TRAVEL

In July and August, many parts of southern Europe and the Med are too hot and too crowded for comfort. But as summer turns to autumn it’s not just the temperature that drops – prices are lower too, and visitors get to experience a gentler, more relaxed side to places as the season starts to wind down. We’d love to hear about your favourite late-season sunshine escapes.

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A SEASIDE town made famous by former world heavy-weight boxing champ Tyson Fury is on the ropes.

Gritty ITV cop drama ‘The Bay’ attracts five million viewers, but has done nothing to restore Morecambe’s fortunes as a tourist and holidaying hotspot.

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Dilapidated buildings, boarded up shops, closed hotels, and vandalised shopping arcades blight the Lancashire seaside resort.

And homeless down-and-outs, swigging cans during the day, plague the streets.

Morecambe FC has been besieged with talks of going under after 105 years, with the beleaguered club enduring a chaotic summer since being relegated from League Two, with staff and players not even paid.

Some football club workers have been offered food parcels. As it stands, the National League club is on the brink of extinction, though takeover talks continue.

Eden Project Morecambe – a sister to the popular Eden bio-spheres in Cornwall – is hoped to breath new life into the area and bring tourists flocking back to the resort. But that is at least three years away.

Brother and sister Liam, 14, and Lola, nine, were visiting Morecambe from their native Canada and were drawn to the vandalised and graffitied former shopping arcade, which is fenced off to the public due to a rusted and collapsing roof.

They were accompanied by their aunt and nan Kay Robinson, 73, who remembers the good old days of the seaside resort.

It used to boast such attractions as the Super Swimming Stadium lido, the pleasure park Frontierland and sea life centre Marineland.

“It’s gone down hill since the 1970s,” said Kay.

“There used to be fairgrounds, illuminations, an amazing swimming pool, there used to be everything. We liked coming here better than Blackpool.

“Even the outdoor market has gone now. Everything has gone or is going now.

“You can’t go round the pubs like you used to, it used to be a great night out around Morecambe, but not now.”

Visitors love taking selfies beside the statue of the late comedian Eric Morecambe, which was unveiled on the promenade by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999.

Holidaymakers Paul and Alison Johnson, from Glossop, posed with grandson Ralphie, eight, as they enjoyed the summer sunshine.

Paul, 59, who has visited Morecambe over the years, said: “It seems to be getting cleaner, now this sea front has been done up.

“We have a caravan near here.”

Alison, 51 said: “It’s lovely in the sunshine.”

But directly opposite the iconic bronze tourist attraction stands reminders of the resort’s decline.

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Standing side-by-side, Eric’s Cafe and the Tivoli Bar, are closed down at what should be the height of the summer season.

And the town centre, just a streets from the prom, is lined with abandoned shops, closed down pubs and eateries and empty banks.

A homeless rough sleeper was slouched by the entrance to the tired Arndale Centre, which stands beside a boarded-up pawnbrokers and opposite empty shops and the shell of the former Santander bank.

In a shaded doorway down a run-down street a couple of scruff-looking men, one sitting beside his crutches, were swigging from cans of super-strength Oranjeboom beers, as parents and kids walked past.

Back on the sunny promenade where the popular outdoor swimming pool, which used to be home of the Miss Great Britain beauty contest between 1956 and 1989, John and Lynda Ritchie were taking a stroll.

“This is where they are going to build the Eden centre, if it ever gets off the ground,” said John, 80, visiting with wife Lynda, 80, from Kendal.

“It can’t come soon enough. It’ll hopefully save the town.”

“We used to bring our lads here to swim in the pool, but it is such a shame what it is like now,” said Lynda.

“Hopefully things will change when the Eden Project comes, but I wish they’d hurry up, I’d like to see it.

“The place has very much gone down hill, as many seaside towns have since people started to go abroad.”

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First-time visitors David and Lynn Buswell, from Leicestershire, were walking their Staffie Tyson – aptly named as Morecambe is the home town of former world heavyweight champ Tyson Fury – along the prom after parking up their motorhome.

“Never been here before. I’m here because my mum and dad had a photo taken with the Eric Morecambe statue and we want to recreate it,” said David, 64, a music producer.

“It looks like an average, typical English seaside town, nothing special. Okay for the kids, but not us.

“We will be parking up the motorhome for one night – not for two though. I think we will be moving on.”

Lynn, 69, said: “We have just come down from the Lake District, which was beautiful. This is a stark contrast.”

South of the town centre, the Cumberland View pub is boarded up.

Beside the former almost seafront railway station – closed now and turned into a pub – is the Festival Market.

Trains, no longer full or excited holiday makers and day trippers from West Yorkshire, now pull in to a dowdy wooden platform next to a boarded up former restaurant 500 yards of more inland.

Festival Market trader Karen Brown, 66, has been running her stall The Beauty Box for 50 years, and has seen the decline of the town.
“The place has gone really down hill since the glory days. The job is tougher now,” said Karen.

“I don’t do too bad in summer with the tourists. They come to buy things. But, in winter, the locals don’t tend to to use the market. They should do, they’ll whinge if it goes.

“The visitors come round saying what a lovely market it is and they appreciate it, but the locals, not so much.”

Fellow market trader Julie Norris, 58, has run sweet stall, Sweet Tweets, for five years.

“I’m finding trading in Morecambe alright because all the other sweet shops are shutting down,” said Julie.

“The kids are coming here for their holiday treats. And we also do well from people coming here to buy snacks and sweets before going to the cinema next door.

“They don’t want to pay rip-off cinema prices so stock up here before going to see a film.

“I love working here and if the Eden Project comes it will be fantastic. It’ll be very family orientated.”

Tyson Fury

Fury is arguably the town’s biggest name, living in the area with his wife Paris and their seven children there.

And today, it was revealed that he had sold a property in the area – for a knockdown price of £700,000.

