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  • Newcastle-under-Lyme MP blasts plans for new North Staffordshire council

    Newcastle-under-Lyme MP blasts plans for new North Staffordshire council


    A Labour MP says the government’s plan to merge Newcastle-under-Lyme with Stoke-on-Trent in a new North Staffordshire council is ‘completely unacceptable’.Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, spoke out against the final decision on local government reorganisation (LGR) in Staffordshire in the House of Commons on Thursday.Local Government Secretary Steve Reed announced that the existing councils in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire would be abolished and replaced with two new unitary authorities in the north and south of the county. The northern unitary will cover Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands.This is part of the biggest shake-up of local government in England since the 1970s, which ministers say will support devolution and result in more efficient and effective local services.Mr Jogee told the Commons that the proposals for Staffordshire did not reflect his views or those of his constituents.More than 11,000 people in Newcastle-under-Lyme signed a ‘save our borough’ petition against LGR, while there is cross-party opposition to a merger with Stoke-on-Trent on Newcastle Borough Council.Reform UK council leader Jonathan Gullis called the decision a ‘betrayal’ while Conservative opposition leader Simon Tagg called for a special meeting to discuss potential legal action against LGR.The borough council, while opposing LGR, had proposed a model involving a separate unitary for Newcastle.

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    Mr Jogee said: “The announcement today and the proposals in it are completely unacceptable, and I reject them in the strongest terms. There is nothing here that reflects the views that I have consistently put to ministers, nor any acknowledgement of the concerns received by thousands of local people in Newcastle-under-Lyme.”Can I ask the minister, how he thinks we can protect the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme from the debt held by Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent, and why he thinks any of my constituents should have any faith in these proposals that they don’t want.”Mr Jogee also said that it was ‘utterly unacceptable and a disgrace’ for the government to announce the LGR decision on the day before the summer recess, and four days before Andy Burnham is set to become Prime Minister. He suggested that is is ‘not too late to stop and think again’.But Mr Reed insisted that residents in Newcastle would benefit from the changes, and gave assurances that Newcastle’s ‘unique heritage and identities’ would be maintained.He said: “It is very important that we get this process moving, because we will not realise the benefits in terms of economic growth, job opportunities and money in people’s pockets, if we keep delaying it.”We need to get it completed in this parliament and we need to get areas ready for the mayoral devolution that will follow.”Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell said he is ‘broadly supportive’ of the LGR proposals for Staffordshire, but raised concerns that the changes could mean a tax hike for his constituents.At the moment, Stoke-on-Trent residents pay the lowest council tax in Staffordshire, with a Band D household in the city being charged £2,183.12 a year, compared to £2,313,24 in unparished areas of Newcastle.

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    Mr Snell said: “Is it the expectation that everybody will be harmonised to [Stoke-on-Trent’s] level, or is it expected that my constituents will see a council tax increase to give a council tax cut to some of the wealthiest in the county?”Mr Reed said council tax levels would set by the new unitary authorities.Under the government’s timetable, councillors will be elected to the new unitaries next May, with the authorities taking over from the existing councils in 2028.

  • Things To Do In London This Weekend: 18-19 July 2026

    Things To Do In London This Weekend: 18-19 July 2026



    All weekend

    See a Kensington landmark in miniature. Image: Jaron James/Leighton House Museum

    WORLD CUP FINAL: Big weekend in football, as the 2026 World Cup comes to a close. The third place play-off match takes place on Saturday (K/O 10pm) followed by the all important final (8pm on Sunday). At time of writing, we don’t know which teams will make it that far in the competition, but check out these London bars, pubs and other venues which are doing screenings.
    GREENWICH COMEDY GARDEN: Jack Dee, Sara Pascoe, Jen Brister and Thanyia Moore are on the bill for the final couple of days of Greenwich Comedy Garden, a laughter-inducing festival taking over the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College for eight shows across five days. There are street food stalls and pop-up bars aplenty too. 15-19 July 2026

