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The airline has disclosed plans for new routes for airline passengers looking for a holiday

Ryanair has announced four new routes in Portugal. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has unveiled four new routes in Portugal for the winter – including one to an ‘epic hidden gem’.

The airline’s new routes will see flights go from Porto to Gothenburg and Porto to Polish capital Warsaw. It will also see flights run from Faro to Krakow in Poland, and from Funchal to Shannon in Ireland.

Krakow is seen by many as an unheralded but beautiful destination for tourists with stunning castles in the city and surrounding area. It has a medieval Old Town and a rich history.

The Sunshine Seeker travel website describes the city as an ‘epic hidden gem’. In a glowing reference, it says “there’s a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered off the beaten path.”

Charlotte, who runs the site, listed the breathtaking Zakrzówek Park and Lake, St. Joseph’s Church and Tyniec Abbey as all spots well worth a visit. She also named museums, galleries and markets – and drew attention to the city’s many moving landmarks to the Holocaust. At least three million Jewish Poles were killed during the Nazi occupation of Poland.

Ryanair and the move to new routes

The airline is omitting Lisbon from the list for new routes. This is because, according to Ryanair’s CEO, ANA, which operates most of the nation’s airports, admits to having reached maximum capacity in the country’s capital.

However, O’Leary insists that Lisbon airport can accommodate more traffic if it were given the slots for takeoff and landing permits that Portuguese airline TAP does not use. He said Montijo Airport, a new airport infrastructure in Lisbon, would be more viable than Alcochete, because it would be operational more quickly.

Meanwhile, Ryanair has bolstered its Madeira operations this winter by putting a third aircraft in Funchal (FNC) and adding a new route, part of 171 routes across Portugal. The news comes as man air carriers have increased their routes this winter to Spain.

That has happened after Ryanair said it would cut around 600,000 seats to and from the country, as well as about 400,000 seats to and from the Canary Islands. That change is part of a disagreement with another airport operator.

Vueling, Iberia Express, and Binter have added 434,000 extra seats compared to last autumn and winter already. Other airlines, including Volotea and Wizz Air, have also expressed a desire to fill part of this gap.

Ryanair has blamed the Spanish airport operator Aena for the move – and criticised its decision to raise the fees it imposes on airlines. Ryanair has, in addition, shut its two-aircraft base in Santiago, located in northwest Spain, and put a halt to all flights to Vigo and Tenerife North.

Ryanair’s chief executive, Eddie Wilson, said AENA’s decision to ramp up airport charges by 6.62% as “excessive”. The Minister of Transport, Óscar Puente, said if Ryanair leaves certain airports, other airlines will take on that capacity. “The king is dead, long live the king!” Puente said – attacking the Irish airline’s alleged ‘blackmail’.

AENA’s president, Maurici Lucena, accused Ryanair of distorting the figures. He said the airline was attempting to ‘make more money’ at the expense of taxpayers.

A WOMAN armed with three knives threatened to kill migrants after watching far-right videos, a court heard.

Drunk and stoned Nina Manley, 51, got a taxi to a Premier Inn hotel — but it was the wrong one as there were no migrants living there.

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Staff at the hotel in North Petherton, Somerset, called cops, in August.

Manley told police: “I’m pissed off and I’m going to f***ing kill someone.”

Recorder Matthew Cannings told her at Taunton crown court: “You watched videos of extreme far-right social media personalities like Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson.”

Defending, Anjam Arif said Manley came from a military background and lost a brother who was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

“Her actions were born out of bravado rather than a real threat to kill.”

Manley, of Bridgwater, admitted threats to kill and got a 12-month suspended jail sentence.

THE best pubs across the country have been revealed – so does your local make the list?

The Great British Pub Awards has announced its shortlist of finalists across categories including Best Beer Pub, Best Pub Garden and Best Country Pub.

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The awards are aimed at celebrating the best boozers in the UK.

Six pubs have been nominated in each category, with the eventual winners revealed later this month.

The nominations for Best Beer Pub include the Cask Pub & Kitchen in Pimlico, London.

It claims to have the UK’s first and only vintage beer cellar, which includes beers from the 1950s.

There’s also The Riverhead Brewery Tap in Marsden, Huddersfield, which has its own microbrewery inside.

Blind Jack’s in Knaresborough is a family owned independent traditional pub founded in 1991 that sells highly rated craft beers.

The other nominations for Best Beer Pub include Bowland Beer Hall at Holmes Mill in Clitheroe, Granville’s Beer & Gin House in Horsforth, Leeds, and The Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire.

If you’re a fan of a pub lunch after a walk in the countryside, there’s also a list of the Best Country Pubs.

The Sun Inn in Great Easton, Leicestershire, is in the heart of the Welland Valley.

It says “wet wellies and muddy paws are welcome” and it has a roaring fire to warm you up after your walk.

Meanwhile The Tally Ho Inn in Bouldon, Shropshire, is within the stunning Corvedale Valley.

It’s located centrally between the historic towns of Ludlow and Bridgnorth.

Reviewers say it’s a hidden “beautiful find” with an “outstanding” Sunday lunch.

If you’re heading to the Peak District, it could be worth stopping at The Ashford Arms in Ashford in the Water.

The pub is a stone’s throw from the famous medieval Sheepwash Bridge and there are also hiking opportunities along the River Wye.

The other nominees include The Tollemache Arms in Harrington, Northampton, The Turkey Inn in Laycock, Keighley, and The Fleece Inn in Eversham, Worcestershire.

If you’re looking to make the most of outdoor dining before the weather gets chillier, six pubs have also been nominated for Best Pub Garden.

The Gaggle of Geese in Buckland Newton is set in rural Dorset with five acres of gardens.

It’s got everything you could want, with a skittle alley, crazy golf, pygmy goats and a playbus, as well as camping and glamping.

Meanwhile The Mutton at Hazeley Heath overlooks Hazeley Farm and its garden has boasts blooming flowers and greenery.

A previous Sun review said it has “amazing views, private dining experiences and a huge selection of drinks”.

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The historical Black Friar pub in Salford was built in 1886 but laid derelict for over 15 years before it was restored in 2021.

It now has an award-winning garden and outdoor tavern, as well as its famed Glass Room.

The other nominees are Myrtle Tavern in Meanwood, Leeds, the Hare & Hounds in Tingley, Wakefield, and The Old Crown in Digbeth, Birmingham.

Other categories in the awards include Best Pub for Food, Best Pub for Families and Best Pub for Dogs.

You can see more of the nominations below…

TEN of the cheapest new cars on sale right now in the UK have been revealed.

Experts have also outlined their thoughts on the selection of new vehicles.

Top Gear gave advise on the list of the ten cheapest cars currently on sale, which includes a bizarre “micro car”.

1. Citroen Ami – £7,695

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At the top of the list is the Citroen Ami that is being sold for “the price of a well-used BMW 3 Series”.

It appears to have the “bones” of a quadricycle with a very boxy shape.

This Citroen comes with an 8bhp electric motor, and 5.5kWh.

Top Gear analysts said it was “fun to use and an entirely loveable object” which can reach top speeds of 28mph.

2. Leapmotor T03 – £14,495

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This is a small Chinese electric car that appears well built.

And its price of £14,495 includes a Leapmotor grant of £1,500.

Even though it is small, the interior is still quite roomy and reasonably comfortable.

“The Dacia Spring has already shown that cheap cars like this can have character, something the T03 severely lacks,” reviewed Top Gear.

3. Dacia Sandero – £14,715

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When it first came into the UK, the Dacia Sandero actually cost just £8,000.

However, it is still the cheapest “proper” petrol-powered car that can be bought in the country at the moment.

The vehicle has been described as “simple”, “spacious”, and one that “absolutely nails the brief” for allowing passengers to get from one place to another.

Top Gear’s verdict on the Dacia Sandero was: “If you don’t in the least bit care about cars, this is probably what you should buy.”

4. Dacia Spring – £14,995

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This car is small, electric and cheap for new cars generally.

It has also been considered “simple” but “fun” like its bigger sibling.

Top Gear stated: “It proves to everyone else it is possible for a BEV to weigh largely the same as its petrol equivalent.

“Well done Dacia.”

5. Kia Picanto – £16,695

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The latest Picanto from Kia is aligned with the maker’s belief in The Small Car,

While looking great, it has a fun motor that offers enough practicality for urban life.

