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Exact date Aldi’s winter gadget returns to stores after selling out…it costs 6p to run and dries clothes without heating

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Exact date Aldi's winter gadget returns to stores after selling out…it costs 6p to run and dries clothes without heating

THIS is the exact date Aldi’s much-anticipated winter gadget returns to stores after selling out – and only costs 6p to run.

The German discounter’s heated airer is set to land in middle aisles up and down the country on Sunday, October 20.

Aldi's much-anticipated winter gadget is returning to stores

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Aldi’s much-anticipated winter gadget is returning to storesCredit: Getty
The heated airer is set to return to stores on October 20

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The heated airer is set to return to stores on October 20Credit: Aldi

In recent years the device, that lets you dry your clothing without turning on the central heating or using a tumble dryer, has flown off the shelves.

Brits have also praised the device for helping them warm up their home without breaking the bank.

It comes as many homes across the UK are bracing themselves for another winter of misery, with energy bills set to rise by £149 annually.

Heated airers can save money on your energy bill as it offers a cheaper alternative to drying your clothes on the radiator.

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This method can become costly as it requires you to turn on the central heating.

Heated clothes airers are like traditional ones, but you plug them in, with the bars of the dryer heating up.

You can buy covers for some as well, which speeds up the time it takes to dry your clothes.

Aldi‘s heated airer costs could offer a solution for many families as it costs just 6p to run and will set you back £34.99 when it lands in stores.

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The large 230W drying device can hold 10kg of washing, including towels and bedding.

You have to plug it in to get the heating effect from the product.

It costs less than 50p for eight hours, this is compared to a 2500W tumble dryer costs which costs about 85p to use for just one hour.

Aldi calculates that under the current price cap where electricity costs on average 22p per kwh, it costs around 6p to run, though the exact cost can vary depending on where you are and how you pay your bill.

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If you want to get your hands on one you will have to act quickly, as this product is an Aldi Specialbuy and once it is gone it is gone.

Aldi does not have an online store so you will have to shop in person if you want to get your hands on one.

You can find your nearest Alid by looking at the company’s store locator online.

How does it compare?

Other retailers such as Dunelm and John Lewis sell similar products but they can cost upwards of £100.

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If you do not manage to get your hands on one from Aldi do not worry, as The Sun found a very similar product from Amazon for the same price.

The Highlands Electric Heated Clothes Dryer Folding Energy-Efficient Indoor Airer Wet Laundry Drying Horse Rack costs £34.99 and has a 4.3 star rating out of five.

However, you will have to factor in delivery costs as you can only shop for Amazon products online.

How much does it cost to run a heated air dryer?

Aldi claims that this heated airer costs up to 6p to run for an hour.

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So if you use it three times a week and keep it on for four hours, that costs just £37.44 over the year.

However, the price of using this device can vary depending on the individual’s usage and the model you have.

You’ll need to consider the specifics of the item, such as the wattage, how much you use it and then the cost of energy at the time.

But the higher the wattage, the more expensive it will be to run.

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The cost is also based on the current Ofgem price cap, which currently sits at £1,568.

But it’s set to rise to £1,717 a year, for the average dual fuel bill and based on typical usage, from October 1.

That means there may be a very small increase to the cost. The price will also be different if you’re not one of the 28million on a tariff that’s subject to the price cap.

The equation you need to work out how much a device is costing you to run is: Cost = power (kilowatt) × time (hour) × cost of 1 kWh (pence).

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How to save money at Aldi

Unlike other major grocers, Aldi does not have a rewards or point card system but that does not mean you cannot save on your shop. 

Every week the store releases a list of special buys, which are unique bargain products you find online at Aldi and in-store. 

The store releases a fresh range of deals every Thursday and Sunday, so be sure to check regularly to see what’s new. 

Meanwhile, the store also regularly sells fruit and vegetables at highly discounted prices, as part of its ‘super six’ deal.

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It also does weekly saving offers on typically pricey items such as meat and fish.

How to bag a bargain

SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…

Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.

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Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.

Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.

Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.

Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.

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When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.

Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.

Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.

And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.

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Households to get cost of living payments of up to £500 this month – how to check if you’re eligible

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Households to get cost of living payments of up to £500 this month - how to check if you're eligible

HOUSEHOLDS across England can get up to a whopping £2,665 worth of cost of living payments this month.

The money comes via the Household Support Fund (HSF) which is worth £421million in total.

Households could be entitled to some free cash

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Households could be entitled to some free cashCredit: Getty

The fund has been split up between councils in England who are in charge of distributing their allocation before the end of September.

