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Bold new plans to launch a 20,660-mile sleeper train that will whizz passengers around Europe in stylish private cabins have been announced, but there’s one big catch for Brits

Ambitious plans to connect 100 major European cities together with sleek sleeper trains could become a reality by 2027. Berlin-based start up Nox has revealed its blueprints for an epic route covering a whopping 20,660 miles* to curb the need for short-haul flights. It aims to launch night trains with entirely private rooms that will sleep one or two guests.

Each stylish cabin will feature two meter-long beds, separate seats with tables, and enough space to stand up and store your luggage. Nox also has plans to offer double beds with panoramic window views.

“Our room design allows us to fit more people into our trains than traditional operators can,” said founder Janek Smalla who co-launched FlixTrain, and until 2024 led the German ridesharing market for Bolt. “This, paired with a strict focus on standardisation and operational excellence will allow us to offer affordable fares on over 35 European routes.”

The company says it has already reserved train coaches and is ‘finalising the approval’ of its interior design. It is now preparing the next large financing round for autumn, but did not wish to comment on how much the project is slated to cost.

READ MORE: New 425-mile UK train line with 11 stops to launch branded ‘Eurostar of Scotland’

With sustainability and affordability central to its mission, single rooms will start as low as €79 (£67) while double rooms will cost €149 (£127) but this could fluctuate based on demand. However, there is one big catch for Brits – who have been left out of the proposals.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Nox explained how it originally ‘intended’ to serve London and make it one of its hubs for night trains. “Our route network is data-driven, and based on our analysis, starting in London made sense from a passenger demand perspective,” a spokesperson said.

However, once the company started looking into the ‘technical and regulatory challenges’ of operating such a service, it deemed bringing the sleeper trains to the UK a ‘near -impossibility’. After speaking to experts, concerns were raised over axle load and technical limitations on HS1, a lack of available capacity at St Pancras International, limited space for maintenance facilities, and Eurotunnel safety requirements.

“Following this setback, we revised our route network and adjusted departure and arrival times in Paris and Brussels to ensure smooth connections with Eurostar services — making it easier for UK travellers to access our network,” Nox added. “Of course, with such strong demand for night trains from the UK, we would love to establish a presence in London.

“However, significant policy changes are needed — including reforms around track access charges, slot availability on HS1 and at St. Pancras (including infrastructure for train servicing and storage), Eurotunnel access, and the regulatory framework for border controls.” Some of these issues have already been challenged by the likes of Virgin, who recently made a punt to apply for access to the Temple Mills depot in north-east London – potentially ending Eurostar’s monopolisation of the tunnel.

But Nox is not setting up to try and disrupt St Pancras. Instead, it’s on a mission to offer a ‘real alternative’ to short-haul flights and make night trains an ‘essential part of European travel’. “Before launching Nox, we conducted extensive research and interviewed over 100 frequent travellers,” the start up told the Mirror.

“We asked them why they chose to fly rather than take night trains. In most cases, the main reasons were a lack of privacy and high prices. That’s why we decided to prioritise both operational efficiency and privacy — through smart room design, streamlined operations, and standardisation across our network — to offer night train tickets at prices comparable to airline fares. For us, it’s the only way to truly encourage people to fly less and choose rail instead.”

*Nox’s longest route is 932 miles, while the shortest is 310 miles. Based on rough averages, this means the proposal will cover a whopping 20,660 miles. You can learn more about Nox here.

What do you think of the new route? Let us know in the comments section below

This village in Lanzarote is home to miles and miles of impressive beaches that are highly rated, however travellers are advised to steer clear of the water

This village in Lanzarote has one of the longest stretches of beach on the whole island, but think twice before jumping in the water.

While it has become a hub for exceptional surfers, swimming is not advisable on this famous beach. The fishing village of Famara is widely known as a surfer’s haven, located on the northwestern coast of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands. Famara is located in the municipality of Teguise, occupying a large curving bay with many miles of beaches.

But while the waters may look inviting, they can be quite treacherous due to strong currents. For that reason, only experienced surfers typically brave the sea at Famara and swimming is not advised.

