thedailymirror--2020-08-25--Your rights if you had a holiday booked as STA Travel enters administration

High street travel agent STA Travel has ceased trading with 500 jobs at risk .
The company confirmed its closure on Friday , announcing the pandemic had `` brought the travel industry to a standstill '' .
STA Travel - which specialised in trips for young people - said its 50 stores have closed with immediate effect .
In a statement posted on the firm ’ s website , customers have been reassured that they will be contacted in the coming days .
`` Due to the recent announcement that STA Travel UK has ceased trading , unfortunately our travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time , '' the company said .
`` Please be assured that if you had a previous booking with us , or hold a live booking , you will receive further communication in the coming days .
We are sorry for the inconvenience and the limited information available to you at this time . ''
STA Travel said its sales had not picked up as anticipated due to renewed lockdown measures and customer uncertainty .
It came after STA Travel Holdings AG , the travel firm ’ s Swiss parent company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Have you been affected by STA Travel 's collapse ?
Get in touch : webnews @ mirror.co.uk Rory Boland , Which ?
Travel Editor , said : `` Most STA Travel UK customers have found it impossible to get refunds in recent months for cancelled package holidays , often for very significant sums of money .
`` Anyone with a booking , still waiting for a refund , or those holding a refund credit note , will be able to get their money back through the CAA ’ s ATOL scheme .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be valid .
Passengers should contact their airline to check .
`` The travel industry has endured a disastrous year , and many other companies will be on the brink of collapse .
The government must urgently step in to provide much-needed support if this industry is to survive the next few months . ''
I have holiday booked - what should I do ?
Get the latest money advice , news and help straight to your inbox - sign up at mirror.co.uk/email Abta , which represents tour operators and travel agents in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be left out of pocket by STA Travel 's announcement .
`` The majority of holidays sold by STA Travel Limited were flight-inclusive packages and these were protected by the CAA ’ s Atol scheme , as well as scheduled airline tickets under its IATA licence and as agent for the airline , '' a statement said .
Andrew McConnell , spokesman for Atol , which manages flights in the event of a collapse , said : `` It is a sad day for the industry when a long established business like STA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many may be used to seeing in their towns and on their high streets .
`` Arrangements are being made for Atol protected customers to continue their holiday and return home as normal , or make a claim if they were due to travel , '' he added .
If you booked a package holiday through STA Travel Limited and the holiday is provided by another tour operator , you will need to contact the tour operator named on your paperwork or Atol Certificate directly .
If your booking included flights and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will need to contact the CAA as your booking is protected by the CAA ’ s Atol scheme .
If you booked a flight only with STA Travel Ltd with a scheduled airline , you will need to contact the airline about your booking .
If you booked through a travel agent and not directly with STA Travel Limited , you will need to speak to your travel agent first for advice .
If you booked a non-flight package holiday ( e.g .
a cruise without flights ) through STA Travel Limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by your credit or debit card issuer .
If you paid STA Travel Limited directly using a debit or credit card you will need to submit your claim for a refund to your card issuer .
Customers that paid STA Travel Limited by any other method or booked through a travel agent will need to submit a claim by clicking here .
You can also get in touch with Abta by calling 0330 135 9658 or via email at sta @ claims.abta.co.uk .

STA Travel has become the latest coronavirus high street casualty after announcing its collapse on Friday. The company's website has now shut down along with its 50 UK branches
STA Travel collapse: your rights if you had a holiday booked or are due a refund
High street travel agent STA Travel has ceased trading with 500 jobs at risk.
The company confirmed its closure on Friday, announcing the pandemic had "brought the travel industry to a standstill".
STA Travel - which specialised in trips for young people - said its 50 stores have closed with immediate effect.
In a statement posted on the firm’s website, customers have been reassured that they will be contacted in the coming days.
"Due to the recent announcement that STA Travel UK has ceased trading, unfortunately our travel experts are unable to assist you at this time," the company said.
"Please be assured that if you had a previous booking with us, or hold a live booking, you will receive further communication in the coming days. We are sorry for the inconvenience and the limited information available to you at this time."
STA Travel said its sales had not picked up as anticipated due to renewed lockdown measures and customer uncertainty.
It came after STA Travel Holdings AG, the travel firm’s Swiss parent company, filed for insolvency earlier in the week.
Have you been affected by STA Travel's collapse? Get in touch: webnews@mirror.co.uk
Image: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor, said: "Most STA Travel UK customers have found it impossible to get refunds in recent months for cancelled package holidays, often for very significant sums of money.
"Anyone with a booking, still waiting for a refund, or those holding a refund credit note, will be able to get their money back through the CAA’s ATOL scheme. Flight-only tickets booked with STA should still be valid. Passengers should contact their airline to check.
"The travel industry has endured a disastrous year, and many other companies will be on the brink of collapse. The government must urgently step in to provide much-needed support if this industry is to survive the next few months."
I have holiday booked - what should I do?
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Abta, which represents tour operators and travel agents in the UK, says passengers should not be left out of pocket by STA Travel's announcement.
"The majority of holidays sold by STA Travel Limited were flight-inclusive packages and these were protected by the CAA’s Atol scheme, as well as scheduled airline tickets under its IATA licence and as agent for the airline," a statement said.
Andrew McConnell, spokesman for Atol, which manages flights in the event of a collapse, said: "It is a sad day for the industry when a long established business like STA Travel Ltd ceases trading, especially one that many may be used to seeing in their towns and on their high streets.
"Arrangements are being made for Atol protected customers to continue their holiday and return home as normal, or make a claim if they were due to travel," he added.
Image: Ilya Dmitryachev/TASS) Ilya Dmitryachev/TASS)
If you booked a package holiday through STA Travel Limited and the holiday is provided by another tour operator, you will need to contact the tour operator named on your paperwork or Atol Certificate directly.
If your booking included flights and was not with another tour operator, you will need to contact the CAA as your booking is protected by the CAA’s Atol scheme.
If you booked a flight only with STA Travel Ltd with a scheduled airline, you will need to contact the airline about your booking.
If you booked through a travel agent and not directly with STA Travel Limited, you will need to speak to your travel agent first for advice.
If you booked a non-flight package holiday (e.g. a cruise without flights) through STA Travel Limited, it is protected by Abta or by your credit or debit card issuer.
If you paid STA Travel Limited directly using a debit or credit card you will need to submit your claim for a refund to your card issuer.
Customers that paid STA Travel Limited by any other method or booked through a travel agent will need to submit a claim by clicking here.
You can also get in touch with Abta by calling 0330 135 9658 or via email at sta@claims.abta.co.uk.


thedailymirror--2020-08-25--Carragher brands Harry Maguire case "absolute b*******" as trial commences

Jamie Carragher has defended Harry Maguire by branding the allegations of police prosecutors as `` absolute b******* '' .
The hearing into Maguire 's arrest on the Greek isle of Mykonos commenced on Tuesday with the Man Utd star keeping his distance back in the UK .
Maguire has been charged with various counts of assaulting , including on a police officer , as well as attempted bribery .
Prosecutors claim the £80million defender tried to worm his way out of being arrested by offering them cash in exchange for his freedom .
Upon arrival at Mykonos police station , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Do you know who I am ?
I am the captain of Manchester United , I am very rich , I can give you money , I can pay you , please let us go . ''
The 27-year-old ended up spending two nights behind bars before being bailed along with two other alleged offenders .
But Carragher has blasted the claims from one of the officers who was present at the scene .
`` Absolute b******s ! ''
Carragher tweeted in response to a news report detailing the court case .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ footballer always starts with ‘ Do you know who I am ?
’ I ’ ve never once heard any player say that !
! ''
A second officer doubled down on the allegations , claiming Maguire said : `` Please , let me go , I am very rich , I can pay , I am the leader of Manchester United.
” Carragher then responded to a fan criticising Maguire by defending the England ace .
`` If this was an LFC player you ’ d say the opposite ! ''
Carragher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested who his club his , if his sister has been attacked , Harry & his brother have done what 99 % of brothers would do . ''
Maguire 's younger brother Laurence - who plays for Chesterfield Town - also tweeted , saying : `` This is crazy ... anyone who knows Harry now knows this whole story is fabricated . ''
The brawl is said to have started after an incident in Mykonos Old Town where Maguire had been partying with friends and family .
Defending lawyer Alexandros Anagnostakis told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been approached by two Albanian men before she fainted after they had injected her with an unknown substance .
After a brawl ensued , plain-clothed police officers stepped in to calm the situation but from there it only escalated .
Police claim that two of the defendants tried to escape and pushed officers away with the feet and hands as they clambered into a waiting van .
After being taken to the police station rather than the hospital as they requested , Maguire and co are then alleged to have resisted arrest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ then shouted : `` F*** , f*** the police , '' before striking an officer .
One of the officers is also said to have received first aid after suffering an injury as Maguire became angry once placed in handcuffs , before his alleged attempt to bribe police .
Maguire 's brother Joe , 28 , and friend Christopher Sharman , 29 , are also on trial , but all three men deny all the charges .
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

