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The agency’s Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said: “Sadly, we are again reminded how severe whooping cough can be for very young babies.
“Vaccination is the best defence.
“It is vital pregnant women and infants receive their vaccines at the right time, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.
“This passes protection to their baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth.”
Overall vaccination rates for primary school pupils are at the lowest for 15 years — with almost one in five not fully protected from diseases.
Over the coming weeks, millions of children will be flooding into classrooms across the UK.
And there’s a real risk they will return home with more than a few new friends and knowledge.
Pharmacist Thorrun Govind tells Sun on Sunday Health: “There’s often lots of hugging and playing between friends they haven’t seen all summer — and all that close contact means germs can easily spread.
“They also tend to cough and sneeze without covering their mouths and don’t always wash their hands without supervision.
“With early wake-ups, hard work in lessons and sports clubs, children can also get tired, which weakens their immune systems, leaving them prone to picking up illnesses.”
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A baby whose mother was not vaccinated against whooping cough has died after contracting the infection (stock picture)Credit: Getty
CHRONIC shortages of builders, plumbers and plasterers are making it ever harder to build the homes, schools and hospitals we need.
But today we publish a Government-backed list of construction apprenticeships to help YOU learn a trade, whatever your age or background.
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Below, we share 100 apprenticeships available across the country, pictured apprentice success story 18-year-old Brooke KnightCredit: Sun Newspapers Ltd
Teen bricklayer’s message to unemployed young Brits as thousands urged to learn skills for the housing trade
North West
Business Administrator Apprentice
Watson Construction Ltd
Motivated individual to join our small, supportive team to help us deliver a great service to our clients and their homeowners.
You will support the team with enquiries, admin tasks and aftercare, whilst learning on the job.
If you’re organised, friendly and ready to grow with a leader homebuilder we want to hear from you.
£18,000 a year.
Salford (M7 2ZS). Closes Sep 19, start Sep 29.
Apprentice Construction Maintenance Operative
Edward Anthony Ltd
Enthusiastic individual who wants to learn and train.
Role requires physical labour such as lifting, carrying materials, assisting set-up/close down of work areas, ability to take direction to ensure safe working standards, and ability to work as a team.
Role is predominantly a labouring position.
£11,778 for first year, then could rise depending on your age.
Birkenhead, Wirral (CH41 9AH).
Closes Sep 12, start Sep 15.
Building Materials Apprenticeship
Joseph Parr (Alco) Ltd
Designed for supply-chain warehouse operative who wants to be upskilled to understand and get involved in the entire distribution operation, including picking, loading, unloading, booking in, safety and recycling and virtual learning. £17,667 a year.
Manchester (M27 8SN).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.
Bench Joiner
A J & D Chapelhow (Cliburn) Ltd
Seeking a motivated, detail-oriented apprentice to join our team specialising in manufacture of high-quality timber windows and doors.
Will have a strong interest in woodworking, basic understanding of joinery tools and technique, and commitment to developing practical skills in a workshop environment.
£15,704 a year.
Penrith, Cumbria (CA10 3AL).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.
Apprentice Bricklayer
MSP Projects Ltd
Enthusiastic individual to join our growing team and learn from industry experts.
Work toward your Level 2 bricklayer apprenticeship qualification, in a close team.
Wage, £11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Knutsford, Cheshire (WA16 8RW).
Closes Sep 23, start Sep 29.
Apprentice Landscaper
Ashbourne Garden and Property Maintenance
Motivated, hardworking apprentice to join our team.
Role involves cutting grass, trimming hedges, and weeding.
Candidate should have a passion for outdoor work, a keen eye for detail, and a desire to learn and grow in the landscaping industry.
£14,526.20 a year.
Stockport (SK7 6DW).
Closes Oct 1, start Oct 6.
Apprentice Landscape Gardener
Distinctive Gardens Ltd
Learn how to design, build and maintain outdoor spaces, combining practical skills with creative design to create gardens, driveways and landscaped areas.
£15,600 a year.
Lancaster (LA2 0RD).
Closes Sept 28, start Oct 13.
Business Administration Apprentice
Construction Resources
Specialist recruitment company within the built environment sector seeks a motivated, organised apprentice to support our team with a variety of administrative and operational tasks.
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Liverpool (L22 0PJ).
Closes Sep 30, start Oct 4.
Apprentice Fenestration Installer (Level 2)
Everglaze Ltd
Installers here often work as part of small teams, on jobs for small shop owners, landlords, tenants and home owners, or on large-scale projects for developers.
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Wigan (WN5 8QJ).
Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.
Business Administrator Apprentice
Watson Construction Ltd
Motivated individual to join our small, supportive team to help us deliver a great service to our clients and their homeowners.
Support the team with handling enquiries, admin tasks and aftercare – all while learning on the job.
If you’re an organised person, friendly and ready to grow with a leader homebuilder, we want to hear from you.
£18,000 a year.
Salford (M7 2ZS).
Closes Sep 19, start Sep 29.
Apprentice Stonemason
Bullen Conservation Ltd
Excellent opportunity for an apprentice with a conservation business specialising in heritage skills.
£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Oldham (OL1 3NN).
Closes Sep 21. Start to be determined.
B&Q Customer Advisor Apprenticeship
Bamber Bridge
Become an expert advisor, who gets to know each customer and their home-improvement project.
Sales is important, of course, as is managing stock, setting up displays and keeping a shop looking great.
£10,575 a year.
Preston (PR5 6BZ).
Closes Sept 2, start Sep 9.
Grounds & Garden Apprentice
Sedbergh School, Cumbria
The gardening team here provide pupils, staff and visitors with gardens commensurate with Sedbergh’s long- standing reputation as a leading independent school.
Tasks will vary daily, determined by the assistant grounds manager or head gardener and will include use of hand tools and light machinery to maintain the gardens.
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Sedbergh (LA10 5HG).
Closes Sep 7, start Sep 22.
‘Opening for military vets and ex-offenders’
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Roger Morton, Director of Business Change at the NHBC, said: ‘The industry needs more than 250,000 construction workers by 2028 to meet demand and build the 10,000 new homes we need’Credit: supplied
TO match the Government’s £100million for training courses, the National House Building Council is injecting the same.
They are looking to get more young people into construction, but also other groups including ex-military and people who have been in prison.
Roger Morton, Director of Business Change at the NHBC, said: “The industry needs more than 250,000 construction workers by 2028 to meet demand and build the 10,000 new homes we need. We need 2,500 brickies, 2,500 groundworkers and 1,000 carpenters and that’s why we’re investing £100million. We’re investing in 12 new NHBC multi-skilled training hubs across the country, to support 3,000 apprenticeships each year. We are targeting young people but also career changers, veterans, ex-offenders. We provide a unique, immersive facility where we can train people in 14 to 18 months, many with distinctions. That’s nearly twice as fast as traditional routes.
“We need to change perception so people see that being a trade is a great career. The average bricklayer earns £50,000, and they might progress to management, senior management, director. A colleague began as an apprentice and runs a 230-strong department.”
North East
Groundworker Apprentice
WL Straughan & Son
Seeking a keen, willing-to-learn apprentice to learn all aspects of the trade.
£15,311.40 a year.
Bedlington Lane Farm, Northumberland (NE22 6AA).
Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.
Property Maintenance Apprentice
Simpson & Hill Construction Ltd
Be part of a well-established and highly recommended building company based in Stokesley, North Yorks that covers all aspects of construction throughout Co Durham & North Yorks.
Looking for an apprentice to a busy team.
£15,311.40 a year.
Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.
Machining/Tool Room Apprentice
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies Ltd
Earn as you learn with this major employer.
Training is underpinned by practical experience.
£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
North Shields, Tyne and Wear (NE27 0QH).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 22.
Apprentice Joiner
Andy Dunbar Joinery
Work for a premium company, experts in bespoke design and manufacture of handmade architectural joinery.
Looking for an apprentice to join a busy team.
£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Middlesbrough (TS2 1DY).
Closes Sep 8, start Sep 15.
Conventional Machining Apprentice
Clifton Engineering (NE) Ltd
Fantastic opportunity for a manual machining apprentice to join this fantastic team based in Morpeth, and earn while you learn.
Your training will be underpinned with practical experience which will prepare you for an exciting career.
Wage, £14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Northumberland (NE61 6JN).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 13.
Signage Apprentice Technician
Alan Rowe Signs and Graphics
Offering a route into a potential full-time career within a family-run business.
We specialise in creating signs and custom graphics for vehicles, with over 40 years’ experience.
Offering the opportunity to work in a hands-on role within the business and achieve a qualification in the process.
£17,550 a year.
Tyne and Wear (NE6 4QL).
Closes Sep 12, Start Sep 15.
Groundwork Apprentice
Meldrum Group
Northern Skills are recruiting for Meldrum Group.
This will allow you to gain on-the-job experience while studying toward a Level 2 property maintenance apprenticeship qualification.
£15,311.40 a year.
Stockton-on-Tees (TS18 3TX).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 9.
Apprentice Design & Development Engineer
Elfab Ltd
Learn and develop skills within a range of engineering, technical and design expertise.
Duties include concept feasibility, design, development, launch and production.
Additional activities include rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and performance analysis.
£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
North Shields, Tyne and Wear (NE29 8SD).
Closes Sep 13, start Sep 22.
Administrative Apprentice
In Charge Construction Ltd
Northern Skills are recruiting on behalf of In Charge Construction Limited who are looking for a motivated candidate to join their team.
Learn the role of a business administrator while also gaining a qualification.
£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Darlington (DL1 4FA).
Closes Sep 29, start Oct 6.
Wood Product Manufacturing Apprentice
Balmoral Joinery
Passionate about working with your hands to create quality wood products?
Join our Wood Product Manufacturing Apprenticeship at Balmoral Joinery and gain experience in a dynamic environment.
Grow your skills, master your craft, and become part of a team that values tradition, precision and innovation.
£15,311.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Swalwell, Tyne and Wear (NE16 3AD).
Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.
Welder Fabricator Apprentice
Shell Engineering
Work with metals including steel and aluminium, learning welding, fabrication and use of precision tools.
£14,918.80 a year.
Chester-le-Street, Co Durham (DH2 1AJ).
Closes Sep 6, start Sep 15.
Apprentice Welder/Fabricator
Bulkhaul Ltd
Looking for an enthusiastic, reliable, punctual candidate, ideally in their second year of college.
This role requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and to be able to follow safety protocols.
There is the opportunity of a full-time role upon completion, pending a review of progress/performance while on the apprenticeship.
£17,680 a year.
Middlesbrough (TS2 1PS).
Closes Sep 3, start Sep 15.
Apprentice Welding and Workshop Technician
Aliweld Ltd
Be responsible for supporting fabrication and assembly of aluminium tipper and waggon bodies under the supervision of experienced welders.
Ideal for someone with a keen interest in engineering, a strong work ethic and desire to learn and grow in a skilled trade.
A great opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join a busy office team.
The apprentice will help with a broad range of administrative tasks covering many aspects of the business.
£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Darlington (DL1 4FA).
Closes Sep 12, start Oct 1.
‘I love to learn and earn’
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Tegan Pryor, 23, from Shefford, Beds, said: ‘I started training as a bricklayer three years ago and honestly, I’ve never looked back’Credit: supplied
SHE is sleight of figure, so many think Tegan Pryor is joking when she tells them she’s a builder.
But having ditched a leisure-centre job to study bricklaying at college, the hard grafter is now backing our Build A Better Britain campaign to urge more young people to take up a trade.
Tegan, 23, from Shefford, Beds, said: “I started training as a bricklayer three years ago and honestly, I’ve never looked back.
“It is 100 per cent the right career for me. I was a lifeguard and receptionist at a leisure centre before but there wasn’t much career opportunity, it felt like a dead end.
“Now, I get to work outdoors and have a laugh with my colleagues – and I’m not treated any differently because I’m a woman.
“There is respect, and I learn something new every day.
“I’m on about £130 a day for an eight-and-a-half hour shift and some days it’s hard, but it’s also satisfying when you look back on what you achieved.
“The average wage for a bricklayer is about £50,000 a year and that’s what I’m heading towards.”
Yorkshire & The Humber
Apprentice Construction Quantity Surveyor
Sum ADR Limited
Join this independent consultancy adjudication/Q/S firm.
Role combines on-the-job training with structured learning to gain job-specific skills.
Earn a wage and receive holiday pay, while working alongside experienced staff and dedicating time to relevant study.
£15,704 to £25,396.80 a year.
Wetherby, West Yorks (LS23 6FJ). Closes Sep 11, start Oct 30.
Apprentice Assistant Site (Level 3) Manager
Greenchurch Developments
Apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures has teamed up with Greenchurch Developments to offer this exciting opportunity.
If you want to work with a company that values quality, whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification, apply today.
£15,704 a year.
Doncaster (DN6 8QA).
Closes Sep 11, start Sep 15.
Building Services Design Engineer Apprentice
Hoare Lea LLP
Collaborate with the industry’s best, working with a wide range of specialists.
Be part of progressive and exciting projects, able to experience innovative schemes across all sectors.
