SHOPPERS are racing to get a Home Bargains dupe of a beloved M&S chocolate snack scanning at a cheaper price.

A savvy shopper posted the dupe in the Food Find UK Official Facebook group, where bargain hunters regularly share new items they discover in supermarkets.

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Home Bargain’s new Elkes Temptations is a dupe of M&S’ popular Milk Chocolate Custard Creams.

The knock-off treats are scanning at the popular discount chain’s tills for only £1.99.

This is just over £1 less than the price at which M&S is selling their chocolatey snack.

Home Bargain fans can choose from a Chocolatey Custard Cream or the sought-after Chocolatey Bourbon Creams.

The caption for the post read: “Found these in-home bargains today they are £1.99 bit cheaper than the M&S ones not tried them yet.”

Hundreds of fellow bargain hunters have left likes and left comments expressing their desire to snap up the tasty treats.

One user cried: “I need these.”

“I need to go on the hunt for these,” another wrote.

A third commented: “Need cause the M&S ones are banging.”

“Thanks so much for sharing,” a fourth added.

Last year M&S made a shock change to its bourbons and custard cream biscuits, as fans revealed the new versions taste like another classic chocolate bar.

The high street retail giant launched the new range from its Food brand, prompting people to pile in with reviews on social media.

The new Marks & Spencer offerings included savoury snacks as well as sweets.

Yet the ones that appeared to get the most responses were the custard creams and milk chocolate-coated bourbon-style biscuits.

The company deliberately fashioned their new treats on long-established “customer favourites”, it acknowledged.

The products had names such as Outrageously Chocolatey Chocolate-Coated Custard Creams and Outrageously Chocolatey Chocolate-Coated Bourbons, both priced at £2.50 per pack.

Comments on the official M&S Instagram channel in reply to the new arrivals included “These are insanely good” and “You have absolutely knocked it out of the park”.

Another fan posted: “These are like TimTams on steroids!”

University of Oxford historian Dr Francis Young said: “The words ‘historic’ and ‘breakthrough’ get bandied about a lot, but in the case of chocolate-covered custard creams we could be looking at something that genuinely changes the world for the better.”

And writer Anna Tuckett posted on X, formerly Twitter: “The rumours were true, this is an improvement on standard custard creams.”

Fidelity International, Mercer, Penny and Pension Lab are the latest companies to join the Pensions Dashboards Operators Coalition (DOC).

This now brings consumers’ choice of potential dashboards to 15.

The existing member firms of the Pensions DOC are Aviva, Just Group, Legal & General, Mintago, Moneybox, Moneyhub, NatWest Cushon, Scottish Widows (part of Lloyds Banking Group), Smart Pension and Standard Life (part of Phoenix Group), and the MoneyHelper pensions dashboard from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).

Fidelity International supports retail and workplace savers with their plans for retirement. To help them achieve their financial goals, it will explore opportunities to offer savers a single, consolidated view of their pension wealth through its online services, via a commercial pensions dashboard.

Mercer is now looking to further enhance its communication and engagement by adding in a commercial pensions dashboard or Qualifying Pensions Dashboard Service (QPDS).

Penny makes it seamless for individuals to locate and consolidate their pension pots. It intends to include a QPDS within its simple modern app providing customers with a secure and enjoyable experience.

Pension Lab is a leading provider of white-labelled pension transfer and consolidation dashboards. The company now aims to extend its Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) permissions to become an authorised QPDS operator.

Independent Dashboards consultant Richard Smith leads the DOC initiative.

He said: “Especially since the onset of the FCA’s Consumer Duty requirements, more and more pension providers are deciding they can only properly help their customers with retirement planning if they can show them all the pensions they’ve got, together.

“It’s going to be so good for UK consumers to have so many opportunities to see their total pension position on whichever is their favourite and most trusted app, emulating the success on this we’ve seen in Norway. Soon, providers who don’t intend to offer a QPDS will be the exception.”

Fidelity International head of workplace investing distribution Dan Smith said: “We believe pensions dashboards are fundamental to improving savers’ retirement outcomes. Providing them with a single view of their pensions savings will help to increase levels of engagement, while addressing the challenges presented by a proliferation of small pots.

