Conservationists, ecologists and volunteers will join forces on Friday (July 31) to rescue around 200 Northern Marsh and Pyramidal Orchids from Greenabella Marsh and replant them at RSPB Saltholme and Seaton Common National Nature Reserve.

The delicate operation will see every orchid lifted by hand before being transported and replanted on the same day using specialist techniques designed to maximise their chances of survival.

Greenabella Marsh where the orchids will be translocated from. (Image: RSPB)

The flowers are being moved ahead of the Environment Agency’s proposed Greatham North East Flood Alleviation Scheme.

While there is no legal requirement to move the orchids, several organisations have partnered to safeguard the plants and preserve their local diversity.

Pyramidal orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis, individual plant growing in meadow, Bedfordshire, June (Image: Ben Andrew)

The project brings together the Environment Agency, RSPB Saltholme, Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Rivers Trust, Cleveland Naturalists’ Field Club, Natural England and orchid specialists British Orchids, alongside around 20 volunteers.

As part of the translocation, seeds will also be collected and sown at the new sites to help establish future populations.

The orchids’ new homes were chosen because they already support suitable habitats and existing orchid populations, giving the plants the best possible chance of thriving.

Panoramic views from the award-winning visitors centre. (Image: RSPB)

However, the success of the operation will not be known immediately. Because the orchids are currently dormant underground, conservationists will have to wait until next spring and summer to see whether fresh leaves and flowers emerge.

Chris Francis, senior manager at RSPB Saltholme, said: “Wild orchids are among Britain’s most beautiful native plants and we’re incredibly proud that Saltholme has been chosen to give many of them a new home.

“Every single orchid will be carefully moved by hand in what is a remarkably delicate conservation operation.”

Chris Francis. (Image: Claire Freeburn)

Suzanne Noble, orchid specialist at British Orchids, said Britain’s native orchids were “every bit as fascinating, beautiful and special” as their tropical relatives.

She added: “Wild orchids have evolved over thousands of years alongside fungi, insects and the habitats they depend upon, making them important indicators of healthy ecosystems.

“By following a careful process we hope these plants will establish successfully in their new homes and continue to delight people while supporting biodiversity long into the future.”

Northern Marsh Orchid. (Image: Josh Havlin)

The flood alleviation scheme, which remains subject to planning permission, is part of the wider £30 million Tees Tidelands Programme.

The project aims to reduce flood risk, create around 15 hectares of new intertidal habitat and help wildlife adapt to future environmental change.

Construction is due to begin in January 2027.

Oprah Winfrey has revealed that the girls’ school she established in South Africa will be closing its doors after nearly two decades.

The 72-year-old talk show host announced in a statement to the Daily Mail on Wednesday that the school – which is located in the South of Johannesburg – would transition to the control of the local Gauteng Department of Education after closing at the end of 2027.

In place of the school, Winfrey – who recently revealed the biggest mistake of her decades-long career – said she planned to keep her mission alive by focusing on scholarship programs that she said could benefit even more young girls. 

‘The dream was never simply to build a school,’ Winfrey declared. ‘It was to invest in the limitless potential of young women. 

‘That mission doesn’t end with one campus. It continues in every girl whose future can be transformed through education,’ she continued. ‘I’m excited that this next chapter will allow us to reach even more young women across South Africa and continue the promise that began more than 20 years ago.’

Winfrey’s representative added that her scholarship program would allow her to double the number of young students who would have access to education.

The 72-year-old talk show host announced in a statement to the Daily Mail on Wednesday that the school would transition to the control of local officials after closing its doors at the end of 2027

The school now plans to graduate two more classes of students before the remaining girls still attending the school would continue to have their education paid for in full by Winfrey through their graduation as they transferred to ‘other top-tier schools.’

Despite her assurances that her new scholarship program will benefit many more students overall, Winfrey’s statement failed to clarify what had prompted the decision to close her school after nearly 20 years.

According to Winfrey’s representative, the school has seen remarkable success since its founding. 

They noted that an independent study commissioned in 2024 had reportedly determined that 99 percent of surveyed graduates went on to pursue higher education.

The study also found that nearly nine in ten graduates said the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls gave them opportunities that would have otherwise been inaccessible to them, while 94 percent said education had a positive impact on their families. 

According to Winfrey’s representative, the Gauteng MEC for Education, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, expressed his appreciation for Winfrey’s contribution to the province.

