Whorlton, close to Barnard Castle, may be small, but online reviewers regularly praise its riverside setting, historic bridge and sense of “timeless charm” that feels increasingly rare.
St Mary’s Whorlton (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
At the heart of many reviews is Whorlton Bridge, the 183-foot-long suspension bridge that stretches across the River Tees.
Frequently photographed and shared on social media, it’s described by visitors as “a hidden gem” and “like stepping back into another century.”
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Built in 1831 after flooding destroyed the original structure, the bridge is Britain’s second oldest suspension bridge, still relying on its original chainwork.
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But beyond its engineering credentials, reviewers say it’s the atmosphere that makes it special.
“It’s peaceful, almost magical when the light hits the river,” one visitor wrote online.
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
“You can hear the water below and nothing else. It’s so quiet.”
Despite its tranquil feel, Whorlton isn’t described as dull. Walkers exploring the Teesdale Way or visiting nearby Barnard Castle often make a detour to cross the bridge and wander through the village lanes.
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Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Many reviews mention how unexpectedly picturesque the setting is, with wooded riverbanks, rolling countryside and sweeping views along the River Tees.
“It’s one of those places you stumble across and wonder why more people don’t talk about it,” one visitor commented.
“It feels untouched.”
That sense of history runs deep. The current bridge was designed by John Green of Newcastle after floods destroyed the first attempt in 1829.
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Its survival for nearly two centuries only adds to its character, with reviewers often remarking on how well it has aged.
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Unlike busier tourist hubs nearby, Whorlton is often celebrated precisely because it remains low-key.
Several visitors contrast it with larger attractions in Teesdale, saying the village offers “a slower pace” and “a real escape.”
Photography enthusiasts frequently post images of early morning mist rising from the Tees, autumn colours framing the bridge or summer sunshine in the surrounding countryside.
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Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Whorlton Village (Image: Stuart Boulton)
In the village itself, St Mary’s Whorlton towers across the green and several of the stone brick houses in the centre.
The building standing on this site was rebuilt in 1853 following the demolition of the Norman Chapel.
The new building retained the Grade II listed font from the medieval church.
Instagram and Facebook posts have helped shine a light on the village in recent years, though many reviewers say it still feels undiscovered.
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“It’s not commercialised, and that’s what makes it special,” one visitor wrote.
“Just a beautiful bridge, a quiet village and the river.”
In a region full of well-known landmarks, Whorlton continues to win over visitors not with grand attractions, but with understated charm.
Two derbies in the space of seven days for Arsenal and two pivotal, if contrasting, victories.
The Gunners were rarely at their best against Chelsea, even after Pedro Neto was sent off in the 70th minute, but a 2-1 win means the lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League is five points again.
This victory made it 11 matches unbeaten against Chelsea, four of which have come this season, and this was hard-fought.
All three goals came from corners and all three from Arsenal defenders. William Saliba and Jurrien Timber headed in either side of a Piero Hincapie own goal.
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The relief at full-time was palpable, Eberechi Eze was among those to look up and roar towards the sky. Arsenal did just about enough.
When Neto was shown a second yellow card with 20 minutes remaining, all signs pointed to Arsenal easing towards the full-time whistle.
However, the Gunners failed to make the most of their man advantage. In the period between that red card and the final whistle, Chelsea completed 114 passes to Arsenal’s 55.
It was nervy and it was unconvincing from Arsenal, but it was brilliant from David Raya to ensure the Gunners secured all three points.
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The Spaniard had already been impressive, clawing away the ball superbly before half-time to stop a Declan Rice own goal. He also saved well from Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez.
Raya then produced a massive moment in stoppage time. Alejandro Garnacho’s inswinging cross looked destined for the far corner and Liam Rosenior was almost off celebrating, only for Raya at full stretch to tip the ball away.
Arsenal play to Gyokeres strengths
The north London derby could prove to be a real turning point for Viktor Gyokeres.
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He was in good goalscoring form even before that brace against Tottenham last weekend, but his all-round game went up a level that day and it continued here.