“The Coalition presents an excellent opportunity for the industry to work together and share best practice, to support with the implementation of dashboards. We look forward to collaborating with its members to support the delivery of commercial pensions dashboards for the benefit of our retirement savers.”

Standard Life, Legal & General, Moneyhub and Just Group announced the launch of the Dashboard Operators Coalition (DOC) in March 2024.

Dashboards provide consumers with a consolidated view of their pensions, making it easier to track and manage their retirement savings and make informed decisions about their retirement.

A HUGE UK restaurant chain with 87 sites which collapsed into administration could be saved by a “nearly agreed” rescue deal.

After balancing on the brink of losing all UK sites forever, TGI Fridays may be protected by a negotiation being finalised this weekend, sources claim.

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The deal would save more than 2,000 jobs, as reported by Sky News, as Breal Capital and Calveton could secure the majority of TGI Fridays branches by tomorrow.

The company co-own a restaurant business called D&D London that specialise in high-end venues.

Insiders claimed the rescue deal could include up to 55 of the chain’s 87 sites and at least 2,000 of its workforce.

However, this would still leave round 1,000 jobs lost.

It comes after TGI Fridays collapsed into administration earlier this year with 87 stores put up for sale.

Hostmore, which owns TGI in this country, was scrambling to sell the franchise so it could continue to operate under new ownership.

The hospitality firm said it had appointed joint administrators from Teneo and planned to sell all of its 87 UK locations to new owners by the end of September.

However, it announced last month that it was not expecting to “recover any meaningful value” from the sale of sites.

This would mean it would earn less from the sale than it owes to creditors and banks.

It saw Hostmore abandon the £177million deal.

News of the collapse caused shares in the London-listed company tank by more than 90 per cent.

After first opening in Birmingham, TGI Fridays spread rapidly around the country with its popular format of casual American bistro-style dining.

Serving staff were known as Dub Dubs, and taught the art of entertaining their customers with jokes, banter, and other gimmicks like juggling and magic tricks, all performed with impeccable table craft and cheeriness.

In the early 1990s, the Covent Garden branch of T.G.I. Friday’s was reported to be the busiest restaurant in Europe.

The chain was acquired by a private equity firm 10 years ago, with a rebrand removing all the punctuation from the restaurant name to make it TGI Fridays.

In 2021, the company was spun out into Hostmore, a listed company and the restaurants were briefly renamed just ‘Fridays’ before marketing chiefs found customers still called it ‘TGI’s’ and restored the original name.

In recent times the chain restaurant’s fortunes have faded, and Hostmore revealed that UK sales have fallen by more than a tenth this year, compared with last year.

Now Hostmore is in the process of selling its UK restaurants to new owners, with the aim of becoming a fully franchise-operated model.

TGI Fridays’ biggest market is in the US where there are 128 restaurants, including franchised sites, and it operates more than 270 in countries around the world.

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A NEW King Charles III coin has officially been crowned the rarest 50p in circulation after kicking another valuable piece off the top spot.

The Royal Mint has exclusively revealed to The Sun the Kew Gardens 50p has been dethroned by the Atlantic Salmon 50p.

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The coin was struck to highlight the plight of the species of fish, whose population is in decline.

The 50p piece started entering general circulation at the end of 2023 as part of a new series of coins marking the ascension of King Charles to the throne.

Up until now, The Royal Mint, the official maker of British coins, has yet published confirmed figures on how many of the Atlantic Salmon were put into circulation.

However, it has now revealed 200,000 were sent to banks and post offices across the UK at the end of last year.

There were 210,000 Kew Gardens 50p coins put into circulation 15 years ago which has made it the rarest of the 50ps for over a decade.

But the latest mintage figures from The Royal Mint show its spot has now been taken by the Atlantic Salmon 50p.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coins at The Royal Mint said: “The releasing of mintage figures is an eagerly anticipated event among the coin collecting community – and this year is particularly exciting as we reveal the Atlantic Salmon as the rarest 50p in circulation.

