Holidays

Brits have been warned they could face a £5,000 fine and prosecution if they bring two common items back into the UK from their summer holiday – even if they were purchased at duty free

British holidaymakers have been cautioned they could be hit with a hefty £5,000 penalty and face prosecution for bringing back two everyday items from their summer getaway – even if purchased duty-free.

Travellers are now prohibited from returning with untreated meat and dairy products from overseas in fresh measures designed to halt the spread of Foot and Mouth disease.

This means it’s now against the law to transport lamb, pork, mutton and goat meat along with any products containing them, including sandwiches.

The restriction also covers cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches featuring any of these components.

The prohibition extends to items that are packaged or purchased at airports, reports the Express.

Foot and Mouth disease is described as a “highly contagious viral disease” capable of killing cattle, sheep, pigs, and other cloven-hoofed livestock.

The infection can be transmitted through animal products and spreads rapidly, authorities have cautioned.

A recent surge of cases affecting Hungary, Austria and Germany has prompted the UK’s chief veterinarian to urge Britons to adhere to the fresh regulations.

The illness can also trigger catastrophic economic consequences, with the Foot and Mouth crisis in 2001 estimated to have cost £15 billion in disease control expenses alone.

Any passengers discovered with the prohibited goods must hand them over at the border, or risk having them confiscated and destroyed.

In certain circumstances, individuals could face a £5,000 fine in England, or prosecution throughout Great Britain. The ban, introduced in April, is set to remain until the “personal import of affected products no longer poses a significant biosecurity risk to GB”.

However, the restrictions do not apply to those arriving into Great Britain from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, has urged holidaymakers to help protect farmers. She said: “I know it is disappointing not to be able to bring back produce from your holidays, but please avoid temptation.”

Middlemiss further added: “This highly contagious disease causes considerable suffering to livestock and has a devastating economic and personal impact on farmers, who lose their prized animals.”

On 24 July, Baroness Hayman, the biosecurity minister, said: “We are asking the public to take this seriously. Do not bring prohibited animal or plant products into the country-doing so puts farmers’ livelihoods at risk.”

She also mentioned that the ban reflects a “clear determination to safeguard our borders” and “maintaining the integrity of our biosecurity against Foot and Mouth disease is essential”.

Symptoms of Foot and Mouth disease vary depending on the animal, but in cattle the main signs are sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue, a fever, reluctance to feed, and lameness. Meanwhile, in pigs and sheep, the signs are usually lameness and blistering.

Farmers who suspect their livestock may have Foot and Mouth disease are urged to report it immediately by dialling 03000 200 301 in England, 0300 303 8268 in Wales, or contacting the local Field Services Office in Scotland.

Booking a summer getaway is a major highlight for many people each year but one popular tourist hotspot has undergone a major change that’s got many people vowing to never return

Tourists have vowed to “never again” visit a popular holiday hotspot after it underwent some unwanted changes this year. Jetting off to a sunnier climate is a highlight of many people’s summers, with guaranteed sunshine, blue skies and the soothing sounds of the ocean a top priority.

Some European countries have established themselves as firm favourites for British tourists, and regularly top the travel wish list for people of all ages. Whether it’s Greece, Spain, France, Italy or Portugal, the continent has an abundance of varied, enticing options to suit all budgets and desires. For some holidaymakers, the destination of choice centres around the availability of bars and clubs, with many keen to take advantage of a thriving nightlife.

This seems to be the case for Albufeira, a popular coastal city based in the southern Algarve region of Portugal. It’s famous for its nightlife, with an abundance of accommodation and activities to indulge in.

Recently, however, its iconic strip has drawn some criticism due to how busy it’s become – one of the downsides to the city’s enduring popularity.

One tourist, who works as a DJ in Albufeira, recently shared a video of the packed strip on TikTok and it’s put many people off from ever returning to the city.

The 11-second clip shows people packed shoulder to shoulder outside the famous bars and nightclubs. Over the top of the footage, the DJ penned the words: “‘iS AlbUFeIrA eVEn BuSy?’ Have you seen the strip.”

The mix of capital letters with lowercase letters is typically used on social media to convey a mocking tone.

In the caption, he simply added: “How busy is too busy?”

The video racked up more than 754K views, with fellow TikTok users keen to share their thoughts. Lots of people pointed out it seems to be much busier this year than it was last year.

One person said: “Oh my that’s some difference from last July,” while another agreed: “Was nowhere near this last year”.

A third shared: “I was there on Saturday and never again!” A fourth said: “Canny be enjoyable that”.

Someone else asked: “is this supposed to make you want to go?”

Another TikTok user said: “Disgusting I can smell the sweat through the screen,” and another simply said: “No thanks.”

However, not everyone had this perspective or experience. One person shared: “It was the perfect amount of busy last week.”

And another wasn’t put off at all: “Ye looks boss that.”

For those keen to avoid the intense crowds, one TikTok user advised: “Best time for Albufeira is mid May to end of May if [you] don’t want to deal with this.”

To which the original poster replied: “Spot on.”

Before it became a major holiday destination, Albufeira used to be a sleepy fishing village. Its golden, sandy beaches are varied with some spots busy and bustling, and others offering secluded coves near dramatic cliffs.

Despite being renowned for its busy nightlife strip, it’s also an ideal destination for families and couples looking for a scenic getaway.

Los Angeles loves dogs. The city was ranked as the most popular across the country for dog ownership, according to data gathered by U.S. News, and with get-outside weather and an abundance of green spaces to explore, it’s easy to see why.

Pet ownership skyrocketed during pandemic shutdowns, with local shelters experiencing a rare shortage of dogs and cats. But as the world reopened, dog owners were faced with the challenge of balancing return-to-office demands and expanded social lives with the responsibilities of pet ownership, making dog-friendly spaces all the more important.

Thankfully, the local restaurant scene offers countless settings to socialize with your pup, from an Eagle Rock coffee shop with an attached dog park to an Arts District pizzeria and a Lincoln Heights cider house. Here are 12 dog-friendly patios in L.A. to visit with your pup this summer.

Upon entering Compound, you’ll find yourself in a serene and minimalistic sculpture garden that leads to Union, a restaurant helmed by local Baryo chef Eugene Santiago, who cooks with seasonality, sustainability and Southeast Asian flavors in mind. The all-day restaurant caters to the different needs of the community — as a place to get coffee, cocktails, as well as lunch and dinner.

Go deeper into Compound and you’ll see artwork seamlessly blend into the complex. Currently on display until August is Southern California artist Fay Ray’s “Puerperal” exhibition, an exploration on the female identity, motherhood and the postpartum experience told through porcelain and architectural sculptures and photo collages.

One of the hallmarks of Compound’s program is its wellness workshops that include sound baths, guided meditation, drum circles, tai chi and healthy cooking demonstrations. General admission to Compound is free, and many wellness and art workshops are also free or paid through a sliding scale.

Enhance the creative experience: Check Compound’s events schedule to attend the complex’s regular open mic nights featuring poets and musicians over dinner and drinks, or take it one step further and sign up for a slot to perform.

People have been left in stitches after American readers revealed what confused them in the Harry Potter books

Americans have revealed what confused them about the Harry Potter books, and it turns out lots of readers mistook British references for magical inventions. The “hilarious” mistakes were highlighted in a video shared by TikTok user @kelley_morgan.