He also said her impact had extended well beyond the walls of the academy and would continue to be felt for years to come. 

The seeds of Winfrey’s plans to start a school for girls began with a December 2000 visit with former South African president Nelson Mandela, who died in 2013.

‘The dream was never simply to build a school,’ Winfrey declared. ‘It was to invest in the limitless potential of young women,’ she said

‘That mission doesn’t end with one campus. It continues in every girl whose future can be transformed through education,’ Winfrey continued. ‘I’m excited that this next chapter will allow us to reach even more young women across South Africa and continue the promise that began more than 20 years ago’

Winfrey’s representative added that her scholarship program would allow her to double the number of young students who would have access to education

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The seeds of Winfrey’s plans to start a school for girls began with a December 2000 visit with former South African president Nelson Mandela. Two years later, they broke ground on the site of the future academy (pictured)

Two years later, Winfrey and Mandela joined forces with then-Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, to break ground on the site of what would become the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. 

The school was at first a public–private partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education, but it later was reconstituted as an independent school in 2006. 

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation, through personal donations from the talk show host, went on to contribute more than $400 million to the school. 

It wasn’t until 2007 that the academy opened, and it graduated its first class of 72 girls in January 2012. 

By the time the academy marks its 20th anniversary in 2027 – the same year it plans to close – nearly 900 girls will have graduated.

The school faced a scandal in its first year when a dorm matron was accused in 2007 of abusing multiple students. 

At the time, Winfrey called the incident ‘the most devastating experience of my life.’

‘What I know is, is that no one – not the accused nor any persons – can destroy the dream that I have held and the dream that each girl continues to hold for herself at this school,’ she said in a 2007 press conference, via People. 

Cats seem to love oblongs in general

All current Community Councillors will stand down from their respective Community Councils at this time. They are eligible for re-election under the amended terms and conditions.

The next General Election for all established Community Councils across South Lanarkshire will be held on Thursday, October 22.

The Community Council Elections will be carried out in terms of the amended Scheme for establishment of Community Councils.

All current Community Councillors will stand down from their respective Community Councils at this time. They are eligible for re-election under the amended terms and conditions.

You can find out if there is a community council active in your area using your postcode.

Residents of voting age who are on the electoral register and meet the qualifying criteria can be nominated by a proposer and seconder for membership of their Community Council by completing a nomination form and returning it to the Community Council Liaison Officer no later than 4pm on 10 September 2026.

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The letter, also signed by Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Waitrose and Co-op, charities including Barnardo’s, Amnesty International UK and WWF-UK, health campaigners, investment companies and farming organisations, warns that the next “food shock” is “not a question of if, but when”.

The region will go to the polls on Thursday

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has thrown his weight behind Bev Craig as he urges voters to vote Labour in the contest to elect his successor.

More than two million residents are to go to the polls tomorrow (July 30) to elect who will only be Greater Manchester’s second ever metro mayor since the post was created in 2017.

Every major party has put forth a candidate – and there was little surprise when it was announced that Labour’s would be Bev Craig, who has served as leader of Manchester City Council since 2021 and had a close working relationship with Burnham.

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

Mr Burnham has called his almost nine-year tenure as mayor an ‘immense privilege’ as he came first in all ten boroughs in 2017, 2021 and 2024.

In a new statement he has urged voters to back Ms Craig, saying she will make sure “every town, every borough” shares in the region’s success.

He said: “After years working alongside Bev Craig, I have no doubt that she will work every single day to build on the progress we’ve all made together.

“Bev will focus on putting more money in your pocket, giving families more breathing space on the cost of living and making sure young people across every borough have the opportunities they need to thrive.

“Bev will do this by working in lockstep with every community across our city region so we can shape our future together.

“She is the only candidate who will make sure every town, every borough and every person shares in Greater Manchester’s success.

“Together, for our future, vote Bev Craig today to be our next mayor of Greater Manchester.”

Other candidates, Reform’s Sian Astley and Lib Dem Richard Kilpatrick also sit on the council. Both Conservative and Green candidates, Phil Eckersley and Geraldine Coggins, are Trafford councillors.

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Ms Coggins argued Greater Manchester needs “full-fat devolution, not semi-skimmed”, adding: “Labour in Greater Manchester has been a developers’ paradise, handing over large sums of money to developers to build unaffordable flats.

“I will be demanding powers to take them back and to impose tough financial penalties for land banking.”

