thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Girl 'red-faced' after buying dad Christmas 'ornament' - which was a memorial

A red-faced daughter branded herself 'stupid ' after buying her father a heartfelt 'special dad ' Christmas ornament - only to discover it was a memorial .
Amber Affleck resorted to some late-night online shopping on December 19th after leaving her Christmas shopping to the last minute .
Determined to add a heartfelt addition to her dad 's request for beer , chocolates and a home-made cake , the 27-year-old spent time carefully browsing online .
At 2am Amber spotted a 'cute ' £10.95 light-up plaque dedicated to a special dad , ordered it and even paid an extra £4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about this story ?
Let us know in the comments below But Amber burst out laughing when the next day she realised she had bought a light-up memorial plaque designed for 'remembering someone special ' - while her dad is very much alive .
Too late to return the macabre mistake or find an alternative gift for 57-year-old welder dad David Affleck , stunned Amber has decided to hand it over on Christmas Day hoping he 'll see the funny side .
Amber , from Norwich , Norfolk , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas but I was in a rush and was n't reading it properly .
`` It was 2am and I was half asleep while looking at 'gifts for dad ' on Amazon .
`` I was scrolling through and looking at all these things and I thought 'oh that 's pretty ' .
It was glass , lit up and says 'thanks for being a great dad ' , it was really cute .
`` It also said it was ideal for Christmas and anniversaries so I decided to order it .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email and had another look and it said 'ideal for Christmas and birthdays to remember your dad ' .
`` I then read the [ product ] title properly and it said 'memorial plaque ' .
I remember thinking 'oh my god ' .
`` I just sat there and burst out laughing out of shock then said to my mum 'you know that thing I 've ordered dad ?
Yeah it 's a memorial plaque ' .
She just burst out laughing .
`` Every so often that night I would just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe I ordered Dad a memorial plaque ' .
`` I 've not told him about it yet but I 'm going to have to give it to him now .
I just hope he 'll take it in good humour , his girlfriend will find it hilarious . ''
Amber , who runs a wellness support website , had hoped to add a little something special gift-wise to her dad 's usual request for booze and chocolates .
As Amber usually buys something sentimental for 57-year-old events security officer mum Cindy Chandler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route for David .
But after leaving her shopping to the last minute , Amber went online for something suitable and turned to a private seller on Amazon .
Amber said : `` All he ever wants for Christmas , birthdays and on Father 's Day is beer , chocolates and for me to bake him a carrot cake - I just wanted to get him something sentimental .
`` I usually try and get him something silly and quirky whereas I always get my mum very sentimental things , this time I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that .
`` I 'm usually really , really organised when it comes to my Christmas shopping .
`` On the first of December I usually have the tree up , I have everything done , but this year I 've not .
`` Obviously this year 's not been great so I did n't put the tree up until the other day and I was trying to get last-minute presents .
`` It arrived on the 21st of December - I 've been to the cemetery and seen things just like it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amber said she 's learned her lesson and will read product descriptions more carefully in future .
Amber said : `` His sentimental present has gone horribly wrong , but I 'm hoping he 'll take it in good humour and have a good laugh about it .
`` I 've also got him lots of bottles of ales , chocolates and made him a cake .
`` It was completely my fault , it clearly says 'memorial plaque ' .
I obviously did n't read it properly as it was early hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because I needed to get presents sorted .
`` My advice to anyone in the same position would be do n't be as a stupid as me and read what you 're actually buying . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Helen Le Caplain)

Amber Affleck, from Norwich, ordered a £10.95 light-up plaque from Amazon after resorting to some late-night online Chrismas shopping
A red-faced daughter branded herself 'stupid' after buying her father a heartfelt 'special dad' Christmas ornament - only to discover it was a memorial.
Amber Affleck resorted to some late-night online shopping on December 19th after leaving her Christmas shopping to the last minute.
Determined to add a heartfelt addition to her dad's request for beer, chocolates and a home-made cake, the 27-year-old spent time carefully browsing online.
At 2am Amber spotted a 'cute' £10.95 light-up plaque dedicated to a special dad, ordered it and even paid an extra £4 for speedy delivery.
What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments below
Image: Kennedy News and Media) Kennedy News and Media)
But Amber burst out laughing when the next day she realised she had bought a light-up memorial plaque designed for 'remembering someone special' - while her dad is very much alive.
Too late to return the macabre mistake or find an alternative gift for 57-year-old welder dad David Affleck, stunned Amber has decided to hand it over on Christmas Day hoping he'll see the funny side.
Amber, from Norwich, Norfolk, said: "I'm usually so on top of Christmas but I was in a rush and wasn't reading it properly.
"It was 2am and I was half asleep while looking at 'gifts for dad' on Amazon.
Image: Kennedy News and Media) Kennedy News and Media)
"I was scrolling through and looking at all these things and I thought 'oh that's pretty'. It was glass, lit up and says 'thanks for being a great dad', it was really cute.
"It also said it was ideal for Christmas and anniversaries so I decided to order it.
"The next day I got the dispatch email and had another look and it said 'ideal for Christmas and birthdays to remember your dad'.
"I then read the [product] title properly and it said 'memorial plaque'. I remember thinking 'oh my god'.
Image: Kennedy News and Media) Kennedy News and Media)
"I just sat there and burst out laughing out of shock then said to my mum 'you know that thing I've ordered dad? Yeah it's a memorial plaque'. She just burst out laughing.
"Every so often that night I would just sit and think 'I can't believe I ordered Dad a memorial plaque'.
"I've not told him about it yet but I'm going to have to give it to him now. I just hope he'll take it in good humour, his girlfriend will find it hilarious."
Image: Kennedy News and Media) Kennedy News and Media)
Amber, who runs a wellness support website, had hoped to add a little something special gift-wise to her dad's usual request for booze and chocolates.
As Amber usually buys something sentimental for 57-year-old events security officer mum Cindy Chandler she decided to go down the same route for David.
But after leaving her shopping to the last minute, Amber went online for something suitable and turned to a private seller on Amazon.
Amber said: "All he ever wants for Christmas, birthdays and on Father's Day is beer, chocolates and for me to bake him a carrot cake - I just wanted to get him something sentimental.
"I usually try and get him something silly and quirky whereas I always get my mum very sentimental things, this time I wanted to get my dad something like that.
"I'm usually really, really organised when it comes to my Christmas shopping.
"On the first of December I usually have the tree up, I have everything done, but this year I've not.
"Obviously this year's not been great so I didn't put the tree up until the other day and I was trying to get last-minute presents.
"It arrived on the 21st of December - I've been to the cemetery and seen things just like it."
After her present blunder, Amber said she's learned her lesson and will read product descriptions more carefully in future.
Amber said: "His sentimental present has gone horribly wrong, but I'm hoping he'll take it in good humour and have a good laugh about it.
"I've also got him lots of bottles of ales, chocolates and made him a cake.
"It was completely my fault, it clearly says 'memorial plaque'. I obviously didn't read it properly as it was early hours in the morning and I was panicking because I needed to get presents sorted.
"My advice to anyone in the same position would be don't be as a stupid as me and read what you're actually buying."


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Tuchel eyes Premier League job as pressure mounts on Mikel Arteta at Arsenal

Thomas Tuchel is reportedly eyeing a move to the Premier League after being sacked as Paris Saint-Germain boss .
The German guided PSG to the Champions League final just last season , but his tenure at the Parc des Princes has now ended amid rumours of in-fighting at the club .
Tuchel , in an interview quoted by Sport 1 , hinted he was growing tired with the political nature of the job with the Ligue 1 champions .
He said : “ To be completely honest , during the first six months , I said to myself : ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I a politician in sport , a Minister for Sports ?
Where is my role as manager in such a club now ?
I said to myself : I just want to coach .
“ I think that is why I became a coach and that is why I still am , I can find myself anywhere .
Anywhere where there is a half-pitch to train and a DVD player to make videos .
“ At its heart , I love the game and I can get this satisfaction in many ways as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very easy , sometimes , it is a big challenge , because a club like PSG , has a number of influences in it aside from the focused interest of the team… I only love football .
“ And in a club like this , it is not always just football.
” He did suggest that interview was mistranslated , but just hours after their 4-0 win over Strasbourg , technical director Leonard informed him of the club ’ s decision .
Mauricio Pochettino is the overwhelming favourite to replace him at PSG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And Bild claim that the ex-Borussia Dortmund head coach has his eyes on a move to the Premier League for the next stage of his career .
On the face of it , the most likely destination for the 47-year-old appears to be Arsenal , with Mikel Arteta facing increasing scrutiny .
Should Arsenal approach Thomas Tuchel to replace Mikel Arteta ?
Have your say here .
Arteta has been publicly backed by bosses at the Emirates , but with the Gunners enduring their worst start since 1974 , Tuchel ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spaniard has no intention of leaving his post , claiming he will fight to turn it around , with his eyes on the upcoming January window .
`` My job is to make the most out of the players we have in this squad , '' he said .
`` We know what we want to do [ in the January transfer window ] and we will try to execute it knowing that the market makes it difficult .
“ At the moment we are hurting and we are suffering because we care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had other ambitions at the start of the season and it is not going our way.
” Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly sacked Tuchel with ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino the overwhelming favourite to replace him at the Parc des Princes
Thomas Tuchel is reportedly eyeing a move to the Premier League after being sacked as Paris Saint-Germain boss.
The German guided PSG to the Champions League final just last season, but his tenure at the Parc des Princes has now ended amid rumours of in-fighting at the club.
Tuchel, in an interview quoted by Sport 1, hinted he was growing tired with the political nature of the job with the Ligue 1 champions.
He said: “To be completely honest, during the first six months, I said to myself: ‘Am I still a manager or am I a politician in sport, a Minister for Sports? Where is my role as manager in such a club now? I said to myself: I just want to coach.
“I think that is why I became a coach and that is why I still am, I can find myself anywhere. Anywhere where there is a half-pitch to train and a DVD player to make videos.
“At its heart, I love the game and I can get this satisfaction in many ways as a manager. Sometimes, it is very easy, sometimes, it is a big challenge, because a club like PSG, has a number of influences in it aside from the focused interest of the team… I only love football.
“And in a club like this, it is not always just football.”
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
He did suggest that interview was mistranslated, but just hours after their 4-0 win over Strasbourg, technical director Leonard informed him of the club’s decision.
Mauricio Pochettino is the overwhelming favourite to replace him at PSG, as Tuchel contemplates his next position.
And Bild claim that the ex-Borussia Dortmund head coach has his eyes on a move to the Premier League for the next stage of his career.
On the face of it, the most likely destination for the 47-year-old appears to be Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta facing increasing scrutiny.
Should Arsenal approach Thomas Tuchel to replace Mikel Arteta? Have your say here.
Image: PA) PA)
Arteta has been publicly backed by bosses at the Emirates, but with the Gunners enduring their worst start since 1974, Tuchel’s availability could influence a decision.
The Spaniard has no intention of leaving his post, claiming he will fight to turn it around, with his eyes on the upcoming January window.
"My job is to make the most out of the players we have in this squad," he said. "We know what we want to do [in the January transfer window] and we will try to execute it knowing that the market makes it difficult.
“At the moment we are hurting and we are suffering because we care a lot about this club. We had other ambitions at the start of the season and it is not going our way.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Mass flooding forces people to leave their homes as pensioner rescued from water