“For a first car or something that’s just needed as a runabout, you can’t go at all wrong with the Picanto,” said Top Gear.

6. Toyota Aygo X – £16,845

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This is a 1.0L, three-cylinder-engined car ideal for the city.

It also has a 71bhp that comes through the front wheels for an exciting 0-62 mph in 14.9 seconds.

For the city, this is surely sufficient because it is unlikely you will going faster than 5mph much.

Top Gear’s verdict on the Aygo X was: “It rides and steers impressively well, although the little three-cylinder engine can feel a little gutless.”

7. Microlino – £16,990

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The Microlino is said to be “becoming the cutest, most adorable thing on the road at any given point”.

It is a “micro” car though so doesn’t leave any room for passengers.

Basically a life-sized, portable, electric Playmobil toy.

“As a car it’s flawed,” admits Top Gear.

“Think of it more as a pet.

“Not brilliantly house-trained, but somehow kinda loveable.”

8. Hyundai i10 – £17,100

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This Hyundai is thought to be the most sophisticated version of the humble i10 yet.

It offers fairly impressive levels of technology and tools, with some decent space inside.

A good overall small car, especially for the price.

“Well done Hyundai for having come up with a fresh city car when lots of other car-makers have canned theirs,” said Top Gear.

9. MG 3: £17,245

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The third generation of the Chinese car maker is small, but not a bad drive.

It’s simple, with a more refined interior to make a good all-rounder.

There is still room for improvement in the ride as Top Gear suggests: “If you can ignore the badge snobbery, you could do a lot worse.”

10. Fiat Grande Panda (hybrid) – £18,035

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This vehicle marks a return for Fiat in making motors that are cheap but fun and full of character.

Top Gear writes: “It has a cheery countenance and knowing sense of heritage.

“We approve.”

BLOKES taking sex pills including Viagra have complained of side effects including going deaf, blind and bald.

More than 900 people reported experiencing problems they believed were linked to the medications between 2000 and 2024.

Among them, six men reckoned Viagra-style pills caused them to lose their hearing — just like Hugh Hefner.

The Playboy boss claimed he went deaf from using too much Viagra before he died aged 91 in 2017.

There were also 41 sight problems reported to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, including two claims of blindness and another two of blurred vision.

Four men said they suffered cyanopsia — where everything appears to be covered in a blue sheen.

Another user linked the blue pills to getting the hair-loss condition alopecia.

Four people said they caused changes in their sweat glands and six said they caused rashes.

There were 926 reports of side-effects to the MHRA, with three fellas reporting they suffered priapism — a condition that leaves men standing to attention for four or more hours — while two reported suffering fractured manhoods.

One man said his lips started to swell, another complained of a swollen tongue.

Other reports included dizziness, confusion, anxiety and flatulence.

Reports of suspected side effects are recorded under the MHRA’s yellow card scheme which allows health professionals to monitor any potential dangers.

The watchdog logs cases but says not all were definitely caused by the drugs.

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CLUB football is back for the Premier League this weekend after the international break.

After the last round of fixtures, a chaotic transfer deadline day followed as clubs splashed out £375million on new talent to take the overall spending for the window to over £3BILLION.

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And with that wave of new arrivals, including emergency loans, the conclusions of blockbuster sagas and shrewd deals, there will be several new faces for fans to watch.

SunSport has taken a look at stars who could make their debuts this weekend, including two club-record signings.

Kicking off the team in goal is new Manchester City star Gianluigi Donnarumma, who arrived on deadline day from Paris Saint-Germain for £26million.

New £18m Manchester United star Senne Lammens could have been selected just as easily, but they can let their goalkeeping do the talking during the Manchester Derby on Sunday.

Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie – signed on loan from Bayer Leverkusen with a £45m option to buy – put in a great display for Ecuador against Argentina and will partner £13m Bournemouth signing Veljko Milosavljevic and West Ham loanee Igor Julio in defence.

There are three more loanees to consider going forward: Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani, Nottingham Forest‘s Oleksandr Zinchenko and Aston Villa‘s Jadon Sancho, who all arrived in the twilight hours of the summer window.

Harvey Elliott followed Sancho to the struggling Villans from Liverpool on an initial loan with a £35m obligation to buy next summer.

The front three is where the majority of the star power and cost come into play.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Alejandro Garnacho, a £40m sale from Man Utd to Chelsea, was not a deadline day switch but was only announced after the Blues’ most recent game at Stamford Bridge – meaning he will be in line for his debut this weekend.

Newcastle star Nick Woltemade is the club’s record signing at £69m.

The 23-year-old German looked impressive during the Under-21 Euros this summer, while he scored 17 for Stuttgart last season.

But he – alongside fellow new Toon ace Yoane Wissa – will have big boots to fill following Alexander Isak‘s record-breaking £130m departure to Liverpool.

Isak’s saga dragged on all summer and was on and off and then on and off again, before possibly the move of the summer was finally put to bed on deadline day.

Elsewhere, there are the likes of Kevin, Fulham‘s own £35m record-breaking arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk, Jaydee Canvot at Crystal Palace and Brian Brobbey at Sunderland who could also make first appearances for their new clubs at the weekend.

Sept. 10 (UPI) — Four students were injured Wednesday after one of them opened fire at a Denver-area high school, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said.

The shooting happened around 12:34 p.m. at Evergreen High School, JCSO spokeswoman Jacki Kelley said in a news briefing.

It wasn’t revealed who injured the suspect, but the JCSO said it didn’t believe law enforcement fired any bullets. Kelley declined to provide any details such as a name, age or gender about the shooter due to his age.

“I don’t know if our suspect is even old enough to drive,” she said during the briefing.

Three of the students, including the suspected shooter, were transported to CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colo., in critical condition. A fourth student was also taken to the hospital, but the cause of their injuries was unclear.

Police evacuated the high school, transporting the student body of about 900 to a reunification point at Burgen Meadow Elementary School. The JCSO said officials cleared Evergreen High School and there was no further threat to the community.

LADY GAGA dominated the MTV VMAs – winning four gongs out of 12 nominations and performing her new single The Dead Dance on stage for the first time.

She is now the third most awarded artist in the ceremony’s history with 22 gongs — one more than Madonna.

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Gaga is now just behind Beyonce and Taylor Swift who are tied on 30 awards each.

Despite putting on the best performance of the night, Bizarre can reveal the superstar wasn’t actually inside the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, when she appeared on stage.

In fact Gaga secretly recorded her performance across town at Madison Square Garden, where she was performing on her Mayhem Ball tour, and shot it four times to make sure they had the perfect take.

Gaga pushed back her performance there by 90 minutes in order to walk the red carpet at the VMAs before racing back across town to get on stage.

A source said: “Gaga was adamant she wanted to be involved in the VMAs but obviously cancelling her show at MSG was never an option.

She and her team worked with MTV for weeks in order to get in two places at once.

“As soon as she won Artist of the Year she raced backstage for pictures and then drove to MSG. It was full on but if anyone could pull it off it’s Gaga.

“During her show she performed with some of her Moonmen — she’s so proud to be still winging awards.

“It was a really special moment, especially as her mum and dad were in the crowd.”

As she picked up the Artist of the Year gong, Gaga gave a shout-out to her fiance Michael Polansky and said: “To my partner in all things, Michael.

“Creating this year with you was a beautiful, beautiful dream, and you have been my partner every step of the way.

“I dedicate this to you too, my love. I wish I could stay and watch all these amazing performances, but I have to go back to Madison Square Garden.”

Feeling reflective the superstar went on to admit she wants to be performing until 2045 and feels like New York has shaped her into the artist she is today.

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Gaga said: “I hope in 20 years when I have written lots more albums that I will still be back here. I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel that this is where I grew up because it made me so much of who I am.

“I think about what [my music] would have sounded like if I hadn’t grown up here.

“I feel like when you are from New York it kind of grows roots in your veins. You have this understanding of life and community, it’s very strong. It’s a feeling. I can’t quite describe it as it’s a feeling.”

Now Gaga is on a roll, the wheels are in motion for her to come to the UK for four headline shows at London’s O2 Arena.

The gigs, along with two more in Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, sold out in seconds.

And if her performance in New York was anything to go by, us British fans are in for a treat.

