If you’re looking for a charming UK village that looks like it’s straight out of a Mediterranean film, then this pretty spot should be at the top of your travel bucket list
Portmeirion should be on your travel bucket list (Image: Getty)
If you’re seeking a destination in the UK boasting distinctive Italian charm, then look no further than one breathtaking location in Wales. Portmeirion village, nestled on a private peninsula with magnificent coastal views, blends Italian Riviera elegance with Welsh countryside and resembles something plucked directly from a movie set.
Bursting with colour and remarkable architectural design, this north Wales village was created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and stands as one of Britain’s most spectacular architectural achievements of the twentieth century. Crafted in the manner of a Mediterranean coastal piazza, it’s absolutely worth experiencing.
Nevertheless, there’s one snag – there is a charge to enter, reports the Express.
This beautiful village is in the UK(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
The settlement was assembled using salvaged structures and discarded treasures from across the globe, which were shipped to Wales and reconstructed to form this vivid Mediterranean corner within the UK.
Sharing footage of the decorated archways and stone-paved pathways on TikTok, UK Hidden Gems declared you ‘won’t believe’ this location exists in Britain, noting: “This colourful village feels like stepping onto a film set, with pastel houses, cobbled lanes, and lush gardens framed by stunning views over the estuary.”
Beyond the delightful central plaza of the settlement, which boasts a fountain pool, a Gothic pavilion and even a giant chessboard, visitors can explore Y Gwyllt Woodlands – a remarkable 70 acres of magnificent natural splendour.
Here, you’ll discover stunning walking trails that span 20 miles, leading you past unique attractions such as a Dog Cemetery, Ghost Garden, and a serene Chinese lake.
There’s also a hilltop gazebo boasting an impressive viewing deck where visitors can soak up panoramic views of the village and estuary below.
Whether you fancy a day trip or a longer stay, Portmeirion should be on your travel bucket list without delay.
There are several accommodation options, including the four-star Hotel Portmeirion, the roomy and chic Castell Deudraeth and self-catering cottages too.
Portmeirion should be on your travel bucket list (Image: Getty)
If you’re planning a day visit to Portmeirion, it’s open from 9.30am until 6.30pm during the main season, and tickets can be booked online. It’ll set you back £20 for adults, with seniors and students priced at £17.50 and children aged 5-15 costing £13.
Children under the age of five can enter for free.
You can also pick up annual memberships, or if you’ve reserved a three-course lunch at Castell Deudraeth, you can explore the village for free after your meal.
The much-loved franchise, based on Stephenie Meyer’s novels, released five films between 2008 and 2012, with Breaking Dawn: Part 2 marking the end of the series.
Fast forward over a decade, and the saga made a cryptic announcement across social media on Wednesday (August 27). Fans were tantalised with an image featuring Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) and Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), accompanied by the words “Forever Begins Again, “The Twilight Saga,” and “This October.”
The post also included the mysterious caption “Tomorrow,” hinting that further details would be revealed on Thursday (August 28). Now, the enigma has finally been unveiled, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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As many fans had speculated, the entire Twilight Saga is set to make a comeback in cinemas this October, perfectly timed for the first novel’s 20th anniversary.
On Thursday evening, the franchise posted a trailer on Instagram featuring clips from each of the five films, along with the caption: “All five films. Back in theatres. This October.”
Naturally, the announcement sent fans into a whirlwind of excitement, with many expressing their joy in the comments section.
One fan exclaimed: “Omg I get to see it in theatres for the first time,” while another simply wrote: “Finally.
“Exciting!!! I actually missed out on the first one in theatres,” enthused a third.
American audiences can catch the entire saga in cinemas this October (Image: Publicity Picture)
However, some sharp-eyed viewers have spotted that the trailer reveals the celebration will be “nationwide,” indicating the re-release is limited to American cinemas only.
International fans have been left devastated by this news. Expressing their frustration, one viewer raged: “Why only nationwide? ? ? This should be international thooooooo!!!”
Another added: “NOOO MAKE IT WORLDWIDE PLEASEEEEE,” whilst a third begged: “WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE WORLD?”
Currently, it seems only US-based audiences will get to enjoy this massive celebration.
Twilight follows the tale of teenager Bella, who becomes smitten with vampire Edward and gets dragged into the supernatural realm of bloodsuckers and werewolves.
The film series catapulted Pattinson and Stewart, who were establishing themselves in Hollywood at the time, to worldwide stardom.
Will Jacks takes a brilliant leaping one-handed catch to remove Ollie Pope off the bowling of Sam Curran as London Spirit face Oval Invincibles in the men’s Hundred at the Oval.
A look at the top performers from high school football across the Southland during Week 0.
RUSHING
• Quentin Pacelli, Garden Grove: Gained 380 yards and scored four touchdowns in loss to Los Amigos.
• Gatsbee Gumban, Covina: Rushed for 337 yards and four touchdowns in win over La Puente.
• Ryan Salcedo, Bishop Amat: Rushed for 220 yards and two touchdowns in win over St. Paul.
• Nic Brubaker, Tesoro: Rushed for 168 yards, including a 95-yard touchdown run, in win over El Toro.
• Michael Osuma, Granada Hills: Rushed for 166 yards and two touchdowns in win over North Hollywood.
PASSING
Jack Junker catches 33-.yard TD pass from Luke Fahey. Junker used to play at Santa Margarita. 7-3 Mission Viejo with 1:31 left in third. pic.twitter.com/1MAx5shs2q
BBC viewers will be able to watch Premier League highlights this season more than two hours before Match of the Day.
