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Featured

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• 🟥 LIVE Eurovision 2026 and what we all think during the final

  Live commentary on tonight’s Eurovision

• Rochdale promoted to the Football League after Wembley penalty shootout win

  Rochdale are back in the Football League after beating Boreham Wood on penalties at Wembley following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time.

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Local News

• Woman found dead at Freehold Flats in Rochdale as murder investigation begins

  A woman believed to be in her 40s has died after officers were called to reports of a concern for welfare at Freehold Flats on Tweedale Street in Rochdale on Sunday afternoon.

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else

  For one weekend every year, Bury Bolton Street stops feeling like a railway station and starts feeling like something much harder to describe.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Parents face over 12 days of more disruption as St Cuthbert’s strike action continues

  St Cuthbert’s R.C. High School in Rochdale has told parents that industrial action is set to continue after half term, with disruption expected across June.

• Community groups across Oldham mark World Bee Day with local events

  Community groups across Oldham held activities this week to mark World Bee Day after receiving funding from First Choice Homes Oldham to support events focused on biodiversity and pollinators.

• Oldham students paddle for children's hospital appeal

  Students from Oldham College are preparing to take part in a Dragon Boat Race to raise money for The Royal Oldham Hospital Children's Unit through the Sunshine Appeal.

• Oldham campaign aims to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days

  Oldham College and Oldham Council have launched a campaign encouraging employers to create 100 apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days to help more young people into work, training and education. The initiative launched on 21 May and will run throughout the summer recruitment period.

• Andy Burnham launches election campaign in sunny Makerfield

  Audio

• Six-way battle looms for crucial final seat on Bury council in Moorside ward

  Six candidates will go head-to-head to secure the final seat on Bury council. 

• Vintage Vibes returns to East Lancashire Railway with music and nostalgia packed weekend

  Vintage Vibes is returning to the East Lancashire Railway this weekend with live tribute acts, Northern Soul favourites and all day heritage rail travel included in ticket prices across Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May.

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Local Sports

• Jos Buttler signs new three year Lancashire Lightning deal

  England white ball star Jos Buttler has signed a new three year Vitality Blast contract extension with Lancashire Lightning. The agreement keeps him linked with the club through to the end of the 2028 season alongside his existing ECB central contract.

• High school student helps footballers net second title

  FOOTBALLER Summer Taylor helped her team to add the Manchester FA Girls Cup to their Bolton and Bury League title and now she hopes they win the treble.

• Ramsbottom United chairman Harry Williams steps back after 60 years at the club

  Ramsbottom United chairman Harry Williams has announced he is stepping back after six decades leading the club he helped establish in 1966.

• Rob Henry appointed new Ramsbottom United manager after Steve Wilkes retirement

  Ramsbottom United have confirmed Rob Henry as the club’s new manager following the retirement of Steve Wilkes at the end of last season.

• Rochdale AFC promotion heroes welcomed home after Wembley triumph

  Hundreds of Rochdale AFC fans gathered at Rochdale Town Hall to celebrate the club’s return to the Football League.

• Rochdale promoted to the Football League after Wembley penalty shootout win

  Rochdale are back in the Football League after beating Boreham Wood on penalties at Wembley following a dramatic 2-2 draw after extra time.

• Paul Waugh says Rochdale have put town in national spotlight ahead of Wembley trip

  Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has praised Rochdale AFC’s “never say die spirit” ahead of the club’s trip to Wembley.

• RECAP: Follow Rochdale AFC’s Wembley journey against Boreham Wood

  Dale head to the national stadium today, Sunday 10 May, for a place in the English Football League as they face Boreham Wood.

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Lifestyle

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else

  For one weekend every year, Bury Bolton Street stops feeling like a railway station and starts feeling like something much harder to describe.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Community groups across Oldham mark World Bee Day with local events

  Community groups across Oldham held activities this week to mark World Bee Day after receiving funding from First Choice Homes Oldham to support events focused on biodiversity and pollinators.

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Greater Manchester

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else

  For one weekend every year, Bury Bolton Street stops feeling like a railway station and starts feeling like something much harder to describe.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Community groups across Oldham mark World Bee Day with local events

  Community groups across Oldham held activities this week to mark World Bee Day after receiving funding from First Choice Homes Oldham to support events focused on biodiversity and pollinators.

• Oldham students paddle for children's hospital appeal

  Students from Oldham College are preparing to take part in a Dragon Boat Race to raise money for The Royal Oldham Hospital Children's Unit through the Sunshine Appeal.

