The air and ground strikes in the early hours of Friday targeted Taliban military posts, headquarters and ammunition depots in multiple sectors along the border, just hours after the Taliban launched an air attack on Pakistan’s border forces.
Both sides have reported heavy losses in the fighting with Pakistan saying it has killed 133 Afghan Taliban fighters and wounded more than 200, with 27 posts destroyed and nine captured, following months of tit-for-tat clashes.
Taliban’s chief spokesperson, Zabiullah Mujahid, said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 19 posts seized, while eight Taliban fighters were killed, 11 wounded and 13 civilians injured in Nangarhar province.
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Pakistani defence minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, confirmed the aerial raid and said, “Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you (Afghanistan).”
The Taliban government and Pakistan have been engaged in a diplomatic and military confrontation for months now despite a ceasefire in October last year. The tensions worsened over the weekend after Pakistan launched air strikes on militant targets in Afghanistan last weekend, in which 13 civilians were killed, according to the UN data.
Earlier, border clashes between the two countries killed dozens of soldiers in October until negotiations facilitated by Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia ceased the hostilities and a fragile ceasefire was put in place.
Pakistan’s ministry of information and broadcasting said the armed forces carried out “intelligence-based, selective operations” against seven sites associated with the Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and its affiliates.
The ministry added that the Isis affiliate in Khorasan province, which claimed responsibility for a suicide attack in the capital earlier this month, was also targeted.
Afghanistan’s ministry of defence condemned the strikes, saying they hit a religious school and residential homes in the eastern border provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika, causing dozens of deaths and injuries, including among women and children.
Calling the raids a violation of international law and “the principles of good neighbourliness”, the Afghan defence ministry said it would respond. “We hold the Pakistani military responsible for targeting civilians and religious sites. We will respond to these attacks in due course with a measured and appropriate response,” it said.
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The strikes risk undermining a tenuous ceasefire between the South Asian neighbours, brokered after deadly border clashes in October last year left dozens of soldiers, civilians and suspected fighters dead.
Pakistan said it has repeatedly called on Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities to curb armed groups operating from Afghan soil, but that Kabul has failed to “undertake any substantive action”.
Residents gather at the site, following the Pakistani airstrikes, in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, 22 February 2026 (AS)
While asserting that Pakistan “has always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region”, the statement stressed that the safety and security of Pakistani citizens remains its foremost priority.
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In October, the two countries declared a ceasefire after several days of intense border fighting that left dozens dead on both sides and sharply escalated regional tensions.
What sparked the latest clashes?
Pakistan’s cross-border strikes followed a string of high-profile attacks at home. Just hours earlier, a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in Bannu, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing two soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.
Earlier, last week, a suicide attacker, supported by gunmen, drove an explosives-filled vehicle into the wall of a security post in nearby Bajaur. The assault killed 11 soldiers and a child. Officials later identified the bomber as an Afghan national.
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On 6 February, a suicide attacker set off explosives during midday prayers at the Khadija Tul Kubra mosque in Islamabad’s Tarlai Kalan neighbourhood, leaving at least 31 worshippers dead and 170 injured.
Residents gather at the site, followig the Pakistani airstrikes, in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, February 22, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer (AS)
TheIslamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimedresponsibility for the Islamabad bombing.
In Islamabad, security analyst Abdullah Khan suggested that the Pakistani strikes indicate that Qatari, Turkish, and even Saudi-led mediations have failed to resolve tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. “These strikes are likely to further escalate the situation,” he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
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Is Pakistan employing a new deterrence framework?
Last year in October,analysts noted that Pakistan was finding it increasingly hard to overlook the rising fatalities caused by attacks that it claims are launched from Afghan soil.
According to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), an Islamabad-based think-tank, more than 2,400 members of Pakistan’s security forces had been killed in the first nine months of 2025 alone, putting the country on track for its deadliest year in a decade.
Attacks had surged since the removal of former prime minister Imran Khan a few years ago. Khan’s administration had worked with the Taliban to negotiate a TTP ceasefire. While that truce collapsed during his tenure, the frequency of assaults remained comparatively lower.