The iconic Beeb highlights programme is set to return to screens this Saturday.
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Match of the Day is set to begin a new era this weekendCredit: PA
Play Dream Team now!
Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season
Mark Chapman will host the first show of the post-Gary Lineker era.
In addition to Lineker’s departure following 26 years in the hotseat, the BBC will be making other changes to its Premier League output.
Match of the Day will continue to provide fans with all the match action plus high-profile punditry.
But fans will be able to watch just the highlights on BBC iPlayer from 8pm.
Despite all the goals and major incidents being available earlier, Beeb chiefs believe that MOTD will still be able to pull in a major viewership.
A BBC press release confirmed: “Published live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, match highlights from every fixture will drop at 8pm, putting all the biggest moments at fans’ fingertips ahead of the expert analysis and in-depth discussion on the main show.
“It’s a game-changing way to stay connected and fully immersed in the action.”
Chapman, 51, is set to be the first of Match of the Day’s new three rotating presenters to sit in the hotseat.
Third in a series of stories profiling top high school football players by position. Today, Madden Williams, St. John Bosco receiver.
If blockers are a quarterback’s best friends, what are receivers?
“It’s our job to make the quarterback look good,” St. John Bosco’s Madden Williams said.
Few teams in Southern California start the 2025 season with a better collection of receivers than the Braves.
It begins with the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Williams, a Texas A&M commit who caught 13 touchdown passes as a junior. Then there’s Oklahoma commit Daniel Odom, San Jose State commit Carson Clark, super sophomores Darren Tubbs and Landon Perkins and two highly regarded freshmen.
“Not only is it our best group but deepest,” coach Jason Negro said.
In 2019, St. John Bosco had Logan Loya, Kris Hutson and Beaux Collins at the receiver positions. They ended up at UCLA, Washington State and Clemson, respectively.
Now sophomore quarterback Koa Malau’ulu will be the beneficiary of an electric receiver group that will force defenses to pick their poison. Double team one and you’ll get burned by another.
“Whomever they try to double, the others will go off,” Williams said.
As a freshman last season, Malau’ulu looked for Williams to deliver big plays. And that’s what he did, reinforcing the quarterback’s confidence in him.
“I would say what makes him great is that he has no weakness,” Malau’ulu said. “He’s a go-getter. Whenever we can go get extra work, he’s there. He’ll get any ball in his vicinity. He’s fast, strong and physical — everything you want in a receiver.”
Williams trusts his hands and uses fundamental techniques to make plays. His length gives him an advantage over smaller defenders. And once the ball is near him, his hands find a way to catch it like a magnet attracted to metal.
“Hands are the strongest pieces of my game,” he said. “You make sure you look the ball in. A lot of people are too worried what they’re going to do after a catch. One-hand catches are cool, but only do it when you have to do it.”
As for dealing with defensive backs who are aggressive and strong, Williams said, “The strategy is making sure you don’t let them touch you. That’s what we work, on releases and not let the defensive backs redirect. We know the route we’re running. We have to make sure they do not take us off the route we have. Sometimes they guess right, but most of the time I don’t think they can — at least against me.”
The individual duel between receiver and defensive back is like a football version of cat-and-mouse.
“It’s always you and the defensive back,” Williams said. “You’re on an island and it’s who’s better at the end of the day.”
Defensive coordinator Chris King has called Williams “unguardable.” Williams responded with seven catches for 252 yards and three touchdowns against Sierra Canyon last season.
“He’s got such great route running ability, knows leverage and understands coverages,” Negro said. “He’s super savvy and his football IQ is off the charts.”
Williams also played on the basketball team even though he was a reserve. He said the practices were helpful developing the skills needed for football.
In the end, Williams follows a motto that he hopes will carry him forward in sports and in life.
“What happens in the dark will always be brought to light,” he said. “I’m going to be grinding in the dark and when it’s time to shine in the light, I will play the best.”
Friday: Servite tight end Luke Sorensen.
Receivers to watch
Demare Dezeurn, Palisades, 5-11, 175, Jr. One of the fastest in California should dominate in City Section
Troy Foster, Huntington Beach, 6-2, 205, Sr.: Colorado State commit caught 15 touchdowns
Quentin Hale, L.A. Cathedral, 6-3, 175, Jr.: Caught 14 TDs as a sophomore
Chris Henry Jr., Mater Dei, 6-6, 200, Sr.: Ohio State commit is finally healthy and ready to put on show
Trent Mosley, Santa Margarita, 5-11, 170, Sr.: USC commit is big-play weapon and tough to stop
Daniel Odom, St. John Bosco, 6-3, 190, Sr.: Oklahoma commit has size to be a top player
Vance Spafford, Mission Viejo, 5-11, 175, Sr.: Miami commit has tremendous speed and great hands
Madden Williams, St. John Bosco, 6-2, 190, Sr.: Physicality, strength, instincts make him big-time target
Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Mater Dei, 6-3, 180, Sr.: Ohio State commit delivers one big catch after another
Luc Weaver, Sherman Oaks Dame, 6-3, 195, Sr.: USC commit has improved speed, work ethic, aggressiveness
When Tom and Ethel Bradley moved with their two young daughters into a modest three-bedroom home in Leimert Park in 1950, Black people were restricted from buying houses in the neighborhood. The Bradleys had to purchase the home through a white buyer likely affiliated with the American Civil Liberties Union, recalled their oldest daughter, Lorraine Bradley, who was almost 7 years old at the time.
