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  • Youth & Student Travel Summit Heads to Liverpool on 5–6 October 2026 – Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership

    Youth & Student Travel Summit Heads to Liverpool on 5–6 October 2026 – Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership



    The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) has announced that the 2026 Youth & Student Travel Summit (YSTS) will take place in Liverpool from 5–6 October 2026, bringing together key decision-makers from across the global youth, student and educational travel sector.
    Following successful events in Manchester (2023), Bristol (2024) and Leeds (2025), the Summit continues BETA’s commitment to showcasing destinations across the UK and supporting the dispersal of international youth travellers beyond London.
    A key feature of the 2026 Summit will be BETA’s international hosted buyer programme, which will bring 25–35 international buyers from key global markets to Liverpool. These buyers collectively send significant volumes of youth and student travellers to the UK each year and will take part in:

    A dedicated business day at Liverpool Football Club on 6 October, featuring inspiring speakers, sector insights and a full programme of pre-arranged 1:1 business meetings with UK suppliers
    A Welcome Reception at the iconic The Cavern Club on 5 October, offering delegates the opportunity to connect and experience one of Liverpool’s most famous cultural landmarks
    A week-long familiarisation and stakeholder programme designed to showcase Liverpool’s cultural, educational and visitor experiences, while introducing buyers to the wider region and surrounding destinations

    Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership said:
    “Liverpool has a strong international reputation as a vibrant, welcoming and culturally rich destination, making it a natural fit for the Youth & Student Travel Summit.
    The city offers a compelling mix of experiences for young travellers, from its world-famous musical heritage and iconic waterfront to major sporting venues, museums, and cultural attractions, providing rich opportunities for educational and youth-group itineraries.
    We look forward to welcoming international buyers and industry leaders to experience the city first-hand, and to working with partners across the Liverpool City Region to create new opportunities that will bring more youth and student travellers to the area.”
    The Summit will attract over 150 delegates, including educational travel providers, tour operators, destination marketing organisations, accommodation providers and policymakers. Through a combination of expert discussions, networking and targeted business meetings, the event aims to generate new partnerships and support the continued growth of the youth and student travel sector.
    Emma English, Executive Director of the British Educational Travel Association, said:
    “We are delighted to bring the Youth & Student Travel Summit to Liverpool in 2026. Liverpool is a city with a powerful global brand, rich cultural heritage and an exciting visitor offer that resonates strongly with young travellers.
    By welcoming international buyers to experience the destination first-hand, alongside our focused business programme, we can help create new itineraries and partnerships that will bring more youth and student groups to Liverpool and the wider region in the years ahead.”
    For more information and to register, click HERE.
     

  • Four new police dogs join frontline crime fight across Hertfordshire

    Four new police dogs join frontline crime fight across Hertfordshire


    Four newly-trained police dogs are set to help tackle crime across Hertfordshire and neighbouring counties after officially joining the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit.PD Murphy, PD Madden, PD Dixon and PD Muzza completed an intensive 13-week training course before graduating at a special ceremony held at Hertfordshire Constabulary headquarters earlier this month.The dogs and their handlers – Sergeant Dan Amos, PC Dale Jenkins, PC Josh Westgate and PC Liam Mandrell – demonstrated their new skills in front of guests before being formally presented with certificates.During the course, the dogs were trained in scent tracking, searching, obedience, agility, chasing and detaining suspects.Two of the dogs were named in memory of former officers from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Armed Policing Unit who died last year.PD Muzza honours former PC Paul Murray, who served for 24 years, while PD Murphy was named after Sergeant Dan Murphy, who began his policing career as a cadet at just 16 years old before rising through the ranks to Sergeant.Family members of both officers attended the ceremony and were presented with commemorative plaques.Chief Superintendent Jon Hutchinson paid tribute to the two officers during the event, praising their professionalism, commitment to public service and dedication to protecting communities across the three counties.

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    The breeders of PD Dixon were also invited to the ceremony and received a certificate recognising their contribution to police dog breeding.Police dogs play a major role in frontline policing, helping officers search for suspects, recover evidence and locate missing people.Chief Inspector Declan McDonagh, head of the BCH Dog Unit, said he was “incredibly proud” to welcome the four new dogs to the team.He added: “The training course is intense, and the handlers and their respective families invest considerable time and effort into developing the dogs and successfully achieving their accreditations. I am very much looking forward to watching them develop in their operational roles.”