Mr Eckersley has previously said “as a business owner, father and local councillor, I understand the challenges facing families, businesses and communities across our city-region”.

Restore’s Mr West works as a mental health nurse but he was given an 18-month suspension earlier this month by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) following comments he made on social media about sexual grooming by Pakistani men.

Mr West has co-written a book, In Plain Sight, with his daughter, Scarlett, about rape and sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of Asian men.

Restore Britain’s leader, Rupert Lowe, said Mr West “is the best qualified candidate for any mayoral race for a very long time”, adding: “He has lost so much in his fight, including just being struck off nursing because he spoke out about his daughter’s rape. It’s scandalous.”

Mr Farmer, an independent candidate, previously stood against Mr Burnham in 2021, receiving just under 1% of the vote. He also stood in 2017.

Polls will open at 7am and close at 10pm on Thursday. Votes will not be counted until Friday, with the result likely to be announced in the afternoon.

The Sportsmans Inn, located on North Bondgate and a short walk from the Market Place, is on the market for £295,000.

The inn was purchased by its current owners in 2001 and has been leased out to different tenants ever since.

(Image: Sidney Phillips Limited)

This famous venue, formerly known as ‘The Merry Monk’, is renowned for being Bishop Auckland’s go-to late-night venue for local residents.

It is home to a big open bar, with space for 90 people, plus a first-floor apartment with two double bedrooms.

The establishment is currently owned by a landlord who is open to granting a new lease, with possible terms ranging from seven to fifteen years, with annual rent set at £25,000.

(Image: Sidney Phillips Limited)

The bar was recently vacated by tenants who rented it for £30,000 per annum.

The first-floor flat was partially refurbished to function as an Airbnb-style accommodation before its tenants’ departure.

It also carries a staff room with kitchen facilities, a basement cellar, and an outdoor patio area with stairs leading down to Wear Chare Road.

Due to its prime location and proximity to numerous ongoing regeneration projects, the inn is poised for potentially increased trade.

(Image: Sidney Phillips Limited)

Situated near the local market square, it overlooks the town centre and lies directly opposite the newest project led by The Auckland Project – a 59-bedroom hotel.

Bishop Auckland is currently in the middle of a massive remodelling spree, encompassing projects like a £26.6 million leisure centre, new STACK leisure and social hub, plus modern upgrades to its surrounding cultural sites.

The Auckland Project, a local regeneration charity, is behind most of these projects, which are expected to buoy local tourism.

(Image: Sidney Phillips Limited)

The establishment carries an active premises licence, authorising it to sell alcohol from 9am-1am on Mondays to Wednesdays, extending to 2am on Thursdays, and until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Sunday hours run from 12pm until 2am.

The building is not listed but falls within a conservation zone on the meeting point of North Bondgate, Market Place, and Wear Chare.

Despite the premise historically being tenant-run, the current owners have not directly managed the business and, as such, no trade is sold or warranted.

A major incident has been declared as around 90 firefighters tackle a large heathland blaze on the Suffolk coast at Dunwich Heath, near Leiston

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A major incident has been declared as firefighters tackle a substantial heathland fire at a National Trust site on the Suffolk coast.

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a wildfire at Dunwich Heath, near Leiston, shortly after 5.30pm on Wednesday.

The blaze is moving south-west towards St James’ Church, off Westleton Road, the service confirmed, with a major incident declared “due to the size and complexity” of the fire.

In a subsequent update, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service station manager Dan Davis encouraged the public to stay away from the area where possible and keep windows and doors shut.

“Crews from Leiston attended the scene and were met with what is a large-scale, wind- driven forestry fire,” he said.

“The incident has subsequently been upgraded to a major incident.

“We currently have approximately 90 firefighters on scene working incredibly hard in arduous conditions to bring this fire under control.”

Mr Davis added: “I’d like to provide reassurance that we are going to remain on scene until we bring this fire under control.”

This comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the East Midlands, the East, South East and London.

The alert remains in force until 9am on Thursday, with the agency having previously cautioned that rising temperatures may pose increased health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, in Scotland, emergency services reported they were making “significant progress” in controlling a wildfire in the Cairngorms which ignited a fortnight ago.

Several properties in the isolated area were evacuated as columns of smoke rose into the air, leaving extensive areas of woodland, heather and grassland scorched and blackened.

At the scene on Wednesday, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) deputy assistant chief officer Michael Humphreys informed the Press Association that firefighters are advancing in their efforts to contain the blaze.

