There are two ways of looking at a racing driver’s job.

Primarily, it is to get whatever car they have been given around a lap as fast as possible. In that sense, nothing has changed.

But on a more philosophical level, F1 is meant to be the ultimate challenge – the driver taking their machine and themselves to the limit of what is possible. In that sense, it very much has changed.

There is almost unanimous agreement that the challenge of a flat-out qualifying lap has diminished as a consequence of the demand for energy management. To the extent there is no longer such a thing as a flat-out lap.

Some of the sport’s most challenging corners have been made less demanding because they are now what Fernando Alonso has referred to as “charging zones”.

On some circuits, drivers are having to ‘lift and coast’ – lifting off the accelerator before corners so the electric motor can run against the engine – on qualifying laps to produce the best all-round performance.

Suzuka, which hosted the Japanese Grand Prix last weekend and is regarded as possibly the most challenging circuit on the calendar, was a test case for the new rules. And in the eyes of the drivers, the rules failed it.

The Esses – perhaps the most technically demanding piece of racetrack on the planet – was designated a “zero kilowatt zone”, where teams could deploy no electrical energy.

That meant the engines operated at more or less half power through there. The speed changes in between corners were not very much different from before, and the corners were still grip limited, but it changed the nature of the challenge.

Worse were the two Degner corners.

As McLaren team principal Andrea Stella put it: “Degner One has always been one that the drivers will mention in a season. Like, what are the most challenging corners? That’s one of those.

“Now, you think about the battery as you go through the corner, you don’t think about gaining half a tenth just by committing to it. It is now a corner in which you almost lift and roll through, and then you have to avoid going on power between Degner One and Two, because that way of using your battery would not be efficient.”

The same applied to the entry to Spoon Curve, and through Turns One and Two.

Norris said a lap of Suzuka “still feels special” but admitted it “hurts the soul” to lose, as the cars were, about 37mph from the high-speed 130R kink until braking for the chicane because the car had run out of electrical power.

Leclerc, meanwhile, swore over the radio to his team after Saturday’s session, saying: “I honestly can’t stand these new rules in qualifying. I go faster in corners, I go on throttle earlier… I’m losing everything in the straight!”

Essentially, drivers are having to do a series of actions in qualifying that McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has described as “counter-intuitive”.

Leclerc said: “Consistency is paying off more than being brave and going to take something that you’ve never tried before, which is a shame and which makes qualifying a little bit less challenging. This is something we need to work on.

“It’s a known issue. It’s not that the FIA or the teams are just accepting the situation as it is. There’s a lot of work behind the scenes and I hope that we can find a solution as soon as possible.”

Good Friday (this year marked on April 3) is arguably the biggest day in the country for fish and chips – a British staple which can be found in thousands of shops and restaurants across the UK.

And in the North East, we are no stranger to a good chippy. Our proximity to the seaside means a classic, tasty portion is always close by.

With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most-loved spots in the region, including their food hygiene ratings, so you can decide where to go this Good Friday.

Which one is your favourite?

Seaham

• Bells Fish and Chips – Five stars
• Downey’s Fish and Chips – One star
• Seaham Chippy – Five stars

South Tyneside

• Colmans Food Temple – Five stars

North Tyneside

• Bill’s Fish Bar – Four stars
• Fisherman’s Bay – Five stars

Teesside/North Yorkshire

• Oliver’s Fish and Chip Restaurant – Five stars
• The Little Chip – Five stars

Why do we have fish and chips on Good Friday?

Well, it all stems from the fact that Christians believe that Jesus was executed on Good Friday, sacrificing himself for his followers.

Because of this, Christians do not eat red meat on Good Friday to honour this, and instead eat fish as an alternative.

‘War’ Chisora was in a typical mischievous mood; he repeatedly swore as he predicted a “one-round” knockout.

Host Adam Smith was forced to frequently interrupt and apologise to viewers for the bad language, but Chisora did not relent, at one point encourgaing chants from the crowd.