Maguire's case is currently being heard in Syros, Greece, as the Man Utd and England defender faces several charges following an alleged incident last week which saw him spend two nights behind bars
Jamie Carragher has defended Harry Maguire by branding the allegations of police prosecutors as "absolute b*******".
The hearing into Maguire's arrest on the Greek isle of Mykonos commenced on Tuesday with the Man Utd star keeping his distance back in the UK.
Maguire has been charged with various counts of assaulting, including on a police officer, as well as attempted bribery.
Prosecutors claim the £80million defender tried to worm his way out of being arrested by offering them cash in exchange for his freedom.
Upon arrival at Mykonos police station, Maguire is alleged to have said: "Do you know who I am? I am the captain of Manchester United, I am very rich, I can give you money, I can pay you, please let us go."
Image: Steve Reigate Daily Express) Steve Reigate Daily Express)
The 27-year-old ended up spending two nights behind bars before being bailed along with two other alleged offenders.
But Carragher has blasted the claims from one of the officers who was present at the scene.
"Absolute b******s!" Carragher tweeted in response to a news report detailing the court case. "Every story/rumour someone tells about a footballer always starts with ‘Do you know who I am?’ I’ve never once heard any player say that!!"
A second officer doubled down on the allegations, claiming Maguire said: "Please, let me go, I am very rich, I can pay, I am the leader of Manchester United.”
Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning) Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
Carragher then responded to a fan criticising Maguire by defending the England ace.
"If this was an LFC player you’d say the opposite!" Carragher tweeted. "I’m not interested who his club his, if his sister has been attacked, Harry & his brother have done what 99% of brothers would do."
Maguire's younger brother Laurence - who plays for Chesterfield Town - also tweeted, saying: "This is crazy... anyone who knows Harry now knows this whole story is fabricated."
The brawl is said to have started after an incident in Mykonos Old Town where Maguire had been partying with friends and family.
Defending lawyer Alexandros Anagnostakis told the court that Maguire's sister Daisy had been approached by two Albanian men before she fainted after they had injected her with an unknown substance.
After a brawl ensued, plain-clothed police officers stepped in to calm the situation but from there it only escalated.
Police claim that two of the defendants tried to escape and pushed officers away with the feet and hands as they clambered into a waiting van.
After being taken to the police station rather than the hospital as they requested, Maguire and co are then alleged to have resisted arrest.
Prosecutors claim that one of the defendants then shouted: "F***, f*** the police," before striking an officer.
One of the officers is also said to have received first aid after suffering an injury as Maguire became angry once placed in handcuffs, before his alleged attempt to bribe police.
Maguire's brother Joe, 28, and friend Christopher Sharman, 29, are also on trial, but all three men deny all the charges.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-08-25--Inside the dreamy £9,072-a-night safari camp hidden away in the wilderness

The pandemic is n't exactly making travel plans easy , but it does n't hurt to do a little dreaming - and one luxury safari camp is providing us with heaps of wanderlust .
The £9,072-a-night camp boasts five swish villas in the heart of the spectacular Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in South Africa , and we 're adding them to our wishlists immediately .
For a start each of the five villas at the Lepogo Lodges ' Noka Camp comes with its own private pool overlooking the landscape , complete with a poolside bed for lounging amidst the luxury .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ views if you head indoors ; the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows meaning you can take in the panoramics whether you 're in bed or having a soak in the sunken bathtub .
But it 's not just the villas that make Noka Camp such a bucket-list-worthy safari holiday destination .
The camp 's location amidst the 50,000-hectare reserve means that you can go on heaps of game drives including looking out for the The Big Five ( lions , leopards , rhinos , elephants and buffalo ) , or if you fancy even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Lapalala river itself .
There 's only one other commercial lodge on the reserve , so you really can feel like you have the entire landscape to yourself .
Other highlights include tree top yoga sessions , bush walks , river swimming , astronomy session , fishing trips , and tours of iron age sites .
Intrepid explorers can even opt for al fresco dining ( complete with the occasional appearance from local wildlife ! )
or luxury bush sleep outs .
The camp itself boasts a dining room , bar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of which are perched atop a 100ft cliff for some seriously epic views .
As for food , expect some fine dining options thanks to the team of world-class chefs headed by the Heston Blumenthal-trained Thapelo Letsogo .
While it 's a dreamy holiday , the price tag does bring us back to reality .
Prices to exclusively hire the camp start from £9,072 a night , although the silver lining is that it 's on an all-inclusive basis .
If you are feeling tempted , you can currently get a 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp , for any trips booked to travel before the 15th December 2021 .
Rates start from approximately £8,165 .
You can find out more on the Lepogo Lodges website .
• At the time of writing , there are travel restrictions for Brits wanting to visit South Africa .
You can find out more in the FCO 's South Africa travel advice .

The Noka Camp in South Africa offers up the ultimate dream safari holiday but it comes with a hefty price tag
Inside the dreamy £9,072-a-night safari camp hidden away in the wilderness
The pandemic isn't exactly making travel plans easy, but it doesn't hurt to do a little dreaming - and one luxury safari camp is providing us with heaps of wanderlust.
The £9,072-a-night camp boasts five swish villas in the heart of the spectacular Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in South Africa, and we're adding them to our wishlists immediately.
For a start each of the five villas at the Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp comes with its own private pool overlooking the landscape, complete with a poolside bed for lounging amidst the luxury.
There's no need to compromise on views if you head indoors; the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows meaning you can take in the panoramics whether you're in bed or having a soak in the sunken bathtub.
Image: Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp) Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp)
But it's not just the villas that make Noka Camp such a bucket-list-worthy safari holiday destination.
The camp's location amidst the 50,000-hectare reserve means that you can go on heaps of game drives including looking out for the The Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo), or if you fancy even more adventure there are water safaris on the Lapalala river itself.
Image: Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp) Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp)
There's only one other commercial lodge on the reserve, so you really can feel like you have the entire landscape to yourself.
Other highlights include tree top yoga sessions, bush walks, river swimming, astronomy session, fishing trips, and tours of iron age sites.
Image: Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp) Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp)
Intrepid explorers can even opt for al fresco dining (complete with the occasional appearance from local wildlife!) or luxury bush sleep outs.
The camp itself boasts a dining room, bar, lounge area and sprawling outdoor terrace, all of which are perched atop a 100ft cliff for some seriously epic views.
Image: Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp) Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp)
As for food, expect some fine dining options thanks to the team of world-class chefs headed by the Heston Blumenthal-trained Thapelo Letsogo.
While it's a dreamy holiday, the price tag does bring us back to reality.
Image: Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp) Lepogo Lodges' Noka Camp)
Prices to exclusively hire the camp start from £9,072 a night, although the silver lining is that it's on an all-inclusive basis.
If you are feeling tempted, you can currently get a 10% discount for exclusive hire of the camp, for any trips booked to travel before the 15th December 2021.
Rates start from approximately £8,165. You can find out more on the Lepogo Lodges website.


thedailymirror--2020-08-25--Switzerland to UK flights rocket to more than £500 after quarantine fears

Flights to London from Switzerland have rocketed ahead of the country potentially being added to the quarantine list , with some one-way tickets costing more than £500 .
Fears that Brits will no longer be able to holiday in Switzerland without isolating when they return has caused an increase in flight prices .
The last direct flight from Zurich to London on Friday , before the 4am deadline on Saturday if restrictions are imposed , is on sale for £517 .
Next day , tickets are available from £269 , while tickets on Sunday start from £179 .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London on Friday costs £540 , but a direct flight on Saturday morning is available for £190 .
And prices from Lugano have also increased , with flights this week surging from £75 to £251 , according to Google .
In its flight checker , it warns customers that prices are currently higher than normal .
One holidaymaker on Twitter posted : `` Over the last 7 days # Switzerland has 19.8 COVID19 cases per 100,000 people & rising , currently just 0.2 below the 20 threshold to bring in quarantine and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ safe ’ list .
`` Wondering if I should consider leaving b4 flight prices go crazy ? ''
Scotland has already taken Switzerland off its list of countries from which people do not need to self-isolate on arrival .
Paul Charles , CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency , said it is `` certain '' that the country will be added to the quarantine list - as data shows there are currently 21.1 cases per 100,000 over seven days .
Tory minister Grant Shapps previously warned that any country with more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny .
Any announcement - expected on Thursday - would see Brits given less than 30 hours notice to return home or face two-weeks of self-isolation .
The Government has previously warned holidaymakers that restrictions can be imposed at short notice , and travellers must be prepared for their plans to be altered .
Last week , Croatia , Austria and Trinidad and Tobago were stripped from the 'safe ' list of countries , following a spike in cases .
The Czech Republic and Greece are under scrutiny following a spike in infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 20 cases per 100,000 , but both appear to be heading in that direction .
In the Czech Republic the seven-day rate is currently 17.9 , up from 15.6 a week ago .
In Greece the rate is 14.8 , up from 13.5 - with thousands of holidaymakers currently in the popular holiday destination .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has warned Brits to be on their guard over possible additions to the quarantine list .
Following the announcement last week , he tweeted : `` Regardless of where you ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself , everybody will be travelling with their eyes open this summer because this virus is incredibly unpredictable . ''

