Ice cream seller stabbed to death in London named by police

An ice cream seller who was stabbed to death in north-west London has been named by the Metropolitan Police.

Shazad Khan, 41, was pronounced dead at the scene after officers responded to reports of an altercation in Monks Park in Wembley at 6.10pm on Tuesday.

His family have been informed and a murder investigation was launched, the Met said.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in the early hours of Wednesday, while a 31-year-old woman was also arrested at the scene for conspiracy to murder, the force said.

Both individuals remain in custody.

Local residents said that that Mr Khan was well known in the area for selling ice creams in a van.

Asim Mahmood Butt, 39, who lives in nearby Tokyngton Avenue, said he was childhood friends with the victim.

Speaking at the scene, he said: “I got a call from one of my cousins.

“This guy, we know him – he’s a famous ice cream guy. He got stabbed yesterday.

“I came here and his body was still here, and police had cordoned off the area.

“We don’t know the reason why, but all that we know is that a guy with a grey hoodie stabbed him eight times. That’s what I’ve been told.

“I know his brothers as well – they’re all local. We all used to play cricket and football here in Monks Park.

“He started (selling) ice cream about a year ago.”

Mr Butt said the victim was married and had a young daughter.

The victim’s ice cream van, which had been parked on the road at the time of the incident, was well known locally for having a large teddy bear, the witness added.

A second witness, who did not want to be named, said the ice cream van was towed away from the scene in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

A blue forensics tent and a number of Met officers could be seen inside a police cordon in Monks Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Removal vehicles also took away a separate white van and blue car.

Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, local policing commander for north-west London, said: “Our thoughts remain with Shazad’s family and friends at this unimaginably difficult time.

“This incident will rightly cause concern across the community, but intelligence at this stage leads us to believe there is no wider threat to the public.

“Detectives are conducting a thorough and fast-paced investigation, and locals can expect to see an uptick in police presence in the area.

“Anyone with any information – particularly dashcam or doorbell footage from the time of the incident – is urged to speak to us as a matter of urgency.”

I’m a doctor but I wasn’t prepared for my trauma giving birth – and neither was the NHS

You always remember hearing your first birth story. While I’d been privy as a GP to snippets of tales from the labour ward, it was the story from one of my oldest school friends that imprinted itself on my brain. “I was alone for hours… Andrew had to go to get the midwife, but by the time she came back, it was too late for pain relief.”

Four years later, it was my turn. By now, more friends had become mums. Thanks to their feverishly regaled horror stories, I could now add delivering at 30 weeks, obstetric cholestasis and severe postpartum haemorrhage to my ever-expanding list of worries about giving birth. But I’d be OK, I was a doctor after all. And yet, and yet… there I was now, days past my due date, decorating our nursery with stickers, saying the words to my husband I’d been holding onto for most of my pregnancy: “What if I die giving birth?”

Was this irrational fear, or was I justified in being scared?

I have worked in healthcare for all my working life, and despite working alongside so many people determined to care and do good work, there was one statistic that I could not ignore. Maternal mortality in the UK has increased by 27 per cent between 2009 and 2022. Even considering the impact of Covid, this figure has increased by 10 per cent. Asian and Black women are two and three times more likely to die than white women, respectively.

When my waters broke at the stroke of midnight, two things immediately struck me. Firstly, that is a lot of fluid. Secondly, from my junior doctor experience, I knew the early hours of Sunday morning were the absolute worst time to become a patient, thanks to shift patterns and weekend resource issues.

My birth plan was basic – all my doctoring years had taught me already that anything can happen when it comes to our bodies, so I only had three things I was sure of: yes to drugs as and when needed; communication at all times; and no to being left alone.

How long I could wait it out and cope with the pain felt like my first test of upcoming motherhood. I’d listened to hypnobirthing CDs, so I felt confident that I could get my breathing under control to steer me through. However, I hadn’t been in labour when I had listened to these, nor was it the middle of the night when I’d usually be asleep.

After 5 hours of pain and no sleep (I couldn’t even distract myself with The Real Housewives), I was really beginning to worry, as was my husband. I’d done everything “right” so far; I was healthy and a medical professional, but after the earliest contractions, I had no idea how I was going to handle what was to come.

As we made our way to the hospital, we received a phone call to tell us that the labour ward was closed to admissions. We had to make a diversion and go to our next nearest unit, which was 20 miles away. Thankfully, this one did have capacity, because the one beyond that was another 50 miles from home. I was told by the midwives later that this would become the receiving unit for women going into labour in the days following my admission. It was the first of many changes of direction that the next 48 hours would bring.