• Oldham campaign aims to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days

  Oldham College and Oldham Council have launched a campaign encouraging employers to create 100 apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days to help more young people into work, training and education. The initiative launched on 21 May and will run throughout the summer recruitment period.

• Parklife transport plans changed as festival travel pick up points move for 2026 event

  People travelling to Parklife 2026 are being urged to check updated transport arrangements after organisers confirmed changes to pick up and drop off locations around Heaton Park.

• More from Greater Manchester
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Local Entertainment

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else

  For one weekend every year, Bury Bolton Street stops feeling like a railway station and starts feeling like something much harder to describe.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Vintage Vibes returns to East Lancashire Railway with music and nostalgia packed weekend

  Vintage Vibes is returning to the East Lancashire Railway this weekend with live tribute acts, Northern Soul favourites and all day heritage rail travel included in ticket prices across Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May.

• Parklife transport plans changed as festival travel pick up points move for 2026 event

  People travelling to Parklife 2026 are being urged to check updated transport arrangements after organisers confirmed changes to pick up and drop off locations around Heaton Park.

• Rochdale dancer wins national Anna Jones award at IDTA scholarships

  A young dancer from Rochdale has won a prestigious national award after being nominated among more than 5,000 children from across the country.

• Oldham dad and son land Channel 4 spotlight after building huge Florida YouTube following

  A father and son content team with roots in Chadderton and Royton are set to appear on Channel 4 as their Florida based YouTube channel continues to grow its international audience.

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Elections

• Andy Burnham launches election campaign in sunny Makerfield

  Audio

• Six-way battle looms for crucial final seat on Bury council in Moorside ward

  Six candidates will go head-to-head to secure the final seat on Bury council. 

• Andy Burnham confirmed as Labour’s Candidate for Makerfield by-election

• Reform's new Rochdale boss - who might be gone in 12 months - on immigration, the cost of living crisis and housing

  Reform UK has a new leader in Rochdale and he believes his party can be an effective opposition in the town hall

• Reform UK surge in Bolton as seismic shift sees council leader lose his seat

  Reform UK surge in Bolton as seismic shift sees council leader lose his seat

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UK

• Nicola Sturgeon denies any knowledge of items husband Peter Murrell bought with embezzled £400,000

  Nicola Sturgeon has denied any knowledge or suspicion of items her estranged husband bought after he admitted embezzling £400,310.65 from the SNP.

• Operation Branchform timeline: The downfall of ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell

  Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has admitted embezzling £400,310.65 from the party.

• UK heatwave: 10 tips for staying cool - and how to have a better night's sleep

  Records have been broken for the hottest day in May ever - with overnight temperatures remaining above 20C (68F) in places.

• Homes across Kent, Sussex and Leicestershire without water during heatwave

  Water supply issues are currently affecting about 700 customers of South East Water and Anglian Water across Kent, Sussex and Leicestershire, leaving them without water on the hottest day of the year.

• Woman shot dead in Sheffield city centre on Bank Holiday Monday

  A woman was shot dead in Sheffield in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday.

• Cheese-rolling legend beaten by German YouTuber

  The Gloucestershire cheese rolling contest's most successful ever competitor has been beaten by a German YouTuber. 

• Government fails to tell public how to prepare for war almost a year after warning of the threat

  The government has yet to issue public guidance on how to ready the whole of society for potential war, despite warning almost a year ago of the need to "actively prepare".

• Boy, 16, seriously injured after 'horrific' machete attack

  A 16-year-old boy is in hospital with serious injuries after a "horrific" machete attack, police have said.

• More from UK

Entertainment

• Kylie Minogue surprises fan with 'magical' singalong

  Kylie Minogue surprised a fan by joining him for a "magical" singalong at the London premiere of her new Netflix docuseries earlier this week.

• TV presenter Judith Chalmers, who hosted Wish You Were Here, has died

  TV presenter Judith Chalmers - best known for hosting Wish You Were Here...? - has died, her family has said.

• King surprises audience at production of Shakespeare's The Tempest

  The King delighted the audience at a production of Shakespeare's The Tempest by taking a seat near members of the public to watch the play.

• 'Like a dead person': Donald Trump reacts to the Late Show with Stephen Colbert's final episode

  US President Donald Trump has welcomed The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airing its final episode, saying the legendary host was "like a dead person".

