

While elections can legally be held on any weekday, holding them on a Thursday has become a firm British election convention. Every UK general election since 1935 has taken place on a Thursday.

This means that if this parliament runs to its absolute limit, the vote would likely be pulled forward slightly from the Wednesday deadline to Thursday, August 9, 2029.

While the absolute deadline is years away, the Makerfield by-election has forced political strategists to evaluate their long-term survival plans.

The 2022 Act returned a distinct tactical advantage to Downing Street – allowing the Prime Minister to choose a favourable polling window. However, a major upset in Makerfield could strip away that strategic leverage.

Police had previously recommendd Robbie Kenneth Diffey’s licence be revoked, but before it was he killed Pete D’Arcy in a terrifying crash

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A man who killed himself and an innocent father-of-three in a head-on collision was high on cannabis and filming on his phone as he drove at 92mph.

Pete D’Arcy, 57, died after his Volkswagen T-Roc car was hit by a speeding Audi A4 being driven by Robbie Kenneth Diffey, 24, on December 13, 2025.

Diffey was also pronounced dead at the scene, travelling at 92mph under the influence of drugs and alcohol before swerving onto Mr D’Arcy’s side of the road before the crash.

He had been stopped by police two months earlier after he was found to be driving under the influence of cannabis. Dorset Police recommended his license be revoked, but it wasn’t until a few days after the tragedy.

A coroner ruled at an inquest on May 28, 2026, that Mr D’Arcy was unlawfully killed, reports SomersetLive.

Pete’s widow, Louise, has said the fatal crash could have been avoidable, and the resulting impact of his death has meant her two of three children, Lucy, 24, and Jack, 17, now struggle with driving.

Louise, a carer from Salisbury, Wiltshire, said: “The other driver was recording it, and he was going nearly 100mph – he was on Pete’s side of the road, and the worst of it is he’d been stopped weeks before for drug driving.

“He didn’t have his license taken away, and he was waiting to be banned – the police had sent the paperwork off to the DVLA saying they were waiting on blood results to ban him.

“I knew it wasn’t Pete’s fault. I’ve known him for 25 years, we were together 23 years. He’d never had an accident, and he drove across the country for his job daily.

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“I know his [Diffey’s] family have lost somebody as well, but it was his choice to get behind that wheel – he didn’t think of anyone else.

“My 17-year-old, he doesn’t want to drive now because of this. My daughter, Lucy, passed her test last year, and she doesn’t want to drive either.”

Louise and Pete had separated three years before the crash, and Louise said he had dropped off their son at home just minutes before he died.

She told Sell Us Your Story: “He had taken our 17-year-old son out for the day to watch the football.

“He had dropped him back, and on the way back, about 10 minutes away, there was an accident.

“The police came round about half 10 in the evening. You get a knock on the door and see two policemen, but it didn’t even enter my head that I’d be in that situation.

“We were told what had happened, but they couldn’t give us a lot of detail at the time, only that both drivers had died at the scene.

“It’s been a rollercoaster with so many questions. We’ve seen pictures of the car – the impact was so bad that the engine came out of the car and the bonnet flew off.

“The other guy was coming from the Wimborne side, and Pete didn’t stand a chance basically – there have been a number of accidents there.”

The inquest on May 28 heard that police had found an open bottle of Peroni between Diffey’s legs after the crash.

Police also found a Snapchat video which showed Mr D’Arcy flashing his lights a second before impact.

Coroner Rachael Griffin concluded that Mr D’Arcy’s death was “unlawful” and described Diffey’s driving as “audacious and abhorrent”.

Reacting to the inquest, Louise said the crash could have been “prevented.”

She added: “It was really upsetting – it could have been prevented if the police had more power to take licenses off him when he got stopped.

“He was stopped on October 25, and they didn’t get the blood test result until December 24, and the crash was on the 13th.

“They need more powers and to be able to speed the process up. It’s just awful.”