Once we arrived, I began to mentally relax. The midwives were helpful, caring and, most importantly, present. Even having to have an epidural resited three times didn’t faze me as it did my husband. When you’ve worked in the NHS, you understand and accept that things like this are par for the course.

But apparently, 34 hours of work wasn’t enough for the obstetrician who was going to help me finally give birth. “We are going to have to take you to theatre – I’ve never pulled a baby out of mum before, you need to try harder, Clara,” she said. I can still hear the sharp tone that confirmed my own fear that I wasn’t trying hard enough.

I’d heard many times from patients that consultants had spoken down to them or dismissed their concerns before they had even finished their sentence. Professionally, I’d always supported my patients, but I also tried to see things from both sides. Now I was the patient and the consultant’s words triggered a wave of self-doubt that would take me months to recover from.

As healthcare professionals, the words we use and how we communicate with patients matters. Whether it’s due to medical gaslighting or burnt-out healthcare professionals, the issues are complex and require self-awareness by both individuals and institutions.

In the end, my son was delivered by emergency caesarean section just 30 short minutes later. In the days that followed, there were more challenges of communication between maternity staff and myself. I couldn’t breastfeed and my son was readmitted for “failing to thrive”. Everyone just told me to keep trying, so when nothing was happening, I felt it was a problem with me, my body.

I had two infected wounds that needed pain relief and antibiotics, all of which would impact recovery. I had pictured my first few weeks as a mum as all cake and congratulations. Instead, I was in constant pain and feeling anxious that I couldn’t keep up with my antenatal classmates who were already jogging with their prams. I’d heard new mums talk about problems feeding and feeling drained, and I’d always reassured them that it was normal and would pass in time. But no matter how many times I told myself I was fine, I just didn’t feel like it. While my baby was now growing well and beginning to smile, I feared my sense of inadequacy might never pass.

Other countries do things better – Sweden, Finland and Denmark are just some that have reduced maternal mortality, improved postnatal mental health, and produce a higher satisfaction score for new mums. One consistency in their approach is education and empowerment of women, supporting their physical and mental health in the run-up to the birth and beyond.

In the UK, maternity services are in crisis. The 2023 Care Quality Commission report highlighted that 65 per cent of units are inadequate or need improvement on safety – up from 54 per cent the previous year. One in three women reported being denied adequate pain relief or support during and after giving birth. Maternity staff are often unable to complete essential emergency training due to rota pressures – little wonder, then, that Wes Streeting called the UK maternity services a national shame. This week, watchdog Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) published its exploratory review of maternity and neonatal services, which recommends a national approach to tackle systemic issues.

While my experience was far from perfect, many experiences are far worse. A joint report by baby charities Tommy’s and Sands earlier this year revealed that delays in improving NHS maternity care in England have resulted in the preventable deaths of at least 2,500 babies since 2018. These deaths could have been avoided had the government met its 2015 goal of halving stillbirths, neonatal, and maternal mortality by 2025.

So much of what we understand about childbirth is through the stories we hear, from our family and friends and, thanks to social media, from complete strangers. Our brains are built to keep us safe and avoid danger, so they hold onto these dramatic stories and can increase our fear and anxiety around the experience of giving birth.

I was lucky to have a health visitor who helped me see that what had happened had been complicated. She validated my experiences and reassured me about using formula. I know this sounds ridiculous, as I knew the research and had explained this to many of my patients over the years, but giving birth changes you and your mindset.

Those first six weeks can be a vulnerable and scary time for new mums, at a time when we think we will feel constantly happy and excited. Support for our fluctuating emotions is essential to both identify and support new mums’ mental health – research suggests it can even reduce the onset of postpartum depression.

We need to listen to ourselves and our own experiences. If we are lucky, we will have people around us to help, but not everyone has the capacity to help in the way you need, so your voice matters. Speak up to your GP and community midwife about your specific concerns. If you don’t feel heard, try again – write a letter to your healthcare professional (as there is never enough time in appointments) or ask to see someone else next time. As a medical professional, I hope that finally, the women in the UK can feel heard and safe when it comes to giving birth.

Clara Doran is a GP; her memoir ‘Doctor, Interrupted’ is out now

New advanced bladder cancer treatment can ‘double chances of survival’

A new treatment for advanced bladder cancer which doubles survival time has been approved for NHS use.

The treatment for advanced bladder cancer had not significantly changed since the 1980s.