Following fears that the popular holiday destination may be added to the UK quarantine list, the cost of a one-way ticket from major airports Geneva and Zurich has shot up
Switzerland to UK flights rocket to more than £500 after quarantine fears
Flights to London from Switzerland have rocketed ahead of the country potentially being added to the quarantine list, with some one-way tickets costing more than £500.
Fears that Brits will no longer be able to holiday in Switzerland without isolating when they return has caused an increase in flight prices.
The last direct flight from Zurich to London on Friday, before the 4am deadline on Saturday if restrictions are imposed, is on sale for £517.
Next day, tickets are available from £269, while tickets on Sunday start from £179.
Meanwhile, the only direct flight from Geneva to London on Friday costs £540, but a direct flight on Saturday morning is available for £190.
And prices from Lugano have also increased, with flights this week surging from £75 to £251, according to Google.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
In its flight checker, it warns customers that prices are currently higher than normal.
One holidaymaker on Twitter posted: "Over the last 7 days #Switzerland has 19.8 COVID19 cases per 100,000 people & rising, currently just 0.2 below the 20 threshold to bring in quarantine and have the country taken off the UK governments ‘safe’ list.
"Wondering if I should consider leaving b4 flight prices go crazy?"
Scotland has already taken Switzerland off its list of countries from which people do not need to self-isolate on arrival.
Paul Charles, CEO of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said it is "certain" that the country will be added to the quarantine list - as data shows there are currently 21.1 cases per 100,000 over seven days.
Tory minister Grant Shapps previously warned that any country with more than 20 cases per 100k will face scrutiny.
Any announcement - expected on Thursday - would see Brits given less than 30 hours notice to return home or face two-weeks of self-isolation.
The Government has previously warned holidaymakers that restrictions can be imposed at short notice, and travellers must be prepared for their plans to be altered.
Last week, Croatia, Austria and Trinidad and Tobago were stripped from the 'safe' list of countries, following a spike in cases.
The Czech Republic and Greece are under scrutiny following a spike in infections.
Neither country has breached the threshold of 20 cases per 100,000, but both appear to be heading in that direction.
In the Czech Republic the seven-day rate is currently 17.9, up from 15.6 a week ago.
In Greece the rate is 14.8, up from 13.5 - with thousands of holidaymakers currently in the popular holiday destination.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has warned Brits to be on their guard over possible additions to the quarantine list.
Following the announcement last week, he tweeted: "Regardless of where you’re going, having been caught out on this myself, everybody will be travelling with their eyes open this summer because this virus is incredibly unpredictable."


thedailymirror--2020-08-28--North Korean troops 'to kill anyone near Chinese border to stop Covid-19 spread'

Ruthless Kim Jong-un has reportedly ordered North Korean troops to open fire on anyone who goes within half a mile of the country 's border with China to avoid coronavirus spreading .
It comes after the dictator back-peddled on claims his country is totally untouched by the deadly global outbreak .
Instructions have been sent out to shoot anyone who goes within a kilometre of the border with China , according to incendiary reports .
The draconian move has been made despite Jong-un previously stating North Korea is free from Covid-19 - and he is n't worried by the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it “ could have entered ” the country after all .
News of the alleged policy was reported by Radio Free Asia from multiple sources within North Korea .
A resident of the country ’ s Hamgyong province said they ’ d been told the policy “ will be in effect along the entire North Korea-China border until the coronavirus pandemic ends ” .
They explained : “ Police in the city of Hoeryong issued an emergency notice from the Ministry of Social Security , saying they would kill anyone within a kilometre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their reason for being there .
“ After announcing the declaration , the police department told the public , ‘ The coronavirus has spread everywhere except our country , so the enemy is trying to infiltrate the border by sending the virus across it ’ .
“ They stressed the need to raise awareness among the border area residents and establish a system to report strangers and activities of the enemy.
” The ban applied to the entire 880-mile North Korean/Chinese border which extends across four provinces .
Whilst North Korea hasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month the city of Kaesong was put into lockdown for three weeks after a suspected case was detected .
More lockdown measures were imposed nationwide after a man claimed to have coronavirus symptoms but according to the World Health Organisation his results were inconclusive .
According to the source police near the border have been sent additional ammunition to help enforce the new policy .
The source added : “ They are even saying that no one will be held responsible for shooting deaths that occur within a kilometre of the border area.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed the new policy to RFA .
They said : “ At around 5:00 p.m. on the 25th , an urgent telegram from the Supreme Command came in telling the military to kill anyone within a kilometre of the border regardless of the reason .
“ The emergency message goes into effect from midnight on the 26th , ” the second source said .
“ The emergency order stipulates that soldiers on border guard duty will leave behind their blank shots and carry only live ammunition .
”

See Kim Yo Jong in action and how she waits on her brother hand and foot
See Kim Yo Jong in action and how she waits on her brother hand and foot
Until recently North Korea officials have denied having any cases of coronavirus but in a u-turn last month, dictator Kim Jong-un admitted it “could have entered” the country after all
Ruthless Kim Jong-un has reportedly ordered North Korean troops to open fire on anyone who goes within half a mile of the country's border with China to avoid coronavirus spreading.
It comes after the dictator back-peddled on claims his country is totally untouched by the deadly global outbreak.
Instructions have been sent out to shoot anyone who goes within a kilometre of the border with China, according to incendiary reports.
The draconian move has been made despite Jong-un previously stating North Korea is free from Covid-19 - and he isn't worried by the pandemic.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
But he accepted last month that it “could have entered” the country after all.
News of the alleged policy was reported by Radio Free Asia from multiple sources within North Korea.
A resident of the country’s Hamgyong province said they’d been told the policy “will be in effect along the entire North Korea-China border until the coronavirus pandemic ends”.
They explained: “Police in the city of Hoeryong issued an emergency notice from the Ministry of Social Security, saying they would kill anyone within a kilometre of the North Korea-China border regardless of their reason for being there.
Image: via REUTERS) via REUTERS)
“After announcing the declaration, the police department told the public, ‘The coronavirus has spread everywhere except our country, so the enemy is trying to infiltrate the border by sending the virus across it’.
“They stressed the need to raise awareness among the border area residents and establish a system to report strangers and activities of the enemy.”
The ban applied to the entire 880-mile North Korean/Chinese border which extends across four provinces.
Whilst North Korea hasn’t officially declared any Covid-19 cases last month the city of Kaesong was put into lockdown for three weeks after a suspected case was detected.
Kim Jong-un declared a national emergency and banned travel between provinces.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
More lockdown measures were imposed nationwide after a man claimed to have coronavirus symptoms but according to the World Health Organisation his results were inconclusive.
According to the source police near the border have been sent additional ammunition to help enforce the new policy.
The source added: “They are even saying that no one will be held responsible for shooting deaths that occur within a kilometre of the border area.”
A North Korean military source also confirmed the new policy to RFA.
They said: “At around 5:00 p.m. on the 25th, an urgent telegram from the Supreme Command came in telling the military to kill anyone within a kilometre of the border regardless of the reason.
“The emergency message goes into effect from midnight on the 26th,” the second source said.
“The emergency order stipulates that soldiers on border guard duty will leave behind their blank shots and carry only live ammunition.”


thedailymirror--2020-08-28--Young professional living off baked beans after bonuses cut during lockdown

A young executive claims she 's been forced to eat cold own-brand baked beans from a can in order to survive after feeling the financial pinch during lockdown .
Leah Mellard , 25 , has been struggling so much during the pandemic that she can only afford a cheap tinned lunch - and she is n't alone .
The awards executive claims to have faced hardship since she started working from home since coronavirus restrictions were first imposed .
Her pay was significantly cut - and the increase in energy and food bills as a result of working from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to new research , 39 per cent now just settle for just a packet of crisps at lunchtime instead of leaving the house .
She said : `` It 's been difficult financially throughout my time working from home and I do feel like I 've reverted back to my student days , being extra careful with my money .
`` My pay has been cut back in terms of bonuses so I 'm having to get used to not spending the money I was used to spending before .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I 've ended up having a tin every lunchtime - it sounds ridiculous when people ask me but I do n't have many other options at the moment .
`` It 's a matter of being a bit more careful with our money .
I ca n't wait to get back in the office . ''
Leah , originally from Nottingham but who now lives in Waterloo , says a lack of food online food delivery slots has also lead her to buy more frozen and tinned food from her corner shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office for National Statistics figures show almost half of British employees are still working from home .
According to new research , released on Wednesday by Just Eat , 34 per cent of those working from home , have seen a decline in the quality of their lunch , with 39 per cent opting for just a packet of crisps , most days .
A further six per cent have resorted to eating cold baked beans straight from the can .
The survey has also shown that 30 per cent of Brits said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cup of coffee .
Andrew Kenny , Managing Director UK at Just Eat , said : `` It 's clear that lunchtime enjoyment has taken a hit .
`` So I 'm delighted our free London delivery on Pret A Manger is available to bring back some of the joy of an office lunch to our customers ' homes . ''

According to research, 34 per cent of those working from home have seen a decline in the quality of their lunch - with 39 per cent now happy to settle for just a packet of crisps
Young professional living off tins of baked beans after bonuses cut during lockdown
A young executive claims she's been forced to eat cold own-brand baked beans from a can in order to survive after feeling the financial pinch during lockdown.
Leah Mellard, 25, has been struggling so much during the pandemic that she can only afford a cheap tinned lunch - and she isn't alone.
The awards executive claims to have faced hardship since she started working from home since coronavirus restrictions were first imposed.
Her pay was significantly cut - and the increase in energy and food bills as a result of working from home meant she couldn't make ends meet.
Image: Mercury Press & Media Ltd.) Mercury Press & Media Ltd.)
According to new research, 39 per cent now just settle for just a packet of crisps at lunchtime instead of leaving the house.
She said: "It's been difficult financially throughout my time working from home and I do feel like I've reverted back to my student days, being extra careful with my money.
"My pay has been cut back in terms of bonuses so I'm having to get used to not spending the money I was used to spending before.
"I'm a sucker for baked beans so I've ended up having a tin every lunchtime - it sounds ridiculous when people ask me but I don't have many other options at the moment.
Image: Mercury Press & Media Ltd.) Mercury Press & Media Ltd.)
"It's a matter of being a bit more careful with our money. I can't wait to get back in the office."
Leah, originally from Nottingham but who now lives in Waterloo, says a lack of food online food delivery slots has also lead her to buy more frozen and tinned food from her corner shop at a premium price.
And latest Office for National Statistics figures show almost half of British employees are still working from home.
Image: Mercury Press & Media Ltd.) Mercury Press & Media Ltd.)
According to new research, released on Wednesday by Just Eat, 34 per cent of those working from home, have seen a decline in the quality of their lunch, with 39 per cent opting for just a packet of crisps, most days.
A further six per cent have resorted to eating cold baked beans straight from the can.
The survey has also shown that 30 per cent of Brits said they usually just make do with a cup of coffee.
Andrew Kenny, Managing Director UK at Just Eat, said: "It's clear that lunchtime enjoyment has taken a hit.
"So I'm delighted our free London delivery on Pret A Manger is available to bring back some of the joy of an office lunch to our customers' homes."


