Category: Newcastle

Chris Noble resigned prior to a gross misconduct hearing today (29 July)Author: Natalia AntoniwPublished 20 hours agoLast updated 19 hours agoThe suspended Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble has resigned from his role.His resignation was submitted in a letter to Staffordshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, and took effect at 11am on Tuesday 28 July.The announcement was made prior to a gross misconduct hearing involving Mr Noble, which started today (29 July).In a statement, Ben Adams said: “I can confirm that yesterday (28 July), I received Chief Constable Chris Noble’s resignation, which I have accepted with immediate effect.“Becky Riggs will remain as Staffordshire Police’s Acting Chief Constable. “The misconduct hearing is continuing today as planned, under former officer provisions.”The hearing relates to two allegations that are being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).Mr Noble was suspended on 1 August 2025 while the investigations were carried out.The IOPC previously said in a statement: “The investigations relate to behaviour while on duty and/or on police premises while serving as Assistant Chief Constable at Humberside Police in 2021, and during his time as Chief Constable with Staffordshire Police in 2024 and then in 2025.“Our investigation will consider if he may have breached police professional standards relating to discreditable conduct and duties and responsibilities.”Those investigations followed an earlier inquiry into allegations that he shared confidential information without a proper policing purpose.A spokesperson for the Chief Police Officers Staff Association said in March that Mr Noble was “engaging fully” with the IOPC investigation.Hear the latest news from across the UK every hour on Magic Classical on DAB, smartspeaker, and on the Rayo app.

He had been accused of breaching police standards in three areas: a lack of integrity, a lack of diligence and discreditable conduct.Mr Noble had previously served as assistant chief constable of Humberside Police but was chosen to lead the Staffordshire force in 2021 after the retirement of its previous chief.Mr Adams said: “I can confirm that yesterday [28 July], I received Chief Constable Chris Noble’s resignation, which I have accepted with immediate effect.”Becky Riggs will remain as Staffordshire Police’s acting chief constable.”The misconduct hearing will continue today as planned, under former officer provisions.”Staffordshire Police said that it would not be appropriate to comment due to ongoing misconduct proceedings.The IOPC previously said: “The chair of the panel has directed that no additional information relating to the detail of the allegations can be released at this time.”We are continuing to investigate other allegations relating to Mr Noble. Given the sensitivity of those matters, for operational reasons, no further information can be provided at this time.”

Stoke-on-Trent offers £10 million to electrify bus fleetsAuthor: Adam SmithPublished 7 hours agoStoke-on-Trent bus operators are invited to apply for a £10 million grant to support the transition to zero-emission electric buses, aiming to improve air quality and modernise local transport infrastructure.The initiative aims to support sustainable transport, as road transport remains a significant contributor to air pollution and carbon emissions.Replacing diesel buses will reduce pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter, linked to health problems, while using energy sources aligned with local air quality objectives.Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for Growth, Regeneration and Transport, highlighted the importance of clean transport: “Buses are a lifeline for thousands of people… Replacing diesel buses will mean fewer harmful emissions on our streets and better air quality.”Applications for the grant are now open, with funding awarded based on eligibility and availability, encouraging operators to propose ambitious electrification plans and develop a sustainable bus network for the future.Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

The fire near Lichfield destroyed woodland and cropsA huge fire which destroyed hundreds of metres of crops and could “easily” have spread to houses was started deliberately, fire investigators have determined.Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service crews rushed to The Moor in Fradley, near Lichfield, at 1.55pm on Saturday (July 26) to reports of a fire in the countryside.Seven engines, a water carrier and a ranger attended and found a fire measuring approximately 500 metres by 600 metres.The firefighters used their main jets to extinguish the blaze and thankfully no injuries were reported.The aftermath of a major fire near The Moor in Fradley on July 26 | Photo: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue ServiceNow the fire service has concluded that the fire was likely started deliberately. A senior firefighter urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of setting fires.Station manager Russ Brown, who attended the scene, said: “Crews worked tirelessly to tackle this fire and stop it spreading to nearby farms, houses and kennels.“A massive thank you to local residents and farmers who assisted us with water supply and creating fire breaks.“I would like to reiterate how dangerous setting fires can be; we have seen in this incident how quickly fire can spread.“Hundreds of metres of woodland and standing crops have been destroyed and the fire could have easily spread to nearby houses.“Parents, please talk to your children about the dangers of setting fires and help us keep Staffordshire safe this summer.”Continue Reading