Now, experts say the approval of the new treatment combination would bring a “fundamental shift” in care for patients with late-stage disease.

They said there had been real “unmet need” for patients with advanced disease, with some 29 per cent of people diagnosed with stage 4 cancer – when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body – surviving for a year after diagnosis.

It is estimated that 1,250 people a year could benefit from the treatment.

The new treatment combination includes enfortumab vedotin, an antibody-drug which is also known as Padcev, made by Astellas and Pfizer – with pembrolizumab, a drug known as a PD-L1 inhibitor, also known as Keytruda, which is made by Merck.

Clinical trials suggest that the treatment combination, when tested against platinum-based chemotherapy, led to improved survival for patients.

“Prior to the EV-302 clinical trial, the treatment of advanced bladder cancer treatment hadn’t significantly changed since the 1980s,” Professor Thomas Powles, director of Barts Cancer Institute Biomedical Research Centre (QMUL), UK and primary investigator on the trial, said.

“This guidance will fundamentally reshape first-line treatment for eligible patients.”

Trial data indicated that patients who took the treatment combination survived for an average of 33.8 months compared to 15.9 months with chemotherapy.

Researchers also measured the amount of time people survived without their disease worsening – also known as progression-free survival – and found that people on the combination treatment had just more than a year of progression-free survival compared to half-a-year for those on standard treatment.

Three in 10 (30 per cent) patients had a so-called “complete response” when getting the combination treatment – meaning there was no evidence of cancer remaining. This was compared to 14.5 per cent of those who received chemotherapy.

One patient said that taking part in the trial had given him more time with his grandson.

Martyn Hewett, 75, from Stratford, east London, received the combination treatment on a trial at Barts Health NHS Trust after surgery to remove his tumours failed.

He said: “I feel very, very lucky, because if I hadn’t been on this trial, I imagine I would be dead by now.

“Immediately after the operation that failed, I asked the doctor what the prognosis was, and he said, most people in your position live for a year, and now, three-and-a-half years later here I am.

“I am going to have an extra few years to see my grandson grow up – and maybe even be around to see him get married.”

The treatment combination will now be available for NHS patients in England following the approval from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) for patients with “unresectable or metastatic urothelial cancer for people who are eligible for platinum-containing chemotherapy” and is given as an IV infusion in hospitals or clinics.

Dr Timir Patel, medical director of Astellas UK, said: “The guidance from Nice is excellent news for patients.

“Advanced bladder cancer is in an area where there is a real unmet need.

“This combination therapy changes the standard of care for doctors and their patients.”

Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at Nice, said: “This is a highly promising and effective new drug, with clinical trial results highlighting the tremendous difference it could make to the length and quality of people’s lives.

“Advanced bladder cancer is a devastating condition which can have a substantial impact on people’s daily lives, often leading to them struggling to work, travel or maintain physical activity.”

Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s national clinical director for cancer, said: “This is one of the most hopeful advances in decades for people with bladder cancer who will now be offered a treatment that can almost double their chances of survival, helping thousands to live longer and giving them more precious moments with their loved ones.

“Bladder cancer is often difficult to treat once it has spread, but this new therapy is the first one in years to really help stop the disease in its tracks, and our rollout to NHS patients will make a huge difference to the lives of those affected and their families.”

Jeannie Rigby, chief executive of charity Action Bladder Cancer UK, said: “This new drug has the potential to increase how long people have before their cancer gets worse and how long they live compared with the current, limited, treatment choices available.”

Around 18,000 people in England are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year.

GCSE students receiving results ‘affected by Covid disruption’

Students who moved from primary to secondary school in the middle of the pandemic will collect their GCSE results on Thursday, with more than one in five entries expected to score the top grades.

Pupils across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving GCSE and level 2 vocational and technical qualification (VTQ) grades to help them progress on to sixth form, college or training.

Teenagers could face more competition for sixth form places this summer, it has been suggested.

Last year, more than a fifth (21.8 per cent) of UK GCSE entries were awarded the top grades – at least a 7 or an A grade, down from 22.0 per cent in 2023.

But it remained higher than in 2019 – the year before the Covid-19 pandemic – when 20.8 per cent of UK GCSE entries scored the top grades.

In England, Ofqual brought GCSE grading standards back in line with pre-Covid levels in 2023, and exam regulators in Wales and Northern Ireland returned to pre-pandemic grading last year.

The move came after Covid-19 led to an increase in top GCSE grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.

Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research (CEER) at the University of Buckingham, has suggested that the proportion of GCSE entries scoring the top grades this summer could be similar to last year but remain higher than in 2019.

Last week, the proportion of A-level entries awarded top grades surpassed pre-pandemic highs.

This summer, more than 95,000 pupils in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will receive their results using an app as part of a government pilot.

The Education Record, which will bring pupils’ GCSE exam results and certificates into one app, aims to help young people when applying to further education, apprenticeships or employment.

Many of the pupils who are receiving their GCSE results this summer were in Year 6 when schools closed because of the pandemic.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said this cohort of students – who moved from primary to secondary school in the middle of the pandemic – had shown “remarkable resilience” despite the disruption to their education.

Education leaders warned they had faced a series of challenges – including school attendance issues and cost-of-living pressures.

There has been a rise in requests from young people who want extra time in their exams – and who want to sit in rooms away from the main exam hall – since the pandemic, it has been suggested.

Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA), said: “I think we’re going to go on experiencing the negative impact of Covid-19 and the cost-of-living situation for a number of years still.”

He added that there are more young people with special educational needs and disabilities (Send) which “makes it difficult” for schools and colleges to accommodate all their needs.

Colleges have been faced with “large numbers” of students who are calling for their own room, invigilator, and extra time to do exams, Mr Watkin said.

He added: “It’s very difficult to provide for all of them.

“There just aren’t enough rooms or enough invigilators and that’s not going to get easier anytime in the immediate future.”

Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “This cohort of GCSE students have undoubtedly been affected by the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic earlier in their education.

“It is likely that the impact will have been particularly severe on those students from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

He added: “Schools have moved heaven and earth to support all their students, but the previous government did not put enough focus or investment into educational recovery.

“We are likely to see inequities in GCSE outcomes between regions and different groups of students.”

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, has called for a national corps of undergraduate tutors to help pupils improve their literacy and numeracy in school.

He said: “Every August we accept a grand illusion that GCSEs are a level playing field.

“In reality, they are a mirror of the deeply divided society we’ve created, a measure of how much extra support students receive as much as their academic capability.”

He added: “Stark socio-economic divides in GCSE results are a legacy of the Covid disruption and the crisis in school absenteeism which threaten to scar a whole generation.”

Prof Elliot Major has suggested competition for the most selective sixth forms will be “fiercer than ever” this year as more families may seek out state sector places after the VAT change on private school fees introduced in January.

Meanwhile, Mr Watkin said he expected sixth form college admissions to become “more competitive” because of a rising 16-year-old population.

The government launched a review of curriculum and assessment in schools and colleges in July last year.

The independent review is expected to consider whether there are opportunities “to reduce the overall volume of assessment” at GCSE.

Ahead of the final report from the review, which is due in the autumn, headteachers’ unions have called for the burden of assessment to be reduced at GCSE to alleviate some of the pressures on young people.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT, said: “The volume of content, the reliance on final exams, and the average of 30+ hours of exams per student at the end of key stage 4 are all excessive and unnecessary.

“We must move away from an almost exclusive reliance on fully linear, terminal exams, and instead allow modular assessments and reintroduce more non-exam assessment and project-based assessments, in order to complement exams and better assess what students know and can do.”

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “These young people moved from primary to secondary school right in the midst of the pandemic, showing remarkable resilience despite the disruption to those crucial years of education.

“Their options now are better than ever, whether it’s A-levels, T-levels, or an apprenticeship.

“While it’s a moment to celebrate, today’s results will expose the inequalities that are entrenched in our education system.

“Too many young people continue to have their life chances defined by their background and where they live, and while we are beginning to see promising signs in critical areas like attendance and teacher recruitment, I am absolutely determined to deliver on our Plan for Change and truly break the link between background and success once and for all.”

Sir Ian Bauckham, chief regulator at Ofqual, said: “Results day is an important milestone for students.

“While there will inevitably be nerves as students receive their results, they should be proud of their achievements and can be confident that their grades will be widely recognised by employers, schools and colleges.

“Today’s grades will open up opportunities for students as they move on to their next stage.”

Government urged to enforce a total ban on smacking of children

Campaigners have made a fresh call for laws to ban the smacking of children in England.

It comes as belief among young adults that forceful actions against children has grown stronger in recent years, according to a new poll.

Wales made any type of corporal punishment, including smacking, hitting, slapping and shaking, illegal in March 2022, while Scotland introduced a similar ban in November 2020.

But it is not completely outlawed in England and Northern Ireland.