    LEIGHTON HOUSE MINIATURE: To mark its 100th anniversary as a public museum, a one-twelfth scale miniature of Kensington’s Leighton House is on display for just a few days. Head to (the real) Leighton House to view the 2.5m-wide replica, which showcases the Silk Room, the Narcissus Hall and the Arab Hall in painstaking detail. 15-20 July 2026
    GRAYSON THE MUSICAL: Catch the preview run of a new musical comedy inspired by the life and work of Sir Grayson Perry. The show tells the story of one of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary artists — though note that Perry doesn’t appear in the performances — at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. 16-19 July 2026

    Jack Dee is on Saturday’s line-up. Image: Greenwich Comedy Garden

    CLOTHES SWAP: SoLo Craft Fair hosts its first clothes swap in the City, taking over Leadenhall Market for four days. Take along clean and undamaged items from your wardrobe which you no longer need, and swap them for tokens which can be used to collect garments donated by others. Mending and crafting workshops are also part of the fun. 16-19 July 2026
    SUMMER SERIES: Lightning Seeds and Thee Sacred Souls, are the headliners for the first weekend of this year’s Somerset House Summer Series, a programme of open-air gigs taking place in the building’s courtyard, continuing into next week. 16-26 July 2026. See other music festivals taking place in London this summer.

    CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL: Over 100 breweries are expected to pour into London Craft Beer Festival, which moves to Southwark Park for 2026. Sample from 800+ different brews from established and newer breweries. All beers are included in your ticket. 17-18 July 2026
    ROUGH TRADE 50: Check out the programme for a three-day takeover at Southbank Centre marking 50 years since the first Rough Trade shop opened. The line-up mixes gigs, film, live performance and literature, with highlights including Pulp, Scritti Politti, caroline + My New Band Believe, and a live soundtrack screening of Ken Loach’s Kes introduced by Jarvis Cocker. 17-19 July 2026

    Watch Kes, accompanied by a live soundtrack. Image courtesy of Park Circus/Amazon MGM

    SUMMIT PHOTO: The Royal Geographical Society hosts the three-day Summit Photo featuring talks, exhibitions and practical workshops that look at how photography and filmmaking can drive positive change. Confirmed speakers include Areeba Hamid (Greenpeace), climate change photographer James Balog, National Geographic photographer Bertie Gregory and human rights defender Shahidul Alam. 17-19 July 2026
    SWAN LAKE: The State Ballet of Georgia brings Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to the London Coliseum, with the Royal Ballet Sinfonia in the pit. The production tells the story of Prince Siegfried, Odette and the evil Rothbart, with a 12-performance run. 17-26 July 2026
    BBC PROMS: We can’t even type those words without Land of Hope and Glory firing up the record player inside our heads — but that’s Last Night of the Proms, and there’s almost two months’ worth of live music to enjoy before that. For all your info on tickets, highlights, promming and the like, peruse our guide to the BBC Proms 2026. 17 July-12 September 2026
    Saturday 18 July

    Work out on high. Image: Sky Garden

    SKY GARDEN PILATES: Begin your weekend 36 floors above London, with a pilates session in the Sky Garden. Women’s fitness platform Shreddy leads today’s session, which is a full-body pilates sculpt session followed by a post-workout smoothie and pastry. 8.30am-10am
    GORES BROOK REVIVAL: Help restore the riverbank in Dagenham by joining a community conservation day at Gores Brook. Work alongside the Thames21 team to remove litter and tackle invasive non-native species to help local biodiversity flourish. All necessary equipment, including waders and wellies, is provided on-site, and there are even biscuits and tea to keep you going. FREE, 11am-3pm
    ELSYNG PALACE: Discover the royal history of one of Enfield’s most significant Tudor sites. This family-friendly day at the Forty Hall Estate offers a rare chance to watch archaeologists excavating the grounds of Elsyng Palace and examine 400-year-old artefacts uncovered from the site. Younger visitors can join in with a hands-on mini dig in a dedicated sandpit excavation area. FREE, 11am-4pm
    FAMILY DANCE DAY: Take the kids along to Family Dance Day, a programme of free performances and interactive workshops at Coram’s Fields in Bloomsbury. Aimed at children up to 12 and their families, the schedule includes interactive workshops and live dance performances. FREE, 11am-4pm
    JURASSIC JUNGLE: Meet a roaming T-rex, Bumble the Brontosaurus, a Megalosaurus, two baby dinosaurs, and another two dinosaurs which you can climb on and ride, all at Jurassic Jungle at the Brunswick Centre in Bloomsbury. The free, family-focused event includes meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and dinosaur encounters. FREE, 11am-4pm
    ILLUSTRATORS’ FAIR: Over 100 hand-picked illustrators and collectives sell prints, zines, comics, cards, pins, stickers, ceramics and children’s books at the Illustrators’ Fair in Granary Square. Buy directly from both emerging and established artists. 11am-5pm

