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You’re probably cleaning your oven wrong – and your glass door could shatter

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Wales Online

A common mistake could have bad results

Oven cleaning is arguably among the most neglected chores in kitchen maintenance. And after a busy day at work, it’s the last thing on our minds.

However, when we do tackle this awful chore, some of us are likely doing it incorrectly – and this could result in our oven door shattering unexpectedly.

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According to Which?, although bicarbonate of soda can be used for oven cleaning, it’s not about the product itself, but the method. It explains: “No matter what you use, you’ll need decent scrubbing brushes or sponges with scourers. An old toothbrush can help you get grease out of any nooks and crannies.

Don’t use scourers on a glass oven door, though. These can introduce tiny scratches on the surface of the glass, which could leave it vulnerable to shattering in the future.”

If you want to clean your oven with bicarbonate of soda safely, try the following steps.

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  1. For a natural cleaning option, use everyday bicarbonate of soda
  2. Make a paste by mixing equal parts of bicarbonate of soda and water
  3. Apply to greasy or burnt-on spots and leave for a few hours
  4. Scrub off to reveal a clean surface

To make the job more manageable, the consumer champions say that you should “clean little and often”. It advises: “Wipe down your oven at least once a month. If you’ve cooked something that you know has splattered everywhere (such as a roast or a bubbling casserole), you should wipe your oven down once it has cooled.”

If you smell something burning while the oven preheats, it’s usually leftover food from a previous spill. After the oven cools, wipe it clean to prevent residue from sticking.

Additional methods to prevent extra kitchen chaos include using a cover or foil to avoid bubbling and splashing. You should also place dishes on a baking sheet rather than directly on the oven shelf to catch any drips.

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Allow Ordnance Survey to take the lead when walking your best friend

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Allow Ordnance Survey to take the lead when walking your best friend

For dog owners, the greatest joy is a walk that both can enjoy in equal measure. Unfamiliar terrain can present problems along the way, but in three new guides to the Lake District, the Peak District and the Yorkshire Dales, 10 curated routes are detailed, offering walks for all abilities.

These carefully curated well-researched guides are by experienced outdoors authors who know the terrain well, but in this case their dogs to take the lead.

Available in all good bookshops, outdoor retailers and at os.uk/dogwalks


THE LAKE DISTRICT

Exploring the scenic Lake District with Elmo, his Italian Spinone, has given David Jordan an even greater appreciation of this exceptionally beautiful national park.

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David says: “Elmo is a natural scenting dog, so he’s always got his nose to the ground exploring who, or what, else has been there. Consequently, his favourite walks are those with lots of variety.

“He’s a big fan of woodland, loves to snuffle through bracken and undergrowth.

“He’ll head for water if there is any and will paddle in the shallows happily for as long as we let him.”

With 10 routes to explore between two and four miles, there are dog-friendly pubs and cafés marked along the way and for the four-legged one, advice on keeping them safe and happy with safe water entry points, accessible drinking water, and rest stops. There is a clear information panel to show where a lead is required and where they can freely explore off-lead.

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David embraced the opportunity to work on a guide that provided that clear information that every dog walker needs to truly enjoy a relaxing walk.

But even for David, who knows the Lake District well, Elmo’s keen nose took him to explore new areas.

Along lakeshore, woodland and riverside trails, the guide has clear turn-by-turn routes and indicators of every amenity required – from public toilets for the two-legged to transport routes and the stories behind each walk.

David says that creating the guide had the official “paws up” from Elmo.

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THE YORKSHIRE DALES

The rolling hills and tranquil becks of the Yorkshire Dales offer the perfect escape for the most satisfying dog walks.

Sally Outram has curated 10 walks that make the most of every aspect of the Dales, ably assisted by her lovely Patterjack, called Ted.

“Each route had to feel welcoming, manageable, and enjoyable for a

wide range of dogs and owners,” says Sally.

