Oswestry: Little Stars lights up with £5k from Comic Relief
"When we receive funding from Comic Relief, it makes a huge difference to us," says the founder of a children's charity.Leanne Simcoe founded Little Stars in Oswestry in July 2020, after she said she saw a need to support families with young children in Shropshire.Vulnerable families in the county are referred to the charity, which gives out baby parcels, children's clothing, school uniforms, and Christmas presents.They have benefitted from Comic Relief funding before and, in February, found out they will be given £5,000.
"It's extremely important for us to have that funding; we take a lot of pre-loved [items]. But ultimately we do need to supplement some of it with brand new," said Ms Simcoe."New mattresses for the Moses baskets, new mattresses for the cots, then you've also got the stair gates as well for safety in the home and the bottle teats."Sometimes we do need to buy nappies and wipes because we don't have enough to get out there."The charity has donation points around the county and solely relies on monetary donations from the public and securing grants.Referrals are made through people like doctors, midwives and health visitors.They also hand out products for parents, like shower gel and period products."For a parent that can't afford shower gel for themselves, let alone being able to provide for their child, by us just popping it in the bag… they're able to get a shower and have that dignity."In 2024, the charity provided essential items to 1,333 children, delivered toiletries to 140 adults, and gave 52 pregnant women maternity packs.The charity said there had been a 176% increase in the number of children it supported compared to 2023.
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Leader Live
9 hours ago
- Leader Live
Wrexham and Flintshire chip shops aim for title award
Whether it's a Friday night treat of fish, midweek battered sausage or pie, all with chips of course, we asked for the best of the best. Readers nominated their favourite fryers from across Wrexham and Flintshire but who will make fish-story? Sealing the deal could be those extras - gravy, curry sauce, mushy peas - or maybe it's above and beyond service. Read more: 'We're humbled' - Meet the winner of best deli, butchers, farm shop 2025 Nominations from across the region were collected and counted to reveal our top 10. Voting is now open, and voting forms can be found in the Leader until Friday, June 13. Ahead of the big reveal, we get to know some of the finalists... Chip-O-Dee - 14 Borras Road, Wrexham Haci Deniz, owner of Chip-O-Dee Wrexham. Owner Haci Deniz is no stranger to awards, having recently been shortlisted as a 2025 finalist as Best Kebab House in Wales in the British Kebab Awards. The 32-year-old, who has had the business since 2020, often gives back to the community. At Christmas 2024, he donated presents for the patients at Nightingale House Hospice to give to their children and grandchildren. Haci said: "I feel very happy to be in the top 10. As Chip-O-Dee owner we prepare and present our food with lots of effort. So to see us as Chip-O-Dee on the top 10 shows our customers' reward. "It would mean a lot for me to win because Chip-O-Dee always offers good quality flavours. It would mean a lot for me to see our customer feedbacks. "People come back to Chip-O-Dee because we offer our customers delicious and quality meals with a friendly welcome. Customer satisfaction is valuable to us, and presenting quality food is important for us. "We thank all our customers who choose us." The Big Fish - Chester Street, Mold Alex Valyandis (centre) and the team at The Big Fish in Mold. Alex Valyandis took over The Big Fish in Mold in 2022, and hasn't looked back. The former pro MMA fighter now has a team of about eight helping him keep on top of demand at the popular chip shop. Thirty two-year-old Alex, who previously worked with his dad in Yiannos Fish Bar in Wrexham, said: "It's been going really well and we've improved each year. We were welcomed with open arms." On hearing the Big Fish had made it as a finalist, he said: "We were really surprised, we're only a small shop but it makes it really exciting. "To win would mean everything. But it's also about supporting local business, we're all in this together. It's nice to be nice, it's good karma." Bellevue Grill and Fish Bar - Bradley Road, Wrexham The team at Bellevue Grill and Fish Bar. Fehim Ayaz has been running things at the shop for the last three years. The 50-year-old knows it's hard work to stay on top and keep customers coming back. He said: "People come back to our shop because we are doing our best to provide the best service. "Our products are good quality and our staff work very hard to make the customers pleased with the food. "We always use fresh fish and fry fresh chips for almost all orders, and we change our frying oils every day. Hygiene and good