Ethan Evans

Health officials are urging 17- and 18-year-olds, school leavers and some under-25s entering university accommodation to check their MenB vaccination status and book any missing doses. Fewer than 100,000 of roughly one million eligible young people are estimated to have received protection. The two-dose course must be given at least four weeks apart, and the vaccine helps protect against meningitis and septicaemia, which can become serious quickly and may be fatal. Free vaccinations are available through NHS services and participating Well Pharmacy branches.

B&M is selling a compact 8-litre Wooden Swing Top Bin for £7, available for in-store collection. The black bin with a dark wooden top is marketed as a practical and stylish way to manage bathroom waste, although stock may be limited. The article also highlights B&M’s Bathroom Collection Pedal Bin and Addis Ribbed Pedal Bin as alternative bathroom storage and waste solutions.

Emptying the bladder before measuring blood pressure may prevent a temporarily inflated systolic reading, potentially by as much as 33 mmHg. For more accurate home measurements, people should also rest for five minutes, sit correctly with their feet and back supported, keep their arm at heart level, avoid smoking, exercise and caffeine for 30 minutes beforehand, remain silent during the test, and repeat an unusually high reading before making clinical decisions.

Tourists visiting France can be fined up to €1,500 for taking natural items such as sand, shells or pebbles from beaches under environmental laws designed to protect the coastline. Experts warn that widespread removal of natural materials contributes to erosion across European shores. Travellers are urged to check local regulations, with UK authorities advising that even seemingly minor actions abroad may carry penalties.

UK homeowners with a static caravan, mobile home or moveable chalet may avoid paying for a second TV licence if they confirm that live TV or BBC iPlayer will not be used simultaneously at both properties. A non‑simultaneous use declaration is required, and the exemption does not apply to traditional second homes such as houses or flats. Portable devices running solely on internal battery power may also be covered by the primary residence’s licence. Understanding these rules can help households avoid unnecessary fees.

High temperatures across the UK prompt warnings for dog owners to check pavement heat using a seven‑second back‑of‑hand test provided by emergency vets chain Vets Now. The guidance highlights risks of severe paw burns on hot surfaces, noting that asphalt and artificial grass can reach extreme temperatures even in moderate weather.

Drivers are advised to use the “4-20 rule” during hot weather by opening all four windows and driving for about 20 seconds before closing them and switching on the air conditioning. Venting trapped hot air can help the cabin cool faster and reduce the strain and fuel consumption associated with air conditioning, while recirculation, shaded parking and sunshades can further limit heat buildup. The article notes that claims the method cools cars twice as fast vary by vehicle and conditions, but the underlying advice is supported by automotive specialists and official energy guidance.

A new £8 Solar Buzzkill insect zapper has joined B&M’s expanded pest control range as hot weather increases fly activity across the UK. The solar‑powered device uses UV light to attract and kill flying insects, requires no batteries, and is currently flagged as low in stock. It is available in-store only, and shoppers are encouraged to check local availability online before visiting.

B&M is selling a £6 Blaupunkt LED Colour Changing Handheld Fan, advertised with up to five hours of runtime, three speed settings, seven colours and a rechargeable battery. The fan is reportedly low in stock and available only for in-store collection. B&M also sells a £20 Blaupunkt 14-inch Tower Fan for home or office use. The products are highlighted as affordable cooling options amid temperatures reaching 38°C and a Met Office red weather warning in the UK.

B&M is selling light-blue Father's Day slippers featuring a “No.1 Dad” design for £6, but shoppers are warned that stock is low. The slippers are available in sizes 7/8 and 9/10 for in-store collection only, with customers advised to check the retailer’s store locator. The retailer is also stocking Snickers and Mars frappes, which have drawn positive reactions from shoppers on social media.

Martin Lewis advises travellers to choose the local currency rather than pounds when paying abroad or withdrawing cash. Selecting pounds allows overseas ATMs and retailers to perform dynamic currency conversion, which often uses poorer exchange rates and may add fees or markups of up to 6–7%. Even standard debit and credit cards may offer better rates, while specialist overseas spending cards can provide rates close to the interbank rate.

B&M is selling a beige ceramic-effect Home Collection Accent Side Table for £25. The three-tiered, geometric table measures approximately 30cm by 30cm and 40cm tall, requires no assembly and is available only for in-store collection, with stock checks available through B&M’s store locator. The retailer is also discounting its Animal Print Inflatable Footstool from £12 to £10 while stocks last; it comes in zebra or leopard designs and can function as either a footrest or extra seat.

Dr Amir Khan has warned women in their 40s and 50s that gradually worsening shoulder pain and stiffness may indicate frozen shoulder linked to perimenopause or menopause, rather than simply ageing. Researchers believe declining oestrogen levels may increase inflammation and scar tissue in the shoulder capsule, although the precise mechanism remains under investigation. Frozen shoulder is most common among people aged 40 to 60, affects women more often than men, and is also associated with diabetes. Early medical assessment can help sufferers access appropriate treatment and exercises.