Speaking last year, he told TNT: “17 years, it’s become my home. A new home, away from home. I actually cast myself now as from Morecambe, I don’t say I’m from Manchester anymore.

“It’s been keeping me grounded – I have always likened Morecambe to Alcatraz island… because if you go 200m that way you hit the sea, and if you go a couple of miles that way you hit the M6 motorway, and you’ve got to drive an hour to get to any city.

“It’s a big island, there’s not much distractions, there’s not much stuff to do, you can’t spend your money here because there’s nothing to spend it on, apart from Asda… That’s it, really, it’s a good place for a fighter…

“It’s kept me grounded, away from all the limelight.”

He added that locals are very respectful and leave him alone when he goes for runs. “If I go to any other city in the world, oomph Elvis has landed.”

The “Gypsy King” has previously expressed interest in buying Morecambe FC and told talkSPORT: “I was thinking I invest X amount of millions in them. Basically throw it at them and keep them going up. I’ve been offered to buy Morecambe Football Club.

“I own all the training facilities anyway and the training gym. So who knows? You might be looking at a football club owner.”

The Tyson Fury Foundation sits in the north-east corner of the football club’s Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

However, the Telegraph has claimed that Fury currently has no interest in buying the Shrimps.

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The Shala River in Albania has been dubbed the “Thailand of Europe” for its stunning turquoise waters and lush, jungle-like scenery – and it’s just a short flight from the UK

Whilst millions of tourists head to Thailand annually for its legendary tropical islands, there’s a European secret that delivers a comparable adventure much nearer to home.

The Shala River has earned the title “Thailand of Europe,” offering a taste of paradise without the lengthy journey or cost of a holiday in Southeast Asia. It features stunning turquoise waters and dense, rainforest-like landscapes, creating an exotic adventure in Europe’s heartland.

Ideal for an autumn getaway, Albania enjoys delightfully mild temperatures of approximately 25C in October, with plenty of sunshine making it perfect for late-season sun-seekers.

For those drawn to Thailand’s 1,500 miles of shoreline and more than 1,400 islands scattered with limestone formations, colourful coral reefs, and magnificent beaches, Albania’s Shala River offers an extraordinary substitute, reports the Express.

Reachable only by vessel, the Shala River meanders through the breathtaking Albanian Alps. With its remarkably pristine waters and jade-coloured peaks, it could be confused with one of the remote islands of Thailand.

Thrill-seekers will be delighted, as the Shala River region provides pursuits like zip-lining, snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, and trekking, all amidst striking natural splendour.

However, it’s just as perfect for those seeking to relax, with its serene environment creating the ideal setting for unwinding beside the water.

The river’s secluded, chilled-out character delivers a restful retreat without the enormous expense. The stunning beauty of this region has captured attention across social media platforms too.

TikTok user @olam281’s footage of the Shala River left countless viewers gobsmacked to discover this tropical paradise was actually in Europe rather than some exotic Indian Ocean isle.

One amazed comment read: “I’ve been to Albania multiple times. [It’s] my favourite country of all time, and I’ve travelled quite a lot. 10/10 would recommend to everyone.” Another flabbergasted follower exclaimed: “I THOUGHT IT WAS THAILAND.”

Reaching the Shala River involves a boat trip from Lake Komani’s harbour, though the spectacular natural scenery more than justifies the journey.

This pristine location remains largely undiscovered, a world away from the packed shores of better-known holiday hotspots, making it a genuine hidden gem.

Travelling to Albania proves remarkably straightforward for British holidaymakers as well. Direct flights operate from numerous major UK airports, including Bristol, Birmingham, Luton, and Stansted.

With tickets starting from about £25 in October for flexible travellers, it offers an budget-friendly getaway for those craving sunshine without enduring lengthy flights or jet lag.

Claire Martin, from Devon, decided to travel across Europe by ferry – and she managed to save money doing it too.

One traveller said goodbye to airport queues and decided to travel around Europe by ferry instead. Even better, she secured some brilliant bargains in the process.

Claire Martin, from Devon, is a YouTuber and travel content creator who typically spends much of the year globe-trotting as she adores the chance to “explore new cultures and spend time in nature”.

Speaking to OMIO – an online travel comparison site – Claire revealed her European ferry route, her adventures and expert advice for staying within budget.

When questioned about why she opted to journey by ferry, Claire explained to OMIO: “Ferry is often the most direct route, and I love the feeling of sailing over the seas; it feels like a proper adventure.

“The sunsets and coastal views are always stunning too. I also love how you’re never constrained to a seat – there’s a whole ship to explore.”

The adventurer visited numerous European destinations by ferry:

Claire has journeyed to and from more than eight countries and has also revealed which destination was her top pick and the reasons behind it.

She explained: “I loved travelling from France to Algeria by ferry. The experience of sailing across the Mediterranean was awesome and I loved seeing the different cultures on either side of the sea.

“It was a really nice ferry and I had my own cabin, so I thought of it as a mini Mediterranean cruise!”

Claire confessed that when she journeyed between Tallinn and Helsinki in an “ultra-modern” ferry, she failed to “soak the experience in” owing to it lasting just two hours.

However, the traveller managed to save a substantial amount of money by opting for ferries over flights, allowing her to travel extensively without emptying her wallet.

She calculated that she saved an estimated £200 across her travels, reported The Express.

Claire pointed out that for certain routes, such as southern Spain to Morocco or Tallinn to Helsinki, there’s “no need to fly”.

The journey from Aberdeen to Shetland was also significantly cheaper by ferry, costing around £40 per person with a cabin, compared to a hefty £200 flight fare.

She revealed that she is planning a unique “ferry-only trip”, where she will spend four nights on different ferries, hopping between Spain, France and Italy.

GOALKEEPER Samuel Fossey has gone from shot-saver to lifesaver… by rescuing a player who had a heart attack on the pitch.

The Frenchman was playing for lower-league side US Oisseau on Saturday when an opponent collapsed after half-time.