Prior to the win over Spurs, Gyokeres averaged 24 touches per match in the Premier League. He had 42 against Spurs and 27 in 75 minutes here.
The striker had 19 of those touches in the first half, more than Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal played to his strengths, looking to get him the ball in behind as quickly as possible. Inside the opening 10 minutes, Saliba, Leandro Trossard and Hincapie all released Gyokeres to run at Trevoh Chalobah.
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The end product was not always there, as Chalobah dealt well with Gyokeres on the whole.
However, it was encouraging to again see Arsenal trying to get the best out of their striker, as they seemed unsure of how to do it earlier in the season.
Corner safety net delivers again
Arsenal had not played particularly well in the opening 20 minutes.
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Chelsea enjoyed the majority of possession and there was little sign of the Gunners unlocking the visitors’ defence from open play.
No need. Bukayo Saka swung a corner to the back post, Gabriel nodded it back across goal and Saliba was there to head it in.
Arsenal’s set-piece prowess is not exactly a surprise at this stage, but it is so important when their attack is otherwise not quite clicking.
Per Opta, this was the ninth time in the league they have gone 1-0 up from a corner, the joint-most by a team in Premier League history.
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It was a similar story in the second half, with Arsenal offering very little in attack. A Declan Rice corner and a Timber header later and it was 2-1.
On nervy occasions, as the tension builds by the week in the title race, the pressure release of Arsenal’s set-piece threat becomes increasingly welcome.
Defence minister Theo Francken said the oil tanker was thought to be sailing with a “false flag and false documents”.
The vessel, named Ethera, had long been on the US, EU, and UK sanctions list, and has since been escorted to the port of Zeebrugge.
“Without his shadow fleet Putin can’t wage war against innocent Ukrainians. So we take these vessels out. One by one. Till his war of aggression stops,” Mr Francken said.
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Volodymyr Zelensky praised Belgium and French forces for the “decisive decision”, adding that “Russia operates like a mafia organisation, and the response must match that reality.”
Western sanctions imposed on Russia have led to the rise of a “shadow fleet” of tankers helping Moscow to keep its crude exports flowing.
Emmanuel Macron said the seizure, which was assisted by French navy helicopters, was a “major blow” to Russia’s fleet.
“Europeans are determined to cut off the sources of funding for Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine by enforcing sanctions,” the French president said.
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Russia condemns US-Israel strikes on Iran as ‘unprovoked act of armed aggression’
Russia has condemned the US-Israeli strikes on Iran as “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent UN member state,” demanding an immediate halt to the military campaign and a return to diplomacy.
In a statement posted to Telegram, the Russian foreign ministry accused Washington and Tel Aviv of “hiding behind” concerns about Iran’s nuclear program while actually pursuing regime change.
It warned the attacks risked triggering a “humanitarian, economic and possibly radiological catastrophe” in the region and accused the US and Israel of “plunging the Middle East into an abyss of uncontrolled escalation.”
Arpan Rai2 March 2026 04:27
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Watch: Zelensky calls Ukrainian air defence skills ‘irreplaceable’ amid Europe’s growing role in Iran conflict
Zelensky calls Ukrainian air defence skills ‘irreplaceable’ amid Europe’s growing role in Iran conflict
Arpan Rai2 March 2026 04:00
Zelensky says changes in Iran must be used properly
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the changes in Iran brought about by US and Israeli strikes to be “used properly” to benefit the country’s people who had withstood violence from their authorities.
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It is important that this chance for change for Iran be used properly, he said.
Zelensky, speaking in his nightly video address, said Iran’s authorities had killed “tens of thousands of its own citizens just in recent months”.
“The Iranian people have long effectively been alone against violence – against the Iranian regime. This regime, which has killed tens of thousands of its own citizens just in recent months, which has always fueled and organised wars in the region, which provided Russia with ‘shaheds’ and the technology for their production – this regime has brought this attitude upon itself,” he said.
