A farmer said he hoped to be crowned the fittest in Britain at an annual competition.David Wheatley, an arable farmer from Wisbech St Mary in Cambridgeshire, was inspired to enter this year’s Britain’s Fittest Farmer after watching the 2025 contest.He said he did not come from a fitness background, but started running after a fire at his farm in 2019 affected his mental health.He will be competing in the qualifying rounds of the competition at Lincolnshire Showground on 17 June.
Author: admin
Cambridgeshire man hopes to be crowned Britain’s fittest farmer
UK metals company in business for 47 years crashes into administration
The industrial metal finishing company has been operating since 1979.A Staffordshire-based metal finishing firm that has served British industry for over four decades has collapsed into administration.Pym & Wildsmith (Metal Finishers) Limited, which dates back to 1979 and is based at Bramshall Industrial Estate near Uttoxeter, appointed administrators on June 3, according to a notice published in the London Gazette.
The firm, which specialises in metal treatment and coating, appointed Mark Blackman and James Saunders of KR8 Advisory as joint administrators.
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Pym & Wildsmith has established itself as one of the Midlands’ foremost industrial finishing businesses, offering services including e-coating, powder coating, paint spraying, shot blasting, and pre-treatment. The company has provided services to clients across numerous sectors, including automotive, construction and engineering, defence, energy, rail, architecture, transport and water.
Having been in operation for 47 years, the industrial metal finishing company was originally founded in 1979 by Stephen Pym and Tony Wildsmith.The business transitioned from family ownership to 100% employee ownership in 2022, reports the Express.
On its website, the company describes itself as “one of the Midlands’ leading specialist industrial finishing companies”, supplying “high-quality services to a range of blue-chip customers”.
They added: “Pym & Wildsmith has over 45 years’ experience in the provision of high quality industrial finishes to UK industry. Our work can be seen in a variety of contexts, from heavy earth moving equipment to highly specialised small batches.
“We are based at our headquarters in Bramshall, Staffordshire. Therefore, we have access to the UK’s major motorway networks and road system. Our extensive office and manufacturing facilities include an EPD facility, box ovens, spray booths and pickling tanks,as well as a technical department.
“Over the past 5 years a programme of investment in processes, equipment and technology, has resulted in new products and services, as well as a growth in sales and customers.”The firm has garnered numerous positive reviews on Google.
One states: “The BEST experience with any finisher. Fantastic customer service. Responsive, organised, never have to chase for an answer and they do what they say they will do. They could not have been better.”
Another added: “Longstanding and successful company. Very professional and quality service.”
14,000 jobs. £780 million. New report reveals Liverpool’s music industry is bigger than anyone realised
Music flows through our veins in Liverpool City Region and today it’s been unveiled that the impact of the industry is much bigger than anyone realised, with a clear trajectory to become a £1 billion sector by 2035.
A new report has revealed that the region’s music industry contributes £780 million annually to the economy and supports more than 14,000 jobs. And if the report is anything to go by, it’s on track to be bringing in £1 billion within ten years.
Jay Hynd spoke with Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region to find out just how big this news is, and how he plans to grow the industry even further.The Liverpool City Region Music Economy: Toward a £1 Billion Sector provides the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of the region’s music industry. It reveals a sector that is significantly larger, more productive and more globally competitive than previously understood.
Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through its music industry development pilot, the report was commissioned by Liverpool City Council and builds on five years of sector development by the Liverpool City Region Music Board. Its findings were delivered by partners at the University of Liverpool, a key academic and research partner on the industry development programme.
Drawing on detailed analysis of registered businesses, freelancers and the “portfolio” workforce that defines the modern creative economy, the report shows a music sector that outperforms national datasets — supporting more than 7,200 full-time equivalent roles, generating £406 million in GVA, and delivering a total annual economic impact of £780 million.Beyond the headline figures, the research highlights a distinctive and highly specialised industrial cluster, with strengths in live performance, technical production and music rights. This ecosystem is anchored by globally recognised organisations, including Sentric Music, Adlib Audio, Ditto Music and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, alongside a dense network of venues, studios and micro-businesses.
Together, they position Liverpool City Region as one of the UK’s most important music economies outside London.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:“Music runs through this city region like a heartbeat — it always has. But this research shows it’s also a sophisticated, export-driven industry creating good jobs and powering growth right here, right now.
“The pathway to a £1 billion music economy is within reach, and this report sets out how we get there. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and we’re committed to backing this world-class sector for the long term.”