Kelley Morgan told followers: “Here’s some things that I used to think were magic but it turns out they’re just British. It’s pretty common for like a ten or an eleven-year-old American, like, first time they’re learning about British culture, is through the Harry Potter books, so a lot of times they’ll think certain things that are normal for British people are like magical and like Harry Potter.”

She explained: “The first one is true for me, but also the one that people joke about the most, and it’s the one where they’re punting students. There’s a part in Harry Potter where there’s a swamp in the hallways, and then the janitor has to punt students across to get to their classes.

“In American English a punt is like a drop kick and because the world is like magical anyway we think oh he’s kicking students really hard across the swamp, but it turns out in British English punting is like a boat with a stick, like a marsh boat. So it turns out he was just boating them across, he was not kicking them.”

Kelley was also confused by British schools. “Another one is school houses. We don’t have those at all, and I know not everywhere in England has them but apparently a lot of schools do have different school houses and you actually get sorted into the houses and then you earn points for your house. It’s kind of weird to me. It sounds fun, but we don’t do that like at all.”

She added: “Along the same lines, prefects, which are like the authority figures within the houses is apparently a real thing. We don’t have that at all. I think the closest thing that we might have is a hall monitor, but nobody really likes the hall monitor kids. Also, hall monitor is not a common thing. I don’t think we ever had home monitors in my school, but it’s just something you see on TV. Next, the American content creator revealed she was confused to read about Christmas crackers.

“They always talk about having Christmas crackers and to us a cracker is a snack. I don’t even know what you call it like a cracker, like a chip, not your kind of chip. Then I just assumed fun presents and confetti and stuff fell out of the cracker because they have candy with toys in them in the book.

“So I’m like oh it must fall out of the cracker, but apparently it’s a really common thing like in a lot of European countries where you pull both ends of a thing and it pops.”

Finally, she turned her attention to pudding. “I thought they just really liked pudding cause they always say like oh I’m gonna go eat some pudding, like I can’t wait for pudding. They always have pudding after dinner cause over there pudding just means dessert and over here it’s a very specific dessert.”

The video received over 400,000 views and lots of comments from American readers who had a similar experience. Someone commented: “What’s most hilarious about the punting is not that it was a different word, but that we all collectively accepted that Filch drop kicked kids across a pond. No questions asked.”

A different response read: “I legitimately love pudding and was a little bit disappointed when I found out that it just means any dessert. I thought they were always having my favourite dessert!”

Another comment said: “I had the reverse issue — thinking things that were unique to Harry Potter were actually just normal British things. I thought for way too long that all British kids wrote with quills.”

NEED a holiday this summer but outrageous prices putting you off? We’ve crunched the numbers to find the cheapest locations for family holidays across Europe.

All-inclusive family package holidays from the UK have jumped in price for some of the most popular destinations among Brits, including Spain, Cyprus and Greece.

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However, some holiday hotspots in these countries still have some great deals, if you know where to look.

TUI, Jet2, Travel Supermarket and Love Holidays all gave us the inside knowledge on their most affordable destinations still on sale for summer 2025.

Because where you go in Europe can make a big difference to how much you spend.

These are the cheapest destinations in Europe for a holiday this summer 2025 (All package prices are for two adults and two children and include return flights from the UK).

Sozopol, Bulgaria

Sozopol is a top pick for budget-conscious Brits who want a break in the sun without a big price tag. 

As well as a beautiful old town dotted with cute and cheap cafes and shops, Sozopol has one of the most beautiful beaches in Bulgaria. 

Our Bulgaria expert, Pavlena Todorova, recommends Central Beach in Sozopol over the more famous Sunny Beach in Bulgaria.

This sweeping bay is rich in golden sand and has beautiful, calm blue water that is perfect for swimming. 

Central Beach, as well as Sozopol itself, is also less busy than the capital Sofia and its popular beaches.

Plus, the beach bars and cafes along the sand are slightly cheaper and you’ll find it easier to get a table overlooking the sea. 

Beach Bar, Sparrow, has a shady terrace on the sand and you can get a beer for £2.50 and chicken and chips for £6.

Book with: travelsupermarket.com for seven nights bed and breakfast, staying at the 3-star Flagman Hotel, with flights on Jet2 from Birmingham, £399 per person.

Kos, Greece

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Kos has always had a quiet reputation for being one of the lesser crowded, more affordable of the Greek islands. 

You are spoiled for choice here with brilliant blue waters, sandy beaches and quiet coves, where if you go at the right time of day, you could be the only person on the beach.

Rent a small speedboat for £50 a day and explore the harder to reach beaches, or just take it a mile off the shore and spend the day sunbathing or and jumping off the boat into the crystal clear sea to get cool.

For dinner, one of the many local restaurants in Kos Town will have you filling your boots with gyros wraps, hummus and chips for only £5.

A cold glass of wine to wash it all down is around £4 at most places. 

Sunsets are free and stunning, especially when viewed from a table on the beach.

Book with: jet2holidays.com for seven nights at Anastasia Apartments self catering, with return flights from East Midlands Airport, including 22kg checked luggage per passenger, for £438pp.

Paphos, Cyprus

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Paphos is a top budget destination if you want a mix of sunbathing and sightseeing. 

The coastline is packed with stunning Blue Flag beaches, and spacious sandy stretches all along the coast.

There is a range of hotels in every price range, from 2* self-catering apartments where you can get terrific deals, to luxury villas and 5* star hotels. 

If you want to spend time exploring, many of Paphos’ main attractions are within walking distance of the harbour.

Ask if your hotel has a shuttle to get you there, the rest can be explored on foot.

This includes the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, which has some of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved mosaics and Paphos Old Town, which mixes ancient buildings and streets with modern additions better than most classic cities. 

You have to go to Pinguino on the harbour for breakfast. A full English or a huge pile of pancakes is only £5 and we guarantee you won’t need lunch that day.

Book with: travelsupermarket.com seven nights at the Hilltop Gardens Hotel Apartments self catering, with return flights from London Stansted on Jet2, including 22kg checked baggage per passenger, for £282pp. This deal lands back in the UK on the 4th September, so if you have a few extra inset days at the end of the school holidays, take full advantage!

For a similar, mid-holiday package, departing on 25th July and staying at the Marion Apartments, in Paphos, it’s £339 with loveholidays.com.

Heraklion, Greece

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Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands. In the Heraklion area, you have a choice of different resorts, including Malia, Rethymnon and upmarket Elounda. 

Heraklion is the largest city in Crete and has an interesting history, including the 16th century Koules fortress on the old Venetian port and the striking fortification walls. 

The best deals for beach holidays in this area are just outside the city on the north coast.

There are a lot of resorts along the coastline, most look out onto the brilliant blue Aegean Sea.

The beaches close to Analipsi are the longest and sandiest. The rocky coastline here also makes this a great area for snorkelling. 

You will find there are lots of boat trips and guides offering tours at affordable prices.

Book with: loveholidays.com for seven nights self catering at the 3-star Kasapakis Hotel & Apartments and return flights from London Stansted, £339 per person.

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

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Lanzarote is one the best islands in the Canaries for families.

You are spoiled for choice with more than 100 beaches, many of which are Blue Flag standard with crystal clear water. 

Everything is on offer here, from paddleboarding to boat hire, paragliding and of course, paddling and swimming in the calm waters, which are ideal for younger children.

Plus, the weather here is almost guaranteed to be sunny and hot almost all year, so those who can travel outside of term time can get an even better deal.  

The beaches are framed by green hillsides that have hotels and residential homes nestled in cliffs. 