quality service are our priorities. "Also, we provide gluten-free fish and chips for our customers." Making it as a finalist was a special moment, Fehim added: "When we learned that we made it to the top 10, my staff and I felt very happy and proud. It proved that we are on the right way. "Winning this would be the award for our hard work for the last three years. If we win we will keep doing our best to please our customers with the high quality service. I believe our success will go on in time. "I want to thank our customers for nominating us. Their nomination shows they know where to find good quality and they have a good taste in food. "Thank you very much for nominating us and making us heard." Gwersyllt Fish Bar - Dodds Lane, Gwersyllt Andrew Mertakkas, Jason Mertakkas and Leonardo Mertakkas from Gwersyllt Fish Bar, Wrexham. Brothers Jason and Andrew Mertakkas currently run the Wrexham chip shop but the business has been in the family since 1984. On reaching the final, Jason, 47, said: "It was a bit of a surprise. But we know we're one of the best, and are very happy and privileged to be nominated. "And it's nice to be recognised for our hard work. "It's a great business to be involved in, it's a lot of hard work but it's very enjoyable, we love it." On why their customers remain so loyal, Jason added: "All our staff are very friendly, we're a likeable place to go. "The food is top class, we put a lot of effort into getting the best products out there. "To win would mean a lot, and would help improve business to have been named the best in the region but even if we don't win, to have got this far is an achievement." Clearly success runs in the family, as Jason and Andrew's uncle George Koumas is also a finalist with Borras Park Fish Bar. Kingsley Fish Bar - Churchill Drive, Wrexham Dee Singh, owner of Kingsley Fish Bar in Wrexham. Owner Dee Singh has been running the business since 2011, with support from his wife, Jaz Kaur. Forty three-year-old Dee, who is helped with a team of five, was "ecstatic" to have made the top 10. He said: "To win would mean that all the hard work of everyone at the chip shop has paid off. "Our main aim is to provide excellent customer service, along with delicious food to keep them coming back, so being in the top 10 proves we're right on track with the customers. "Whether we win or not we would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their loyalty and our promise to them is that we will do our best to continue to provide them with top service and top food. "And to our staff, teamwork makes the dream work, and we are a great team!" Jaz added: "My husband puts everything into the business. Customers come back I think because of the loyalty Dee and the staff show them too. "To win would mean everything. It would mean a lot to us both but especially my husband for the amount of hard work he has put in." Jones's Fish and Chip Shop - St George's Crescent, Wrexham Emma Gaffey, Marlene Roberts (owner) and Linda Adamson. A long-standing business in the city, Jones's has been part of the same family since 1931. The shop has remained open throughout, including through the Second World War, only closing during the covid lockdown. To continue to be recognised by their community with a place in the top 10, was a welcome surprise. Emma Gaffey, the owner's granddaughter and fourth generation at the shop, said: "We were very please, it's fierce competition. "A lot of Wrexham's chip shop's have very loyal customers, so to be nominated in the first place is an honour. "We have a lot of regular customers, which is very much appreciated." The chip shop has also felt a touch of the Wrexham AFC 'Hollywood' magic, as visiting Americans head there for a pre-match fish and chips. Emma, part of a team of 10 at the shop, said: "We see a lot of those that have managed to get tickets for the game. "It's been very interesting, getting to tell them more about Wrexham." On possibly winning the Best Chippy title, the 33-year-old added: "It would mean the world, especially to my nana, she still comes in every day. "The business, it's in the family's blood." Borras Park Fish Bar - Borras Park Road, Wrexham Borras Park Fish Bar, Wrexham. Like several finalists, it's a family affair at this Wrexham chip shop, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month. In 1975 George and Miroulla Koumas, from Cyprus, bought the shop, now grandson George Valyandis is the third generation at the helm. George, who has been there for the last five years, says his grandparents still pop in. Until covid, his granddad still came in to cut the fish. The 35-year-old was thrilled to make it into the top 10. He said: "It's always nice to be recognised, that people have taken the time out to acknowledge us for the hard work we do. "We always appreciate our customers, it's a pleasure to serve them, we have a good rapport. They're always so nice when they come in, giving us