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The unnamed AS Requeil player had gone into cardiac arrest.

However, Fossey used his training as a firefighter to keep the 40-year-old alive.

A plumber by trade, he used heart massage and a defibrillator on the opposing player until an ambulance arrived.

Fossey insisted: “I don’t think of myself as a hero. I just acted like a good citizen, and did my duty.

“We were playing a friendly match. I was keeping my eye on the ball when I heard my coach telling the ref a player was on the ground.

“I soon realised the player was ill, as he had not been in any collision.

“I joined the fire brigade in 2013, spent a few years with them and later rejoined them as a volunteer fireman.

“They provide training courses, and I do refreshers every year at their rescue centre.”

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A witness added: “Everyone saw straight away it was a serious situation. 

“An Oisseau player quickly offered first aid, together with three people from the medical world who were in the stadium.

“They carried out heart massage and used a defibrillator for 20 minutes. 

“Their quick reactions and involvement saved the player’s life – there’s no doubt about it.”

The stricken player’s condition has since stabilised in a Le Mans hospital.

Oisseau president Quentin Cesse said: “Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery.

“Football is a big family, and the amateur game has once again shown its solidarity.”

HELEN Flanagan has hit back at cruel mum shamers while wearing a tiny bra and defending her boob job decision.

The former Coronation Street starlet, 35, has taken to Instagram to defend her boob job after cruel trolls left nasty comments on a recent snap she shared online.

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Over the weekend, Helen shared some glam snaps of her donning a chic dress.

Cruel trolls were quick to share their thoughts on her look, with one writing at the time: “Who on earth is she? dress is too small anyway.”

And in a sizzling video where she donned lingerie earlier this summer, another troll penned: “You really should save that for the bedroom.”

But now Helen has hit back at the haters with a defiant message.

Taking to her Instagram stories on Sunday, Helen explained how she attended the “most beautiful wedding” over the weekend before showing everyone her Pride outfit.

Helen could be seen donning a tiny bra with a silver sequin suit.

She then said how she would “probably get nasty comments” because she’s showing off her cleavage.

Helen went on to add how she has three kids and breast fed for around three years in total.

“Honestly, when I finished breast-feeding, I could have tied my boobs in a bow. They was so bad,” she confessed.

The next slide then saw Helen showing off her boob job after three pregnancies in an Instagram reel.

She explained how she went under the knife because she was “so self conscious”.

Helen then spoke to her fans again in the next slide where she said she has naturally always had “really big boobs”.

“Before I had kids, I had natural E cup boobs,” she confessed.

She later added how she gets comments “all the time” where people say “oh, you’re a mum, you should cover up” and “your kids would be ashamed of you”.

I don’t think there’s anything shameful about being confident or about being sexy. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

Helen Flanagan

Helen hit back saying: “This is actually my body.”

She noted that even though she has had surgery from breast feeding and had excess skin, despite having had an implant put in each of them – they are now their natural size and how they always were.

“Should I be ashamed of how I look because I’m a woman and this is how I look?” she asked.

“So, I don’t think there’s anything shameful about being confident or about being sexy. I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

“I don’t understand how that makes you a bad mum?” she said, sounding confused.

“I’m not perfect, but I try and show my children the importance of being kind,” Helen added, noting how she would never want them to “drag other women down”.

She explained how she wants her daughters to grow up being kind to other women, and kind in general.

“That, I think, is good parenting,” Helen slammed before making a dig at people who call her out for wearing a low cut dress, adding “that’s not nice”.

“That’s bad parenting,” she added.

Helen went on to say how she wants her daughter to dress in ways that make her feel confident as she grows up.

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The coastal resort has welcomed back its water park and a new market, visitors say the seafront has ‘improved 100 per cent’ – and that’s just the beginning

The Welsh seaside resort of Rhyl was once a magnet for generations of holidaymakers. But in recent years, the tourist crowds have ebbed away as cheap foreign holidays have drawn them abroad.

The North Wales town has struggled with its reputation and the cost of living has also hit hard. But after a recent makeover, this once rundown resort is on the up – and last week it featured in a new ranking of the UK’s best seaside towns. Meanwhile, another UK seaside town named the cheapest place to live is in revolt over plans to flatten a historic area.

North Wales Live reporter David Powell paid a visit to Rhyl on a sunny afternoon to find out what visitors had to think about the improvements, and the consensus was clear.

The promenade has been raised and widened and sea defence work has also taken place as part of a £69m programme of work.

A number of new and returning amenities are hoping to lure visitors back, including street food hall the Queen’s Market, which opened last month with a host of stalls and bars.

The town’s SC2 waterpark also recently reopened, having shut 18 months ago due to storm damage, while the former Vue cinema complex is being brought back to life by new operators Merlin Cinemas.

The site of the SeaQuarium aquarium, which closed in 2023, has also been cleared, ridding the seafront of a derelict eyesore.

Sitting on a bench on the promenade, Kenneth and Janet Hensall, from Denton, Manchester, spoke positively about the improvements.

Kenneth said: “Whoever’s bright idea it was to do this work deserves a pat on the back. I’ve been coming here for 70 years. The front has improved 100 per cent.”

Janet added: “It’s just a pity about the back.”

Further along, towards the lifeboat station, a family-of-four from Stoke-on-Trent were also enjoying their visit to Rhyl.

Andy Walsh, who was visiting with wife Kathy and their children Charlie, nine, and Hattie, six, said of the prom: “It looks a lot better. It’s just a shame there’s not many people here and there’s so much litter.”

Litter was a problem also noticed by 68-year-old Kevin, from Wrexham.

“It’s a shame it’s not as busy as it once was many years ago,” he added.

“The only thing that bothers me is having to pay to park down a side street.”

On the beach, Steve, in his 40s and from Stockport, was enjoying a family break. He said his children were too young to enjoy the new facilities just yet and the beach remained the main attraction for them.