According to the Children Act 2004, it is unlawful to hit your child, except where it is “reasonable punishment”, and this is judged on a case-by-case basis.

New polling for the NSPCC, carried out by YouGov, suggests around eight in 10 people (82 per cent) aged between 18 and 24 believe it is unacceptable for a parent to use force, however slight, against a child.

This is an increase from 64 per cent of young adults who thought it was unacceptable when polled in 2023.

Among parents specifically, the figures have remained high in recent years, with the latest polling showing 81 per cent felt this way, up slightly from 80 per cent last year and from 76 per cent in 2022.

YouGov surveyed 3,800 adults across England in July, of which 749 were parents with a child under 18 and 198 were aged 18 to 24 years old.

Of all adults surveyed, 71 per cent said they believe physical punishment against a child is unacceptable, up from 67 per cent in 2023.

Earlier this year leading health experts came together to urge parliamentarians to give children the “fundamental right to safety and protection” by backing a smacking ban.

The children’s doctors and psychiatrists said decades of research showed the “detrimental effects of physical punishment”.

On the latest figures, NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “Parents and young people are telling us loud and clear that they don’t want physical punishment to be a part of anyone’s childhood.

“Parents know their children and what works best for them. It is therefore crucial their experiences and opinions are not ignored or undermined, but act as a wake-up call.

“As parliamentarians continue to debate the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we urge them to change the law to better reflect public attitudes to violence against children and ensure no childhood has to be tainted by physical punishment again.”

In June, as part of debate on the Bill, Conservative peer Lord Jackson of Peterborough warned that introducing a smacking ban in England would be “disproportionate and heavy-handed”.

He argued “reasonable chastisement” was harmless and calls to abolish it as a defence for punishing a child risked “criminalising good and caring parents, as well as overloading children’s services departments”.

But, in the wake of the murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif in Woking in 2023, the UK’s four children’s commissioners jointly called for a wholesale smacking ban, describing the current situation where there is a legal defence in some nations as “outdated and morally repugnant”.

Sara’s father – jailed for life in December 2024 alongside her stepmother for the little girl’s murder – had claimed in a call to police after fleeing England that he “did legally punish” his daughter and that he “beat her up too much”.

The children’s commissioners insisted “loving, well-meaning” parents have no need to be concerned about a change in the law.

Lynn Perry, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said: “Violence against children is unacceptable – and yet children continue to have less legal protection against physical assault than adults. That cannot be right. This new data shows that most parents agree.

“Physical punishment like smacking is harmful to a child’s health and development, and there’s strong evidence that it influences their attitudes toward violence. At Barnardo’s, we see first-hand how vital it is for children to feel safe and nurtured by those around them and to develop positive, healthy relationships.

“We have long campaigned for a change in the law to give children equal protection from assault and continue to call for action. It’s time for all children to be legally protected from all physical punishment everywhere in the UK.”

Commenting on the poll, Professor Andrew Rowland, officer for child protection at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: “This latest research makes it clear that physical punishment has no place in modern parenting.

“Health professionals stand firmly with parents and young people in recognising that physical punishment is not only outdated and unjust, but also harmful to children’s health and wellbeing.

“We urge the government to listen to parents, young people, health professionals and the wider public and to finally remove the outdated and unfair ‘reasonable punishment’ defence.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “The landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, a key part of our plan for change, represents the most transformative piece of child protection legislation in a generation, including wholesale reform of the children’s social care system and better information sharing between education, health, and social workers to stop vulnerable children falling through the cracks.

“While we are looking closely at the legal changes made in Wales and Scotland in relation to smacking, we have no plans to legislate at this stage.”

Remote retreats: idyllic British breaks for the perfect escape

For a restorative getaway where you can truly unwind, relax and reset, there’s nothing like escaping into nature, whether it’s a coastal bolthole, lakeside idyll or a country retreat surrounded by forests and fields. To help you find your perfect escape, we’ve rounded up some of the best remote breaks around Britain, from luxe cabins to country houses and everything in between.

What’s more, they’re all accessible by train, making it even easier to get away from it all, wherever you’re based. Plus, Railcard offers a third off rail travel around Britain. With nine Railcards to choose from, saving customers an average of £172 a year, it pays for itself in no time. Find the one for you at railcard.co.uk. What’s more, Railcard have created a handy online calculator to determine what you could save – simply enter your journey details and the relevant Railcard and it will calculate the discount you can get.

