Norwich

Norwich City have completed the signing of striker Jovon Makama from Lincoln City for a fee of £1.2m.

The 21-year-old has joined the Championship club on a three-year contract, with an option for a further two years.

The fee is a club record for League One Lincoln, eclipsing the £750,000 they reportedly received from Bolton Wanderers for Scottish midfielder Ethan Erhahon last month.

Makama’s arrival is part of new Norwich head coach Liam Manning’s rebuild at Carrow Road following the departures of forwards Borja Sainz and Jonathan Rowe, to Porto and Marseille respectively.

Since he made his debut for the Imps aged 18, Makama has scored 15 goals in 97 appearances, but was left out of their squad for the 2-0 opening-game home win over Reading last Saturday as talks continued.

Nottingham-born Makama was originally part of the youth set-up at Derby County before he joined Lincoln in 2020, and has also had loan spells at non-league Gainsborough Trinity and Brackley Town.

Norwich begin their Championship campaign with a home fixture against Millwall on Saturday, 9 August.

Fans of the venue said it is “nice to stroll around on a warm day” and dubbed it “cute and wholesome”

Award-winning rose gardens have been praised online as a place to add to your “weekend list.” The venue, tucked away in Norwich, Norfolk, has drawn attention online due to its picturesque views.

Peter Beales Roses, in Norwich, has been dubbed a “hidden gem” by fans on TikTok, who praised the rose gardens specifically. That will come as no surprise to many as Peter Beales is renowned for being home to the largest variety of roses in the UK and having 29 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals to its name.

TikTok user Shauna (@ilyxshaun) shared a clip showcasing the venue on a recent trip. Her caption read: “One for your weekend list.”

In the video, Shauna walks through the venue and shows viewers the entrance, the indoor shop selling produce, meets, handmade jewellery, the cafe, and the garden shop. She then moves on to the rose gardens, which she claims are “nice to stroll around on a warm day.”

In her voiceover, Shauna said: “This award-winning spot in Attleborough might just be Norfolk’s best kept summer day out. It’s known for its beautiful rose gardens, but there’s a lot more you can do here.

“Inside. They’ve got a shop with lots of local produce like jams, chutneys, fresh meats, even handmade jewellery. They also have a cafe for brunch and afternoon tea.

“Plus you can sit outside when the weather’s warm, which is a bonus. There’s a garden section with indoor plants, tools and just all the little bits that you didn’t know you even needed.

“But the best part, without a doubt, is the rose gardens. There were rose bushes everywhere, little archways to wander through and so many pretty corners. It’s so nice to stroll around on a warm day. Peter Bales is ideal for when you don’t have plans but want something cute and wholesome to do.”

Beneath the video, others praised the venue and shared their favourite things about it too. One viewer said: “such a lovely day out” and a second wrote: “looks lovely.”

A third added: “When I last went there was a little hidden play park too for children we had to follow signs and it was very hidden but very cute.”

A different person said: “Yep there’s a children’s play area right at the back and a little nature walk.” The praise continued, with one viewer writing: “I love visiting here solely for the rose gardens!” and another adding: “Love it here. The rose festival is fab!”

According to Peter Beales, the rose gardens allow visitors to “escape to a world of beauty and tranquillity”, where “nature’s artistry meets timeless elegance.” The venue’s website adds that the gardens are the perfect place to “lose yourself in a sensory paradise.”

The rose gardens feature rose-covered archways and walkways draped in vibrant blooms, a “stunning” observation turret offering panoramic garden views, a “serene” wildlife garden buzzing with biodiversity, and display gardens with “intoxicating perfumes and seasonal colour.”

Peter Beales Roses is based around half a mile off the A11 in Attleborough, Norfolk. The venue features free parking, wheelchair access, toilets, and baby-changing facilities. Entrance to the rose gardens, which is open seven days a week, year-round, is free.

The UK is full of incredible beaches but one that has been dubbed as the most beautiful yet underrated is a must-visit spot for any staycationer this summer

Planning a summer getaway can be a daunting affair with sky-high flight prices, costly airport transfers, and steep accommodation costs, particularly in the likes of France. However, scores of Brits are choosing to forgo foreign jaunts this year, instead opting to uncover hidden gems right here on home turf.

