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Woodland walks cut anxiety, study finds

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Woodland walks cut anxiety, study finds

Research shows self-led woodland trails can cut anxiety and strengthen people’s connection

Participants who followed self-led woodland wellbeing trails reported a 38% drop in rumination, a 31% reduction in anxiety and a 20% rise in feelings of social connection, according to research examining Forestry England’s nature-based mental health programme.

The trails, designed to encourage people to slow down and engage more deeply with the natural world, are now installed at 18 Forestry England sites across the country. They feature simple prompts inviting walkers to pause, notice their surroundings and reflect on their relationship with nature.

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The idea grew from a small moment during the Covid pandemic. As the UK emerged from lockdowns, Ellen Devine, wellbeing programme manager at Forestry England, came across a handwritten chalkboard sign at Westonbirt Arboretum carrying a message for people walking among the trees.

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“It said something along the lines of, ‘we can’t be together at the moment because of the Covid restrictions, but know that you’re not alone, and you’re always welcome here amongst the trees’,” Devine recalls.

“I was having quite a difficult time, and it made me feel that little bit better.” The moment inspired a series of self-led well-being trails launched in 2023. Designed to prompt people to slow down and reflect, the routes feature themed panels offering woodland facts, quotations and simple mindfulness activities.

To shape them, Devine worked with the University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group, alongside charities including Mind and Samaritans.

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Forest trails that allow people to slow down and connect with nature have been proven to improve mental and physical wellbeing

“It shows that quality engagement with nature matters more than just quantity,” says Devine. “It’s not just about getting people into forests, it’s about supporting them to build that emotional connection, which in turn benefits their own health and wellbeing.”

The evaluation, led by Dr Carly Butler, found that even a single visit to a wellbeing trail produced measurable effects. Participants reported reduced rumination and anxiety after completing the walks, alongside a stronger sense of social connection.“

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In a world where people increasingly struggle with loneliness or social isolation, the fact that this intervention could connect people not only with nature but also with other people is really exciting,” Devine says.

Quality engagement with nature matters more than just quantity

“I think that’s one of the brilliant things about nature,” she adds. “You can find it anywhere. If we can think about ways for people to connect with nature as they go about their daily lives, then yes, that’s absolutely something we should be doing.”

Interest in nature-based wellbeing is growing more widely. More than 100 doctors and NHS practitioners in the West Midlands are now prescribing nature walks as part of social prescribing schemes designed to support people experiencing stress, loneliness or mild mental health challenges.

Main image: Forestry England/Crown copyright

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Amazon ending support for old Kindle devices in coming weeks

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Amazon ending support for old Kindle devices in coming weeks

The change means certain models of the company’s Kindles will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content from the store.

The affected devices were introduced between the years of 2007 and 2012, with the move coming due to technology advancing since then.

Amazon has said it is offering affected customers money off select new Kindle devices as well as store credit after purchasing a newer model.

Amazon ending support for old Kindle devices in coming weeks

There are 13 affected Kindle devices in total that support is ending for, all of which were introduced between 2007 and 2012, and have been supported since.

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Affected customers received an email from Amazon if they are affected, with a promotional code to switch to newer models and next steps.

The full list of models affected is:

  • Kindle 1st Generation (2007)
  • Kindle 2nd Generation (2009)
  • Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009 and 2010)
  • Kindle Keyboard (2010)
  • Kindle 4 (2011)
  • Kindle Touch (2011)
  • Kindle 5 (2012)
  • Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation (2012)
  • Kindle Fire 1st Gen (2011)
  • Kindle Fire 2nd Gen (2012)
  • Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012)
  • Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)

Young woman drinking coffee and using an ebook reader in the sofaKindles remain popular with customers who enjoy reading e-books (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

For Kindle Fire tablets, only Kindle purchasing and downloading is affected, with other Amazon services on Fire tablets remaining fully functional.

Customers’ accounts and Kindle Library remain fully accessible, and they can continue reading previously downloaded books on these devices and can access their entire Kindle library on Kindle for Web, the free Kindle app for Android, iOS, Mac, and PC, or on newer devices.

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An Amazon spokesperson told Newsquest: “Starting May, 20, 2026, customers using Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 and earlier will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content via the Kindle Store.

“These models have been supported for at least 14 years—some as long as 18 years—but technology has come a long way in that time, and these devices will no longer be supported moving forward.

