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Featured

• More than 100 volunteers power Roch Valley Radio as World Radio Day 2026 is marked

  World Radio Day is today, 13 February 2026, and is a moment to celebrate the impact of broadcasting across the globe, it is also a chance to recognise the people behind the microphone who keep local radio alive every single week.

• The immersive tour of Rochdale, revealing hidden secrets

  Culture, music, religion and the history of the town centre Wetherspoons. Only Rochdale could weave tales of these things together into a compelling intertwing web.

• EXCLUSIVE: Labour lays out their strategy for By-election, as Candidate supports Free Breakfast Clubs

  Audio

  In an exclusive to Roch Valley Radio, we talk to the Labour Candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, Angeliki Stogia and the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Philipson about the by-election, Breakfast Clubs being rolled out across the constituency and Labour's Chances in the By-election.

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Local News

• Council to begin enforcement action at Primrose Hill Farm in Heywood

  Rochdale Borough Council says it will begin enforcement action within days after construction work continued at Primrose Hill Farm in Heywood without planning permission, amid growing public controversy and a planned protest later this month.

• Green light for new gym at former Queensway car dealership

  Plans to turn a former car dealership in Rochdale into a modern fitness studio have been approved by Rochdale Borough Council.

• Eleven students secure Oxford and Cambridge offers

  Eleven students at a Rochdale Sixth Form have secured offers to study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge following one of the most competitive admissions processes in higher education.

• Bury’s young voters elect new Youth MP after strong turnout

  Thousands of young people across Bury have taken part in a borough wide vote to choose their new Member of Youth Parliament, with turnout exceeding 35 per cent of those eligible.

• EXCLUSIVE: Silenced mother’s own FOI reveals nearly £11 million paid out for maternity harm at hospital where she says she was assaulted during childbirth

  FOI reveals shocking payouts for Maternity harm at North Manchester General Hospital.

• Running from Rochdale to London in memory of hospice care that supported a family’s darkest days

  Two Rochdale runners are preparing to cover 246 miles in six days in memory of a father whose final night was spent at Springhill Hospice.

• Locked out in the cold as Rochdale Train Station staff didn't turn up to unlock the gates

  Passengers arrived at Rochdale railway station early this morning to find the doors locked and no trains running due to staff shortages.

• Greenmount jumble sale buyer appeals to return unexpected sex toy found in donated bag

  A YouTuber who bought a bag at a Greenmount jumble sale has appealed for its original owner to come forward after discovering an unexpected adult item left inside.

• New private diagnostic centre opens at Rochdale AFC ground

  A new private healthcare clinic has opened within the grounds of Rochdale AFC, bringing imaging and GP services to patients across the borough.

• Romance takes centre stage at The Rock in Bury

  More than 100 couples, friends and family members took part in a Valentine themed gameshow at The Rock in Bury over the weekend.

• Food drive to support FRGS Hub pantry set for Saturday at Bury FC

  A community hub serving Fishpool, Goshen, Redvales and Springs is urging residents to donate essential items at a food drive taking place this Saturday at Bury FC.

• United Utilities to host online recruitment event as wastewater hiring drive continues

  United Utilities is inviting jobseekers from across the North West to join an online careers event as it begins the next phase of a major recruitment programme.

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Local Sports

• Hornets fight back to maintain unbeaten start with win over Keighley

  Rochdale Hornets came from behind to secure a 24 to 10 victory over Keighley Cougars and preserve their 100 per cent start to the new Betfred Championship season.

• Bury Council approves £4.5 million investment in leisure centres

  Bury Council has approved £4.5 million of investment to improve its leisure centres in Ramsbottom and Bury town centre.

• Rochdale and York MPs back campaign for extra National League promotion place

  The MPs for Rochdale and York have joined forces to support a national campaign calling for two automatic promotion places from the National League, as they joked about which of their clubs will finish top this season.

• Anthony Johnson named Bury FC first team manager in statement move

  Anthony Johnson has been appointed as Bury Football Club’s new First Team Manager with immediate effect, marking what the club has described as a ‘clear statement of intent’ for its future.

• Rochdale Hornets suffer record defeat as Wigan Warriors run in 15-try rout

  A spirited Rochdale Hornets side were comprehensively beaten 83-0 by World Club Champions Wigan Warriors in the third round of the Betfred Challenge Cup, in front of the club’s biggest home crowd in over two decades.