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“That meant looking beyond the scenery and really considering the practicalities: safe access, clear paths, water availability, escape‑proof sections, and how easy it would be for owners to navigate the route confidently.”

Having a terrier cross to satisfy meant knowing where he could and couldn’t be off lead but owners can find clear advice in each guide on that.

It is a walk for you both, so places where owners can find dog-friendly watering holes along the way are also marked.

Each of the 10 walks has a story in itself and shows what the two-legged one can find to interest and stimulate them along the way. A sense of the history of the area as well as its natural beauty.

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Ted particularly enjoyed the Kettlewell route. “It stands out because it offered everything Ted loves: a mix of woodland, open views, and a peaceful riverside stretch where he could paddle and cool off. It had that perfect blend of variety and interest, the kind of walk where you both enjoy being out in the landscape together,” says Sally.

“For me, it was also a route that captured the area’s spirit beautifully, with a real sense of Yorkshire heritage and natural character.”

THE PEAK DISTRICT

Derbyshire’s jewel, the Peak District has so much to explore for dog and walker and in this guide there are 10 thoughtfully chosen routes to make the most of this stunning national park.

Stephanie Cooke has authored this guide with the help of Jim, who is a black Labrador. “Jim and I enjoy regular walks together.

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“We are always seeking out new adventures, so this guide felt like a great opportunity, not only to share some of our favourite spots, but also to discover more.”

Planning walks between two and four and a half miles, as offered in the guide take some planning, but everything required is already in the guide.

From the basics of parking and transport to the practicalities of where to shelter in any weather and how to keep your four-legged friend and the wildlife they might encounter along the way, safe.

Follow the advice and inspiration in the guide and the stress of planning is unnecessary. All that’s required is enjoying time together in truly beautiful surroundings.

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Even for the most experienced dog walker, the choice of walks will allow a new perspective on the park and provide that extra information that brings even the most stunning scenery into greater focus.

Although Jim enjoyed all of the chosen walks, Stephanie says: “Jim loved the Nine Ladies walk the most.

“ There was plenty of off-lead time and opportunities to potter and sniff around the stones.

“It was a close call between this walk and Milldale, as there was swimming to be had in the River Dove and caves to explore. Plus a shop offering ice cream for dogs!”

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Dubois vs Harper: Date, fight time, undercard, prediction, ring walks and latest odds today

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Dubois vs Harper: Date, fight time, undercard, prediction, ring walks and latest odds

Dubois, the current WBC lightweight champion, will put her 13-fight undefeated record on the line.

The build-up to the event has been acrimonious, with both parties exchanging harsh words ahead of fight night. Dubois dubbed Harper “pathetic”, and was called a “bully” in return.

A Youth Olympics gold medallist in 2018, the only blight on Dubois’ record is a draw with Jessica Camara last January. She has not won by knockout in any of her last seven fights.

Harper, meanwhile, is four years Dubois’ senior and comes into this bout with a 16-2-2 record. This fight will be her first since May, when she bested Natalie Zimmermann by unanimous decision.

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This event is another product of Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and will be his first in the UK.

It will feature a double-headline, with Ellie Scotney and Mayelli Flores facing off in a bantamweight title fight ahead of the main event.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of fight night…

Dubois vs Harper fight date and venue

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Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper takes place today, Sunday April 5, 2026, at the Kensington Olympia in London, England.

Fight ready: Caroline Dubois

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Dubois vs Harper fight time and ring walks

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Sunday’s undercard begins at 7pm GMT (2pm ET and 11am PT), with the main event expected to get underway after ring walks at approximately 10pm (5pm ET and 2pm PT).

How to watch Dubois vs Harper

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.

