Finds from archaeologists included the remains of a building called Gainsborough Chamber, a 16th Century civic building with its own “vile” dungeon.Also discovered during the excavations was evidence of the city’s medieval Shambles and Drapery, a 15th Century market hall that once housed butchers, drapers, shoemakers and other trades.Among the oldest finds was a small collection of prehistoric worked flints, including cutting tools characteristic of the Neolithic period, about 12,000 years ago.They also included a hoard of about 30 Roman coins, thought to be from the 4th Century, and several Roman buildings across the site, including evidence of early timber structures and rare pottery kilns.ULAS said it had also found the grave of a Roman infant beneath the floor of a timber building thought to be nearly 1,800 years old.”These discoveries are of considerable importance to the history and identity of Leicester – and provide valuable new insight into the city’s development through time,” Soulsby said.
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Leicester Market revamp budget set to rise by £1.9m
Calls for new college on Cambridge Airport site but city ‘already well provided’
Homes England and The Hill Group are still to decide on a masterplan for the Cambridge East developmentCllr Lucy Nethsingha (right)(Image: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority)Cambridge is “already extremely well provided” amid calls for a new “lifelong learning” college on the Cambridge Airport site, the combined authority has said. Homes England and The Hill Group announced they had bought the land earlier this month with plans to build thousands of homes and a railway station.A regional training hub is one of the options that the developers are considering before they settle on a masterplan for the area. Antony Carpen, a resident who runs the Cambridge Town Owl blog, urged Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to enter into discussions to “explore the possibility” of building a new lifelong learning college near the planned Cambridge East station.He said this “could help reverse the decline in enrolment in adult skills” and “provide the much-needed facilities that might enable adults looking to retrain in areas with chronic skills shortages to make the change”.A council report said that enrolment in adult skills and tailored learning had fallen in the last year by 6.2 per cent in total learners and 7.4 per cent for new starters. Peterborough accounted for over 40 per cent of learners and enrolments, “significantly exceeding its share of the adult population”.Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, chair of the skills committee, said the decline is not identified as “being always driven by a lack of physical premises or the availability of provision within communities”.Cambridge Airport(Image: Google Maps)She said: “We will always keep future infrastructure opportunities under review, including in relation to the Cambridge Airport site. The authority is focused on working with partners, including Homes England through the Strategic Place Partnership and the Cambridge Growth Company on the future skills needs of this area to enable inclusive growth.”She said the responsibility for education is shared between the Department for Education, local authorities and individual providers – not just the combined authority.The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “It’s about tracking provision but it’s also really important to be clear that take up of adult skills happens in a lot of different places which are not necessarily specific buildings.“Improving take up of adult skills is more about taking out mobile provision to find people where they are rather than building new sites. I would also say that if we were going to build new sites, Cambridge is already extremely well provided with education provision.”
Leeds United defender opens up on ‘dark days’ as injury fears ease at World Cup
Gabriel Gudmundsson eased injury concerns after hobbling off during Sweden’s 5-1 World Cup win over Tunisia at the Estadio Monterrey in Mexico.He lasted 66 minutes before Elliot Stroud replaced him after treatment, and Sweden boss Graham Potter said post-match he believed it was cramp.“It was quite noticeable to me,” Gudmundsson said. “It hasn’t been an entirely optimal week for me. But I trained with the team again on Friday and got two good sessions. The circumstances with the weather [heat and humidity] may have played a small role, but regardless, it felt good,” he told Fotbollskanalen.The left-back had only just returned from a five-week hamstring lay-off before travelling to the USA, where illness disrupted his build-up.“It was dark. It was dark days,” he admitted. “I downloaded a lot of series before we flew to the US, and I managed to burn them all in two or three days. I had to isolate myself, sleep a lot and just take care of my body.”Sweden face the Netherlands in Houston, Texas on Saturday evening UK time, then Japan in Arlington on 26 June, and Gudmundsson hopes to be involved again.