Deals on hotels from all the major holiday companies are very competitive with packages for as little as £200 per person for a week if you can travel outside of the school holidays. 

 And there are so many beachfront bars and restaurants, if you don’t get food with your hotel package, there is no end of offers to get you in.

Bottles of beer are £4 on the seafront but only £2 if you pick up a pack in the supermarket.

Book with: travelsupermarket.com for seven nights in the 4-star Sands Beach Resort and flights on Thomas Cook from Bournemouth, for £339pp.

Tips for booking bargain breaks in summer 2025

Budget-conscious ways to save money booking a holiday this summer

Go somewhere different.

You may have set your sights on the Costa del Sol but you may find much better deals for lesser-known beach places like Bulgaria and Poland. These destinations have beautiful beaches and low lifestyle costs, with beer as low as £2 a pint. 

Money talks.

To be really clever, choose destinations where the value of the pound is strong. This means more bang for your buck whether you are buying a beer and a sandwich or indulging in a serious shopping spree. This year, the weakest currencies against the GBP include Turkey, Bulgaria and Portugal. 

Staycation in the UK 

Staying on British soil means you don’t have to navigate the airport or pay extra for baggage, transfers or currency exchange. There are still some excellent deals going on UK holiday parks that have water slides, kids clubs and beaches on the doorstep. These can often work out less than overseas flights alone. See our round up of what holiday parks to book this summer here. 

Is all-inclusive always best?

If you are not a big drinker or eater or have fussy kids in the family, booking an all-inclusive might not be the best option for your group. So many resorts have self-catering packages too. You will get all the perks of the resort facilities, like kids clubs, evening entertainment and pools, but with a small kitchenette to make your own lunch and dinner and save big. 

Book very early… 

Some packages, such as with Jet2hoidays and TUI can be booked a year in advance and those willing to commit early can sometimes get some unbelievable discounts.

If you know when you want to travel, keep an eye out for prices on the destinations and resorts you want to book. They may go up and down in price throughout the year, depending on whether airlines and companies have a sale on. 

…or, last minute.

Alternatively, booking last minute can mean some fantastic final dash prices. See our list below for the cheapest places to holiday in Europe this summer. 

A YOUNG woman has shared all on her “cool” side hustle that sees her make thousands of pounds in just a few days.

Chifae, a 23-year-old woman from London, explained that with her job, not only does she make cash quickly, but she even gets to meet loads of celebrities too.

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And that’s not even the best part – with this line of work, anyone can do it and no qualifications are needed.

Eager to reveal more about how she earns a living, Chifae took to social media and explained that instead of a 9 to 5 job, she works as a film extra.

In film and television, a film extra, also known as a background actor, is a performer who often appears in a non-speaking role, typically in the background of a scene. 

Film extras help create a sense of realism by populating scenes, whilst providing context for the main action.

As Chifae filmed herself in the street, she beamed: “If you live in London, this is your sign to start working as a film extra.

“I made almost £2,000 for just seven days of shooting and got to meet Tom Cruise and Rosamund Pike.” 

While Chifae is a film extra in London, and has even met Harry Styles whilst out and about in the city, many other major cities in the UK and around the world will also be looking for people to star in the background of scenes. 

For those in London, Chifae recommended the following casting agencies – Rachel’s People, Key Castings, Universal Extras, Extra People, Entertainment Partners and Slick Casting.

Chifae’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @chifou02, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 179,700 views in just seven days. 

Not only this, but it’s also amassed 18,300 likes, 212 comments and 2,952 saves.

Social media users were stunned by Chifae’s unique side hustle and many were eager to “learn” more about it and would “love to know more.” 

One person said: “I need to learn from you girl.” 

Another added: “This is true, I miss being an extra.” 

A third commented: “That’s so cool!!” 

Meanwhile, someone else beamed: “I do the same and it’s the best thing ever. They feed you good food like three times on shift as well. I once got paid the full date rate for three hours of work too.” 

Whilst another chimed in and claimed: “I did this for years and even a body double role, was fun and was on set with many big names.” 

At the same time, one user begged: “Can you send the agencies please.”

You have to sign NDAs – you’re not allowed to post pictures of sets or anything, they’re very strict on that

Chifae

And another asked: “Do you need professional pictures taken to apply?”

In response, Chifae wrote back and confirmed: “I have professional photos but a lot of people don’t. You don’t need them.” 

In a follow-up clip, Chifae then shared more on her job as an extra, as she claimed that it is often “very long hours” and shifts usually start from 4am or 5am and can go on until 8pm.

Although the hours are long, Chifae claimed that working as an extra is a great way to make “a lot of money” as extras are paid “very good extra money for the overtime.”

She then added: “You don’t have access to your phone, so it’s a good way also to make friends and meet people.

“You have to sign NDAs – you’re not allowed to post pictures of sets or anything, they’re very strict on that.

“But if you don’t have a 9 to 5 and you wanna do this for fun or extra money, or just to gain some experience in film, it’s a very good way to start because you meet a lot of people and you get to meet very famous actors, film directors and it’s just a good experience.”

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Cleethorpes Pier, circled by the local gull squad, looks at its picture-postcard best. Ahead of the lunch crowd making for Papa’s Fish & Chips restaurant, I’m taking a seat in the pier’s ballroom to hear seaside historian Kathryn Ferry talk about her latest book, Twentieth Century Seaside Architecture.

Ordering a pot of tea, I’m taken back to my student days. Back in the late 1990s, the ballroom hosted Pier 39, a sticky-floored nightclub where getting your heels wedged in the planks after too many vodkas was considered par for the course. Following a shift waitressing at a nearby fish restaurant, our girl gang would douse our hair in Charlie Red body spray to mask the fug of haddock before dancing the night away where the Humber estuary meets the North Sea.

The pier first opened on August bank holiday 1873 to a flock of locals and day-trippers, many of whom were taking some of the first train and ferry-service packages across the Humber from South Yorkshire and the Midlands. It’s not hard to imagine the giddy thrill of glimpsing this elegant pavilion structure for the very first time: it stretched 365 metres into the sea.

Ferry cites the pier as one of a trove of local architectural treasures: postwar buildings with funky rooflines, illuminations, shops fronted with Victorian cast-iron verandas … “enough surviving seaside things”, she tells the crowd, “to ensure Cleethorpes retains its very distinctive feel”.

I grew up in Grimsby, just a couple of miles up the road. Cleethorpes had long felt like a sandy wonderland, filled with bright lights and sugar highs. During the pandemic, after 20 years living away, I came back to Cleethorpes from London and I now feel lucky to be raising a family in the sandy footsteps of my childhood. Summer feels magical – we are tourists at home. My nine-year-old and toddler both love splashing about in the free, open-air paddling pool, riding the dinky Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway and cycling along Buck Beck – a long, calming coastal path where ice-cream at the family-run Brew Stop cafe is a rite of passage. In summer, you can rent the owners’ little beach hut and watch the world go by from your stripy deckchair.

During my university and London years – roughly 2000 to 2020 – the resort’s cultural identity began to shift with the closure of iconic venues such as, in 2007, the Winter Gardens. An entertainment venue dating back to the 1930s, its stage was once graced by acts including Elton John, the Clash and Roxy Music, not to mention playing host to the feted “Bags Ball” weekly dance night. Also closed, after a 23-year run as one of the area’s leading theme parks, was Pleasure Island and its beloved Boomerang ride, which ceased functioning in 2016. And some of the area’s big-draw events – including the Radio 1 Roadshow, which made its last stop here in 1999 fronted by S Club 7 – were scratched from the listings. In the words of one local: “It felt like the fun police had come to town.”

