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Update as free bus pass age increases from April 2026 in some parts of UK

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Cambridgeshire Live

The qualifying age for free bus passes in England rises from 66 to 67 from April 2026, in line with state pension age increases

The Department for Transport has confirmed that from April, residents in England will need to wait an additional year before receiving their free bus pass. A significant campaign calling for the same concessionary travel entitlements as those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – where free bus travel is available from age 60.

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In England, free travel is only offered from age 66, in line with the state pension age. This applies unless local authorities, including those in London and Merseyside, choose to fund the provision themselves.

From next year, the qualifying age for a free pass in England will rise by a further 12 months. This change coincides with the planned increase in the State Pension age from 66 to 67, set to be fully implemented across the UK by 2028 for both men and women.

The adjustment to the official retirement age has been scheduled since 2014, with a subsequent increase from 67 to 68 expected between 2044 and 2046. The Pensions Act 2014 brought forward the rise in the State Pension age from 66 to 67 by eight years.

The UK Government also altered the phasing of the State Pension age increase, meaning that rather than reaching State Pension age on a specific date, people born between March 6, 1961, and April 5, 1977, will be entitled to claim the State Pension upon turning 67.

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The same will apply to their concessionary bus passes. The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that concessionary bus passes will also be affected.

A spokesperson stated: “We fully recognise bus passes are vital to many older people, providing access to essential services and keeping people connected through free local travel. We’re already in the process of making ambitious reforms to improve bus services for all passengers and supporting local areas to improve reliability and affordability.”

The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme offers free off-peak bus travel to those with qualifying disabilities and individuals who have reached state pension age (as per the Pension Act 2014). It operates between 9.30am and 11.00pm on weekdays and throughout the day on weekends and Bank Holidays, reports the Mirror.

State Pension age is set to rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, as outlined in the State Pension Act 2014. The DfT added: “Local authorities in England have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by lowering the age of eligibility. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area.”

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Individuals become eligible for free bus travel in England when they reach state pension age, currently 66 but due to increase from next year. In January, a discussion on concessionary travel occurred following a petition that garnered over 100,000 signatures.

Labour’s Tony Vaughan stated: “There are many areas of our country where there is free bus travel for the over-60s: London, Liverpool, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In our country, there is a growing misperception that if someone is over 60, they are somehow financially blessed, with a house on which the mortgage has been paid off, and they have plenty of assets and capital washing around. Many people think that the over-60s do not need free bus travel. I challenge that narrative.

“A new report from Standard Life identifies a substantial rise in financial insecurity among people in their early 60s, after the increases in the state pension age since 2010, and highlights that there are a quarter of a million more people aged 60 to 64 in relative income poverty than there were in 2010.

“There is already free bus travel for the over-60s in several parts of the UK, so this policy can work. The 60+ London Oyster photocard, operated and funded by TfL, is available to London residents over 60. There are 383,000 active users of that photocard, which I know makes a positive difference to the lives of the 24% of Londoners in that age group who live in poverty.”

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Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed stated: “The fact that more than 100,000 people signed it shows how strongly the public feel about the issue and how far it reaches into people’s everyday lives. People’s access to free travel should not depend on where they live or how stretched their council’s budget happens to be. National problems require national solutions.”

Labour’s Mohammad Yasin remarked: “Free bus travel for over-60s would not only provide much-needed financial relief, but help to reduce social isolation, support access to healthcare and enable continued engagement in work, volunteering and community life.”

In his response, Mr Lightwood explained: “For many people in their early 60s, buses are a lifeline to work, caring, volunteering and staying active in their communities. However, eligibility for an older person’s bus pass in England is set in legislation at the state pension age, which is currently 66. That link reflects changes in longevity and helps to ensure that the scheme remains equitable and affordable over time. Any change to national eligibility would therefore need to be considered carefully.

“The concessionary travel scheme is a significant national entitlement. Local authority spending on concessionary travel, supported by the Government, is around £795 million a year. Changing the national statutory eligibility would carry substantial additional recurring costs.

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“At the end of last year, we confirmed long-term investment of more than £3 billion over the next three years to support local leaders and bus operators across the country, in order to improve local bus services for millions of passengers over the remainder of this spending period.”

