Longtail

A LITTLE-known car brand is preparing to launch an AI-powered luxury saloon to rival the mighty Porsche Taycan.

Chinese EV manufacturer Xpeng has unveiled the latest iteration of its P7 sports saloon that they’ve branded “more than a car”.

4

4

4

4

Said to be Xpeng’s answer to “the AI [artificial intelligence] era in form and function”, the company has identified itself as an “AI-driven mobility company”.

Indeed, they’re positioning the new flagship P7 as a showcase for how AI can redefine the luxury car experience.

Details at this stage are scarce, but the previous P7 was described as “the world’s first AI-defined vehicle” and included highly advanced autonomous driving functions, as well as a ‘smart cockpit’ that included a Knight Rider-style voice assistant.

The next-gen model is expected to build on this, as well as introduce even more advanced capabilities.

Their ultimate aim is to stand out in China‘s increasingly crowded luxury saloon market – with the likes of the Avatr 12, Nio ET9 and Luxeed S7 all hoping to be big sellers.

Regarding the upcoming P7’s new styling, Xpeng’s Exterior Design Director Rafik Ferrag told Autocar: “With this new generation, we set out to design a pure-electric sports sedan that could amaze at every angle.

“This car is our dream – refined through countless iterations.

“In my eyes, the all-new Xpeng P7 is a work of art, shaped with emotion and purpose.”

It’s currently unknown if the P7 will be sold outside of China – with more details to follow.

For now, the Porsche Taycan remains the industry leader when it comes to luxury, performance all-electric saloons.

While sales have dipped in recent times, the Taycan remains a highly sought-after electric sports car ahead of the likes of the Lucid Air, Tesla Model S, BMW i4, and Audi e-tron GT.

One other Chinese brand that’s got Porsche in its sights is Denza – headed by motoring giant BYD.

The ever-expanding car brand is one of the largest private companies in China and has already started to make waves globally – including in the UK.

But for those seeking something with more speed and luxury, their sister brand Denza and their first car in its line-up – the stunning Z9 GT – might appeal.

Clearly borrowing design cues from the Taycan and Panamera, the grand tourer – with its shooting brake estate styling – was unveiled at the recent Milan Design Week ahead of its European market release later this year.

STANDING in the queue at the supermarket, Hannah Davison feels a burning sensation in her neck.

While it might be alarming for some, the hairdresser is all too aware of what is causing her chronic pain.

8

8

8

Her 36H breasts are the culprit with Hannah claiming she was ‘on the way to having a hunchback’ like the famous bellringer Quasimodo.

But Hannah, 33, can now hold her head (and neck) up high after having surgery to reduce her boobs by five cup sizes to a 34C.

She flew to Wroclaw, Poland, on April 14 to have breast reduction surgery where over a kilogram of tissue was removed from her chest.  

The two-hour long surgery cost £3,373 after Hannah received a discount for paying through her Monzo card.  

Now five cup sizes smaller, Hannah feels the hunch at the top of her neck caused by her boobs is “already going” and her daily pain has “disappeared literally overnight”.  

Hannah, who lives with her husband in Greater Manchester, says: “I felt like I was on my way to having a hunchback.

“It panicked me at first because it felt like there could be something really wrong.

“I’m a hairdresser so I’m on my feet all day and using my arms.

“I struggled to stand up for periods of time.

“I’d have a burning sensation in the top of my neck.

“I’d have to sit down for half an hour until it stopped.”

Hannah says that even simple tasks like eating proved a huge challenge.

“Even eating a meal before I was hunched because my boobs would mean my back was pushed down,” she explains.

“My posture was a huge problem.”

The hairdresser says that her life has totally transformed since her surgery, and she’s not the only one who has noticed the difference.

“Everyone has just been looking at them so shocked at how good they look and how it completely changed the frame of my body as well,” she says.

“I look smaller, they were so big and pronounced and changed the frame of body.

“Now they look a lot more natural as well and the pain has been severely reduced.

8

8

8

“It’s a better quality of life and I’m a lot more comfy in my own skin, which I can say I’ve never had because I’ve had big boobs since I was 14.”

Hannah’s back pain began when she was just 21 when she began hairdressing.  

She said: “As the years have gone on – I’m 33 now – it’s just got progressively worse, and I had a hunch at the top of my back.  

“Standing up and moving my arms in a certain way gave me a burning pain in the back of my neck.”

Hannah first heard about the procedure after a friend flew abroad for a breast augmentation in March 2025 at Europe Surgery, a clinic in Wroclaw, Poland.  

She says: “My decision to go was very last minute.

“I’d wanted surgery done since I was 21 but it was always unreachable due to the price in the UK.  

Standing up and moving my arms in a certain way gave me a burning pain in the back of my neck

Hannah Davison

“I went to Mya Cosmetic Surgery about six years ago and got a quote for £8,000 for the same procedure. 

“It was way out of range for me.  

“The last thing I heard was that the wait list [on the NHS] was six years and you had to go through extreme mental health screening.  

“I didn’t want to wait any longer.

“I had the savings anyway but I didn’t want to dip into them, so I worked six days a week for six weeks to make the money I needed for my surgery.”

Hannah emailed the clinic in January 2025 and had her surgery just six weeks later.  

Common Causes of Saggy Boobs

Gravity: Over time, the constant pull of gravity can cause the ligaments in the boobs to stretch and sag, especially in larger ones

Smoking: Smoking reduces blood supply to the skin, leading to a loss of elasticity and premature sagging

Lack of Support: Not wearing a properly fitting bra, especially during exercise, can lead to stretching of breast tissue and ligaments

Weight gain and loss: Changes in body weight can spark changes to the fatty tissue in the breasts, making them more prone to sagging

She says: “The clinic has a Facebook page with over 17,000 members so you get to see loads of different people’s point of view.  

“I’m now four weeks post-op and I feel absolutely fine.  

“I started back at the gym two weeks post-op.  

“My best friend is a nurse and she can’t believe how neat the incisions look.”

Hannah stayed overnight at Europe Surgery’s clinic before staying a further five days at a hotel, while she waited to be fit to fly home to the UK.  

She says: “A few times I was worried I could feel fluid inside my breast, so I just went straight in.  

“All the nurses are so lovely.  

“The whole experience pain wise was a five out of 10.  

“The only annoyance of the whole process is the healing as you have to do nothing.  

“Other than that, it was a great experience.”

She estimates that “just over a kilo and a half” of breast tissue was removed in the surgery.  

She adds: “I’ve always been into the gym and training, and I feel like my body composition would never change.  

“No matter how much I trained it would never make a difference.  

“Now I can wear nice gym clothes.”

8

8

A POPULAR burger branch has finally reopened its doors after nearly two years – and locals couldn’t be happier to see it back.

Wimpy has returned to Tufton Street in Ashford, Kent, after shutting in late 2023 when the previous franchisee stepped down following 30 years in charge.

3

3

The iconic burger spot was originally expected to reopen at the start of 2024, but a series of delays, including unforeseen issues before Christmas, left customers fearing the restaurant might never return.

Now, to the delight of fans, the branch is back in business, with customers already queuing up for their fix of Wimpy classics.

The company, famous for menu staples like the Bender in a Bun and thick shakes, confirmed: “Wimpy Ashford is now open under new ownership with a fresh team and great vibe.

“We will still be serving your favourite Wimpy burgers, chips and thick shakes.”

News of the reopening has spread quickly among locals, with many taking to social media to share their excitement and memories of the eatery.

Several residents said the restaurant had been a regular haunt in their youth, and they were eager to return with their own children.

One customer wrote: “So glad Wimpy is back! Nothing beats a proper burger and chips with that classic taste. We’ve really missed it.”

Another added: “Ashford just hasn’t been the same without it. It’s not just the food, it’s the memories that come with it.”

