Latest news with #NorthEastEngland
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Sales of ‘fake botox' investigated after dozens of botulism cases
Regulators are urgently investigating the suspected illegal sale of fake botox after 28 cases of botulism were reported in North East England. Botulism, a rare and potentially fatal condition, typically sees only six cases annually across England, making the recent surge in Durham and Darlington highly unusual. All reported cases are linked to individuals who recently underwent cosmetic procedures, experiencing severe symptoms such as drooping eyelids, double vision, and difficulty swallowing. One patient, Nicola Fairley, described her forehead freezing within two hours of receiving what she believed was a stronger botox, indicating the rapid and adverse effects of the illegal substance. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are investigating, emphasizing that botulinum toxin is a prescription-only medicine and advising public caution.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Spike in potentially fatal condition linked to ‘fake botox' sparks urgent probe
Regulators are urgently investigating the suspected illegal sale of fake botox after dozens of botulism cases were reported in North East England. Botulism is a potentially fatal condition caused by a bacteria-produced toxin, which attacks the body's nerves and can cause paralysis of the muscles and respiratory system. It is extremely rare, with just six cases recorded across England in 2023-24. But – in the space of just a few weeks – 28 cases of botulism have now been reported in North East England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – which warned that more cases may yet come to light. The cases, most of which are in the Durham and Darlington areas, have all been reported by people who had recently undergone cosmetic procedures. Reactions have included severe drooping of the upper eye lids, double vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech and lethargy, according to the UKHSA. On one night in June, five of the people affected all ended up in the same A&E department in Durham, according to the BBC, which cited internal hospital communications in showing that the local stock of anti-toxin was nearly exhausted, forcing medics to request more from London as they 'braced' for more patients. One of the five patients, Nicola Fairley – a mother of four from Bishop Auckland, in County Durham – told the broadcaster that she had received anti-wrinkle injections in the past, paying £100 for three areas. But she then won a round of treatment from the same provider in a competition, using what she was told was a stronger type of botox and again had three areas injected, without realising the treatment was illegal. While genuine injections should take several days to start working, the 37-year-old said her forehead became 'frozen' within two hours. The business owner who gave Ms Fairley the injections has since apologised, she said, adding: 'I know she hasn't done this on purpose. I just don't know where people get it from – it's scary. 'There needs to be more rules and stricter guidelines on who can do it – not just anybody who can go and do a course and just do it. There's that many people who do it – it's part of your beauty regime like getting your nails done or your hair.' The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is now understood to be investigating the spate of cases. Dr Alison Cave, the agency's chief safety officer, said: 'Public safety is a top priority for the MHRA. Our Criminal Enforcement Unit works hard to identify those involved in the illegal trade in medicines and takes robust enforcement action where necessary. This can include criminal prosecution. 'Botulinum toxin (Botox) is a prescription-only medicine and should only be available in the UK under the supervision of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional 'Buying Botox and other medicines from illegal suppliers significantly increases the risk of getting a product which is either falsified or not authorised for use in the UK.' Dr Simon Howard of the UKHSA said that agency was still investigating the cause of the cases, and said the practitioners associated with most of the cases were no longer carrying out the procedures. 'However, that does not mean that we may not see more cases as symptoms can take up to four weeks to develop although we are now seeing the number of cases coming forward decreasing which is encouraging news,' said Dr Howard. 'We will continue to work with our partners to reduce the public health risk and would advise people to make sure they take precautions when seeking aesthetic procedures. 'Anyone who has recently undertaken an aesthetic procedure, and is experiencing any of the symptoms listed, should contact NHS 111.' The Department for Health and Social Care said the government was looking into new regulations, with people's lives currently being put at risk by 'inadequately trained operators in the cosmetic sector'. 'We urge anyone considering cosmetic procedures to consider the possible health impacts and find a reputable, insured and qualified practitioner,' a spokesperson told the BBC.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Quaint UK town hiding ‘Disney for history buffs' attraction that's loved by Countryfile star