IT’S RAINING MEN FOR SABRINA

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SABRINA CARPENTER wowed fans with a seriously sexy and rain-soaked  rendition of her new single Tears.

And there was something for everyone, as she was surrounded by a troupe of very attractive male dancers dressed as policemen as well as drag queens.

During the evening, Sabrina won three MTV VMAs and used her performance to call for the advancement of trans rights.

Speaking on stage, the Manchild singer said: “This world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism and discrimination and negativity.

“So to get to be part of something that can make you smile, make you dance, and make you feel like the world is your f***ing oyster, I’m so grateful to do that.”

NIGHT’S YUNG FOR AEROSMITH

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HOMEGROWN star Yungblud led a special tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne after his death in July.

The punk rocker was joined by Aerosmith legends Steven Tyler and Joe Perry for a medley of the Black Sabbath singer’s hit singles Crazy Train, Changes and Mama, I’m Coming Home.

Speaking on the carpet, Yungblud  revealed he was wearing Ozzy’s cross necklace (which Ozzy had given him, inset above) as a mark of respect.

He added: “It’s a big moment to honour someone you love.

“I’m wearing his cross tonight. I love him and always have. I hope he’s up there with a drink watching tonight.”

Teasing his future plans, Yungblud, whose real name is Dominic Harrison, added: “There is a new project coming in two weeks… I’ve not said that yet.”

As the cameras cut away from the singer, to Steven Tyler’s impressive guitar solo, Bizarre watched as Yungblud turned his back on the audience and sipped an alcoholic drink, looking up to the emotional montage of the late rock legend.

Over the past few years Yungblud had grown close to Ozzy and his family. He was one of the star acts at Black Sabbath’s homecoming gig in Birmingham earlier this summer.

Yungblud revealed to Bizarre that he learned of Ozzy’s passing via a text from the heavy metal legend’s son Jack Osbourne. The singer said: “You get to know someone personally, who you love and then they leave.

“I was texting him, then his son Jack texted me and said, ‘He’s gone’.

“Being around the family and being at the funeral, the amount of love there. That family are real as f***.

“The dream is to have kids and a family like that. There’s no gimmicks. It’s authentic.”

TATE’S IN TRAINING TO WED

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TATE McRAE appeared to be using the VMAs as a dry run for her own wedding.

The singer wore a sheer white dress with a statement train that was so long she needed two members of staff to carry it like bridesmaids.

Tate is thought to be single at the moment, but after watching her red-hot performance of Revolving Door and Sports Car in this two-piece we imagine she won’t be short of offers.

ARI: MIC’S TUTU TALL

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ARIANA GRANDE may be small but she took home some of the biggest gongs of the night.

She picked up the award for Best Pop and Video of the Year for her Brighter Days Ahead.

Despite not being a performer, Ari was given her own dressing room backstage to cater for her three wardrobe changes.

The superstar arrived in a fitted polka dot number and ended things in a white ballerina tutu.

During her time on stage, Ari seemed overcome with emotion at her wins, before joking that the height of the mic got taller each time she took to the stage.

MARIAH’S MEDLEY

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MARIAH CAREY returned to the VMAs stage for the first time in two decades to pick up the Video Vanguard Award and to perform a medley of her hits.

And, naturally, the notorious diva made sure the luxuries were laid on before she even stepped foot in the Big Apple.

Insiders said Mariah flew in via private jet, which had been decked out with white roses and cashmere blankets.

After laying low for a couple days at her sprawling £16million penthouse in Tribeca, Mariah and her glam squad then spent most of Sunday getting her red carpet-ready.

MTV bosses were on alert for the infamous diva to be hard work, but I’m told everything went smoothly . . . even if she did keep a wide berth from almost every other star.

Mimi opted to swerve both the red carpet and on stage VIP seats, instead zipping in and out via the backdoor.

She was handed her gong by Ariana Grande. Mariah told Ari: “I love you. I’m so grateful for you and I’m beyond proud of everything you’ve achieved, girl.”

It marked the first time the We Belong Together singer has ever won a coveted Moonman.

RICKY WINS LATIN ICON

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RICKY MARTIN proved he’s still got it with a hip-thrusting medley of his biggest hits.

The Latin pop king belted out Livin’ La Vida Loca, Shake Your Bon Bon, Maria, The Cup Of Life along with two Spanish tracks.

Ricky, who also picked up the first ever Latin Icon award, was hoisted high above the crowd to kick off his medley before an outfit change mid performance.

A beaming Ricky told fans: “I’m addicted to your applause that’s why I keep coming back.”

Later this year he will tour Australia with support from Rita Ora. It’s been a long time since he played the UK so hopefully dates over here are not far off.

We have been holidaying in the UK for the past few years, and recently returned for a break in Norfolk – which is a brilliant spot for family holidays, especially when you go to the free kids play park

“My kids are running with glee into a huge woodland playpark, with castle-like forts, giant sand pit, zip lines and water tower offering a dizzying choice of things to play on, as far as the eye can see,” shared Lifestyle editor Dianne Bourne, who visited a “magical spot” with her family this summer – and the best part of all, it’s completely FREE.

This isn’t your average playground either; it boasts a Royal endorsement. Nestled within King Charles III’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, this Woodland Playground is part of the rural retreat that the Royal Family have used as their holiday home for the past 150 years, reports the Manchester Evening News.

You’d typically expect to pay an entrance fee for a playground of this size, but here, you only need to cover the cost of parking. Additionally, there’s access to lovely woodland walks and bike rides across the estate’s 20,000 acres, which are open and free to the public all year round.

Dianne wrote, “It makes it one of the special things about this part of the world which makes it a brilliant spot for family holidays, as I have found with my two young boys over the past few years. We returned to Norfolk for our holidays this year, and struck gold with the weather in the ongoing heatwave.

“The base for our stay was a lovely holiday cottage booked with Norfolk Hideaways close to the Sandringham Estate, in the village of Tattersett. It made for the perfect location for exploring brilliant family attractions both inland and by the sea in North Norfolk.

“Sandringham made for a great day out during our stay, with the kids running off lots of energy in the Woodland Playground, and then a lovely stop off at the Sandringham coffee shop for snacks and ice cream.”

The free play area is open for as long as you wish. It features main equipment like wooden play forts, slides, and obstacle courses, suitable for five—to 12-year-olds. There’s also a dedicated woodland play spot suitable for younger children, along with a sandpit that toddlers particularly adore.

For those intrigued by the site’s Royal history, you can also pay to explore the Royal house and gardens on selected dates throughout the year.

Other activities for kids

What’s brilliant about this part of the world is the sheer number of things you can do with young children, many of which are free. Not least the fact that there is just one stunning beach after another along the North Norfolk coast, and here are some of our favourites.

Dianne went on to say, “We love Hunstanton as the more traditional seaside resort with funfair, chippies and ice cream, while neighbouring Old Hunstanton has a stunning stretch of sand and lots of starfish and crabs to find in the sea.

“Brancaster is another beautiful stretch of sand, owned by the National Trust, with a car park right next to the beach, which is handy for those not keen or able to walk all that far. Holkham is the most spectacular and epic beach you’re ever likely to see, but be prepared for the half an hour walk down to it, which in itself I personally find to be a really special experience.”

This is the beach adored by the Royal Family, likely due to its vast expanse and abundant sand dunes, giving you the feeling of having your own private beach even in the peak of summer. Cromer is another quintessential seaside resort, this one boasting a pier made famous in the Alan Partridge film.

She added, “We loved wandering along there where many people are crabbing. The beach is impressive, although does get very busy, and there’s also some pretty fabulous ice creams to be had, with a Mr Whippy shop right by the pier selling multi-coloured and even chocolate-dipped creations.

“Away from beach activities, we also discovered close to where we stayed an absolutely brilliant garden attraction called Pensthorpe at Fakenham. You have to pay for entry, but once inside, there’s a huge outdoor play area for kids, as well as an indoor playbarn that you can book a timeslot for on arrival.

“The gardens themselves were utterly stunning, with a rather comical ‘poo trail’ during the school holidays for kids to find, which, as you can imagine, the youngsters found hilarious.”

Where we stayed

Having previously lodged in a self-catering cottage in Norfolk, Dianne found this option more favourable when travelling with young children – it provides ample space for play and everyday living during a week-long getaway, complete with your own kitchen and washing machine.