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The Dorset Coroners’ Office said: “At approximately 18.04 hours on December 13, 2025, Robbie Kenneth Diffey was driving his motor vehicle an Audi A4 registration OE60 PVP along the northbound carriageway of the B3078 Cranborne Road, Knowlton, Dorset, whilst under the influence of alcohol and cannabis and whilst using his mobile phone in his hand, at a speed of at least 92mph when he crossed onto the southbound carriageway and collided in an offset head on position with an oncoming motor vehicle.

“At approximately 18.04 hours on December 13, 2025, Peter John D’Arcy was driving his motor vehicle a Volkswagen T-Roc registration VO70 CDF along the southbound carriageway of the B3078 Cranborne Road, Knowlton, Dorset, when an oncoming vehicle being driven in the northbound carriageway crossed onto the southbound carriageway and collided with Pete’s vehicle in an offset head on position.

“At the point of the collision the driver of the other vehicle was travelling at a speed of at least 92mph, using his mobile phone in his hand to video his driving, and driving whilst under the influence of alcohol and cannabis.”

North Yorkshire Council Planning Committee has given the go-ahead for an application to repair Nunnington Bridge following a vehicle strike.

The demolition of a section of the parapet of the bridge next to Nunnington Hall has led to disruption to the traffic for many months.

As the repair of the bridge is the responsibility of North Yorkshire Council, which is also the applicant, a listed building consent application has to be considered by Councillors sitting on the Thirsk and Malton Area Planning Committee.

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Councillor George Jabbour, who represents Nunnington on North Yorkshire Council, submitted a statement to the meeting of the Planning Committee in favour of approving the application.

Following the approval, he said: “I am pleased with the decision of the Planning Committee.

“After many months of waiting, we have finally reached an important milestone that will pave the way for Nunnington Bridge to be repaired following the car accident.

“A mixture of original and new stone will be used to rebuild the parapet wall of the bridge to preserve its historic features.”

Organisers British Cycling have announced that stage four of the men’s race will start in Helmsley and finish in Leyburn.

The route between the two towns has yet to be revealed.

But it has been confirmed that the five-day event will visit North Yorkshire on the penultimate day on Saturday, September 5.

The tour last visited Helmsley four years ago, while Leyburn welcomes a finish of the race for the first time.

Councillor George Jabbour, North Yorkshire councillor for Helmsley, said the town hosted an “amazing” stage finish 2022 and he was delighted the event was returning to the town.

He added: “I am so pleased with the announcement this week, particularly given the tremendous effort that many have put in over the past few years to build on the 2022 legacy, to promote our stunning and welcoming area and to raise the profile of our breathtaking part of the world.”

Councillor Alison Littlewood-Laws, chair of Leyburn Town Council, said there were “so many positives” to her town’s involvement.

“It’s different to previous situations where we’ve been on the route; this is a finish, so there are some great opportunities for showcasing Leyburn and the surrounding areas on international media.”

The councillor acknowledged that there were concerns locally about the disruption.

But she added: “We’ve got the chance of increased footfall and increased spend, because people are not just coming for five minutes to watch the race go through.

“We’re in the early planning stages for how we take part in the delivery of the event, and so if people have got ideas or want to come along and volunteer to support the town council, then we’d welcome their participation.”

North Yorkshire councillor for Leyburn, Karin Sedgwick, also welcomed the news.

She said: “I’m pleased that it will be finishing in Leyburn and proud to support the event.

“It will be a good event for those who wish to attend.”

The opening stage will be a start-finish in Lincoln before the second stage starts in Boston with a finish on the coast in Skegness.

The race continues its journey up the east of the country with a stage from Hull, before heading into the Wolds for the finish in Beverley.

After the North Yorkshire stage, the race will conclude in the Scottish Borders with a start-finish location in the market town of Earlston.

The Tour of Britain is billed as one of the world’s leading cycling competitions, attracting elite international teams and broadcast to more than 100 countries.

Organisers say each stage can generate between £2m and £12m  for the local economy.

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has agreed to provide £350,000 of mayoral investment funding to host the event.

Additional costs of up to £400,000 will be shared on a 50/50 basis with North Yorkshire Council to cover road closures and event management.

The proposal by Durham County Cricket Club would see a six-storey hotel built at the Riverside ground in Chester-le-Street.