“It was the very first time that a Black family moved into Leimert Park,” said Lorraine, explaining the immediate historic significance of the home, and adding that her parents were brave people who believed integration was essential to equality. “My parents understood the implications of that. They were willing to sacrifice themselves in many regards.”
For the first year, white children on the street wouldn’t play with Lorraine or her 5-year-old sister, but that slowly changed and the family became accepted in the neighborhood. It helped that Tom was a police officer, said Lorraine.
Tom and Ethel explained to their children that, “unless people understood and lived with you, they would only look at you racially and not as a person,” said Lorraine.
The 1,282-square-foot home — where the Bradleys lived until 1977, when Tom became the first Black mayor of Los Angeles and moved the family into the 10,000-square-foot Getty House — is among six buildings of deep importance to Black heritage in L.A. that have been designated Historic Cultural Monuments as part of a project led by the Getty in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles’ Office of Historic Resources.
“We are thrilled for everyone to recognize the courage that my parents took to move to that neighborhood,” said Lorraine. “Somebody had to, so my dad and mom decided it was them.”
The additional sites to receive landmark status are Stylesville Barbershop & Beauty Salon in Pacoima; St. Elmo Village and Jewel’s Catch One in Mid-City; the California Eagle newspaper in South L.A.; and New Bethel Baptist Church in Venice.
Jewel’s Catch One was the oldest Black-owned disco in the U.S. as well as one of the city’s first gay nightclubs to open its doors to LGBTQ+ people of color.
(Micaela Shea / J. Paul Getty Trust)
The designations are the culmination of ongoing work done by African American Historic Places, Los Angeles, which was launched by the city and Getty in 2022 with the goal of identifying, memorializing and protecting the city’s Black heritage and history.
Each site will receive its own plaque. Celebrations are set for later this month at the Bradley residence, St. Elmo Village and Jewel’s Catch One. Stylesville is planning a party for a later date.
AAHPLA hosted a kickoff event at St. Elmo Village in 2023, but work to create the project began in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd when many cultural organizations, including Getty, began reevaluating the ways they were highlighting and interacting with Black history, art and heritage, said Rita Cofield, associate project specialist at the Getty Conservation Institute and AAHPLA project leader.
St. Elmo Village in Mid-City is a thriving arts community, residence and activism hub.
(Elizabeth Daniels / J. Paul Getty Trust)
Getty soon decided to implement an initiative focused on African American heritage in L.A. and began looking for partners in the community who could help best identify each unique location.
In some cases, unless you have roots in a particular community, you won’t have the depth of understanding to realize that even though a particular building looks commonplace — or isn’t built in high architectural style — that it’s actually extremely important, said Cofield.
The plaques, in conjunction with the program, will help further establish the locations and their history in the popular imagination — and also serve to protect the sites from harm or demolition.
“If you see a plaque with the date and the importance of it, you’ll get some sense of just what this neighborhood was — what this building was or still is,” said Cofield. “So you connect with it on your own. You can investigate on your own at any time and it’s accessible.”
Stylesville Barbershop & Beauty Salon in Pacoima is the oldest Black-owned barbershop in the San Fernando Valley.
(Cassia Davis / J. Paul Getty Trust)
Angelenos and visitors to the city can now make a day out of touring the sites. In the process, they will learn about how the California Eagle — established by John J. Neimore in 1879 — was home to one of the oldest and longest-running Black-owned and operated newspapers in the country; how St. Elmo Village is still a thriving arts community and center for community activism; how Stylesville barbershop is the oldest Black-owned barbershop in the San Fernando Valley; how Jewel’s Catch One was the oldest Black-owned disco in the U.S., as well as one of the city’s first gay nightclubs to open its doors to LGBTQ+ people of color; and how the establishment of New Bethel Baptist Church marked the early days of Black migration to the Oakwood neighborhood.
Moving forward, AAHPLA will continue to seek out sites that would benefit from landmark status, while also investing in Pacoima, Oakwood and the Central Avenue corridor — famous for its vibrant jazz and music scene — in order to develop better cultural preservation strategies.
“We really want to celebrate intangible heritage too,” said Cofield. “How do we do that? Do we do it through schools, through murals? So we’re really working with those neighborhoods, to think of strategies to celebrate and highlight African American heritage.”
Pinch-hitter Yoán Moncada keyed a four-run sixth inning with a two-run single and Gustavo Campero also drove in two runs as the Angels beat the Texas Rangers 8-5 on Tuesday night.
Texas took a 4-3 lead with two runs in the sixth, one scoring on Ezequiel Duran’s RBI single and the other on an error. But two walks by Rangers reliever Jon Gray opened the door for the Angels in the bottom half.
Campero tied it when he doubled to shallow left-center, with Texas center fielder Sam Haggerty coming up short on his attempt at a sliding catch. Moncada lined his two-out single to right for a 6-4 lead, and Zach Neto doubled to make it 7-4.
The Rangers outhit the Angels 14-6. Kyle Higashioka had three hits, including solo homers in the fourth and eighth for his sixth career multihomer game. He scored three times.
Both benches and bullpens emptied briefly in the bottom of the eighth after Rangers reliever Shawn Armstrong hit Neto and Mike Trout with pitches, prompting an angry exchange between Angels interim manager Ray Montgomery and Texas manager Bruce Bochy. No punches were thrown.