The strong winds in the area also make sunbathing unpleasant, but the beach is great for more active pursuits. Kitesurfing has become extremely popular on the beach, and travellers up to the challenge can try their hand at the sport.

READ MORE: Underrated Canary Island is so untouched and tourists don’t even know it’s there

There are also multiple surf schools where visitors can take lessons and test the waters under trained supervision. You can book a full-day surging lesson for beginners if you are completely new to the sport.

Lessons for beginners include instructions on how to paddle, how to stand up on your board and how to catch your first wave. As an extra perk, some schools even offer video analysis sessions so you can study and better improve your technique.

The smaller beach in the area, San Juan, has hosted many professional surfing competitions over the years. For instance, Famara has previously hosted the World Surf Championship which saw 200 participants descend to the Canary Islands from all around the world.

If you are keen on an active holiday outside the water, there are also plenty of great walking routes in Famara to explore. Travellers can walk along the Risco cliffs – though this can be quite treacherous as well.

Alternatively, hikers can walk to the capital of Teguise from Famara (or vice versa if you prefer to walk downhill). The high cliffs has also made the area a hubg for hangliders and paragliders in the off-peak seasons.

If you are really uninterested in any type of active holiday, Famara still has plenty to offer. Beyond stunning sunsets and scenery that can be enjoyed from almost anywhere in the village, there are also plenty of good eats to explore.

Restaurante El Risco is a farm-to-table establishment that has been acknowledged by the Michelin Guide. According to the Guide: “The decor here is simple but with a subtle maritime-inspired feel, but what stands out most of all are the magnificent views of the Playa de Famara, the surrounding mountains and, peering out across the ocean, the outline of the bucolic island of La Graciosa.”

The Guide advises guests to book well in advance due to El Risco’s heightened popularity. “Local fish and seafood as well as rice dishes are the main highlights on the menu, although we can also highly recommend the delicious daily specials. Best to book ahead as it is usually very busy!”

A popular Spanish airport, which welcomed more than six million visitors last year, has confirmed it will extend its opening hours after the summer period – providing more flexibility for airlines

A popular airport in the Canary Islands will undergo a major shakeup, as it continues to ‘strengthen links’ to the holiday hotspot.

For years, Fuerteventura was dismissed as the ‘boring’ side of the archipelago – constantly overshadowed by neighbouring party resorts in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. However, the destination – which is the second largest Canary Island – has witnessed a huge tourist boom.

Lured in by its unspoilt golden beaches, cobalt waters, rugged volcanos and rich wildlife – Fuerteventura’s mass appeal is finally starting to be appreciated. It’s great for surfers, water sports enthusiasts, hikers, or those that just want to chill by the pool with a good book.

Last year, the island’s airport handled a whopping 6.4 million passengers – marking a 7.1 per cent increase from 2023 and a huge 14.4 per cent spike compared to pre-covid years. Now, it is extending its operating hours – but there is a catch.

READ MORE: Huge blow to Greece as tourists abandon popular island for key reason

According to Canarian Weekly, Fuerteventura Airport currently closes at 10.30pm, but a new timetable will push this back by 30 minutes, until 11pm. However, the extension won’t come into effect until November 1, meaning passengers flying to the hotspot during the summer won’t be impacted by the change.

The move comes as Spain’s airport operator AENA has also given the green-light for La Palma Airport to open until 11pm. In a statement sent to the Mirror, AENA confirmed the airport will also have the option to extend its operating hours by one hour, until midnight, upon request from an operator.

“The schedule extension can be requested to accommodate previously scheduled commercial flights that have experienced delays and need to operate after the regular closing time due to unforeseen causes, such as operational issues or weather conditions,” a spokesperson said. “All involved groups and organisations, which were previously consulted to conduct the technical feasibility study, have been informed.

“Modifications to an airport’s operating hours begin with a request from at least one airline, which provides a reasoned justification through a firm proposal for scheduling additional flights during that time. The procedure requires a detailed prior study of its feasibility, not only from a financial perspective, but also from the priorities and perspectives of all parties, including inter-island connectivity.”

