The Sun – UK

ALVARO CARRERAS has put his Manchester United nightmare behind him with a stunning £43million move to Real Madrid. The Spanish left-back, 22, is on the brink of rejoining his former club after failing to make a single appearance at Old Trafford. GettyAlvaro Carreras didn’t play once during his time at Manchester United[/caption] GettyHe is now on the verge of leaving Benfica for Real Madrid in a £43million switch[/caption] Carreras joined United from Real in 2020 and was widely tipped to become a top defender. But the Red Devils failed to see his potential, instead shipping the ace on loan to Preston, Granada and Benfica. The latter quickly made Carreras’ move permanent for just £5m last summer. And his imminent move to Real a year later shows that there is life after the Theatre of Dreams. However, Carreras is not the first to make his mark following an exit from United. Here, SunSport looks at several stars who have enjoyed great success away from the north west… SCOTT McTOMINAY Where else to start but with the Great Scot, whose 22 years at United ended with a shock move to Napoli last summer. Fans in England thought they would never hear of McTominay again as he linked up with Antonio Conte in Italy. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The midfielder’s time at United saw him score juts 29 goals in 255 games, with few standout performances. However, McTominay quickly settled into life at Napoli, endearing himself to fans with his incredible work rate and attacking drive. RexMcTominay had an underwhelming time at United[/caption] The Scot led Napoli to Serie A glory and was Serie A’s MVPGetty He ended up scoring 13 goals in his debut season, nearly half his grand total at United. But more importantly, McTominay inspired Napoli to their fourth Serie A title win. He was subsequently named the league’s Most Valuable Player, and Neapolitans now speak of him in the same breath as Argentina legend Diego Maradona. ANTHONY ELANGA Sold for just £15m to Nottingham Forest two years ago, Elanga has quickly developed into one of the league’s top wingers. His speed and eye for goal saw Forest qualify for Europe for the first time in 30 years. And Elanga is now on the brink of a massive £60m transfer to Champions League side Newcastle. It’s proved to be some turnaround from his United days. where Elanga scored four goals in 55 games. Back then, he was seen as little more than a back-up option out wide. Fans certainly warmed to him, his managers less so. Yet Elanga has shown that through hard work and perseverance, big things are possibly for any United player who finds themselves on the fringes. GettyElanga was a fringe player at Old Trafford[/caption] GettyHe is now set to join Newcastle for £60m[/caption] DEAN HENDERSON Once tipped as a future United No1, Henderson’s fall from grace at Old Trafford was a quick one. Numerous loans resulted in Henderson briefly displacing David De Gea in the 2020/21 season, playing 26 times that term. But after a bout of Covid wrecked his hopes of staying between the sticks, he made just three further appearances before another loan move. Crystal Palace then snapped up Henderson in 2023, and again he was forced to battle to become No1, this time against Sam Johnstone. But Henderson finally cemented his spot under Oliver Glasner and featured 44 times for the Eagles last term. His form saw him earn a recall to the England set-up, with Henderson starting twice in the past 9 months. However, his greatest triumph came in May as Henderson inspired Palace to FA Cup glory over Man City. The ace saved a penalty and made several more important stops on a historic day for his club, with Henderson later dedicating the win to his late father. APDean Henderson struggled for minutes with the Red Devils[/caption] GettyHe led Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory in May[/caption] ANGEL DI MARIA Not one to shy away from speaking out, Di Maria made no secret of his disdain for his sole year at United. The Argentine ace jumped ship after a dismal spell under Louis van Gaal, having arrived at Old Trafford from Real Madrid on the back of a Champions League win in 2014. Di Maria’s failure to settle in Manchester was a shock to many, especially considering his £60m transfer fee. However, the midfielder quickly went on to prove that his shoddy spell in England did not spell the end of his career. Di Maria ended up moving to France with PSG and played 295 times as he clinched five Ligue 1 titles. The icon also starred for a season at Juventus before returning to old side Benfica and leading them to several cups. He is now back in his homeland with boyhood club Rosario Central and returns a legend, having been part of the Argentina side that won the 2022 World Cup. Di Maria had a dismal sole season at UnitedPA:Empics Sport He ended up winning the World Cup with ArgentinaRichard Pelham / The Sun FRED Another maligned midfielder at United, Fred’s value was realised by fans soon after his departure. The unglamorous Brazilian was appreciated but not adored at Old Trafford. But he was a constant presence in the squad and ended up playing 213 times in five years. Fred then moved to Turkey with Fenerbahce in 2023 and has since become a mainstay of Jose Mourinho’s side. Though he is yet to win a trophy in Istanbul, Fred has helped Fenerbahce close the gap to mega-money Galatasaray. While back at United, supporters have woken up to how integral Fred quietly was. Boss Ruben Amorim continues to struggle with his midfield partnership. And versatile Fred, who could do just about anything that was asked of him, would surely be a better option in there than United’s current crop of flops. GettyFred’s contributions went under the radar at United[/caption] GettyHe is now a key man at Fenerbahce[/caption] ANTONY Though technically still a United player, Antony’s time at Old Trafford was effectively ended when he joined Real Betis on loan in January. Amorim’s desire to not use wingers in a 3-4-2-1 shape meant Antony, who had struggled when getting regular chances under Erik ten Hag, was facing a make-or-break career moment. But after suffering from a severe lack of confidence in England, he immediately found his stride in Spain. Antony struck five goals and two assists in LaLiga for Betis, helping them secure a Europa League finish. He also played a key role on their run to the Conference League final, where Manuel Pellegrini’s side were beaten by Chelsea. And Antony is now pushing for a permanent move to Betis, which could cost just £17m — making for a massive hit on his £86m United transfer. GettyAntony failed to live up to his £86m price tag[/caption] ReutersHe rediscovered his love for football at Real Betis[/caption]

