54 m. ago Tim Dowling: let my tortoise’s humiliating mishap be a lesson to him

A freak thunderstorm soaks the middle one on his way to our house (he’s come to raid the fridge), but the real drama is the toppled tortoise After an hour’s work on a hot morning I leave my office shed and return to the kitchen for a coffee. Halfway there I find the tortoise lying on his back on the path. He can’t have been there for more than an hour, as he wasn’t there when I came out.“What happened to you?” I say, setting him on his feet. But it’s pretty obvious what happened: he tried to exit the garden bed by climbing over the border of diagonally laid bricks and overbalanced. It’s an obstacle he surmounts without difficulty between five and 10 times a day in the warmer months, but occasionally – perhaps once every four years – he puts a foot wrong. So far, I have always been there to turn him back over. Continue reading...

Politics

54 m. ago Sir Keir Starmer urged to oppose 'dangerous' Donald Trump demand to U

Donald Trump has told Keir Starmer to abandon his renewable energy strategy and ramp up North Sea oil and gas production.

Politics

55 m. ago Two brilliant recipes for the bank holiday – come rain or shine

Whether you're dusting off the barbecue or keeping things cosy in the kitchen, these two punchy, flavour-packed dishes are perfect for the long weekend – whatever the weather brings

Politics

55 m. ago Seaside town named one of best in the UK is loved by families who visit

Southwold's pristine beach makes it a hit for both families and those looking to dip their toes in the sea. Pier beach is flanked by a promenade that stretches all the way to the harbour

Politics

55 m. ago Jack MacKenzie's Aberdeen trauma is a line in the sand for skipper as he blasts 'reckless stupidity'

Graeme Shinnie has revealed how he's been lifting MacKenzie's spirits after Dons fan hit him with a seat

Events

1 hour ago What keeps the safety director of the most vulnerable spot in US up at night before hurricane season

No place is more vulnerable to hurricanes in the 50 U.S. states than the Florida Keys

Politics

1 hour ago Primark's 'charming' £16 bag adds 'playful touch' to wardrobe

Primark shoppers have dubbed it the "bag of the season" after seeing it on TikTok

Economics

2 h. ago I found crystal blue waters and fairy tale village just one hour from UK

The whole trip cost me just £200, an incredible bargain considering how much there is to do there

Politics

2 h. ago Arsenal transfer news: Gunners stance on Rodrygo as Mikel Arteta handed blow

Arsenal's upcoming summer transfer window will be crucial to their hopes of silverware next season as they aim to put the pain of losing the Premier League title behind them and add some much-needed firepower to their squad

Sport

3 h. ago Man Utd transfer news: First signing to be 'announced soon' as Ruben Amorim's key demand revealed

Manchester United are set for a busy summer in the transfer window as Ruben Amorim prepares for his first pre-season in charge at Old Trafford looking to improve his squad

Politics

4 h. ago Tiny UK seaside village predicted to be huge staycation spot this summer

With scenic coastal walks, a beautiful beach and sublime setting, visitors can enjoy the village’s natural splendour while feasting on award-winning meals that consistently receive rave reviews

Politics

4 h. ago BORIS JOHNSON: In the week Labour announced plans to release rapists and killers early, there's one prisoner who poses no threat... FREE LUCY CONOLLY NOW

If this goes on much longer, I really think the great moderate mass of the British public will finally explode with irritation. This is not meant to be communist Albania. This is not Ceausescu's Romania.

Events

4 h. ago Arne Slot disagrees with Mikel Arteta after Liverpool title comments

Arne Slot has led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season at Anfield, with a bitter-sounding Mikel Arteta having claimed an element of luck drove the Reds' success

Politics

4 h. ago Households warned over common mistake that will damage hanging basket blooms

The days are warming up, the nights are balmier but don't get complacent, even a cool night could damage an uncovered hanging basket...

Events

4 h. ago Tiny island 3.5 hours from UK named Amalfi Coast 'dupe' with crystal blue sea

The Amalfi Coast may look beautiful online, but with over-tourism resulting in eye-watering hotel prices, constant traffic and never-ending crowds - you may want to check out this stunning dupe

Politics

5 h. ago UK's 'worst' seaside town abandoned by Butlin's with no sign it ever existed

It's hard to believe this rundown seaside town, that was recently ranked one of the worst in the UK, used to be the proud owner of a huge Billy Butlin's resort

Politics

6 h. ago Shimmering with an opal shine: New Zealand’s unique blue pearls face threat of warming seas

In New Zealand only a handful of farms produce pearls from abalone, known as pāua, but the molluscs need delicate conditions to surviveRoger Beattie was diving off the Chatham Islands, about 800km east of New Zealand, when he saw his first pāua pearl. Beattie was familiar with pāua, the Māori word for abalone, and their iridescent shells of shimmering purples and greens. But the pearl that had formed inside was unlike anything he had ever seen, gleaming with layers of the pāua’s natural colours.“I just thought ‘heck, that would make amazing jewellery,’” Beattie says. Continue reading...

Events

6 h. ago Female pensioner, 70, dies after fall from Shetland cliff as rescue boats and helicopter launched

The body of an elderly woman has been recovered from the water off the coast of Scotland after she suffererd a fatal fall from a cliff. Rescue boats and a helicopter were launched as part of the search

Events

7 h. ago Council crews to search through Brits' bins in new scheme and hand out £70 fines

A county council's recycling advisory teams – or 'RATs' – could hand £70 fines to repeat offenders who throw recyclable materials into their general waste bins

Economics

7 h. ago Jimmy Carr makes heartbreaking admission about his mental health and opens up about death of best friend Sean Lock to Alison Hammond in rare candid interview

The comedian, 52, was the latest celebrity to spend a weekend with Alison Hammond on her new interview show.

Events