Georgie Docker

Chester Zoo chief executive Jamie Christon says the proposed Peak Cluster carbon-capture pipeline route would damage wildlife habitats on the zoo’s 470-acre conservation estate and is therefore unacceptable. He is calling for the project to engage with the zoo, neighboring communities and environmental groups and to find a route that protects nature. Peak Cluster chief executive David Parkin says the project remains in contact with the zoo, has reviewed more than 5,500 consultation responses, and is conducting further engineering and environmental assessments before evaluating pipeline location options.

Hundreds of fish have died in the River Tame after firewater run-off from firefighting foam entered the river following an industrial-unit blaze near Greenfield. The Environment Agency said containment measures limited the release, no additional fish deaths were found the following morning, and the remaining surface foam appeared to be dispersing downstream. Local resident Craig Hannah described the extensive foam and expressed concern about the incident’s effect on the river’s recovering ecosystem.

Jake Waine, 29, from Eccleston, Lancashire, completed his first 10km run eight months after a stroke left the left side of his body paralysed. Following emergency thrombolytic treatment and months of physiotherapy, gym exercises and running training, he finished the North Downs Ultra Challenge in 1 hour, 23 minutes and 41 seconds. His experience has prompted him to raise awareness that strokes can affect younger people and that symptoms such as facial drooping, dizziness and shortness of breath should be taken seriously.

Liverpool's Royal Albert Dock opened in 1846 as a secure, state-of-the-art trading complex designed by Jesse Hartley, handling goods including tobacco, spices and tea. Its location and design soon became outdated as larger steamships emerged, and commercial shipping largely ended by the 1920s. The dock closed in 1972 and deteriorated until regeneration led by Michael Heseltine and the Merseyside Development Corporation began in the 1980s. Restoration transformed the warehouses into a major cultural, commercial and visitor destination featuring Tate Liverpool, museums, restaurants and hotels, securing the dock's status as a nationally significant heritage site.

Liverpool's Royal Albert Dock opened in 1846 as a secure, non-combustible facility for the city's expanding global trade. It later became obsolete as larger steamships replaced sailing vessels, closed in 1972 and fell into disrepair. Regeneration led by the Merseyside Development Corporation from the early 1980s restored the warehouses, dock infrastructure and surrounding site, attracting cultural venues, businesses and millions of visitors. The dock is now a major heritage and tourism landmark, home to attractions including Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story.

Calvin Buckley, whose pregnant partner Frankie Jules-Hough was killed in a 2023 M66 crash, has condemned the possibility that driver Adil Iqbal could qualify for early release. Iqbal was filmed speeding at more than 120 mph before hitting Jules-Hough's car, killing her and seriously injuring her nine-year-old son and four-year-old nephew. His sentence was increased from 12 to 15 years by the Court of Appeal, but revised prison-release rules could allow him to serve 50% of the current term, potentially less time than he would have served under the original arrangement. The government has excluded offenders convicted of rape, grooming and serious child-sex offences from the scheme, but dangerous-driving convictions remain eligible, prompting Buckley to argue that victims of road crime are being treated less seriously than other victims.

Brian Cunliffe, 56, died after an assault in Ince, Wigan. Two men, in their 50s and 30s, were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. Police said the suspects and victim were known to each other, while the investigation continues and Cunliffe’s family is being supported.

Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig has announced that free bus travel on the Bee Network will be extended from 16-18-year-olds to children aged 11-18 from January 2027. The expansion is expected to benefit about 200,000 young people and save families an estimated £500 per child each year, with applications opening later in 2026. Other Bee Network changes, including new routes in Stockport, Wigan and Ashton and region-wide night services, are due to begin on 30 August.

Jemima Antwi, a Chester-based entrepreneur from Ghana, founded Black Founders Studio after her reusable-bottle business failed amid limited access to funding, contacts and a supportive network. The not-for-profit community interest company supports early-stage Black founders, particularly women, with training on business structures, registration, trademarks and product development. In less than a year, it has worked with about 50 founders, with 30 businesses approaching launch. The ventures include inclusive beauty, wellness, African cuisine, menopause support and skincare brands. Antwi aims to expand the organization’s role in helping founders secure funding and to promote deeper economic representation for Black people in the UK.