• Dale edge past Carlisle to make it six wins in a row

  Rochdale AFC held onto top spot in the Enterprise National League with a narrow 1-0 home win over Carlisle United on Saturday afternoon.

• Rochdale voices add momentum to growing call for fairer National League promotion

  Calls from Rochdale and across Parliament to reform promotion from the National League have gathered pace after the English Football League chair said the current system is indefensible.

• Rochdale power back to first place after dominant display against Boreham Wood

  Rochdale went back top of the National League after an emphatic 4-1 win over Boreham Wood at the Crown Oil Arena.

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Lifestyle

• EXCLUSIVE: Silenced mother’s own FOI reveals nearly £11 million paid out for maternity harm at hospital where she says she was assaulted during childbirth

  FOI reveals shocking payouts for Maternity harm at North Manchester General Hospital.

• Greenmount jumble sale buyer appeals to return unexpected sex toy found in donated bag

  A YouTuber who bought a bag at a Greenmount jumble sale has appealed for its original owner to come forward after discovering an unexpected adult item left inside.

• Romance takes centre stage at The Rock in Bury

  More than 100 couples, friends and family members took part in a Valentine themed gameshow at The Rock in Bury over the weekend.

• Romance fraud warning after 81 year old woman conned out of £5,000

  Police have issued a warning about romance fraud after an 81 year old woman from Greater Manchester was persuaded to buy £5,000 worth of gift cards for a scammer posing as a well known singer.

• Rochdale Wedding Show to return to town hall in May

  Couples planning their wedding are being invited to Rochdale Town Hall this spring as the Rochdale Wedding Show returns on Sunday 17 May 2026.

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Greater Manchester

• Business secretary warns Reform poses risk to Gorton and Denton high street ahead of by election

  The Business Secretary has warned that local firms in Gorton and Denton could be put at risk if Reform UK wins next week’s by election, as campaigning intensifies across the constituency.

• EXCLUSIVE: Silenced mother’s own FOI reveals nearly £11 million paid out for maternity harm at hospital where she says she was assaulted during childbirth

  FOI reveals shocking payouts for Maternity harm at North Manchester General Hospital.

• Crowdfunder launched to create mural honouring Stone Roses and Primal Scream legend Mani

  A community crowdfunder has been launched to create a large scale mural in Failsworth honouring Gary Mani Mounfield, the former bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, while raising money for Maggie’s Centre in Manchester.

• United Utilities to host online recruitment event as wastewater hiring drive continues

  United Utilities is inviting jobseekers from across the North West to join an online careers event as it begins the next phase of a major recruitment programme.

• TfGM strikes end after workers secure pay deal

  Strike action by more than 200 Transport for Greater Manchester workers has ended after staff voted to accept a new pay offer following weeks of industrial action.

• Section 60 powers EXTENDED in Chadderton and Oldham after three stabbings

  Stop and search powers covering parts of Chadderton and Oldham have been extended until 6.30pm today following three serious assaults earlier this week.

• Romance fraud warning after 81 year old woman conned out of £5,000

  Police have issued a warning about romance fraud after an 81 year old woman from Greater Manchester was persuaded to buy £5,000 worth of gift cards for a scammer posing as a well known singer.

• Parents jailed over abuse and death of two year old girl

  A mother and father have been sentenced to prison over the abuse and death of their two year old daughter, who suffered a non accidental brain injury at their home in Manchester.

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Local Entertainment

• Crowdfunder launched to create mural honouring Stone Roses and Primal Scream legend Mani

  A community crowdfunder has been launched to create a large scale mural in Failsworth honouring Gary Mani Mounfield, the former bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, while raising money for Maggie’s Centre in Manchester.

• More than 100 volunteers power Roch Valley Radio as World Radio Day 2026 is marked

  World Radio Day is today, 13 February 2026, and is a moment to celebrate the impact of broadcasting across the globe, it is also a chance to recognise the people behind the microphone who keep local radio alive every single week.

• Review: Single White Female, Manchester Opera House

  Single White Female is one of those films loads of people remember from the 90s, the kind of thriller you’d stick on with friends and end up shouting at the screen by the end.