Wimpy, once a major player on the UK’s fast-food scene, has been undergoing a gradual revival in recent years, with several branches refurbished or reopened under new management.

The Ashford branch’s relaunch is seen as a positive step for the town centre, which has faced a number of retail closures in recent years.

The new owners say they’re committed to maintaining the traditional feel of the restaurant while bringing in modern touches to enhance the customer experience.

Early visitors have already praised the updated décor and friendly atmosphere, saying it retains the charm of the old Wimpy while feeling fresh and inviting.

Staff say they’ve been overwhelmed by the warm welcome and steady flow of diners since opening, and hope to build on that momentum in the months ahead.

3

A 90’s TV star looks unrecognisable after swapping lads’ mags for a luxury LA lifestyle.

The fan favourite featured in more than 30 shows – including Big Breakfast.

4

4

4

Dani Behr started her career with a brief appearance on the hit school drama series, Grange Hill in 1989.

She went on to be a presenter on Channel 4‘s music show The Word for five years.

Dani became a lads’ favourite and later moved to the US to continue presenting over there.

Following brief stints on I’m A Celebrity and Come Dine With Me, she embarked on a new career as a luxury real estate agent.

In this role, the TV legend lets out and manages property for the Hollywood elite.

Fans may have seen Dani appear on popular show Million Dollar Listing LA.

She married restaurateur Carl Harwin in 2005, having two children, although the two went their separate ways nine years later.

Speaking on White Wine Question Time in 2020, she revealed her full time switch to real estate came when on-screen work dried up – around the time of her 2014 divorce.

Dani told Kate Thornton: “They don’t have careers as presenters out here, like back home.

“You’re either a news journalist or a sportscaster or a late night comedian, those were the hosts of all the shows here and I didn’t fit into any of those categories.”

She already had ties to real estate industry – with her dad himself working in real estate while her mum is an interior designer.

Dani therefore decided to study for real estate exams in order to obtain a license.

She hosted a podcast titled The Behr Essentials for two years – focusing on her career in property.

It comes as the TV legend looked unrecognisable last year while she striped off to workout gear for a fitness class.

Taking to social media, Dani flaunted her stunning figure to her followers.

She captioned the post: “I always get asked what I do to keep things tight and high and my secret weapon for the last ten years is Dance Cardio!

“Love @manumoves class- always so fun, great music and a mighty sweat!!

“You don’t have to be in LA to participate – check out manumoves.com and sign up and start dancing at home!”

4

EASTENDERS star Molly Rainford is a familiar face on telly after landing a role as Queen Vic’s pretty barmaid.

The star has won a legion of fans playing Anna, the daughter of Cindy Beale.

5

5

5

But talented Molly has been working in showbiz for over a decade, and first shot to fame as a finalist on the sixth series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2012.

Molly became BGT’s youngest-ever finalist at the time, at age 11 performing Ave Maria in the final and finishing sixth.

Following the show, she won a scholarship at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, gifted by Simon Cowell and Sony Music.

After finishing school, Molly went on to star in the lead role in CBBC series Nova Jones and released two EPs, including her single Commitment.

It set her on the path to stardom and she continued to win big opportunties.

Talented singer Molly played the lead in Nova Jones, in the CBBC comedy about the life and adventures of a galactic pop star.

She later joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2022 and came runner up with dance partner Carlos Gu.

And talent runs in Molly’s family.

She grew up in Essex living with her dad Dave Rainford and mum Sarah.

David is a former Chelmsford City FC midfielder and was an assistant football manager.

He started at Colchester United and returned to the team during his senior career in 1997.

He also played for Slough Town, Heybridge Swifts, Bishop’s Stortford and AFC Hornchurch.

From 2012 to 2013, Dave was assistant manager for Chelmsford City after joining the team in 2008, and he now works for the Premier League in a top job.

Some EastEnders fans have just figured out who her famous dad is, and took to Reddit to discuss it.

“That’s a lot of nepotism,” one said.

Another rushed to defend Molly, writing: “None of it is nepotism – it isn’t family connections that have helped her out she was just lucky enough to have been given a massive opportunity at a young age.”

One more said: “You keep believing that, you’re telling me she got into eastenders for her acting talent?! Everyone knows it’s her dad that helped.”

5

5

BBC host Laura Kuenssberg has revealed the interview that “sticks” with her the most is when Michelle Mone confessed to being a liar.

Scots bra tycoon Mone spent two years fiercely denying through an army of lawyers any involvement with the firm PPE Medro, which had earned over £200million worth of Government contracts to supply face masks and surgical gowns during the Covid pandemic.

4

4

4

But in 2023 it was revealed that the Tory life peer and her three adult children had received £29million from the company via her second husband Doug Barrowman.

That led to a “Prince Andrew-style” TV showdown with the politics presenter on her weekly show Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.

Appearing alongside Barrowman, 60, Baroness Mone, 53, made the jaw-dropping confession: “I can’t see what we’ve done wrong. Lying to the press is not a crime.”

Now in a two-part BBC documentary The Rise and Fall of Michelle Mone to be shown next week, Laura, 48, said: “In the end they were bizarrely quite honest about not having told the truth. Which is quite a strange experience.

“Then as she so memorably said, ‘But Laura, it’s not a crime to lie’ That’s a phrase that will always stick with me.”

The controversy started when Lady Mone had used her government links to access a VIP Lane for fast track PPE procurement.

But the former owner of bra company Ultimo then aggressively denied for three years that she and Barrowman had any connections to the company PPE Medro.

When it was revealed that Mone and her family had personally benefitted from the contracts she announced she was stepping down from the House of Lords.

Questions were then asked in parliament by the then leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer about how nearly £30million had ended up in the bank account of the Scottish businesswoman.

Recalling before the build-up to the car-crash interview, Laura said: “They obviously knew they had been lying at the beginning of it. So they felt they were in this trap.

“On the day (of the interview) the whole experience was eerily calm. There’s no question Michelle Mone and Doug Barrowman became the pantomime villains in the story of the huge shambles of what went wrong with PPE.

“For Michelle, being able to grab public attention was always something she had in spades during her business career but things went wrong for her and you can’t turn that attention off.”

Mone and Barrowman are currently being investigated by the National Crime Agency.

The couple continue to deny any wrongdoing.

*The Rise and Fall of Michelle Mone begins on BBC Scotland on Monday May 26 at 10pm and BBC Two on May 28 at 9pm. Both episodes are available on BBC iPlayer from Monday.

4

WANT to give your fussy kids vitamins to make up for them refusing fruit and veg? You’re not alone.

About 16 per cent of youngsters take supplements.

4

But a new report shows some gummies contain more sugar than kids’ favourite Haribo sweets.

Today I look at ways to get vitamins into your children without dosing them up on sugar too . . . 

Gummies

4

BASSETTS makes various kids’ vitamins.

Its Soft & Chewy Multivitamin gummies in summer berries flavour are for ages 12 to 18 – perfect for those that may not be eating their five a day.

They contain nutrients to support teenagers’ health, including vitamins C and D to aid the immune system, and B2 and B12 to help reduce tiredness and fatigue.

Although these don’t contain sugar they do have sweeteners – maltitol, sorbitol and sucralose – which are said to be safe for children.

These aren’t for vegetarians as they contain gelatine which comes from cows but they taste great with a berry flavour.

Summer Berries gummies, 30 for £7. bassettsvitamins.co.uk

Powder

4

JUNIOR REVIVE is a supplement that contains 12 vitamins and six minerals.

It has four fruit and vegetable powders, beta glucans (a fibre that can stimulate the immune system), live friendly bacteria (for gut health) and choline (a nutrient similar to B vitamins).

All these support a child’s immunity, energy and mental performance.