Advance your career, your way, thanks to our structured career paths framework.
Wage £24,250 a year. Leeds (LS2 8LY). Closes Oct 31, start Jan 3.
Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor
Greenchurch Developments
Apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures has partnered with Greenchurch Developments to offer this opportunity to work for their company.
If you are wanting to work with a company that values quality, whilst working towards a nationally recognised qualification. £16,881.80 a year.
Doncaster (DN6 8QA).
Closes Sep 11, start Sep 15.
Construction Management Apprenticeship
Lovell Regen
Partnered with Lovell Regen, EN:Able Futures is offering an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn, whilst working toward a Level 3 construction support technician qualification.
£15,410 a year.
Doncaster (DN6 8QA).
Closes Sep 4, start Sep 8.
Business Administration Apprentice
Dutton FM
Exciting opportunity to work for Dutton Group, specifically facility managers Dutton FM, as a business administrator within a small team, friendly team.
£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Wakefield, West Yorks (WF1 2ED).
Closes Sep 6, start Sep 8.
Engineering Fitter Apprentice
Trivent
Long-standing manufacturer of kitchen ventilation systems is looking for the newest engineering talent to join its operation in Leeds.
This apprenticeship leads you to become a skilled engineer within the company’s mechanical fitting department.
Candidates must be 18-plus, due to the nature of work.
£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Leeds (LS11 0EF).
Closes Sep 2, start Sep 8.
Apprentice Assistant Site Manager (Level 3)
Huber Parking
Apprenticeship agency EN:Able Futures are partnering with Huber Parking to look for an apprentice manager to join their busy team.
Working on the Calderdale Royal Hospital site, you will learn everything to get you through your nationally recognised qualification. £16,588 a year.
Halifax, West Yorks (HX3 0PW).
Closes Sep 11, start Sep 15.
Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor
GS Kelsey Construction
Apprenticeship employer EN:Able Futures are partnering with GS Kelsey to support the delivery of new-build housing.
Fantastic opportunity for an apprentice to become part of a growing team.
£16,784 a year.
Rotherham, South Yorks (S66 8DW).
Closes Sep 26, start Sep 29.
‘You can make £300 a day’
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Lucas, 25, from Nottingham, did a two-and-a-half year bricklaying course at Derby CollegeCredit: Paul Tonge
HE was toying with going to university but the prospect of three more years’ book study, and the debt, swung Lucas Robinson to learn a trade.
Lucas, 25, from Nottingham, did a two-and-a-half year bricklaying course at Derby College, while working on sites for his employer at £170 a week.
He said of bricklaying: “I’ve been doing this for four years and the company I work for is all over the country. Bricklaying is what you make of it. You can start at 8am, finish at 3pm and make £300 a day, depending on the deal. I’ve been doing ‘price bricklaying’ for a while, paid 65p a brick and about £150 a day, but I hear you can make £1 a brick in London.
“Eight hours is a long day carrying bricks and it can be stressful when things are not going right, but I love my job. My dad’s a bricklayer too.
“My mum wanted to push me down the uni route, but I decided on a different path and I’m so happy.
“Looking at a house and thinking, I built that and people are going to live in it, it’s a good feeling.”
East Midlands
Estimator
FP McCann
Undertake the tasks involved within the estimating process, from measuring and doing take-offs, to producing quotations for external customers.
An estimator creates quotations based on drawings, listing products and costs for customer orders.
£14,722.50 to £23,809.50, depending on your age.
Derbyshire (DE6 4PH).
Closes Sep 10, start Sep 30.
Apprentice Fabricator/Welder Metal Fabricator
James Engineering
We pride ourselves on family values – the company was founded by the grandfather of the current owner.
Our mission is simple: to provide high-quality services without compromising on quality.
We are seeking an apprentice fabricator/welder to join our team.
Learn all aspects of steel- welding including MIG, TIG and MMA.
Wage £17,238 a year.
Alfreton (DE55 7JR).
Closes Sep 12, start Sep 15.
Maintenance Apprentice Engineer
Gordon Ellis & Co
Opportunity for an enthusiastic apprentice to join our maintenance team.
The successful candidate will work alongside our skilled maintenance engineers to develop a broad range of practical engineering skills.
£17,550 a year.
Derby (DE74 2PY).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.
Warehouse Operative Apprentice
International Abrasives Ltd
Join our growing business where hard work is recognised and development encouraged.
Pick, pack and ship orders, unload and restock deliveries, keep the warehouse organised and support stock control.
A strong work ethic is essential.
£14,133.60 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Leicester (LE9 6TJ).
Closes Sep 16, start Sep 22.
Apprentice Estimator
James Engineering Constructions Ltd
Opportunity to join this family business.
You will be part of the estimating team, working in a busy office, supporting the supervisor and sales director.
£17,162.60 a year.
Alfreton (DE55 7JR).
Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.
Apprentice Cabinet Maker
Alias Industries Ltd
Enrol on a furniture- manufacturing apprenticeship with Leicester College.
You will be trained as a cabinet maker/bench joiner, working in a modern workshop environment to produce high-end, bespoke furniture and displays for domestic and retail sectors.
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase.
Peckleton, Leicester (LE9 7RN).
Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.
Hardware Engineer Apprentice
Brick Ltd
You will help construction colleagues to get the most value from their tech tools, rectifying any faults and providing advice about a wide range of hardware and related software.
We are looking for someone who has great hardware knowledge as well as impressive customer service skills.
£20,000 a year. Leicestershire (LE67 6HS).
Closes Sep 23, start Oct 1.
Health, Safety and Environment Apprentice
Mecc Alte (UK) Ltd
Exciting opportunity for a motivated apprentice to work within our Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (GHSE) department to help ensure that compliance measures are adhered to within the company.
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Full-time employment, with day-release training, offering a competitive salary and 21 days’ paid holiday as well as bank holidays.
Based in Northampton, Metrol Springs is the UK’s largest manufacturer of gas springs.
Metrol is part of the PLC Lesjofors Group.
Our group includes almost 40 manufacturing and sales companies in many countries.
£19,760 a year.
Northampton (NN3 6QF).
Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.
Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor
GS Kelsey Construction
Apprenticeship employer EN:Able Futures is partnering with GS Kelsey Construction to support delivery of new-build housing.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an apprentice to become part of a dynamic and growing team.
£16,784 a year.
Scunthorpe, Lincs (DN16 2HF).
Closes Sep 26, start Sep 29.
‘I’m problem solving daily’
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Dan Smoker has been a builder for 18 years and reckons the trade is going from strength to strengthCredit: supplied
DILIGENT Dan Smoker has been a builder for 18 years and reckons the trade is going from strength to strength so there’s good money to be made for those with the right skills.
Dan, 34, from Epsom, Surrey, said: “I did bricklaying at college and after that went into being a multi-trader.
“Now I run my own company and business is good. If someone needs a new kitchen or bathroom, they call me.
“I work on word-of-mouth so don’t have to advertise, and my niche is the maintenance side of things. It’s been a fantastic career for me because you rarely work for the same person and you’re dealing with a range of issues and problems.
“You are problem-solving every day and the bit I like is when you do the work, stand back and see the customer is happy. You feel really proud of what you’ve done. It’s a feeling of immense satisfaction.
“You’ve got to turn up, want to learn the craft then do it properly, and it will come – all the trades are on the up right now.”
West Midlands
Apprentice Joiner Carpenter (Level 2)
Middleton Traditional Joinery Ltd
Looking to recruit a motivated apprentice to support our growing business needs.
Your role will allow you to gain hands-on experience working alongside skilled professionals, learning the craft of carpentry and the processes involved in producing precision-manufactured components.
We are seeking someone who takes pride in their work.
£15,704 a year. West Coppice Road,
Walsall (WS8 7HB).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 8.
Plumbing & Heating Apprentice (Level 3)
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
A great opportunity to work alongside our existing Trades staff, getting hand-on experience and travelling across Sandwell.
You will be trained in all aspects of plumbing and domestic heating work, such as installing bathrooms and kitchens, replacing pipework and fixing leaks and repairs – all whilst undertaking a Level 3 qualification.
Wage £14,526.20 a year.
Oldbury (B69 3ES).
Closes Sep 12, start Nov 3.
Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor
GS Kelsey Construction
Partnering with award-winning apprenticeship employer EN:Able Futures, this new-build housing provider is offering a fantastic opportunity for you to become part of their growing team.
£16,784 a year.
Gainsborough, Lincs (DN21 1SJ).
Closes Sep 26, start Sep 29.
Apprentice Grounds Maintenance Operative
Brass Facilities
Seeking an apprentice to join our hardworking mobile gardening department that works on our various contracts in the Midlands Area.
The successful candidate will be cutting grass and hedges and dealing with maintenance duties.
£16,640 a year.
Wednesbury (WS10 0PD).
Closes Sep 5, start date Sep 8.
Bricklayer Apprentice (Level 2)
All Britain Construction Ltd
Join a driven construction team with an impressive client portfolio.
This is a full-time position, in an environment that will allow the right person to unlock their potential.
If you have the right attitude – either with the experience or determination to learn how to perform and grow with a winning team – then this is the role for you.
£15,704 a year.
Worcester (WR5 2PT).
Closes tomorrow, start Oct 1.
Apprentice Production Technician.
Narros Aisle Ltd
Looking for an apprentice to work as part of a skilled team, in a dynamic and growing company.
Narros Aisle Ltd are recruiting for our team at our production facility in the West Midlands.
You will play a crucial role within the production unit, ensuring that products meet our high-quality standards.
The role will involve you in learning about assembly, maintenance and repair of our forklift trucks.
£15,311.40 a year.
Tipton (DY4 7AU).
Closes Sep 4, start Sep 18.
Apprentice Carpenter
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
This is a fantastic opportunity to work alongside our existing trades staff, getting hands-on carpentry experience while travelling across the Sandwell Borough.
You will be trained in all aspects of carpentry work while undertaking a Level 2 apprenticeship qualification.
£14,526.20 a year.
Oldbury (B69 3ES).
Closes Sep 12, start Nov 3.
Apprentice Painter & Decorator (Level 2)
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Great opportunity to work alongside our existing trades staff, getting hands-on experience and travelling across the Sandwell borough.
You will be trained in all aspects of painting and decorating, whilst undertaking a Level 2 qualification.
Wage £14,526.20 a year.
Oldbury (B69 3ES).
Closes Sep 12, start Nov 3.
Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Apprentice (Level 3)
Hadley Group
Looking for a metal-forming manufacturing technician apprentice to gain the knowledge and competence required to effectively operate at semi-skilled or skilled operator status.
You will carry out a range of engineering and manufacturing processes within the cold-rolling environment.
£15,743 a year.
West Midlands (B66 2PA).
Closes Sep 2, start Sep 15.
Production Operative Apprentice
Frederick Cooper
Looking for someone excited to start their successful career in the manufacturing sector, with opportunity to specialise in several different roles including wet-paint spraying, powder-coating, polishing, business administration and more.
£15,392 a year.
Birmingham (B9 4TS).
Closes Sep 8, start Sep 29.
Landscaping Apprentice
Flagstone and Flora Ltd
Experience all aspects of landscaping, including laying slabs, setting levels and installing decking.
Learn about paving, fencing, and woodwork, and brick and block work to build retaining walls, garden walls and raised beds.
£15,704 for the first year, then could increase depending on age.
Evesham, Worcs (WR11 8PR).
Closes Sep 2, start Sep 9.
East of England
Apprentice Electrical Draughtsman
Nordson Test & Inspection
The company has a strong portfolio of award-winning products for destructive and non-destructive mechanical testing, as well as the inspection of electronic components.
If you are keen on building your knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering, then join our research and development team in Colchester and experience product innovation first hand.
£14,820.65 to £23,968.23 a year.
Essex (CO4 9AS).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 8.
Apprentice Fitter (Level 3)
DXB Pump & Power Ltd
We are a leading pump-manufacturing company focusing on their customers.
Our main objective is to design and manufacture high-quality pump sets that offer outstanding reliability.
We have a reputation for exceptional customer service, backed by a large selection of quality pump products.
£19,500 a year.
Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk (IP30 9HR).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 15.
Apprentice Sheet Metal Worker
Fine Line Sheet Metal Engineering Ltd
Start your career with a well-established sheet-metal engineering company.
As an apprentice, you’ll receive hands-on training, develop a wide range of practical skills, and gain a solid understanding of the industry.
With guidance from experienced professionals, you’ll build the foundations for a rewarding and long-term career in engineering.
£15,704 to £25,396.80 a year.
Essex (CM7 2YN).
Closes Sep 3, start Sep 4.
Multi-Skilled Engineering Apprentice
Trivium Packaging
Swarm Group is working with Trivium Packaging in their search for a Level 3 maintenance and operations engineering technician apprentice.
This is an excellent opportunity to work within a robust work environment and gain valuable skills to become a multi-skilled engineer.
£20,000 a year.
Norwich (NR7 9AZ).
Closes Sep 10, start Sep 15.
