A man whose sight was saved by donated corneas has urged people to consider eye donation after death, describing it as an enormous gift. Justin Hunter received a cornea transplant in Cheltenham after being diagnosed with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy, a rare condition causing blindness. Medical professionals and donor families have highlighted the high demand for eye donations, noting that the vast majority of people are eligible to donate their eyes and that corneas can be transplanted up to 24 hours after death.
Jersey's Justice and Home Affairs Minister Helen Miles has announced plans to introduce a draft law in the first half of 2027 making post-custodial probation supervision a legal requirement for released prisoners. Currently, Jersey is the only place in the British Isles without mandatory post-release probation, with prisoners often released at the two-thirds point without supervision. While supporters argue the change is vital for public safety and rehabilitation, the Probation Service has raised concerns regarding potential unintended consequences, such as unnecessary prison recalls for minor breaches.
Summary headline: Jersey justice minister plans draft law for mandatory post-prison probation by 2027
The Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) has been completed at Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale. Expected to become fully operational in 2027 following equipment installation, the facility will help scientists turn laboratory discoveries in medicine, electronics, and construction into commercial products. It is projected to contribute £107m to the regional economy and forms the first major development in the Atom Valley Mayoral Development Zone.
Summary headline: Advanced materials testing centre completed in Rochdale
Urgent repairs have been approved for St Gregory's Church in Norwich after a report warned that its deteriorating west wall is at direct risk of collapsing into a busy street. The 14th-century building, currently used as an antiques centre, features nationally significant medieval wall paintings and is managed by the Norwich Historic Churches Trust.
Summary headline: Urgent repairs approved for St Gregory's Church in Norwich over collapse risk
Family, friends, and former colleagues have paid tribute to John Holmes, who has died at the age of 93. Holmes built a successful regional music business across the West of England, starting from a small driving school in Swindon in the 1960s before expanding to multiple locations. His Faringdon Road shop in Swindon remains open today.
Summary headline: Tributes paid to John Holmes, founder of the Holmes Music empire
A disciplinary hearing found that former Northamptonshire Police officer Anthony Lee committed gross misconduct by engaging in a two-year sexual relationship with a witness he met during a supermarket burglary investigation. Lee resigned prior to the hearing but would have been dismissed without notice.
Summary headline: Northamptonshire police officer sacked for sexual relationship with witness
Campaigners fighting to turn the 16th Century Heath Barn in Boxmoor into a community arts space are hoping to work with the preferred developer, Curwen Group, which plans to open a nursery on the site. Although Hertfordshire County Council selected Curwen Group due to its track record and higher capital receipt, council officers have agreed to broker an introduction between the developer and the 'Our Heath Barn' campaign group to explore potential shared community use.
Summary headline: Boxmoor campaigners hope to collaborate with developer over Grade II listed Heath Barn
Newcastle-under-Lyme has opened its first social supermarket, set up by Community Cupboard NUL CIC, to provide affordable groceries and greater choice for people facing food insecurity and the cost-of-living crisis. Founded by Thomas Cliffe and co-directed by Laura Steele, the store allows members to buy tokens for shopping after paying a £1 annual fee. While praised by customers and founders for offering choice and dignity compared to traditional food banks, researchers note that social supermarkets should supplement rather than replace government support.
Summary headline: Newcastle-under-Lyme opens its first social supermarket to help with cost-of-living struggles
A 2nd-Century Roman toddler's drinking cup, known as a tettine, has gone on public display for the first time at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester. Discovered in fragments during 2011 excavations and painstakingly restored, the cup was found alongside a Roman cockerel figurine, indicating it was placed in a child's grave to provide sustenance and spiritual guidance to the underworld.
Summary headline: Roman toddler's drinking cup goes on display in Cirencester museum
Joe Shingler, a 21-year-old bricklayer from Shrewsbury, achieved a fourth-place finish and a Medal for Excellence at the WorldSkills competition in Shanghai. Competing against participants from 23 other countries, he completed intricate brickwork tasks over four days. Following the event, Shingler plans to transition into a site management role with his father's firm.