  • Trains disruption on West Midlands Railways services as strike action begins

    Trains disruption on West Midlands Railways services as strike action begins



    Routes with a limited service on those days are:Cross City Line (Lichfield Trent Valley – Redditch / Bromsgrove via Birmingham New Street) – two trains per hourWolverhampton – Walsall via Birmingham New Street – one train per hourRugeley Trent Valley – Birmingham International via Birmingham New Street – one train per hourNo trains are due to run on any other WMR route, including via Birmingham Snow Hill, the Camp Hill line, Shrewsbury line, Hereford line and between Nuneaton and Leamington Spa.Limited services will include one train an hour between Birmingham-Liverpool and Birmingham-Northampton-Milton Keynes-London Euston.TSSA said it had balloted more than a 100 members, including roster clerks, who would walk out from midnight on Thursday for 24 hours.It also includes duty train crew managers and control staff would strike from noon on Friday to midday on Saturday.Customers who had already purchased tickets can change them to another date or refunded if trains are cancelled, delayed or if they choose not to travel.

  • Early hubs used by 5% of Cambridge city voters

    Early hubs used by 5% of Cambridge city voters



    “Initial feedback from voters using the hubs was very positive,” said a council spokesperson.Many welcomed “the additional flexibility and convenience offered by early voting” they added.”Voters particularly highlighted the ease of access and the opportunity to vote at a time that better suited their work or holiday commitments.”They added that the Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) would now undertake a formal evaluation of the pilot. “The findings of this national evaluation are expected to be published over the summer. Further statistics and updates will be shared once the national evaluation results are available.”

  • £120m for pottery firms a “good start” but more must follow says Stoke MP

    £120m for pottery firms a “good start” but more must follow says Stoke MP



    Gareth Snell stresses the importance of ongoing long-term funding for the ceramics sectorAuthor: Adam SmithPublished 3 hours agoThough the government’s new £120 million funding announcement for the UK’s ceramics industry has been welcomed, Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, insists that more support is essential to ensure the sector prospers in the long term.”The money is obviously incredibly welcome to help with meeting some of the immediate energy costs and also funding some of the decarbonisation investment that all of the companies want to do,” Snell said.”But long term, there’s still more work to do.”Emphasising the need for broader initiatives, Snell said, “it’s important we’re promoting a buying British campaign – and that we’re looking at what we do with those sectors that can’t decarbonise as quickly”.The £120 million package includes funds for capital investment in energy-efficient equipment and relief for operational costs.However, Snell warns that this alone cannot fully resolve things.”No one is under the illusion that this is all the help we need as a sector,” said Snell.He told our Chief Reporter that he’s committed to working with government officials and local companies to secure ongoing support, arguing that the ceramics sector is “vital” for UK growth, jobs, and exports.”The work that we turn as MPs, working with the local companies and with the unions, has paid a dividend, and that dividend is coming in hard cash,” Snell stated.”We’ve already got conversations lined up with the relevant departments about the other issues affecting the ceramic sector, so the cheap Chinese imports that are coming that we need to make sure we’re protecting our sector against. We know there’s issues around fraudulent activity fakes where companies overseas mimic ware and then they sell it. We know there are issues around the back stamp and protecting the Made in Britain logo, and that’s something I’m going to be doing more on later in the year.”So we know there are other things we have to do, but what this money does, it just gives the breathing room to allow us to take stock, move forward, knowing we can protect the industry now, so that the next step”.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.

  • Liverpool launches new plan to strengthen dementia support across the city – Liverpool Express

    Liverpool launches new plan to strengthen dementia support across the city – Liverpool Express


    Plans to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their families across the city have been unveiled by Liverpool City Council and its partners.

    The Dementia Strategic Action Plan aims to strengthen support services, improve awareness of dementia, and ensure people living with the condition can stay active and connected to their communities. It also highlights the importance of supporting carers and loved ones who play a vital role.

    In Liverpool, there are currently around 3,500 people living with a diagnosis of dementia. It is estimated that a further 1,600 people may be living with the condition without a formal diagnosis. By 2040, this number is expected to rise to over 7,000 people.

    In response to the challenges a new strategy has been developed in partnership with health organisations NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance, people with lived experience, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, the Alzheimer’s Society, and Primary Care.

    The strategy is built around five key priorities:

    Preventing Well – Raising awareness of dementia and promoting healthier lifestyles.

