Olly Murs has completed the penultimate day of his “brutal” endurance challenge to raise money for charity.The singer-songwriter and TV personality is running, cycling and rowing 249 miles (400km) between Manchester and London to raise money for children’s charity Unicef.On Thursday, which was Murs’ 42nd birthday, he travelled from Nether Heyford, Northamptonshire, to St Albans, Hertfordshire.The presenter, from Witham in Essex, said: “It’s been brutal today. My quad is so sore… I can’t believe this is how I’m celebrating my 42nd birthday – something I’ll never forget!”
Blog
Olly Murs completes ‘brutal’ fourth day of Soccer Aid challenge
Newcastle United vs West Ham United: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head
Newcastle lost this exact fixture 2-0 last season but haven’t lost consecutive home league games against West Ham since February/October 1998.West Ham are looking to complete just their third Premier League double over Newcastle, after 1998-99 and 2018-19.Newcastle have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 Premier League games, a 1-0 win at Chelsea back in March.Newcastle have dropped more points from winning positions than any other side in the Premier League this season (27), while also gaining fewer points from behind than anyone else (3).West Ham have lost 3-0 against Brentford and 1-0 against Arsenal in their last two Premier League games. They last lost three in a row without scoring in February 2024.Newcastle have conceded a league-high 20 goals in the final 15 minutes of Premier League games this season. The only side to concede more and not be relegated in a single campaign are Crystal Palace in 2023-24 (23).West Ham have failed to score in each of their last three away league games. They last went four without a goal in April/May 2015, the fourth game of which was at Newcastle in their final away game of the season.Callum Wilson scored twice for West Ham against Bournemouth in November earlier this season. Only two players have scored 2+ goals in a match against two different former sides in a Premier League campaign – Chris Wood in 2023-24 (vs Burnley and Newcastle) and Nicolas Anelka in 2006-07 (vs Arsenal and Man City).West Ham’s Tomás Soucek has scored more Premier League goals against Newcastle than he has vs any other opponent (5). He’s one goal or assist away from being only the second Czech player to register 50 goal involvements in the Premier League (41 goals, 8 assists) after Patrik Berger (38 goals, 31 assists).Harvey Barnes has been involved in 21 goals in all competitions for Newcastle this season (16 goals, 5 assists), second only to Anthony Gordon. It’s his most goals scored in a season in his career in English football, while only in 2021-22 with Leicester has he been involved in more (24 – 11 goals, 13 assists).
Windrush Tea Party Returns to Celebrate Caribbean Culture, Community and Legacy – Love Business East Midlands
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 15 May 2026
Leicester’s Museum Square will once again be transformed into a vibrant hub of Caribbean joy as the Windrush Tea Party returns for another amazing celebration on Saturday 20th June.
Organised by Opal22, the event takes place from 12pm to 8pm at Museum Square, New Walk, Leicester, and invites families, friends, and communities of all backgrounds to come together for an unforgettable day honouring the legacy of the Windrush Generation. With entrance operating on a ‘pay-what-you-can-afford’ basis to help keep the celebration accessible to all, the event offers opportunities to celebrate the stories, traditions, and contributions that continue to shape Britain today.
Windrush Day marks an important opportunity to celebrate and recognise the Caribbean migrants who answered Britain’s call after World War II and helped rebuild the country. From the NHS and transport services to education and public services, the Windrush Generation became the backbone of modern Britain. Despite facing racism, discrimination, and difficult working conditions, they brought resilience, culture, music, food, and a strong sense of community that continues to shape Britain today.
The Windrush Tea Party is our way of saying thank you, by sharing stories, celebrating Caribbean heritage, and honouring the generations whose contributions deserve to be remembered and celebrated.