“I have always thought Rhyl was a quite a nice place,” he said. “We come here quite often.

“We’ve only really come for the sand. I like this beach because even at high tide there’s still some sand. It’s not a five-mile walk to have a paddle!”

Denbighshire County Council described the work to Rhyl’s seafront as a “dynamic revival” that will deliver “a major impact for residents, businesses, and visitors”.

Craig Sparrow, Chair of Rhyl Neighbourhood Board, added: “It’s fantastic to see so much positive change happening across the promenade.

“This progress is about more than buildings and infrastructure – it’s about pride, aspiration and unlocking Rhyl’s potential as a great place to live, work and visit. These projects are a direct result of community input and collaborative leadership.”

The transformation isn’t over yet. At the cleared SeaQuarium site, a new public area has been opened up and plans are being developed for future use of the space.

Work is also progressing on a brand-new Drift Park on West Parade, which will replace the former children’s play area with more modern and inclusive facilities.

Sandra Sharp, newly appointed Programme Manager for Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl, added: “This is just the beginning. We’re seeing real energy and momentum building in Rhyl, and we’re working to ensure local people are central to the journey.”

The bustling capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz is a city that offers a perfect mix of beach relaxation and cultural exploration – and it’s just a short flight away

Santa Cruz, the vibrant capital of Tenerife, is a favourite amongst holidaymakers with its stunning black and white sand beaches and rugged mountainous landscape.

With a matter of weeks before the end of summer, the UK is already bracing for the cooler temperatures and frequent heavy showers of autumn and winter. Luckily, there is a Spanish port city offering a warm haven for Brits in search of some winter sun.

Tenerife boasts warm temperatures all year round, averaging 24C throughout November and a comfortable 21C well into December, reports the Express.

A post-Christmas getaway to this Spanish city could be just the ticket, especially as Santa Cruz hosts one of the world’s largest carnivals each February.

During the carnival season, the streets of Santa Cruz come alive with music, dancing and a riot of colourful costumes.

These festivities typically draw around 150,000 tourists, contributing to the nearly one million participants who join in over the approximately five weeks of celebrations.

Outside of the carnival season, Tenerife offers a more tranquil retreat, making it the perfect time to unwind and soak up the rich cultural history of Santa Cruz.

Nestled near the city centre is the Palmetum of Tenerife, a vast botanical garden boasting one of the world’s largest collections of palm trees, where you can also savour breathtaking views of the island’s coastline.

The main beach in Santa Cruz is Las Teresitas, a stretch of golden sand specially crafted using sands imported from the Sahara desert.

In the bustling port of Santa Cruz, one of Spain’s busiest, holidaymakers can discover the Auditorio, a contemporary concert hall that echoes the design of the Sydney Opera House and is crafted to resemble a ship’s sails.

Tenerife, already a favourite amongst British holidaymakers, is frequently serviced by numerous budget airlines, with a flight time just over four hours from the UK.

Santa Cruz, situated near the North Airport at the island’s peak, offers flights from London for a bargain price of as little as £36 during the winter season, according to Skyscanner.

There are happy hours that function as post-work gatherings, fueled by discounted pitchers of beer, buckets of chicken wings, sliders and the sort of commiserating that can only happen between colleagues. If the beer is cold and the chicken wings properly sluiced in hot sauce and ranch dressing, this happy hour can be the happiest of hours.

But it wasn’t until I was seated at the bar of Josiah Citrin’s Citrin in Santa Monica that I understood a happy hour’s full potential. Here, happy hour is known as Glass Off, a 90-minute stretch of food and drink specials at the bar. Instead of a truncated list of fried foods intended to coat your stomach while you sip on discounted wine, you’ll find tasting-size portions of some of Citrin and fellow chef-partner Ken Takayama’s signature dishes.

Those spot prawns with young turnip and green tomato finished with a nori sabayon that normally cost $52 an order? You can enjoy a smaller portion at the bar for $22. The $49 risotto studded with Dungeness crab, artichoke and peas with aged Parmesan and Meyer lemon? During Glass Off, you can taste a portion of it for $24.

At the following restaurants, happy hour is designed to give diners a glimpse at a kitchen or bar’s full potential, at a more accessible price point. It’s not simply about ordering as many discounted drinks as possible during a limited window. That’s the sort of thinking that prompted the state of Massachusetts to ban happy hours in 1984. It’s prohibited in six other states, and allowed but highly regulated in a handful of others.

In the great state of California, happy hours abound. Just make sure you indulge responsibly.

Here’s a list of my current favorite happy hours. Save me a seat at the bar, will you?

One resident of the coastal village said the demolition plans amount to ‘social cleansing’ as the regeneration project gathers pace

Plans to demolish historic homes in the UK’s most affordable seaside village have been labelled as ‘social cleansing’ as a local authority pushes forward with its proposals.

Durham County Council has submitted a planning application to tear down 100 properties in Horden’s ‘Numbered Streets’, an area that was established in the early 1900s and originally provided housing for the coal mining community.

Horden, along with neighbouring Peterlee, was recently named as the UK’s cheapest place to live by the sea in a ranking by Rightmove. It has also frequently ranked among the nation’s most deprived areas.

The proposed demolition zone stretches from First Street to 13th Street and is part of a £10.7 million regeneration project that it is hoped will breathe new life into the area. Homeowners have been asked to sell their properties to the council so new housing can be built.

However, local residents are resisting the plans, which they claim to have largely opposed since a consultation was first launched in 2019, according to the Express, reports Chronicle Live.

Joe, a community organiser for Shelter, said it was “immediately obvious it wasn’t what people wanted” when he first arrived in the area, adding that there was palpable anger at a parish council meeting.

Campaign group Fair Deal For Horden found that 72 percent of the community preferred refurbishment, with only 2pc supporting demolition.

Joe added: “The council says there’s widespread support. I beg to differ.”