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Taliban security personnel and residents search for victims after an overnight Pakistani air strike hit a residential area at the Girdi Kas village in Bihsud district, Nangarhar province on February 22, 2026. Pakistan said on February 22, it launched multiple air strikes targeting militants in neighbouring Afghanistan, where the government reported children were among dozens of people killed and wounded. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)
They believed that Islamabad was attempting to establish a new deterrence framework, signalling that any assault perceived to originate from Afghanistan, whether carried out by the TTP or other armed groups, will trigger consequences for Kabul.
“Any attack which emanates from Afghanistan will be responded [to] with [the] same ferocity on their territory, with Pakistan implying that [the] Afghan Taliban are facilitating such attacks in Pakistan, and thus are legitimate targets,” Abdul Basit, a scholar at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at Singapore’s S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera, at the time.
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Pakistan’s border regions have long been hotspots of conflict, dating back to 1979 when the country became a frontline state in the US-backed war against the then Soviet Union in Afghanistan.
Afghan men search for victims after an overnight Pakistani airstrike hit a residential area in the Girdi Kas village of Bihsud district, Nangarhar province on February 22, 2026. Pakistan said February 22, it launched multiple air strikes targeting militants in neighbouring Afghanistan, where the government reported children were among dozens of people killed and wounded. (Photo by Aimal Zahir / AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)
According to the defence analyst Abdullah Khan, who is also the managing director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, the area’s instability worsened after the 9/11 attacks.
He told the Associated Press in October last year: “After the September 11 attacks, Pakistan’s tribal belt descended into chaos as the Afghan Taliban, al-Qaida and other groups operated from both sides of the border for attacks on Nato forces and Pakistani security forces.”
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Tensions between the two neighbours are further compounded by Pakistan’s deportation of tens of thousands of Afghan refugees. Since the decades of conflict began, at least three million Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan, creating additional friction between the two neighbours.
How have international leaders responded?
In October, the Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes drew concern from regional powers, urging both sides to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue to prevent escalation.
Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia all called for diplomacy to maintain regional stability and security.
Saudi Arabia’s ministry of foreign affairs said in October: “The kingdom calls for restraint, avoiding escalation, and embracing dialogue and wisdom to contribute to reducing tensions and maintaining security and stability in the region.
Afghan men search for victims after an overnight Pakistani airstrike hit a residential area in the Girdi Kas village of Bihsud district, Nangarhar province on February 22, 2026. Pakistan said February 22, it launched multiple air strikes targeting militants in neighbouring Afghanistan, where the government reported children were among dozens of people killed and wounded. (Photo by Aimal Zahir / AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images)
“The kingdom affirms its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability and its continued commitment to ensuring security, which will achieve stability and prosperity for the brotherly Pakistani and Afghan peoples,” it added.
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Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said at the time: “Our position is that both sides must exercise restraint,” and added that “stability” between the two countries “contributes to regional stability”.
Qatar’s ministry of foreign affairs also urged “both sides to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy, exercise restraint, and work to contain the disputes in a way that helps reduce tension, avoids escalation, and contributes to regional peace and stability”.
China also called for safeguarding its citizens and investments, Russia urged both sides to exercise restraint, and US president Donald Trump suggested he could step in to help resolve the conflict.
Kabul-based analyst Ibraheem Bahiss of the International Crisis Group suggested that Muttaqi’s high-profile reception in India was “probably a factor in the ultimate decision by the Pakistan Army to escalate in the major way that we saw”.
A man inspects a damaged car at the site of a cross-border Pakistani army strike in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Hedayat Shah) (AP)
Following the visit, The Hindu reported that Pakistan summoned the Afghan ambassador to express its “strong reservations” regarding the India-Afghanistan joint statement, in which both countries “unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism emanating from regional countries”.
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From the mid-1990s until recent years, India had regarded the Taliban as a proxy for Pakistan’s intelligence services, holding the group and its allies responsible for deadly assaults on Indian diplomatic missions in Afghanistan.
However, following the Taliban’s return to power and amid growing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, India has pursued a series of diplomatic engagements with the new Afghan leadership, culminating in Mr Muttaqi’s visit.