An 86-year-old woman spent almost an hour in freezing floodwater as heavy rain took hold in parts of England last night .
Patrick Lloyd said he woke up to find much of his home had been submerged in water , causing thousands of pounds worth of damage .
The 27-year-old from Peterborough added that he had to help rescue an elderly neighbour who had become trapped without power .
Mr Lloyd said the 86-year-old woman had eventually been taken to hospital after spending around 50 minutes in the `` freezing '' floodwater .
He said : `` Luckily a bloke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and helped us with her .
`` We had to get the fire service out to get her on to a board and we lifted her out for an ambulance .
`` We were worried about hypothermia , she spent a night in hospital , no idea if she made it or not . ''
Emergency services in England and Wales have been inundated with requests for help after heavy rain fell across the UK .
A yellow Met Officeweather warning for rain stretched from East Anglia , across Leicester , parts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mid-Wales and Cornwall , and remained in place until 2am on Thursday .
The BBC reported the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service received 500 calls for help on Wednesday as the downpours hit many parts of the country .
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said they had handled more than 250 flood calls , with several properties inundated and multiple people rescued from their stranded vehicles .
The Environment Agency had issued more than 90 flood warnings for England as of 5am on Thursday , including 16 warnings related to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other areas covered by flood warnings included part of the Great River Ouse and the Chediston watercourse in Suffolk .
Nine further flood warnings were issued by Natural Resources Wales .
The Environment Agency also issued a further 149 flood alerts , which warn of possible flooding and urge preparedness .
Nottinghamshire Police said emergency services had been called to a report of a landslide near some homes near a former quarry at 11.40pm on Wednesday .
The force said a `` small number '' of properties have been evacuated , and police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with The heavy rain caused disruption to travel , with many areas including Cardiff reporting surface water on the roads .
Alex Burkill , a meteorologist for the Met Office told the PA news agency : `` There 's been a lot of wet weather around , we 've had a heavy rain across much of England and Wales , particularly southern parts of Wales but also further east .
`` Most places in England and Wales have been really wet and we 've seen strengthening winds too , there have been some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpleasant really . ''
Mr Burkill later said the rainfall would cease overnight into Christmas Eve .
He said : `` The wet weather we 've got over us at the moment that 's all going to clear away towards the south-east as we go through the night so for Christmas Eve we 're going to have lots of fine weather around , with lots of sunshine and a cold northerly flow . ''

Patrick Lloyd said he woke up to find much of his home had been submerged in water, before spotting an elderly neighbour needing help
An 86-year-old woman spent almost an hour in freezing floodwater as heavy rain took hold in parts of England last night.
Patrick Lloyd said he woke up to find much of his home had been submerged in water, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
The 27-year-old from Peterborough added that he had to help rescue an elderly neighbour who had become trapped without power.
Mr Lloyd said the 86-year-old woman had eventually been taken to hospital after spending around 50 minutes in the "freezing" floodwater.
He said: "Luckily a bloke driving by saw her and got out and helped us with her.
Image: PAUL NICHOLLS TRINITY MIRROR) PAUL NICHOLLS TRINITY MIRROR)
"We had to get the fire service out to get her on to a board and we lifted her out for an ambulance.
"We were worried about hypothermia, she spent a night in hospital, no idea if she made it or not."
Emergency services in England and Wales have been inundated with requests for help after heavy rain fell across the UK.
A yellow Met Office weather warning for rain stretched from East Anglia, across Leicester, parts of Birmingham and north London, and through to mid-Wales and Cornwall, and remained in place until 2am on Thursday.
Image: Geoff Robinson) Geoff Robinson)
The BBC reported the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service received 500 calls for help on Wednesday as the downpours hit many parts of the country.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said they had handled more than 250 flood calls, with several properties inundated and multiple people rescued from their stranded vehicles.
The Environment Agency had issued more than 90 flood warnings for England as of 5am on Thursday, including 16 warnings related to the River Severn on the Welsh border.
Other areas covered by flood warnings included part of the Great River Ouse and the Chediston watercourse in Suffolk.
Image: Geoff Robinson) Geoff Robinson)
Nine further flood warnings were issued by Natural Resources Wales.
The Environment Agency also issued a further 149 flood alerts, which warn of possible flooding and urge preparedness.
Nottinghamshire Police said emergency services had been called to a report of a landslide near some homes near a former quarry at 11.40pm on Wednesday.
The force said a "small number" of properties have been evacuated, and police, fire and ambulance services, along with
The heavy rain caused disruption to travel, with many areas including Cardiff reporting surface water on the roads.
Image: Cambridge News) Cambridge News)
Alex Burkill, a meteorologist for the Met Office told the PA news agency: "There's been a lot of wet weather around, we've had a heavy rain across much of England and Wales, particularly southern parts of Wales but also further east.
"Most places in England and Wales have been really wet and we've seen strengthening winds too, there have been some gales in exposed parts, so quite unpleasant really."
Mr Burkill later said the rainfall would cease overnight into Christmas Eve.
He said: "The wet weather we've got over us at the moment that's all going to clear away towards the south-east as we go through the night so for Christmas Eve we're going to have lots of fine weather around, with lots of sunshine and a cold northerly flow."


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp responds to Mohamed Salah transfer speculation

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has responded to speculation linking Mohamed Salah with a move away from Anfield .
In a recent interview with Spanish publication AS , Salah spoke of his disappointment at not being named Reds captain against Midtjylland in the Champions League and said his future was `` in the hands of the club '' .
Salah 's former Egypt teammate Mohamed Aboutrika then fuelled the fire further by saying Salah was `` unhappy '' at Liverpool and that the club were `` considering selling '' the forward .
But Klopp insists Salah is in good shape both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take on West Brom on Sunday .
`` We never speak [ about contracts ] , '' he said .
`` Mo is in a good mood and moment , shape and that is the most important .
`` You would have seen him laughing a lot [ today ] .
The rest is nice for you to write but internally , nothing really [ to say ] . ''
Despite the speculation surrounding his future , Salah has starred on the pitch for Liverpool this season , scoring 13 goals in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Get the latest Liverpool news straight into your inbox !
Liverpool are keen to repeat last season 's success - and you do n't want to miss a thing , surely ?
From all of Liverpool 's updates to the must-read Reds stories , get them straight to your inbox without fuss by signing up for the fantastic Mirror Football newsletter !
It 's been an extremely interesting start to the season for Jurgen Klopp 's men .
They got their title defence off to a shaky start as they edged out a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to conceded seven in a hammering by Aston Villa .
Virgil van Dijk 's season was ended by injury in the 2-2 draw at Everton , leaving the title favourites looking far less secure at the back - especially with Alisson 's injury worries too .
But there 's no slowing down in what is going to be a busy campaign - with Klopp ensuring his men continue at full pace as they bid for more title glory .
The easiest way to keep up with everything going on at Anfield ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link .
Aboutrika told beIN Sports : `` I called Salah about his situation at Liverpool and he is upset , but that would never affect his performance on the field .
`` I know that Salah is not happy in Liverpool , he told me the reasons why he is not happy but they are secrets and I can not talk about it in public .
`` One of the reasons that made Salah angry was that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If Salah was a player at Real Madrid or Barcelona , and playing at the same level as Liverpool , he would 've won the Ballon d'Or , and it is normal for a Spanish newspaper to ask Salah about Real Madrid and Barcelona .
`` In my opinion , Liverpool are considering selling Salah for economic purposes .
`` I do not have any influence over Salah 's decisions , he is my friend and brother , and he is smart enough to know what is best for him . ''

Speculation over the future of Mohamed Salah continues to cause debate, but Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has played down talk of the Egyptian being unhappy
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has responded to speculation linking Mohamed Salah with a move away from Anfield.
In a recent interview with Spanish publication AS, Salah spoke of his disappointment at not being named Reds captain against Midtjylland in the Champions League and said his future was "in the hands of the club".
Salah's former Egypt teammate Mohamed Aboutrika then fuelled the fire further by saying Salah was "unhappy" at Liverpool and that the club were "considering selling" the forward.
But Klopp insists Salah is in good shape both mentally and physically as the Reds prepare to take on West Brom on Sunday.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"We never speak [about contracts]," he said. "Mo is in a good mood and moment, shape and that is the most important.
"You would have seen him laughing a lot [today]. The rest is nice for you to write but internally, nothing really [to say]."
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Salah has starred on the pitch for Liverpool this season, scoring 13 goals in 13 Premier League games so far.
Get the latest Liverpool news straight into your inbox! Liverpool are determined to make it a blistering title challenge to repeat last year's triumphs and you don't want to miss a thing! From all of Liverpool's updates to the must-read Reds stories, get them straight to your inbox without fuss by signing up for the fantastic Mirror Football newsletter! The easiest way to keep up with everything going on at Anfield? It's by signing up. Put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.
Aboutrika told beIN Sports: "I called Salah about his situation at Liverpool and he is upset, but that would never affect his performance on the field.
"I know that Salah is not happy in Liverpool, he told me the reasons why he is not happy but they are secrets and I cannot talk about it in public.
"One of the reasons that made Salah angry was that he was not the captain against Midtjylland.
"If Salah was a player at Real Madrid or Barcelona, and playing at the same level as Liverpool, he would've won the Ballon d'Or, and it is normal for a Spanish newspaper to ask Salah about Real Madrid and Barcelona.
"In my opinion, Liverpool are considering selling Salah for economic purposes.
"I do not have any influence over Salah's decisions, he is my friend and brother, and he is smart enough to know what is best for him."


