search
date/time
Lancashire Times
A Voice of the Free Press
frontpagebusinessartscarslifestylefamilytravelsportsscitechnaturefictionCartoons
No cookies. No tracking. No advertising.
89%
11%
Renewable vs. non-renewable power generation across the region (updated every 30 minutes)
Renewables includes biomass(1.8%), nuclear(23.4%), solar(0.1%) and wind(64.4%). Excludes imports
Cyber War: Why We’re All Foot Soldiers Now
In the shadowy world of cybercrime, the battlefield is digital, the weapons are psychological, and the targets - increasingly - are us. From rogue hackers to state-sponsored actors, the tactics are evolving. Gone are the days of clumsy spam emails from imaginary princes.
Generic cyber attack image Pexels
NASA Picture of the Day: Orion and the Running Man
show more/less
Few cosmic vistas can excite the imagination like The Great Nebula in Orion. Visible as a faint, bland celestial smudge to the naked-eye, the nearest large star-forming region sprawls across this sharp colorful telescopic image. Designated M42 in the Messier Catalog, the Orion Nebula's glowing gas and dust surrounds hot, young stars. About 40 light-years across, M42 is at the edge of an immense interstellar molecular cloud only 1,500 light-years away that lies within the same spiral arm of our Milky Way galaxy as the Sun.
Asteroid Flybys Over the next 7 Days
NameDateMin Dia. (m)Max Dia. (m)Rel. Velocity (mph)Miss Distance (miles)
(2023 WK3)18th Nov21548041,30617,745,076
(2025 RK1)18th Nov17038027,1517,221,951
3361 Orpheus (1982 HR)19th Nov32873420,3043,525,275
(2010 XC15)21st Nov13430057,40145,193,946
Expert Shares Five Tips For Preventing Phone Theft
Image: Spusu
Figures from police forces across the UK have revealed a national surge in mobile phone thefts, with more than 225 devices stolen every day. The data, which was obtained through Freedom of Information requests, shows there were at least 83,900 phone theft offences recorded in the 12 months to July 2024 — almost double the five years previously.
12:00 AM 11th October 2025
Sleeping With Your Smartphone? Experts Explain The Hidden Health Risks
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
It’s reported that more than 7 in 10 people sleep with their phones next to them (71%), an alarming dependency that carries risks.2 With this in mind, Martin Seeley, Senior Sleep Expert at MattressNextDay, has revealed the hidden health risks of sleeping next to your phone and spoke to Dr. Hana Patel to find out if phones really do cause cancer.
12:00 AM 4th October 2025
England Has The Unhappiest Children In Europe – Will Rejecting Smartphones Help?
Image by Pexels from Pixabay
England apparently has the unhappiest children in Europe. One-in-five English children have a mental health issue, as well as one-in-four young people aged 16 to 24. A combination of factors is to blame for this crisis in youth health, but the effects of one in particular has shown worrying effectiveness in crushing youth happiness – mobile phone addiction.
12:00 AM 22nd September 2025
The Rise of the Relationship-Driven Lender: Why People Still Matter in a Digital World
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
In today’s fast-moving world of finance—shaped increasingly by automation, artificial intelligence, and algorithmic decision-making—the idea that relationships still matter might seem a little old-fashioned. But for businesses across Lancashire and beyond, especially SMEs navigating uncertainty and change, trusted human connections remain not just relevant, but essential.
12:00 AM 13th September 2025
Top Tips To Prevent A Devastating Cyber-Attack Before The Year-End
A technology expert has shared his advice on how businesses can avoid a crippling cyber-attack. As we enter the last quarter of the year, Roy Shelton, CEO of managed services provider Connectus Group warned that business leaders needs to be increasingly vigilant to rising threats. Mr Shelton said: “Hostile actors thrive on a lack of vigilance.
12:00 AM 30th August 2025
Britain’s Tech Shame: The Nation Is Neglecting To Clean Its Most Frequently Touched Items
More than 50% of Brits admit they have NEVER cleaned some of the most frequently touched items in their homes Mobile phones, laptops and remote controls are the main items being left off the list Cleaning experts share how and when we should be cleaning them, with guides to beat the filth
12:00 AM 30th August 2025
Which Tech Is Being Used To Replace The Traditional Password?
In June 2025 there was a major data leak, exposing 16 billion login credentials linked to platforms such as Apple, Facebook, and Google. This underscored the growing inadequacy of the old password-based security. This extraordinarily large leak, compiled from various infostealer attacks over time, highlights a persistent vulnerability that cybercriminals are only too eager to exploit.