Jemima Antwi founded Black Founders Studio in Chester after her reusable-bottle business failed amid limited funding, contacts and community support. The not-for-profit network has supported around 50 early-stage black founders, mostly women, with business education, legal guidance and an incubator programme; 30 businesses are approaching launch. Antwi aims to address underrepresentation and structural barriers in entrepreneurship, with future plans to help founders secure funding. Among the ventures is Anita Asante's ADWO Makeup, which serves underrepresented skin tones.

A 36-year-old man was arrested after driving a Nissan Qashqai at speeds of up to 100mph through Salford during a 45-minute police pursuit. The car travelled the wrong way around roundabouts, mounted kerbs, passed buses and drove through a Tesco car park. Up to 10 police cars and a helicopter were involved. A woman suffered minor injuries in a collision, while a police officer injured his hand when a stinger device was dragged. The suspect remained in custody on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and failing to stop.

Three adults suffered minor injuries after a BB gun was fired at Jewish people from a passing car on Leicester Road in Salford. Greater Manchester Police are treating the incident as a suspected religiously aggravated attack, and two people have been arrested on suspicion of religiously aggravated common assault. Police say they are enhancing security in Jewish communities across Greater Manchester.

A woman who fled Liberia’s civil war and lived for a decade in refugee camps has graduated with a public health degree from the University of Manchester, inspired by her experiences supporting humanitarian work in Guinea. Makagbeh Princess Sesay described the dangers and hardships she faced as a child refugee and the assistance provided by NGOs and the Guinean government. After resettling in Norway and later moving to the UK, she pursued education while working as a carer. Her lecturers praised her determination, and she hopes her journey will encourage others facing adversity to follow their ambitions.

Marie Stephenson plans a 10‑day journey from Devon to Scotland to milk 10,000 cows, raising funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and promoting awareness of mental‑health challenges in farming. She will visit various parlours, use rotary machinery and coordinate with regional farm networks to meet her target, motivated by personal losses and a desire to support isolated farming communities.

Glass fragments removed during Manchester Town Hall’s major restoration have been transformed by jeweller Lin Fletcher into earrings, pendants and cufflinks. The pieces use both original stained glass and authentic replacement off‑cuts, with proceeds supporting the We Love MCR charity. Manchester City Council leaders describe the project as creatively preserving the building’s heritage and offering residents a tangible piece of local history.

Wildfires across Greater Manchester and Derbyshire have burned about 885 hectares of moorland, prompting urgent warnings for the public to stay away and avoid open flames. More than 100 firefighters and volunteers are tackling major fires at Dove Stone and Swineshaw, with additional support from multiple regional services. Authorities report that some visitors continue to light barbecues despite the risk. Emergency crews are using specialist equipment, including helicopters, to contain the blaze. Police have charged a woman with aggravated arson and arrested two others, who have since been bailed.

A 49-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murdering a 75-year-old man found dead at a property in Bolton. Greater Manchester Police said the man was discovered on Friday morning, and his next of kin have been informed though formal identification is pending. Detective Inspector Louise Kelly offered condolences and appealed for information as the investigation continues.

A major fire involving about 300 tonnes of scrap metal at the Global Ardour site in Preston is expected to take days to fully resolve. Lancashire Fire Service reports the blaze is contained but will require prolonged operations. Firefighters continue dampening down after scaling back the incident earlier in the morning, while authorities warn that a large smoke plume will remain visible for some time.

Wildfire smoke from ongoing moorland fires in North West England has spread across Greater Manchester, driven by strong winds and temperature inversion conditions. Residents report concerns over air quality, with campaigners calling for more public guidance. The UK Health Security Agency advises avoiding smoky areas, staying indoors when smoke is visible, and taking precautions while travelling. Experts say short-term exposure is unlikely to harm most healthy individuals but may irritate the eyes, throat and airways, especially in vulnerable groups such as people with asthma, young children and older adults.