Plans submitted to Durham County Council show the development would include a bar and restaurant, meeting spaces, a small club shop and a permanent tiered seating terrace overlooking the cricket pitch.

(Image: Howarth Litchfield Architects)

Hotel operator Hilton has expressed an interest in running the development.

As part of the development, the ground floor would contain a car park and foyer, while the first floor would include restaurant facilities, a lobby and guest bedrooms. Additional bedrooms would be located on the upper four floors.

A nine-tier seating terrace would be attached to the southern side of the building, providing views across the cricket ground.

The scheme is set to provide a new source of income for the cricket club, helping it remain financially competitive at a national level while bringing investment into the wider area.

It will be determined by Durham County Council’s planning committee on Thursday, June 25.

However, the application has attracted 24 objections from the public, raising concerns that the hotel could worsen existing parking pressures during major cricket matches and events at the ground.

Responding to the concerns, Durham County Cricket Club said it “appreciates the constructive engagement” with the Riverside Residents Association and “remains committed to maintaining positive relationships with residents while delivering a development that will benefit Chester-le-Street and the wider county.” 

The statement added: “The proposals would not result in unacceptable parking or highway safety impacts. 

“Appropriate operational measures are already in place to support safe and efficient site management. 

“The cricket club has been reviewing wider Riverside operations in discussion with the Riverside Residents Association and there continues to be positive dialogue with residents and stakeholders.”

Three letters of support were submitted to the local authority. 

Tourism body Visit County Durham also backed the proposal, saying it would help meet an identified need for additional overnight accommodation in the county.

Planning documents state the development would have some impact on local and wider landscape views, including the Grade I-listed Lumley Castle.

However, officers concluded the overall landscape harm would be of “minor to moderate” significance and have recommended that councillors approve the scheme, subject to conditions.

One to be aware if you’re heading out on Friday evening

Motorists have been warned of potential traffic disruption in Belfast on Friday night due to a planned parade.

Road users are advised of possible delays in north Belfast tomorrow evening, June 19, due to a parade taking place in the area.

It is expected to begin at approximately 7:30pm from Crumlin Road and make its way along Carlisle Circus, Clifton Street , Donegall Street, Royal Avenue and North Street.

The parade will continue along Peters Hill, Shankill Road, Woodvale Road, Woodvale Parade, Twaddell Avenue, Ballygomartin Road, Enfield Street, Cambrai Street, Crumlin Road, Albertville Drive, Rosewood Street, Century Street, Oldpark Road, Manor Street, Alloa Street, Cliftonpark Avenue and then disperse at Crumlin Road at around 9:30pm.

There will also be two feeder parades taking place; the first starts from Alexandra Park Avenue at 6:30pm and travels along North Queen Street, Brougham Street, York Street, Donegall Street, Clifton Street, Carlisle Circus, Crumlin Road, Hopewell Avenue.

At around 8:15pm, the parade breaks off from the main parade at Shankill Road / Agnes Street before continuing along Crumlin Road, Carlisle Circus, Clifton Street, Donegall Street, York Street and York Road for dispersal.

The second feeder parade is due to begin at Alexandra Park Avenue from 6:30pm continuing along North Queen Street, Brougham Street, York Street, Donegall Street, Clifton Street, Carlisle Circus and finishing at Denmark Street.

The parade then breaks off at around 8:15pm at Shankill Road/Agnes Street and continues along Crumlin Road, Carlisle Circus, Clifton Street, Donegall Street, York Street, and York Road for dispersal at Alexander Park Avenue.

“Motorists are advised to leave extra time for their journey,” a PSNI spokesperson added.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

Charlie Wilson, 38, was living a “completely normal” life working in Maguluf, Mallorca before she lost movement in both legs, her left arm and neck.

She broke out in lumps all over her body but doctors didn’t know what was causing her pain.

After multiple tests and scans and a three-week stay in hospital, Charlie was finally diagnosed with extrapulmonary sarcoidosis – a rare condition that causes small patches of swollen tissues to develop in the organs of the body.

Charlie Wilson. (Image: CHARLIE WILSON/SWNS)

In Charlie’s case, her condition is isolated and does not affect her lungs – the most common place for the condition to form – and instead affects her limbs, joints and bones.