Her family were guests of Norfolk Hideaways, which boasts over 550 properties scattered across Norfolk, ranging from cosy cottages for couples to larger accommodations suitable for big groups and multi-generational families.

For Dianne’s holiday this year, her family chose Mallard Cottage in the quaint village of Tattersett. It was an ideal location, featuring bunk beds that the kids adored upstairs, as well as a comfortable living area downstairs equipped with a lounge and dining area, plus a kitchen.

Short breaks can be booked from £453, or seven nights from £551, although our four-night stay in August, during peak school holiday time, cost us £772.

For those requiring more room and who favour being closer to the beach, last year they also stayed with Norfolk Hideaways at The Little House in Brancaster. This property can accommodate six or eight guests, with prices starting from £1,672 for a short stay, or £2,075 for seven nights based on eight people staying.

Getting there

“The only bad thing I have to say about Norfolk is the fact the journey there is not the easiet, as it is one of the only counties in England with no motorway,” said Dianne.

She went onto explain: “The fastest route from the north west in terms of miles (and usually time) is via the A50 through Stoke, Derby and then Nottingham, and then across Lincolnshire towards Kings Lynn in Norfolk and then on to the coast.

“You’re looking at a drive of around three and half to four hours from Manchester to North Norfolk depending on the day and time you go, and depending on what sort of vehicle you get stuck behind on the single lane roads.

“In terms of public transport, there’s a mainline train station in Kings Lynn, although from Manchester you’re looking at a four-hour trip with a change at Ely. But there is a decent Coastliner bus (the 36) that stops in all of the villages mentioned during our stay above.”

A MAJOR supermarket has slashed the cost of hundreds of grocery staples in a bid to help shoppers save money.

Morrisons has reduced the prices of 650 everyday items, with savings averaging 18%.

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Essentials such as chicken breast fillets, fresh vegetables, olive oil, laundry pods, and enchilada kits are all included in the price cuts.

These reductions take effect today, both in-store and online, and will remain in place for at least four to eight weeks.

The supermarket says the move is aimed at helping households manage rising costs, especially with Christmas just around the corner.

Family meal staples such as rice, pasta, and chicken have been discounted, alongside basics like toilet rolls, kitchen rolls, and mayonnaise.

Seasonal items such as soups and cold and flu tablets are also included in the reductions.

Alex Paver, pricing and customer director at Morrisons, said: “At Morrisons we believe great quality should be affordable for everyone, and we know that the cost of everyday products really matter to our customers right now.

“That’s why we’re cutting the prices of over 650 items, from fresh favourites to cupboard staples, so our customers can trust they’re getting real value every time they shop with us.

“These price cuts mean customers can spend less on the essentials and still enjoy the great quality Morrisons is known for.”

In addition to the price reductions, Morrisons has also launched a number of weekly deals.

These include discounts on popular items like wine, coffee, and tea.

What else is happening at Morrisons?

Morrisons slashed over 3,600 jobs and closed 17 stores as part of a major shake-up to its operations.

The supermarket’s workforce dropped from 104,819 to 101,144 in the year leading up to October 27, 2024.

Thousands of jobs were axed across Morrisons’ stores, head office, as well as its manufacturing and distribution operations.

The latest job losses come after the Morrisons shut 17 of its stores around the UK earlier this year, with the final store in Haxby, North Yorkshire, closing on May 14.

The 16 other stores were all axed in April.

As part of a cost-cutting overhaul, the grocer also shut more than 50 of its in-store cafés, 35 meat and fish counters, and 18 Market Kitchen food courts earlier this year.

It cited the need to cut costs amid rising financial pressure.

It is instead investing in tech, rolling out new “Tally” robots to help customers find items on the shelves and improve stock management.

However, the business has returned to profit for the first time since 2021, when the chain was bought by US private equity investor Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R).

Morrisons posted a pre-tax profit of £2.1billion for the year ending October 27 2024, reversing losses of £919million in 2023 and £1.3billion in 2022, according to new filings on Companies House.

WITH the kids back in school and life just that bit calmer, could it be time for an indulgent parent pamper? On a budget, of course.

While a day spent lounging by the pool sipping a glass of prosecco might sound pricey, there’s some brilliant deals out there if you know where to look – with prices starting at just £9.50 and perks including two-course meals and extra treatments.

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This is the season for spa deals with some gorgeous retreats offering packages with big discounts for a post-summer chill. 

If you have a particular spa in mind, it’s always worth signing up to the newsletters of the spa you’d like to visit; you’ll get alerts about last minute deals, special offers, discounts and cheap off-peak slots. 

Offer websites such as Groupon often have cheap spa day deals, but check out the reviews first, as it can be a mixed bag.

While the kids are at school, you can also book in for a light afternoon slot or an evening chill – which gives you access to the facilities for a fraction of the price.

This means that from less than £10 per person a day, you can book yourself a bargain and unwind in some stunning spa resorts across the UK. 

Choose from a grand stately home with an outdoor pool, a cool Hackney hideaway or a truly tranquil spot in the Kent countryside, loved by celebrities like Kylie Minogue and Fern McCann.

This is our pick of the best UK spa days that you can book now for under £85 per person (prices correct at time of publishing):

Eden Spa at Down Hall in Essex for £20

This elegant stately home in Essex is set over a 110 acre estate and is a famous wedding venue as well as having two beautiful spas.

The Wet Spa is tucked away in the garden of the house and has a private, fenced area with relaxation beds, positioned under a Grand Fir tree. 

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You don’t need to be an overnight guest to book into the spa, which has a hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna.

Celebrities like Fern McCann and Vicky Pattison have also been spotted enjoying the facilities.

Two hours access to the Wet Spa on Monday to Thursday costs £30, or you can take advantage of a one-hour Twilight session at 6.15pm each night for only £20.

Book it: downhall.co.uk

The Netherwood Hotel in The Lake District for £15

Cheap spa deals in the Lake District are not easy to come by, which makes this even more of a bargain.

The boutique spa has a sleek thermal suite with hot and cold therapies and plunge pools, a salt room, ice fountain shower and a steam room with the uplifting scents of lemongrass, citrus, and cinnamon.

You can book into the day spa and use the thermal suite for 60 minutes for only £15 or 90 minutes for £20. Ideal if you’ve been out in the lakes boating, kayaking or hiking.

Book it: netherwood-hotel.co.uk

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Hackney Wick Community Sauna in London for £9.50

This simple spa is a not-for-profit Community Sauna,
is to make sauna and cold plunge affordable and accessible to everyone in London, even those on a lower income.

Set in a charming back garden in East London’s Hackney Wick, this micro spa feels like a hidden oasis.

There are six wood-fired saunas and a choice of trendy ice plunge pools inside old whisky barrels.

It’s fantastic value, with 90 minute sessions starting at only £12 off-peak, or if you’re an early riser, you can go to a one-hour morning drop-in for just £9.50.

Groups can also hire the 22-person sauna for the exclusive use, so why not get all the school mums together for a luxury afternoon and still have money left for a cheeky vino before school pick up?.

Book it: community-sauna.co.uk

Ocean Spa at Butlin’s, Bognor Regis for £25

If you didn’t already know, family-favourite Butlin’s at Bognor Regis has its own spa and – true to the brand – it’s great value too.

The catch here is that you already need access to the resort as an overnight guest or as a day guest (day passes start at £19 for adults and £1 for kids on selected days).

But, this boutique spa is fantastic for parents who have the opportunity to slip away for a few hours and have a much-needed pamper. Time to make the case to bring granny and grandad along with you?

A two-hour Spa Experience here starts at £25 per person and includes a Hydrospa, outdoor hot tub, sauna, relaxation pods, a crystal steam room and an outside sun terrace. You can also book individual treatments, but they are booked separately.

If you are visiting with teens, children aged 13+ -17 year olds are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Ideal for older kids to have some quality time with mum or dad, while siblings go wild in the playground.

Book it: butlins.com

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Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds for £39 with a two-course lunch

Deal club Travelzoo often have fantastic spa deals, so if you want to make a lovely spa visit a regular trip, it could be worth signing up to the club (membership is £30 for the year and you will have access to holiday, entertainment and transport deals too). 

