The Half Moon Public House, at 86 New Elvet, is a Grade II-listed building with origins dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Although it blends naturally into one of Durham’s best-known streets, the building has a rich history behind its painted brick frontage.

It is also known to fans of George Gently, the BBC series starring Martin Shaw as Inspector George Gently, after appearing on screen as part of the show’s North East backdrop.

The Half Moon Inn, Durham (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

The drama, set in the 1960s, made use of real locations across the region to capture the look and atmosphere of the period.

The official Historic England list entry records the building as a “house, now public house and workshop”.

It was first listed on March 10, 1988, in recognition of its architectural and historic interest.

Historic England describes the building as having 17th and 18th-century origins, with a 19th-century public house front.

The Half Moon’s history is not limited to its New Elvet frontage.

The list entry also describes rear wings built from sandstone rubble and brick, along with a former joiner’s shop extension.

Inside, the pub retains notable historic features, including a mahogany semi-circular bar with fittings and a matching chimney.

Inspector George Gently (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

For pub historians and heritage enthusiasts, that surviving interior makes the Half Moon more than just another city centre drinking spot.

Its appearance in George Gently adds another chapter to that story.

The BBC drama became known for using North East streets, pubs and towns to evoke the atmosphere of the 1960s.

In Durham, the Half Moon offered the kind of authentic setting that could not easily be recreated on a studio set.

Today, it remains a working pub as well as a listed building.

For regulars, it is a familiar place for a drink in the city centre and for visitors, it is a chance to step inside a building with centuries of history.

And for fans of George Gently, it offers a real Durham location with a connection to one of the North East’s best-known television dramas.

With its Grade II listing and small-screen claim to fame, the Half Moon Public House remains one of New Elvet’s most interesting historic buildings.

A train driver has tragically died and dozens of passengers have been injured after two East Midlands Railway passenger trains collided near Bedford in Bedfordshire on Friday afternoon

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A train driver has died and scores of passengers were left with serious injuries after two passenger trains collided near Bedford.

The crash involved two East Midlands Railway (EMR) services, with one rear-ending the other on the same line shortly after 5pm on Friday.

One passenger recalled being “flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke”.

The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed the train driver had been killed, with 11 people sustaining “very serious” injuries and a further 22 seriously hurt.

All those in the most critical condition have since been taken to hospital for treatment.

A further 56 people suffered minor injuries and were treated either at the scene or upon arrival at hospital.

While the majority of carriages from both southbound trains remained on the tracks, at least one carriage came off the rails during the collision.

The two services involved were the 4.40pm departure from Corby and the 3.50pm service from Nottingham, both bound for London St Pancras.

Passenger Pete Knapp painted a harrowing picture of people “crying, screaming” and noted that some appeared to have sustained significant injuries.

The 40 year old told the Press Association: “There was a moment of being flung into the chair in front, and then I saw smoke. People were crying, screaming, people were so scared and confused.

“I got up and I saw a lot of people who were unable to speak, had broken legs, and then I managed to get out of the train and because I’m quite thin I was able to squeeze out through the gap in the doors.”

Dr Knapp recounted seeing people with “life-threatening, major injuries, minor injuries” as well as “people with bandages, people who couldn’t see straight”, while others, including himself, remained standing.

He said: “I’ve got blood all over my trousers and my back hurts like hell but I’m all right.”

He noted that he had not felt the train slowing before the collision, although other passengers reported that they had.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the crash as “hugely concerning” and said he is “grateful to the emergency services for their swift response to this tragic incident”.

Air ambulance helicopters touched down at the scene following the collision, which took place just south of the Elstow interchange between the A421 and the A6.

A sizeable convoy of emergency vehicles lined a rural road as rescue crews and passengers gathered in a neighbouring field.

Members of the public were urged to keep away from the crash site, while both Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital appealed to people to avoid their emergency departments “unless they have a genuine medical emergency” as they managed the unfolding incident. EMR services to and from London remained cancelled for the rest of the day.

Digital train tracking systems confirmed that the rolling stock involved in the collision comprised a class 360 and a class 810, with the front of the former striking the rear of the latter.

EMR began introducing class 810 trains last December, while class 360 models have been in operation for at least two decades.

A spokesperson for Network Rail, the body responsible for overseeing Britain’s railway infrastructure, said: “We are supporting the efforts of emergency services on scene and our thoughts are with everyone involved.”

Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), confirmed that the person who lost their life in the collision near Bedford was the driver of one of the trains.

He said: “We are devastated to learn that a train driver and former RMT rep has tragically died as a result of today’s crash between Luton and Bedford. The thoughts of RMT are with their family, friends, colleagues and the Aslef trade union at this awful time.”