• TikTok star charged in alleged murder-for-hire plot to kill boyband singer

  The ex-girlfriend of a boyband singer has been accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill him as part of a custody dispute over their seven-year-old daughter, prosecutors in Los Angeles have said.

• More from Entertainment

Sport

• Canadian GP: Kimi Antonelli wins as George Russell retires after epic Mercedes battle in Montreal

  Kimi Antonelli won the Canadian Grand Prix as his Mercedes team-mate George Russell retired due to a power unit issue after an epic battle between the Silver Arrows.

• Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw: Man City striker and WSL Golden Boot winner to stay at the reigning champions

  Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester City.

• Toto Wolff warns Mercedes may turn future Kimi Antonelli, George Russell battles 'down a notch' after Canadian GP duel

  Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has warned the team may turn future battles between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell "down a notch".

• Liverpool transfer news: Arne Slot set to bring in new assistant Etienne Reijnen, Alisson Becker set to stay and Ibrahima Konate's future unclear

  Liverpool are set to have a busy summer transfer window - so what is next for the Anfield club?

• More from Sport

Strange

• Cheese-rolling legend beaten by German YouTuber

  The Gloucestershire cheese rolling contest's most successful ever competitor has been beaten by a German YouTuber. 

• Driver filmed with football net on top of car

  Police say a driver made an "own goal" by dangerously driving with an unsecured football net on top of their car.

• The robot that can outplay elite table tennis players

  A robot has become so good at playing table tennis that at times it defeated elite human players, in what has been hailed as "a longstanding milestone for AI".

• Monkeys eating soil to settle upset stomachs from junk food, says research

  Monkeys in Gibraltar have learned to eat soil to settle their stomachs from all the junk food they consume, research suggests.

• Trio sentenced over 'bear costume' insurance fraud scam in California

  Three people have been jailed for insurance fraud after claiming their cars were damaged by a bear - only for the assailant to be somebody dressed in a bear costume. 

• More from Strange

Videos

• Morrisons to shut 100 'loss-making' stores blaming surge in costs

  Morrisons says it is to shut "loss-making" convenience stores, placing hundreds of jobs at risk.

• SpaceX targets record flotation that could make Musk a trillionaire

  Elon Musk has revealed plans for a stock market flotation of SpaceX that looks set to raise a record sum and could make him the world's first trillionaire.

• Nicola Sturgeon denies any knowledge of items husband Peter Murrell bought with embezzled £400,000

  Nicola Sturgeon has denied any knowledge or suspicion of items her estranged husband bought after he admitted embezzling £400,310.65 from the SNP.

• Britain's gaming boom faces uncertain future

  When we talk about the value of the video games industry in the UK, it's usually in terms of money. 

• The People's Tree: Winner of Sycamore Gap tree artwork competition announced

  The winner of a competition to turn wood from the illegally-felled Sycamore Gap tree into an artwork has been announced following a public vote.

• Government fails to tell public how to prepare for war almost a year after warning of the threat

  The government has yet to issue public guidance on how to ready the whole of society for potential war, despite warning almost a year ago of the need to "actively prepare".

• Pakistan: More than 30 people killed after suicide bomber targets train carrying military personnel

  More than 30 people have died after a suicide bomber targeted a train carrying military personnel and their families in Pakistan on Sunday, officials said in an update on Monday.

• 'Like a dead person': Donald Trump reacts to the Late Show with Stephen Colbert's final episode

  US President Donald Trump has welcomed The Late Show with Stephen Colbert airing its final episode, saying the legendary host was "like a dead person".

• More from Videos

Politics

• Nicola Sturgeon denies any knowledge of items husband Peter Murrell bought with embezzled £400,000

  Nicola Sturgeon has denied any knowledge or suspicion of items her estranged husband bought after he admitted embezzling £400,310.65 from the SNP.

• Operation Branchform timeline: The downfall of ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell

  Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has admitted embezzling £400,310.65 from the party.

• 'Unduly lenient' sentence for boys who 'raped for social media content' under urgent review

  The attorney general's office has received "multiple" requests to review the "lenient" sentences given to three boys following the rape of two girls after they were spared jail time.

• UK faces 'economic catastrophe' unless it adapts to young people 'rewired by smartphones'

  The UK is facing an "economic catastrophe" unless it adapts to younger generations who have grown up in a digital world, a former minister has warned.