Apprenticeship in CNC Machining (four years)
NE Engineering
Fast-growing manufacturing facility that offers the ideal environment for candidates to learn the required skills in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing.
The successful candidate will be trained to set, operate and programme the latest technology.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone to get into engineering.
Competitive wage.
Norwich (NR13 6LJ).
Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.
Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)
TML Precision Engineering Ltd
You will become integral to an already established team, and be exposed to all areas of the business to grow and develop knowledge and expertise.
£15,311.40 to £24,761.88, depending on your age.
Hethel, Norfolk (NR14 8QR). Closes Sep 12, start Jan 1.
Apprentice Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician
SA Tooley Ltd
Shadowing/assisting qualified engineers, to develop your skills and knowledge in all aspects of the plumbing and domestic heating work carried out by the company.
£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age.
Scratby, Norfolk (NR29 3LW).
Closes Sep 12, start Jan 1.
Estimating Apprentice
Loughton Contracts PLC
Seeking a motivated and detail-orientated individual to support our fit-out estimating and sales team in preparing accurate, cost-effective bids for commercial flooring projects.
This is an exciting entry-level opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, high-performing environment, working within the construction industry.
£15,500 a year.
Loughton, Essex (IG10 3FL).
Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.
Apprentice Plasterer
Training and Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd.
This is a full plastering course, not just skimming.
The apprentice will be learning the following: mixing techniques, material- estimation handling and stick-management, defect repair, floating and beading techniques, rendering, base-coat application and scratch coats, dry-lining, jointing, levelling compounds, screeds and much more.
£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age.
King’s Lynn, Norfolk (PE34 3AH).
Closes Sep 30, start Oct 1.
Apprentice Construction Landscaper
Training and Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd.
If you love the outdoors and are interested in developing hands-on skills in landscaping, then this Essex-based business, in Chelmsford, is looking to recruit enthusiastic individuals to be part of their team.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about a trade while also gaining hands-on, practical experience in the construction industry.
£17,667 for your first year, and then could increase depending on your age.
Closes Sep 30, start October 5.
Apprentice Carpenter and Joiner
Training & Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd.
Successful apprentice candidates will join our first fix joinery team in putting together our proprietary timber frame.
This frame has been developed by our design team over a number of years and forms a key component of our house types.
£17,680 a year.
Epping, Essex (CM16 6LT).
Closes Sep 30, start Oct 1.
Fencing Installer Apprentice
Training & Apprenticeships in Construction Ltd
Looking for motivated individuals to gain hands-on, practical experience and build toward a career within a growing and dynamic field.
£17,667 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Essex (CM1 3AA).
Closes Sep 30, start Oct 1.
London & The South East
Apprenticeship
Brenbar Electrical Services Ltd
Seeking an enthusiastic Level 4 quantity surveyor apprentice to join our team, supporting the quantity surveying team through various stages of a project.
£11,778 to £19,047.60, depending on your age.
Romford (RM3 8UR).
Closes Sep 10, start Sep 15.
Site Supervisor Apprentice
Brenbar Electrical Services Ltd
Looking for a motivated and hardworking individual to join our team as a construction site supervisor apprentice, to assist the site manager with daily tasks.
Wage £11,778 to £19,047.60, depending on your age.
Romford (RM3 8UR).
Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.
Bricklaying Apprenticeship (Level 2)
Roberts Brothers Construction Ltd
Our bricklayers lay bricks, blocks and other types of building components in mortar to construct and repair walls, foundations, partitions, arches and other structures.
£14,722.50 to £23,809.50 a year.
Reading (RG31 6HF).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 2.
Groundworks Apprenticeship (Level 2)
Kilnbridge Construction Services Ltd
Opportunity to lay the foundations of a career within construction, as part of a recognised company working on showpiece jobs such as London’s Canary Wharf.
As an apprentice, you will be on a development plan, and a career mentor will help your progression throughout your apprenticeship.
We offer a competitive salary, 20 days’ annual leave and more.
CSCS card required. £31,000 a year. London (NW10 6DZ).
Closes Sep 5, start Nov 10.
Formworker Apprenticeship
Kilnbridge Construction Services Ltd
Opportunity to start a career within construction, with a recognised company working on prestige jobs such as London’s Canary Wharf.
As an apprentice, you will be on a development plan and a career mentor will support your progression.
We offer a competitive salary, 20 days’ annual leave and more. CSCS card required. £31,000 a year.
London (NW10 6DZ).
Closes Sep 5, start Oct 5.
Apprentice Quantity Surveyor
Byoot Construction Ltd
Great opportunity to join our team. £16,672.50 a year.
London (W3 0TE).
Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.
Associate Project Manager
Apprentice Byoot Construction Ltd
Learn the ropes of project management, including site programs, progress reports, site inspections, cost reporting, tender analysis and monthly valuations.
£22,500 a year.
London (W3 0TE).
Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.
Construction Site Supervisor Apprentice
Byoot Construction Ltd
A great opportunity in the construction industry, to play an integral role within a dynamic team at Byroot.
£21,000 a year.
London (W3 0TE).
Closes Sep 8, start Sep 15.
Quantity Surveyor Apprentice
Trinity Surfacing Ltd
Seeking a motivated and detail-orientated apprentice who will be part of our commercial team.
Role offers hands-on, practical experience working in the areas of cost management, contract administration, and project delivery, while also studying towards achieving a recognised qualification in quantity surveying or construction management.
£22,000 a year.
Rochester, Kent (ME3 9ND).
Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.
Apprentice Business Administrator
Sunninghill Construction Co Ltd
Exciting opportunity for an apprentice to develop foundation knowledge as an apprentice, by providing administrative support to a leading marketing and business development team, whilst also studying for a business administrator Level 3 apprenticeship qualification.
£14,133.60 a year.
Haywards Heath, West Sussex (RH16 1BP).
Closes Sep 22, start date Oct 26.
Apprentice Construction Site Supervisor
Kori Construction
Award-winning contractor, and one of the fastest-growing construction companies in the UK, is offering an exciting opportunity for an apprentice to work on our Hampton project in Kingston upon Thames, South West London.
£28,812 a year.
Hampton, South West London (TW12 2AX).
Closes Sep 8, start Sep 22.
Construction Apprentice
Kori Construction
You will be working with a strong team of highly knowledgeable individuals to develop your skill set and progress your career.
In exchange for your hard work and commitment, we will provide you with a competitive salary and support you with a top-quality apprenticeship training programme.
£21,000 a year.
Hampton, South West London (TW12 2AX).
Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.
Apprentice Landscaper
Bobby Brown Garden Construction Ltd
We are a small, high-end local business.
With increased demand, we are excited to provide a valuable opportunity for a young person to learn, develop skills and build a rewarding career with us.
Working typically within Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, specifically around Thame and Chinnor.
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Aylesbury, Bucks (HP17 8QZ).
Closes Sep 5, start Sep 15.
Apprentice Construction Materials Technician
BAM Construct UK
Learn all about construction materials testing – no experience needed, just a great work ethic and willingness to get stuck in.
You’ll split your time between site and lab, working on the HS2 Project – the UK’s biggest-ever rail infrastructure development, stretching from London to the North West.
£20,000 a year.
Aylesbury, Bucks (HP18 0BX).
Closes Sep 5, start Sep 8.
South West
Bricklaying Apprenticeship (Level 2)
Liam Quick Construction Ltd
You will be working alongside other builders so will also pick up experience in other home-improvement activities.
£15,704 a year.
Plymouth (PL3 5SF).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 15
Carpentry Apprenticeship – Carpentry and Joinery (Level 2)
AC Construction and Carpentry Ltd
Looking for a hard-working, reliable and passionate apprentice to join an experienced team in and around Plymouth.
We are a very experienced company that has taken on many apprentices throughout the years.
We work to teach them new skills and develop the ones they already have.
£15,704 a year.
Langage Business Park, Plympton, Devon (PL7 5BG).
Closes tomorrow, start Sep 15.
Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)
Pathfinder Park Homes Ltd
Work under the direction and guidance of a team leader to assist in installing all aspects of plumbing and heating into new-build luxury lodges, whilst upholding safety guidelines and complying with codes and regulations.
You will be required to undertake work throughout the site.
£15,311.40 a year.
Devon (TQ12 6FJ).
Closes Sep 10, start Sep 20.
Customer Advisor
Apprenticeship B&Q – Torquay
Join our team, and you’ll become an expert advisor – an inspiration as well as a guide, the person who gets to know every customer and their home improvement projects.
Sales will be important, of course, as will things such as managing stock, setting up displays, and making sure your store looks great at all times.
£11,897 a year.
Woodland Business Park, Torquay (TQ2 8AS).
Closes Sep 18, start Sep 25.
Maintenance Apprentice (Level 2)
Rowcroft House Foundation Ltd
Our Vision is to make every day the best day possible for our patients and their families in South Devon.
Working as part of a small estates team, you will help deliver our vision by participating in the maintenance of the fabric and structure of all the hospice buildings, as well as contributing to various ongoing grounds maintenance work.
£14,918.80 a year.
Torquay (TQ2 5LS).
Closes Sep 3, start Sep 15.
Bricklaying Apprenticeship (Level 2)
JMP Bricklaying & Building Services Ltd
Looking for an apprentice to join their team in Saltash, Cornwall.
Main duties will include applying and sealing foundations with materials that are damp- resistant, spreading and removing excess mortar, inspecting vertical and horizontal brick alignment.
£15,704 a year.
Buckfastleigh, Devon (TQ11 0LL).
Closes Oct 31, start Nov 3.
Apprentice Bricklayer
Crestmoor Construction
Seeks an energetic apprentice to join its construction team.
Projects include bridges, retaining walls, commercial builds, and domestic works.
You’ll learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable skills to build a lasting career in the construction and civil- engineering industry.
£15,704 a year.
Wincanton, Somerset (BA9 8AP).
Closes Sep 3, start Sep 10.
Business Administration Apprentice
Planning Inspectorate
Whether you’re starting your first job, returning to work, or seeking a fresh challenge, our Level 3 apprenticeship offers hands-on experience, with support from City of Bristol College, and a welcoming team at the Planning Inspectorate.
£22,728 a year.
Bristol (BS1 6PN).
Closes Sep 7, start date Nov 3.
Roofing Apprenticeship
Heritage Building & Roofing Ltd
Learn to install, repair and maintain slate and tile roofs while working safely at height.
Earn as you learn, gain hands-on experience, and build skills for a career in a high-demand trade with excellent progression and opportunities for self-employment.
£15,704 a year.
Bristol (BS1 5AR) and two other locations.
Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.
Drylining Apprenticeship
Lumini Developments Ltd
Learn to install partition walls, ceilings, and interior fittings to a high standard.
Gain hands-on experience, work with a skilled team, and start a career in a growing trade with strong demand and excellent progression opportunities.
Wage £15,704 a year. Bristol (BS3 1HT) and two other locations.
Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.
Apprentice Groundworker
C&R Construction
Learn to prepare sites, dig foundations, lay drainage and handle materials safely.
Gain hands-on experience, work as part of a skilled team and build a career in a high-demand trade with progression opportunities.
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Crediton, Devon (EX17 6AX).
Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.
Apprentice Roofer
Deelis Roofing Ltd
You will learn about how to install, repair and maintain slate and tile roofs while working safely at height.
Earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and build skills for a career in a high-demand trade that offers excellent career progression opportunities.
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Taunton, Somerset (TA1 5NF).
Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.
Apprentice Quantity Surveyor
CoTrain
This apprenticeship is a springboard for anyone wishing to progress into construction quantity surveying.
Assisting senior managers with the budgeting of construction projects, as well as control of costs.
£15,311.40 to £24,761.88, depending on your age.
Gosport (PO12 2HE).
Closes Sep 4, star Sep 15.
Apprentice Groundworker
Morcom Construction Ltd
Morcom are offering an exciting opportunity to join their dynamic team as an apprentice Gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours to kick-start your career as a groundworker.
£15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
Sites across Cornwall. (TR15 3RD).
Closes Sep 12, start Sep 15.
Apprentice Roofer
Greenlight Group
Established in 2009, Greenlight Group has been in operation for more than 15 years, supplying safety consultancy and safety assessment services to an ever-growing roster of clients.
Your apprenticeship would be based in Bristol, and you should apply for this role if you are interested in a long-term career as a roofing specialist.
£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
(BS3 2EB)
Closes Sep 19, start Sep 25.
Wales
Apprentice Electrical Engineer
Kaisaian Electrical Ltd
Work for a company offering a range of services from electrical installations and maintenance (reactive and planned), electrical inspection and condition reports (EICR), to fire and emergency lighting installation and maintenance, UPS and generator installation, thermo-graphic surveys and lightning and surge protection.
Pay will be at apprenticeship rates.
Cardiff.
Closes Sep 15, possible start Sep 22.
Apprentice Electrical Engineer
Jones & Jones Electrical
Work for a company offering a range of services from electrical installations and maintenance (reactive & planned) electrical inspection and condition reports (EICR), to fire and emergency lighting installation and maintenance, UPS and generator installation, thermographic surveys, and lightning and surge protection.
Pay is at apprenticeship rates.