THIS is the haunting moment a Georgia teen gave a tearful funeral eulogy to her slain mother and stepdad – just months before being charged with killing them. Sarah Grace Patrick, 17, now faces two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault in connection to the shootings of Kristin Brock, 41, and James Brock, 45. FacebookSarah Grace Patrick, 17, gave a tearful eulogy to her slain mom and stepdad months before being charged with their murder[/caption] FacebookThe tearful teen could be seen in a pale blue dress addressing mourners in a church[/caption] 11AlivePatrick has now been arrested and charged[/caption] The chilling video of Patrick’s eulogy shows the teen in a pale blue dress, standing before mourners at the lectern of the Catalyst Church in Carollton. She said:  “I just wanted to say goodbye to my mom and James since we never got the chance to.” Patrick called her mother a “beautiful kind soul” and told mourners she’d always be her “sunshine.” Now, the same speech that drew tears from the crowd is drawing scrutiny from law enforcement. Carroll County Sherriff’s spokesperson Ashley Hulsey told NewsNation: “It seemed odd. It was more like a speech, and at the end she said, ‘I’m sorry.’ “Was that, ‘I’m sorry because I may have done this,’ or is it, ‘I’m sorry because I was upset during this eulogy’? We may never know.” Patrick was 16 at the time of the February 20 murders. She reportedly called 911 after her half-sister, aged five, discovered the couple’s bodies inside their Carrollton home, west of Atlanta. Both had been shot multiple times. Police say there were no signs of forced entry and nothing appeared stolen. In the weeks following the murders, Patrick posted emotional tributes to her parents on social media. She even shared a TikTok montage, saying she’d “always think about how much I needed them”, NBC reports. “From the very moment the 911 call was received, a relentless investigation began,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. That probe eventually zeroed in on Patrick’s so-called “digital footprint.” “When you want to post your life online, it becomes fair game,” Hulsey said. Family members say they grew uneasy with Patrick’s behaviour, especially at the funeral. James Brock’s niece, Krysten Dowda, claims that Patrick’s online statements changed over time and that she “did a crying voice but never shed a single tear.” She told the Daily Mail: “She fake cried at the funeral. “The main thing… how do you not hear multiple gunshots in a small house?” The niece also claimed she immediately saved a video of the eulogy, adding: “I knew one day everyone would get to see this for what it was.” 11AliveKristin Brock, 41, and James Brock, 45, were fatally shot on February 20[/caption] 11AlivePatrick would share emotional videos on TikTok following the deaths[/caption] In the video, Patrick addressed the congregation with what appeared to be trembling sincerity. “Your heart will be finally healed in heaven,” she said of her stepfather. “Although that gives me so much comfort, your life was not supposed to end there.” While Dowda has publicly condemned Patrick, her grandfather – Kristin Brock’s dad – is standing behind her. “She swears her innocence,” Dennis Nolan told NewsNation. “If they had something concrete, they would have arrested her a whole lot sooner.” Patrick’s dad, Doniel Patrick, was by her side when she surrendered this week and has since posted online: “I’ll always be in your corner… “You were sent here with purpose, wrapped in grace and born to shine in ways only your soul knows how.” Authorities say they’re still searching for a motive. Hulsey described the case as active and ongoing, warning that additional arrests could still be made. The teen is being charged as an adult and is currently represented by a public defender. “She’s 17. She’s kind of been out on her own. She’s lived with different family members and moved all over the place,” Hulsey said. “We don’t know what goes through the mind of a child who wants to harm their parents.” Patrick’s half-sister discovered the couple’s bodies inside their Carrollton home11Alive Cops said there were no signs of forced entry11Alive

WHEN the sun finally shows its face, most of us race to hang our laundry outside but if you’re reaching for the pegs, you might want to think twice. According to experts, those little plastic clips could be silently wreaking havoc on your favourite outfits, especially if you’re drying delicate fabrics. Clothes hanging on line in garden; Shutterstock ID 1241259232; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: –GETTY Fashion brand Superdry have issued a warning to laundry lovers, urging Brits to take extra care when drying their clothes outdoors this summer. Superdry said: “Take caution when using clothes pegs, as they can leave unsightly and potentially permanent pressure marks on delicate fabrics,” they said. If you’ve ever pulled your favourite dress off the line only to find weird dents in the shoulders or waistband, pegs are likely the culprit. The advice they gave was to skip the pegs altogether when it comes to delicate items, and if it’s breezy out, don’t risk your clothes flying away either. Instead, pop them flat on an airer or dry them indoors where you can keep an eye on them. There are plenty of ways to give your whites that sunshine-fresh feel without the side effects. Superdry suggests spritzing your laundry with white vinegar before hanging it out, this boosts the sun’s natural whitening power without damaging fabrics. But it’s not just about marks and dents. Some natural fibres, like cotton and linen, can dry stiff and scratchy after baking outside all day. To keep your clothes soft, try bringing them in while they’re still slightly damp and finish them off in the tumble dryer for a few minutes. Cleaning expert Sarah Dempsey, from MyJobQuote, also warns that summer isn’t always the best drying weather, especially when it’s humid. She said: “High levels of humidity in the air can result in longer drying times, so you may find that clothes dry much more quickly on a cold winter’s day than they would on a humid summer day.” She also recommends ditching a full clothes line for a foldable airer outside, it is just as effective. It saves space, prevents indoor damp, and won’t ruin your flowerbeds. Experts also warn against the classic radiator-drying trick, which may seem convenient but can lead to mould and rising energy bills. “Drying your clothes on radiators can increase the moisture in the air and cause health risks,” Sarah said. “If you must use them, add a dehumidifier into the mix.” And for the love of your clothes, don’t let them sit in the washing machine for hours. Leaving damp laundry in the drum can cause nasty smells, mildew, and permanent damage. Instead, get them straight out and onto a line or airer while they’re still fresh. So ditch the pegs and treat your wardrobe to a bit of TLC this summer. Top clothes drying hacks If you’re looking for a cheap clothes drying method – here’s a 4p hack that also helps reduce condensation and mould. A cleaning pro has shared her top tips for drying laundry indoors without spending a penny – including her hanger hack. One woman who’s never had a tumble dryer shares her hack to dry laundry quickly. And have you tried the ‘burrito’ method to dry your clothes?