Tommy Fleetwood’s former coach Norman Marshall recalls the golfer’s early passion, discipline and resilience as he returns to Southport for the 154th Open Championship. Marshall describes Fleetwood’s extraordinary dedication from childhood and says a win at Royal Birkdale would be the pinnacle of his coaching career. Former teachers from Scarisbrick Hall School also praise Fleetwood’s talent, character and work ethic, expressing pride and support as he competes on home soil.

Royal Birkdale in Southport hosts the 154th Open Championship from 12 to 19 July, drawing large crowds and returning champions including Rory McIlroy, Brian Harman, Shane Lowry and David Duval. Organisers advise travelling by public transport due to the absence of public parking near the course, with expanded rail and bus services provided by Mersey Travel and Merseyrail. Local authorities warn of extremely busy services and temporary traffic regulations in Hillside and Birkdale, urging spectators to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

A 16-year-old boy in St Helens suffered serious injuries after being pushed off his bike by a male on an electric scooter and colliding with a stationary vehicle. Police arrested a 12-year-old boy on suspicion of assault and are conducting house-to-house, CCTV and forensic inquiries. Authorities appealed for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to come forward.

A man who was stabbed in Failsworth on 19 June has died, prompting police to upgrade the case to a murder investigation. Steven Dossett, aged 40, died on Saturday, and Greater Manchester Police are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry after previously arresting and bailing five suspects. Detectives continue to seek information from the public while supporting the victim’s family.

A Lancashire firefighter recounts the destruction caused by recent earthquakes in Venezuela after returning from nine days of rescue work with UK International Search and Rescue. Wayne Ward describes collapsed buildings, thousands of deaths and the hardship faced by survivors, praising their resilience and gratitude. He and other UK fire crews helped rescue 14 people and worked in challenging conditions marked by rubble, damaged infrastructure and emotional strain. Ward says he feels proud to assist internationally and remains motivated by helping those in need.

Residents of Sandown Road in Seaforth report ongoing problems with rubbish scattered by seagulls after refuse is left in bin bags rather than wheelie bins. They describe years of frustration, concerns about rats, and feeling responsible for cleaning up the mess. Sefton Council says wheelie bins will be delivered soon and that it will work with One Vision Housing to develop longer-term solutions, including potential community skips. One Vision Housing states that it is consulting with residents to find a permanent fix.

A man in his 40s was taken to hospital in stable condition after being shot in the neck with an air rifle in Melling, Merseyside. Police arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of wounding and firearm possession. Merseyside Police reported that the investigation is in its early stages and appealed for witnesses to provide information.

A pregnant woman from Merseyside who initially believed she had a cold collapsed with severe breathing difficulties at her baby shower and was ultimately placed in a coma. Despite two earlier medical visits, her condition rapidly worsened due to pneumonia and a fungal lung infection. An emergency caesarean section was performed while she was critically ill, and her daughter was born prematurely at 29 weeks, spending 45 days in neonatal care. Both mother and baby have since recovered well, and she expressed gratitude to the medical staff who saved their lives.

A woman was arrested at St Gabriel's RC High School in Bury on suspicion of sexual communication with a child and inciting a child to commit a sexual offence after safeguarding concerns were reported. Greater Manchester Police stated she has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Schoolchildren from Anfield Road Primary School performed the Foo Fighters' song Times Like These onstage for the band ahead of their concerts at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium. The band later shared the moment with millions on Instagram. The performance was arranged after a social media effort and direct outreach by a teacher, leading to the children visiting the stadium, meeting the musicians, and participating in a Q&A session. The Foo Fighters continue their European tour with a show in Berlin next.

Schoolchildren from Anfield Road Primary School performed Foo Fighters’ song Times Like These on stage for the band ahead of their concerts at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium. The band later shared the performance on Instagram, and the pupils met and interviewed Foo Fighters members backstage. The event resulted from a teacher’s outreach to the band’s management, increasing interest in the school’s music program as the Foo Fighters continue their European tour.