Brandon Mawson

Jamie Houghton, 34, of Workington, was given a two-year criminal behaviour order at Workington Magistrates’ Court after being convicted of shoplifting. The order bars him from entering specified Asda, Aldi, Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores in Workington, Maryport and Cockermouth, as well as premises displaying the Schemelink sign in Workington or Maryport, with an exception for Morrisons on Derwent Drive. Breaching the order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.

Four Longtown properties priced between £145,000 and £210,000 are presented for sale. The homes include three-bedroom houses on Swan Street and Sycamore Drive, a detached three-bedroom property on St. Michaels Drive, and a three-bedroom home near Longtown at Kirkandrews Moat. Features include gardens, driveways, modern kitchens, en-suite bedrooms and family-oriented living space.

Four homes in Wigton are advertised for up to £280,000: a detached house at Woodside Park for £280,000, a semi-detached property at Woolner Brook for £225,000, a Georgian sandstone townhouse on Clifton Terrace for £235,000, and a modern semi-detached home at St Cuthberts Close for £220,000. The listings highlight features including gardens, parking, multiple bedrooms, en-suite facilities and access to local amenities.

Four homes in Brampton are advertised for between £220,000 and £500,000. The listings include three-bedroom new-build and semi-detached properties, as well as a larger period home with three reception rooms, gardens, parking and other upgraded features. The properties are marketed by eXp and, in one case, are part of a Story Homes development.

A weekend exhibition at Setmurthy Parish Hall will explore the history of the parish, including its former school, St Barnabas Church, sailing club and Higham Hall. The display will feature photographs, information about notable local figures such as painter E. H. Thompson, and a baptism register dating to 1813. Setmurthy’s heritage also includes evidence of settlement from the late Neolithic period and an ancient stone circle. The exhibition will run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on August 22 and 23, with admission costing £5 including refreshments.

A space-themed colour run involving 270 pupils at Mayfield School's Whitehaven and Cockermouth sites raised £3,270.50 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service. The event formed part of National MOVE Day and promoted movement, participation and community spirit. Additional fundraising by teaching assistant Courtney Torrance generated more than £500 for West Cumberland Hospital's children's ward.

Four Carlisle homes priced at £275,000 or less are highlighted: a three-bedroom home in Gatekeeper Close for £230,000, a detached three-bedroom property in Raisbeck Close for £275,000, a three-bedroom semi-detached house on Harker Park Road for £220,000, and a Grade II Listed two-bedroom mews in Rickerby for £240,000. The listings describe features including gardens, garages, parking, modern kitchens and access to Carlisle, local amenities and the M6.

Faith – The George Michael Legacy, starring Andrew Browning with a live band and cast, will perform in Carlisle on May 29, 2027, marking 40 years since George Michael’s Faith album. The tribute will feature songs including “Careless Whisper,” “Freedom! ’90,” “Club Tropicana,” “Outside” and tracks from Faith. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., with the show running from 8 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.; tickets cost £28 plus booking fee, and the standing event is restricted to those aged 18 and over.

The Three Degrees will perform at Carlisle’s Old Fire Station on May 20, 2027, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. The group’s current lineup—Valerie Holiday, Freddie Pool and Hazel Payne—will perform soulful classics and disco-era hits. General admission tickets cost £28 plus a booking fee, while £45 VIP tickets include front-row seating and a post-show meet-and-greet. The event is open to people aged 16 and over.

An immigration-enforcement operation across Cumbria on January 30 and 31 resulted in 12 arrests after officers visited eight locations with support from Cumbria Police. The arrests formed part of a wider North West crackdown, where 393 arrests had been made in 2026 after a 10% rise in activity over six months. Nationally, enforcement visits and arrests have increased sharply, with the government pledging to double the Immigration Enforcement budget by 2028/29, expand its workforce, and conduct more raids, arrests, and removals of people without the right to remain in the UK.

Veteran comedian Jim Davidson will bring his No Holds Barred tour to Carlisle’s Old Fire Station on April 8, 2027. The 18-and-over event starts at 8 p.m., with tickets priced at £35 plus booking fees; attendees may need photo identification, and the seated venue advises visitors to check its disabled-access information.