The grand piano in a recording areas at SoundhouseJon Collins, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Music Board and CEO of LIVE, said:
“Liverpool is rightly celebrated for its musical heritage and vibrant present, but for too long we’ve lacked the robust data to fully demonstrate the scale of the opportunity. This report changes that.
“Over the past five years, we’ve seen how targeted support can strengthen the sector’s foundations. There is significant headroom for growth, and with continued investment and coordinated action, we can unlock even greater economic and cultural impact.”The findings confirm Liverpool City Region as a nationally significant music powerhouse, with:
Publishing and licensing employment nearly seven times the UK average
A thriving live music ecosystem of 500+ venues
A highly skilled freelance and technical workforce driving innovation and exports
The report also identifies clear opportunities to:
Strengthen artist value capture
Expand music business and management services
Accelerate music-tech and innovation activityAddressing these areas will help retain more value within the region and support long-term sector growth.
Reaching the £1 billion milestone would require annual growth of just 2.5% — below historic UK creative industries growth rates — making the ambition both credible and achievable.
The report provides a robust evidence base for future investment, planning and national policy engagement — reinforcing the case for music as a key driver of inclusive economic growth.
The full report can be downloaded here.Get the latest music news for Liverpool City Region HERE.
Ryston’s Mills chasing a unique county treble
Tiff Mills expects the Norfolk Ladies golf team to be very competitive this week when they will try to clinch the East region title for a third straight year.The side triumphed in the annual ‘County Match Days’ at Felixstowe Ferry in 2024 and repeated the feat in Bedfordshire 12 months ago.Mills, who secured the winning point last time, will captain Norfolk in the flagship championship, which takes place from June 12-14 at St Ives Golf Club in Cambridgeshire.Norfolk golf captain Tiffany Mills, who plays for Ryston Park. Picture: Rushmer PRThe Ryston Park golfers’ nine-strong side begins its three-peat attempt on Friday morning, lining up against Essex. Norfolk will go on to face Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Bedfordshire and Cambs & Hunts.Each match comprises two foursomes and three singles ties. And the winner of the round robin tournament will earn the right to tee up in late July in the English Women’s County Finals at Betchworth Park, Surrey.Mills, 35, joked: “I think we’re always going to have a target on our back being double reigning champions – everyone will be out to get us!“But we have strong singles players and it’s just getting those foursomes right. “Foursomes is tricky because it’s not something we practise throughout the year. But we’re lucky we’ve got some players from the same club that have played together before. “We’ve got a slightly different team to previous years. We’ve got a couple of rookies – Anita Booth and Ruby Reeve.“Anita played for the County 2s last year and she’s got a very steady game and a match play head, so I think she’ll make a good partner.“Ruby’s really determined and very committed to the county – and that’s what you want as part of your team. “We’ve also got Laura Todd, a player who came from Cambridgeshire and is now playing for us.”Mills is pleased to have talented Chloe Tarbard returning to the side. Also in the line-up is fellow teenager Amelie Marling, another fine young player to have come through Norfolk’s junior girls programme. Last year’s Norfolk Ladies county champion Harriet Allsebrook, former county captain Jo Herd and Ruby Patterson complete the team.For Mills, it will be the 20th significant tournament in which she has represented her home county. The career greenkeeper first played County Match Days in 2011 and, on five occasions, has been part of a winning team that’s progressed to the national finals.Captaincy brings fresh challenges but Mills is happy to embrace them as part of her journey within the Norfolk Ladies set-up.The 2024 women’s county champion said: “I did have to think hard about it because I still play golf quite competitively and to have the responsibility of everyone else is quite daunting. But obviously, I’ve been part of county golf for a long time and am giving something back.”Mills pinpoints team spirit as a key strength to Norfolk Ladies golf. And the team’s togetherness, alongside it’s undoubted ability, has led to a welcome association with insurance company Adrian Flux. Mills added: “We are grateful for the ongoing support from Adrian Flux, whose generosity has helped give us more opportunities. And, thanks to them, we are delighted to have some additional kit to wear this week.”*Scores from each match will be available to view via www.norfolkladiesgolf.co.ukNorfolk team: Tiff Mills (Ryston Park), Harriet Allsebrook (Hunstanton), Anita Booth (Royal Cromer), Jo Herd (Royal Norwich) Amelie Marling (Barnham Broom), Ruby Patterson (Royal Cromer), Ruby Reeve (Thetford), Chloe Tarbard (Royal Norwich) Laura Todd (Thetford). Non-travelling reserve: Tracey Williamson (Sheringham).Picture caption (credit Rushmer PR): Tiff Mills leads Norfolk Ladies in their bid to land a third successive East region crown
Police investigate reports of gunshots in Newbold Verdon
Detectives are investigating reports of gunshots in a village in Leicestershire. Armed officers were deployed in the interest of “public and police safety” to Brascote Lane, Newbold Verdon, shortly before 22:40 BST on Tuesday, Leicestershire Police said.On arrival, they found that damage “consistent with a firearm having been discharged” had been caused to a house and a car. No-one was injured in the incident, the force added. A police cordon remains in place while forensic officers investigate the scene.The force said it did not believe the incident was connected to a separate investigation after gunshots were heard at a property in Cort Crescent, Braunstone, on 3 June. A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life in connection with the earlier incident. He remains in custody. Det Insp Louise Rooke said: “I appreciate incidents of this nature may cause some concern, but I would like to reassure the local community that detectives are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding these incidents. “Local officers have been briefed and are providing reassurance patrols. They are approachable and will discuss any concerns you may have.”
