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A pilot involved in the near-crash was praised for their ‘proactive airmanship’

Three aircraft nearly collided over Cambridgeshire skies last year, a report has revealed. Airprox has carried out a report into the incident which happened over the south of Cambridge Airport on September 5, 2025.

On this day, the pilot of an Antare, a type of glider, was flying north of Cambridge. As it was going on its route, the pilot said they “preferred not to route through Cambridge”, as “incoming traffic was intended to route through the overhead”.

Instead, the pilot decided to fly on the southern edge of the Cambridge zone until they could go directly to their destination. While flying straight and level, there was a “late sighting of two low-wing single-engine aircraft in close formation” around 250m to the right of the aircraft, and around 250ft below it.

The pilot described the risk of collision as “medium”. The YAK-18T pilot was leading the two planes seen by the Antares pilot.

The pilot said that during descent, the lead pilot and wingman “both saw a glider to the right and above”. The report stated that the lead pilot was “happy that the rate of descent and forward speed provided sufficient clearance to the orbiting glider”.

After seeing a glider orbiting in the area, the lead pilot admitted it was “somewhat of a surprise”, and assessed the risk of crash as “none”. In its report, Airprox raised concerns over how close together the aircrafts were.

It said: “Despite the significant vertical separation, the lack of barrier effectiveness had resulted in a situation where safety had not been assured.” The Antares pilot was praised for their “proactive use” of an SSR responder and their “establishing a FIS whilst transiting in the vicinity of Cambridge Airport”.

Airprox added that the pilot’s actions stood as a “template of consideration and proactive airmanship for the gliding community”.

Weather maps predict temperatures will surge to 26C across parts of the UK at the start of May, with 74 counties including Cambridgeshire expected to see highs of 20C or above

Weather forecasting maps indicate that temperatures could climb to as high as 26C in certain parts of the UK in the coming days.

The data reveals that up to 74 counties across England, Scotland and Wales are set to experience temperatures of 20C or above at the beginning of May. Northern Ireland is forecast to reach a slightly lower peak of 19C.

According to the GFS weather model, the temperature rise will begin on 4 May, with 21C and 22C expected across much of southern and central England. North Wales could also enjoy highs of 21C at around 6pm.

The mercury is forecast to continue climbing throughout the week, reaching 24C in the south-east on 5 May, with London benefiting most from the warmth. Parts of Scotland could touch 20C at 6pm, while Wales may see highs of 23C.

The GFS model data suggests 6 May will be the hottest day, with temperatures of up to 26C in and around London. The Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia could all record highs of between 24C and 25C, though Northern Ireland and Scotland are expected to remain considerably cooler, reports the Mirror.

Across this three-day period, the maps indicate that 74 counties or county boroughs could reach 20C or above, with the south-east of England experiencing the most intense heat.

UK regions facing 20C or above in May

England

• Bedfordshire
• Berkshire
• Bristol
• Buckinghamshire
• Cambridgeshire
• Cheshire
• City of London
• Cornwall
• County Durham
• Cumbria
• Derbyshire
• Devon
• Dorset
• East Riding of Yorkshire
• East Sussex
• Essex
• Gloucestershire
• Greater London
• Greater Manchester
• Hampshire
• Herefordshire
• Hertfordshire
• Isle of Wight
• Kent
• Lancashire
• Leicestershire
• Lincolnshire
• Merseyside
• Norfolk
• North Yorkshire
• Northamptonshire
• Northumberland
• Nottinghamshire
• Oxfordshire
• Rutland
• Shropshire
• Somerset
• South Yorkshire
• Staffordshire
• Suffolk
• Surrey
• Tyne and Wear
• Warwickshire
• West Midlands
• West Sussex
• West Yorkshire
• Wiltshire
• Worcestershire

Wales

• Gwynedd
• Conwy
• Denbighshire
• Flintshire
• Wrexham
• Powys
• Ceredigion
• Pembrokeshire
• Carmarthenshire
• Swansea
• Neath Port Talbot
• Bridgend
• Vale of Glamorgan
• Cardiff
• Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Merthyr Tydfil
• Caerphilly
• Blaenau Gwent
• Torfaen
• Monmouthshire
• Newport

Scotland

• Roxburghshire
• Kirkcudbrightshire
• Morayshire
• Banffshire

Despite the scorching conditions, this hot period at the beginning of May is unlikely to be classified as an official heatwave. A heatwave is formally declared when temperatures meet or surpass the heatwave threshold for three days running.