Right now, Travelzoo Members can save 38% at six Daniel Thwaites spas across the country.

The Simple Ritual spa package offer includes three hours of spa access and a two-course lunch to recharge. Members pay just £39 per person. It’s £63 for regular guests.

As well as the stunning Leeds location, you can access the deal at five other locations across the country, including Aztec Hotel & Spa, Bristol, Cottons Hotel & Spa, Cheshire, Kettering Park, Northamptonshire, the North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Penrith and Solent Hotel & Spa, Fareham.

Book it: travelzoo.com

Crutherland House Spa in East Kilbride, Scotland with a glass of prosecco, £25

Crutherland House & Spa is a beautiful country house in East Kilbride, surrounded by peaceful gardens. The tranquil setting is a perfect antidote to the busy city of Glasgow, which is close by. 

The spa offers a full day experience, but if time and money are tight, book into the twilight spa experience in the evening for just £25 per person. 

This deal is excellent value and includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, ideal for mums who don’t have masses of spare time but do need a little R&R after the school holidays.

The spa has a huge pool with relaxation loungers, a hot tub, sauna and steam room. Plus, those visiting during Twilight sessions also get 20% of individual treatments (these are priced separately).

Also available at other Macdonald Properties across Scotland and also at Boatley Park in Hampshire. Book it: Crutherland House

Book it: Crutherland House

Bannatyne Health Clubs, £34.50 with a 20-minute treatment

Bannatyne Health Clubs are offering a September Spa Saver that is aimed at frazzled parents who have finally packed the kids back to school. 

Until the end of October, you can book packages that involve a full day use of the club facilities, including the gym and fitness classes, swimming pools, jacuzzi baths, sauna and steam room, plus relaxation rooms in some locations. 

Plus, you get a 20-minute treatment as part of the deal. Choose from a 20-minute Swedish Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage or a Tailored Facial Express. 

The Spa Saver (£34.50) is on until the 30th September and the Refresh Express Spa Day is an on-going offer for £39.50.

Book it: bannatyne.co.uk

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Porchester Spa in London for £30

This one has been an internet hit, and for good reason.

After an £800,000 refurbishment, London’s oldest Spa, The Porchester Spa, has reopened in an iconic Grade 2* listed building, beautifully returned to its 1920s splendour.

Despite being in the centre of London, the spa offers affordable prices and excellent package deals from £30 per person. 

Inside the spa, visitors you can get a look at the traditional baths and original art-deco features. The spa has two steam rooms, Turkish baths (Tepidarium, Caldarium and Laconium), a sauna, a plunge pool and relaxation lounge. 

You can also book in for a range of spa treatments here too, but these are priced separately here

If you are staying all day, there is a Café on site providing hot and cold beverages, sandwiches and snacks.

Top tip: Remember to bring 20p coins to use the lockers.

Book it: everyonespa.com

The Spa at Potters, Five Lakes Hertfordshire, £75 for the whole day with a 50-minute treatment and afternoon tea.

If you have a whole day to devote to some ‘me time’, the Blossom Spa Day deal with luxury holiday park, Potters, is worthy of a mention. 

You can book a whole day here, using facilities such as an expansive pool and hot tub, outdoor sun terrace, relaxation rooms, sauna and steam chambers. 

Even better, this deal includes a 50-minute luxury facial and afternoon tea, which is excellent value for money. 

Set in a serene location, surrounded by rolling hills, this is the ideal way to spend the afternoon with friends or as a peaceful solo adventure. 

Book it: thespafivelakes.com

Champneys Springs in Leicestershire for £59 with a 20-minute treatment and a glass of bubbly

Luxury spa chain Champneys are also running a choice of spa-tember deals.

The beautiful resorts, which are located in country houses and stately homes around the UK, are loved by celebrities, including Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campbell and even Brad Pitt!

Full spa days here, which have stunning indoor and outdoor pools, zen-like relaxation rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, hydropools, cold plunge pools and ice fountains, start from £120 per person. 

However, slip in for a bargain session but booking a Twilight Spa Evening from £59 per person, with a complimentary 20-minute treatment.

As part of the deal, you also get a welcome glass of bubbly, plus flips flops and a tote bag to take home with you. 

Available at most Champney’s locations, including Eastwell Manor in Kent and Forest Mere in Hampshire, but prices do vary depending on the individual spa. 

Book it: champneys.com

HIGH streets across the UK are facing more closures as major retailers shut their doors today. 

 Poundland, Game, and The Original Factory Shop are among the chains cutting back on stores, leaving shoppers with fewer options. 

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These closures are part of wider restructuring plans as businesses adapt to changing shopping habits and financial pressures.

Here are all the stores shutting on your local high street today.

Game

Game is closing its Metrocentre store in Gateshead today (September 7).

The closure is part of changes by its owner, Frasers Group.

The company is reducing the number of stores as more shopping moves online and into concessions.

The chain has around 240 stores across the UK. Another store in the Galleries Shopping Centre, Bristol, will close on September 25.

However, a Game concession inside the Sports Direct store in the same shopping centre will stay open.

Both closing stores are holding big sales to clear stock.

Shoppers can get discounts of up to 20%.

Poundland

Poundland’s Pontypool store is set to close today (September 7), followed by the closure of its Irvine branch on 14th September.

Recently, discount chain avoided going into administration by getting creditors to agree to restructuring plans, which included closing stores and cutting jobs.

Poundland’s restructuring will see the chain close a total of 68 stores.

The restructure also includes rent cuts at up to 180 stores and the closure of its frozen food and online shopping.

Meanwhile, the Darton frozen food distribution centre will shut later this year.

This will mean online shopping and frozen food will no longer be offered by Poundland.

The Bilston national distribution centre is also set to close in early 2026.

Come September 16, shoppers will no longer be able to buy products online and its loyalty scheme, Poundland Perks, will be axed.

Customers who have signed up to the Poundland Perks app have until January 15, 2026, to use their reward vouchers.

But Poundland plans to expand its £1 product range and focus on womenswear and seasonal items if the restructure goes ahead.

Original Factory Shop

The Original Factory Shop has been closing stores across the UK as part of a major restructuring plan.

Branches in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, Normanton, West Yorkshire, and Kirkham, Lancashire, are among those that have already shut their doors.

Next in line are the Chard store, which closed today (September 7) and the Market Drayton branch, set to shut on September 20.

The Original Factory Shop was bought by Modella Capital, a private equity firm, in February.

Modella is known for taking on struggling retailers and has also recently bought Hobbycraft and WHSmith’s high street shops.

The firm quickly launched a restructuring effort to renegotiate rents at 88 The Original Factory Shop stores.

At the end of April, Modella drew up plans to initiate a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) for the retailer.

Companies often use CVAs to avoid insolvency, which could otherwise force stores to close or trigger the collapse of the entire business.

They allow firms to explore different options, such as negotiating reduced rents with landlords.

But The Original Factory Shop previously told The Press and Journal that a “number of loss-making stores would have to close” in the restructuring.

What else is happening on the high street?

Bodycare, which begun as a market stall in Lancashire back in the 1970s and has 147 UK stores, appointed administrators from Interpath Advisory on Friday.

Exactly 32 stores closed with immediate effect, with around 450 employees made redundant.

Currently, 115 stores remain open and are trading as usual while administrators explore options for the future of the business.

However, if a buyer cannot be found, further store closures may occur.

Like many of its peers, Bodycare has felt the burn of risings cost coupled with shoppers having less money to spend at the till.

Recently, River Island avoided going into administration by getting creditors to agree to restructuring plans, which included closing stores and cutting jobs.

River Island will close up to 33 stores in January to help write off the fashion brand’s debts.

Locations in major UK cities including Edinburgh, Leeds, Oxford, Brighton and Perth are all expected to close.

Meanwhile, fashion retailer New Look has closed a dozen sites in the UK this year and also exited Ireland.

Last month, Claire’s also collapsed into administration and stopped online orders for its customers.

Plus, H&M-owned fashion chain Monki closed the last of its high street stores in August.

A COUPLE has been slammed after sharing their children’s unique names online.

Aubree and Josh Jones, from the US, shared a clip of their family on social media, revealing which of them picked their kids’ names.

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The couple currently has six children and Aubree is pregnant with their seventh child.

In a recent Instagram clip, the couple revealed which of them picked their kids’ names, writing: “Who named each of the kids?”

