North in Seaburn, Sunderland, opened in December 2022 in a converted storage shelter at the far end of the promenade, and has since earned national recognition for its food.

The restaurant is now looking for a new owner, though the team has assured customers it will remain open until a suitable new owner has been chosen to takeover.

The restaurant is known for its small plates, brunches and seafood. (Image: North, Seaburn)

The team behind North, also responsible for Mexico 70, Koji, Ship Isis and The Kings Arms in Deptford, said: “We have decided to look for a new owner for North restaurant.

“Most importantly, in the meantime, we are not closing and are in no rush to.

“It’s business as usual and we will remain open until a suitable new owner has been chosen to takeover.”

This Sunday (March 1) will see the return of Sunday lunch with the arrival of a new oven. (Image: North, Seaburn)

North is one of just two restaurants in Sunderland included in the Good Food Guide, alongside Ember in Sheepfolds Stables, and has also been named among the guide’s top 100 local restaurants.

The restaurant is known for its small plates, brunches and seafood, all served with a view.

The team said: “We’ve had a fantastic three years in Seaburn and are so, so proud of the team’s achievements.

“Firstly, being listed in The Good Food Guide but then secondly discovering a month later that we’d also been chosen as the only Sunderland restaurant to have ever made The Good Food Guide’s Top 100 local restaurants was a real honour.”

They added that this Sunday (March 1) will see the return of Sunday lunch with the arrival of a new oven, and that brunch and evening menus will continue as usual.

The team also reassured customers with outstanding gift vouchers that they remain valid, and offered refunds should the restaurant change hands before vouchers are redeemed.

They said: “If you’ve enjoyed dining with us over the past three years it’d be great to see you again before we go, if you’ve not dined with us before, now is your chance.”

Many travellers who are British citizens and nationals of another country have been thrown into confusion and anxiety over complex new rules for travel to the UK.

Passengers can no longer use their foreign passport with an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for visits to the UK.

The Home Office says British people who are citizens of a second country must travel to the UK using either a valid British or Irish passport, or a valid passport from any other country that has a “certificate of entitlement” – a digital verification that the holder has the right of abode in the UK.

But many people who are British citizens by birth or descent are concerned that imminent trips may be impossible. Obtaining either official document will take weeks. A passport will cost £94.50 and the certificate of entitlement £589.

At the 11th hour, the Home Office said that airlines could accept, at their discretion, an expired British passport issued at any time since 1989 along with a valid foreign passport.

Crucially, the biographic details – full name, date and place of birth – must match exactly. This will prove a problem for someone whose name has changed since the now-expired UK passport was issued.

Having the expired British-plus-valid foreign passport combination does not guarantee the holder will be allowed to travel

The Home Office stresses: “It is an operational decision whether carriers accept alternative proof, and if so, what alternative proof they will accept.”

In other words, airlines have the discretion to decide whether or not to allow the two-passport combination.

The Independent has been seeking urgent confirmation from leading carriers as to whether they will accept the combo if it meets the requirements: an expired document issued no earlier than 1989, and matching the biographical data on the valid passport.

These airlines have confirmed that they will allow travel:

Qantas is reported in the Australian media to be accepting expired UK passports. Air New Zealand is reportedly not accepting the current/expired passport combo. But since the carrier no longer flies to the UK, partner airlines may accommodate travellers.

Singapore Airlines has responded, enigmatically, by indicating the decision rests with the British authorities. A spokesperson said: “The UK Home Office may accept proof of citizenship if customers have an expired British passport issued 1989 or later and a valid non-visa-national third-country passport, with their personal particulars matching (eg full name, date of birth).”

Passengers flying with other carriers can check directly with the airline. In turn, ground staff can contact the Home Office Carrier Support Hub (CSH).

A Wizz Air spokesperson said: “As directed by the Home Office, we will consider each passenger on a case-by-case basis and if needed would contact Carrier Support Hub to establish the passengers’ circumstances and which combination of documents they are presenting.”