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What you can get depends on where you live, as each local authority has been given its own unique amount.

Now households across England are being offered a collective of £2,665 cost of living payments – with up to £500 per household depending on your location.

The government recently encouraged state pensioners who have just missed out on a Winter Fuel Payment to claim money from the Household Support Fund where they live instead.

Discussing the fund, the government said: “Over a million pensioners will still receive the Winter Fuel Payments, and our drive to boost Pension Credit take up has already seen a 152per cent increase in claims.

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“Many others will also benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills overwinter while our extension of the Household Support Fund will help with the cost of food, heating and bills.”

Below is a list of councils known to be offering support and how much:

  • Brent: £500
  • Blackpool: £300
  • Rutland: £200
  • Herefordshire: £500
  • Sunderland: £220
  • Bracknell Forest: £315
  • Rotherham: £250
  • Wiltshire: £200
  • Cambridgeshire: £110

You will only receive the payment if you were found to have been eligible after applying.

Anyone who qualifies for help will have received an email telling them.

Martin Lewis issues warning to anyone aged under 22 – do you have £2,000 in a forgotten account

A maximum of one payment will be made per household and any payments are being made direct into bank accounts.

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Some councils started distributing help in April and have already depleted their share, so you might have missed out for now.

The Household Support Fund has been extended multiple times since its inception in October 2021, so it may be extended again though.

There are currently a number of councils offering help via the HSF.

Leicestershire Council is handing out payments worth £300 to thousands of households.

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Households in Stockport can claim up to £315 worth of free supermarket vouchers to help with the cost of living.

Meanwhile, Wokingham Council is handing out grants worth up to £140.

If you want to check if you are eligible for help, contact your local council.

You can find what council area you fall under by using the Government’s council locator tool.

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How else to get help with the cost of living

If you’re not eligible for the Household Support Fund in your local area, it’s worth checking if you qualify for benefits.

Recent figures from Policy in Practice reveal millions of people aren’t claiming the extra help when they could be.

In total, £23billion went unclaimed over the last financial year, with £8.3billion worth of Universal Credit not claimed for.

You can apply for benefits on the Government’s website.

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It’s not just extra money you get from benefits either, with a number opening up additional perks.

Those on Universal Credit can get help covering the cost of childcare, for example, while those on Pension Credit can get a free TV licence.

Those on the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit also qualify for the Warm Home Discount – a £150 discount off energy bills once a year.

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You may also be able to get grants to cover your energy bills if you’ve fallen into arrears.

A number of energy firms offer grants to struggling customers, including Scottish Power, Octopus Energy and British Gas.

If you’re struggling to pay your bills, speak to your supplier to see if they can give you any help.

Household Support Fund explained

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Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements explains what you need to know about the Household Support Fund.

If you’re battling to afford energy and water bills, food or other essential items and services, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline.

The financial support is a little-known way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living.

Every council in England has been given a share of £421million cash by the government to distribute to local low income households.

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Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Some offer vouchers whereas others give direct cash payments.

In many instances, the value of support is worth hundreds of pounds to individual families.

Just as the support varies between councils, so does the criteria for qualifying.

Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income.

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The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer.

And don’t delay, the scheme has been extended until April 2025 but your council may dish out their share of the Household Support Fund before this date.

Once the cash is gone, you may find they cannot provide any extra help so it’s crucial you apply as soon as possible.

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Exact codes that reveal if you get winter fuel payments as DWP confirms seven benefits that qualify for £300 payment

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Exact codes that reveal if you get winter fuel payments as DWP confirms seven benefits that qualify for £300 payment

THOUSANDS of households on certain benefits will no longer qualify for this year’s £300 winter fuel payment.

However, those who have active claims for at least one of seven benefits will still get the cash.

Most households automatically receive the winter fuel payment, including those on pension credit

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Most households automatically receive the winter fuel payment, including those on pension creditCredit: Alamy

The winter fuel payment was previously available to everyone over the state pension age (66).

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However, changes by Chancellor Rachel Reeves mean that around 10million pensioners will no longer receive the benefit.

Now, the payment is limited to retirees on pension credit or those receiving certain six other means-tested benefits.

These include Universal Credit, employment and support allowance (ESA), jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), income support, child tax credit and working tax credit.

You can check that you are actively receiving these benefits, by looking out for relevant codes on your bank statement.

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If you are over the state pension age and have received any of the following payment references on your statement, you are likely eligible for this year’s winter fuel payment.