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Gerry Adams ‘directly responsible’ for England bomb decisions, High Court told

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Three men are bringing legal action against the former Sinn Fein president and are seeking £1 in damages

Gerry Adams was “directly responsible for and complicit” in the decisions made by the Provisional IRA to detonate bombs in England, the High Court in London has heard.

John Clark, a victim of the 1973 Old Bailey bombing in London, Jonathan Ganesh, a 1996 London Docklands bombing victim, and Barry Laycock, a victim of the 1996 Arndale shopping centre bombing in Manchester, all allege that Mr Adams was a leading member of the Provisional IRA on those dates, including of its Army Council.

The three men are bringing legal action against the former Sinn Fein president and are seeking £1 in damages. Mr Adams denies that he had any role in the Provisional IRA and is opposing the claim.

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On Monday he arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice and was driven into the car park.

The court in London heard that the three men want to show how Mr Adams was involved in the Provisional IRA “in the course of that conflict and to show on the balance of probabilities that he was as involved as the people who planted and detonated those bombs”.

Opening her case on Monday, Anne Studd KC, representing the men, also said Mr Adams was “directly responsible for and complicit in those decisions made by that organisation to detonate bombs on the British mainland in 1973 and 1996”.

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In written submissions, Ms Studd said: “The defendant carefully draws a distinction between being a member of ‘the Army’ and being a member of Sinn Fein.

“In reality, the evidence will demonstrate that this was not the clear either/or choice as the defendant would have you believe.

“For many individuals, we say, including Mr Adams, that was a distinction without a difference.”

Ms Studd told the court that a “jigsaw” of evidence from those who knew Mr Adams and those who knew of him will prove the case against him.

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She added: “The claimants’ case is that none of these bombings in the United Kingdom mainland took place without the knowledge and agreement of the defendant in his role in the Provisional IRA and latterly as a member of the seven-man Army Council.”

She concluded: “There is no doubt that the defendant contributed to the peace in Northern Ireland, but the claimants say that on the evidence he also contributed to the war.”

Lawyers for Mr Adams, who denies the claims, said Mr Adams “played an instrumental role in the peace process which culminated in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998, which brought an end to the decades-long conflict”.

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In written submissions, Edward Craven KC, representing Mr Adams, said: “The defendant’s alleged factual and legal responsibility for the claimants’ injuries is strongly contested, as is the claimants’ ability to bring these claims against the defendant several decades after the expiry of the applicable limitation period.”

He added that there is “no legal or practical reason why these claims could not have been issued long before 2022”.

Mr Craven continued: “Even if the claim were not bound to fail on limitation grounds, the claim must inevitably fail on the merits.

“The defendant strenuously denies any involvement in the bombings.”

He also said: “The defendant has never been arrested on suspicion of, still less charged or convicted of, any offence in connection with any of the bombings.

“Had law enforcement authorities been in possession of information which created a reasonable suspicion that the defendant may have been involved in those bombings, he would have been arrested and questioned.”

The trial before Mr Justice Swift is expected to end next week.

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Could Wolves pull off Premier League’s greatest escape?

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Movies With Ali Plumb: The Story So Far: Jessie Buckley

Wolves had only three points at the start of the year, but has Edwards given them hope, however improbable?

He lost his opening eight games after replacing Vitor Pereira in November, taking a first point in a draw at Manchester United in December.

Since then, including the result at Old Trafford, Wolves have earned 13 points in 12 games.

It is not enough to put them within touching distance of safety given the gap – which grew to 16 points at one stage – but 13 points is the same haul as Brighton and Newcastle in that time, and two short of fourth-placed Aston Villa.

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Wolves are 12th in the form table over the past five games and 15th over the past 10.

They have lost five of their past 15 games in all competitions, a significant upturn after losing 17 of their opening 21 this season.

In Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool they restricted the misfiring champions to 0.62 xG (expected goals).

Only leaders Arsenal have managed to limit Liverpool to fewer chances in open play, with 0.28 xG in the Reds’ past 16 games.

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Liverpool gained revenge in Friday’s 3-1 FA Cup victory.

Running stats have also improved considerably and Wolves have outrun Liverpool, Chelsea, United, Everton, West Ham, Forest and Villa since the change in management.

Previously, the squad had managed it only twice, including running only 180m more than Brighton during their 1-1 draw in October.

The squad covered 113,508m in this month’s home win over Villa, the fifth highest of the season, having run 114,427m coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Arsenal at Molineux.