Angels left-hander Reid Detmers struck out two in a scoreless seventh, and Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth for his 20th save. Jansen has not given up an earned run in 17 consecutive appearances, the longest active streak by an American League pitcher and tying the longest such streak of his career.
Texas starter Patrick Corbin shook off a 30-pitch, two-run first to complete five innings. He gave up three runs — two earned — and three hits.
Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi gave up four runs, three earned, and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Rangers right fielder Adolis García, who dropped a routine fly that led to an Angels run in the fourth, robbed Nolan Schanuel of a two-run homer with a leaping catch to end the fifth, keeping the score 3-2.
UK Foreign Secretary Lammy, Home Secretary Cooper call on China to stop targeting opposition voices living in Britain.
The United Kingdom has condemned Hong Kong authorities for offering payment in exchange for assisting in the arrest of pro-democracy activists living in Britain, even as the British government begins the process of reinstating an extradition deal with the autonomous Chinese city.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper issued a joint statement on Friday shortly after Hong Kong announced cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of 19 pro-democracy activists based abroad, including in Britain, who are accused of violating the strict national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020.
In their statement, Lammy and Cooper called on China to stop targeting opposition voices in Britain.
“The Hong Kong Police Force’s issuing of further arrest warrants and bounties on individuals living in the UK is another example of transnational repression,” their statement read.
The bounties range from 200,000 to one million Hong Kong dollars (about $25,000-$125,000), depending on the individual the Hong Kong authorities seek to arrest.
This is the fourth time Hong Kong authorities have made reward offers, which have drawn strong criticism from Western countries, to which China, in turn, has denounced as “interference”.
In their statement, the two British ministers said that “this Government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, including those who have made the [United Kingdom] their home. We take the protection of their rights, freedoms, and safety very seriously”.
But a recent proposal by the British government to reform extradition rules has prompted serious concerns, with some fearing it could pave the way for a resumption of extraditions to Hong Kong, which have been suspended since the 2020 national security law was enacted.
On Friday, Al Jazeera reported that the UK Home Office applied to Parliament to make changes to the country’s legislation regarding extradition on July 17, followed by a letter to Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp the next day.
“It is in our national interest to have effective extradition relationships to prevent criminals from evading justice and the UK becoming a haven for criminals,” the July 18 letter from Security Minister Dan Jarvis said.
The Home Office also plans to restore an extradition framework with Chile and Zimbabwe, according to the letter, which was shared on X by Conservative MP Alicia Kearns.
Cases for Hong Kong and Zimbabwe would both be considered on a “case-by-case basis”, Jarvis said.
About 150,000 Hong Kong nationals migrated to the UK under a special visa scheme introduced in 2021.
An antigovernment protester shelters behind an umbrella as he attends a rally outside the Legislative Council building in Hong Kong in September 2019 [File: Jorge Silva/Reuters]
In 2024, legislators in Hong Kong approved a new national security law – referred to as Article 23 – that gave the government new powers to crack down on all forms of dissent on the grounds of alleged treason, espionage, sedition and external interference in Hong Kong’s internal affairs. Since then, Hong Kong has been offering bounties for the arrest of activists who have fled the city while facing charges related to the pro-democracy protests.
Hong Kong, a former British colony, is a particular sticking point for the UK due to its historical relationship and the sharp decline in political freedoms in Hong Kong since China imposed controversial national security legislation in 2020.
The former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the guarantee of a high degree of autonomy, including freedom of speech, under a “one country, two systems” formula.
Two stunning but overlooked destinations just a couple of hours from the UK are slated for a huge tourist boom, after a major airline ramps up its offerings – but there is one small catch
BA has added two beautiful destinations to its short-haul offerings(Image: Getty Images)
British Airways is ramping up its offerings as it launches two new direct routes – with prices starting at just £60. The upmarket airline has revealed that Brits will soon be able to fly to two new stunning destinations under its Gatwick-based subsidiary, BA Euroflyer, bringing its total number of short-haul destinations to 130. This includes the fairytale city of Graz in Austria and the overlooked hotspot of Rabat in Morocco.
However, there is one small catch. Both new routes won’t debut until November this year, meaning Brits wanting to explore somewhere new this summer won’t be able to take advantage of the new flights.
BA is launching new routes from London Gatwick to Graz and Rabat – but not until November(Image: Getty Images)
“We are excited to further strengthen our connectivity between London and Austria with the addition of Graz,” said Karen Hilton, managing director of BA Euroflyer. “We will be the only direct operation between the two cities, offering more choice to our customers, whether it’s for business, leisure, or visiting friends and family.
“With its year-round warm weather, Morocco is ideal for those seeking an off-season escape without a lengthy flight time. The addition of Rabat means we now fly to three fantastic destinations in Morocco – an excellent choice for families, couples, and friends alike.”
Graz, Austria
Graz is the capital city of the southern Austrian province of Styria, but has long remained out of the tourist spotlight. Overshadowed by the likes of Vienna and Salzburg, this quaint city was named a UNESCO City of Design in 2011, and its historic core is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
BA will operate flights to Graz three times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, starting on November 21, 2025. The journey takes, on average, two hours and 20 minutes.
The charming city is dripping in history, but has long been ignored by tourists(Image: Getty Images)
Highlights include the prominent mid-16th century clock tower on the Schlossberg mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the city – showing off its impressive range of architecture from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Historism and Art Nouveau eras. Its main square, Hauptlaz, is a great place for those wanting to pick up souvenirs at the weekly markets – and used to be used as an execution site back in the Middle Ages.