REYONCÉ, a Beyoncé tribute production featuring live vocals, dancers, costume changes and songs including “Crazy in Love,” “Single Ladies,” “Halo” and “Texas Hold ’Em,” will perform at Whitehaven’s Solway Hall on September 11, 2026. Promoter Amy Wright says the event is intended to strengthen West Cumbria’s live-entertainment programme and help secure future touring shows. Tickets cost £15 plus a booking fee, and the event is open to people aged 14 and over, with under-18s required to attend with a responsible adult.

Parkinson’s UK has launched the Movement Your Way programme, a series of 21 bite-sized, accessible exercise videos developed with 1FitLife. The workouts are designed for people with Parkinson’s across different experience levels, particularly those with limited mobility or reduced access to traditional physical activity, including people in Cumbria. Parkinson’s UK says the programme aims to help more people find movements suited to their needs and stay active.

The Carlisle Thursday Night 4's Darts League ended its season with a finals night at QZone. QZone A won the fours competition and Division One team title, while Bridge End claimed Division Two and Denton Holme A received promotion trophies. Individual winners included Dan Valance and James Musgrave in the Division Two Doubles, John Duncan and Sean Paton in the Division One Doubles, Evan Hall and Alfie Louden in the Open Doubles, Dale Weir and Alfie Louden in the division singles, and Geoff Ramshaw in the Open Singles. Additional awards went to Dan for Most 180s, Chris Royle for Highest Checkout and Sam Henderson for winning the evening’s 180 competition.

Four homes in and around Aspatria, Cumbria, are listed for sale at prices ranging from £195,000 to £250,000. The properties include semi-detached and detached three-bedroom houses, with features such as modern kitchens, gardens, parking, garages, multiple bathrooms and energy-efficiency ratings of B.

Whitehaven Town Council is encouraging residents to attend a summer market in St Nicholas Gardens, while Cumberland Council plans a separate market on King Street the following day. Although the events were organized independently and their close scheduling has raised concerns, Gerard Richardson said the overlap could benefit traders by giving them more opportunities to sell and develop their businesses.

Cumbria Police say enquiries remain ongoing into the death of a teenage girl during the Kendal Calling festival. Almost 40,000 people attended, while police recorded 34 offences—including assault, drugs, public order, sexual and theft offences—and made 15 arrests. Chief Superintendent Matt Kennerley and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen expressed condolences to the girl’s family and praised officers, organizers, emergency services, local authorities and communities for helping most attendees enjoy the festival safely.

Whitehaven is preparing for a busy summer programme featuring a visiting tall ship, markets, the Beacon Museum’s “Carboniferous Monsters” exhibition, The Rum Story and a Beatrix Potter exhibition hosted by the town council. Deputy lieutenant Gerard Richardson praises the range of attractions for families, adults, locals and tourists.

Whitehaven fundraiser Peter Thompson is undertaking seven endurance challenges under a “7 in 7” theme to raise awareness and money for people living with motor neurone disease in Cumbria. He has completed five challenges, including the Kielder and Leeds marathons, a Skiddaw hike and climbs at Mount Pleasant and Roseberry Topping. His remaining events are a 13-mile community walk around Whitehaven and seven 7km rowing-machine sessions at Whitehaven Sports Centre. Thompson has raised just over £1,500 and aims to collect £777 each for The Rob Burrow Centre for MND and the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s North and West Cumbria group.

Razzamataz West Cumbria, Carlisle and South Lakes plans to take students to Disneyland Paris in September 2027 to perform in the Disneyland Parade. The school says the trip supports confidence, self-belief and personal growth, with tailored support, scholarships, sibling discounts and child-safety measures intended to make participation accessible. Parents describe the experience as highly positive, while former students also contribute as mentors and assistants.