Dave Calfe, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, said: “Our thoughts tonight are with the family and friends of the driver who died in the crash near Bedford today and with the passengers who were injured in the accident.

“We want to thank the emergency services who responded so quickly, to help those on board, and are still at the scene.”

Investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch attended the scene to begin gathering evidence. This latest incident follows a collision between two trains in mid-Wales in October 2024, which claimed the life of one passenger and left four others with serious injuries.

That crash marked Britain’s first fatal multi-train accident in more than twenty-five years.

The duke, who stepped down from the working monarchy in 2020, has levelled a barrage of accusations at the King, his stepmother the Queen, brother the Prince of Wales and sister-in-law the Princess of Wales in his Oprah interview, Netflix documentary, interviews and his autobiography Spare since moving to the US.

A NEW book shines the light on the legendary York company that brought us the KitKat – and how it survived crisis after crisis along the way.

Rowntree’s – The Early History has been written by Paul Chrystal.

The book charts the fascinating story behind the birth and development of Rowntree’s.

The Rowntree family, especially Henry and his younger Joseph Rowntree, is, along with Fry’s, Cadbury’s, Mars and Terry’s, synonymous with the birth and growth of the chocolate industry in Britain.

Rowntree’s book by Paul Chrystal

The book explores the rise of Rowntree’s through chapters on the early history of the company, contemporary York, the relationship between Quakers and chocolate, and the Tuke family – without whom there would have been no Rowntree’s, and no KitKats.

Henry, it is usually forgotten, was the founder of Rowntree’s – he made the momentous decision to sign the deal with the Tukes and, in the book, we join him in those very early days of the fledgling company.

Henry Rowntree

Readers will see how he helped it through some very dark, and sometimes humorous, times in what was then a very shambolic set up – cash strapped and making it up as the company lurched from crisis to crisis.

Read more:

It was Joseph, his elder brother, who became the driving force to eventual global success, mixing his hectic business life with acts of compassion and a benevolent management model.

All of this paved the way for decent wages, pensions, insurance and mutual respect in the workplace.

York’s Pavement in the late 19th century showing the Rowntree’s grocer shop

Charity work extended beyond the factories to lift workers and others out of the slums of York to a life in a healthy model village called New Earswick, to provide a good social life, green spaces and gardens, swimming pool and education for children and adults.

Recommended reading:

The book also examines Joseph’s relentless industrial espionage, the effect on the Rowntree’s of the Irish Potato Famine, racism, lethal exploding bananas, the advances in chocolate production methods and 20th century rivals in the domestic and export markets, and mergers and acquisitions.

Promoting Rowntree’s on the river. Photo supplied

Rowntree’s active role in the two world wars is also covered along with the struggle Joseph Rowntree had accepting the importance of advertising which competitors were exploiting to the full.

Altogether the book gives fascinating biographies of two exceptional and driven brothers who came together to form one of our greatest companies – producing some of our best loved confectionery products.

The book can be purchased directly through Pen & Sword and major bookshops, priced at £15.99.

Fun KitKat facts

The world-famous chocolate bar was first made in York in 1935.

Today, the York factory makes up to four million KitKat bars every day.

It is available in more than 85 countries and with more than five billion bars sold annually, KitKat is Nestlé’s leading confectionery brand.

Scotland’s Group match with Morocco was played on a knife-edge the entire match, but they were left furious when they were not awarded a penalty

ITV referee analyst Christina Unkel believes Scotland should have been awarded a penalty in their World Cup defeat to Morocco. Steve Clarke’s side were beaten 1-0 by the Africa Cup of Nations winners in Boston.

They struggled to create any real opportunities against the North Africans, who were good value for their win with Ismael Saibari grabbing the game’s only goal in the second minute. However, the Scots were denied a clear penalty in the eyes of Unkel.

McTominay charged into the 18-yard box when he was tackled from behind by Neil El Aynaoui. It was deemed by VAR that the Moroccan midfielder got a touch on the ball, but replays suggested otherwise.

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Unkel was convinced they should have been awarded a penalty when the Napoli ace was bundled over. She said: “The first thing you’re looking for as VAR is any touch on that ball and the answer is no.

“We saw that second replay there and exactly what I was looking for, there was no contact on that ball. There is a trip up from behind, contact on the left lower leg.

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“For this, I do think there is a missed incident from the var to recommend a penalty as well as the referee to not make a decision on penalty. I know this referee is calling a more physical game but it is a very clear penalty in my opinion.”

