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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

• 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.

• MP visits Heywood engineering academy during National Apprenticeship Week

  The MP for Heywood and Middleton North visited a leading Heywood manufacturer to see first hand how apprentices are being trained within a live engineering environment during National Apprenticeship Week.

• Rochdale residents urged to shape new grooming gangs inquiry

  People across Rochdale are being encouraged to take part in a national consultation that will help define the scope of a new Independent Statutory Inquiry into grooming gangs.

• Half of Rochdale GP practices unite under new integrated federation

  Half of Rochdale’s GP practices have joined together under a new borough wide federation in what health leaders describe as a significant change to the way primary care is delivered locally.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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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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

• 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.

• 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.

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Greater Manchester

• 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.

• Salford Royal surgery services issued warning notice after safety inspection

  Surgical services at Salford Royal Hospital have been issued with an urgent warning notice after inspectors found patients were left in pain, exposed to safeguarding risks and reluctant to ask for help due to staffing shortages.

• Two men jailed for life over terror plot targeting Jewish communities

  Two men have been jailed for life after plotting an Islamic State inspired terror attack targeting Jewish communities in Greater Manchester, in what a judge described as a plan that could have been one of the deadliest attacks ever carried out on UK soil.

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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

• 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.

• 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.

• Workers Party of Britain will not stand a candidate in Gorton and Denton

  The Workers Party of Britain will not stand a candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton By-Election, after George Galloway said he would be on the ballot if Andy Burnham stood.

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UK

• 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.

• Why Sir Keir Starmer's latest U-turn may see him lose more than just face

  The government has changed its mind again.

• Hundreds arrested for phone theft in London - as Met chief calls on courts to stop releasing offenders

  More than 200 people have been arrested in the past four weeks as part of a phone theft crackdown in London - with drones and facial recognition used to catch those responsible.

• Boy, nine, undergoes UK-first leg-lengthening surgery

  A nine-year-old boy has become the first patient to have pioneering leg-lengthening surgery in the UK.

• British skiers killed in Alps avalanche named

  Two British skiers who died in an avalanche at a French Alps ski resort last week have been named.

• 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. 

• 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.

• Farage claims 'victory' as councils face 'race against time' to reinstate plans after elections U-turn

  Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has claimed a "victory" after the government abandoned plans to postpone 30 local elections - a decision ballot organisers say has left councils in a "race against time".

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Entertainment

• 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.

• Guthrie family are not suspects in kidnapping, sheriff says

  The family of Nancy Guthrie are not suspects in her kidnapping, the sheriff has confirmed.

• Chadwick Boseman's brothers say late star's play will help 'preserve his memory'

  A play written by the late Hollywood star Chadwick Boseman is part of a legacy that will "preserve his memory", his brothers have told Sky News.

• Man charged with terrorism offences over Taylor Swift concert attack plot

  A man has been charged with terrorism-related offences over a plot to carry out an attack at a Taylor Swift concert in 2024.

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Sport

• Igor Tudor: Tottenham reach agreement with former Juventus boss to become interim head coach for rest of season

  Igor Tudor has agreed to become Tottenham interim head coach until the end of the season.

• Man City and Arsenal locked in compelling Premier League title battle - is the Gunners' grip beginning to slip?

  Like a phoenix from the ashes, Manchester City rise again. This is the exact tete-a-tete Mikel Arteta and Arsenal were hoping to avoid. We've been here twice before and twice Arteta has been scorned.

• Barcelona to remain on F1 calendar until 2032 in rotation with Belgian Grand Prix despite addition of Madrid race

  The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2032 after a deal was agreed for the event to feature in a yearly rotation with the Belgian Grand Prix.

• Tyson Fury: Oleksandr Usyk will be begging me for trilogy by end of year! 'Without belts, I'm still the man'

  Tyson Fury believes he will set a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk before the year is out.

• Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari driver has 'perfect opportunity' in 2026 F1 season, says former team-mate Jenson Button

  The 2026 Formula 1 season provides Lewis Hamilton with the "perfect opportunity to turn it around" at Ferrari, according to his former team-mate Jenson Button.

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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.

• 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. 

• 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.

• Imran Khan's doctor not allowed to treat him in jail, spokesman claims

  Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has not received adequate medical treatment in prison after suffering partial vision loss in one eye, his spokesman claims.