Now, building on events such as the Summer Steam festival and the Great Grub Fest, there’s a definite sense of cultural renaissance brewing. Cleethorpes seafront is in the process of a long-awaited £18.4m regeneration project that will focus on a reimagining of the Pier Gardens and the reintroduction of the old market place. With a potential direct train link from Cleethorpes to London in the offing, the resort is extending its bucket-and-spade appeal to a new generation.

On 2 August – with the stage still warm from sets by the Charlatans and Ash as part of DocksFest – Cleethorpes’ Meridian showground is set to transform into an open-air celebration of cool and contemporary sounds covering jazz, funk and soul, as the area’s newest festival, Everybody Loves the Sunshine, lays down 10 hours of live music for just £10 a ticket. Together with Brighton-based record label Tru Thoughts, the festival is curated by the Culture House, a local charity that has been instrumental in plugging the cultural gap across North East Lincolnshire, an area that can often feel on the fringes of the national arts and culture scene.

Beyond the music, nature abounds. At Marine Embankment beach, bird lovers can spy curlews, lapwings and oystercatchers nesting in the saltmarshes (check tide times), while the sandy dunes around the Humber Mouth Yacht Club (about an hour’s walk from the Pier) are the perfect spot for big-sky sundowners and picnics. Steel & Soul runs a blissful drop-in morning yoga class on the beach here every other Sunday until the end of September (£10 a class).

A must-visit at this end of the town is the Humberston Fitties, an otherworldly village of about 300 beach chalets that sprang up beside the sand dunes after the first world war. Many of these small dwellings, including artist Sarah Palmer’s home (£80 a night for a two-night minimum stay, sleeps up to four), are available to rent and make a cosy weekend base.

For a stylish home-from-home in the heart of Cleethorpes, check into Cloves B&B (from £95), tucked off the main promenade. Hosts Nick and Maria Ross serve up beautiful home-cooked breakfasts, and if you land on a Friday you can build a picnic hamper from their pop-up larder, which sells freshly baked sourdough and pastries, as well as fruit, veg, cheese, butter and juices, many of which are organic and locally produced. From Saturday to Tuesday, the Edwardian breakfast room then transforms into Cafe Cloves, an intimate dining spot serving a menu of five seasonal dishes. On our last visit, we shared tandoori king prawn skewers with a chopped spinach and red onion salad, cucumber raita and charred lime along with the signature Cloves fishcake – which I could happily eat every day.

Another great spot for lunch is Nasturtium, where head chef Jack Phillips riffs on classics such as catch of the day with a smoked butter sauce, Japanese kosho and a tempura enoki (fried floured mushrooms). Phillips also channels his passion for Asian cooking through his popular pop-up food stall Wakame Cleethorpes. Follow up lunch with a mooch down Sea View Street for boutique threads and heavenly plants and flowers, ending with a slice of lemon meringue pie at Marples.

As for fish and chips – you’re spoilt for choice. An old-fashioned booth at Steel’s Cornerhouse Restaurant for haddock, chips and a pot of tea with bread and butter always feels special. Or, if the weather’s fine, nothing beats walking along the beach with a Papa’s takeaway, eating a tray of chips drenched in vinegar, with the sand between your toes.

“Cleethorpes feels like a sleeper, on the cusp of being awakened,” says Kathryn Ferry. Something tells me this resort is about to have its time in the sun again.

A luxury train journey vowing to ‘showcase the very best of modern England and Wales’ has hit a major snag following a last-minute cancellation, despite passengers forking out thousands on a ticket

The country’s most luxurious new train which idles past rolling countryside and golden beaches has hit a major snag – for the second time this month. There’s no denying the UK’s railways are in dire need of significant reform. Riddled with hefty delays and last-minute cancellations – most Brits have endured the commute from hell thanks to unreliable trains and overcrowded carriages.

When you’re forking out a staggering £11,000 for a double cabin, you would expect a much better, more efficient, service. However, the acclaimed Belmond has axed its inaugural run of its newest fleet, the Britannic Explorer, once again.

READ MORE: Beautiful 31-mile train journey past both mountains and beaches named UK’s best

Featuring an onboard spa, a world-class menu curated by a Michelin-star chef, and sleek rooms that look like they belong in a five-star hotel – the Britannic Explorer is the epitome of elegance. Earlier this year, the sleeper train unveiled it will be taking passengers on an incredible three-night journey to Wales via the west of England and the iconic Cotswolds.

Not only do guests get to marvel at stunning stretches of coastline, lush mountain ranges and unspoilt countryside – they can also partake in excursions such as hikes in the Welsh national parks, clay pigeon shooting and a trip to a luxury boozer.

The unique experience, does however come with an insane price tag – with a double cabin costing £11,000.

“Highlights on the Wales route include a picnic-style lunch featuring delights like rarebit and leek tart,” the company said. “Each dining experience onboard will reflect the landscape outside the train’s windows, using the freshest local ingredients to create an immersive culinary journey that celebrates the diverse flavours and stories of England and Wales.”

The boujee train was due to depart from London Victoria at 3.45pm on Monday, July 21 – but passengers were informed the night before that the journey had been suddenly cancelled. This follows a similar decision to cancel a three-night trip to Cornwall earlier this month (July 4).

Speaking to the Mirror, a Belmond spokesperson said the ‘difficult decision’ to postpone the inaugural journey of the Britannic Explorer was not ‘taken lightly’. “During the routine pre-trip protocol checks over the weekend, we encountered unforeseen technical issues related to the door mechanism,” they said.

“Despite the dedicated efforts of our engineering team, the issue could not be resolved in time, and as a result, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the trip. As always, guest welfare and reliability of our train operations remain paramount.”

Belmond confirmed that that every affected guest was offered a full refund, along with a complimentary future journey aboard the Britannic Explorer in 2025 or 2026. “In addition, we are covering any related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation,” the spokesperson added. “Our team worked closely with each guest to arrange immediate alternative accommodation where needed.”

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A tiny European island which boats transparent waters, balmy weather and swaying palm trees is giving the Maldives a run for it’s money thanks to it’s idyllic setting

Choosing your holiday getaway can take a lot of time and planning and if you’re after a white sandy beach and crystal clear waters – you’ll more than likely have to jump on a long-haul flight. However people have been raving about a tiny Balearic island, and are comparing it to being the ‘Maldives of the Meditarranean’.

Formentera promises the same sunny weather, palm trees and crystal blue transparent waters, just like the Maldives, without the massive price tag. Situated right next to Ibiza, the two islands may be geographically aligned, but they couldn’t be more opposite.

READ MORE: American visits ‘Wales’ most stunning coastline’ but is floored by price of ice cream

Formentera is peaceful escape and the island is just 12 miles long and a mile-and-a-half wide at its narrowest point and there’s little to do apart from eat, drink and enjoy the soft sand beaches.

Lonely Planet describes the European island, which was also loved by Kate Moss in the 90s, as a ‘beautifully pure, get-away-from-it-all-escape’. The travel guide adds: “Formentera’s pace of life is blissfully languid, designed for lazy days spent lounging on some of Europe’s (dare we say the world’s) most exquisite beaches.”