This is designed for children over four and up to 12 and comes in little sachets.

You simply add one sachet to 100ml of water or into a smoothie, yoghurt or juice. I love the fact this is unflavoured and is a great all-rounder.

Because it has no flavour there are no sweeteners either. I love this.

From £14.92 for a box of 20 or 75p a sachet. reviveactive.com

Spray

4

ORAL sprays feature tiny droplets that absorb quickly into your mouth and then directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.

BetterYou Multivitamin kids’ oral spray has 14 essential vitamins and is free from sugar, gluten artificial colours and additives. It contains the full spectrum of B vitamins, including folic acid, combined with vitamin A, vitamin C, K1 and vitamin D.

Suitable for youngsters aged over one year.

Despite having no sugar this “chocolate and marshmallow” flavour (which my kid loved) is very, very sweet.

This is due to the sweetener xylitol which is generally considered safe for children when used in moderation and comes from plant fibres.

The 25ml bottle contains a 32-day supply and you need to have four sprays a day.

Starts at £8.46. betteryou.com

A CONFUSED dad has been left stumped by his 10-year-old son’s maths homework with the internet dubbing it ‘absolutely bonkers.’

The father took to Reddit after being left puzzled by a multiple choice question given to his primary school-aged child.

1

While there are four different “answers” to choose from, the concerned dad noted there “must be missing something” from the equation – as none of the options appeared to be correct.

“This particular question was in my son’s math homework from the other day,” he wrote.

“They reviewed the answers in class today and apparently the answer was A.”

The question that has him, and everyone else, scratching their heads was this: Kayla has 18 bottles of bubbles. She wants to give two bottles to each of her six friends. How many bottles will she have left over?

Children then had the option of four expressions and were challenged to identify the one that “solves the problem”.

It read: A) (18 divide 2) divide 6, B) (18 divide 2) + 6, C) (18 x 2) – 6, or D) (18 x 2) + 6.

But as the dad – who said he was “curious how they came to this answer” – pointed out, “none of the options seemed right as I was expecting it to be 18 – (6 × 2)”.

Some people rushed to the comments section to try and work out the answer, but most agreed there was an issue with the options provided with describing it as ‘absolutely bonkers’.

“I think it’s more likely a typo or misprint. If they swapped the subtraction and multiplication sign and moved the parentheses on answer choice C, then: (18 x 2) – 6 could become 18 – (2 x 6),” one said.

“You’re correct, the teacher is wrong. If you simplify A, you get 1.5 which doesn’t make any sense in the context of the problem,” mused another.

While one simply said: “Seems that A is wrong to me too.”

Some tried to make it work, but struggled.

“Really twisting my brain here to make sense of A being correct, but here goes: if you divide 18 bottles by 2 you get 9 bottles in two separate piles. Now give one bottle from each pile to all 6 friends. The result would be 3 bottles leftover in two separate piles, or 6 leftover bottles total. Gymnastics,” declared one.

“A, if they are supposed to use Euclidean divisions (18/2 = she has 9 batches of 2, 9/6 => 1 and remainder is 3),” tried another.

While one described it as “bad logic”, but gave it a stab anyway.

“This is the only way I can get any of the answer choices (and it is A) – I’m not saying it’s correct, only wanted to explain their (wrong) logic:

“She’s splitting the 18 bottles into sets of 2, that’s 18 / 2. Then, she’s splitting those sets of 2 among her 6 friends.

“That’s why you divide by 6 next. That leaves you with A. But as everyone here has said, you and your son are correct. The worksheet is wrong.”

Eventually, the child decided to expose the issue with the question, writing: “None, 18 – (6 x 2).”

The father later returned to update everyone, stating “the worksheet is indeed wrong”.

“I did talk with the teacher and they went over it in class together. The teacher mentioned none of the answers were right and what my son came up with was correct,” he shared.

This article was originally published on News.com.au and has been republished here with permission.

EVEN though humans have never set foot on Mars, we’ve still got plenty of photos of the red planet.

And if you went by those pics alone, you’d think the Martian surface was littered with mysterious faces, swarms of monstrous spiders, and even alien beings.

15

15

Of course, Mars is just a barren wasteland – only occupied by camera-toting rovers shipped there from Earth.

So why do we see all of these strange faces and figures on Mars?

Well it’s a phenomenon known as pareidolia, which is a human tendency to see patterns when there isn’t one – and it’s often to blame for those bizarre sightings on the red planet.

Here are some of the creepiest “sightings” from our space neighbour, Mars.

CYDONIA ‘FACE ON MARS’

One of the most iconic Martian faces is from the Cydonia region.

The feature was first captured in 1976, revealing a strikingly humanlike formation on the Martian surface.

Early images of the region were snapped by Viking 1 and Viking 2, a pair of Nasa orbiters tasked with imaging Mars.

It’s since been captured in several later photographs, clearly exposing it as an optical illusion.

Sadly it’s not a giant alien face at all – but a massive 1.2-mile-long Cydonian mesa.

The region is known for its flat-topped mesas.

BEAR WE GO

15

Forget Stonehenge – what about a giant bear circle?

That’s what was seemingly snapped by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter on December 12, 2022.

It looks like the face of an enormous grizzly, but it’s actually just a weird hill, as Nasa explains: “A V-shaped collapse structure makes the nose, two craters form the eyes, and a circular fracture pattern shapes the head.

“The circular fracture pattern might be due to the settling of a deposit over a buried impact crater.”

LEG IT!

15

15

Several images of what look like terrifyingly large spiders have been captured on Mars.

The first was caught by the European Space Agency‘s (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter in October 2020, and the second was picked up by Nasa’s MRO in May 2018.

Thankfully they’re not spiders at all – but a strange phenomenon called “araneiform terrain”.

“This is an active seasonal process not seen on Earth,” Nasa explained.

“Like dry ice on Earth, the carbon dioxide ice on Mars sublimates as it warms (changes from solid to gas) and the gas becomes trapped below the surface.

“Over time the trapped carbon dioxide gas builds in pressure and is eventually strong enough to break through the ice as a jet that erupts dust.

“The gas is released into the atmosphere and darker dust may be deposited around the vent or transported by winds to produce streaks.

“The loss of the sublimated carbon dioxide leaves behind these spider-like features etched into the surface.”

LIVING ON A PRAYER

15

15

15

In 2007, Nasa’s Mars Exploration Rover Spirit captured what appeared to be a person kneeling in prayer.

It made headlines around the world when the image was released in early 2008.

The eerie scene was part of a vast panorama of Martian hills taken during the closing months of Spirit’s mission.

Of course, all we’re actually seeing is an interesting rock, and a trick of the light.

GHANDI’S MARTIAN TWIN

15

15

Pictures from Europe‘s Mars Express probe appear to have captured a Ghandi lookalike on Mars.

The Mars Orbiter has been used to pack out the Google Mars project with satellite-style snaps of the red planet.

And in 2011, Italian space fan Matteo Lanneo thought he spotted Ghandi’s likeness on the surface.

Of course, it’s just another classic example of pareidolia, where we’re simply seeing things that aren’t really there.

15

MARTIAN DOORWAY

15

15

15

In mid-2022, Nasa captured what appeared to be a “doorway” into a mound of rock nicknamed ‘East Cliffs’.

The picture of the mound on Mount Sharp was snapped by Nasa’s Curiosity Rover.

Sadly it’s not really a doorway, as Nasa explains: “The mound, on Mount Sharp, has a number of naturally occurring open fractures – including one roughly 12 inches (30 centimeters) tall and 16 inches (40 centimeters) wide, similar in size to a dog door.

“These kinds of open fractures are common in bedrock, both on Earth and on Mars.”

15

MO SALAH and Arne Slot made the secret pact that took Liverpool to the title and made him Player of the Year.