• Review: Barnum wows Manchester with circus flair and stage magic

  Lee Mead shines as the master of spectacle in a fast-paced musical filled with daring tricks and old-fashioned showmanship.

• Bury and Bolton theatre school earns national recognition for work with young people

  A theatre school based in Greater Manchester has been named a Trinity Champion Centre just two years after opening, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to performing arts education and community inclusion.

• Saturday roundup as we Sing Hosanna first and then SKA later at Ramsbottom’s Come Together Festival

  Ramsbottom stayed lively into Saturday night, 7 February, as the volunteer run Ramsbottom Come Together Festival continued a full day of activity into the night.

• Ramsbottom Come Together Festival in full swing this weekend

  This weekend is the Ramsbottom Come Together Festival, a free community arts festival spanning across 12 venues.

• Jeff Goldblum to play Manchester on first ever UK tour with The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra

  Jeff Goldblum will bring his signature jazz stylings to Manchester for the first time this June as part of his debut UK tour with The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra.

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Elections

• Bury’s young voters elect new Youth MP after strong turnout

  Thousands of young people across Bury have taken part in a borough wide vote to choose their new Member of Youth Parliament, with turnout exceeding 35 per cent of those eligible.

• Business secretary warns Reform poses risk to Gorton and Denton high street ahead of by election

  The Business Secretary has warned that local firms in Gorton and Denton could be put at risk if Reform UK wins next week’s by election, as campaigning intensifies across the constituency.

• New youth parliament members elected to represent Rochdale borough

  Two young people have been elected to represent the borough of Rochdale as the latest Members of UK Youth Parliament following a borough wide vote.

• Sadiq Khan campaigns in Gorton and Denton as Labour pushes unity message

  London mayor Sadiq Khan has joined Labour activists in Gorton and Denton as campaigning continues ahead of the local by-election, describing the contest as a choice between hope and fear.

• Printing error blamed for missing imprint on Reform UK by election leaflets

  A printing company has accepted full responsibility for the removal of a legally required imprint from election leaflets distributed on behalf of Reform UK during the Gorton and Denton by election, saying the mistake occurred during its own production process.

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UK

• Third British skier has been killed in avalanches in French Alps in the space of a week

  A third British man has died while skiing in the French Alps in less than a week.

• Britain's Got Talent dancer Kerri-Anne Donaldson found dead at home had been accused of 'child sex offence', inquest hears

  A Britain's Got Talent dancer found dead at home had been arrested over a child sex offence just days earlier, an inquest has heard.

• Police name suspect in London knife murder as £10,000 reward offered

  Detectives have named a man they want to speak to in connection to the murder of Dariusz Serafin, who died a year ago after he stumbled into a London pub with knife wounds.

• Tech firms must take down abusive images in 48 hours - or face being blocked from UK

  Technology firms that do not take down abusive images from their platforms within 48 hours face being blocked from the UK under new rules proposed by the government.

• Masseur charged with multiple sexual offences as police make appeal

  A masseur has been charged with multiple sexual offences in North East England.

• CCTV shows the moments before Saudi Cambridge student Mohammed Algasim is fatally stabbed

  CCTV shows the moments before a Saudi student was fatally stabbed in the neck by a stranger as he sat with friends outside his university accommodation. 

• Aberfeldy murder suspect accused of shooting ex-colleague dead brands police probe 'monumental shambles'

  A former gamekeeper accused of murder has said "why would I wait all that time" to shoot an old colleague dead as he branded the police investigation a "monumental shambles".

• What is in the Chagos Islands deal criticised by Donald Trump - and why is it controversial?

  Donald Trump has once again criticised the UK's decision to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, in a deal that includes a formal transfer of Diego Garcia, home to a key US military base.

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Entertainment

• Nancy Guthrie: No match found for DNA on glove recovered near home

  DNA recovered from a glove found near the home of Nancy Guthrie does not match anything in a national database, authorities have said.

• Actor Shia LaBeouf arrested after allegedly assaulting two men, police say

  Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf has been arrested after allegedly assaulting two men in New Orleans amid Mardi Gras celebrations, police say.

• UK's Eurovision entry is YouTuber and electronic artist Look Mum No Computer

  The UK's entrant for this year's Eurovision Song Contest will be YouTuber and electronic artist Look Mum No Computer.