Despite 13 losses against elite opposition – including Vitali Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk, and three bouts with Tyson Fury – Chisora has built a loyal fanbase through his quirky personality and relentless, come-forward style.

“Boxing is so easy: it’s put your hands up and hit the other guy. That’s it,” he said.

A loss for Wilder would also likely spell the end of his career.

Arriving 45 minutes late and apologising for his “tardiness”, the American made a bizarre plug for a brand of mouthguard before repeating previous comments about needing to “heal” from personal issues and past losses.

Once regarded as boxing’s most devastating puncher, the former WBC heavyweight champion has stopped 43 opponents in 44 wins, often in spectacular fashion.

“What happens when a warrior comes against a freak of nature? Derek comes to fight, but I’m coming with detonation,” Wilder said.

However, the “Bronze Bomber” has lost four of his past six fights. Since his punishing trilogy with Tyson Fury – a rivalry that saw him knocked down five times and stopped twice – Wilder has struggled to rediscover his destructive form.

“I know when I hang up the gloves, people will miss me,” he said. “When I say I’m gone, I’m gone. So enjoy me while I’m here.”

Key changes to the state pension are taking effect over the coming years

HMRC has issued a statement on how tax on the state pension works. The update follows an enquiry regarding the deductions that apply to payments.

A person contacted the tax authority via social media with a query. They asked the organisation: “Where can I find a monthly statement of my state pension showing the payment and deductions?” Now is an opportune time to review your state pension payments.

The state pension is rising by 4.8 per cent from April, increasing the full new state pension from £230.25 a week to £241.30 a week. In response to the enquiry, HMRC outlined the essential rules to understand.

The organisation said: “State pension is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and no tax is deducted at source.

“Your pension payments do appear only on your bank statements – DWP pays the same amount every four weeks.” This means if you’re entitled to the full new state pension, you’ll receive £965.20 each payment period.

If you’re receiving the full basic state pension, this will amount to £184.90 a week, or £739.60 each four-week payment period. Payments typically arrive in arrears.

The particular day you receive your state pension depends on the last two digits of your National Insurance (NI) number. This is how it operates:

• 00 to 19: Monday
• 20 to 39: Tuesday
• 40 to 59: Wednesday
• 60 to 79: Thursday
• 80 to 99: Friday

Those planning for their retirement should be aware of another significant change set to take effect from April 2026.

The state pension age will rise from 66, moving up gradually to reach 67 between April 2026 and April 2028.

Legislation has also been enacted for a further increase to 68, between 2044 and 2046.

You can find out how much state pension you’re projected to receive using the forecast tool on the Government website.

A woman has shared her experience of being diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer aged just 24, urging others not to dismiss seemingly minor changes to their health

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Changes to your body should never be dismissed, regardless of how minor they might appear. Perhaps you’ve experienced a lingering ache or noticed you’re feeling unusually tired. Most of the time, such changes aren’t cause for alarm. However, it’s crucial to recognise that even the most seemingly “routine” shifts in how you feel could signal something far more serious.

A TikTok user has shared how she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer at just 24 years old, admitting she initially brushed off her symptoms as they seemed relatively unremarkable. Paige Seifert, based in the US, has been sharing her experience with colon cancer – which in the UK is typically classified alongside other cancers and referred to as bowel cancer – on social media to encourage others to seek medical advice.

She identified three warning signs that eventually led her to visit a doctor, despite having overlooked them at first.

1. Fatigue

Fatigue can point to a wide range of conditions. Often, it’s caused by simple factors such as lack of sleep or overexertion during physical activity.

However, fatigue may also be linked to underlying health issues – such as vitamin deficiencies, hormonal problems, and even cancer. If fatigue has been troubling you for some time, it’s advisable to speak with a GP.