Playa de Ses Illetes is Formentera’s best known beach and it’s even won Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award and the coastal spot is located within the Ses Salines National Park and has white sand with bright turquoise water. Platja de Migjorn is also considered one of the island’s prettiest beaches. The longest beach on the island it stretches across 5km.

For those looking to plan a trip to the beautiful island, travellers will need to fly to Ibiza to get to Formentera with direct flights available on British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2. They can then catch a ferry from Ibiza. Ferries tend to run frequently and take around 30 minutes.

It also promises 11-hours of sunshine a day and in July and August, the temperature averages 26 degrees on the island and the average temperature is usually above 20 degrees in May, June, September and October as well.

However if you don’t fancy hopping on a plane, the UK boasts stunning landscapes that are the envy of the world, offering a plethora of beautiful spots to discover if you’re planning a staycation this summer. One of the most ‘underrated’ regions offers the top must-do activity for holidaymakers this summer, located on a picturesque island just off Scotland’s coast.

A breathtaking drive along the Isle of Arran’s coast in Scotland has emerged as the top choice, according to a survey of 2,000 adults about their staycation dreams. Often dubbed ‘Scotland in miniature’, the Isle of Arran boasts a range of spectacular landscapes, with the 109km Arran Coastal Way providing views of the coastline, charming villages, and mountain peaks.

Journeying around the stunning Isle of Arran presents ample opportunities to discover remnants of Scotland’s Gaelic and Norse heritage. It features numerous coastal towns, such as Lochranza and Kildonan, where you can enjoy a walk on beautiful beaches and explore ancient castle ruins. Scotland is renowned for its rich culture and history, which you’ll experience at every turn when exploring Arran.

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Shetland has been named the cleanest place in Scotland, with almost 99 per cent of public spaces across the archipelago being litter-free – and the main town has plenty to offer tourists

Scotland is battling a significant litter issue, reportedly worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic. Urban areas have been hit hardest, with Dundee and Glasgow topping the list of Scotland’s most littered cities, as per a recent report from Keep Scotland Beautiful featured in The Herald.

However, other parts of Scotland are being praised for their cleanliness. Shetland has earned the title of Scotland’s cleanest place. The new data reveals that an impressive 98.7% of public spaces on the archipelago are predominantly free of litter – the highest percentage in the country.

This honour allows Lerwick, Shetland’s main port, to boast the title of Scotland’s cleanest town.

As the largest settlement on the island group, housing around 7,000 residents, it serves as the perfect starting point to discover this remote part of Scotland.

Situated almost halfway between Bergen in Norway and Aberdeen, Lerwick offers a unique culture.

Its quaint lanes and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal holiday destination – with top attractions including the Iron Age broch of Clickimin and the Shetland Museum, reports the Daily Record.

Visitors can also enjoy orca watching in the nearby seas or stay on land to explore the captivating marine life around the islands. Lerwick even boasts its own beach, Bain’s, just a stone’s throw from the town centre.

If you fancy a bit of solitude, there are plenty of beaches scattered around the Shetland Mainland.

Sumburgh, situated at the southernmost point of the island and just a half-hour drive away, is famed for its breathtaking white sands.

Also nestled in the southern region of the island is Spiggie Beach. Its pristine waters have been likened to those of a Greek island, albeit with a cooler climate.

After a day of adventuring, unwind with some grub or a drink at one of Lerwick’s pubs or restaurants.

The Lounge Bar, which holds the top spot on TripAdvisor, provides live music for its guests.

For a bite to eat, No 88 Kitchen and Bar comes highly recommended. This local gem dishes up an intriguing blend of Scottish, British and Philippine cuisine.

Following years of outrage from locals and tourists a like, it seems one seaside town is finally ready to bring its abandoned pier back to life, thanks to a £13 million pot of funding

A 164-year-old pier defining one of the UK’s most popular seaside towns could be brought back to life by next year thanks to a hefty investment. Stretching out a staggering 3,600 ft (around 0.68 miles), Southport Pier is the second longest in the UK – and first opened back in 1860.

For decades, it attracted swathes of tourists who walk around 10 minutes to reach the end of the pier and soak up the stunning sea-views, as well as to make use of the indoor cafe and small arcade. Visitors could also take the miniature railway, which whizzed Brits over to the end of the pier for just a couple of quid.

READ MORE: Abandoned UK Butlin’s resort now home to thriving holiday park

But in 2022, the Victorian structure was closed due to safety fears, with necessary repairs estimated to cost a whopping £13 million. The three-year closure has sparked outrage amongst locals and tourists alike – with many arguing the abandoned site is the perfect omen for the ‘declining’ seaside town. In fact, one ’embarrassed’ Brit dubbed Southport ‘a very sad neglected town for tourists and residents’ on TripAdvisor back in 2023.

Another agreed, scathing: “It’s time the council got this beautiful historical pier sorted and opened again! This is one of Southports main attractions and they cant afford to have the renovation. A real shame,” while a third penned: “I still can’t believe that Southport has been allowed to decline even further, the council do not seem to be bothered.”

Still, Visit Southport, the area’s official tourist board, hailed the destination as being a ‘fun-loving’ seaside resort with ‘attractions for all the family’. “[There’s] an abundance of independent restaurants and bars making it a foodies’ haven, and full of culture,” it wrote.

“When it comes to beaches, you’re spoiled for choice. We have 22 miles of coastline from Formby Beach, Ainsdale Beach, Crosby Beach (where you can visit the famous Antony Gormley ‘Another Place’), and Southport Beach itself. You can enjoy some of the most stunning views along our coast.”

However, last month Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the pier would be eligible for cash from a new fund dedicated to speeding up ‘forgotten’ local projects. Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, Sefton Council leader Marion Atkinson said the authority would be ready to start work on the pier ‘within six to eight weeks’ of receiving the government funding.

“We’re absolutely wanting to get on with it,” she said. The councillor stated that repairs would take between 12 to 14 months, adding: “We’ll be looking at ways in which, if we can, to get it done as quickly as we possibly can. But, it does take a lot of time because there’s a lot of work.”

When approached for comment, Sefton Council directed the Mirror to the Southport Pier’s FAQ page. Here, the council explains that the pier endured a UK-wide extreme cold weather snap at the end of 2022 which caused ‘further damage’ to its structural condition. “Following an inspection by a team of independent Structural Engineers, Sefton Council was told to close the pier to protect the safety of anyone working on it or visiting the iconic tourist attraction,” the council said.

“A full and extensive independent structural survey was commissioned, the interim feedback from which has confirmed the need to keep the Pier closed until further extensive repair and replacement works are carried out. The final surveys state the same explicitly, and the Pier would no longer be insurable so had to be shut.”

Sefton Council says it has since engaged in several conversations with regards to external funding having already completed phase one of the decking replacement. The council also agreed to allocate £3 million to the Pier project. “Sefton Council has also made several appointments in order to specify the works that will be required to refurbish the Pier and we are preparing for appointing a contractor for the works, again reaffirming Sefton’s commitment to the project,” the authority added.

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Ni jet lag drag – prep is key for your long-haul flight, as Nigel Thompsonlearns with help from Qantas and Maddy Edgar, Qantas Business and First Class flight attendant

Have you ever stood in an airport immigration queue at the end of an overnight long-haul flight feeling like death warmed up?

And then the cheery cabin crew from your plane breeze by in their special fast-track lane looking as fresh as a daisy? The jet lag from eight hours or (much) more at 40,000ft in an aircraft cabin can leave you feeling – and looking – like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards.