  • Pension credit – National insurance (NI) number followed by “DWP PC” or “DWP PCGC”
  • Universal Credit – (NI) number followed by “DWP UC”
  • Income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) – NI number followed by “DWP ESA”
  • Income-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) – NI number followed by “DWP JSA”
  • Income support – NI number followed by “DWP IS”

Households that receive tax credits are paid by HMRC and these will show the following references on your bank statement:

  • Child tax credit – NI number followed by “HMRC CTC”
  • Working tax credit – NI number followed by “HMRC WTC”

To be eligible for this year’s winter fuel payment, you must have an active claim for the benefits mentioned above during the “qualifying week,” which runs from 16 to 22 September (this week).

Could you be eligible for Pension Credit?

Most households automatically receive the winter fuel payment, including those on pension credit.

However, 760,000 households are thought to be missing out on pension credit, which unlocks their eligibility for this year’s winter fuel payment.

Thousands of Sun readers flooded our Winter Fuel SOS helpline on Wednesday, looking for help to hang on to the payment.

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The Sun has now launched a free tool to help you check whether you will get the winter fuel payment this year.

Figures from the DWP show that 65% of those entitled to pension credit claimed it in 2023, up from 63% in 2022.

New claims for pension credit can be backdated by up to three months.

This means that the absolute deadline to claim the benefit and qualify for this year’s winter fuel payment is December 21.

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Of course, if you fail to apply for the benefit before this date, you won’t qualify for this year’s £300 payment.

What is pension credit and how do I apply?

PENSION credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.

This is known as “guarantee credit”.

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If your income is lower than this, you’re very likely to be eligible for the benefit.

However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.

You may get extra amounts if you have other responsibilities and costs.

Pension credit opens the door to lots of other benefits such as the warm home discount scheme, support for mortgage interest, council tax discounts, free TV licences once you’re over 75, and help with NHS costs.

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To qualify, you need to be over state pension age and live in EnglandScotland or Wales.

If you have a partner, you need to include them on your claim.

You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.

Find out more by visiting gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.

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OTHER BENEFITS DON’T QUALIFY

Those claiming housing benefit without pension credit will not be due this year’s winter fuel payment.

Housing benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits.

Only those over the state pension age can put in a new claim.

Households that only claim council tax reduction will also not qualify for a winter fuel payment.

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Also known as council tax support, the benefit is designed to help individuals on low incomes or certain benefits reduce the amount of council tax they need to pay. 

State pensioners who claim child benefit to supplement their income while fostering or raising a child under 20 will also not qualify for a winter fuel payment.

Child benefit provides regular payments to parents or guardians to assist with the costs associated with raising children.

It is designed to help cover expenses such as food, clothing, and other essential needs.

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However, it’s important to note that these households may still be eligible for this year’s winter fuel payment if they also claim a qualifying benefit.

Even if you are found to be claiming an eligible benefit during the qualifying week, some households may still be ineligible for the winter fuel payment.

You will not be eligible if you:

  • Live in Scotland
  • Have been in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
  • Were in prison for the whole of the week of September 16-22, 2024
  • Were living in a care home for the whole time from June 24 to September 22, 2024

However, you can get a winter fuel payment if you have lived in a care home for less than 13 weeks, including the week of September 16-22, 2024.

How much is the winter fuel payment and how is it paid?

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PAYMENTS last year were worth between £300 and £600, depending on your specific circumstances.

This is because the amount included a “Pensioner Cost of Living Payment” – between £150 and £300. 

This year, it will be worth £200 for eligible households or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80.

That means you could receive up to £300 in free cash depending on your circumstances.

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Most payments are made automatically in November or December.

You’ll get a letter telling you:

  • How much you’ll get
  • Which bank account it will be paid into

If you do not get a letter or the money has not been paid into your account by January 29, 2025, you must contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.

You’ll know when you’ve been paid once you see a payment with a reference that contains your National Insurance number plus “DWP WFP”.

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Bargain supermarket crowned better than M&S, Waitrose and Tesco for Christmas dinner

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Bargain supermarket crowned better than M&S, Waitrose and Tesco for Christmas dinner

A BARGAIN supermarket has been crowned better than M&S, Waitrose and Tesco for Christmas dinner.

Aldi is known for its low-cost grocery goods – but it has now been crowned one of the best-tasting supermarket for Christmas too.

Aldi came out on top as the best-value supermarket store for Christmas.

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Aldi came out on top as the best-value supermarket store for Christmas.
Aldi's Champagne was crowned the best this Christmas.

