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  • Armed police on Stoke-on-Trent street

    Armed police on Stoke-on-Trent street



    Armed police descended on a Stoke-on-Trent street. Three arrests have been made after a fight broke out on Bucknall New Road, in Hanley.

    The trouble flared at 10.45am on Tuesday 7 July.

    A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “Three men have been arrested over violence offences following reports of a fight in Stoke-on-Trent. We were called to Bucknall New Road after receiving reports of a fight involving weapons. Firearms officers attended the scene.

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    “A 22-year-old man, of Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. A 46-year-old man, of Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, as was a 31-year-old man, of no fixed address. The 46-year-old was further arrested on suspicion of attempt to possess a class B drug. They remain in police custody while our inquiries continue.”

    Police are appealing for witnesses. They should call the police on 101, quoting incident number 275 of 7 July, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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  • Future of Liverpool market unclear as no return date in sight

    Future of Liverpool market unclear as no return date in sight



    It’s been 10 months since there has been anything from the marketCrowds at the new market in Liverpool’s Chinatown today(Image: Liverpool Echo)The future of Liverpool’s Chinatown market remains unclear. In a city first, the area trialled the new initiative back on Sunday, September 28, 2025, starting at the iconic arch, the largest outside of China, and stretching along Nelson Street.On the day, around 40 stalls offered a mix of street food, handmade crafts, curated goods while community activities took over the area. Visitors enjoyed a lively atmosphere with something for everyone, including family-friendly entertainment and local makers. There was even a state-of-the-art pop-up ‘Roboshop’ that showcased cutting-edge Chinese technology, thanks to PIX Moving Co, Ltd – a global business with a proven track record.The market, organised by Liverpool City Council, was part of a wider initiative to support and reinvigorate Liverpool Chinatown and enhance the area’s visitor economy and cultural heritage offer.It was initially said if successful, it could become a regular fixture in the area. However, 10 months on, there has been no update.Bernice from Joyce the Florist at the market(Image: Liverpool Echo)The ECHO received several messages about its comeback and, each time, we reached out to the council for some form of confirmation.However, since February, ahead of the city’s Chinese New Year celebrations, the council has repeatedly said it hasn’t been in a position to provide any form of update.The most the council was willing to say was “we have nothing to share at the moment, but when we do, we will be in touch”.The event spotlighted Chinatown’s existing businesses and restaurants, encouraging visitors to explore the area and perhaps discover some local gems for the first time.Bowls and chopsticks on sale at the market in Liverpool’s Chinatown(Image: Liverpool Echo)At the time, Ming Wang, Secretary General, Liverpool Chinese Business Association, said: “Liverpool’s Chinatown has always been a place where heritage, enterprise, and community spirit converge.”We are proud to welcome and support the first Chinatown Market, organised by the council. This event showcases the vibrancy of our local businesses, cultural traditions, and collaborative spirit.”We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the city to experience the energy and diversity that make Chinatown so special.”

