1 week agoNewsComments Off on Birth rate plunges to lowest in 50 years as Millennials shun families amid financial fears & relationship difficulties
THE birth rate has dropped to its lowest in close to 50 years.
Just 591,072 new arrivals — the smallest number since 1977 — were recorded last year in England and Wales, records reveal.
The birth rate has dropped to its lowest in close to 50 years
The figures indicate that Millennials — those born up to the mid-1990s — are not having children owing to financial problems or having not found the right partner.
The stats also show just 55 per cent of the babies were white British.
Prof Melinda Mills, of the University of Oxford, said reasons for the low birth rate included “finding a partner, housing, economic uncertainty, remaining longer in education and particularly women entering and staying in the labour force”.
She added: “Some individuals also actively make the choice to remain child-free. However, there is evidence that postponing having children to later ages when the partners are less able to conceive results in increases in involuntarily childlessness as well.”
The fertility rate — the average number of children born to a woman over her lifetime — fell to 1.44 in England and Wales.
That was the lowest figure since 1938, the Office of National Statistics reports.
The rate has to be at 2.1 children just for countries to maintain populations.
The average age of mothers was stable at 30.9 years but for dads it rose from 33.7 to 33.8.
The steepest drops in the fertility rate were in Wales and North West England.
London and the North East saw the smallest decreases.
Greg Ceely of the ONS said: “The decline in fertility rates has been the most dramatic in the 20-24 and 25-29 age groups.”
1 week agoNewsComments Off on My long-distance girlfriend wants space after her ex-boyfriend took his own life
DEAR DEIDRE: MY long-distance girlfriend asked for space after her ex-boyfriend took his own life.
I miss her so much, I may catch a flight to see her. Is that a good idea?
She lives in Germany and it would be the first time we’ve ever met, but I really want our relationship to work.
She was with her ex, who had mental health problems, for five years.
I understand why she wanted a break, but it’s been three weeks now and I’ve not heard from her. I can get a ticket easily enough and I have her address.
She’s 28 and she has a daughter of four – her ex is the father of her little girl. I’m 39. She’s 35 and my first girlfriend.
Get in touch with Deidre
Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.
DEIDRE SAYS: Unannounced visits are not a great idea, particularly as she has asked for some time and, of course, is dealing with a four-year-old who has lost her daddy.
You may miss the online chat but, for now, it would be better to respect her wishes.
However, long term, your relationship is not going to go anywhere unless you meet in the flesh.
There may be a reason this distant relationship suits her.
Perhaps she doesn’t want to get hurt again or is avoiding genuine commitment.
Three weeks isn’t long. Get yourself out with your friends or do other activities nearer to home.
But be wary about building up dreams and plans for your future when you have never met.
My leaflet, Love Online, explains more.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
1 week agoNewsComments Off on ‘Completely fixed’ rage Strictly Come Dancing fans as ‘wrong celebs’ land in bottom two
STRICTLY Come Dancing fans were left completely enraged as they claimed the ‘wrong celebs’ landed in the bottom two.
It was Halloween Week on the hit BBCcelebrity dancing competition, which saw an array of spooky themed routines.
PADr Punam Krishnan and Shayne Ward found themselves in the dance off[/caption]
PAThe former Corrie star was given a score of 31 by the judges[/caption]
One fan posted: “Should have been Wynne vs Shayne in the dance off.”
A second exclaimed: “Pete was incredible and the fact that Wynne has just scored the same as him is criminal,”
“It’s ridiculous how Sarah is held to such a high standard and scrutinised over the smallest things, while Wynne is continually nodded through for the most basic routines,” noted a third fan.
While someone else commented: “Wynne overmarked again,” along with a small video clip of a woman screaming ‘control yourself!’
And a fifth said: “Wynne is getting so blatantly overmarked each week and it’s doing my absolute head in.”
They added: “That dance was easily his worst dance yet in my opinion and yet he got three 8’s????? i’m genuinely baffled.”
PAMany viewers thought Wynne Evans should have been in the dance off instead[/caption]
PASome viewers claimed that the likes of Sarah Hadland are held to a higher standard in the competition[/caption]
PAStrictly fans claimed on social media that the opera singer was ‘overmarked’[/caption]
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Tommy Robinson faces another gruelling stint in ‘mental torture’ jail after ‘fearing he’ll be KILLED’
TOMMY Robinson is facing another gruelling stint in jail after previously fearing “he would be killed” in custody.
