Travel

THIS is the head-scratching moment a food delivery cyclist can be seen pedalling along the M4 in rush hour traffic.

The bizarre video of the delivery rider was captured by a passerby on a bridge running over the motorway.

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Desperately trying to keep up with the traffic, the rider furiously pedals down the motorway road.

Cars speed past on both sides of the road as he takes up an entire lane.

A police car then steers up to the bike with its siren blaring to pull up to the rider.

Unfazed, the man on the bike takes a quick glance over looks over.

A following angle then shows the rider pulled to the side of the motorway.

He is surrounded by three cops, with two more who can be seen approaching.

Three police vehicles are also spotted parked along the roadside to attend the incident.

The video was shared on social media, with a caption which read: “Absolute scenes on the M4.”

Text on the video also says: “I hate to tell you your McDonalds might be cold.”

Several viewers questioned why so many cops were needed for the delivery rider.

One wrote: “Why do they need 3 cop cars for one bro on a pushbike…sure this is overkill? Motorway or not.”

“3 cars vs 1 just eat man on his bike. Sounds legit.”

Others joked about the wait for the food delivery: “Estimated delivery time 6 hours. Yeah.”

“When you set your just eat account to car not bike by mistake,” another wrote.

“Still waiting for my big mac meal…”

Some were more sympathetic to the rider: “He deserves a tip!”

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“I feel so bad for him. Cycling his whole way through all the for some food,” another added.

It comes after another delivery rider was spotted passing motorists on the M6 earlier this year.

The Just Eat employee was filmed by a driver on the M6 in Birmingham, West Mids., which was shared to X.

In response to the incident, a Just Eat spokesperson said: “Most delivery drivers delivering food to customers’ doors are employed directly by independent restaurants.

“We do work with third-party courier companies, agency couriers and self-employed independent contractors in certain areas.

“We hold ourselves to the highest standards and in line with these, we would expect all drivers associated with Just Eat to act responsibly and respectfully at all times.”

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

As Pluto’s retrograde ends, you can begin that overdue review of your social circle – who inspires and supports you, who loves to criticise or condemn?

Changing the balance of power in bonds is a big ask, but it’s one you can achieve now.

Later, the atmosphere at home can lighten when you focus 100 per cent on the future.

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♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Knowing what you really want, in terms of success, has been a challenge for months, but your chart is clearing now.

And that one ambition that keeps coming back into your mind can be the one to pursue.

The more “impossible” it seems, the more you can commit. Green and yellow can be lucky.

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

♊ GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Even if money decisions seem challenging, this can be your day to share them with someone you trust.

You have all the star assets you need to deal with any feedback.

Love lessons may feel tough, but with input from Venus and Uranus they can build the resilient heart you need in order to move on.

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

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

Disruption may not be your first choice as a calm-loving Cancer, but as Pluto spins forward again, you are ready to make waves.

At work, a team that has felt an uneasy fit can be reset.

While in a love bond, you can see where you need to make a stand – the difference this time is you have the confidence to do it.

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

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

True self-knowledge is not always comfy because it means accepting weaknesses as well as strengths.

But you are equipped to do this now, and to accept every part of yourself.

So you can live in more meaningful ways.

A set of names, or numbers, you associate with Christmas could link to luck.

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

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Old career hopes that you assumed were gone could suddenly re-emerge.

This is your signal that something needs to change – and with the positive power of Pluto, it can.

When you take yourself seriously, make some enquiries, the future can look so different.

A cash windfall can link to “V” names or places.

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

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

The moon and Neptune enhance your emotional intelligence, and this can be a day to choose teammates and prospective partners with your heart rather than your head.

How you feel matters – even if this seems to lead you in some unlikely directions.

Scan through old “W” messages for a potential luck link.

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

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Admitting you feel unchallenged, maybe even bored, by aspects of your life is an important step – as marking time is never a good match for your restless energy.

It may feel risky to shake the foundations of a family, or friendship, but you are ready to make good changes.

Don’t settle for “maybe” if you need “yes”.

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

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

If you have changed your view about an upcoming journey or project, you need to speak up soon.

There is a strong drive towards honesty in your chart, even if this means adjusting rules or relationships.

Trust yourself to say what is true.

Saturn steadies a family so deep bonds can survive any ripples.

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

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

Instead of being black and white, right and wrong can slip into some grey areas today – not always easy for you to navigate.

But you have such a core of self-belief, and this can sustain you even if you need to admit you have made mistakes.

A love bond can leap several stages and bring forward a future date.

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

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♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

This can be a day to start letting go, of everything from old clothes or general clutter, to outdated ideas of who you are.

There is a sweep-clean star formation in your chart that thrives on change.

Difficult feelings, like jealousy or doubts, can be side effects, but never question your ability to deal well with these.

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

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

Colours that make you stand out in a crowd, rather than fading into the background, set the scene for your day – so do try out that more daring look you’ve been thinking about.

Your usual passion style may be to fit in – but you are ready to make your mark instead.

And wait for exciting new partners to be drawn toward you.

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

THE son of Dame Deborah James has honoured her “amazing” legacy by following in her fundraising footsteps.

Hugo Bowen ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon at the weekend, smashing his target to raise £3,000 for her Bowelbabe Fund, in true Dame Debs style.

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The 18-year-old told The Sun: “Running was something Mum and I used to do when I was younger, we often did park runs and I think I spurred her on to run a little faster.

“It was amazing, there was so much support along the route, which really helped motivate me to run harder and faster than I would have.

“It meant so much to be able to run in memory of her, and the amazing change she has inspired.”

Reflecting on the advice his running-obsessed mum would’ve given before the race, he added: “She would definitely have told me to make sure I had had a poo.

“And to ‘go smash it’, which I probably did a bit too much at the start, so I was super tired towards the end.”

Hugo was 14 years old when Dame Deborah died at the age of 40 in June 2022, five and a half years after being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer. 

In the last weeks of her life, the Sun columnist launched her Bowelbabe Fund, aiming to raise £250,000 to help fund research into the disease to help prevent “any future Deborahs”, and give cancer patients the hope of new and better treatments.