• Hollywood legend Robert Duvall, star of Apocalypse Now and The Godfather star, dies aged 95

  Hollywood icon Robert Duvall, star of films including The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95.

• Tehran producer Dana Eden found dead in Athens hotel room while filming new season

  The executive producer of hit TV spy thriller Tehran has been found dead in an Athens hotel, police have said.

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Sport

• Vinicius Jr: Jose Mourinho's comments after Real Madrid forward reports alleged racist abuse criticised by Jamie Carragher

  UEFA is investigating Vinicius Junior's allegation that he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.

• F1 Bahrain testing: George Russell fastest on first day of final test as Lewis Hamilton suffers first Ferrari pre-season issue

  George Russell was fastest for Mercedes on the first day of Formula 1's final 2026 testing event as Ferrari hit significant trouble for the first time in pre-season when Lewis Hamilton's running was limited by a technical issue.

• Benfica vs Real Madrid halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr racism allegation following incident with Gianluca Prestianni

  Real Madrid's Champions League knockout play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Jr initially refused to play on following an alleged racist comment made to him by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni.

• England vs Ireland: Henry Pollock handed first Test start with Maro Itoje set for 100th cap in Six Nations

  Henry Pollock will make his first Test start in Saturday's Six Nations clash against Ireland, with captain Maro Itoje poised to earn his 100th England cap.

• Leicester: Gary Rowett appointed as manager until end of season

  Leicester have appointed Gary Rowett as their manager until the end of the season, with the club's chairman saying the Foxes are "in a fight for survival" in the Championship.

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Strange

• Obama says aliens 'are real' - but he hasn't seen any

  Barack Obama has said aliens are "real" in an interview, before later taking to social media to clarify his comments.

• 'Britain's loneliest sheep', Fiona, gives birth for first time

  "Britain's loneliest sheep" has given birth for the first time.

• Fire-juggling unicyclist caught performing on crossing

  Police have caught a man juggling fire while riding a unicycle on a pedestrian crossing.

• Crotch enhancements: The latest controversy at the Winter Olympics

  Crotch enhancements. Banned helmets. Qualifying manipulation claims. And Russian hacking.

• Boxer loses hairpiece in the ring and blames mother's shampoo

  American boxer Jarrell Miller won his heavyweight bout in New York by a hair's breadth on Saturday - but lost his wig when the toupee started to came away.

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Videos

• 'Britain's loneliest sheep', Fiona, gives birth for first time

  "Britain's loneliest sheep" has given birth for the first time.

• Robert Jenrick tries to blend old with new - but can ex-Tory really be Reform's 'reassuring revolutionary'?

  Robert Jenrick, in his first major speech as Reform's Treasury spokesperson, said he wanted to approach his brief as a "reassuring revolutionary".

• Hollywood legend Robert Duvall, star of Apocalypse Now and The Godfather star, dies aged 95

  Hollywood icon Robert Duvall, star of films including The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95.

• Six of Sarah Ferguson's companies to close in wake of latest Epstein files

  Six firms linked to Sarah Ferguson are being wound down following revelations from the latest release of the Epstein files, Companies House documents show. 

• Unemployment hits highest rate in nearly five years

  The unemployment rate has increased again - to the highest level in nearly five years, according to official figures.

• UEFA investigating alleged racist abuse directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior

  UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector after allegations a racist ‌slur was directed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during last night's Champions League match against Benfica.

• Starmer warns 'public health isn't a culture war' after measles outbreak

  Sir Keir Starmer has warned "public health isn't a culture war" and urged parents to check their children are up to date with vaccinations after a measles outbreak.

• Are you using an AI-generated password? It might be time to change it

  Have you ever asked an AI for a password?

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Politics

• Tech firms must take down abusive images in 48 hours - or face being blocked from UK

  Technology firms that do not take down abusive images from their platforms within 48 hours face being blocked from the UK under new rules proposed by the government.

• Robert Jenrick tries to blend old with new - but can ex-Tory really be Reform's 'reassuring revolutionary'?

  Robert Jenrick, in his first major speech as Reform's Treasury spokesperson, said he wanted to approach his brief as a "reassuring revolutionary".