“We are notifying those still actively using them and offering promotions to help with the transition to newer devices.

“Their accounts and Kindle Library also remain fully accessible through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web.”

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What to do if you have an old Kindle as support for devices ends

Customers can use Amazon’s recycling program if they no longer want to hold onto an affected device.

Amazon recommends that to dispose of electrical or electronic equipment, you donate the unwanted item to a charitable organisation, if it still works, or recycle it.

More information can be found online on how to do this.

Amazon is also offering a promotional code for 20% off select new Kindle devices as well as a £15 eBook credit that will be automatically added to your account after purchasing a new device.

This is valid through to June 20, 2026 (terms and conditions apply).

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Amazon said its newer Kindle devices bring improvements in screen quality, performance and accessibility, and customers will have access to their complete Kindle library and the Kindle Store.

You can also continue to read all your books on our free Kindle apps (Android, iOS, Mac, and PC) and Kindle for Web.

For any questions or assistance, visit the help page.

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Amazon discontinues Fire TV Blaster

The news comes just months after Amazon decided to discontinue its Fire TV Blaster.

Launched just over six years ago, it was designed to give hands-free voice control over Fire TV-compatible streaming devices, such as Fire Sticks and Echo smart speakers.


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It was to aid customers who may have older TVs and soundbars by allowing them to control them with their voice.

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However, due to newer HDMI-CEC technology and the further evolution of Amazon’s Fire TV product lineup, the need for the product has dwindled.

Do you still use any of the old Kindle models that are affected by the change? Let us know in the comments.

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Boy George and Patrick Kielty clash in anti-Semitism row after Irish host links Golders Green to Gaza

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Boy George and Patrick Kielty clash in anti-Semitism row after Irish host links Golders Green to Gaza

Among those, awareness group Holocaust Awareness Ireland, said on social media that the host showed “a singular lack of empathy when speaking about Jews” and asked if he had been “corrupted” by what it described as “the RTE hive mind where the narrative around the issue of Israel and Jews is disturbingly unbalanced.”

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Pharmacy worker sacked after being caught stealing opioids from Boots

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Daily Record

Kirsteen Maclean was spotted putting stolen drugs in a plastic bag while colleagues were locking up the Elgin store.

A pharmacy worker has been sacked after she was caught stealing opioids valued at less than £6.

Kirsteen Maclean was nabbed after a colleague saw her putting the drugs into a plastic bag as workers at Boots’ Elgin branch were locking up for the night.

The 33-year-old was witnessed scrunching up a carrier bag in her hand as the store was closing.

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The thief then claimed she needed to nip back inside to get ‘documents and notebooks’.

However, CCTV captured her stealing a box of dihydrocodeine from a drug dispensary and hiding them in the bag, reports the Press and Journal.

It later emerged the drugs were worth just £5.75.

Maclean, who was suspended after Boots bosses reviewed the footage, admitted the theft at Elgin Sheriff Court and blamed a “dependency” on prescription drugs.

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Defence solicitor Megan Lee told the court her client had “lost her career and reputation” and was “deeply ashamed” of her actions after spending years studying for a career in the field.

Sheriff Pasportnikov said Maclean had thrown years of work “out the window” for her drug addiction.

She is due to be sentenced next month.

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12 Photos That Capture Legendary Nights Out in Bolton in the 1990s

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12 Photos That Capture Legendary Nights Out in Bolton in the 1990s

It’s fair to say that nights out in Bolton were once legendary, with iconic clubs, bars and scenes that live long in the memory.

Nights out in Bolton (Image: NQ)

This week, we’re continuing that trip down memory lane with more archive photographs — this time shining a spotlight on The Ritz nightclub during the 1990s, alongside images capturing revellers braving winter nights out, whatever the weather.

Jason Donovan at Ritzy’s nightclub in 1989 (Image: NQ)

The Ritzy was part of a clubbing culture which has all but died in Greater Manchester’s towns and cities. With stricter licensing laws in play until the late 90s all pubs closed at 11pm with clubs such as Ritzy then becoming the ‘only show in town’ for those wanting to carry on the party or go dancing.

Nights out in Bolton (Image: NQ)

It was once well known to a generation of clubbers for its sticky carpets, round the block queues and massive dancefloor.

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Neighbours star Jason Donovan, who the month before, had topped the charts with his first number one single Too Many Broken Hearts performed live at Ritzy’s nightclub in 1989.