Trebanos, Neath Port Talbot (SA8 4DW).
Closes Sep 15, start Sep 22.
Apprentice Electrical Engineer
Oasis Software Solutions (OSS)
Work for a company offering a range of services from electrical installations, electrical maintenance (reactive and planned), electrical inspection and condition reports (EICR), to fire and emergency lighting installation and maintenance, UPS and generator installation, thermographic surveys and lightning and surge protection.
Wage, apprenticeship rates.
Cwmbach, Rhondda CF44 0AE.
Closes Sep 8, possible start Sep 22.
Refrigeration Engineer Trainee
UK Refrigeration Services Ltd
Work involves the installation of mechanical services to sites and supermarkets.
Pay is national minimum wage.
Swansea, SA6 8QW.
Closes Dec 1, possible start Dec 2.
Scaffolding Apprentice
MAC Scaffolding (Cardiff) Ltd
Join one of the largest and most trusted independent scaffolding companies in Wales.
For 40 years, MAC Scaffolding has been a leading supplier of access scaffolding solutions across the UK.
Career-path progression from Part One trainee to Part Two scaffolder and advanced scaffolder.
You will be working on projects of varying sizes and complexities.
Wage, national minimum wage.
Cardiff (CF11 8TY).
Closes Sep 30, possible start Oct 10.
Scotland
Freight Logistics Apprentice
Microcom Training
We are expanding our team and have created a junior role suited to a recent school or college leaver.
This is an Apprentice Warehouse Operative role where you will be trained to pick computer generated orders and maintain high levels of health and safety; working across different areas of the business to enhance your knowledge and skills whilst providing excellent customer service and operating within a safe working environment, ensuring complete legal compliance.
£14,723 per year.
Newbridge, near Edinburgh (EH28 8LQ).
Closes Sep 19, start date to be determined.
Warehousing and Trade Counter Apprentice
Microcom Training
We are a well-known and established Builders Merchants.
We are growing our team and have an opportunity to recruit an apprentice to support our warehouse and counter staff.
Work involves receiving and checking in of goods, checking and loading a delivery van, putting goods into stock and generally keeping the store tidy, recording stock, recording missing/damaged items, counter service at peak times, laying out customer orders, and keeping an eye on stock levels. £14,134 per year.
Dalry, North Ayrs (KA24 5DZ).
Closes Sep 19, start to be determined.
Health, Safety and Environmental
Apprentice/Trainee
JB Management Ltd
Gain hands-on experience in creating a safe, compliant and proactive workplace.
You’ll be involved in risk assessments, safety checks and incident investigations, while learning from experienced professionals in a fast-paced industry.
Perfect for someone with a keen eye for detail, strong communication skills, and a passion for safety.
£20,800 to £25,397 per year.
Kilmarnock, East Ayrs (KA12 8AS).
Closes Sep 2, start to be determined.
Apprentice Panel Technician
FMG Repair Services
Earn while you learn with an apprenticeship that will see you work full-time in a garage workshop and gain a SCQF in vehicle body repair.
In this role, you will be trained to repair vehicle damage to an exacting standard.
£15,311 to £16,224 a year.
Dundee (DD5 3RU).
Closes Sep 19, start immediate.
Service Engineer Apprentice
JWF Process Solutions Ltd
During this apprenticeship you will attend college part-time, while also gaining experience from working closely with experienced engineers.
You will undertake calibration, servicing, testing, maintenance and repair work covering a wide range of instrumentation equipment.
£13,800 to £15,800 per year.
Glasgow (G41 1HJ).
Closes Sep 30, start to be determined.
Light Vehicle Mechanic
Armit’s Autos
Work toward achieving a Level 7 Scottish Vocational Qualification in vehicle maintenance and repair.
Learn the skills you need to be a fully qualified light vehicle diagnostic technician.
Settling for a smaller cash sum, or less respect, than you deserve may have felt the only answer – until this week.
You have new staying power to revisit a deal or relationship and correct the balance.
Meanwhile Mercury mentors you to express even the most complicated feelings in simple terms, and love, at any stage, can be the winner.
The moon highlights five-digit numbers.
DESTINY DAYS Early-morning calls or meetings have extra impact all week.
Thursday is your day for fitness pledges.
Find great bargains, plus something “P” recently lost, on Saturday.
What your zodiac sign says about your home decor
LUCKY LINKS Your oldest relative. A picture of a famous “R” lead singer. Gold-flecked fabric.
I CHING INSIGHT The symbol REVOLUTION shows your personal wheel of fortune is spinning now and bringing new opportunities and potential progress your way.
Even if you don’t feel quite ready, you should embrace invitations and initiatives that take you on to a new path, whether this is career, home life, love – or maybe all three.
Instead of aiming for perfect, and trying to avoid mistakes, you have the energy to grow and learn, and adjust as you go.
Someone you know casually in your career sphere can move to the heart of your emotional future.
Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.
IF you use a hair dryer, or heated styling tools, you should also be using heat protectant to keep your hair healthy.
Without it, strands will become dry, brittle and harder to manage.
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We test three heat protectants to keep your hair healthy
Try these three . . .
BUDGET
E45 Protection Lip Balm SPF30, £7.99 for 10ml, boots.com
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You really can’t go wrong with the Arkive The Prologue hair primerCredit: Supplied
Arkive The Prologue hair primer, £14 for 200ml, boots.com
You really can’t go wrong with this product.
Not only does it protect hair from heat, it also de-tangles, adds shine, reduces frizz and smells delicious, thanks to the rhubarb, tomato leaf, honeysuckle and vetiver.
So it doubles up as a hair perfume.
It makes my hair feel like silk, and I really notice on the days I don’t use it, which is always the sign of a brilliant product.
It’s also nearly impossible to apply too much, as it doesn’t weigh hair down or leave it looking greasy.
MID-RANGE
Ghd Bodyguard heat protect spray, £23.95 for 120ml, boots.com
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Ghd Bodyguard heat protect spray is the original heat-straightener brandCredit: Supplied
Ghd Bodyguard heat protect spray, £23.95 for 120ml, boots.com
As the original heat-straightener brand, it will come as no surprise that ghd knows how to protect hair from styling.
This spray isn’t at all sticky and does not leave a residue behind, despite conditioning ingredients such as castor oil and glycerin.
It also helps maintain my style for longer, so curls don’t drop out by the end of the day, which is usually the case.
Plus, it smells like a fancy hair salon, so every time I use it I feel like I have had a professional treatment.
The Inkey List has launched new tinted lip balms, and they have saved my dry lips this summer
LUXURY
Dyson Omega leave-in conditioning spray, £59.99 for 165ml, dyson.co.uk
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Dyson Omega leave-in conditioning spray is the newest heat protectant in my arsenal
Dyson Omega leave-in conditioning spray, £59.99 for 165ml, dyson.co.uk
This is the newest heat protectant in my arsenal, and its almost milky formula is thicker than the others.
That is great for dull, brittle lengths or hair that gets dry between washes, as it immediately softens strands.
I have very fine hair, and if I apply too much to my roots it can make them feel dirty, so that’s something to be aware of.
But as long as I keep the spray away from my scalp, it’s not an issue.
This one feels super luxe, and is refillable, so better for the planet too.
PICK OF THE WEEK
THIS week, I had a Charlotte Tilbury makeover and afterwards, couldn’t stop looking at my skin in the mirror.
The redness across my cheeks and around my nose had disappeared, my pores were blurred and, best of all, I was glowy without looking greasy.
It was all down to the new Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless foundation, £39, which promises 24-hour wear.
A MAJOR supermarket has cut the price of Quality Street tubs – but bargain hunters need to move fast as the deal ends today.
The offer is running in stores across the UK, giving shoppers the chance to stock up on Christmas favourites months before the festive season begins.
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Tubs usually cost £7 but shoppers can save over a thirdCredit: Alamy
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It disappears from shelves after todayCredit: Getty
It’s Morrisons offering the bargain, letting customers bag two tubs for just £9.
Normally, the tubs sell for £7 each, so the deal works out as a saving of up to 36 per cent.
The offer covers four favourites – the 600g Quality Street tub, plus 550g tubs of Celebrations, Cadbury Heroes and Cadbury Roses.
It’s one of the cheapest supermarket offers around right now, but the bargain won’t last long.
The promotion only runs until August 31, after which prices will jump back up.
So, today is the very last chance to snap up the tubs before the discount disappears.
The offer comes as Christmas chocolates are already hitting supermarket shelves across the country.
Fans were left buzzing this week when B&M stores began selling Quality Street’s famous Strawberry Delight crackers.
Each box contains dark chocolate bites filled with a creamy strawberry centre – and shoppers couldn’t wait to share the news.
One excited fan posted online: “Strawberry Delight are the best Quality Street and the crackers are BACK at B&M.”
Others quickly piled in with their support. One wrote: “Love them and the orange.” Another added: “My favourite.”
Tesco is also running its own offer, slashing the price of a Quality Street tin to £5.95 with a Clubcard.
But some shoppers reckon it’s far too early for festive promos.
One joked: “Be Easter eggs by the end of the month on display.”
Another said: “Don’t know what’s the bigger joke. The price or the fact it’s 4 months early.”
Meanwhile, there’s frustration as Quality Street tubs have shrunk yet again this year.
The classic purple boxes are now 550g, down from 600g last year, and a huge drop from 780g back in 2015.
That means around five or six fewer chocolates per tub, with the number falling from around 63 to roughly 57.
Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, said: “The shrinking Quality Street tub has become a Christmas tradition.
“The lights go up, the carols play, the chocolates shrink.”
He joked: “At this rate, the tub will quite literally be empty by 2035.”
Consumer champion Martyn James also blasted the change, saying: “Most people consider this to be out and out greed.”
He added: “Better to charge us more than give us less and not tell us.”
Nestlé, which makes Quality Street, insisted changes are based on “manufacturing, ingredients, transport and customer preferences.”
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.
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.
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.
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The classic purple boxes are now 550g – down from 600g last year, and a huge drop from 780g back in 2015Credit: Alamy
A DARTS match ended in bizarre fashion when a player accidentally injured himself on live TV.
The Modus Super Series International Pairs matchup between Wales and South Africa had fans in disbelief when one player pretended to punch another, only for it to inadvertently end in injury.
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Devon Peterson playfully pretended to punch Richie Burnett after Wales got the better of South Africa in the Modus Super Series International PairsCredit: X @MSSdarts
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Burnett pretended to go flying from the punchCredit: X @MSSdarts
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The Welshman accidentally banged his head on a nearby TV in the processCredit: X @MSSdarts
The tie, which was being played between Richie Burnett and Kurt Parry of Wales and Carl Gabriel and Devon Peterson of South Africa, ended in a 4-1 victory for the Welshmen.
And after a sensational 112 checkout from Parry to earn the victory, Peterson playfully pretended to punch Burnett for getting the better of him and his teammate.
Burnett, 58, tried to play along with the friendly playfighting by pretending to go flying as a result of the punch.
But his overenthusiastic reaction ended up leaving him with a real-life bump on the head, after he crashed into a TV in the corner of the room.
Fortunately Burnett seemed absolutely fine, giving his head a rub and laughing off the gaffe.
Fans loved the unusually hilarious moment and reacted on social media.
One labelled it as the “funniest end to a darts match ever.”
While another wrote: “We need Richie on the TV box more often”.
The picturesque village is home to miles of sandy beaches and stunning coastal walks, as well as a number of historical sites that have been featured in artwork
Heysham Village is a stunning coastal town that has a fascinating history, dating back to Viking times(Image: James Maloney/LancsLive)
This quaint seaside village is located less than two hours from a major city – and you might recognise it from this very famous album cover.
Heysham, a seaside village less than two hours’ drive from Liverpool, is a hidden gem that music fans will find familiar. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from Lancaster, this small but mighty village boasts stunning sandy beaches and a rich history.
Despite its size, Heysham offers sprawling grasslands, lush woodlands, and dramatic coastlines that have graced artwork and even a famous album cover. One of the most visited spots in Heysham is St Peter’s Church, a historical marvel dating back to the Saxon period. Believed to be one of Lancashire’s oldest churches, it’s a must-see for history buffs.
Heysham is less than a two hour drive from Liverpool(Image: Robert Czyzewski via Getty Images)
Open throughout the week, the church provides free guided tours from Monday to Thursday between 11am and 3pm. It also houses significant artefacts, including the Viking gravestone known as the ‘Heysham Hogback’.
Just a short stroll from St Peter’s Church, you’ll find Heysham’s rock-cut tombs. These water-filled stone-hewn graves were famously featured on the artwork of Black Sabbath’s Best of Black Sabbath album in 2000, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Thought to have been created around the eleventh century, these graves served as the final resting place for high-status individuals.
These graves are located adjacent to the ruins of St. Patrick’s Chapel, which overlooks the breathtaking coastline of Morecambe Bay.
The village featured in an album cover(Image: Robert Czyzewski via Getty Images)
The chapel holds a Grade I listing in the National Heritage List for England, signifying its importance and the extra protection it receives due to its age and condition. Despite this, the site, managed by the National Trust, welcomes visitors.