For a top-notch staycation spot that’s stirring quite the buzz, take a trip eastward to the charms of Norfolk’s coastline. Norfolk boasts an array of stunning coastal scenery, from Holkham’s sprawling sands to Wells-next-the-Sea’s extensive quay, yet it’s the buzzing heart of north Norfolk drawing crowds: Cromer. Known far and wide for its exquisite crabs, Cromer is capturing attention as a prime destination in its own regard.

The quintessential seaside town of Cromer sits proudly atop dramatic cliffs, enveloped by the region’s lush woodland and countryside – providing visitors with epic vistas across the North Sea. Cromer’s crown jewel is its celebrated Victorian pier in the town’s centre, a hub of entertainment where guests can savour a show at the Pavillion Theatre, revel in arcade games, or simply meander along taking in the atmosphere; the very same pier also garnered fame in Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, reports the Express.

So captivating is Cromer Pier that it snagged the prestigious title of Pier of the Year last year from the National Piers Society, who cited its enormous appeal due to the impeccable upkeep of its traditional Victorian aesthetics and the incredible sea views it affords.

For those with a passion for literature, the charming line from Jane Austen’s Emma might ring a bell: “You should have gone to Cromer… the best of all the sea bathing places. A fine open sea… and very pure air.” Arthur Conan Doyle, famed creator of Sherlock Holmes, drew inspiration from Cromer’s local legends, particularly the tale of the spectral hound Black Shuck, which became the basis for his renowned novel The Hound of the Baskervilles.

What’s on offer in Cromer?

Visitors have been left spellbound by the beach, with one enthusiast taking to Google Reviews to proclaim it “the most beautiful yet underrated beach”. Praise continues to pour in from another reviewer who expressed: “Beautiful town and beach. The beach was almost empty despite it being the school holidays. Beautiful town with both local independent shops and larger chains.” Another visitor shared their enchantment, commenting: “It’s the loveliest town I’ve ever visited… great atmosphere and fantastic fish and chips.”

Cromer is a treasure trove of unique boutique shops, quaint cafes, and delightful bakeries, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. For those keen on a more vigorous activity, the picturesque Norfolk Coastal Path offers a journey through sand dunes and lush countryside.

Sampling the celebrated fresh Cromer Crab is an essential experience for any foodie visiting the area. And if you’re craving some traditional fish and chips, No. 1 Cromer, owned by Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston, boasts stunning views of the coast and pier.

Norwich City have signed defender Harry Darling after he rejected a new deal offered by Championship rivals Swansea City.

The 25-year-old, who began his career at Cambridge United, has agreed a three-year deal at Carrow Road with the option of a further 12 months.

He is the second signing by the Canaries since the appointment of new head coach Liam Manning, following goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw.

Darling spent three seasons with Swansea, making 112 appearances in all competitions and scoring 12 goals.

He said: “I’m delighted, it’s been a long time coming after a lot of conversations. I’m happy to finally get it sorted and I’m looking forward to getting started.

“Liam being in charge, I worked with him before at MK Dons so I didn’t need convincing too much about the style of play. I really enjoyed it last time working with him.”

Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to get this deal over the line. There was of course big competition for Harry’s signature, so we’re delighted to secure his services.”

Earlier, in a post on X, Darling told Swansea fans he was leaving with a “heavy heart”.

He added: “As I move on to the next chapter of my career, I will always reflect warmly on my time as a Jack, and I thank you for your support in good times and bad over these last few years.”

The rear window of a van belonging to world champion darts player Luke Littler was smashed while he took part in an exhibition match.

Littler played in the MODUS Icons of Darts event at Epic Studios in Norwich on Saturday, where he defeated Luke Humphries.

After leaving the event, he found his vehicle had been damaged. Posting to Instagram he said: “Just trying to do an exhibition in Norwich and this happens, absolutely scum of the earth.”

Norfolk Police has been approached for comment.

Littler is the youngest-ever darts world champion, and he took the record from Michael van Gerwen in January, aged 17.

Van Gerwen was the previous youngest champion when he won the first of his three world titles in 2014, aged 24.

Littler, who was born in Warrington and moved back to the town when he was six years old, has won 11 senior PDC titles and is also the reigning Premier League and Grand Slam champion.