Taylor Wimpey Manchester has donated 321 winter essentials to Lifeshare charity for the homeless. The homebuilder's national Wrap Up Warm campaign has provided over 14,000 items. Learn more about this vital community support.
Families can save hundreds this festive season with over 20 restaurants, pubs and cafés offering free or £1 children's meals. Check the full list of deals and terms.
The body of Jana Bahvalova, 29, was recovered from Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham. The devoted mother had failed to collect her two daughters, prompting a missing person search.
Tesco is launching three new Bosh frozen vegan meals on December 29, perfectly timed for Veganuary 2026. The £3.75 dishes include a Hearty Lasagne and Tofu Tikka Masala. Discover the stock change and a secret code to save.
OpenTable data reveals the 10 busiest restaurants in Birmingham and the West Midlands for festive bookings in December 2025. Discover where locals are dining this Christmas.
Over 14,000 spring bulbs planted by volunteers in Stockport to re-wild the town centre. The project boosts biodiversity and community wellbeing. Find out how to get involved.
Thousands of children in Middlesbrough will benefit from free festive fun, sports, and healthy meals this Christmas. The Bring It On Boro scheme is back, funded by a £250k grant. Find out how to book.
Virgin Media O2 has moved 1,100 staff to a new 'marquee' Manchester HQ. The telecoms giant says the city centre location boosts recruitment and hybrid working is here to stay. Read more.
A British YouTuber survived on just Wetherspoons meals for 72 hours, spending a total of £44.38. Discover his surprising favourite dish and daily breakdown.
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.
Lindi Holmes, a Cambridge volunteer, wins FoodCycle's Regional Volunteer of the Year Award for helping turn over 20 tonnes of surplus food into thousands of free community meals. Discover how you can get involved.
Shoppers are snapping up real Christmas trees for a bargain £10.99 at Home Bargains. Discover the best festive tree deals from Tesco and Morrisons too.
The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour 2025 has announced its next steps. Find out where to see the festive lorry, get a free drink, and capture perfect holiday photos.
The Independent's guide to the UK's best festive markets features Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market and Worcester Christmas Fayre. Discover dates, highlights, and what makes them special.
A former detective who stole cocaine from police stores has been ordered to repay £75,420. Andrew Talbot was jailed for 19 years in 2024. Read the full story of his downfall.
Greene King is offering 30,000 free Christmas meals to UK shift workers on 1st December. A festive thank you to the 1.1 million people working on Christmas Day.
A policy change in Devon automatically enrols eligible children for free school meals, helping over 1,300 more pupils. Discover how this initiative supports families.
Celebrate Rochdale's vibrant arts scene by nominating local heroes for the Rochdale Culture Awards 2026. Submit your entries before December 19 deadline.
Gary Neville's Relentless development firm will transform the historic Kendals department store into offices and retail, securing the future of this Manchester landmark with £44m funding.
Tesco's Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative, now supporting over 500 schools, is hailed as 'life-changing' for improving children's health, concentration, and behaviour in disadvantaged areas.
Discover the top spots to buy a high-quality real Christmas tree across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Open daily from 9am to 8pm. Find your festive centrepiece today!
Discover Winter Wood Grotto in Rochdale - an immersive storytelling experience combining theatre, music and dance for all ages. Book tickets now for magical winter wonder!
A festive market in Manchester was brought to a standstill after a violent altercation between Dougie Joyce and Simon McGinley. Read the full story and watch the footage.
Andy Burnham's £1bn Good Growth Fund is set to unlock prime office space in Manchester, addressing a critical shortage and boosting the local economy from 2028. Discover the impact.
Join Rochdale's first poet laureate Sammy Weaver for a creative poetry workshop exploring belonging. Beginners welcome. Submit poems for Rochdale's Year of Culture anthology.
Discover everything you need to know about Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market 2025, from festive stalls and live music to opening times and travel tips. Plan your visit today!
Developer Manner commits to rebuilding Manchester's historic Hotspur Press as a student tower, preserving its heritage after the devastating 2024 fire. Learn about the new proposals.
Homebase launches real Christmas trees in over 250 The Range stores, rivalling Tesco and Morrisons. Choose from three sustainably grown UK varieties starting at £19.99.
Discover why Stratford-upon-Avon's traditional Victorian Christmas market is a cheaper, more atmospheric alternative to Birmingham's for 2025. Plan your festive visit now!
Discover the Tower Air Fryer Oven revolutionising UK family cooking. At just £59.99, this versatile appliance offers healthier fried alternatives and multiple cooking functions. Save time and money while creating perfect family meals.