The town was also once famous for being a ‘small spa’

Cambridgeshire towns all have their own unique history. Some were once home to Romans, while others have been the sights of heroic battles of time before.

One town with a varied history behind it is Somersham in Huntingdonshire. Like many towns, Somersham once had its own railway station and train line. However over time, also like many other towns, these railway lines disappeared. Somersham’s former railway line is now occupied by a nature reserve.

The Somersham Local Nature Reserve was once part of a railway line between Cambridge and March. Built in 1848, this railway line was used to transport coal and agricultural produce before it eventually closed in 1967.

At the Station Approach entrance of the nature reserve, there are white gates that are a reminder of the former level crossing. The old station buildings that used to stand in the area were moved brick by brick to the William McAlpine estate in Oxfordshire.

Today, the nature reserve is set out over 12 acres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. This includes areas of woodland, grassland and wildflower meadows.

There is also a lake and wet woodland. The former railway line is marked as a County Wildlife site to recognise the importance of it. There is also a path that runs around the nature reserve lake and a section of this features a part of the former Somersham to Chatteris railway line. As well as its former railway line, the town was once known as a “small spa”.

While it didn’t have the notoriety of Bath spa, Somersham was once known in the county for its spa. The town boasted a local known mineral water and this allowed the town to become a small spa.

According to ‘In search of holy wells and healing springs’, there was a local myth that suggested Romans exploited the water and Medieval bishops used it to brew beer. The mineral water was prescribed to patients by doctors at the time.

As well as it’s interesting history, Somersham has much more on offer in the modern day. Around 3,800 people call the village home. For anyone wanting to live there, the average property prices start at £221,667 for a two-bedroom home. For bigger homes, the price creeps up to around £679,000 for a five-bedroom home.

The village features the Somersham Convenience Store and Post Office for daily essentials. There are also some independent shops including The Vintage Peacock, offering gifts and upcycled furniture. Visitors and locals can grab a coffee at the Olives Coffee Shop, or if they fancy an alcoholic beverage, they can head to the Wine in the Willows Bar.

For anyone who wants to enjoy nature in a place steeped in history, Somersham is a good place to visit.

Here are the nine roads set to be closed in and around the town this weekend (June 27-28):

Grange Road

Grange Road will be closed from June 22 to July 3 for highway improvement works.

Restrictions are expected to remain in place throughout this period.

Neasham Road East Back

Neasham Road East Back will see a road closure from June 23 to June 27 for other works.

The restrictions are set to remain in place during this time.

Bull Wynd

Bull Wynd will be closed from April 27 to July 3 for other works.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place until the completion of the project.

Four Riggs

Four Riggs will have a road closure on June 28 for remedial works.

Restrictions are scheduled to remain in place for the day.

Wales Street and Westmoreland Street Back Street

Wales Street and Westmoreland Street Back Street will be closed from June 24 to June 30 for urgent utility repairs.

Restrictions are set to remain in place during this period.

Harrowgate Village

Harrowgate Village will be closed until July 31 for highway improvement works.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place throughout this time.

Beaumont Hill

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

Restrictions are set to remain in place during this period.

Elstob Lane

Elstob Lane will be closed from June 15 to June 28 for other works.

The restrictions are expected to remain in place throughout this time.

Faverdale

Faverdale is currently closed until September 7 for highway improvement works.

Restrictions are set to remain in place during this period.

Gary and Sarah Andrews’s daughter Wynter died 23 minutes after she was delivered by Caesarean section at the Queen’s Medical Centre on 15 September 2019 after repeated warning signs of her being in distress had been missed.

Wynter died from a loss of oxygen flow to the brain – which an inquest found could have been prevented had staff delivered her earlier.

Sarah, 41, had been admitted to hospital on 14 September, six days after initially experiencing contractions.

The inquest heard the maternity unit was “busy” when she arrived, with information on the patient’s history not properly handed over to other staff at shift changes.

The inquest found Wynter may have survived if “multiple missed opportunities” had been spotted.

In what would become a recurring theme about warning signs being missed, the coroner cited a 2018 letter from midwives to bosses at the trust, outlining concerns over staffing levels as “the cause of a potential disaster”.

“The grim predictions… were indeed realised some 10 months later when Wynter died as a result of the unsafe practices warned about,” coroner Laurinda Bower said.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) prosecuted NUH over her death in January 2023, with the trust pleading guilty to care failures.

The criminal prosecution resulted in NUH being fined £800,000.

Individuals, schools, community groups and businesses were invited to take part in the annual event, which included a parade and Raising the Flag ceremony on Friday, June 26, ahead of Armed Forces Day on June 27.

Organised by Darlington Borough Council and 50 (N) Signal Squadron, the celebrations were led by the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Helen Crumbie, Deputy Lieutenant Commander Ian Berry and Brigadier Paul Baker.