thedailymirror--2020-08-28--Man Utd 'make Sandro Tonali transfer phone call' as wonderkid set for move

Manchester United reportedly tried to hijack Inter Milan 's move for Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali - but may have left it too late .
Tonali appears to be on the verge of a loan move to Inter after impressing for Brescia last season , despite the club finishing second-bottom of Serie A .
The 20-year-old has been compared to Italy legend Andrea Pirlo , and has previously been linked with United and Liverpool as well as Inter , Juventus and Barcelona .
According to reports from Italy , Tonali will initially be loaned to Inter with an obligation to buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with bonuses could rise to €40m ( £36m ) .
The ‘ outline of a deal ’ has been agreed between the two Italian sides , while an ‘ armoured agreement ’ has been reached with the player , according to Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness .
But the publication also claims there was 'recently a phone call from Manchester United ' enquiring about Tonali .
However , it appears any interest from United has come too late , as Inter 's agreement with Tonali is designed to protect the proposed transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It has previously been claimed that Tonali wanted to stay in Italy to continue his development , so United might have faced an uphill task trying to persuade the central midfielder to switch to the Premier League .
Who should Manchester United sign this summer ?
Have your say here Brescia manager Diego Lopez reckons there are `` no limits '' to what Tonali could achieve in the game if he gets his move to one of Europe 's big guns .
`` There 's a lot of talk about him , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a young lad who is in love with the ball , '' the Uruguayan coach told Corriere della Sera as reported by Football Italia earlier this summer .
`` I ca n't give him advice on what to do off the pitch .
As a player , I 'd say he can still improve .
`` He has it all , but he can get even better .
He has no limits . ''

United have reportedly tried to hijack Inter Milan's move for Tonali, but may have left it too late to sign the midfielder who has been compared to Italy legend Andrea Pirlo
Manchester United reportedly tried to hijack Inter Milan's move for Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali - but may have left it too late.
Tonali appears to be on the verge of a loan move to Inter after impressing for Brescia last season, despite the club finishing second-bottom of Serie A.
The 20-year-old has been compared to Italy legend Andrea Pirlo, and has previously been linked with United and Liverpool as well as Inter, Juventus and Barcelona.
According to reports from Italy, Tonali will initially be loaned to Inter with an obligation to buy at €35million (£31m), which with bonuses could rise to €40m (£36m).
The ‘outline of a deal’ has been agreed between the two Italian sides, while an ‘armoured agreement’ has been reached with the player, according to Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness.
Image: SIPA USA/PA Images) SIPA USA/PA Images)
But the publication also claims there was 'recently a phone call from Manchester United ' enquiring about Tonali.
However, it appears any interest from United has come too late, as Inter's agreement with Tonali is designed to protect the proposed transfer from any interference from other clubs.
It has previously been claimed that Tonali wanted to stay in Italy to continue his development, so United might have faced an uphill task trying to persuade the central midfielder to switch to the Premier League.
Who should Manchester United sign this summer? Have your say here
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Get the latest football news straight into your inbox! It's been a season of mayhem and thrill - so make sure you don't miss a single thing by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter! All the latest transfer news, headlines and hard-hitting analysis will land straight into your inbox. You won't miss out. To sign up, put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.
Brescia manager Diego Lopez reckons there are "no limits" to what Tonali could achieve in the game if he gets his move to one of Europe's big guns.
"There's a lot of talk about him, and rightly so, but he's just a young lad who is in love with the ball," the Uruguayan coach told Corriere della Sera as reported by Football Italia earlier this summer.
"I can't give him advice on what to do off the pitch. As a player, I'd say he can still improve.
"He has it all, but he can get even better. He has no limits."


thedailymirror--2020-08-28--Tories 'forcing people to choose between jobs and health' with back to work push

The Tories have been accused of forcing people to choose between their jobs and their health ahead of a push to get more workers back in offices .
Ministers have reportedly made doom-laden warnings that working from home could ultimately cost you your job , just in time for a major media campaign launch by the Government next week .
The television and newspaper messages will promote the Government 's aim to reduce the number of employees working from home amid fears that town and city centres are becoming ghost areas as workers stay away .
But The Telegraph has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go further than the economic argument , making claims working from home is tied to job cuts .
The paper says one government source told them : `` People need to understand that working from home is not the benign option it seems .
`` If they are only seeing workers once a fortnight then that could prove problematic for some employees in the future .
“ Suddenly the word ‘ restructure ’ is bandied about and people who have been working from home find themselves in the most vulnerable position.
” And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry out `` productivity reviews when they realise some people aren ’ t working as hard as they thought '' .
Neither source mentions that some companies may have actually saved money by reducing operating costs , while many employees will have financially gained by removing travel costs .
Labour has criticised the return to work plans as being `` unconscionable '' while the CBI said any return to work push should involve a `` hybrid '' approach that did not force people to go back .
Labour 's shadow business minister Lucy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Government are threatening people like this during a pandemic .
Forcing people to choose between their health and their job is unconscionable .
`` Number 10 should condemn this briefing and categorically rule out any such campaign . ''
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn , director-general of the CBI , said a hybrid approach with home and office working is the best way forward .
Speaking to Times Radio on Thursday , Dame Carolyn said : `` This is not about compulsion .
I could n't say that more strongly .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence to get to a hybrid that gets the best of both worlds .
We 're certainly not there yet .
`` Our offices are at risk of dying .
And we would regret that very much if we allowed that to happen . ''
A Government spokesperson said : `` We are working closely with employers across the country to help them make workplaces Covid secure and give people confidence to go back to work during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Next week we will showcase the benefits of returning safely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this right .
`` We 'll also provide practical steps businesses are taking to ensure offices are Covid secure as well as alternative ways of travelling to work . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (George Ryan, Sam Rkaina)

A major media campaign is being launched by the Government next week to encourage people back to the office, but comes as senior Tories are reportedly claiming working from home could cost people their jobs
Tories 'forcing people to choose between jobs and health' with back to work push
The Tories have been accused of forcing people to choose between their jobs and their health ahead of a push to get more workers back in offices.
Ministers have reportedly made doom-laden warnings that working from home could ultimately cost you your job, just in time for a major media campaign launch by the Government next week.
The television and newspaper messages will promote the Government's aim to reduce the number of employees working from home amid fears that town and city centres are becoming ghost areas as workers stay away.
But The Telegraph has quoted a number of anonymous sources that go further than the economic argument, making claims working from home is tied to job cuts.
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The paper says one government source told them: "People need to understand that working from home is not the benign option it seems.
"If they are only seeing workers once a fortnight then that could prove problematic for some employees in the future.
“Suddenly the word ‘restructure’ is bandied about and people who have been working from home find themselves in the most vulnerable position.”
Image: Adam Gerrard/Daily Mirror) Adam Gerrard/Daily Mirror)
And an unnamed cabinet minister claimed companies would carry out "productivity reviews when they realise some people aren’t working as hard as they thought".
Neither source mentions that some companies may have actually saved money by reducing operating costs, while many employees will have financially gained by removing travel costs.
Labour has criticised the return to work plans as being "unconscionable" while the CBI said any return to work push should involve a "hybrid" approach that did not force people to go back.
Labour's shadow business minister Lucy Powell said: "It beggars belief that the Government are threatening people like this during a pandemic. Forcing people to choose between their health and their job is unconscionable.
"Number 10 should condemn this briefing and categorically rule out any such campaign."
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI, said a hybrid approach with home and office working is the best way forward.
Speaking to Times Radio on Thursday, Dame Carolyn said: "This is not about compulsion. I couldn't say that more strongly.
"This is about creating the opportunity and the confidence to get to a hybrid that gets the best of both worlds. We're certainly not there yet.
"Our offices are at risk of dying. And we would regret that very much if we allowed that to happen."
Should people be encouraged to stop working from home? Tell us in the comments below
Image: PA) PA)
A Government spokesperson said: "We are working closely with employers across the country to help them make workplaces Covid secure and give people confidence to go back to work during the coronavirus pandemic.
"Next week we will showcase the benefits of returning safely to work and raise awareness of companies getting this right.
"We'll also provide practical steps businesses are taking to ensure offices are Covid secure as well as alternative ways of travelling to work."


thedailymirror--2020-08-28--Hurricane Laura kills six in 150mph winds amid worst storm in 164 years