Australian flag carrier Qantas, which has had a cabin crew base in London for 20 years, operates some of the longest flights in the world. It is currently working on Project Sunrise, which by 2027 should link both London and New York City directly to Sydney with record-breaking 20-hour nonstop journeys.

We asked Maddy Edgar, Qantas Business and First Class flight attendant, to share her top tips for travelling long haul, including how to prepare, pack, and manage jet lag.

READ MORE: Reason riders are ducking on 1932 UK rollercoaster with best sea view

PRE AND POST- FLIGHT CARE

First up, plenty of sleep is key. The night before one of my long-haul flights, I steam my uniform, pack the essentials (more on that later), and log into our Qantas portal to confirm my crew position and review roles and responsibilities. Then I head to bed to get as much sleep as possible.

It’s also incredibly important to stay hydrated. I have an extensive skincare routine and hydration plays a huge role both before and after a long-haul flight. The lack of humidity in cabin air can really dry out your skin and lips, so besides drinking plenty of electrolyte-infused water, a hydrating skincare routine is a must.

In the morning, to prepare for our 17-hour direct flight from London to Perth – one of the longest in the world – I start by cleansing my face with Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser. Now I have a clean base, I apply The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid over Mario Badescu Rosewater spray to maximise water absorption. It makes a huge difference in keeping my skin plump.

Next, I use a thicker-than-usual moisturiser, such as Wella Skin Food, to protect my skin barrier. Then, even though I’m inside a plane, we’re also closer to the sun, so I apply a generous amount of 50+ La Roche-Posay SPF to protect against higher UV rays and premature aging. Plus, as an Aussie, the smell of SPF makes me feel right at home. I’d also add that Laneige lip mask is essential.

READ MORE: Friends claimed they’d been shopping in New York but their luggage said otherwiseREAD MORE: ‘Do not travel’ zones where tourists overwhelm locals revealed

A top tip for your skin throughout the flight – invest in a mini travel-sized version of your favourite hydration mist so you can keep spritzing during the flight.

Then once we land and I’m at my hotel it’s time for a much-needed skin reset and some self-care. Face masks are a must. I love using the viral Bio Collagen mask or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask.

WHAT’S IN MY CARRY-ON BAG?

Inside my bag I have some long-haul flight attendant essentials I just can’t live without.

I always keep fresh supplies of everything I need because there’s no Australian Priceline or Tesco 40,000ft up.

Here’s what I pack:

• Travel-sized Mario Badescu Rosewater spray.
• My entire long-wear make-up kit, including my favourite Hourglass Concealer and Rimmel lip liner for touch-ups after waking up from crew rest.
• Travel-sized hair spray, bobby pins, and spare hair ties.
• Latte coffee sachets.
• Mints and fresh mint gum.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• iPad, iPhone and chargers.
• Nail glue, in case one of my French tip acrylics pops off unexpectedly.
• PJs and a book for getting cosy in our crew rest area.
• Healthy high-protein snacks such as protein bars, protein shakes, and boiled eggs.
• Sometimes, I even squeeze in a quick Sainsbury’s shop for Galaxy chocolate bars to bring back to my Aussie family in Perth.

MANAGING JET LAG POST-FLIGHT

As a former primary school teacher, I had a pretty regular bedtime. Now, as an international long-haul flight attendant with Qantas, jet lag and time zones can throw me. But honestly, I wouldn’t trade this dream job for anything.

My main go-to tip? Focus on sleep hygiene. I love listening to meditation music to unwind after a flight. Keeping the room dark and cosy is a must, and I can’t resist a bit of lavender pillow spray. It makes all the difference.

I also try not to stress about when to sleep or wake up. If I’m tired, I just close my eyes and enjoy the quiet.

It’s all about finding that balance, so I’m ready to welcome our Qantas customers with a smile when I fly again.

LIVERPOOL have announced the arrival of new striker Hugo Ekitike in a £79million deal from Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Frenchman’s arrival comes after months of the Reds courting him and his camp, with an end-of-season meeting with Arne Slot proving crucial in turning his head.

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Eiktike, 23, becomes Liverpool’s latest big-money addition this summer after splashing out on the like of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Florian Wirtz – taking their total spend to just under £300m.

The striker has penned a six-year deal on Merseyside, tying his future down with the champions after his impressive campaign in the Bundesliga last term.

Ekitike scored 15 goals and registered eight assists in his 33 Bundesliga appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, earning himself a spot in the league’s Team of the Season.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool beat a number of their Premier League rivals to Ekitike’s signature.

Chelsea are said to have explored a move, Manchester United considered a late bid and Newcastle were well-known to have had an offer knocked back by Frankfurt.

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A DRAGON’S Den winner and former Team GB gold medallist fraudulently used Covid loans to buy himself a £1.8million mansion.

Rick Beardsell illegally pocketed £100,000 worth of taxpayers cash to purchase his home – despite receiving a £75,000 investment during his stint on the BBC show.

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The 46-year-old fiddled two Covid Bounce Back loans to buy himself five-bed Holly House in the exclusive village of Prestbury, Cheshire.

Dad-of-two Beardsell was only entitled to apply for one loan worth £50,000, but fraudulently applied for two and greatly exaggerated his annual turnover by up to 23 times.

It came after the world champion sprinter had successfully secured investments from TV Dragons Tej Lalvani and Deborah Meaden for his successful protein shake bottle business, ShakeSphere.

Chester Crown Court heard he applied for the loan to prop up his other company, Sports Creative Ltd, but none of the money went towards the sportswear business.

Prosecutor Geoff Whealan told the court Beardsell made the fraudulent applications to HSBC in December 2020 and then to NatWest in January 2021.

He said: ”The defendant stated on the HSBC form that the turnover of Sports Creative was £485,000 and on the NatWest form said it was £320,000.

“But unaudited financial statements showed turnover for the year end February 2020 was £20,622.

”The turnover was clearly exaggerated to secure the maximum bounce back loan.

“Subsequent transactions showed the bounce back loan funds were not being used for the economic benefit or business purposes of Sports Creative at this time.”

The money arrived in Sports Creative’s account in January 2021, but then almost £400,000 was transferred to Beardsell’s personal Santander account in the space of six months.

Then £431,160.80, including the remaining bounce back loan funds, was transferred to a firm of solicitors for the purchase of Holly House he bought with his wife Ezster.

Mr Whelan added: ”In effect the bounce back loan funds had been used for this purchase.

“It can be inferred from the defendant’s conduct that it was his intention to use the bounce back loans for this purpose at the time he made the application for it.”

Beardsell, who won two World Records for sprinting, faced three years in jail after he admitted two charges of fraud.

In October 2024, he attended an interview under caution at the Insolvency Services offices.

In a statement he said: ”The guidance pertaining to Bounce Back Loans indicated that the proceeds of such loans may be utilised for any purpose that yields a direct benefit to the company.

”At that juncture, I sought professional advice and was advised that such purposes include, but are not limited to, the coverage of overhead expenses or outstanding liabilities, as well as the investment in company assets or property.

“The funds that were transferred to my personal account constituted a director’s loan and other economical overheads for the business.”

Mitigating, his counsel Nichola Cafferkey explained that the loans had been repaid in full to the banks.

She said: ”The loss of his good character is of some significance in respect of a man who has dedicated his life to his family, his professional entities and also his sporting endeavours.

“These offences were out of character and were committed four years ago.

“He has taken responsibility and repaid the money back. He knows that it’s his own fault.