  • First picture of mum found dead with her two kids at home

    First picture of mum found dead with her two kids at home



    Zandile Tshuma and her two children were found at a £1.3million house in Great Denham, as police confirm a suspect is believed to have fled abroadKirstie McCrum Deputy Head of News, Live News Network and Patrick Hill12:39, 08 Jul 2026Updated 12:49, 08 Jul 2026Zandile Tshuma and her two children were found dead(Image: Facebook)Tributes have been paid to a mother and her two children, who are feared to have been killed in a suspected murder case.Zandile Tshuma and her children were discovered after officers forced entry into a £1.3million property in Great Denham, near Bedford, on Monday. Police have confirmed that a suspect has been identified, though it is believed they have left the country.A family friend, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Mirror: “I just hope they find him.”The woman, whose daughter was best friends with the youngest victim, described the suspected killings as “incomprehensible”. Speaking about the child victims, she said: “Both of them – they were amazing.”Flowers at the scene on Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, near Bedford(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)When asked whether she was aware of any difficulties within the family, the woman said she could not comment, adding: “I am shocked.”, reports the Mirror.Officers are reported to have forced their way into the property after concerns were raised when the three had not been seen for a number of days. Bedfordshire Police have since named a suspect, who is thought to have fled abroad.Speaking on Tuesday, Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy, of Bedfordshire Police, said: “This is a deeply distressing incident in which a mother and her two children are believed to have been murdered.Forensic investigators at the house(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)”Our thoughts are first and foremost with all those affected. We recognise that this will cause concern in the local community and beyond.”This is the early stages of an incredibly complex investigation. “The detached property, reportedly purchased two years ago for £1.3 million by Mrs Tshuma’s husband, Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma – known as Mark – boasts a swimming pool, four bedrooms and four bathrooms. Tshuma holds a degree in Computing Informatics from the University of Plymouth.It is understood that both he and his wife originally hailed from Zimbabwe, while the children were born in the UK.Mark Tshuma(Image: Facebook)ACC Murphy stated: “We are committing all necessary resources to establish what has happened and to find the person responsible. We have identified a suspect, who was known to all three victims, and who we believe has since left the country.”He confirmed there is no indication of any broader risk to the public, but noted: “We will be increasing the police presence in and around the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.”He appealed for anyone with information, or who witnessed anything suspicious in Carnoustie Drive, Great Denham, on Friday or Saturday, to come forward.

  • The man behind Wolves’ 150th anniversary designs

    The man behind Wolves’ 150th anniversary designs



    As preparations began for the club’s significant milestone, the designer was approached to design a lock up and pair of fonts, which encapsulated Wolves and its rich history, and would be used throughout the 2026/27 season and beyond.
    Archie has been a Wolves season ticket holder since the age of nine, having first been taken to Molineux by his dad, and has seats from the old Waterloo Road Stand in his family home, which also features an extensive Wolves programme and memorabilia collection, built by the whole family.
    So, Archie had the knowledge and passion for the project, but also, naturally, the skillset and commitment, which allowed him to link up with the in-house design team at Molineux, and SUDU for the 2026/27 home kit, which features the lock up on the back of the neck.
    The design and fonts – named Goldthorn for larger typography and Molineux for body text – are being rolled out throughout the summer and will be used for all written communication across the celebrations.
    For Archie, seeing his lock up on the club’s anniversary kit, which was modelled by new signings Keiran Trippier and the returning Raul Jimenez, provided an emotional moment for a boyhood Old Gold fan who has now played his part in this significant milestone.
    “There are two things I’ve dedicated my life to – design and Wolves, for better or for worse, and I felt like it was an opportunity to use the former for the latter,” he revealed. “Hopefully supporters will feel that there’s something that’s been unearthed and derived from the city, from the fans and from the club, but not a one-to-one clone of something from the past.
    “Looking at it now, it doesn’t feel necessarily like something that I’ve designed, but elements that have been pulled out and assembled together, and something that’s appeared before rather than something that’s been architected.
    “The focal points – the fonts and the lock up – were all essentially reworkings of things that previously existed. Obviously, there’s a creative element and skill, but they were all drawn from stuff that people had been doing within the club maybe 75 years ago which was very nice.”
    The humble Archie was keen to stress that his work was inspired by 150 years of Wolves content. Starting work in March 2025, he spent three months researching, three months developing the lock up and one year on the two typefaces, developed through his type studio, Hèso Type.
    To his approach, research was always going to be crucial, and time with his dad and his Wolves collection, and with club historian Peter Crump at the Wolves Museum and city archives, proved invaluable.
    “For me, nothing would be as important as being able to do something for Wolves, because it’s my club. I knew that there was a huge amount of pressure, so it wouldn’t have been right to just pull something out of the archive
    “I went to my dad and asked if we could get everything out, because in the attic it’s all stuff from when he was a kid. There were rosettes and flags, and all different memorabilia.
    “I was also really lucky to go and talk to Pete and be taken around the archives, and it was like unearthing a treasure trove, because Pete knows everything about Wolves, so it was an absolutely amazing moment – like a dream to be able to go back and look at everything.”
    That extensive look into the past proved Archie’s inspiration. He was determined to ensure his work canvassed multiple eras and resonated with as many fans as possible, aware that Wolves means something different to every single supporter.
    For him the 2003 play-off team was ‘his team’, for his dad it was much earlier and for his teenage cousin it’s the 2018/19 group which Jimenez famously starred in. Wolves can’t be defined to one team or one era, and it was with that at the forefront of his mind Archie attacked the project.
    “I felt a lot of responsibility to look backwards a lot. The first thing was how do you put 150 years into a single mark? You’re looking at the past 150 years and everyone that’s connected, of course that’s the key part, but you’re also in this present. I was looking really closely at the programmes from the ‘50s and early ‘60s because they were made in the city and then I realised they weren’t contemporary to the ‘50s, it was almost like replicating a design from the ‘20s or ‘30s,
    “There’s a continual loop, so I think it was important not to focus on one specific time. If you’re 90 or if you’re nine, you’re still a Wolves fan, and your memories of Wolves are going to be personal to you, so I tried to hook on to a few different elements that everyone could somehow resonate with, and that was the aim with the lock mark, with the nod to lock making. The Goldthorn font is redrawn from the cover of the ‘50s programme and the body front came from the top of the old Molineux gates.
    “I always think what’s really interesting about lettering is that you read the font before you read the word, so I always like this idea of that association of memory being really close to typography as well. You get old programmes with writing in them, with the other scores that day, or who was playing, and it’s a personal memory.”
    As we edge closer to the 2026/27 and the beginning of the club’s celebrations, supporters will see Archie’s work, whether that be online, around Molineux or in the matchday programme, while his lockup will feature on every kit worn on the pitch or in the stands.
    For Archie, he’s excited to mark his club’s 150th year, and he hopes his work can be appreciated not only this season, but for years, and anniversaries, to come.
    “What a great time it is to have this anniversary, it feels like that bridge between the next stage of Wolves.
    “Hopefully when we get to 175th anniversary, or 200th anniversary, when people look back in another 50 years, they are going to feel the same way, that this design was considered. Can they see the threads that had been pulled through? It’s trying to continue this legacy, so it’ll be nice this year, but I’m wondering also how it be like looking back in 50 years and I hope it’s well.”