    Buy direct from artists at the Illustrators’ Fair. Image: King’s Cross

    WHARFSIDE WATERCOLOURS: Artist Annamaria Antonazzo leads a relaxed afternoon of plein air painting by the water at Royal Albert Wharf. Experiment with watercolour techniques while enjoying live music from Jon Howell’s jazz duo and a provided picnic spread of vegan and vegetarian sandwiches. The session is open to all skill levels, with all necessary materials provided. FREE, 12pm-3pm
    A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: An outdoor production of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream is on at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until today, telling the enchanting story of a bitter dispute in the fairy kingdom, and four fleeing lovers who find themselves in an enchanted forest. 12.30pm/7.45pm
    FOOTBALL EMBROIDERY: Artist Nicole Chui and the Migration Museum lead an embroidery workshop at the Whitechapel Gallery exploring the intersections of sport, migration and belonging. Take your own football jerseys along to learn hand-embroidery techniques, transforming your shirt into wearable archives of personal heritage and identity. FREE, 2pm-3.30pm
    KOKUM GRILL-OUT: East Dulwich Indian restaurant holds a hands-on grilling workshop on its terrace teaching you how to whip up Indian-spiced smash burgers, seekh kebabs and charred sweet potato over live flame. Marinades, charcoal technique, heat zones and flare-ups are also covered in the session, after which you can eat what you’ve cooked. 2pm-5pm
    THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND: Last chance to see The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind at Soho Place, a musical about William Kamkwamba. Based on his book and Chiwetel Ejiofor’s film, the show tells the story of a boy who figures out how to build a windmill to save his village from a devastating drought. 2.30pm/7.30pm
    GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS: David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Glengarry Glen Ross is at The Old Vic in a production featuring an all-female cast, coming to a close today. Set in a cutthroat Chicago real-estate office, the play charts four salespeople as a brutal competition unfolds. 2.30pm/7.30pm
    TRANSATLANTIC FOOTIE FRIENDLY: East London’s fan-owned club, Clapton CFC, welcomes American visitors for a special exhibition match at the Old Spotted Dog Ground in Forest Gate. The CCFC Men’s First Team vs New York International fixture offers a rare cross-continental meeting at London’s oldest senior football ground. 3pm
    THREADS OF SOUND: Emerging musicians from the Waltham Forest Music Service take over the café at the William Morris Gallery for a summer evening of live performance. The show features local bands playing a mix of original material and covers in the gallery’s ground-floor Deeney’s Café. FREE, 4.30pm-6.30pm
    HUW LEMMEY: Radical author Huw Lemmey visits Housmans Bookshop in King’s Cross to celebrate the reprinting of his cult novels, CHUBZ and RED TORY. In a conversation with Juliet Jacques, Lemmey discusses his visceral satires of the last decade, which blend eye-watering sexual potency with a terrifyingly predictive look at British political life. FREE, 7pm-9pm
    AFRIQUE EXPRESS: Collective AfroDesi takes over the decks at SJQ in Dalston for Afrique Express, a vinyl-only journey through the sounds of Bamako, Lagos, Abidjan and Kinshasa. Expect a night of analog heat featuring rare Afro-funk, driving Afrobeat and vintage Congolese rumba played entirely from wax. 9pm-2am
    POUR IT UP: Unpretentious party vibes take over the upstairs club room at the Old Queens Head in Islington for a late-night session of R&B and hip-hop. Pour It Up features a heavy rotation of club bangers from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Peggy Gou and Burna Boy. 11pm-3am
    Sunday 19 July