The event was a complete sell-out with hundreds of fans left disappointed they could not get their hands on a ticket.

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National treasure Sir David Attenborough to celebrate 100th birthday

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Cambridgeshire Live

Sir David Attenborough attended Clare College at the University of Cambridge

National treasure Sir David Attenborough is approaching his 100th birthday this week. The UK’s favourite wildlife narrator has had a lifetime of success in educating millions worldwide about the natural world.

Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to learn more about the world, bringing adventure and wonder, dinosaurs and polar bears, into the homes of millions of television viewers. The renowned naturalist, who will turn 100 years old on Friday, May 8, has brought ground-breaking programmes to the world such as Planet Earth and Blue Planet.

Sir David was born on May 8, 1926, and his interest in nature started as a child when he collected fossils. He went on to gain a Natural Sciences degree from Clare College in Cambridge, after attending Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys in Leicester.

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The legend even had a building in Cambridge named after him: the David Attenborough building. The building lies in the centre of the city and was opened in 2015. Although Sir David has travelled across the globe during his career, we in Cambridge still pride ourselves on his time in the city.

He served in the Royal Navy from 1947 to 1949 before joining the BBC but was initially discouraged from appearing on screen because his bosses reportedly thought his teeth were too big. Despite their dental misgivings, his reputation was cemented when his Zoo Quest series was launched in 1954.

Sir David has proven to be as brave and imaginative as he is warm and conscientious over the years. It is estimated that 500 million people worldwide watched his incredibly successful 13-part series, Life On Earth, which was regarded as the most ambitious series ever produced by the BBC Natural History Unit.

Five years later came the sequel, The Living Planet, in 1984 followed by the final part of this trilogy, The Trials Of Life. In 2001 he narrated The Blue Planet, followed by The Life of Mammals in 2002.

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Life in the Undergrowth came in 2005, followed by the ground-breaking Planet Earth in 2006. It was the most expensive nature documentary series ever commissioned by the BBC, and the first to be filmed in high definition.

In 2019, Sir David made his first major series for Netflix, Our Planet, which explored Earth’s habitats, biodiversity, and the impact of climate change on all living creatures. Sir David writes his own scripts and won a major literary prize for his book The Life Of Birds before the series even screened.

Even as he approaches his 100th birthday, he is a regular fixture on television. Sir David, a trustee of the British Museum, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and president of the Royal Society for Nature Conservation, was knighted in 1985.

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Fire rips through Edinburgh flat as police lock down residential street

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Daily Record

Emergency services were called to Whitson Road in Edinburgh on Monday morning.

A fire has ripped through a top-floor flat in Edinburgh.

The alarm was raised at a block of flats on Whitson Road in the Balgreen area of the capital after a fire broke out at around 10.45am on Monday, May 4.

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A major response saw three fire crews, police and teams from the Scottish Ambulance Service drafted in. Residents were evacuated and the residential street has been locked down.

Images taken at the scene show a top-floor window at the property charred black with soot. Fire hoses can be seen lying around the garden as fire fighters continue to tackle the blaze.

One person has been transferred into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service. Their injuries are unknown.

A fire response has since been scaled back after crews brought the flames under control.

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A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 10.46am on Monday, 4 May, to reports of a dwelling fire on Whitson Road, Edinburgh.

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“Operations Control mobilised three fire appliances and a number of specialist resources to extinguish a fire affecting a top floor flat.

“One casualty has been taken into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“Two appliances remain at the scene.”

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Emergency services are in attendance following a fire at a block of flats in the Whitson Road area of Edinburgh, which was reported around 10.45am on Monday, May 4.

“Whitson Road and the surrounding access roads are currently closed.

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“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area at this time.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service was contacted for comment.

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Man’s body found in alleyway near Tynemouth Post office

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Man's body found in alleyway near Tynemouth Post office

Emergency services were called to the alley next to the Post Office on Percy Park Road, in Tynemouth, North Tyneside at around 8am today (May 4).

The area was cordoned off as police, crime scene investigators and paramedics attended the scene.

Police have confirmed the man’s death is believed to be not suspicious and enquiries are underway to formally identify the person and notify their next of kin.

Pictures from the scene show a cordon erected, with police wearing blue gloves while carrying out enquires at the scene.

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Police at the scene of a body in the upmarket village of Tynemouth. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

Crime scene investigators were also spotted earlier this morning.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 8.05am today (May 4), we received a report of concern for a person on Percy Park Road in Tynemouth.