  • More than 800 e-scooters and e-bikes seized by Leicester police

    More than 800 e-scooters and e-bikes seized by Leicester police



    More than 800 illegally ridden e-scooters and e-bikes have been seized since the launch of a police operation to tackle the problem in Leicester.Operation Pedalfast began in January 2025 and a year and a half on, the force said it had now taken 834 vehicles off the city centre’s streets.Beat officer PC Tom Page-Brown told BBC Radio Leicester the initiative had proved to be a success and was now being rolled out to other areas around Leicestershire.Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said Operation Pedalfast was “an excellent initiative” the council was “very happy to support”.The operation began targeting vehicles that should not be ridden on public land after an email from a member of the public, said Page-Brown.He said: “It all started with with one simple email coming in from a member of the public to my sergeant that said ‘we’ve had a near-miss’.”We’ve seen quite a lot of seizures recently so obviously it is quite a big problem – not just the one email.”There’s no getting away from the fact that they aren’t useful vehicles. They’re cheap to buy, cheap to run, easy to store and easy to charge.”The police’s concern is the conflicts that happen when we’ve got people on these illegal e-vehicles coming into contact with legally wheeling and walking pedestrians in our city centres – that conflict is a real issue.”The cost of damages paid out to people injured in the UK by e-scooters and e-bikes has topped £110m, the BBC has learned.E-scooters are allowed in towns and cities where official trials are taking place, but only the vehicles which are part of the operator schemes can be ridden.Privately owned e-scooters can only legally be used on private land with the owner’s permission.While e-bikes are legal, any that have been adapted to go faster than 15.5mph (25km/h) using electricity are also not permitted on public land.Page-Brown said: “They become a motor vehicle themselves and that’s when they need insurance and that’s when we’re not happy to have them on our roads.”