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Dubois vs Harper undercard

Ellie Scotney vs. Mayelli Flores (IBF, WBC & WBO world super bantamweight titles)

Chantelle Cameron vs. Michaela Kotaskova (WBO world super welterweight title)

Irma Garcia vs. Emma Dolan (IBF world super flyweight title)

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Shannon Courtenay vs. Sasha Booker Gemma

Ellie Scotney is among the big names on Sunday’s star-studded undercard

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Paige Richardson vs. Johana Rajmont

Elizabeth Oshoba vs. Chelsey Arnell

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Harvey Smith vs. Juan Aberto Batista

Arjon Basi vs. Jake Price

Chloe Watson vs. Teresa Makinen

Dubois vs Harper prediction

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While Harper brings a wealth of experience into this fight, she has her work cut out for her if she is to put a stop to Dubois’ unbeaten streak.

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The best cordless drills for DIY jobs

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The best cordless drills for DIY jobs

All of the drills were tested at a workshop, where each one was handled and judged by a group of twelve construction students (both men and women, aged 20 to 60) to give a balanced assessment of their drilling and screwdriving performance. I also used the drills at home for tasks such as hanging wall shelves, uninstalling old screws and hanging cabinet doors. 

I rated each drill on its ease of use, considering if it is easy to charge, how it feels in the hand, and if you can use it comfortably for extended periods. I also assessed the tools’ versatility across modes including drilling, screwdriving and hammer-drilling (as applicable). For battery runtime, I timed it by using the same drill bit and keeping each drill’s trigger pressed down with a cable tie, and I judged their speed and effectiveness when screwdriving or drilling through wood, metal and plastic.

Finally, price, quality and any standout individual features were taken into consideration. The scores from each of the criteria were then averaged to give us an overall score for each drill.

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How to choose a cordless drill

As a buyer, you first need to work out what you want from your drill (this will depend on which material and task you have planned) and how much it will be used.

There is no single drill that suits every task or material, which is why seasoned DIYers and tradespeople typically own multiple drills. A combi drill is a three-in-one power tool which operates as a drill-driver, impact driver and hammer drill. A drill-driver bores holes, while a screwdriver drives screws, bolts and fastenings into materials. A hammer drill is suitable for tough materials like concrete, brick and stone and works by combining rotational drilling with a rapid, pulsating action. If you’re looking to attack seriously heavy-duty masonry like brick walls, you’d be better off with an SDS drill designed for impact force and high performance.

Even within these types, there is great variety. Some models drill with superior speed or power, while others are delicate, working with high-precision. There are also meaningful differences in weight, battery power and hand feel – especially for a woman, as some drills are clearly made for a male hand. With my selections below, I’ve aimed to test a good spread of options that will suit a wide range of materials, projects and people.

Finally, there are a few need-to-know phrases. Here is a quick cheat sheet:

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Kelvin Fletcher says ‘it isn’t good’ as he’s dealt disappointing farm news

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Manchester Evening News

The couple were joined by their three children for the scanning of the ewes

Kelvin and Liz Fletcher, alongside their three children, came together to discover whether their ewes were carrying lambs. During the latest instalment of Fletcher’s Family Farm, which broadcasts on Sunday, Kelvin acknowledged it was a first for them, as they typically don’t include their children in the scanning procedure.

However, matters took an unexpected turn during the scanning of the ewes after Kelvin and Liz learnt that four of their ewes were barren. The disappointing news arrives after Kelvin and Liz provided a sombre farm update.

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Prior to the procedure, the former soap star revealed his aspirations. He said to the camera, “It’s a bit different this time. So we’re all going to scan together, get the kids back from school, and we’re going to scan as a full family.

“So yeah, the kids, I’m sure, will be arguing over who’s doing what job. But if they’ve all got a specific role, I think they’ll be all right, because if they feel that someone else is doing something a little bit more exciting or a bit more important, they won’t like it,” reports the Mirror.

Kelvin went on, “Ideally, we’re looking for each ewe to hopefully have twins. That’s the sweet spot that every farmer is chasing, come scanning.”