“Pakistani media has been furious over Muttaqi’s visit to India,” Afghan content creator Pathan Bhai said in a video, according to India Today.
What were the official responses to the clashes?
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Afghanistan’s defence ministry denounced the attacks as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and a breach of international law, stating that “an appropriate and measured response will be taken at a suitable time”.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministry said it had summoned Pakistan’s ambassador over what it described as violations of Afghan airspace and the targeting of civilians, labelling the strikes “a provocative act”.
What happens next?
Although TTP’s presence remains a key irritant for Pakistan, analysts believe the recent Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes are unlikely to escalate into a larger conflict. Afghanistan lacks conventional military strength compared with Pakistan, and both sides appear focused on de-escalation at the moment.
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However, the border is expected to stay tense for the foreseeable future, as Pakistan has signalled it will continue taking action against militants it claims are crossing from Afghanistan to target its security forces.
Hawaii is currently suffering its worst flooding in more than 20 years, with people in the hardest-hit areas being urged to “LEAVE NOW” by officials.
One of the largest dams on the Oahu island is at “risk of imminent failure”, warned the island’s emergency team on social media.
“We’ve got a little over 4,000 people directly within the dam evacuation area,” said Molly Pierce, a spokesperson for the Oahu Department of Emergency Management, according to Sky’s partner newsroom NBC.
“It could fail,” Ms Pierce said of the 120-year-old Wahiawa dam.
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The team also warned the only remaining access road out of the nearby town of Waialua is at “high risk of failure”.
Image: Flooded streets in Haleiwa, Hawaii on Friday. Pic: AP
“Residents in the Waialua area are strongly urged to LEAVE NOW. The remaining access road out of Waialua is at high risk of failure if rainfall continues,” posted the Emergency Management team on X on Saturday afternoon UK time.
More than 5,500 people north of Honolulu are under evacuation orders because of the historic weather.
The situation was made worse by a storm last week, which had already left the ground saturated and susceptible to flooding.
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Hawaii Governor Josh Green said the cost of the storm could reach $1bn (around £750m), with airports, schools, roads, homes and a hospital all damaged.
“This is going to have a very serious consequence for us as a state,” Mr Green said.
With the exception of emergency workers, Hawaii’s state employees have been sent home to “allow families to focus on getting to safety”, he told reporters.
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“With catastrophic flash flooding already impacting parts of Oahu, including evacuation orders on the North Shore and the potential for dam-related impacts, we are taking this situation extremely seriously.”
Image: Local residents offered to help each other amid the flooding. Pic: Ricardo Taviera/@hawaiiecodivers
Oahu’s North Shore is famous for its big-wave surfing but the area was submerged in vast stretches of muddy floodwater, as the floods lifted homes and cars.
On social media, local residents were organising clean-up parties and rescue attempts, with one man filming as he tried to rescue a neighbour’s cat from the muddy waters.
“Mahalo for your service to the community,” replied one Instagram user.
All ten boroughs will benefit from £18m national drive to restore ailing parks
Greater Manchester is set to benefit from a national £18m drive to improve or build new playgrounds in deprived communities.
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The fund was first announced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ budget in November – but tonight the 66 areas around the country which will get a share of the cash has been revealed.
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The cash is ‘to buy new or upgrade playgrounds across the country’, according to an update from Communities Secretary Steve Reed. Areas with the ‘highest income deprivation affecting children and the poorest access to play’ have been chosen, according to the government.
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A further £301m is being invested to revive struggling high streets as part of the government’s ‘pride in place’ strategy, it has also been announced. The details of where this money is to be spent is yet to be announced.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed said: “People have watched their communities decline for too long, with little say over how they’re run. This government is determined to change that – giving communities the tools, the funding and the power they need to rebuild.
“From new playgrounds to reimagined high streets, we’re putting power back in people’s hands. People across the country will see and feel the difference this investment makes, restoring pride in local areas.”
Funding for playgrounds will flow straight to local areas, with no requirements to bid or compete against other places, according to the government. Councils receiving funding ‘will also be encouraged to consider buying British materials’.