JUSTIN Bieber has released his surprise seventh album – and it features young son, Jack Blues, on the cover. The troubled pop star, 31, delighted fans when, out of the blue, he announced that new music was imminent earlier in the week. Justin BieberJustin Bieber’s son Jack features in his new album cover art[/caption] Justin BieberJustin and wife Hailey looks loved-up[/caption] It is his first album since 2001’s Justice. Titled Swag, the record has been getting a lot of love from fans, who have already listened to all 21 of the tracks. A deeply personal LP, the album’s song titles and lyrics lay bare his personal struggles over the years. While the artwork sees a shirtless and heavily tattooed Justin sitting on a sofa while holding Jack by his legs above his head. Among the tracks is the confessional interlude, Therapy Session, Forgiveness and Go Baby. The latter is a tribute to wife Hailey and sees Justin croon, “That’s my baby, she’s iconic, iPhone case, lip gloss on it. “When sunlight turns to shadows and it gets hard to face… nothing needs to work out and nothing needs to break, don’t need to pretend you’re ok.” The couple have faced split rumors in recent months but look in a good place in new snaps of them holidaying in Ibiza. A number of loved-up pics show them cosying up by the water’s edge, having seemingly smoothed out any differences. In Therapy Sessions, Justin tackles speculation over his wellbeing head on, saying, “That’s been a tough thing for me recently, is feeling like I’ve had to go through a lot of my struggles as a human really publicly, so people are always asking if I’m ok, and that starts to really weigh on me. “It starts to make me feels like I’m the only one with issues and everyone else is perfect.” Justin has admitted he’s a flawed person and has made moves to straighten himself out, cutting ties with friends, an assistant and bodyguards. However, there was concern about the public nature of one of the fallings out, with Justin sharing text messages online. In one, an unnamed person said: “I’m not used to someone lashing out at me. It’s not that I don’t see and feel your anger.” Justin replied “Ouch. This friendship is officially over.  “I will never accept a man calling my anger lashing out. I enjoyed our short lived relationship. I wasn’t kidding when I told u I didn’t need u as a friend. “I have good friends. Who will respect these boundaries.” The U.S. Sun revealed how Justin’s team has changed dramatically in recent months. He worked with assistant Mateo Caldas, who was also an estate manager, since 2018 – but Mateo has moved on. Justin BieberThe singer is trying to work through his issues[/caption] GettyThe pop star’s last album came out four years ago[/caption] The star’s rep hit back at worrying rumors Justin’s health has declined, telling TMZ he’s in “one of the best places in his life.” They said that the past year has been “very transformative for him as he ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him.” However, Justin has long been open about his struggles.  He’s credited his Christian faith and his wife, Hailey Bieber, for helping him through dark times. The couple married in 2018 and have been under public scrutiny ever since.  While they’ve often posted about their love, recent cryptic posts — including a plea for prayers from Hailey’s father last year— have fueled speculation about tension behind the scenes.

TIKTOK Shop is a very dangerous place for me – it’s somewhere I find myself endlessly scrolling until silly o’clock in the morning numerous nights a week. There’s endless options of things you definitely (don’t) need to buy – from cute phone cases and jewellery, to homeware and even handy cleaning gadgets. Abigail WilsonHere, Abby Wilson shares her honest thoughts on the seven outfits she nabbed from TikTok Shop[/caption] AlamyYou can buy a range of products on TikTok shop[/caption] But that’s not all, as there’s also clothes galore and if you’re a shopaholic like me, it soon becomes incredibly hard to resist. While many have previously shared concerns on the safety of TikTok Shop as a result of the remarkably cheap prices, I can safely say that thankfully, it’s not too good to be true and I have never had an issue – and you don’t even want to see how huge my order history is. Around 2.8 million UK consumers made a purchase through TikTok’s e-commerce feature back in 2023, the year of its official launch in the UK.  And not only is everything really affordable, but it arrives pretty quickly too. While delivery tends to be much quicker than that of Shein and Temu, it’s often somewhere I spent money on stuff that’s further clogging up my drawers. But with summer finally here and the weather heating up, rather than adding another new bag or a fifth necklace to my collection, I decided to order myself a weeks’ worth of clothes. I spent £74.38 on seven items, which works out at just £10.62 each.  Abby Not only did I get my hands on a dress that’s perfect for brunch with the girls, but I even nabbed a frock that’s great for summer. But that’s not all, as I also got a pair of trousers that are super comfy and a T-shirt that looks so much more expensive than it actually was. So if you fancy giving your wardrobe an upgrade but are on a budget and don’t have loads of cash to splash, you’ll need to take notes and listen to my honest reviews…  Loving leopard  With a brunch booked in the diary with the girls, I was desperate to find a dress that was not only flattering, but bloat friendly. Abigail WilsonThis leopard print dress is a real winner[/caption] And thankfully, TikTok Shop answered my prayers with this Leopard Print Ruched Bodycon Dress, which cost me just £14.05. Not only was I overjoyed with the price tag, but when it arrived, I was thrilled to know that it’s perfect for bloated days. Thanks to the ruched material and loud print, this frock is great at hiding my belly after guzzling numerous glasses of Prosecco and quickly scoffing a burger and fries. To top it off, I got numerous compliments on this dress and for under £15, I think it’s a real bargain.  Colour of the season  After Pantone labelled Mocha Mousse the trending color for 2025, I was eager to find a brown dress that would be great for warm days. Abigail WilsonThis frock is short but great for chucking on on warm days[/caption] And while this Plain Deep V Neck Sleeveless Dress might not be the best quality, for just £11.04, beggars can’t be choosers. I’d seen numerous influencers rave about this dress, which is available in multiple colours, and now it’s sure to be a staple in my wardrobe this summer.  For hot days when you need something to throw on and feel cool, this is a real winner Abby Wilson I’ll admit it’s made using quite a cheap material and it’s also very short, so I can’t say I’ll be bending down in it any time soon. But for hot days when you need something to throw on and feel cool, this is a real winner.  Colour coordinated  Shoppers are sure to have spotted co-ords in countless high street stores, so it’s no surprise that TikTok Shop has also jumped on the trend. Abigail WilsonFor a chic co-ord, you’ll need to check out TikTok Shop[/caption] I’ve spent ages searching for a co-ord that’s not only smart, but affordable too, and luckily, I won’t need to look any further.  