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Aldi’s Champagne was crowned the best this Christmas.Credit: Aldi

The German discounter knocked out M&S, which is notorious for its festive treats out of the park.

Upmarket Waitrose and ever-reliable Tesco were also trumped by the bargain store in Good Housekeeping’s annual taste test.

Lucky tasters put over 730 products from over 97 brands through their paces.

The grub is assessed on appearance, aroma, flavour and texture, and then rated out of 100.

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Aldi topped the charts with 15 of the brand’s products appearing in first or second place across all categories.

For example, its mince pies, which cost just 38p each were crowned the star of the show.

Elsewhere, its Specially Selected Orange and Maple Pudding scored 88/100 and was a fan favourite amongst panellists.

The citrus take on the classic cost just £9.99.

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Aldi’s Wooden Toy Bonanza: Shoppers Rush Back for More!

Coming in second was the Meg Rivers Christmas Pudding which will set you back £18.50.

Aldi’s Veuve Monsigny Premier Cru Champagne also claimed the title of “Best Champagne’” and cost £22.

Panelists rated the tipple 85/100.

The budget bubbly outperformed pricier competitors such as Selfridge’s and M&S’s which cost £34.99 and £28, respectively.

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But Aldi was not the star of the show in every instance.

For example, Waitrose’s came out on top in the Christmas Turkey category for its £60 bird.

Plus ,Sainsbury’s took the crown in the Pigs and Blankets category for its premium £4.50 ‘Taste the Difference’ pork snack.

Full list of taste test winners

Baked Goods

  • Winner: Co-op Ready to Bake Cinnamon Danish £3.00, 86/100
  • Runner-up: Tesco Finest Cranberry & Orange Pane-toastie £5.50

Smoked Salmon

  • Winner: Fortnum and Mason Farmed Scottish Smoked Salmon £15.00, 85/100
  • Runner-up: Tesco Finest Strong and Robust Scottish Smoked Salmon £4.60, 81/100

Flavoured Smoked Salmon

  • Winner: Asda Exceptional Fig, Whisky & Spiced Honey Smoked Salmon £4.60, 78/100
  • Runner-up: Tesco Finest Smoked Salmon with Whisky £5.50, 76/100

Meat Canapés

  • Joint Winner: COOK Chicken, Ginger & Lemon Grass Bites £8.50, 89/100
  • Joint Winner: Morrisons The Best Pork Belly with Maple BBQ Sauce £6, 89/100
  • Runner-up: Asda Red Thai Santa Hats £2.75, 87/100

Seafood Canapés

  • Winner: Morrisons The Best Prawn Bao Bun £5.50, 91/100
  • Runner-up: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference 8 Crispy Prawn Toasties £5.25, 89/100

Veggie Canapés

  • Joint Winner: Morrisons The Best Vegetable Tempura Nests with Sweet Chilli Dip £5, 85/100
  • Joint Winner: Co-op Katsu Bites £3.50, 85/100
  • Runner-up: Waitrose 8 Mexican Style Vegetable Tacos £8, 81/100

Starters and Sharers

  • Winner: Waitrose No. 1 Lobster, Crab and Prawn Cocktail £5.95, 93/100
  • Runner-up: Tesco Finest Chicken & Roasted Mushroom Quenelles £4, 91/100

Turkey Crowns (and Other Non-Whole Turkey)

  • Winner: Waitrose Glorious Treacle Glazed Turkey Crown £60, £30 per kg, 89/100
  • Runner-up: Lidl Deluxe Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown £27.90 – £41.85, £13.95 per kg, 87/100

Whole Turkey

  • Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Roly Poly Whole Turkey £39.96 – £59.84, £9.99 per kg, 86/100
  • Runner-up: Riverford Organic Farmers Turkey XL £155, 6.5kg, 83/100

Meat Mains

  • Winner: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Bone in Crackling Gammon with a Festive Spiced Glaze £30, 89/100
  • Joint Runner-up: Aldi Specially Selected Crackling Gammon Joint Sugar Baked £18.99, 85/100
  • Joint Runner-up: Asda Exceptional Fig, Whisky & Spiced Honey Gammon Joint £20, 85/100

Roast Potatoes

  • Winner (Best Roast / Vegan Roast): COOK Roast Potatoes £3.50 – £4.95, 80/100
  • Joint Runner-up (Best Goose Dripping): Morrisons The Best Goose Fat Roast Potatoes £4, 79/100
  • Joint Runner-up: McCain Triple Cooked Roasts £3, 79/100