Ally McCoist, who was commentating for ITV, also believed his countrymen should have earned a penalty. He said: “I did say when I watched it second time there is a challenge on the left leg. But I did say I’m enjoying the referee allowing the game to go. However, Christina is right, he did get that one wrong.”

McTominay looked shocked as his appeals were waved away before furiously protesting. Roy Keane, however, was less than convinced it was a penalty. He said: “I don’t think it was a penalty. As simple as that. He was kind of looking to go down. I think he was looking to go down. There’s a difference.”

Fellow ITV pundit Ange Postecoglou also agreed with Keane, saying: “The Moroccan penalty gets his leg out, but I don’t think that’s enough to be a penalty. He does get across him, but not for a penalty, I think he was going down anyway.”

McTominay was furious when the Uzbekistani official Ilgiz Tantashev did not point to the spot. That was not the only time they believed they deserved a penalty.

Early in the second half, John McGinn appeared to be brought down by the same player when he broke into the penalty area. While there also appeared to be little contact with the ball, it was also deemed not enough to be a penalty.

The defeat leaves Scotland with work to do to advance to the knockouts, with their final group match against one of the tournament favourites, Brazil, next Wednesday.

Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’

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Sky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.

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While the return of summer weather is welcome for many, rising temperatures can quickly lead to discomfort, making it harder to focus, relax or sleep.

While the sun is great when you want to have fun, it can be hard when you’re hoping to work or sleep, and keeping your home cool can be tricky.

Chris Michael, chair of air treatment specialists Meaco – they do more than just dehumidifiers – shares his favourite ways to stay cool.

Five ways to stay cool and get a restful night’s sleep this summer

1. Use a cold water bottle

Fill your hot water bottle with water and freeze it before bedtime. This makes a simple and effective ice pack to keep you cool overnight without adding to your energy bill.

2. Close blinds and curtains

Direct sunlight through windows quickly heats up your home. Keep blinds, curtains and windows closed during the hottest part of the day, especially those facing south. Once the temperature drops in the evening, open them to let cooler air in.

3. Take warm showers

Although it seems counterintuitive, a warm shower before bed helps the body regulate its temperature more effectively. Cold showers can trigger the body to generate heat, whereas a warm shower encourages the body to cool down naturally.

4. Buy a fan (ideally before the rush)

As soon as warm weather is forecast, fans start to sell out quickly. Buying a high-quality air circulating fan in advance ensures you’re ready. Look for reputable brands with strong reviews and clever features like ECO mode to save energy.

For bedroom use, choose a quiet fan. Loud fans can disturb sleep, so consider models that are Quiet Mark accredited and include Night Mode for uninterrupted rest. Low energy consumption is also key, especially if you plan to run the fan all night.

5. Check windows and doors

Gaps around windows and doors can let in heat during summer just as they let out heat in winter. Sealing these gaps is a quick, cost-effective way to keep your indoor space cooler with less effort.

How a Meaco fan can help you keep your home cool this summer

With Quiet Mark accreditation, Meaco fans are ideal for bedrooms, children’s rooms and home offices, as they include timers, temperature sensors, night modes, and intuitive controls to help you stay focused, relaxed, and well-rested.

Meaco has expanded its quietest and most energy-efficient fan line with the new MeacoFan Sefte® 8” Portable Battery Powered Air Circulator .

It offers mains or battery operation, making it ideal for use at home, while travelling, or outdoors. The replaceable battery extends the fan’s life far beyond that of typical sealed battery models, aligning with upcoming EU regulations and reducing waste.

The 8-inch model joins the Sefte 10” Table and 10” Pedestal Air Circulators , recently named Best in Category by Which? for their outstanding performance, quiet operation and build quality.

Recommended reading:

How a fan can help you sleep in a heatwave

With better sleep being the number one reason people buy a fan, it’s worth investing in one that’s quieter, more energy-efficient, and ideally features a dedicated night mode.

Meaco has a glow-in-the-dark remote control to make it easier to adjust settings without turning on a light.

It’s also worth thinking ahead for long-term use, low energy costs and comfort, to help you stay cool through this summer and many more.

What do you use to help get to sleep in warmer weather? Let us know in the comments.

Beamish’s streets, trams and shops double as Edwardian London in the new film, and these three are among the best‑known actors to have walked its cobbles for the production.

Director Tina Gharavi (right) and Haley Bennett who stars in the film. (Image: BRIDGE & TUNNEL PRODUCTIONS)

Here’s a look at what they’re famous for, and who they play in Night and Day:

Lily Allen – pop star turned actor

Lily Allen is still best known to most people as a chart‑topping singer, breaking through in the mid‑2000s with hits like Smile and The Fear and becoming one of the defining British pop voices of that era.