For only £15.94, I nabbed this Tank Top and Wide Leg Shorts Two-Piece Set, which is super reasonable for the style of this look.  TikTok's top tips, tricks and trends TikTok is one of the world's most downloaded apps with millions uploading videos everyday. But what are the best tricks and trends on it? Who has the most followers on TikTok? How to reverse a TikTok after recording it How to go live on TikTok How to see your TikTok watch history What is the most viewed TikTok? What does ratio mean on TikTok? What is TikTok’s blackout challenge? What is the meaning of DTB on TikTok? What does KMT mean on TikTok? What is the meaning of CNC on TikTok? What was the viral vanilla flavouring TikTok trend? The top is slightly too big for me, so I may get it altered, but the tailored shorts are super cute. This look is spot on for a day in the office (if shorts are acceptable in your workplace) when styled with pumps or slingbacks, or even for a boozy day in a pub garden with a pair of wedges.   Style in sync  And while the smart co-ord is a winner for me, this Contrast Binding Tank Top and Wide Leg Pants Set left me with mixed reviews. Abigail WilsonThese trousers left me with mixed reviews[/caption] It was only £10.57, so thankfully it didn’t break the bank, but the trousers have left me scratching my head. The top is super flattering and will be great when paired with shorts on a warm day, but the trousers make my bum look even flatter than it already is. Yes, they’re really comfy, so will be good for chilling around the house, but the on-trend contrast binding makes it look as though I’m wearing a nappy. They’ll be fine when paired with an oversized tee, but I’ll definitely have to wear a shirt over the top of these trousers to wear them to work.  Stripe hype I’m a huge fan of stripes and this Striped Print Side Split Hem Tank Dress didn’t let me down. Abigail WilsonBut this dress had me beaming[/caption] It’s super flattering and was only £7.30 which is a real steal.  Not only does it make my bum look bigger than it is, but it’s versatile too. I’ll be wearing it to the office, to the shops and probably even for days to the beach. Whilst it’ll look great paired with trainers for a cool, casual look, it’s also sure to impress with sandals too.  Get graphic  The early noughties were arguably the golden age of graphic tees, but it appears that this year, they are proving to be a real hit. Abigail WilsonGraphic tees are super cheap on TikTok Shop[/caption] Celebrities and designers alike are capitalising on the trend, with bold T-shirts available not only in the likes of H&M and Primark, but also in Tesco and Sainsbury’s too.  And this Lemon Print Round Neck Tee is a real winner – and that’s not just because of its impressive £5.86 price tag. Hottest fashion trends of 2025 Fabulous’ Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street. The East/West Bag Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s’ shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber.  In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder.  They’ve been on runway models’ arms at nearly ever designer show – think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta – and are hitting the high street now, too.  Powder pink Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025.  Pantone may say that it’s the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own.  If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour.  The shell jacket The ’80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025.  We all know we’re likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket. Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in ‘80s windbreakers’.  Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion! The turn-up jeans While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we’re styling them is different.  This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups.  For this look, size doesn’t matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good – but only as it’s just one single fold. Peep-toe shoe Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event.  After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style.  From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street. Sheer blouses See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life – until now. Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S ’25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season.  Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks.  I absolutely love the oversized fit and super (unbelievably) soft material, which came at a huge surprise considering how price-friendly it is. The vibrant colours are sure to turn heads and it’s quickly going down a huge treat, as I’ve already worn it twice in just one week.  Vest dressed  Thankfully, celebrities such as Cara Delevingne and Kate Middleton made sweater vests cool again and while they’re typically worn in autumn months, this Button Sweater Vest is a new staple in my summer wardrobe. Abigail WilsonAnd this sweater vest is super versatile[/caption] It’s perfect for days in the office and is great quality. Not only is it versatile and perfect for layering on overcast days, but at just £9.62, it’s great value for money. Lots of brands and retailers do flash deals or sales that are exclusive to TikTok in the hope of attracting customers and going viral Which? Spokesperson I’ve already got plans to wear it on balmy nights in the garden with shorts or a denim skirt and my work colleagues can also expect to see it super soon.  And with very similar styles available from Reiss for £98, I’m pleased to have saved myself an impressive £88.38 with this TikTok buy.  So…why are products on TikTok Shop so cheap? But if you’re sitting there wondering why products on TikTok Shop come at a decent price, here’s the deal.  The bargain prices are largely due to customers often being offered discount codes on purchases, which is particularly the case with new shoppers.  It has also been reported that TikTok charges a smaller commission rate than other sites which some sellers pass onto their customers. TikTok also charges a lower commission rate than Amazon and eBay and some sellers pass this saving onto their customers Which? Spokesperson A spokesperson from Which? said: “This is partly because the social media app funds promotions to lure in customers and boost new sellers’ sales. “New customers are offered special deals, coupons and free delivery on their first order. It’s also a marketing tactic: users often post videos about their amazing bargains. “TikTok also charges a lower commission rate than Amazon and eBay and some sellers pass this saving onto their customers. “Lots of brands and retailers do flash deals or sales that are exclusive to TikTok in the hope of attracting customers and going viral.” Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