compliments. It means a lot. "And we really look after the shop because it's been in the family for so long. "To win would be massive. I think my grandparents would be the happiest." Stubby's Fish Bar - Council Street, Llay Stubby's Fish Bar owner Steven Pritchard and son Jack. Being named a top 10 finalist was a surprise to no one more than owner Steven Pritchard. The 49-year-old said: "I was a bit in the dark about it but it's absolutely fantastic from our customers, a great honour." Steven, who first started working in a chippy from about 13-years-old, has had the shop for the last 11 years. Named after a nickname given to him from an uncle when he was about six, Stubby's has a team of four, including Steven's son Jack. He added: "I try my best. I maintain standards of keeping the food nice and fresh, while keeping an eye on costs. Everyone is feeling the pinch. "It helps to have good staff and a good atmosphere too. It's about the customers that come in too, they're great with me. "It would mean the world to win, a fantastic achievement. We're up against a lot of good takeaways that have been around a long time. "To win against them would be marvellous but if we didn't, we'd congratulate whoever wins." The full top 10 hoping to get your vote: • Bellevue Grill and Fish Bar, Wrexham • Borras Park Fish Bar, Wrexham • Chipodee, Wrexham • Crystals Fast Food, Mold • Gwersyllt Fish Bar, Wrexham • Jones' Fish and Chip Shop, Wrexham • Josie's Chip Shop, Rhosymedre • Kingsley Fish Bar, Wrexham • Stubby's Fish Bar, Llay • The Big Fish, Mold
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
People over State Pension age due up to £524 in one-off payments this year
People over State Pension age could be due a series of extra payments and energy bill help during the coming months from the Scottish Government and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). There are four cash payments and one which is paid directly to energy suppliers, all worth up to £524.75 in additional support. It's important to be aware that most of these payments will not be issued until later this year, but could be something to factor in now when working out household budgets nearer to Christmas - especially as energy bills typically increase significantly over the colder months due to higher usage. Pension Age Winter Fuel Payment has now replaced the Winter Fuel Payment for all Scots pensioners. Everyone over the age of 66 will receive at least £100 from the Scottish Government this winter, those on Pension Credit will be due a higher payment of either £203.40 or £305.10, depending on their age. New claims for Pension Credit made before September 22, which later turns out to be successful, will qualify for the higher rates of Pension Age Winter Fuel Payment. That date is important because that will guarantee an automatic payment during the designated payment window, any made after that date until mid-December would be paid in arrears. Winter Fuel Payment U-turn On Monday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced more than 9 million pensioners in England and Wales will automatically receive this year's Winter Fuel Payment following a U-turn by the UK Government on its decision to restrict the annual heating allowance to pensioners in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit. Payments of £200 for those aged between 66 and 79, or £300 for those aged 80 and over, will be issued automatically later this year to pensioners born before September 22, 1959. Pensioners with an annual income of £35,000 or more will not be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. Those above the threshold will need to pay the money back either through PAYE or a Self Assessment tax return, however, an option to opt-out of the payment has also been announced, but no details have been confirmed yet. It's unclear yet how this U-turn will affect 1.1m pensioners in Scotland now that Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced Winter Fuel Payments north of the border. Pension Credit Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including more than 125,000 living in Scotland, are currently receiving Pension Credit that could provide an average of £4,300 in extra support during the 2025/26 financial year. Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, however, an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support. To use the Pension Credit calculator on to see if you should make a clam, you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments Financial help for pensioner households in 2025 Financial help on the way during 2025/26 includes: Winter Heating Payment (£59.75) - cash payment issued by the Scottish Government Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (£100 - £305) - cash payment issued by the Scottish Government Winter Fuel Payment (£100 - £300) - cash payments issued by DWP to pensioners in England and Wales only Warm Home Discount (£150) - paid directly from DWP to energy providers and usually added as credit to customer's electricity account DWP Christmas Bonus (£10) - issued by DWP Someone aged between 66 and 79, living in Scotland in receipt of Pension Credit, will receive £273.15 from the three cash payments before the end of March 2026. However, most of these will be issued before the end of this year. This is made up of: £203.40 from the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, due to be issued on November 30 £59.75 from the Winter Heating Payment £10 DWP Christmas Bonus Someone over 80, living in Scotland in receipt of Pension Credit, will receive £374.86 from the three cash payments before the end of March 2026. This is made up of: Winter Heating Payment (£59.75) - Scotland only Payments were issued in December last year and expected to be around the same time in 2025. You may qualify for Winter Heating Payment automatically if you get one of these benefits: Pension Credit Universal Credit - full guide on eligibility here Income Support or Income based Jobseeker's Allowance - full guide on eligibility here Income Related Employment Support Allowance - full guide on eligibility here Support for Mortgage Interest - full guide on eligibility here The qualifying week for this year's payment will be in early November, typically the first full week - we will update this article once more details have been released. Find out more on the dedicated pages on here. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment - between£100 - £305.10 Every person over State Pension age living in Scotland will automatically receive a one-off heating payment of at least £100 by St Andrew's Day on November 30 - even if they are not in receipt of a means-tested benefit such as Pension Credit. Those aged between 66 and 79 in receipt of Pension Credit will be paid £203.40 Those aged 80 and over in receipt of Pension Credit will be paid £305.10 To be eligible for the 2025 payment, you must have been born before September 22, 1959. During the qualifying week - expected to be September 22-28 - you must also: live in Scotland, or an eligible country abroad get at least one other, specific benefit on at least one day of the qualifying week Those benefits are: Pension Credit Universal Credit income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Income Support Payment rates Those aged between 66 and 79 in receipt of Pension Credit will be paid £203.40 Those aged 80 and over in receipt of Pension Credit will be paid £305.10 Winter Fuel Payments - between £200 and £300 (not Scotland) The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment will be issued to everyone born before September 22, 1959. Payments of £200 will be issued automatically to those aged between 66 and 79, while those aged 80 or over will receive £300. Nobody needs to claim the payment. Pensioners also need to have an annual income of under £35,000 to qualify for the payment this winter. Details of an option to opt out of the payments will be announced in due course. Full details on how much people will receive from DWP - depending on their household age and living arrangements - will be published by the DWP on here shortly. Warm Home Discount - £150 paid to energy provider The Warm Home Discount Scheme for winter 2025 to 2026 usually opens in October and will give people on certain benefits £150 off their electricity bill. The money is paid directly by the DWP to energy suppliers between October and March. Eligible households may also be able to get the discount off their gas bill instead - if their supplier provides them with both gas and electricity, just contact them once the scheme opens to find out. If you're a credit customer the £150 will be added to your electricity account and if you're on Pay As You Go or Prepayment, you'll be sent a voucher that you can use to top-up your meter. Eligibility rules are changing this year to provide the support to more households - you can read about this here. DWP Christmas Bonus - £10 The bonus is a one-off, tax-free £10 payment made to people in receipt of State Pension or those claiming certain other benefits during the qualifying week - usually the first full week of December. Nobody needs to apply for the extra £10 as it should automatically go into the account where you usually receive your State Pension or benefit payment. It is made as a separate payment, independent of your scheduled State Pension or benefit payment, so it may arrive on a different day. Eligible benefits Adult Disability Payment Armed Forces Independence Payment Attendance Allowance Carer's Allowance Carer Support Payment Child Disability Payment Constant Attendance Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes) Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (once the main phase of the benefit is entered after the first 13 weeks of claim) Disability Living Allowance Incapacity Benefit at the long-term rate Industrial Death Benefit (for widows or widowers) Mobility Supplement Pension Credit - the guarantee element Pension Age Disability Payment Personal Independence Payment (PIP) State Pension (including Graduated Retirement Benefit) Severe Disablement Allowance (transitionally protected) Unemployability Supplement or Allowance (paid under Industrial Injuries or War Pensions schemes) War Disablement Pension at State Pension age War Widow's Pension Widowed Mother's Allowance Widowed Parent's Allowance Widow's Pension