So far, the Fund has supported more than 11 different projects, including a state-of-the-art interventional radiology machine at The Royal Marsden hospital where Deborah was treated.

Other scientific studies that have received a contribution from the Fund include one that is investigating personalised medicine for patients with bowel cancer, a cause Dame Debs was very passionate about.

And earlier this year, Deborah’s husband Seb Bowen, parents Heather and Alistair James and brother Ben James were on hand when the new Bowelbabe Lab was unveiled at The Francis Crick Institute, home to a team of scientists using ‘mini bowel tumours’ or organoids to test new and more targeted treatments.

Just days later Heather and Alistair were invited to a reception with King Charles where His Majesty hailed Deborah “an inspiration to us all, in sickness and health”.

The King went on to quote Debs parting message to her followers before she died: “Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.”

“I’m honestly so proud of Mum and everything the Fund has done to help others,” Hugo added.

“I remember when she set it up she had a target of £250,000 and now we are at over £18million raised – it is beyond what any of us could’ve imagined.

“It’s such a beautiful legacy for my Mum and the research it is funding will save so many lives.”

Inspired by his mum, Hugo has already added another £4,300 to the Fund’s total, and thanked all those who have supported him so far.

“Everyone has been so supportive, I thought £3,000 would be a really difficult target to hit but we’ve smashed it and I’m so happy and honestly so surprised,” he added.

“I’m really grateful to everyone that has donated.”

Hugo was just the latest in the family to take on a running challenge, with Debs’ brother Ben and sister Sarah taking on the London Marathon this year – Sarah wearing the same poo emoji costume her sister was often seeing running in.

To donate to Hugo’s efforts, visit  https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/hugos-royal-parks-half.

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As many as 48,000 airline passengers are set to be affected by a nationwide strike on Tuesday

Tens of thousands of passengers are facing travel chaos as a nationwide strike brings Belgium to a standstill.

Two of the country’s main airports have confirmed mass cancellations for Tuesday, October 14, with flights grounded and severe delays expected.

At Brussels Airport – the country’s biggest – all departing flights have been cancelled, while around half of all arrivals have been scrapped. Brussels Charleroi Airport, which is a key base for budget airlines like Ryanair, has also confirmed that all flights – both arrivals and departures – will be cancelled on Tuesday.

The strike was called by Belgium’s trade unions in protest against government austerity measures. Metro, bus and tram services across the country are also expected to be severely disrupted.

Brussels Airport spokesperson Jeffrey Franssens said on Monday that 115 of 238 scheduled arrivals have been cancelled. Two weeks ago, the airport announced that all 234 departures had been scrapped due to a planned walkout by “a large number” of G4S security staff.

The airport warned of “major disruptions” on the day of the strike, adding that both Monday and Wednesday would be particularly busy as passengers try to rearrange travel plans.

Charleroi Airport said on its website: “Passengers affected scheduled to fly via Charleroi on 14 October will be contacted in the coming days by their airline for a rebooking or refund.”

A total 48,000 passengers will be affected by the strike – 33,000 of whom were scheduled to depart and 15,000 of whom were scheduled to arrive – The Brussels Times reports.

Union representatives said they expect a massive turnout at their demonstration in Brussels. “We want to send a strong signal,” said ACLVB spokesperson Kurt Van Hissenhoven.

BRAVE Amanda Holden takes to the Britain’s Got Talent red carpet wearing the top that almost saw her flash the show’s audience at auditions.

But an onlooker said the 54-year-old “was being much more careful this time round.”

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Show judge Amanda — in a lop-sided strapless top — nearly exposed herself by lifting her left arm to wave at the crowd as she strutted on stage at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool on Saturday.

After adjusting her clothes to preserve her modesty she sat down.

Then, gesturing to her boob, she admitted: “This keeps slipping out every time I raise my arms.”

Yesterday The Sun revealed a small production team were quickly put on “nipple watch” to ensure there were no surprise appearances during filming of the ITV ­talent contest.

Undeterred, Amanda wore the strapless top again.

Our observer reported: “She waved with her left hand, where her top had more coverage than on the right-hand side, and kept her other hand firmly in her pocket most of the time.

“Amanda didn’t want any wardrobe malfunctions again. She was probably already feeling the chill in blustery Blackpool.”

Also dressed for sunnier climes was head judge Simon Cowell in shades, and fellow panellist Alesha Dixon wearing sunglasses and a crop-top.

Only hosts Ant and Dec and new judge KSI — taking over from Bruno Tonioli — looked ready for Lancashire weather.

Auditions for the 19th series of BGT, due to air next year, continue in the seaside town until the end of this week.

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Oct. 13 (UPI) — Scores of injuries were reported Monday after a train collision in Slovakia in central Europe.

Between 60 to 80 passengers were injured when a train en route from Kosice to Bratislava collide with a stationary freight train during morning rush hour on one of Slovakia’s primary transpiration corridors.

“A thorough investigation must clarify the causes of this tragedy,” Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said as he called for a full investigation.

It occurred at about 8 a.m. local time just outside the nation’s capital in Ljubljana.

Around 10 people sustained serious injuries, according to officials. Rescue crews and paramedics were on site within minutes.

Officials added injuries were primarily a result of force impact related to the subsequent derailment, but others were sedated due to shock.

Reports suggested the passenger train, traveling at a moderate speed, failed to receive a warning signal prior to the crash.

Afterward, one of the trains was seen suspended over a ravine as rescuers worked the scene.

The incident points a spotlight on Slovakia’s rail safety standards.

On Monday, Slovakian Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok said a preliminary look indicated that a breach of protocol resulted in the disaster.

Nine people died in 2009 when a train and tourist bus collided in central Slovakia.

According to Estok, one of the trains did not give way to the other and further pointed to human error.