While a later closing time can provide more flexibility for airlines – it may not go down well with residents who live nearby. Fuerteventura’s skyrocketing popularity has dragged it into Spain’s escalating anti-tourist sentiment, as Brits take the blame for the country’s worsening housing crisis.

Over the last year, several protests have erupted across the island, as banner-waving residents demand tourists ‘go home’. As previously reported, the island’s government has confirmed it will introduce a tourist tax for entering the wild beach of Cofete, the awe-inspiring sand dunes of Correlejo and the vast sea caves of Ajuy.

Jessica de León, Minister of Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands, has insisted that Fuerteventura ‘must now be incorporated into the regional debate on the ecotax in protected natural spaces’. Fuerteventura’s president, Lola Garcia, also said the collection of a tourist tax was necessary to raise money for the maintenance of the natural spaces visited by hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers each year.

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South Africa’s Marco Jansen juggles the ball before successfully completing the catch at slip to dismiss Australia’s Steve Smith for 66 runs on day one of the ICC Test Championship final at Lord’s.

FOLLOW MORE: South Africa v Australia – day one

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A stunning beach in the UK has been going viral after people noticed that it looks just like the beaches that line the shores of the Caribbean, with crystal-clear waters and golden sand

Discover a slice of the Caribbean on UK shores with Cornwall’s stunning beach that’s making waves on TikTok. Whisking yourself away to a sun-kissed sandy beach and gazing at crystal-clear waters while bronzing your skin is often reserved for holidays abroad. But what if you could soak in all that holiday bliss without jetting away from the UK?

A hidden gem along the UK coastline has started creating a buzz on social media for looking remarkably similar to a Caribbean paradise. With its pristine blue waters and golden sands, it’s easy to mistake this Cornish hotspot for a tropical haven a world away.

READ MORE: Award-winning gut health brand cuts 25% off ‘life changing’ bloating-busting sachet

The place shaping up to be the country’s answer to Caribbean escapes is none other than Pedn Vounder beach. This idyllic spot grabbed attention on TikTok, thanks to a share by @carbisbayhotelandestate – representing the luxe Carbis Bay estate in St Ives, which boasts its own exclusive strand.

Lucky for beachgoers, the appealing stretch featured in the viral post welcomes the public. Perched on the Penwith peninsula’s southern tip, Pedn Vounder ticks all the boxes for an exotic beach experience without leaving UK territory.

For those tempted to check out Pedn Vounder, it’s worth noting a few key insights. The secluded beauty spot experiences the ebb and flow of tidal shifts – ensuring the beach area disappears under the waves at high tide.

Moreover, reaching this hidden coastal treasure requires traversing by boat or executing a “challenging climb” down some steep rocks due to its remote setting.

Pedn Vounder, a picturesque beach in Cornwall, is gaining popularity among naturists despite not being officially designated for nude sunbathing.

Visitors are warned with signs stating “naturists may be seen beyond this point” as they make their way down to the cove, which has become an unofficial spot for those who prefer to soak up the sun in the nude.

Explore Cornwall advises that the beach can get “very busy” during the summer and school holidays, suggesting an early visit before the children break up for summer.

The website also notes: “The beach is south-facing with high cliffs on either side so it gets the best sunshine in the middle of the day and is in the shade from late afternoon.”

Reviews from previous visitors to Pedn Vounder are overwhelmingly positive, with one Google review exclaiming: “Totally mind-blowing. What a fabulous colour of water, totally loved it.”

Another visitor was equally impressed, remarking: “The best and most amazing beach you can find in the UK. This place made us think we were in the Caribbean.”

A third satisfied tourist wrote: “Beautiful beach with azure blue water, nice sand, cliffs either side and plenty of space. Water was amazing to swim in.”

It’s the greatest gift to baseball players who attend schools in the City Section. Every season since 1969, except for two years during the pandemic of 2020 and 2021, the championship game has been played at Dodger Stadium.

The championships return to Dodger Stadium on Saturday. Marine League rivals Banning and Carson will face off at 10 a.m. for the Division I title, followed by El Camino Real taking on Venice at 1 p.m. for the Open Division championship. There’s free parking and tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for students. Gates open at 9 a.m.