The Independent is waiting to hear from other airlines, but the evidence so far is that a large majority will accept the expired passport.

The government says the new rules constitute “a more streamlined, digital immigration system” that it claims “will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year”.

Read more: Aer Lingus demands passports from passengers between Ireland and Great Britain

The report doesn’t break down the loss into its component parts, but there are clues.

Uefa’s figures show Chelsea’s overall revenue was significantly lower than some of their Premier League rivals.

The Blues brought in £511m, compared to £746m for Manchester City and £744m for Liverpool.

That difference comes from a few key areas.

Chelsea’s income from ticket sales was the ninth-highest in Europe but still £28m less than Liverpool, one place ahead of them.

The average amount Chelsea made per matchday was £1.2m less than Liverpool, who again were one spot ahead.

Chelsea’s matchday revenue is restricted by the capacity of Stamford Bridge, which at 41,798 is only the 11th-biggest ground in the Premier League, 34,000 smaller than Manchester United’s Old Trafford.

The Blues also made far less in commercial revenue than some of their rivals.

They were ranked 11th for commercial revenue in Europe last year, making £207m – £5m down on the previous year.

That puts their commercial revenue £66m lower than Tottenham – the next-highest English club – and £165m lower than Manchester City, who brought in more than anyone else in the Premier League.

Chelsea also made far less from merchandising and kit sales than the five other wealthiest Premier League clubs.

They generated £83m from that revenue stream – no improvement on the previous year. That is £46m less than Spurs and £82m less than top-ranked Manchester United.

The only area in which Chelsea performed impressively in comparison to their rivals was broadcast revenue, with participation and victory in the Fifa Club World Cup boosting income to £192m, putting them second-highest on the list in Europe, behind Manchester City.

There are other actors, such as Lewis Pullman as Lee’s ever-faithful brother William, but this is Seyfried’s show. With her huge doe eyes, she’s perfect for Lee’s enraptured, possessed fervour. With her body swirling and contorting, it’s a ferociously physical performance.

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A suspect in his 40s has been identified but not arrested

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A fellow prisoner has been identified as a suspect in the attack on Soham murderer Ian Huntley on Thursday morning. The man in his mid-40s has not been arrested and remains in detention within HMP Frankland, County Durham, police said in an update.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said that Huntley remains in a serious condition after he was attacked with a metal bar. They said: “The 52-year-old prisoner who was injured during this morning’s assault in the workshop at HMP Frankland remains in a serious condition in hospital following treatment for head injuries.

“Police forensic teams have examined the scene of the attack throughout the day to gather evidence.

“A suspect, a male prisoner in his mid-40s, has been identified by officers investigating the incident. He has not been arrested at this stage but remains in detention within the prison.”

Former caretaker Huntley murdered 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman after they left a family barbecue to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire, on August 4 2002, then discarded their bodies in a ditch. He is serving a life sentence, with a recommendation that he must serve at least 40 years, for the murders.

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Durham Constabulary confirmed that a prisoner, believed to be Huntley, was attacked on Thursday morning at HMP Frankland in County Durham before being urgently transported to hospital. A representative for the force stated: “Police were alerted to an assault which had taken place within HMP Frankland in Durham this morning.

“A male prisoner suffered serious injuries during the incident and was transported to hospital. A police investigation is now under way into the circumstances of the incident and detectives are liaising with staff at the prison.”

The Sun, which initially reported the attack, claimed he was knocked unconscious with a metal pole and quoted a source saying his condition was “touch and go”.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: “A prisoner is receiving treatment after an incident at HMP Frankland on Thursday morning. It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst police investigate.”

This isn’t the first time Huntley, 52, has been assaulted at Frankland prison. In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes attacked him with a makeshift weapon, inflicting a “severe gaping cut to the left side of his neck”.

The injury was 7in (18cm) long and required 21 stitches. Fowkes asked a prison officer: “Is he dead? I hope so.”