Shelter’s research shows that buying and renovating empty properties for social rent can require roughly 20pc less grant funding than new builds, when clearance and compensation costs are taken into account.

Raymond Bellingham has lived with his sister in a mortgage-free home on Third Street since he was nine years old. This year marks his 60th anniversary at the address.

He opposes the plans, saying locals want restoration to breathe new life into the area rather than bulldozing people’s homes. A similar scheme was implemented in The Green in Hartlepool, restoring crumbling Victorian houses rather than knocking them down.

Raymond said: “There was originally talk of other plans – renovation, refurbishment, etc. But all of a sudden, all other options disappeared, and the council has gone down the path of total demolition. They’re totally ignoring the people living here, refusing to do another consultation.”

He insisted the streets’ terrible reputation is baseless, “a misrepresentation”, saying people view it as “gang-laden – people carrying machetes with dangerous dogs” – but this “couldn’t be further from the truth”.

Joe pointed out the irony that this year marks the 125th anniversary of Horden as a village: “What better way to celebrate than by wiping out the historic homes of the people who built that community, the people who contributed to British industrial progress?”. Raymond said “there’s not much to celebrate”, declaring: “The council wants to wipe out this community, to build new houses and obliterate heritage and history.

“It’s affecting people who still live here. They want to clear the area, trying to buy homes for £30,000-£35,000, way below market price. That’s what actually makes the area undesirable. Exactly what they’re supposed to be avoiding.

“It might sound drastic, but it’s a form of social cleansing. Good people live here, and they’re being driven out of their own homes, their village, their community. They don’t care about the people here; they have no sentiment for this community.”

Joe revealed that Horden features amongst the nation’s most deprived areas, explaining: “Locals do need something to happen. It does need regeneration, but what cost does that come at?”.

“This plan shouldn’t come at the cost of people’s lives being torn apart. If the council went the refurb route, it could do more for the Numbered Streets.”

Although a relocation package is available for residents selling their properties to the council, Joe insists “many feel they’ll be financially worse off”.

Leaving Horden would prove expensive, he said, alongside the heartbreaking impact of breaking community bonds and family ties.

Joe contended this simply “perpetuates a cycle of instability for lots of people”.

Durham County Council claimed the Horden Masterplan had attracted “strong support” throughout several years of comprehensive consultation. Michael Kelleher, the head of planning and housing, stated: “We have worked hard throughout the process to ensure residents feel heard and represented.

“Following our consultations in 2018, 2019 and 2022, the demolition, clearance and provision of new housing was consistently ranked higher than refurbishment by residents.

“The aim of the masterplan is to regenerate the village and improve life for local people by tackling issues such as the high number of empty properties in the Numbered Streets, supporting those with housing needs, enhancing community facilities and paving the way for new council housing that is truly affordable. All while respecting the history and heritage of Horden.

“We understand this is an unsettling time, and we are working closely with owners and landlords to negotiate the purchase of their properties and help people to find alternative accommodation should they need it.”

Totnes in Devon is known for its independent shops, art galleries, antiques and its vibrant high street that’s lined with an array of colourful buildings and a market

A Devon town boasting its own castle and a wealth of independent retailers is a hidden gem for tourists.

Art galleries, antique stores and fantastic gift shops are flourishing along the high street of Totnes – whilst the charming little town sits amid beautiful countryside.

If you’re seeking a break from Devon’s bustling coastal resorts or fancy some distinctive shopping then a trip to Totnes is an excellent choice.

There’s a market operating most days in the heart of this vibrant town’s high street, which radiates positive energy.

This location is famous for its independent enterprises – and you’re guaranteed to discover quirky treasures in shops that are worlds apart from the typical British high street, reports the Express.

This southwest England town is celebrated for its alternative atmosphere, artistic residents and mystical ambience – it sits upon a ley line, unseen ancient spiritual pathways believed to connect important locations throughout Britain.

This has attracted hippies and new-age enthusiasts to the town since the 1960s and 70s, with the otherworldly reputation persisting today – and residents even managed to oust Costa Coffee.

One tourist wrote about the town online: “The high street throbs with trails of diverse colourful locals and tourists commingling.

“People are so friendly that everyone calls you love or darling, there’s something down to earth and authentic about Totnes that makes you want to go back again to return to the trail.”

Visitors can also explore Totnes Castle – a well-preserved ancient Norman motte and bailey castle, home to an old tower that dates back to the 12th century.

The town boasts a unique shop, the Magical Earth Emporium, known for its crystals and ‘witchy’ items, alongside traditional Devon bakeries offering an abundance of traditional pasties.

There are several pubs scattered around the town, along with numerous cafes and restaurants where you can indulge in a Devon cream tea if you fancy it.

It’s easy to venture out into the countryside too, with river walks at the nearby Dartington Estate where wildlife and stunning views are plentiful.

The Dartington Estate website paints a picture of what you can enjoy not far from the town of Totnes: “Boasting over 800 acres of verdant forests, abundant wildlife and clear rivers, the Dartington estate offers the perfect backdrop to walks of all lengths and difficulties.

“Experience a sense of tranquillity at our impressive Grade II listed gardens, which have been shaped and inspired by the remarkable custodians of this special place for over 1,000 years.

“On your visit to the 26 acres of tended grounds, you’ll find a range of stunning features with beautiful vistas and creative sculptures, including ancient trees and impressive plant species.”

A FORMER Strictly Come Dancing star revealed signing up for the show was a ‘big mistake’ – having quit due to health struggles.

Comedian and actor Robert Webb was part of the BBC show’s 2021 line-up, partnered with Dianne Buswell.

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The 52-year-old pulled out of Strictly after three dances, on health grounds.

Previously, the comedian had undergone open heart surgery back in 2019.

Speaking to The Times, Robert reflected that he’d accepted the Strictly offer as “these opportunities don’t come along very often.”

He said: “They don’t happen to everyone.

