Latest news with #Crufts
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Crufts-winning trainer who fed dog steak & salmon banned from driving for two years
The conviction could have an impact on her job OFF THE ROAD Crufts-winning trainer who fed dog steak & salmon banned from driving for two years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A DOG trainer who boasted about giving her pet a pampered lifestyle has been banned from driving for two years. Julia Ashton, 59, who has won awards at dog shows including Crufts, told how she had a lifelong love of animals. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up She revealed her pug Mr Darcy feasted on steak, organic chicken and salmon and had a wardrobe of designer clothes. Ashton, of Newmilns, Ayrshire, was nabbed by traffic cameras as she drove her Mercedes Benz e-Class car through roadworks on the M74 near Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire. She was found to have been been the wheel while disqualified and having no insurance in December last year. Sheriff Siobhan Connelly gave her a two-year driving ban and placed her under supervision for a year at Lanark Sheriff Court. A hearing was told that the conviction could have an impact on her job. Alanah Campbell, defending, said: "She is a self-employed dog trainer and is likely to lose her employment as a result of this. "It is unlikely that this will be repeated again in the future and she understands that she will be disqualified from driving for a long period of time." Sheriff Connelly told Ashton: "Your driving record causes me concern and it is a matter of concern that you did not adhere to the rules and drove. "Holding a driving licence is a privilege and you need to comply with road traffic regulations. "Given the nature of the offence the appropriate disqualification period is three years but I will modify that to two years." A charge which alleged she had been speeding on the motorway was dropped by prosecutors. Ashton had earlier told how she spoiled her pet. She said: "Mr Darcy is certainly up there with the most pampered pets in Scotland. 'He gets plenty of steak, plenty of exercise, plenty of attention - what more could a dog ask for? I've had dogs all my life. 1 Julia Ashton outside Lanark Sheriff Court "I grew up with a menagerie of animals, from rabbits and ponies to cats, chickens and guinea pigs. "I'm very used to having pets around and knowing how they like to be treated. People sometimes laugh at the life of luxury Mr Darcy has but having a dog is a serious matter."
Business News Wales
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Record Turnout Reported at 2025 Royal Welsh Spring Festival
A record crowd flocked to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society's Spring Festival at Llanelwedd. The two-day event showcased the very best of rural Wales against the backdrop of perfect spring weather. This year's festival celebrated the RWAS's Welsh heritage while appealing to a diverse audience from all walks of life. 'We couldn't have asked for better conditions,' said John Owen, president of the 2025 feature county, Caernarfon. 'The sunshine brought out record crowds and the atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed and friendly throughout. It's been the perfect start to Caernarfon's year as feature county.' Geraint James, festival director, said: 'We've worked extremely hard to create an inclusive festival that balances agricultural heritage with family entertainment, and this year's attendance figures confirm we're moving in the right direction. 'The refreshed branding and expanded activities have attracted visitors from across Wales and beyond. What's particularly gratifying is seeing people from all backgrounds coming together – from farming families sharing their expertise to first-time visitors discovering rural Welsh culture and traditions. 'This festival truly bridges the gap between rural and urban communities.' RWAS chief executive, Aled Rhys Jones, added: 'This year's Spring Festival has been an outstanding success. The relaxed, family friendly atmosphere that makes this event so special was evident throughout the weekend and we're extremely grateful for all the support we've received from our visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers. 