  • Fire warning to Cambridgeshire farmers as temperatures rise

    Fire warning to Cambridgeshire farmers as temperatures rise



    Rural firefighting remains one of the service’s biggest challenges, particularly when it comes to securing a reliable water supply.To help tackle this, every fire engine in Cambridgeshire has been fitted with a purpose-built coupling to connect to farm water supplies, the service said.Watch Commander Joe Gacon said: “A serious fire on a farm can affect the financial stability of even the most well-run business.”We do tend to see an increase in fire-related callouts during periods of warm weather, which can result in crews spending significant time at incidents that could be avoided.”There are things farmers and residents can do to help prevent these fires from happening. Those with children can speak with them and ensure they know the risks and dangers of fire, especially with the school summer holiday period not far away.”The fire service has published a detailed guidance, external for farmers on preventing fires and staying safe during the hot weather.Do you have a story suggestion for Peterborough? Contact us below.

  • Graham Smyth reveals where Leeds United stand in pursuit of Shea Charles

    Graham Smyth reveals where Leeds United stand in pursuit of Shea Charles


    Shea Charles
    Credit: Imago

    Shea Charles has emerged as one of Leeds United’s priority targets this summer as they continue to push to sign the Southampton midfielder.

    With Southampton getting booted out of the playoff final due to the ‘Spygate’ scandal, several players are expected to leave the club in the ongoing transfer window.

    Most Read on The Leeds Press

    Charles has a year left on his contract at Southampton, and Leeds believed the negotiations would not be complicated, given the Saints needed to sell him.

    However, Southampton have so far stood firm on their valuation of the player and have already rejected multiple Leeds bids for him this summer.

    Read More: Forget Shea Charles, Leeds United must sign this World Cup star with £17m release clause

    Graham Smyth provides an update on the Shea Charles situation

    Southampton want a deal worth around £30m before agreeing to sell Shea Charles, and have so far decided against lowering their financial demands.

    Leeds have already seen at least two offers for the midfielder rejected, with Southampton maintaining that the Whites’ most recent bid fell short of the widely reported £23m figure.

    The Whites hope to find a compromise in talks and negotiate down the fee, as they do not want to pay £30m for a player who has a year left on his contract.

    Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has revealed that talks between Leeds and Southampton over Charles’ proposed transfer to Elland Road are still ongoing.

    He claimed that Leeds want to continue the negotiations away from the public eye and are not interested in providing constant updates on their pursuit of the player.

    The Whites remain confident of securing an agreement, as it doesn’t appear that other clubs are currently in active negotiations to sign Charles.

    Charles wants the move to Elland Road, and is waiting for the two clubs to negotiate a fee before he can travel to Leeds and complete the transfer.

    Leeds are working in an inflated market for midfielders

    Southampton’s firm stance over Shea Charles comes as little surprise given the current state of the transfer market and the growing interest in the midfielder from clubs such as Crystal Palace and Atalanta.

    Although Charles has entered the final year of his contract, the Saints believe they are still in a strong position to demand a substantial fee for one of their most valuable assets.

    The market has been driven up by several big-money deals this summer. West Ham received £85m from Tottenham for Mateus Fernandes despite being relegated, while Spurs have also agreed a £100m deal for Sandro Tonali. Bournemouth are also said to be valuing Alex Scott at more than £80m.

    Against that backdrop, Southampton see little reason to lower their asking price. With several clubs chasing Charles, they are prepared to hold out for the best possible offer before sanctioning a sale.

    Leeds United remain determined to sign the Northern Ireland international, but they are equally aware of the need to avoid paying over the odds. The Whites are hoping further talks will lead to a compromise that brings Southampton’s demands closer to a figure they are prepared to pay.