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--'Boris and his government of cretins cocked up everything to keep Covid at bay'

“ The government , ” said Priti Patel , “ has consistently , throughout this year , been ahead of the curve in terms of proactive measures with regards to coronavirus.
” At that moment the last pro-Brexit , Red Wall convert turned to their radio , cornflakes falling from their disbelieving mouth , and told it : “ You lying cow.
” Because every sentient being in the United Kingdom has watched the government lie , forget , dissemble , mislead , delay , cock-up and destroy every thing that needed to be done to keep coronavirus at bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they did not keep it down , they are on course for 100,000 dead before Spring , and still they can not decide whether lives matter more than money .
All the damage done by lockdown , the suicides , the missed cancer screenings , the redundancies , the abuse , the women who gave birth alone , and those who died and were buried alone , were not inevitable .
They were the fault of Boris Johnson and his government of varnished cretins .
We know this because countries that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immeasurably better , except for a few that had a leader even worse .
Even the USA , run by a maniac and where healthcare is vanishingly rare for those most likely to get ill , has managed a lower per capita death rate than us .
Should Boris resign ?
Let us know in the comments below .
While Vietnam , a nation of 95million , has recorded 35 deaths .
They imposed border controls , took temperature checks , and had a test-and-trace system so effective that it tracked an infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degree , and sent the army in to disinfect buildings .
When there was a PPE purchasing scandal , the bureaucrat responsible was arrested for corruption .
The Vietnamese PM is an economist .
If you want to save the economy , you must put lives first .
In the UK , after a year of chicanery that has cost us £280billion we don ’ t have and rising , Johnson ’ s blundering caused a second and third wave of deaths .
After a summer spent outside , he ordered everyone back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , cases rose .
Within two , deaths did the same .
Then despite warnings he promised us Christmas .
People bought turkey and trimmings and put their last drop of trust in the words of a PM who cancelled it with hours to spare .
Then desperate , angry people spread a new strain of the virus nationwide .
Deaths will follow .
That strain would never have arisen , had he closed the borders , taken a small economic hit , and stepped up testing when it could have caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be having Christmas , like Australia is .
We could look at Europe , and be glad we weren ’ t them .
Boris ’ reserves of bluster are spent .
All he has left in the tank is panic - and all he has done with it is break hearts , and make the rest of the world turn away from us before Brexit has even begun .
The only question that remains to be answered about this plague boil of a man is whether he is cruel or stupid .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either .
When the Mirror ’ s Pippa Crerar - who exposed Dominic Cummings ’ lockdown-busting eye test back in May , still quoted by millions as a reason for ignoring the rules - asked the PM on Monday whether he had destroyed public trust , he waffled on about the alternative being permanent lockdown .
• Get the day 's biggest stories to your email - sign up for the Mirror newsletter No , Boris , the alternative was a competent Prime Minister .
Rory Stewart was available .
Good advice was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street cat was available , and he would at least have looked clean .
Perhaps there is something Boris said which we CAN put our faith in .
He said : “ I think we can certainly look forward to a very , very different world in this country , from Easter onwards.
” Let ’ s hope so .
One in which Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson isn ’ t allowed to run anything more important than a tap .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Fleet Street Fox)

Fleet Street Fox believes all the damage done by lockdown, the suicides, the missed cancer screenings, the redundancies, the abuse, the women who gave birth alone, and those who died and were buried alone, were not inevitable
'Boris Johnson and his government of cretins cocked up everything to keep Covid at bay'
“The government,” said Priti Patel, “has consistently, throughout this year, been ahead of the curve in terms of proactive measures with regards to coronavirus.”
At that moment the last pro-Brexit, Red Wall convert turned to their radio, cornflakes falling from their disbelieving mouth, and told it: “You lying cow.”
Because every sentient being in the United Kingdom has watched the government lie, forget, dissemble, mislead, delay, cock-up and destroy every thing that needed to be done to keep coronavirus at bay. They did not keep it out, they did not keep it down, they are on course for 100,000 dead before Spring, and still they cannot decide whether lives matter more than money.
All the damage done by lockdown, the suicides, the missed cancer screenings, the redundancies, the abuse, the women who gave birth alone, and those who died and were buried alone, were not inevitable.
They were the fault of Boris Johnson and his government of varnished cretins. We know this because countries that are not run by Boris Johnson have done immeasurably better, except for a few that had a leader even worse.
Even the USA, run by a maniac and where healthcare is vanishingly rare for those most likely to get ill, has managed a lower per capita death rate than us.
Should Boris resign? Let us know in the comments below.
Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock) ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
While Vietnam, a nation of 95million, has recorded 35 deaths. They imposed border controls, took temperature checks, and had a test-and-trace system so effective that it tracked an infected person’s contacts to the fourth degree, and sent the army in to disinfect buildings. When there was a PPE purchasing scandal, the bureaucrat responsible was arrested for corruption.


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Next Boxing Day sale 2020: get up to 50% off items in the seasonal clearance

Many Brits will agree that high street store Next has the most popular sales - customers have been known to queue up outside shops at midnight .
And from 3pm today ( December 24th ) , the retailer will be launching its Boxing Day sale online at next.co.uk - meaning you do n't have wait until December 26 to start picking up bargains .
Deals site hotdeals.com shared the news to its site on December 23rd , saying : `` Starting 3pm tomorrow online and in stores on Boxing day Covid tier system permitted .
Most will be click and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tier 4 on Boxing day . ''
Due to Tier 4 restrictions , all non-essential retailers in London and the South East were forced to temporarily close on December 20th .
But many Next stores are allowed to stay open `` in line with government guidance '' .
If you want to shop Next 's sale in person , then you 'll be pleased to hear the retailer will be launching its Boxing Day sale in permitted stores on December 26th from 6am .
You can find out if your nearest store is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chain joins several other retailers - including Zara , John Lewis and M & S - who have decided to start Boxing Day sales in the run-up to the big day itself .
The Next Boxing Day sale kicks off online from 3pm today , then will launch online at 6am on December 26th .
Customers can expect discounts across the retailer 's own-brand ranges , as well as labels like Lipsy , Karen Millen and Ghost .
Next also stocks homewares , workwear , menswear and kidswear , as well as flowers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boxing Day sale has officially started online with up to 50 % off items .
And Currys PC World has kicked off its Boxing Day sale with up to 60 % off Apple , Dyson , Huawei and more .

Launching online today, the Next Boxing Day 2020 sale is not to be missed
Next Boxing Day sale 2020: get up to 50% off items in the seasonal clearance
Many Brits will agree that high street store Next has the most popular sales - customers have been known to queue up outside shops at midnight.
And from 3pm today (December 24th), the retailer will be launching its Boxing Day sale online at next.co.uk - meaning you don't have wait until December 26 to start picking up bargains.
Deals site hotdeals.com shared the news to its site on December 23rd, saying: "Starting 3pm tomorrow online and in stores on Boxing day Covid tier system permitted. Most will be click and collect now as more stores go into tier 4 on Boxing day."
Due to Tier 4 restrictions, all non-essential retailers in London and the South East were forced to temporarily close on December 20th.
But many Next stores are allowed to stay open "in line with government guidance".
If you want to shop Next's sale in person, then you'll be pleased to hear the retailer will be launching its Boxing Day sale in permitted stores on December 26th from 6am.
You can find out if your nearest store is still open by visiting next.co.uk/stores.
How to get £10 off your online shop during the festive season If you're planning to do some online shopping during the festive season or in the January sales, you can bag a £10 bonus towards your spend by ordering from through TopCashback. The money-saving cashback site is giving all new members a one-off £10 bonus when they spend £20 or more at hundreds of retailers across all categories including fashion, tech and beauty. To claim the savings you must sign up to TopCashback and make your purchases by 23:59pm on 31st January, 2021. TopCashback will then track the order and pay out the £10 bonus, which you can then transfer into your bank or Paypal account or redeem as vouchers. How to claim? Join Topcashback.co.uk for free. Read the instructions on the Account Overview page. Select a retailer featured on the TopCashback website and click the 'get cashback' button to head to the retailer's site. Shop as normal on the retailer website, ensuring you spend a minimum of £20 to be eligible. TopCashback will then track your purchase and pay out the bonus to your account within 30 days of the transaction. This offer applies to selected brands on the TopCashback website including B&Q, ASOS, eBay and many more. You can browse the full list by heading to Topcashback.co.uk. This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.Learn more
The chain joins several other retailers - including Zara, John Lewis and M&S - who have decided to start Boxing Day sales in the run-up to the big day itself.
The Next Boxing Day sale kicks off online from 3pm today, then will launch online at 6am on December 26th.
Customers can expect discounts across the retailer's own-brand ranges, as well as labels like Lipsy, Karen Millen and Ghost.
Next also stocks homewares, workwear, menswear and kidswear, as well as flowers and gifts.
Meanwhile John Lewis' Boxing Day sale has officially started online with up to 50% off items.
And Currys PC World has kicked off its Boxing Day sale with up to 60% off Apple, Dyson, Huawei and more.