Paige remarked: “I know this can be chalked up to a bunch of different things, whether it’s work, lack of sleep, or exercise, but this, combined with all the rest, was a big indicator for me.”

2. Stomach pain or discomfort

Digestive troubles might seem like nothing more than the aftermath of a rich dinner or something disagreeing with you. Yet Paige highlighted her abdominal issues were central to her colon cancer diagnosis.

She explained: “For me, it was super sporadic. I didn’t have it all the time, but when I did, it just felt like something was off. Whether it was nausea or stomach pains and stomach cramping.”

3. Blood in stool

Noticing blood in your stool is one of the most critical warning signs of colon cancer. That said, it doesn’t automatically indicate cancer, as haemorrhoids or anal fissures can also be responsible. Women may also spot blood when wiping during their menstrual cycle.

The NHS recommends seeking medical advice if blood has been present in your stool for three weeks or if you’re experiencing intense pain in the bottom area.

Paige shared: “Blood in your stool is a huge one and is obviously going to tip you off that something is wrong. But I know it can be written off as a bunch of other things, like haemorrhoids, and that’s what I wrote it off as. That’s what the three doctors I first saw wrote it off as.

“But this, along with the other things I was experiencing, was a definite indicator that something was wrong. Hence why I kept going to the doctor and pushing for more diagnostic testing.”

In a recent update, Paige delivered encouraging news regarding her battle with cancer. During her routine monitoring appointments, which take place every few months to track her tumour’s progress, her most recent scan revealed a blood clot on her heart and a node on her ovary, but importantly showed “no colon cancer”.

She explained: “I’m feeling super hopeful, but there’s always that part of you that’s going to worry that something is amiss. Whether it be where the cancer was originally, or a different spot.”

Bowel cancer symptoms

Bowel cancer ranks among the most common forms of cancer diagnosed in the UK. Recognising the warning signs is vital, as early detection through screening programmes can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

The most common symptoms include:

• Changes in your stool, such as softer faeces, diarrhoea or constipation that is unusual for you
• Feeling the need to defecate more or less frequently than is normal for you
• Blood in your stool, which may appear red or black
• Bleeding from your backside
• Frequently feeling the urge to defecate, even if you’ve just been to the loo
• Abdominal pain
• A lump in your abdomen
• Feeling bloated
• Unintentional weight loss
• Feeling extremely fatigued or short of breath – these are symptoms of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer

When to see a GP

If you have experienced any of the symptoms of bowel cancer for three weeks or more, it’s important to consult a GP. The NHS recommends that if your stool is black or dark red, or if you have bloody diarrhoea, you should dial 111 for an urgent appointment.

However, if you’re experiencing continuous bleeding from your backside or there’s a significant amount of blood when you go to the loo, you must head to A&E or call 999 for immediate help.

You can find out more information on the NHS website.

​Plans to construct a 2,700 square metre supermarket and other shops, a drive-through, pharmacies, and restaurants at Filey Road in Scarborough have been proposed by Cliff Court Developments Ltd.

​A full planning application has been submitted for the extension of the current park and ride facility, the creation of two new roundabouts, and the construction of an internal access road.

​The outline plans – which would see more detailed proposals submitted after approval – include a wide range of potential businesses and services.

​“Strong interest” has already been expressed by potential occupiers, but the “end operators have not yet been selected, and therefore the applicant seeks permission for a range of uses to provide maximum flexibility and to enable the development to respond to changing market conditions,” according to Lichfields, the agent for the application.

​However, concerns about the development have already been raised by Scarborough Town Council.

​Cllr William Stuart “expressed serious concerns about the damaging effects out-of-town developments can have on the footfall and viability of our town centre” at STC’s community and place committee meeting on Tuesday, March 31.

“Scarborough town centre is a vital asset to our community, not just for the people of Scarborough but for the surrounding areas. This site, initially suggested for a hotel and drive-thru food development, has now evolved into an alternative town centre.