Summary headline: Young Shropshire bricklayer Joe Shingler wins Medal for Excellence at WorldSkills championships in Shanghai
Hospitals in Hull and East Yorkshire have introduced stoma-friendly toilets following a campaign by Jenna Robinson, founder of the Beverley Stoma Support Group. The upgraded facilities at Castle Hill Hospital and the upcoming changes at Hull Royal Infirmary feature shelves for equipment, mirrors, coat hooks, and disposable waste systems to provide dignity and independence for patients and visitors living with a stoma.
Summary headline: Hospitals in Hull and East Yorkshire introduce new stoma-friendly toilets
The Post Office inside the Telford Centre is scheduled to close on 2 January due to the closure of the TG Jones store (formerly WHSmith) where it is located. The closure leaves the town centre without a Post Office branch, though officials are searching for a replacement location, which could take around six months.
Summary headline: Last Post Office in Telford Centre due to close on 2 January
Labour MP Dr Allison Gardner has spoken out about her decade-long struggle with chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), describing the severe pain and dismissal by medics that left her feeling like a drug user and contemplating extreme measures. Gardner is now leading a cross-party group of MPs, alongside medical specialists, to lobby for an official medical definition of chronic UTIs, better GP training, and improved patient care pathways within the NHS.
Summary headline: Labour MP Dr Allison Gardner leads cross-party group to improve recognition and treatment of chronic UTIs
An industrial-sized quantity of waste, including concrete, rubble, pipes, bricks, and clothing, has been illegally dumped at Button Oak in the Wyre Forest Nature Reserve. Forestry England reported that culprits cut a metal lock and turned a CCTV camera before dumping six large mounds of rubbish. West Mercia Police are investigating the incident, which has sparked widespread concern over the potential cost and environmental impact of the clean-up.
Summary headline: Anger over industrial-sized fly-tip at Button Oak beauty spot in Shropshire
The government has been criticised by businesses and Essex County Council for scrapping funding for the A127 Economic Growth Corridor improvement scheme. The road, which carries over 80,000 vehicles a day, was slated for upgrades including straightening the Fortune of War junction and adding an extra eastbound lane. The Department for Transport stated that the project was not funded by the previous government and that difficult decisions were necessary due to inherited financial challenges. Local business representatives expressed frustration over traffic delays and the lack of infrastructure investment.
Summary headline: Removing funding for Essex A127 scheme is disaster, says council
The Houthi movement is an armed political and religious group from northern Yemen championing the Zaidi Shia minority. Formally known as Ansar Allah, the group emerged in the 1990s and has been involved in a devastating civil war against Saudi-backed pro-government forces since seizing control of Sanaa in 2014. The conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, with the Houthis controlling a significant portion of Yemen's territory. Recent escalations include Houthi advances along the Red Sea coast, attacks on Saudi infrastructure, and involvement in regional conflicts linked to Iran's "axis of resistance", drawing responses from regional and Western powers.
Summary headline: An overview of the Houthi movement in Yemen, its origins, and recent escalations
Apple growers in Worcestershire report significantly smaller harvests and rising operational costs due to exceptionally hot weather during the summer. Industry yields are down by 15% to 40%, while input prices for items such as fertiliser, agrochemicals, and diesel have surged by around 60%, potentially leading to higher cider prices next year.
Summary headline: Worcestershire apple farmers face poor harvests and rising costs
Proposals from councillors in Wakefield could see two hours' free parking scrapped across the district to address financial and operational challenges. A council review found the changes would raise over £1.8m. A decision is expected on 20 October, which would also involve adjusting resident permit charges, raising on-street parking fees while introducing a 30-minute free period, and consulting on a £1 evening parking rate.
Summary headline: Wakefield Council considers scrapping two hours' free parking in new proposals
The Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses filmed scenes at Go Bowling in Dunstable and Beaconsfield Services on the M40, resulting in financial support for facilities and decorative updates that venues chose to keep.
Summary headline: Slow Horses filming leaves lasting improvements at a Bedfordshire bowling alley and Buckinghamshire motorway services
Nottinghamshire Police are appealing for information to trace a man who left Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre with significant head injuries before receiving treatment. He was initially found by a member of the public at the University Boulevard junction of Jesse Boot Avenue and taken to hospital, but left before being assessed. Police have released an image of the man following extensive inquiries and expressed concern for his safety.
Summary headline: Police appeal to trace man who left Queen's Medical Centre with head injuries