“If you heard his picks, you would understand..” Aubree added.

But it seemed viewers weren’t convinced once they revealed each moniker, saying neither of them should be able to name any more children.

They started with their oldest daughter, named Trendy Chanelle, Aubree said she picked the first name while Josh picked her middle name.

Next was Zaylee Ruth, whose names were picked out by her mum.

Their third child was named Sunny Love, with Aubree picking the first name and Josh picking the middle.

Next up was their daughter, Truly Eclair, again, mum picked the first name while dad got dibs on the middle name.

Journey Rey came next, named by her mum and lastly, there was Rocky Joshua, named by his mum and dad.

The clip was shared on her Instagram account @whataboutaub which went viral with over 1.4 million views and 10k likes.

While the parents loved their choice of unique names, people in the comments section were clearly not impressed.

One person wrote: “These are great names for a Labubu.”

Another commented: “You realise you’re naming humans right?”

“Neither of you should be allowed to name children actually,” penned a third.

Banned Names in the UK

The UK has no law restricting names, but names that contain obscenities, numerals, misleading titles, or are impossible to pronounce are likely to be rejected when registering a child.

• Hitler
• Monkey
• Cyanide
• Martian
• Akuma
• Chow Tow
• Rogue

Meanwhile a fourth said: “What are you naming… dogs?”

“Kids are going to have a rough time in school,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “Never pick a name again.”

If there is one surname to strike fear into American golf it is surely “Poulter” with Ian having been at the centre of so much European success on a biennial basis.

Now it is the turn of the Ryder Cup legend’s 21-year-old son Luke to try to do something similar and thwart US hopes of retaining the Walker Cup at Cypress Point in California this weekend.

Fresh from starring in Great Britain & Ireland’s victory over Continental Europe in the St Andrews Trophy, Poulter makes his debut in the 50th Walker Cup as GB&I seek an away win for only the third time.

Who better to inspire upsetting the form book than someone with the genes of Poulter Snr, whose heroics helped Europe complete the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ when they came from 10-4 down to win the 2012 Ryder Cup.

Ian Poulter will be supporting his son over the two days of competition having shared dinner with him and his nine team-mates earlier in the week.

“Being able to talk to him about the Ryder Cup and his experiences, having the chance to ask him questions and what it means and how to play these events, how to deal with the pressure has been so important,” said Tyler Weaver, GB&I’s highest ranked player.

Team-mate Niall Shiels Donegan, who beat Luke Poulter at the recent US Amateur Championship, added: “Dinner with Ian was really special.

“Obviously he’s done a lot in team golf, and it was pretty cool to get some lessons from him.”

Luke, who won three-and-a-half points out of four at the St Andrews Trophy, says he will try to use his father’s exploits in the Ryder Cup – 15 wins from 25 matches between 2004 and 2021- as a motivating force.

“He never played a Walker Cup but he obviously has Ryder Cup knowledge, which is pretty similar to this,” said the younger Poulter, who had a hole-in-one at Cypress Point’s par-three third in Thursday practice.

“It’s amazing to see (his achievements). It gives me inspiration to try and follow in his footsteps.”

Having climbed to 27th in the amateur world rankings, the University of Florida student has already demonstrated many of his father’s golfing traits. It is also clear they share the same “never say die” attitude.

“I just like that head-to-head battle because it’s just you and the opponent on the golf course,” he told the R&A website. “You don’t have to think about anything, you just go hole by hole and try and beat them.

“And then with the team stuff, it’s just really cool. I just love when everyone’s supporting you and everyone’s pulling for you.”

GB&I lost a tight contest at St Andrews two years ago and the Walker Cup will again be staged at an iconic venue this weekend. Cypress Point was designed by Alister Mackenzie, the architect who laid out the Augusta National, home of the Masters.

For Shiels Donegan there is a degree of familiarity. The son of Scottish parents grew up near San Francisco and received vociferous local support during his run to the US Amateur semi-finals at the city’s Olympic Club.

“I’m fortunate to have grown up not too far from here, a few hours north, so I hope that they’ll come out in force again and have some more fun,” he said.

“Having grown up on the poa greens, it does give me a little bit of extra feel, but of course they’re going to be running firm and fast for everyone.

“You’re going to have to adapt to the conditions as you see them, and yeah, just do your best that you can.”

GB&I’s most recent win came at Royal Lytham and St Annes in 2015. Their last away victory was at Sea Island in Georgia 24 years ago.

So the Americans are firm favourites to retain the trophy, but their captain Nathan Smith is taking nothing for granted. “I think this is one of their best teams that I’ve seen in a while,” he said.

“I think the matches are always close, and it’s going to be a big test for us this week.”

Smith’s team is stacked with talent. It includes the top six in the amateur world rankings; Jackson Koivan, Ben James, Ethan Fang, Jase Summy, Preston Stout and Tommy Morrison.

GB&I captain Dean Robertson has been taking a measured approach to the week, pacing his players’ preparations. He will be encouraged by the recent form of Scot Cameron Adam, who finished in the top 20 at the recent British Masters.

Robertson knows this weekend has to be a collective effort with an astute game plan. “The key messages we’ve had have been strategy number one,” the Scottish skipper revealed.

“Approach play, short iron approach play and specific distances where you need to position the ball under hole high have been things that we’ve been working on for a good number of weeks.

“Also, through developing the relationship and understanding of these players and the respect of them, we’ve really managed to bring them together, and there’s a real unity there.

“I’m really thrilled to be their captain, really proud, and I’m really excited for the match itself.”

There are 22 points up for grabs with GB&I needing 11½ points to regain the title, while the US need 11 to retain.

The contest will be made up of four foursome matches on each morning, with eight singles games on Saturday afternoon and 10 singles after lunch on Sunday.

MANCHESTER UNITED are set for a make-or-break deadline day after failing to sell any players this window.

But Ruben Amorim’s side is running out of time with the window shutting at 7pm tonight.

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Goalkeeper

United are keeping potential deals with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens warm before deciding which one to go for.

Both players want to join Amorim’s side and were left out of their respective squads over the weekend. United aren’t in line to sign both goalkeepers.

£17million-rated Lammens, 23, is a project for the future, while World Cup winner Martinez can surely put things up between the sticks immediately.

SunSport understands Lammens is happy with the personal terms now on offer after talks stalled last week, and the Belgian wants to move to Old Trafford.

However, the Red Devils still need to agree a fee with Royal Antwerp, who are believed to be seeking £20 million.

Martinez, 32, would cost significantly more at around £40million and would demand higher wages in line with his current Villa Park deal, which still has five years left.

Antony

United winger Antony is expected to travel to Spain for a medical with Real Betis, where he enjoyed a revitalising six month loan last season.

He will take a significant pay cut to leave and will join Betis for £21.7m, with the deal made up of an initial £19m payment plus £3.4million in adds.

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It stalled on Friday night due to a £4-5million loyalty bonus that the player felt he was due from Old Trafford chiefs.

Jadon Sancho

Jadon Sancho could follow in Marcus Rashford’s footsteps by joining Aston Villa on loan with hours left in the window.

Villa Park chiefs have made contact with Sancho’s camp over personal terms but there is no agreement yet on either.

Sancho has one year left on his United deal.

Sancho, 25, seems the most likely Bomb Squad member to stay at the moment due to his outrageous £350,000-per-week wages.

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Midfielders

Injuries to Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount have hit Kobbie Mainoo‘s slim chances of being allowed to leave United today.

The Red Devils were not willing to let him leave on loan anyway.

But the first half injury blows against Burnley have only hardened their resolve.

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Tyrell Malacia

United are waiting for a suitable loan offer from LaLiga side Elche for left-back Tyrell Malacia, but it looks set to happen today.

Malacia enjoyed a loan spell at PSV last season where he won the Dutch league.

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Harry Amass

Sheffield Wednesday are in talks with United over a move for left-back Harry Amass.

United will consider a straight season-long loan as Amass, 18, is still seen as one for the future.

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IF you’re wondering where your money’s going each month, it might not be big bills or bad luck to blame but small, repeated mistakes that add up fast.

From letting your savings sit in low-interest accounts, to underestimating the real cost of long mortgage terms, financial experts warn that common habits could be quietly emptying your bank accounts.