​“What worries me further is the developer’s vagueness about the project’s true scope. As it stands, the proposal could pave the way for a full out-of-town retail park, with little regard for the long-term impact on our town centre.”

​If approved, the developer would have permission to use commercial units for shops, cafés and restaurants, medical and health services, a tanning shop, and a hot food takeaway.

​“The site’s location adjacent to the existing park and ride facility presents a unique and compelling opportunity to deliver a mixed-use commercial and retail development that is intrinsically linked to sustainable travel patterns,” according to submitted plans.

​The proposal states that the park and ride is served by the No. 165 bus service, which provides access to Scarborough town centre and runs every 20 minutes, seven days a week, between April and November.

​“Discussions will be held with NYC and the public transport operator to extend the service all year round, along with extending or diverting other local bus services into the park and ride site.”

​The application adds: “The proposed commercial development will significantly improve the range, accessibility and availability of local shops, services and facilities to local residents and tourists.

​“Indeed, there is currently a shortage of such facilities in this area, as identified by local residents during the pre-application public engagement.”

​North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the plans which are open to representations by members of the public.

The event was held in the Arches Hall at Kynren as residents from south west Durham and Bishop Auckland gathered to raise concerns, questions and solutions to issues facing them.

The evening was started by Jonathan Ruffer, the multi-millionaire philanthropist behind the regeneration of Bishop Auckland, who thanked Ms McGuinness for holding the event at Kynren.

Mr Ruffer also said the Lost Feather arena, a new 2,500-seat bird stadium is currently under construction at the Kynren site, would be opening on July 18.

The evening was chaired by Felicity Machnicki from Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership.

Jonathan Ruffer opened the event (Image: Chris BOOTH)

A number of pre-submitted questions were asked by the audience, on subjects ranging from the Toft Hill Bypass and lack of buses from Barnard Castle to Durham and Darlington.

One question raised was about improving bus services in Shildon, particularly on a route where there are two primary schools.

The mayor thanked the resident for raising the issue, calling it “shocking”.

She said: “It is a reason why we are on this journey of public control. For too long, services have been controlled by profit, which means when bus companies who have run those routes for years stop making a profit, they cut them.

“If there isn’t money to replace them, that’s what happens.”

Residents raised questions on improving bus and train services across the region (Image: Chris BOOTH)

Ms McGuinness admitted the process to get buses back into public control does take too long but said there will be a public consultation in the summer.

“Restoring routes like that which are vital links between schools and communities that are otherwise cut off, are top of the list,” she said.

Improvements to the rail network in the region, particularly around UTC South Durham were also raised by a former student.

Ms McGuinness praised the technical college and said: “We are doing a rail plan now, which will be all about how we see the future of it.

“Expansion is what we want to see, but we have to be realistic – these things take time.”

Kim McGuinness (Image: Chris BOOTH)

One big issue of contention raised at the meeting was surrounding the Toft Hill Bypass.

The mayor said that despite reports, funding for the bypass has not been cut. However, the cost of the scheme, which remains in place until 2032, has trebled.

One resident urged Ms McGuinness to work with Durham County Council, and said: “Forty years ago, Toft Hill and West Auckland were promised a bypass.

“2032 is a long way away. In 2021, we were promised a bypass within three years. We are in 2026 and we are being told we’re not getting one.”

In response, the North East Mayor said: “We’ve had successive governments fail us on a whole range of infrastructure. It is not good enough.

“We will keep pushing because you were promised a bypass and it hasn’t been delivered. We need to have that conversation and keep pushing it.”

Kim McGuinness held a Mayor Meets event, chaired by Felicity Machnicki of Bishop Line (Image: Chris BOOTH)

Following the meeting, Ms McGuinness said the Mayor Meets events she holds are one of the most important things she does as mayor.

She said: “We have had well over 100 people here tonight in Bishop Auckland to talk about transport, and it is because it is one of the things that is most important to them.