The campaign began with Anfield shrouded in doubts – especially over whether Salah would sign a new deal and how Slot might handle the strain of being Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

3

But Salah revealed how he was certain he could make the Dutchman a Prem champ in exchange for a pledge from the new manager.

Slot kept his word and so did the Kop’s Egyptian king as he reveals how over a series of discussions between the pair he declared: “I was very honest.

“I told him: ‘with me, you are going to win the Premier League but I have to feel really comfortable with the way we play.’

“He was very honest with me, we had a few honest conversations and he said to me: ‘OK, I will get the best out of you. I will put you in a situation where you feel comfortable but I need you to provide the numbers’.”

Provide those numbers Salah, just crowned the Football Writers Association’s player of the year for a third time, certainly did.

In what became a cruise to the crown he has set a new Prem high for a 38 – game season of 28 goals and 18 assists.

He needs two more goal involvements in tomorrow’s last game of the season against Crystal Palace to claim history by overtaking the joint record of 47 held by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole set over 42 matches.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

What’s more Salah will spend at least two more seasons with Liverpool having agreed a near – £400,000 a week new deal when he admits that the one pre – season doubt he did have was whether the club would come up with the numbers to make him stay.

Part of his concern was over the fact that owners Fenway Sports Group had always made age a number for older players.

He explained: “There is always a time either now or later when it is going to happen (Salah leaving) but I love this club.

“I always wanted to stay but I know my value and I was waiting for the club to arrive to the right point where me and the club are both going to be happy so that’s why the contracts took so long.

“Based on the club history, because the club treated players of 30 or 31 in different ways I wasn’t clear in my head that I was going to stay 100 percent.”

Salah, who has equalled Thierry Henry’s record of three FWA awards, couldn’t be happier with the way it has all worked out for him – and for the former Feyenoord manager.

His content is based not only on his own personal pride over what he says was a “crazy season, a crazy year” but also on the warm respect he has developed for Slot.

The 32-year-old stresses: “It’s so special, I have a good relationship with him and I am very respectful towards him and his staff because we all work really hard.

“At the beginning, we had that conversation, he asked me for stuff he wanted me to do.

“I asked him and put me in the positions and situations where I can really provide numbers and our relationship is very good and it’s working well.

“And he has improved me, absolutely. Now he will have to deal with me a bit longer!

“I’ve always believed there’s always room to improve and I think he did it very well and you see the numbers this year and I feel very happy about it.

3

3

“I would give him half the credit and the other half to my teammates because they always help me in the situations to give me the ball or be at the right spot so they can pass the ball and I score.”

Salah also speaks warmly of the bond he has always had with the fans, even throughout a campaign of questions over whether he would go, or like skipper Virgil van Dijk, also sign on for another two years.

He says: “My relationship with the fans, I see it as very special.

“They see me as an honest guy and they could see that straight away.

“I think that’s why our relationship is special and that’s why they love me. I don’t hide the stuff, I always share.”

He has improved me, absolutely. Now he will have to deal with me a bit longer!

Mo Salah on Arne Slot

Having picked up the FWA prize at an awards dinner on Thursday night he can now look forward to an even brighter future with Slot – and makes another vow.

He says: “One game to go, I broke the record for 38 games so I am going to go fully focused for the last game and hopefully I can get two goals or assists.

“So I go again next year to break records again!”

There are no doubts for him that he can keep doing so either, even if he turns 33 next month.

The daddy of them all throughout Liverpool’s Prem history insists: “People need to realise that in the last five or ten years players start hitting their peak when they are 30 and upwards.

“When they have more experience and can manage their emotions and can provide big numbers.

“Football has changed now, people take care of themselves, if you try to do everything right you are going to play until you decide it’s time to retire.

“I said the other day I will probably play until I’m 39, 40 … until the kids tell you: ‘It’s OK, you leave football now and you stay with us!”

FESTIVAL fans are being urged to go green on Glasgow Green this summer with more sustainable fashion choices.

Every year Brits throw away 300,000 tonnes of fabric waste, which ends up slowly decomposing in landfills.

4

4

And to do their bit, the team behind TRNSMT is encouraging festival-goers to choose second hand style when it comes to their outfits.

Bosses are launching a Sustainable Festival Fashion Trail, which kicks off this weekend.

Tomorrow, TRNSMT will take over the Barras Market, Off The Rails at VEGA Glasgow and will pop up at vintage stores where shoppers can explore unique finds and festival picks curated by Scottish Stylist of the Year Victoria Lee.

The Glasgow-based preloved fashion fan said: “It is my job to encourage people to step away from fast fashion and choose more sustainable routes when it comes to topping up their wardrobes.”

Getting a look right for a festival can be tricky, especially in our unpredictable Scottish weather.

But what Victoria hopes is that music-lovers will avoid buying fast fashion items that get tossed aside once the party weekend is over in favour of vintage pieces that will last a lifetime.

Victoria, who ditched her own fast fashion business when she discovered the unethical roots of her on-sale items, said: “I love the uniqueness of it.

“When you’re shopping, you can have those unique pieces that other people aren’t wearing.

“You can really focus on your personal style. I think when you’re more slow and more intentional about what you buy, it pays off more in the end as well.”

While the average lifespan of an item of clothing is three years, many people who consume fast fashion find their clothing only lasts a few months.

But some of the preloved pieces in second hand and vintage stores have been worn for decades — and are still going strong.

Victoria said: “I think a lot of people panic buy for festivals and also we’ve become a little bit too accustomed to viewing our clothes as disposable.

“So the fashion trail encourages people to buy more staple pieces. The pieces in the collections will all be pieces that you can hopefully style around other things. Normal life, not just festivals.”

SUSTAINABLE STYLE

WE are self-confessed clothes addicts.

But, despite our love for all things fashion, choosing a fest outfit still foxes us — especially with our different ages and sizes.

In our YouTube series For Everybody, we test out outfits from the high street to see who is winning when it comes to being inclusive.

Katy is 34 and a size 18 while I’m a tummy-conscious size ten 45-year-old.
So could Victoria choose gorgeous, preloved festival outfits that rocked both of our worlds?

She scoured the rails at Glasgow’s West Vintage for two looks that could go from day to night at TRNSMT.

And she played a blinder.

For Katy, Victoria chose a flowy, brightly-coloured, tie-dyed maxi skirt paired with an over-sized sports T-shirt, all for just over £40.

For me, she chose a classic denim waistcoat and a layered white mini, with a handbag scarf for a pop of colour all for £50.

These pieces can be worn for years to come, making cost per wear a snip — music to our ears.

And her top tip for what to wear this summer? The style pro said: “I’d say the most fashionable thing you can do is just go with your own personal style and express yourself and who you are. Get those pieces that are staples that you’ll be able to wear again and again.”

On Sunday, the day will kick off at the Barras Market in Glasgow’s East End, where from 12pm fans can browse curated rails of pre-loved fashion, discover upcycled gems and get styling tips from sustainability champions.

From there, fans can head to Kings Court, stopping at vintage favourites including Mr Bens Retro Clothing, Minted and West Vintage for even more unique finds picked out by Victoria.

The day wraps up at VEGA Glasgow with a special festival edition of Off The Rails, a quarterly pop-up that celebrates independent brands.

There will be live performances by artists from this year’s BBC Introducing line-up and Radio 1 Dance Stage DJs at both The Barras and VEGA, bringing the festival buzz to the city.

There will also be the chance to win festival tickets to this summer’s Glasgow Green music extravaganza on July 11 to 13, with ten golden labels hidden along the trail as a reward for those who choose pre-loved summer festival outfits.

A TRNSMT Festival spokesman said: “Planning a festival outfit is a priority for so many fans. We wanted to create something that shows how sustainable fashion can still be exciting, creative, and fun, especially in a city like Glasgow that’s full of legendary vintage and second-hand options.”