Fearsome Hurricane Laura has now claimed six lives in what has been described as the worst storm the US state of Louisiana has seen since 1856 .
Casualties so far include a 14-year-old girl and three other people killed by falling trees , and a 24-year-old man who died of fumes from a generator running in his home during the deadly storm .
More than 800,000 people were left without power after 150mph winds ripped through southern American states .
Heartbreaking pictures showed entire rows of homes completely obliterated by the powerful winds , with the city of Lake Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ashley Thompson and her family decided to ride out the hurricane at their home despite orders to evacuate - and hours later their roof was torn off .
`` We thought we were safe - we had generators , we had windows boarded up , '' she said on Good Morning America .
`` We got our family in our home under the kitchen table .
After being under the kitchen table for about five minutes , we lost our roof . ''
Brett Geymann described Laura passing over his house with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It looks like 1,000 tornadoes went through here - it ’ s just destruction everywhere , '' he told local reporters .
“ There are houses that are totally gone .
They were there yesterday , but now gone . ''
Bucky Millet , 78 , of Lake Arthur , Louisiana , said he considered evacuating but decided to ride out the storm too .
“ You ’ d hear a crack and a boom and everything shaking , ” he said .
`` It was very scary . ''
`` This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landfall in Louisiana , '' he said .
`` It 's continuing to cause damage and life-threatening conditions . ''
Laura 's maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour upon landfall easily dwarfing Hurricane Katrina , which sparked deadly levee breaches in New Orleans in 2005 , and arrived with wind speeds of 125 mph .
At least six have died so far , including a 14-year-old girl , after trees fell on their homes when the Category 4 storm hit .
Just hours later , three more fatalities were reported due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24-year-old man died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator inside his home .
Another man drowned in a boat that sank during the storm , authorities confirmed .
But the `` devastating loss of life '' predicted has so far avoided .
Downtown Lake Charles took the brunt of Laura , with roofs ripped from buildings as homes and businesses destroyed .
The state 's Governor John Bel Edwards said they had been hit with `` extensive '' damage to structures , particularly in the Lake Charles area .
`` We believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge , '' he said , noting that it had not appeared to reach the extreme heights forecasters said were possible .
Governor Edwards said the state was taking Covid-19 precautions at shelters and in its rescue efforts , otherwise Louisiana could `` pay the price '' in a couple of weeks with a surge in cases .
Texas governor , Greg Abbott he had no recorded storm fatalities yet .
`` The storm surge and the powerful winds could have led to catastrophic deaths , '' he said .
`` We no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evacuations . ''
The governor said search and rescue teams were in the Beaumont , Port Arthur and Orange County areas , near the Louisiana state line , looking for individuals in need .
Hurricane Laura weakened and was downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday as it headed northward .
But it still had sustained winds of more than 100 mph .
Hurricane Katrina had winds of 125mph , although the 2005 storm which caused up to 1,800 deaths and £94 billion of damage was worse when measured by pressure .

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One of the most powerful hurricanes to strike the Gulf Coast of America has battered Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas, destroying homes and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power
Hurricane Laura: Six people killed in 150mph winds amid worst storm in 164 years
Fearsome Hurricane Laura has now claimed six lives in what has been described as the worst storm the US state of Louisiana has seen since 1856.
Casualties so far include a 14-year-old girl and three other people killed by falling trees, and a 24-year-old man who died of fumes from a generator running in his home during the deadly storm.
More than 800,000 people were left without power after 150mph winds ripped through southern American states.
Heartbreaking pictures showed entire rows of homes completely obliterated by the powerful winds, with the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana badly hit.
Local resident Ashley Thompson and her family decided to ride out the hurricane at their home despite orders to evacuate - and hours later their roof was torn off.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
"We thought we were safe - we had generators, we had windows boarded up," she said on Good Morning America.
"We got our family in our home under the kitchen table. After being under the kitchen table for about five minutes, we lost our roof."
Brett Geymann described Laura passing over his house with the roar of a jet engine.
“It looks like 1,000 tornadoes went through here - it’s just destruction everywhere," he told local reporters.
“There are houses that are totally gone. They were there yesterday, but now gone."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images) Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
Bucky Millet, 78, of Lake Arthur, Louisiana, said he considered evacuating but decided to ride out the storm too.
“You’d hear a crack and a boom and everything shaking,” he said. "It was very scary."
Governor John Bel Edwards told a news conference the threat hasn't cleared.
"This was the most powerful storm to ever make landfall in Louisiana," he said. "It's continuing to cause damage and life-threatening conditions."
Laura's maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour upon landfall easily dwarfing Hurricane Katrina, which sparked deadly levee breaches in New Orleans in 2005, and arrived with wind speeds of 125 mph.
At least six have died so far, including a 14-year-old girl, after trees fell on their homes when the Category 4 storm hit.
Image: NOAA HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) NOAA HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Just hours later, three more fatalities were reported due to falling trees in Louisiana.
A 24-year-old man died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator inside his home.
Another man drowned in a boat that sank during the storm, authorities confirmed.
But the "devastating loss of life" predicted has so far avoided.
Downtown Lake Charles took the brunt of Laura, with roofs ripped from buildings as homes and businesses destroyed.
Image: SIPA USA/PA Images) SIPA USA/PA Images) Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
The state's Governor John Bel Edwards said they had been hit with "extensive" damage to structures, particularly in the Lake Charles area.
"We believe we got a break on the storm surge," he said, noting that it had not appeared to reach the extreme heights forecasters said were possible.
Governor Edwards said the state was taking Covid-19 precautions at shelters and in its rescue efforts, otherwise Louisiana could "pay the price" in a couple of weeks with a surge in cases.
Texas governor, Greg Abbott he had no recorded storm fatalities yet.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images) Image: DAN ANDERSON/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) DAN ANDERSON/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
"The storm surge and the powerful winds could have led to catastrophic deaths," he said.
"We no doubt saved lives, because of those evacuations."
The governor said search and rescue teams were in the Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange County areas, near the Louisiana state line, looking for individuals in need.
Hurricane Laura weakened and was downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday as it headed northward.
But it still had sustained winds of more than 100 mph.
Hurricane Katrina had winds of 125mph, although the 2005 storm which caused up to 1,800 deaths and £94 billion of damage was worse when measured by pressure.


thedailymirror--2020-08-28--Joe Ruby, Co-Creator of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! has died

Joe Ruby , the co-creator of Scooby-Doo , Where Are You !
has died aged 87 .
The legendary animation writer has reportedly died of natural causes in Westlake Village , California , according to Deadline .
Joe was born in Los Angeles and co-created one of the most beloved cartoons of all time with Ken Spears .
The series premiered in 1969 and it followed Great Dane Scooby-Doo in helping to solve mysteries alongside Shaggy , Velma , Daphne and Fred .
The cartoon aired on CBS until 1976 and has been the subject of several reboots since , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Joe was also the writer of sci-fi thriller series Planet of the Apes in 1974 and the horror film Rumpelstiltskin in 1995 .
Along with Ken Spears , they started Ruby-Spears Productions which created Alvin and the Chipmunks , Mister T , Superman and Thundarr the Barbarian .
Speaking about how he got into writing , Joe told ScoobyAddicts.com : `` There was no great awakening or such .
I did some magazine cartooning years before , but never pursued it much .
`` It was just a 'freak ' opportunity that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They desperately needed people to write the short openings , closings and 30 second 'bridges ' for the Huck Hound and Yogi Bear Shows , and both Ken and I started writing them on the side while we worked our regular jobs in the editorial department . ''
Speaking about Scooby Doo , Ken Spears said in the interview that they did n't expect it to be anywhere near as successful as it was .
He said that he and Joe `` were worried it would n't last but one season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is survived by his wife , Carole , and their four children .
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Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033

Legendary animation writer Joe Ruby co-created Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! in 1969 and has passed away in Westlake Village, California
Joe Ruby dead: 'Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!' co-creator has died aged 87
Joe Ruby, the co-creator of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! has died aged 87.
The legendary animation writer has reportedly died of natural causes in Westlake Village,California, according to Deadline.
Joe was born in Los Angeles and co-created one of the most beloved cartoons of all time with Ken Spears.
The series premiered in 1969 and it followed Great Dane Scooby-Doo in helping to solve mysteries alongside Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Fred.
The cartoon aired on CBS until 1976 and has been the subject of several reboots since, as well as film adaptations and spinoffs.
Joe was also the writer of sci-fi thriller series Planet of the Apes in 1974 and the horror film Rumpelstiltskin in 1995.
Along with Ken Spears, they started Ruby-Spears Productions which created Alvin and the Chipmunks, Mister T, Superman and Thundarr the Barbarian.
Speaking about how he got into writing, Joe told ScoobyAddicts.com: "There was no great awakening or such. I did some magazine cartooning years before, but never pursued it much.
"It was just a 'freak' opportunity that came up at Hanna-Barbera in 1959.
"They desperately needed people to write the short openings, closings and 30 second 'bridges' for the Huck Hound and Yogi Bear Shows, and both Ken and I started writing them on the side while we worked our regular jobs in the editorial department."
Speaking about Scooby Doo, Ken Spears said in the interview that they didn't expect it to be anywhere near as successful as it was.
He said that he and Joe "were worried it wouldn't last but one season, much less 38 years."
Joe is survived by his wife, Carole, and their four children.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033


thedailymirror--2020-08-28--'Four Arsenal stars quarantined' ahead of Community Shield clash vs Liverpool

Arsenal 's Community Shield plans have been hit by up to four players reportedly returning late to training after self-isolating .
Mikel Arteta 's FA Cup winners face Premier League champions Liverpool in Saturday 's traditional curtain-raiser to the season at Wembley .
But Gunners boss Arteta says `` it ’ s not an ideal moment to play '' , with some of his players having been in quarantine .
Goalkeeper Emilano Martinez , who impressed during the restart after Bernd Leno 's injury , has been self-isolating following a holiday in Portugal .
The Argentine is free to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - however he was forced to return late to pre-season training , and could find he has lost his place to Leno .
Another player self-isolating is imminent signing Gabriel Magalhaes , according to The Sun .
The publication says Gabriel is in quarantine in the UK as the 22-year-old centre-half waits to complete a £25million transfer from Lille .
Two more unnamed players are also self-isolating , according to Mail Online .
The new Premier League campaign does not start until September 12 , with last season having only concluded in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested this weekend was not the best time for the Community Shield clash , which normally takes place a week before the league campaign begins .
“ We ’ ve been through all the different moments with the restrictions and rules from the government and Premier League testing , '' said the Arsenal boss .
“ It ’ s all so unexpected what is going to happen from day to day .
Should Mikel Arteta play Emiliano Martinez or Bernd Leno on Saturday ?
Have your say here '' But we are trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the best possible shape to compete on Saturday .
“ We ’ ve only had two training sessions and this game comes right in the middle of our mini pre-season , so it ’ s not an ideal moment to play . ''
With Martinez having returned late to training , Leno could get the nod to play in goal on Saturday , having fully recovered from a knee injury .