“He has brought shame on his family and brought shame on himself.

”His wife is also his business partner and concerns that they have had about the ability to provide financially for their young children have been significant.”

The court also heard that Beardsell had suffered a series of medical issues both before and after securing the loans.

Ms Cafferkey continued: “A year prior to the submission of the first loan application, the defendant was diagnosed with an aggressive form of testicular cancer and required surgery and extensive chemotherapy.

“The chemotherapy was successful but led to some significant side effects.

”One of those being vertigo, of which he had a severe episode which required hospitalisation and thereafter there are ongoing long-term issues as a result of that.

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“The investigations brought on by the defendant’s own actions has had an impact on his family which has led to a situation where he has been experiencing significant stress over the past few years.

“On top of that there are ongoing knee pains associated with his athletic success at national and international level.

“He has been running a business for many years without issue and it is plain he is extremely remorseful and regretful for his actions.

“The impact on his wife’s physical health in terms of stress and strain has been significant. There has been significant weight loss and insomnia.

“This will be the only time that Richard Beardsell appears before the court.”

Beardsell was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £11,142.70.

Judge Simon Berkson told Beardsell: “You fraudulently lied and lied again in your applications for these loans.

“They were supposed to be for use in keeping your business running but the money was used for your own personal needs and the needs of your family.

“This is not a victimless crime. The government was trying to help struggling businesses at the time of national crisis.

“People were in lock down, people were dying and people were very ill at the time when people required their public services.

“You used fraudulently obtained public funds for your own use, depriving honest people of the scheme’s funds when the country was in crisis.

“You are a generally successful man both in business and in sports, particularly your involvement with athletics.

“You continue to run your business and it was on the TV programme Dragons’ Den.

“You are a married person with two children and they are young children. You have survived an aggressive form of cancer.

“I have concluded that an immediate custodial sentence would have a significant harmful impact on your wife and children.”

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In this Wednesday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day – from Sharon Osbourne’s ‘final days’ plan for Ozzy, to a ‘mystery fish’ forcing a beach to evacuate

Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we pull together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Sport teams and more. This Wednesday we’re featuring everything from a cricket legend’s plea for his wife to ‘help him end his life’, to the unmasking of the gangs exploiting migrants crossing into the UK.

Elsewhere, our Showbiz team have shared the heartbreaking story of Sharon Osbourne’s plan to make Ozzy comfortable in his final days, while our Lifestyle team reported on a brewing feud between neighbours over a garden fence.

Finally, our Travel team reported how a ‘mystery fish’ is attacking tourists and forcing a beach to evacuate.

Unmasked: Faces of migrant small boats criminals revealed for first time

Criminals responsible for hundreds of dangerous small boat crossings are being sanctioned – meaning they face having their assets seized and will be barred from entering the UK.

Today, these gangsters became the first people smugglers in the world to be sanctioned after the first wave of criminals was named. All face having their assets seized, and anyone in the UK caught doing business with them will face hefty sanctions.

Read the full story here.

Cricket legend Graham Thorpe ‘asked wife to help end his life’ before being hit by a train

Graham Thorpe asked his wife Amanda to help him end his suffering before he decided to take his own life, an inquest has heard.

Thorpe was found dead on August 4 after being hit by a train. The England cricket legend had been struggling with anxiety and depression before his death.

The 55-year-old had made an attempt on his life in May 2022 and spent a lengthy period of time in hospital recovering. That came after he had been sacked by the England and Wales Cricket Board as a coach of the England Test team following an incident on an Ashes tour of Australia.

Read the full story here.

Sharon Osbourne drew up heartbreaking two-year plan for Ozzy’s final days

Ozzy Osbourne faced a lengthy battle with his Parkinson’s disease before passing away at the age of 76, just days after his last ever gig. But his wife Sharon had long been determined to make his final years as comfortable as possible.

Ozzy and Sharon had previously expressed their desire to relocate back to the UK from Los Angeles. The couple have been living in the US for more than 20 years, but Birmingham-born Ozzy had said he was “desperate to come home”.

Sharon is said to have spent the past two years preparing for her husband’s final moments, renovating the Grade II-listed Buckinghamshire mansion they bought in 1993 to provide him with every comfort.

Plans were approved in 2023 for a ‘rehab wing’ with a health and welfare exercise studio along a flat for an on-site nurse, an art studio, pool house orangery with spa, wet room, and changing area. She was also the brains behind his farewell show after he was forced to cancel a series of concerts in 2023.

Read the full story here.

Beach evacuated in popular holiday hotspot after mystery fish ‘attacks tourist’

A Spanish beach at a popular holiday hotspot was cleared this week after a tourist was attacked by an unidentified marine creature. A red flag was lifted on Tuesday morning (July 22) at Playa de Palma, the main beach in Majorca’s capital, after a woman sustained a “severe bite” to her leg.

The holidaymaker, reportedly an 85-year-old Italian national, emerged from the water with “part of her calf torn off”, according to the Majorca Daily Bulletin. Lifeguards took the decision to clear the coastline to conduct a hunt for the animal, though the beach reopened roughly an hour later when no creature was discovered.

Read the full story here.

I agreed to move my neighbour’s fence – I was gobsmacked when I saw what they did

A homeowner was left gobsmacked when what they believed was a neighbourly favour resulted in a tradesman rocking up and beginning to lay tarmac across their property.

The resident revealed that their next-door neighbours had requested assistance to access their own driveway – and they’d initially agreed to shift a fence.

This was because houses on the cul-de-sac feature extremely cramped and awkwardly angled driveways, preventing residents from actually getting a motor onto them, ‘even though there is space further back’.

Read the full story here.

A Blue Badge holder travelling either as a driver or a passenger can park for free in disabled parking bays and may also be exempt from other parking restrictions

If you’re living with a physical disability, health condition that affects your ability to walk safely, or a hidden illness such as dementia, autism or Parkinson’s, you might be eligible for a Blue Badge. This badge allows you to park closer to your destination, whether you’re the driver or a passenger.

It also grants free parking in disabled bays and may exempt you from other parking restrictions. However, many of the 2.6 million Blue Badge holders – including 235,700 in Scotland – might not know that numerous countries worldwide have reciprocal parking arrangements with the UK.

READ MORE: Visitors to popular summer destination must pay new travel fee

These arrangements allow disabled individuals to travel between countries without needing to fill out extensive paperwork for their parking card or permit to be recognised.

These concessions typically include access to parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities, extended parking durations, or exemptions from parking fees.

According to guidance on GOV.UK, you can use your UK Blue Badge when travelling in some EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, reports the Daily Record.

This guidance also provides a list of countries with links to pages that contain:

• information about parking for disabled people in the country
• disabled parking notices that you can print off and display with your Blue Badge

You do not have to display a local parking notice in another country, but it may help. You should note that:

• local parking rules may apply in different parts of a country
• some countries may have changed their rules since the pages we link to were published

UK Blue Badges abroad

A full list of countries can be found on GOV.UK here, you can use the Blue Badge in:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Croatia
• Cypress
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France – May not recognise non-EU issued parking cards
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy – Non-EU parking cards accepted in some regions only
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania – Accepts non-EU parking cards
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles) – UK Blue Badge recognition across Spain decided by local administrations
• Sweden
• Switzerland

How to get a Blue Badge

Applications for a Blue Badge can be submitted online at GOV.UK though the guidance states that individuals with mental health conditions must contact their local council directly.