'Our attention now turns to the Royal Welsh Show and we hope to see everyone back on the showground in July.' Activities included Will's Petting Farm and Emma's Donkeys in the Country Life area, where visitors could meet and interact with the animals. The Panic Family's Circus Big Top gave visitors the chance to try their hand at circus skills. Children received special stamp cards upon arrival and explored the showground collecting stamps from various stands throughout the festival. Those who completed their cards received 'Spring Festival Expert' certificates. Separately, downloadable educational resources, created in partnership with Twinkl, focusing on native and rare breed livestock, provided additional learning opportunities for families. The festival welcomed hundreds of four-legged visitors alongside their owners. The RWAS Ltd Canine Section's Crufts qualifier attracted serious competitors, while the feature county ran a Fun Dog Show. 'As someone who's grown up attending agricultural shows, it's brilliant to see so many dogs and their owners enjoying the festival,' said Rhys Griffith, ambassador for Caernarfon and judge of the heavy horse classes. 'The festival has something for everyone – from impressive heavy horses to family pets competing in fun classes. That inclusive atmosphere is what makes this event so special.' The festival showcased more than 100 cattle, nearly 700 sheep, more than 110 pigs, more than 250 goats and almost 800 horses, ponies and donkeys in competitions. New classes this year included Red Poll and Dexter cattle and Castle Moorit Sheep. The livestock and equine champions were: Supreme beef champion: Glebedale Toblerone, a Beef Shorthorn bull exhibited by Tim Bodily, Monmouth. Reserve: Shelsleys Kwagga exhibited by David Powell, Worcestershire. Dairy youngstock champion: Salfach Thor Caramel, an in-calf Jersey heifer exhibited by Salfach & Nantgaredig Jerseys, Carmarthenshire. Reserve: Nantgaredig Thor Poppy, also from Salfach & Nantgaredig Jerseys. Cattle young handler: Molly Edwards, Carmarthenshire. Cattle breed tradestand Award: Ancient Cattle of Wales. Supreme sheep champion: William Evans, Pembrokeshire with a Kerry Hill. Reserve: D. C. L. & C. J. Williams, Powys with a Hill Radnor. Sheep breed tradestand award: Welsh Mountain Sheep. Goats. Angora champion: Marchgwyn Evan exhibited by Stephen Prentice, Carmarthenshire. Reserve: Chrido Gigi exhibited by Chris Tyler. Fleece champion and reserve: Cwmysewrdy Agoras, Powys. Pygmy champion: Sunnymount Zebedee exhibited by Tim Bee, Monmouth. Reserve: Penrhiw Jazz exhibited by Jill Osborne, Gwent. Dairy goats supreme champion: Chatterbox Texas; reserve: Chatterbox Stargazer, both exhibited by Adrian Bull, Wiltshire. Equine supreme champion: Royal Craftsman exhibited by Jane Brace, Bridgend; reserve: Silverwoods, exhibited by Charlotte Elizabeth Arthur, Swansea. Full Equine and Livestock results can be found on the RWAS website
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Celebrity Traitors star spills on 'brutal' filming and cast's biggest challenge
Celebrity Traitors is set to see a host of famous faces, including Clare Balding, Kate Garraway, Nick Mohammed, Charlotte Church and Tameka Empson, play the game A contestant from the upcoming Celebrity Traitors has admitted that the experience was "brutal". They opened up about the Traitors spin-off following the line-up being confirmed after production began on the reality TV show. Clare Balding, 54, said she found the BBC show "challenging" as it meant her friendships with co-stars like former Olympic diver Tom Daley went "out the window". They are among the 19 celebrities who have taken part in the first series. Speaking candidly at the Goodwoof event while promoting her new novel Pastures New, Clare admitted: "It is so intense, and you get completely obsessed with the game." Teasing friendships don't always hold up amidst the gameplay, she said: "Obviously, I knew quite a lot of them before I went in, but the friendships you had before go out the window!" The broadcaster continued: "That, for me, is very challenging because I like to be friends with everybody! It's brutal, but I think I'm glad I did it. It will make good television, and there are some really strong moments." Clare and other celebrities, like presenter Stephen Fry, actor Celia Imrie, comedian Nick Mohammed and singer Charlotte Church, will be seen playing the beloved game at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands. On the show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, they will compete to win a cash prize of up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice. Praising Nick, she revealed: "There are some people who are so clever. I mean, Nick Mohammed from Ted Lasso, he can solve problems and puzzles in like four and a half seconds. He's amazing." Crufts presenter Clare also shared her delight over spending time with other contestants during the filming