A WOMAN has revealed why she ditched the UK for France to live in an abandoned farmhouse. Sam Maunder, 34, moved into the 500-year-old cottage, which her parents bought for £12,000 when she was 4. SWNSSam is currently renovating the od farmhouse[/caption] SWNSShe says she’ll never have a 9-5 again after ditchiing the UK[/caption] But the farmhouse, two cottages and barn located in Dordogne, France, were left abandoned when her parents divorced in 1998. Maggie, 69, and John, 71, divorced, and Sam and her mum moved back to the UK leaving the land and its properties abandoned. Untouched for more than two decades, Sam decided to return in 2018 to see if she could bring the once-loved family home back into use. She had to break into the main home and discovered it was still full of their possessions, but had been taken over by animals and dust and required an entirely new roof. Overgrown plants meant the properties were totally hidden from the road nearby, but the outbuildings had been emptied – and some were just a shell. In 2019, she began the painstaking renovation to bring them back to their former glory – a project she admits will cost “thousands” and take another three years. She is splitting her time between the UK and France, allowing her to do some of the work herself and keeping costs down. Sam, a laser clinic business owner from Cardiff, Wales, said: “I was really young when we first bought it. “My parents are well-travelled and adventurous, so it was them who decided it was for them and they stuck with that plan. “I have so many memories there as a child, and it’s the only place where my mind is at ease. SWNSThe abandoned property was overrun with dirt and animals[/caption] “I’ve been obsessed with it for years. It’s really relaxing, and the whole lifestyle is just what I want. “It does need a lot of work, but I know that and I am willing to do that. I can’t wait to call it my own.” Sam’s parents found themselves in the South of France because their neighbours, who they were very friendly with moved there and while visiting them they loved it so much, they just took the leap. When the family bought it in 1993, Sam described it as “a shell.” It had concrete floors, was not very inhabitable in the slightest, was very old-fashioned, and had not been lived in for 50 years. It was abandoned in 1998, and Sam came to stay for six weeks in 2019 before she got married. She said that to be legally married in the country, you have to live there for over 40 days. By then, the already old home had fallen into near total disrepair. In the main house, some of the ceilings have totally collapsed, the beams are rotten, and the whole roof needs replacing. The walls need repointing, which Sam wants to learn to do herself. Sam has done two deep cleans, recycled and cleared out boxes from the second cottage, and her dad has rebuilt a wall in the barn. She’s currently flying or driving to France to do two weeks of renovation work every two months and has yet to apply for a visa to eventually live permanently there. Sam said: “As I’ve grown older, I have felt more confident. I would be nervous about moving to a new country. “I am also slightly nervous because of the language barrier, but I have started taking one-to-one lessons, which I enjoy, and that is going well. “Once I move, which I hope will be around two to three years, I won’t miss the UK and I’m just so excited. Home upgrades that add the most value to a house The best renovation to add value totally depends on your property, the local market and your potential buyers. Zoopla shared a list of upgrades that will instantly add value to your home. Loft conversion – increase of 15% Off-street parking – adds £50,000 to property price New kitchen – increase of 15% Garage conversion – increase of 15% Cellar or basement conversion – increase of 10-15% Open plan living space – increase of 3-5% New bathroom – increase of 3-5% “The overall plan is that the first cottage will be for living in or holidaying in, and the second cottage will become a three-bed rental. “The barn would be a recreation area that would be turned into a storage unit, bar, and seating area. Outside will be landscaped, possibly with a pool. “The ground needs cleaning, but the roof is the most urgent job. “I have a vision for the existing cottage, which is great, but because the other properties are so barebones, it is tricky to tell which direction it needs to take. “It’s a little tricky to see the vision, but I can start with the fun stuff once the roof is done. My dad can help on the projects as he worked in the trade, which is really helpful. If we were living there full-time, it would be a bit quicker. “I just can’t wait to host family parties and BBQs at my home in France. This is a really exciting project and I can’t wait till it’s finished.”

CHELSEA and Paris Saint-Germain will go head-to-head for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup title in New Jersey on Sunday. Chelsea booked their place in the final with a 2-0 win over Fluminense – PSG demolished the mighty Real Madrid 4-0 in the second semi-final. This will be Chelsea’s third appearance in the final. They lost 1-0 to Corinthians in the 2012 edition, but made amends by beating Palmeiras 2-1 in 2021. The Blues are aiming to become the first English club to win the elite title twice. PSG are seeking to top off a record-breaking season by winning their first ever Club World Cup at the first time of asking. Quick Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain finals tips PSG to win – 4/6 with SBK Ousmane Dembélé to score anytime – 6/5 with BetMGM João Pedro to score anytime – 13/5 with BetVictor Waiting for the match to start? Keep up the live action with bet365 live casino! Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Finals preview. 18+ GambleAware.org – Please play responsibly. 2025 Club World Cup predictions for the finals – Chelsea vs PSG Sunday’s final will be the first time in history that two teams from the same confederation will meet in the final of the Club World Cup. PSG are the overwhelming favourites to lift the cup at 3/10, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea are the 12/5 outsiders. Below, we take a closer look at the final and name our match betting picks: PSG to win – 4/6 (SBK) At the start of this competition, the main question marks hanging over PSG were if they were going to take this competition seriously, and would they be getting weary by now after such a long season. Both those questions have been emphatically answered. PSG are well up for this competition and look set to add it to their domestic treble and Champions League final victory.  The Parisians are just 3/10 to lift the cup. We are backing them at the better odds of 4/6 to win in 90 minutes.  Such has been their dominance at the Club World Cup, Luis Enrique has been able to withdraw his star names early and keep them as fresh as possible. It looks highly unlikely they will run out of gas against Chelsea.  And even if the PSG starting XI do struggle, the players they have coming off the bench are top-quality and well capable of getting the win. Back PSG to beat Chelsea in 90 minutes at 4/6 with SBK Ousmane Dembélé to score anytime If Ousmane Dembélé is still regaining full fitness, Chelsea will be glad they haven’t got to face him when he is firing on all cylinders. The not fully fit version of Dembélé that faced Real Madrid was frightening enough, just ask Antonio Rüdiger and his Los Blancos teammates. Rüdiger was left trailing in Dembélé’s wake after the Ballon d’Or contender dispossessed the former Chelsea defender and sprinted away to score his team’s second goal on Wednesday. If Dembélé is in the same sort of form when he faces a young inexperienced Chelsea team who like to play out from the back, he will have plenty of chances to score and add to his two Club World Cup goals.  