Today, Robinson was jailed for 18 months for contempt of court after showing a film containing slurs about a refugee at a protest.
SplashTommy Robinson, also known as, Steven Yaxley Lennon was jailed today[/caption]
PAA Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Robinson in the dock today[/caption]
The 41-year-old, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court today after breaching a 2021 High Court order barring him from repeating the false claims.
Robinson was accused of being in contempt of court over having “published, caused, authorised or procured” a film which contained the libellous allegations.
Today, the Solicitor General said he “knowingly” breached the order on four occasions.
The former EDL leader has previously spoken out about his struggles in prison.
He claimed that his prison sentence in 2018 was an attempt to “mentally destroy” him.
Robinson, who was released from HMP Onley in Rugby said he was subject to “solitary confinement” and treatment that amounted to “mental torture”.
He was released from the Category C prison after three leading judges in London quashed a contempt finding made at Leeds Crown Court.
Speaking to supporters in a video posted on Facebook at the time, Robinson said he had been a “target”.
He said: “What they have attempted to do is mentally destroy me.
“That was not a prison sentence. That was mental torture.
“That solitary confinement, all of it, everything was orchestrated and organised to cause me maximum disruption.”
Robinson added: “I could be bitter and angry about everything that’s happened, but if I’m bitter and angry I’d accept my own victimhood. I’m their target, I’m not their victim.”
In 2019, Robinson also said he believed he would be “killed in prison” after broadcasting footage on social media of defendants in a criminal trial.
He explained that he was in prison at the time and had “given up” because he did not think he would be released, adding: “I believed I would be killed in prison, I didn’t think I was going to be released.
“I had given up… I genuinely was under the impression that I had been put in jail to be killed, so I had given up.
“I didn’t think I was coming out of there.”
Robinson also told the court at the time he had received training in media law after making previous mistakes in reporting.
Now, with his latest sentence, Robinson would have been a category D prisoner under civil legal rules.
However, it was revealed that the prison service previously kept him in “complete isolation” for his own protection.
Sasha Wass KC claimed a previous three-and-a-half-month stint in solitary confinement left him suffering nightmares, severe anxiety, panic, irritability and other symptoms of depression.
ROBINSON JAILED
Today, Robinson was accused of being in contempt of court after the airing of the film Silenced at a protest in Trafalgar Square in July.
The 41-year-old appeared in the dock wearing a grey suit and waistcoat with no tie.
At the start of the hearing, Aidan Eardley KC, for the Solicitor General, said a “resolution” had been reached over the allegations.
Asked by Mr Justice Johnson whether he accepted he had committed the breaches, Robinson nodded and replied “Yes”.
Passing sentence, Mr Justice Johnson said the breaches of the injunction were not “accidental, negligent or merely reckless” and that the “custodial threshold is amply crossed”.
Robinson stood with his hands on the edge of the dock and looked up at dozens of supporters, shrugging his shoulders, as the judge handed down the sentence.
He blew a kiss and waved to the public gallery as he was escorted out and down to the cells next to HMP Belmarsh.
Robinson had been barred from repeating false allegations against then-schoolboy Jamal Hijazi, who successfully sued him for libel.
The Solicitor General issued the first contempt claim against Robinson in June this year, claiming he “knowingly” breached the order on four occasions.
Lawyers previously told a judge that the breaches included Robinson having “published, caused, authorised or procured” a film titled Silenced, which contained the libellous allegations, in May last year.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on I’m terrified for nan since grandad died – she’s hoarding and has mice and rats
DEAR DEIDRE: SINCE my Grandad died 15 years ago, my Nan has started hoarding things – and now she’s got a problem with mice and rats.
Her home is a complete health hazard and I’m terrified for her and her neighbours.
She is 81 and her house is filled with clutter, both wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling.
It’s a really old terraced property and the people on both sides are elderly, too.
I’m 35 and, even though she doesn’t need looking after as such, I pop in once a week to see if she’s OK.
The other day, to my horror, a rat ran up the hall and out her front door. I’ve talked to her about trying to get rid of some things, but she won’t hear of it.