    It’s festival time at Walpole Park. Image: LatinoLife

    VINTAGE FAIR: Around 50 vintage traders are selling mid-20th-century furniture, lighting, homeware, posters, maps, books, records and summer fashion in and around Beckenham Place Mansion, as the So Last Century vintage fair returns. Outside, the Beckenham Place Park Food Market offers about 15 food stalls, and the Mansion Bar and Café is open for drinks and snacks. 10am-5pm
    CRAFTY FOX MARKET: Crafty Fox brings more than 100 independent designers and makers to The Crossing in Granary Square (King’s Cross) for a one-day summer market. Browse handmade jewellery, artwork, clothing, ceramics and homewares at the free-entry event. 11am-5pm
    LATINOLIFE FESTIVAL: The UK’s largest Latin Festival, LatinoLife celebrates its 10th edition at Walpole Park in Ealing. Britain’s only Latina-curated festival offers salsa, reggaeton, samba, jazz, fusion, folk, funk, bolero, tango, hip-hop and more across four stages. 12pm-10pm
    SOHO VILLAGE FETE: A tug of war between the police and fire brigade, a best in show where pooches must dress like royalty, and a music stage are all part of the Soho Village Fete. But surely the highlight is the Soho Waiters’ Race, which sees serving staff from different restaurants legging it around the area while balancing a bottle of fizz, wine glass and ashtray on their tray. FREE, 12pm-6pm (Waiters’ Race at 3.15pm)

    Entertainment galore at the Soho Village Fete. Image: Peter Clarke/Soho Village Fete

    COMICS AND ZINES: Small press creatives and independent publishers gather at Stanley Arts in South Norwood for the fifth instalment of the South London Comics and Zine Fair. Browse a diverse range of graphic novels, picture books, and zines, or head to the room hosted by WIP Comics to discover work from first-time exhibitors. The afternoon also features a free programme of panels and talks alongside an extra-large communal table for sharing new work. FREE, 12pm-6pm
    IRISH MUSIC: The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith opens its summer season of live performances with the ICC Concert Session. Host and guitarist Tad Sargent is joined by uilleann piper James O’Grady and flute player John Rynne for an afternoon of traditional Clare tunes and set-dance music. O’Grady, a veteran of Cara Dillon’s touring band, and Rynne, a co-founder of the Ennis Trad Festival, bring a wealth of experience to this intimate session. FREE, 1pm-3pm
    SLACKER SHAKESPEARE: The Slacker Shakespeare season continues at the Rio Cinema in Dalston with a screening of 1998 rom-com Shakespeare in Love. Season curator Travis Elborough introduces the film, about the famous playwright overcoming writer’s block when he falls for a woman who disguises herself as a man to appear in one of his plays. 2pm
    THE ODYSSEY LIVE: The London Literary Salon presents readings from Homer’s Odyssey, performed by Toby Brothers with actor Jane Wymark at Theatro Technis in Camden. The reading is followed by a Q&A, and brings key episodes such as the Cyclops, the Sirens and Circe to the stage. 3pm-5pm
    DIVERGENT BOOK CLUB: Dystopian YA novel Divergent by Veronica Roth is the subject of a special book club at Rooftop Cinema Club in Peckham, led by Caitlin Curry from London Girls Book Club. Discussion focuses mainly on the first book in the Chicago-set post apocalyptic series. 5.45pm, followed by a screening of the film adaptation (7.45pm)

  • The Open set to return to Liverpool City Region at least three more times before 2050

    The Open set to return to Liverpool City Region at least three more times before 2050


    Liverpool City Region leaders have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with golf’s governing body, The R&A to host The Open at least three times in the next 25 years.
    As the sport’s biggest names are set to battle it out for Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale this week, the Combined Authority alongside Sefton and Wirral Councils entered into an agreement with The R&A to cement the City Region’s status as a premier destination for major golf championships.
    The deal would see the region stage The Open at least three times by 2050 alongside other R&A championships.
    Hosting The Open drives up visitor numbers during the Championship and beyond, with an economic forecast estimating a £200 million boost for local businesses and communities from The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale*.