Now, her condition has forced her to move home to the UK where she has moved into a bungalow with carers visiting four times daily.

Charlie says her movement has returned but she now uses a wheelchair for flare-ups which leave her in pain.

Charlie Wilson in hospital. (Image: CHARLIE WILSON/SWNS)

Charlie, a former shot girl and social media manager, from Darlington, County Durham, says: “My life was completely normal.

“I had literally just been for a walk on Palma Nova beach.

“The next day I woke up and everything was literally normal.

“I woke up the next day and my body felt like it would if you go to the gym and get that ache, but I don’t go to the gym.

“It got to the point where I literally could not move so my friend took me to the doctors so she could translate as she speaks Spanish.

“At that point if I had the option to amputate my legs I would have had it, that was the level of pain I was in.

“My sister flew over to look after me and she had to carry me to the toilet.

“My friends kept calling the doctors on my behalf because I was in so much pain I couldn’t do a lot.

Charlie Wilson in a wheelchair. (Image: CHARLIE WILSON/SWNS)

“They said, ‘we need a blood result immediately’.

“Finally they called and said ‘come in in the next 30 minutes’.

“She [the doctor] looked at me, took a pen and paper and said ‘you, hospital, urgently, now’.”

Charlie woke up in March 2025 to muscle pain that got progressively worse as the day went on.

Rushing to both her local doctors and then Son Espasas University Hospital, she was sent home with painkillers after blood tests came back clear.

But Charlie began to lose movement in her legs and her twin sister, 38, flew to Spain to help look after her.

She needed a wheelchair to get around, 24-hour care and had to be fed through a straw.

On April 2 2025 she had more blood tests and results revealed her vitamin B12 was “dangerously low” as well as her folic acid, potassium and iron levels.

Her inflammation markers were high also, and Charlie was admitted again to Son Espasas Unviersity Hospital as doctors said they “didn’t understand” what the cause of her pain was.

“The doctor said he doesn’t understand what’s going on,” she said.

“They brought out two neurologists to do a brain scan.

“I had 33 blood tests, a chest scan, a brain scan, a CT scan and a PET scan.

Charlie Wilson in hospital. (Image: CHARLIE WILSON/SWNS)

“They found something in the biopsy and they thought it was sarcoidosis, but that comes up in your lungs.

“There was nothing wrong in my torso.”

Charlie was eventually diagnosed with extrapulmonary sarcoidosis – with Charlie’s type that forms in her limbs and joints affecting just 1.4% of people with the condition – and was placed on methotrexate, a low form of chemotherapy, once a week for two months.

After it “wasn’t working” she was moved onto adalimumab – which she says blocks the part of the body that produces inflammation.

She also says the medication slows her immune system meaning she is “constantly sick”.

Charlie Wilson. (Image: CHARLIE WILSON/SWNS)

Unable to return to work, she moved back to the UK in December 2025 and is still awaiting her medication to be prescribed as it was in Spain.

She also has hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) – which she also diagnosed with during her initial hospital stay after it lay dormant for years previously – which is a chronic, painful skin condition that causes recurrent lumps, abscesses, and tunnels under the skin, primarily in areas where the skin rubs together.

Her adalimumab medication has worsened the condition, and recently she was admitted for surgery to remove abscesses in her armpits.

“When I’m OK and out of a flare up I’m OK and can walk around Tesco’s for example, but that would wipe me out,” she said.

Charlie Wilson. (Image: CHARLIE WILSON/SWNS)

“I was recently housebound for a few days and then bedbound.

“My life before I travelled the world and was used to going from country to country.

“Now I’m lucky if I go into four different rooms every day.

“I don’t really tend to go out so much – I’m in a wheelchair now when I’m in a flare up and I can’t get up and down kerbs by myself so it’s not very often I go out in my wheelchair.

“And the boredom is terrible, my sister and my friends have bought me colouring books, I can only watch so much TV.

“It’s a once in a lifetime illness I’m dealing with.

“There’s hardly any medical literature on it.”

Voting has now opened to find the person who shows the greatest passion for the county and a real dedication to giving visitors a priceless experience.