Get in touch with Deidre
Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.
DEIDRE SAYS: Your grandma’s hoarding suggests mental illness, most likely brought on by the death of your grandfather.
Would you be able to declutter one part of a room to help her see that it would be nicer to live with some space?
If you can, tell her that you’re worried about her and that the rats are certainly a health hazard. Ask whether she’d allow you to accompany her to the doctor to seek some support – and your council will be able to advise on getting rid of any vermin.
Please contact Rethink Mental Illness (rethink.org, 0808 801 0525) and find help through Hoarding UK (hoardinguk.org).
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Scientists decipher world’s oldest map on 3,000-year-old Babylonian tablet to reveal location of ‘Noah’s Ark’
A CLEVER team of scientists have managed to decipher the world’s oldest map and claim it may show the location of Noah’s Ark.
The 3,000-year-old Babylonian tablet has puzzled archaeologists for centuries with experts only uncovering the true meaning behind the mysterious relic in the past few weeks.
The British MuseumThe 3,000-year-old Babylonian tablet was discovered in 1882[/caption]
The British MuseumDr. Irving Finkel holding the “oldest map in the world”[/caption]
AlamyThe tablet is said to show a path taken by Noah on his ark[/caption]
The patterned cuneiform tablet was discovered in the Middle East before being acquired by the British Museum in 1882.
Ever since it was found people have tried to figure out what the map-like symbols etched onto the tablet may mean.
The carvings have been dubbed Imago Mundi by scientists who say it shows an aerial view of Mesopotamia that dates back to the 6th century BC.
Ancient Mesopotamia – now known as modern-day Iraq – is surrounded by a double ring dubbed the “Bitter River,” which marked the borders of the known world at the time.
After over a month of analysing the symbols on both the back and front of the tablet, researchers now claim it shows clear references to Bible stories.
The back is said to act like a secret key showing travellers the route they may take and detailing what they should look out for.
One section reportedly says anyone on the journey must go through “seven leagues to see something that is thick as a parsiktu-vessel”.
Based on other ancient Babylonian scriptures the word parsiktu typically helps to explain the size of a vessel needed to survive the Great Flood.
Another passage also appears to show a path to “Urartu” followed by instructions on how to get there.
Urartu is believed to be the place where a man and his family landed a gigantic ark they had made, according to ancient Mesopotamian poems.
Researchers say that Urartu – also known as Ararat – sits at the top of a mountain in Turkeyand it is said to be where the ark sat following the 150-day flood.
British Museum cuneiform expert Dr. Irving Finkel says: “It shows that the story was the same, and of course that one led to the other but also, that from the Babylonian point of view, this was a matter of fact thing.
“That if you did go on this journey you would see the remnants of this historic boat.”
The Biblical story of Noah’s Ark closely follows the Babylonian version.
Its version says that the god Ea sent a terrifying flood down to Earth that destroyed humanity except for one family.
Utnapishtim and his closest ones built a huge ark after being ordered to by the god before filling it with animals.
The following six month flooding plunged the world into darkness with just Utnapishtim, his family and all those animals on the ark surviving.
They ended up safely stationed at one of the peak’s of Urartu as the flooding came to an end.
Dr Finkel added: “In this account, the details are given and the God says ‘You have to do this, this and this’ and then the Babylonian Noah says ‘I did this, this and this. I’ve done it!
“And I made these structures as thick parsiktu vessel.”
The Gilgamesh Flood story is known from several clay tablets dating back over 3,000 years.
Whereas the Biblical Flood was said to be about 5,000 years ago.
It is still widely debated if the Turkish mountain of Ararat mentioned in the Babylonian passages truly exists.
The cuneiform tablet also confirms several other things to scientists.
One of this is the Babylonian’s belief in the God of creation Marduk and other mythical monsters such as scorpion-man and a lion-headed bird called Anzu.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Cult favourite car brand to BRING BACK model 40 years after it was discontinued as part of ambitious ‘revival strategy’
A CULT favourite car brand has announced the return of a model discontinued 40 years ago as part of an ambitious “revival strategy”.
Lancia has unveiled the first picture of the new Gamma which is set to be the Italian brand’s new flagship motor in 2026.