He added: “I thank everyone who is trying to prevent the war from expanding and who is defending against strikes from Iran. And I also thank everyone who tells Russia – now, based on the experience of the Iranian regime – that justice does come.“
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Arpan Rai2 March 2026 03:45
Next three-way peace talks depend on security situation and diplomacy, says Zelensky
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said the time and place of the next round of peace talks between the US, Russia and Ukraine would depend on the security situation in the Middle East and the level of “real diplomatic possibilities”.
Zelensky said he would issue fresh directives to Ukraine’s negotiating team at the talks, without detailing what they were.
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On Thursday, he had said the next round of talks would probably take place in Abu Dhabi in early March.
However, the UAE has since been caught up in hostilities after the US and Israel launched aerial attacks on Iran.
Arpan Rai2 March 2026 03:40
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Belgian defence minister shares footage of Russian shadow fleet vessel capture
Belgium’s defence minister has shared a video of its forces boarding a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker on Sunday.
The armed forces had seized the vessel, which was suspected of sailing with a “false flag and false documents”, said defence minister Theo Francken.
Dubbed the “Operation Blue Intruder”, he said the mission showed “courage, precision, and determination.”
Francken said: “Without his shadow fleet Putin can’t wage war against innocent Ukranians. So we take these vessels out. One by one. Till his war of agrgession stops.”
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Arpan Rai2 March 2026 03:31
Ukraine to help shoot down Iranian drones in Gulf, says Starmer
Prime minister Keir Starmer said Ukraine’s expertise against Russian use of Kamikaze Shahed drones will be used in the Middle East conflict as Ukrainian experts will now provide guidance on intercepting Iranian drones.
“We are not joining these strikes, but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region,” Starmer said on Sunday night.
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“And we will also bring experts from Ukraine, together with our own experts, to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them,” he said.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer issues a statement (PA Wire)
Arpan Rai2 March 2026 03:15
Russia has lost 1.26M troops since war started, Ukrainian defence ministry says
Russia has suffered an estimated 1,266,770 troop casualties since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the figures released on Sunday.
The Ukrainian ministry of defence said the number includes 870 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
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It has also lost 11,709 tanks, 24,108 armoured tanker vehicles, and 80,510 vehicle and fuel tanks, it said.
Ukraine’s defence ministry has not revealed its own losses, but CSIS estimated that Ukraine has seen 500,000 to 600,000 military casualties, including up to 140,000 deaths.
Arpan Rai2 March 2026 03:00
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Ukrainians made it through winter, says Zelensky
Russia hit Ukraine with more than 14,670 guided aerial bombs, 738 missiles, and nearly 19,000 attack drones over winter, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
In the last week of February alone, it used more than 1,720 attack drones, nearly 1,300 guided aerial bombs, and over 100 missiles to attack Ukraine.
Ukrainian civilians have faced their toughest winter yet as Moscow repeatedly target’s the country’s energy system, leaving hundreds of thousands without power for long periods.
“But despite everything, Ukrainians made it through this difficult winter, when Russia did not even try to seek justification for its bestial strikes on civilian critical infrastructure,” the Ukrainian president said.
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“Evil must be confronted in every part of the world. When the United States and other partners show enough determination, even the bloodiest dictators ultimately pay for their crimes. I thank everyone who helps Ukraine defend itself and save lives.”
Arpan Rai2 March 2026 02:50
How Starlink became the backbone of Ukraine’s war
How Starlink became the backbone of Ukraine’s war
Harriette Boucher2 March 2026 02:00
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Ukraine hit with record number of missiles in February
Russia fired more missiles at Ukraine in February than in any other month for at least three years, according to new analysis.
Figures from AFP claimed that Russia hit Ukraine with 288 missiles in February, an increase of around 113 per cent compared to the 135 missiles launched in January, The Moscow Times reported.
The previous record was set in October 2025, when Russia launched 270 missiles at the country, according to Kyiv.