“And I’d just nearly died, so I thought, “This is no time to be sitting on the edges; why don’t you contribute and participate?”

“It all sounded like a good idea at the time.”

Robert added: “It all added up to a big mistake.”

Although he was in “quite good shape” on paper, the star struggled with Strictly’s intense schedule.

He explained: “That schedule is a law unto itself, and I just wasn’t anywhere close to being able to do that.

“I don’t even know if I could now. I don’t think it’d be a very good idea.”

Robert said in a statement at the time of his exit: “I’m extremely sorry to have to announce that I’m withdrawing from Strictly Come Dancing due to ill health.

“Two years ago I had open heart surgery and although I believed I was fit enough to take on Strictly and its demanding schedule, it became clear that I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage in my recovery.

“I had begun to feel symptoms that led me to seek an urgent consultation with my heart specialist, and it was her view that it would be better for the sake of my health to step back from the show.”

Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis – then starring in EastEnders – went on to win that year’s series.

Robert is best known for working with David Mitchell as comedy duo Mitchell and Webb,

Earlier this year, The Sun told how the duo are reuniting for a new sketch comedy series.

Joining them are Ghosts actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe, as well as comedians Lara Ricote, Stevie Martin and Kystral Evans.

Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and iPlayer.

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‘If anyone mysteriously vanishes, I can be Poirot,” said the passenger from India, twirling his moustache. It felt as though the spirit of Agatha Christie’s most famous character – best known for solving the Murder on the Orient Express – was lingering in the breeze at Palermo’s sublime botanical garden, which had been transformed into a makeshift waiting room for the 40 or so travellers about to board an Italian replica of the fabled train.

Sipping espresso and sampling cannoli, the classic Sicilian pastry, the curiosity and suspicion for which Poirot is famous was palpable as the passengers subtly sized each other up. But the only mystery waiting to be unravelled over the next couple of days was whether their Rome-bound journey on La Dolce Vita Orient Express would live up to their dreamy expectations.

Mobiles.co.uk is offer not one, not two, but THREE pieces of tech for the same monthly cost.

The phone provider is offering a free Chromebook and earbuds with Samsung’s flagship device, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, on the iD Mobile network.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with Buds3 Pro and
Chromebook Go: From £29.99p/m

This is a great opportunity to pick up a new laptop device with a brand-new mobile, and to upgrade your audio too.

It’s an absolute gem of a deal for students returning to college or university – although anyone on a tighter budget should look at a similar Chromebook giveaway with the cheaper Samsung Galaxy A16 at Tesco Mobile.

By contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the brand’s reigning monarch of smartphones.

Here, it’s bundled with a brand-new Samsung Chromebook Go, AND a set of noise-cancelling earphones.

Best of all, you’re getting the best of everything, all on one simple monthly plan on the iD Mobile network.

Prices for these pay-monthly plans can vary, as is standard practice.

As you’d probably imagine, the more you pay upfront, the lower your monthly bill will be, giving you flexibility to choose a plan that suits your budget.

You’ll find cheaper phones elsewhere, that’s for sure, but the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a beast, plain and simple.

This top-end Android handset has all the latest tech, including some clever AI stuff, and a camera that’s in a league of its own.

The screen is a huge 6.9-inch beauty that’s so bright and clear it’ll make everything look amazing.

The main lens is a massive 200MP, so your photos will be sharp as a tack, and the huge 5,000mAh battery will keep you going all day long without needing a charge.

Jamie Harris, The Sun’s Assistant Tech Editor, got his hands on this top-of-the-range mobile.

In his Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review, he notes that while “all phone makers are making noise about AI,” Samsung’s new features are positioned as a “companion” to make daily life genuinely easier.

Harris praises the phone’s physical design, stating, “The first thing I’ve noticed this time around is how much lighter it is – literally, so much lighter.”

And then of course there’s that Chromebook, which runs on Google Chrome OS and is the perfect little workhouse for browsing, admin tasks and streaming.

The best bit is that you get both of these bits of kit on a single, easy-to-manage contract.

The Buds3 Pro earbuds, meanwhile, are noise-cancelling and are sold separately for £219 on the Samsung website.

Seriously, if you’re looking for a general level up across your devices, this deal is a winner.

Just keep in mind you’ll need to head to the claims page on the Mobiles.co.uk website to ensure you get the Chromebook.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with Buds3 Pro and
Chromebook Go: From £29.99p/m

Looking for a laptop on its lonesome? The Sun Shopping team’s Tom Tyers recently spotted a ‘powerhouse’ laptop slashed from £450 to £230 on Amazon.

A British expat living in the holiday hotspot has issued a warning to tourists visiting the popular destination, after he said his ‘eyes were opened’ to how sophisticated the scams can be

An expat living in Ibiza has issued a warning to Brits about common scams that target tourists and the key phrases holidaymakers should be wary of.

The Spanish island is a favourite holiday destination, renowned not only for its vibrant nightlife and party scene, but also for its stunning beaches. Each season, it draws a massive influx of tourists, and James Smith, a Spanish teacher and founder of Learn Spanish with James, warns that visitors are easy pickings for local fraudsters.

These con artists employ everything from sham boat parties to counterfeit holiday rental adverts in an attempt to swindle money from tourists.

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“Living in Ibiza opened my eyes to how sophisticated these scams have become,” reveals James.

“The scammers know exactly what buttons to push with British tourists, promising VIP treatment, exclusive access, or once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But there are always telltale signs if you know what to look for.” According to James, these are the six most prevalent scams in Ibiza, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Fake club tickets

One of the oldest tricks in the book involves fraudsters approaching tourists with “discounted” tickets to top clubs like Amnesia or Pacha. These tricksters often lurk around popular hotels or loiter at beach bars during sunset.

“They’ll show you what looks like a genuine ticket and claim they can’t use it,” warns James. “The story is always the same: they’re leaving the island early, their mate cancelled, or they double-booked. But these tickets are either completely fake or already used.”