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That was the second highest mark of the season and collectively they are running 7.8k on average higher – around an hour for a midfielder – under Edwards.

With the former Middlesbrough boss, who gave up a Championship promotion campaign for a relegation battle, Wolves now also commit the most fouls in the league per game, having previously been in the bottom two.

“We have a bare minimum – our non-negotiables,” said Edwards. “Sprint recoveries, work ethic, duels. The sprint effort is now night and day.

“We are in control of those things. We can’t always promise we will be great with the ball – we might make mistakes – but what we can control is how hard you run and work.

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“That stuff is why over the past 15 games or so we have been more competitive.”

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Andy Murray’s golf switch continues this week amid The Open claim and new career ambition

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Andy Murray's golf switch continues this week amid The Open claim and new career ambition

Andy Murray’s continuing venture into golf shows no signs of slowing down as he gets set for another competitive outing

Andy Murray may be a tennis icon but you’re more likely to see the two-time Wimbledon champion wielding a golf club than a racket nowadays. The Scotsman ended his illustrious career after the Paris 2024 Olympics and soon dedicated time in improving his talent in golf.

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Murray has participated in numerous celebrity tournaments, including the Sunningdale Foursomes last year, and the 38-year-old is set to compete in it once again this week. Having been played since 1934, the Foursomes will be graced by the likes of Murray and football legend Gareth Bale.

The tennis great will be playing alongside DP World Tour winner Eddie Pepperell while the Welshman is partnered with Matthew Wylie. Lasting for three days from March 10th to March 13th, the tournament will be situated at Sunningdale’s Old and New courses. Murray has played down the seriousness of his golfing ambitions but did suggest his future may lie in the sport.

The Open hopes

Holding the title of being the oldest golf tournament in the world, The Open is the pinnacle of the sport for many, particularly this side of the Atlantic. In theory, the tournament is open to professional and amateur golfers, but only a small number of world’s best amateurs compete, via invitation or qualification.

Murray may be a keen enthusiast of the game, but even the sporting icon is aware of his limitations when it comes to the links despite boasting an impressive golf handicap of two. Previously admitting that playing in The Open would be a “fun thing to do,” the Scotsman has no expectations to qualify for the competition.

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READ MORE: Andy Murray’s verdict on Emma Raducanu’s new coach and reason they splitREAD MORE: Judy Murray singles out Carlos Alcaraz behaviour as polar opposite to son Andy

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“I don’t have ambitions of playing in The Open,” Murray clarified last year on The Romesh Ranganathan Show. “I want to try and play in the regional qualifying at some stage. A couple of my friends have done it.

“It would just be a fun thing to do if you got to the level where you’re able to do that. I would do it, but I certainly don’t think I would have any chance of qualifying for The Open.

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“I’m fully aware of how good the players that play in those events are and how good the pros are in comparison to amateurs. Even guys that play off two or three are miles off what these guys on the Tour are doing.”

New career ambition

As if a 19-year career at the top of tennis wasn’t enough for Murray, the 38-year-old revealed his desire to enter the golf world – but not as a player. Continuing his conversation with Ranganathan, Murray said he’s considering a new career as a caddie.

“I’m considering becoming a golf caddie, hopefully for a professional golfer at some stage,” he revealed. “I love golf and if you love that sport, it would be a great job.

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“If you are working with a top golfer and being there when they have a great moment on the course and feeling like you can help a little bit with decisions and things like that, I think it would be a brilliant job.”

Wife condition agreed

Murray’s increasing time spent on the golf course is done with the blessing of his wife, Kim Sears, who he jokingly said is glad of his presence on the course rather than at home. He told Ranganathan: “I don’t think she wants me in the house all day bothering her, to be honest.”

The former tennis player said his two responsibilities regarding their four children allows him to spend more time practicing as he added: “So, yeah, she’s fine with it, so long as I help drop-off and pick-up [the kids to and from school]. I don’t think she massively wants to see me during the day. [At least] that’s what I think.”

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Formula 1: Max Verstappen to compete in 24-hour Nurburgring race

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Max Verstappen at the Australian Grand Prix

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen will tick off one of his “bucket list” events to compete in the Nurburgring 24-Hours endurance race.

The 28-year-old Red Bull F1 driver will get behind the wheel of a Mercedes AMG GT car at the event in May, which sees showroom-style cars take on the famous 15.8-mile circuit in the Eifel mountains in Germany.