On March 3, we experience the first Full Moon Eclipse of 2026 — and this powerful lunar event (in Leo) is a confidence, ego and overdue decisions wake-up call, for every star sign.
Eclipses are always a little unpredictable because everything is amplified and accelerated, so you need to remain calm and steadfast throughout, not letting emotions or sensitivities guide your decisions or reactions. Take a beat, breathe, step back.
The Leo influence this time will hype up the drama, make you feel super confident, potentially even slightly arrogant, and everything might seem a little more urgent, intense, and impactful.
Your true desires for yourself, how you’re seen by others, and what impact you make on your realm come to the surface and you feel empowered to act on them. So does everyone else.
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This can lead to clashes and conflict if you’re not aligned.
Let’s take a peek at the tarot cards to understand what might be in store for you and how you can handle this energy with dynamism… and not more drama!
Aries
March 21 to April 20
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by the Page of Cups (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Aries for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: Page of Cups
Meaning: This card represents nostalgia, inner child messages and healing, creativity and wonderment. There is a real sense of innocence here. Maybe a need to protect that part of you? Be dynamic by engaging with ideas, memories, or loops from the past that feel unfinished, resonant, or potentially rewarding.
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Avert the drama by doing this with compassion, love and curiosity. This is not about settling scores or imposing your version of events on others. Connect to your inner child, unleash a powerful idea, and explore it fully.
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by the Nine of Cups (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Taurus for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: Nine of Cups
Meaning: This card represents wishfulness, dreams coming true, hope and magical manifesting. Are you focusing on granting your own wishes? Be dynamic by engaging with the moon (charge your crystals, make moon water, moon bathe) and using its energies to charge your wishes and dreams.
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Avert the drama by backing up your manifesting rituals with practical actions and steps that take you closer to your dream coming true. The Eclipse is going to accelerate things for you in an unexpected, but welcome, way.
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by the Knight of Wands (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Gemini for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: Knight of Wands
Meaning: This card represents adventure, excitement, spontaneity, swashbuckling courage and confidence. I get the imagery of a ‘storm rider’, a person riding the thunder bolts of the eclipse to short cut their way to what they want. Is this you? Be dynamic by acting like you cannot fail and taking bold, brave leaps into the unknown.
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Avert the drama by making this fun, keeping the mood hopeful (rather than fearful) and knowing you’re only ever one decision away from another success. Life is an adventure — live this way and thrive.
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by the Queen of Coins (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Cancer for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: Queen of Coins
Meaning: This card represents stepping up to take control, empowerment, promotion and progress, practical action that yields success. You’re taking responsibility for your own destiny. Be dynamic by making bold moves in the areas of health, wealth, work and home. Do something positive in each area.
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Avert the drama by taking total ownership of your steps and not asking for forgiveness or permission. Don’t let others influence how you’re choosing to live your life and create your security, comfort and wealth.
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by the Six of Swords (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Leo for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: Six of Swords
Meaning: This card represents deserved departures, fond farewells and graceful exits to better places and opportunities. Are you thinking of moving on? It’s time, Leo. Be dynamic by being clear and direct about going, why, and when. Don’t dilly dally. This will not be a shock to anyone, it’s been a long time coming.
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vert the drama by doing this calmly, steadily, and based on your own reasons — don’t accuse or divert blame elsewhere, even if justified. Focus on yourself. What you’re leaving behind is already over. It’s time to openly accept this and move.
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by the Seven of Swords (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Virgo for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: Seven of Swords
Meaning: This card represents suspicion, ill intent, shady actions or jealous watchfulness. It’s likely you have a foe or frenemy close by (you can feel it) and it’s time to act. Be dynamic by trusting your instincts and withdrawing your exposure to this person, role, situation or energy. Protect yourself.
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Avert the drama by doing this privately, quietly, resolutely. Don’t get others involved. Don’t make a scene. Act with stealth… then sit back and watch the show. You know how to handle haters. Your silence is the answer.