A parade of representatives from the Armed Forces, military associations, veterans and civic guests left the Town Hall at 10.20am to make its way to the Market Square.

One image shows veterans and standard bearers leading the parade along the street, with serving personnel in camouflage uniforms marching in formation behind them, the Town Hall and mature trees framing the scene.

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Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Another captures a veteran in beret and blazer among a line of ex-service personnel, his expression solemn as standards and uniforms form a backdrop.

Once in position, an inspection of the parade was carried out by the Deputy Lieutenant, the Mayor and military officers.

The ceremony included the traditional flag-raising, speeches, the national anthem and a tribute to the fallen, with wreaths laid on the Bradford Stone in the Market Square.

The Commemorative Victoria Cross (VC) Stone for Lt Commander George Bradford was set in the Market Square.

Visitors were able to learn more about Lt Commander Bradford, ‘the Bradford Brothers’ and the Durham Light Infantry in Darlington Libraries Centre for Local Studies during the week of Armed Forces Day.

A commemorative ‘Darlington Armed Forces Day’ coin had also been minted and was presented to all veterans in attendance.

Several of the photographs show rows of veterans standing to attention inside the covered market, their jackets heavy with medals, alongside a distinctive figure in a bright red ceremonial coat.

Other shots capture handshakes and quiet conversations between decorated officers and veterans as the commemorative coins were handed out.

Mayor of Darlington Cllr Helen Crumbie said: “This event is a chance for us all to say thank you and show our support to those who make up our Armed Forces, as well as service families, veterans and cadets. ”

Local schoolchildren had been invited to take part in the celebrations, with primary schools entering a competition to design a poster for the event.

A court heard that Paul Street created a ‘toxic’ environment among his team

A former celebrity police officer has been found guilty of misconduct after a dozen colleagues were embroiled in his “toxic” WhatsApp culture. Ex-police sergeant Paul Street, 41, encouraged his team to bully a teenage detainee and asked a colleague to send him a sex video of a female suspect, the Old Bailey heard.

The offences were committed while working at Cambridgeshire Constabulary leading a team at Cambourne Police Station, which dealt with county lines drug supply and organised crime. After an Old Bailey trial, Street, of Huntingdon, was found guilty of two charges of misconduct in a public office.

The jury deliberated for three hours and 48 minutes before clearing Street of assaulting a drug dealer during an arrest occasioning actual bodily harm, and perverting the course of justice afterwards.

The defendant held his head in his hands in the dock as Judge Mark Lucraft KC remanded him into custody to be sentenced on July 30. Judge Lucraft observed the general public would be “shocked” to learn of the full extent of what Street had done.

Street had previously admitted two offences of unlawful disclosure of personal data relating to information and screenshots he sent to his partner in 2020. Jurors heard 12 other officers had been investigated over their conduct arising from the “toxic” culture Street had created.

PC Josh Williams, 38, from Huntingdon, pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office. Of 11 others who were investigated, two resigned, one was dismissed for gross misconduct, one received a final warning, two received written warnings, and five others were dealt with for low level performance issues.

Prosecutor Anne Whyte KC said Street had “created a culture of bragging and intolerance towards suspects”, and a “zero-tolerance attitude to anyone on his team who disagreed with his methods and sentiments”.

She said: “He was not just promoting inappropriate attitudes, he was positively creating a toxic culture which junior officers would find difficult to challenge and likely to adopt.”

With his “robust” style, he got “impressive results” in tackling serious crime, and found fame in crime shows on television. He appeared on BBC show Britain’s Teenage Drug Runners in 2017. In 2019, he was on Channel 4’s Famous And Fighting Crime documentary.

However, anti-corruption officers uncovered Street’s two WhatsApp groups in 2021 after a new police officer reported him. The court heard the probes focused on two WhatsApp groups created by Street, one including 17 colleagues and a second for his “inner circle”.

In April 2020, Street called on his team to “bully” 17-year-old detainee Robiul Islam, encouraging them to “please hit him” and “smash his head in”.

In the autumn of 2020, Williams was tasked with examining the phone of a female suspect he told Street was “quite fit”. Street asked him if there were “any nudes”, and Williams replied there was a video of the woman committing a sexual act.

Williams went on to send Street a photo from the woman’s phone depicting her in underwear. The following year, Street asked on WhatsApp if Williams still had the intimate private video because he wanted to show it to “the lads from footy”.

When he was interviewed about it, Street claimed he wanted to see the images to reassure himself the woman, who was released without charge, was not the victim of exploitative behaviour. But Ms Whyte told jurors it was not Williams’s job to discuss or share the private images, and neither was it Street’s job to ask for nudes or the sex video.

Jurors heard Street’s WhatsApp chat set the tone for junior officers to follow, making regular references to bullying suspects. Giving evidence, Street admitted his messages on WhatsApp were “poor” but said the language was “gallows humour”.