  • 14 death notices from across North Staffordshire this week

    14 death notices from across North Staffordshire this week



    Our thoughts are with their friends and familyThese are the death notices published in this week’s editions of The Sentinel. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of their loved-ones.You can see the latest listings from your area on the InYourArea section. To see the full list of family announcements, visit this section of the StokeonTrentLive website.Jill Dowd (Née Di Silvestro)At rest on Wednesday 24th June 2026, following a short illness at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, Jill, aged 68 years of Knypersley (formerly of Burslem). Beloved wife of the late Michael, much loved mum of Rich and Kate, treasured grandma of Matt, Jess, Josh and Millie, loving mother-in-law of Kelly and Jon, and a special daughter, sister, sister-in-law, auntie and a friend to many. Jill will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all who loved and knew her. Service at Carmountside Crematorium on Monday 20th July 2026 at 1:30pm. Would friends wishing to attend kindly meet at the crematorium chapel. Family flowers only please. Any kind donations will be forwarded to the Alzheimer’s Society. Donations and enquiries to: Williamson Brothers Family Funeral Directors Birch House, Birches Head Road, Hanley, ST1 6LH. Tel. 01782 212880Jill DowdBarry RayPeacefully at rest on his 94th birthday, whilst in the loving care of his family, Barry Ray of Chell. Dearly beloved husband of the late Sylvia. Dearest partner to Margaret. Devoted dad to Alison, Michael and his partner Clare. A dear brother, brother in law, uncle and friend who will be truly missed. Funeral service to take place at St Michael and All Angels, Chell on Monday 13th July 2026 at 12.30pm, followed by interment at Burslem Cemetery.Would all relatives and friends please meet at the Church. Family flowers only by request, donations are preferred if desired to The Macular Society. Donations and enquiries, C McGough & Sons, 79 Roundwell Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 5AW, 01782 834300Dennis RodenDennis RodenPeacefully at rest on Wednesday 10th June 2026, Dennis (Dixie), aged 87 years. Dearly loved Husband of the late Maureen, much loved Dad, Brother, Grandad and Great Grandad. Dennis will be deeply missed by all his loving Family and friends. Funeral Service and cremation at Bradwell Crematorium on Tuesday 14th July 2026 at 1.20pm. Will relatives and friends please meet at the Crematorium. No flowers by request please, donations preferred to Douglas Macmillan Hospice c/o the Family. Enquiries to: H GOODWIN FUNERALCARE Verona House 114 London Road, Newcastle under Lyme ST5 1LZ Tel. 01782 616586.Joe BottomsPassed away peacefully on June 20, 2026 aged 79 years, formerly of Orme Road Newcastle. Dear Husband of the late Janet, loving Dad of Ian & Caroline, Father-in-Law of Martin and Grandad of Josh & Jake. Funeral service 10:40am on Monday July 13, 2026 at Bradwell Crematorium, Newcastle.Family flowers only, but donations if so desired for the Alzheimer’s Society for which purpose a collection box will be provided at the crematorium. Enquiries please to J R Williams, Funeral Director, Towers Lawn, Cheshire Street, Market Drayton 01630 654490.Diane BatemanDiane BatemanAt rest on Wednesday 17th June 2026 at the R.S.U.H. Diane aged 66 years of Stoke. Much loved wife of Dave A loving daughter of Sylvia and the late John dearest sister of Les, Paul and the late Annette and Phillip also a dear sister-in-law, aunty and cousin. Funeral service will take place at Stoke Minster Church on Wednesday 15th July 2026 at 1.00pm followed by Cremation at Carmountside Crematorium.Will relatives please accept this intimation and friends kindly meet at the church. Family flowers only please donations preferred to Kidney Research UK. All enquiries to: Harold H Leese, (A.Boulton & Sons), St Peters Close, Stoke, ST4 1LP, Tel: 01782 744433Raymond Allen BrookesRaymond Allen BrookesPeacefully at rest after a short illness on 24th June 2026. Ray aged 68 years of Bradwell. A much loved dad of Sarah and Stacey, a loved and respected friend of Mandy, a dear cousin and friend of many. Ray will be sadly missed by all his loving family and friends.Funeral service and cremation to be held at Bradwell Crematorium on Wednesday 15th July 2026 at 1.20pm. Will all relatives please accept this the only intimation, friends wishing to attend please meet at the Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations preferred to the Guide Dogs for the Blind. Enquiries to: Mr Ben Simpson-Wilde, Simpson & Wilde, Independent Funeral Directors, 317 Hartshill Road, ST4 7NR, 01782 616034 info@simpsonwilde.co.ukJohn Charles CartwrightPeacefully on 9th June 2026, John aged 92 years of Church Lawton. Much loved husband of the late Margaret and partner to the late Brenda, loving father of Andrew and Ian and father in law to Janet and Sarah, caring grandad to Ashley and Alex. A thanksgiving service will take place on Tuesday 21st July at Wesley Place Methodist Church, Alsager at 2pm. Will all friends please meet at the Church.All inquiries to Joseph Edwards & Sons, 144/146 Crewe Road. Alsager, Cheshire, ST7 2JA, 01270 882097, If you would like to donate online you can do so at www.josephedwards.co.uk/online-donationJohn ClarkeJohn ClarkeIt is with