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by the Death card (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Libra for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: Death
Meaning: This card represents rebirth, transformation, an ending that is the embryo of your most powerful new beginning. What are you transitioning from and to? Be dynamic by entering this process with an open mind and heart. Don’t cling to anything right now. Release what doesn’t fit, work or serve.
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Avert the drama by being led by hope not fear. Don’t worry about the (necessary and natural) endings; instead look to the new beginnings. Between now and November, your life and selfhood are changing, for the better. You won’t recognise yourself!
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by The Moon card (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Scorpio for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: The Moon
Meaning: This card represents intuition, secrets, instinctual knowing that something is ‘off’ or not how it’s being presented. This is a very powerful truth-revealing Full Moon for you. Be alert, and be dynamic by actively zooming in on areas you feel are inauthentic, untrue, or not being shown fully. Ask questions, validate, probe, research.
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Avert the drama by doing this with an open mind, a non-judgemental attitude, and a clear intent to establish truth, not expose folk or make trouble. You are on a journey of discovery that will lead you to an important, game-changing truth. Don’t make any major moves or decisions until this mini mission is complete.
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by the Page of Swords (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Sagittarius for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: Page of Swords
Meaning: This card represents mental confusion, hot/cold or yes/no energy, duality and second-guessing yourself. My guess is that you’ve been going in circles about something. It’s time to consult your compass, fix your point, and head in a new direction. Be dynamic by giving yourself permission to make a choice and act it out. If it’s wrong, well, then you just make another choice.
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Avert the drama by taking all the pressure of perfectionism away. This is all a flow, a journey and an experiment, no one is watching and judging! You need to let yourself off the hook.
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by the Seven of Wands (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Capricorn for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: Seven of Wands
Meaning: This card represents rivalry, ambition, passionate pursuits and competition. You are feeling challenged and ready to rise to this occasion and win the game. And you shall! Be dynamic by using your strengths, allies, and past experience to build a robust plan of action, and then walk the walk.
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Avert the drama by focusing your efforts and attention on your progress and results (not theirs). Don’t get swept up in comparison envy. Hard work beats most things, even talent, because it delivers results.
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by The High Priestess (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Aquarius for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: The High Priestess
Meaning: This card represents psychic ability, passivity, secret knowing and intuition about what is right and needs to be done. Be still this Full Moon and tune into your inner voice. There are messages backed up and awaiting attention! Be dynamic by meditating, mirror talking, journalling or getting a reading. Find ways to connect to your intuition.
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Avert the drama by being patient, compassionate and creative about the messages you receive, take your time in putting them together coherently. Trust yourself. You are learning the real truth, and it comes from within.
The energy you’re brimming with right now is revealed by the Three of Coins (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)
Tarot card for Pisces for the Full Moon Eclipse in Leo: Three of Coins
Meaning: This card represents goodwill, respect, external alliances and influences that can be utilised to good effect. Folk want to help and support you to achieve your goals. So use them! Be dynamic by sharing ideas and asking for input. Create gatherings or meetings or calls that let you talk openly and fully.
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Avert the drama by not promising anything or committing to anything until you’ve had chance to get around everyone and absorb the feedback or ideas. Your collaborations can take you far. Focus on them now.
Kerry King has been reading, teaching and creating tarot for 30 years. Join her magical, exclusive Tarot Club for forecasts, predictions, lessons and readings straight to your inbox. Enjoy one month free for all Metro readers (no lock-in or commitment) over on Patreon.
Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.
The driver of a white Mercedes was reported on Wednesday (February 25) for driving whilst disqualified and without insurance after being stopped by North Yorkshire Police in The Crescent, Scarborough.
The driver, a man from Hull, had initially failed to stop when PC Varey and PC Redhead from Scarborough’s Professional Development Unit had signalled for him to pull over.
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A force spokesperson explained: “Following a check on the Police National Computer, the car was identified as not having a valid insurance policy.
“The officers signalled to the car to stop, but the blue lights in the mirror had a different effect on the driver, who appeared not to want to stop as they quickly drove in The Crescent.”