Judges have drawn up a shortlist of superstars from which members of the public can choose the county’s winner, who will go on to represent Durham in a national competition.

The nominees include a cathedral visitor experience assistant, a pair of Viking archers from Kynren, a museum welcome team co-ordinator, a historic house catering supervisor, a castle hotel ambassador, and a creative storytelling team transforming a city centre high street.

The Durham winner will go forward to a national competition in which the county has a remarkable record of success – its champion has been crowned VisitEngland’s national Tourism Superstar in three of the last seven years in which the crown has been contested.

So who is going to carry the county’s flag this year?

These are the nominations for the shortlisted candidates, with the voting links below:

Voting is now open, vote below for your winner. Only one vote per person will be counted.

Vote closes Friday June 26 at 11.59pm.

Aiden Brewer (Image: Supplied)

Aidan Brewer – Durham Cathedral Visitor Experience Assistant

Aidan is a Visitor Experience Assistant at Durham Cathedral, where he plays a vital role in welcoming visitors from across the world and bringing the site’s rich history and spiritual significance to life.

Having first joined as a Volunteer Welcome Steward in 2022, Aidan quickly stood out for his exceptional enthusiasm and preparation, arriving with an in-depth knowledge of the cathedral far beyond expectations.

Today, he leads a wide range of tours, including specialist experiences of the cathedral’s upper levels and rare collections – sharing his passion in a way that is consistently engaging, informative, and memorable.

Aidan’s dedication shines through in every interaction.

Visitors frequently describe him as the highlight of their visit, praising his animated storytelling and deep knowledge.

He has embraced every opportunity to develop his skills, becoming a trusted and respected member of the team who delivers outstanding experiences time and time again.

His ability to connect people with the cathedral’s heritage and mission ensures that every guest feels welcomed and inspired.

More than anything, Aidan embodies Durham Cathedral’s tradition of hospitality.

He goes above and beyond to make every visitor feel valued, whether answering questions, offering guidance, or simply greeting them with a warm smile.

His journey from volunteer to expert guide reflects his commitment, passion, and genuine love for sharing this iconic landmark, making him a truly deserving Tourism Superstar.

Paul Marsey and Bethaney Shears (Image: Supplied)

Paul Marsey and Bethaney Shears – Kynren Archers Volunteers

Paul and Bethaney are long-standing volunteers – known as Archers at Kynren, the spectacular live show that brings England’s history to life in Durham.

Since joining in 2016, they have become integral to both the performance and community spirit of Kynren, contributing not only as performers but also as ambassadors for the region.

Bethaney plays a key role as a Dance Team Leader, supporting fellow volunteers and performing in dynamic scenes, while Paul captivates audiences in the Show Team, including portraying Harold Hardrada in a dramatic battle sequence.

Their passion extends far beyond the stage.

Together, they represent Kynren at events across the North East, often in full Viking costume, promoting the show and the wider Durham tourism offer with infectious enthusiasm.

They continually develop new skills, such as Makaton training and blacksmithing – to enhance their contributions, and they actively support and encourage fellow volunteers, helping to create the inclusive and supportive culture that defines Kynren.

Now both employed by Kynren, Paul as an IT Technician and Bethaney as a Finance Assistant, they continue to volunteer alongside their roles, demonstrating extraordinary dedication.

They are shining examples of how volunteering can lead to personal growth and career opportunities, while their energy, commitment, and love for Kynren make them outstanding ambassadors for Durham and truly deserving Tourism Superstars.

Philippa Heywood – The Bowes Museum Welcome Team co-ordinator (Image: Supplied)

Philippa Heywood – The Bowes Museum Welcome Team Co-ordinator

Philippa Heywood is the Welcome Team Co-ordinator at The Bowes Museum, where she leads an 18-strong team dedicated to delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

As the public face of the museum, Philippa ensures that every guest receives a warm and memorable welcome, whether they are first-time visitors or returning members.

Her role spans front-of-house operations, ticketing, memberships, and health and safety, all of which she manages with professionalism, efficiency, and care.