deep sadness that we share the passing of John Clarke (98), who left us peacefully on 17th June. There will be a service at Bradwell Crematorium on the 9th July at midday. Cherished ones are never gone, their memories always live on. All my love Jessie and family.Yvonne GocolYvonne GocolAt peace on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 at her home in Eaton Park and in the presence of her loving family. Yvonne, aged 67 years, the former landlady of The Travellers Rest, Werrington Road, Bucknall. Beloved wife of John, much loved mum of Martin and Anthony, dear mother in law of Nicola and Sam, cherished nan and great nan, treasured sister of Susan and the late Barry, and daughter of the late Jean and Fred. Yvonne will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all of her family and friends.Service at St. Mary’s Church, Bucknall on Monday 13th July 2026 at 10:30am, followed by interment at Carmountside Lawn Cemetery. Would friends wishing to attend kindly meet at the church. Family flowers only please. Any kind donations will be forwarded to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice. Donations and enquiries to: Birch House, Birches Head Road, Hanley, ST1 6LH. Tel. 01782 212880Maureen HallAt peace on June 20th 2026, at Westfield Lodge Nursing Home, Weston Coyney, Maureen aged 87 years of Guy Street, Bucknall. Dearly loved partner of Maurice, dear mum of Chris and Tracy, mother in law of Julie and the late John and a loving nan of Gareth, Dean and great grandchildren Bella and Luca. Maureen will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.Funeral service to take place at Carmountside Crematorium on Tuesday July 14th at 2pm. Will relatives and friends kindly meet at Carmountside. Please wear a touch of something red. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for Dementia UK or Diabetes UK. Donations and Enquiries to Williamson Brothers Family Funeral Directors Birch House, Birches Head Road, Hanley, ST1 6LH. Tel. 01782 212880John Keith HassallJohn Keith HassallPeacefully at rest on 17th June 2026, whilst in the loving care of his family and staff at RSUH, John, of Little Chell, formerly of Trent Vale, aged 78 years. A loving dad to Cain, Carrie and Charlotte. A special brother to Lynn. A cherished grandad and great grandad. A dear family member and a friend to many who will be truly missed.Funeral service to take place at Carmountside Crematorium on Friday 24th July 2026 at 10am. Would all relatives and friends please meet at the Crematorium. Family flowers only by request, donations are preferred, if desired to The Royal British Legion. Donations and Enquiries: C McGough & Sons, 79 Roundwell Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 5AW, 01782 834300Barbara HewittBarbara HewittAt peace on Monday 22nd June 2026 at Coventry University Hospital following a short illness. Barbara, aged 91 years, formerly of Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands area and retired publican. Dearly beloved wife of Stan, much loved mum of Claire and mother-in-law of Lee. Treasured nana of Jessica and Francesca and great nana of Olivia and Charlotte. Dearly loved sister of the late Albert, late John and Janet and dear aunt of Ian, Jen and Robert.Service at Carmountside Crematorium on Monday 13th July 2026 at 1:00pm. Would friends wishing to attend kindly meet at the Crematorium Chapel. Family flowers only please. Any kind donations will be forwarded to the Stroke Association and Cancer Research U.K. Donations and enquiries to: Williamson Brothers Family Funeral Directors Birch House, Birches Head Road, Hanley, ST1 6LH. Tel. 01782 212880Winifred Mavis MaskeryWinifred Mavis Maskery06.07.41- 27.05.26 Passed away unexpectedly at Royal Stoke Hospital aged 84 of Berryhill. Loved wife of the late Don, devoted mum of the recently late Andrew. Very dearly loved mum-in-law to Julie, Gran to Chris and Tom, Great Granny to Hugo. Dear sister to Allan, Auntie to Neil and Scott. A graveside service will take place at Carmountside Cemetery on Friday 10th July 2026 at 2pm.Anyone wishing to attend, please make their way to the far left of the Milton side of the cemetery, prior to 2pm. Mourning clothes preferred with a splash of purple. Flowers welcomed or donations in memory of Mavis’s late son Andrew to the Dougie Mac. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Joseph Lymer and Son Trent Bridge Bucknall 01782 202270Annie Elizabeth McVickerAnnie Elizabeth McVickerSadly but peacefully on Sunday 21st June 2026, Annie Elizabeth McVicker, aged 94 years passed away in the care of Golden Park Nursing Home, Burslem. Beloved wife of the late James, much loved and cherished mum of Annie, Sue, Trevor, Jackie, Thomas and the late James, the late Robert and the late Patrick, also a loved nan and great nan. Annie will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all who loved and knew her.Service at St. Andrew’s Church, Sneyd Green on Friday 17th July 2026 at 1:00pm followed by interment at Burslem Cemetery. Would friends wishing to attend kindly meet at the church. Family flowers only please. Any kind donations will be forwarded to the M.N.D. Association. Donations and enquiries to: Williamson Brothers Family Funeral Directors Birch House, Birches Head Road, Hanley, ST1 6LH. Tel. 01782 212880Sign up for the latest breaking news and top stories from StokeonTrentLive on WhatsApp