My 73-year-old mother is coming to visit from the East Coast. She recently had hip surgery and it’s painful for her to walk too far. She likes quirky experiences like sushi on conveyor belts. I live in Sawtelle. Other times she has come we have gone to the Getty Villa, a couple studio tours, live taping of “Jeopardy!” and a local ramen place. She likes places with a backstory. For example in Boulder, she wanted to drive past the house where JonBenét Ramsey had lived because she is obsessed with true crime. One thing she did say she wanted to do was try to see “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” — CJ Schellack

Here’s what we suggest:

First off, your mom sounds like a good time. And I agree with her: The best places to visit often have an interesting backstory. Let’s start with the food. Given that your mom likes sushi experiences, make a stop at Yama Sushi Marketplace, conveniently located in your neighborhood. The family-owned Japanese seafood shop sells restaurant-quality sushi at takeout prices, writes Tiffany Tse in our guide to Sawtelle. “Just point to what catches your eye, and the staff will slice it fresh, sashimi-style, right in front of you,” she adds. Or if you’d prefer to check out another revolving sushi spot, check out Kura, which has a Sawtelle location.

To satisfy your mom’s appetite for one-of-a-kind, quirky experiences, head to Galco’s Soda Pop Stop in Highland Park. Yes, it’s a bit of a push from your hood — don’t go during rush hour — but it’s worth the trek, especially if you have a sweet tooth. The 100-year-old family-owned shop is stacked with aisles of rare sodas from around the globe, nostalgic candies and retro toys that its 82-year-old owner John Nese tells me “you can’t find anywhere else.” In the back of the shop, next to the make-your-own-soda station, there’s a deli stand that sells “blockbuster” sandwiches — a name that was inspired by boxing legend Rocky Marciano who, after tasting one, declared “This is a real blockbuster!” (Pro tip: If Nese is there when you visit — and the likelihood is high because he “practically lives there,” he says — be sure to ask him for a rec.)

Once you’ve secured your snacks, grab a picnic blanket or low chair and head over to Hollywood Forever Cemetery to watch a movie — a favorite L.A. experience for many of my colleagues. Through Halloween, Cinespia is hosting movie nights at the cemetery where stars like Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney and Johnny Ramone are laid to rest. Films are projected onto a mausoleum wall and moviegoers sit on the lawn (an open area with no graves). There’s a designated wheelchair user and companion area with restrooms close by, and accessible parking is available with a placard (though you’ll still need to buy a parking pass in advance).

But if you think your mom would be more comfortable indoors, check out the Quentin Tarantino-owned New Beverly Cinema, known for screening double features of classic, indie, cult and foreign flicks the old-fashioned way — on 35mm film. As Michael Ordoña writes in our guide to the best movie theaters in Los Angeles, “the New Bev is just what a rep cinema should be. It’s cozy, with a mellow, enthusiastic vibe. Surprises sometimes occur.”

To tap into your mom’s inner true crime fascination, make a visit to some of L.A.’s darker landmarks. “I like to take friends visiting from the East Coast on a drive along the Sunset Strip to show them where famous people died, like Belushi at Chateau Marmont and River Phoenix outside the Viper Room,” senior audience editor Vanessa Franko tells me. (Bonus: You don’t even need to get out of your car.) But if you prefer an actual tour, visit the Greystone Mansion and Gardens, where oil heir and homeowner Ned Doheny and his secretary, Hugh Plunkett, were found dead in 1929. Times travel writer Christopher Reynolds recommends it, saying that at this destination, you get “a crime scene, filming location and L.A. oil history, all in one.” We’ve also curated a list of 12 iconic L.A. film and TV horror homes that’s worth checking out (the filming location for the WB series “Charmed” is featured in the photo illustration above). I hope that you and your very cool mom have the best time. Please send us pictures if you hit up any of these spots.

Blackpool Sands in South Devon has been named one of the UK’s best beaches for autumn visits, but many people are left disappointed by one particular feature

Blackpool Sands in South Devon is hailed as one of the UK’s most picturesque coastal jewels.

Unlike many of your typical British beaches, this sheltered bay in the southwest of England boasts lush greenery and rolling hills. Its crystal-clear waters and secluded location draw locals and tourists alike, particularly during the summer months.

It was recently crowned one of the UK’s top beaches for autumn visits by outdoor specialists at Millets. The study, which rated beaches based on factors such as average autumn temperatures, rainfall, daily sunshine, and Google review scores, ranked Blackpool Sands fifth in a top 10 list.

READ MORE: Beach island has glorious 27C October heat making it perfect for half termREAD MORE: The idyllic island with balmy 26C October heat that’s just hours from the UK

With an impressive overall score of 8.06 out of 10, it’s evident that the beach’s numerous facilities and breathtaking location resonate with visitors.

Natalie Wolfenden, a hiking enthusiast at Millets, emphasised that autumn is the “perfect time to enjoy long walks along the coast away from the summer crowds”. However, despite its beauty and high ratings, there’s one thing about the beach that leaves many visitors feeling let down.

For a beach named “Sands,” a significant number of visitors are caught off guard to find out that it is, in fact, made up of shingle, reports the Express.

This “misnomer,” as one reviewer put it, has led to a slew of complaints from unprepared beachgoers. On TripAdvisor, many have voiced their frustration, with one person writing: “Don’t be fooled by the name it’s not sandy just shingles. We drove a long way to visit here and was so disappointed, the shingles were so sharp you couldn’t walk barefoot.”

Another visitor remarked: “Nice beach but the name lies! This is NOT a sandy beach. Parking is easy, if not a little expensive (£9 for the day). Shingle is painful on bare feet and the sea goes deep quickly so not good for small children. But if you are prepared for this, it is a good day out.”

This view is shared by other beachgoers who described the pebbles as “unforgiving” or “harsh” underfoot. Yet the shingle becomes far less problematic during an autumn trip, when visitors are typically wearing robust walking boots.

The beach’s golden shingle and lush evergreen setting acquire an especially striking and wild character during the colder seasons, with the shoreline appearing “really stunning” in the words of one visitor.

It also serves as a perfect launching point for a ramble. The South West Coast Path lies alongside the beach, presenting a magnificent 3.2-mile circular route to the village of Strete.

