A CORNER shop is selling the beloved Terry’s Chocolate Orange for just £1 – so shoppers can stop up for Christmas.

The deal can be found in One Stop, which has over 1,000 across the country.

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Flavours include the classic original, Chocolate Mint, and Chocolate Orange Toffee Crunch.

News of the discount was posted in the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group, garnering 125 reacts and 146 comments.

Users were quick to tag family and friends in the comments, with one saying: “May have to go get some mint ones.”

Another mysteriously wrote: “I will have to grab some for our Christmas pudding project.”

The £1 price tag is a reduction from the usual £1.75 – and will be available until November 5.

Chocoholics can find their local store at www.onestop.co.uk/store-finder/ to shop the deal.

It is the best discount out there for Terry’s lovers, with Chocolate Oranges currently on sale for £1.50-£1.65 at Tesco, £1.50 at Asda, and £1.50 at Ocado down from £2.

It comes just months after Terry’s launched a brand-new flavour of Chocolate Orange – weirdly enough, without the “orange”.

The Chocolate Milk treat, nicknamed “Chocolate No Orange”, hit B&M in August.

One confused customer wrote: “I’m sorry but it’s a Terry’s chocolate orange. It’s in the name lol.”

In other exciting news for chocoholics, a so-called “extinct” chocolate Cadbury’s bar – the Fuse bar – was spotted in miniature form at B&M.

Meanwhile, shoppers raved about a new type of M&M – the Candy Popcorn M&M Minis.

And Nestle added a new chocolate to its Quality Street “Favourites Golden Selection” pouch: the Toffee Penny.

How to save money on chocolate

WE all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don’t have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for the supermarket’s own brand bars.

Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

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Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

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So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

A VILLAGE in England is home to an 18th-century subtropical garden where visitors feel like they’re abroad.

Located just 20 minutes from the longest beach in the UK, the village of Abbotsbury is home to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

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The Jurassic Coast village is steeped in history, with Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens being one of its main attractions.

Established in 1765, when the 1st Countess of Ilchester built the castle on the site overlooking Lyme Bay, the gardens are home to thousands of different plant species.

Several generations of the family tended to the garden over the last few hundred years, expanding its growing collection of plant life.

Nowadays, Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is home to over 6,000 species of plants from around the world.

Because of its coastal location, which benefits from mild winters and cooler summers, several species of plants can thrive in the Victorian gardens.

Spread over 30 acres, visitors can walk along winding paths through lush landscapes, featuring stunning displays of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons.

One of its rarest plants is the Puya, native to Chile, the plant has ferocious spines that have been known to trap sheep, birds and small animals.

The Puya only flowers once every 10 years, with its last blooming taking place in 2023.

Other features in Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens include a Victorian Walled Garden and a children’s play area.

There’s also a cafe with a wooden veranda and courtyard that’s surrounded by plants.

Light snacks, savoury pastries, sandwiches, cakes and a range of hot and cold drinks are served at the cafe.

Entry into the gardens costs £12.95 for a full-paying adult and £6.95 for kids.

The Dorset-based gardens has a 4.5/5 star rating from over 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor, with one person writing: “Who needs to go abroad you have this”.

Another person added: “It’s such a beautiful place, and it really does feel like you’re abroad somewhere”.

A third person wrote: “We visited the garden on a lovely sunny day and it was like stepping into a different country”.

Set on Dorset‘s Jurassic Coast, there are plenty of other attractions in the area, including Chesil Beach.

Chesil Beach is the longest beach in the country, running from the Isle of Portland to West Bay.

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The Dorset beach was the backdrop for Ian McEwan’s acclaimed novel On Chesil Beach.

Despite not having any sand, the shingle beach still draws in holidaymakers from across the UK thanks to its stunning views.

Chesil Beach is also backed by Fleet Lagoon – a large saline lake, which is one of the last undisturbed brackish lagoons left in the world.

Designated a Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Fleet Lagoon is an important habitat for many different species of wildlife, including the world’s only managed colony of nesting mute swans.

Meanwhile, this hotel has been rated the best in the world by travel specialists.

And this UK seaside town was named the best in the country.

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It’s welcome to read reports that chancellor Rachel Reeves’ new fiscal rule will replace the way gross government debt is measured as a proportion of gross domestic product. The new debt concept being mooted is one that nets off from gross debt selected assets on the government balance sheet. This should loosen the government’s fiscal straitjacket (Opinion, October 12).

However, I am alarmed by indications that these assets would be confined to financial balance sheet components.