He referred to Huntley as a “notorious child killer, both inside prison and in society in general”.

Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi is accused of launching “terrorist” attacks on prison officers at the same maximum security jail using hot cooking oil and improvised weapons. He denies three counts of attempted murder after four prison officers were injured on April 12.

Hosted by Horwich-born Vernon Kay, the programme saw celebrities Anneka Rice, Shane Todd and Remi Burgz put to the test as they separated fact from fiction about Bolton.

Guiding them was “unconventional tour guide” Paul, who led the stars through a series of quirky challenges and Bolton landmarks.

The show kicked off with a dramatic drumroll as Vernon revealed the first task for the celebs, pinning on a map where they thought Bolton was located.

All made valiant guesses, though Shane ended up furthest from what Vernon called “God’s country,” pinning Cumbria some 68 miles away.

Cutting to video clips of Paul in Bolton, he first visited St Gregory’s Phoenix Club, of comedy-gold TV show Phoenix Nights.

Paddy McGuinness and Peter Kay (Image: Agency)

After sharing information about the famous show, Paul asked the celebs whether Paddy McGuinness and Peter Kay met as welders back in the day.

Anneka correctly guessed that they didn’t and Vernon confirmed the duo had actually met at school in Bolton.

In the town centre, Paul stood outside some of the first phone boxes in the UK, noting that Vernon Kay once cleaned them for a living.

Bolton Town Hall (Image: Anthony Moss)

Inside the Octagon Theatre, he highlighted notable performers such as Sir Ian McKellen, and claimed director and producer Danny Boyle had included five nods to Bolton in the London Olympics opening ceremony.

However, this was a colourful story that turned out to be untrue.

Credit BBC/Stellify Media NI Ltd (Image: PHOTOGRAPHER:Screengrab)

Bolton’s local phrases were put under the spotlight at Bolton FM, with Paul quizzing the celebs on expressions like “put wood in th’ole” – which Anneka correctly guessed means “shut the door” and not “stop talking”.

A trip to Warburtons factory followed, where Paul shared the curious fact that bread crumbs were once used to remove pencil markings.

The whistle-stop tour then headed to Bolton Wanderers Football Club, with Vernon reminiscing about his uncles attending matches.

Paul explained that the club’s name came from their early habit of moving grounds around the town.

(Image: BBC)

Personal touches on the show included a reunion with on-screen guest Joanne, who Vernon had “written love letters to at school”.

His former English teacher and childhood friend Christopher also said hello, quizzing the celebrities on phrases like “mithering me” and “proper kempt.”

Other highlights included the town hall, home to perigean falcons, the Amir Khan Academy, where Paul playfully referenced boxing anecdotes.

Amir Khan

The origins of Reebok were discussed, founded by Bolton-born Joseph William Foster.

However Paul’s claims, like the shoes being inspired by chickens, were purely for entertainment.

The episode concluded with a fast-paced speed round of Bolton-themed questions, with Anneka leading the way.

The show continues for the rest of the week, giving viewers more chances to explore the quirks of other places across the country.

Watch the episode on iPlayer.

The show is back on tonight on BBC 2 at 6.30pm

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Veteran promoter Frank Warren has confirmed he is considering legal action against Saudi Arabian-owned Sela and American company TKO.

Warren has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Turki Alalshikh and Sela in recent years, but the arrival of the Dana White-fronted Zuffa Boxing, jointly owned by Sela and TKO, has caused tension behind the scenes.

Sela is a Saudi state-owned entertainment company and TKO Group Holdings is a media giant that owns the UFC and WWE.

Warren alleges Sela and TKO went behind his back to form Zuffa Boxing, which he claims breaches the contracts he had already signed with the two entities.

Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, according to the Telegraph,, external allege as much as $1bn (£739m) could have been lost in potential earnings.

In a statement, Sela said they were “disappointed” by the claims and “reject them in their entirety”.