Back Ousmane Dembélé to score anytime at 6/5 with BetMGM João Pedro to score anytime João Pedro has hit the ground running for Chelsea. The former Brighton striker only signed for the Blues mid-tournament and has already scored twice for his new team. The 23-year-old Brazilian made his debut from the bench in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Palmeiras in the quarter-final. He followed that up with a brace in his new team’s 2-0 win over his former side Fluminense in the semi-final.  If Chelsea are to get any joy in Sunday’s final, their new striker looks the most likely source of a goal.  Back João Pedro to score anytime at 13/5 with Betvictor Semi-finals recap Three European teams and one from South America lined up in the semi-finals of the competition.  Chelsea and Fluminenese were up first. The Blues secured a 2-0 win over the Brazilians at the MetLife Stadium. New signing João Pedro made an immediate impact, scoring both goals in Chelsea’s comprehensive win. In a further twist of irony, they were against his former team in his first start for his new club.  The following day it was the turn of two of European football’s big guns. Paris Saint-Germain have been dominant since the turn of the year, but taking on Real Madrid in the second semi-final was their first real test at the Club World Cup. The Parisians lived up to expectations. Luis Enrique’s team were outstanding and ran out 4-0 winners against the five-times Club World Cup champions. Fabián Ruiz netted twice in the first half, while Ousmane Dembélé and Gonçalo Ramos added to the tally as PSG dismantled a Madrid side that couldn’t cope with their intensity. The performance of Paris was scary and it will have given Enzo Maresca plenty to ponder ahead of Sunday’s final. Maresca’s Chelsea team likes to play out from the back, but given the intensity of PSG’s press, they may well need a tactical rethink. Unless PSG have an almighty off day or Maresca can come up with a tactical masterplan, there only looks set to be one winner in the final. Best free bets for the Club World Cup Quarter finals recap The Club World Cup quarter-finals didn’t disappoint either. Five teams from Europe, two from South America and one from Asia made it as far as the last eight.  The opening match saw Fluminense finally end Al-Hilal’s impressive run with a 2-1 win. Goals from Matheus Martinelli and Hércules cancelled out Marcos Leonardo’s strike for the Saudi Arabians. Fluminense surrendered the possession and they also conceded more shots at goal. However, their extra game-management skills ensured South America were represented in the last four.   In the other game from the top half of the draw Chelsea continued their impressive run in the competition with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Palmeiras. A goal from Cole Palmer, along with an own goal were enough to book the Londoners a place in the semi-final against Fluminense. The bottom half of the draw is where all the European big names were.  In the opening match, PSG continued their fine form with a 2-0 win over Bayern Munich. Late second half goals from Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé were enough to see off the Germans, despite Paris finishing the match with just nine men. In the fourth quarter-final, Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-2. The match was pretty routine up until stoppage time. Real led 2-0 thanks to goals from Gonzalo García and Fran García. However, that was when the real action started.  Maximilian Beier started the chaos when he pulled a goal back for Dortmund two minutes into additional time. That was quickly canceled out when Kylian Mbappe restored Real’s two goal advantage just two minutes later.  Dean Huijsen was then sent off for Real after 96 minutes, with Serhou Guirassy converting a spot kick for BVB two minutes later to make it 3-2. Even then, there was still time for the Germans to force extra-time, but a last gasp save from Thibaut Courtois nine minutes into stoppage time finally decided the game in Real’s favour. Round of 16 recap The biggest shock in the Round of 16 was Al Hilal’s 4-3 win over Manchester City. The defending champions were red hot favorites to overwhelm the Saudis after their 5-2 trouncing of Juventus in their final group match. City weren’t the only major casualties in the top half of the draw. Also exiting the competition were Inter Milan, who lost 2-0 to Fluminense. Inter could have met City in the last eight in a repeat of the 2023 Champions League final, instead it’s Fluminense taking on Al-Hilal. The main benefactors of the two upsets are set to be Chelsea or Palmeiras. Chelsea booked their place in the last eight with a controversial 4-1 win over Benfica, Palmeiras saw off their Brazilian Serie A rivals Botafogo with a 1-0 win. They will meet in the other quarter-final in this half of the draw, with the winner expected  to reach the final.  In the bottom half of the draw we are still on schedule for a blockbuster semi-final clash between PSG and Real Madrid.  TOP PICKS Best football betting sites in the UK: Top bookies in July 2025 you bet 2025 FIFA Club World Cup free bets and offers Both safely navigated their ties in the Round of 16. PSG hammered Inter Miami 4-0 in a one-sided contest. The win set up a quarter-final showdown with Bayern Munich who were pushed all the way by Flamengo in their 4-2 win.   Real defeated Juventus 1-0 in their Round of 16 matchup. The result sounds close, but Los Blancos did enough to win the game far more comfortably than they did.  The win sets up a rematch of the 2024 Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, who booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Monterrey in the last Round of 16 clash.  BVB raced into an early 2-0 lead thanks to a first half brace from Serhou Guirassy. But any idea that the tie was all over at halftime was soon quashed when Germán Berterame pulled a goal back for the Mexicans on 48 minutes.  A frantic second half followed, with the Sergio Ramos-led Monterrey throwing all they had at BVB. However, the German side held firm, securing a victory that ensured there were no further surprises in the opening knockout round. Club World Cup Group Stage recap The group stages are now done, and what a rollercoaster they were. We saw some great performances, amazing comebacks, and a few surprises along the way. Standout moments include PSG’s 4-0 win over Atletico in Group B, and Auckland City holding Boca Juniors to a 1-1 draw in Group C. The final finishing positions of all tables are below: Group A recap Palmeiras and Inter Miami topped the group with 5 points apiece. The Brazilians finished first on overall goal difference after a dramatic 2‑2 draw with Miami couldn’t separate the teams in the head-to-head. Miami advanced as runners up, thanks in part to the ageless duo of Messi and Suarez. Elsewhere, Porto and Al Ahly were eliminated, with a thrilling 4‑4 draw between the two, the highlight of their respective campaigns. TeamWDLGDPtsPalmeiras12025Inter Miami12015Porto021-12Al Ahly021-22 Group B recap Group B of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup saw PSG and Botafogo advance, both finishing with six points. PSG bounced back from a shock 1-0 loss to Botafogo by defeating Seattle Sounders 2-0 in their final match. The win secured them top spot. Botafogo impressed with their upset 1-0 win over PSG and finished second in the table on goal difference. Atlético Madrid missed out despite beating Botafogo, their opening 4-0 loss to PSG proved costly. Seattle exited winless, struggling to make any impact on home soil. TeamWDLGDPtsPSG 20156Botafogo20116Atletico Madrid201-16Seattle Sounders003-50 Group C recap Group C at the 2025 Club World Cup saw Benfica and Bayern Munich advance. Benfica topped the group with 7 points, including a shock 1–0 win over Bayern in their final match. The Eagles also thrashed Auckland City 6-0 and drew 2–2 with Boca Juniors. Bayern dominated early with a 10-0 win over Auckland and a 2–1 victory over Boca. The Bavarians had to settle for second place after losing to Benfica. Boca narrowly missed out, while the part-timers of Auckland City made history by earning a point with a 1-1 draw against the Argentines. TeamWDLGDPtsBenfica21077Bayern Munich201106Boca Juniors021-12Auckland City012-161 Group D recap Group D of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup saw Flamengo finish top and unbeaten. This followed a 1-1 draw with LAFC and a 3-1 comeback win over Chelsea. Chelsea bounced back from that loss with a convincing 3-0 victory over ES Tunis in their final group match. The win secured second place and progression for Enzo Maresca’s team. ES Tunis managed three points but missed out, while LAFC exited the tournament without a win despite coming close against Flamengo.  TeamWDLGDPtsFlamengo21047Chelsea20136ES Tunis102-43LAFC012-31 Group E recap Group E was decided by a straight shoot out between Inter Milan and River Plate in the final round of fixtures. Inter came out on top with a 2-0 win over the Argentines in a gritty and often brutal showdown. River’s defeat opened the door for Monterrey to sneak in and take second spot. Led by the veteran Sergio Ramos, the Mexicans made the most of their chance, thrashing Urawa Red Diamonds 4-0 to set up a Round of 16 showdown against Borussia Dortmund. TeamWDLGDPtsInter Milan21037Monterrey12045River Plate11104Urawa003-70 Group F recap Borussia Dortmund topped Group F with seven points. An unconvincing narrow 1-0 win over Ulsan HD courtesy of Daniel Svensson’s strike and a thrilling 4-3 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns gave BVB the wins that clinched top spot. Fluminense claimed second place after a key 0-0 draw with Sundowns, with the South Africans finishing third. Ulsan failed to score a point and finished bottom of the pile. TeamWDLGDPtsDortmund21027Fluminense12025Mamelodi Sundowns11104Ulsan003-40 Group G recap Manchester City really came to the FIFA Club World Cup party with their 5-2 demolition of Juventus on Thursday in their final Group G fixture. City’s win means they are the only team to register a 100% win rate in the group stages. The Light Blues are now also the highest scorers in the competition with 13 goals.  City are joined in the next round by Juventus, who finished second in the group on six points. Exiting the competition were Al Ain and Wydad AC, who were always up against it in a very tough group.   TeamWDLGDPtsMan City300119Juventus20156Al Ain102-103Wydad AC003-60 Group H recap Real Madrid clinched their place in the Round of 16 with a 3-0 win over RB Salzburg in the final round of fixtures in the group stages. Madrid haven’t been convincing so far in the competition, but they are steadily growing and can’t be discounted given their star studded line up.  Los Blancos were joined in the knockout stage by Al-Hilal, who sealed their place with a 2-0 win over the pointless Pachuca – who joined Salsburg in exiting the competition.  TeamWDLGDPtsReal Madrid21057Al-Hilal12025RB Salzburg111-24Pachuca003-50 Q&A for FIFA Club World Cup 2025 The expanded format of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is creating plenty of buzz. Given the new format, there are plenty of questions that punters and fans want answered. Here are the most common ahead of this historic event: 1. Who is hosting the FIFA Club World Cup 2025? The United States is hosting the 2025 Club World Cup. This marks the first time the tournament will be held on American soil, serving as a key test event ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA. 2. When will the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 be played? The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2025. It spans four weeks, featuring 32 clubs from six confederations in a World Cup-style format. 3. Which venues will host the FIFA Club World Cup 2025? Matches will be played across 12 venues, they are the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Audi Field in Washington, Lumen Field in Seattle, the Rose Bowl in California, TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Geodis Park in Nashville, Camping World Stadium and Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando and the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. 4. How many teams take part in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025? A total of 32 teams will participate in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This is a major expansion from previous editions and follows the same structure as the FIFA World Cup, with eight groups of four. 5. How did teams qualify for the 2025 Club World Cup?  Teams qualified by winning or placing highly in their continental competitions between 2021 and 2024. This includes UEFA Champions League winners, Copa Libertadores champions, and top-performing clubs from AFC, CAF, CONCACAF, and OFC. 6. Why are Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal not in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup? FIFA rules state that only two teams from any country can qualify, and the qualifying period for the 2025 Club World Cup was between 2021 and 2024. As Chelsea and Manchester City won the Champions League in that period, they were awarded the two English places ahead of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. 7. Which team is the favourite to win the 2025 Club World Cup? Paris Saint-Germain are the favourites to win the 2025 Club World Cup. The Parisians have consistently been the best team and are just 3/10 with BetMGM to lift the trophy. About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk GambleAware – GambleAware.org Read our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

WIMBLEDON 2025 has reached the semi-final stage – and some huge names are still in the hunt for the men’s and women’s titles! Taylor Fritz is first up on Centre Court, and the American representative has a tough task as he takes on defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. And the other final four fixture sees World No1 Jannik Sinner battle it out with super Serb, Novak Djokovic. As for the women’s singles, Amanda Anisimova will face Iwa Swiatek in the Wimbledon final after a shock win over World No1 Aryna Sabalenka, with the Pole Swiatek dominating Belinda Bencic. Start time: From 11am BST / 6am ET TV channel: BBC One & Two (UK) / ESPN (US) Live stream: BBC iPlayer / ESPN+ WIMBLEDON 2025 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS Follow our live blog below…

A COUPLE have revealed how they attend their local pub naked – and describe the experience as “liberating”.  Since 2022, Sadie Tann, 35, and her partner Colin Unsworth, 55, have been going completely nude to their closest watering hole to listen to some of their favourite musicians.  SWNSA couple have opened up on going to the pub totally naked[/caption] SWNSSadie Tann, 35, and her partner Colin Unsworth, 55, have been going completely nude to their closest watering hole since 2022[/caption] SWNSThey aren’t bothered by what people think[/caption] SWNSThe couple trip off at the car before going into their local pub[/caption] Colin, a wild foraging teacher has been a naturist for over a decade, first getting involved aged 42 with the sponsored World Naked Bike Ride in Manchester in 2012. Colin said that he strips down to spread the message of body positivity and also raise awareness for mental health. Though he claimed that the couple receive some backlash from strangers, he has revealed “most of the time” they are met with “positivity” and “admiration” for being “comfortable” in their own skin.  He explained: “We strip down in the car and go inside without clothes on. “There are four pubs we go to and we had to build up relationships with the owners and staff to let us do it.  “At the shows people always ask questions saying I must be ‘super confident’ but mainly I accept and am comfortable in my own skin. “Body shame has done a lot of damage to people – modern society holds a moral shame over a naked body but that should never be the case.” “I don’t do it for attention, I do it to spread the word of body positivity.” Naturism is the act of going outside without clothes on in a non-sexual manner, which is legal in the UK even if it causes offense.  Though it can be seen as illegal if the person is acting in a way which causes harassment, alarm, or distress to others. Colin, from Adlington, in Lancashire, highlighted that throughout his childhood he was “hypersensitive” to touch and didn’t like the feeling of clothes on his body.  He said this continued into his adult life but it wasn’t until he parted from his wife of 20 years he decided to step into the world of naturism which started with him going wild shrubbing in just an apron.  Now, Colin and Sadie go to the pub naked once a month, mainly to catch some live music. They arrive at the venue nude, saying it saves the “awkwardness” of being clothed and then getting undressed.  What is Naturism? Naturism, also known as nudism, is a cultural and lifestyle movement that advocates for and practices social nudity in both private and public spaces. The philosophy behind naturism emphasises harmony with nature, self-respect, respect for others, and a sense of community. Naturism is a diverse and inclusive lifestyle choice that encourages individuals to embrace their natural state, foster a deeper connection with nature, and build a community based on mutual respect and equality. Naturists believe that naturism promotes a healthy and accepting attitude toward the human body, regardless of shape, size, or imperfections. Many naturists are also advocates for environmental conservation and sustainable living, believing in a close connection with nature. Naturism also fosters a sense of equality, as clothing often signifies social status, and its absence can help break down these barriers. The couple spent time getting to know the owners and staff before they were allowed inside nude. Colin added: “It took time before we were able to. “I became a regular at the places and got to know the staff and the owner really well. “We only did it when the owner agreed to it.” He shared that after entering for the first couple of minutes he feels “exposed” but following buying a drink and having a few conversations it becomes “normal”. It seems to add a positive vibe to the pub – you find people often talk about it long after the occasion Colin Unsworth Colin expressed: “All conversations happen with eye contact and after a few minutes you forget you are naked. “When the music starts playing we feel vibrant and free and also feel accepted.  “People at the gig also tell us that it is better for their experience, they feel part of something that is liberating even if they themselves aren’t naked. “In a normal sense we are just there to enjoy the evening and music just like everybody else, making sure we are having a good time. “It seems to add a positive vibe to the pub – you find people often talk about it long after the occasion.” SWNSColin has been a naturist for over a decade[/caption] SWNSThe couple describe the experience as “liberating”[/caption] The naturist also acknowledged that he rarely runs into issues with people once inside, as he continued: “People come up to us all the time and ask us questions.  “We find ourselves talking about body acceptance and positivity and most of the time they find themselves coming to terms with their own bodies after our conversations.  “People often say that they feel that we’ve made them feel that they can also be accepted as themselves.” Though he explained when they do get abused, they simply “shrug it off” and continue, as they “aren’t doing anything wrong”. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club SWNSColin shared that after entering for the first couple of minutes he feels “exposed” but following buying a drink and having a few conversations it becomes “normal”[/caption] SWNSThe couple have previously cycled the length of the UK to raise money for charity and Colin did the World Naked Bike Ride in Manchester in 2012[/caption]

AN INFERNO has sent fireballs and plumes of smoke billowing into the sky above Stoke-on-Trent. It is understood that the blaze erupted in Sneyd Green overnight with sparks and flames launched into the air by the inferno. StokeonTrentLive/BPMThe fire and smoke could be seen for miles[/caption] Witnesses to the fire on Pleydell Street at 2:30am saw flames pouring into the sky from a fire close to one of the homes on the street. It is not yet clear if the fire originated from one of the houses or not. Images captured by residents show a jet of fire and sparks rising from a blaze on the residential street. Houses up and down the road were illuminated by the glow of the fireball. Emergency services raced to the scene in the early hours to tackle the blaze. Witnesses reported several fire engines and appliances arrived to fight the fire. Emergency crews were still on scene this morning, The Sun understands. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue services also raced to the scene of a fire in Tamworth last night. Emergency services have not released any information on the fire on Pleydell Street. StokeonTrentLive/BPMThe inferno raged close to homes on Pleydell Street[/caption]