  • Who is Arthur Fery? The millionaire’s son and west London-raised tournament wildcard who’s the last Brit standing at Wimbledon

    Who is Arthur Fery? The millionaire’s son and west London-raised tournament wildcard who’s the last Brit standing at Wimbledon



    Fery studied at Stanford University in the United States, majoring in Science, Technology, and Society, and quickly became a darling of the College Tennis circuit. Working through the ranks on the senior tour, he played his first main-draw match at Wimbledon 2021 in the doubles, before making his singles debut in 2025. That year, he claimed his first victory on the Challengers tour, claiming the trophy in Barranquilla.While Fery might be a new name to much of the British public, he has been on the tennis world’s radar for a while, with former doubles world No. 1 Jamie Murray praising his game to Sky Sports. ‘He’s someone who plays proper grass-court tennis, coming forward and knowing how to play at the net, move at the net and also his composure,’ said Murray, describing Fery as ‘awkward’ to play thanks to his ‘good court-craft’.‘He has an inner confidence about himself, and I didn’t think he was worried about going on to Centre Court.’Fery’s route to the quarter-finals has not been drama-free, of course. Yes, there have been two five-setters in a row, but Fery garnered headlines from his very first match, when he devised a unique way of dealing with a famously hot-tempered player, Damir Dzumhur, in Round One. When the Bosnian player began arguing with the referee, with Fery himself, following a let call, the Brit put on some earplugs during the changeover and claimed all but three games in the next three sets.Speaking in a press conference following the match, Fery played it cool. ‘I mean, it was expected, to be honest. He does that with everyone. I guess I was just ready for it before the match. If it’s a let, it’s a let for everyone, right? It’s not just a let for him.’