She has since built a parallel career as a writer and performer, publishing a memoir, working in television and moving into acting on stage and screen.

Her recent work in theatre has been widely praised, marking her shift from pop star to serious actor in the last few years.

In Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day, Allen appears in a supporting role within the film’s Edwardian social world, trading the stage and studio for the period streets of Beamish.

Her character moves through the salons and drawing rooms that are recreated in and around the museum, helping to bring to life the gossip, wit and social pressures that surround the film’s central love story and its questions about women’s choices and independence.

Timothy Spall – one of Britain’s most recognisable character actors

Timothy Spall is one of Britain’s most familiar screen actors, known for his work in everything from Mike Leigh dramas to big‑budget franchises.

Many viewers will recognise him from films such as Secrets & Lies, Mr Turner and his long‑running role as Peter Pettigrew in the Harry Potter series, as well as numerous television appearances over several decades.

His ability to shift between quiet, character‑driven dramas and larger‑scale productions has made him a stalwart of British film.

In Night and Day, Spall brings that experience to an Edwardian setting, playing an older figure within the story’s network of families and institutions.

On the recreated London streets at Beamish, his character embodies the weight of tradition and expectation that younger characters have to push against, adding depth and gravitas to scenes that balance romance with questions of class, duty and change.

Timothy Spall was one of the stars who descended on Beamish Museum to film Night and Day. (Image: BEAMISH MUSEUM)

Haley Bennett – Hollywood lead bringing Woolf’s heroine to life

American actor Haley Bennett is best known for her leading and supporting roles in major films on both sides of the Atlantic.

Audiences may know her from projects ranging from music‑driven drama and psychological thrillers to high‑profile period pieces, where she has often played complex, emotionally rich characters.

That mix of screen presence and nuance has made her a popular choice for literary and period adaptations.

(Image: BEAMISH MUSEUM)

In Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day, Bennett takes on the central role inspired by Woolf’s heroine: a young woman whose keen intelligence and passion for astronomy sit uneasily alongside the expectations of Edwardian society.

She is at the heart of the scenes filmed at Beamish Museum, moving through the “London” streets, shops and trams as she navigates family demands, suitors and the pull of scientific work.

Her performance anchors the film’s blend of humour, social observation and quiet rebellion, helping turn a North East museum into the backdrop for a classic story.

Here are the seven roads set to be closed in and around the town on June 20 and 21.

Faverdale

Faverdale will see a road closure due to ongoing highway improvement works.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place until September 7.

This closure affects both the footway and carriageway as part of the S278 works for a new development on the southern side.

Bull Wynd

Bull Wynd will also be closed as part of necessary works. The restrictions are scheduled to remain in place until July 3.

This closure will impact the carriageway, affecting local traffic flow.

Chesnut Street

Chesnut Street is set for a road closure due to improvement works.

Restrictions are expected to remain in place until June 23. This closure will affect the carriageway, causing diversions for motorists.

Harrowgate Village

Harrowgate Village will experience a road closure for highway improvement works.

Restrictions are scheduled to remain in place until July 31.

This closure impacts the footway, carriageway, and verge, from Dewberry Lane to Village Hall.

Beaumont Hill

Beaumont Hill will also be closed for ongoing highway improvement works until July 31.

This closure affects the footway, carriageway, and verge from Dewberry Lane to number 25 Beaumont Hill.

Elstob Lane

Elstob Lane will face a road closure for highway improvement works. The restrictions are expected to remain in place until June 26.

This closure impacts the carriageway at the ‘S’ Bends, involving concrete haunching and resurfacing works.

Walworth Road, Heighington

Walworth Road in Heighington will be closed for essential highway improvement works.

Restrictions are set to remain in place until June 26.

This closure affects the footway, carriageway, and verge, involving various improvements including resurfacing and drainage works.

Former transport secretary Louise Haigh, one of his supporters, said after his by-election victory: “We really hope that this can be a managed and orderly transition and Keir Starmer will reflect on the results, and Andy and Keir can meet in the coming days, and over the next week, and agree a path forward.”

Sherry and garlic are the smells of Spain, of course, but not just because you smell them when you’re there. Sherry smells of warmth, and of complexity – it’s not a one-note ingredient – which backs up what I have felt about Spain as a country. If it’s not a dry one, it can be quite buttery with hints of caramel, especially once you reduce it. Here the sherry vinegar undercuts the sweetness while adding more depth and ‘woodiness’.

This makes an excellent quick dinner. Serve with olive-oil roast potatoes (cooked with either rosemary or thyme), or good bread and a green salad. I know it seems like a pain to keep the thighs on the bone – and in small pieces – but that’s what makes this dish taste so good.