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
World's best beer 2025 named beating Budweiser, Guinness and Heineken
We reveal the full list of most popular beers with drinkers around the world below CHEERS TO THAT! World's best beer 2025 named beating Budweiser, Guinness and Heineken Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE world's best beer for 2025 has been named and it's beaten Budweiser, Heineken and Guinness. Corona, which originates from Mexico, has been crowned punters favourite pint. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Corona is the tipple of choice for punters across the globe Credit: Alamy That is according to data and marketing firm's Kantar's BrandZ 2025 Most Valuable Global Brands report. It comes after the crisp beer, usually served with a lime, recorded double digit sales growth outside of its home market. Its no-alcohol Corona Cero, which became the first beer to sponsor the Olympic Games in Paris last year, also saw a boom in demand. And it is the second year in a row the tipple, owned by drinks giant AB InBev, has come out on top. The light beer, celebrating its 100 year anniversary, trumped Budweiser which came second in the rankings. This was followed by Dutch giant Heineken, Mexican brew Modelo and America's Michelob Ultra, which is a hard find in the UK. Marcel Marcondes, marketing chief at global brewing giant AB InBev, said: "For Corona to be recognised as the most valuable beer brand in the world in the same year the brand is celebrating its 100-year anniversary shows the power of building brands for the long-term." Meanwhile, Kantar CEO Chris Jansen added: "With the right level of investment and strategic focus, brands have huge potential to drive growth for their owners. "Anheuser-Busch InBev is a perfect example of this in action. "Through Corona and their other brands, they have mastered the ability to cut through in the face of changing consumer behaviour." All the beers that have lowered in strength British pub classic Stella Artois came ninth in the ranks, while Guinness was at the bottom of the leader board. It comes after the Irish stout has risen in popularity in recent years. Owner Diageo was forced to ration supplies to pubs in the run-up to Christmas due to increased demand. You can see the 10 global beer brands for 2025 below: Corona Budweiser Heineken Model Michelob Ultra Brahma Bud Light Skol Stella Artois Guinness MORE BEER NEWS Punters are paying more for the price of a pint in both the supermarket and the pub. How to save money buying alcohol Alcohol can be pricey if you're planning a party or hosting an event but there are ways to cut costs. It's always important to drink responsibly, here, Sun Savers Editor Lana Clements share some tips on getting booze for the best price. Stocking up can mean big savings on drinks, especially if you want to buy wine or fizz. The big supermarkets regularly offer discounts of 25% when you buy six or more bottles of wine. The promotions typically run in the lead up to occasions such as Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter. If you know you are going to need booze later in the year, it can be worth acting when you see offers. Before buying your preferred drink make sure you shop around to find the best price – you can use a comparison site such as or Don't forget that loyalty cards can unlock better savings so make sure you factor that in too. If you like your plonk, wine clubs can also be a good way to save money and try new varieties. You'll usually have to pay a membership fee in return for cheaper price so work out if you will be buying enough to make the one off cost worthwhile. Costs have risen steadily as manufacturers and pubs grapple with higher alcohol taxes, soaring utility bills and increased staffing costs. A new report from the The Morning Advertiser said London now tops the list for the priciest pints, with pub owners charging an average of £6.10. The cost of popular brands in the capital has also climbed, with a pint of Guinness reaching £6.45, Birra Moretti £7.17, and Camden Hells £7.05 since February. And it's not only London feeling the squeeze. The survey revealed that pint prices in the Midlands increased by 5.15% between January and April. You can see how much the cost of a pint has increased in your area here. 3 Guinness was named the 10th most popular beer in the world Credit: Getty