It explains: “If you have a mental condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic, you cannot apply online. You should phone your local council’s Blue Badge team for a paper application form.”

The guidance further states that those who don’t automatically meet the criteria for the Blue Badge scheme may require a mobility assessment and consultation with a healthcare professional.

It’s also important to note that there isn’t a fixed processing timeframe for new applications or Blue Badge renewals, though it typically takes approximately 12 weeks.

Your local council handles Blue Badge applications and determines the cost – they can also provide advice on expected processing times.

Other people who may qualify for a Blue Badge

If you are not automatically eligible, you may be able to get a Blue Badge in certain circumstances, if you:.

• Have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you cannot walk at all.
• Have a substantial disability lasting at least 12 months that means you’re virtually unable to walk
• If you regularly drive and cannot use parking meters due to a severe disability in both arms, or if you’re responsible for a child under 3-years-old who needs to be kept close to a vehicle for medical treatment, or uses bulky medical equipment that can’t be carried around, or if you have a mental health condition that means you lack awareness about the danger of traffic when making journeys, then you may qualify for a Blue Badge.

Where can I park with my Blue Badge?

Your Blue Badge allows you to park for free in certain restricted areas, including at on-street parking meters, in pay and display bays, in disabled parking spaces, and on single and double yellow lines if there are no loading restrictions.

What do I need to apply?

Applications are made online to your local council and you’ll need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders – you can take this picture yourself.

You will also need a photo or scan of your proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence) and proof of address such as a Council Tax bill or government letter – you can also choose to have your local council check the Electoral Register instead.

If you receive any benefits, you’ll need to provide proof. Additionally, you will need your National Insurance number and the details of your current Blue Badge if you’re reapplying.

Once you’ve applied, your local council will process your application and inform you of their decision. If your application is unsuccessful, your local council should explain why you didn’t qualify.

You can request them to reconsider their decision if you believe they overlooked some crucial information. Should your disability or health condition worsen, you can reapply.

Paying for a seat on a plane is an added expense that many travellers prefer to avoid, but one expert has shared how to travel in comfort without spending any money.

After paying for your flight and any checked luggage, many of us would prefer to not fork out even more for a seat. But waiting to be assigned a random seat can often mean you end up squished in between strangers, making for a rather uncomfortable journey, especially if you’ve got a long way to go.

While some airlines like British Airways will let you choose a seat if you pay for luggage, there’s plenty of packing tips and tricks out there which means many travellers stick to hand luggage. With recent reports that travellers who sit in an unassigned seat in the hopes it might be free could face a hefty fine for what’s being dubbed seat squatting, there’s one more secure way of grabbing a good seat.

Chelsea Dickenson is known for sharing budget travel advice on her blog Holiday Expert, and in a recent article for Metro, she revealed the easy way to get the best seat on the plane without having to spare a single penny.

However, she warned that this isn’t for those who get easy stressed when travelling, as it requires leaving things quite last minute.

Referring to her tactic as “check-in chicken”, Chelsea explained that the trick to getting the best seat on the plane is done by delaying online check-in until the last possible moment.

Chelsea said: “After years of flying on a budget, I’ve learned a thing or two about how they operate. And more often than not, my method lands me a seat with extra legroom without paying a penny”, reports the Express.

However, this strategy won’t be suitable for those travelling in groups, particularly families who wish to be seated together.

If you want to sit together but don’t want to fork out extra for seats, Money Saving Expert instead recommends groups of travellers check-in as soon as you’re able to.

In a post on their website, they explained all major airlines except Ryanair will attempt to seat groups on the same booking together, provided there are seats available next to each other that other passengers haven’t already reserved.

But if you are travelling alone, a game of check-in chicken could work in your favour, particularly if you end up at the front of the aircraft with extra leg room, or in a window seat.

However, Chelsea cautioned that travellers “need a cool head, a charged phone and very firm grasp on when online check-in closes” to do this successfully, and check-in times can differ depending on the airline.

The savvy traveller also pointed out that she primarily employs this tactic, which she refers to as one of her “favourite budget travel joys”, when flying with budget carriers such as Ryanair or Wizz Air, noting that airlines like easyJet and British Airways don’t typically allocate the less desirable seats initially.

Once check-in has opened, which is typically 24 hours before your flight departs, Chelsea said she keeps monitoring the seat map throughout the day, and proceeds with the check-in when she’s satisfied with the remaining seat options.

However, the secret to doing this is to not actually leave it to the very last minute, which could see you having to pay a fee at the airport, and likely more than you would have if you’d simply paid for a seat.

Chelsea clarified that: “I often find that by six hours to go there’s only ‘good’ seats left – ones with extra legroom, seats on the front rows or simply non-middle aisle seats,” and she recommended setting alarms to make sure you don’t forget.

Netflights travel expert Amanda Parker tackles the viral ‘free upgrade’ flight myth that’s circulating TikTok, offering three alternatives to boosting your luck for freebies

A travel expert has addressed a popular TikTok hack that promises to upgrade your flights for free. With the trend going viral this summer as jetsetters buckle up for a holiday abroad, Brits are desperate to know just how to save their coins whilst maxing out their luck.

One flier has circulated on TikTok, accumulating over 2.5 million views for sharing his means of a free upgrade. He said: “A little charm and confidence go a long way”. Instructing viewers to go to the lengths of buying chocolates at the airport and boarding last, the user suggested fliers charmingly gift the flight attendants upon board for a magical free upgrade.

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Splitting viewers in two over whether this trick really works or not has led to flying experts at Netflights coming forward to shed light on this gift-theory and whether sweet-talking is worth a shot.

Netflights’ Amanda Parker said: “The travel hack of buying flight attendants a gift, and sweet-talking them when boarding the plane has gone viral. Kindness will always be appreciated by airline staff, so small gestures like snacks or gifts won’t go unnoticed.

One TikTok comment shares, “as ex-cabin crew I can confirm this works”. However, the chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade just by handing over a box of chocolates might be slim”.

She went on, saying: “Free upgrades are usually determined by strict criteria, including frequent flyer status, ticket class, availability, and airline policies, unfortunately, not by last-minute sweet talk as you board the plane!”.

“The gift and sweet-talk hack may work, so it’s worth a try; but, we warn you not to get your hopes up, as these moments are the exception, not the rule! You may just strike lucky if your flight attendant likes chocolate M&M’s!”

As an alternative, Netflight provided their expert tips on how to really up your chances of that sought-after upgrade and ‘freebies’:

Join loyalty programmes

Frequent fliers and loyal customers are most likely to bag the free upgrades so take advantage of all those summer trips by joining an airlines reward scheme. Netflight adds that “even if you don’t fly frequently, some credit cards allow you to earn points that count towards upgrades. Over time, this can significantly boost your chances of an upgrade”.

Travel in off-peak periods

You can boost your luck by traveling in off-peak hours and days. Less popular times mean flights are quieter, therefore there are more Premium seats available – your chances suddenly peaking. Netflight suggests “to avoid flying in school holidays and Friday evenings or weekends” and to opt for “midweek flights at midday” as they are “typically quieter”.

Be polite and have good manners

Seems simple but whilst politeness won’t equal an instant upgrade, they never hurt. Staff should always be treated with respect, no matter whether you’re pinning for that upgrade or not. That being said, Netflight agrees that “being kind can make you stand out, so a small gift like chocolates might be remembered”. Either way, your flight attendants will definitely appreciate it.