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COLD and wet weather can make February half term hard for entertaining kids.

And soft play or other indoor attractions where they can stay dry and warm can be expensive.

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Five cheap and free activities for the kids during the cold and wet February half term[/caption]

But many shops have free or cheap fun for kids, and you can maybe shop too.

Here are some ideas . . . 

PET SHOPS: Look up local shops that have animals the children can look at.

Try a reptile store for lizards and aquariums. Pets at Home has free workshops throughout half term. Kids can meet small animals, and maybe enjoy some colouring and puzzles. See petsathome.com/workshops.

GROCERY SHOP: Taking smaller kids with you when you buy the weekly food can often be hard work. But Lidl’s child-size trollies help to ease the pain.

This lets you to do your shopping while keeping the little ones entertained. Kids love pushing the mini-trollies around the store.

GARDEN CENTRE: Dobbies is running its free Little Seedlings holiday club where youngsters can learn all about flowers and where they come from.

The sessions last 60 minutes and children will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Book online at dobbies.com/events.

IKEA: The furniture store runs free events for children over half term. You can expect teddy bear store trails or bedtime story competitions with no registration required.

Loyalty members can also access free workshops such as make-and-take bedtime boxes. Dates and events vary by store. Find your nearest at ikea.com.

JOHN LEWIS: Selected branches of John Lewis run free regular meet-ups to help new parents connect.

Adults get a complimentary hot drink, and a glass of juice is on offer for pre-schoolers who can also play with toys. Dates vary.

To find out more or book, see experiences.johnlewis.com.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

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HERE we go again . . . Meghan invading her own privacy with a cutesy, seemingly off-the-cuff (as if) video posted to her 1.8million Instagram followers.

The “Duchess of Sussex” has announced that her fledging brand American Riviera Orchard has already been renamed As Ever.

Instagram

As Ever

The new As Ever website features a photo of Meghan running hand in hand with daughter Lilibet[/caption]

Whatever.

If the patent applications are anything to go by, she’s about to start flogging us not just “fruit preserves” (aka jam) but everything from napkins and haircare to trowels and pruning forks. Hold me back.

As ever (see, it’s catching on already), Meghan is centre stage of the project, which will capitalise on the release of her imminent Netflix show With Love, Meghan, in which she will let us in on all her little home-making secrets.

Step one: Marry a British prince who can afford a nine-bed, 16-bathroom mansion in California.

Talking of which, Prince Harry who, lest we forget, vented at his family in the self-pitying memoir Spare, is reduced to an out-of-sight bit part, handing her the phone with the words, “it’s recording”.

Oh the irony. Spare indeed.

But then, being happily married with two gorgeous children is all part of the deal when it comes to selling an idyllic home life to the buying public.

Hence the girly giggle to her off-camera husband and the cover photo for As Ever’s website, which shows Meghan running hand in hand with daughter Lilibet across a lawn.

You can’t see the child’s face but if, as the couple have repeatedly said, you want complete privacy for your kids, then it’s probably best to leave them out of any public-facing initiatives altogether.

As an actress, Meghan is clearly accomplished at speaking to camera as if she’s been caught in an unguarded moment.

And this short recording of her looking casual in a white shirt, jeans and ponytail is a classic example of that.

It’s a reminder that, had she stayed in the UK as part of the Royal Family, she would have been a great asset to various charity initiatives.

But the decision to walk out and plough their own furrow rapidly led to realisation that, in the dog-eat-dog world of corporate America, being an ex-royal doesn’t cut the mustard if there’s no other skill set to go with it.

And that their expensive lifestyle doesn’t pay for itself.

Hence why Meghan is now trying to flog us over-priced mustard etc to pay the bills.

She and Harry want the cake of constantly bleating about their need for privacy while eating up whatever profit they can make by flogging themselves to the highest bidder.

As Ever.

LOVELY LIPPY’S A GOOD START, MAURA

MAC Cosmetics

Maura Higgins is the face of M.A.C make-up’s newest campaign for nude lipsticks[/caption]

MY delightful I’m A Celebrity ­campmate Maura Higgins is the face of Mac make-up’s newest ­campaign for “nude” lipsticks.