Whitehaven's Mothers' Union branch is preparing to mark 150 years of the worldwide Christian movement founded by Mary Sumner in Hampshire in 1876. Members highlighted the organization's continuing work, including family support, prison and homelessness projects, affordable breaks for families, literacy and financial education, and campaigning against domestic abuse through the RISE UP initiative. A celebration featuring hymns, refreshments and former worldwide president Lynne Tembey OBE will be held at St James' Church, while local member Dr Deb Lee continues to hold regional and national leadership roles.

Cumberland Council candidate Kevin Peel is campaigning to represent the Corkickle and Harras Park ward, including Corkickle, Hillcrest and Highlands. He has already taken part in litter collection, footpath clearance and vegetation cutting in Whitehaven, and promises to remain a hands-on representative who listens to residents and addresses problems personally. Peel also says the council and other organizations must fulfill their formal responsibilities, arguing that too many basic services in the area are being neglected.

Whitehaven town crier Marc Goodwin is set to deliver the annual Lammas Fair proclamation, a tradition dating from 1672 when Charles I granted the town market rights. Historian Gerard Richardson explains that the fair helped Whitehaven develop into a major trading port, while a town crier committee works to preserve the custom. Goodwin will also announce events at Haig Pit and the Santa Maria before calling bingo in Bransty.

Four Silloth properties are listed for sale at prices ranging from £192,000 to £325,000. The homes include a barn conversion, a modern dormer bungalow, a detached bungalow near the sea and a four-storey period end-terrace, with features such as gardens, parking, multiple bedrooms and proximity to the seafront, schools and local amenities.

The Ticket to Independence project is installing visual information panels at selected stations on Cumbria's Cumbrian Coast Line to help people with disabilities travel more independently. Developed by Community Rail Cumbria with Cumberland Council and Northern Trains, the scheme involved day service groups in workshops covering rail safety, timetables and ticket machines, with participants helping design the panels. The displays feature accessible attractions, walking routes and cycling trails, while printed leaflets provide a non-digital option. The panels were unveiled at Cumbria House on July 30 and are scheduled for installation at stations in August; the project will also introduce Terri the Ticket Inspector in future initiatives.

Four residential properties in and around Wigton are listed for sale at prices ranging from £130,000 to £395,000. The selection includes detached bungalows, terraced homes and semi-detached family houses, with details on their layouts, gardens, parking, garages, amenities and energy ratings. All properties are marketed through Your Move.

Four Carlisle-area homes priced from £150,000 to £350,000 are featured: a three-bedroom semi-detached house on Warwick Road, a three-storey end terrace in Dalston, a five-bedroom Grade II listed Victorian townhouse on Victoria Place, and a two-bedroom semi-detached home in Morton Park. The properties offer features including gardens, parking, garages and potential for extension, with several marketed as suitable for families or first-time buyers.

Scottish comedian Connor Burns will perform his fifth solo show, FLOW, at Carlisle’s Old Fire Station on January 21, 2027. The performance will feature new material and follows Burns’s 2025 Forth Fringe Award win, alongside strong praise from critics and significant online viewership.

Whitehaven Harbour will host the Nao Santa Maria replica at Sugar Tongue from July 29 to August 10. The ship’s visit will coincide with a continental market, additional Harbour Sessions live music, a Rum Story stall, Teg Makers’ Market, a Harbour Sessions N.E.A.D takeover and Taylor’s Fun Fair.

Eleven-year-old Jessie from West Cumbria has won a year-long performing arts scholarship at Razzamataz West Cumbria after impressing judges with her vocal range, audience connection and determination. The award provides free training and access to performances, workshops and theatre opportunities. Jessie and her mother credited the programme with strengthening her skills and confidence, while Zac and Rose received runner-up scholarships. The wider scheme has funded approximately £250,000 in places across the UK, UAE and Republic of Ireland.

Seascale-based painter Gareth Harrison is the featured artist at Lowes Court Gallery in Egremont throughout August. His acrylic landscapes offer a personal interpretation of the lower reaches of Wasdale. The exhibition runs until August 29, with Harrison scheduled to attend a Meet the Artist event on August 8; the gallery also sells a range of other arts and crafts.