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“We have not had the smoothest of tupping seasons,” he confessed before adding, “With Viper underperforming and us needing to bring in a sub to serve the Jacob flock.

“So again, just looking at the bums, the more reds Kelvin’s done a better job, the more blues Viper’s done a better job. And already we can see that Kelvin’s pulled through, delivered.”

When the couple’s children returned home from school, the eagerly anticipated moment arrived, and the family gathered in the barn alongside vet James to scan the ewes.

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Liz also expressed her enthusiasm, saying: “I know I say this about a lot of moments, but scanning is one of my favourites. It fills me with so much excitement. And we don’t normally do this with the kids around, because, you know, we don’t want to waste the scanners’ time.”

During the process, Kelvin observed: “It looks like Marnie’s on painting duties. So James is scanning, and he’ll have a feel, and then he’ll signal to Marnie what they’ve got, either barren, which hopefully we don’t have any, single, double or triple. They’ll be marked up accordingly.”

However, the scanning brought some “bad news” for the pair, as four ewes turned out to be barren. Liz remarked, “You always get the odd one that’s not in lamb. I’m just surprised that the Jacobs.”

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Kelvin reflected: “Viper has definitely had an off year, which isn’t good news.” Despite the minor disappointment, both Kelvin and Liz said they were satisfied with the overall outcome.

Fletcher’s Family Farm airs on Sunday at 11.30am on ITVX.

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Award-winning outdoor sauna seeks permanent home in popular Welsh resort

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Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has become a valued wellbeing facility that benefits both residents and visitors

Plans have been lodged with the national park to permanently site an acclaimed outdoor sauna in a Pembrokeshire seaside village. In June 2024, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee approved a temporary two-year permission for a mobile wood-fired sauna at Saundersfoot harbour.

Now, Kerry Evans of Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has submitted a fresh application to national park planners seeking to make the arrangement permanent.

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A supporting statement notes that since its arrival, the sauna has “become a popular and valued amenity for both residents and visitors, offering a space focussed on health, wellbeing and community connection”.

The statement continues: “The overall sentiment within the village has been strongly supportive, with many residents recognising the sauna as a valuable asset that enhances the amenities in Saundersfoot,” before adding: “Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has received positive attention in regional and national press helping to promote Saundersfoot as a destination for coastal wellbeing and outdoor experiences.

“Media coverage has highlighted the sauna as an example of the increasing popularity of sea swimming and sauna culture around the UK coastline.

“Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has been featured in two books on the best saunas in the UK.” Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter

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It adds: “The business has also been recognised through tourism and hospitality awards, further demonstrating the quality of the experience provided and the positive contribution it makes to the local visitor offer.”

In February, the enterprise, founded by former superyacht worker and mother-of-two Kerry, secured Sauna of the Year 2026/27 at the Wales Prestige Awards.

Kerry reflected at the time: “I could not be more proud of what I have achieved with Hwyl. I am so grateful to my wonderful team, who have made this journey not only possible but genuinely so much fun.”

Kerry invested an inheritance from her cherished late father into establishing a seafront sauna in Pembrokeshire.

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The planning application seeking permanent status for the facility stated: “Through the Welsh Government I have been able to secure the funds to install a cold-water shower on Saundersfoot Harbour, which will be open year-round. This will be achieved via Hywel Outdoor Sauna and a weather proofing fund, from the Welsh Government. This facility has also a GoFundMe to raise the remaining costs.”

The submission concluded: “Hwyl Outdoor Sauna has established itself as a valued wellbeing facility that benefits both residents and visitors. It enhances the amenities available in Saundersfoot, supports the local economy by encouraging additional visitor activity, and contributes positively to the community through charitable support and engagement.

“The permanent siting of the sauna would allow this successful local small business to continue operating and provide these benefits to the village in a stable and sustainable way.”

Park planners will consider the application for a permanent facility at a future date.