“Next to the Grazer Dom cathedral is one of the most striking buildings in Graz,” explains travel experts over at Lonely Planet. “This is the Mausoleum of Ferdinand II, part of St. Catherine’s Church, complete with soaring turquoise domes. Ferdinand had his court artist Giovanni Pietro de Pomis, originally from northern Italy, start work on the mausoleum and church in 1614.”
Grazer Dom Cathedral is a must-visit attraction(Image: Getty Images)
Rabat, Morocco
Attracting a fraction of the tourists that flock to Marrakech, Rabat is actually Morocco’s capital – and is brimming with rich history, impressive architecture, and things to do. BA will fly to the city twice per week (on Wednesdays and Sundays) starting on November 5, 2025.
Rabat boasts a much more laid-back atmosphere than the bustling streets of Marrakech(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage city thanks to its blend of tradition and modernity, this riverside region boasts manicured green spaces and an efficient tramway linking its districts together. The biggest attraction has to be Kasbah des Oudaias, a 12th-century citadel located within the Kasbah’s medieval gates. Initially constructed as a military fortress to protect the region, this preserved landmark now has a Mediterranean feel to it, and is filled with artisan shops and cobbled streets.
The stunning citadel feels like you’ve stepped back in time(Image: Getty Images)
“Rabat is also a modern eco-responsible capital with its green spaces. Beautiful parks await you, such as the botanical test garden or the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel which is a few kilometres from the city,” hails the country’s official tourist board, Visit Morocco. “Rabat also boasts an outstanding coastline; on the Atlantic Ocean shores, it has kilometres of well-equipped beaches that lead to the neighbouring city of Casablanca.”
*BA Euroflyer flies from London Gatwick to Graz from £60 each way, and to Rabat from £70 each way. This included taxes and carrier fees.
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Buyers have the chance to snap up an idyllic and picturesque French home nestled in a small town for just €1 – but the houses come with some pretty strict conditions
Saint Jean church in the centre of Ambert(Image: Getty Images)
While the thought of snapping up a beautiful French home for just €1 sounds like a dream – there’s one huge catch. It’s the kind of deal anyone would snap up in a heartbeat – especially as the costs of housing is through the roof, and it’s in an attempt to boost the popularity of the dwindling town.
But these homes in Ambert, located in the southeast of France have some conditions to them. Buyers are expected to invest significantly in renovations and meet strict requirements if they want the keys – and there is a significant amount that needs doing.
Firstly, the cheap homes are only available to first-time buyers, as second-time buyers are prohibited from taking part in the scheme. The buyers also have to commit to staying in the home full-time for at least three years too.
According to The Local, those who purchase a €1 house in Ambert must commit to living in the property full-time for at least three years once it’s been made habitable. If they fail to do so, they risk financial penalties, including the repayment of any government grants given for refurbishment works.
One huge downside is that the houses need some serious work. From the roof to the wiring, and everything in between, the two homes on offer require a fair but of renovating. Due to the extensive TLC needed, potential buyers may even be asked to provide a written plan outlining the extent of the work and how long it will take to complete.
Emmanuel Chabrier garden in Ambert(Image: Getty Images)
Ambert has become the latest community to adopt the tactic in trying to boost it’s population and stop it from dying out – as it clings on to the 6,500 population.
It comes after a UK home was put up for auction with a starting price of just £1, but also came with considerable work needed for potential buyers. Promoted by estate agents Pattinson on TikTok, the pair of modest-size flats in Newcastle-upon-Tyne appear to have been ransacked inside, with the previous occupants’ belongings left behind in a somewhat sorry state.
Beginning at front of the building, Pattison’s clip shows an overgrown hedge concealing the majority of the building.
The living room contains piles of broken furniture and rubbish – with no carpet visible whatsoever thanks to the mess. A framed picture of Jesus sits on the floor of the room, which has also been littered with vinyl records, CDs and board game boxes.
The video, which has been viewed more than 1,000 times saw a handful of people respond to its caption of, “Would you buy this property for £1?” – all of whom said they would. However, while the starting price at auction may be low, the house is likely to sell for more.
Sofia Carroll recently went on holiday to Spain to spend some well-deserved time in the sun. However, when she was sunbathing, something pretty wild happened to her skin
07:51, 17 Jul 2025Updated 07:52, 17 Jul 2025
She couldn’t believe what happened to her skin (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
When we jet off on holiday, it’s normal to want to catch a tan. However, one holidaymaker, who jetted off to Spain for some time in the sun, recently had the shock of her life when she noticed something unexpected had happened to her skin.
Sofia Carroll recently took to TikTok to share what happened to her after she spent some time soaking up the sun on her travels. After examining her skin after a day sunbathing, it’s fair to say she was left pretty gobsmacked – in fact, she probably didn’t know it was possible for her skin to look like it did.
Over a clip of her legs, she wrote: “How my skin feels after falling asleep in UV 10.” She is then seen pressing her skin with her finger and you can literally hear it sizzle – and it’s not the first time people have burnt in the heat.
It sounds like her skin is frying every time she touches it, and it left people totally floored. When they say you can have too much sun, it looks like this video may prove it.
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One person responded, saying: “Sunscreen my girl.” To this, Sofia replied: “Mum sprayed SPF 50 all over [me] when I was snoozing. Didn’t work though.”