Philippa is known as the beating heart of the Welcome Team, bringing warmth, enthusiasm, and expertise to everything she does.

She handles challenges with calmness and good humour, from resolving day-to-day issues to responding to emergencies, all while supporting and inspiring her team.

Her deep understanding of visitor needs – supported by her management of the museum’s 20,000-strong membership database—allows her to continuously enhance the visitor journey.

Her passion for the museum shines through in her interactions, whether she is presenting gallery highlights like the iconic Silver Swan or engaging directly with visitors.

Philippa’s leadership has played a key role in securing national recognition for the museum’s outstanding welcome.

Her commitment to excellence, empathy, and teamwork makes her an exceptional candidate for Tourism Superstar.

Kyle Gregory of Ushaw (Image: Supplied)

Kyle Gregory – Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens Catering Supervisor

Kyle Gregory is the Catering Supervisor at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, where he plays a central role in shaping the visitor experience.

Overseeing the day-to-day catering operations, Kyle ensures high standards of food service, safety, and presentation, while also working closely with colleagues to deliver seamless events and hospitality.

His professionalism and reliability underpin the smooth running of a busy and varied visitor attraction.

What truly sets Kyle apart is his exceptional rapport with people.

Known for his warmth, humour, and genuine kindness, he creates a welcoming atmosphere that visitors remember long after their visit.

Regular guests often ask for him by name, a testament to the personal connections he builds and the care he shows to everyone he meets.

Whether chatting with visitors in the café or supporting events, Kyle consistently goes above and beyond to make every experience special.

Behind the scenes, Kyle is equally valued for his support of colleagues and volunteers.

He takes time to mentor new team members, helping them grow in confidence and feel part of the team.

His positivity, dedication, and natural ability to connect with people make him a standout member of staff and a true ambassador for Ushaw.

Kyle’s passion for hospitality and commitment to excellence make him a highly deserving Tourism Superstar.

Phil Reilly (Image: Supplied)

Phil Reilly – Lumley Castle Hotel Business Development Manager

Phil is an outstanding member of the team at Lumley Castle Hotel, with a passion for Durham that shines through in everything he does.

As a recently trained Welcome to Durham Ambassador, he consistently goes above and beyond to showcase the very best the region has to offer.

His knowledge of local history, combined with his enthusiasm and professionalism, helps bring Durham’s stories to life.

Whether engaging with hotel guests, supporting events, or working with partners across the sector, Phil promotes the region with authenticity and pride.

What truly sets Phil apart is his ability to connect with people.

His warm, approachable nature ensures visitors feel welcome, valued, and inspired, leaving with a lasting positive impression of both Lumley Castle and Durham.

Phil’s dedication, energy, and genuine love for the region make him a fantastic ambassador for Durham’s visitor economy and a highly deserving Tourism Superstar finalist.

Phil Reilly represents the very best of Durham hospitality.

He goes above and beyond to create memorable experiences, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm to inspire visitors to explore more of the county.

His commitment to promoting the county, supporting local businesses, and delivering exceptional service makes a real difference to every visitor journey.

Seven Stories (Image: Supplied)

Two Tales Team by Seven Stories

The Two Tales team at Seven Stories has created an innovative and inspiring visitor experience in the heart of Durham, delivering the UK’s first national museum-led high street story shop.

Blending books, storytelling, creativity, and local heritage, the team welcomes families, schools, authors, and visitors from across the UK and beyond into a space where imagination thrives.

Through workshops, events, and hands-on experiences, they bring stories to life while championing Durham as a centre for creativity and culture.

Their work has redefined what a museum experience can be—accessible, interactive, and deeply rooted in the local community.

The team supports people of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels included and inspired.

From nurturing emerging writers and illustrators to hosting school visits and major projects, they play a vital role in developing creative talent and connecting visitors to the stories of the region.

Recognised nationally as a model for high street regeneration, Two Tales attracts visitors to Durham City, boosting the city’s cultural profile.

The team’s warmth, innovation, and commitment to inclusion make them outstanding ambassadors for the region.

Their work not only enriches the visitor experience but also leaves a lasting impression, making them highly deserving Tourism Superstars.

The voting links are now live located here.