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Dubois vs Harper: Caroline Dubois on family rift & wanting to heal relationship with brother Daniel

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Caroline Dubois poses with her WBC lightweight title

To understand why Dubois felt she needed to find her voice, you must look at how she started. Long before she was a world champion, she was a nine-year-old girl pretending to be a boy named Colin.

In a world that did not always see a future for female boxers, she tucked her hair into a headguard and lived a lie for months.

“I think it was obviously a reflection of the time, but the thing I find most sad is that they actually thought I was a boy. I mean, that’s devastating,” she quips. “But at the time, I was full Mulan… enjoying it, I didn’t care.”

That “Mulan” spirit served her well. She spent years walking into gyms known only as “Daniel’s little sister,” but soon carved out her own reputation, winning Youth Olympic gold, European gold and qualifying for the Olympics at just 19.

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When both siblings were climbing the professional ranks, it was hailed as a family success story. But by the time Caroline beat Maira Moneo in 2024 to become WBC ‘interim’ champion, the relationship had already soured.

Daniel was not there to see his younger sister’s crowning moment. Caroline, meanwhile, was not at Wembley Stadium when Daniel delivered his career-defining knockout of Anthony Joshua, nor was she at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when he lost his belt to Oleksandr Usyk.

For Caroline, the distance has been a necessary means of self-preservation.

“I haven’t been able to watch him fight – in person or on TV – since I moved out,” she says.

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“I don’t watch him as a friend, I watch him as a sister. It is hard if you’re not there to speak to him and check in on him, go up to him afterwards and either console him or give him a slap on the back. It’s been very hard.”

BBC Sport has contacted representatives of Daniel Dubois, who did not want to speak on behalf of father Dave Dubois. He has previously said family “doesn’t always go as smoothly as you would like it to”.

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Rose and Crown pub, Ainsworth car parking update shared

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Rose and Crown pub, Ainsworth car parking update shared

The Rose and Crown pub shared an update with customers last week, saying it has become “increasingly difficult” for patrons to park outside its venue on Cockey Moor Road.

The Greene King venue, which describes itself on Facebook as being at the “heart and soul of Bury”, said it has been working hard to keep the car park exclusively for customers.

However, people struggling to access parking has begun to impact its business, meaning a new parking system will soon be introduced for “genuine patrons”.

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It says customers will need to register their car upon arrival, “with no risk at all”, which the pub hopes will sustain trade “in the current climate”.

In a Facebook update, the pub said: “Over the past six years, we’ve worked hard to keep our car park available for our customers.

“Recently, however, it’s become increasingly difficult, with many visitors struggling to find a space – and it’s starting to impact our business.

“To protect parking for genuine patrons, we’ll soon be introducing a car park management system.

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“Customers will simply enter their registration number on arrival and park with no risk at all.

“This wasn’t an easy decision, but in the current climate, we can’t sustain costs for a facility that doesn’t serve our customers.

“Thanks for understanding and supporting your local.”

The move was supported by customers in the comments, who said they often see people using the Rose and Crown car park and “going to the other pub or houses across the road”.

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One said: “About time. Stop people parking in yours and going over the road.”

Another person agreed, saying: “About time, I’ve often driven up and turned round as there are no spaces.”

A third person also said it’s “about time”, adding: “I’ve been saying this for ages.”

A fourth person added: “I’ve often gone elsewhere because we can’t park.”

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SarahPhotogirl publishes The Sleepless Nights of the Boy.

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SarahPhotogirl publishes The Sleepless Nights of the Boy.

Since the time of Britpop, Sarahphotogirl has been well known in the music world, taking pictures of bands and artists such as Blur, Noel Gallagher, Radiohead and The Darkness.

Her work has featured in band biographies, on TV, and in many mainstream magazines and newspapers including the NME and Q.

Now, Sarahphotogirl, who lives near Whitby, has swapped the tour bus for a typewriter, with her first book, The Sleepless Nights of the Boy with No Eyelids.