Read on for some truly special stays where you can go off grid in style…

Follow the herd, or rather flock, to a collection of luxury shepherd’s huts situated on a farm in Romney Marsh in Kent, where you’ll be surrounded by sheep (the owners also run a sustainable wool business). Just three miles away from the busy Ashford International Station, you’ll feel a million miles away from the stresses of everyday life. The huts each have a fully fitted kitchen, fridge, bathroom with a power shower and even a log burner for chilly evenings. You can add on various extras to your stay, from BBQ boxes and cocktail kits to local vineyard tours and even alpaca trekking – or just sit back under the vast open skies and feel your worries melt away.

Nearest station: Three miles from Ashford International Station

Nature lovers will relish a stay at Whitby Log Cabins, which offer a slice of rustic luxury in three acres of peaceful ancient woodland, complete with a stream and waterfall, just a mile from Whitby train station. There are three cosy but luxe cabins to choose from, each in its own private area and not overlooked by anyone else – aside, perhaps, from some local wildlife. Guests have spotted deer, badgers and owls outside their cabins and it’s the perfect place for a spot of stargazing. If you want some human life, Whitby town centre, with its many attractions (including the famous Whitby Abbey – an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula) is just a 40-minute scenic walk away, along the Cinder Track, a former railway line.

Nearest station: Whitby, about one mile away (the owners are happy to pick people up from the station)

There’s no better place to camp than in one of Britain’s dark sky reserves – areas officially designated excellent for observing the night sky. While by their very nature (a lack of artificial light), these areas are usually fairly remote, some are reachable by train. Woodfire at Westerlands is a 15-minute taxi ride from Pulborough station, in the heart of the South Downs National Park. They have pre-pitched tents available if you don’t want to lug your own stuff (though there’s no lighting onsite, so pack your torch!) In Wiltshire, Tisbury has the only “dark sky friendly” train station in Britain – from there it’s four miles to Marshwood Farm Camping, in the where you can stay in a bell tent or shepherd’s hut, or pitch your own.

Nearest station: Various, see above.

Moreton-in-Marsh, in the heart of The Cotswolds, is a pretty market town full of honey-coloured stone houses and beautiful surrounding countryside. It’s also one of the few Cotswolds towns with a train station, making it a convenient spot from which to explore this delightful part of the country. Attractions like Cotswold Falconry, the award-winning Bourton House Garden, Sezincote House and Gardens (a 200-year-old Indian palace set in 3,500 acres of English countryside) and Batsford Arboretum – a 60 acre collection of rare and beautiful trees – are all nearby and can be reached by local footpaths. Back in Moreton-in-Marsh itself, Lord of The Rings fans will enjoy exploring spots frequented by JRR Tolkien — particularly The Bell Inn, said to be the inspiration for Middle Earth pub the Prancing Pony.

Nearest station: Moreton-in-Marsh, about a five minute walk to the town centre

If you’re after some relaxed luxury, the 19th century Hampton Manor is just a five minute stroll from Hampton-in-Arden station (a 15 minute rail journey from Birmingham). Set across 45 wooded acres, it has two award-winning restaurants, a cookery school and artisan bakery. There’s a real emphasis on sustainability – the estate is powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and works with local farmers, producers and craftspeople. You can choose from three different but equally plush areas to stay: the manor house, the walled garden suites or the walled garden cottage. A daily vinyl (and cake) hour, along with informal wine tastings and impromptu fire pits help make it feel like you’re in a friend’s country pile rather than a hotel.

Nearest station: Hampton-in-Arden, a five minute walk away

On the fringe of the Northumberland Coast, Bilton Barns Farm has soul-nourishing views over the village of Alnmouth to the sea beyond. There’s a selection of accommodation here, including a range of cottages, but for something a bit different, book into one of their two bespoke cabins, each with a sea view, hot tub and fire pit – plus luxury touches like Egyptian cotton bedding, fluffy towels and robes. The Bilton Lookout has two storeys, so you can stare out at the stars from your cosy loft bedroom. While the Bilton Bothy is an L-shaped cabin with large outdoor decking, perfect for al fresco dining. Nearby you’ll find numerous walking trails including one that takes you directly down to the Northumberland coast path.

Nearest station: Alnmouth train station on the east coast main trainline (short taxi ride of one mile)

The Cairngorms National Park is the UK’s largest National Park, home to a quarter of its rare and endangered species – and the ultimate destination for an outdoor adventure. Aviemore is an ideal gateway to explore it from, offering incredible views, thrilling outdoor activities, and wonderful wildlife. Hire a bike and head out on the many local trails. Put on your walking boots and head for the stunning Loch An Eilen (Loch of the Island) – famous for its island castle ruin – around an hour’s walk from Aviemore. Take a trip on the Strathspey Heritage Railway, with its incredible views of the Cairngorm mountains and River Spey. And be sure to visit the Cairngorm Brewery to try some award-winning tipples.