AN unusual attraction that is a "Disney for history lovers" has been raved about by a Countryfile star. Matt Baker, currently appearing in Matt Baker's British Isles, has confessed that he's a huge fan of the 'living museum of the North'. 5 5 When Sun Travel asked Matt Baker where he'd recommend anyone to visit on a trip to Durham, he simply answered "Beamish". He continued: "It's the best open air museum in the world, without question. "Basically what they do is take down buildings in the North East and put them back up at Beamish, and go around on all old trams, there's old villages, farms - you can even stay there now and have a historic stay over at Beamish. "It's amazing, it's basically the North East through the ages and you can spend days there." Beamish is a world famous open air museum in the town of Stanely and the first of its kind to open in the region. It brings the history of North East England to life. You can have a Georgian experience at Pockerly Old Hall or see how families lived and worked in the years leading up to the First World War in the 1900s. One of the recent installations was Spain's Field Farm which stood for centuries in Eastgate near Weardale in Durham. It was then dismantled and transported to the museum, where it was been carefully rebuilt to show 1950s life on the region's upland farms. In 2024 Beamish opened a new 1950s town, which includes a toy shop, welfare hall and a cinema that had been taken from Ryhope in Sunderland and rebuilt. There's also a pub, a school, a dentist among its businesses and you can ride on the trams and buses, and explore the railway station too. Matt Baker Explores the British Isles 5 Matt added: "There's loads of exhibitions and shops, you can have coal-fired fish and chips, it's the most brilliant day out." "It's like Disney World for history buffs - that's the only way I can describe it. You get transported back in time, it's a proper immersive experience." You can even see Matt on a trip to the living museum if you catch up on one of his previous shows. He told us: "I did a series called 'Travels with Mum & Dad' and we went all over the North East, so if you are fascinated and want to find out more watch that because we went to Beamish." 5 Tickets to the open air museum are unlimited passes so once you've been once, you can visit for the whole year including daytime events. Adult tickets cost £33, senior and student tickets cost £25, children between 5-16 are £20. As for other places to explore around his stomping ground, Matt recommended Durham Cathedral and the High Force waterfall in Teesdale. He also suggested taking a walk in the Durham Dales and strolling along the coastline. Currently the Countryfile star is on an adventure through the British Isles showing off what the UK has to offer. He's found beautiful beaches on the Northern Irish coastline and discovered tasty sparkling wine at a Champagne-worthy vineyard in Kent. Watch the final episode Matt Baker's British Isles on Tuesday 24, at 9pm on More4. Catch up on all previous episodes on This European city has the world's oldest living museum and £2 local beers. And this retro UK tourist 'town' is where Peaky Blinders was filmed and you can live a 1920s life.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Business leaders vote to hold interest rates amid economic uncertainty
Business leaders in the North East have voted to hold interest rates. The decision came during the June 2025 meeting of the North East Shadow Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), a group of business figures who provide regional economic insight in partnership with Newsquest, Clive Owen LLP, and Recognition PR. Five members voted to keep rates steady at 4.25 per cent, while two called for a cut. David Coates, managing director of Newsquest North, said: "Given all the uncertainty that there is at the moment, let's not add any further uncertainty, so steady as she goes and stay where we are." The committee cited ongoing economic challenges, including inflation above the Bank of England's 2 per cent target, rising costs, and geopolitical instability. Graham Robb, senior partner at Recognition PR, also voted to hold rates. Mr Robb said: "The extra national insurance cost has hit both profits and margins, and as a result there is a cut back on the quantity of things businesses buy." Nicola Bellerby, tax partner at Clive Owen LLP, emphasised the impact of rising National Insurance contributions. Ms Bellerby said: "The cost of the National Insurance rises is starting to be felt, and the statistics are quite scary." She voted to hold rates, noting the pressures on businesses and the importance of controlling inflation. Arnab Basu, CEO and founder of Kromek Group plc, highlighted wage pressures and global instability. Mr Basu said: "There is a wage inflation coming in our sector because there's not enough engineers, particularly in the North East." He also voted to hold rates, referencing concerns about energy prices and the broader international economic environment. Donna James, research director at Populus Select, pointed to optimism in technical fields but warned of broader risks. Ms James said: "We are in danger of seeing wage inflation, and I'm worried about oil prices driving inflation with the situation in Iran and Ukraine." She also supported holding rates to maintain stability. However, not all members agreed. Martyn Tennant, head of the corporate team at Swinburne Maddison, voted for a cut. Mr Tennant said: "Businesses need the support of a rate cut now to help them through economic challenges." Kevin Brown of Pacifica Group also backed a rate reduction, citing concerns about consumer finances. Mr Brown said: "I'm concerned about the consumer debt that no one's talking about. Recommended reading Darlington charity warns financial pressure threatens survival as festival cancelled Rishi Sunak calls for £1.4bn A66 road upgrade to be given green light North East business confidence rises - and its 'good news' for job prospects "I think that will end up being a depressant on the retail sales market both in hospitality and in physical goods." The Shadow MPC's views reflect ongoing uncertainty and the varying pressures facing different sectors across the region. Their recommendations add a regional perspective to the national debate on monetary policy as the economic outlook remains mixed.