4

4

AN ICONIC 1980s Porsche left abandoned in a barn for 14 years has sold for over £76,000, which was over triple its estimate.

The dust-covered 911 3.2 Carrera Sport coupé was put into storage by its owner in 2011 after being bought in 2002.

5

5

5

Its three litre engine produced 231bhp with a top speed of over 150mph.

And it was capable of doing 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds.

According to records, the car only covered 476 miles in the five years before it went into the barn.

It was owned by a busy solicitor near Northampton who barely drove it for years, as reported by Luxury Auto News.

Ahead of its auction its listing said: “The car presented here is a C16 1989-model example from the final year of 3.2 production before the introduction of the 964.

“It is a Carrera 3.2 Sport which was a UK-only model and came factory-fitted with a black lip front spoiler, a rear whale tail rear spoiler, sports seats and Bilstein Sport shock absorbers.

“It was optioned with a sunroof and the sought-after paint colour of silver metallic.”

The iconic 911 was first registered in May 1989 and had five previous owners before being snapped up in October 2002, the listing read.

It added: “This 911 was first registered in May 1989 and passed through five keepers before being purchased by our vendor in October 2002.

The listing added: “We believe he bought it from Autofarm of Bicester, Oxfordshire.

“MOT records indicate minimal usage – just 476 miles covered in five years.

“This is wholly in keeping with what we know about our vendor, who was a very much a car enthusiast, having owned all sorts of interesting cars from Jaguars to 2CVs, but who was also a very busy solicitor with little time to enjoy his Porsche.

“At some point in 2011, he drove the car into his barn adjoining his stone Northamptonshire house and there it has sat ever since.”

Despite being abandoned, the barn’s warm, dry air helped preserve the rare car remarkably well.

“Its condition when it was put away must have been exceptional and very much in-keeping with a minimally used 40,000-mile 911, with original features and components still in place.

“Bodywork panels, paintwork, carpets, headlining and factory-finishes all appear to be original – and a jack and toolkit complete the picture.

It tripled its estimate amid a bidding frenzy

A spokesperson

“The car is a feast of detail for any Porsche enthusiast, preserved in a manner that they will really appreciate.

“Sadly the owner passed away in early 2025 and it falls to the family, particularly his son, to find it a new home.

“This fantastic car is sensibly guided and will obviously require close inspection and a thorough recommissioning before starting/driving but it offers huge potential.

“Cars built from September 1986 onwards were fitted with the more user-friendly G50 Getrag gearbox.

“But all 3.2 Carreras feature galvanised bodies, which together with Porsche’s legendary build quality, ensure that these classics are long lasting.”

It was expected to fetch around £25,000 when sold on Saturday by Iconic Auctioneers in Northampton.

A spokesperson said: “It was driven into a barn for storage in 2011 and offered exactly as found, dust and all.

“It tripled its estimate amid a bidding frenzy.

“With 33 registered telephone bidders as well as numerous bidders in the room and online, bidding raced to £76,500.

“This wonderfully preserved G50‑gearbox example that remains largely original, obviously captured bidders’ imaginations with its untouched state and clear potential.”

It comes after astonishing images showed an abandoned graveyard of vintage cars and fire engines left to rot.

And a classic car dealership worth a whopping £200,000 has been discovered – after sitting in the dark for 20 years.

5

5

SAVVY shopper Kat Leech knows all the best snacks to pick up in M&S – and the ones that are best avoided. 

The 29-year-old from Manchester has more than 130,000 followers on her popular TikTok and Instagram accounts, where she’s known as Kat Saves. 

4

4

4

4

She does this full-time helping shoppers find the best deals in their favourite supermarkets – and she’s exclusively told The Sun her recommendations for M&S shoppers. 

The posh supermarket is known for its good quality food, and Kat says some of their items are identical to or even better than the branded versions. 

One of her top picks is the tomato ketchup, which is only £1 for a 495g bottle. 

“I honestly think it’s better than Heinz, it’s better than any other ketchup I’ve tried,” she raves. 

For comparison, a 460g bottle of Heinz ketchup costs £2.50 on the Ocado website – so that’s a saving of £1.50 and you’re getting a slightly bigger bottle. 

Another great dupe is the M&S Salt & Double Vinegar Extreme Ridge Cut Crisps, which Kat says is “completely identical to the Salt and Vinegar McCoy’s”. 

You can get a six-pack of the McCoy’s Salt and Malt Vinegar for £2.35, while a 150g packet of the M&S version costs £1.70. 

If you have more of a sweet tooth, Kat recommends the Extra Cream Custard Creams. 

She says the biscuits are “so much nicer” than the custard creams you get in most supermarkets.

“I think normal custard creams don’t seem to have much cream in the middle these days, but the ones from M&S have got loads more in there,” she says.

Plus, they’re only 50p for a 175g pack.

Another of her picks is the High Protein Vegan Chocolate Crunch cereal, which is perfect for those wanting to get more protein into their diet. 

“It’s one of those things I just buy every time I go to M&S – I just think it’s really nice,” she says. 

It costs £3 for a 500g pack. 

Kat also recommends that shoppers look out for the supermarket’s Pizza Night Dine In deal, which lets you get two pizzas and two sides for £12. 

“All the pizzas in their pizza deal are also amazing and great value for money as well,” Kat says. 

She likes the Mighty Meaty pizza in particular, which comes with marinated chilli chicken, pepperoni and dry-cured, oak and beechwood-smoked bacon. 

The sides include onion rings, chips and mac and cheese bites. 

M&S might have a reputation for being on the expensive side, but Kat says a lot of its fresh produce is good value. 

“A lot of the salad vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, they’re exactly the same price as any other supermarket,” she says.

“But I think the quality is just a lot better. They last longer in your fridge. 

“I’ve seen a lot of people complain that if you get like a cucumber from Aldi then it will just go off the next day or something. But I think with M&S, things like that just typically last a lot longer.”

What should you avoid in M&S?

While Kat is a huge M&S fan, she says there are some products that aren’t worth the money. 

For example, she isn’t a lover of their pasta ready meals as she says you can get similar ones much cheaper at other supermarkets.

“I tried the carbonara ready meal and I thought it might just have been a little bit expensive for what it was. You can get better or the same and cheaper elsewhere,” she says.

Kat also recommends avoiding ready-to-go lunches section as she believes they are “way overpriced for what you get”. 

This is partly because M&S doesn’t do lunchtime meal deal offers, apart from in its train station or petrol station outlets. 

She says that if you’re wanting to grab a quick ready made lunch, you’re better off trying elsewhere for better value. 

The blogger says she recently got a caesar salad for £4.25 and it “had nothing special about it” despite the price. 

“Something like that you could probably make yourself for a lot cheaper as well and probably make it nicer,” she says. 

How to save money at M&S 

Kat is also an expert at saving money on her supermarket shop. 

As with all supermarkets, she says you should go in with a list so you don’t get tempted by the expensive desserts and snacks. 

The 29-year-old also says to look out for M&S’s dine-in deals which pop up from time to time. 

There’s the pizza one we mentioned earlier but there’s also similar deals for pasta, Indian food and date nights. 

Plus M&S often has multi-buy offers like three for £12 or three for £8 on things like picnic food. 

M&S does have a loyalty card but it works a little differently to the other supermarkets so you should familiarise yourself with how to use it. 

Rather than letting you collect points, Kat says the Sparks card can help you get discounts off certain items or even free things. 

She says the Sparks card works best if you shop at M&S regularly as it will give you more tailored offers – but that shouldn’t mean you spend there unnecessarily.

She will usually check for what offers are available on her loyalty card before she goes into the store. 