Mum-of-five Stacey shared a video montage of her son from over the years
Stacey Solomon has left her fans feeling emotional with a tribute to her eldest child on his 18th birthday.
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Prior to meeting her husband Joe Swash, X Factor singer Stacey had sons Zachary and Leighton from a previous relationship. She and Joe went on to have three children, Rex, six, Rose, four, Belle, three.
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Taking to Instagram on Saturday (March 21), Stacey posted a video montage of Zachary from over the years. Throughout the video he could be seen looking after his younger siblings.
She captioned the post: “I blinked & my baby boy turned 18. Zachary, growing up with you has been the biggest privilege of my life. Looking through our memories, every video I have of you shows just how special you are.
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“The kindest man with the biggest heart. The world is so lucky to have an human like you in it. Happy birthday darling boy.
“To the moon & stars and back again. sorry that I’ve spent the whole morning crying. I’ll pull myself together eventually.”
Returning to her account later in the day, Stacey proceeded to share a number of pictures of her and Zachary from his birthday. Stacey stunned in white sleeveless jumpsuit, while Zachary sported a casual black t-shirt and shorts.
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“Today is all about you Zachary. 18 wonderful years of you. We are SO lucky. Now let’s go OUT out @zachsolomon08,” she wrote.
The comments sections of Stacey’s posts saw her famous friends and fans rushing to explain why they got emotional by her kind words and wish Zachary a happy birthdAY.
Celebs Go Dating’s Nadia Essex said: “He really does have kind eyes. What a joy. You must be so proud.” Beauty expert Caroline Hirons added: “Happy Birthday Zachy!”
@squashedpickle wrote: “Happy birthday Zac! You’ve both watch each other grow.” @little_house_life posted: “Aw beautiful video Stacey. Happy 18th Birthday to Zach.”
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@woodenyoulove1 commented: “Such a beautiful montage of your Zachary. Happy birthday young man.” @marie_buckingham stated: “Beautiful video, happy birthday, what an amazing loving lad.”
Meanwhile, in a week where Stacey had to address their relationship on This Morning, Joe shared a post of his own in honour of Zachary.
“Happy 18th birthday, Zachary! Watching you grow into such a kind and caring young man has been something really special. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in the years ahead, this is just the start of something great,” he said.
The former hotel is in a ‘poor structural condition’
A mix of flats and houses could be built on site of a former Cambridgeshire hotel. Woodgate Developments Ltd has proposed to build 14 homes on site of the former Station Hotel in Station Road, March.
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It also proposes to demolish the former hotel. Of the 14 homes proposed includes four one-bedded flats and 10 two-bedded flats. It also proposes cycle storage and parking.
The developers said it would deliver “much-needed housing” to the area and be the “regeneration of a prominent site”. The applicants added: “The redevelopment of the site will remove a redundant and deteriorating building and replace it with a well‑designed residential scheme that makes efficient use of a brownfield site in a highly accessible location.
“The proposal will contribute positively to the vitality of the area by introducing new residents who will support nearby services, facilities and public transport.” The developers propose to demolish the former hotel building as it is in a “poor structural condition and no longer suitable for reuse”.
If approved, the demolition will take place in a “controlled manner” and in line with health and safety regulations. In its conclusion, the developers added: “The proposed redevelopment of the former Station Hotel represents sustainable development.
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“It makes efficient use of previously developed land, delivers high‑quality housing in a highly accessible location, and responds positively to its physical, social and environmental context.” The plans have attracted some objections, including from March Town Council.
The council said it has “ongoing concerns” about drainage at the site, and it was “very disappointed” the developers were “seeking not to deliver any affordable housing or make essential S106 contributions”.
It added: “Further, it is disappointing to see another building of historical value being destroyed.” A resident in Stevens Way, March, also objected to the plans.
They described the percentage of the site being developed as “excessive”, and the proposed height of the building would “dwarf” neighbouring buildings. They added: “The proposal would be completely out of character in its setting.”