• Every Labour U-turn - as Starmer rows back on plan to cancel 30 local elections

  The first 19 months of Labour in power have seen more than a dozen U-turns.

• Family of Iranian protester forced to 'pay for the bullet that killed their son'

  "They had to pay for the bullet that killed their son," Nasrin says with a mix of anger and disbelief.

• 'No platform gets a free pass,' says PM - as crackdown on social media announced

  The government has announced a sweeping crackdown on tech firms to protect children from illegal content.

• Trump administration accused of 'purposefully muddying waters' with list of hundreds of names in Epstein files

  The Trump administration has been accused of "purposefully muddying the waters" after releasing a list of hundreds of names mentioned in the Epstein files.

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Politics

• 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.

• Why Sir Keir Starmer's latest U-turn may see him lose more than just face

  The government has changed its mind again.

• Every Labour U-turn - as Starmer rows back on plan to cancel 30 local elections

  The first 19 months of Labour in power have seen more than a dozen U-turns.

• Investigation launched into claims Labour campaign group hired lobbyists to probe journalists

  An investigation is being launched into claims a campaign group closely aligned with Labour hired lobbyists to investigate journalists.

• Farage claims 'victory' as councils face 'race against time' to reinstate plans after elections U-turn

  Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has claimed a "victory" after the government abandoned plans to postpone 30 local elections - a decision ballot organisers say has left councils in a "race against time".

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Technology

• 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.

• Can governments ever keep up with big tech?

  Tech moves fast, regulation doesn't - that's what the prime minister is now having to contend with. 

• 'No platform gets a free pass,' says PM - as crackdown on social media announced

  The government has announced a sweeping crackdown on tech firms to protect children from illegal content.

• Four new astronauts arrive at the International Space Station to replace evacuated crew

  Four new astronauts have arrived at the International Space Station to replace their colleagues who pulled out early over health concerns.

• What are the symptoms of measles - and what should you do if you think your child is infected?

  A "fast-spreading" measles outbreak in north London has left 34 children infected - and one fifth of them needing hospital treatment. 

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World

• Imran Khan's doctor not allowed to treat him in jail, spokesman claims

  Former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has not received adequate medical treatment in prison after suffering partial vision loss in one eye, his spokesman claims.

• 'We won't repatriate them': Australia's PM refuses to accept IS-linked families from Syria

  Australia's prime minister insists his country will not accept women and children from a camp housing people with alleged ties to Islamic State, after Syrian officials attempted to repatriate them.

• British skiers killed in Alps avalanche named

  Two British skiers who died in an avalanche at a French Alps ski resort last week have been named.

• Family of Iranian protester forced to 'pay for the bullet that killed their son'

  "They had to pay for the bullet that killed their son," Nasrin says with a mix of anger and disbelief.

• 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.

• Trump administration accused of 'purposefully muddying waters' with list of hundreds of names in Epstein files

  The Trump administration has been accused of "purposefully muddying the waters" after releasing a list of hundreds of names mentioned in the Epstein files.

• Man charged with terrorism offences over Taylor Swift concert attack plot

  A man has been charged with terrorism-related offences over a plot to carry out an attack at a Taylor Swift concert in 2024.

• Train derails in Switzerland after suspected avalanche

  A train has derailed in Switzerland, leaving at least five people injured.

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Business

• 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.

• 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. 

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

• Hundreds arrested for phone theft in London - as Met chief calls on courts to stop releasing offenders

  More than 200 people have been arrested in the past four weeks as part of a phone theft crackdown in London - with drones and facial recognition used to catch those responsible.

• Can governments ever keep up with big tech?

  Tech moves fast, regulation doesn't - that's what the prime minister is now having to contend with. 

• Ex-Carillion boss fined £237,700 by regulator for 'reckless' behaviour

  The former chief executive of Carillion has been fined £237,700 by the City regulator for his role in misleading statements by the ​company before its collapse eight years ago.

• 'No platform gets a free pass,' says PM - as crackdown on social media announced

  The government has announced a sweeping crackdown on tech firms to protect children from illegal content.

• Royal Mail warns of service delays - here are the postcodes affected

  Royal Mail has warned of potential service delays across more than 100 UK postcodes due to poor weather and staff sickness.

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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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