Another of Kat’s tips is to stick to the M&S value range, which is known as Remarksable Value. 

She says a lot of the prices in this range are similar to budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl.

But don’t forget to do a price comparison before you go to the shops.

DYSON has invented a mind-bendingly thin vacuum cleaner that’s as svelte as a broom.

DYSON has invented a mind-bendingly thin vacuum cleaner that’s as svelte as a broom.

8

8

8

Branded the ‘PencilVac’, Dyson‘s new cleaning tool promises to be the “world’s slimmest vacuum”.

And it can even lay almost totally flat to the floor with an operating height of just under 10cm.

The vacuum cleaner ditches the giant bin normally featured on Dyson products for a new system that compacts the dust into the PencilVac’s slender body.

“I have long wanted to make a vacuum of only 38mm diameter,” said Sir James Dyson, the company boss.

He explained that the thickness is important – it’s the same as the Dyson’s Supersonic hair dryer handle.

Dyson continued: “But first we needed to develop our most powerful Hyperdymium motor at only 28mm diameter to achieve such a slender machine.”

HAIR WE GO!

It also uses a bizarre new Fluffycones system that uses four cones split across two brush bars.

This system works to eject long hair as you clean, so you don’t have to pull or cut it out.

“If long hairs get wrapped around the cone, the spinning motion along with the specific angle of the cone causes the hair to tighten,” said Dyson’s Sam Cole, Floorcare Design Manager, speaking to The Sun.

“Which results in the hair travelling down to the smaller end of the cone, before it is released as a small hairball.”

There’s also a new two-stage dust separation system, which Dyson engineers say will capture 99.99% of particles (down to 0.3 microns).

That means cleaner air is pumped back into your home – and should mean suction stays strong.

The dust inside is compressed in real-time to get as much usage possible out of the small bin, and should mean you have to empty it less often.

According to gadget-maker Dyson, the bin holds five times more dust and debris than its 0.08-litre capacity.

8

This works using a syringe “bin ejection” system that “plunges” the dirt deep into the bin – while also wiping the shroud clean at the same time.

MOTOR RUNNING

It’s all powered by a new motor that’s Dyson’s smallest to date – as well as its fastest, spinning at 140,000rpm.

This, Dyson says, makes it 35% more “power dense” than its predecessor, despite the shrunken size.

“Engineering our smallest and fastest vacuum motor is no simple feat. It was more than miniaturising every piece of technology,” said Dyson tech chief John Churchill.

8

“It is a precise integration of motor design, electronics, software, and hardware, all working together seamlessly.”

IN CHARGE

Dyson says it’ll take about four hours to get a full charge.

8

DYSON PENCILVAC – THE TECH SPECS

Here’s what you need to know…

Size: 38mm x 226mm x 1,160mm (W x L x H)

Weight: 1.8 kilos

Motor: Dyson Hyperdymium 140k motor

Motor RPM: 140,000

Filtration: Up to 99.99% (dow to 0.l3 microns)

Runtime: Up to 30 minutes

Charge time: Four hours

Cleaner Head: Fluffycones cleaner head (for detangling long hair and to-edge cleaning)

Accessories: Rotating combi-crevice tool / conical hair screw for mattresses and stairs / magnetic floor-charging dock

Picture Credit: Dyson

And it’ll run for 30 minutes – with a hot swappable battery pack to double that.

You’ll be able to see the remaining run-time on an LCD screen built into the device (as well as the power mode).

Sadly there’s no price yet, or an exact UK release date.

But Dyson did say Brits would be able to get the PencilVac in 2026.

8

8

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column is being kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

♈ ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Mercury gives you the ability to take an overview – ­especially in terms of cash.

You have the patience to wait longer if you see that’s the best approach – but act fast if you need to, so confidence can flow back in.

Love-wise, if you feel your usual chatty self falls quiet, this can be a strong passion signal.

2

♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Saturn’s steady stance is a secret strength – on everything from who you spend time with to where you feel you belong.

When you know you need someone, you are not afraid to say it.

This sets you apart. ­Uranus favours an explosion of ­personal style – be ready to look and behave in some wilder ways.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♊ GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Mercury’s research powers mix with Mars’ go-getting.

You might have only just started thinking about a new work or home pathway, but tonight you can take several steps forward on it.

A moon of gathering together gives a family or friendship event a glow, so don’t hold back from asking a difficult question.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Venus and Mars get closer and celebrate the way you stand by what you know is right.

Even if people in your circle mean well, take heed of your projects and principles today.

If you are in love, a couple can remove the hardest part of a choice by sharing it.

Single? Your soulmate wears a handmade item.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

What makes a friend for you is at the forefront of your chart and it may be time to hold unreliable people to account.

Excuses have gone on too long.

At work, however, staying patient a little longer can help get a team back in tune – especially if one member has been absent.

The luck factor whistles a melody.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Finding ways to work, or maybe live, with others while still feeling yourself is your current challenge.

It’s tempting to ignore recent ­differences and hope they go away.

But this can slow your progress, so be ready to speak up.

Love is a­ ­mystery, but trust yourself to ­recognise the real “H” deal.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

Ideas without effort can often evaporate away – but you have a perfect chart combination of both, and this encourages progress.

Showing you are prepared to put in the hours, at work and at home, unlocks the next level of support.

In love, Venus is on a roll so lasting relationships have a fresh, exciting feel.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Pluto saves the best for you for later in the day, as parts of a work puzzle that have daunted you for days can start falling into place. ­

Earlier, Saturn’s gift for turning vague hopes into happening events can get a date fixed.

Your ability to fall in love in an instant is on high alert all day – a Sagittarius can be the cause.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

When you loosen your expectations of someone younger you could sense the good feelings flow between you again – so take the lead on this.

Your chart ­suggests an extra helping of Pluto ­surprises in routine settings, so be prepared for family and friendship ­revelations – or to say some yourself.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

This can be your day to replan if following familiar money pathways is not ­getting you where you want to go.

Shortcuts can be attractive, but for you right now, attention to detail can create an advantage.

So reread some key facts and figures. Passion whispers one word three times.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

2

♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

It’s a busy planet day but your message from all of them is you’ve got this.

From Neptune’s sharp instincts, to Pluto power, when you set your mind to something, it can sail through.

But it’s important to stay kind, and keep checking in with others.

This is where your unique personal skills can blossom.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Some heart-searching is overdue and it can happen in the early part of today – as you examine recent choices and whether they are working.

But your deep layer of purpose can correct any mistakes and strengthen weak spots, so a strategy gets right back on track.

Passion grows hottest in cool surroundings.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

HAVE a guess what engine powers this little Mazda3.

Is it a cheery 1-litre three-pot similar to a Volkswagen Polo?

4

4

4

A sweet 1.2-litre turbo à la Vauxhall Corsa?

Or even a 1.5-litre hybrid like a Toyota Yaris?

The answer is none of the above.

It is actually a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol.

That’s a B-I-G lump for a little squirt.

Bigger than anything you’ll find in a Kia Sportage or Nissan Qashqai, come to think of it.

The reason being, Mazda has always dared to be different.

It doesn’t do “downsizing”. In other words using a smaller capacity engine and fitting a turbo to it.

It prefers “right-sizing”. Having the correct capacity engine for the job, so it is less stressed and more efficient.

Also, this new engine, combined with 48v mild hybrid tech, produces more torque lower down the rev range than the old 2-litre, improving real-world performance.

Cylinder-deactivation tech shuts down two cylinders under light loads, lowering CO2 and adding a smidge of mpg.

So it’s a really clever engine for a vehicle that’s aged well, drives sweetly and is brimming with big-car kit from £25k.

Slick six-speed manual or auto? I’d go manual. It’s one of the best in the business and an absolute joy to thread down a B-road.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the fastest ride at the fairground but it corners tidily, with good body control, and feels solid and safe.

