Alice Kavanagh

More than one in five GCSE entries nationally achieved grade 7 or higher, rising slightly to 22% and remaining above the 2019 pre-pandemic level. The proportion achieving a standard pass fell marginally to 67.3%. The gap between girls and boys narrowed to its lowest level since records began, although girls continued to outperform boys. London recorded the highest share of top grades in England at 28.6%, while the North East recorded the lowest at 17.7%, creating a record regional gap. Education experts attributed the disparity to wider structural and social conditions rather than differences in school quality. Northern Ireland outperformed England and Wales on both top grades and standard passes.

Apple AirTags were stolen from a shop on Spurriergate in York city centre at around 4 p.m. on June 29. North Yorkshire Police is appealing for information and has released an image of a person they would like to speak to. Information can be provided to police using reference 12260123785, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Fire crews from Acomb, Malton and York responded to a wildfire on Kirk Balk Lane in Claxton, near York, after it was reported at 2:15 p.m. on August 14. The fire measured approximately 1,000 by 500 metres and was extinguished using two hose-reel jets before responsibility was left with the farmer.

A cross-county search is under way for 65-year-old Gary, who was reported missing after his van was found unattended near Aldi in Newton Aycliffe several weeks ago. Durham Constabulary said he is of average height, has dark hair and a full beard, often wears workwear, and has links to Newton Aycliffe, Whitby and Scotland. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote incident reference 389 of June 14.