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    The Memorandum of Understanding replaces a current hosting partnership with Wirral and Sefton which is set to end after The 154th Open this year and prolongs a long-standing relationship between the region and the Championship’s organisers.
    Credit: The Open Championship
    Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
    “The Open is one of the biggest prizes in world sport, so securing it for the Liverpool City Region at least three more times is fantastic news. It’s a huge vote of confidence in everything our region has to offer – from our world-class courses and spectacular coastline to the warm welcome visitors receive wherever they go.
    “With some of the best golf courses in the country on our doorstep, we are undoubtedly the UK’s golf coast and this agreement cements that reputation for decades to come. Every time The Open comes here, it puts our region on the global stage, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and delivers a major boost for local businesses, jobs and our visitor economy.
    “This is about building a long-term partnership that will inspire the next generation, showcase our communities to millions of people around the world and create opportunities that last long after the final putt. We can’t wait to welcome golf’s biggest stars – and fans from across the globe – back to the Liverpool City Region again and again.”
    Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A, said:
    “The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and has a unique ability to showcase a destination to a global audience while delivering significant long-term economic and community benefits. We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with the Liverpool City Region, whose outstanding links courses, passion for golf and commitment to hosting world-class events make it an exceptional home for our championships well into the future.”
    Find out more on Liverpool City Region Combined Authority website.
    Find out more about The Open on our website.

    Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 
    From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.

  • ‘A big milestone’: Parents wanted for Central Beds Council’s starting school survey

    ‘A big milestone’: Parents wanted for Central Beds Council’s starting school survey



    School readiness survey. Image: CBC.Central Bedfordshire parents and guardians are invited to take part in a starting school survey.The council would like to hear about your experience of getting your child ready for their first day.The feedback will be used to help shape future information, advice and support for families.”Please share this post with other parents and carers of three and four year olds to help us hear from as many families as possible.”The survey only takes a few minutes to complete. Click here to take part.It will close on Monday, August 24.Continue Reading

  • Wolverhampton masterplan sets vision for university-led district with new PBSA | PBSA News

    Wolverhampton masterplan sets vision for university-led district with new PBSA | PBSA News



    Wolverhampton’s draft city centre masterplan proposes new PBSA near Molineux as part of a university-led neighbourhood and wider regeneration plans.The UK Build to Rent market continues to evolve rapidly with new developments and investment opportunities emerging across major cities. Industry experts are closely monitoring trends in sustainability, technology integration, and tenant experience.

  • The three degrees – Izzy follows in the family footsteps to become third generation to graduate from University of Leicester | News | University of Leicester

    The three degrees – Izzy follows in the family footsteps to become third generation to graduate from University of Leicester | News | University of Leicester


    15 July 2026

    Izzy Marks has joined her mum and grandad to become the third generation of her family to graduate from the University of Leicester.
    When the Psychology scholar crossed the stage during today’s graduation ceremony at De Montfort Hall, it felt like déjà vu for mum, Vicki, who did the very same walk in 1996, and grandfather Philip, in 1969.
    Philip Bolam said: “Being the first in my family to graduate, I was immensely proud to see my daughter Victoria follow in my footsteps some 30 years ago. Then to have my granddaughter Izabella become a third-generation graduate 60 years after I started my degree is quite amazing.”