• Back to the future as Rachel Reeves fires up summer spending reminiscent of Rishi Sunak's COVID scheme

  Rachel Reeves' Great British Summer Savings, a family-friendly bundle of VAT cuts for kids' meals and leisure attractions, and free bus travel to get to there, is reminiscent of a previous Treasury wheeze intended to lift spirits in a troubled summer - think Eat Out To Help Out, without social distancing or gnawing anxiety.

• More from Politics

Technology

• Pope Leo warns about AI and calls for regulation as he quotes from the Lord of the Rings

  Pope Leo has called for robust regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in a sweeping manifesto on safeguarding humankind.

• Why an industry that brought £8.8bn to UK economy last year faces uncertain future

  When we talk about the value of the video games industry in the UK, it's usually in terms of money. 

• China launches three-astronaut rocket into space as new lunar race intensifies

  China has launched the Shenzhou 23 rocket into space carrying three astronauts, in a mission that will take Beijing closer to its ambition for a moon landing in 2030.

• Three new Ebola cases declared in Uganda - as DR Congo's World Cup team told to isolate

  Three new cases of Ebola have been declared in Uganda, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the current outbreak there to five.

• The People's Tree: Winner of Sycamore Gap tree artwork competition announced

  The winner of a competition to turn wood from the illegally-felled Sycamore Gap tree into an artwork has been announced following a public vote.

• More from Technology

World

• Pope Leo warns about AI and calls for regulation as he quotes from the Lord of the Rings

  Pope Leo has called for robust regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in a sweeping manifesto on safeguarding humankind.

• More than 20 people taken to hospital after unknown substance sprayed in Tokyo

  More than 20 people have been taken to hospital after someone sprayed an unknown substance in Tokyo, authorities said.

• Pakistan: More than 30 people killed after suicide bomber targets train carrying military personnel

  More than 30 people have died after a suicide bomber targeted a train carrying military personnel and their families in Pakistan on Sunday, officials said in an update on Monday.

• Photographer bitten by a 'shark or sea lion' during surf competition in New Zealand

  A photographer has been bitten by a "shark or a sea lion" during the finals for a World Surf League (WSL) competition in New Zealand.  

• China launches three-astronaut rocket into space as new lunar race intensifies

  China has launched the Shenzhou 23 rocket into space carrying three astronauts, in a mission that will take Beijing closer to its ambition for a moon landing in 2030.

• Suspected Ebola cases in DR Congo outbreak jump to more than 900

  The number of suspected Ebola cases has jumped to more than 900 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where authorities are struggling to contain an outbreak.

• At least four dead and 17 missing after unfinished building collapses in the Philippines

  At least four people have died after an unfinished building collapsed in the Philippines, authorities in the country have said.

• RAF jet flying defence secretary has signal jammed near Russian border

  An RAF jet which the defence secretary was travelling in had its signals jammed as it flew near the Russian border, in what a defence source said was "reckless" interference.

• More from World

Business

• Shawbrook mulls Aldermore merger as challenger bank consolidation looms | Mark Kleinman blog

• Morrisons to shut 100 'loss-making' stores blaming surge in costs

  Morrisons says it is to shut "loss-making" convenience stores, placing hundreds of jobs at risk.

• Britain's gaming boom faces uncertain future

  When we talk about the value of the video games industry in the UK, it's usually in terms of money. 

• Fuel sales collapse as Iran war costs knock savings

  A growing number of UK households are dipping into savings as rising costs linked to the US-Iran war pile pressure on family budgets, according to a closely-watched survey as official figures chart a collapse in fuel sales.

• Back to the future as Rachel Reeves fires up summer spending reminiscent of Rishi Sunak's COVID scheme

  Rachel Reeves' Great British Summer Savings, a family-friendly bundle of VAT cuts for kids' meals and leisure attractions, and free bus travel to get to there, is reminiscent of a previous Treasury wheeze intended to lift spirits in a troubled summer - think Eat Out To Help Out, without social distancing or gnawing anxiety.

• SpaceX targets record flotation that could make Musk a trillionaire

  Elon Musk has revealed plans for a stock market flotation of SpaceX that looks set to raise a record sum and could make him the world's first trillionaire.

• Zuckerberg warns 'success isn't a given' as 10% of Meta workforce laid off

  Tech giant Meta has laid off 10% of its workforce - as chief executive Mark Zuckerberg warns that "success isn't a given".

• The parking mistake that operators can't fine you for – but often do | Money newsletter

  More than 190,000 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 week.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

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