Another seemed to encounter a similar experience, as she wrote: “You and me both girl.” The clip has been viewed dozens of times since it was shared.
Earlier this week, it was also reported that Hollie Claire couldn’t believe what happened to her skin after spending some time relaxing in the sun. Known as hxllieclaire on TikTok, she said a summer tan is “not worth” spending your holiday looking patchy, so she urged people to wear plenty of factor 50 sun cream.
As she spent some time relaxing by the pool in Greece, she admitted her head ended up “swelling” because she fell asleep while sunbathing, and woke up looking totally different.
Over a clip, Hollie wrote: “Your reminder to apply sun cream properly and not fall asleep in the sun. Watch to the end to see how my head ended up swelling.”
How to protect your skin
When it comes to protecting your skin in the sun, the NHS advises: “Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it’s cloudy.
“There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan does not protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Aim to strike a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.
“Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October.”
When the weather is really warm, people are advised to spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, to never burn, cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses, take extra care with children and use at least factor 30 sunscreen.
You shouldn’t rely on sunscreen alone to protect your skin from the sun. The NHS says it’s important to wear suitable clothing, and to spend plenty of time in the shade when the sun’s at its hottest.
When buying sunscreen, the label should have:
A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB
At least 4-star UVA protection
The NHS adds: “UVA protection can also be indicated by the letters ‘UVA’ in a circle, which indicates that it meets the EU standard. Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. Do not spend any longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen.”
England’s Maya Bouchier takes a brilliant diving catch at deep mid-wicket to end Shafali Verma’s 75 run innings as India sit on 111-5 in the fifth T20 at Edgebaston.
Jewel Thais-Williams, the founder of the pioneering Black lesbian and queer nightclub Jewel’s Catch One in Los Angeles, has died. She was 86.
Thais-Williams’ death was confirmed by KTLA and by several friends and employees of the club. No cause of death was immediately available.
For decades, the Mid-City nightclub — known to regulars as The Catch — was L.A.’s hallowed sanctuary for Black queer women, and a welcoming dance floor for trans, gay and musically adventurous revelers. Artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Madonna and Whitney Houston sashayed down Catch One’s winding halls, while the indomitable Thais-Williams fended off police harassment and led care programs during the height of the AIDS crisis.
The Catch was singularly important to the development of Black and queer nightlife in L.A., and belongs beside New York’s Paradise Garage and Chicago’s Warehouse in any account of the most important nightclubs in America.
“It was a community, it was family,” Thais-Williams told The Times in a 2018 interview. “To be honest myself, I was pretty much a loner too. I always had the fears of coming out, or my family finding out. I found myself there.”
Thais-Williams, born in Indiana in 1939, opened Jewel’s Catch One in 1973. She didn’t have ambitions to open a generationally important nightclub, just a more resilient business than her previous dress shop. However, her experience of being shunned as a Black woman by other local gay clubs bolstered her resolve to make the Catch welcoming for those left out of the scene in L.A.
Jewel’s Catch One on West Pico Boulevard.
(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
“I didn’t come into this business with the idea of it becoming a community center,” she said in 1992. “It started before AIDS and the riots and all that. I got the first sense of the business being more than just a bar and having an obligation to the community years ago when Black gays were carded — requiring several pieces of ID — to get into white clubs. I went to bat for them, though I would love to have them come to my place every night.
“The idea is to have the freedom to go where you want to without being harassed. The predominantly male, white gay community has its set of prejudices. It’s better now, but it still exists.”
Jewel’s Catch One became a kind of West Coast Studio 54, with disco-era visionaries like Donna Summer, Chaka Khan, Sylvester, Rick James and Evelyn “Champagne” King performing to packed rooms. Celebrities like Sharon Stone and Whoopi Goldberg attended the parties, glad for wild nights out away from the paparazzi in Hollywood.
Thais-Williams “opened the door for so many people,” said Nigl “14k,” the Catch’s manager, doorperson and limo driver for 27 years up until its sale in 2015. “A lot of people that felt not wanted in West Hollywood had nowhere to go. But people found out who she was and put word out. She was a great friend and a shrewd businessperson who allowed people to just be themselves.”
The club’s many rooms allowed for a range of nightlife — strip shows, card games and jazz piano sets alongside DJ and live band performances [along with Alcoholics Anonymous meetings]. The boisterous, accepting atmosphere for Black queer partiers contrasted with the constant surveillance, regulation and harassment outside of it.
“There was a restriction on same sex dancing, women couldn’t tend bar unless they owned it,” Thais-Williams said in 2018. “The police were arresting people for anything remotely homosexual. We had them coming in with guns pretending to be looking for someone in a white T-shirt just so they could walk around.”
A fire in 1985 claimed much of the venue’s top floor, closing it for two years. Thais-Williams suspected that gentrifiers had their eye on her building.
“It’s very important not to give up our institutions — places of business that have been around for years,” she said. “Having a business that people can see can offer them some incentive to do it for themselves. I’m determined to win, and if I do fail or move on, I want my business to go to Black people who have the same interest that I have to maintain an economic presence in this community.”
Thais-Williams’ AIDS activism was crucial during the bleakest eras of the disease, which ravaged queer communities of color. She co-founded the Minority AIDS Project and served on the board of the AIDS Project Los Angeles, which provided HIV/AIDS care, prevention programs and public policy initiatives.