    After watching Izzy collect her first-class honours degree, Vicki Marks (nee Bolam) said: “Leicester continues to be part of our family story. Izzy has worked so hard and achieved a First – I could not be prouder. Watching her create her own memories in a place that has meant so much to both her grandfather and me is truly special.”
    Pride was the overriding emotion Izzy felt during her big day. She said: “I feel incredibly proud to be following in my mum and grandad’s footsteps. Being able to achieve something that the people I’ve always looked up to have also achieved makes it feel even more special. It was a very emotional moment for all of us, today is a really meaningful family milestone.”
    Izzy explained it was something of a no-brainer to go to Leicester, where the family all live, and she didn’t want to go anywhere else to study.
    “Seeing the very successful careers my mum and grandad achieved after studying at Leicester played a big part in my decision to follow in their footsteps,” said Izzy, who will next embark on a Masters in Forensic Psychology.
    Law graduate Vicki became a successful litigation solicitor before undergoing a career change once her children were older, working for children’s mental health organisation, myHappymind.
    Now retired, fellow Law graduate Philip, started out as a Prosecuting Solicitor, progressing to Crown Prosecutor, latterly in his native north-east.
    Izzy said: “I’ve lived in Leicester my whole life, and it’s always been a really special place to me because my family is here. I’m very close to my grandparents and the rest of my family and they’ve always been such a big part of my life growing up.”
    “Being able to stay in Leicester and study at the University meant I could keep that close connection with them while also pursuing my degree, which made the experience even more meaningful.”
    She added: “My time at the University of Leicester has been incredibly rewarding, especially having won a Citizens of Change Award for promoting awareness of the mental health crisis in secondary schools. The course has been challenging but really engaging and I’ve learned so much both academically and personally. I’ve also been lucky to form some truly valued friendships that have made my time here even more memorable.”
    Her graduation also gave Vicki and Philip time to reminisce about their student days.
    Vicki said: “Like many students, I spent hours in the Law library. Years later, walking back in, the smell had not changed at all. It took me straight back to those long days of reading cases and making copious notes. Funnily enough, dad and I even had some of the same lecturers, which felt like history repeating itself.”
    She added: “My connection with the University of Leicester is something I will always treasure. My father studied there before me, and I always hoped to follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer.
    “Although I originally lived in the north east, Leicester became home, and today we all live here, with the University woven into our family story.”
    Philip said: “I was very fortunate to be in the first intake of 34 students to the newly created Law Department.
    “As the Law School celebrates its 60th anniversary this year I have taken great pleasure in seeing it develop from a basic classroom with blackboard and chalk into a first-rate international academic facility offering an outstanding library, excellent lecture facilities and a purpose-built court room.”
    He added: “I really enjoyed my time at Leicester and lived in The Knole, a grand house in Oadby which accommodated 24 students, so we were never lonely and had some great parties.”
    Not to be left out, Philip’s wife and Vicki’s mum, Pat, also has a University of Leicester connection, having been a house tutor for the University’s accommodation team, based in Knighton Road.