And bless her, she’s sent me a goody bag of samples. Thanks Maura.

Now, can you please send me the body to go with it?

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Jane with I’m A Celebrity camp-mate Maura[/caption]

ARE YOU CHER?

WHEN Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively tried to laugh off their feud with Justin Baldoni at a star-studded event in LA, it was reported that onlookers Kevin Costner and Cher looked less than amused.

BackGrid

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively at an LA event as Kevin Costner and Cher look on[/caption]

Oh I don’t know.

These self-celebratory sleb-fests can go on a bit, so one suspects Yellowstone actor Kevin was yearning for his bed and merely trying to see the time on someone else’s watch.

And as for Cher, she’s had the same expression for the past 20 years . . . so who knows?

IRANIAN ORDEAL OF OWN MAKING

WITH the UK weather so nippy, you’re probably dreaming of the summer and scrolling through options of where you might venture on holiday.

A British resort, perhaps? Or maybe a short hop to the Costa del Sol?

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But what’s the betting none of you are thinking: “Hmmm, I hear that Iran is lovely for a quick getaway?”

And even if you were mad enough to even contemplate it, a cursory glance at the Foreign Office website would tell you that it “advises against” there.

To hammer it home, there’s a map of the region coloured in red for danger and the warning that British nationals are “at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention”.

Yet all of the above was disregarded by British couple Craig and Lindsay Foreman who, by their own admission, decided to travel there “despite the advice of friends, family, and the FCDO”.

Get them back

‘Yes, we’re aware of the risks,” they posted.

“But we also know the rewards of meeting incredible people, hearing their stories, and seeing the breathtaking landscapes of these regions could far outweigh the fear . . . We hope to share the beauty, hospitality and humanity that often go unnoticed.”

Sigh. Their belief the presence of incredible people negates the chances of encountering the corrupt and opportunistic within a tyrannical regime is naive, and they have now been arrested and reportedly charged with espionage.

Their poor family – whose concerns they ignored – are distressed, concerned and having to focus on trying to get them back.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office – whose warnings also went unheeded – is now in contact with the authorities in Iran, so let’s wait and see what the deal is.

But what’s the betting that it won’t be, “Oh sorry, honest mistake, we’ll release them with no strings attached.”

I sincerely hope it gets resolved and, in the meantime, that they’re being treated well.

But the fact remains this regrettable situation was entirely avoidable.

NOT MUCH USE

THE research proof is in – young people are confused by food labels and, consequently, waste a lot of produce that’s perfectly edible.

Pretty much every Boomer parent could have told them this.

In Britain alone we waste 10million tonnes of food, much of it because people are “overly precautionary” about sell by/best before/use by dates.

Having been brought up by a war baby who would happily cut off the mould from a loaf and declare “it’s fine”, the only dates I pay heed to are “use by” on fish and chicken.

The rest of the time I use the best indicators of all for restricting food waste – my eyes and nose.

IDEAS ARE SO DATED

A NEW TV show is reportedly in development that’s being described as the spawn of The Apprentice and Love Island.

Called The Ultimate Power Couple, it will put lovers through challenges to uncover the best business duo.

Ye Gods. Is there any TV format that has been milked as dry as the dating/relationship genre?

Not even middle-aged blokes doing buddy travel shows comes close.

Ever since Blind Date was a smash hit, we’ve had Love Island, Love Is Blind, Married At First Sight, Temptation Island, Ex On The Beach, Dating Around, Dated And Related, The Later Daters, The Boyfriend, Perfect Match, Too Hot to Handle, Beauty And The Geek, The Bachelorette . . . I could fill this page with examples.

And now it’s bleeding in to the challenge formats.

Whatever next . . .  Traitors: Couples Special? Where do I send the invoice?

DON’T BOOB

NEW research reveals that 21 per cent of women are skipping breast cancer scans because they are either worried about going topless, haven’t found a lump, or think it will hurt.

Trust me, none of the above will come even close to being told that you have advanced breast cancer and you could have caught it early.

THE MOBO Awards were lit up with glamour tonight as the stars of music took to the red carpet.

The ceremony – which started almost 30 years ago – celebrates and elevates black music in the UK.

