ONE mum has hailed a Barbie set she says is a “massive bargain” as £70 has been slashed off the price just in time for Christmas.

Toy company Maqio is holding a huge sale on the world-famous doll and has slashed prices.

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One mum has bought a set discounted by £70 and squirrelling it away until Christmas for her daughter.

The set includes a pink car and a wardrobe so Barbie and Ken can go on amazing adventures together.

The price for the set, which is sure to excite any Barbie-loving child, has been slashed from £119.99 to £49.99 on the company’s website.

Mum Kelly said: “Ordered this for my daughter for Christmas and I can tell you she’s going to be extremely happy!

“I mean the box it’s come in is absolutely huge!

“I thought this was a massive bargain.”

Maqio describes the set saying Barbie and Ken are “always on the go, with a closet and convertible, they can move in minutes.”

They say: “Open the translucent doors of the pink closet to discover storage space and an extendable garment rack with two hangers.

“Plus, the handle on top makes it easy to take on the go!

“Barbie and Ken dolls wear trendy outfits for versatile storytelling so kids can hit the road right away.”

The wheels roll and the seat belts even keep the dolls in place in the two seater convertible.

The sale comes a couple of months after the first blind ­Barbie was unveiled — complete with a white and red cane, sunglasses and ­tactile clothing.

Makers Mattel were advised by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to ensure the doll’s design was “authentic”.

The charity says her up-and-out facing eyes “reflect the sometimes-distinct eye gaze of a blind individual” and the cane has an identifiable marshmallow tip.

I’m a Barbie expert – the 10 most valuable dolls worth up to £8,000, exact features to look for

THE Barbie movie reignited a love for the famous doll – but are your old toys collecting dust in the attic worth a fortune?

The film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling hit theatres last year.

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Old Barbies can command high prices for collectors. So how do you know if you’re sitting on a goldmine?

“Barbie dolls that are part of limited edition or special edition collections tend to have a high value,” doll and toy expert Simon Farnworth told The Sun.

He’s been collecting Barbies since the late 90s and runs Simon’s Collectibles (dollstoysngifts.co.uk), an online shop for adult toy and doll collectors.

Simon added: “These dolls often feature unique designs, are collaborations with celebrities, or commemorate significant events – for example, the 2019 Gold label Ziggy Stardust themed David Bowie Barbie, which originally sold for around £50, can command over £300 now.”

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Barbie collaborations with renowned fashion designers and brands – such as Christian Dior, Versace, or Vera Wang – are also highly sought after by collectors.

“A recent example of this is the recent collaboration between Barbie and artist Mark Ryden, released exclusively on the Barbie Creations website last year,” he said.

“The Pink Pop Barbie Mark Ryden x Barbie Doll has already doubled in value.”

Vintage Barbie dolls – made between 1959 and 1972 – can fetch eye-watering prices.

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IF you’re looking to whizz off aboard a Wizz Air flight this summer then you’ll be wanting to select the best seats without any extra cost.

Book wisely using our guide to secure you and your family the best seats aboard the Wizz Air Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft.

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Wizz Air have been dubbed the ‘most sustainable low-cost airline’ four years in a row, but what can passengers expect from their experience aboard the Airbus Airbus 320 and 321.

The budget airline celebrated the arrival of the GTF-powered Airbus Airbus 320 aircraft to its fleet of 153 aircraft in 2022. 

Both the Airbus 320 and 321 operate in short-haul flights with Wizz Air offering snacks and beverages for purchase on most of their flights.

Although the two aircrafts look almost identical, their size and seating plan vary.

The Airbus 320 offers 180 seats, whereas the Airbus 321 is larger, offering 230 seats in comparison.

Your holiday begins the minute you board the plane, so why not make your journey as comfortable as possible by using the SunTravel seating guide map.

Extra leg room

If you’re tall or like to spread out on a flight, then it will be the extra leg room you’re after.

There are specific economy seats that provide the space you need – you just have to know where they are.

According to the flight map for both the Wizz Air Airbus 320 & 321 the seats with extra leg are as follows:

Passengers needing the extra space on either aircraft should opt for any seat between A – F on row 1.

Row 1 seats tend to get booked up fast but there’s plenty more to choose from.

If your aircraft is the Wizz Airbus 320, any seat between A – F on row 13 will provide the extra leg room you need.

Seats A – F on row 12 also offer extra leg room, but these particular seats do not recline.

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If you find yourself allocated a flight onboard the Wizz Airbus 321 then seats B,C,D and E on row 12, and seats A,B,C and F on row 26 will provide extra leg room.

Row 10 also offer extra leg room in seats A – E, but do bare in mind these particular seats have a limited recline which could make napping quite uncomfortable.