    Diagnosing Well – Improving timely access to diagnosis so that people can understand their condition earlier, access the right support.

    Supporting Well – Ensuring people and their carers can access high-quality, coordinated support services, information and advice, particularly at key transition points.

    Living Well – Helping people with dementia to remain active, independent and connected to their communities.

    Dying Well – Making sure people receive person-centred end-of-life care that respects their wishes and supports families during difficult times.

    As part of the official launch, the council also hosted a moving photography exhibition featuring people living with dementia alongside their carers and loved ones. It includes participants from Sedgemoor Dementia Care Hub in Norris Green, which is owned by the council, and Active Minds in Toxteth, a care provider working in partnership with the council.

    Together, they have co-created an exhibition that captures powerful images alongside personal stories and honest reflections on life with dementia, highlighting both the positives and the challenges.

    The exhibition will become part of Liverpool Dementia Action Alliance’s ongoing awareness-raising work across the city.

    Councillor Angela Coleman, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “This Action Plan sets out our commitment to making Liverpool a place where people living with dementia feel understood, supported and valued. It’s about helping people to live well for as long as possible, while also ensuring carers and families have the support they need.

    “The scale of the challenge is significant. That’s why it’s so important we work together. No single service or organisation can do this alone, and this plan brings together partners across health, social care, the council and the voluntary sector to make a real difference.”

    Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health, added: “Dementia affects many people across the city, and, for me, it’s something I have seen the impact of personally. Raising awareness is key to breaking down stigma and encouraging earlier access to support. This plan brings partners together with a shared focus on prevention, early diagnosis and helping people remain connected to their communities.”

    Stephen Boswell visits Sedgemoor Dementia Care Hub and took part in the exhibition. #

    He said: “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the photography exhibition. It’s given me the chance to share my story and show that life doesn’t stop with dementia, we can still live full lives. There are challenges, but there are also many good days, and its important people see the person, not just the condition.”

  • Dunstable Town Women FC scores new kits thanks to housebuilder sponsorship | InYourArea

    Dunstable Town Women FC scores new kits thanks to housebuilder sponsorship | InYourArea



    A community-owned football club in Bedfordshire has secured a fresh look for the upcoming season after netting a sponsorship deal with a local housebuilder.Barratt Homes has provided funding for brand-new home and away strips for Dunstable Town Women FC. The club is based close to the developer’s Linmere site in Houghton Regis, and the support reflects the company’s commitment to grassroots sport.

    The investment comes during a period of significant growth for the women’s game across the UK. Recent figures show that 90 per cent of schools now offer girls equal access to football, hitting a nationwide target ahead of schedule.Interest in the sport has continued to surge following the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Final at Wembley. The success of the Lionesses has inspired a new generation of players, contributing to a five per cent increase in women participating in football compared to pre-tournament levels.Beyond the pitch, Dunstable Town FC champions mental and physical health through its Improving the Lives of Others programme, supporting 120 people weekly across eight community groups. Building on this impact, the club delivers the #YouAreEnough programme, empowering clubs to train mental health ambassadors and provide vital mental health first aid support.The donation comes from The Barratt Redrow Foundation, the housebuilder’s charity partnership, which supports children, young people and those most disadvantaged across the UK.Marc Woolfe, sales and marketing director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, said: “The Lionesses’ success in recent years has seen an increase in the numbers of women and girls joining local football teams, so we are hugely excited to be sponsoring Dunstable Town Women’s FC.

    “We can’t wait to see the team in their new kits, and wish them luck in their upcoming games.”Luke Mitchell, director of youth section and youth development at Dunstable Town Women FC, added: “The success of the Lionesses has undoubtedly brought women’s football into the spotlight. “While the attention is welcomed, it’s financial support like this that enables us to support women and girls in the football community – both fans and players.”Funding new kits is a great way to back our team, giving our players that extra boost of pride as they take to the field next season.”Location: Dunstable, Bedfordshire

  • Sofas and mattress dumped under Leicester bridge

    Sofas and mattress dumped under Leicester bridge



    An investigation is under way after piles of furniture were fly-tipped under a bridge in Leicester.Sofas, carpets, tables and a dirty mattress were left either side of Kent Street, under the railway bridge.Leicester City Council said the fly-tipping was reported on Wednesday evening by wardens.The site has now been cleared, the authority added, and the Local Democracy Reporting Service said an investigation had started.