New hand on deck – Cambridge News
Deb Hann
This week I’d like to introduce the new Cambridge Station Support Officer, Lauren Fletcher.
Deb Hann
Lauren joins us from outside police and brings experience from roles centred on caring for and supporting people. A lifelong Cambridge local, she is married with four children. One of her favourite things to do is to head to Mount Maunganui to walk and relax, with a nice dinner out afterwards. As her husband is a high-ranking speedway saloon driver, family summers feature travel to race meetings around the North Island. We welcome Lauren to the team.
Fieldays is now underway at Mystery Creek, bringing an influx of visitors and traffic into Waipā. With winter conditions setting in, please take extra care on the roads. Drive to the conditions, stay alert to what’s happening around you, be patient and prepared for delays. Allow extra travel time. Even without these traffic pressures, over the seven days to Monday this week Cambridge police had attended seven traffic crashes, while Te Awamutu staff dealt with four.
There were some good local traffic catches in the last week. Last Friday, Police received reports of a vehicle driving dangerously as it travelled from Tauranga though to Cambridge. It was stopped on Tīrau Rd, where breath alcohol testing of the driver returned a result over four times the legal limit. Te Awamutu Strategic Traffic staff also stopped a second impaired driver in a rural area, who again returned a high reading four times the legal limit. Making a hat trick, another vehicle was observed travelling at speed on a rural road in wet conditions. The driver’s increasing speed then caused him to lose control, and he now faces driving charges in court.
E-bikes vs E-dirt bike
Finally, police nationwide are seeing increasing numbers of young people illegally riding high-powered e-dirt bikes.
An e-bike is bicycle with a motor that helps you pedal and riders are not required to hold a licence.
It is not a legal e-bike if it has a power output of more than 300W or can move without pedalling. (limited throttle only start for stability prior to pedalling is permitted). In that case, the rider must hold some form of driving licence.
Electric and petrol dirt bikes and “choppers” without pedals (which are a moped or motorcycle) and pedal assisted mopeds are not classified as e-bikes.
Similarly , if the speed capacity is 50kph or less it’s a moped – over 50kph and it’s a motorbike.
Before purchasing, parents and caregivers should understand the legal requirements and also that many devices being sold today cannot be used in public places such as roads and footpaths. Further information may be found on the NZTA website.
Boy missing at Royal Stoke as police scrambled
Police were called inStaffordshire Police outside Royal Stoke University HospitalPolice were scrambled to Stoke-on-Trent’s main hospital after a boy disappeared. The alarm was raised at the Royal Stoke University Hospital late on Saturday 6 June.It followed a large police presence outside A&E earlier in the day. That police activity was attributed to police monitoring a number of prisoners in the accident unit.The teenage boy had been reported missing at 11.20pm.A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “We received a report that a teenage boy had gone missing from Royal Stoke University Hospital. Officers attended the scene and thoroughly searched the area. The teenage boy was found a short time later.”Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free
Liverpool open talks with Manchester City attacking midfielder ‘expected to leave’ this month
Manchester City are facing a last-ditch scramble to try and secure the longer-term services of primary Academy talent Xavier Parker amid Liverpool interest.While senior figures have spent time tackling first-team market objectives – such as fending off rival interest from Manchester United for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson – retaining their finest teenage talent remains a core objective.Xavier Parker’s development has made him a prized target across youth circles, notably maintaining a goal or assist every 73.9 minutes for City in the Under-18 Premier League last season.However, with his terms rapidly ticking down toward an expiration on June 30, the power dynamic has dramatically shifted toward the player’s camp with Liverpool looking to execute a major youth coup before City have opportunity to persuade otherwise.Now, according to the information of The Secret Scout, Liverpool have started contractual negotiations with the representatives of highly-rated Manchester City attacking midfielder Xavier Parker, with both parties wanting the move and the player being an Anfield fan.The 16-year-old talent is reportedly expected to leave the City Football Academy for Merseyside at the end of June when his contract expires amid ongoing interest from other clubs. As for City, they are said to have already targeted ‘top talent’ replacements.However, according to follow-up reporting from Fabrizio Romano, City officials are ‘actively working hard’ to reach an agreement with Parker’s camp over new deal, with no firm decision made on the teenager’s future.Rather than panicking over a potential exit, the youth recruitment team at the Etihad Stadium has already run scouting operations on alternative prospects, ensuring the academy’s production line of talent across positions remains steady.If Manchester City can successfully persuade the midfielder to snub his boyhood club in favour of a long-term progression path in East Manchester, it will mark a significant statement of intent and highlight the club’s standing in English football’s academy system.