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MOBO host Indiyah Polack led the glam on the red carpet tonight[/caption]

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The Love Island star wowed in this daring dress with nipple tassels[/caption]

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Radio host Vick Hope wowed in her plunging outfit[/caption]

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Singer Ayra Starr looked sensational in her impressive gown[/caption]

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Love Island star Amber Gill was at the event in her native Newcastle[/caption]

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Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group, arrived in style[/caption]

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Nova Twins also attended the MOBO Awards[/caption]

In a historic move, the MOBO awards are being held at the Utilita Arena Newcastle.

The stars were out in force to help celebrate the winners at tonight’s

Leading the glam tonight was MOBO host Indiyah Polack who looked incredible in her black leather dress.

The Love Island star wowed in this daring gown that came complete with nipple tassels.

The rising star was joined by other celebs including fellow Love Island star Amber Gill.

Radio host Vick Hope wowed in her plunging outfit, while singer Ayra Starr looked sensational in her impressive gown,

This year’s star-studded lineup of nominees was released last year.

This includes the likes of Raye and Skepta for best video as well as Jorja Smith and Little Simz for best female act

HOST WITH THE MOST

Indiyah has returned to co-host the 2025 ceremony alongside Strictly star Eddie Kadi. 

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, the reality beauty revealed the moment she ‘fell to her knees’ after hearing the news.  

She said: “I remember exactly where, I was at a Fenty Beauty event and I literally fell to my knees because I thought my agent’s trying to pull a prank on me, I was like, what are you talking about?

“It just felt so surreal, it was such an honor to even be offered the opportunity.”

Eddie Kadi also spoke about how excited he is to host at this year’s awards, he said: “Even just being called to present an award at the MOBO’s is an honor.

“It’s a thing that I’ve grown up with as a kid so to be called in as a host and then do it with Indiyah as well, listen, I can’t ask for anything else, man.

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Rapper Cristale struck a pose on the red carpet[/caption]

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ALT BLK ERA wowed on the red carpet at the big event[/caption]

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Krept & Konan were at the big event[/caption]

“I’m excited already because I know we’re gonna have a lot of fun.”

MOVE TO NEWCASTLE

This is the first year the MOBO’s have been held in Newcastle.

In the run up to the awards, Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO Group, said: “Newcastle is a city steeped in history, culture, and a dynamic sense of community alongside an electric nightlife, making it the perfect host city.

“We are honoured to bring the MOBO Awards to this iconic destination, eager to deliver a show that will resonate far beyond the North East.

“Beyond the awards night, through the MOBO Fringe Festival, we will be engaging with the local community to create an inspiring and impactful programme that highlights the significant cultural influence of Black music.

“Newcastle, get ready for a time to remember!”

Over the years MOBO has helped nurture home grown talent such as Skepta, Dave and 2022’s Mercury Prize winner Little Simz.

Last years MOBO awards took place in Sheffield.

IT feels a month doesn’t go by without a new aviation disaster, or near miss.

Last year was one of the worst for air accidents that anyone can remember – and it looks as if this run of bad luck has continued into 2025.

Facebook / John Nelson

Shocking pictures show the aftermath of the Delta plane crash that saw the Bombardier CRJ900 flip on its roof[/caption]

Facebook / John Nelson

Officials confirmed 19 people were treated for injuries and two were airlifted to trauma centers for critical but non-life-threatening injuries[/caption]

Lying upside down on the tarmac of Toronto International Airport, it is nothing short of miraculous that all 80 passengers and crew onboard survived Monday’s dramatic crash landing.

It comes after a string of high-profile aviation incidents in which, unfortunately, those on board were not as lucky.

Last month, American Eagle Flight 5342 came crashing down in Washington DC after colliding with a military helicopter, killing all 67 on board.

This followed a devastating crash in South Korea that killed all but two of the 177 on board in December.

These horrific disasters are affecting prospective travellers too. A recent survey by analytics company Quantum Metric found that one in four plan to take fewer flights due to safety concerns.

So what is going on in our skies – and is it really a dangerous time to fly?

Speaking to The Sun, aviation experts insist flying remains an incredibly safe way to travel.

“When you look at it, [flying] is still pretty safe,” says aviation security expert Julian Bray. “It’s six times safer than going out in your car.”