The trail takes walkers high above the bay, delivering spectacular vistas of the coastline stretching towards Start Point with its lighthouse. For anyone willing to take the plunge, there is an unusual wooden beach sauna on offer for hire throughout the year.

Whilst the chilly water remains unavoidable, the sauna provides a delightful reward after swimming. A wooden boardwalk extends directly to the sea for sauna guests, reducing the barefoot shingle walk to a minor inconvenience for what proves to be a genuinely revitalising adventure.

Apart from the shingle, Blackpool Sands boasts a variety of amenities that explain its glowing reviews. Unlike many of Devon’s other renowned beaches, such as Hope Cove and Sunny Cove, Blackpool Sands offers ample parking and top-notch facilities.

The on-site cafe-restaurant and takeaway kiosk usually operate from 9am to 5pm daily, although their hours may be reduced during the chillier months.

For those in search of a tranquil and picturesque autumn getaway, Blackpool Sands guarantees a stunning experience – just remember to keep your expectations about the shore underfoot in check.

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A Place in the Sun host Laura Hamilton has been at the helm of the Channel 4 programme for more than a decade and has visited some breathtaking locations over the years

Laura Hamilton has looked back on her 13-year stint presenting A Place in the Sun and revealed her three top destinations. It’s fair to say that Laura, having hosted the sun-soaked Channel 4 property-hunting show for over a decade, has clocked up some serious air miles.

You would also expect that, after more than ten years of globetrotting, picking a favourite spot would prove tricky. But thankfully, for curious fans, Laura has whittled it down to just three choices.

During a recent chat where Laura discussed the programme’s enduring popularity, she was quizzed about her most cherished locations.

She told Woman magazine how the first holds special family significance.

South Africa

“I loved filming in South Africa,” Laura revealed. “My dad was born there. It was great to get to see that.” South Africa, perched at the southern tip of the African continent, boasts one of Africa’s largest and most developed economies.

The nation has 12 official languages, encompassing Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, and IsiNdebele. It’s also renowned as a wildlife paradise, home to everything from lions and elephants to vervet monkeys and baboons.

Meanwhile, along the coastline, adventurous tourists might even glimpse great white sharks and dolphins.

Morzine, France

Laura’s second choice was considerably nearer to home. She revealed: “I also loved filming in Morzine, in the mountains of France. I’m a big skier and it was great to see it in the summer months.

Morzine is an alpine village nestled within the Chablais mountain range, positioned between the towering 4,800-metre Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. This bustling ski resort boasts a rich history spanning more than 1,000 years.

In earlier centuries, monks and miners made Morzine their home. However, by the 1800s, with advancing technology, the area became renowned for its slate mining operations, an industry that brought wealth to the town.

Granada, Spain

Lastly, Laura selected Spain’s stunning city of Granada and its encompassing mountain range. She went on: “Granada, Sierra Nevada, was amazing. Being on the beach in the morning and the slopes in the afternoon – that’s amazing. There are places I’ve seen that I would probably not have got to go to.”

Sierra Nevada describes a mountain range in Spain, located in the Andalusian province of Granada. It’s reportedly also the location of Europe’s most southerly ski resort, providing spectacular views across the Mediterranean.

This comes after reports revealed how Laura admitted to occasionally feeling exasperated by some “crazy” buyers on the programme. Speaking in the same interview, she was questioned whether people ever participate in the show simply to secure a free trip.

She dismissed this idea, explaining how it’s a “week’s work” and a massive decision for those taking part. Nevertheless, she also described how she has presented properties to people and thought “you’re crazy” when they choose not to purchase them.

VODAFONE has gone down with customers struggling with data and internet access.

More than 135,000 users have flagged the issue on Downdetector, which monitors the status of online services and reports outages in real time.

You can follow our blog, below, for all the latest updates …

Nothing beats the magic of the mountains in winter but not all of us want to hurtle down a black run on a pair of skis or spend our nights partying in apres-ski bars. We’d love to hear about your favourite mountain resorts and villages in Europe that offer a more authentic and low-key experience than the big, purpose-built ski resorts.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 20 October at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

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A recent study has pinpointed the perfect spot to enjoy some sea air and unwind after decades of work

After years of toiling away in bustling towns and cities, it’s no surprise that many retirees crave a more peaceful existence. A recent study has pinpointed the ideal spot to enjoy some sea air and unwind after decades of graft, with a Welsh seaside town being hailed as the best place for a tranquil retirement.

This year’s list, compiled by Taking Care, is topped by the Victorian seaside destination of Llandudno. This charming town, nestled on the North Wales coast, clinched the top spot, outshining Glossop, Tynemouth and Ilfracombe.

The study took into account factors ranging from life expectancy to property prices to average care home costs, should they ever be needed.

Beyond the core statistics, the study also factored in the amount of green spaces, bingo halls, English Heritage properties and other amenities that contribute to an entertaining lifestyle.

With a population of just 19,700 according to the 2021 census, the town offers ample opportunities for socialising, but also plenty of quiet spots when you need a breather.

The town’s seafront is its heart, boasting a two-mile stretch of Victorian terraces intermingled with grand hotels, reports Wales Online.

There are numerous lovely shops, restaurants, churches, and museums to discover, and the pier boasts a selection of slot machines and a pub with views across the beach – something that residents are delighted to say feels like stepping back through time.

Ray, 80, who moved to Llandudno nearly three decades ago, told The Telegraph: “Living here is like going back 50 years.

“The older ladies still dress nicely. You can go out for walks after dark. There are no rough gangs going around swearing and fighting.”

Adjacent Conwy can also provide a delightful day trip to explore additional retailers and boutiques offering a much wider selection.

Helen Parkes, who relocated to the town with her family, added: “It’s [Llandudno] lacking in terms of retail and culture – Conwy next door has had more spent on it and has more independent shops – but living here, you do realise life’s not all about spending.”

While picturesque North Wales might be the perfect location for retirement, Scotland seems to have surfaced as one of the worst options, particularly its capital.

Amongst all the places evaluated, Edinburgh came last with an average life expectancy of 79 and an overall lifestyle score of 3.8/10, proving that city living can come at a cost.