After successfully initiating a stop a short while later, further checks were made on the driver, who was found to have been disqualified from driving in 2023 and did not hold a licence.
In a statement, police said: “The insurance expired in November last year, so the car was seized.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about two players with injury problems ahead of a run of tricky fixtures.
Pep Guardiola was unable to say when Nico O’Reilly and Erling Haaland will return for Manchester City ahead of three crunch games in three different competitions over eight days. Haaland missed the Premier League win over Leeds at the weekend with an injury he had picked up in training, while O’Reilly was forced off with 20 minutes to go after picking up an ankle problem.
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O’Reilly has shifted into midfield for the Blues in recent weeks and has shown what a force he can be, mixing physicality in duels with an attacking threat that brought him three goals against Fulham and Newcastle. Guardiola described his injury at Leeds as an ‘ankle knock’ that he tried to play on with before being substituted, and City will have to ascertain what the damage is.
Haaland picked up a minor problem in training on Thursday, even if it was deemed major enough for him to miss a trip to Elland Road. He could be back as soon as Wednesday for the Premier League home game with Nottingham Forest as City look to keep pace with Arsenal at the top of the table.
However, City also have tough knockout games to consider in their next two fixtures. They head to Newcastle in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday evening before travelling to Madrid on Tuesday for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 game – a match where Guardiola would have liked more time to prepare.
“I don’t have an answer right now [on Haaland’s injury],” he said on Saturday evening. “He was not ready for today, but we have four days before Nottingham Forest and after three days in FA Cup in Newcastle at 8pm. Thank you so much for that time to go better to Madrid with less recovery. Thank you.”
“It’s different arriving at 7-8pm to Manchester to recover than arriving at 1-2am. It’s different. For Newcastle it’s different, when you come from Carabao Cup in the Champions League, play at 3pm or play at 8pm. It’s different. So it’s where it is.
“I know all the teams in the FA Cup play at 3pm, at 3pm, at 3pm. OK, we play at 8pm. Fatigue, you know, the details make a difference. Like a corner, like a free-kick, like a throw-in, like details. We have less. And after that, arriving on time, you have to travel again [to Madrid]. So we have to go there. It is what it is.”
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Human remains have been found around the site including a cleaved skull of a four-year-old child
Amidst beautiful open fields and views of the fens, is a manmade hill with a rather peculiar history. Today, it is an open-access site featuring ancient earthworks, where sheep grazing happily. But thousands of years ago, it is believed that a vicious battle took place here.
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Stonea Camp, near March, is an Iron Age multivallate hill fort. It is situated on a gravel bank just two metres above sea level, making it the lowest hill fort in Britain. However, this fascinating fact doesn’t compare with its remarkable history.
The fort is believed to have been the site of a intense battle between the Romans and the Iceni Tribe of East Anglia. This powerful battle was between the Iceni tribe and a Roman auxiliary force under governor Ostorius Scapula. The battle took place in 47 AD and is mentioned by Tacitus who was a Roman historian and recorded the stories of important events in Roman history.
The rebellion was supposedly triggered by attempts to disarm the East Anglian tribe. The story tells that the Iceni led neighbouring tribes in an uprising against the governor but Ostorius defeated them by storming a hill fort in a hard-fought battle.
Human remains have been found around the site including sword-marked adult bones and the cleaved skull of a four-year-old child. This is believed to indicate the inhabitants were trapped and attacked within the settlement.
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Stonea was also the location of a four-storey Roman tower that was built within site of the Stonea Camp fortifications. It is thought that the building may have been constructed to suppress further Iceni rebellion or settlement at this site.
Nowadays, Stonea Camp survives as a peaceful place to go for a walk, a stark contrast to its violent past.
Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan will today unveil the party’s Senedd election pledges with a promise to introduce easy-to-access, same-day mental health services for all.
With just over two months until the election, the First Minister will address an invited audience in Newport including new Senedd candidates, setting out her priorities for the campaign and her vision for a fairer future Wales.