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
28 Years Later film review: This strangely beautiful film is electrifying and fizzing with adrenaline
28 YEARS LATER ★★★★★ 3 IT seems to be the season of the sequel, with a whopping 19 follow-ons being released this year. So it was with some trepidation that I watched another instalment from Danny Boyle's 2002 cult classic, 28 Days Later. My concerns quickly disappeared when this astonishing film started. Having dipped out of directing 2007's 28 Weeks Later, Boyle is back with writer Alex Garland to make a terrifying — and strangely beautiful — film. We meet the family of Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), his wife Isla (Jodie Comer) and their son Spike (Alfie Williams) in their threadbare house on an island off the coast of North-east England. It's 28 years since the deadly virus escaped a weapons lab, and while much of the rest of the world has carried on, Britain is in quarantine. That means if you're on it, you are never getting off. Zombie hunter Pockets of communities around the country have tried to survive, including this one. The island feels very The Wicker Man — an eerie hierarchy has been created and beliefs have a cult-like following. The men and women have traditional roles. One of those is the men go to the mainland, crossing the defended causeway, to hunt zombies. Jamie has been training 12-year-old Spike to become a zombie hunter and the pair leave the island with their bows and arrows to take some hits on the bloodthirsty undead. Meanwhile, Isla is bed bound, fighting another illness that's quickly making her lose her grip on reality. It makes for a fascinating juxtaposition between the family members, and Comer, as always, is spectacular. Jodie Comer looks striking in a metallic silver dress as she leads stars at 28 Years Later Boyle cuts back and forth to black-and-white war footage of young boys being trained, reminding us that Britain has a long history of sending our youth off to fight. It's only the enemy that changes. During his heart-racing expedition, Spike realises all is not as sold by his dad. There are other things happening on the mainland — and the infected are their own civilization now. The thumping soundtrack by Young Fathers is electrifying and fizzing with adrenaline. Very much like this film. Closing on a cliffhanger, and with two more films to come, it's good to know they're coming back for another bite. THE. LAST JOURNEY PG (95mins) ★★★☆☆ 3 THIS warm, funny and often deeply moving documentary charts Swedish TV presenter Filip Hammar's attempt to bring his 80-year-old father Lars back to life – figuratively, at least. Since retiring from his job as a French teacher, Lars has become increasingly withdrawn and frail. So, Filip decides to buy a battered old Renault 4, and whisks his dad off on a nostalgic road trip to the south of France, hoping to reignite a spark. They're joined by Filip's longtime TV partner Fredrik Wikingsson, and the pair's banter keeps the film fun, even as emotional undercurrents start to appear. The journey is nearly derailed early on by a nasty fall, and though Lars is slow to warm up, glimpses of his old self soon begin to reappear, particularly when surrounded by the culture and language he has loved for so many years. At times, the film veers close to manipulation. But what shines through is Filip's deep affection for his father, and a quietly powerful message about ageing, legacy and the bonds between parent and child. It's a bit uneven, but The Last Journey has heart to spare – and plenty of charm. ★★★☆☆ 3 SPACE and sentimentality are the linchpins of Disney and Pixar's latest animated adventure which encourages you to dream big. Sci-fi obsessed Elio Solis (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) is a cape-wearing cosmic obsessive adopted by his Aunt Olga after his parents pass away. When extraterrestrials make contact, Elio doesn't hesitate to respond, and before you can say 'Martian' he's beamed up to a kind of cosmic UN Committee from various galaxies, including Aunt Olga (Zoe Saldana). They believe he's the leader back on Earth and Elio doesn't correct them. He's soon tasked with negotiating an alien peace treaty with baddie Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), but this quickly turns into a journey of self-discovery as, along with new wiggly best friend Glordon (a cutesy Remy Edgerly), our hero realises what really matters to him. Reminding us that there's no place like home, there's many Wizard Of Oz homages here, as we transport through solar systems and scary villains. Intergalactic, nourishing, family fun. There's a cameo from JLS singer Aston Merrygold too.