He told jurors: “That was part of the culture at the time. I am not solely responsible for that. I would say they are abusive messages and I should not have sent them. I was successful in my job and it did make me arrogant.”

Ms Whyte suggested Street was more than a “maverick” officer with unorthodox methods and having good arrest rates did not justify his “out of control” behaviour.

She told jurors: “He broke the rules repeatedly and chose to ignore the fact that in doing so, he was not just dishonouring the trust that the public should have in the police, but he was behaving precisely like the criminals he loved to despise.”

The Moon passes through Sagittarius today, making this a great time for creative and important endeavours. Use your time wisely.

Pisces, Aquarius and Capricorn, something is about to get serious. Focus your attention, and things will go perfectly for you.

Enjoy this powerful lunation, don’t feel threatened by it. Tell the cosmos what you are after and it will help.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Saturday June 27, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

In the mood for getting active this weekend, chances are you wish can be answered. To make the most of this, listen to your intuition for it can be absolutely razor sharp today. And if you have a couple of options, even if involves a change of mind or a last-minute alteration of a plan, you can plump for the person, friends or activity which calls out to the need for a spark.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Over the last six weeks, the planet of will power, drive and passion, Mars has urged you to be really single minded in your approach. Now you can start to see the rewards for the hard work and application you have shown. This can prime up a time of an improved sense of your sense of value and worth, but also your finances too. The next week can be exciting, Taurus!

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Experienced some uncharacteristic up and downs in your mood and mode in recent weeks? This has been down to the tricky planetary passage of feisty Mars through, a tender more psychological area. However, normal service is set to be resumed this weekend, and you’ll feel tons better for it. Most of all your energy and vitality are boosted, in a very positive way.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

This is a great weekend to blend your creativity with productivity. One of your greatest but often uncommented upon qualities, is that you can make the most of any resources you have. So, whether you enjoy an arty time, using up existing materials, paints or pictures or you sketch out an exciting new business plan, you can achieve tangible and impressive results.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

The Moon passes through your fellow fire sign of Sagittarius, perfect for enjoying travel TV programmes, and doing your own research on journeying. Mulling things over may call out to you more than actioning them, for with a cluster of energies jostling through your most gentle and reflective zone, some private time can help you recharge in readiness for bright things to come.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

For the last two week’s your ruling planet, Mercury, has been going through what’s known as the pre-retrograde shadow. The retrograde itself will kick in early next week, but if you have been noticing your emotional zone this weekend, use this time to make sense of some those things that have stalled.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

A bubbly chat can light up today, and there is more to come. Even if you have been dealing with some worldly, work or business issues of late, light relief is heading your way. Whilst you may have no definite plans laid down, new possibilities can unfold at the speed of light in the next week, when a brighter, more social and playful part of the year starts to open up for you.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

With Chiron finding its way through its first few moments in its new home of Taurus, this can get you thinking more about relationship issues. Intriguingly someone may ask your opinion about an involvement they have, quite possibly in confidence. Your ability to hear them and see the bigger picture of their situation, can prove helpful, and very encouraging too.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

The Moon’s once monthly arrival in your sign, can be a chance to get your inner bearings. Her link to the affectionate vibe of Venus, later today, is ideal to meet with friends and socialise, when the vibe can be light, and easy going. If you venture out, someone may show up who catches your eye, someone bold, charismatic and witty and an uplifting chat follow.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

Connections don’t have to be of the romantic variety. A conversation you have today, be it in person or online, could be prove meaningful, as three planets forge a stunning alliance, but in thoughtful locations for you Capricorn. If you are interested in talking about more spiritual themes, healing, past experiences, or personal development opportunities, these can really chime.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

A shift of energy may be perceptible, Aquarius. Recent weeks has seen a big focus on more practical strands. Chances are you have turned this to your advantage, particularly around getting your home more ordered, introducing new routines, and being more grounded. Now, your love of conversation, interesting topics and new trends can start to engage you again.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

If you have been pounding the roads of late, hitting the gym, enjoying swimming or cycling, the benefits of the last six weeks are likely really showing up. If you have been more active around ideas, these will have likely been just as stimulating. Look back and track the progress you have made, but just also prepare for some unplanned visitors or home rethinks.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

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.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of June here.

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Joseph Greer was wearing an electronic tag when he brutally attacked Samantha Lee at his flat in Aberdeen in January.

The family of a woman who was bludgeoned to death by her boyfriend, while he was banned from going near her, have released an emotional statement.

Joseph Greer was wearing an electronic tag when he brutally attacked Samantha Lee at his flat in Aberdeen in January.

The body of the much-loved 54 year-old mother-of-three was discovered when a friend of Greer came to his door. The 40 year-old confessed: “Samantha is dead. She is in the kitchen.”