Pigs in Blankets

  • Winner: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Proper Pig in Blankets £4.25, 86/100
  • Runner-up: Aldi Specially Selected Pigs in Blankets £2.49, 83/100

Pigs in Blankets (Flavoured)

  • Winner: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Caramelised Onion Chipolatas £4.25, 85/100
  • Runner-up: Aldi Specially Selected Caramelised Onion Chipolatas Wrapped In Bacon £2.49, 82/100

Meat-Free Mains

  • Winner: COOK Roasted Pepper and Goat’s Cheese Quiche £22, 83/100
  • Runner-up + Most Impressive Looking Centrepiece: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Mushroom, Cavolo Nero and Chestnut Filo Pie £12, 82/100

Vegetable Sides

  • Winner: Taste the Difference Sprout, Leek and Cavolo Nero Gratin £5.50, 88/100
  • Runner-up: Co-op Winter Roasting Tray with Sage and Sea Salt Melt (vegan) £2.80, 83/100

Christmas Pudding

  • Winner: Meg Rivers Traditional Christmas Pudding £18.50, 85/100
  • Runner-up: Bettys Classic Christmas Pudding (Large) £27, 84/100

Flavoured Christmas Pudding

  • Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Orange and Maple Pudding £9.99, 88/100
  • Runner-up: Meg Rivers Gin Infused Christmas Pudding £17.85, 84/100

Dessert Centrepieces

  • Winner + Best Budget: Asda Crème Brûlée £5, 88/100
  • Runner-up: Aldi Specially Selected Ultimate Gold Coin £6.99, 87/100

Panettone

  • Winner: Waitrose Limoncello Fizz Panettone £12, 94/100
  • Runner-up: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Classic Panettone £16.50, 90/100

Yule Logs

  • Winner: Asda Clementine and White Chocolate Yule Log £10, 85/100
  • Joint Runner-up: Aldi Specially Selected Belgian White Chocolate Yule Log £8.99, 81/100
  • Joint Runner-up: Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Millionaire’s Yule Log £11, 81/100

Stollen

  • Winner: Meg Rivers Christmas Tart £14, 89/100
  • Runner-up: Aldi Specially Selected Luxury Topped Stollen £5.99, 83/100

Mince Pies

  • Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Mince Pies £2.29, 88/100
  • Runner-up: Fitzbillies Classic Mince Pies £18, 84/100

Mince Pies with a Twist

  • Winner: Booths 4 Viennese Topped Mince Pies £4, 91/100
  • Runner-up + Best Budget: Asda Whisky, Fig and Spiced Honey Florentine Mince Pies £2.50, 83/100

Gluten-Free Mince Pies

  • Winner: Costa Vegan Gluten Free Mince Tart £2.30, 82/100
  • Runner-up: Waitrose Free From Milk & Gluten Free Mince Pies £2.90, 81/100

Christmas Cake

  • Joint Winner: Biscuiteers Christmas Cake £68, 85/100
  • Joint Winner: Daylesford Iced Christmas Cake £45, 85/100
  • Joint Runner-up: Iceland Luxury Christmas Cake £10, 81/100
  • Joint Runner-up: Aldi Specially Selected All Over Iced Christmas Cake £8.99, 81/100

Biscuit Tins

  • Winner: Bettys Biscuit Tin Selection £25, 96/100
  • Joint Runner-up: Fitzbillies Cambridge Gingerbread £17, 82/100
  • Joint Runner-up + Best Budget: Co-op Highland Shortbread Selection Box £4, 82/100

Christmas Crisps

  • Joint Winner: Waitrose Turkey & Stuffing Flavour Tortilla Chips £2, 85/100
  • Joint Winner: Asda Extra Special Beef & Red Wine Gravy Hand Cooked Crisps £1.35, 85/100
  • Runner-up: Savoursmiths Christmas Ham with Umami Truffle Glaze £2.95, 81/100

Christmas Heroes

  • Winner: Asda Exceptional Bone Marrow Beef Pie £10, 91/100
  • Runner-up: Specially Selected Honey Roast Hot Smoked Salmon Side £9.99, 90/100

Gingerbread Houses

  • Winner: Asda Gingerbread House Kit £5, 89/100
  • Runner-up: Waitrose Build Your Own Gingerbread House £6, 88/100

How to save money on your food shop

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year:

Odd boxes – plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price.

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Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30.

Sainsbury’s also sells £2 “Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me” fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash.

Food waste apps – food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public.

Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio.

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Too Good to Go’s app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount.

Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses.