The Dutchman, who finished sixth in Sunday’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix, said: “The Nurburgring Nordschleife is a special place. There’s no other track like it. The 24-hours of Nurburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now.”

It is very rare for an F1 driver to take part in a lower level motorsport event, especially of Verstappen’s calibre, but he has long-enjoyed driving on motorsport simulator games and has a particular affinity with sportscar racing.

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It is widely considered Verstappen could one day compete at the Le Mans 24-Hours,, external an event which has exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to the introduction of new ‘hypercar’ regulations, which has seen the likes of Ferrari, Peugeot, Aston Martin and Ford return to the top level of sportscars.

The revered Nurgburgring 24-hours is a level below races such as Le Mans, which is part of the World Endurance Championship, which last week announced it will postpone the season-opening Qatar 1812km race because the US-Israeli war against Iran., external

Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until 2028, but had previously been linked with the Mercedes F1 programme.

The Nurburgring 24 Hours takes place on 16-17 May, between the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix.

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Bolton train passengers warned of ‘severe disruption’

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Trains between Piccadilly and Manchester Airport cancelled

The fault is affecting the Manchester Oxford Road, Bolton, Wigan, Southport service and as a result all lines are blocked due to the fault between Wigan Wallgate and Salford Crescent.

Train services running through these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 15 minutes, with disruption expected until the end of the day.

A spokesman for Northern said: “Services between Hindley and Salford Crescent are being disrupted due to a fault with the signalling system. Network Rail staff are on site.”

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Train services on the following routes in this direction only will divert where possible via an alternative route however will not call at stations between Hindley and Salford Crescent via Atherton –

Headbolt Lane to Blackburn
Wigan Wallgate to Leeds
Wigan Wallgate to Manchester Victoria

Train services on the following routes in this direction only will be able to call at all stations between Salford Crescent and Hindley via Atherton however are subject to short notice delays and cancellations due to this issue –

Blackburn to Headbolt Lane
Leeds to Wigan Wallgate
Manchester Victoria to Wigan Wallgate

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Northern services between Southport and Manchester Oxford Road and Southport and Stalybridge are not affected.

Passengers travelling from Wigan Wallgate to stations between Hindley and Salford Crescent are advised to board a service that will divert via Bolton, alight at Salford Crescent to connect with a alternative Northern service towards Wigan Wallgate which is able to call at stations between Salford Crescent and Hindley.

Passengers can also travel on Bee Network buses on the following services between Manchester Stations and Wigan Wallgate at no extra cost –

V1, V2, 608, 609, 35, 132, 601, 602, 640, 641, 635, 632, 36, 37, 38 and 607

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Northern train ticket restrictions have been lifted in the affected areas, including Advance and Peak restrictions, during this disruption. Restrictions will be reinstated once the disruption ends.

For real time journey updates or to replan a journey visit www.nationalrail.co.uk
Those who have been delayed by 15 minutes or more, hold on to your tickets and claim compensation by visiting www.northernrailway.co.uk/delayrepay.

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End for Nigel confirmed in EastEnders as Grant and Phil’s reunion revealed | Soaps

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End for Nigel confirmed in EastEnders as Grant and Phil's reunion revealed | Soaps
Heartbreaking EastEnders scenes ahead as Grant and Phil reunite for Nigel (Picture: ISO Images)

Emotional EastEnders scenes are on the cards as Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) stages another comeback and reunites with brother Phil (Steve McFadden) to spend time with Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) amid his dementia battle.

Nigel returned to the Square over a year ago to reconnect with best mate Phil, revealing that he has been diagnosed with dementia.

Phil, who was struggling with his own mental health at the time, vowed to support Nigel and be there for him every step of the way.

With assistance from Julie (Karen Henthorn), he’s very much kept that promise, becoming one of Nigel’s primary carers as he entered the advanced stages of dementia.

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Earlier this month, the time came for Nigel to enter a care home, with Julie and Phil making the difficult decision after an incident resulted in their beloved Nigel developing pneumonia.

Clare (Gemma Bissix) was summoned back to the Square ahead of his departure and she was quick to berate Julie for withholding Nigel’s diagnosis from her.