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We asked money experts and behavioural scientists to reveal the biggest habits that are holding people back.

1. Not knowing what’s coming in and going out

It’s hard to feel in control of your money when you don’t know where it’s actually going.

Many people assume they have a rough idea, but the reality is that forgotten subscriptions, auto-renewing services and small daily purchases quickly add up.

Without visibility, your budget can slowly unravel, and by the time you realise, you’ve slipped into the red.

Vix Leyton, consumer expert at Thinkmoney, says the fix starts with routine: “Take time to know what your outgoings are and what is coming in.

“Some apps, like Thinkmoney, offer a snapshot of what you’re spending, and can even ringfence bill money for you so you don’t accidentally end up facing penalties and late fees.”

Even a five-minute weekly check-in can help avoid nasty surprises and highlight where cutbacks are needed.

2. Living without a savings buffer

It’s hard to save money – but not having a buffer can leave you exposed to high credit when you need cash quickly.

Whether it’s a broken boiler, a car that won’t start or a sudden cut in hours at work, not having a cushion means falling back on credit cards or payday loans just to stay afloat.

The result is a constant feeling of stress, and a budget that can be thrown off by the smallest shock.

Thomas Mathar, behavioural researcher and host of The Money:Mindshift Podcast, says a little slack goes a long way.

He said: “Even a modest buffer, like one month’s rent, can give you the breathing space to make better decisions and avoid high-cost debt.

“It’s not just about the numbers, it’s about having mental and financial slack when life throws you a curveball.”

3. Letting debt pile up month after month

More and more people have credit card debt, which means it can be easy to think it’s business as usual, especially when the minimum payments are low.

But ultimately, you’re paying interest to the bank instead of putting that money toward your own goals. Over time, that can add up to hundreds or even thousands of pounds in lost savings.

“Too many people accept credit card debt as a normal state of affairs. It’s not,” says Mathar.

“Paying down high-interest debt quickly is one of the most powerful things you can do for your long-term well being. It’s buying yourself back freedom, and peace of mind.”

If you’re juggling multiple debts, focus on the most expensive ones first and look into 0% balance transfer options if your credit score allows.

4. Having psychological armour to support you

In the age of side hustles and flashy online success stories, it’s tempting to ditch steady work for riskier pursuits.

But without a reliable income it’s hard to build long-term security.

Inconsistent earnings often mean falling behind on bills, using credit to bridge the gap, and struggling to plan ahead.

Mathar warns that it’s important to have some sort of regular income, even if you’re pursuing other hustles on the side.

He says: “A steady income isn’t just about covering bills, it’s psychological armour.

“When you’re living month-to-month or under-earning compared to your potential, the stress compounds.

“You don’t need to chase big money, but you do need income that’s ‘good enough’ to support a resilient, happy life.”

5. Leaving savings in a dead-end account

You might feel good about putting money aside, but if it’s sitting in an easy-access account earning barely any interest, your savings are losing value in real terms.

With inflation still high, the cost of leaving cash in low-yield accounts is higher than many realise.

Adam French, head of news at Moneyfactscompare.co.uk, says this mistake is all too common.

Adam said: “The likes of HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Santander, NatWest and Barclays all have easy access accounts paying around 1.1 to 1.2 per cent interest, far below the typical returns savers could expect, which is currently 3.51 per cent.”

The top performing options can pay even more, and shopping around and switching accounts only takes a few minutes online.

6. Not making the most of your ISA allowance

More savers than ever are being hit with tax bills they could have avoided.

Frozen tax thresholds mean that even modest savers can end up over the personal savings allowance, paying tax on any interest they earn.

That means, if you’re not using your ISA allowance, you’re potentially giving money away for free.

French explains: “Saving and investing are some of the best ways to build wealth over time.

“But it’s important that savers are aware of their tax liability on any profits they make – which can add up over the course of a few years.

Plenty of savers can avoid this tax bill by making use their yearly ISA allowances.

You can save or invest up to £20,000 a year tax-free, and every pound sheltered from tax is a pound that keeps working for you.

7. Only saving for retirement, and nothing else

Putting money into a pension is smart, but it shouldn’t be your only savings plan.

Many people now take career breaks, retrain, care for relatives or start businesses, and those transitions need funding too.

Mathar says ignoring this reality can leave people exposed.

“We don’t live three-stage lives anymore – education, work, retirement… A ‘transition fund’ – even just a few months’ salary – makes those big life pivots possible without financial panic.”

8. Being too harsh on yourself when things go wrong

Money mistakes happen. But too often, people fall into a cycle of guilt and avoidance, especially if they’re already struggling.

That mindset can stop you from facing your finances or reaching out for help, which only makes things worse in the long run.

Mathar believes the solution starts with self-empathy. “Here’s the truth: we’re all a bit messed up when it comes to money.

Our brains are wired for short-term wins, not long-term planning.

The goal isn’t to be perfect with money; it’s to build enough slack, mental and financial, so that one mistake or setback doesn’t knock you flat.”

9. Not overpaying your mortgage when you could

With mortgage rates still high and household budgets under pressure, many borrowers are choosing longer terms to keep monthly payments manageable.

But unless you’re also making overpayments, that strategy can come at a serious long-term cost.

French says small changes now can lead to huge savings later: “Overpaying by £200 per month on that same £250,000 40-year mortgage could shave almost 13 years off the mortgage term, saving them around £123,000 in interest payments.

“This is all without being tied to having to consistently make higher payments every single month – boosting the flexibility of their budget and their financial resilience.”

Most lenders allow up to 10 per cent overpayment each year.

Even £50 a month can help you become mortgage-free sooner and pay far less in interest overall.

You may be surprised at some items on the list – and you may struggle to get it on the plane

A GP and travel expert has warned people about six medications you might not be able to take with you on holiday, depending on where you fly to. Addressing the over-looked issue, Saga Travel Insurance spoke to GP Doctor Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, who revealed that there are some surprising medications you won’t want to pack.

Many countries will only allow you to bring a maximum of three months’ worth of treatment with you when travelling. However, some countries may have more specific restrictions depending on the type of medication.

Dr Lee says: “The vast majority of commonly prescribed medicines are completely safe to travel with. But some are more strictly regulated.” So what medications do you need to be careful with?

Six medications you may not be able to fly with

1. Codeine

Doctor Lee notes that “despite being available over the counter in the UK in the form of co-codamol (codeine with paracetamol), this opioid painkiller is banned without proof of prescription in some countries, being classed as a narcotic.”

This means that if you are travelling to “countries such as Saudi Arabia or Greece”, they will require you to have a prescription to carry any form of codeine-containing medications into the country and may have limits on the amounts you can take

.

Talking about another popular destination, they added: “Japan has very strict rules and restrictions on narcotics and will require you to apply to import and export your medication as well as have a medical certificate for them from Japan’s Narcotics Control Department.”

2. Sleeping pills

The doctor shares that the UK has a “large variety of prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills available. However, many sleeping pills require a prescription in popular European travel destinations (such as France, Germany, and Spain) and are banned in several Middle Eastern and Asian countries, including Japan and the UAE.”

3. ADHD medications

According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), there’s been an 18% rise in ADHD prescriptions year-on-year in the UK since the COVID-19 pandemic. Just like the UK, “you need a prescription to access this type of medication in most of the world, and you may be required to present your prescription on entry to other countries.”

4. CBD oil

A report from the Centre for Medical Cannabis indicated that the UK’s CBD market was expected to be worth £1 billion in 2025, a massive increase from its £300 million market value only five years ago.

“CBD is the non-psychoactive chemical derived from cannabis. In recent years it has become an incredibly popular remedy for pain relief and relaxation and is available over the counter in the UK, though there is limited medical research to show their benefits.

“Some countries have incredibly strict anti-cannabis laws which also extend to CBD oils. Singapore, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China, all have bans on CBD oils. In Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, and Brazil, the only legal CBD oils are those for medical purposes and these require a prescription”, Lee says.

5. Decongestants

Pseudoephedrine, an ingredient found in popular over-the-counter decongestants like Vicks and Sudafed, is banned in countries like Japan and the UAE. In others, like Australia, you may need a prescription or special permit to bring pseudoephedrine-containing products with you.