of Celebrity Traitors. She gushed: "It was lovely to get more time to hang out with people like Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie, Charlotte Church, who's an absolute superstar, and a really cool young singer called Cat Burns - I would not have met her and Ruth Cobb, who's an actress, in any other situation, and I loved that. Yeah, it was great fun." The line-up for Celebrity Traitors was announced earlier this month. Clare, Tom, Stephen, Celia, Charlotte, Cat and Ruth are among the 19 celebrities who are involved in the spin-off, which is set to be broadcast by the BBC later this year. Comedian Alan Carr, filmmaker David Olusoga and former rugby union player Joe Marler will also compete. Other celebrities in the line-up for the show include comedian Joe Wilkinson, presenters Jonathan Ross and Kate Garraway. They will compete against the likes of comedian Lucy Beaumont and actor Mark Bonnar, too. Content creator Niko Omilana, singer-songwriter Paloma Faith and EastEnders star Tameka Empson are also in the line-up. Host Claudia commented: "We're incredibly lucky these brilliant people have said yes. I'd love to say we'll take it easy on them and they'll just wander round the castle and eat toast for a couple of weeks but that would be a lie." Celebrity Traitors is scheduled to air in the autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Speeding driver's escape foiled by German Shepherd
A driver who made off on foot after a high-speed police chase was stopped in his tracks by a German Shepherd. Michael Burke sped at more than 100mph (160km/h) from Essex into east London before officers caught up with him on 14 January. The 24-year-old abandoned his car by the A13 in Rainham, but his attempt to escape through swampy grassland was foiled by police dog Kaiser. Burke, of Horseman Side, Navestock, was jailed for 14 months after admitting a series of driving offences. He was first seen speeding, undertaking vehicles and moving between lanes on the A13 at North Stifford, having failed to stop for police. Burke also drove on the wrong side of the carriageway at one point as he headed towards London, Essex Police said. He jumped out of his car and ran off at Ferry Lane, Rainham, but was caught by Kaiser moments later. PC Niall Barrett, who led the investigation, said: "He felt he had no choice other than to try to evade capture on foot. "But he didn't reckon on police dog Kaiser being there when he did so." Burke admitted dangerous driving, using a vehicle without insurance and driving while disqualified. During sentencing at Basildon Crown Court, he was disqualified from driving for five years. "Burke gave no thought to the safety of those motorists whose lives he endangered that night," Mr Barrett added. "He has now been jailed and our roads are safer for that." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Ex-police dog hit by car wins Crufts hero award Police dog Kaiser helps find man hiding in bushes Essex Police
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Speeding driver's escape foiled by German Shepherd
A driver who made off on foot after a high-speed police chase was stopped in his tracks by a German Shepherd. Michael Burke sped at more than 100mph (160km/h) from Essex into east London before officers caught up with him on 14 January. The 24-year-old abandoned his car by the A13 in Rainham, but his attempt to escape through swampy grassland was foiled by police dog Kaiser. Burke, of Horseman Side, Navestock, was jailed for 14 months after admitting a series of driving offences. He was first seen speeding, undertaking vehicles and moving between lanes on the A13 at North Stifford, having failed to stop for police. Burke also drove on the wrong side of the carriageway at one point as he headed towards London, Essex Police said. He jumped out of his car and ran off at Ferry Lane, Rainham, but was caught by Kaiser moments later. PC Niall Barrett, who led the investigation, said: "He felt he had no choice other than to try to evade capture on foot. "But he didn't reckon on police dog Kaiser being there when he did so." Burke admitted dangerous driving, using a vehicle without insurance and driving while disqualified. During sentencing at Basildon Crown Court, he was disqualified from driving for five years. "Burke gave no thought to the safety of those motorists whose lives he endangered that night," Mr Barrett added. "He has now been jailed and our roads are safer for that." Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Ex-police dog hit by car wins Crufts hero award Police dog Kaiser helps find man hiding in bushes Essex Police