LIV Golf UK has put Staffordshire on the global stage, JCB delivered another masterclass, but could it be the end? Could that have been the last time? If so, LIV Golf UK signed off in some style.There remains a cloud hanging over the future of the breakaway circuit, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund due to end its financial backing after the current season. What comes next is still uncertain, meaning the thousands of fans who flocked to JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire may well have witnessed the final LIV event on British soil.A packed grandstand on the par three 14th hole at LIV Golf UK. (Photo by Matthew Harris/LIV Golf) | APIf that proves to be the case, it would be a genuine shame.How many professional golf tournaments in this country regularly attract some of the biggest names in the sport? The answer is not many. LIV brings major champions, Ryder Cup stars and household names to Staffordshire, putting the county firmly on the global sporting map.The benefits stretched far beyond the ropes. Hotels, pubs, restaurants and local businesses all felt the impact of thousands of visitors descending on the area.JCB once again proved an outstanding venue. Yes, the world’s best players made the course look remarkably straightforward at times, but that simply underlined the extraordinary standard on show. Lucas Herbert’s astonishing winning total of 30 under par across four days was breathtaking.Lucas Herbert of Ripper GC celebrates his win with teammates Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman and Travis Smyth of Ripper GC (Photo by Jon Ferrey/LIV Golf) | APWhatever your views on LIV Golf, its origins or its Saudi-backed funding, there was one thing that was impossible to argue with this weekend: those who bought a ticket got their money’s worth – a fantastic day out. Bryson DeChambeau is perhaps the perfect example of what LIV Golf is trying to be.Love him or loathe him, the two-time US Open champion was out there after every round, patiently signing autograph after autograph and posing for photographs long after many of his rivals had disappeared. Scores of youngsters went home clutching hats, flags and golf balls with a smile on their faces.Bryson DeChambeau signs autographs for fans at LIV Golf United Kingdom, held at JCB Golf & Country Club in Staffordshire. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf) | APDoes it help his own brand? Of course it does. DeChambeau has embraced the world of YouTube and social media, building a huge audience away from the golf course, and every interaction probably earns him a few more subscribers.But does that matter? Not really. You cannot help but admire the effort. As arguably the face of LIV Golf, he understands the importance of leaving a lasting impressionFans were several rows deep throughout the week, desperate for a glimpse of the American.A packed first tee at JCB Golf & Country Club as Lee Westwood tees off. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf) | APYou’ll often hear the argument that “nobody is interested in LIV Golf”. Yet whenever it comes to Staffordshire, people turn up. There is clearly an appetite for elite golf.The bigger question is whether it is sustainable. Saudi Arabia’s PIF is withdrawing its backing after investing almost $4 billion since LIV’s launch. When the winner pockets $4 million, millions more are handed out in the team competition and there are guaranteed payouts throughout the field, you cannot help but wonder how the numbers stack up in the long term.There were moments this week that perhaps illustrated the challenge. The likes of DeChambeau and Jon Rahm attracted enormous galleries, but follow some of the lesser-known names and the fairways could often feel almost deserted. That cannot be much fun for those players, although finishing last and still collecting $50,000 probably softens the blow.Thousands followed Bryson DeChambeau at LIV Golf UK in Staffordshire. (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf) | APThen there is the team element.To LIV’s credit, it has tried something different. Team golf can be compelling. The Ryder Cup is one of the greatest sporting events on the calendar, and there is something appealing about players fighting for one another rather than simply themselves.The problem is convincing people to care.Spend a day walking around the course and almost every conversation centres on the individual leaderboard. Very few supporters seemed concerned whether Crushers GC, Ripper GC or anyone else would be sharing another multi-million-dollar payday. The concept remains unique, but it still feels like the individual event is the main attraction.So, whatever happens next, LIV Golf UK delivered another memorable week, a world-class sporting spectacle. We will just wait to see if it was the champagne finish. Continue Reading