  • St Helens U16s 34 Leeds Rhinos U16s 32

    St Helens U16s 34 Leeds Rhinos U16s 32


    By Guy Harvey
    The Rhinos’ scholarship side travelled to Merseyside on a sweltering Wednesday evening to close out their 2026 campaign against a St Helens side that had won every fixture of the season bar an opening-day draw with Wigan. Simon Brown’s men, meanwhile, arrived on the back of a difficult defeat to Castleford last time out and will have been eager to finish the year on a high note.
    However, Leeds were left to rue a last-gasp Saints try after producing some of their best attacking rugby of the season, only to be denied at the death.
    Tries from Lewis Kline, Joseph Gill, Dylan Baira, Alfie Quinn and Kazimierz Ciuraj-Davison had the Rhinos firmly in the contest, with Noah Sheriffe immaculate off the tee and Oliver Vincent slotting a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over. But for all their attacking threat, it was Saints who had the final word, crossing in the closing seconds to snatch the win and leave Leeds with nothing to show for their efforts.
    Saints made the early running, punishing a Leeds knock-on inside their own half. Stand-off Joe Hart ran at the line, threw a dummy to open up space ahead of him, and stepped past the Leeds full-back to touch down before converting his own try to make it 6-0.
    They doubled their lead minutes later when Aiden Rawsthorne broke down the right edge from inside his own half, racing deep into Leeds territory before finding Jensen Birchall unmarked on his inside shoulder to finish with ease. Hart’s conversion made it 12-0.
    Leeds hit back minutes later through Lewis Kline, who dived over on the left edge after Leeds went through the middle, were held up short, and shifted the ball wide to find him. Sheriffe’s conversion made it 12-6, and the Rhinos were level minutes later when Joseph Gill broke through the middle and raced the length of the field to score, Sheriffe again splitting the posts to make it 12-12.
    Leeds then edged in front when Lewis Kilner made a break to put his side into dangerous territory, and second-rower Dylan Baira crashed over from close range. Sheriffe’s boot made it 18-12. Saints hit back just before the break, Rawsthorne again breaking down the edge to find Birchall in support, and Hart’s conversion levelled things at 18-18 at half-time.
    Leeds struck early in the second half, camped on the Saints line for a number of tackles before shifting the ball to the right edge for Alfie Quinn to squeeze over in the corner. Sheriffe’s toughest kick of the day, from the touchline, was true, making it 24-18.
    Saints hit back almost immediately as Alfie Lyon broke the line before racing away untouched to score, Finlay James’s taking over kicking duties, adding the conversion and squaring things at 24-24.
    Leeds would retake the lead in bizarre circumstances. Unable to escape their own 20, Saints’ last-tackle kick option went badly wrong, cannoning back off a defender and straight into the path of Kazimierz Ciuraj-Davison, who simply had to fall on the ball to score. Sheriffe added a straightforward conversion to make it 30-24.
    With time running down, Leeds was awarded a penalty in easy kicking territory and with the option of an eight-point lead, Oliver Vincent stepped up and slotted home. It stretched the lead to eight points.  
    Saints hit back through Jensen Birchall, but the conversion was missed, leaving Leeds four points clear and it looked to be enough to see Leeds home, but with seconds left and Saints camped on the Leeds line, a chip kick evaded the Rhinos’ defence and fell into the path of centre Leo Gaskell, who dived on it to level the scores at 32-32. Finlay James held his nerve to land the conversion and complete the win, 34-32.
    A cruel way for Leeds to finish, having led for large parts of an entertaining contest, but a bitterly disappointing result as the season draws to a close.
    St Helens Scholarship
    19. Dylan Barnes 2. Issac Davies 3. Ethan Bass 4. Leo Gaskell 5. Isaac Kelsey 6. Joe Hart 7. Reece McAdam 8. Spencer Lowe 9. Lucas Orgill 10. Connor Briggs 11. Robbie Simpson 12. Aiden Rawsthorne 13. Alfie Lyon Subs:- 1. Jensen Birchall 14. Kian Redford 15. Billy Bridge 16. Finlay James 17. Reuben Hirst 18. Havery Woolfenden 20. Oscar Kenny
    Leeds Rhinos Scholarship
    1.Noah Sheriffe 2. Wade Smith 3. Lewis Kilmer 4. Deacon Ellam 5. Alfie Quinn 6. Oliver Vincent 7. Charlie Medley 8. Kazimierz Ciuraj-Davison 9. Jordan Barker-Day 10. Ben Smith 11. Dylan Baira 12. Joe Gill 13. Bamidele Olasode Subs:- 14. Oliver Brown 15. Eli Kirrane-Perrin 16. Tristan King 17. Sam Spears 18. Jaylen Johnson 19. Laike Smith 20. Charlie Hagan

  • King’s Award formally presented to local bereavement charity > A Little Bit of Stone

    King’s Award formally presented to local bereavement charity > A Little Bit of Stone



    A Staffordshire charity that has supported people through bereavement and loss for more than four decades has officially received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service at a special presentation ceremony.

    Stafford & District Bereavement & Loss Support Service (SDBLSS) was awarded the honour in November 2025, becoming one of just five organisations in Staffordshire to receive the prestigious award, which is regarded as the equivalent of an MBE for voluntary organisations.

    The formal presentation took place on Monday 15 June 2026 at Stafford’s Civic Offices, where more than 60 guests gathered to celebrate the charity’s achievement.