It would be a grave mistake to exclude saleable land on the government’s balance sheet when netting off from gross debt. Such an exclusion would critically handicap the implementation of better land value capture, strongly signalled in the Labour election manifesto, and have a crucial impact on whether the government is able to achieve its ambitious housebuilding targets.

One precondition for better land value capture is the repeal of the 1961 Land Compensation Act. The other is a new fiscal rule. Public authorities should be able to borrow to buy land at prices below those that would apply to land that had planning permission. After obtaining planning permission, some of this land could be used for building social housing more cheaply than is currently possible. Some would be sold off to private developers and the profit used to fund infrastructure. Overall, with land included in the assets netted off, net government debt would fall, and housebuilding and growth rise, even though gross debt increases.

Professor John Muellbauer
Nuffield College and Institute for New Economic Thinking, University of Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK

PENSION annuity rates and sales are rising and experts say now is a good time to buy one.

But the trick is to find the best deal for your old age.

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Ellie Smitherman talks you through it . . . 

IS AN ANNUITY RIGHT FOR YOU?

ANNUITIES are retirement plans pensioners can buy to provide them with a fixed regular income for the rest of their life.

Rates are usually shown as how much money you will receive per year for every £100,000 you pay in.

For example, an annuity rate of 5 per cent would mean you get £5,000 for every £100,000 you invest – so if you paid an annuity provider £50,000, you would get £2,500 a year.

If you buy an annuity, you can opt to take a quarter of your pension pot as a tax-free lump sum.

The rest is then converted into a taxable lifetime income.

Exactly how much an individual gets from an annuity depends on their personal circumstances, such as if they are in good health, their life expectancy and how much their pension is worth.

Annuity rates have surged in recent years.

Average annuity rates for a 65-year-old are currently 7.18 per cent, up from 5.11 per cent in January 2022.

The latest data from the annuity comparison tool of financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown’s shows a 65-year-old with a £100,000 pension pot can get up to £7,146 a year.

This is up 43 per cent on what they would have got just three years ago.

But money paid from an annuity is subject to income tax.

And taking money from a pension in a lump sum can affect your means-tested benefits – they could be reduced or even stopped.

What’s next for rates?

RETIREES are rushing to lock in high rates, says Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown.

This is because many think the Bank of England will cut interest rates in the next few months, and this could have a negative impact on annuity rates.

Helen told The Sun: “After years on the sidelines of the retirement income market, annuities are enjoying their time in the sun, as increasing interest rates pushed incomes skyward.”

Emma Watkins of pension provider Scottish Widows added: “While it’s hard to predict the future, many think annuity rates will follow the base rate down over the next few years – while staying well above historic lows.”

But experts urge retirees not to buy too much into the predictions.

Lorna Shah, managing director of Legal & General Retail Retirement, said: “While some commentators are suggesting annuity rates might change, economic and political uncertainties mean annuity rates can be very hard to predict.

“Instead of trying to make a decision based on rates, it’s important for people to think about personal needs and how different products can work together to give them the best result over the long term.”

HOW TO GET THE BEST DEAL

AS you get closer to retirement age, your pension provider will send you information about the value of your pension pot and the options available to you to take money from it.

Some providers can offer you an income directly.

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But remember, you don’t have to take an annuity offered by your existing provider.

Buying an annuity is usually an irreversible decision so it’s crucial to consider your options, choose the right type and get the best deal you can.

Research by Hargreaves Lansdown found the difference between different providers’ rates can be worth thousands in retirement.

So shop around for your annuity – it almost always gives you a higher income in retirement.

Use tools such as the Money Helper’s annuity comparison tool, or use annuity brokers to find the best deals currently available on the market and tailored to your circumstances.

You can find a broker online but check reviews and fees.

Only non-advised providers will give you a quote without you taking advice first.

They will simply offer you the best rate they can find on the market.

There may be annuity providers offering higher rates via only a financial adviser.

If you are close to retirement and unsure about annuities or making the most of your pension pot, Pension Wise can help.

It’s a free service from government-backed financial guidance adviser, MoneyHelper.

To find an independent financial adviser, see the Unbiased website, but you will likely need to pay for their advice.

You can also compare annuities yourself on the Annuity Ready website .

If unsure how much to save, the Retirement Living Standards website shows the cost of different retirement lifestyles.

Then use a retirement income calculator to see how much you need to save to reach the level you desire.

Bear in mind there are lots of types of annuities so do your research and get advice to find the best fit for you.

There are pitfalls, too, such as the fact you cannot change your mind – annuities are a lifelong buy so you need to be certain.