“Although when these accidents and incidents do happen, they tend to be quite dramatic in terms of casualties and outcome.”

Nonetheless, from an increase in turbulence to shoddy manufacturing issues and overworked air traffic control, experts point to a number of modern phenomena that have impacted recent tragedies.

Turbulence trauma

It’s a fact of flying, but it’s getting worse, according to scientists.

Researchers based at the University of Reading have found that the duration of severe turbulence in the North Atlantic has increased by more than 50 per cent since 1979 – especially around jet streams, the flows of air at cruising height.

In May last year, Singapore Airlines Flight 321 was violently pushed up nearly 400ft in only a few seconds.

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Pictures from inside Singapore Airlines flight 321 show the extent to which turbulence rocked the aircraft last May[/caption]

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More than 40 people ended up being treated for injuries[/caption]

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Geoff Kitchen, 73, died of a heart attack when severe turbulence hit the plane[/caption]

Over 40 people on board were treated for serious injuries – and one 73-year-old man even lost his life.

“It’s wrong place, wrong time,” says Marco Chan, a former airline pilot and a senior lecturer in aviation at Buckinghamshire New University.
“Us pilots can’t see the turbulence. It’s just wind after all – there’s no detection on our radar system.”

Airlines use jet streams to save fuel and get to their destinations faster – so flights could get more and more unsteady as air temperatures rise.

Fortunately, fatalities from turbulence remain extremely rare, with only a handful of deaths in the last three decades.

Design flaws

The last few years saw Boeing, one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers, embroiled in scandal over poor design and shoddy manufacturing.

In January 2024, a packed flight over the US narrowly escaped disaster when a side panel was torn mid-air.

The investigation found critical bolts were missing.

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A photo taken by investigators shows the hole that was left after a panel ripped off Alaska Airlines Flight 1282[/caption]

Whistleblower Sam Mohawk described the factory floor as “chaos”, with faulty parts potentially making their way into aircraft.

It followed serious incidents in 2018 and 2019 that saw 346 people die when a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max 8 jet and an Ethiopian Airlines Max 8 crashed just minutes after take-off.

Last year, the firm agreed to plead guilty to criminal fraud in the development of the Max and pay hundreds of millions of dollars in fines.

Thankfully for fliers, the airline giant has since made strides to regain its reputation for safety.

“It used to be run by marketing men. We found out that literally Boeing was marking its own homework,” says Julian.

“You’ll be pleased to hear that an engineer is now the chairman of Boeing, and they’re going in a completely different direction.”

Air traffic control chaos

In the aftermath of last month’s Washington DC crash, it emerged that an air traffic controller had left their post early on the night of the incident.

More concerningly, 90 per cent of air traffic control facilities in the country have been operating below FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) recommended staffing levels, according to US media reports.

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Wreckage from the American Airlines floating in the Potomac River in Washington DC, following the January 29 crash[/caption]

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Investigators in the US are now trying to piece together how last month’s collision in Washington DC happened[/caption]

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Aviation expert Julian Bray says that it is likely the Washington crash will prompt changes in how air traffic controllers operate[/caption]

“For years, America has been saying their airspace is safe. But the reality is they’ve jammed an awful lot into it,” says Julian.

A day of cancellations can also lead to heightened risks, with air traffic congestion a major risk.

“With more flights than usual operating with the same timeframes, airports and airspace can become overcrowded,” Marco says.

“Aircraft availability and maintenance requirements also become strained in these scenarios, which may lead to compressed turnaround times, increasing the risk of operational errors, maintenance oversights, or unexpected mechanical issues that could cause further delays.”

Warzone conflicts

On Christmas Day last year, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crash landed in a fireball after being hit by a Russian missile.

As conflict spreads around the globe, more and more airspaces are becoming too risky to fly into.

“Back in the day, missiles didn’t go high enough – but now they can,” explains Julian.

“Conflict zones tend to spring up quickly, or you might find a country will close down its airspace even when you’ve got aircraft in the sky.

“Very quickly your aircraft has to divert – but has it got enough fuel to do it?”

And now, rogue rebel groups increasingly seem to have access to weapons and equipment capable of hitting airliners – with scant concern for the diplomatic consequences.