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Ranvir Singh raises eyebrows with flirty comment on Giovanni Pernice's sexy snap

Hoping for yet another Strictly Come Dancing romance , fans were drawn to the natural chemistry between Ranvir Singh and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice .
And while the show may be over , the chat of a showmance is still going - with Good Morning Britain 's political editor Ranvir , 44 , delighting fans by leaving a flirty comment on her 30-year-old dance partner 's latest Instagram post .
Italian dance pro Giovanni shared a stylish all-black snap of himself clad in a leather jacket with sunglasses , open to reveal a skintight black T-shirt .
`` Almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ranvir responded : `` No cardigan ! ''
along with green tick and praise hands emojis .
She was n't the only one to comment , with pro dancer Gorka Marquez writing `` what a photo '' - to which Danny playfully responded `` What a photographer ! ''
But it was Ranvir 's comment on which fans leapt , sharing their approval beneath .
`` Nearly choked on my drink there , he saves that for special people obviously , '' replied one fan .
The `` cardy '' Ranvir was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a good luck message he sent her before she stepped in to cover Lorraine Kelly 's hosting duties for the festive period .
`` I 'm so proud of you , I 'm really , really , really proud of you - you are just incredible , '' he told her on TV .
Afterwards , a giggling Ranvir said : `` Oh bless his heart , was it only me who noticed he was n't wearing anything under that cardi ? ''

Referring to her much talked about comment earlier this week that Giovanni Pernice was shirtless beneath his cardigan, Ranvir Singh cheekily noted he was without it on Thursday.
Hoping for yet another Strictly Come Dancing romance, fans were drawn to the natural chemistry between Ranvir Singh and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice.
And while the show may be over, the chat of a showmance is still going - with Good Morning Britain's political editor Ranvir, 44, delighting fans by leaving a flirty comment on her 30-year-old dance partner's latest Instagram post.
Italian dance pro Giovanni shared a stylish all-black snap of himself clad in a leather jacket with sunglasses, open to reveal a skintight black T-shirt. "Almost cool part 2," he wrote.
Image: Instagram/pernicegiovann1) Instagram/pernicegiovann1)
Ranvir responded: "No cardigan!" along with green tick and praise hands emojis.
She wasn't the only one to comment, with pro dancer Gorka Marquez writing "what a photo" - to which Danny playfully responded "What a photographer!"
But it was Ranvir's comment on which fans leapt, sharing their approval beneath.
Image: Instagram/pernicegiovann1) Instagram/pernicegiovann1)
"Nearly choked on my drink there, he saves that for special people obviously," replied one fan.
The "cardy" Ranvir was referring to, was one Giovanni wore in a good luck message he sent her before she stepped in to cover Lorraine Kelly's hosting duties for the festive period.
"I'm so proud of you, I'm really, really, really proud of you - you are just incredible," he told her on TV.
Image: ITV/Lorraine) ITV/Lorraine)
Afterwards, a giggling Ranvir said: "Oh bless his heart, was it only me who noticed he wasn't wearing anything under that cardi?"


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Gary Neville names Man Utd’s two “irreplaceable” stars with warning to Solskjaer

Gary Neville has labelled Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire as being “ irreplaceable ” to Manchester United .
And he has warned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he can not afford to rest either man during the club ’ s current run of fixtures .
United booked their place in the last four of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 win over Everton on Wednesday evening .
Edinson Cavani and substitute Anthony Martial scored the late goals for the Red Devils at Goodison Park , as a much-changed side booked a semi-final showdown with Manchester City next month .
From the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Premier League on Sunday , Solskjaer made nine changes with only the club captain and Portuguese talisman keeping their places in the starting lineup .
Speaking on his Sky Sports Podcast , Neville said : `` They are the two players who I think are irreplaceable .
“ Fernandes is irreplaceable , they are a way off without him .
He ’ s a vital piece of the jigsaw .
`` Maguire , I think , you ’ d know if he was missing .
My gut feeling is that they would miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people say he ’ s not the best defender in the league , that he ’ s not done brilliantly since he came for £80m , but he ’ s a big presence in the heart of the defence .
“ He ’ s good on the ball , he ’ s composed and he ’ s good in the air .
`` He doesn ’ t make a lot of mistakes , sometimes he gets caught but he ’ s a good centre-back , a really good centre-back and a big presence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fernandes , I ’ m not sure they can [ rest them ] at this moment in time because Ole hasn ’ t got the luxury to lose a game , unfortunately . ''
United face Leicester in the Premier League ’ s early kickoff on Boxing Day , starting the game in third place , one point behind their opponents who sit second - albeit with a game in hand .
On December 29 they host Wolves , before a New Year ’ s Day encounter with Aston Villa , also at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential Premier League title contenders .
Can Man Utd win the Premier League or is the top four the height of their aspirations this season ?
Have your say here .
*Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip

CAN MANCHESTER UNITED CHALLENGE FOR THE TITLE THIS SEASON?
CAN MANCHESTER UNITED CHALLENGE FOR THE TITLE THIS SEASON?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side teed up a Carabao Cup semi-final showdown with Manchester City after beating Everton on Wednesday night, running out 2-0 winners despite making nine changes
Gary Neville has labelled Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire as being “irreplaceable” to Manchester United.
And he has warned Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that he cannot afford to rest either man during the club’s current run of fixtures.
United booked their place in the last four of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 win over Everton on Wednesday evening.
Edinson Cavani and substitute Anthony Martial scored the late goals for the Red Devils at Goodison Park, as a much-changed side booked a semi-final showdown with Manchester City next month.
From the team who thrashed Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, Solskjaer made nine changes with only the club captain and Portuguese talisman keeping their places in the starting lineup.
For United legend Neville, that speaks volumes.
Image: Clive Brunskill/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Clive Brunskill/POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Speaking on his Sky Sports Podcast, Neville said: "They are the two players who I think are irreplaceable.
“Fernandes is irreplaceable, they are a way off without him. He’s a vital piece of the jigsaw.
"Maguire, I think, you’d know if he was missing. My gut feeling is that they would miss him enormously.
"I know some people say he’s not the best defender in the league, that he’s not done brilliantly since he came for £80m, but he’s a big presence in the heart of the defence.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
“He’s good on the ball, he’s composed and he’s good in the air.
"He doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, sometimes he gets caught but he’s a good centre-back, a really good centre-back and a big presence in that team.
"Him and Fernandes, I’m not sure they can [rest them] at this moment in time because Ole hasn’t got the luxury to lose a game, unfortunately."
United face Leicester in the Premier League’s early kickoff on Boxing Day, starting the game in third place, one point behind their opponents who sit second - albeit with a game in hand.
On December 29 they host Wolves, before a New Year’s Day encounter with Aston Villa, also at Old Trafford, having suddenly emerged as potential Premier League title contenders.
Can Man Utd win the Premier League or is the top four the height of their aspirations this season? Have your say here.
*Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--JLS star's mansion remains hauntingly empty a year after terrifying inferno

An urban explorer has given a glimpse into the abandoned mansion that had once been home to JLS star Oritse Williams .
The Croydon property , worth a rough £3million , was engulfed in flames in June 2019 , and has remained a ruin since .
Over 70 firefighters were called to the scene as the blaze ripped through the house , destroying a large portion of the roof and scorching the timbers .
The reporting officers confirmed at the time that no one was harmed , and there had been no arrests .
After initially treating the inferno as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to a lack of evidence .
Now chilling photographs show the extent of the damage , as the mansion remains hauntingly deserted to this day .
Colin Smith filmed a mattress on the floor , a bath tub full of rubble and a safe , emptied of all valuables , which had survived the fire .
Stepping outside , we see that the pool , edged with an intricate mosaic pattern , has been fenced off and labelled with a deep water warning .
On the third floor , timbers that once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a crisp or collapsed entirely , revealing the blue sky above .
Plant life has started to take root as well , sprouting up among the rubble .
The staircase is littered with fallen tiles and chunks of plaster , while an empty hearth remains standing in the corner of a desolate room .
Pigeons have started to nest in the upstairs bedroom and in the remaining rafters .
Hampshire native Colin said : `` I remember hearing about the fire when it happened and thinking it would be a great place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the opportunity .
`` I managed to get into the property through a side window which probably blew out as a result of the fire .
`` The master bedroom with an in-built jacuzzi was incredible .
It had tiles in the shape of crowns and diamonds dotted around which were really unique .
`` The house had beautiful cast iron radiators and a huge island kitchen with marble countertops .
`` It was clear that no expense had been spared to make the house look amazing . ''
He added that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , because the blaze had burned away large parts of the floor .

Over 70 firefighters were called to battle a blaze that had engulfed JLS star Oritse Williams' Croydon home in June 2019
An urban explorer has given a glimpse into the abandoned mansion that had once been home to JLS star Oritse Williams.
The Croydon property, worth a rough £3million, was engulfed in flames in June 2019, and has remained a ruin since.
Over 70 firefighters were called to the scene as the blaze ripped through the house, destroying a large portion of the roof and scorching the timbers.
The reporting officers confirmed at the time that no one was harmed, and there had been no arrests.
After initially treating the inferno as a suspicious, they dropped the probe due to a lack of evidence.
Image: Can Nguyen/REX) Can Nguyen/REX)
Now chilling photographs show the extent of the damage, as the mansion remains hauntingly deserted to this day.
Colin Smith filmed a mattress on the floor, a bath tub full of rubble and a safe, emptied of all valuables, which had survived the fire.
Stepping outside, we see that the pool, edged with an intricate mosaic pattern, has been fenced off and labelled with a deep water warning.
Image: mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde) mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde) Image: mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde) mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde)
On the third floor, timbers that once held the roof up have either blackened to a crisp or collapsed entirely, revealing the blue sky above.
Plant life has started to take root as well, sprouting up among the rubble.
The staircase is littered with fallen tiles and chunks of plaster, while an empty hearth remains standing in the corner of a desolate room.
Image: mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde) mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde) Image: mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde) mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde)
Pigeons have started to nest in the upstairs bedroom and in the remaining rafters.
Hampshire native Colin said: "I remember hearing about the fire when it happened and thinking it would be a great place to go to and visit if I had the opportunity.
"I managed to get into the property through a side window which probably blew out as a result of the fire.
Image: mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde) mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde) Image: mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde) mediadrumimages.com / @thebearde)
"The master bedroom with an in-built jacuzzi was incredible. It had tiles in the shape of crowns and diamonds dotted around which were really unique.
"The house had beautiful cast iron radiators and a huge island kitchen with marble countertops.
"It was clear that no expense had been spared to make the house look amazing."
He added that exploring the upper floors became "dangerous", because the blaze had burned away large parts of the floor.