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HUGE ENDERS SPOILER FIRST SCENES PHIL AND GRANT The very last scenes of Nigel taking his last steps Nigel???s last scene. Nigel has a dream / flashback to when him, Phil and Grant are on a beach enjoying the sunshine. Whilst on the beach Nigel picks up a stone and gives it to Phil as a token. Phil then looks at the object almost reminiscing of him. Nigel final scene is him standing there on his own taking in the sunshine and breeze before running towards the ocean and slipping away. Final pic is of Steve McFadden and Paul Bradley embracing as they finish the very last scene of them filming together 07852 999864???LEE Byline :ISOIMAGES LTD
Grant arrives back for Nigel (Picture:ISOIMAGES LTD)

At first, Nigel didn’t recognise Clare but after a trip down memory lane with Julie, his face lit up upon setting his sights on his stepdaughter.

Phil, meanwhile, took Nigel to the care home, where he got settled in. This proved devastating for Phil, who broke down in tears and told his friend that he couldn’t come and see him again, overwhelmed by the whole thing.

But it seems as though Phil has a change of heart and it’s perhaps one that could come courtesy of Grant, who is coming back to the show as part of the story in question.

HUGE ENDERS SPOILER FIRST SCENES PHIL AND GRANT The very last scenes of Nigel taking his last steps Nigel???s last scene. Nigel has a dream / flashback to when him, Phil and Grant are on a beach enjoying the sunshine. Whilst on the beach Nigel picks up a stone and gives it to Phil as a token. Phil then looks at the object almost reminiscing of him. Nigel final scene is him standing there on his own taking in the sunshine and breeze before running towards the ocean and slipping away. Final pic is of Steve McFadden and Paul Bradley embracing as they finish the very last scene of them filming together 07852 999864???LEE Byline :ISOIMAGES LTD
Phil and Nigel spend some time together (Picture: ISOIMAGES LTD)
HUGE ENDERS SPOILER FIRST SCENES PHIL AND GRANT The very last scenes of Nigel taking his last steps Nigel???s last scene. Nigel has a dream / flashback to when him, Phil and Grant are on a beach enjoying the sunshine. Whilst on the beach Nigel picks up a stone and gives it to Phil as a token. Phil then looks at the object almost reminiscing of him. Nigel final scene is him standing there on his own taking in the sunshine and breeze before running towards the ocean and slipping away. Final pic is of Steve McFadden and Paul Bradley embracing as they finish the very last scene of them filming together 07852 999864???LEE Byline :ISOIMAGES LTD
Nigel enjoys an afternoon at the seaside with his best mates (Picture:ISOIMAGES LTD)

New images filmed on location confirm the emotionally charged scenes to come as stars Paul Bradley, Steve McFadden and Ross Kemp were spotted shooting.

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In the snaps as filming got underway, Nigel could be seen beaming with joy as he enjoys a day out at the seaside with best friends Phil and Grant.

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There’s also an emotional heart-to-heart on the cards for Phil and Grant as the legendary Walford duo catch up while sitting on a bench.

HUGE ENDERS SPOILER FIRST SCENES PHIL AND GRANT The very last scenes of Nigel taking his last steps Nigel???s last scene. Nigel has a dream / flashback to when him, Phil and Grant are on a beach enjoying the sunshine. Whilst on the beach Nigel picks up a stone and gives it to Phil as a token. Phil then looks at the object almost reminiscing of him. Nigel final scene is him standing there on his own taking in the sunshine and breeze before running towards the ocean and slipping away. Final pic is of Steve McFadden and Paul Bradley embracing as they finish the very last scene of them filming together 07852 999864???LEE Byline :ISOIMAGES LTD
Phil and Grant catch up (Picture: ISOIMAGES LTD)
HUGE ENDERS SPOILER FIRST SCENES PHIL AND GRANT The very last scenes of Nigel taking his last steps Nigel???s last scene. Nigel has a dream / flashback to when him, Phil and Grant are on a beach enjoying the sunshine. Whilst on the beach Nigel picks up a stone and gives it to Phil as a token. Phil then looks at the object almost reminiscing of him. Nigel final scene is him standing there on his own taking in the sunshine and breeze before running towards the ocean and slipping away. Final pic is of Steve McFadden and Paul Bradley embracing as they finish the very last scene of them filming together 07852 999864???LEE Byline :ISOIMAGES LTD
Nigel stands alone at the sea (Picture: ISO Images)

Nigel, meanwhile, has the time of his life, staring out to the sea with a stone in hand.

