Latest news with #TeessideLive
The Independent
24-07-2025
- The Independent
British teen to remain in detention in Georgia ahead of drug smuggling trial
A Georgian court has ordered British teenager Bella Culley to remain in detention until her trial on drug smuggling charges. Culley, 19, from Billingham in northeast England, was arrested on arrival at Tbilisi airport in May. Georgian prosecutors say she was carrying a large amount of cannabis and hashish in luggage she had brought with her from Thailand. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. In previous court appearances, Culley has said she was tortured into transporting the drugs, and that she is pregnant. On Thursday, the order was made for her to remain in detention ahead of her trial, scheduled to start on September 2. Drug smuggling carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years in the South Caucasus country. The teenager had decided to travel to southeast Asia after finishing her course at Middlesbrough College. Her mother told Teesside Live that her daughter flew to the Philippines after Easter with a friend and was there for three weeks. Culley then went to Thailand on May 3, reportedly to meet friends she had made on a previous trip that her mother did not know. She vanished in Thailand before resurfacing at Tbilisi International Airport.
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Most beautiful place' in UK where thousands visit to 'discover magic'
Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, is a popular destination amongst Brits and tourists, who continue to flock to the island to experience its rich heritage and stunning landscapes Holidaymakers craving a magical getaway don't need to worry about the expense of flying abroad to find one - an "enchanting" haven sits right on Northumberland 's shoreline. Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island, boasts incredible history and is regularly celebrated as one of Britain's most breathtaking spots. The tiny population of roughly 160 residents in this small retreat swells to over 650,000 as visitors flock from around the world each year to witness its magic, the Lindisfarne website confirms. Travel experts at have identified the circular path around its coast as among Northumberland's most stunning, where plentiful wildlife and ancient monuments can be spotted along the way. For guests needing somewhere to stay while exploring this unique spot, numerous holiday homes are on offer for booking on Lindisfarne itself, reports Teesside Live. One charming choice is Deja Blue, an 18th-century dwelling dubbed "steeped in history and charm" - providing a perfect retreat in one of England's most historically significant locations. Sleeping up to five people plus a pooch, Deja Blue offers stunning views over the village green on Holy Island where Queen Elizabeth II planted a tree during her 1958 trip, and has earned acclaim as a "lovely home from home" from guests. The property is positioned directly in the heart of the village, just moments away from Holy Island's spectacular ancient landmarks, and remains incredibly popular with bookings fully secured until 2026. Starting at £582 for a week-long break, Deja Blue stands as one of only three cottages available for Holy Island on alongside Tidal Cottage from £819 for seven nights, and St Coombs Farmhouse from £1,305 for seven nights. Over on Sykes Holiday Cottages, visitors will find merely two properties on offer: Causeway Cottage from £575, and Curlew Cottage from £660, both accommodating up to six guests. Availability and prices might vary depending on the season and the time of booking. Holy Island's rich heritage remains vibrantly present today, with historical treasures dotted throughout the island, from the captivating Lindisfarne Castle perched above the shoreline to the 12th-century remains of Lindisfarne Priory, formerly home to medieval Northumbrian monks and saints. Under English Heritage management, admission to Lindisfarne Priory is priced at £9 for adults and £5 for children, with the organisation describing it as "among the most atmospheric of England's historic sites". English Heritage characterises Holy Island as having an "otherworldly aura", and describes Lindisfarne Priory: "It echoes with the memories of the monks and saints of Anglo-Saxon and medieval Northumbria. It also offers abundant wildlife and wonderful coastal views." Meanwhile, Lindisfarne Castle remains under National Trust stewardship, welcoming visitors throughout the week with tickets costing £12 for adults and £6 for children. What's more, the magnificent Gertrude Jekyll walled garden alongside comes free of charge, having been crafted in 1911 and exploding with fragrance and vibrant hues throughout summer. Lindisfarne offers far more than just historical appeal - its seaside location creates a haven for wildlife and nature lovers, whilst providing the perfect backdrop for spectacular scenery. Visit Northumberland captures it perfectly: "Words cannot describe the magic of The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, particularly as you cross the causeway, admiring staggering views as you go, and feel as though you are entering a secret world as you approach the island." It's precisely this enchantment that saw The Times crown Lindisfarne amongst England's most stunning locations earlier this year, describing it as a "mystical place" offering "a real sense of peace". The publication justified its choice by noting: "The island's name dates back to the time when this was an early outpost of Christianity, and whether you're a believer or not, it remains a place of serenity and contemplation, which puts daily life into perspective." If you're planning a visit to Holy Island, it's vital to check the tide crossing times, as the island becomes cut off twice daily due to the tide - leading to hundreds of drivers needing emergency rescue each year. Northumberland County Council strongly urges visitors not to attempt to travel to and from the island during a rising tide - a full list of safe crossing times can be found here.