MIKEL ARTETA SETS ARSENAL TOP FOUR TARGET FOR NEXT SEASON
MIKEL ARTETA SETS ARSENAL TOP FOUR TARGET FOR NEXT SEASON
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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said this weekend is 'not an ideal moment to play' the Wembley curtain-raiser against Jurgen Klopp's Premier League champions
'Four Arsenal stars quarantined' ahead of Community Shield clash with Liverpool
Arsenal's Community Shield plans have been hit by up to four players reportedly returning late to training after self-isolating.
Mikel Arteta's FA Cup winners face Premier League champions Liverpool in Saturday's traditional curtain-raiser to the season at Wembley.
But Gunners boss Arteta says "it’s not an ideal moment to play", with some of his players having been in quarantine.
Goalkeeper Emilano Martinez, who impressed during the restart after Bernd Leno's injury, has been self-isolating following a holiday in Portugal.
The Argentine is free to play on Saturday after his quarantine period ended - however he was forced to return late to pre-season training, and could find he has lost his place to Leno.
Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Another player self-isolating is imminent signing Gabriel Magalhaes, according to The Sun.
The publication says Gabriel is in quarantine in the UK as the 22-year-old centre-half waits to complete a £25million transfer from Lille.
Two more unnamed players are also self-isolating, according to Mail Online.
The new Premier League campaign does not start until September 12, with last season having only concluded in July due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images) Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arteta suggested this weekend was not the best time for the Community Shield clash, which normally takes place a week before the league campaign begins.
“We’ve been through all the different moments with the restrictions and rules from the government and Premier League testing," said the Arsenal boss.
“It’s all so unexpected what is going to happen from day to day.
Should Mikel Arteta play Emiliano Martinez or Bernd Leno on Saturday? Have your say here
Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images) Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Get the latest football news straight into your inbox! It's been a season of mayhem and thrill - so make sure you don't miss a single thing by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter! All the latest transfer news, headlines and hard-hitting analysis will land straight into your inbox. You won't miss out. To sign up, put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.
"But we are trying to adapt and to get the team in the best possible shape to compete on Saturday.
“We’ve only had two training sessions and this game comes right in the middle of our mini pre-season, so it’s not an ideal moment to play."
With Martinez having returned late to training, Leno could get the nod to play in goal on Saturday, having fully recovered from a knee injury.


thedailymirror--2020-08-28--Halle Berry's sensational sultry topless selfie has fans hailing her beauty

Halle Berry has once again delighted fans with a sultry snap as she posed topless for a sensational selfie .
The 54-year-old Hollywood actress has often defied age with her natural beauty and she showed on Instagram that she can still set hearts fluttering .
The Oscar-winning star posed shirtless for the camera , where cream trousers and using her arms to just about protect her modesty .
The elegant photo has Halle sitting crossed legged as she turned her face away from the camera .
It is fair to say that her 6.5 million Instagram followers were loving what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments with their adoration for the star .
Halle also joined in the love-in , captioning the photo : `` Self-love is never selfish . ''
The actress has had a busy lockdown period with her posting a number of photos and videos that have been dedicated to her fitness regime as well as preparing for the release of Bruised , which is her debut as a film director .
With her Malibu mansion opening out on to the beach , Halle has been using this for her exercising as she is put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Peter Lee Thompson .
The dark cloud on her lockdown life has been her divorce battle with her ex husband Olivier Martinez .
Halle has filed to represent herself to save money after former attorney , Marina Zakiyan Beck , signed off on the change on July 30 , according to court documents seen by the Daily Mail .
Martinez , also 54 , is being represented by celebrity divorce attorney Laura Wasser .
The former couple split in 2016 after three years of marriage and their divorce was finalised in December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to share physical and legal custody of their son Maceo , now six years old , but in 2018 TMZ reported that Berry got another notice to appear in court since they never filed a formal custody agreement .
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Halle Berry looks breathtaking in bikini as she celebrates 54th birthday on the beach
Halle Berry looks breathtaking in bikini as she celebrates 54th birthday on the beach
Halle Berry has once again defied age with a selfie that shows her natural beauty knows no boundaries as the actress continues to light up social media
Halle Berry has once again delighted fans with a sultry snap as she posed topless for a sensational selfie.
The 54-year-old Hollywood actress has often defied age with her natural beauty and she showed on Instagram that she can still set hearts fluttering.
The Oscar-winning star posed shirtless for the camera, where cream trousers and using her arms to just about protect her modesty.
The elegant photo has Halle sitting crossed legged as she turned her face away from the camera.
It is fair to say that her 6.5 million Instagram followers were loving what they were seeing as they flooded the comments with their adoration for the star.
Halle also joined in the love-in, captioning the photo: "Self-love is never selfish."
The actress has had a busy lockdown period with her posting a number of photos and videos that have been dedicated to her fitness regime as well as preparing for the release of Bruised, which is her debut as a film director.
With her Malibu mansion opening out on to the beach, Halle has been using this for her exercising as she is put through her paces by her personal trainer, Peter Lee Thompson.
Image: halleberry/Instagram) halleberry/Instagram)
The dark cloud on her lockdown life has been her divorce battle with her ex husband Olivier Martinez.
Halle has filed to represent herself to save money after former attorney, Marina Zakiyan Beck, signed off on the change on July 30, according to court documents seen by the Daily Mail.
Martinez, also 54, is being represented by celebrity divorce attorney Laura Wasser.
The former couple split in 2016 after three years of marriage and their divorce was finalised in December of that year.
They had agreed to share physical and legal custody of their son Maceo, now six years old, but in 2018 TMZ reported that Berry got another notice to appear in court since they never filed a formal custody agreement.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033


thedailymirror--2020-08-27--Terrified families rescued from submerged streets as flooding hammers Scotland

Emergency crews have rescued terrified families from their homes after torrential downpours flooded entire streets in Scotland .
Aimee Miller , 29 , filmed the fire brigade carrying herself and her children to safety in a boat in Broxburn , near Edinburgh , last night .
In her video , wheelie bins can be seen floating in the waist-high water , which reached the roofs of trapped cars .
It comes as heavy rains also submerged streets in Glasgow , leaving cars stuck and entire roads cut off .
Ms Miller told Mirror Online she was left terrified by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reassure her children , aged nine , eight and two .
She said : `` I was with my partner and our three children .
`` When we left the water was waist height .
The water has entered my property but we ’ re fortunate to live upstairs so it hasn ’ t ruined any of our belongings other than the carpets .
The water is quarter of the way up our stairs .
`` We were very scared but had to try and stay calm for the sake of the kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media show cars and van submerged in water in Glasgow after hours of heavy rainfall , the Daily Record reports .
Several vehicles were trapped underneath a railway bridge in the city after an entire road became completely flooded .
The flooding caused major delays for drivers on the M8 after a slip road became blocked .
Traffic and Control Management said : `` Due to lane closures on the M8 eastbound at J14 Blochairn there is queueing on the M8 and all slips onto the M8 .
`` In addition the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to the Castlebank Street junction from the M8 onramp at North Street .
Scotrail announced earlier that services running through Bridgeton were delayed or cancelled due to heavy flooding on the tracks .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Lynn Love, Matthew Dresch)

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A mum-of-three filmed herself being evacuated after heavy rain flooded her street in Broxburn, near Edinburgh, Scotland, with the flooding causing chaos across the country
Emergency crews have rescued terrified families from their homes after torrential downpours flooded entire streets in Scotland.
Aimee Miller, 29, filmed the fire brigade carrying herself and her children to safety in a boat in Broxburn, near Edinburgh, last night.
In her video, wheelie bins can be seen floating in the waist-high water, which reached the roofs of trapped cars.
It comes as heavy rains also submerged streets in Glasgow, leaving cars stuck and entire roads cut off.
Ms Miller told Mirror Online she was left terrified by the flooding but kept a brave face to reassure her children, aged nine, eight and two.
She said: "I was with my partner and our three children.
Image: @mamamiller90 /Twitter) @mamamiller90 /Twitter)
"When we left the water was waist height. The water has entered my property but we’re fortunate to live upstairs so it hasn’t ruined any of our belongings other than the carpets. The water is quarter of the way up our stairs.
"We were very scared but had to try and stay calm for the sake of the kids."
Shocking videos and pictures on social media show cars and van submerged in water in Glasgow after hours of heavy rainfall, the Daily Record reports.
Image: Daily Record WS) Daily Record WS) Image: @mamamiller90 /Twitter) @mamamiller90 /Twitter)
Several vehicles were trapped underneath a railway bridge in the city after an entire road became completely flooded.
The flooding caused major delays for drivers on the M8 after a slip road became blocked.
Traffic and Control Management said: "Due to lane closures on the M8 eastbound at J14 Blochairn there is queueing on the M8 and all slips onto the M8.
"In addition the A814 Clydeside Expressway Eastbound is also queueing back to the Castlebank Street junction from the M8 onramp at North Street.
"Drivers are advised to expect delays."
Scotrail announced earlier that services running through Bridgeton were delayed or cancelled due to heavy flooding on the tracks.


thedailymirror--2020-08-27--Ben Chilwell move opens door for Man Utd to bid for Chelsea's alternative target

Ben Chilwell 's Chelsea transfer has opened the door for Manchester United to move for Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon .
Reguilon is believed to have been on Chelsea 's radar this summer as a potential alternative to Chilwell , who joined Frank Lampard 's side in a £50million move this week United have also 'taken an interest ' in Reguilon , according to reports from Spain - and Chilwell 's Stamford Bridge switch has boosted the Red Devils ' pursuit .
Reguilon spent the season on loan at Sevilla , and impressed for the Europa League winners under boss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane 's plans , with Ferland Mendy and Marcelo ahead of him in the left-back pecking order at the Bernabeu .
The 23-year-old impressed during Sevilla 's Europa League semi-final win over United .
And his performances over the course of the season have attracted the club 's attention , according to a report from Marca cited by Sport Witness .
But United are not the only team interested in the Spanish defender 's signature , with Arsenal having previously been linked .
Marca also reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all potential suitors as well .
The Spanish publication says Madrid value Reguilon at €20m-25m ( £17m-22m ) .
It is not clear whether United are prepared to meet that demand , especially with Brandon Williams having established himself in the first-team picture last season .
Williams proved himself an able deputy to Luke Shaw and will be expected to compete for the left-back spot next term .
Meanwhile , United have not given up hope of signing Aston Villa 's Jack Grealish this summer .
Do United need to sign another left-back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has long been linked with an exit from Villa Park despite having helped them retain their top-flight status last term .
United are still in contact with Villa over a possible £75m deal with the two parties having spoken in the last week , according to the Daily Mail .
Grealish is keen to challenge himself in the Champions League - something a move to Manchester would offer him .