The capital also proved to be expensive, with annual care costs in the city hitting nearly £40,000 on average, with just one care home for every 778 elderly residents.

Derek Lunsford is an American IFBB Pro bodybuilder and Mr Olympia champion who’s as devoted to his family as he is to his training.

Here’s the lowdown on his wife, their family life, and the latest on his success in Olympia.

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Who is Derek Lunsford’s wife, Jhelsin?

Derek is married to Jhelsin Mabaga, a fitness professional who focuses on helping clients with weight loss and muscle building.

She’s built her own following by sharing practical coaching content and healthy-living advice online.

The pair have been together for more than a decade and tied the knot in 2022, marking two years of marriage in 2024.

Jhelsin regularly features in Derek’s posts, with the couple sharing glimpses of their life together, from gym sessions to big family milestones.

Derek has publicly praised her as his best friend and the “mother of our baby girl.”

Does Derek Lunsford have any children?

Derek and Jhelsin welcomed a baby girl in January 2024.

He shared the news shortly after the birth and has since posted heartfelt tributes to his wife and daughter.

In a later message celebrating their relationship, Derek also referred to their daughter by name, Evie.

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Who is Derek Lunsford?

Born May 14, 1993, in Petersburg, Indiana, Derek Lunsford competes in the Men’s Open division of the IFBB Pro League.

He first made waves after moving up from the 212 class, showcasing the blend of size, symmetry, and conditioning needed to contend with the biggest names in the sport.

His fast rise included an early pro splash at the Tampa Pro in the 212 division and, after stepping into Open, he delivered on the sport’s biggest stage by becoming the 2023 Mr Olympia champion.

Has Derek Lunsford appeared at Mr Olympia?

Derek has become a fixture at the Olympia weekend.

After early success in the 212s, he transitioned to Open and captured the Mr Olympia title in 2023, confirming his status among bodybuilding’s elite.

He has continued to compete at the very top since then, balancing the demands of championship prep with new-dad life.

Derek reclaimed the Sandow in 2025, becoming a two-time Mr Olympia champion.

He sealed the win on Saturday night against a stacked field to put his name back on the trophy after the 2024 setback.

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Why fans love the Lunsfords’ updates

Beyond the hardware, fans connect with Derek because he brings them along for the ride — from late-night posing updates to intimate family moments.

Posts like his “31 and glowing!” birthday tribute to Jhelsin, calling her the “mother of our baby girl,” have become some of his most-liked family content, showing the softer side of a world-class competitor.

Likewise, his “13 years together and 2 years married” message thanking God “every single day for you and Evie” says a lot about where his priorities are these days: faith, family, and physiques — in that order.

The Caledonian Sleeper offers overnight train journeys from Birmingham International for the first time in 30 years, meaning we can explore some wild, stunning landscapes without the long journey to London

The Caledonian Sleeper has announced its overnight train journeys from Birmingham International for the first time in 30 years, starting from January 2026.

This means that travellers wishing to experience Scotland’s famous sleeper service no longer need to travel to London to board.

With fares starting from just £60 one-way, passengers can enjoy some of the most breathtaking landscapes en route to Fort William, including Ardlui at the head of Loch Lomond, Rannoch, the village of Dalwhinnie (famed for its distillery) and the Bridge of Orchy.

Those opting for the Aberdeen route will be treated to views of the stunning seaside haven of Lunan Bay.

The train journey itself is an experience, winding through beautiful landscapes on the way north.

Onboard, there are rooms with double beds, ensuite bathrooms and breakfast, as well as bunk bed rooms and accessible rooms.

Budget travellers can opt for a less expensive spot in the seated coach, which offers a seat tray table, a footrest, a safe and a sleep kit. There is also an individual reading light for comfort during the long journey.

These tickets start from £60.

Destinations such as Dundee, Inverness, Perth and the Cairngorm National Parks will now be within reach for Brummies, with a club car available for late-night drinks and snacks, reports Birmingham Live.

You can secure your spot on the Caledonian Sleeper by booking directly through their website.

THOMAS TUCHEL has ruled Ollie Watkins out of England’s upcoming World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

The 29-year-old suffered a knock during a friendly against Wales on Thursday.

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He collided with a goalpost while sliding in to connect with a cross just six minutes before half-time.

The Aston Villa man was initially able to continue, but made way for Marcus Rashford at half-time.

Now, the striker has been ruled out of Tuesday’s clash with Latvia.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

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After my marriage ended, I blithely thought it would be easy to enjoy holidays as a single parent. I soon found out they were either outrageously expensive, or they seemed only suitable for “traditional” families, or they were so cheap that I came home more knackered than when I’d left.

My first attempt, camping with friends, was fine until I had to pack up the tent. Four hours of wrestling with it in the heat later, I hated camping. Next, the adventure holiday for single-parent families. The abseiling and caving were brilliant, but sleeping in a bunk bed ruined my back. We tried a budget all-inclusive in Tenerife, but the hordes of nuclear families were overwhelming, and pool-side conversations with other women fizzled out because I didn’t come with a handy husband for their own husbands to talk to. A trip to Mallorca with a friend and her children was brilliant, but the cost was eye-watering.

Then, last autumn, a friend asked if we’d house-sit her dogs in Devon while she went to a wedding. For one tranquil weekend, we walked on the beach, and curled up by the fire in the evening. That led to house-sitting for her friend in Dorset, which also went well. Encouraged, I paid an annual £99 fee to join a house-sitting website, where, in exchange for looking after people’s pets, you stay in their homes free of charge. Within a few days, I’d arranged a 10-day house-sit in Sussex, looking after a labrador named Buzz while his owners were abroad.

It was our first sit for strangers, but any nerves dissipated the moment we arrived at the gorgeous four-bedroom house and met the gentle Buzz, who lived for tummy rubs. Our daily dog walks gave us the opportunity to explore stunning nature spots, and, once we returned home, we could relax in the garden for important conversations about our favourite “Ghosts” characters in the BBC sitcom. There were no expensive tourist traps to traipse through – instead, we browsed bookshops, treated ourselves to manicures, and went on kayak trips. I felt lighter and happier than I had in years, and could feel my bond with my daughter Polly strengthen every day. I’m not afraid to say that I cried with happiness. Things felt possible again.