Grant’s return was confirmed last month, with the legendary hard-man’s comeback coinciding with both Nigel’s story and son Mark Fowler Jr’s (Stephen Aaron-Sipple).

Ross Kemp said: ‘I’m truly delighted to be stepping back into Grant Mitchell’s shoes and returning to EastEnders later this year. 

HUGE ENDERS SPOILER FIRST SCENES PHIL AND GRANT The very last scenes of Nigel taking his last steps Nigel???s last scene. Nigel has a dream / flashback to when him, Phil and Grant are on a beach enjoying the sunshine. Whilst on the beach Nigel picks up a stone and gives it to Phil as a token. Phil then looks at the object almost reminiscing of him. Nigel final scene is him standing there on his own taking in the sunshine and breeze before running towards the ocean and slipping away. Final pic is of Steve McFadden and Paul Bradley embracing as they finish the very last scene of them filming together EMBARGOED UNTIL Today SAT 07-03-26 5.00pm Pls call to agree online fee 07852 999864???LEE Byline :ISOIMAGES LTD
Actors Steve and Paul hugged as filming wrapped on the scene (Picture: ISOIMAGES LTD)

‘As well as exploring Grant’s attempts to reconnect with his son Mark, it’s especially an honour to be part of Nigel’s powerful ongoing dementia storyline, which holds deep personal meaning for me due to a close family connection in real life.’

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. 

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Glasgow businesses ‘wiped out’ due to devastating vape shop inferno on Union Street

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Glasgow businesses 'wiped out' due to devastating vape shop inferno on Union Street

Firefighters worked overnight to contain the flames after a blaze broke out at a vape shop on Union Street.

Emergency services working on scene after huge blaze on Glasgow’s Union Street

Business owners in Glasgow have told how their livelihoods have been “wiped out” by a devastating inferno at a vape shop.

Firefighters worked overnight to contain the flames at the premises on Union Street after a blaze broke out at 3.46pm on Sunday, March 8. There were no reported injuries, however, the landmark building was destroyed, having collapsed after being engulfed by the fire.

At its height, 18 fire engines were drafted to the scene. Business owners at the address have told how they have “lost everything” as the building was pictured lying in a pile of smouldering rubble on Monday morning.

Scott McAnally, of Lucky in Love Tattoos, told the Record: “I was in Uist watching the fire on the TV and just couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It’s absolutely devastating. We were operating from the building for four years, now everything we have is gone. All we have left is a window frame.

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“I estimate we’ll have lost around £40,000 worth of tools and items. We’re going to try and build back up again, but it’s not going to be easy.

“I hope that the council can speed up the process of business licensing applications for those looking for a new premise because as it stands, we’ll need to wait four months, which will be a further blow for small business owners who have been impacted.”

Sam Hendy, who owns S’Amuse Studio beauty parlour, estimates to have lost around £15,000 as a result of the blaze. The 32-year-old is now borrowing cash from family to build her business back up again.

Sam said: “I have lost absolutely everything – everything has been wiped out. I built my studio from the ground up. I lost makeup, brushes and tools that I had been collecting since the start of my career.

“I don’t have much savings behind me, so I’m going to have to rebuild from scratch by taking a loan from family so I can rebuild my kit again. Aside from this, that building was a landmark to Glasgow. Working there made me so proud.

“It’s devastating that this beautiful building, which survived two World Wars, has been destroyed by a fire at a vape shop when vapes are meant to be banned.”

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Carina McCreery, co-owner of Hard As Gels nail bar, had only moved into the premises four months ago.

She said: “Absolutely everything has been wiped out. It was hard enough to start up, and now we’re going to have to do it all over again.

“Watching videos of the fire on Sunday night didn’t feel real – I just couldn’t believe it was on fire. I was genuinely hopeful at first that the fire could be contained, but everything is just ash now.”

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National Rail said the Glasgow Central Station will remain closed with “no estimate on when it will reopen”. Shocking images show the structure of the building, understood to be around 175-years-old, melted away with police and fire crews at the scene on Monday morning.

The surrounding area remains taped off.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 3.46pm on Sunday, 8 March, to reports of a fire affecting the ground floor of a four-storey commercial building on Union Street, Glasgow.