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A collection of dark and fiendishly funny stories the book is beautifully illustrated throughout.

If you delve inside, you will find Roy, a boy with no eyelids who is haunted by all kinds of unsavoury nightly visitors; Herbert, who is addicted to sherbet and Moira who is afflicted by a strange and fast-spreading mould.

Sarah said: “In the age of Instagram and TikTok, the written word doesn’t seem to stand a chance, so I wanted to make my book as different as possible to captivate young readers.

“As a mother myself, I wanted to write something that parents could read to their children and that children would want to read to their parents.

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Sarah added:” It’s not the kind of book you will fall asleep reading. The final story is entitled ‘Children’ and was written with parents in mind.

“It’s a devilishly hilarious look at the value of parenthood. I’ve always been a writer – once, backstage with Paul Weller, I had to apologise while I diverted from his photoshoot to scribble down the original idea for this very book.”

Already, there is a video of the title story of the book on social media platforms and students at Edinburgh and Bournemouth Universities are busy making the stories into animated short films as part of their coursework.

Available through independent bookshops, The Sleepless Nights of the Boy with No Eyelids is already starting to take off, all backed up by a social media campaign.

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Writing under the name of Marmalade Atkinson, Sarah said she wanted to make the divide between her photography and her writing, and being a big fan of Paddington Bear, Marmalade was an easy choice.

Signed hardback copies of The Sleepless Nights of the Boy with No Eyelids, complete with a limited edition matching bookmark, are now available to buy or order from The Whitby Bookshop, The Poetry Pharmacy in York, plus Old Town Books and Mighty Lancer Games in Bridlington. If you can’t get to any of these, they can also be bought direct from the author via social media and eBay.

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Donald Trump statement in full after ‘daring’ rescue of downed US airman in Iran

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Wales Online

A major search and rescue mission was launched after an F-15 fighter jet was shot down in Iran on Friday

Donald Trump has spoken out after the US military successfully pulled off a major search and rescue operation to find a missing service member.

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Iran shot down an F15-E Strike Eagle fighter jet on Friday, with one service member getting rescued while a frantic search was launched for the second crew member. It has since been confirmed that the missing airman has been located, but the rescue team must still successfully navigate their way out of Iranian territory to safety.

The US crew member is injured but safe following the “daring” rescue, Mr Trump said.

He also hailed him as a “Brave Warrior!” who found himself behind enemy lines, reports the Mirror.

Posting on Truth Social, Mr Trump declared: “WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Member Officers, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is now SAFE and SOUND!

“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour, but was never truly alone because his Commander in Chief, Secretary of War, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and fellow Warfighters were monitoring his location 24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue.

“At my direction, the U.S. Military sent dozens of aircraft, armed with the most lethal weapons in the World, to retrieve him. He sustained injuries, but he will be just fine. This miraculous Search and Rescue Operation comes in addition to a successful rescue of another brave Pilot, yesterday, which we did not confirm, because we did not want to jeopardize our second rescue operation.

“This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory. WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND! The fact that we were able to pull off both of these operations, without a SINGLE American killed, or even wounded, just proves once again, that we have achieved overwhelming Air Dominance and Superiority over the Iranian skies. This is a moment that ALL Americans, Republican, Democrat, and everyone else, should be proud of and united around. We truly have the best, most professional, and lethal Military in the History of the World. GOD BLESS AMERICA, GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS, AND HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!”

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This followed Trump’s earlier statement on Truth Social claiming US forces had ‘terminated’ several of Iran’s military leaders, accompanied by footage that appeared to depict an airstrike eliminating senior IRGC commanders.

The war began with joint US-Israel strikes on February 28 and has killed thousands, shaken global markets, cut off key shipping routes and spiked fuel prices.

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US aviator rescued after being shot down in Iran

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US aviator rescued after being shot down in Iran

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Authorities say a fire has broken out at a petrochemicals plant in the United Arab Emirates following an attack on Sunday.