Yellow sticker bargains – yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap.

But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here.

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Super cheap bargains – sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they’ve found on the cheap, including food finds.

“Downshift” – you will almost always save money going for a supermarket’s own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands.

The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as “downshifting” and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop.

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Playing ‘shops’ and when to give pocket money… how to give your kids a financial lesson that will set them up for life

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Playing 'shops' and when to give pocket money... how to give your kids a financial lesson that will set them up for life

LESSONS in money should start at home.

Nine in ten children aged seven to 17 say they would go to their parents if they needed money advice, according to Money and Pensions Service, but only a quarter have learnt cash management skills at home.

Find out how a successful financial education at home adds up for your kids

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Find out how a successful financial education at home adds up for your kidsCredit: Getty

Charlotte Churchill, from the MAPS young people’s team, says: “Parents and carers have the most important influence on how children deal with money in adult life.”

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“It’s never too early. Children’s attitudes, skills and habits develop between three and seven years old, so once you are talking to children, you can talk to them about money.

“It’s also never too late — so don’t feel guilty, you are almost certainly teaching money skills more than you think you are.”

Here Mel Hunter shows how a successful financial education at home adds up.

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WHAT ARE KIDS TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS?

Some personal finance matters are taught in primary and secondary levels — but experts say more could be done to support student

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Some personal finance matters are taught in primary and secondary levels — but experts say more could be done to support studentCredit: Getty

DESPITE Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis funding his own Your Money Matters textbook and his victory in making it a compulsory part of schooling, financial education remains patchy.

Education rules for schools depend on where you live.

In England, children get some lessons in budgeting, credit and debt, pensions and insurance when they get to secondary school.

But primary schools are not legally required to offer financial education.

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In Wales, some personal finance matters are taught in primary and secondary levels — but experts say more could be done to support students.

Louise Hill, co-founder and CEO of kids’ money app GoHenry, says: “If financial education was compulsory in all schools nationwide from primary school age — something we have long campaigned for — it would make a huge difference to the next generation and set them up for success, not least by equipping them with the practical money skills they need for adulthood.”

I started my summer side hustle as a kid knocking on my neighbours’ doors – now it’s a six-figure business anyone can copy

WE STARTED WITH BEDTIME STORIES

Add a money-related twist to bedtime stories to start getting the message across

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Add a money-related twist to bedtime stories to start getting the message acrossCredit: Getty

WHEN his daughters Imogen, 12, and Florence, ten, were younger, Will Rainey would add a little twist to his bedtime stories.

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“I’d put a money spin on a kids’ story,” says the former investment consultant from Warlingham, Surrey.

“I’d talk to them about money being like seeds and how you can either give the seeds away or you can plant them and they will grow over time into trees.

“They could understand that I was talking about spending and saving.”

Will, 43 — who runs family finance website bluetreesavings.com and is author of Grandpa’s Fortune Fables — Fun Stories To Teach Kids About Money — says he and human resources manager wife Astrid, also 43, have always discussed finances openly with the girls.

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“We talk about what we do and don’t spend our money on, and how what works for our family may not be the same as another family.”

Charlotte says that talking is the cornerstone of teaching the subject at home. “Think of all the money decisions that we, as adults, make in our heads.

“When we are thinking ‘Do I need it or just want it? What do I need to go without to have it?’, we should to be saying this out loud in front of our kids.

“The numeracy behind money is vital, but so are the emotions.

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“If you’re struggling to pay your bills, it’s OK to explain to children that you don’t have the money to buy something they want.”

TEACH NEEDS vs WANTS

JULIETTE COLLIER from the Campaign For Learning, says: “If you’re in a shop and your child wants a new toy, instead of saying ‘No’, say ‘Let’s take a photo of it and remember it when it’s your birthday’. Unless children know they can’t have everything they want, when they want it, they may face problems as adults when they are able to buy things on credit.”

Once children begin to understand the difference between wants and needs, usually when they’re six or seven, you can talk to them about earning and saving.

SAVINGS HABITS

Encourage kids to save a little of their pocket money to get them in the habut

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Encourage kids to save a little of their pocket money to get them in the habutCredit: Getty

THIS is what Will has passed on to his daughters.

“Every time they get some money, we encourage them to save. They can have fun with £9 out of £10, but saving that £1 is a great habit to get into and it will grow as they get older.

“As parents you can invest it for them, and the more they see it grow, the more excited they get.”

When it comes to pocket money, there is no right amount.

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It just depends what you can afford, says Juliette.