Three of the four semifinal games were decided on walk-off hits, showing the parity this season.

In the Open Division, El Camino Real has its top two pitchers ready to go. Devin Gonor will get the start and Luke Howe has four innings left to throw if needed. Venice has its ace, Noel Moreno (12-1) available.

As usual, handling the environment and dimensions of Dodger Stadium will be key, from catchers preventing balls in the dirt from going to the backstop to outfielders making catches in the sun.

Banning has beaten Carson two of three times this season. Carson is coming off a dramatic win in the semifinals over Taft in which Xavier Allen hit a walk-off, two-run home run in the 11th inning.

Canon King of Venice is coming off a five-for-five performance against Birmingham. El Camino Real has won nine City titles.

All the teams involved will be invited to play in the Southern California regionals that begin in two weeks.

This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email [email protected].

Puchong, Malaysia – On a recent Sunday morning, about a dozen men with fishing nets skirted the rubbish-strewn banks of the Klang River just outside the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.

Surveying the river, the men cast their nets into the polluted water. The nets billowed open and sunk quickly under the weight of metal chains.

From where they stood on the riverbank, they started to pull in their nets, already filled with dozens of squirming black-bodied catfish.

“You don’t see any other fish. Only these,” said Mohamad Haziq A Rahman, the leader of Malaysia’s “foreign fish hunter squad”, as they emptied their catch of wriggling suckermouth catfish into piles, away from the river.

None of the fish caught that morning were sold at nearby markets or food stalls. The sole purpose of the expedition was to cull suckermouth catfish, one among a growing number of invasive species that have in recent decades dominated freshwater habitats across Southeast Asia.

Once brought in for commercial or hobbyist reasons, invasive fish are not only threatening to edge native species out of the food chain in Malaysia and elsewhere, but they also spread diseases and cause great damage to local environments.

Invasive fish are a problem the world over, but experts say the issue is keenly felt in mega-biodiverse Malaysia.

“More than 80 percent of rivers in the Klang Valley have been invaded by foreign fish species, which can cause the extinction of the rivers’ indigenous aquatic life,” said Dr Kalithasan Kailasam, a river expert with the Malaysia-based Global Environment Centre.

“It’s growing in almost all other main rivers in Malaysia,” said Kailasam, explaining how species such as the suckermouth have the potential to quickly reproduce and survive in dirty water, leaving local fish on the losing side.

Aside from the suckermouth, Malaysia’s waterways are now threatened by species such as the aggressive peacock bass, Javanese carp and redtail catfish, he said.

While the full extent of the problem is not yet known, Malaysia’s fisheries department, after a four-year study until 2024, found invasive species in 39 areas across nearly every state in peninsular Malaysia and on the island of Labuan, including in dams, lakes and major rivers.

Alarmed by the threat, a small group of citizens banded together to fight the aquatic invaders.

Led by Haziq, they are working to reclaim Malaysia’s rivers one fin at a time.

Invasive fish invasion

The citizen fish hunters’ quest to fight invasive species started during the country’s COVID-19 lockdowns, when Haziq, a former healthcare consultant, turned to fishing as a pastime in a river near his house in central Selangor state. He found every fish he caught was of the suckermouth variety, also known as the “pleco” or “ikan bandaraya” – which translates as the “janitor fish” in Malay and is favoured by hobbyists to keep aquariums clean, as the suckermouth feeds on algae, leftover food and dead fish.

Native to South America, varieties of the suckermouth have also been introduced into waterways in the United States, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, often when owners dump them into rivers, canals, dams or free them after they grow too large for their aquarium tanks.

Because of their thick, scaly skin, suckermouths are usually avoided by even larger predators in Malaysia, and can grow to about half a metre (1.6ft) in length.

As bottom feeders, the catfish have been known to eat the eggs of other species and destroy their nesting sites. Catfish also burrow into riverbanks to nest, causing them to erode and collapse, which is a serious environmental issue in flood-prone Malaysia where year-end monsoon winds bring heavy rain.