As part of her speech, she is expected to say: “Fairness today cannot mean permanent patience. It cannot mean ‘bear with us’. It cannot mean ‘it’s complicated’. It cannot mean ‘come back in five years’.”
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Ms Morgan is also expected to liken Labour to the Chartists, a working class movement for political reform during the 1830s, 40s and 50s which attracted strong support in the south Wales valleys. In 1839 the “Newport Rising” saw thousands of Chartists march on the town and were met by gun fire from soldiers.
Among the policies due to be revealed are a £2 bus fare cap and 100 additional bus routes; a lifelong retraining guarantee; a crackdown on flytippers; and a vision for an “energy-independent Wales”.
The speech will say: “Fairness today must mean progress you can see, progress you can measure, progress you can feel. That is the promise I am making today. That is the promise of this new chapter for Wales.
“We will focus on the things that make the biggest difference to daily life, and we will deliver them with the seriousness that government demands.
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“The Labour Party, like the Chartists before us, would be nothing if it did not represent the true needs of the people. Because slogans are easy. Running Wales is harder. And here’s a message to our competitors in this election. You cannot fix waiting times with a hashtag. You cannot grow wages on TikTok. You cannot build a hospital with a committee. You need a plan. You need priorities. You need delivery. That’s what Welsh Labour is offering.”
As part of the launch, the Welsh Labour leader will announce a pledge to provide easy-to-access, same-day mental health services. The new “open access” model of care will be tested by all health boards in demonstrator sites with Labour saying it will make Wales the first country in the world to have such a system.
Among the other policies to be announced are:
A £2 bus fare cap, adding to existing offer of £1 for under 21s and free bus passes for over 60s, and an additional 100 new bus routes
A Clean Water Bill, working with campaigners and others to make water regulation simpler and stronger and creating a brand-new standalone regulator focused on economic regulation
Introducing year-round pay for all school support staff benefiting teaching assistants, cooks, cleaners, and caretakers, through a new School Support Staff Negotiating Body established in law
Improving access to hospital transport and ensuring all health boards develop a transport plan, including plans for public transport, car parking and active travel
A lifelong retraining guarantee, ensuring workers get access to retraining to help them stay in work or get back into work
Cracking down on flytippers by increasing fines
A vision for an “energy-independent Wales” designed to keep energy bills as low as possible, create new jobs, ensure renewable energy projects benefit communities, and protect Wales from unstable global energy markets.
Wales goes to the polls on May 7 to elect a new government. The election will see big changes for voters with a new voting system, new constituencies, and an increase in the number of members from the current 60 to 96. You can read our guide to the changes here
Research suggests Labour is likely to have a fight on its hands to return to power in Cardiff Bay with polls consistently showing them in third place. The most recent YouGov poll, carried out on behalf of ITV Cymru Wales/Barn Cymru, projected Plaid will take 37 per cent of the vote share to Reform’s 23 per cent and Labour’s 10 per cent.
In the biggest political gamble of his presidency so far, Donald Trump has defended his decision for the United States to bomb Iran – alongside Israel – as a “noble” mission to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and says military operations are “ahead of schedule”.
The US president announced the start of the war on Saturday via an 8 minute video on his social media platform, Truth Social, from his Mar a Lago home in Florida. In this episode Sarah and Justin unpack Trump’s announcement, his justification and aims for the war, and look back at US political involvement in the Middle East.
We also discuss reaction from within Trump’s MAGA base and ask whether the wider Republican party will rally behind the president, particularly with the midterm elections coming up in November, elections that could see Republicans lose control of the House and Senate.
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Also, how should Democrats be talking to American voters about the war – and what role does Congress have, now that the war has started?
HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
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This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Sam Bonham and Chris Flynn. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
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Harrison Ford delivered a heartfelt speech as he was honored with the lifetime achievement award at tonight’s Actor Awards, formerly the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
The 83 year-old joked that the award was arriving “a little early”, pointing out that he’s still a “working actor” to widespread cheers from the audience.
