Classic songs reimagined by Derry singer-songwriter
Paul Casey The pair playing together Growing up, singer-songwriter Paul Casey’s dad would often play the aspiring musician the songs of Chris Rea. Little did the guitarist, from Londonderry, know then that not only would he befriend the man he credits with inspiring him into music – but he would recreate some of his most […]
Yorkshire martial artists strike gold at world championships
Compass Martial Arts The Sherburn-in-Elmet-based team won over 130 medals at a major competition in Frankfurt A martial arts team whose members range from seven to 53 years old have been praised by their coach after winning over 130 medals at an international competition. Members of Compass Martial Arts in North Yorkshire brought home a […]
Eight-person limit for Christmas bubbles
Getty Images Christmas “bubbles” of three households in Scotland should contain no more than eight people over the age of 11, the Scottish government has said. Children under the age of 12 will not count towards the total number of people in the bubble. The easing of Covid rules will apply across the UK from […]
Final recognition for the real stars of Wizzard’s Christmas hit
BBC Keyboard player Bill Hunt was joined by Matt Allwright and singers Hilary Gunton, David Brookes, Mary Lafferty, Nik Romillie and Denise Pitkin (left to right) to recreate the song I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday by glam rockers Wizzard has been a festive favourite for more than 50 years. But the children seen […]
Why India wants to track WhatsApp messages
Getty Images Privacy activists are worried that the new rules could be misused to curb free speech India’s plan to mandate the monitoring, interception and tracing of messages on social media has alarmed users and privacy activists – as well as the companies running the platforms. Prasanto K Roy looks at the potential impact of […]
Wellington school’s Christmas swap gives toys away for free
Short Wood Primary School The annual event is held in the school’s sports hall A headteacher has said her school’s free Christmas sharing event is “cherished” by the community. Short Wood Primary School in Wellington holds the event every year, which sees families from the school hand over unwanted toys and gifts. The items are […]
Meet Stanley’s new mixed martial arts champion
BBC Kennedy Freeman is now aiming to compete in the USA A competitive fighter says she feels like she has put her small town on the map by winning her first Cage Warriors mixed martial arts (MMA) title. Kennedy Freeman, from Stanley in County Durham, beat Mafalda Carmona to become bantamweight champion at the event […]
Jobs lost as renewables firm VG Energy collapses
VG Energy Dozens of workers have been laid off following the collapse of an Ayrshire-based renewable technology firm. Provisional liquidator MLM Solutions was appointed on Thursday after VG Energy suffered severe cash flow difficulties. A total of 34 staff have been made redundant, while a further five are being kept on to assist the liquidators. […]
Embattled Macron seeks boost from reopening
Reuters Emmanuel Macron plans to use the reopening of the cathedral for a political boost A gravely weakened President Emmanuel Macron hopes to win a new lease of political life from Saturday’s ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame. Joined by US President-elect Donald Trump, Prince William and other international figures, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Macron […]
York drivers’ phone data to ease traffic jams
Sam Kelly via Geograph Sensors will be used to track drivers and ease congestion, the council said Mobile phone data will be used to ease traffic jams in York in the first trial of its kind in the UK. The council will monitor drivers’ phone signals from inside cars to help planners manage traffic better […]