Visitors can look forward to a full day of festive delights, including live performances from celebrated artists and emerging talent, uplifting steel pan music, and Caribbean food stalls serving mouthwatering flavours from across the islands. The event will also feature cultural market stalls offering handmade goods, artwork, and keepsakes, alongside a dedicated Kids’ Activity Corner packed with games, crafts, and family-friendly fun. Guests can enjoy friendly competition and community spirit at the Dominoes Corner, relax and dance in the heart of the celebration, or indulge in the Caribbean High Tea Experience — a luxurious Caribbean-inspired twist on a classic British tradition.
Headlining This Year’s Celebration:
This year’s event will be hosted by comedian Annette Fagon, bringing laughter, energy, and plenty of entertainment throughout the day.
Headlining the event will be special guest appearances from beloved Gogglebox stars Sandi and Sandra, whose presence adds major excitement and star power to this year’s celebration.
They will be joined by incredible live performances from:
Contrast Steel Band
Attraction B
Angela’s Angels
Sam HarrisPlus many more special musical guests and performers bringing the sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean to Leicester city centre.
Caribbean High Tea
For those looking to indulge, a Caribbean-Infused High Tea is available for pre-order and offers the perfect way to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
For just £35 per person, guests will have access to a sheltered seating area within the square while enjoying a carefully curated High Tea experience with a Caribbean twist. With your own space to rest and refresh while still enjoying full access to the event, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the atmosphere around you.
As part of our long-standing tradition, we are offering a reduced High Tea to our invited Windrush elders as a heartfelt thank-you for their contributions and sacrifices.
Pre-booking is required for all High Tea guests, including elders. Visit https://opal22.co.uk/ to reserve your place .
PAY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD AND SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY
This year, entrance to the Windrush Tea Party will operate on a pay-what-you-can afford basis, helping to support the future growth and sustainability of this much-loved community celebration while ensuring the event remains accessible to all. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps Opal22 continue delivering a vibrant day of culture, entertainment, education, and community connection, while supporting event production, performers, community engagement, and the preservation of this important annual tradition.
By contributing what they can, attendees play a valuable part in ensuring the Windrush Tea Party can continue celebrating Caribbean heritage and honouring the Windrush Generation for many years to come.
Come celebrate the Windrush Generation, Caribbean culture, and the power of community. Let’s make this Windrush Tea Party one to remember!
For more information about the Windrush Tea Party and other initiatives by Opal22, visit www.opal22.co.uk
Event Details:
Date: Saturday June 20th, 2026Time: 12pm – 8pmLocation: Museum Square, New Walk, LeicesterEntry: Pay What You Can AffordHigh Tea Experience: £35 per person (advance booking required)
< Back
Developer accused of ‘mockery’ after rolling back pledge to fund local services
The developer said it was no longer possible to deliver the promised nine affordable homes and £50,000 towards local servicesFenland District Council offices in March, Cambridgeshire(Image: LDRS/CambridgeshireLive)Councillors have accused a developer of “making a mockery” of the planning committee after rolling back a pledge to put money towards services. Plans to build 36 homes in March were approved in 2023 on the condition that nine be affordable and a £50,000 contribution to local services.The money was to be put towards libraries, education, and healthcare. But Fenland District Council’s planning committee was presented with an application from developer Cannon Kirk to remove these conditions on Wednesday (May 13).The planning officer’s report said an independent viability review had shown that it was no longer possible for the scheme to deliver these conditions. They said that if “market conditions change” they could reassess this in the future.Officers said these changes would cause a “clear shortfall in affordable housing” but found the benefits still outweighed any harm and recommended they be approved.Another application from Fenland Future Ltd, the council’s social housing arm, had been approved earlier in the meeting for land east of The Elms in Chatteris.John Mason, the agent, told councillors the 54 homes would provide “much-needed local housing” and “additional revenue” for the council – but proposed affordable homes had been removed from the earlier application.Cllr Jan French called the change “disappointing”, adding that it “seems to be common practice with agents and developers at this time”. An off-site contribution of £67,000 was agreed for improvements to Wenny Recreation Ground and the plan was approved unanimously.Cannon Kirk, the developer behind the March proposal, was slammed by councillors for going back on their contributions. Cllr David Connor, chair of the committee, said: “36 houses, no infrastructure at all, no affordable houses – they’re taking not only the kitchen sink, they’re taking the rug away from us as well. My goodness me.