The Star Wars and Indiana Jones star was presented with the award by Woody Harrelson.
“I feel incredibly grateful for this kind attention, but to be clear, I also am quite humbled,” said Ford. “I’m in a room of actors, many of whom are here because they’ve been nominated to receive a prize for their amazing work, while I’m here to receive a prize for being alive.”
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He continued: “I’d say it’s a little weird to be getting a Lifetime Achievement Award at the half-point of my career. It’s a little early, isn’t it? I’m still a working actor.
“I was not an overnight success. I struggled for about 15 years going from acting job to carpentry and back to acting, until I finally got a part in a wildly successful film. None of this happened on my own. Thank you, George Lucas. Thank you, Steven Spielberg.
Harrison Ford accepting the Life Achievement Actor Award on March 1, 2026 (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)
“There were two other people who had a hand in guiding me through hard times. Fred Roos, casting director and producer for Francis Ford Coppola. And my manager for 30 years, Pat McQueeney. They were both incredibly persistent, and they supported me at a time when I really needed it. I would not be here without them. They’re no longer with us, but I feel it’s important that I thank them now. I feel them here tonight. They would be happy for me.
“In my third year of college, I was little lost. I was failing at school. I felt isolated, alone, and then I found the company of people putting on plays, storytellers, people I once thought were misfits and geeks turned out to be my people. I found the calling of a life in storytelling. An identity pretending to be other people. The work I do with other actors is one of the great joys of my life.
“My career is built on their work, as well as the work of writers, directors and every single cast member, every crew member I’m ever on set with. I have incredible collaborators every step of the way, and being able to deliver the work we create together to an audience is an honor and a privilege.
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“Because of that privilege, I’ve come to know myself. Ours is a tough business to get into. In my case, it’s been a tough business to get out of! Thank God, because I love what I do.
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“As actors, we get to live many lives. We get to explore ideas that affirm and elevate our shared experience. The stories we tell have a unique capacity to create moments of emotional connection. They bring us together.
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“So while we’re all at different stages of our lives and careers in this room, we all share something fundamental. We share the privilege of working in the world of ideas, of empathy, of imagination. Sometimes we make entertainment, sometimes we make art. Sometimes we’re lucky, we make them both at the same time. And if we’re really fortunate, we also get to make a living doing it.
“Success in this business brings a certain freedom that comes with responsibility to support each other, to lift others up when we can to keep the door open for the next kid, the next lost boy who is looking for a place to belong.
“I’m indeed a lucky guy, lucky to have found my people, lucky to have work that challenges me, lucky to still be doing it, and I don’t take that for granted. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart to my peers, to my extraordinary, beautiful wife, Calista, and my family, who have given me love and encouragement through all of it. Thank you to SAG-AFTRA for honoring me with this prize. This is very encouraging.”
Huntley is said to remain in a “serious condition”.
Police have released an update on Ian Huntley after he was attacked in prison in the morning of Thursday, February 26, at HMP Frankland. Durham Police has confirmed that he remains in a “serious condition” after being repeatedly hit over the head.
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Huntley was reportedly attacked with a metal bar by another inmate in the prison workshop. It has been reported that Anthony Russell, who is in prison for rape and three murders, had shouted “I’ve done it, I’ve done it” after the attack.
The suspect has not been formally identified but it was confirmed on Thursday that a man in his mid-40s had been detained in the prison. Russell is currently serving a whole life sentence for the murders of Julie Williams, 58, her son David Williams, 32, and Nicole McGregor, 31, who was also raped by Russell.
Huntley was also attacked in 2010 by robber Damien Fowkes, who attacked him using a home-made weapon which left a cut on his neck that required 21 stitches. Huntley is thought to have been kept under close observation to prevent further attacks.
Huntley is currently serving a life sentenced with a recommendation he serves at least 40 years for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, who were both 10, on August 4, 2002.
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A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said on Sunday, March 1: “The 52-year-old man remains in hospital in a serious condition, there have been no changes overnight.”
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