When is Ronnie O’Sullivan playing in World Open snooker final? First and second session times – The Mirror
Ronnie O’Sullivan is one win away from his first ranking title triumph in two years as he steps up to the plate in the World Open final
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Everything you need to know about Ronnie O’Sullivan’s World Open final clash:
The final date: The 2026 World Open final takes place on Sunday, March 22, 2026. This is a best-of-19 frame match, contested over two separate sessions throughout the day at the Yushan Sports Centre in Yushan, China.
First session start time: The opening session is scheduled to begin at 6am UK time (2:00pm local time). This session will consist of the first nine frames of the final.
Second session start time: The deciding session will commence at 11:30am UK time (7:30pm local time). The players will play to a finish in the evening, with the first to 10 frames being crowned the champion.
O’Sullivan’s opponent: “The Rocket” will face Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh in the final. Un-Nooh saw off Judd Trump in the semis, beating the Englishman 6-4.
Ronnie’s route to the final: O’Sullivan reached the final after a pulse-pounding 6-5 victory over Wu Yize. Trailing 43-0 in the deciding frame, Ronnie produced a masterclass 89 counter-clearance to break the hearts of the home crowd and secure his 66th ranking final appearance.
History in the making: Earlier in the tournament, O’Sullivan made global headlines by compiling a world-record 153 break during his quarter-final whitewash of Ryan Day. The break was made possible by a free ball at the start of the frame, allowing him to surpass the traditional maximum of 147.
The prize at stake: A win on Sunday would see O’Sullivan collect the £175,000 top prize and secure his first ranking title in two years. It would also further solidify his position back at the top of the game.
How to watch: UK fans can follow every frame of the final live on Eurosport and discovery+. Extensive coverage is also available through the World Snooker Tour’s streaming partners for international viewers.
Britain’s Got Talent returned to screens on Saturday with more jaw-dropping auditions
Sara Baalla Screen Time TV Reporter
20:36, 21 Mar 2026
Fans of Britain’s Got Talent were not impressed during the latest live episode on ITV.
The hit talent competition has returned to ITV for its 19th series, with thousands of hopefuls gracing the audition stage in the hopes of winning £250,000 and landing a spot at the Royal Variety Performance.
Saturday’s (March 21) episode saw TV favourite Stacey Solomon replace head judge Simon, after he fell ill during filming last October. After Simon returned to the panel later in the episode, the judges were introduced to an elusive magician called Aldo Nicolini.
After appearing from beneath a curtain, the 61-year-old Italian began his audition by putting a scarf around his neck, before his head appeared to fall off his body in a shocking illusion.
Children in the crowd quickly began screaming, with the judges similarly looking on in horror. Aldo continued to “lose his head” with several props, including a box and a handkerchief that made his head look like it was floating away from his body.
Following the audition, Amanda said: “I’ve never seen anything like that before. It was charming, it’s a yes from me!”
However, KSI didn’t agree, commenting: “I think I’m going to be a bit of a downer here, but I didn’t like it. I mean, he just kept doing the same thing over and over. It’s a no, man.”
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Meanwhile, Alesha found the audition “entertaining”, with Simon adding: “I thought it was actually silly, funny and good,” before confirming Aldo’s place in the next round.
The majority of viewers seemed to take KSI’s view, with many sharing complaints on X (formerly Twitter).
“What the f***, that is disgusting,” one person wrote, with another adding: “What in the Beetlejuice is this? Halloween has come early.”
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A third said: “That’s just freaky,” with another fan echoing the sentiment: “No sorry but that was disgusting.” A fifth viewer similarly shared: “What in the name of madness is this?!” with another adding: “Well, that’ll give kids nightmares tonight.”
Meanwhile, others shared their praise for the unique act, with one person commenting: “I love stupid s*** like this man.”
Another added: “Yeah that was brilliant. Something different!” while a third said: “The head guy! Completely ridiculous, but entertaining nonetheless.”
They sailed straight through to the live semi finals following their rendition of One Day Like This by Elbow
A group of musical farmers including 10 from Wales have shared their joy at receiving a golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday. Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir, made up of farmers from across the UK, sailed straight through to the live semi finals following their rendition of One Day Like This by Elbow.