“We can’t get any doctors, I know a friend of mine can’t and she’s been trying to get in the doctors now for two or three weeks – they’re all full. It’s only going to increase the pressure on local services and they can’t even give us £50,000 for doctors, schools or the library either. They’ve taken the whole lot away – this cannot be right.”Cllr Charlie Marks agreed, expressing frustration that the council was unable to do anything other than accept the plans. He said: “Things arrive here and it all glitters – it’s all gold, all sparkly and wonderful, and then they start coming back like this.“It’s not right, but unfortunately having spoken to legal there’s very little we can do about it. I think what speaks more volumes is the agent can’t even be bothered to turn up – to come to this planning committee to explain their reasoning why.”He hit back at their suggestion that if the market changes they may be able to contribute, and said, “we know we’re not going to see any more money from this site”.Cllr Marks said: “They’re just making a mockery of us as a planning committee, and the planners themselves. I think it’s very, very, unjust and I really think they ought to have a look at their conscience.”Cllr French said: “To say we’re disappointed is an understatement – I really do feel that our legs have been lifted this time.” She said removing the condition will “set a very dangerous precedent” and the developer could return to remove conditions from their other approved schemes.Cllr Connor said: “This is what we’re up against as a planning committee – people say, ‘we can’t get doctors, we can’t get this’. This is a typical application that we have had in the past many times and we’re going to see, certainly, a lot more times – just to sum it all up, we’re getting nothing.“If we, as a committee, turn this down – it would certainly go to appeal, and we would lose the appeal almost certainly. Then maybe there would be some costs awarded, which is obviously taxpayers’ money.”Councillors “very reluctantly” moved to approve the application and it passed unanimously.
Detectives probing motive for stabbing as they hunt for ‘Eastern European man’
Ch Insp Saqib Butt said Staffordshire Police is carrying out ‘reassurance patrols’ in the area after a man in his 60s was stabbed16:34, 15 May 2026Updated 16:35, 15 May 2026Chief inspector Saqib ButtA police chief inspector has sought to reassure members of the public after a man was stabbed in Stafford.The victim, aged in his 60s, was attacked while walking through Stafford Castle golf course, near Newport Road, at 7pm yesterday on Thursday, May 14.He remains in a critical but stable condition today, Staffordshire Police said.READ MORE: Stafford manhunt live after stabbing leaves man in critical conditionGet breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to joinA large police presence remains in place at the scene today, May 15, while officers hunt the attacker.A blue forensic tent was in place while the scene was taped off, and officers in high-vis uniforms patrolled.Chief Inspector Saqib Butt on stabbing at golf club in StaffordThe attacker is described as being a man in his mid-to-late 20s, potentially of Eastern European heritage, of average build, and wearing dark clothing.Asked by BirminghamLive if there was any indication of the cause of the attack, Chief Inspector Butt, who is the Stafford Borough local policing team commander, said: “At the minute, all I’d say to the public is that the enquiries are ongoing.”Our detectives are working really hard and at pace, as are some of our officers.”So don’t be alarmed to see them in the area; we are giving you our reassurance patrols, and all I’ll say is that inquiries are continuing.”Staffordshire Police at the scene of Stafford Castle golf courseCh Insp continued: “We understand this incident will cause concern within the local community.”I want to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to identify and apprehend the person responsible.”Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who was “in the area around Redgrave Drive towards Stafford Castle shortly before the assault and who may have seen anything suspicious,” said Ch Insp Butt.He added: “If you live nearby or were passing through and have CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage, please take the time to review it and get in touch if you have anything that could assist our investigation.”I would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information.”Your support is invaluable and we are continuing our inquiries today.Staffordshire Police at the scene of Stafford Castle golf course”A dedicated online portal has been set up to make it as easy as possible for people to share information with us.”Alternatively, you can contact us directly, or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal want Mateus Fernandes as Man United monitor Neco Williams
May 15th©IMAGO
The summer transfer window is approaching quickly on the horizon and clubs are already busy working on deals to acquire their top targets. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer storiesArsenal are the latest club to express an interest in Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old has been a standout performer for West Ham this season but he will realistically be available if the Hammers are relegated. Manchester United and PSG have also been linked.