Lancia GammaLancia’s Gamma is set to be the Italian brand’s new flagship motor in 2026[/caption]
The new car will incorporate elements from the Stellantis model and the upcoming Peugeot 3008.
Upon release, it will feature options for both combustion and electric powertrains.
Little is known about the design of the eagerly awaited new Gemma.
Reports indicate that it will feature a sleek, rakish design, with a mid-sized crossover.
Luca Napolitano, Lancia CEO, said: “The new Lancia Gamma represents a milestone in our journey towards the future.
“[It] will showcase the best of what Lancia stands for innovation, style and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
The Gamma will be paired with the upcoming successor to the DS 9 and the rebooted Vauxhall Insignia, both of which will share Gamma’s production line at Melfi, Italy.
Similar to the Ypsilon range from the car brand, the Gamma will initially be available only in select European markets.
There is no confirmed timeline for its release in the UK as of yet.
This isn’t the only news from Lancia that has motorists excited.
The Italian car manufacturer recently announced it plans to release an all-electric hot hatchback – the first of its kind from them in decades.
The iconic car manufacturer has unveiled a high-performance EV version of their new Ypsilon model – and it will boast the return of their legendary HF badge.
To be called the Ypsilon HF, the electric pocket rocket will be capable of hitting 237 bhp – similar to another Stellantis hot hatch, the Abarth 600e – that will take it to 62 mph in just 5.8 seconds.
It will also come with a lower, wider suspension than the regular Ypsilon.
The new model – set to be released in May 2025 – will be emblazoned by the return of the red elephant of the HF badge.
HF is a nod to the “Lancia Hi-Fi” Club, an exclusive club for the brand’s most loyal customers of the 1960s that was later adopted by their racing and rallying team.
RALLY ICONS
The HF branding on Lancia’s road cars – or indeed their rally cars – hasn’t been offered since their Nuova Delta 2.0 HF model ended production in 1999.
Lancia’s rally icons such as the Stratos HF and Delta HF Integrale each displayed the little elephant during the brand’s glory days.
Indeed, Lancia has also revealed that they will be taking the Ypsilon HF to the World Rally stage in 2025.
Lancia is already synonymous with the World Rally Championship – having won 10 WRC constructors’ titles from 1974 to 1992 with legendary drivers such as Walter Rohrl, Miki Biasion and Juha Kankkunen at the wheel.
However, Lancia won’t return directly to the top flight of the WRC, and will instead take the Ypsilon HF to the two-wheel-drive Rally 4 class.
The rallying Ypsilon will also trade its EV powertrain for a 1.2-litre turbocharged combustion engine that produces 215 bhp.
Lancia says they will be releasing HF versions of the Gamma and Delta models at a later date.
1 week agoNewsComments Off on Tartare fish pies, Greek chicken stew & other warming Slimming World dishes that will help you lose a stone by Christmas
IT’S officially cosy season, so snuggle up with these comforting classics from Slimming World.
From hearty Cottage Pie to warming Tikka Masala, you won’t have to feel deprived or go hungry while making healthy changes.
4It’s officially cosy season, so snuggle up with five comforting classics from Slimming World[/caption]
All recipes are taken from Slimming World’s collection. Join your local Slimming World group or sign up online for even more recipes, guidance and support.
To find your nearest group, visit slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.
Chicken tikka masala
suppliedA classic Chicken tikka masala that’s ready to eat in an hour – but you’ll need a little extra time for marinading[/caption]
Preparation time: One hour, plus marinading
Serves: 4
YOU NEED:
160g fat-free natural yogurt
Seeds from 6 cardamom pods, crushed
Juice of 1 lime, plus wedges to serve
6 garlic cloves, crushed
6cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and grated
4 tbsp tikka curry powder
8 large skinless and boneless chicken thighs, visible fat removed, cut into large chunks
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 large onion, finely chopped
500g passata
4 tbsp chopped fresh coriander, plus extra to serve
METHOD: Put 100g yogurt in a large bowl and stir in the cardamom, lime juice, half the garlic, half the ginger and half the tikka powder.
Add the chicken and toss well, then cover and chill for three to four hours, or overnight if possible (if you’re in a hurry, 30 minutes is better than nothing!).
Spray a wide non-stick saucepan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a medium-low heat.