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Brit arrested over murder of teen who was stabbed in heart on the Costa Del Sol

A British man who was the subject of an international manhunt after the death of a teenager in the Costa Del Sol , has been arrested in a shopping centre in Leeds .
The 21-year-old unnamed man has been arrested in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Ulrich Perez who was stabbed in the heart in Spain .
He was apprehended by armed National Crime Agency ( NCA ) officers in West Yorkshire on Tuesday , December 22 .
The suspect fled to the UK after the stabbing in an alleged road rage incident in Estepona on November 18 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a car at a pedestrian crossing and the driver , who had initially left the scene , returned a few minutes later and stabbed the victim in the heart .
The attack happened in broad daylight outside the victim ’ s home .
A European Arrest Warrant was issued for the suspect ’ s arrest and NCA officers , working closely with Spanish National Police in Estepona .
Paul Owen , operations manager at the NCA , said : “ We are pleased to have been part of catching a suspected killer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim ’ s family .
“ The NCA works closely with international partners to ensure that nowhere is a safe haven for suspected criminals - no matter where you hide , the authorities will catch up with you and you will face justice.
” A Spanish National Police spokesman said : “ We can confirm the arrest on Tuesday of a British man aged 21 in Yorkshire .
“ He has been arrested on suspicion of killing a 19-year-man who was fatally stabbed near a shopping centre in Diana Park close to Estepona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim was about to cross a zebra crossing when he was almost run over by a vehicle whose driver had to brake sharply .
“ The driver initially left the scene but returned moments after and got out of his car and stabbed the pedestrian in the heart without warning , ending his life virtually instantly before speeding off .
“ Nothing could be done to save the victim ’ s life and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
” The white Mercedes the murder suspect was driving was seized in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was about to be removed by a pick-up truck .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Joe Pagnelli, Kelly-Ann Mills, Natalia Penza)

The 21-year-old unnamed man has been arrested in connection to the murder of 19-year-old Ulrich Perez who was stabbed in the heart, in the Spanish beach resort
Brit arrested over murder of teen who was stabbed in heart on the Costa Del Sol
A British man who was the subject of an international manhunt after the death of a teenager in the Costa Del Sol, has been arrested in a shopping centre in Leeds.
The 21-year-old unnamed man has been arrested in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Ulrich Perez who was stabbed in the heart in Spain.
He was apprehended by armed National Crime Agency (NCA) officers in West Yorkshire on Tuesday, December 22.
The suspect fled to the UK after the stabbing in an alleged road rage incident in Estepona on November 18.
The victim was almost run over by a car at a pedestrian crossing and the driver, who had initially left the scene, returned a few minutes later and stabbed the victim in the heart.
The attack happened in broad daylight outside the victim’s home.
Image: SOLARPIX) SOLARPIX)
A European Arrest Warrant was issued for the suspect’s arrest and NCA officers, working closely with Spanish National Police in Estepona.
The man remains in custody awaiting extradition.
Paul Owen, operations manager at the NCA, said: “We are pleased to have been part of catching a suspected killer and bringing some sense of justice for the victim’s family.
“The NCA works closely with international partners to ensure that nowhere is a safe haven for suspected criminals - no matter where you hide, the authorities will catch up with you and you will face justice.”
A Spanish National Police spokesman said: “We can confirm the arrest on Tuesday of a British man aged 21 in Yorkshire.
Image: SOLARPIX.COM) SOLARPIX.COM)
“He has been arrested on suspicion of killing a 19-year-man who was fatally stabbed near a shopping centre in Diana Park close to Estepona.
“The homicide happened on November 18 around 2.30pm.
“The fatal stabbing was linked to a road rage argument.
“Police investigations determined that the victim was about to cross a zebra crossing when he was almost run over by a vehicle whose driver had to brake sharply.
“The driver initially left the scene but returned moments after and got out of his car and stabbed the pedestrian in the heart without warning, ending his life virtually instantly before speeding off.
“Nothing could be done to save the victim’s life and he was pronounced dead at the scene.”
The white Mercedes the murder suspect was driving was seized in November on the Costa del Sol as it was about to be removed by a pick-up truck.


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Shopper accuses Tesco of 'dishing out Covid' with shared chocolate tub

A shopper has claimed Tesco staff could have been `` dishing out Covid '' as they offered customers free chocolates from a communal tub .
Kyle James visited the Kingston Extra store in Milton Keynes on December 21 when he saw staff giving out free Quality Street , leaving people to swarm to grab one .
The 28-year-old said he was `` gobsmacked '' as he believes the gesture could pose a risk of coronavirus contamination .
Mr James claims he pointed out the area is in Tier 4 of coronavirus restrictions , which means the risk of contracting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said the employee he spoke to shrugged her shoulders and said she was `` doing what she was told '' .
The dad-of-one said he briefly stopped and watched the scene as it `` blew his mind '' that so many people without any gloves were `` thoughtlessly '' dipping their hands into a communal bowl of sweets despite being in the middle of a pandemic .
A picture Kyle shared on Facebook shows a member of staff at the bottom of an escalator holding a box of chocolates with several customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been affected by this story ?
Email webnews @ mirror.co.uk He believes that with so many people 's hands going into the same bowl , customers could be at risk of coronavirus infection .
Kyle said he rejected the sweets , declaring : `` No thank you , I would n't like Covid . ''
The real estate agent , who was doing his weekly shop at the time , also claims that the store was `` absolutely rammed '' and `` free for all '' , which made it `` impossible '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety of their customers and colleagues is their `` top priority '' and that they continue to follow all Government guidance and have extensive social distancing measures throughout their stores .
They also said that the wrapped chocolate was offered to customers for a brief time to apologise for some disruption caused by an issue with the travelator .
Kyle , of Milton Keynes , said : `` I was upstairs and as I came back down there were masses of people standing around this little tin of Quality Street .
`` Nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just reaching into the apparent communal bowl - it did n't make any sense to me .
`` As I came down the woman leant over the escalator and tried to offer me one - I was absolutely gobsmacked , and said 'are you having a laugh ? '
`` I said 'you realise that we 're in tier four , right ?
And you 're offering people sweets out of a communal bowl ? '
`` So let 's say for example everyone anti-bacs their hands on the way in , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... You 're now giving them a sweet from a bowl in which some people have not have anti-baced and shuffled their hands around in ?
!
`` As well as that you 've got people putting their fingers in their mouth as they 're walking through Tesco and then touching all of the produce and products with spit on their fingers .
`` When I said 'what on earth are you doing it for ? '
, the lady said ' I 'm just doing what I was told to do ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was nothing more said .
`` Tesco could be dishing out the virus to people as the sweets could have been contaminated .
I 'm sure it 's not on purpose but it 's thoughtless . ''
The father-of-two said he briefly stood and watched because he could n't believe that so many people were dipping their hands into the bowl .
He also claims to have alerted a second member of staff and that he was told they 'd notify a manager of his complaint , but they were `` pretty sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I was just shocked because it was so unbelievably short-sighted - it 's not a nasty gesture by any stretch , but given the circumstances , it 's a bloody stupid gesture .
`` Thank you very much for offering me something , but no thank you , I would n't like Covid . ''
He added : `` Honestly , the number of people that were in there were shocking - it was absolutely rammed and impossible to socially distance .
`` They were n't monitoring anything - it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone could come in with no consideration for numbers in or out .
`` The tier four restrictions were literally announced two days ago in Milton Keynes [ Saturday ] and during this time you 've got Tesco absolutely rammed beyond belief and people offering out sweet bowls to people with bare hands , inside an already rammed store . ''
A Tesco spokesperson told The Mirror : `` The safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority .
`` We continue to follow all Government guidance and we have extensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure customers can maintain a safe distance shopping .
`` Our Kingston Extra store in Milton Keynes offered customers wrapped chocolates for a brief time in store yesterday to apologise for disruption caused by an issue with the travelator . ''