Manchester Untied are monitoring Neco Williams at Nottingham Forest. The Welsh international’s versatility is a major asset and he’s equally comfortable at left or right-back.
Chelsea remain interested in Mike Maignan this summer but failing to qualify for European competition would scupper their hopes of signing the French international. The AC Milan goalkeeper was heavily linked last summer but penned a new contract.
What does Cranfield University merger mean for students and staff?
Cranfield said it had briefed the University and Colleges Union (UCU) on the merger.A spokesperson for UCU said: “Staff and students from both institutions will rightly be concerned about future provision, and the universities now need to provide guarantees that no jobs or courses will be cut.”The BBC also spoke to Frances Miles, regional organiser with union UNISON, shortly after the merger was announced.She said staff were “worried” about what it would mean for them.”Generally, there are risks in any merger that staffing will be cut to save money, and we need reassurance that this isn’t a smokescreen for more cuts and that the jobs are secure,” she added.However, Holford said that staff and unions did not need to be alarmed.”We don’t anticipate job losses – the merger is not predicated on job losses, so people should feel secure in that,” she said.Holford pointed out that the university had previously made a series of staffing cuts.She added: “Cranfield has already been through an exercise where we focused on our core strengths. We cut some courses, and we did have to have some job losses along with that.”We’re hoping to recruit more people, and actually, the five-year plan is for growth in the number of people, not for shrinkage.”
Andy Burnham, Wolverhampton licensing and the road to Number 10
Andy Burnham could end up in Downing Street — and out-of-area licensing should be worried
Andy Burnham’s name is back in the headlines as a serious contender to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, and if the Greater Manchester Mayor does eventually walk into Number 10, one of the longest-running rows in the private hire trade could finally come to a head.
ITV News reported this week that Burnham has quickly become one of the favourites to replace the Prime Minister in the event of a Labour leadership contest. The Mayor has previously signalled he would be willing to challenge Sir Keir, although his path is far from clear — he has no Commons seat, and Labour’s National Executive Committee blocked him from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election earlier in 2026. With Makerfield MP Josh Simons standing down, the route back to Westminster may now be opening up again.
For taxi and private hire drivers, the question of who leads Labour is more than just political theatre. Burnham has been one of the loudest voices in the country on the issue of out-of-area private hire licensing — and, in particular, on the role of Wolverhampton.
In comments reported by Local Government Lawyer following a BBC investigation, Burnham said operators licensed elsewhere “shouldn’t be doing it because they’re giving plates without being able to then monitor the performance,” arguing that Greater Manchester requires newer vehicles and more rigorous checks. The BBC investigation found that around 9,000 of the private hire drivers operating in Greater Manchester were licensed by Wolverhampton — roughly a third of the region’s total.
The numbers behind the row are striking. According to figures reported by the Oldham Chronicle through the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Wolverhampton Council took in £12.3 million in licensing fees over three years, with around a quarter of its drivers actually working in Greater Manchester. Professional Driver Magazine reported that 95.5% of drivers applying for a Wolverhampton licence in one year did not live in the city.
Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester’s ‘In the Hotseat’, Burnham said: “How can you guarantee the safety of people on the streets from there? I think the reason people go there is because they don’t charge as much to licence taxis. The checks they do aren’t as stringent and it is not right.”
Wolverhampton has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The council has stated that existing legislation requires it to grant any application that meets the requirements, and that it cannot refuse an applicant simply because they live in another area. That position is rooted in the 2015 Deregulation Act, which allows private hire drivers licensed anywhere in England and Wales — except London — to operate across the country.