House-sitting isn’t for everyone. Some people want no responsibilities on holiday apart from choosing their next cocktail, aren’t into dogs or cats, or feel odd about sleeping in a stranger’s bed, emptying their dishwasher, and putting out their bins. But the gentle rhythm of ordinary life, with work stripped out and new places to explore, is perfect for me.

It keeps me from descending into complete idleness, which leaves me feeling twitchy and oddly hollow. And, financially, house-sitting is a life-saver for a single parent. A 10-day break in a similar-sized house in the same area we stayed would set me back about £2,500 on Airbnb.

As for staying in a stranger’s house, I found it nourishing. Although house-sitting is a transaction, it’s also an act of trust between strangers and animals, which has brought out my best self – my patient, loving and measured side, full of appreciation for the people and places we discover. I’ve already lined up another four days away, caring for a whippet in leafy Surrey, and, next year, I’d like to try house-sitting abroad. Thanks to a bit of creative thinking, we can see the world from the comfort of home – it just happens to be someone else’s.

Laura Teagle, who enjoyed a “gorgeous” day trip to a European city, has shared a money-saving hack that will help you travel to abroad for less than it costs to get around the UK

France is synonymous with its sun-drenched vineyards, bustling boulevards and medieval castles. A trip over the British Channel is one many make from the UK for a weekend break or longer. But one influencer has taken the extreme route and managed to find a genius way to make a day trip to France affordable.

While the Eurostar is famed for offering easy travel to places like Paris and Brussels, there’s one underrated gem in France that TikTok personality Laura Teagle says foodies and day-trippers must visit. While train fares continue to soar, making enjoyable days out across Britain increasingly costly, Laura has a handy trick to make a day trip to France easy and friendly on the wallet.

Posting under @teagleeats, Laura shared with her audience how she managed to secure discounted Eurostar fares. The influencer nabbed £39 railway tickets to a French destination she described as “gorgeous” at a lower cost than journeying between major British cities.

Laura chronicled her excursion to Lille, a “charming” city situated just inside the border with Belgium. She opened her post declaring: “When a day trip to France is cheaper than a day out in London you best believe I’m going.”

Laura – who also operates her own confectionery enterprise called Teagle’s Treats – outlined how she obtained the budget-friendly train fares. In a TikTok video following her post showcasing her adventure to Lille, she revealed: “Okay I didn’t realise this wasn’t common knowledge but I’m gonna tell you the best life hack for travelling to France for cheap.

“So I’m always going straight to the Eurostar website, then once I’m there instead of typing in a date, a time and location, I’m gonna go down and I’m gonna search for this – the book now button for Paris for £39. When you get there you’ll see this: all these different locations all from £39 each way.

“The next trick is to go all the way through the calendar and see where all of these £39 dates are and choose the one that’s most appropriate. So in this case I choose January 17 and then obviously to return on the same day, I’m gonna click the same date.

“Then we’re gonna choose ‘get times’ and we’re gonna be presented with this screen. Then I’m gonna swipe through all of the different times and choose the cheapest or the best time available.

“So in this case it’s a 7:04 train for £44 and for the return, I’m gonna do the exact same thing. I’m gonna swipe choose the best cheapest price for the latest train so the 7:35pm.

“And that’s literally it. That is how you travel to France for the day for so cheap.”

Throughout her adventure in Lille, Laura and her mate explored numerous bakeries to taste the regional delicacies. Following her 7am departure from London aboard Eurostar, she and her companion popped into a Lille supermarket to grab some brie for €1 (87p).

She described the “gorgeous” stroll to a patisserie, where she tasted pain au chocolat that she dubbed “literally the best” and declared she craved “75 more” of the bakery’s eclairs. Following that, it was a morning exploring the Palais des Beaux-Arts museum.

Laura branded it a “must go” destination for merely €4 (£3.5). Another bakery visit ensued, where she sampled Lille’s renowned brioche and suggested tourists should also savour the wonderful cuisine available. She continued: “Being close to Belgium we obviously had to check out beer shops” before making a beeline for Méert, a bakery that’s become an internet sensation for its delectable treats.

Laura enthused: “I don’t care that this is hyped up online and the queues are long, you have got to go.” She posted a snap of a vanilla tartlet from the bakery, confessing she “literally dribbled” while capturing the shot.

She reiterated: “I’ll say it again. God! Bless! The! French!” Laura and her companion then enjoyed an alfresco lunch, featuring a cheese board that left her “speechless” and saucisson, a French sausage she dubbed “our actual fave”.

After sampling some local booze, they made their way to the Lille flea market which she declared was “100% worth the visit”. Their next stop was Au Point Central, a bistro offering €5 glasses of Pinot Noir.

Come dinner time, Laura and her friend hit Cafe de Paris for a “perfect” sirloin steak, fries and a salad at a cost of €25 (£22). Laura’s final verdict was unequivocal.

She declared: “I will absolutely be continuing to advocate for getting the first train out/last train back on Eurostar on all and any occasions.

“£150 all in return trains, all food, drinks and activities like London could just never? Grab your passport, grab your girls and go flirt with the French, eat their food and drink their wine.”

BRITAIN’S Got Talent star, Dave Betton, who was praised by Simon Cowell after performing with his son has died, aged 82.

Betton had appeared on the show alongside his son Dean in 2020, reaching its latter stages after impressing the judges.

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The father-son duo had left them stunned throughout and at one point received a standing ovation for rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life”.

Simon Cowell said at the time: “There are certain days I think what I need is a mug of hot chocolate – and you were a mug of hot chocolate!

“You made me feel good, I needed that.”

Betton, from Chesterfield, worked as a club singer after moving to Blackpool in 1981 with his wife after she bought the Dorchester Hotel.

Throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s he performed at clubs up and down the coast on the local circuit.

He went on to perform on tour in Australia and South Africa and even had a stint in Las Vegas, achieving a personal ambition of his.