Kyle James visited the Kingston Extra store in Milton Keynes on December 21 when he saw staff giving out free Quality Street chocolates, leaving people to swarm to grab one
A shopper has claimed Tesco staff could have been "dishing out Covid" as they offered customers free chocolates from a communal tub.
Kyle James visited the Kingston Extra store in Milton Keynes on December 21 when he saw staff giving out free Quality Street, leaving people to swarm to grab one.
The 28-year-old said he was "gobsmacked" as he believes the gesture could pose a risk of coronavirus contamination.
Mr James claims he pointed out the area is in Tier 4 of coronavirus restrictions, which means the risk of contracting the disease is very high.
However, he said the employee he spoke to shrugged her shoulders and said she was "doing what she was told".
The dad-of-one said he briefly stopped and watched the scene as it "blew his mind" that so many people without any gloves were "thoughtlessly" dipping their hands into a communal bowl of sweets despite being in the middle of a pandemic.
A picture Kyle shared on Facebook shows a member of staff at the bottom of an escalator holding a box of chocolates with several customers standing close to her.
Have you been affected by this story? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
Image: Kennedy News and Media) Kennedy News and Media)
He believes that with so many people's hands going into the same bowl, customers could be at risk of coronavirus infection.
Kyle said he rejected the sweets, declaring: "No thank you, I wouldn't like Covid."
The real estate agent, who was doing his weekly shop at the time, also claims that the store was "absolutely rammed" and "free for all", which made it "impossible" to socially distance.
Tesco said the safety of their customers and colleagues is their "top priority" and that they continue to follow all Government guidance and have extensive social distancing measures throughout their stores.
Image: Kennedy News and Media) Kennedy News and Media)
They also said that the wrapped chocolate was offered to customers for a brief time to apologise for some disruption caused by an issue with the travelator.
Kyle, of Milton Keynes, said: "I was upstairs and as I came back down there were masses of people standing around this little tin of Quality Street.
"Nobody was wearing any gloves and everybody was just reaching into the apparent communal bowl - it didn't make any sense to me.
"As I came down the woman leant over the escalator and tried to offer me one - I was absolutely gobsmacked, and said 'are you having a laugh?'
"I said 'you realise that we're in tier four, right? And you're offering people sweets out of a communal bowl?'
"So let's say for example everyone anti-bacs their hands on the way in, and I saw lots of people doing so... You're now giving them a sweet from a bowl in which some people have not have anti-baced and shuffled their hands around in?!
Image: Kennedy News and Media) Kennedy News and Media)
"As well as that you've got people putting their fingers in their mouth as they're walking through Tesco and then touching all of the produce and products with spit on their fingers.
"When I said 'what on earth are you doing it for?', the lady said 'I'm just doing what I was told to do', shrugged her shoulders and then there was nothing more said.
"Tesco could be dishing out the virus to people as the sweets could have been contaminated. I'm sure it's not on purpose but it's thoughtless."
The father-of-two said he briefly stood and watched because he couldn't believe that so many people were dipping their hands into the bowl.
He also claims to have alerted a second member of staff and that he was told they'd notify a manager of his complaint, but they were "pretty sure" management gave the instruction.
Kyle said: "I was just shocked because it was so unbelievably short-sighted - it's not a nasty gesture by any stretch, but given the circumstances, it's a bloody stupid gesture.
Image: Kennedy News and Media) Kennedy News and Media)
"Thank you very much for offering me something, but no thank you, I wouldn't like Covid."
He added: "Honestly, the number of people that were in there were shocking - it was absolutely rammed and impossible to socially distance.
"They weren't monitoring anything - it was literally a free for all and anyone could come in with no consideration for numbers in or out.
"The tier four restrictions were literally announced two days ago in Milton Keynes [Saturday] and during this time you've got Tesco absolutely rammed beyond belief and people offering out sweet bowls to people with bare hands, inside an already rammed store."
A Tesco spokesperson told The Mirror: "The safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority.
"We continue to follow all Government guidance and we have extensive social distancing measures in our stores to ensure customers can maintain a safe distance shopping.
"Our Kingston Extra store in Milton Keynes offered customers wrapped chocolates for a brief time in store yesterday to apologise for disruption caused by an issue with the travelator."


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--'Hero’ bin men leave adorable surprise for boy, 2, who is their 'number 1 fan'

The tot has been watching them carry out their collections through his living room window in Wrexham , Wales .
Local refuse collectors , Rich , Kyle and Adam , who have struck up a friendship with Owain , decided to put on a Christmas surprise for their number one fan .
The toddler usually runs out of the house to see them every week and helps them throw his recycling away every Tuesday , reports North Wales Live .
Have you ever received a kind gesture from strangers on Christmas ?
Share your story in the comments below ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was greeted with a gift of his very own mini recycling lorry .
It came after Owain ’ s parents , Rosanna Jones and Alistair Pinches bought the crew a keyring each as a Christmas gift for their hard work this year - and they were delighted to find they had returned the favour for their son .
Rosanna posted the story on social media to thank the three men in a post that touched people 's hearts .
The 29-year-old wrote : “ We would really appreciate it if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men of Summerhill .
“ This morning ( Tuesday ) we had a knock on the door with a gift for our son from them .
“ Our son goes out every Tuesday since he could walk to greet them with smiles and to help out .
“ It is a big part of his week .
We could n't be more delighted and grateful for all their hard work especially this year !
And for always welcoming our son .
“ Thank you so much again !
We have one very happy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his heroes every week !
” Owain hurriedly put on his shoes at the same time each week when he hears the bin lorry reversing into their street .
His mum , Rosanna , said each week after Owain helps put the recycling in the lorry , they beep their horn and wave goodbye .
She said : “ As soon as he hears their truck reversing up the cul-de-sac , he opens the door , puts his shoes on and is gone before I can get my shoes on .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them with smiles and says hello .
“ He even takes his own truck toys to show them .
“ It is always the same three gentlemen , they have a great relationship . ''
She added : “ Owain has a massive passion and love for anything that makes loud noises - especially trucks , lorries , cars , buses .
“ He started showing an interest in the bin lorry and the gentlemen from the minute he could see through the window .
“ He would stand on the window bay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could walk , and they would always wave back .
“ As he got older and started to walk and open doors , he would stand on the doorway and wave to them .
Rosanna said the family were “ in shock ” after receiving the gift , and “ didn ’ t expect it.
” “ Owain was ecstatic , ” she said .
“ He was able to say thank you , and was so excited to see what he had .
“ We have always made the effort especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank you presents.
” She added : “ I work for the NHS myself and know what it 's like to be on the front line and keep working through .
“ They are the key workers of our town and work really hard .
“ I want to thank them on behalf of my family and Wrexham for being not only my son 's heroes , but everyone else 's too .
”

Little Owain Pinches loves to watch the bin men collect rubbish outside his window in Wrexham, Wales - and so they decided to throw him a Christmas surprise
'Hero’ bin men leave adorable surprise for boy, 2, who is their 'number one fan'
A two-year-old truck lover received a heartwarming Christmas present from his bin-men 'heroes.'
Their kind gesture made little Owain Pinches' week.
The tot has been watching them carry out their collections through his living room window in Wrexham, Wales.
Local refuse collectors, Rich, Kyle and Adam, who have struck up a friendship with Owain, decided to put on a Christmas surprise for their number one fan.
The toddler usually runs out of the house to see them every week and helps them throw his recycling away every Tuesday, reports North Wales Live.
Have you ever received a kind gesture from strangers on Christmas? Share your story in the comments below...
Image: Rosanna Jones) Rosanna Jones)
However, during their rounds this week, he was greeted with a gift of his very own mini recycling lorry.
It came after Owain’s parents, Rosanna Jones and Alistair Pinches bought the crew a keyring each as a Christmas gift for their hard work this year - and they were delighted to find they had returned the favour for their son.
Rosanna posted the story on social media to thank the three men in a post that touched people's hearts.
The 29-year-old wrote: “We would really appreciate it if you could share our thanks to the recycling men of Summerhill.
“This morning (Tuesday) we had a knock on the door with a gift for our son from them.
“Our son goes out every Tuesday since he could walk to greet them with smiles and to help out.
“It is a big part of his week. We couldn't be more delighted and grateful for all their hard work especially this year! And for always welcoming our son.
“Thank you so much again! We have one very happy boy this morning and they are truly his heroes every week!”
Image: Rosanna Jones) Rosanna Jones)
Owain hurriedly put on his shoes at the same time each week when he hears the bin lorry reversing into their street.
His mum, Rosanna, said each week after Owain helps put the recycling in the lorry, they beep their horn and wave goodbye.
She said: “As soon as he hears their truck reversing up the cul-de-sac, he opens the door, puts his shoes on and is gone before I can get my shoes on.
“He runs up to the gentlemen and greets them with smiles and says hello.
“He even takes his own truck toys to show them.
“It is always the same three gentlemen, they have a great relationship."
She added: “Owain has a massive passion and love for anything that makes loud noises - especially trucks, lorries, cars, buses.
“He started showing an interest in the bin lorry and the gentlemen from the minute he could see through the window.
“He would stand on the window bay and wave to them every week before he could walk, and they would always wave back.
“As he got older and started to walk and open doors, he would stand on the doorway and wave to them.
Rosanna said the family were “in shock” after receiving the gift, and “didn’t expect it.”
“Owain was ecstatic,” she said.
“He was able to say thank you, and was so excited to see what he had.
“We have always made the effort especially this year to get them gifts and thank you presents.”
She added: “I work for the NHS myself and know what it's like to be on the front line and keep working through.
“They are the key workers of our town and work really hard.
“I want to thank them on behalf of my family and Wrexham for being not only my son's heroes, but everyone else's too.”


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Common mistakes people make when cooking Christmas turkey - chef shares top tips

Christmas is set to look a little different this year with the restrictions in place , so our usual plans will be off the table .
That being said , let ’ s not abandon tradition - it ’ s time to dust off the chef ’ s hat and think turkey .
Whether you 're looking to improve your turkey-cooking skills this Christmas , or you 're cooking it for the very first time , we 've got you covered .
Executive Development Chef at Farmison & Co Jeff Baker is here to tell you the five common mistakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turkey and how to avoid making them this Christmas .
Before we go on to explain how you should be cooking your turkey , you need to decide what size you 'll need .
As the main event , the Christmas turkey has to be just the right size to please the hungry mouths around the table .
This serving guide will ensure you have just enough as well as some leftovers for sandwiches , pies or curries .
If you are looking to order your turkey in advance for freezing this Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is fully wrapped and sealed before it is frozen .
The process of defrosting can take up to four days for a large 8kg bird so be sure to remove it from the freezer with plenty of spare time and always defrost in the fridge .
Whereas if you have a fresh turkey this Christmas , it should be unwrapped up to 48 hours before cooking and should be stored at the bottom of the fridge uncovered to dry out the skin for the optimum roast .
Be mindful of how you prep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remove the giblets from inside the cavity and save for later to add flavour to your Christmas gravy .
Do this on the day of roasting when the turkey is at room temperature and be mindful not to pack it too tight into the neck cavity as this will lead to an uneven roast .
To keep the bird moist , gently spread some softened butter under the skin before roasting to add flavour as well as baste the meat .
Sit the bird on a bed of mixed chopped vegetables to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , carrots and celery work well .
The turkey should be basted regularly by spooning the juices released back over the bored before covering with foil and roasting .
To make sure your turkey is perfectly cooked , invest in a meat thermometer .
Pierce the thickest part of the bird for 10 seconds to get an accurate temperature reading .
A core temperature of 68°C is recommended before resting .
Resting is a key step in order to achieve the perfect roast as the process allows moisture to lock in to add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To easily carve your turkey , place a damp cloth underneath a large chopping board and use a sharp carving knife and meat fork to hold the bird in place .
There ’ s no need to buy gravy as you have the perfect base prepared from roasting your turkey .
Put the vegetables in the roasting tray to one side and add the giblets to the tray and cook over a medium heat .
Add a tablespoon of flour once they are nicely browned and then add the vegetables back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chicken stock .
Simmer and reduce to your desired consistency and then pass through a fine sieve before serving .
• Preheat your oven to 210°C fan or 230°C/gas mark 8 .
Place your turkey in a large , heavy-based roasting tray preferably with deep sides and handles .
• In a bowl , soften 150g of butter and add the zest of a lemon , a pinch of sea salt , thyme leaves and a dash of oil .
Carefully lift the skin from the breast meat and push the butter mixture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the cavity .
• Place the lemon used for the rind into the cavity as well as an onion chopped in half and some fresh sage .
Once the turkey is prepared , place it onto a wire trivet and pour 300ml of water into the base of the tray .
• Place the tray in the oven for 30 minutes with the turkey covered with foil before reducing the heat to 160°C fan or 180°C/gas mark 4 and continuing to roast for a further 35 minutes per kilo of turkey .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly with the vegetable and meat juices that are released before removing the foil for the final 20 minutes of roasting to crisp the skin .
• Check the temperature of your turkey with a meat thermometer and look for a core temperature of 68°C .
If you do not have a meat thermometer , you can pierce the skin between the thigh and breast with a skewer close to the bone , if the juices run clear then your turkey will be cooked .
• Remove the trivet with the turkey onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the turkey warm .
• To master carving your turkey , place a damp cloth underneath a large chopping board and use a sharp carving knife and meat fork to hold the bird in place .
• To make the gravy to accompany your turkey and Christmas dinner , remove the vegetables from the roasting tray and add the giblets .
Put the tray over medium heat to cook the giblets before adding the vegetables and a litre of poultry stock .
Skim any fat that rises to the surface and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before passing through a fine sieve .
• Make sure your gravy is nice and hot and serve your delicious Christmas turkey !
Do you have a story to share ?
We want to hear all about it .
Email us at yourmirror @ mirror.co.uk