“For the first time in 15 years, the highly collectable Kew Gardens 50p loses its top spot as the rarest in circulation with the Atlantic Salmon 50p splashing its way to number one.”

Collectors have already been finding the Atlantic Salmon 50p piece hard to come by, with some willing to pay over the odds to get their hands on one.

Plenty of sellers on eBay have found theirs going for multiple times their face value.

In one recent listing, someone managed to sell one of the coins for £51, over 100 times the face value of the piece.

The coin sparked a fierce bidding war, with 23 buyers putting an offer in.

The Atlantic Salmon 50p taking the highest spot for rarest 50p coin in general circulation means the top 10 list is now:

1. 2023 Atlantic Salmon – 200,000 made
2. 2009 Kew Gardens – 210,000 minted
3. 2011 Olympic Football – 1,125,000 minted
4. 2011 Olympic Wrestling UK – 1,129,500 minted
5. 2011 Olympic Judo – 1,161,500 minted
6. 2011 Olympic Triathlon – 1,163,500 minted
7. 2018 Peter Rabbit – 1,400,000 minted
8. 2018 Flopsy Bunny – 1,400,000 minted
9. 2011 Olympic Tennis – 1,454,000 minted
10. 2011 Olympic Goalball – 1,615,000 minted

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What makes a coin rare?

Rare coins have been known to sell for thousands of pounds in the past with collectors keen to snap them up.

A coin is considered rare usually if it falls into one of two categories – having a low mintage or being an “error” coin.

The mintage of a coin relates to how many of it were struck and put into general circulation.

The lower amount of a coin that was created and is available to the public, the rarer and, potentially, more valuable it is.

A coin may also be classed as rare if there was a mistake made during the manufacturing process which means very few are out there – an error coin.

In some cases, there are just a handful of each error coin for the public to get their hands on making them incredibly rare and valuable.

For example, one error coin dubbed the “lines over face” 50p, has been known to sell for £1,500 in the past.

Other error coins, with incorrect phrasing or dates on, have been known to go for £2,500.

How to sell a rare coin

There are three ways you can sell rare coins – on eBay, Facebook, or in an auction.

If you’re selling on Facebook, there are risks attached.

Some sellers have previously been targeted by scammers who say they want to buy a rare note or coin and ask for money up front to pay for a courier to pick it up.

But the courier is never actually sent and you’re left out of pocket.

Rather than doing this, it’s always best to meet a Facebook seller in person when buying or selling a rare note or coin.

Ensure it’s a public meeting spot that’s in a well-lit area and if you can, avoid using payment links.

Next, you can sell at auction, which is generally the safest option.

You can organise this with The Royal Mint’s Collectors Service.

It has a team of experts who can help you authenticate and value your coin.

You can get in touch via email and a member of the valuation team will get back to you.

You will be charged for the service though – the cost varies depending on the size of your collection.

You can also sell rare coins on eBay.

But always bear in mind, you will only make what the buyer is willing to pay at that time.

You can search for the same note or coin as you have to see how much the same one has sold for on the website previously.

This can help give you an indication of how much you should sell it for.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

SHOPPERS are racing to their nearest branch to snap up new curry-flavoured crisps scanning at a major supermarket for just £1.15.

The supermarket’s new range, inspired by various Indian dishes, celebrates National Curry Week which starts October 7.

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Aldi revealed two new flavoured curry crips which hit shelves in stores across the UK starting October 8.

The bargain supermarket’s new Specially Selected Hand Cooked Bombay Potato Crisps features a rich Indian spice blend to give shoppers a spicy kick.

The 150g crisps are available to buy in stores for just £1.15.

Similarly, Aldi’s new Specially Selected Hand Cooked Spiced Tikka Crisps are packed with a variety of spices, aiming to “transport shoppers to the streets of New Delhi“.

This sought-after crisp packet is also 150g and costs £1.15.

The Indian-inspired crisps can only be purchased in stores, and Aldi fans will need to act quickly before branches run out of stock.

Bear in mind availability will vary between stores – you can find Aldi’s store locator on its website.

The popular discount chain recently announced that one lucky shopper has the chance to win free shopping for a year.

To win, customers must write no more than 250 words explaining why they deserve to receive the ultimate gift.