Nearest station: Aviemore, in the town centre.

Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa is an award-winning spa hotel set in a breathtaking location on the shores of Lake Windermere, just a two mile taxi ride from Windermere Railway Station. Whether you’re looking for some adventure or just want to do some serious unwinding, there’s plenty to suit every mood here. The hotel spa has both indoor and outdoor infinity pools with lake views, along with saunas, hot tubs and thermal experiences. And at the on-site water sports centre you can try your hand at kayaking, paddle boarding, waterskiing, sailing and more. When you’ve worked up an appetite you might want to try the hotel’s signature wood-fired afternoon tea, which includes toasted slider sandwiches, peri peri chicken wings and flamed lemon meringue cheesecake. Be sure to force yourself to leave the hotel though – it’s the perfect base for enjoying scenic walks in the spectacular surroundings.

Nearest station: Short taxi ride from Windermere Railway Station

The Sharpham Trust is on a mission to reconnect people with nature, through a series of mindfulness and nature connection retreats on the stunning Sharpham Estate in Devon. There’s a whole range on offer, from beginner’s mindfulness and those focused on learning more about the natural world to singing and silent retreats. You can even spend a few days canoeing along the idyllic River Dart, or learn some new skills on a rewilding or foraging course. Accommodation options include a Grade I listed Georgian mansion, a converted 18th century stable block, The Barn Retreat Centre and bell tents in the Woodlands. The perfect way to escape in every sense.

Nearest station: Totnes, 15 minutes in a taxi

Buddha Beach House is a 400-year-old fish cellar turned modern coastal hideaway, perched on the cliffs above Whitsand Bay on the south east coast of Cornwall, just a 10-minute taxi ride from St Germans train station. Beyond the unbeatable sea views, there are four plush bedrooms (the house sleeps up to 10), a cedar hot tub and a bathroom aquarium the kids will love. Spend days beachside, surfing, exploring rock pools or hiking the coastal path. The owners have another property nearby, On The Rocks, which sleeps seven and is just 30 metres from the beach. Cornwall can get hectic during the summer, but this quiet corner is hidden from the crowds, ensuring a peaceful and picture perfect break.

Nearest station: St Germans, 10 minutes by taxi

Enjoy great value British adventures by train

From stunning nature and the great outdoors, to culture, cuisine and incredible scenery, there’s no doubt Britain has it all in spades, and these unmissable adventures are just a simple, enjoyable train ride away. So there’s never been a better time to start planning some Great British getaways, from day trips to weekends away or a longer staycation.

With Railcard, whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend, on a couples weekend or off on holiday with the family, you can save on all sorts of train journeys around Great Britain. Railcard helps you save a third off rail travel and for just £35 for the year, it pays for itself in no time. With nine different Railcards available, find the one for you at railcard.co.uk

Vicar who led church cult found guilty of assaulting female followers

A former priest accused of leading a rave-style evangelical cult in the Church of England has been found guilty of indecently assaulting nine of his female followers.

A trial heard Christopher Brain, who led the progressive Nine O-Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield in the 80s and 90s, surrounded himself with women who wore lingerie or revealing clothes as part of his “homebase team” who kept his house “spotlessly clean”.

The court heard the women – sometimes referred to as “the Lycra lovelies” or “the Lycra nuns” – were on a rota to help then-Reverend Brain with his every need. Some gave him “sensual” massages, which he told the jury were to relieve tension headaches.

He was charged with one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault relating to 13 women between 1981 and 1995.

On Wednesday, jurors at Inner London Crown Court found him guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women. However, he was acquitted of another 15 charges of indecent assault against two women.

The jury is still deliberating the rape charge and four further counts of indecent assault.

The seven-week trial heard how Brain, 68, was praised by the Archbishop of Canterbury after his “club culture” inspired services at St Thomas’ Church in Crookes, Sheffield, and later Ponds Forge leisure centre, drew hundreds of young congregants.

He was fast-tracked for Holy Orders as the movement took off, but it collapsed in controversy in 1995 after women alleged their charismatic leader had been sexually assaulting them, in some cases claiming he was helping to heal their sexual repression.

Prosecutor Tim Clark KC told the court he “abused his position first as a leader and then as an ordained priest to sexually assault a staggering number of women”.