Following the death of his wife, he had retired 15 years ago.

His son, Dean, had also carved out a career as a Robbie Williams tribute act and it was his idea that they should go on Britain’s Got Talent where they were billed as Dave and Dean.

“I always looked up to my Dad and he inspired me to take up singing, quite late in the game,” Dean said.

“He was definitely a local legend in his time – he would pack out clubs.”

Dave sadly passed away last month from sepsis after a short illness and was surrounded by his family.

His funeral will take place on Monday, October 27 at Carleton Crematorium.

He leaves two sons, five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and a step great granddaughter.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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Three days into my walk along the Rhins of Galloway coast path and I was on love-hate terms with this new long-distance trail. Unruly and at times cruel, it forced me to hurdle fences, wade through bracken up to my midriff and teased me with disappearing paths and wayward waymarks.

But then, after I’d yelled profanities into the wind (there were no other hikers around to hear me), this raffishly handsome route would come over all sweetness and light. Look, it would simper: a dazzling and deserted white-sand bay! A ravishing spray of orchids! A crinkle of rocky foreshore be-flumped with seals! Once, moments after I’d cursed my way through a patch of Scottish jungle, a hare leapt from the sward just as a ruddy fox barred my way, a deer herd pronked down the cliffside and a buzzard mewed overhead; I felt like a sweaty Snow White summoning all the creatures at once, only by swearing rather than singing.

“We toyed with whether to call it a ‘path’ or a ‘trail’,” said Bryan Scott, Dumfries and Galloway council’s countryside development officer and route creator. After my solo jaunt on the path/trail’s north and western stages, we were hiking a gentler south-east section together.

Is there an official difference, I asked? “Well, no, but people think ‘path’ means there’s going to be some kind of a yellow brick road.”

I can confirm there is no such thing around the Rhins of Galloway, the striking hammerhead peninsula at the edge of the edge of south-west Scotland. But there is an admirable almost-realised vision and a lot of potential.

Southern Scotland sees a fraction of the tourists that head to the country’s lionised north: in 2024, there were 1.8m overnight visits to the Highlands and just 520,000 to Dumfries and Galloway – and I’d wager most of those don’t make it out to the Rhins. “No doubt about it,” one taxi driver told me, “this is the land that time forgot.” It was clear the area could do with a boost; creating an 83-mile, six-stage coast path around the Rhins is part of the plan.

“One of the aims was to give people a reason to stay longer,” Scott told me as we advanced along the high clifftops to the Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s southernmost point, where a Stevenson lighthouse stands sentry over the waves. The path is designed to improve access to this untamed, overlooked stretch of coast, which, as well as more lighthouses, features ancient promontory forts, RSPB reserves, ruined castles, spectacular beaches and exotic gardens (the Gulf Stream makes this one of Scotland’s warmest spots). The problem is, Dumfries and Galloway has more than 1,100 miles of core paths that need looking after, with a team of only five to do it.

I’ve been following the progress of the Rhins coast path for a while, drawn to the idea of circumnavigating what is essentially an island that no one seems to visit. This year – its “soft launch”, I was told – seemed the right time.

I started on Stranraer harbour, under the smart arch of corten steel marking the circular path’s beginning and end, using a GPX file of the route on my OS Maps app. From there I walked north, along the exposed shores of Loch Ryan, picking between oystercatchers and whimbrels, the alien blobs of barrel jellyfish, shaggy piles of bladderwrack and a crunchy scatter of shells. Somewhere under the loch’s blue lay Scotland’s last native oyster beds; during the second world war they were joined by surrendered U-boats, stowed here before being scuttled at sea. This area was strategically vital at that time, with parts of the D-day Mulberry harbour tested here, while flying boats, used to protect Allied shipping, were based on the headland known as the Wig.

The going from Stranraer around the north of the Rhins was generally good. Highlights of the 13½ miles included military history, intriguing strandline, flower-flecked tussock and the remains of iron age settlements with views to Ailsa Craig and the isle of Arran beyond. Still, I was excited to finally see day’s end in the distance: lonely Corsewall lighthouse. Erected in 1815, the tower still protects ships in these frothy waters, but the old keepers’ quarters are now a hotel.

John and Helen Harris welcomed me in. As well as running the place – “quite the challenge, in a good way, 99% of the time …” – they’re also among the volunteers helping to look after the coast path, cutting back overgrowth and reporting problems. They’re starting to get a few more walkers staying, they told me, and have compiled a folder of local rambles for guests not tramping the whole trail.

I could see the attraction of basing myself here for nice day walks: I’ve stayed in few more atmospheric spots, and the five-course dinner concocted by Helen’s son Richard in the teeny kitchen was ridiculously good. Before leaving the next morning, we had a quick chat about what lay ahead. Helen reckoned I’d already done the coast path’s toughest stage; John’s expression told me I had not.

John was right. The following two days – Corsewall to the pretty harbour village of Portpatrick, then Portpatrick to Port Logan’s wide, sandy sweep, around 15 miles each – were mettle-testing stuff. But also a proper adventure. I walked amid the sheep-grazed ruins of a wartime radar station to reach moaning seals. I accidentally annoyed a peregrine falcon, which spent a good 10 minutes shrieking above my head. I bounded across hills, high above the serrated rocky shore; at one point, I mistakenly dropped down to the sea, then followed in the hoof-prints of a flock of feral goats to get back up again.

I also picnicked on beaches I couldn’t believe I had all to myself – shingly Salt Pans Bay, where salt was harvested from the 1640s, and awesome Ardwell Bay, a curve of turquoise-lapped gold. In the late 19th century a former clown called William Purves lived in one of the caves here. I could see why.

On the first of these two tough days, for the final miles from Killantringan lighthouse to Portpatrick, the coast path falls in step with a section of the Southern Upland Way, which ultimately makes for Cockburnspath, on the east coast. This is one of Scotland’s official Great Trails, and the difference was stark: regular waymarks; an obvious track; I even met a volunteer hacking back the overgrowth. But, then, this trail was launched 40 years ago – evidence of what can be achieved.