Malaysia’s central bank said in 2024 that floods are the cause of 85 percent of the country’s natural disasters, with their frequency increasing since 2020.­

Though far from his favourite fish to catch, Haziq discovered that suckerfish roe could be used as bait for other bigger fish, and he earned some money selling their eggs to other fishing enthusiasts. He also gained a following by putting his exploits on social media. Further research then led him to learn about the threats posed by invasive species.

Harziq started to attract like-minded anglers, and, in 2022, they decided to form a group for hunting suckermouth, meeting nearly every week in a river to carry out a cull.

Their public profile and popularity are growing. The group’s membership has now grown to more than 1,000, and it has a strong fan following on social media.

“People kept asking how to join our group, because we were looking at the ecosystem,” Haziq said.

Focusing first on Malaysia’s Selangor state and rivers in the capital Kuala Lumpur, the fish hunter squad netted nearly 31 tonnes of suckermouths alone in 2024. They have also visited rivers in other states in Malaysia as their campaign expands.

Dispose, use for research, or cook and eat?

During a hunt in the Klang River earlier this year, Haziq and his comrades deployed to the river’s banks on a mission to see how many suckermouth they could catch during a single outing.

But hunting for invasive fish can be tricky. Without boats, the hunters have to wade into the fast-moving polluted waters from muddy banks, while navigating underwater debris such as rubbish on the riverbed.

Almost all the fish they caught were of the invasive kind, but once in a while, they do net a local.

“Haruan (snakehead)!” shouted ex-navy diver Syuhaily Hasibullah, 46, as he showed off a small fish half the size of his arm, taken from a net containing several suckermouths.

“This one is rare! There used to be a lot of them in the river,” he told Al Jazeera.

Haziq said if the hunters found many invasive species in their nets, they would organise another outing to the same location, bringing along more people to take part.

The day they set out to calculate how many invasive fish they could catch in a single outing turned out to yield half a tonne of suckermouth in just three hours – so many they had to stuff them into sacks.

Previously, the hunters buried their hauls in deep holes away from the river. Now, they have found more creative ways to dispose of what is, generally, an unwanted fish.

At the event earlier this year, sacks of suckermouths were handed over to a local entrepreneur looking to experiment with turning the fish into a form of charcoal known as biochar.

Some local universities have also started researching the possible use of the suckermouth. One university research article explored the potential of suckermouth collagen for pharmaceutical use, while another considered its use as fertiliser or even as a type of leather.

On some occasions, the hunters even eat the fish they catch, though that depends on which river they have been taken from.

While redtail or African catfish are considered delicacies by some, the suckermouth, also known in India as “devil fish”, is a less attractive snacking option – but not out of the question when it comes to a quick riverside grill.

“If the fish is from the Klang River, we don’t eat it,” Mohd Zulkifli Mokhtar told Al Jazeera, before dozens of hunters broke their fast during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

“But if it’s from the Langat River, it’s still OK,” Zulkifli said, as dozens of suckermouth caught in the less polluted Langat River, located in Bangi some 25km (16 miles) south of Kuala Lumpur, were gutted, marinated in satay and grilled on skewers.

Studies from Bangladesh and Indonesia have found varieties of catfish with high levels of heavy metals and contaminants. A 2024 article by Malaysia’s Universiti Teknologi Mara cited a study that showed the level of contaminants in the suckermouth was “heavily influenced by the level of pollution in the river”.

‘If we don’t act now, it would be worse’

While Malaysia’s fisheries department said there were no records of local species becoming endangered because of invasive ones, native fish nevertheless face threats.

Local fish either faced becoming prey or have had to fight to survive, with the department finding in a survey that 90 percent of the fish in six rivers in the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur region were now foreign arrivals.

The department’s Director-General Adnan Hussain said various measures had been put in place, including the release of some 33.6 million native fish and prawns into rivers nationwide from 2021 to 2025 to “balance the impact” of invasive fish.

Late last year, the state government of Selangor also came up with a scheme to pay anglers one Malaysian ringgit ($0.23) for every kilogramme (2.2lb) of the suckermouth fish removed from two rivers. The captured fish were to be turned into animal feed and organic fertiliser, an official said.