With her partner, Rue, she co-founded Rue’s House, one of the first dedicated housing facilities in the U.S. for women living with HIV. The facility later became a sober-living home. In 2001, Thais-Williams founded the Village Health Foundation, a healthcare and education organization focused on chronic diseases that affected the Black community.
Jewel Thais-Williams in 2015.
(Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)
“Jewel is a true symbol of leadership within our community,” said Marquita Thomas, a Christopher Street West board member who selected Thais-Williams to lead the city’s Pride parade in 2018. “Her tireless efforts have positively affected the lives of countless LGBTQ minorities, [and her] dedication to bettering our community is truly inspiring.”
After decades in nightlife, facing dwindling crowds and high overhead for a huge venue, in 2015 Thais-Williams sold the venue to nightlife entrepreneur Mitch Edelson, who continues to host rock and dance nights in the club, now known as Catch One. (Edelson said the club is planning a memorial for Thais-Williams.)
“People in general don’t have appreciation anymore for their own institutions,” Thais-Williams told The Times in 2015. “All we want is something that’s shiny because our attention span is only going to last for one season and then you want to go somewhere else. The younger kids went to school and associated with both the straight people and non-Blacks, so they feel free to go to those spots. The whole gay scene as it relates to nightclubs has changed — a lot.”
After the sale, the importance of the club came into sharper focus. A 2018 Netflix documentary, “Jewel’s Catch One,” produced by Ava DuVernay’s company Array, highlighted The Catch’s impact on Los Angeles nightlife, and the broader music scene of the era. When Thais-Williams sold it, the Catch was the last Black-owned queer nightclub in the city.
In 2019, the square outside of Jewel’s Catch One was officially named for Thais-Williams.
“With Jewel’s Catch One, she built a home for young, black queer people who were often isolated and shut out at their own homes, and in doing so, changed the lives of so many” said then-City Council President Herb Wesson at the ceremony. “Jewel is more than deserving to be the first Black lesbian woman with a dedicated square in the city of Los Angeles for this and so many other reasons.”
L.A.’s queer nightlife scene is still reeling from the impact of the pandemic, broader economic forces and changing tastes among young queer audiences. Still, Thais-Williams’ vision and perseverance to create and sustain a home for her community will resonate for generations to come.
“Multiple generations of Black queer joy, safety, and community exist today because of Jewel Thais-Williams,” said Jasmyne Cannick, organizer of South L.A. Pride. “She didn’t just open doors — she held them open long enough for all of us to walk through, including this Gen-X Black lesbian. There’s a whole generation of younger Black queer folks out here in L.A. living their best life, not even realizing they’re walking through doors Jewel built from the ground up.”
“Long before Pride had corporate sponsors and hashtags, Jewel was out here creating space for us to gather, dance, organize, heal, and simply exist,” Cannick continued. “We owe her more than we could ever repay.”
Thais-Williams is survived by her wife and partner for 40 years, Rue.
Disneyland Paris has iconic rides, attractions and plenty of fun for the whole family – but there’s one little-known pass that could help you skip the queue
There’s a little-known pass you can use at Disneyland Paris (Image: Disneyland Paris)
Disneyland Paris is on most families’ bucket lists thanks to its iconic rides (Peter Pan or It’s A Small World, anyone?), incredible fireworks shows and of course those all-important character meet and greets.
Like most theme parks, during the peak school holidays there can be busy queues at Mickey Mouse‘s Parisian home. There are ways you can cut down wait times for example by buying fast passes – dubbed Premier Access – but if you’re on a tight budget these aren’t always the way to go.
However, there’s one little-known Disneyland Pass that not only lets you skip the queues for rides and characters, but also gets you easier access to some of the best spots for seeing the fireworks shows and parades. Dubbed the ‘Bambi pass’ by those in the know, it’s completely FREE of charge. Another perk? Those who hold it can bring up to FOUR people along to the front of the queue too.
The only catch? You’ll need to be pregnant if you want to use it. The ‘Pregnant Woman bracelet’ (we prefer the name Bambi Pass) is a band that you can collect at the information desks, and they’ll give you Priority Access to the majority of what the parks have to offer.
You could get quicker access to rides and attractions (Image: Disneyland Paris)
The pass isn’t actually a secret – in fact, if you know where to look you can find all the details on the Disneyland Paris website. However, it’s one that often gets overlooked by expectant mums who just assume they can’t join in on the fun.
Not only can they join in the fun, but they can bring their family with them – four people on rides, and two for shows or parade viewing spots.
Of course it’s worth noting that there are some rides which you won’t be able to go on if you’re pregnant, so if you are thinking of going, it’s worth checking the theme park website to check exactly which rides and attractions you’d want to do, to avoid disappointment. Still, it could prove useful if you’re thinking of taking your toddlers or older kids to Disneyland before their new sibling arrives – and means you can all still enjoy the bulk of the magic together.
A guide to the pass on the Disneyland Paris website explains: “Collect this bracelet on presentation of a medical certificate dated less than 3 months (French or English) at the dedicated counters at the entrance to Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios, at hotel concierge services or at City Hall and Studio Services.
“The Pregnant Woman bracelet allows priority but not immediate access to attractions, shows and meetings with Disney Characters, as well as to the cash desks of our restaurants and shops. Contact our Cast Members.
“You can be accompanied by 4 attendants for the attractions and indoors shows, and 2 attendants for the parades and outdoors shows.
“Please consult the Accessibility Maps for details of how to access our attractions.”