6. Vapes and e-cigarettes

Although vape pens and similar devices are not prescription medications, many people use them as aids to quit smoking. Some countries, such as Belgium, France and the UK have banned disposable vapes that contain nicotine. “However, vaping is strictly banned in Singapore, India, Australia, and Qatar”, the expert cautions.

Taking medicine out of the UK

According to GOV.UK, “you must carry medicine containing a controlled drug with you in your hand luggage when entering or leaving the UK. It may be taken away from you at the border if you cannot prove it was prescribed for you.”

Bringing medicine back to the UK

If you’re a UK resident who has been prescribed medicine while you were abroad, you need to contact the Drug and Firearms Licensing Unit (DFLU). If you’re not a UK resident, you will need to carry a letter of proof that the medicine was prescribed for you.

The letter must include:

• your name
• the dates you are travelling to or from the UK
• a list of your medicine, including how much you have, doses and the strength
• the signature of the person who prescribed your drugs

You’re allowed to bring up to a three-month supply of your medication. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you if your medication contains a controlled substance.

You can also check the drugs listed on the packaging of your medicine and search for them on the controlled drugs list. The list does not give names of medicines, only drugs that are used in medicines.

Background / Context
The Gaza war, now in its eleventh month, has left tens of thousands dead and displaced much of the enclave’s population. Israel has barred foreign journalists from entering Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023, leaving Palestinian reporters to provide most on-the-ground coverage. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis has served as a major hub for treatment of the wounded and as a base for journalists reporting on the conflict.

What Happened
Israeli airstrikes hit Nasser hospital in southern Gaza on Monday, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists, according to Palestinian health officials.

Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, was killed near a Reuters live broadcast position on the hospital’s upper floors during the first strike.

Israel then struck the site a second time, killing other journalists, medical staff, and rescue workers who had rushed to help.

The journalists killed included Mariam Abu Dagga (freelancer for AP), Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), Moaz Abu Taha (freelancer, occasional Reuters contributor), and Ahmed Abu Aziz.

Photographer Hatem Khaled, another Reuters contractor, was wounded.

In a separate incident the same day, doctors at Nasser hospital said Israeli gunfire killed local journalist Hassan Dohan in a nearby tent encampment.

Why It Matters
The strike marks one of the deadliest single incidents for journalists since the Gaza war began. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, nearly 200 reporters and media workers—most of them Palestinian—have been killed since October 2023, making this conflict the deadliest for the press in recent history. The deaths underscore both the risks faced by journalists reporting from Gaza and the intensifying calls for accountability over attacks on medical and media sites.

Stakeholder Reactions

Israeli government: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called the incident a “tragic mishap,” insisting Israel does not target journalists and that the war is against Hamas. The IDF said it regrets harm to “uninvolved individuals” and has ordered an inquiry.

Reuters: “We are devastated to learn that cameraman Hussam al-Masri … was killed this morning in Israeli strikes on Nasser hospital … We are urgently seeking more information and have asked authorities in Gaza and Israel to help us get urgent medical assistance for [wounded photographer] Hatem,” a spokesperson said.

Associated Press: Said it was “shocked and saddened” at the loss of Mariam Abu Dagga and other journalists, noting Abu Dagga had recently been reporting on child malnutrition from the hospital.

Palestinian presidency: Urged the U.N. Security Council and international community to provide protection for journalists and hold Israel accountable.

Palestinian Journalists Syndicate: Condemned the strike as “an open war against free media.”

Committee to Protect Journalists: Called on the international community “to hold Israel accountable for its continued unlawful attacks on the press.”

U.S. President Donald Trump: Expressed displeasure, saying, “I didn’t know that. Well, I’m not happy about it … At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare.”

What’s Next
Israel’s military says it will investigate the incident, with Brigadier General Effie Defrin promising findings will be presented “as transparently as possible.” International pressure is likely to mount for independent inquiries into Israel’s conduct during the war, particularly its treatment of journalists and medical facilities. Meanwhile, media organizations are urging urgent protection for reporters still working in Gaza, where foreign journalists remain barred and local correspondents continue to bear the brunt of the risk.

With information from Reuters.

WASHINGTON — The House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the estate of Jeffrey Epstein on Monday as congressional lawmakers try to determine who was connected to the disgraced financier and whether prosecutors mishandled his case.

The committee’s subpoena is the latest effort by both Republicans and Democrats to respond to public clamor for more disclosure in the investigation into Epstein, who was found dead in his New York jail cell in 2019. Lawmakers are trying to guide an investigation into who among Epstein’s high-powered social circle may have been aware of his sexual abuse of teenage girls, delving into a criminal case that has spurred conspiracy theories and roiled top officials in President Trump’s administration.

The subpoena, signed by Rep. James Comer, the Republican chair of the oversight committee, and dated Monday, demands that Epstein’s estate provide Congress with documents including a book that was compiled with notes from friends for his 50th birthday, his last will and testament, agreements he signed with prosecutors, his contact books, and his financial transactions and holdings.

Comer wrote to the executors of Epstein’s estate that the committee “is reviewing the possible mismanagement of the federal government’s investigation of Mr. Jeffrey Epstein and Ms. Ghislaine Maxwell, the circumstances and subsequent investigations of Mr. Epstein’s death, the operation of sex-trafficking rings and ways for the federal government to effectively combat them, and potential violations of ethics rules related to elected officials.”

The Justice Department, trying to distance Trump and Epstein, last week began handing over to lawmakers documentation of the federal investigation into Epstein. It has also released transcripts of interviews conducted with Ghislaine Maxwell, his former girlfriend. But Democrats on the committee have not been satisfied with those efforts, saying that the some 33,000 pages of documents they’ve received are mostly already public.

“DOJ’s limited disclosure raises more questions than answers and makes clear that the White House is not interested in justice for the victims or the truth,” Rep. Robert Garcia of Long Beach, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said in a statement.

Pressure from lawmakers to release more information is likely to only grow when Congress returns to Washington next week.

A bipartisan group of House members is attempting to maneuver around Republican leadership to hold a vote to pass legislation meant to require the Justice Department to release a full accounting of the sex trafficking investigation into Epstein.

Groves writes for the Associated Press.

Aug. 25 (UPI) — India will continue buying oil from “wherever they get the best deal,” Delhi’s ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, told Russian state-owned news, as the Trump administration applies pressure on the South Asian nation to stop sourcing its energy from Moscow.

Speaking to TASS on Sunday, the ambassador, Vinay Kumar, said India’s objective is energy security for its 1.4 billion people, and U.S. criticism over its decision to continue to buy Russian oil “is unfair, unreasonable and unjustified.”

“Government will continue taking measures, which will protect the national interest of the country,” he said. “So, if the basis of commercial transaction trade imports are right, Indian companies will continue buying from wherever they get the best deal. So that’s what the current situation is.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, of which 25% is a punitive tax applied over its continued purchase of Russian oil, which is to go into effect Thursday.

Trump — who campaigned on ending the Russian war in Ukraine within 24 hours of returning to the White House — is still looking for an end to the fighting, and has turned his anger against India, which he accuses of not only buying Russian oil but then selling it for profit.

Earlier this month after Trump threatened imposing the tariffs, India accused the United States, as well as the European Union, of hypocrisy, saying they began importing from Russia “because traditional supplies were diverted to Europe after the outbreak of the conflict.”

“India’s imports are meant to ensure predictable and affordable energy costs to the Indian consumer. They are a necessity compelled by global market situation,” India’s foreign ministry said in a statement. “However, it is revealing that the very nations criticizing India are themselves indulging in trade with Russia. Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion.”

It said the targeting of India was both “unjustified and unreasonable,” and that it will take “all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”

The comments from Kumar came as U.S. Vice President JD Vance told NBC News’ Meet the Press on Sunday that targeting India with tariffs was part of the plan to coerce Russia to the negotiating table to end its war in Ukraine.

Calling the tariffs “aggressive economic leverage,” Vance said the secondary tariffs on India are an effort to “try and make it harder for the Russians to get rich from their oil economy.”

On Thursday, India and Russia vowed to strengthen cooperation, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating Russian oil shipments to the Indian marker are “making wide strides” and that both countries are “interested in implementing joint energy production projects” in Russia’s Far East and Arctic shelf.

According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, between Dec. 2, 2022, and July, India has purchased 38% of Russia’s crude exports, second only to China, which bought 47%.