What changes if Burnham reaches Number 10? Greater Manchester previously sought powers to restrict out-of-area operation as part of its Trailblazer devolution negotiations and didn’t get them. A Prime Minister Burnham would no longer need to ask Westminster — he would be Westminster. National minimum standards, stronger powers for metro mayors, or full reform of cross-border hiring would all sit firmly within his gift.
Whether or not he gets that far, his consistent campaigning on this issue has already pushed it up the political agenda. For drivers in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and other cities watching out-of-area plates flood their patch, it’s a fight that’s only getting bigger.
Thanks for visiting DM News! If you’ve got a question, a story tip, or anything you’d like to share, head over to DriverMatty.com — I love to hear from you. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out my other websites and social media channels.
Sources:
Family’s tribute to Tyler Fairman after fatal Arnold Market Place incident | West Bridgford Wire
The devastated family of a man fatally injured by a car in Arnold have shared a deeply moving tribute to him.Tyler Fairman passed away on Tuesday (12 May) night — several days after a vehicle mounted a kerb and struck him.The 26-year-old was one of multiple pedestrians who were injured by the red Vauxhall Astra in Market Place at 1.12 am on Saturday (9 May).Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Tyler was tragically pronounced dead days later, with a murder investigation subsequently being launched by detectives.Tyler’s heartbroken family have now written some words, which we can share today, paying tribute to someone who was “loved by everyone around him.”- Advertisement -They said:“On Tuesday, 12 May 2026, we lost our beautiful boy, Tyler Shea Fairman.“There are no words now, nor will there ever be, to truly describe how broken this has left us all. Our hearts are shattered, and the world has become a much darker place without him in it.“Anyone who knew Tyler knew there was never a bad word to say about him. He was the kind of person who would do anything for anybody. He was always there for everyone and was a devoted partner, a loyal friend, a loving son, and a father figure to so many people around him. If somebody needed support, Tyler would be there in a heartbeat.“From being a little boy, Tyler had the most infectious smile and laugh. He could light up any room he walked into, whether it was through his silly jokes, his kindness, or simply the way he made people feel safe and loved. He always knew how to make people feel better when they were down.“Nothing will ever feel the same again.“Tyler will always live on through his brothers and sisters, his beautiful two-year-old son, his partner, and his soon-to-be-born daughter. He was an incredibly proud family man who worked hard every single day to provide for the family he loved. He had his whole life ahead of him until it was cruelly ripped away in circumstances that are every parent’s worst nightmare.“Tyler truly had a heart of gold, and with his passing, we have all lost a part of ourselves.“He loved football, and one of his biggest dreams was to one day take his little boy to football and stand watching him from the sidelines, just as we proudly did for Tyler when he was young.“The hundreds of messages, tributes, and support we have received from people sharing how Tyler touched their lives in such a positive way have shown us just how deeply he was loved by everyone around him.“The pain we are feeling because of Tyler’s senseless death is unimaginable — a pain no family should ever have to endure and something we still cannot fully comprehend. But through all this heartbreak, we remain so unbelievably proud of the young man he was and everything he achieved in his life.“Tyler will be loved forever, missed beyond words, and remembered every single day for the incredible person he was. We love you always.”Suspect Duane Anthony was arrested on Saturday evening and charged with five counts of attempted murder on Monday (11 May) morning.The 40-year-old was additionally charged with aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, and driving without valid insurance.Anthony, of Marton Road, Bulwell, was remanded into custody on Monday. He is currently next due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 8 June, while a trial date at the same court has been set for 7 October.Detective Inspector Clare Gibson, of Nottinghamshire Police, added:“I’d firstly like to thank Tyler’s family for sharing such a moving tribute, which I imagine must’ve been incredibly difficult to write.“While once again expressing our deepest condolences for their loss, I’d also like to reiterate the family’s previous plea to give them privacy and allow them to grieve in peace.“A murder investigation is now underway following Tyler’s death, so anything relating to this incident should be shared with the police, not online, as doing so could potentially impede the pursuit of justice.“That includes any videos relating to the incident, which should be shared with the police and taken off social media immediately.”Anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information relating to the incident should please call 101, quoting incident 46 of 9 May 2026.