  • Teenager, 18, died a week after telling mum he had a headache

    Teenager, 18, died a week after telling mum he had a headache



    Aaron Mills started feeling unwell last December(L-R) Aaron Mills, his mum Deniz, his dad Anthony and his sister Casey(Image: Supplied)A teenager who told his mum he had a headache tragically died five days later. Aaron Mills, 18, was a “shining light” who “always made people welcome” according to his dad Anthony.As a massive Liverpool FC fan like his dad, Aaron was delighted when he moved to Liverpool in September of last year. He had started a football science degree at Liverpool John Moores University and dreamed of becoming part of the coaching staff at his beloved club. He was also a talented player, coach and referee.The first semester went well for the student, who lived at Byrom Point student halls in Liverpool city centre, however when he returned home to Kidderminster in December to see his family, Aaron fell ill.The teenager started to feel unwell shortly after surprising his dad by turning up at his 50th birthday party back home, however the symptoms didn’t seem alarming at first.Dad Anthony said: “We partied, we sang together, danced together, it was brilliant. Then on December 29, he was feeling a bit groggy, that’s all.“He spent some time in bed and then he came down at night and watched a film with us. Then the following morning, he went down to his mum at 6am and said he had a headache.“He had some paracetamol and went back to bed. And then half an hour after that, he woke me up because he was moaning. I went into his room and he was having a seizure.”Aaron in the dressing room at Anfield(Image: Supplied)Aaron was rushed to hospital on December 30, where it was discovered that he had meningitis, specifically a strain of Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria. Aaron’s condition quickly deteriorated and he died on January 3.According to the UK Health Security Agency, MenB bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis. Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading.Anthony added: “I knew what it was, so I didn’t hesitate. We rang the ambulance. Him having the seizure, that was within half an hour of speaking to his mum.“There were no warning signs that something was serious. We didn’t stand a chance. It went from a headache to a seizure, and he never recovered from that seizure.”Describing what his son was like, Anthony told the ECHO: ”He had this soft, gentle way about him and he made everybody feel warm and welcome. He was just a kind and generous person.“He was my best friend. My dancing buddy, my singing buddy, my football buddy. Liverpool Football Club, he was just crazy about it. It was his religion.“He was off to Liverpool, the city he loved, and he was doing football science, hoping to become part of the coaching staff. His ultimate dream was to be working at Liverpool Football Club.“We dropped him off at university, it was a special time for us. I was just so proud because he was going to live his life and have adventures.“After being in university, he really came out of himself and you could see the kind of man that he was going to become. I just really enjoyed his company.”Aaron showing his LFC tattoo(Image: Supplied)Aaron’s death was devastating, however the family said they have tried to look at ways his legacy could continue. They allowed his organs to be donated and around 300 people attended his funeral, all wearing a Liverpool top in memory of him.The teenager also had a season ticket at Kidderminster Harriers, his local team. The team paid tribute when he died with a standing applause in the 18th minute and presented Aaron’s friends with a signed shirt with “AARON 18” on the back.His parents then turned to the question of why Aaron was not vaccinated. A vaccine for Meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) is always offered in school, which Aaron did have. However, he did not have one for MenB and this vaccine is not routinely offered to young people.After the outbreak in meningitis in Kent earlier this year, Anthony started emailing MPs about this discrepancy and secured a meeting with Sharon Hodgson, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Health and Social Care.The government then agreed to offer the MenB vaccine this summer for Year 13 students and under 25s who will be starting university as undergraduates or moving into residential further education settings for the first time in autumn.Friends and family are now in the process of organising a 100 mile charity run, over five days in September, from Aggborough Stadium in Kidderminster on Wednesday, September 16 at 9am to Anfield on Sunday, September 20.A close family friend, Shaun McEntee, has chosen to take on the entire challenge. Many of Aaron’s friends and family will be running and/or cycling parts of the route with Shaun.Some will join for the last leg to Anfield. Stopping at Byrom Point, staff and students from LJMU will join the run through the city centre and on to Anfield, where more friends and family will be waiting at the Shankly Gates.Anthony said: “Shaun is the son-in-law to Aaron’s godfather. He was up there in hospital to support us. It affected Shaun because he knows what Aaron was.“He’s got two young kids and he told me that he wants his kids to be just like Aaron. He approached me with this challenge. There isn’t a more fitting challenge. He had a season ticket at Kidderminster Harriers, he used to go there with his mates.“And of course, Liverpool was his religion. He was living in Liverpool for the last part of his life and that’s where all his hopes and dreams were. So it is a poignant journey, doing it from Aggborough to Anfield.”Anthony is hoping to get official support for the challenge from LJMU and Anfield.He said: “The local mayor (in Kidderminster) is going to be there, our MP’s going to be there. There’s going to be a big send-off for him from this end. We’re just trying to put the feelers out to Liverpool Football Club to try and give him a big welcome.”You can donate to a fund in memory of Aaron here.