Executive Development Chef at Farmison & Co Jeff Baker has compiled a list of five common mistakes that people tend to make when cooking turkey and how to avoid them this Christmas
Christmas is set to look a little different this year with the restrictions in place, so our usual plans will be off the table.
That being said, let’s not abandon tradition - it’s time to dust off the chef’s hat and think turkey.
Whether you're looking to improve your turkey-cooking skills this Christmas, or you're cooking it for the very first time, we've got you covered.
Executive Development Chef at Farmison & Co Jeff Baker is here to tell you the five common mistakes people make when it comes to cooking turkey and how to avoid making them this Christmas.
Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Size matters: choose the right bird
Before we go on to explain how you should be cooking your turkey, you need to decide what size you'll need.
As the main event, the Christmas turkey has to be just the right size to please the hungry mouths around the table.
This serving guide will ensure you have just enough as well as some leftovers for sandwiches, pies or curries.
5kg for minimum 6 servings (36x28x10cm roasting tray)
6 kg for minimum 8 servings (38x30x10cm roasting tray)
7 kg for minimum 10 servings (40x32x10cm roasting tray)
8 kg for minimum 12 servings (44x36x10cm roasting tray)
Store your turkey correctly
If you are looking to order your turkey in advance for freezing this Christmas, you must ensure that your meat is fully wrapped and sealed before it is frozen.
The process of defrosting can take up to four days for a large 8kg bird so be sure to remove it from the freezer with plenty of spare time and always defrost in the fridge.
Whereas if you have a fresh turkey this Christmas, it should be unwrapped up to 48 hours before cooking and should be stored at the bottom of the fridge uncovered to dry out the skin for the optimum roast.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Be mindful of how you prep your turkey
The first step is to remove the giblets from inside the cavity and save for later to add flavour to your Christmas gravy.
Wanting to stuff your turkey?
Do this on the day of roasting when the turkey is at room temperature and be mindful not to pack it too tight into the neck cavity as this will lead to an uneven roast.
To keep the bird moist, gently spread some softened butter under the skin before roasting to add flavour as well as baste the meat.
Sit the bird on a bed of mixed chopped vegetables to provide a great base for gravy - onions, carrots and celery work well.
The turkey should be basted regularly by spooning the juices released back over the bored before covering with foil and roasting.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Don’t ruin the roast!
To make sure your turkey is perfectly cooked, invest in a meat thermometer.
Pierce the thickest part of the bird for 10 seconds to get an accurate temperature reading. A core temperature of 68°C is recommended before resting.
Resting is a key step in order to achieve the perfect roast as the process allows moisture to lock in to add the perfect flavour to your Christmas dinner.
To easily carve your turkey, place a damp cloth underneath a large chopping board and use a sharp carving knife and meat fork to hold the bird in place.
Steer clear from shop-bought gravy
There’s no need to buy gravy as you have the perfect base prepared from roasting your turkey.
Put the vegetables in the roasting tray to one side and add the giblets to the tray and cook over a medium heat.
Add a tablespoon of flour once they are nicely browned and then add the vegetables back to the tray with around a litre of chicken stock.
Simmer and reduce to your desired consistency and then pass through a fine sieve before serving.
How Jeff roasts his turkey
Preheat your oven to 210°C fan or 230°C/gas mark 8. Place your turkey in a large, heavy-based roasting tray preferably with deep sides and handles. In a bowl, soften 150g of butter and add the zest of a lemon, a pinch of sea salt, thyme leaves and a dash of oil. Carefully lift the skin from the breast meat and push the butter mixture between the skin and the flesh starting at the cavity. Place the lemon used for the rind into the cavity as well as an onion chopped in half and some fresh sage. Once the turkey is prepared, place it onto a wire trivet and pour 300ml of water into the base of the tray. Place the tray in the oven for 30 minutes with the turkey covered with foil before reducing the heat to 160°C fan or 180°C/gas mark 4 and continuing to roast for a further 35 minutes per kilo of turkey. Be sure to baste your turkey regularly with the vegetable and meat juices that are released before removing the foil for the final 20 minutes of roasting to crisp the skin. Check the temperature of your turkey with a meat thermometer and look for a core temperature of 68°C. If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can pierce the skin between the thigh and breast with a skewer close to the bone, if the juices run clear then your turkey will be cooked. Remove the trivet with the turkey onto a large tray and cover with foil to keep the turkey warm. To master carving your turkey, place a damp cloth underneath a large chopping board and use a sharp carving knife and meat fork to hold the bird in place. To make the gravy to accompany your turkey and Christmas dinner, remove the vegetables from the roasting tray and add the giblets. Put the tray over medium heat to cook the giblets before adding the vegetables and a litre of poultry stock. Skim any fat that rises to the surface and thicken with some cornflour for desired consistency before passing through a fine sieve. Make sure your gravy is nice and hot and serve your delicious Christmas turkey!
Do you have a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk


thedailymirror--2020-12-24--Mum shares hellish six-night stay at Britannia's 'rundown' Royal Hotel

A mum has described her hellish stay at a 'rundown ' hotel after finding unflushed faeces in her bathroom .
Nikki Sheeran says she was shocked to discover she had spent £850 for a six-night stay in a 'dingy ' damaged room at Britannia 's Royal Hotel in Scarborough .
She claims there was a hole in one of the walls , which she thinks was caused by a punch , and even shards of glass outside her window , Yorkshire Live reports .
As if this was not bad enough , she and her teenage son Ollie also noticed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had gone off on their final day , she claims .
The Royal Hotel was once the place to stay in Scarborough , overlooking the seaside resort 's South Bay .
Guests at this once grand venue – opened in the 1830s – included Winston Churchill and poet Edith Sitwell .
Alas , Nikki and her son found the hotel – now owned by the 'UK 's worst hotel chain ' Britannia – was anything but 'royal ' during their stay in August 2019 .
After a protracted and stressful check-in , single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found their room overlooked little more than the hotel bins .
And the depressing view turned out to be the least of their problems .
Nikki said the room had unflushed faeces in the loo and litter from the bathroom bin on the bedside table .
After complaining and another wait , Nikki and Ollie were offered another room – but they say it was n't much better .
Nikki , 58 , from Worthing , West Sussex , said : `` The window was propped open with the Gideon Bible , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which looked like someone had punched it ) , and the bathroom door did not fit the door frame , and the bathroom door handle was falling off ... '' There was a gap of almost a centimetre where you could see whoever was sitting on the toilet from one of the beds .
My son and I had to tell each other not to look through the door . ''
Nikki , a teaching assistant , added : `` Outside the window , there was a parapet around the building , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I presume a window had fallen out , old tissue boxes and an empty milk container which kept blowing around the whole time we were there . ''
And during their stay , Nikki said , 'no attempt ' was made to clean their room .
Instead , Nikki said , a bag of clean towels and loo roll was left outside their door .
But according to an email from Britannia customer service : `` I did explain in person when I spoke to you that you may have displayed a do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a `` service room '' which would have meant housekeeping would not have gone into service your room or disturb you . ''
The email adds : `` The ticket could have easily fallen off and another guest put it back on the wrong way . ''
And it was n't just the room that Nikki and Ollie found to be substandard .
Nikki said : `` By the final day , the milk was off in the self-service buffet , so I couldn ’ t even have cereal .
`` Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel , poor hygiene and lack of care in the breakfast room , we didn ’ t dare chance having an evening meal there .
`` The lack of care and poor hygiene also meant that I would not allow my son to use the pool . ''
She added : `` From Scarborough , we then went on for a few days in York and stayed at the Premier Inn there .
What a difference !
`` It felt like luxury compared to The Royal .
We should have stayed at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal , which was anything but royal . ''
Britannia Hotels has been approached for comment by The Mirror .
The chain , which owns 56 hotels , has been named the worst for the eighth year running in a Which ?
survey of 4,000 guests .
It came last out of 25 major chains , scoring 37 out of 100 .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Dave Himelfield, Matthew Dresch)