Reform UK council spends £35k on security guards after protesters halt meeting
Staffordshire County Council has spent more than £35,000 on security guards at meetings after one was halted by protesters in December. The Reform UK-led authority has been deploying private security guards at County Buildings in Stafford on a regular basis after police were called to the demonstration by anti-racism campaigners on 11 December.Figures released following a Freedom of Information request show that the total spend on security at County Buildings from 11 December to the end of April was £35,381. Security guards were used at 31 meetings over this five-month period, stationed at the entrances and inside the building.In the whole of 2024/25, the council only spent £330 on security at County Buildings.Opposition councillors have raised concerns over the cost to the taxpayer, but the council insists that the security guards are needed to keep people safe.A spokesperson for the authority said: “After the police were called to a disturbance at a meeting, it became necessary to increase security at County Buildings both on safety grounds and to allow business to continue without interruption.”While this has come at an additional cost to the public purse, the safety of everyone attending our public meetings must be the priority.”Security guards in the council chamber during a meeting in February(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)The full council meeting in December was brought to a halt when members of the Stafford Campaign Against Racism and Fascism started chanting from the public gallery. They were demanding the resignation of several Reform councillors who had been accused of making racist comments on social media.Just days before the meeting, Councillor Ian Cooper had stood down as council leader, after Reform had revoked his party membership over undeclared social media accounts.The meeting was suspended and police were called, with officers escorting the protesters from the building after around 40 minutes. It was claimed that during the disturbance, an item was thrown from the public gallery and struck a councillor.Staffordshire Police confirmed that there had been no arrests and no injuries reported. Since then security has been ramped up for all public council meetings at County Buildings.Members of the press and public are still allowed to watch meetings, but they are told to remove their coats and may have their bags searched.Conservative opposition group leader Philip White believes Reform are to blame for the situation.He said: “While it is important that all councillors feel safe, this is another sign of how toxic the political environment has become in Staffordshire since Reform UK took control of the county council. This is now costing taxpayers financially. Reform seem to want to push the blame for this onto others. Instead, they need to take responsibility for the actions of their councillors, which is the biggest reason we find ourselves in this situation.”Liberal Democrat Stafford borough councillor Alec Sandiford has previously raised concerns over the level of spending on security guards. He says there should be more transparency on the issue.Cllr Sandiford said: “The figures are staggering and raise serious questions about the priorities of the Reform administration.”Nobody disputes that councillors, officers and members of the public should be safe when attending council meetings. However, residents will rightly question how spending has escalated from virtually nothing to tens of thousands of pounds in such a short period of time.”The key question now is: who authorised this spending, on what evidence, and what democratic oversight was there before taxpayers’ money was committed?”Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE
Rashford set for showdown talks as Man Utd block Liverpool and Man City moves
Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United and talk with the hierarchy about his next move after Barcelona opted against signing him permanently22:26, 16 Jun 2026Updated 22:26, 16 Jun 2026Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United for showdown talks with club bosses following the World Cup. Rashford has seen his hopes of a permanent move to Barcelona collapse – leaving his immediate future in limbo.Barcelona have signed Anthony Gordon in a £70m deal, while United have refused to entertain a second season-long loan deal for Rashford at the Now Camp.It means Rashford is no nearer knowing what his next move will be, as he prepares for England’s opening World Cup clash with Croatia in Dallas. Rashford has little interest in remaining with United, having broken ties with his hometown club to make a fresh start elsewhere.And despite a change in manager, with Michael Carrick replacing Ruben Amorim last season, Rashford believes his long-term future will be best served at another club.But United have blocked him joining either Manchester City or Liverpool, who have shown interest in Rashford before, while Arsenal have cooled on the idea of signing him.Rashford would prefer to join another European club, with United slapping a £40m valuation on someone who Barca had the option of signing for just £24m.But unless someone is willing to meet the asking price, and agree to pay £16m more than what United were prepared to sell him to Barca for, Rashford will go back to his parent club when he has had a break following his World Cup commitments with England.Marcus Rashford fell out of favour when Ruben Amorim was in charge(Image: PA)United’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe remains determined to sell the £325,000-a-week forward, to get him off the club’s wage bill. And he knows this summer represents the best chance to off-load Rashford, rather than risk allowing him to reach next June, when he would be entering the final 12 months of his deal.United have moved on without him, and continue to target summer signings for Carrick which will see him develop a side which appears to have have no place in it for the 28-year-old exile.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass ‘designed for football’This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn morefrom £4.50SkyGet the deal hereSky is knocking 20% off its entire range of Glass TVs to mark the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to the Sky smart TV that’s ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.
14,024 animal lovers created record-breaking art at the zoo!
This amazing world record combined 2 of our favourite things: painting and the zoo!
This May, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a UK-based science-led charity that protects animals, made waves with a wild record attempt – a record-breaking painting by numbers!
14,024 animal lovers, families and people of all ages could take part in the record attempt at ZSL’s 2 leading zoos:London Zoo, located in the heart of London, at Regent’s Park
Whipsnade Zoo, located near Dunstable, BedfordshireThe record title?