The safety of flights bound for the UK relies on strong security measures being in place abroad, but standards can vary around the globe.

Tips to stay safe

The number one tip to staying safe is to keep your seatbelt on, recommends Marco – all the time.

To minimise turbulence, sitting in the middle of the plane near the wings is best, he adds.

But if you want to maximise your chances of surviving a crash, you’re better off going as far back as you can.

This is where the two survivors of the devastating South Korean crash in December were located.

“Read the evacuation card, and go to your nearest exit”, Marco says – especially as you could be left fumbling around in the dark should something go wrong.

While all manufacturers are subject to rigorous safety checks, you can check the aircraft you’ll be flying with by checking the details of your reservation on your airline’s website.

AFP

A South Korean flight crash-landed on December 29 following a bird strike, killing all 175 passengers and four of six crew members[/caption]

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Tragically, 38 people were killed in the crash – though 29 managed to survive[/caption]

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Footage shows the moment a DHL cargo plane crashed in Lithuania in November[/caption]

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Terrifying footage shows the debris from an airplane crash that happened in Brazil back in August, killing all 61 on board[/caption]

CHINA has unveiled its latest supersonic drone which it says could fly passengers at twice the speed of Concorde.

The superfast aircraft, dubbed “Monkey King”, aims to reach a top speed of Mach 4 – twice the speed of sound – while flying at an altitude of 12.4 miles above ground level.

Lingkong Tianxing Technology

China has unveiled its latest supersonic drone dubbed ‘Monkey King’[/caption]

Lingkong Tianxing Technology

The drone aims to reach a top speed of Mach 4[/caption]

Lingkong Tianxing Technology

It can fly at an altitude of 12.4 miles above ground level[/caption]

It is the latest innovation from China showcasing its growing might in the aerospace industry.

The drone, being designed by a Chinese startup called Lingkong Tianxing Technology, also hopes to fly an unspecified number of passengers on commercial routes.

Weighing up to 1.5 tonnes, the seven-metre-long UAV will be powered by two detonation engines – a type of propulsion system that generates thrust by rapidly burning fuel through a self-sustaining detonation wave.

With a flying altitude of 12.4 miles above the ground level, the sonic boob generated by the drone will be much less destructive for the people on the ground.

And the air at such a height will be much thinner, helping the craft to achieve its desired speed.

The drone is being developed as part of a larger initiative to make high-speed passenger jets – capable of smashing the sound barrier – a reality.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the test flight for the aircraft is scheduled for next year.

Chief engineer Deng Fan said another high-speed aircraft capable of carrying hundreds of passengers is expected to take to the skies by 2030.

The craft we’ll be based on the success of the Monkey King drone.

Supersonic technology, traditionally a military asset, is now being adapted for commercial use.

Last year, China unveiled its latest advanced supersonic fighter jet capable of dropping devastating weapons from space.

The mysterious aircraft, dubbed “White Emperor”, is the country’s sixth-gen fighter jet that highlights China’s advancements in aerospace technology.

The “integrated space-air fighter” aims to perform in both atmospheric and near-space altitudes between up to 25,000 meters.

Dubbed the “Baidi” or “White Emperor,” this cutting-edge aircraft model is showcased as part of China’s ambitious Project Nantianmen, a research initiative to explore future aerospace technologies.

A life-size prototype of the jet highlights the advancements in weaponry and avionics, potentially setting the stage for future Chinese military aircraft developments.

The advanced aircraft is supposed to be a response to The US Air Force’s Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program that is set to secure superiority in air and space advanced manned and unmanned aircraft.

Meanwhile, China introduced an enormous cargo drone dubbed the “pickup truck of the sky” that can carry a tonne of weight.

Footage showed the hulking yellow aircraft called CH-YH1000 trundle down a runway completely automatically – without anyone controlling it.

It is shaped much like a passenger plane, with two large horizontal wings and a tail fin.

It has two miniature propellers whirring at the front and runs on a set of three wheels in a triangular formation.

The wheels don’t leave the tarmac at any point, but this early-stage test was just to ensure the drone is able to taxi properly – not fly.

He's included a touching tribute to Freddie in his new release.

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