Laura Foster

Lisa Austin, a former Gucci model and 2025 Miss England runner-up, is preparing for the 2026 competition using only second-hand outfits bought from charity shops and resale sites. She says the approach reduces environmental impact and makes pageants more affordable and inclusive for people from less wealthy backgrounds. Miss England says it has promoted sustainable clothing through its ethical fashion round, while Dogs Trust reports that some charity shops are under pressure as people increasingly sell unwanted items online. Austin has so far spent £50 on her competition looks; the semi-final is scheduled for 11 October in Leicester and the final for 17 November.

A deputy head teacher at Mayflower High School in Billericay says a new app allowing pupils at more than 750 schools in England to view GCSE grades on their phones should not replace attending school on results day. Luke Kilvert stresses that coming in allows students to celebrate with staff and parents and receive help if their grades affect their plans. The school reported a third consecutive year of improving results, while the national GCSE pass rate remained stable at 67.3% across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Four men—Illia Prendi, Konrad Dabrowski, Damian Ciuron and Christian Albano—appeared by video link at Chelmsford Crown Court charged with assisting unlawful immigration after a boat was found at Holland-on-Sea in Essex in July. They did not enter pleas and were remanded in custody until 3 September. Six other people aboard the boat remain detained by Immigration Enforcement.

Police shut down the UK Ijtima Islamic gathering at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk following a credible right-wing terror threat, leading to twelve arrests nationwide. Nearly 10,000 attendees were evacuated as armed officers secured the village, prompting shock among residents. Community leaders and government officials praised the swift response, crediting it with saving lives, while warnings were issued that the threat reflects wider anti-Muslim hostility across the UK.

A 25-year-old Indian student, Vamshi Krishna Mandala, died in a light aircraft crash in High Ongar, Essex, during a 30‑minute flight experience he booked to celebrate finishing university. His family expressed deep grief and sought assistance from the Indian High Commission, which is coordinating with UK authorities. Investigators are examining the cause of the crash, and Essex Police are supporting the victims’ families while inquiries continue. Mandala had been preparing to surprise his parents with a visit to India and had invited them to attend his upcoming graduation in London.