• Starmer warns 'public health isn't a culture war' after measles outbreak

  Sir Keir Starmer has warned "public health isn't a culture war" and urged parents to check their children are up to date with vaccinations after a measles outbreak.

• Plans to raise minimum wage for young people could be delayed, Sky News understands

  Plans to increase the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds to the same level as for other adults could be delayed, Sky News understands.

• Brazilian butt lifts 'should be banned immediately' by government, MPs say

  MPs have called on the government to immediately ban Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs).

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Technology

• Are you using an AI-generated password? It might be time to change it

  Have you ever asked an AI for a password?

• Tech firms must take down abusive images in 48 hours - or face being blocked from UK

  Technology firms that do not take down abusive images from their platforms within 48 hours face being blocked from the UK under new rules proposed by the government.

• 1,000 suspected paedophiles being arrested every month

  Police are arresting 1,000 suspected paedophiles every month as the threat of child sex abuse worsens, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has warned.

• How is the start of Ramadan determined - and does it begin in the UK today?

  Today has been confirmed as the first day of Ramadan by Saudi Arabia. But for Muslims in the UK, the start of the holiest month of the Islamic year can differ.

• UK at risk of more flooding 'for months to come' after record-breaking January

  Parts of Britain could be at risk of further flooding for months to come because so much rain has fallen so far this year, according to new analysis.

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World

• UEFA investigating alleged racist abuse directed at Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior

  UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector after allegations a racist ‌slur was directed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during last night's Champions League match against Benfica.

• Ex-Victoria's Secret mogul says Jeffrey Epstein 'stole vast sums from our family'

  A billionaire mogul says paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein stole vast sums from his family.

• Eight skiers found dead after avalanche in California amid 'horrific conditions'

  Eight skiers have been found dead, and one is still missing, after an avalanche in the northern California mountains, authorities have said.

• Ex-Man Utd star Mikael Silvestre has strong words for Jose Mourinho over Vinicius Junior's racist abuse claim

  Former Manchester United player Mikael Silvestre has claimed Jose Mourinho has "failed us" over his response to Vinicius Junior's allegations of racist abuse.

• Twelve people die in fireworks explosion at Lunar New Year celebrations in eastern China

  At least 12 people have been killed after an explosion and fire at a fireworks shop in eastern China, the country's state media has said.

• Ukrainian officials to boycott Winter Paralympics over 'outrageous' decision to allow Russia to compete under flag

  Ukrainian officials will boycott next month's Milano Cortina Winter Paralympics over the participation of ​Russian and Belarusian ‌athletes who have been cleared ​to compete under their flags.

• Drones flown into North Korea by civilians are harming relations, says South Korea

  Drones being flown into North Korea by civilians are harming inter-Korean relations, a South Korean minister has said. 

• Jose Mourinho sounded like he was victim blaming - but Vinicius Junior needs empathy over alleged racist abuse

  Vinicius Junior had every right to want to leave the pitch - and for the game to be abandoned.

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Business

• Mark Kleinman blog | See the latest stories from Sky News' City editor

• Interest rate cut even more likely next month as inflation falls

  The rate at which prices are increasing has fallen significantly, official figures have shown, making an interest rate cut next month even more likely.

• Big fall in household energy bills predicted from April

  Annual energy bills will fall by £117 from April due to government changes, forecasters have predicted.

• Plans to raise minimum wage for young people could be delayed, Sky News understands

  Plans to increase the minimum wage for 18 to 20-year-olds to the same level as for other adults could be delayed, Sky News understands.

• Secret codes in supermarkets that could save you money | Money newsletter

  More than 155,000 people have now signed up to our free Money newsletter, which brings the kind of content you enjoy in the award-winning Money blog directly to your inbox every Friday.

• Unemployment hits highest rate in nearly five years

  The UK's unemployment rate has increased again - to the highest level in nearly five years, according to new official figures.

• Six of Sarah Ferguson's companies to close in wake of latest Epstein files

  Six firms linked to Sarah Ferguson are being wound down following revelations from the latest release of the Epstein files, Companies House documents show. 

• Money Problem: 'I booked an emergency plumber and cancelled minutes later but they've still charged me £270'

  Our Money team helps a reader every week with their consumer issue or financial dispute...

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

• Mayor praises Rochdale firms and community spirit in New Year column

  This is my first column of 2026, so I would like to start by wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.

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