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Sergio Reguilon has impressed for Sevilla this season - including against United - and was on Chelsea's radar as a left-back option before Chilwell switched to Stamford Bridge
Ben Chilwell transfer opens door for Man Utd to move for Chelsea's alternative target
Ben Chilwell's Chelsea transfer has opened the door for Manchester United to move for Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon.
Reguilon is believed to have been on Chelsea's radar this summer as a potential alternative to Chilwell, who joined Frank Lampard's side in a £50million move this week
United have also 'taken an interest' in Reguilon, according to reports from Spain - and Chilwell's Stamford Bridge switch has boosted the Red Devils' pursuit.
Reguilon spent the season on loan at Sevilla, and impressed for the Europa League winners under boss Julen Lopetegui.
But he is not part of Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane's plans, with Ferland Mendy and Marcelo ahead of him in the left-back pecking order at the Bernabeu.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The 23-year-old impressed during Sevilla's Europa League semi-final win over United.
And his performances over the course of the season have attracted the club's attention, according to a report from Marca cited by Sport Witness.
But United are not the only team interested in the Spanish defender's signature, with Arsenal having previously been linked.
Marca also reports that Juventus, Inter Milan and Tottenham are all potential suitors as well.
Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images) Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
The Spanish publication says Madrid value Reguilon at €20m-25m (£17m-22m).
It is not clear whether United are prepared to meet that demand, especially with Brandon Williams having established himself in the first-team picture last season.
Williams proved himself an able deputy to Luke Shaw and will be expected to compete for the left-back spot next term.
Meanwhile, United have not given up hope of signing Aston Villa's Jack Grealish this summer.
Do United need to sign another left-back? Have your say here
Image: PA) PA)
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The playmaker has long been linked with an exit from Villa Park despite having helped them retain their top-flight status last term.
United are still in contact with Villa over a possible £75m deal with the two parties having spoken in the last week, according to the Daily Mail.
Grealish is keen to challenge himself in the Champions League - something a move to Manchester would offer him.


thedailymirror--2020-08-27--EastEnders boss drops major hint over mystery surrounding Stacey Fowler's return

EastEnders boss Jon Sen has teased Stacey Fowler 's dramatic return to Walford as she is set to confront her best friend Ruby Allen .
Actress Lacey Turner will be making a comeback this autumn after leaving the BBC soap to go on maternity leave last year .
Stacey is set to discover that her estranged husband Martin Fowler has not only slept with pal Ruby - but has been living with her throughout lockdown .
And to say that she is upset about that would be an understatement .
Teasing her return , Jon told the Mirror and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ to look forward to ] is Stacey – we have been waiting for her to come back .
`` Lacey is amazing and part of EastEnders history and we have really missed her energy in the Slaters so the first two weeks we tease a mystery – where is Stacey ?
`` Are all of these things on the going on the Square to do with her ?
Then she 's back with a bang .
`` There are some fantastic Ruby Vs Stacey scenes – and we ca n't wait to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discovers what has been going on between Martin and Ruby .
As a return that is a big moment . ''
This comes after actor James Bye , who plays Martin , teased that Martin and Ruby 's relationship has grown during lockdown .
`` We 've seen Martin and Ruby starting to get a little bit close , so that just continues , the relationship grows ... '' They lockdown together and , by the sounds of it , they get on .
That 's all I 'm saying .
Things happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was set for a huge upcoming storyline .
`` We 've got some information ... the hairs went up on my arm – and that 's just the story that I 'm involved in , '' he said .

FIRST LOOK OF JESSIE WALLACE AND LACEY TURNER BACK ON EASTENDERS SET
FIRST LOOK OF JESSIE WALLACE AND LACEY TURNER BACK ON EASTENDERS SET
Actress Lacey Turner will be making a comeback this autumn - and her character Stacey Slater won't be happy to hear that Martin has shacked up with her best friend
EastEnders boss Jon Sen has teased Stacey Fowler's dramatic return to Walford as she is set to confront her best friend Ruby Allen.
Actress Lacey Turner will be making a comeback this autumn after leaving the BBC soap to go on maternity leave last year.
Stacey is set to discover that her estranged husband Martin Fowler has not only slept with pal Ruby - but has been living with her throughout lockdown.
And to say that she is upset about that would be an understatement.
Image: BBC / Kieron McCarron) BBC / Kieron McCarron)
Teasing her return, Jon told the Mirror and other news outlets: "The big one [to look forward to] is Stacey – we have been waiting for her to come back.
"Lacey is amazing and part of EastEnders history and we have really missed her energy in the Slaters so the first two weeks we tease a mystery – where is Stacey?
"Are all of these things on the going on the Square to do with her? Then she's back with a bang.
Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes) BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
"There are some fantastic Ruby Vs Stacey scenes – and we can't wait to find out what Stacey does when she discovers what has been going on between Martin and Ruby. As a return that is a big moment."
This comes after actor James Bye, who plays Martin, teased that Martin and Ruby's relationship has grown during lockdown.
Image: BBC / Kieron McCarron) BBC / Kieron McCarron)
"We've seen Martin and Ruby starting to get a little bit close, so that just continues, the relationship grows...
"They lockdown together and, by the sounds of it, they get on. That's all I'm saying. Things happen."
He also confirmed that Martin was set for a huge upcoming storyline.
"We've got some information... the hairs went up on my arm – and that's just the story that I'm involved in," he said.
*EastEnders returns 7th September on BBC One


thedailymirror--2020-08-27--Ant and Dec's explosive crisis talk with Simon Cowell over quitting BGT editing

Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly had crisis talks with Simon Cowell over quitting Britain 's Got Talent .
The Geordie presenters were on the brink of leaving the show after they were left feeling frustrated in 2012 .
In their new autobiography Once Upon A Tyne , Ant got emotional over how the double act felt `` sidelined '' when their scenes did n't make the final cut .
They took their concerns face-to-face to music mogul Simon over lunch in West Hollywood at Ceconni ’ s .
Ant recalled how Simon puffed through four - or maybe five - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest series at the time .
In an extract seen by The Sun , he wrote : “ We began to feel that we were wasting our time doing the auditions because all the footage of the work we were doing was ending up on the cutting-room floor ... “ The experience left us feeling like we were being sidelined.
” Dec echoed Ant 's sentiments as he said they had voiced their concerns to ITV about leaving the show .
He added : “ We ’ d been to see the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were strongly considering leaving BGT . ''
But Simon smoothed things over as he praised them on their hard work .
In coming to an agreement with them , he was able to change their minds about leaving the show for good .
The X Factor boss always respected Ant and Dec would air their complaints with him so he could sort the issue .
Ant and Dec have been a major part of Britain 's Got Talent since the show went on air in 2007 .
Viewers always tune in to watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly had crisis talks over quitting Britain's Got Talent with Simon Cowell as they felt they had been 'sidelined' in 2012
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly had crisis talks with Simon Cowell over quitting Britain's Got Talent.
The Geordie presenters were on the brink of leaving the show after they were left feeling frustrated in 2012.
In their new autobiography Once Upon A Tyne, Ant got emotional over how the double act felt "sidelined" when their scenes didn't make the final cut.
They took their concerns face-to-face to music mogul Simon over lunch in West Hollywood at Ceconni’s.
Image: Copyright unknown) Copyright unknown)
Ant recalled how Simon puffed through four - or maybe five - cigarettes while they spilled their woes about the latest series at the time.
In an extract seen by The Sun, he wrote: “We began to feel that we were wasting our time doing the auditions because all the footage of the work we were doing was ending up on the cutting-room floor...
“The experience left us feeling like we were being sidelined.”
Image: Dymond/Thames/Syco/Shutterstock) Dymond/Thames/Syco/Shutterstock)
Dec echoed Ant's sentiments as he said they had voiced their concerns to ITV about leaving the show.
He added: “We’d been to see the bosses at ITV and told them we were strongly considering leaving BGT."
But Simon smoothed things over as he praised them on their hard work.
Image: ITV) ITV)
In coming to an agreement with them, he was able to change their minds about leaving the show for good.
The X Factor boss always respected Ant and Dec would air their complaints with him so he could sort the issue.
Ant and Dec have been a major part of Britain's Got Talent since the show went on air in 2007.
Viewers always tune in to watch the duo host the show every year.


thedailymirror--2020-08-27--Windbound is going to amaze players with its blend of survival and adventure