Police have formally identified a man who died after being stabbed last week.Christopher Bradley, 44, from Stoke-on-Trent, died on Ridgway Road near Hanley Park in the Shelton area of the city on Thursday evening.A tribute issued through Staffordshire Police said he was “loved so much” and “sadly missed” by family members.Last week police arrested men aged 19, 20 and 25 on suspicion of murder and also arrested a 17-year-old boy.Det Ch Insp Ian Fitzgerald said: “Our thoughts remain with Christopher’s family and friends and our investigation is continuing.”

Spinner leaves rivals in a spin with six of the bestA superb spell of bowling from spinner Izzy Crann saw Shropshire’s Under-18 girls to a 96-run win when they hosted Staffordshire at Calverhall.Shropshire Under-18 girls secured a revenge win against Staffordshire Picture: Cricket Shropshire | Cricket ShropshireShe returned brilliant figures of 6-23 from her 10 overs as Staffordshire were bowled out for 144 while Elizabeth Daniels-Sanders claimed 2-19.They were replying to Shropshire’s total of 240 in their 50 overs which featured opener Ashvini Samanta anchoring the innings with 52, Milly Parry hitting 37 and Amy Connelly 34.It was revenge for the reverse fixture when Shropshire lost by four wickets at Moddershall CC.Batting first, they were dismissed for 124 with Freya Jones top scoring with 28. The hosts then claimed the victory despite Crann and Parry claiming two wickets apiece.A half-century from Mille Parry and a four-wicket haul for Ridhima Chimania helped the Under-16 girls to a 12-run win over Staffordshire at Alberbury.Batting first, Shropshire were bowled out for 176 after 41 overs with Parry top scoring with 51 while opener Megan Brindley chipped in with 25 at the top of the order and Anvai Bhawar made 33.A steady start from Staffordshire saw them reach 72 before they lost their third wicket, but then skipper Crann’s miserly spell of 2-8 from 10 overs and Chimania’s 4-21 put them on the back foot. They were bowled out for 164 in the 46th over.The Under 13 Girls suffered two defeats when they travelled to Astwood Bank CC to take on Worcestershire in two T20 games.The hosts batted first in the opening game and made 198-6 with Verity Pardoe picking up 2-11 from her three overs as the bowling duties were shared around. In the reply, skipper Zara Tomkins made 31 but Shropshire were bowled out for 86.In the second game, Shropshire batted first and made 113-8 from their 20 overs with Ava Mainwaring hitting 66 off 46 balls. In the reply, Gianna Filippi claimed two early wickets, but Worcestershire claimed the win by six wickets.Shropshire’s Under-18 boys struggled to get going with the bat when they hosted Northamptonshire at Shrewsbury CC in their County Cup.Batting first, they were bowled out for 164 with Krrish Chadha top scoring with 28 and Morgan Ward hitting 23. Callum Dovaston took two early wickets in the reply, but Northants claimed the victory by eight wickets.The Under-16 boys had a similar issue hosting the same opposition at Wem as they were bowled out for 86. Northants knocked the runs off without losing a wicket.Dylan Barkley led the way with the bat when they travelled to Loughborough Grammar to take on Leicestershire and Rutland.He made 69 while Will Parkinson-Witte and Luca Evans chipped in with 29 apiece and Jake Adams hit 20 as Shropshire were bowled out for 210. Leicestershire reached their victory target for the loss of two wickets.Skipper-for-the-day Matthew Morris top scored with 35 when they took on Northamptonshire at in a 50-over game at St Georges.Parkinson-Witte chipped in with 24 and Barkley hit 23, but Shropshire were dismissed for 152. The visitors eased to victory for the loss of three wickets.The Under-14 boys fell short in their chase when they hosted Oxfordshire at Shrewsbury CC.Batting first, the visitors were dismissed for 222 with George Randall claiming 3-55 and Hugo Bebb 3-27.Reuben Kundu hit 41, Daniel Ball 31 and Eli Graves 20, but Shropshire were restricted to 195-7 from their 45 overs.Continue Reading