  • Cambridgeshire set for bank holiday heatwave as temperatures reach 31 degrees

    Cambridgeshire set for bank holiday heatwave as temperatures reach 31 degrees



    The bank holiday is forecast to be a very sunny one for CambridgeshireCambridgeshire parks and pubs are likely to be packed this weekend thanks to the warm weather(Image: PA)The bank holiday is set to be a hot one with temperatures reaching highs of 31 degrees in certain parts of Cambridgeshire, according to BBC Weather. The good weather will start tomorrow (Friday, May 22) with it expected to be dry “with plenty of sunshine”.The temperature is expected to reach highs of 28 degrees in Cambridge and Ely and 27 degrees in Peterborough. The county could see some rain in the morning on Saturday, May 23, but it should clear up before the afternoon with the temperature reaching 27 degrees.Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25, are expected to be quite similar with lots of sunshine. The temperature will reach highs of 29 degrees on Sunday and will be even hotter on Monday with it reaching 31 degrees in Cambridge and Ely and 29 degrees in Peterborough.BBC Weather said: “Saturday may see the odd shower in the morning locally, but it will turn drier in the afternoon with warm sunshine. Sunday and Monday will be very warm, or even hot, with plenty of sunshine as high pressure remains in control.”The good weather is set to continue throughout next week with plenty of sunshine and temperatures staying above 25 degrees for most of the week. The temperatures are currently forecast to drop to around 23 degrees in Cambridge and Ely and 21 degrees in Peterborough on Saturday, May 30.To get more news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive 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 .

  • Father hikes 100k for son living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy | InYourArea

    Father hikes 100k for son living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy | InYourArea



    A West Midlands father completed the gruelling Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge for Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 children and adults in the UK living with one of more than 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions.The father-of-two, Rich Clift, from Staffordshire, completed the 100km walk (across two days, May 16-17 2026), alongside Rich’s brothers-in-law, Ashley Pike and Mikey Green and Max’s uncle, Lee Cooper, to raise awareness and funds for the charity close to his heart.

    Rich’s inspiration is his nine-year-old son, Max, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in March 2025. Initially they thought he had dyspraxia, and after months of testing, Max was finally diagnosed. Whilst there is currently no cure for the condition, Max is on two treatments called Translarna and Givinostat, as well as having steroid treatments and wearing leg splints to help manage his condition.

    Following the support they’ve received from the charity, the family wanted to give something back to help others living with a muscle-wasting and weakening condition. The 38-year-old reflected on Max’s diagnosis saying: “After speaking with Max’s school he had an assessment by an occupational therapist and was referred to the community paediatrician, who suspected muscular dystrophy. We thought Max was just being clumsy and we were shocked he had a life-limiting condition. Hearing those words felt like the ground disappearing beneath our feet.“Nothing could prepare us for how quickly everything escalated from that point: blood tests, consultants and suddenly a whirlwind, we never asked to be part of. Through it all, the kindness of the professionals around us has made a huge difference. “Max has been an absolute superstar, since his diagnosis. Despite what he’s going through, he always has a smile on his face. His sheer determination to not allow the condition to hinder him is admirable.”

    After successfully completing the challenge Rich said: “Taking on the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge for Muscular Dystrophy UK, was completely out of our comfort zone. Max faces a daily battle each day and shows us what true strength looks like. Every step we took, was for Max and everyone else living with a muscle wasting condition.”A local football team, Wyrley Juniors U12 JPL, will be climbing Mount Snowdon, on Saturday, June 13, to help raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity and the club.Marcus Bagley, manager of the Wyrley Juniors U12 JPL football team, said: “We’re taking on our biggest challenge yet. Together with our families, we’ll be climbing to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales, to raise vital funds for our football team and two causes that mean the world to us.“Max is a football‑loving nine‑year‑old who was recently diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This life‑limiting condition weakens the muscles over time, and currently there is no cure. “We want to stand with Max and his family by raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK, who support research, care, and creates hope for children like him. Max is part of our extended football family, and this climb is for him. This isn’t just a climb — it’s a show of strength, teamwork, and community spirit. Together, we can reach the summit — and help others rise with us. Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference.”

    To read more about the family’s story and donate, visit: musculardystrophyuk.org/RichCliftTo support Wyrley Junior FC’s climb, visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wyrleyjuniors-under12sFor more information about Muscular Dystrophy UK visit musculardystrophyuk.org or call our free helpline on 0800 652 6352 (open Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm).