Children across England who normally receive free school meals will be given a £15 supermarket voucher while schools are shut during the coronavirus pandemic. Here's everything you need to know. How will the vouchers work? As reported
SAINSBURY'S has made new changes to its product limits and restrictions as shoppers head into the weekend. A number of supermarkets have introduced new measures to ensure there is enough stock for everyone. But from Sunday, April 5, Sainsbury
FOOTBALL'S authorities have agreed to postpone all competitions because of the Coronavirus crisis. The decision was taken today and applies to the English Football League (EFL), including the seasons remaining games for Carlisle United, the Premier
A new Cockermouth community fund has made its first donation to a local group - the Food Bank. The Metalcraft Cockermouth Community Fund was set up earlier this year to support not-for-profit organisations based in the town. The company is a
The community in Copeland has stepped up efforts to support people during the coronavirus outbreak. While many businesses have had to close their doors due to the Government guidelines, others have been able to change the way they work to better
Police are appealing for witnesses after a memorial garden was targeted by vandals. A number of sentimental items were damaged in the garden, and police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. The incident occurred overnight
THE News & Star Camera Club is a group set up to allow photography enthusiasts to share the snaps they capture of Cumbria. This selection of Cumbrian views has been submitted over the last couple of weeks. If you would like to have your pictures
A NEW Covid-19 support service has been set up for people who have learning disabilities and autism. Cumbrian charity People First, based in Carlisle and Workington, has been working with NHS England and other partner organisations, on the Keeping
With rodent numbers on the rise, Lisa Salmon finds out how to stop them moving into your home. The number of enquiries about getting rid of rats and mice soared over the winter - possibly linked to climate change. Figures released by Rentokil
The MP for Penrith and the Border has welcomed the package of measures put in place by the Government to help Cumbrian high streets weather the effects of the coronavirus lockdown. Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and the Border described the independent
A HEARTBROKEN owner is looking for answers after her cat returned home with half his whiskers missing. Animal-lover Sandy Collins was devastated to find her cat’s whiskers cut off on one side of his face after he had been outside exploring. And
Many parts of the country are set to see a soar in temperatures this weekend. However, warm weather has promoted a fresh health warning by the Government, inlcuding Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Some areas will reach temperatures as high as
The Grand National may have cancelled for the first time in its 181-year history due to the Coronavirus - but a different event will be held this weekend. All is not lost for horse racing fans - who will still be able to cheer on the 40-horse field
THE number of Covid-19 fatalities at NHS trusts operating hospitals in Cumbria has risen to 70. According to figures just released by NHS England, the number of deaths at The Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven
Coronavirus has claimed the lives of over 680 people in the UK within 24 hours. It has been announced that the Queen will make a televised address to the nation on Sunday after a further 684 people have died with coronavirus in the UK. The pandemic
OFFICERS have put out an appeal after a thief pedals off with a child's pushbike. Police are asking for information when the white BMX bicycle was taken from Weardale Road, Carlisle. The incident happened between 6pm, Wednesday, and 4pm, Thursday
"LIVES could be lost" if one of the region's most valuable charities becomes unable to secure the funding it needs to operate. The Great North Air Ambulance (GNAAS) is set to lose more than £100,000 a month as an entire season of fundraising events
More supermarket chains have relaxed rules on the number of products customers can purchase. Morrisons and Asda are the latest UK supermarkets to ease restrictions placed on the purchase of items during the coronavirus pandemic. What are the
A STAFFORDSHIRE Bull terrier savagely attacked a pooch and its owner say police. Officers are on the look-out for the black dog after the incident on Tynefield Drive fields, Penrith, which happened at about 5.45pm on Wednesday. A Cumbria Constabulary
A COCKERMOUTH pharmacy was delighted with the response when it appealed for help to protect its hardworking staff. Perspex screens have now been made and installed in Allisons Chemist. Pharmacist director Nat Mitchell said: “Immediately after I
Sainsbury’s told its customers this morning that its staff will only allow one adult per household to shop in its stores. Meanwhile, the superstore has relaxed some of the restriction put in place when customers started panic buying. The announcement
People who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless have been reassured that help is available to them. Allerdale council’s housing options team is continuing work to find suitable housing options for those who are homeless, while trying
A mother of a teenage boy has been reported for letting him break lockdown rules. The mum of the 17-year-old boy has been reported for disregarding the government’s new measures by allowing her son to leave his home without a reasonable explanation
Two major Cumbrian projects have won regional awards at a virtual ceremony celebrating innovation. The Institution of Civil Engineers North West was due to hold its event last night but was forced to cancel due to coronavirus. It decided the
Major retailers have issued product recalls on several items. Anyone who has recently bought certain brands of hash browns, vegetable lasagne, croissants and juice has been urged to return the product when it is safe and appropriate to do so under
A £25 million West Cumbrian unique building project has been named as a finalist in prestigious national construction awards. The developer of the M-Sport Evaluation Centre, at Dovenby Hall, near Cockermouth, has been shortlisted in the National
More businesses will be able to access financial support during the coronavirus lockdown after the Chancellor announced a wider package of measures to assist struggling companies. The move will enable larger firms with turnovers as high as £500m
The pandemic is creating a perfect environment for scammers to strike. Vicky Shaw explains some of the coronavirus cons to watch out for. The coronavirus crisis is providing fresh opportunities for fraudsters to strike, particularly as people are
An ancient far-eastern tradition is helping an elderly dog from Thursby to get back on his feet. Diesel, a 14-year-old Labrador cross, is being treated with acupuncture by Paragon Vets in Dalston as an alternative arthritis treatment to pain killers
A MOTHER and son are fighting crime together from the same police station after he following in her footsteps to become a fellow frontline officer. Jordan Unitt, 21, has joined the same police force as mum Maxine, 44, after watching her tackling
We’ve got to start with our ABC’s. Everything we do at Jogging Pals is underpinned by the fundamentals of athletics activity – Agility, Balance & Co-Ordination. We always try and do daft stuff, or rename the serious stuff, to make it more fun
Staff made redundant by Edinburgh Woollen Mill have branded the company heartless. Nineteen employees were made redundant at the fashion group’s Carlisle headquarters last month because footfall at its 1,300 stores collapsed due to the coronavirus
Tributes have been paid to a man who dedicated his life to helping others, after he died from coronavirus. John Head died on Tuesday at the age of 77 at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven. Mr Head was still recovering from a heart operation
HARD work and commitment has paid off for a group of graduates at the Northern Hub of the National College for Nuclear. The 17 honours degree students were the fist to start when the hub opened at Lakes College, Lillyhall in 2018. Eight of the
A WOMAN from Whitehaven is managing to pass the time and to stay connected with friends by holding a virtual sketch club. Nicola Fleming put out the invitation on her Facebook page for people to join her 4pm sketch club and received sketches from
A team of young footballers are keeping active with weekly challenges set by their coach. There is one in particular, however, that has caught the imagination as Maryport Amateur Football Club’s U12s team play a virtual match using a toilet roll
Schools and colleges have been told to rank students within each grade for each subject after GCSE and A-level exams were cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic. England's exams regulator Ofqual has instructed teachers to provide grades for pupils
A FORMER teacher who set up a business as a private tutor has launched home learning pack to help parents with home schooling. Leanne Nichols created the material for all primary year groups - from reception to year 6 - after friends contacted her
Nominations are rolling in for our Person of the Week, the News & Star feature that each week shines a spotlight on the someone who has achieved something special. It might be a milestone in their career or selfless service to the community, or
A VITAL charity is calling for urgent donations of protective equipment to ensure it can continue providing care to patients at home. Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland is in desperate need of disposable gloves, gowns, face masks and hand