Warning signs include sellers who won’t let you examine the ticket closely, refuse to provide contact details, or pressure you to buy immediately with phrases like “last chance” or “someone else is interested”.

Bogus boat parties

Boat party scams have surged in recent years, with fraudsters setting up fake social media pages and websites advertising non-existent events. They’ll post professional-looking photos and promise celebrity DJs, unlimited drinks, and VIP treatment.

“These scammers are getting smarter with their online presence,” cautions James. “They’ll steal photos from legitimate boat parties and create convincing websites. But when you turn up at the supposed departure point, there’s no boat – and no refund.”

Watch for vague meeting locations, requests for full payment upfront via bank transfer, and reluctance to provide official booking confirmations or company registration details.

Overpriced drinks packages

Street sellers often approach tourists with laminated cards advertising drinks packages for popular venues. They’ll claim you can skip queues and get unlimited drinks for a fraction of the normal cost.

“The legitimate venues don’t work this way,” James points out. “Real clubs sell their own packages through official channels. These street sellers are either selling fake vouchers or massively overcharging for basic entry.”

Timeshare presentation traps

Ruthless sales teams prey on holidaymakers with promises of complimentary dinners, boat excursions or club access in return for attending a “brief” presentation. What begins as a half-hour discussion can escalate into hours of relentless sales pressure.

“I’ve seen tourists lose thousands on timeshare deals they signed under duress,” says James. “The salespeople are trained to create urgency and make you feel like you’re missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Accommodation bait and switch

Fraudulent holiday rental adverts have become increasingly clever, utilising pilfered photographs and fabricated reviews to trick tourists into handing over deposits for properties that are non-existent or bear no resemblance to the description.

“Always verify the property through multiple sources,” advises James. “If someone is pushing for immediate payment or won’t video call to show you the property, walk away.”

Transport overcharging

Rogue taxi drivers and bogus airport transfer operators routinely fleece tourists, particularly those arriving during the early hours or whilst intoxicated.

James has also cautioned holidaymakers about specific phrases employed by fraudsters to manipulate tourists. This includes: James advised: “Living in Ibiza taught me that scammers specifically target British tourists because they know they’re often unfamiliar with local customs, and language barriers can make visitors more vulnerable.

“The key is preparation: know the Spanish phrases for ‘no thank you’ and ‘I’m not interested’, and don’t be afraid to use them firmly.

“Before you hand over any money, always ask for official documentation, a receipt, and contact details. Legitimate businesses will happily provide these. If someone starts getting aggressive or evasive when you ask basic questions, that tells you everything you need to know.

“The simplest check you can do is ask them to write down exactly what you’re buying, when and where it’s happening, and their contact information. Watch how they react – genuine sellers will do this without hesitation, while scammers will usually make excuses or try to rush you into paying immediately.”

POLICE are urgently searching for two women who “may be together” after they vanished months ago.

Lorna Nightingale, 70, was last seen in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in February while Emma Nightingale, 36, has not been seen since being spotted in Colchester, Essex, in June.

Cops said it is known that both women have connections to Essex, suggesting that they may have travelled there.

Suffolk Police added that officers believed the women “may be together.”

Both women are from Lowestoft, cops said.

Lorna is described as being 5ft 2in tall, of a slim build, with short grey hair.

Emma is described as 5ft 8 in tall, with mousey-coloured long hair.

If you have seen Lorna or Emma, or have any information about them, contact police by calling 999.

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SHOPPERS have gone wild for a fan-favourite Greggs product which has hit the shelves at Iceland. 

The incredible baked product only costs £3 and you can get 4 of the delicious treats in one pack.

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Greggs is known for its huge range of pastries, from its vegan sausage rolls to its steak and chicken bakes. 

The bakery’s pain au chocolat are a particular favourite and are normally only available in stores. 

However, customers now can pick up a four-pack of frozen pain au chocolat from Iceland. 

An eagle-eyed shopper spotted the product whilst shopping and took to Facebook to break the news.

They captioned their post: “Greggs frozen Pain Au Chocolat spotted at Iceland Foods.”

Fans flooded the comments section, sharing their love for the baked product. 

One wrote:”I got a bag yesterday, £3.”

Another raved: “They’re the best!”

The news comes after Greggs quietly axed a fan-favourite sandwich. 

Exclusively revealed by The Sun, the Roast Chicken Salad Roll has been pulled from the bakery’s shelves. 

Greggs has been revamping its lunch range, with a new sandwich – also named the Roast Chicken Salad Roll – taking the old product’s place. 

It includes sliced roast chicken breast, topped with tomato, cucumber, mixed leaf salad and mayonnaise.

Earlier this year, Greggs was also forced to make a major change to some of its stores. 

Due to a surge in shoplifting offences, several of the lunch items were moved behind the counter. 

In some locations, the bakeries were enduring one robbery every twenty minutes – prompting the change. 

One Greggs worker told The Sun: “The stealing before was so bad.

“I couldn’t put a number on how many thieves came in every day.”

At the time, a spokesperson for the bakery said: “This is one of a number of initiatives we are trialling across a handful of shops which are exposed to higher levels of anti-social behaviour.

“Safety of our colleagues and customers remains our number one priority.”

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TWO married couples are dead after their British car veered off the road and smashed into trees in Germany.

The horrific accident happened shortly after midnight on Saturday near a highway in the Kassel district, north of Hesse in central Germany.

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The 32-year-old male driver and three female passengers aged 30, 31 and 32 all died at the scene despite the best efforts of German emergency services.

The vehicle had a British number plate, but The Sun understands UK officials have not been contacted for assistance in relation to the crash.

The car appears to have veered off the road at around 12:30am on Saturday.

It shot into a coppice of trees around 30m from the road, according to the Kassel police department.

One of the victims’ phones sent an automatic alert to the emergency services, who sent an ambulance to the scene.