There ’ s definitely not a shortage of open- world games at the moment , but it ’ s not often one finds an effortless attempt to interweave different styles into one setting .
5 Lives Studios ’ Windbound looks to win hearts by enticing players to survive the mysterious wonders of its beautiful world Shipwrecked on an unknown archipelago full of remnants of a forgotten civilisation , surrounded by stormy seas the young warrior Kara has to do whatever it takes to survive .
With no food or supplies at her disposal the white-haired warrior must quickly adapt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful new surroundings .
This may not sound like an extremely original setting to say the least but 5 Lives Studio ’ s delivery from the outset is captivating and will draw you in to know more .
Windbound looks amazing , offering a cel-shaded art-style reminiscent of games like Legend of Zelda : Wind Waker .
Each new area boasts a vibrant colour design mixed with an array of dreamy hues that will make players simply want to explore the world ’ s stellar beauty .
Kara ’ s character animations play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from climbing to swimming feels lifelike .
The detail of each majestic beast will leave players enthralled by their grand designs and as players venture further into the adventure they only get better .
What ’ s definitely going to stand out is Windbound ’ s soundtrack , which is completely situational and flows seamlessly during transitions .
Whether it be the calm melodic use of piano and violins while sailing or the powerful drum beats during battle , each tune feels like it has been carefully crafted to draw out emotion from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be given a choice of two different modes at the start of game , Storyteller or Survivalist .
Players who decide to opt for the roguelike style Survivalist route will have to restart from Chapter One of the game but will retain items in inventory if they die .
This is certainly a tough trade off but Survivalist mode invites players to experience Windbound as it envisioned by 5 Lives Studios .
Survivalist mode is definitely a gruelling experience that will challenge players to be innovative in how they craft items , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sailing routes .
Storyteller mode is for the players who want to focus on the narrative and progress through the game with less grit .
Players will be able to retain their full inventory upon death and you won ’ t lose your progress .
I won ’ t say this mode is a lot easier than the Survivalist route , but it is definitely a less gruelling experience .
The adventure unfolds over a number of chapters where players will have to complete a specific goal while staying alive .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find three relics to open a portal to the next area .
Each area is huge and depending on what mode you pick will probably dictate how much you see of it .
It just won ’ t make sense to go fully exploring from the get go as you will be lacking in food and items .
Each of the chapters that I have played so far have varied quite a lot , encouraging players to utilise and adapt all the skills they learnt from the previous chapter .
Windbound is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but from very beginning - before the player can craft advanced weapons - survival is the key element .
Players will have two bars they will need to monitor , the stamina bar and health bar .
Performing all of Kara 's key actions like climbing , swimming , running and sailing will drain the stamina bar , and the worst possible scenario is sailing with no food and your stamina runs out .
Once stamina has depleted , Kara will enter starvation mode and her health will begin to decrease until you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure to secure what you need before adventuring out .
Players will quickly discover that they have limited space in their inventory , so selecting the right items is a must , as is remembering little details like not carrying raw meat for too long because it will spoil .
However , players will be able to craft extra item space as they progress .
Once players get into the flow of crafting and procuring essentials , they can start to satisfy their sense of adventure as there ’ s lots to discover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big .
Crafting in the game is fairly straightforward , everything you need to make a new item is all around you .
Of course as you venture further into the game you will find specific items allowing the player to create more efficient tools .
The crafting menu is split into different sections : survival , weapons , boat and more , I found each section does show you items that you can currently craft within your location .
As you explore islands you will find more options become available such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Players will also find items such as bone tipped spears which are very handy early on .
The main element of Windbound is sailing as Kara will be using her raft to explore the archipelago .
Players will start off with a small canoe and paddle but as progress is made , you 're able to add extra elements and even craft better upgraded versions .
The sailing mechanics are amazing but still present some challenges .
When the player gains the ability to use a sail on their boat things become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to angle it just right to maximise the wind .
But I feel there should be an option to switch between your paddle and sail .
Once the sail is up you can ’ t take it down which proves a problem when there isn ’ t enough wind or you simply want to paddle another area .
Combat is pretty straightforward , players can dodge and attack their enemy , there ’ s a lock-on function for mano a mano encounters , but most of Kara ’ s prey will need a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gaining items like the bone-tipped spear made me feel invincible early on , but this baptism of fire had me back at Chapter One for my arrogance .
Rather than going gung-ho and charging at every enemy with your limited weapons , players should opt to slowly stalk their prey and engage .
Combat can be frustrating at times and feels slightly sluggish compared to similar games .
This is certainly one of 2020 ’ s hidden gems , and survival enthusiasts will want to get stuck into this gruelling but beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a few features such as combat which could have been a little more fluid with sharper responses but overall it ’ s really an unforgettable experience .
Windbound is out on 28th August for Nintendo Switch ( version tested ) , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , Google Stadia and Microsoft Windows

It’s not often that a game offers the perfect blend of beauty and chaos, but Windbound is here to prove otherwise
There’s definitely not a shortage of open- world games at the moment, but it’s not often one finds an effortless attempt to interweave different styles into one setting.
5 Lives Studios’ Windbound looks to win hearts by enticing players to survive the mysterious wonders of its beautiful world
Shipwrecked on an unknown archipelago full of remnants of an forgotten civilisation, surrounded by stormy seas the young warrior Kara has to do whatever it takes to survive.
With no food or supplies at her disposal the white-haired warrior must quickly adapt to tackle the new challenges presented by her beautiful new surroundings.
This may not sound like an extremely original setting to say the least but 5 Lives Studio’s delivery from the outset is captivating and will draw you in to know more.
Windbound looks amazing, offering a cel-shaded art-style reminiscent of games like Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.
Each new area boasts a vibrant colour design mixed with an array of dreamy hues that will make players simply want to explore the world’s stellar beauty.
Kara’s character animations play out effortlessly, every action she takes from climbing to swimming feels lifelike.
The detail of each majestic beast will leave players enthralled by their grand designs and as players venture further into the adventure they only get better.
What’s definitely going to stand out is Windbound’s soundtrack, which is completely situational and flows seamlessly during transitions.
Whether it be the calm melodic use of piano and violins while sailing or the powerful drum beats during battle, each tune feels like it has been carefully crafted to draw out emotion from each situation or location.
Players will be given a choice of two different modes at the start of the game, Storyteller or Survivalist. Players who decide to opt for the roguelike style Survivalist route will have to restart from Chapter One of the game but will retain items in inventory if they die.
This is certainly a tough trade off but Survivalist mode invites players to experience Windbound as it was envisioned by 5 Lives Studios.
Survivalist mode is definitely a gruelling experience that will challenge players to be innovative in how they craft items, how they hunt, utilise food and planning sailing routes.
Storyteller mode is for the players who want to focus on the narrative and progress through the game with less grit.
Players will be able to retain their full inventory upon death and you won’t lose your progress. I won’t say this mode is a lot easier than the Survivalist route, but it is definitely a less gruelling experience.
The adventure unfolds over a number of chapters where players will have to complete a specific goal while staying alive.
The first section for instance sees Kara having to find three relics to open a portal to the next area.
Each area is huge and depending on what mode you pick will probably dictate how much you see of it.
It just won’t make sense to go fully exploring from the get go as you will be lacking in food and items.
Each of the chapters that I have played so far have varied quite a lot, encouraging players to utilise and adapt all the skills they learnt from the previous chapter.
Windbound is a perfect blend of survival and action, but from the very beginning - before the player can craft advanced weapons - survival is the key element.
Players will have two bars they will need to monitor, the stamina bar and health bar.
Performing all of Kara's key actions like climbing, swimming, running and sailing will drain the stamina bar, and the worst possible scenario is sailing with no food and your stamina runs out.
Once stamina has depleted, Kara will enter starvation mode and her health will begin to decrease until you find food to eat, so be sure to secure what you need before adventuring out.
Players will quickly discover that they have limited space in their inventory, so selecting the right items is a must, as is remembering little details like not carrying raw meat for too long because it will spoil.
However, players will be able to craft extra item space as they progress.
Once players get into the flow of crafting and procuring essentials, they can start to satisfy their sense of adventure as there’s lots to discover as the world of Windbound is pretty big.
Crafting in the game is fairly straightforward, everything you need to make a new item is all around you.
Of course as you venture further into the game you will find specific items allowing the player to create more efficient tools.
The crafting menu is split into different sections: survival, weapons, boat and more,
I found each section does show you items that you can currently craft within your location.
As you explore islands you will find more options become available such as creating fires, crafting axes and more.
Players will also find items such as bone tipped spears which are very handy early on.
The main element of Windbound is sailing as Kara will be using her raft to explore the archipelago.
Players will start off with a small canoe and paddle but as progress is made, you're able to add extra elements and even craft better upgraded versions.
The sailing mechanics are amazing but still present some challenges.
When the player gains the ability to use a sail on their boat things become much more complex because you will need to angle it just right to maximise the wind.
But I feel there should be an option to switch between your paddle and sail.
Once the sail is up you can’t take it down which proves a problem when there isn’t enough wind or you simply want to paddle another area.
Combat is pretty straightforward, players can dodge and attack their enemy, there’s a lock-on function for mano a mano encounters, but most of Kara’s prey will need a well thought out strategy to defeat them.
Gaining items like the bone-tipped spear made me feel invincible early on, but this baptism of fire had me back at Chapter One for my arrogance.
Rather than going gung-ho and charging at every enemy with your limited weapons, players should opt to slowly stalk their prey and engage.
Combat can be frustrating at times and feels slightly sluggish compared to similar games.
This is certainly one of 2020’s hidden gems, and survival enthusiasts will want to get stuck into this gruelling but beautiful experience.
Saying that, there still are a few features such as combat which could have been a little more fluid with sharper responses but overall it’s really an unforgettable experience.
Windbound is out on 28th August for Nintendo Switch (version tested), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia and Microsoft Windows