Police have issued more than 140 fixed-penalty notices to people flouting coronavirus lockdown rules in Scotland in the week since new powers came into force. It is now a criminal offence to flout the public health guidance on social distancing
STAY at home! It's the single most important thing you can do to save lives as the country's coronavirus crisis deepens, say Cumbrian health chiefs. That message includes the need to people not to flock to the Lake District. Health officials
Matt Hancock has told of his concerns at how serious things might get when he was struck down by coronavirus, describing how he lost half a stone during the illness and felt like he had razors in his throat. The Health Secretary branded the disease
A COCKERMOUTH restaurant which was forced to close has been inundated with orders after saying it would turn surplus stock into takeaways and sell them to raise funds for the NHS and foodbank. Carla Frontini and Alessandro Zaccaria own Fermento
TV provider Virgin Media has announced it will give its customers access to seve children's channels for free to help keep them occupied during the UK lockdown. As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Virgin Media will be offering certain popular
The BBC has unveiled the "biggest push on education in its history" to support "every child in the UK". While parents take on the role of teacher it is welcome news that BBC are helping with daily lessons for all ages. BBC Bitesize will deliver
As leisure centres across Cumbria are converted the first of the government's new Nightingale hospitals will open in London today, to continue the battle against coronavirus, hours after the Health Secretary pledged to dramatically boost testing figures
A coronavirus test centre for NHS workers has opened at an Ikea store in a bid to increase checks for frontline staff. The drive-through centre has opened in the car park of the Swedish firm's store in Wembley, north-west London, and Ikea said it
As leisure centres across Cumbria are converted the first of the government's new Nightingale hospitals will open in London today, to continue the battle against coronavirus, hours after the Health Secretary pledged to dramatically boost testing figures
6:55pm Football's authorities agree to postpone all competitions including Carlisle United games. For story click
STUDENTS at a Carlisle school have been getting to grips with virtual lessons at home, delivered remotely by teachers during the Coronavirus pandemic. All lessons for senior school pupils at Austin Friars school, Etterby Scaur, are being delivered
While many are protecting those in isolation in their area, some very important members of the family are being forgotten, and one animal sanctuary is looking to change that. Forever Friends Small Animal Rescue and Sanctuary is asking pet owners
Aries (Mar21/Apr20) You’re not shy about putting your ambition on display. Going after a position with more responsibility that has just become available will be stimulating. You’re obviously an excellent leader and an innovative worker. These qualities
THE ARMY has come to Cumbria to help out in the fight against the Coronavirus contagion. On Wednesday they came to Penrith Leisure Centre to set up the first of five recovery centres which is part of the NHS's effort for an additional 500 patient
Cumbria Police have thanked the county for their cooperation with the new coronavirus lockdown. The force, which has been engaging with people since the lockdown began to reinforce its importance, has seen a “huge difference” in the numbers of people
University of Cumbria researchers are looking to the public for help in working out how government and society at large can best support people in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Academics at the University of Cumbria’s Centre for Research in
EXCITING plans to give a pair of Victorian chapels a new lease of life have been submitted. Blueprints for The Penrith Cemetery Chapels, on Beacon Edge, have been lodged with Eden District Council by locally based developer, Twedell & Slater, consulting
A LITTLE boy with a big heart for hounds has completed his latest challenge, tackling the country's highest mountain for his beloved furry friends. Nine-year-old Jake John Eeles has once again done his family proud, tackling Scafell Pike in "terrible
A bin man who collects waste in Allerdale has gone viral with a video asking residents to help them keep the service going. Mike Harding posted a video on Facebook titled Stop the Spread, asking residents to clean their bins and any excess bags.
A CUMBRIAN foodbank has reminded those donating not to donate chilled items, as they have to be disposed of now in-person collections cannot take place. Carlisle Foodbank is no longer able to accept food donations or collections at its English Street
Plans have been revealed for an extension to be built at a Workington church. Father John Watson has applied to Allerdale council for the extension to be built at Our Lady and St Michael's Church, Banklands. Plans include a single storey extension