The NCCA Championship match is taking place at Checkley.Old Hill pace bowler Sam Keeling-Wright put Staffordshire in a strong position on the opening day of their NCCA Championship clash with Cambridgeshire at Checkley. Cricket stock pictureCambs won the toss and elected to bat first in this Division One encounter, but Keeling-Wright soon set about proving that to be a poor decision.He ripped through the visitors’ batting line-up with figures of 8-60 across 13 overs.Only Alex Peirson (37no) and Ben Claydon (32) were able to make any sort of significant advance as Cambridgeshire were bowled out for 152 in just the 32nd over of a rain-affected day.Liam Hurt (1-38) and Tom Moulton (1-6) took the other wickets as Staffs gave their batters a chance to take a first-innings lead.By close of play, they had reached 115-2 in reply – set up by an opening stand of 80 between skipper James Kettleborough (40) and Samuel Kelsall (29) before they fell in successive overs.Moulton (17no) and Reece Evitts (16no) return to the crease for the second day of action this morning as Staffs look to bounce back from an opening-round defeat to Bucks.Continue Reading

It was huge!Author: Adam SmithPublished 7 hours agoIn one of the largest gatherings of Staffordshire Bull Terriers, more than 100 dogs and their owners participated in the Big Staffy Stroll at Weston Park in Staffordshire.The walk featured a guided 2.5km tour through Weston Park’s scenic parkland, led by famous Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Sergeant Watchman VI and Sergeant Watchman VII, from the Staffordshire Regimental Association, along with their handler, Warrant Officer Greg Hedges. Organised by Staffordshire County Council and the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), the event celebrated the trail’s success in not only showcasing the county’s attractions and businesses but also generating an estimated £180,000 for the local economy. An unexpected reunion further warmed hearts, as two Staffordshire Bull Terrier siblings, Maude and Blossom, were reunited by chance during the event. Michelle Davis, Maude’s owner, shared this touching moment: “We couldn’t believe it. They are sisters, from the same litter, same parents, all the way from Nottingham, and we don’t live anywhere near!” Additionally, the stroll raised over £200 for the Senior Staffy Club, a dog rescue charity specialising in housing older Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

Stone locals enjoyed the Warriors at Westbridge event which happened today at Westbridge Park.This free family event began this morning with a Viking procession from the Stone Town Council Building car park on Station Road to Westbridge Park. Families accompanied the parade, and many were dressed like Vikings. Many enjoyed the fun battle displays, living history demonstrations, a Viking encampment showcasing the everyday life of Viking families, traditional crafts. Ahead of the event, Councillor Jill Hood, Chairman of the Council’s Tourism and Town Promotion Sub-Committee, said: “Stone Town Council know that keeping children entertained during the summer holidays can be a challenge, and finding fun, interesting and free activities is not always easy. “We are delighted to be bringing this exciting new event to Stone and giving local families the opportunity to experience Viking life first-hand.”All photographs below were taken by Ian Knight / Z70 Photography: 1. Viking invasion of StoneThe Warriors at Westbridge event hosted by Stone Town Council at Westbridge Park. | Ian Knight / Z70 Photograph2. Viking invasion of StoneThe Warriors at Westbridge event hosted by Stone Town Council at Westbridge Park. | Ian Knight / Z70 Photograph3. Viking invasion of StoneThe Warriors at Westbridge event hosted by Stone Town Council at Westbridge Park. | Ian Knight / Z70 Photograph4. Viking invasion of StoneThe Warriors at Westbridge event hosted by Stone Town Council at Westbridge Park. | Ian Knight / Z70 Photograph