Four homes in Wigton, Cumbria, are listed for sale at prices ranging from £110,000 to £265,000. The properties include three detached bungalows priced at £250,000 or more and a three-bedroom mid-terrace house at £110,000. Features highlighted include gardens, parking, garages, en suites, energy efficiency, proximity to the town centre, and potential for downsizing, family living, first-time buyers or buy-to-let investment.

Green Haze, described as the UK’s leading Green Day tribute band, will perform at Carlisle’s Brickyard on August 15 after three consecutive sold-out appearances. The more-than-two-and-a-half-hour show will feature Green Day-style music, costume changes, audience interaction and elaborate stage performances. Tickets are available through Fatsoma for £14 in advance.

More than 170 students from Razzamataz West Cumbria performed three shows of Born This Way at Workington's Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre on July 18 and 19. The production celebrated individuality through singing, dancing and drama, while giving younger performers stage experience and older students mentoring and production responsibilities. Principal Matty praised the students' growth in confidence, and sponsor Marra Motors and the audience supported the performers' achievement.

The Strand pub on Lowther Street in Whitehaven has reached the finals of the News & Star’s 2026 Best Pub competition. It was among the ten pubs across North Cumbria receiving the most reader nominations, with the winner to be decided by a public vote.

The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven will pass on savings from a temporary reduction in VAT on family tickets for visitor attractions, lowering the tax rate from 20% to 5% during the school holidays until September 1. The museum, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary and recently won Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Cumbria Tourism Awards, has used the TryBooking online ticketing platform to introduce the new pricing. The system has improved booking efficiency and customer service, while contributing to a 6% increase in visitor numbers. The savings coincide with the opening of the Carboniferous Monsters exhibition on July 18, alongside the museum's wider programme of exhibitions, workshops and events.

Four Longtown properties priced from £80,000 to £160,000 are highlighted: a one-bedroom semi-detached home on Esk Bank, a two-bedroom apartment on Sutton Close, a two-bedroom terraced project on Esk Street, and a two-bedroom semi-detached house on Dukeswood Road. Features include gardens, parking, wood-burning stoves, development potential and suitability for first-time buyers, downsizers or investors.

The Penrith Street Art Project has transformed Penrith Skate Park with vibrant murals created by artists Dave and Lily of DVision Art, young volunteers and hundreds of local residents. The project was funded by the Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Westmorland and Furness Council, Penrith Place Action Group and Cumbria Police Cadets, with JT Atkinson Builders Merchant donating paint and exterior boards. The boards will allow young people to experiment with their own artwork without damaging the finished murals or nearby buildings, and Eden Police praised the completed improvements.

Cumbria Constabulary’s Nuclear Estates Team and Civil Nuclear Constabulary officers have launched unpredictable, high-visibility Project Servator patrols in Keswick. Officers are engaging with residents, businesses and tourists to raise awareness and encourage vigilance while helping disrupt potential criminal activity.

Whitehaven town councillor Alan Pearson has warned that unresolved hazards, including roadside vegetation and dangerous junctions, along the B5345 near the Greenbank and Woodhouse estates could lead to further fatalities. Cumberland Council said its annual verge cutting had begun, trees had been cut back at Seldom Seen, and further maintenance and highway improvements were planned. The council attributed some remaining work to the bird-nesting season and encouraged residents to report highway concerns.

Four Brampton homes priced from £145,000 to £525,000 are featured, including detached, terraced and period semi-detached properties. The listings highlight features such as garages, gardens, en-suite bedrooms, modern kitchens, parking, warranties and proximity to local amenities. Your Move and eXp are the estate agents representing the properties.

The Cross Keys Inn in Carleton, near Penrith, has reached the finals of the News & Star’s Best Pub Competition. Owner Joe Gregory credits loyal customers and the pub’s hardworking team, while highlighting its food, rotating local beers, community role and events such as themed nights, World Cup screenings and Penrith in the Park. The pub plans to continue evolving while maintaining its position as a local community hub.