Seats to avoid

If your first choice of seats are booked, then your next best bet is to know which seats to avoid.

Onboard the Wizz Airbus 320 passengers should avoid seat A – F on Row 30 – due to their close proximity to the toilets and the cabin -you’re likely to be disturbed throughout your flight.

The seats may also have limited recline for the same reason, and there is no window on the last row of the plane.

It’s also worth noting there is no window available in seats A and F of Row 20.

Onboard the Wizz Airbus 321 passengers should avoid seat A – F on row 39 as your seats will have no recline, and you’re likely to be disturbed by passengers getting up to use the toilet closeby.

Seat A and F on row 26 have legroom but no window.

Best views

Being situated by the wing of the aircraft guarantees the best skyline snaps.

For the best views onboard the Airbus 321 passengers are urged to book seat A or F on row 10.

And if you’re onboard the Airbus 320, seat A and F on row 9 are the seats to look out for.

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Head start on snacks

If you want to be among one of the first passengers to be served refreshments then it’s best to book a seat in either the first two rows or the last two near the back of the plane.

Seat A – F on row 1 or row 30 on the Airbus 320 will get you first dibs on snacks.

With trolley carts circulating from both the front and the back of the aircraft, these seats are your best bet but the downside you’re likely to be disturbed by other passengers using the toilets.

Similarly, for the Airbus 321 any seat on row 1 and 39 will mean you’re close to the gallery where snacks are prepared.

Take a nap

If passengers find themselves on an overnight flight you might like to get some sleep.

Window seats give passengers the best chance at having an uninterrupted snooze.

This is because other passengers won’t need to ask you to move when they take a trip to the toilet.

Check The Sun’s flight map to see where all the window seats are located on both aircrafts.

Getting off the plane first

If you hate waiting around and you’re keen to start your holiday then beat the queues by booking a seat in the front five rows of both the Airbus Wizz 320 and 321.

Failing that, you’re guaranteed to get off the plane quicker by simply booking an aisle seat, because you’ll have a head start at finding your hand luggage.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

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You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

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The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

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If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

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A BEACH hut that’s the same size as a garden shed and cannot even be slept in has been put on the market for a whopping £110,000.

The wooden cabin located at Avon Beach in Christchurch, Dorset would not look out of place in a suburban back garden.

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The 6ft wide by 13ft long hut got its six figure price tag due to its desirable beachside location.

Owner Paul Heydon bought it in 2021 after spotting it was for sale while on a beach walk.

After three years enjoying it he has decided to sell up as he has bought a bigger hut at a different beach.

The beach hut, which cannot be slept in, has secondary glass doors, meaning it can be used in the winter.

Inside there is a kitchenette with a fridge and hob powered by a gas bottle and sink and storage space for food, drink, crockery and beach-related items.

It is just yards from the beach and has panoramic views of the Isle of Wight.

Avon Beach has 130 huts along the quiet sandy beach, which is popular with dog walkers, tourists and water sports enthusiasts.

Owners have to pay ground rent of about £1,100 a year.

In the past, hardy staycationers have queued for up to 30 hours in the cold and rain in January to rent a hut at Avon Beach for the summer season.

People take sleeping bags and other home comforts to brave the elements to guarantee a booking.

Mr Heydon, 57, a semi-retired tech investor, said: “We had just bought a property in the New Forest and we were walking along Avon Beach one day and saw it was up for sale and decided to buy it.

“We have used it quite regularly, probably once every two weeks, but we have bought a bigger hut now at Barton-on-Sea so we haven’t been using it as much.

“Avon is a really nice beach and generally quiet – you get lots of people walking there but there’s not lots of parties or anything like that.

“You have the Noisy Lobster restaurant and shop close by and there’s plenty of walks in either direction.

“There’s about 100 huts at Avon Beach and they don’t come up for sale all that often.

“We have just enjoyed it ourselves and used it to make going to the beach easier without having to carry stuff every time but people could view it as a property, a long term investment and you can rent them out and make an income.”

If you’re interested in buying Hut 93, you can contact Mr Heydon through beachhuts.com.

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AS the cost-of-living crisis continues, families may be looking for a fun day out that won’t break the bank.

TripAdvisor has revealed its top attractions to visit in England completely free of charge – and it ranges from a 500ft-high garden to the so-called “museum of the world”.

Natural History Museum

Science and natural history enthusiasts should look no further than the Natural History Museum.

Its dinosaur specimens and replicas are world-famous – and include part of the first Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered.

The building, in South Kensington, London, is one of the city’s most spectacular attractions in itself.

Although some exhibitions may have an entry fee, general admission to the museum is completely free.