A LOOK AT 'WORST HOTEL CHAIN IN THE UK’ FOR EIGHT YEARS RUNNING
A LOOK AT 'WORST HOTEL CHAIN IN THE UK’ FOR EIGHT YEARS RUNNING
Single mum Nikki Sheeran, from Worthing, West Sussex, paid £850 to stay at Britainnia's Royal Hotel in Scarborough, however she found the experience anything but 'royal'
A mum has described her hellish stay at a 'rundown' hotel after finding unflushed faeces in her bathroom.
Nikki Sheeran says she was shocked to discover she had spent £850 for a six-night stay in a 'dingy' damaged room at Britannia's Royal Hotel in Scarborough.
She claims there was a hole in one of the walls, which she thinks was caused by a punch, and even shards of glass outside her window, Yorkshire Live reports.
As if this was not bad enough, she and her teenage son Ollie also noticed that the milk in the self-service buffet had gone off on their final day, she claims.
The Royal Hotel was once the place to stay in Scarborough, overlooking the seaside resort's South Bay.
Guests at this once grand venue – opened in the 1830s – included Winston Churchill and poet Edith Sitwell.
Alas, Nikki and her son found the hotel – now owned by the 'UK's worst hotel chain' Britannia – was anything but 'royal' during their stay in August 2019.
After a protracted and stressful check-in, single mum Nikki and her son say they found their room overlooked little more than the hotel bins.
And the depressing view turned out to be the least of their problems.
Nikki said the room had unflushed faeces in the loo and litter from the bathroom bin on the bedside table.
After complaining and another wait, Nikki and Ollie were offered another room – but they say it wasn't much better.
Nikki, 58, from Worthing, West Sussex, said: "The window was propped open with the Gideon Bible, there was a hole in the wall (which looked like someone had punched it), and the bathroom door did not fit the door frame, and the bathroom door handle was falling off...
"There was a gap of almost a centimetre where you could see whoever was sitting on the toilet from one of the beds. My son and I had to tell each other not to look through the door."
Nikki, a teaching assistant, added: "Outside the window, there was a parapet around the building, and there were shards of broken glass where I presume a window had fallen out, old tissue boxes and an empty milk container which kept blowing around the whole time we were there."
And during their stay, Nikki said, 'no attempt' was made to clean their room. Instead, Nikki said, a bag of clean towels and loo roll was left outside their door.
But according to an email from Britannia customer service: "I did explain in person when I spoke to you that you may have displayed a do not disturb sign on the door rather than a "service room" which would have meant housekeeping would not have gone into service your room or disturb you."
The email adds: "The ticket could have easily fallen off and another guest put it back on the wrong way."
And it wasn't just the room that Nikki and Ollie found to be substandard.
Nikki said: "By the final day, the milk was off in the self-service buffet, so I couldn’t even have cereal.
"Because of the general run-down nature of the hotel, poor hygiene and lack of care in the breakfast room, we didn’t dare chance having an evening meal there.
"The lack of care and poor hygiene also meant that I would not allow my son to use the pool."
She added: "From Scarborough, we then went on for a few days in York and stayed at the Premier Inn there. What a difference!
"It felt like luxury compared to The Royal. We should have stayed at the Premier Inn in Scarborough instead of The Royal, which was anything but royal."
Britannia Hotels has been approached for comment by The Mirror.
The chain, which owns 56 hotels, has been named the worst for the eighth year running in a Which? survey of 4,000 guests.
It came last out of 25 major chains, scoring 37 out of 100.


thedailymirror--2020-12-25--Holly Willoughby declares she wants baby number four in broody confession

Holly Willoughby has said she wants to expand her family after getting broody after cooing over This Morning co-star Rochelle Humes ’ new baby .
The 39-year-old TV host already has three children with her producer husband Dan Baldwin – nine-year-old daughter Belle , and sons Harry , 11 , and Chester , aged six .
The Saturdays ’ singer Rochelle , 31 , has three children of her own with JLS singer husband Marvin , 35 – daughters Alaia-Mai , seven , Valentina , three , and newborn two-month-old son Blake .
Holly makes her confession that watching occasional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has left her wanting more of her own during a chat on a Christmas Day special episode of the ITV magazine show .
Holly and co-host Phillip Schofield ask Rochelle how her daughters are getting along with their new baby brother , Blake , in the course of the Christmas Day episode .
The singer replies : “ They are brilliant .
They are constantly all over him and fighting about who 's going to hold him and who 's passing me the baby wipes .
“ But it 's really nice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boy there 's no competition , they are just trying to be mini mummies ! '
As Rochelle holds Blake up to the camera to say goodbye , an emotional Holly gushes : “ Oh I want one of those.
” Doting mother Holly is highly protective of her three children and does as much as she can to shield them from public life .
The star has roped her kids into advertising and endorsement deals via her social media channels – but covers their faces in shots .
The Christmas Day Special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Big Brother contestants Alison Hamond and Josie Gibson drop in to assist with presenting .
While TV chef Gino D ’ Acampo whips up drinks for the daytime TV stars .
This Morning at Christmas airs on ITV on Christmas Day at 10am .

The TV star already has two sons named Harry and Chester and a daughter named Belle with her husband, TV producer Dan Baldwin. She makes her confession during the This Morning Christmas Day special.
Holly Willoughby declares she wants baby number four in broody confession
Holly Willoughby has said she wants to expand her family after cooing over This Morning co-star Rochelle Humes’ new baby.
The 39-year-old TV host already has three children with her producer husband Dan Baldwin – nine-year-old daughter Belle, and sons Harry, 11, and Chester, aged six.
The Saturdays’ singer Rochelle, 31, has three children of her own with JLS singer husband Marvin, 35 – daughters Alaia-Mai, seven, Valentina, three, and newborn two-month-old son Blake.
Holly said that watching occasional This Morning host Rochelle welcome another child has left her wanting more of her own during a chat on a Christmas Day special episode of the ITV magazine show.
Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Holly and co-host Phillip Schofield ask Rochelle how her daughters are getting along with their new baby brother, Blake, in the course of the Christmas Day episode.
The singer replies: “They are brilliant. They are constantly all over him and fighting about who's going to hold him and who's passing me the baby wipes.
“But it's really nice, and I think because he's a boy there's no competition, they are just trying to be mini mummies!'
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
As Rochelle holds Blake up to the camera to say goodbye, an emotional Holly gushes: “Oh I want one of those.”
Phillip, in disbelief, retorts: “No, you don’t!”
But Holly insists: “I do!”
Doting mother Holly is highly protective of her three children and does as much as she can to shield them from public life.
The star has roped her kids into advertising and endorsement deals via her social media channels – but covers their faces in shots.
Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock) Image: DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK) DIGITAL/EROTEME.CO.UK)
The Christmas Day Special episode of This Morning will also see former Big Brother contestants Alison Hamond and Josie Gibson drop in to assist with presenting.
While TV chef Gino D’Acampo whips up drinks for the daytime TV stars.
This Morning at Christmas airs on ITV on Christmas Day at 10am.


thedailymirror--2020-12-25--Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin announce third pregnancy with Christmas Eve photo

Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin have announced they are expecting a third baby in a festive Instagram post .
The UFC fighter shared the snap of his family on the social media site on Christmas Eve .
McGregor posed alongside fiancée Dee , who was holding a sonogram photo , their two children Conor and Croia and their dog , the Irish Mirror reports .
And the youngsters pose in their matching PJs as they hold a picture of an ultrasound scan showing the new addition to the family .
What do you think ?
Let us know in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone , from my family to yours .
`` So much to look forward to in 2021 . ''
It comes as the Dubliner is gearing up for his hugely-anticipated UFC rematch with American Dustin Poirier .
And McGregor 's striking coach claims his fighter is in the best shape he has ever been in ahead of the bout .
The Notorious faces the American next month almost exactly a year after his 40-second demolition of Donald Cerrone .
Owen Roddy has been working with McGregor ahead of the bout and recently travelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the former two-weight champion 's team .
McGregor defeated Poirier in a featherweight bout six years ago and Roddy admits the 'Diamond ' has improved since then , but believes the Dubliner has improved even more .
Roddy told The MMA Bash : `` I think Poirier 's improved an awful lot since that first fight .
`` I think Conor has improved , you know , more , since then as well .
`` They 're definitely better fighters than they were when they fought each other but Conor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think he 's too precise .
`` Poirier is skillful , he 's got good hands and he 's tough and durable , and he sets a good pace but I just do n't see where he beats Conor '' Conor 's just too good everywhere , too precise , and too clinical with his striking . ''

Conor McGregor and his fiancee Dee Devlin announced their happy news on Instagram. The pair can be seen posing with their two sons Conor and Croia.
Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin announce third pregnancy with Christmas Eve photo
Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin have announced they are expecting a third baby in a festive Instagram post.
The UFC fighter shared the snap of his family on the social media site on Christmas Eve.
McGregor posed alongside fiancée Dee, who was holding a sonogram photo, their two children Conor and Croia and their dog, the Irish Mirror reports.
And the youngsters pose in their matching PJs as they hold a picture of an ultrasound scan showing the new addition to the family.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments
McGregor wrote: "Happy Christmas everyone, from my family to yours.
"So much to look forward to in 2021."
It comes as the Dubliner is gearing up for his hugely-anticipated UFC rematch with American Dustin Poirier.
And McGregor's striking coach claims his fighter is in the best shape he has ever been in ahead of the bout.
The Notorious faces the American next month almost exactly a year after his 40-second demolition of Donald Cerrone.
Owen Roddy has been working with McGregor ahead of the bout and recently travelled to a training camp in Portugal as part of the former two-weight champion's team.
McGregor defeated Poirier in a featherweight bout six years ago and Roddy admits the 'Diamond' has improved since then, but believes the Dubliner has improved even more.
Roddy told The MMA Bash: "I think Poirier's improved an awful lot since that first fight.
"I think Conor has improved, you know, more, since then as well.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"They're definitely better fighters than they were when they fought each other but Conor is still the better fighter. I just think he's too precise.
"Poirier is skillful, he's got good hands and he's tough and durable, and he sets a good pace but I just don't see where he beats Conor
"Conor's just too good everywhere, too precise, and too clinical with his striking."