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In the 32-strong collective is Eirion William Davies, a fourth generation farmer from Llanelli, Aled Wyn Davies, who farms in the Cambrian Mountains, Meidrim farm manager Owain Fisher, Pendine farmer Joe Shewry, Hugh Thomas from Moylegrove, Rosie Jones, a former West End performer now farming in mid Wales, Presteigne farmer Will Rogers, and Aled Griffiths, who has recently been appointed chairman of the 2027 National Eisteddfod.
The choir delivered a stirring performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome in the show which aired on Saturday night with their emotionally charged rendition bringing the audience to its feet and visibly moving the judging panel led by Amanda Holden alongside guest judge Stacey Solomon, Alesha Dixon and KSI.
Llanbrynmair hill farmer Aled, who manages 1,800 sheep in the Cambrian Mountains and whose singing career has spanned 47 countries, described the BGT moment as “surreal”. He said he missed the moment the golden buzzer was pressed as the group were embracing each other in jubilant celebration.
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Hugh, who at 74 is the choir’s oldest member, joined after surviving a near-fatal battle with sepsis in 2025. He described the group as a “new lease of life”.
Rosie said the group has helped her rediscover confidence and belonging, and Will said he hoped their performances will showcase the resilience and passion of Britain’s farming community.
For some the experience marked a dramatic step outside their comfort zone, including Owain, who milks 240 cows daily in the small village of Meidrim in Carmarthenshire.
He said he’d never sung publicly before auditioning but was selected as the opening soloist. He described the moment he stepped onto the stage as “life-changing” and “a big leap from dairy farming”.
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Eirion, who manages a 650 acre mixed enterprise in Llanelli, said the “electric” atmosphere of the performance offered a rare release from the mounting pressures facing the agricultural sector – including volatile milk prices and rising costs.
Pendine farmer Joe Shewry, who rears more than 200 calves, traced her musical journey back to her equestrian days and said singing was once a technique to calm both rider and horse. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Fellow Welsh member Aled Griffiths, an NFU group secretary and sheep farmer, balances industry leadership with rural enterprise and has recently been appointed chairman of the 2027 National Eisteddfod.
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Originally formed through a search for “strong singers who are farmers” as part of a project linked to Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone brand, the choir has evolved into something more significant.
The group says its mission is to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention in an industry often marked by isolation and relentless pressure. “If we can highlight the mental strain our farmers are under, then it can only be a good thing,” Joe added.
The RunThrough UK Darlington Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2026, starting at 9am from High Row in the town centre.
Organisers say the 13.1-mile route will offer a mix of urban atmosphere and rural scenery, beginning in central Darlington before heading west onto quieter roads in County Durham.
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
The course is designed to be flat and suitable for steady pacing, with long uninterrupted stretches through the countryside before returning to the town centre for a High Row finish.
Runners will pass through areas including Coniscliffe Road, Staindrop Road, Piercebridge, High Coniscliffe, Merrybent and Low Coniscliffe before heading back into town.
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The event will have a three-hour cut-off time due to road closures, and is open to participants aged 17 and over.
Each entry includes a themed medal, free race photos, chip-timed results and post-race refreshments, with water stations positioned approximately every 5km along the route.
Organisers added: “Each kilometre is accurately marked with distance flags and our friendly marshals will guide and cheer you all the way to the finish. We cannot wait to welcome you to the Darlington Half Marathon.”
Darlington is set to host a brand new half marathon this December, with runners invited to take on the run through the town and surrounding countryside. (Image: Northern Echo)
A secure baggage area and portable toilets will be available, including facilities at the halfway point, while spectators are encouraged to gather in the event village to watch both the start and finish.
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Parking in the town centre is expected to be limited due to road closures, and participants and supporters are being encouraged to car share or use public transport where possible.
Entries are now open, with tiered pricing available through super early bird, early bird and standard entry windows.
They added: “We have been extensively researching what runners consider important, and sustainability is fast becoming the top issue.”
Runners will also have the option to purchase an official event T-shirt at a discounted rate during registration.
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Organisers said: “Come and enjoy the day with us. Once you enter you will receive a confirmation email. More information will be sent closer to the event.”
They added: “We can’t wait to see you on the start line!”
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