Judges at Aldi will review all the submissions before choosing who will hold the exclusive card.

To be eligible, candidates must be aged 18 or over.

Applicants must explain why they are Aldi’s biggest superfan to have a chance at winning.

Aspiring winners must send their letters to aldicompetitions@citypress.co.uk, including their name, age, and location.

Shoppers have until October 31 at 11.59pm to apply for the Superfan Card, and one lucky customer will be notified about their win on November 30.

Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi, said: “We know how passionate our customers are about Aldi, and we wanted to find a way to give something truly special back to Aldi’s biggest fan.

“We can’t wait to see the creativity and enthusiasm in the entries. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we’re thrilled to be launching it.”

It comes after McDonald’s revealed that they would bring back a menu item which has not been seen in almost a decade in just a matter of days.

And M&S customers are delighted after spotting a classic treat which has made a reappearance on supermarket shelves for the holidays.

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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NATIONAL Curry Week is here – so it’s the perfect time to make the most of Britain’s favourite takeaway.

Don’t let those masala leftovers go to waste.

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Instead, transform them into fresh and exciting meals with a few easy tweaks.

ROAST & TOAST: Got some leftover roast meat?

It can be easily repurposed into a new curry dish.

Firstly, add any cupboard curry powder, cumin and turmeric to a hot pan and toast the spices to release the flavour.

Then shred the meat and add it to the pan, before adding your leftover curry sauce, letting it simmer until heated through.

DAAL-ICIOUS: If you have got leftover daal, a few eggs can elevate it into a hearty shakshuka-inspired dish.

Reheat the daal in a pan, create small wells, and crack eggs into them.

Cover the pan and let the eggs poach in the lentils, or pop it under the grill to finish.

Serve with bread for a protein-packed dish that is perfect for breakfast or dinner.

VEGGIE HEAVEN: Leftover curry sauce makes for speedy vegetarian meal prep.

Bulk up the sauce by adding a can of coconut milk and then throw in any veggies going out of date, or frozen spinach and peas.

Simmer until everything is cooked through for a creamy, delicious vegetable curry.

RICE IDEA: Leftover curry can be turned into a quick biryani.

To pimp your rice, cook as usual but add a few crushed cardamom pods into the rice pan and cover to release the flavour as it cooks.

Add leftover curry to a frying pan containing the cooked rice, as well as extras such as raisins and fried onions.

BULK UP: If you want to make your curry go further, try pulses.

Lentils and chickpeas are excellent options to add both texture and protein.

They will absorb the curry’s flavours while stretching the meal to feed more people, or give you extra leftovers for the next day.

CRACK ON: Do not throw out leftover poppadoms.

Blend them into crumbs for a crispy coating for chicken, or make poppadom nachos.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability

Deal of the day

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WARM up in a padded Vera Moda jacket that’s perfect for morning dog walks, was £48, now £24 at Laredoute.co.uk.

SAVE: £24

Cheap treat

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CLEAN the whole house and bring a fresh scent to your home using Zoflora Linen Fresh, 500ml, previously £4.49, now £3.99 at B&M.

SAVE: 50p

What’s new?

BUY yourself the BeautyPro.com sheet mask Advent calendar.

Or split up the 25 sheet masks and stash them to use as stocking fillers or Christmas presents.

It is £25 but with each mask usually costing £5 to £6, it is worth £62.

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Top swap

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TRADE the stunning Carolina Herrera Good Girl EDP, £65 for 30ml, for the new PS… Good Chica EDP, £6 for 50ml, now at Primark.

SAVE: £59

Little helper

EAT at PizzaExpress and get any Classic pizza for £8 all day every day – as long as you sign up to become a free PizzaExpress Club member. Offer runs until October 24.

Shop & save

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TIDY up the garden quickly with the Powerbase 20V cordless garden blower, £79, and use the code POWER30 to get 30 per cent off, making it £55.30.

SAVE: £23.70

Hot right now

STOCK up on packs of mini Toblerone, Quality Street and Cadbury’s Heroes at Asda and get two for £6, usually £3.50 each.

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

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JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!