Jet2 and Jet2holidays have unveiled the details of its “biggest ever Winter Sun programme” however eager travellers will need to read the fine print before booking their flight
Jet2’s new winter sun programme will include more seats and choice across multiple UK airport bases(Image: Jet2.com / SWNS)
Jet2 has announced a whole host of new flight routes for Brits to enjoy – but there are a few details you should know before booking your travel. Jet2 and Jet2holidays have released the details of “their biggest ever Winter Sun programme” though there’s one catch pausing the excitement of travellers.
Eager travellers will need to wait before enjoying the suite of new offerings, which are planned for the Winter 26/27 season. While patience is required, you can still plan ahead to make the most of the new deals and flight routes.
The programme will mean more seats and choice across 13 of Jet2’s UK airport bases. It also includes two brand-new winter routes as well as significant expansion to their Morocco, Malta and Madeira programmes.
The programme includes significant expansion to Morocco(Image: Getty Images)
Jet2’s winter sun destinations
The programme expansion represents a capacity increase of 4% for the UK’s largest tour operator compared to its Winter 25/26 programme. Travellers will have their choice of 13 winter sun destinations departing from the following airports:
Belfast International
Birmingham
Bournemouth
Bristol
East Midlands
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Leeds Bradford
Liverpool John Lennon
London Stansted
London Luton
Manchester
Newcastle International
With destinations like Mainland Spain and the Balearics enjoying ever-increasing popularity, the companies have listed two new winter routes on sale from their newest UK airport bases – Bournemouth to Malaga and London Luton to Palma (Majorca).
In all, millions of seats are on sale across popular winter sun destinations in the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura), Mainland Spain (Alicante and Malaga), Majorca (Palma), Portugal (Faro and Madeira), Turkey (Antalya), Malta, Morocco (Marrakech and Agadir) and Cyprus (Paphos) and during peak periods, the airline and tour operator will operate over 600 weekly outbound flights.
Birmingham Airport is set to be one of the busiest airports for Jet2 come Winter 26/27(Image: SWNS)
Belfast International Airport will have ten sun destinations on sale, with over 25 departing weekly flights during peak periods. Destinations include Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Malaga, Alicante, Antalya, Faro, Madeira and Palma.
Birmingham Airport will be one of the busiest bases of all with over 65 weekly departing flights during peak periods in Winter 26/27. The 14 winter sun destinations on sale departing from Birmingham include Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Malaga, Alicante, Palma, Antalya, Faro, Madeira, Paphos, Malta, Marrakech and Agadir. You can read the full list of airports and their new departures here.
Jet2 and Jet2Holiday are also set to reveal details of their Ski, City Breaks and Iceland programmes for Winter 26/27 in the coming weeks.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are pleased to be offering our biggest and most exciting Winter Sun programme ever, giving customers and independent travel agents even more choice and flexibility for next winter.
“As ever, we have designed our programme in direct response to ongoing demand from holidaymakers, so as well as launching two new winter routes, we are delighted to be expanding our Winter offering to other fantastic destinations too.”
A free-to-use outdoor swimming pool is slated to open up in the heart of East London, along with a whole host of summer activities. However, the lido will only run for a select period of time
The huge lido is free to enter, if you’re brave enough(Image: Royal Docks)
A free outdoor swimming pool is slated to open in the Big Smoke this summer, but there’s one big catch Brits need to be aware of.
With temperatures predicted to rise to a sweltering 38C this month across parts of the UK, the idea of cooling off in the water has never been so appealing. Luckily, the Royal Victoria Dock in east London is opening an al-fresco water space, dubbed Summer Splash.
The unheated pool, which will be made from floating platforms, is completely free to use, and is set to open to the public next week, on Friday, July 25. However, the lido will not be a permanent feature – and will close down on Sunday, August 17.
The area will be transformed into a swimmer’s paradise – but only for the summer months(Image: Royal Docks)
“It’s the perfect place to cool off and relax, providing an urban retreat like no other,” hails Royal Docks’ official website. “Lounge in a deckchair, take a dip and soak up views of the Royal Docks’ vast open waters, framed by the City’s iconic skyline.
“The summer also provides a wider offer for water sports and wellness fans. [You] can dive into the action with wakeboarding and paddleboarding atWakeUp Docklands, waterside relaxation at Sweheat sauna, or the thrill of open water swimming at either the Royal Docks Swim Series in June or Dock2Dock in August, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.”
The lido, which will be manned by lifeguards, features a shallow section for children. There will also be a sandy play area, as well as deckchairs and a range of ‘exciting activities’ for kids.
“The Royal Docks is one of London’s best-kept secrets, a vibrant hotspot for creativity and culture, so I’m delighted to see the return of the At the Docks season,” Justine Simons, the deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said. “There is so much for young people and families to enjoy, from fun activities to open-air performances and festivals, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
If you’re heading into London to enjoy the free lido, Summer Splash is located just a short walk away from Royal Victoria DLR station. It is also close to the Emirates Cable Car on the embankment of Royal Victoria Dock next to The Crystal. You can plan your journey using TfL’s route planner here.
Brits are being encouraged to make the most of the lido while they can, as – in classic British fashion – downpours of rain are expected to brutally disrupt the UK’s ongoing heatwave. You can read the full weather forecast here.
*The lido’s core opening hours are 10am-6pm every day. Adverse weather conditions may see the pool closed. Check @Yourroyaldocks on X (formerly Twitter) for updates. Children aged under eight must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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