Universal Resort transport investment set at £1.3bn
Author:
Batrak Oleksandr
— Editor-in-Chief at Railway Supply
10.06.2026
Universal Resort transport investment will support a £1.3 billion transport and local infrastructure package linked to the planned Universal United Kingdom Resort in Bedfordshire.
The new Universal resort in Bedfordshire is expected to boost the entire UK economy© NBC Universal
The £1.3 billion package is intended to prepare the area for the resort’s expected opening-year demand, with visitor numbers forecast to reach 8.5 million in the first year.
The programme is designed to improve access for both local communities and visitors, while also supporting wider economic activity in Bedfordshire and along the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor.
Transport works form the largest part of the investment
Within the programme, transport works will form the largest part of the investment. The Department for Transport is expected to provide £474 million for road and rail improvements, including a new station at Wixams on the Midland Main Line and upgrades to local highway infrastructure serving the resort site.
The planned measures are intended to strengthen links between the development, London, nearby towns and international access points, including London Luton Airport.
Universal United Kingdom Resort planned near Bedford
The announcement follows earlier Government backing for the project and reflects the demand expected at the resort. Universal has described the development as one of the largest entertainment projects ever undertaken in Europe, while Government projections indicate that it could become the UK’s most visited tourist attraction.
The resort is planned for the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site near Bedford. The development is expected to create around 20,000 construction jobs, followed by a further 8,000 permanent roles once operations begin.
According to estimates from the Government and the local authority, the project could add up to £50 billion to the UK economy by 2055.Mexico striker Jimenez clinches sensational Wolves return ahead of World Cup – SoccerNews
Mexico striker Raul Jimenez has finalised his return to Wolves on a free transfer, ahead of spearheading El Tri’s home World Cup campaign.
Jimenez previously represented Wolves from 2018 to 2023, becoming their all-time leading Premier League goalscorer by netting 40 times in 135 league appearances.
He helped them finish seventh in back-to-back campaigns, scoring 13 Premier League goals in 2018-19 and 17 in 2019-20, before suffering a fractured skull during a game against Arsenal in November 2020.
He returned from that injury to spend two more seasons at Molineux before joining Fulham, scoring 28 Premier League goals in three campaigns at Craven Cottage.
The 35-year-old will now look to help Wolves win promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt, after their dismal 2025-26 campaign resulted in relegation to the Championship.
Jimenez has signed a two-year contract with the option to extend his stay for a further 12 months, with head coach Rob Edwards expecting the striker to have a major impact.
“He was involved in the club’s greatest time for a number of years, and he was a big part of that,” Edwards told Wolves’ website.
“I know what he means to the football club and to the supporters, but this is not a signing we’ve made just because it’s an emotional one.
“This is a signing we’ve made because we really believe that he’s the right man to be able to help us achieve our aims, so we’re delighted to have him.”From Wolverhampton to Mexico City, he never left our hearts.
Welcome home. pic.twitter.com/rO0dfmVRTv
— Wolves (@Wolves) June 9, 2026
Jimenez is Wolves’ second signing of the summer, with Kieran Trippier also arriving on a free transfer after leaving Newcastle United.
Jimenez is currently preparing for Mexico’s World Cup opener against South Africa on Thursday, with El Tri serving as tournament hosts for a record-breaking third time.
Mexico are unbeaten in their last seven World Cup openers, with five wins and two draws. Their last defeat in an opening match came in 1994, when they lost 1-0 to Norway.