This also means if there’s a chance your income needs might change drastically in the future, an annuity might not be the best option for you.

Remember not to automatically accept the annuity rate offered by your pension provider without checking what is on offer across the rest of the market.

THE BEST ALTERNATIVES

IF you want more flexibility over your income you might want to consider a different approach.

Most retirees now opt to leave their pension invested in the stock market, and take income as and when they need it, via “drawdown”.

As with an annuity, you can withdraw a quarter as a tax-free lump sum, with the rest taxed as income.

Drawdown is more flexible than an annuity, and returns may be higher, but savings are exposed to greater volatility.

If there is a stock market crash, the fund value will fall, so your income needs may not be met.

If you are considering a draw-down, seek financial advice.

You are not limited to picking one option. You can mix and match.

So you could use some of your pot to buy an annuity and leave the rest invested to draw an income from it.

FIVE FACTORS KEY TO RATE YOU’LL GET

VARIOUS factors impact exactly how much income you get . . . 

• GILT YIELDS: Annuity providers tend to fund them using returns from government bonds called gilts. The Government pays the annuity provider a fixed interest amount, tied to the Bank of England interest base rate. When the base rate rises, gilt yields also increase, subsequently boosting annuity rates, as observed in recent years.
• THE VALUE OF YOUR PENSION: The size of your pot is the primary factor determining your annuity income. The more savings you allocate to buy an annuity, the higher your income will be.
• AGE AND LIFE EXPECTANCY: How long you are expected to live significantly influences the annuity rate you are offered. The more years this is, the lower your rate, as the provider will be paying you for a longer period. For example, a 60-year-old will typically receive a lower income than a 70-year-old.
• YOUR HEALTH: Poor health, smoking or being overweight can lead to a shorter life expectancy, which may qualify you for a better annuity rate. It is crucial to declare any health conditions to your provider.
• YOUR POSTCODE: Annuity providers use your postcode to estimate life expectancy. If you reside in an area with a lower-than-average life expectancy, you may be offered a slightly higher rate.

‘There’s been a cloud over my solar power payments’

Q: I HAVEN’T been paid for my solar panels in almost nine months and I don’t know why.

I got them in 2011 and my energy supplier, Ovo, usually gives me money for energy I generate every three months.

But I haven’t been paid since February this year, covering from December 2023.

I have complained but haven’t had a straight answer as to what’s causing the delay. Can you help?

Leighton Reardon of Blackwood, Caerphilly

A: SOLAR panels can be a great long-term investment, as your energy supplier should reimburse you for any energy you generate yourself and supply back to the grid.

Unfortunately, there are often requirements you have to follow to ensure you keep getting your payments.

In your case, for example, Ovo Energy explained that you need to submit a “meter verification” every two years.

This involves sending a photo of your meter to the firm so it can check your latest reading.

You were supposed to submit your latest photo around July 2023, but Ovo said it didn’t receive it until August this year.

A spokesperson for the firm said it sent you a reminder in February.

But you clearly had not realised this was stopping you receiving your payments, and I’m concerned about why this was not made clear when you repeatedly called to complain.

You said staff on the phone “fobbed you off” and didn’t understand the problem.

I have asked Ovo to investigate, as I feel your problem could have been easily resolved over the phone.

Ovo has now reached out to explain what happened and what you need to do in future.

And a spokesperson said you will now be paid for the full period from December 2023 to September 2024 by early November, which you are happy with.

A spokesperson for Ovo said: “We’re glad to put this right so Mr Reardon can benefit from his panels.

“Our team continues to be on hand to support with any further questions.

“We encourage customers to contact us if they have any questions about their solar panels.”

Premium prizes take a hit

MILLIONS of Premium Bond holders will see their chances of winning cash tumble next month.

National Savings & Investments has slashed the prize fund rates for the second time this year in a blow to savers hoping to score a win.

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Ellie Smitherman explains what you need to know . . . 

WHAT IS CHANGING? Premium Bonds are a type of savings account that doesn’t offer interest payments like conventional accounts.

Instead, you’re given the chance to win a prize in the draw every month.

The prize fund rates are to be cut to 4.15 per cent from 4.4 per cent from December.

Savers will see their chances of winning in the monthly draw slide from 21,000 to 1 down to 22,000 to 1.

The prize fund was already cut earlier this year, falling from 4.65 per cent in March.

NS&I is also cutting interest rates for Direct Saver and Income Bonds to 3.75 per cent from 4 per cent where it has been since November 2020.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU WIN? There will continue to be two winners of the top £1million prizes from December’s draw.

And the number of the lowest £25 prizes will increase from 1.49m to an ­estimated 1.5million in December.

But the number of winnings between the biggest and smallest prize will all fall.

Overall, there will be an expected 5,726,438 prizes worth £435,686,300 in December, down from 5,991,306 prizes worth £461,330,525 this month.

Each £1 you put in ­Premium Bonds is an entry into the monthly prize draw.

All bonds have an equal chance of winning and the more you buy, the greater your chances.

SHOULD I CASH IN? Two thirds of ­Premium Bonds holders have never won, according to recent figures from a Freedom of Information reguest obtained by savings platform AJ Bell.

These savers may have missed out on significant returns in a higher paying cash account or by investing money – particularly if they have held the bonds for a long time.

If you are looking to make a decent and reliable return on your cash, numerous savings accounts pay a better rate.

For example, you can currently earn 5 per cent interest with app-based provider Chip on its easy access account.

It’s worth noting that Premium Bond winnings are tax-free.

Anyone who has used up their annual ISA limit or personal savings allowance could benefit by ­saving into Premium Bonds.

Premium Bonds are government-backed, meaning your money is safe and there’s no risk of losing it.

But other banks and building societies are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which covers up to £85,000 of money per person, per financial institution.

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

The killing of Yahya Sinwar should mark a turning point in Israel’s more than year-long campaign to debilitate Hamas and secure the release of its hostages held in Gaza. Ever since the militant group’s horrific October 7 attack, killing the ruthless architect of the assault and decapitating Hamas’s leadership has been a prime Israeli objective. Israel has now taken out most of Hamas’s top commanders in Gaza, its political leader Ismail Haniyeh and severely degraded the group.

It was a moment for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take his military wins, reach a deal to end the Gaza war and save the hostages. Instead, Israel’s offensive grinds on, deepening the catastrophe for Palestinians trapped in the enclave and prolonging the agony for the families of hostages.

The scenes in northern Gaza over the past week have been horrific. Scores have been killed in the days since Sinwar’s death — the toll from Israel’s onslaught is nearing 43,000 people, according to Palestinian officials. Thousands have been forced from their homes. Even the US took the unprecedented step of warning Israel it would suspend arms sales if it did not do more to ease the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. Israel has also intensified its assault on Hizbollah, wreaking havoc in Lebanon as its bombs flatten buildings — including non-military targets — while its forces push on with an invasion in the south.

Netanyahu is also preparing his retaliation for Iran’s missile attack on Israel three weeks ago. The region will then wait anxiously for the next round of escalation. Hizbollah, meanwhile, weakened by the killing of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, continues to fire missiles into the Jewish state.

Israel, it seems, is locked in endless wars on multiple fronts. The suspicion is that Netanyahu has bet that with the Biden administration focused on the US election, he has a window to strike hard against Israel’s foes and ignore international pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza or with Hizbollah. He is likely to be calculating that a victory for Donald Trump, who during his first term gifted Netanyahu a number of pro-Israeli policies, would give him even greater licence to strike against Israel’s foes and the Palestinians.

Yet the Biden administration seems to be dancing to Netanyahu’s tune: despite calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon one minute, it supports Israel’s goal of degrading Hizbollah the next. None of this serves the stability of the Middle East — or Israel’s long-term security interests. Hamas and Hizbollah can be decapitated and devastated but will not disappear. Many Hamas fighters are believed to be orphans of previous conflicts as cycles of violence breed new generations of militants. When one leader is killed, another takes over. When a group’s military capacity is debilitated, it reverts to guerrilla tactics.

Military history — including Israel’s past experiences in Lebanon — is littered with the follies of mission creep; of technically superior occupying armies becoming bogged down by insurgencies, often with radical forces filling the void when they depart.

US President Joe Biden must end the year-long cycle of death and destruction. The threat of a full-blown Middle East war grows by the day. It is in the west’s — and the region’s — interest to pressure Netanyahu to take the diplomatic off-ramps that are available. An all-out regional conflict risks drawing American forces into conflict with Iran and its proxies. It would put the Gulf’s oil infrastructure at risk, threaten more disruption to shipping through vital trade routes and fuel more extremism.

Biden has the tools to rein in Netanyahu. He must halt the offensive arms sales to Israel that enable its relentless bombing of Gaza and Lebanon. He can do so without breaking Washington’s commitment to Israel’s defence, including providing air-defence systems. But Biden’s message should be clear: the bombing must stop and the day after must begin. If not, the devastation and suffering in the Middle East will come back to haunt the west.