Sky Garden

London’s highest public garden, Sky Garden, is perched at the top of a skyscraper in the heart of the city.

On the 43rd floor of the Fenchurch Building in east London, the garden offers panoramic views of the capital from a height of over 500ft.

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As well as the iconic glass-domed landscape gardens, it’s got observation decks and an open-air terrace.

And, if you’re willing to part with a little cash, you can even enjoy a drink or meal at one of the bars or restaurants.

Make sure to book a slot in advance to enjoy this free attraction.

The British Museum

The British Museum has one of the largest collections in the world – of eight million works – and it’s totally free to access.

The museum is 271 years old and located in Bloomsbury, London.

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With relics dating back 1.8 million years, it’s the perfect historical day out for families.

Plus, it is set to have a huge multi-million-pound makeover soon.

The museum is a hit with visitors, with nearly 54,000 five star reviews on TripAdvisor.

The Shambles

The Shambles is a historic street in York city centre, dating back to the medieval times.

It was once a street of butchers shops – and you can still find many original 14th century buildings there.

It is Europe‘s most visited street.

It’s just a twenty-minute walk from York Station and can be explored completely for free.

Victoria and Albert Museum

The V&A is the world’s biggest museum of art and design, founded by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852.

It’s located in Kensington, London, and houses exhibitions for all ages.

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From July to September, it ran a Taylor Swift exhibition, complete with 13 iconic costumes donated by the singer.

It is entirely admission free.

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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

Labour MP Rosie Duffield is quitting the party over Sir Keir Starmer’s acceptance of free gifts and his “cruel” policies such as cutting the winter fuel allowance.

The MP for Canterbury, who was elected in 2017, has long been at odds with Starmer’s leadership, particularly on issues of sex and gender — but her voluntary departure less than three months after the general election is thought to be the swiftest in British political history.

On Saturday evening the 53-year old published a letter accusing the Labour prime minister of “staggering and increasingly outrageous” hypocrisy. 

Labour has been engulfed in a row about the acceptance by Starmer and other senior ministers of freebies including tens of thousands of pounds of clothing from Lord Alli, a Labour peer. 

“The sleaze, nepotism and apparent avarice are off the scale. I am so ashamed of what you and your inner circle have done to tarnish and humiliate our once-proud party,” Duffield wrote.

“Someone with far-above-average wealth choosing to keep the Conservatives’ two-child limit to benefit payments which entrenches children in poverty, while inexplicably accepting expensive personal gifts of designer suits and glasses costing more than most of those people can grasp — this is entirely undeserving of holding the title of Labour prime minister.”

Duffield asked Starmer why he was not showing “even the slightest bit of embarrassment” about accepting free family trips to events while cutting the winter fuel allowance. 

Rachel Reeves, chancellor of the exchequer, is planning to restrict the allowance to old people receiving pension credit in order to save about £1.4bn for the exchequer as part of her efforts to improve the nation’s finances. 

But the move has been widely criticised by charities, trade unions and some Labour backbench MPs. Delegates at the party’s annual conference in Liverpool this week backed a motion calling for it to be reversed. 

Duffield said she hoped one day to return to the Labour party, which had always been her natural political home as a single mother, union member and former teaching assistant in receipt of tax credits. 

But she said her constituents wanted an independent-minded MP who would put constituency before party and therefore she hoped to continue to represent the seat. 

Duffield has previously spoken out about feeling unsupported by the Labour leadership over her views on trans issues, including her belief that people who are biologically male should not enter some protected spaces, such as domestic violence refuges. 

YOU may be eligible to get a free £150 to help with your energy bills this winter.

A number of energy suppliers will be giving the discount on bills for struggling households this winter.

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The help is being provided via the Government’s Warm Home Discount scheme.

The package sees energy suppliers give a £150 discount on the electricity bills of people claiming certain benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions.

The support is not awarded as cash into your bank account but instead applied directly to your account by your energy supplier.

The credit you have in your energy account will increase by £150 so it can only be used on your energy bills.

If you have a traditional prepay meter, you will instead be sent a voucher which you can use to top up the meter in your home.

The support is given automatically to people claiming certain benefits including:

• Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Income Support
• Universal Credit
• Housing benefit
• Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits
• Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)

To get the money this year, you will need to be claiming these benefits during the qualifying week.

This is usually in August, however the official week has not yet been confirmed.

The Warm Home Discount scheme will reopen in October and it is likely we will get an update then.

It’s also important to know that not all energy suppliers are part of the scheme.

So even if you are claiming the eligible benefits, you may not receive the help.

If your energy supplier is part of the scheme, they should contact you to let you know whether you are eligible, these letters usually come before January the next year.

The scheme opens in October and runs until March each year so your discount can be applied anytime.