Scottish Sun
04-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
British high street giant launches 50% off sale before shutting down store in ‘another blow' for shoppers
SALE AWAY British high street giant launches 50% off sale before shutting down store in 'another blow' for shoppers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR high street store will be closing in a matter of weeks in what is yet "another blow" for town centre. Signs announcing the pending closure of the branch have been displayed on the shop's doors on Middlesbrough high street. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Next will be closing on Middlesbrough high street in less than two weeks Credit: Acuitus Major retailer closes branch The Next store will shut its doors for good in less than two weeks, with the retailer confirming the that it will stop trading on Saturday, July 12. The clothing and home-wear store has several branches across Teesside, however signs have confirmed that the Linthorpe Road store will be closing. Signs announcing a 50 per cent off sale starting Saturday July 5, have also been hung in the windows in the build up to the closure. Next are yet to release any details on how jobs will be affected by this devastating closure. Building owner speaks on closure The building owner, Nasser Din, told Teesside Live: "This is very sad news, it's another blow for the town centre. "It's another loss of a major fashion department store in Middlesbrough." Mr Din also explained that while he hasn't received official confirmation of the closure in writing yet, his office understands the store will shut its doors within the next fortnight. He told Teesside Live that he believes a lack of footfall may have impacted Next's decision, although the reason for the closure is yet to be confirmed by bosses. Mr Din remorsefully added: "People are stopping coming here." He explained that once Next have actually left, his team can decide what is best for the building, but sorrowfully added that it would be "wishful thinking" for it to be put back as a retail space. On a positive note, Mr Din expressed hope that the Tees Valley Authority may invest in the town centre, where he said there has previously been a lack of investment. Costa Coffee Shuts Whitstable Branch: What Shop Closures Mean for UK High Streets UK retailers announce more closures This comes after other major UK retailers have recently announced store closures. Just yesterday, it was reported that Poundland plans to close another branch by the end of the month. The bargain goods retailer will be pulling down the shutters on a store in Dudley on July 18. A Poundland spokesperson said: "We know how disappointing it is for customers when a location like Merry Hill closes, but we look forward to welcoming them to our other stores right across the West Midlands." Another high street giant shut more of its doors on July 1, a matter of hours after closing an additional 10 stores. New Look closed its Hamilton, Scotland branch in a move that left locals "gutted." According to Sky News, owners Alcentra and Brait, are talking to advisers in a move which could trigger an auction of the business.
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Schools in one UK region ban skirts as all kids must wear 'practical' trousers
Secondary schools in the area have been ordered to follow a new uniform policy which includes the removal of skirts. The trust said the move is more 'practical' An education trust has faced backlash after it announced that schools in one UK region will be forced to introduce a ban on skirts - making the environment more "inclusive". Students across six schools in Teesside have been told that their "uniform will no longer include skirts as an option". The rule change comes from Northern Education Trust - which manages numerous secondary schools in the region. The trust said that swapping skirts out for tailored trousers is more "practical". However, some parents have hit out at the policy, with one mum branding the move as "outragous misogyny". In a letter published online across four of its Teesside secondary schools, the trust says: "From September 2026, the school uniform will no longer include skirts as an option, and all students will be expected to wear tailored school trousers. This decision has been made following careful consideration and feedback from all stakeholders across the trust, where it highlighted the benefits of a more practical, inclusive, and consistent uniform policy. "The move to trousers for all students promotes equality and inclusivity, ensuring all students feel comfortable and supported. Trousers are also more practical for active learning and movement throughout the school day, while simplifying uniform requirements helps reduce costs for families. We understand that this is a significant change, which is why we are providing over a year's notice to allow time for any necessary adjustments." But the change has been met with backlash from some parents. One mum, whose daughter attends a school within the trust, told Teesside Live: "My daughter and many of her friends are upset about it. Many girls choose to wear skirts to express their gender identities. It is outrageous misogyny. There's nothing open, modern and inclusive about this." She claims there was students and parents were not consulted on this, however the trusts says it spoke with a "significant number of students" to ask their opinion. Limit on compulsory branded items In the letter, the trust says these changes are in response to the Department of Education changing its guidance on school uniforms to make them more affordable for families. The key change, the trust outlines, is a limit on the number of branded uniform items schools can require. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill will cap the number of branded items to three - with the addition of a branded tie allowed for secondary schools. From September 2026, at the trust's secondary schools, the only compulsory branded items will include a school blazer, school tie, and the PE top - with the trust adding it will no longer allow plain black T-shirts for this propose. All other uniform items, such as trousers, shirts, shoes, and PE bottoms, can be purchased from any retailer, provided they adhere to the school's colour and style guidelines. A spokesperson for the trust said: "Northern Education Trust is extremely mindful of the cost of school uniforms for parents, and has been considering the impact of this for a number of months, and of the forthcoming changes to government legislation. Alongside this, consideration was given to no longer including skirts as an option, and we have spoken to a significant number of students to ask their opinion about this. "As a result of positive feedback to this suggestion, it was decided that all secondary students should wear tailored school trousers from September 2026, as highlighted in the letter to parents earlier this month. The decision to delay implementation of the change until 2026 was to give families plenty of time to prepare so that they could make an informed choice when purchasing items this year, as well as saving costs on having to repeatedly replace tights. "A very small number of parents have raised concerns which have been discussed with individuals, but the vast majority of responses to the notification have been very positive. We cannot comment on individual cases, and we always ask parents to contact us directly to discuss any concerns they have about such changes." The Teesside schools under the Northern Education Trust Dyke House Academy, Hartlepool Freebrough Academy, Brotton The Grangefield Academy, Stockton (letter not published online at time of publication) Manor Community Academy, Hartlepool North Shore Academy, Stockton Thornaby Academy, Thornaby (letter not published online at time of publication)
Daily Record
27-06-2025
- Daily Record
Dad 'numb and helpless' as search for missing teen son continues near river
Mylo Capilla, 13, disappeared after playing with a friend - his black Carrera bike, black jacket and iPhone were found in an area where he was last spotted. The dad of missing schoolboy Mylo Capilla has said he feels "numb" and "helpless" as a large-scale hunt for his son continues. Dan Capilla was alerted to the youngster's disappearance shortly after 9pm on Thursday, June 26, after Mylo's mum raised the alarm. The 13-year-old was last seen after playing out with a friend, and his black Carrera bike, black jacket and iPhone were found in an area of the grassland where he was last spotted. Dan, 43, told Teesside Live: "I feel numb, I feel helpess," he told Teesside Live. "I've just been walking around again there searching - I just don't know what to do." The design engineer, who grew up in Stockton and attended Grangefield School, said he last saw Mylo at 4pm on Thursday when he called into his dad's Ingleby home with his pal just to say hello. Dan said: "He just called in to say hi with his friend while they were playing out. He gave me a big hug and said 'love you' and was playing with the dog. Then he left." It was five hours later that Dan got the call that Mylo, who has lived in Ingleby all of this life, was missing. He said: "I was completely shocked. I just kept, and keep, tearing up." All Saints Academy pupil Mylo had last been seen in an area known locally as The Muddies - which is in between Ramsey Gardens, in Ingleby Barwick, and the River Tees. A full-scale emergency services operation descended on Ramsey Gardens, in Ingleby Barwick, with teams from Cleveland Police, Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team, Cleveland Fire Brigade and the Water Rescue Unit. North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) paramedics also swarmed the street. Police dogs were also released onto the Muddies, the police helicopter and drones were flying above and Dan says even the RAF were called out. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Dan, who lives in Buckland Close with his finance manager partner Kat Urban, 39, said: "I didn't sleep at all last night and we were just out searching, driving around in the car, taking turns because we wanted someone in the house in case he came back. "The emergency services have been amazing, and the response from members of the public, with the amount of people searching is unbelieveable. The streets were full of people. We thank you, and appreciate you so much." Dan has been told by police that the search continued into the early hours of the morning, with a refreshed focus from 7am in daylight. "They said they'll contact me and family when there's any news," he said. Dan urged people who may have seen Mylo to get in touch with the force. He said: "Mylo is just a really loving, caring boy. He's always happy and wants to make people laugh. He would never just go missing or hide - this is completely out of character."