According to local folklore, Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, was shipwrecked and established a chapel here in the fifth century. The striking sandstone building is believed to have been constructed at least two centuries after the original.
Apart from its captivating history, the village boasts stunning coastal views that are ideal for a seaside stroll.
The National Trust suggests visiting its coastline to witness the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets as the sky transitions from blue to vibrant oranges and pinks.
British landscape artist JMW Turner was reportedly inspired by the village’s remarkable scenery when he painted ‘Heysham and Cumberland Mountains’ in 1818.
The coastal village provides all the expected amenities, including independent cafes and restaurants.
At a fee of £40m, in a window where players have been going for really silly money, he does not represent a massive risk.
The question is whether Garnacho is better than what Chelsea already have or what they have let go in the course of an incredible summer of buying and selling.
Garnacho is set to duke it out with fellow new arrival Jamie Gittens to be Maresca’s first choice down the left.
The Blues boss said: “They are quite similar.
“When we are looking for a winger, we like wingers who are good in one-v-one, they are quite vertical, aggressive, they can attack, they can create something.
“Jamie is that profile. If Garnacho arrives, we will see.”
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Fellow new signings Jamie Gittens had better numbers than Garnacho last seasonCredit: Getty
Garnacho brings more competition for places in Chelsea’s well-stocked attack.
But when you compare his stats for last season to those of Gittens, it is not much of a contest.
Chelsea fans needn’t worry about losing Rio Ngumoha, there’s somone better on the way
Across most of the important categories, Gittens was better: goals, assists, dribbles, chance conversion and so on.
There are two points to consider, however. Firstly, Gittens had a great time in front of goal last season, outperforming his expected goals significantly.
Meanwhile Garnacho had a particularly bad time when it came to converting big chances.
While Sancho was playing for Borussia Dortmund – as Gittens was last season – the then England manager Gareth Southgate was asked frequently about his form and whether he deserved more game time.
Without ever actually saying, “Lads, it’s the Bundesliga”, Southgate made it pretty clear that doing well in Germany’s top flight was one thing, but reproducing that form in the Premier League and at international level was quite another.
Maresca was not impressed with Gittens’ PL debut against Crystal Palace, hooking him after 54 minutes and putting him on the bench for the 5-1 thrashing of West Ham.
Yet it would be harsh to judge Gittens so soon.
Interestingly, too, Sancho’s stats while he was on loan at Chelsea last season stand up pretty well to Garnacho’s for United in some categories.
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Jadon Sancho also put up better numbers that Garnacho during his Chelsea loan last seasonCredit: Reuters
Sancho seemed to enjoy being away from the toxicity of Old Trafford and Maresca said: “We had Jadon with us and he had a very good season.
“Again, if we finish top four and we achieve what we achieved, it’s also because of Jadon.
“Now with Garnacho, in case [if] he will arrive, we will see.”
That phrase again – we will see.
Noni Madueke, sold to Arsenal by the Blues earlier this summer, outperformed both Sancho and Garnacho last season.
Madueke, of course, plays primarily as a right winger. But on output alone, Chelsea seem to have got rid of a more potent attacking player than Garnacho.
And looking at Pedro Neto’s numbers, you wonder whether the Blues would have been better keeping Madueke.
Garnacho’s statistics for United in 2023/4 were in many cases better than in 2024/5, but not to a spectacular degree.
The Argentinian has it all to prove on the pitch.
He will also need to be careful off it.
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Noni Madueke, who was sold to Arsenal this summer, was Chelsea’s top performing winger last termCredit: Getty
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Pedro Neto also had better stats that GarnachoCredit: Getty
Garnacho infuriated United this summer with his habit of sending not-very-subtle messages of defiance through social media.
The Blues boss said: “We are in an era where I look like the strange one, because I don’t use social networks.
“I have a company that runs my Instagram but I don’t use it. I look strange because I don’t use it.
“But the normal situation in this era is that everyone uses it. I’m not going to tell them, don’t use that.
“First of all, because they have family around them that can give them advice.
“I have four kids and try to give them advice.
“But if I have to give 25 more players advice, it’s too complicated.
“Anyone can do what they want, anyone can say what they want, but in the end it’s a matter of respect.”
Garnacho may find Maresca and Chelsea intolerant of mischief-making on social media and other disruptive behaviour.
And he only has to look at the turnover of players at Stamford Bridge to know what will happen if he does not deliver.
A case of the disease has been confirmed in Turkey(Image: David Espejo via Getty Images)
Brits heading to Turkey are being urged to “take extra precautions” following reported cases of a highly contagious disease case. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has verified an mpox case in Turkey, amid an outbreak affecting various locations around the world.
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a transmissible illness that spreads via close physical contact with blisters or scabs from someone who’s infected. Travel Health Pro said: “On 23 August 2025, the World Health Organization reported a case of clade Ib mpox in Turkey, detected on 7 August 2025.
“The case is reported to have had a travel history to the United Arab Emirates.” The Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa has been the worst hit, recording 27,449 confirmed cases of both clade Ia and Ib combined, reports the Express.
Nine cases were spotted in the UK earlier this year – with many discovered in individuals returning from Uganda. Mpox signs usually emerge between five and 21 days following infection.
Early symptoms can be brutal, featuring high fever, agonising headaches, muscle and back aches, enlarged glands, chills, overwhelming tiredness, and joint discomfort. A rash might appear anywhere on the body one to five days following these early warning signs.
The WHO warns that young children, expectant mothers, and individuals with compromised immune systems, especially those with poorly controlled HIV, face heightened risk of serious mpox complications, which can prove deadly. However, the majority of people bounce back within a month.
The NHS has offered guidance on how to protect oneself from this “rare” disease, and this includes washing your hands regularly with soap and water or frequently using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser and avoiding contact with potential carriers.
You should also look out for any possible symptoms of mpox for three weeks after returning from central or east Africa, talk to sexual partners about their sexual health and any symptoms they may have, and being aware of the symptoms of mpox if you’re sexually active, especially if you have new sexual partners.
If you have any mpox symptoms, you should taking a break from sex and intimate contact until you’re seen by a doctor and are told you cannot pass it on. If you notice any symptoms of mpox, you should ring 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with others until you’ve been given further instructions.
In March, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced that clade Ia and Ib mpox will no longer be categorised as a “high consequence infectious disease” (HCID), following a review of the available evidence by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens.
WE all love going on a summer holiday, but travelling during the school break can have its downsides.
Airports and stations are busy, prices skyrocket and temperatures across Europe can soar to uncomfortable highs.
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Mexico is a luxury destination but in October you can get affordable deals and save hundredsCredit: Getty
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Playa del Carmen in Mexico has a plenty to do outside its beautiful beachesCredit: Getty
The last thing you want to do is book a sunny beach break, only to find yourself hiding in the shade or escaping indoors for some much-needed air-con.
This year, both Spain and Portugal saw scorching 46C temperatures and the heat in Turkey rose to a record-breaking 50.5C, which for many Brits was a bit too hot.
Nowadays, some of the most popular summer destinations are actually better in the October half term than they are in peak time – with highs of 30C and fewer crowds.
Plus, with less demand for flights and resorts, with some hot deals, you could actually save hundreds on your holiday.
Here are our top picks for an bargain autumn jaunt:
Paphos, Cyprus for £205pp
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September and October are the best months to go to Cyprus for better weather and less crowdsCredit: Getty
October is a sweet spot in Cyprus, with autumn months near-perfect weather-wise.
In the Cyprus off-season, it’s sunny almost every day with temperatures around 26C.
Even the sea temperature stays a pleasant 24C and beaches are far less crowded and more serene than in the height of summer.
While some beach resorts lose their vibrancy and buzz in the low season, Paphos is in full swing.
Even the super-summer outlets, like beach cafes and food stands remain open until at least the first week of November.
5 of the best cheap family holiday destinations in Europe
Paphos, especially, is a top spot in the low season. Resorts that were packed out all summer offer the same stunning pools, sea views and entertainment, but with no sunbed scrum or going elbow-to-elbow at the buffet.
History buffs and those who want to sight-see can take a stroll around the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings, one of the largest collections of ancient mosaics in the world.
In October, there is no need to book and no long lines to get in.
The Dalaman Coast features beautiful beaches, lush forests and crystal-clear waterCredit: Getty
You might say there is no such thing as winter in the Aegean.
Whilst the temperature does dip at the end of the year, October still has stunning weather in Turkey.
The Dalaman Coast, with its beautiful beaches, lush forests and crystal-clear water is ideal for a post-summer escape.
Not to mention the prices are as impressive as the scenery.
Named the Turquoise Coast by locals – who all take full advantage of the lingering summer, heading to the beach from Turkey’s busy cities – the location is stunning.
The Blue Lagoon is the most beautiful spot on the coast. With incredibly clear water, white sand banks, excellent snorkelling and hidden beaches and coves.
October and November sometimes threaten a rain shower, but that’s when you head to one of the canopy-covered coastal bars for plates of traditional Manti (Turkish dumplings), Börek pastries and a glass of local budget beer for £3 a pint.
If you’ve got sea legs, take a boat trip out onto the water.
As well as a panoramic view of Turkey’s forest-lined coastline, you can spend the day snorkelling, swimming, or just lounging around on deck, like an off-duty A-lister who knows when and where to go to avoid the crowds.
With less demand, excursions and boat trips are a fraction of the price you’ll pay in summer.
However, the real savings are the jaw-dropping deals on offer for Turkey at this time of year.
A seven-night room-only stay at Club Sun Smile in Marmaris is only £129 per person, including flights on easyJet from London Gatwick. This is less than half the price of the same holiday in summer, which was £429 per person.
Crete is one of Greece’s most charming islands and an end-of-year trip will save you a lot of money, compared with summerCredit: Getty
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Better weather and no overcrowded beaches, yet all the same beauty and charm is on offer in CreteCredit: Getty
The whitewashed Greek islands, like Santorini, Mykonos and Naxos, are swamped with tourists in the summer.
But on many islands, once autumn is in full swing and the hedonistic summer days have relaxed, lots of businesses close up for the season.
A big reason for this is that the number of big-spending cruise ship passengers drops dramatically, with the ocean liners sailing further south for the warmer weather and less choppy waters.
However, one of the best Greek Islands will still be in full swing and is ideal for a pre-winter visit.
It’s time to set your sights on Crete and the charming resorts that are dotted across the island.
Coastal towns like Chania and Rethymnon are hives of activity, with resorts that offer fantastic value for money, especially at family resorts.
There are cute, little beach towns all along the coast, but you may find the sea itself a bit chilly at this time of year.
Chania is an excellent city to explore or go for a wander, popping into local shops, gelato stands and grabbing an outdoor table at one of the cafes that line the harbour.
Watch the super yachts go in and out while you snack on tasty mezze spreads, £10 bottles of wine and some of the cheapest beer in the Med.
It doesn’t have the white and blue aesthetic commonly associated with Greece, and feels more like a romantic Italian town.
Much of Chania is pedestrianised, so it’s ideal for visiting with kids.
There is a cheap bus that runs from the city to all the major beach towns, so you can save even more money by not renting a car or taking costly taxis.
The chilled out Valentina Apartments have an excellent customer rating and a picturesque location, surrounded by olive trees.
The self-catering apartment means you can make this a home-away-from-home for the week and all for just £169, including flights from London Gatwick.
Dubai can be very expensive but there are deals to be had, especially at this time of yearCredit: Getty
Dubai’s almost too-hot-to-handle summer heat finally becomes more comfortable for us Brits in October, making it one of the best times to visit as a family.
The Arab Emirates hotspot (literally) is more of a luxury break than the bargains you can book in Europe.
But if you’ve always wanted to see it for yourself, this is the time to pick up a great deal.
Toward the end of the year, airfares to Dubai begin to increase again, as people flee to the swanky desert for some almost-guaranteed winter sun.
Squeezing in a trip between summer and Christmas is the best time to get a cracking deal, saving hundreds on a cheeky escape.
There is so much to do as a family here, including desert safaris, the aquarium and water parks like Aquaventure at Atlantis the Palm.
Downtown is a good place to stay with families, since it’s in the middle of everything.
The MD Hotel by Gewan is next to the famous Mall of the Emirates and a short drive to the tourist hub and beach area, Palm Jumeirah.
Plus, it has a rooftop pool with views of the city.
A stay here is £512.50 for seven nights, bed and breakfast and flights on TUI from Stansted, including checked and carry-on luggage.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is beautiful but long-haul trips usually cost a lot moreCredit: Getty
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Street food in Mexico is an easy and cheap way to eat – ideal if you are staying on a bed-and-breakfast only basisCredit: Getty
Long-haul trips will always be more of a commitment both time-wise and budget-wise, but if you’ve always wanted to jet off to a tropical paradise, this is your booking window.
Riviera Maya is also a great place to visit if you want to see the historic, cultural side of Mexico.
In Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you can tour the famous Mayan Ruins of Coba, a preserved ancient Maya city, which is a fascinating part of Mexico’s history.
The HM Playa del Carmen is offering a seven-night bed and breakfast deal with return flights from Manchester to Cancun on TUI, including baggage and transfers, for £618.24 per person.
This is also 50% cheaper than the same trip in peak time, which for Mexico is December to March.
Jack Kay quickly became known as the Ibiza Final Boss after being filmed dancing on the White Island and his stock continues to rise in the UK
12:00, 30 Aug 2025Updated 12:40, 30 Aug 2025
Jack Kay alongside DJ Patrick Topping at Creamfields(Image: Liverpool Echo)
He’s a phenomenon that has taken the internet by storm. He is the Ibiza Final Boss. But what does the White Island actually think of their latest craze?
Jack Kay became an overnight internet sensation after a video of him dancing in the open air club Zero Six West on the party isle went viral earlier in the month thanks to his distinctive look. He was quickly dubbed by many as the Ibiza Final Boss.
With travel companies and Lego immediately jumping on board with the craze, as well as celebrities quickly commenting on the 26-year-old’s style, he has since been swooped up by big talent agency Neon Management. The savvy experts have also represented other TV personalities and reality show stars, such as Joey Essex and Gogglebox’s Stephen Webb.
Jack Kay was dubbed the Ibiza Final Boss and has been enjoying his time in the limelight(Image: jack.kayy1/Instagram)
And now we wait to see what delights they can throw his way as he continues to tour the UK’s establishments and party festivals, living off his unique appearance. It’s also thought that the agency sees potential for him to pursue various opportunities, including TV shows and podcasts.
Some say he has hit the jackpot, with rumours suggesting he could be about to bag a six-figure income if he is to play his cards right. But after being snapped in Ibiza with the likes of Wayne Lineker after being flown back to the island in a private jet, it’s unclear if his notoriety is quite as big as back in Blighty.
Almost a month on, was it just a fad or is he here to stay? In the UK, it certainly seems as though we have not heard the last of the North East native who is quite rightly cashing in on his instant fame. Just the past weekend, he was living his best life at Creamfields, mixing it with some of the biggest names performing.
And he has also hinted at a number of big appearances back where he was first spotted. But locals on the island where he rose to fame may not be as excited – or bothered – about his partying appearances.
Jack Kay was filmed partying in Ibiza(Image: TikTok)
At Newcastle airport prior to my whistle-stop journey, there were a number of holidaymakers sharing the signature bowl cut – with one muscly man also donning a BOSS top. While it was clearly designer brand Hugo, it did feel as though he may have been playing on the latest craze slightly with the choice.
After stepping out into the Balearic sunshine, it appeared as though locals weren’t quite as keen to play up to the star of the moment. On my way to my hotel, I thought I’d drop in his moniker and was met with a ‘who?’ response.
I didn’t push it, so I can’t be sure if this was a language barrier or indeed just someone who hadn’t been swept up in the moment. I was met with similar response in a shop while looking at souvenirs. Again, my joke questioning of any Final Boss memorabilia was met with a confused gaze.
Whether I would have received a warmer interaction if I had headed closer to his usual party scene in San Antonio, I’m not sure, but sadly I wasn’t in town long enough to find out. While British partiers were more receptive of the “legend” inside one bar in Ibiza Town, when I asked if he’d been there was a simple eye roll and shrug response.
Needless to say, whether Ibiza likes it – or even knows much about it – or not, there has to be a doff of the hat to Kay for cashing in on the moment in any way possible. He was welcomed with open arms to DJ decks across the island and popped up on exclusive guest lists of some of the hottest venues. And now he could be about to set himself up for a wealthier future off the back of living in the moment with his pals on a holiday.
There are not many people out there who would turn down such a life-changing opportunity. And he certainly appears to be living his best life while he can, and I certainly don’t blame him. Let’s see what he gets up to next!
Manchester United ace Kobbie Mainoo has told club officials he wants to move to Napoli.
According to The Mirror, Mainoo – who could cost £50million – wants to reunite with former team-mate Scott McTominay in Naples.
However, United have denied this is the case and are unwilling to cut ties with the midfield.
The same source claims Man Utd weren’t keen on the deal after seeing the impact of McTominay has had with the Italian champions.
The Red Devils would be keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s transfer mistake involving the Scotland international.
However, the England international is said to be “adamant” about making the move to the Serie A.
Hojlund’s Napoli deal
Manchester United ace Rasmus Hojlund is set to move to Napoli.
United have reportedly reached an agreement with the Partenopei for Hojlund.
According to transfer insider Nicolo Schira, the striker’s agent is currently in Naples to finalise the deal.
The paperwork is being completed and the Denmark international is signing a contract until 2030 with the option to extend for another year.
Marseille trying to sign Zinchenko
Marseille are working on a deal to sign Arsenal ace Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Zinchenko is among a group of players, which includes Jakub Kiwior, Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga, that will be allowed to leave the Gunners..
This comes as the North Londoners look to ensure they comply with UEFA’s Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules.
According to transfer insider David Ornstein, L’OM are exploring a permanent deal for Zinchenko but talks are complicated by his salary demands.
Simons transfer to Tottenham DETAILS
Xavi Simons has officially joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig.
Spurs confirmed Simons is joining the club on a five-plus-two-year contract.
This comes after the North Londoners struck a £52million deal with Leipzig.
The Playmaker revealed a meeting with Tottenham boss Thomas Frank was the moment he decided to join the club.
Liverpool plan record Isak bid
Liverpool are expected to make a record bid for Newcastle star Alexander Isak in the coming days.
And the Merseysiders are now expected to finally launch it ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline day.
According to The Telegraph, discussions over the potential sale of the striker have progressed in the last 24 hours.
Liverpool are now set to launch a Premier League record offer this weekend.
The Prem champions are hopeful that it will be accepted, although the bid is £20m short of the Magpies’ £150m valuation.
Mourinho to Forest DENIED – EXCLUSIVE
Jose Mourinho has left his position as Fenerbahce boss after failing to lead the Turkish giants to the Champions League.
Mourinho has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest after the Premier League outfit’s current manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s explosive press conference.
Nuno claimed his relationship with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is not as close as it used to be and strongly suggested he will be leaving the club.
SunSport, however, understand Nottingham have no interest in hiring Mourinho at the moment and their current manager is not leaving.
Marinakis also stated his relationship with Nuno is “solid” without problems “whatsoever” and the two will meet over the weekend.
The Greek businessman also said the Portuguese tactician is the right man to lead the Tricky Trees this season.
The pretty UK seaside town will be familiar to many as the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbot in the BBC’s Death in Paradise spin-off, Beyond Paradise
Looe has been flooded with tourists in the summer season (Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)
Second-home owners are said to be selling their properties in a stunning UK seaside town that draws crowds of tourists – and fans of the TV detective drama Beyond Paradise.
While the comeback of full-time residents to homes that were previously vacant for months on end is being celebrated, there’s still concern. A local property agent has warned that first-time purchasers continue to be priced out with some residents being compelled to live in tents and sofa-surf.
Looe, in Cornwall, will be recognisable to many as the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbot in the BBC’s Death in Paradise spin-off. Like numerous locations in this gorgeous corner of Britain, second homes and holiday rentals can be a contentious issue – with some residents being rather unwelcoming.
Most, nevertheless, acknowledge that tourism is essential, even if it does carry a price. Sara Barron, 54, helps operate The Haven, the base of the Boundless Trust, a community centre that runs holiday clubs for local youngsters and helps address local deprivation and homelessness in Looe and its neighbouring villages, reports the Express.
Summer season in the town of Looe in Cornwall(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)
On a bright summer day, when Looe was crammed with visitors, Sara said: “Looe needs tourism and second homes are part of that. What doesn’t help is when people don’t let them out – then they sit empty for most of the year.”
Sara, who relocated to Looe from Portsmouth six years ago, explains that there “are also lots of restrictions” on residential lettings and that Airbnbs “have less restrictions”, making it simpler for landlords to rent them out as holiday accommodation.
“Landlords can get more renting them out for eight weeks in the summer than for renting them out all year [as a home],” she said. “And what homes there are, are unaffordable for many locals.”
The consequence of all this, according to Sara, is that so-called “hidden homelessness” – people sofa-surfing and living in tents and vans, rather than sleeping rough on the streets – is a genuine issue in Looe.
Sara said: “We don’t get many street sleepers, but there are lots of people sofa-surfing, sleeping in tents on campsites or in campervans. There’s a lot of hidden homelessness.
“We gave out a few tents to people last summer who were working here and living on campsites.”
Sara Barron, 54, at The Haven community hub in Looe(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)
Nevertheless, local businessman Sam Chapman holds a somewhat different perspective. The 30 year old, who has resided in the Looe area his entire life, runs Pengelly’s fishmonger shop and lives on his family’s farm on the town’s outskirts.
He said the surge in second homes and holiday lets has “driven prices up” and he can “understand why other people get angry about” the issue. Nevertheless, Sam said he hasn’t been personally impacted – and that all his employees have secured accommodation.
“All my friends have found houses – there’s the new estates and stuff,” he adds. Yet, Sam confesses that he doesn’t reside in Looe itself, so he doesn’t feel the impact as much as others might.
Clive Gardner, who lives in the heart of Looe’s old town above his business, Clive’s Cat’s Cartoons, a gallery and framers, with a waffle hut, shares his perspective. The 71 year old, who spends the winter months in Thailand, said: “Quite a few of the houses in the back street are second homes.
“There is nowhere to rent, so lots of businesses struggle to get staff, because they have nowhere to live.
“But it is still a really good community, it’s still a really good place to live. People know you – you walk down the street and people say hello.”
His partner, Mandy Rose said: “If people are coming down and using them [second homes], then great – but it’s not good if they’re left empty. The problem is, there’s no control over it – and there’s no going back.
“But there is still a really good sense of community here. And we do live in a really lovely part of the UK.”
Clive and Mandy reside in the maze of alleyways that makeup Looe’s old town – an area that frequently floods. Many of the residents who once lived here have long since moved away.
The Boundless Trust provides meals to several elderly individuals who once resided here but have since relocated to the outskirts. Sara Barron, a representative of the trust, shared: “The fishermen’s cottages all used to be lived in. They [elderly Looe residents] talk about how they grew up playing in the streets, getting fish from the local boats.
“That’s changed – but that was 50 or 60 years ago. I don’t think many of those houses have people living in them now.”
This part of town, which boasts buildings dating back to the 15th century, is adjacent to the quayside. Among the cafes and restaurants in this vibrant riverside location is the Uncharted gift shop.
Kelly Jones, co-owner of Uncharted, has been a Looe resident her entire life. The 41 year old said: “Personally, I wish there weren’t so many of them [second homes]. There just seems be more and more of them.
“Local people need to rent and there’s just nothing available. I rent privately, but I’ve been very lucky. I’ve always rented from someone I known. “I’ve lived in two or three different properties over the years, and have great references, so it hasn’t been a problem for me.
“But for the children growing up here, the 18 and 19 year olds they can’t afford or can’t find anything – which is really hard if they don’t want to leave Looe.”
Across the river from Uncharted, in West Looe, Kelly’s sister, Carla Jones, runs an estate agent business. She returned to her hometown eight years ago, after spending a decade in London.
Looe’s old town is a maze of alleyways and ancient cottages(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)
She noted that the landscape is shifting, with many second homes and holiday lets being converted back into full-time residences. However, she also highlighted that local first-time buyers are still being priced out of the market, describing the rental situation as “impossible”.
Carla said: “During Covid, there was a huge number of people who had second homes who sold up because they knew they were never going to get those prices again. People were looking to relocate during Covid and were buying them to live in”.
“It’s nice – there are lights on now. People are living in these homes now. It’s building the community back up. There needs to be a balance if Looe is to survive.
“And people who didn’t jump on the bandwagon during Covid, who took their time, are now looking at relocating. They’ve seen that Cornwall could work for them – even though it is a huge lifestyle change.
“These can be people with high-paid corporate jobs. They’re bringing their careers down with them on their laptops and working from home in Cornwall – that’s bringing more money to the area.
“But it’s still very difficult for locals – getting on the property ladder can be very tricky. First-time buyers face so many restrictions, from lenders. There’s nothing in my window they could afford.
“People earning £20,000 a year [An average wage in Cornwall] have got no hope. Local people can’t afford to get on the ladder – but it’s not just [mortgage] affordability.
“People can’t afford 10 per cent deposits – people haven’t got £30,000 or £40,000 sitting in their back pockets. It’s only really people whose family can help and get gifted deposits.
“People relocating are buying the homes that would have been taken by first-time buyers. When first-time buyers can’t buy, you haven’t really got a sustainable market.”
Estate Agent Carla Jones says Second home owners are selling up and residents are moving back in(Image: Greg Martin / Cornwall Live)
Houses in Looe carried an overall average price tag of £304,342 over the past year, dropping from the 2021 peak of £379k.
Terraced homes can be snapped up for around £80,000 less at an average of £222,399, whilst detached houses went for an average of £422,143.
Carla added that locals priced out of purchasing can find letting equally challenging. “The rental market is impossible,” she said.