Nevertheless, he cautioned that the danger of flare-ups continues to be substantial.

“It’s been an absolutely devastating fire for wildlife and for the local community who have come out in force to really support us, which we really do appreciate,” he said.

“To control this fire, what we’ve had to put in place is a significant number of fire breaks.”

It has been claimed that Elisabeth’s phone was being used up folllowing her death until she was identified by media.

The phone of a Scottish woman who was found stuffed in a suitcase and dumped in an abandoned building in Greece was reportedly being used after she died to make it appear as though she was still alive.

The remains of 38-year-old Elisabeth Jane Ross were discovered by a homeless man on Evelpidon Street in the neighbourhood of Kypseli, Athens around 1pm on July 18.

Elisabeth, who is understood to have been born in Scotland in February 1988, had been dead for approximately eight days. No visible wounds of any clear signs of struggle were found on the body, according to police.

It has now been claimed that Elisabeth’s phone was being used in an attempt to cover her death. As reported by the Daily Mail, a local police officer alleged messages were sent from her mobile in the days after her death up until she was identified by media.

The Greek officer said: “The phone was being used. Text messages were even sent obviously with a view to making people believe she was still alive. We are treating the building as a crime scene.”

Elisabeth couldn’t be identified at first by attending officers at the scene because she reportedly had no identification on her. She was believed to be around 30 years old, 5ft 4in tall, with reddish hair tied in a bun and wearing black shorts, with a French university insignia on them, and a T-shirt.

The rough sleeper who found her said he followed a foul smell inside the deserted building which had lain empty for two years. It is understood he saw a human limb visible from the outside of a suitcase.

An autopsy is due to be carried out in the coming days. Interpol and US investigators have been called in by the Greek authorities to assist with the probe. On Monday, Interpol notified the Hellenic Police that DNA testing revealed that the body belonged to a British woman.

Elisabeth is understood to have travelled to Greece on June 29 via Cyprus after coming from the US. Officers are now speaking with anyone who may have come in contact with her prior to her death as well as trying to find out her final movements. Two photos of Elisabeth smiling have been released by Greek outlet Cretalive.

One local who lives near the scene previously told Greek media outlets the building where Elisabeth’s body was found was used by rough sleepers. The resident added that one man stayed there regularly but that he had not been seen for a number of days.

Police Scotland are liaising with authorities in Greece regarding the probe. Officers are also providing support to her family in Scotland. No suspect has been identified at this time.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of the death of Scottish woman in Athens and are liaising with authorities in Greece. Officers are providing support to her family in Scotland.”

A UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with Elisabeth’s family during this difficult time. We are providing consular support and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Transform Your Training has been appointed by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme for careers advisers across England.

The training is designed to help advisers better support young people who experience some of the most significant barriers to progress.

Tammy Banks, co-founder and CEO of Transform Your Training, said: “Careers advisers make a difference every single day, helping young people to recognise their strengths and open doors to opportunities that can shape the rest of their lives.

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“That impact can be amplified if – through their own professional development – we are able to support careers advisers to understand and respond to the needs of young people who face barriers – whether they’re young people in the care system or people who have experiences trauma or adversity.

“Every young person deserves access to high-quality careers guidance, whatever their background or circumstances.”

The programme is part of the Government’s Back to Work commitments and aims to improve support for young people who face challenges such as trauma, care experience or adversity.

Transform Your Training was founded by Ms Banks and Faye Fox, who both have backgrounds in York’s charity sector.

The organisation has worked for the last decade with councils, charities, schools and public services across Yorkshire.

The contract is expected to create seven new roles within the company.

Ms Banks believes the programme is a chance to reach young people who are often overlooked.

She said: “It’s something I am hugely passionate about because of my own experience of navigating adverse experiences and significant challenge as a young person and having to advocate for myself in order to get the life chances I deserved.

“This is a huge opportunity to do things differently and make a massive impact.”

Transform Your Training will use its award-winning Training 4 Influence methodology, which combines trauma-informed, expert facilitation with practical application, collaboration and values-led learning.

The training will be delivered by facilitators with lived experience of the barriers many young people face.

The national CPD programme will launch in October and be available free of charge to careers professionals in schools, colleges, universities and alternative provision settings.

It will include national inspiration conferences, six continuing professional development (CPD) modules, monthly expert panels and a community of practise.

More information and registration details are available at www.transformyourtraining.org/national-careers-adviser-cpd-programme.