NI drivers face total mobile phone ban under new law
Northern Ireland plans to outlaw all hand-held mobile phone use while driving, the first major legal update since 2004. The move targets dangerous behaviours like taking photos or scrolling.
Northern Ireland plans to outlaw all hand-held mobile phone use while driving, the first major legal update since 2004. The move targets dangerous behaviours like taking photos or scrolling.
Newly released archives reveal a 1992 row where PM John Major joked being shouted at by Irish Justice Minister Padraig Flynn was 'like the House of Commons' over Northern Ireland security cooperation.
Newly-released documents detail how the White House aimed to prevent a photo of Bill Clinton shaking Gerry Adams' hand during his historic 1995 Belfast visit. Discover the diplomatic manoeuvres.
Declassified files reveal British officials' fears after the 2004 Northern Bank heist. Discover how the £26m robbery impacted the peace process and the hunt for the mastermind.
The Sunshine Fund reflects on a busy 2025 of fundraising events, from a skydive to a coastal trek, supporting disabled children across the North East. Discover their year and how to get involved for 2026.
The Department for Infrastructure unveils a draft plan to cut vehicle noise pollution, including speed restrictions in 10 areas. Public consultation open until Jan 2026.
The Royal Signals (Northern) Band in Darlington is recruiting local musicians after a successful Play Day. Discover how to join this Army Reserve band and develop your skills.
Whitehaven-based startup ScrubMarine has raised over $1m in pre-seed funding to develop its autonomous 'Turtle and Whale' robot system for cleaning ship hulls, tackling biofouling and cutting emissions.
Churches across Rochdale, including St Chad's, St Mary's, and St Luke's, announce their Christmas service schedules featuring carols, Holy Communion, and community events. Find times, officiants, and highlights for a festive welcome.
A rare earthquake shook towns across northern England late last night, with the epicentre near Burnley. Residents reported violent shaking and minor damage. Read the full report.
A council-backed group-buying scheme, Switch Together, is helping UK households save an average of £237 annually on energy bills by securing better deals on green upgrades like solar panels and heat pumps.
Premier Forest Products rescues two Arnold Laver sites in Reading and Manchester, securing 36 jobs with plans to create over 100. Read about the deal and its impact on the UK timber industry.
Luxury jeweller Mappin & Webb opens a new showroom in Birmingham after over two decades, featuring Rolex, fine jewellery, and a historic Burlington Hotel location.
A UK family shares their unforgettable journey to Lapland to meet Father Christmas, enjoy husky rides, and witness the Northern Lights. Discover travel tips and what makes this festive adventure so special.
Chorley-based Perspective Financial Group expands with its 17th acquisition of 2025, adding £400m in assets and 27 staff from Gloucestershire's Prosser Knowles. Discover the strategic growth.
Major changes from January 1, 2026, will restrict the new car models available in Northern Ireland due to post-Brexit regulations. Find out how this impacts your next vehicle purchase.
Gateshead's NEL Fund Managers celebrates a record 2025, backing 34 regional SMEs from EV charging to IT. Discover how NPIF II funding is driving growth and jobs across the North East.
North East appliance repair firm Pacifica Group posts strong revenue growth and expanded operations, despite widening operating losses. CEO Kevin Brown hails a 'year of progress'. Read the full financial results.
Young professionals in Birmingham are invited to a 20s & 30s singles mixer on January 8, 2026. Enjoy a night of socialising and potential connections at The Waters Edge. Tickets £20.
Treforest Litter Pickers named Rhondda Cynon Taf's most active community group for 2025 by Keep Wales Tidy. The volunteers collected 529 bags of litter. Discover how to get involved.
Fresh weather maps show a 'snow bomb' is set to hit eight counties across northern England on December 21. Find out the latest forecast and travel warnings.
A Pembrokeshire motorcycle group's 25-year fundraising effort has transformed the outdoor play space at Glangwili Hospital's children's ward. Discover how the new area aids patient recovery.
Caffe Nero's CEO warns coffee prices are unlikely to drop even if bean costs fall, with experts predicting a £5 standard coffee within five years. Discover the driving forces behind the surge.
Solihull Council has refused plans for 80 new homes on green belt land in Hockley Heath, citing unresolved flood risks. Read the full story on the local planning clash.
UK considers new driving laws for over-70s as data reveals they represent 13% of road fatalities. Read the full report findings and potential changes.
Churches across Rochdale, including St Luke's, St Mary's, and St Chad's, have released their schedules for Advent and Christmas services, community groups, and fundraising events. Find service times, study groups, and festive activities.
Attendees at Capital's Jingle Bell Ball 2025 on 6 December are advised that filming and photography will take place for promotional use by Global and event sponsors. Learn how to opt out.
Coventry Airport will shut permanently in June 2026 after 90 years. The site will be transformed into a major gigafactory, creating 4,000 new jobs. Read the full story.
Norton Group Holdings, parent of The Range, leads Devon's 150 largest private firms. The list reveals £7.7bn turnover and 48,000 jobs. Discover the county's economic powerhouses.
The Rossendale Ramblers enjoyed a stunning six-mile reservoir walk near Bolton in glorious sunshine. Discover their latest routes and how to join their free walking community.