Add the onion and the rest of the garlic and ginger, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the passata, coriander and remaining tikka powder and bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat slightly and simmer briskly for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
At the same time, preheat your grill to high and line a baking tray with foil.
Arrange the chicken chunks on the tray and grill for 15 minutes or until cooked through, turning occasionally.
Blitz the sauce until smooth with a stick blender (or use a food processor and return to the pan).
Bring back to a simmer, then season to taste.
Remove from the heat and stir in the rest of the yogurt.
Stir the chicken chunks into the sauce and serve with lime wedges, rice (we cooked ours with a little ground turmeric and stirred through some chopped chilli), veg or salad and with the extra coriander scattered over.
Cottage pie
suppliedNothing says cosy comfort more than a cottage pie[/caption]
Preparation time: 1 hour
Serves: 4
YOU NEED:
450g floury potatoes, such as Desiree or King Edward, roughly chopped
450g swede, roughly chopped
1 egg, beaten
3-4 tbsp vegetable stock
Low-calorie cooking spray
1 large onion, finely chopped
500g lean beef mince (5% fat or less)
400g can chopped tomatoes
250g passata
4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp mustard powder
1 beef stock cube
3 carrots, cubed
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
200g green beans, trimmed
150g frozen peas
METHOD: Boil the potatoes and swede for 15 minutes, or until tender.
Drain, return to the pan and add half the egg.
Mash, adding enough stock to give a soft consistency, then season lightly. Keep warm until needed.
At the same time, spray a medium non-stick pan with low-calorie cooking spray and put it over a low heat.
Add the onion and cook for five minutes, or until softened, stirring occasionally.
Add the beef mince and increase the heat to medium.
Cook for five minutes, or until browned all over, stirring and breaking up any lumps.
Stir in the tomatoes, passata, Worcestershire sauce and mustard powder, then crumble in the stock cube.
Add the carrots and herbs, season lightly and mix well.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Preheat your grill to medium. Transfer the mince mixture to a medium pie dish.
Spoon the mash on top, roughen up with a fork and brush with the remaining egg. Grill for five minutes, or until golden.
Simmer the green beans and peas for three to four minutes, then drain.
Divide the pie between four plates and serve with the beans and peas on the side.
St Clements cake (vegan)
This will keep for up to five days in an airtight containersupplied
Preparation time: 50 minutes, plus 15 minutes cooling
Makes: 18 slices
YOU NEED:
Low-calorie cooking spray
2 x 400g cans chickpeas
150g caster sugar
150g plain unsweetened soya yogurt with added calcium, plus extra to serve
Zest of 1 large unwaxed orange, plus extra to serve
Zest and juice of 1 unwaxed lemon, plus extra zest to serve
250g self-raising flour
1 level tsp bicarbonate of soda
½ level tsp baking powder
25g ground almonds
100g frozen blueberries
2 level tbsp icing sugar, sieved
METHOD: Preheat your oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6.
Spray a 20cm x 30cm non-stick baking tray or brownie tin with low-calorie cooking spray (and line it with non-stick baking paper if you like).
Drain the chickpeas over a large bowl and measure out 200ml of the chickpea liquid (aquafaba), discarding any extra.
Pour the aquafaba into the bowl and whisk using an electric hand whisk until soft peaks form (or use a stand mixer).
Add the sugar a little at a time, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thick and glossy.
In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, orange zest, lemon zest and juice.
Sieve the flour, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder over the aquafaba and gently fold in until just combined.
Then fold in the almonds, yogurt mixture and half of the blueberries, working quickly but carefully.
Pour into the prepared tin and level.
Scatter over the remaining blueberries and bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden (a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake should come out clean).
Leave to cool in the tin for ten to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
When the cake is completely cool, mix together the icing sugar and one tsp cold water in a small bowl until you have a smooth icing, then drizzle over the cake.
Cut into 18 slices and serve with the extra soya yogurt, and with the extra orange and lemon zest sprinkled over everything.
This will keep for up to five days in an airtight container.