When Brain was first confronted over claims he had abused up to 40 women, he replied: “I thought it was more,” the court heard.

Mr Clark said NOS became a cult in which members, who were vetted and organised into “discipleship” groups, were isolated from their friends and families.

“Members of NOS became utterly dependent on NOS and desperate for the attention and praise of the defendant,” he added. “They were encouraged to give up their time, finances and, eventually, their sense of self to this organisation and its leader.”

One woman who first joined the church as a teenager said she viewed Brain as a “form of prophet” who told her their contact was part of her “sexual healing”.

“She found it impossible to leave; she made an effort one time but was talked out of it,” Mr Clark said. “She describes becoming severely depressed. She stated that she engaged in the sexual activity, or more precisely submitted to it occurring, in order to survive.”

Another woman said she “viewed him as almost a God”. The prosecutor said Brain would suddenly appear in the lives of female members of NOS, often picking them up in his car whilst they were walking along. Women who did not keep the defendant happy would find themselves estranged from the group, he added.

One female congregant, who believes she was “brainwashed” by the priest, alleged he invited her to his home while his wife was away in 1983 or 1984, where he pinned her down and raped her.

She told the jury she was moving her head “from side to side” and “saying no”, adding: “I couldn’t get him off me.”

Another woman alleged she had to be available to “put him to bed”. On those occasions, he would undress and rub himself against her as she massaged him while wearing only her underwear, the court heard.

Mr Clark said: “She described going into a ‘robotic’ state doing this; she dreaded receiving his phone calls.”

The jury was told Brain admitted to “improper sexual conduct with a number of women” in the church in a bombshell 1995 BBC documentary, but denied this was abuse. He resigned from Holy Orders the same year.

Giving evidence in his defence, Brain admitted he received back massages from women in the movement despite being married with a young child.

Asked by his lawyer, Iain Simkin KC, “What on earth possessed you to have a back massage from another woman,” he responded: “Why not?”

He told the jury he suffered from “terrible” tension headaches. He said people in the homebase team, formed to free up his time to take the religious movement on the road, were “personal friends” and the massages were not part of their duties.

He admitted to having sexual contact with up to six of his accusers, but insisted it was consensual. Some of the other alleged assaults simply did not happen, he claimed.

He told the jury, “I was the most radical ordained vicar there was” as he defended his actions, adding: “I wasn’t a traditional vicar, I was someone on a journey of radical research and experimentation.”

He insisted NOS was a “free, open, really caring, very fun environment” and as they started to develop their own theology around 1990, some members became interested in tantric celibacy.

He added: “With some of my closest friends, it would be kissing sometimes, occasionally massaging, stroking. Anything more than that, we would back off.”

Jurors will return to court at 10am on Thursday to continue deliberations.

Police helicopter crew cleared after pursuit at low altitude

A police helicopter that swooped within metres of the ground during a chase in Merseyside will face no disciplinary action, an investigation has concluded.

The aircraft, deployed to track a suspect on a motorbike near Carr Mill Dam in St Helens on 13 August, was filmed flying so low to the ground that it disappeared behind a line of trees.

The pursuit ended with one suspect arrested for a series of offences, while a second was later detained.

Routine patrols by police air units typically maintain a minimum altitude of around 60 metres, but authorities have confirmed that helicopters are allowed to descend when supporting a pursuit or surveillance operation.

The National Police Air Service (NPAS), which operates the helicopter, said the crew carried out a “dynamic risk assessment” and followed protocol throughout the operation, after conducting an internal review.

Ch Supt Fiona Gaffney, chief operating officer for NPAS, said: “Our crew tracked the motorcyclist for over an hour, providing continuous updates to ground officers. This was a legitimate policing task in support of public safety and crime prevention.

“Once in a safe location, the crew recorded the decision to lower altitude with the intention of landing. As the motorcyclist continued to make off, the landing was discontinued and the aircraft accelerated before climbing away. This is an accepted takeoff manoeuvre.”

The officer added: “The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of vehicle pursuits can require crews to make rapid decisions to ensure public safety. We have robust procedures in place to support these decisions and safety remains our highest priority.”

Merseyside Police said the suspect was arrested on “suspicion of dangerous driving, taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving while disqualified, failing to stop, conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, and other driving offences”.

They added that a second suspect was on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and assisting an offender.”

A spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said it is aware of the incident, adding: “The Civil Aviation Authority will review the outcome and the processes that were followed.”