Mia O'Hare

Marks & Spencer’s £22 Pure Cotton Belted Straight Leg Trousers have received mostly positive customer reviews for their flattering high-waisted fit, comfort, quality and versatility. Available in black and khaki, sizes 6 to 24 and several leg lengths, the trousers can be styled casually or formally. Some shoppers criticized the heavy, stiff material and self-tie belt, saying the trousers were unsuitable for warmer weather. Boden and Mountain Warehouse are also highlighted as alternative retailers selling belted straight-leg trousers.

With more than 20 million people affected by hosepipe bans amid hot, dry conditions, gardening expert Alan Titchmarsh recommends installing water butts on downpipes to collect rainwater for garden irrigation. He says storing rainwater reduces reliance on restricted hosepipes and can benefit plants. Thames Water says the bans will remain until prolonged, significant rainfall restores water levels, while the Met Office forecasts some rain and showers but continuing uncertainty.

Mia O'Hare compares Dr Beckmann Cleaning Sheets with Flash All-Purpose Cleaner on two sections of the same floor. Both products remove marks and leave a shine, but the Dr Beckmann sheets produce less noticeable fragrance despite dissolving effectively. Flash is more expensive and uses liquid packaging, but its stronger lemon scent and straightforward application lead O'Hare to name it the winner.

Marks & Spencer’s £23 Jersey Elasticated Waist Flared Trousers have attracted hundreds of mostly positive reviews, with shoppers praising their comfort, stretch, flattering shape and suitability for casual wear, work and school uniforms. The black trousers are available in sizes 6–24 and short, petite, regular and long lengths. Some customers report that the trousers fit smaller or tighter than expected and that the leg length can be shorter than other M&S styles. Comparable options are available from ASOS for £20 and TU at Sainsbury’s for £16.

Marks & Spencer’s £30 Satin Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers are attracting shoppers with their wide-leg design, elasticated high-rise waist, drawstring fastening, five colour options and multiple leg lengths. Reviews praise their comfort, polished appearance, versatility and value, although some customers report inconsistent sizing and problematic trouser lengths. Comparable discounted satin trousers are also available from Next and River Island.

Alan Titchmarsh recommends transforming small patios into inviting outdoor rooms by using cleaned spaces, painted containers and evergreen framework plants to add height, structure and year-round interest. Seasonal flowers can be swapped throughout the year, and warm-toned containers help enhance foliage and floral displays, making even small patios feel more spacious and appealing.

John Lewis recalled 15 doorstops and draught excluders after discovering potential asbestos contamination, with the UK product safety regulator warning of health risks even at low exposure. Customers are urged to stop using the items, follow strict disposal guidance, and return them for a refund. The recall covers products sold from January 2021 to June 2026, and Dunelm recently issued a similar notice for its own items.

Tourism data identifies Phuket as the world's most overcrowded destination with 118 tourists per resident, followed by Pattaya and Krabi. Greece and Turkey also feature prominently, while Venice considers raising its tourist entry fee to manage heavy visitor numbers. Local measures aim to reduce congestion amid rising global travel demand.