The heatwave threshold ranges from 25C to 28C throughout the UK. It sits at 28C in the south-east of England where conditions tend to be hotter, and falls to 25C the further north you travel.

Millions could be missing out on an average of £3,000 a year in unclaimed DWP benefits — here’s how to check what you may be entitled to

Thousands of pounds in DWP support is at risk of going unclaimed by those who are entitled to it. Benefits specialists have outlined how eligible individuals can access the funds they are owed.

The team at financial support organisation Money Wellness has urged people to check which benefits they may be missing out on. The group estimates that people forgo an average of £3,000 a year in support, equivalent to £250 a month.

Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at Money Wellness, said people frequently fail to apply for what they are entitled to, even when they are aware the support exists. She said: “It’s not just awareness. There are other barriers too.

“Stigma is still a big one. A lot of people feel uncomfortable about claiming benefits, especially if they’ve worked all their lives.”

For instance, those of state pension age on a low income may be eligible to claim Pension Credit. Even if you have always been financially self-sufficient throughout your working life and plan to remain so in retirement, this benefit could make a considerable difference. The average claim is worth over £4,000 a year in support, boosting your weekly income while also unlocking access to additional assistance, reports the Express.

The benefit tops up your income to £238 a week for single claimants and up to £363.25 a week for couples. Additional amounts may be available depending on your personal circumstances, such as having a severe disability or caring for another adult.

Time-consuming process

Ms Lamb cautioned that another risk is people being deterred by the lengthy application procedure. She said: “The process can also put people off. It can feel complicated, it’s definitely time-consuming, and it can be quite overwhelming if you’re already struggling.

“There’s also fear of being rejected, which stops people even trying. And sometimes it’s just life. People are busy, they’re dealing with bills, work, family pressures, and applying for support gets pushed to the bottom of the list.”

A real opportunity

She urged greater efforts to boost awareness. The advocate said: “There’s a real opportunity for more organisations to be more proactive. At the moment, too much relies on people knowing when to check, and in reality, most people don’t.

“If the DWP or local authorities could prompt people when something changes – even just a simple message saying ‘you may want to check what you’re now entitled to’ – that could make a real difference.”

She suggested that service providers including banks and utility companies could also contribute, by directing people towards support if they are defaulting on payments or dipping into their overdraft.

Ms Lamb said: “They’re often in a position to see the early signs first, with things like overdrafts creeping up or missed payments. That’s usually the point where a bit of signposting to benefits checks or debt advice could really help people before things get worse.”

To determine what benefits you may be eligible for, a number of online tools are available, including the Better Off Calculator.

Four people have been arrested after a car crash on a Cambridgeshire road. Cambridgeshire Police were called to reports of suspicious activity on Cromwell Road, Wisbech, at around 10.50pm on Sunday (April 19).

When officers arrived, they found a car crashed on Lerowe Road, Walsoken. No one was injured. Officers arrested four people on suspicion of several offences. These were:

• An 18-year-old man from Wisbech has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, possession of a Class A drug, possession of a Class B/C drug, possession of an offensive weapon, fail to stop and escape from lawful custody;

• An 18-year-old man from Wisbech has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class B/C drug;

• A 17-year-old boy from Leverington has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a Class B/C drug;

• An 18-year-old man from Whittlesey has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop, possession of an offensive weapon, and dangerous driving.

The three men and one boy are currently in custody at King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre.

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