“I have 22 residential rentals on my books – but none of them are vacant. And I’ve got 30 clients looking for homes to rent – but I’ve got nothing I can offer them.
“Landlords are not being supported by the government. A lot of landlords jumped on the covid bandwagon and sold up. A very big percentage of rental properties got taken out from under people, who had section 21 notices served on them.
“The new Labour Government are saying they’re going to build more houses, but where? There’s nowhere in Looe to build. And Cornwall County council don’t help – they’re difficult they’re very tight on planning.”
Carla reckons that even if fresh properties were constructed, this would simply create a different set of issues. “Looe just hasn’t got the infrastructure,” she explained.
“The doctor and dentist surgeries are already over-run.
“It sounds so bleak when you talk about it, but it’s the reality for so many people.”
Travelling Italy is special. As well as being totally beautiful, the country boasts incredible food, delicious wine and offers beauty at every corner; however, when it comes to eating gelato, British tourists often go wrong
08:54, 30 Aug 2025Updated 09:11, 30 Aug 2025
Katie is a Content Editor working across all Reach Plc titles, and she’s always on the look out for the next viral story. She joined the company back in 2016 when she started out as a reporter at WalesOnline. Following this, she spent two years at the Daily Star before moving onto work at the social news desk.
There’s a trick to picking out the best gelato (Image: Katie Gupwell)
I can honestly say I’m totally in love with Italy. From the stunnning scenery to the food that never fails to tempt my taste buds, there is so much about the beautiful country that makes me feel happy, vibrant and at home; perhaps that’s why I’m so interested in trying to experience what it has to offer to the best of my ability.
While I may strive to never overcook my pasta and pronounce “grazie” as well as I can at all times, there’s one trick I learnt early on in my travels, and it centres around food. If you visit Italy, you may be tempted to sample the huge gelatos on offer in the eateries that scatter the cobbled streets; however, many British tourists are making a big error when indulging in the sweet treat.
Gelato is a frozen dessert of Italian origin that’s pretty similar to ice cream but it’s usually denser, smoother and more flavourful due to its lower fat and air content. Even though the term “gelato” translates to “ice cream” in Italian, it refers to a specific type of frozen treat that is quite different to traditional ice cream due to its included ingredients, preparation and texture.
When you walk around Italy, you may see various cafes selling gelato on the same street, but it’s important to be able to note how they differ. Though I’m not an expert in everything Italian, there is one piece of travel advice I’ll never forget, and it was shared by an Italian taxi driver.
The Amaretti gelato went down a treat(Image: Katie Gupwell)
When travelling to a hotel, and speaking about gelato, the driver told me: “Never have gelato that is big – that is piled to the top. This is not real gelato.
“Real gelato is always flat. Anything else – the big ones, the bright colours – they are like the McDonald’s of gelato.”
As much as the bright colours of huge, piled up gelatos have never appealed to me, I quickly learnt his words were true. When I fancied sampling one, I headed to a cafe that he recommended, and it didn’t disappoint.
The gelato was sweet, yet creamy, and tasted totally delicious, but you could also tell it was homemade. The texture was smooth and soft, and it was the perfect addition to a hot summer’s day in the Italian sunshine.
Meanwhile, the other options, known as “fake gelatos”, are often made with artificial powders. This kind is also usually fluffier and lighter due to the whipping process.
Little you may know, chemicals are used to keep fake gelato puffed up and prevent deflation. This is why tourists should be wary of towering mountains of gelato topped with various decorations, as they aren’t often authentic.
According to experts, a real gelato will be dense, as opposed to fluffy. It should get packed into a cup or a cone with a paddle-like tool, and should never be scooped.
When at the counter, gelato should also lie flat in the serving dish or in a stainless steel canister. Sometimes it will also have a lid placed on top so you can’t even see it.
It should not be displayed in huge, mounting piles as it’s a product that the producer aims to keep as fresh and cold as possible. These are the top tips you need to follow to be in with a chance of sampling the best on offer.
A Roman tour guide said in a viral TikTok video: “If you see the big mounds, what are they trying to do? Impress you. But also, they whisk it up so they grow with the air and they go down in the evening. So you’re paying for air, literally.”
As well as this, you should also avoid bright, bold colours. If the gelato is a bold blue or pink shade, you can tell that the gelateria uses artificial colours, which implies it is likely to use artificial flavours too.
If a gelato is made with local, seasonal ingredients, then the colours will mirror this. So, stop eating with your eyes, and think about what gelato should really look like if you want it to set your taste buds on fire. Bon appetit!
If you’re looking for a charming UK village that looks like it’s straight out of a Mediterranean film, then this pretty spot should be at the top of your travel bucket list
Portmeirion should be on your travel bucket list (Image: Getty)
If you’re seeking a destination in the UK boasting distinctive Italian charm, then look no further than one breathtaking location in Wales. Portmeirion village, nestled on a private peninsula with magnificent coastal views, blends Italian Riviera elegance with Welsh countryside and resembles something plucked directly from a movie set.
Bursting with colour and remarkable architectural design, this north Wales village was created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and stands as one of Britain’s most spectacular architectural achievements of the twentieth century. Crafted in the manner of a Mediterranean coastal piazza, it’s absolutely worth experiencing.
Nevertheless, there’s one snag – there is a charge to enter, reports the Express.
This beautiful village is in the UK(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
The settlement was assembled using salvaged structures and discarded treasures from across the globe, which were shipped to Wales and reconstructed to form this vivid Mediterranean corner within the UK.
Sharing footage of the decorated archways and stone-paved pathways on TikTok, UK Hidden Gems declared you ‘won’t believe’ this location exists in Britain, noting: “This colourful village feels like stepping onto a film set, with pastel houses, cobbled lanes, and lush gardens framed by stunning views over the estuary.”
Beyond the delightful central plaza of the settlement, which boasts a fountain pool, a Gothic pavilion and even a giant chessboard, visitors can explore Y Gwyllt Woodlands – a remarkable 70 acres of magnificent natural splendour.
Here, you’ll discover stunning walking trails that span 20 miles, leading you past unique attractions such as a Dog Cemetery, Ghost Garden, and a serene Chinese lake.
There’s also a hilltop gazebo boasting an impressive viewing deck where visitors can soak up panoramic views of the village and estuary below.
Whether you fancy a day trip or a longer stay, Portmeirion should be on your travel bucket list without delay.
There are several accommodation options, including the four-star Hotel Portmeirion, the roomy and chic Castell Deudraeth and self-catering cottages too.
Portmeirion should be on your travel bucket list (Image: Getty)
If you’re planning a day visit to Portmeirion, it’s open from 9.30am until 6.30pm during the main season, and tickets can be booked online. It’ll set you back £20 for adults, with seniors and students priced at £17.50 and children aged 5-15 costing £13.
Children under the age of five can enter for free.
You can also pick up annual memberships, or if you’ve reserved a three-course lunch at Castell Deudraeth, you can explore the village for free after your meal.
JOEY ESSEX returns to the big screens once again TONIGHT… but not for a reality TV show!
The TOWIE legend will be making his highly anticipated boxing debut on the Misfits 22 card against Portuguese influencer Numeiro.
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Joey Essex is set to make his boxing debut on Misfits 22 on Saturday nightCredit: Getty
Joey, 35, was in line to feature on Misfits Boxing’s ‘super card’ in Qatar last November against KSI’s brother Deji.
But it fell through with Joey featuring on season 11 of Love Island instead.
Fast forward a year later, Essex is set to face Numeiro who has a little bit of experience in the ring.
However, the Portuguese star lost his only career fight – a 2023 sixth round stoppage by Kalin Simeonov.
And despite it being Joey’s first-ever boxing bout, he’ll feel confident with his uncle and legendary coach Tony Simms in his corner who is known for his incredible work with British icon Conor Benn.
SunSport can provide fans with all the details ahead of this intriguing clash.
When is Joey Essex vs Numeiro?
Joey Essex vs Numeiro will take place TONIGHT – Saturday, August 30.
Ring-walk times for this huge fight are yet to be confirmed but reports suggest that the fight could start around 9pm BST.
The main card will get underway at 7pm BST, while the main event between Darren Till and Luke Rockhold is expected at 11pm BST.
Manchester’s AO Arena is the chosen venue and it can host approximately 21,000 fans.
Misfits 22 – All the info
MISFITS boxing is back for an absolutely massive card this weekend.
The a huge event comes from the AO Arena in Manchester, with the night starring a mix of UFC legends, Misfits icons – and two TOWIE stars!
Ring of Thrones, as the night has been dubbed, is headlined by a meeting of two former UFC stars in Darren Till and Luke Rockhold.
Former UFC champ Tony Ferguson is also making his debut for the promotion and puts his legacy on the line against Salt Papi, who has impressed in the ring and won his last three fights by TKO.
A packed night sees reality TV star cousins Joey Essex and Demi Sims make their boxing debuts.
Demi’s dad Tony has trained the likes of Anthony Joshua and Conor Benn and is Matchroom Sport’s head coach.
MMA upstart Dillon Danis is also back on the card, as well as Misfits regulars such as Ty Mitchell, Chase DeMoor and Amir Anderson.
Here’s everything you need to know about the night…
What TV channel is Joey Essex vs Numeiro on and can it be live streamed?
Joey Essex vs Numeiro will be available to watch exclusively on DAZN.
There are three options for a DAZN subscription, Annual – either paying a one-off fee or monthly – and a monthly option.
An annual pass can be purchased for£119.99in the United Kingdom. That’s just £2.30 per week or 65p per fight(based on 185 fight nights per year).
A monthly flexible pass is priced at £24.99 per month, which can be cancelled at any time.
A subscription allows you to watch every live event and all on-demand programming on DAZN
A DAZN subscription costs:
Annual Super Saver: £119.99 annually
Monthly Saver (12-month deal): £14.99 per month
Monthly Flexible pass (cancel any time): £24.99 per month
Alternatively, SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens.
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Who else is on the card?
Darren Till and Luke Rockhold headline Misfits 22 for a huge MFB bridgerweight title fight.
And fans will get to see Salt Papi in action once again when he takes on Tony Ferguson.
What has been said?
Numeiro has not been impressed with Joey Essex’s sparring videos.
The Portuguese influencer said: “I saw a couple of videos of him boxing and sparring and I do not know if he was trying to look bad on purpose to like not scare me away.
“That was genuinely a question in my head because I do not know the guy. I do not know if he fought as a kid. I saw a couple of videos and they looked really bad.
“Hopefully, he was not playing me. If that was the real him, I am confident I will beat him up.”
Three London-born friends have been vlogging their travels to their parents homelands to represent their cultures authentically – now they plan to take their channel to the next level
Abu Finiin, Kayum Miah and Zak Hajjaj travelled to each other’s homelands for their YouTube series Kids of the Colony
A trio of British friends have been flipping the YouTube travel genre on its head by visiting their immigrant parents’ homelands – now, in a bid to make their travels their full time job, they’re planning to release “the best series yet” and it’s set to come out in early September.
While Bangladesh, Morocco and the self-declared republic of Somaliland are not the most frequented destinations for travel vloggers, for London-born, Abu Finiin, Kayum Miah and Zak Hajjaj, they saw an opportunity to learn about themselves and each other – as well as show their ancestral cultures through a non-Western lens.
The friends, who are looking to make the transition into full-time vloggers, spoke on their channel name’s origin: “Kids of the Colony”. As the child of Somali immigrants, Abu, who was studying at Oxford University, wanted to explore the ex-colonial countries he and his friends came from. Kayum is from Bangladesh and Zak is of English and Moroccan descent.
Kids of the Colony wanted to represent their parents’ homelands through a non-Western lens
Abu tells The Mirror: “I wanted a name like ‘children of immigrants’. Kids of the Colony had that ring to it.” He attempted to pitch the idea to several media production companies but it was ultimately rejected. They were told it was because their idea “only normally works with celebrities”.
So, with no major budget or studio behind them, the trio gathered some friends and set off to Bangladesh to begin the series. They travelled through the streets of Dhaka and met Kayum’s grandfather, who insists he’s 120 years old.
From there, their chatty vlog style, immersive film and core message captured over 100K viewers. Their channel now has almost 30K subscribers and their social media videos rack up hundreds of thousands of views.
‘The experience humbled me’
The trio have since visited Morocco, where Zak’s father is from, and Somaliland, involving themselves in everyday life: from getting local jobs to playing football with the local kids. Zak shares: “We gathered lots of locals kids in the football team each. I can’t speak the language and neither can Kayum, but we were still trying to teach the kids.”
Witnessing life in Somaliland was a humbling experience
One of Abu’s favourite experiences was when travelling to Somaliland and he, Kayum and Zak were working on top of a water truck delivering water to different houses – when they bumped into his grandmother. “We hadn’t seen her on this trip and the first thing she saw was just us three on top of a water truck in overalls and she was like, ‘what the hell?’” he jokes.
Their travels also gave them the chance to reflect on their own lives. A memory which stands out to Kayum was visiting one of Somaliland’s games cafes. “We went to one that was in not such a nice area and they had PS2s and the lights were barely working and there were power cuts,” he says.