Abu Dhabi authorities responded to multiple fires at the Borouge petrochemicals plant. They say the fires were caused by falling debris following successful interceptions by air defense systems, but production at the plant has halted.

The plant is in Ruwais, near the UAE’s western border with Saudi Arabia. The plant is a joint venture of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. and Borealis of Australia.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. service member who has been missing since Iran shot down a fighter jet has been rescued, President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post early Sunday.

A frantic U.S. search-and-rescue operation unfolded after the crash of the F-15E Strike Eaglejet on Friday, as Iran also promised a reward for anyone who turned in the “enemy pilot.” “This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour,” he wrote.

A second crew member was rescued earlier.

“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour,” Trump wrote.

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Trump said that the aviator is injured but “will be just fine,” adding that the rescue involved “dozens of aircraft” and that U.S. had been monitoring his location “24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue.”

The fighter jet was the first U.S. aircraft to have crashed in Iranian territory since the conflict in late February.

Trump said last week that the U.S. had “decimated” Iran and would finish the war “very fast.” Two days later, Iran shot down two U.S. military planes, showing the ongoing perils of the bombing campaign and the ability of a degraded Iranian military to continue to hit back.

Drones hit Gulf energy infrastructure

In Kuwait, an Iranian drone attack caused significant damage to two power plants and put a water desalination station out of service, according to the Ministry of Electricity. No injuries were reported from the attack, the ministry said.

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In Bahrain, the national oil company said that a drone attack caused a fire at one of its storage facilities, which was extinguished. It said the damage was still being assessed and no injuries had been reported.

The war began with joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Feb. 28 and has killed thousands, shaken global markets, cut off key shipping routes and spiked fuel prices. Both sides have threatened, and hit, civilian targets, bringing warnings of possible war crimes.

The other jet to go down was a U.S. A-10 attack aircraft. Neither the status of the crew nor exactly where it crashed was immediately known.

Trump renews threat

Trump renewed his threats for Iran to open up the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global energy shipments that has been choked off by Tehran, by Monday or face devastating consequences, writing Saturday in a social media post: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.”

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“The doors of hell will be opened to you” if Iran’s infrastructure is attacked, Gen. Ali Abdollahi Aliabadi with the country’s joint military command said late Saturday in response to Trump’s renewed threat, state media reported. In turn, the general threatened all infrastructure used by the U.S. military in the region.

But Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Tahir Andrabi, told The Associated Press that his government’s efforts to broker a ceasefire are “right on track” after Islamabad last week said that it would soon host talks between the U.S. and Iran.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said that Iranian officials “have never refused to go to Islamabad.”

Mediators from Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt were working to bring the U.S. and Iran to the negotiating table, according to two regional officials.

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The proposed compromise includes a cessation of hostilities to allow a diplomatic settlement, according to a regional official involved in the efforts and a Gulf diplomat briefed on the matter. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss closed-door diplomacy.

Iran threatens to disrupt traffic in second key strait

Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a veiled threat late Friday to disrupt traffic through a second strategic waterway in the region, the Bab el-Mandeb.

The strait, 32 kilometers (20 miles) wide, links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. More than a tenth of seaborne global oil and a quarter of container ships pass through it.

“Which countries and companies account for the highest transit volumes through the strait?” Qalibaf wrote.

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More than 1,900 people have been killed in Iran since the war began.

In Gulf Arab states and the occupied West Bank, more than two dozen people have died, while 19 have been reported dead in Israel and 13 U.S. service members have been killed. In Lebanon, more than 1,400 people have been killed and more than 1 million people have been displaced. Ten Israeli soldiers have died there.

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Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Samy Magdy in Cairo; Munir Ahmed in Islamabad; Dasha Litvinova in Tallinn, Estonia; and Seung Min Kim, Will Weissert, Michelle L. Price, Lisa Mascaro and Ben Finley in Washington, contributed to this report.

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