Most contributions to a painting by numbers (multiple venues)!The artwork, brimming with colours and creative illustrations of wild animals, invited everyone to take part and learn more about how we can protect animals and endangered species.
The event also celebrated ZSL’s 200th anniversary, and Guinness World Records Adjudicator William Sinden visited London Zoo to officially announce the record:
“London and Whipsnade Zoo has created a really special record-breaking moment here, bringing thousands of visitors together to mark ZSL’s 200th anniversary in such a colourful and creative way.“It’s a brilliant example of how a shared challenge can bring people of all ages together and give everyone the chance to be part of something truly memorable.”
We couldn’t agree more!
What’s your favourite animal? Try painting it as best you can!An adorable audience of Humboldt penguins stole the show, coming over when the certificate was being given to the zookeepers to make sure that everything went perfectly during the presentation.
Look how cute!So what exactly happened during the attempt?
Painting supplies in hand, everyone unleashed their creativity on the painting-by-numbers panels.
While having fun with colours, the artists could also chat with the ZSL team overseeing the event, learning more about all their favourite animals and the importance of ZSL’s research and commitment to protecting wildlife!
Sounds pretty fun, right?It took a whole week for the painting to be ready, and it turned out HUGE and beautiful. Packed with different animals and vibrant colours, it featured – among many others – bright parrots, reptiles, butterflies, and even a gorgeous gorilla!
The choice of featuring 200 animals in the artwork nodded to ZSL turning 200 this year.
In the official release shared by ZSL, Events Manager Victoria Sage commented: “We’re delighted to have broken the Guinness World Records title, making our 200th year even more memorable!”
How will you celebrate your next birthday? Maybe at the zoo?The event, which blended creativity, animal facts, and a fun opportunity to learn more about nature, was definitely a super fun one.
Keep an eye out for whenever they try to break another record next…
They might need your help to do it!
Until then, here’s the final result of the record-breaking painting:What do you think?
Congratulations to the Zoological Society of London and everyone who helped them achieve their goal – you guys are all Officially Amazing!
Animal charity helps get ‘cheeky’ Jinglebell back on the mend after horrific injury
A cat who suffered an horrific shoulder injury is on the mend thanks to the help of a Stamford animal welfare charity.Jinglebell, who is only around a year old, needed extensive surgery after being found by a member of the public, having likely been hit by a car.Jinglebell needed complex surgery to a bad shoulder injury. Photo: Cats Protection Stamford and DistrictWith no microchip and no way to trace an owner, she was handed in at a Peterborough vets who stabilised the joint and called in Cats Protection Stamford and District.They found a volunteer fosterer for Jinglebell, but the severe injury did not heal as expected so she was taken to an orthopaedic veterinary surgeon.Further surgery was recommended to reattach the shoulder blade which had become detached from the body wall.The one-year-old cat was found badly injured and taken to a vet. Photo: Cats Protection Stamford and DistrictThe complex surgery, for a very unusual injury, saw the shoulder blade attached to the rib cage to provide better stability.“This intensive surgery did come some with risk, but we wanted Jinglebell to live a happy, stable life and overcome this horrendous injury without being forced into a situation where she would be miserable, or potentially lose her leg all together,” said Griselda Winn, co-ordinator at Cats Protection Stamford and District. “Throughout her recovery she never lost her cheeky nature. We’re incredibly proud of her and so grateful she’s been given a second chance at life.”Jinglebell post surgery. Photo: Cats Protection Stamford and DistrictJinglebell is one of several cats recently admitted into the charity’s care needing costly surgeries to help them live pain-free lives.It has left a significant dent in funds and prompted the charity to launch a £2,500 fundraiser to help cover costs.Jinglebell never lost her cheeky nature despite her ordeal. Photo: Cats Protection Stamford and DistrictTo donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/cpstamford-jinglebell-second-chanceGriselda added: “We’re very grateful that the surgeon offered to do the surgery at a reduced cost, and the veterinary surgery has helped us as much as they can.Back in rude health. Photo: Cats Protection Stamford and District“We wouldn’t be able to care for cats like Jinglebell without the generosity of like-minded cat-lovers, and we are always grateful to our supporters.”