“It [gave me] humility…I appreciate growing up [in the UK] gave me a lot of opportunities that a lot of people that don’t have from birth. Even things such as having a game console that I have at home that I barely play that these guys would love to.”
‘We’re helping people explore their identities’
Abu says these experiences stand out because they show how unscripted their videos are. The Somaliland series was mainly filmed in a one-mile radius to keep its “true and authentic” representation of the culture. He says: “For me, it was always about also creating a space for second generation immigrants to explore their identities.”
The impact of the series has been monumental with it gaining a large audience and positive reactions from viewers. Abu mentions how “touching” it was “because [he] never had that representation growing up.” And so was honoured to be able to provide that representation for others.
Abu, Zak and Kayum got involved in the local communities they visited
The Bangladesh series received “so much support from the Bengali community”, as did the Somaliland series with the Somali community. Abu says: “There were parents messaging me saying I’ve got something to show my kids, to show them where they’re from”.
‘We keep it super authentic –this is what life is like‘
Aside from exploring different cultures they also gained knowledge in film production and “that was a big learning curve as well in terms of producing a show.”
Their hope that viewers can get out of their videos is that they want “children of immigrants” like them to “be proud of [their] heritage” Abu highlights that they wanted “to create a show” where “kids can see their country in a positive light and be like, ‘Okay, yeah, that’s where I’m from'”.
He adds: “I hope people get that sense of pride from that, a sense of representation, a sense of belonging” understanding “the identity of your parents being from one place but you being from a completely different culture and just navigating that balance.”
Zak, Abu and Kayum travelling through Dhaka, Bangladesh
Kayum agrees on their series showcasing “an unbiased opinion” on their countries as they do not have “a great media representation” so they want to show the objective view. Abu adds: “When we do our travels, we don’t go to fancy restaurants or we don’t stay in hotels. We keep it super authentic because we want people to see, this is what life is like.”
The outreach of their videos have reached the likes of NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving who follows them on Instagram. They mention Complex posting them and former footballer and media personality, Ian Wright liking one of their videos.
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‘We’re doing the craziest things that no one has ever done’
The group explains how they aim to expand their content but still keep it authentic. They share how they recently filmed their Albania series and claim that it is “the best series yet.” From their previous travels they improved what they learnt and made this series have it all: “the relatability, it was natural, free-flowing, spontaneous and [they] introduced some challenges as well.”
When asked whether there are more new elements they are incorporating into the series, Abu says: “We’re just doing the craziest things that no one has ever done. And I just don’t see other YouTubers doing it because I just think they’ve got too much money and too comfortable in their lives to take the risk.”
Kids of the Colony are planning a countdown series where they travel across the UK
They provide little information about their next series which will follow the boys as they travel across the UK. “It’s a countdown series where we travel across the UK. And the way it will be different is that it will be extremely interactive.” People will be dictating their journey across the country,” Abu shares.
They will be posting everyday on their travels, “letting people know what city [they’re] in” and whoever they come across will have the chance to express what they’d like the trio to do. This is something original that they have never done and are due to set off on their travels later this month.
Finally, they were asked what one word or sentence they would use to describe their content. Abu says, for him it was “reimagining travel.” Kayum also keeps it short and sweet with, “action-packed” and finally Zak shares that their content is “authentic and chaotic at the same time, we go out there, nothing’s fake or planned…it’s all action-packed, but it’s all authentic from ourselves”
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We land on a white sand beach under jagged black mountains. A sea eagle, surprised to see humans, flaps away over the only house with a roof on it – the rest are in ruins. “Hundreds of people used to live here,” says Vidar. “In the days when you had to sail or row, it was important to be near the fishing grounds. Now there’s just one summer cabin.”
Jumping out of the boat, we walk along the beach. My daughter, Maddy, points out some animal tracks. “The fresh marks are wild reindeer,” says Vidar. “The older ones could be moose – they come along here too.”
Beyond the end of the beach are the small fields that the inhabitants once cultivated, now covered in wild flowers. In winter this would be an inhospitable place, but at the height of summer the flora and fauna are booming under a sun that never goes down. The people hunted a special type of cod, Vidar explains, the skrei, which migrates west from the Barents Sea to breed off Arctic islands such as this one, Skogsøya. This is the extreme edge of north-west Europe, isolated from the rest of Norway by a maze of twisting fjords and snow-capped inner islands. Head west from this beach and the first landfall is Greenland.
“When did everyone leave?” I ask, watching an otter swimming around the cove and diving into the kelp beds.
“It started with the terrible Arctic storm of 1893 that killed many people. Then the marine diesel engine came and they didn’t need to live out here. By 1952, they were all gone.”
The spectacular nine-mile Dronningruta hike is a major draw for visitors. Photograph: Christian Roth Christensen
Rudolf Diesel probably never meant to redefine the meaning of “remote”, but that’s what his eponymous engine did. Patented in that same year of 1893, his invention would inadvertently redraw the map of this coast. Places once inaccessible up long fjords could now prosper as sheltered havens, but exposed outer-island fishing villages, inhabited only for their accessibility to sailing and rowing boats, were left to return to wilderness.
Jumping back on the boat, we head northwards, weaving between rocky islets and rafts of puffins. Three sea eagles watch us warily. Then Maddy spots a group of black fins slicing towards us through the waves. Vidar cuts the engine. “You’re in luck,” he grins. Seconds later four orcas come rolling past, blowholes blasting – three adults and one calf, heading for a local seal colony. “Mostly they eat herring,” says Vidar. “But some do know how to catch seals.”
After a few precious minutes watching the orcas, we head back to Vidar’s base, the village of Nyksund, carving a tight bend through a narrow gap formed by a pair of craggy islands, then into the little harbour. The two sides of this tranquil haven are lined with clapboard houses, fish warehouses and rusting cranes. There are clamouring kittiwakes nesting on every available ledge; the wharves and decking have gaps; much of the paint is peeling. But this is a pretty spot, not gentrified – not yet. Nyksund is another abandoned fishing village, but with a difference. The people are coming back.
On the quayside, I meet Dan and Johanna, who will be our guides. They came here in the 1990s, finding only one aged resident remaining. The rest had left in the 1970s, tired of the awkward tiny harbour and crunching winter storms, but now the population is back up to more than 20.
A close encounter with orcas off the island of Skogsøya. Photograph: Kevin Rushby
That afternoon, we set out with Johanna on the Dronningruta (the Queen’s Route), a spectacular nine-mile (15km) hike that is Nyksund’s biggest attraction. The route leads up on to a ridge where I begin to see why this path is a favourite of Norway’s Queen Sonja. First, there are views south to the soaring mountains of Skogsøya, then a vast panorama of snow-capped peaks and islands opens up to the north. The lower slopes are emerald green all the way down to the azure sea. Under our feet is a thick carpet of leaves and flowers. On the windswept summits, juniper bushes grow horizontally, sheltering behind 5cm-tall crowberry bushes.
Finally we descend into the fishing port of Stø, taking a detour to see the church at Langenes, a rustic wooden masterpiece, parts of which date back to the 16th century. On the wall, in Gothic script, is the Lord’s Prayer in Old Danish, a reminder that Norway was under the control of Copenhagen for many centuries, achieving full independence only in 1905, after being ceded to Sweden in 1814.
We skip the return leg along the coast, opting for the boat service that shuttles us back to Nyksund. There is no second sighting of orca, but the ride is still an exciting rollercoaster through the swell, with an audience of seals and black guillemots. Back in Nyksund, we drink a beer in the cosy Holmvik Brygge bar, then eat a plate of local seafood in the Ekspedisjonen restaurant. Specialities include tørrfisk (skrei cod, air-dried then soaked in running freshwater for a week before cooking), black halibut and torsketunger, tempura-style cod’s tongue.
The rocky islets are populated by puffins among other sea birds. Photograph: Hans Petter Sorensen
Dan and Johanna are wondering what kind of future their village might have. “It needs some development,” says Dan. “But what? There were plans for a five-star hotel, but that fell through. Whatever happens, Nyksund wouldn’t be able to cope with crowds.” The sense of community, however, is strong: they recently called a dugnad, a Norwegian tradition of collective voluntary action, in order to pave the village square.
Next morning, at the scheduled kelp-forest swimming session, there are no crowds, only myself, Maddy and our guide, Richards. A swim in the Arctic might sound intimidating, but the water, we discover, is not that cold when you’re inside 7mm-thick neoprene. We snorkel for an hour through a startlingly colourful world of bronze kelp fronds and vast schools of fish. Bright pink sea urchins cling to golden stalks of seaweed and, in the indigo blue distance, we glimpse the shapes of large grey cod. Beyond them, unseen, are the orcas, dolphins, seals and whales that inhabit this fertile world, a world that rolls onward, for the time being, unaware of human machinations over its future.
I dive down into the forest, pushing through the golden stems of kelp and turning over to watch air bubbles sliding up the silky fronds to the glittering surface.
Later, warming up in the cafe that also serves as an antiques shop, I meet the unofficial custodian of the town’s spirit, Atle Valland. Born here in 1944, Valland remembers a harsh environment where children were expected to work from the age of seven, their nimble fingers handy for slicing out the prized cod’s tongue. Having left, aged 16, to become a ship’s engineer, Valland returned in 2022 to find a few brave souls moving in. He shows me his prized collection of Russian porcelain. “I’m not a collector,” he chuckles. “I just take care of old things.” That care extends to a vast assortment of whalebones, tools, paintings, furniture and photographs, which he plans to turn into a museum.
On our last night, we join a good-humoured group for dinner, including the vicar, Gry, and her husband, Radar, who comes from the Lofoten Islands, about 100 miles to the south. When talk turns to the future of Nyksund, Radar has a warning: “Lofoten has so many tourists now, people are complaining that sometimes they can’t leave their houses. The streets are too full.”
The diesel engine altered the layout of this coast for a previous generation and now another technological innovation is driving more change. The Lofoten tourism tsunami powered by social media is bringing vast crowds to villages unused to visitors. Nyksund art gallery owner and photographer Svein Erik Tøien was moved to create a surrealistic collage of a giant cruise ship squeezed into Nyksund’s diminutive harbour. “I wanted to ask a question,” he says. “Is this what we want?”
When Maddy and I leave, we drive across the bumpy Nyksund causeway, then down 5.6 miles of narrow gravel track on the island of Langøya before we reach asphalt. In the past, perhaps, remoteness was as plentiful as the fish. Now the challenge is to make this most capricious of commodities into something sustainable.
Travel was provided by Discover the World, which offers a seven-night self-drive journey, Around Vesteralen, from £1,227pp including B&B accommodation (three nights in Nyksund), car rental and whale-watching. Further information from the Northern Norway tourist board
Chadden Hunter has spent the last 25 years travelling the world with the likes of Sir David Attenborough and has visited some of the most remote and beautiful places on the planet
Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris is one of the many beautiful beaches in Scotland (Image: Paul Carroll and Mhairi Carroll via Getty Images)
A BBC film producer has revealed one of his favourite destinations is in the UK after travelling the globe alongside the legendary Sir David Attenborough.
Chadden Hunter has said that a country right on our doorstep ranks at the top of his favourite countries list.
He elaborated: “On our doorstep in the UK, I think Scotland is under-appreciated. I mean, it blows my mind when you look at a population map of the British Isles, it always blows my mind how dense England is, and especially southern England, and how unbelievably empty Scotland is.
“And yet, up there, there’s stunning wildlife, you can go on boat tours, and see orcas and basking sharks. On some of the beaches, the water is as crystal clear as anything you get in the tropics.”
The former BBC producer revealed one of his favourite places to visit (Image: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images)
“And yet, up there, there’s stunning wildlife, you can go on boat tours, and see orcas and basking sharks. On some of the beaches, the water is as crystal clear as anything you get in the tropics.”
Explaining precisely what sets Scotland apart from the countless other locations he’s explored, he added: “It’s chilly to get in (the water), but it is beautiful, and then you’ve got in some areas, you’ve got nesting puffins, you’ve got otters, seal colonies.
“So I think it’s just one of those places that I think we often overlook to go further afield, but unless you’re going to get down to the plains of Southern Africa, of Eastern Africa, then Scotland’s a bit of gem on our doorstep.”
Originally undertaking his PhD on monkeys in Ethiopia, he encountered a BBC film crew during his time in the African nation.
Chadden praises how empty Scotland is(Image: CHUNYIP WONG via Getty Images)
Unknown to him at the time, the chance meeting would kickstart a lengthy relationship with the broadcasters.
In the more than 25 years since, he has collaborated with Sir David Attenborough as a producer on some of the channel’s most beloved nature programmes, including Planet Earth One and Two, Seven Worlds One Planet, and Frozen Planet.
Chadden isn’t the only avid traveller to reveal their top destination recently. A seasoned globetrotter who’s visited 90 countries claims the only one she’d revisit is a mere three hours from the UK.
That place is Iceland, and is somewhere that left such an impression on Jamie Davis Smith that she has made the trip back to the icy country time and again down years.