Tartare fish pies
suppliedBake for 20 minutes or until bubbling, golden brown. Serve hot with the vegetables[/caption]
Preparation time: 1 hour
Serves: 4
YOU NEED:
1 swede (about 600g), peeled and cut into small chunks
600g floury potatoes, cut into small chunks
3 level tbsp cornflour
600ml skimmed milk
1 fish stock pot
600g white fish fillets, such as haddock, pollock or basa
2 eggs
150g small cooked peeled prawns, thawed if frozen
1 tbsp capers, finely chopped
6 cornichons (cocktail gherkins), finely chopped
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives or parsley
50g watercress, large stalks discarded, leaves roughly chopped
Boiled or steamed vegetables, to serve
METHOD: Cook the swede and potatoes in a saucepan of boiling water over a high heat for 20 minutes or until tender.
Meanwhile, put the cornflour and three tbsp of milk in a small bowl, mix to make a paste and set aside.
Put the rest of the milk and the stock pot in a large non-stick saucepan over a low heat and bring to a simmer.
Add the fish and cook for eight minutes, then lift the fish on to a plate with a slotted spoon and cool slightly.
Leave the milk in the pan as you’ll need it again later.
While the fish is cooking, cook the eggs in a saucepan of boiling water over a high heat for nine to ten minutes.
Drain and cool in a bowl of cold water, then peel and slice lengthways.
Preheat your oven to 220C/200C fan/gas mark 7.
When the fish is cool enough to handle, break it into large flakes, discarding any skin and bones.
Divide between four individual ovenproof pie dishes, about 400ml each (if you don’t have anything like this, just use one big ovenproof dish). Top with the prawns and eggs.
Stir the cornflour paste into the pan of milk and bring to the boil over a medium-high heat, then simmer until thickened, stirring often.
Cook for another minute, then remove from the heat and stir in the capers, cornichons, herbs, watercress and some salt and pepper.
Pour the sauce into the pie dishes and leave to cool slightly.
Drain the swede and potatoes, return to the pan and mash until smooth.
Season well with black pepper and spoon the mash over the top of each pie dish, making a good seal with the edge of the dishes.
Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling, golden brown. Serve hot with the vegetables.
Greek chicken stew
suppliedServe hot with your favourite vegetables and tagliatelle pasta[/caption]
Preparation time: 1 hour
Serves: 4
YOU NEED:
Low-calorie cooking spray
8 skinless and boneless chicken thighs
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbsp tomato purée
400g can cherry tomatoes in juice (or chopped tomatoes)
2 level tbsp clear honey
1 small cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
50g reduced-fat feta cheese, crumbled
Boiled or steamed vegetables, to serve
400g boiled dried tagliatelle
METHOD: Spray a large non-stick saucepan or casserole pan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium-high heat.
Add the chicken thighs and brown on both sides, then lift on to a plate and set aside.
Add the onion, garlic and two tbsp water to the pan. Cover and cook over a medium-low heat for six to seven minutes until just soft.
Stir in 100ml boiling water, the tomato purée, cherry tomatoes and their juices, honey, cinnamon stick, cloves and bay leaves and season lightly.
Return the chicken to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
Uncover the pan and cook for a further 20 minutes or until the sauce has reduced and thickened and the chicken is cooked and tender, turning the chicken occasionally.
Divide between bowls and scatter over the feta. Serve hot with your favourite vegetables and tagliatelle pasta.
Previously £389, it’s currently on offer at very.co.uk for £334.
SAVE: £55
Cheap treat
TescoGet a tub of Haribo for £3.50 with your Tesco Clubcard[/caption]
STOCK up on Halloween treats at Tesco. A tub of Haribo is usually £5, but use a Tesco Clubcard and get it for £3.50.
SAVE: £1.50
What's new?
CELEBRATE Halloween with Chipotle’s 40-per-cent-off “Boorito” deal.
Get a burrito, bowl, taco or quesadilla for £6 (usually around £9-10) from 3pm in Chipotle restaurants on October 31.
Top swap
Mountain WarehouseThese stylish Mountain Warehouse boots are on offer for £79.99[/caption]
Get a pair at Aldi this week for £16.99Aldi
GET ready for winter dog walks.
These stylish Mountain Warehouse boots are on offer for £79.99, but get a pair at Aldi this week for £16.99.
SAVE: £63
Little helper
FRONTLINE workers can take advantage of Blue Light Card discounts this half-term, including 25 per cent off visits to Twycross Zoo and 35 per cent off at West Midlands Safari Park.