“Even giving children very small amounts gives them the chance to save, budget and make mistakes which they can learn from.”

Will increases the girls’ pocket money as they get older, gradually making them pay for more things themselves as the money goes up.

He says: “They know what they’re expected to pay for — toys, for example — and they enjoy that freedom.”

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MAKE MONEY VISIBLE

WITH banking and bill-paying mainly done online, children don’t see real money that much.

Juliette says: “It’s almost invisible so they may not even realise that you have to pay for your water or heating, as it is taken by direct debit.”

The same applies to contactless payments.

Charlotte says: “Do they realise that card you’re tapping is connected to your bank? Do they know how the money gets into your bank? Talk to them about it, so that when they get their own card they understand how it works.”

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Children as young as six can now have their own contactless debit card connected to apps such as GoHenry, HyperJar, Starling and NatWest Rooster Money.

The cards — some free, others paid for — can help kids save and parents can reward them for completing chores.

Research suggests that technology is helpful when it comes to teaching children about money, as is education at school.

But no app or classroom can replace real-world lessons from families.

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‘OUR POOR CHILDREN’

HUSBAND and wife Jo and Ryan White are passionate about teaching their kids about money.

Jo, 45, says: “If my children ask for a new toy, I ask them if they want or need it.

“Then we sleep on it and, if they still want it as much, they come up with a creative plan to get the money together, from making things to selling popcorn.

“Once they’ve made that money themselves, they often don’t want to fritter it away after all.”

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Jo set up a successful dog walking and pet sitting business – We Love Pets (welovepets.care), which has branches nationwide.

She takes Freya, seven, and William, six, to learn from the franchisees.

“Life is like business – you need to have more money coming in than going out, ” she says. The children don’t get pocket money from Jo, or Ryan, 41, but are expected to muck in with chores around the family’s home in the Norfolk Broads.

They can earn extra doing things like giving the car a thorough clean.

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They now have online bank accounts and debit cards with Revolut.

“To make them realise that the card isn’t magic money, we show them how their money is going down on the app as they spend it,” Jo says.

William has saved around £500, while Freya – more of a spender – has £200 in the bank.

“We talk about the emotions around money. It’s so easy to think ‘Oh I want that lovely, shiny new thing’ but they’re learning to be patient and make the right choice.”

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SKILLS FOR DIFFERENT AGED KIDS

A timeline of money lessons for kids as they grow up from tots to teens

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A timeline of money lessons for kids as they grow up from tots to teensCredit: Getty

3 AND 4 YEAR OLDS

GET them to help you write a shopping list, with columns for things you need and things you want.

Have a collection of coins so they get used to the feel of money.

5 AND 6 YEAR OLDS

GIVE them a moneybox to start saving.

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Play shops together.

7 AND 8 YEAR OLDS

START paying them for chores or give them pocket money, however small.

Get them to help you ­compare prices in shops.

Divide their money between three jars – for spending, saving and giving to charity.

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9 TO 12 YEAR OLDS

TALK about mobile phone costs, contracts and credit limits.

Give them a savings challenge and help plan how they will achieve it.

HELP them manage their first earnings.

Talk to them about your income and how you budget.

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Try not to bail them out if they overspend.

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Businessman Mike Ashley launches fresh £111million bid for luxury bag firm Mulberry

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Businessman Mike Ashley launches fresh £111million bid for luxury bag firm Mulberry

MIKE Ashley’s Frasers Group last night launched a fresh £111million bid for Mulberry — while fanning doubts about the luxury bag group’s survival chances.

The move came hours after it emerged Frasers had invested £10million in online firm THG’s cash call.

Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group last night launched a fresh £111million bid for Mulberry

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Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group last night launched a fresh £111million bid for MulberryCredit: Getty

THG, formerly The Hut Group, raised £95million to fund taking its Ingenuity tech unit private.

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Mulberry had rejected Mr Ashley’s previous £83million approach in favour of a £10million fundraising, backed by its biggest ­investor Challice Group, which is controlled by Singapore billionaire Christina Ong.

However, after the London stock market closed yesterday Frasers, which has a 37 per cent stake in Mulberry already, launched a new 150p-a-share approach.

Mulberry is currently valued at £79.9million on the stock market.

Frasers said it had significant reservations that the £10million raised will be enough to support the firm.

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Mr Ashley suggested his ownership would “ensure its long-term survival and success”.

He has had hits and misses with investments in rival retailers — notably Matches Fashion, which went into administration.

Meanwhile, THG boss Matt Moulding had another swipe at the London Stock Exchange.