Some of this will probably have been achieved by the time you read this. At the end of my trip, at the Mull of Galloway’s Gallie Craig cafe, Irish Sea swirling outside, Scott took on all my feedback. He’s since rewalked the trail, and a slew of new work is afoot to negotiate fences, increase signage, build a bridge and trim unruly plants. Improvement works should be completed by spring 2026. Yes, the Rhins of Galloway coast path is a little raw, but stick with it: I have high hopes it’ll mature very well.

The trip was supported by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance. Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel has doubles from £175 B&B; five-course dinner £49.50pp excluding drinks. For trail info, see dgtrails.org

Hebden Bridge has always buzzed with female energy. As a child I remember the feisty women behind the bar at the pubs where my dad used to drink, the punk-haired cafe owner and the redoubtable librarian always up for a noisy chat when we checked out our books. That was before it became known as the lesbian capital of the UK (my gay cousin from Australia once told me she was coming to Europe: “Hebden Bridge?” I asked. “How did you know?” she gasped).

Now the lass spirit of the West Yorkshire town is on display again, this time in Sally “Happy Valley” Wainwright’s new BBC One drama Riot Women, which tells the story of a group of women in their late 50s who set up a rock band.

Like me, Wainwright grew up in Calderdale; like me, she’s 62. So she too must remember the days when Hebden Bridge was more famous for its flat-capped eccentricity than its edgy coolness. At university (and spookily, Wainwright and I were both at York, though we didn’t know one another), I would regularly boast that I lived close to where poet Ted Hughes grew up (he was born in Mytholmroyd, just along the valley) and near to where his erstwhile wife and fellow poet Sylvia Plath was buried (Heptonstall, on the hill above Hebden Bridge). But I certainly didn’t dwell on the smoky, cramped pubs or the greasy spoon cafes or the unremarkable warehouse-like unbranded store where my mum bought the groceries. The town felt deeply frumpy back then.

Things are different today. I name-drop the Nisa Local on Crown Street, where my mum buys her Guardian, because it’s where Catherine Cawood’s partner Neil worked in Happy Valley. More thrillingly, my mother’s flat is at the top of the street where Cawood (played magnificently by Sarah Lancashire) lived: the climactic final car park scene after James Norton’s character, Tommy Lee Royce, sets himself alight must have been visible from her balcony. And now the souped-up Albert, on Albert Street – one of my dad’s haunts in the 70s and 80s – has been transformed into the Duke of Wellington for Riot Women, with Lorraine Ashbourne, playing alongside Tamsin Greig and Joanna Scanlan, as the landlady.

Right now I’m having breakfast opposite the Albert, at a table in the sunshine outside Leila’s Kitchen, whose Iranian owner tells me it was the original vegetarian cafe of Hebden Bridge, set up in the 1980s. She’s run it since 2019, and her Persian breakfast – eggs, walnuts, feta cheese, salad and flatbread – is a renowned speciality, as is her noodle soup and saffron and pistachio ice-cream.

In a town with a penchant for revolving doors and pop-up shops, one of the joys of visiting Hebden Bridge regularly is that it’s never the same twice. In fact, there’s currently another top-class breakfast venue, with queues heading down Valley Road while they’ve still got buns to sell: Mother, home of just-baked croissants including the almond one I tried. “It’s a bit hefty,” the assistant said as I pointed to it; in the event, I didn’t need another meal for the rest of the day.

It’s quicker to say what has been constant rather than what’s changed since I was a child. The Town Hall, with its big green doors, is the same (though they certainly didn’t have art exhibitions and a cafe there when I was a kid). The rush of the river, fast-flowing through the town and whizzing under the packhorse bridge that gave the town its name, is a welcome constant. And the Picture House is still there: where once I watched Grease, Jaws and An Officer and a Gentleman, the BBC premiered Riot Women here last week, as a thank you to the locals who put up with weeks of filming last summer.

The shop I remember best from my childhood is Innovation – and it’s still here, the institution that relaunched this unfashionable Yorkshire market town into one of the quirkiest, and coolest, spots in the north of England. It was back in 1972 that a local legend called David Fletcher bought a disused mill in the centre of the town and turned it into the quintessential gift shop-cum-cafe, the business all the other shops that came after wanted to emulate (in terms of its longevity and success, anyway). The Trades Club was always there, and always a trades union club – but now, still owned by the Labour party, it’s one of the funkiest live music and comedy venues in Britain. Sadly, Riot Women are a fictional band, but the October lineup included Grace Petrie (“the British folk scene’s funniest lesbian”), DJ Red Helen and Josie Long.

The police station I knew on Hope Street is now an antique shop; the newsagent’s on the square (now pedestrianised) has become The Remedy, where you sit at high-up tables and taste a flight of wines, also available to buy. My sister’s old bank is Coin brasserie, where she and I recently reminisced, while sipping a delicious and reasonably priced bottle of fizz, about the ancient art of cashing cheques in the very room where she’d done just that. The cashier’s counter from my own former bank, round the corner on Market Street, has been moved to the shop next door which is full of rhubarb and ginger cake and strawberries and cream cupcakes: but they’re not baked goods, they’re bath time treats – it’s the Yorkshire Soap Company. They make scented candles too, and for Happy Valley they created a special edition – watch this space for a flaming Riot Women.

A few doors along is Heart Gallery, in what was a rambling antiques centre when I was a kid: today, its Scandi-style interior showcases locally produced artworks. Across Market Street is Earth Spirit: it’s the essence of Hebden Bridge, a place to buy spices and jams, colourful knitted berets and weave-your-own brooch kits. For the inner sanctum, head up the small staircase at the back for the incense-infused den of crystals and tarot cards, pictures of hares and goddesses, witches’ guides to hats and flowers, books of spells and handbooks on angels and sacred animals. And when you’ve chosen your tome, head to the Hermit on Hope Street, settle into the coven-like basement, dimly lit by strings of fairy lights, and enjoy a proper Yorkshire brew.

Riot Women is on Sundays, BBC One, 9pm.