“Emergency services attended the scene where the body of a man was sadly located.

“A police presence is currently in the area and enquiries are underway to formally identify the person and notify their next of kin.

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“There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death, and a report will be prepared for the coroner in due course.”

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) added: “We were called to an incident on Percy Park Road, Tynemouth shortly before 8am on May 4. We dispatched a double crewed ambulance to the scene.”

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Inside Christine McGuinness’ love life after Paddy split and declaring she’s a ‘five-star lesbian’

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Inside Christine McGuinness' love life after Paddy split and declaring she's a 'five-star lesbian'
Christine McGuinness is a ‘five star lesbian’ after her split with Paddy McGuinness (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Christine McGuinness has had a transformative few years since her split from TV icon Paddy McGuinness, now describing herself as a ‘five-star lesbian’.

In 2022, the model and Paddy shocked the world when they confirmed they were separating after 11 years of marriage.

They co-parent twins Penelope and Leo, 13, and Felicity, 10, and still live at home despite a ‘toxic’ divorce.

However, Christine has revealed she’d love to find a ‘wife’ but any marriage would be more of ‘a blessing, a celebration of love’ than anything legal.

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She’s recently been linked to Nicola Adams, 43, after being spotted together at the DIVA Awards.

So, who is The Real Housewives of Cheshire star, 38, dating and how does she date while living with her ex-husband?

National Television Awards 2019 - Red Carpet Arrivals
The couple split in 2022 after 11 years of marriage (Picture: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

Who is Christine McGuinness dating?

Christine was most recently spotted with former Strictly Come Dancing star Nicola, with the pair inseparable at the LGBTQ+ event.

According to the Daily Mail, the pair ‘looked like they were a couple’ but neither have confirmed the romance so far.

Nicola split from her partner of seven years, Ella Baig, last year, and the pair share a son, Taylor Nate, who was born by IVF in July 2022.

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In an interview with The Sun, the boxer admitted that her girlfriend’s career as an OnlyFans model ‘had an impact on our relationship’.

WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND - JULY 4: Nicola Adams attends as a guest of Emirates, Official Airline Partner of The Championships,
Nicola Adams is rumoured to be dating Christine now (Picture: Hoda Davaine/Getty Images for Emirates)

She said as much as she respected what Ella did, she couldn’t deny the effect it had on them.

Nicola made history in 2012 by winning the first-ever Olympic Women’s Boxing Gold Medal, earning herself an OBE.

Since then, she’s appeared in several TV shows such as Gladiators, Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Gogglebox.

A close friend of Nicola’s also told the Daily Mail: ‘Nicola and Christine will make a good match as they’re both getting over long-term relationships and have children.’

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Who has Christine McGuinness dated before?

When Paddy and Christine first split, she was spotted with Chelcee Grimes,33, while on vacation together and seemingly dating.

The two women never confirmed rumours they were dating but things appeared to have fizzled out by summer 2024.

Chelcee debuted a new partner in July that year with the caption ‘private but not secret’, in a suspected dig at Christine.

According to The Mirror, the singer also replied to a fan about the split in a now-deleted comment, reading: ’No. I had enough of being a secret after nearly 2 years.’

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Christine didn’t comment on the post but has since said she lives a ‘double life’ when it comes to dating.

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After the split, Chelcee Grimes said she didn’t want to be a secret for two years (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

She told the It Started With A Kiss podcast: ‘My family, my kids, my home is up there and then I come to London… I can work, have fun… and I don’t need to worry about everything.

‘Eventually it gets to the point where… my woman’s going, “When am I going to meet the kids?”’ she said, adding that she’s always upfront about her boundaries.

In 2024, the MailOnline reported that Christine had gone on a getaway with rapper Roxxxan, 33, but it was unknown if they were romantically linked.

Christine has not gone official with any of her rumoured partners, likely as part of her efforts to keep her dating life far from her home life.

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She did share on the It Started With A Kiss podcast: ‘I’ve never gone too serious with anybody in the industry, it’s always been more of a fun fling type thing.

‘I’ve spent time with a lot of women in sport. I’ve spent time with women in music. I’ve spent time with actresses.’

What happened between Christine and Paddy McGuinness?

In 2022, Christine and Paddy announced they had ended their 11-year marriage after enduring a ‘very difficult time’.