If you need 4WD, try a CX-30.

The cabin is another example of Mazda’s mission to provide the highest quality for the money.

Clarkson once said the Mazda3 is ‘probably the most amazing car on sale in Britain’

Head-up display, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa and a reversing camera all come as standard. We like that.

We also like the skinny, leather-wrapped steering wheel, squishy elbow pads, chunky ­footrest, big cup holders, old-school ­volume and heating controls, and grab handles galore.

It’s almost like they know exactly what people want from a car.

Clarkson once said the Mazda3 is “probably the most amazing car on sale in Britain”.

A pint of Hawkstone Lager says he’ll like the 2025 version even more.

4

JUST passed your driving test? It’s time to get a car.

We all know buying your first used car can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re doing it on your own. 

6

Don’t worry! At Sun Motors, we’re going to take you through our selection of some of the best-used cars for first-time drivers​. 

When comparing the best used first cars, we’ve weighed up a range of factors, including safety and security, insurance, running costs and repairs. 

The models here are tried and trusted and should perform well as safe, secure and reliable runarounds.

You want to hit the road, so let’s start with finding five fantastic car deals for new drivers.

Top 5 best used cars for new drivers 

Here are 5 tried and tested cars that are ideal for first-time buyers. We’ve selected small cars with solid engines and engineering.

They may not be the fastest or most attractive motors, but they’re a great place to start on your car owning career.

1. Ford Ka
2. Skoda Fabia
3. VW Polo
4. Fiat 500
5. Mini

Cheapest to insure: Ford KA 



6

MODEL: Ford KA

Insurance for new drivers is, quite frankly, bonkers – but not if you buy a Ford Ka. This popular city car is in the lowest insurance group (group 1-10, says Parkers), which means it’s the lowest risk. Low risk = low premium.

It’s cheap to insure, but is it any good? 

Absolutely! The reliable, affordable and quirky Ford Ka is a great first car. It’s economical to run, and the no-frills exterior and interior are perfect as you’re highly likely to add a few dents, scratches and damage yourself. 

You can pick up a good quality 10-year-old Ford Ka for around £5k.

Dull but functional: Skoda Fabia

6

The Skoda brand name has been revitalised since its VW ownership, with the brand now known for dull but functional cars that last.

The Skoda Fabia is a basic motor that’s also in a low insurance group, meaning it’s cheap to insure.

Driving is more fun than you’d imagine, with a strong and solid engine and a leisurely ride.

We recommend new drivers go for third-generation models (2014-2021) with the 1.0 litre engine if possible.

Prices for a bog-standard, 10-year old Skoda Fabia are around £3.5k and rising to £23,000 for a nearly new model.

German precision: VW Polo

6

OK, so the older (2014-21) VW Polos and the Skoda Fabias share a common platform (PQ26) which makes them similar, but they’re not identical twins.

The Polo is a bit more refined, with better handling and a finer finish.

The driving experience is similar to a Fabia, with reviewers loving the 2009-17 version, praising its comfortable ride and classy looks.

You might expect to pay a premium, but you can pick up a 2015 VW Polo for £3,500.

Tiny tearaway: Fiat 500

6

When it was launched, the Fiat 500 blew us all away. The micro-car is a 60s-inspired piece of design that’s as evocative as the Italian job. Slide inside (if you can fit) and it’s a surprisingly good drive. 

The short wheelbase and small overall size make it feel fast on the road.

There’s not much luggage space and carrying passengers will be a problem, but it’s an ideal first car for urban motorists on a budget.

Its popularity keeps prices down. Basic models of the Fiat 500 can be picked up for a little over £3,000. Small price and perfect for small driers.

Money-no-object: Mini

6

Who doesn’t want a Mini? The BMW reboot of the Mini has created a brand new icon, and we love it. 

The ‘modern’ MINI is every bit as popular as the previous version, with almost 3000 for sale today on Sun Motors.

When the car looks this good, who cares what it drives like? (Take our word for it, it’s a fantastic car to drive and own.)

There are so many models to choose from, you could get lost for a long time. We recommend first-time drivers go for an older model, like this 2015 MINI Hatch 1.5 Cooper for a few litres of fuel under £5,000.

MINIs will wrack up a lot of miles, so don’t be put off by a model that’s done over 100k.

Instead, check the MOT history and service history, that’s a better indication of how a car has been cared for and will perform.

What is the best car for a new driver?

Personally, I’d go for a Dacia Sandero – because that’s what I drive. But I’m old. 

If I were a first time car buyer, I’d try and find the perfect middle ground. That’s going to be a great looking car that’s fun to drive but cheap to insure and fill up. 

My personal choice for the best used car for a first time buyer would be the Skoda Fabia.

If you can, take one out for a drive. It’s surprisingly spacious, stylish to look at and well built. Go for one with low-mileage and a full service history.

Why Sun Motors makes first-time buying easy

Sun Motors makes buying a new car easy. The AI feature and sophisticated search function enable anyone to find the right car for them at the right price.

When buying from Sun Motors, you’re dealing with dealers you can trust. All cars for sale have been checked over, with any faults or problems fixed.

Dealers will also offer a warranty, giving you peace of mind for thousands of miles.

Why would you buy from anywhere else?

New driver car buying FAQs

Car finance for new drivers​: Can I get a used car on finance if I’m a first-time driver?

Of course first time drivers can access finance – but only if you’re over 18.

If you are, the amount you can borrow and the terms (including interest rate) will depend on your individual circumstances, including income, outgoings and credit history.

Sun Motors makes it simple to check eligibility and affordability of finance.

Our advice is to always read the small print and make sure you can manage all motoring costs, including car repayments, insurance, tax and (of course) fuel!

How much is insurance for a new driver?

New drivers can expect to pay £1500 or more for insurance, say finance experts Moneyshake.

The exact cost of car insurance depends on a huge range of factors, including your age and location, driving history, car make, model, age and value. 

Before buying a car, you can use comparison sites to compare insurance prices. Don’t ever buy a car without knowing how much it’ll cost to insure, or you could face a nasty surprise.

What size engine can a new driver drive uk​?

If you’ve passed your test, you can drive anything you want – as long as you can afford to insure it. 

Our advice is to start with a small and safe car, then work your way up. Stats about new driver accidents are scary, so be safe and get a smaller car.

What to look for when buying a used car for the first time

Check out our guide on what to look out for when buying a used car here.

• Safety – Always buy a car from a trusted dealer. Check out old MOTs and ask the seller if the car has been written off and returned to the road. Walk away if a dealer won’t share this information.
• Reliability – Being stranded by the roadside is no fun, so ensure the car has a full service history and all essential work has been done.
• Economy – Smaller cars use less fuel, so start small.
• Size – Don’t get a big car. New drivers are much more likely to get into accidents.
• Cost of ownership – Consider the purchase price of the car and all running costs. Make a budget before buying a car.

Are used cars as safe as new cars? 

Yes, used cars are as safe as new cars. Always check the MOT record and service history and, if possible, buy from a dealer. This will ensure your new used car is in the best condition it can be.

Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

♈ ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Learning to love yourself is a vital Aries lesson.

Today, take this forward.  Intense moon power softens hidden secrets and this can unblock a promising career path.  

Best of all, you are able to acknowledge your strongest feelings and share them with the right people.  

If you’re single, include a tantalising Libra.

2

♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Your sector of community spirit switches up and you can slot into a special place in a local group.  

This could be linked to sharing words, walks or both.

Trying new things is a love connector, as Venus engages your guilty pleasures zone.

So letting cares go and singing out loud can be a huge passion booster.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♊ GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Your success sector can be a surprise, even to you – as ambitions float to the surface that you assumed were sunk. 