“It is really critical and also really enjoyable to have that direct dialogue with the people who live here.”

And the North East Mayor said all concerns and questions raised at the meeting will be put to the relevant authorities.

She said: “Concerns raised tonight will be taken directly to the bus companies, to Durham County Council, as well as being taken away by us to look at whether they are possible.

“Taking those ideas away and actually acting on them and seeing whether there is something that we can do, is one of the biggest takeaways from a night like tonight.”

After turning 65 on Wednesday she unveiled the Susan Boyle merchandise which is being sold through her official website.

Susan Boyle has launched her first-ever range of merchandise to mark her 65th birthday.

The singer is flogging T-shirts, hoodies, hats and tote bags bearing her name and is “so happy” with the collection which went on sale for the first time this week.

SuBo shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent at the age of 47 in 2009 with her incredible performance of I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables.

She went on to sell 20 million records and sang for Pope Francis at the Vatican’s Christmas concert in 2019.

However, in April 2022 she suffered a major stroke which left her unable to speak and sing properly.

After intensive vocal coaching lessons, which helped restore her speech and singing voice, she is now planning to release new music and go on tour again.

After turning 65 on Wednesday, she unveiled the merchandise which is being sold through her official website.

It includes a pink hoodie at £50, T-shirts at £30 and a £40 jumper with her initials on it.

Other items in the range included a tartan tote bag and Susan Boyle branded mugs, baseball caps and beanie hats.

Susan, of Blackburn, West Lothian, said: “As I celebrate my 65th birthday, I’m so happy to finally share my very first official merchandise range with you.

“I’ve loved putting this together and I hope you’ll find something you like.

“It’s available to order now for UK delivery, and EU shipping will be opening in the next few days, with the US following in the next few weeks, and the rest of the world shortly after. There are also more exciting items on the way, so do keep an eye on the shop over the coming days.

“Thank you for all the love you’ve shown me today and over the years.

“It truly means everything to me and this felt like a lovely way to celebrate together.”

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Simon Cowell has picked Susan’s first appearance on Britain’s Got Talent as his favourite audition of all time and said she was responsible for the show’s global success.

Earlier this year, Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet revealed he is a fan and described the singer as one of the greatest-living Britons.

The Marty Supreme actor said he was mesmerised as a schoolboy when he watched her audition on YouTube.

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Residents planning on using the Hazel Court Household Waste and Recycling Centre can book a 10-minute slot to use it online.

Those wanting to book by phone will need to call City of York Council on Thursday, April 2 before their offices close for Easter.

A council spokesperson said people were urged to book as early as possible to avoid missing out.

It follows the introduction of pre-booked slots at the site, off James Street, on Monday, March 2 after the booking system went live on Monday, February 23.

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The system was launched in an effort to cut traffic queues for the tip and to reduce congestion in the area around it which was harming nearby businesses.

An email sent to residents ahead of the busy Easter weekend said bookings helped to cut queues and make visits to the tip quicker.

The tip is open as usual during the bank holiday, from 8.30am to 6pm on Friday, Saturday and Monday and until 4pm on Sunday.

Last entries are 15 minutes before the tip closes.

Residents are allowed to book up to four 10-minute slots a week to use the tip, with traders able to book two 15-minute appointments a day.

The entrance to the Hazel Court household waste and recycling centre, in Hazel Court, off James Street, York. Picture: Google Street View

People who book need to bring their email or phone confirmation with them on the today.

Those using the walk-in part of the tip do not need to book.

The Towthorpe Household Waste and Recycling Centre remains available to use without having to book beforehand.

Bookings for Hazel Court can be made on the council’s website here or by calling 01904 551 551.

A spokesperson for Yorwaste, which runs the site on behalf of the council, said Towthorpe had not been any busier than usual since the new system was launched.

They added that they had not experienced any unusual increases in traffic since the Click Before You Tip system launched at Hazel Court.