    Among those attending were His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, and the High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Pritpal Singh Nagi MBE DL, along with current and former volunteers, supporters and representatives from organisations connected to the charity.

    The Lord Lieutenant presented the King’s Award crystal trophy to Shyamali Fenton, Chair and Trustee of SDBLSS.

    The certificate, signed by King Charles III, was presented to Lesley Bailey, the charity’s Company Secretary and Fundraiser.

    Volunteers also received King’s Award badges, which they will wear when representing the charity.

    Earlier in the month, on Monday 8 June, volunteers Angela Blanchard and Lesley Bailey attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of the award.

    The celebration also included a commemorative cake created and donated by Stafford baker Emily, of Emmies Buttercream Beauties, featuring the King’s Award crown logo.

    SDBLSS has provided free support to adults experiencing bereavement and loss across Stafford, Stone and the surrounding district for the past 42 years.

    The charity thanked its volunteers, support staff, partner organisations and everyone who attended the presentation, recognising their contribution to helping it continue providing free support to local people experiencing bereavement or loss.

    Have you got a local story, event, fundraiser or update to share?

    You can send it to A Little Bit of Stone through our contact page by choosing “I want to send you some news”.

  • $196million-rated teen sensation reportedly approves potential moves to several clubs. This is why a transfer is yet to happen

    $196million-rated teen sensation reportedly approves potential moves to several clubs. This is why a transfer is yet to happen



    Yan Diomande remains one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market but clubs are unwilling to meet RB Leipzig’s demands.

    Diomande has emerged as one of the football’s most exciting talents following his exploits with Leipzig in the German Bundesliga – the 19-year-old scored 13 goals and tallied 10 assists last season.

    According to BILD, teen sensation Diomande has approved potential moves to European champions Paris Saint-Germain, and Premier League trip Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.

    Liverpool have reportedly seen a transfer package worth $163million AUD rejected by Leipzig.

    Leipzig are believed to want at least $196m AUD for the teenage sensation – who has also been linked with Real Madrid and Chelsea, and could push to extend his contract instead with no club willing to meet their demands.

    Diomande featured at the World Cup with Ivory Coast in North America, where he told reporters: “I expect to leave the club”.

    He finished with one assist as Ivory Coast reached the Round of 32 before losing to Norway.

    “I won’t base my opinion on what the press says when it comes to his final choice,” former Ivory Coast international Gervinho told Stats Perform previously. “Until we see him wearing the official shirt of a club, we can’t really say anything.


    “But if it is Paris, I think with the coach they have, Luis Enrique, who I believe brings out the best in young players, then if that’s the choice he has made, I think he has all the arguments on the table to choose his club, whichever club he goes to.

    “We will always be there watching him and supporting him, because he will be the one to carry the Ivory Coast team into the future.”

  • Cheetah cubs appear for first time at Whipsnade Zoo

    Cheetah cubs appear for first time at Whipsnade Zoo



    New footage taken by keepers shows the cats with their mothers, exploring their new home while play fighting in long grass and chasing each otherAuthor: PAPublished 7 hours agoSeven cheetah cubs have been seen for the first time at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.New footage taken by keepers shows the cats with their mothers, exploring their new home while play fighting in long grass and chasing each other. The cubs were born in May, three to mother Amira and four to Zara, and have been kept in paddocks out of the public eye until now. The two litters were the first cheetah births at Whipsnade in 15 years and are part of a conservation breeding programme for the endangered north-eastern cheetah sub-species. Sarah McGregor, section manager of the predators team at Whipsnade Zoo, said: “After spending their first few weeks tucked away with their mums, it’s fantastic that visitors will soon be able to catch a glimpse of our seven cheetah cubs exploring more of their home at the UK’s largest zoo for the first time.” ZSL conservationists are working in Zambia to reintroduce a group of cheetahs into the Luangwa Valley, with only 6,500 of the species thought to be left around the world. With the birth of Jason, Jasmine and Jacarana in 1967, Whipsnade Zoo became the first in the world to breed and successfully rear cheetahs.First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.