Inquest to be held after prisoner, 28, dies suddenly
Matthew James Hayward died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome after being admitted to Peterborough City HospitalHMP Peterborough(Image: Google)An inquest will be held into the sudden death of a 28-year-old prisoner whose post-mortem report did not reveal “any abnormalities whatsoever”. Matthew James Hayward died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome in Peterborough City Hospital on August 28 of last year.Simon Milburn, area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said the inquest would seek to answer if “any cardiac issues should have been identified and acted upon” and “could Mr Hayward’s death have been prevented”. Speaking at a pre-inquest hearing on Monday, June 15, he said the given cause of death may make answering this “not that straightforward”.Mr Milburn asked for a cardiologist with expertise in sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) to give evidence at the full inquest to “tell us whether this was something that should or could have been prevented”. He said the inquest will look into Matthew’s admission to the hospital in August as well as his time inside HMP Peterborough.Dr Paramjit Samrai, representing North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said the post-mortem had not revealed “any abnormalities whatsoever”.He said: “I think the problem with this particular case is the pathologist struggled to come up with a cause of death as sudden arrhythmia is based on exclusion. Something caused the cardiac arrest on that date and he needs to look at the circumstances that have caused that.”He said that “getting the right specialists will be really important”. He suggested an intensivist or general physician rather than a cardiologist, adding: “I don’t think it’s been caused by a cardiac problem from what I’ve seen.”Dr Samrai said that Matthew had been “vomiting” and “not eating” before his death and said: “We’ve got a young man here who should be fit and well, but something has happened. It really does need someone who understands all the systems of the body.”A date for the inquest has not yet been confirmed.
Leeds United ‘most keen’ on Champions League striker seeking new club
Juventus players celebrate
Credit: ImagoLeeds United look almost certain to strengthen their attack this summer, with the club keen to add more firepower ahead of the new Premier League season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin carried much of the goalscoring burden last term, finishing with 14 league goals and establishing himself as Leeds’ main attacking threat. Beyond him, however, there was a lack of reliable support.
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Lukas Nmecha managed six league goals in 31 appearances, while Joel Piroe struggled to make an impact in a limited role and ended the Premier League campaign without scoring.
As a result, bringing in another striker has become a priority for Leeds, and Lois Openda is one of the names believed to be high on the club’s shortlist as they look to bolster their options up front.
Leeds ‘most keen’ to sign Lois Openda
Lois Openda has struggled since joining Juventus from RB Leipzig last summer, and the Serie A giants are keen to move him on this summer.
Juventus want to recoup most of the £35m they paid for the forward, and his representatives have been trying to shop him around in the Premier League.
Leeds are amongst the clubs contacted, but they have also been in touch with Everton and Nottingham Forest ahead of the transfer window.
However, according to TeamTalk, Leeds have shown the most interest in getting their hands on Openda ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Whites see him as a potential excellent focal point of their attack and believe he can revive his career in the Premier League.
Leeds are said to be ready to pay significant wages to the forward and are open to signing off on an expensive loan-to-buy agreement this summer.
Openda has been open to a move to Leeds, but has several options on his table ahead of the summer.
He will be a huge gamble
From Leeds United’s perspective, this is a transfer that comes with far more questions than answers. Juventus are understood to want to recoup a significant chunk of the £35m they invested in Openda, and that alone makes it difficult to see where the value lies.
The striker’s form this season has done little to justify such an outlay. He has managed just two goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, and the fact that Juventus are already prepared to move him on should give any interested club pause for thought.
Negotiations would not be straightforward either. Juventus would ideally like a permanent sale and, even if they were open to a loan, they would almost certainly push for an obligation or option to buy as part of the agreement.
Openda’s wages are another major factor. His salary expectations are believed to be high, which further increases the overall cost of any deal.
That is where Leeds need to be particularly careful. Since returning to the Premier League, the club have taken a measured approach to spending, and investing heavily in both transfer fees and wages for a player coming off such a disappointing season would be a significant risk.
Boy ‘dragged from Mercedes’ in suspected carjacking
A teenage boy was “left shaken but unhurt” after reportedly being dragged out of a car by five men before it was stolen, said police.Officers were called to the reported carjacking at a car park close to football fields on Lower Milehouse Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, at about 17:00 BST on Friday, Staffordshire Police said.The black Mercedes was abandoned on the road after crashing into the central reservation on Ryecroft.Two men, aged 22 and 19, and a 17-year-old boy, all from Newcastle-under-Lyme, have been arrested on suspicion of robbery, the force added.The 17-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop.They have been bailed while the investigation continues.Police are appealing for anyone who saw what happened or who has relevant CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage.They asked people to call 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously.Police have appealed for anybody who saw the crash to contact them [BBC]Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Related internet links