Restrictions on the import of certain foreign aquatic species – including entire species and groups – into Malaysia were also imposed last year, and he added that programmes and collaboration with the fish hunters had also helped to deal with the problem.

In one river in Selangor state, Adnan said the amount of invasive fish caught following one eradication programme had dropped from 600kg (1,300lb) in a May 2024 event to just more than 150kg (330lb) four or five months later.

However, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu fish researcher Professor Amirrudin Ahmad said it was “almost impossible” to fully exterminate the country’s invasive fish.

“So many species live in (native water bodies) and getting rid of invasive species by the means of poisoning the water is not feasible at all,” he said, adding there were close to 80 recorded fish species introduced in Malaysia so far.

He further warned that rising temperatures caused by climate change may even allow species like the predatory Mekong redtail catfish to proliferate in cooler upstream waters in Malaysia.

“They are here to stay,” Amirrudin said.

“It is simply,” he said, “that the environment is mostly similar to their native country, or these species are highly adaptable.”

That this is an ecological war that can never truly be won is a point that Haziq and his fellow fish hunters are fully aware of. Nearly every river they visited in recent times had almost nothing but invasive fish, he said.

But their mission will carry on, he added, along with the hunting and public awareness that has spurred thousands to follow his social media videos on the subject.

“Yes, this fish won’t be completely gone from our rivers,” he told Al Jazeera.

“But if we don’t act now, it would be worse,” he said.

“It’s better to take action than to just leave it alone,” he added.

“At least we can reduce the population, than allow it to completely take over our local fish.”

A 125-year-old Jacobean-style mansion is hitting the auction block for just £288,000.

The catch? Prospective buyers can only view it from a distance.

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Shire Hall, in Llangefni on the island of Anglesey, north Wales, was built in 1899 and sits overlooking the Afon Cefni river.

It was originally constructed of stone at a cost of £4,453, with an extension added in 1912.

Once used as office space, the building is now derelict following a serious fire, and is considered unsafe to enter.

It’s set to be sold at auction between 20 and 22 May.

Viewings are restricted due to the building’s dangerous condition, including a collapsed roof and major structural damage.

Paul Fosh Auctions, which is handling the sale, says the site has planning permission in place for six riverside apartments.

However, they note that a more extensive development could be possible, depending on future discussions with the local council.

Gemma Vaughan from the auction house said: “The lot offers a most unusual and exciting opportunity for an investor/developer to acquire this historic building in the heart of Llangefni.”

Shire Hall stands on Glanhwfa Road, about a mile from the A55 expressway, which links the island to the rest of north Wales and Cheshire.

Anglesey is well known for its coastal walks and sandy beaches, although Shire Hall itself is far from the seaside charm – with only ruins remaining of its former grandeur.

The sale includes Shire Hall, along with around 90 other lots, in an online auction hosted by Paul Fosh Auctions, starting at 12 noon and running from May 20 to 22.

Another property has left Brits scratching their heads – not because of its price, but also because no one’s allowed inside.

Dubbed the “mansion you can’t go inside,” the eerie estate sits behind locked gates with no signs of life, yet manages to attract curious onlookers and conspiracy theories in equal measure.

Locals say the sprawling home has been sealed up for years, with perfectly manicured gardens but not a soul ever seen entering or leaving.

There’s no for-sale sign, no public records of recent ownership changes, and absolutely no explanation as to why the doors remain firmly shut.

Despite the mystery, the mansion has become an unlikely tourist magnet, with visitors travelling miles just to snap a photo at the gates.

It may not be Britain’s most expensive or oldest home, but it’s certainly one of the strangest, and its secrecy only adds to the eerie fascination.

This comes as Britain’s “loneliest house” went on the market for £250,000, but it comes with a huge catch.

Meanwhile, viewers of Britain’s Most Expensive Houses were left baffled by a rather unusual tactic used in a bid to sell a jaw-dropping £29m mansion.

Plus, the “UK’s smallest house“, measuring less than 2.5 metres wide, has hit the market for £200k – proving once again that when it comes to British property, size, access, and logic don’t always apply.

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