This week it was revealed that Warren and Queensberry had sent “letters before action” to Sela and TKO raising the issues.

“It’s just a difference of opinion over the contracts that we signed, so that will just take its course,” Warren told BBC Sport.

“I can’t make any comment on it. It is what it is and it will take its course.”

The potential legal action comes after it emerged that Warren has had limited involvement in Tyson Fury’s comeback fight in April on Netflix.

The fight was primarily organised by Sela and Netflix, and TKO chief Mark Shapiro claims Zuffa Boxing will be tasked with the promotional duties around the fight instead of Queensberry .

Fury is signed to Queensberry and has been since he resumed his boxing career in 2018.

The council’s spending and saving plans have been confirmed for the next year – with investment on roads, playparks and a freeze on pitch fees among the highlights.

The budget plans for Stirling Council over the next year have been approved after a meeting by councillors.

The latest budget for 2026/27 was the first put together by the new SNP-led administration at Viewforth, with the aim of bridging the estimated funding gap of £10.7million in the authority’s finances.

Among the moves given the green light were a council tax increase of 8.75 per cent.

Other eye-catching proposals in the budget include an extra £3million of funding on the council’s roads programme over the next two years, with cash also set for areas including playparks, cemeteries and investment in public toilets at Drymen and Dunblane.

The administration has also promised extra funding for Stirling Citizens’ Advice Bureau, new council bus services as well as making fees for rats and mice infestations and a freeze on charges to areas including community halls and sports pitches.

Major projects in a wide range of service areas will benefit from substantial investment in the capital programme, such as the completion of the new schools in Callander and Corbiewood, and the first phase of the new school build at Durieshill, as well as the flood alleviation scheme in Bridge of Allan.

Borrowing will also fund the construction of new padel courts at the Peak sports facility (£1.3million) and to support the transformation of children’s residential care (£1million).

But other cuts identified as part of the budget were criticised by opponents at the meeting, including a change in the way school meals are delivered in Stirling’s primaries.

The move raised concerns among several members, including Stirling West Labour councillor Jen Preston, but Stirling East SNP councillor said it was made as a result of “hard decisions” during the budget-setting process.

Another area of criticism came from the authority’s Conservative group, who submitted an amendment calling for a smaller increase of 2.4 per cent from 2025/26 – but this was rejected by members at Thursday’s crunch meeting.

Other savings included a tariff increase to on and off-street parking, ceasing to staff Bannockburn Enterprise Hub, maintaining changes to the library services in Drymen, a street lighting dimming project and an £8 increase in the Garden Waste Permit to £60.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Susan McGill said: “This budget will deliver significant new investments in the services that matter most to our communities, drive growth and help restore civic pride across Stirling.

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“While setting a budget in the current financial climate for local government is hugely challenging, I am proud we have managed to address a significant shortfall whilst committing to additional spending in priority areas for residents such as roads, footpaths and the maintenance of our cherished public spaces.

“We have had to take some difficult decisions to do this, including increasing council tax, but these have been necessary to ensure we can deliver better outcomes for everyone across Stirling and invest in the area’s future.”

The revenue budget also sets out the proposed allocation to be transferred to the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership (£62.78million).

During the next five years (2026/27-2030/31), the council is expected to have a cumulative budget gap of £50.76million due to the well-documented and long-running financial challenges impacting local government in Scotland.

Some of the proposals to bridge this year’s budget shortfall were informed by the council’s ongoing Big Conversation survey with residents that ran between January 6 and February 1.

Almost 2,700 people provided feedback on potential ways for the council to raise more income, make savings and deliver services differently.

Cllr McGill added: “The feedback from residents in the survey informed our final decisions in the budget, whether that was rejecting or accepting savings proposals or where we should target our resources. Thanks again to everyone who took part.

“It’s really important we maintain this ongoing dialogue with our residents, staff and partners so we can continue to meet the needs of our communities, navigate the challenges ahead and secure the council’s long-term financial sustainability.”