Locals split as Leisure Park changes could cause ‘chaos’ or ‘attract people’
Cambridge Leisure Park is currently up for sale and could be redeveloped by new ownersAr Julius and Kenette Zuluete at Cambridge Leisure Park(Image: CambridgeshireLive)People are divided over plans to potentially redevelop the Cambridge Leisure Park. Some have said that it would cause “chaos” for local businesses while others say it would “inevitably attract people”.Cambridge Leisure Park is up for sale and could be redeveloped with new offices, labs, retail, and leisure opportunities. It currently hosts a hotel, car park, restaurants, cinema, and bowling alley.According to a sales brochure by real estate company JLL, it is the city’s “only multiplex and drive-to leisure destination”. A proposed masterplan shows how the 8.4-acre site could be redeveloped.The brochure explained: “The proposed master plan would comprise of massing ranges from 2 stories to 10 storeys. These buildings would comprise a mixed-use estate for Office, Lab, Retail, F&B, the Junction, Creative Workspace, Leisure, Car Parking and Energy centre.”This includes a “new sustainable home” for the Cambridge Junction, which hosts a variety of events. The repurposing opportunities also suggest that a “big box retail warehouse space” could be explored to draw in shops like M&S, TK Maxx, Next, and Superdrug.CambridgeshireLive went to the leisure park to speak with locals about their thoughts on the potential plans. Ishwar Bankar, 28, who works at Pizza 1889, said: “We have offices here but adding more offices, I think it will affect the hospitality.”Pizza 1889 in Cambridge(Image: CambridgeshireLive)Ishwar said business is regularly brought in to Pizza 1889 from Cambridge Junction and he believes that if the Junction moves, even within the site, the “visibility of small businesses would be less”. He is concerned about the impact this could have on businesses.The site currently has a 611 space multi-storey car park but the proposed plan has 145 spaces. Cambridge City Council is the freehold owner of the site and Land Securities is the leaseholder.Ishwar believes that one of the main aspects of coming out is spending time with family. The “main concern” is that if parking is reduced, he “would lose on lots of customers because they would then go to other places like the city centre where there are more spaces, so that would affect us as well”.Anish Bakrania, 21, is a student from Cambridge. He said that it “sounds like a good idea” and that “if there’s space” it could work well.He believes that there is “definitely better ways to use the space” but if it will “attract more investment and more businesses coming here”, change could have a positive impact. He added: “I think having offices and labs will inevitably attract people and will bring more business here.”Abi Thk, 39, said that more offices and labs would not be a good idea. The 39-year-old added: “The reason is that if you look at this place [Cambridge Leisure] it is a very open place. People hang around here. It’s not only about coming to these restaurants or for bowling, but it gives a lot of space, and especially in the summer this place becomes energetic.”So, if offices get built here, there will be change. It will be more of a corporate vibe which I would not say is a good thing. So, my suggestion would be not to have offices here. We have offices already, just opposite the [railway] station and I think that would be the perfect place but not somewhere where people come to enjoy.”When describing the potential parking space changes, Abi said that Cambridge has a range of companies and businesses nearby who would most likely park their car on site, so to “reduce the number of car parking, again, it would be chaos”.Cambridge Junction would get a “new sustainable” home under the potential redevelopment plans(Image: CambridgeshireLive)Ar Julius, 33, lives in Cambridge. He said that at the moment he does not have any problem with parking, and said “it is really good” but “that could all change” if anything happens at the leisure park.The 33-year-old continued: “If they put offices here, people might need even more parking spaces, and if they lessen the spaces, that could be a problem.”Kenette Zuluete, 35, believes “there is pros and cons” to the possible plans and that “if they bring more work here, the cost of living will rise”. However, Kenette said it could also be an “opportunity” for many people to find work.