He said: “It’s clear the LSE isn’t a place for a tech/infrastructure business like Ingenuity.”

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I went to a jumble sale & hit the jackpot – I left with a Mulberry bag for 30 PENCE, and two sacks of clothes for a quid

Power push

SCOTTISH POWER is doubling its investment in Britain from £12billion to £24billion — in a vote of confidence for the country.

The business, owned by Spain’s Iberdrola, plans to upgrade high-voltage cables and build more wind farms to back a Government push to cut UK reliance on gas imports.

Jobs gloomy

THE jobs market has remained in the doldrums over the summer, according to recruiter Hays.

It reported that fees from job placings had dropped by a fifth over the past three months, with permanent jobs slumping the most.

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Hays is also cutting its own workforce by another 200 employees.

Good week

Cyber firm Darktrace founder Poppy Gustafsson was named as the Government’s new Minister for Investment

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Cyber firm Darktrace founder Poppy Gustafsson was named as the Government’s new Minister for InvestmentCredit: Getty

Bad week

Greg Fitzgerald, the boss of housebuilder Vistry, which issued a profit warning after it got its sums wrong

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Greg Fitzgerald, the boss of housebuilder Vistry, which issued a profit warning after it got its sums wrong

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I was left in shock after realising £500,000 three-storey London house I was browsing was actually a tiny shed – The Sun

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I was left in shock after realising £500,000 three-storey London house I was browsing was actually a tiny shed – The Sun

A HOUSE hunter claims a £500,000 London property she was browsing was not a three-storey townhouse – but the “shed” next door.

The property in Hackney, London, demands “offers in excess of £525,000” – despite being a long, slim building of just 545sqft.

The so-called 'shed' has been converted into one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen.

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The so-called ‘shed’ has been converted into one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen.Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The outdoor area of the property

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The outdoor area of the propertyCredit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The kitchen of the £500,000 'shed'

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The kitchen of the £500,000 ‘shed’Credit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The property has left social media users baffled

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The property has left social media users baffledCredit: Kennedy Newsand Media
But some users think it's a good deal for Hackney

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But some users think it’s a good deal for HackneyCredit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The property is attached to a large three-storey property

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The property is attached to a large three-storey propertyCredit: Kennedy Newsand Media

The so-called shed has been converted into one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen.

But the property is attached to a large three-storey property that has left some social media users baffled over which home they would be actually buying.

TikTok user Charlotte Moran shared a clip after coming across the bizarre listing captioned, “Hackney has me deceased” – gaining tens of thousands of views.

In the clip, Charlotte points at the bigger property, saying: “I’m looking at this. I thought, wow, look at that house”.

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She then points at a tiny white building next to it and shocking adds “no, it’s the shed on the side for half a million pounds.”

Many users have taken to the comments to express that the thought of the shed being for sale at the price is “insane” and even likened the property to a “portacabin”.

But other users have argued that it’s “pretty cheap for Hackney standards”, with one stating: “You’re paying for the potential.”

Listed by Winkworth estate agents, the newly refurbished home promises to be “functional and aesthetically pleasing” as well as offering an “enchanting’” outdoor space – with parking included.

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A spokesperson for Winkworth said: “You wouldn’t get that type of house for £525,000.

“Anyone who thinks that doesn’t necessarily know about property in my opinion.

I’m 28 & live in a tiny home – we pay no rent & the view is amazing

“If it was up to me it’d be slightly less but the potential to go up an extra story and make it into a nice two-story house with a garden.

“It’s attached to another building so effectively you have to take the picture of the whole thing. It’s part of the freehold of that building. You have to show that as well because it is a conversion.

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“Considering that’s also part of the same [building] it will be all under the same freehold company you do have to show the building.

“The main benefits are that it’s got a garden, it’s gated, it’s got its own driveway. It’s very close to Clapton station and has been recently refurbished.

“It’s a very sought after area. It’s very central.

“The potential justifies the price. To potentially go up and add an extra story.”

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However some househunters on social media were less convinced about the price.

One said: “Somebody needs to tell the estate agent, ‘that is a garage sir’.”

Another said: “Stop it. It’s a portacabin.”

One added: “You could literally buy a mansion up here in Scotland for that, it’s wild.”

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Charlotte responded: “Honestly Hackney has gone mad.”

The front of the property - next to a townhouse

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The front of the property – next to a townhouseCredit: Kennedy Newsand Media
The property is 545sqft

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The property is 545sqftCredit: Kennedy Newsand Media

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