Fire engines, more ambulances and police vehicles were all dispatched when the severity of the accident became clear.

The car was on its side and wedged between two trees when crews arrived.

Emergency workers only discovered there was a car full of people when they removed the roof.

All four people were pronounced dead at the scene after being pulled from the wreckage.

Those who worked on the victims were immediately supported by the specialist mental health workers.

A fire department spokesperson said: “The situation on scene was that a car was lying on its side, wedged between several trees.

“Initially, we assumed there were only two people in the wreckage.

“A crew was therefore dispatched to explore the wider area to search for any occupants who might have been ejected during the impact.

“At the same time, the vehicle was stabilized and a technical rescue using hydraulic rescue equipment was initiated.

“Shortly after the start of operations, we identified another person in the back seat.

“Once we had almost completely removed the roof, we discovered another person in the car.

“The emergency doctor checked the vital functions of the occupants, but unfortunately could only confirm that all of them were dead.”

Reflecting on the night’s horrors, the spokesperson said: “This high number of deaths is an extraordinary operation for our Reinhardshagen Volunteer Fire Department.

“For some of the emergency personnel, it is the first time they have been confronted with death in this way.

“Therefore, a great deal is being done to help us process these images.

“We will also discuss this among ourselves and within families, because not everyone can easily shake off what they have seen.”

A police investigation into the crash is ongoing.

FAILED asylum seekers and foreign offenders are being left in Britain for up to a year because their governments are dragging their feet over travel papers, a Home Office file reveals.

The official guide, published by the department, shows deportations are crippled by delays from overseas embassies.

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Egypt, Guinea and Burkina Faso are among the worst offenders — taking six to 12 months to issue the documents needed to put its citizens on a plane home.

By contrast, Italy, Belgium and Sri Lanka can turn the paperwork around in less than two weeks, while India averages one month.

But the file also shows no reliable timescale is available at all for dozens of countries — leaving removals at the mercy of slow or unpredictable foreign bureaucracies.

The delays mean some migrants remain in Britain long after their claims have failed, with taxpayers footing the bill for hotel rooms, benefits and legal fees while they wait.

Yesterday, fed-up protesters raised St George’s Cross and Union flags outside some of the 210 hotels being used to house migrants — as PM Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to overhaul the failing asylum system.

Among those targeted was the Castle Bromwich Holiday Inn in Birmingham.

Outside the Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, East London, a group of protesters gathered with one holding a banner that read: “Enough is enough protect our women and girls.”

Another said: “Tower Hamlets council house homeless Brits first.”

There were also protests outside the Holiday Inn in Solihull, West Midlands, and the Manchester South Hotel.

At least 15 people were arrested at protests relating to migrant hotels on Saturday.

Following the release of the Home Office file, Reform UK demanded ministers get tough.

Deputy party leader Richard Tice said: “Foreign countries know Starmer’s Britain is a pushover, so it’s no wonder they are dragging their feet when it comes to accepting deportations.

“Britain needs to start using its diplomatic and economic power.

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“Countries that refuse to take their criminals back should not get off scot-free but instead face serious sanctions.

“Unfortunately, with this meek Labour Government, we will continue to be seen as a meek nation on the global stage.”

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp also hit out, saying: “Countries that do not fully and promptly co-operate should suffer visa sanctions — where we don’t give visas to citizens of those countries to come here.

‘TOO WEAK’

“Then, they would pretty soon fall into line.

“The legal power exists to do that but this Labour Government is too weak to use it.”

There is currently a 106,000-strong backlog of asylum claim cases, including at least 51,000 appeals.

Last week, official statistics showed a record 111,000 people applied for asylum in the UK during the first year of Labour coming to power.

The Government has said its latest plans would introduce independent panels to hear appeal cases to speed up the process and deport failed asylum seekers quicker.

A new commission will prioritise cases of those living in costly asylum hotels and foreign national offenders.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “We cannot carry on with these completely unacceptable delays in appeals as a result of the system we have inherited, which mean that failed asylum seekers stay in the system for years on end at huge cost to the taxpayer.”

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She added: “Overhauling the appeals system so that it is swift, fair and independent, with high standards in place, is a central part of our Plan for Change.”

But the new scheme could take months to implement and record numbers of people continue to cross the Channel on small boats.

Tory Mr Philp said: “The Government is too weak to do what’s really needed — such as repeal the Human Rights Act for all immigration matters and deport all illegal immigrants immediately upon arrival.”

The Home Office said: “For some countries receiving returnees from the UK, establishing their identities and nationalities can take time.

“Where that is the case, we work with their respective governments closely to drive timings down to the minimum possible.”

PREM FANS have taken to social media to complain about Fulham’s kit change during their clash with Man Utd.

The Cottagers’ new home shirt for this season is a clean, white design in keeping with their iconic look.

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However, the West Londoners have stepped away from their traditional black shorts in favour of a matching white look.

Some fans watching their first home game of the season have commented on the look, with the reaction from neutrals being overwhelmingly negative.

One X user said: “Fulham in all-white kit is woke nonsense.”

Another doubled down on its unrecognisable look, saying: “Fulham without Black shorts just looks so wrong.”

One repeated sentiment was that the loss of their signature black shorts also took away some of the team’s identity on the pitch.

A third user elaborated: “Gotta be honest I do not like these white shorts. It doesn’t feel like I’m watching Fulham.”

A fourth even compared them to a London rival, saying: “Fulham’s all-white kit is a bit Tottenham. Needs black shorts to balance it out.”

The apparent lack of identity did not hold them back on the pitch, as they fought back from a deficit to rescue a draw against United.

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Bruno Fernandes’ horrific missed penalty in the first half seemed to have been redeemed when Leny Yoro‘s header deflected off Rodrigo Muniz’s back and into the net.

But Emile Smith Rowe poked home an equaliser soon after with one of his first touches of the match, just minutes after being introduced off the bench.