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“At its height, 18 appliances and specialist resources were mobilised. The incident has since been scaled back and nine appliances, including three high-reach vehicles, remain in attendanceThere are no reported casualties.”

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Lebanese parliament extends term by 2 years as Israel intensifies attacks on Lebanon

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Lebanese parliament extends term by 2 years as Israel intensifies attacks on Lebanon

BEIRUT (AP) — The Lebanese parliament extended its term by two years on Monday due to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran that has pushed the region into an escalating conflict and Israel stepping up its attacks on Lebanon following renewed strikes with the militant group Hezbollah.

The Israeli military said Monday it was targeting Hezbollah’s financial arm, al-Qard Al-Hasan, as its ground forces in Lebanon’s south launched “focused raids” against what it called the group’s infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has accused Israeli forces of using white phosphorus incendiary shells in strikes on residential areas in a Lebanese village, a violation of international law.

Two more years for the current Lebanese parliament

Lebanon’s state news agency said 76 legislators voted in favor of the decision, 41 were against, and four abstained. Hezbollah’s 13-member bloc in parliament voted in favor of the extension.

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The ongoing war with Israel that began last week has displaced over half a million people in Lebanon and made it difficult to hold a vote in large parts of the country.

The parliamentary elections were scheduled for May.

Israel attacks Hezbollah’s financial arm in Beirut, forcing people to flee

Residents of Beirut’s southern suburb, widely known as Dahiyeh, were ordered to evacuate before Israel launched strikes.

Smoke billowed over Beirut after the attacks. The first strike destroyed a building housing an office of al-Qard al-Hasan in the southern suburb of Chiyah. A Lebanese journalist on site told The Associated Press he was wounded in the leg and taken to a nearby hospital. Video footage showed what appeared to be two strikes on the building that were minutes apart.

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The strikes on Chiyah were followed by more airstrikes on nearby areas, forcing Lebanese troops to close roads where al-Qard al-Hasan branches are located to ensure people’s safety.

Israel says Hezbollah uses al-Qard al-Hasan to finance its military activities and has targeted several of the group’s branches in southern and eastern Lebanon last week.

Israeli ground forces start ‘focused raid’ in south Lebanon

In southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said it launched a “focused raid” to eliminate Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure using a brigade combat team under the command of the 36th Division.

The military said before they initiated the operation, its forces launched a combined air and ground attack in the area.

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Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it struck Israeli troops inside Lebanon with anti-tank missiles and that it fired a volley of rockets on the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona in retaliation for Israeli strikes on cities, towns and villages in Lebanon.

Tensions between Hezbollah and Lebanese government flare up

The latest round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah beganon Feb. 2 when the group fired rockets and drones on northern Israel following the killing of Iran’s Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, two days earlier in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike. Israel retaliated with large waves of airstrikes and Israeli troops captured several new posts in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese government last week declared Hezbollah’s military activities illegal and ordered the country’s security forces to detain those who were behind the strikes on Israel.

Three Hezbollah members were also detained last week while carrying weapons on their way to south Lebanon and were questioned by judicial authorities. On Monday, the military court in Beirut ordered them released on a $20 bail each, judicial officials said.

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The officials said the judge asked the three men what they were doing and they responded that they were heading to south Lebanon to fight against Israeli forces. They spoke in condition of anonymity as they are not allowed to speak to the media.

Human Rights Watch says Israel used white phosphorus shells in strikes on Lebanon

The human rights group said in a report Monday the Israeli military “unlawfully” hit a village in southern Lebanon with shells containing white phosphorus, a controversial incendiary munition.

Through geolocating and verifying seven images, Human Rights Watch said Israel fired white phosphorus using artillery at residential areas in the southern Lebanese village of Yohmor. It happened hours after the Israeli military warned the residents of the village and dozens of others in southern Lebanon to evacuate.

Human Rights Watch said it couldn’t independently identify if any residents were still in the area or if anyone was harmed.

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The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the past, it has maintained that it uses white phosphorus as a smoke screen and not to target civilians.

Human rights advocates say the use of white phosphorus is illegal under international law when the white-hot chemical substance is fired into populated areas. It can set buildings on fire and burn human flesh down to the bone. Survivors are at risk of infections and organ or respiratory failure, even if their burns are small.

“The Israeli military’s unlawful use of white phosphorus over residential areas is extremely alarming and will have dire consequences for civilians,” said Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch.

Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said the munition was used in Israel’s last war with Hezbollah, over a year ago, on numerous occasions in southern Lebanon, while civilians were still present.

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Melzer reported from Nahariya, Israel.

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The best adjustable dumbbells for upgrading your home workouts, reviewed by a PT

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The best adjustable dumbbells for upgrading your home workouts, reviewed by a PT

The weight range is good, spanning from a light 2.3 kilograms to a heavier 22.7 kilograms per dumbbell in increments of 1.13 kilograms. It’s an odd increment amount but that’s because these adjustable dumbbells work in pounds rather than kilograms, so the 1.13 kilogram increment is 2.5 pounds.

I will admit that I did struggle to work out what weight I was dealing with when using these, as every label displayed the weight in pounds rather than kilograms. The colour band indicators on the metal rails correspond to the weight chart on the handle, but as this was all in pounds, I had to keep doing mental arithmetic in my head to work out what that meant in kilograms. Once you’ve figured this out it’s a much smoother process.

The padded rubber handle was comfortable to grip and didn’t feel rough on my hands, and despite the odd look of these, they still worked well overall.

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Key specifications

  • Weight range: 2.3kg to 22.7kg
  • Increment size: 1.13 kg (2.5lbs)
  • Type of mechanism: Pin

How do adjustable dumbbells work?

Adjustable dumbbells allow you to change weight settings using a built-in mechanism such as a dial or pin. Instead of switching between multiple dumbbells, you simply adjust the load on a single unit, which typically ranges from two kilograms up to 40 kilograms, or even more.

The weight plates remain on a central handle and unused plates stay in the base. This makes them a great space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they come without the clutter of traditional weight racks.

What are the disadvantages of adjustable dumbbells?

There are some trade-offs to adjustable dumbbells. Many models can be bulkier than fixed dumbbells, which can affect grip and movement.

It can also be difficult to quickly change the weight on adjustable dumbbells and they can be slower to adjust mid-workout. If you enjoy doing supersets or circuits, this might hold you back slightly.

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Some mechanisms can also wear out or stop working if used repeatedly. This is unlike conventional dumbbells, which are straightforward lumps of iron.

How heavy should adjustable dumbbells be?

This completely depends on your fitness level as well as your goals. If you’re a beginner or you’re focusing on lighter resistance training, a set of adjustable dumbbells with a weight range of two to 25 kilograms (per dumbbell) will likely be enough.

On the other hand, if you’re an experienced lifter, a set of adjustable dumbbells that reach 40 kilograms or more will be better suited. Bigger, compound movements that require more muscle activation, such as squats and lunges, will need heavier weight than single-muscle isolation exercises, such as bicep curls.

What is the best mechanism for adjustable dumbbells?

This depends on personal preference as well as what type of training you do and how often you need to change the weight. A slide or pin-based mechanism can be a little slow or clunky, whereas a dial-based mechanism tends to allow you to work at speed.

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What matters most is that the set of adjustable dumbbells you choose comes with a reliable locking mechanism. This helps avoid any potential injuries.

Are adjustable dumbbells worth the price in comparison to a full set of fixed dumbbells?

Yes, for most people, adjustable dumbbells offer much better value than a full set of fixed dumbbells. A good quality pair of adjustable dumbbells are a space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they don’t require much room to store but they still offer a decent weight range.

A full set of fixed dumbbells usually requires a rack and plenty of floor space, whereas adjustable dumbbells do not. Plus, if you ever need to move or transport a full set of fixed dumbbells, this can be a chore in itself, whereas moving a set of adjustable dumbbells, although still a challenge, is much less of a hassle.

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Best Guinness merchandise: unique memorabilia for St. Patrick’s Day

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Best Guinness merchandise: unique memorabilia for St. Patrick’s Day

Still, back in the day, some doctors would prescribe the Black Stuff: “I’ve been a solid Guinness girl since my early 20s,” Cheryl Ward, 42, from South London, tells me. “I used to faint a lot, and the doctor told me half a Guinness now and then wouldn’t hurt. I was low in iron, so he suggested supplements or a little Guinness — I picked the alcohol option. I like it because it’s not gassy like beer, has health benefits, and if you find a good pint, the creamy bitterness is absolutely delightful.” Her favourite place to enjoy a pint in London? “The basement bar at Bradley’s on Hanway Street.”

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