B&M has reduced the price of its Animal Print Inflatable Footstool from £12 to £10, with zebra and leopard designs available for in-store collection only. The compact, lightweight footstool can be used as a footrest or extra seat, but shoppers are warned that stock is low. B&M is also selling Fresco Agate Stripe Wallpaper in gold and cream for £14.99.

Prince William reportedly starts each day with two eggs, wholemeal toast with butter, apple juice and tea, a breakfast costing about £2. Nutritionist Charlotte Faure Green says the meal provides protein, fibre, vitamin C and polyphenols, with potential benefits for energy, gut health and protection from oxidative stress. The routine was disclosed during a 2022 visit to a community garden in Cornwall and is presented as an affordable alternative to expensive health foods.

A retired homeowner says a neighbour repeatedly parked across or overhung their dropped-kerb driveway and reacted angrily when challenged, claiming the property's boundary gave them the right to do so. Reddit commenters advised documenting future incidents and contacting the local authority rather than blocking or damaging the vehicle. Guidance from Salford and Newcastle councils indicates that obstructing access across a lowered kerb can be enforceable even without road markings or signs, while advisory H-bar markings do not create parking restrictions themselves.

B&M is selling solar-powered string lights with 12 colored bulb-shaped lanterns for £10, designed for gardens, patios, windows and entrances. The lights include warm-white LEDs, rechargeable solar power, constant or flashing modes and a three-metre lead cable, but are available only for in-store collection. The article compares them with B&Q’s £47.99 multicolored festoon lights, highlighting the nearly £38 price difference while noting that the B&Q set has a longer lit length and more LEDs.

B&M is selling an £18 Fire Basket designed to add warmth and atmosphere to gardens, patios and outdoor parties. The compact 38cm-square product is intended for easy setup, emptying and cleaning, but is available only for in-store collection, so shoppers should check local stock. The retailer is also promoting a solar-powered string light reduced from £15 to £7.50.

B&M is selling its Spaceways 3 Tier Storage Unit for £4, reduced from £6, offering compact fabric shelving, a drawer and an iron frame for use in bedrooms, bathrooms or utility spaces. The unit is available for in-store collection only. The article compares it with The Range’s £24 four-tier glass shelf rack, which is heavier and includes an additional tier. It also highlights B&M’s £3 Summer Fruits Printed Canvas, available in several designs, while warning that stock may sell out quickly.

Health experts are cautioning that prolonged use of some antihistamines, particularly formulations containing the anticholinergic ingredient diphenhydramine, may be associated with a higher risk of dementia in older adults. A study of nearly 3,500 people aged 65 and over found a 54% higher risk among those taking strong anticholinergic drugs for three years or more, although researchers stressed that this demonstrated correlation rather than causation. UK Benadryl products may instead contain acrivastine or cetirizine. The NHS and Alzheimer’s Society advise consulting a GP or pharmacist before changing medication, while patients may discuss newer non-drowsy antihistamines or alternatives.

Home Bargains is selling a Jardin Floating Fountain Solar Light for £7, featuring eight colour-changing LEDs, seven nozzles and around four hours of operation after dark. The weather-resistant product is promoted as a decorative addition to gardens and patios. The retailer also sells a £29.99 Firefly Blossom Solar Light Trellis with 75 LED lights, described as easy to install and maintenance-free.

B&M has reduced its three-piece Folding Bistro Set from £40 to £20. The compact black set includes a tempered-glass table and two folding chairs, making it suitable for small gardens, patios and balconies. Stock is reportedly low, and the item is currently available only for in-store collection. A similar set at B&Q costs £79.99.

B&M is selling a solar-powered dog lantern ornament for £10, discounted by nearly 30%, as part of its range of garden accessories. The decoration includes cool-white LED lights, automatic dusk activation and a rechargeable battery, but is available only for in-store collection. The retailer also stocks a £20 solar-powered squirrels-in-a-tree lamp, with shoppers advised to check local stock before visiting.

Using a mobile phone to make a contactless payment at a drive-through is permitted in the United Kingdom when the vehicle is stationary, but drivers must remain in full control. Motorists can receive six penalty points and a £200 fine for illegally holding and using a phone or similar device, while drivers who lack proper control or a full view of the road may face additional penalties, court action, a driving ban, or fines of up to £1,000. New drivers may lose their licence and be required to retake their test.

B&M has launched a £25 white Ruffle Duvet Set for double beds, available in stores, which is presented as a lower-cost alternative to John Lewis’s £70 Scallop Duvet Cover Set. Both products feature ruffled or scalloped edging, matching pillowcases and cotton fabric, although B&M uses T200 percale while John Lewis uses organic Egyptian cotton. The John Lewis set is available online or for in-store collection and has received positive customer reviews.