This time round, the outcome can be different – because you have changed.  

Yes, your instincts about who to turn to for help are so accurate.  

Family peace comes at a price – but are you willing to pay?

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

There can be public celebrations or a deep decision in your most private heart.

Confidence in your ability to learn is on an upwards trend, and a “W” task can seal the deal.

Your self-discovery sector is positive, thanks to Jupiter and the sun, and you see where and why love needs to come out of the shadows.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

There’s a unique intense glow in your transformation zone and any instinct that you should keep all study options open for now is spot on.  

A new pathway may start off unsuitable, but can rapidly change along the way.  

In love terms, you are ready to move on up, and accept the romance responsibility you deserve.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

However enduring they may already be, partnerships can still be improved.

Your chart puts you in charge of this, so give yourself time to think through how a fairer, more long-lasting, distribution of emotional weight would look.  

Your chart is a shining example of optimism and energy, you really inspire others.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

A line of multi-coloured lights can be a luck signal- you’ve been waiting for that it’s time to celebrate your skills, not just the ones you’ve chosen to share.

Bringing secret talents into play can unblock your future.

Your career chart has moon magic and when you’re put on the spot, you express dreams so well.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Everything you want to create and coax forward towards a business future sits at the forefront of your chart.

So you’re ready to recognise how strong your solo ideas could be.

You have a special audience waiting to hear from you.  

In love, someone your friends seem to be talking about could be your soulmate.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

You’re aiming higher and setting tougher love targets.  

Today you can recognise how much you have to give and how much you deserve to receive.

If you’re single, your status can switch when someone stays behind in a meeting to talk.  

A security-focused moon challenges out-dated family restrictions.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

A communication breakthrough can occur when you least expect it – so don’t give up on getting through to someone special.  

Stay sincere and patient.  

But also make sure you stick to your core values.

Your mischievous Uranus sector may opt for a high-risk love strategy – this means passion could be fun.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

2

♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

The moon flips your cash chart into overdrive – this may entail extra expense, but also be a fresh source of life-skills income.  

So whatever you are showcasing, do it with style.  

In passion, love looks ready to grow but this means you can’t stay the same.  

So it’s important to work out your inner limits in advance.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Your Pisces forcefield is powerful today.

Any people you want to impress or simply get closer to, can feel the positive pull of your personality.

This means it’s time to admit what you need, because you can turn this to reality.

Friends who seem so young at heart could be your key to finding a fun fitness formula.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

SHOPPING experts have revealed when is the ideal time to stock up on major garden essentials to make huge savings.

Three of the key items should be bought this month in order to make the biggest savings.

3

Boffins at comparison site Idealo have done the hard work for us and worked out that shoppers could save £183.84 if they purchase a gazebo this month, rather than in November, when they are at its worst price.

One shopper recently bragged about picking up a “huge” gazebo from her local Morrisons for just £20.

May is also your month for hedge trimmer shopping and you could save £12.80 as opposed to buying in August as their most expensive month.

As most parents will know, tearing kids away from screens can sometimes be a challenge, making garden toys a lifeline in the summer months.

If you’re after something that will keep your little ones entertained for hours, what about the trusty pogo stick?

May is the best month to pick one up, creating a saving of £1.24 rather than in December.

For your other green-fingered needs, June has been officially crowned as the cheapest month of the year to buy garden bits in the UK, with the greatest deals on offer.

While June is ideal, buying garden goodies any time between the end of May and August is also promised to save you cash.

Idealo found that savings of up to £649 can be made by buying each item at the right time.

Katy Phillips, senior brand and communications manager at idealo tells The Sun: “Our data shows that a little patience can go a long way when it comes to saving money on garden essentials this year.

“Holding off until the right month could save shoppers hundreds of pounds on big-ticket items like sun loungers, tables and fire pits.

“We’d always recommend comparing prices across multiple retailers before committing to a purchase. With a bit of planning, and by using apps with tools like price alerts, you can enjoy your garden for less and make your money stretch further this summer.”

3

How to save money on garden furniture

Opting to buy your new garden furniture or items on sale could save you a lot of money.

Most retailers start discounting garden items after summer and will run promotions over the winter, but be aware stock can be far more limited during this time.

Retailers will start reintroducing more to their garden ranges during spring and may run limited promotions over bank holidays, for example.

You are unlikely to get a great deal just before or in the height of summer, but some retailers offer mid-summer clearance sales to get rid of old stock, so keep an eye out.

Remember to always shop around when making a big purchase, as even if one store has a sale on, you may be able to get a better deal elsewhere.

You can use websites like Price Spy to compare the prices of items across multiple retailers and see how the prices have changed over time.

Remember, you may not need to buy you furniture – you could save a fortune by up-cycling old items instead.

Giving dirty pieces a good wash and a lick of fresh paint can make them look brand new.

You can also pick up perfectly good items second-hand.

Try platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to see if anyone near you is getting rid of old items – you may even be able to pick them up for free.

3

NETFLIX has struck a new deal that will see a popular kids show come to the streaming giants service.

The show was facing an uncertain future after losing funding but has been saved by the new Netflix deal.

4

4

Sesame Street will be hosted on the streaming service with 90 hours of previous episodes and a whole new season added to the Netflix catalogue.

The move comes after HBO decided not to renew the 50-year-old show’s deal.

Sesame Street was threatened with cancellation in the wake of the news but has now been thrown a lifeline.

The deal will see new episodes of the beloved children’s show run on Netflix, PBS, and the PBS Kids app later this year.

No date has been announced for the premiere as of yet.

Warner Bros Discovery, who aired the show since 2016, decided not to renew its deal for new episodes to air on HBO and Max.

However, episodes of the children’s TV series will remain there until 2027.

The new series, to be aired on Netflix, will be the shows impressive 56th season.

Episodes in the new season will revolve around a single, 11 minute story.

Sesame Workshop said in a statement: “This unique public-private partnership will enable us to bring our research-based curriculum to young children around the world with Netflix’s global reach, while ensuring children in communities across the US continue to have free access on public television to the Sesame Street they love.”

Sesame Street has been entertaining children since 1969 with beloved puppet characters.

The show has won more than 200 Emmys in its long history.

4

NETFLIX PRICES AND PERKS – HOW MUCH ARE YOU PAYING?

Here’s what you need to know…

Netflix Standard with Ads

Price: £4.99 UK / $7.99 US

• Ad-supported, all but a few movies and TV shows available, unlimited mobile games
• Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
• Watch in 1080p (Full HD)
• Download on 2 supported devices at a time

Netflix Standard

Price: £10.99 UK / $17.99 US

• Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
• Watch on 2 supported devices at a time
• Watch in 1080p (Full HD)
• Download on 2 supported devices at a time
• Option to add 1 extra member who doesn’t live with you

Netflix Premium

Price: £17.99 UK / $24.99 US

• Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
• Watch on 4 supported devices at a time
• Watch in 4K (Ultra HD) + HDR
• Download on 6 supported devices at a time
• Option to add up to 2 extra members who don’t live with you
• Netflix spatial audio

Picture Credit: Netflix

Episodes are led by Big Bird and a cast of characters that educate children about colours, shapes and numbers.

Funding for the show was thrown into question earlier this year when President Trump issued an executive order to block funding for TV network PBS (Public Broadcasting Service).

The move resulted in federal funding for the show, among other TV programmes for kids, being cut.

Netflix’ new deal will see the show saved from an otherwise uncertain future.

The streaming giant called Sesame Street a “beloved cornerstone of children’s educational television.”

Netflix promised to keep fan favourite segments like Elmo’s world and Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck in the show.

The streaming service did hint at changes for the new season as well though, telling viewers to “expect new ways to play along.”

Sesame Street was co-founded by Lloyd Morrisett and Joan Ganz Cooney.

4