Samantha was killed by Greer having been repeatedly struck with a claw hammer. He faces a life sentence after admitting to a murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow today. The couple had been in a relationship since 2021.

In a statement, Samantha’s family said: “Today, we acknowledge the conviction of the person responsible for taking our mum’s life. No verdict can ever bring her back or erase the pain, grief, and loss our family has experienced.

“Our mum was a loving, caring, and valued person whose life was taken from us far too soon.

“Her absence is felt every day, and the impact of this crime has changed our family forever.”

Samantha was a victim at the hands of Greer before her tragic death. In graphic mobile phone footage captured by a passer-by, the thug was caught on top of his stricken partner hitting her in Aberdeen’s George Street last October 14.

He was also seen repeatedly smacking Samantha with a handset from a public phone as she yelled in pain. Greer was arrested for that attack and appeared in court the next day.

He was eventually bailed with an order not to go near Samantha. Greer was also put on a curfew resulting in him having to wear an electronic tag.

Prosecutor Graeme Jessop KC today said the exact time or date of the murder were not known. But, it emerged Samantha had contacted a friend via Facebook last December 31 and said that she feared Greer was “going to kill her”.

The mum was last seen on CCTV at a local shop on New Year’s Day and had also spoken to one of her daughters on the phone. A friend of Greer visited him at his Bedford Road bedsit on January 4.

It was there the killer initially stated: “I have something to tell you.” The other person went on to make the grim find of Samantha’s body in the bloodbath flat.

This individual was so concerned he stayed at the scene, but Greer left the block. The court was told Samantha had suffered a series of blunt force head injuries including fractures. No weapon was found, but Greer had earlier told a friend that he owned a claw hammer.

Greer was later arrested elsewhere in Aberdeen. Forensic evidence also linked him to the murder. Mr Jessop said the killer – previously jailed for violence – had been on a total of three bail orders at the time.

Greer also pled guilty to the aggravated assault of Samantha during the October 2025 street attack. Lord Renucci is due to tell Greer the minimum he will spend behind bars when he returns to the dock on August 7 in Dundee.

Detective Inspector James Callander said: “My thoughts remain with Samantha’s family and friends as they continue to try to come to terms with what happened. Nothing can make up for their loss, but I hope this outcome will bring them some form of comfort.

“This was a shocking attack which caused concern in the local area, and I would like to thank the community for their patience and assistance throughout our investigation.

“Greer now faces the consequences of his despicable actions. Violence such as this is never acceptable in our communities and we will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”

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The Florida Governor bid a fond farewell to Scotland fans who made the US their home these past few weeks.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has hailed the Tartan Army as “great guests” who have left a “lasting impression” on Miami.

The end may be nigh but Scotland fans leaving the city have created memories to last a lifetime, and should be proud despite a 3-0 defeat to Brazil on Wednesday, leaving our World Cup hopes hanging in the balance.

Supporters waited 28 years to see the nation at the global tournament again and for everyone who travelled out to the US, it’s been an unforgettable trip – not least, too, for the Americans who were witness to our antics.

And now, Ron DeSantis – the Republican politician who ran against Trump for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024 – has added his name to the list of people showing appreciation for the Scots as they begin their exodus.

Taking to X, the Governor paid emotional tribute to the Tartan Army. He said: “We had thousands of Scots descend on Miami, take to the streets, and engage in revelry. And yet this was cheerful, energetic, and orderly.

“What great guests! Maybe we’ll send some Floridians to St. Andrews to return the favour.”

DeSantis’ tweet was in response to a post by Miami International Airport, who also gave foot soldiers a fond farewell and shouted out their spirit, humour, and warmth when they partied stateside for weeks on the bounce.

Saying goodbye to the outgoing patriots, an airport spokesperson tweeted: “As the Tartan Army begins their journey home, we want to look back on the absolute joy, passion, and energy you brought with you.

“From the bagpipes echoing through the terminals to the sea of kilts and smiles, you truly showed us how to celebrate the beautiful game. Safe travels home, Scotland! You left a lasting impression on the Magic City.”

Tonnes of social media users from both sides of the pond made their feelings known underneath the posts.

One wrote: “They were the best! They and their country are beautiful. It’s one of my favourite places!”

A second penned: “We love the Scots!!! Can’t wait to plan our Spring Break in Scotland! Scotland here we come!”

A third enthused: “It was very refreshing to see such wonderful happy people!”

A fourth scribed: “As someone lucky enough to work in St Andrews, we’d love to welcome some more Floridians!”

And a fifth added: “Scotland represented itself with class. Friendly people, great energy, and respect for their hosts.

“You’re welcome back in Florida anytime!”

We now face an anxious wait to see whether other results can offer a lifeline – but if this is where the journey ends, the Tartan Army can hold their heads high. Their reputation as the best supporters in the world remains intact.

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