A whistle heard near Scafell Pike at 1:50 a.m. prompted an emergency alert after a camper contacted North West Ambulance Service. A mountain rescue team leader determined that the sound did not match a distress signal, while lights seen on the fell appeared steady and showed no signs of concern. After consultation with Cumbria Police, rescuers decided not to deploy because the potential search area was extensive and there was no reliable evidence that anyone was in difficulty. The call, made in good faith, was closed at 3:16 a.m.

Cumbria Police warned that removing or interfering with wild swans at Hammonds Pond in Upperby without a lawful reason is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Officers said they regularly patrol the area and urged residents to report suspicious activity to police, while injured or distressed wildlife should be reported to the RSPCA.

The Graham Arms in Longtown has reached the finals of the News and Star’s Best Pub 2026 competition, supported by strong community backing. Owner Vanessa Luckley and her family credit local residents and visitors for the pub’s success, highlighting its welcoming atmosphere, bar menu and role in the town’s community spirit. Ongoing refurbishments and local event planning continue as the team expresses gratitude to supporters ahead of the final.

Four Carlisle properties priced at £290,000 or less are highlighted, including detached family homes and a Victorian terrace. Listings outline key features such as kitchens, en‑suites, gardens and proximity to local amenities, with some homes offered chain‑free or requiring refurbishment.

A production of Calendar Girls by the Rosehill Players inspired the group to create a fundraising calendar, raising £2,200 for Hospice at Home. Cast members and supporters contributed through calendar sales and handmade sunflower brooches, with proceeds presented to the hospice team. Calendars remain available for purchase, with further funds to be donated at year’s end.

Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, issued a tribute following the death of Kevin Keegan, the former England captain and celebrated football manager. Keegan, who died at 75 after battling cancer, was noted for winning major honours with Liverpool, claiming two Ballons d’Or, and managing England and several top clubs, earning enduring popularity within English football.

The Sunny Hill pub in Whitehaven has been named a finalist in the News & Star’s Best Pub competition for 2026. Manager Beverly Dixon highlights the venue’s popularity, home-cooked food, live sports and family‑friendly facilities. The pub plans to expand its beer garden to better accommodate busy periods and special events. Strong turnout during major sporting events and consistent community support have contributed to its reputation, with staff preparing for increased demand during school holidays.

A set of four Carlisle properties offered with no onward chain includes a detached bungalow on Nairn Way, a ground‑floor apartment on Willowbank, a refurbished character cottage in Great Corby, and a modern detached home in Holme Eden Gardens. Prices range from £90,000 to £525,000, with each listing highlighting features such as gardens, parking, contemporary finishes and convenient locations.

MP Josh MacAlister stepped in to fund advertising that will promote the visit of the Nao Santa Maria tall ship to Whitehaven, enabling wider outreach across Cumbria. Organiser Gerard Richardson praised the support, noting it allows broader promotion of both the event and the town. The ship will be open to the public from July 30 to August 10, with expectations of significant visitor turnout to boost local businesses and highlight Whitehaven’s maritime heritage.

Carlisle Lake District Airport hosted a five‑week international military exercise involving more than 300 personnel and multiple helicopters from the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force. Airport representatives praised the operation and expressed appreciation for supporting the training deployment, offering well wishes and hoping to welcome the Dutch forces again.

The Blue Bell pub in Dalston has been named a finalist in the News & Star’s Best Pub Competition 2026, reflecting its growth since opening just over a year ago. Owners Eddie and Vicky Faulder highlight their focus on quality food, a strong drink trade, and community engagement. Known for steaks and homemade desserts, the pub previously reached the finals shortly after opening. A planned five-week refurbishment later in the summer aims to elevate the venue further as the owners express gratitude for local support.

Highlights four Carlisle-area homes priced under £699,950, outlining key features such as bedrooms, extensions, garden space, parking and garages, along with associated estate agents.

Four properties in the Mirehouse and Woodhouse areas of Whitehaven are highlighted, each offering two or three bedrooms at prices between £70,000 and £130,000. The listings outline key features such as chain-free availability, garden space, modernised interiors, and suitability for families or investors, along with the estate agents handling each home.