The pair had initially met in 2007 after a mutual friend introduced them, and they instantly hit it off.

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Christine McGuinness, Paddy McGuinness, 2019
The exes still live together with their three children (Picture: Instagram)

Paddy proposed to Christine three years later on Christmas Eve, tying the knot in 2011 at Thornton Manor in Cheshire with Rick Astley performing.

In 2018, pictures then emerged of Paddy arm in arm with Nicole Appleton while on a night out.

Christine recalled how the pictures made her feel in her book, saying she’ran to the toilet to vomit.’

‘Still to this day I can remember that absolutely awful pit-of-your-stomach feeling,’ she added.

Three years later, the couple revealed all three of their children were diagnosed with Autism and shared a documentary, Our Family and Autism.

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Christine was also then diagnosed, releasing another documentary – Unmasking My Autism – in 2023.

Pride Of Britain Awards 2021 - Red Carpet Arrivals
Christine has said Paddy supports her relationships but they don’t bring anything home (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

She’s been clear that her sexuality was not linked to the split, with Paddy knowing about her dating women too from when they first met and ‘was fine with it.’

‘We spoke about this after we separated – what are we comfortable with, how much did we want to share – because neither of us wants to wake up and find the other on the front page of a newspaper,’ she told the Daily Mail.

‘But it’s been three years now, I don’t need to know what he’s doing and he doesn’t need to know about me. It just stays outside the home.’

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Breakfast for Paddy McGuinness at Regent Park Golf Club and Centre

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Breakfast for Paddy McGuinness at Regent Park Golf Club and Centre

Paddy McGuinness was back in his hometown and enjoyed a health breakfast at Regent Park Golf Club and Centre, which has undergone a huge investment.

And according to staff, Paddy, who is a keen golfer, said he will be back.

The Radio 2 presenter visited the club with some pals, all of whom, apart from Paddy, ordered a delicious large full English.

Saying ‘he is the boring one’ – he ordered the club’s Greek yoghurt pot, topped with all the good stuff, followed by smashed avocado on sourdough toast with poached eggs and cup of herbal tea.

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And staff said that the clubhouse was nice and he ‘must come for lunch’ and the affable local lad posed for photos .

Paddy visited early last month.

No 19 serves up homecooked cuisine and an extensive array of drinks.

Paddy McGuinness at Regent Park Golf Club and Cnetre

Dishes include breakfast staples, light bites and pizzas, through to hearty mains, Sunday lunches, sweet treats and a selection of specials.

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Posting the picture of him on social media, the club posted: “We recently had the pleasure of welcoming one of Bolton’s finest to one of Bolton’s finest.

“Always great to see local legends stopping by – the kettle was on and the welcome was warm as ever

“Hope to see you again soon, Paddy!”

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Last year the officially opened the latest part of its multi-million pound development plan – a sumptuous event venue called The Lodge.

This latest addition to Regent Park Golf Club in Lostock meant a £600,000 investment and is already proving a popular draw, catering for a variety of celebrations.

In 2023 the club marked the opening of a new restaurant there two years ago.

Paddy’s often posts about playing the sport on his Instagram page.

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Snooker legend Steve Davis coming to Kirk Theatre, Pickering

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Snooker legend Steve Davis coming to Kirk Theatre, Pickering

Steve Davis is coming to the Kirk Theatre in Pickering for an evening of stories, insights, and entertainment.

A six-time World Champion and one of the most iconic figures in the history of the sport, Steve Davis dominated snooker during its golden era and remains a hugely respected and popular personality today.

A spokesperson for the Kirk Theatre said: “In this engaging live event, he’ll share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from his career, reflect on the highs and challenges of life at the top, and offer his unique perspective on how the game has evolved over the years.

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“Known for his humour and relaxed, down-to-earth style, Steve brings warmth and wit to the stage, making this much more than a sporting talk — it’s an evening of great storytelling and entertainment. There will even be opportunities for audience questions, making the experience even more personal and memorable.

“Whether you’re a lifelong snooker fan or simply enjoy an evening of conversation with a true sporting great, this is a rare chance to see one of the game’s legends up close in the intimate setting of the Kirk Theatre.

“An evening of stories, laughter, and unforgettable moments with a true icon of British sport.”

An Evening with Steve Davis is at the Kirk Theatre in Pickering on Friday, November 27.

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For more information and tickets go to https://kirktheatre.littleboxoffice.com/events/162723

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