12:00 AM 16th August 2025
Digital Marketing And The Rise Of Threads
After an explosive start, things have slowed down for Threads, but two years on since the launch of Meta’s version of microblogging, Threads is an undeniably strong business. While it has not yet surpassed X in terms of reach, its monetisation strategy may have already outpaced the well-established Twitter/X platform.
12:00 AM 19th July 2025
Keyhole Surgery Improves Outcomes In Cattle
A Cumbrian veterinary practice is at the forefront of using cutting edge keyhole surgery in cattle. Paragon Veterinary Group was one of the first in the country to embrace the innovative technique which involves using laparoscopy to repair cases of twisted stomachs or left displaced abomasa (LDA).
11:01 AM 15th July 2025
The Four Reasons Why AI Should Worry You
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
Many people view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the greatest thing since sliced bread. However, even sliced bread has its detractors (highly processed ingredients for starters), and there are plenty of folk far from keen to embrace AI.
12:00 AM 28th June 2025
Chipping Heat Project Wins Parliamentary Praise
L-R: Chipping Energy's Martin Hawkin, Kelvin Whiteside, Simone Hore, Paul Hunt, Keith Chase and Paul Smith
A clean energy initiative in the Ribble Valley has been hailed in Parliament as a “brilliant” example of how rural communities can lead the way in delivering greener, more affordable energy solutions.
5:50 PM 23rd June 2025
What’s On This May Half Term At The National Science And Media Museum
Prepare for a fun-filled May half term at the National Science and Media Museum with something for the whole family to enjoy – from nostalgic hands-on gaming to extraordinary interactive experiences exploring science’s big questions. As well as Wonderlab and the Kodak Gallery, this half term marks the exciting launch of new permanent gallery, Power Up.
6:04 AM 24th May 2025
Northumbrian Water Makes History By Appointing Its First Ever Archaeologist
From prehistoric settlements, Roman walls and roads, medieval villages, and industrial heritage...the North East is rich in archaeological treasures. And for the first time ever, a water company has recruited a specialist in-house archaeologist to help it protect the past, while it builds for the future.
12:00 AM 24th May 2025
Hundreds Of Genetic Links To Osteoarthritis Unlocked In Landmark Research Study
The findings pave the way for the development of potential drug treatments and personalised therapies for people living with the degenerative condition. Over 900 genetic links to osteoarthritis, including 500 that have never been reported before, have been uncovered in breakthrough research involving Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
8:11 AM 1st May 2025
Castle Howard Wins Grant To Explore Green Geothermal Heating For Entire Village
The Castle Howard Foundation (“CHF”) has been successful in its application to the Community Energy Fund for a grant to conduct detailed feasibility work into a geothermal system to decarbonise the heating of all the properties in the village of Coneysthorpe. The grant has been awarded alongside match-funding by Third Energy (a local energy company) and Castle Howard Estate Limited.
12:00 AM 12th April 2025
Five "Overlooked" Hacks To Avoid Driving Lesson Scams In 2025
According to research from Lloyds Bank, driving lesson and test scams have skyrocketed by 92% in the last six months. Nationwide searches for ‘driving lessons’ have also risen by 1,207% in the last seven days, highlighting the growing need for caution before booking.
1:00 AM 22nd March 2025
Spusu Mobile Continues Price Freeze Throughout 2025
Image spusu
As most UK mobile operators prepare to raise their prices this April, SIM-only mobile provider spusu, which joined the UK market in 2023, has committed to protecting its customers from mid-contract price increases. As a result, the company has announced the continuation of its price freeze throughout 2025. This applies to both new and existing customers of its SIM-only plans.
1:00 AM 18th March 2025
Tech Will Be A Game Changer For Stroke Survival - New Landmark Report
Photo credit: geralt
Use of technology such as prehospital video triage (PVT) could transform stroke care and boost survival rates of the UK’s fourth leading cause of death, according to the Stroke Association’s new report which comes ahead of the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan. The Stroke Association has launched its report called Unlocking potential: a bold vision for stroke care in England.
1:00 AM 17th March 2025
With More Than A Third Of Phone Users Out Of Contract Expert’s Seven Tips On How To Secure The Best New Deal
Jane Hawkes
Consumer Expert
Image by Tran Mau Tri Tam from Pixabay
Our consumer expert has advised people to check their mobile phone contracts after it emerged more than one third of pay-monthly mobile phone customers are out of contract. According to reports over the weekend, the regulator Ofcom estimates that 37 per cent of all phone users are in line for new deals.
1:00 AM 1st March 2025
Opinion
AI In Education Takes Centre Stage In Leeds
The conversation around AI in education is heating up, and Leeds is right in the centre of thediscussion. The University of Leeds, a long-standing innovator in AI, recently hosted education leaders from across the UK to explore the future of ethical AI in higher education.
11:58 AM 24th February 2025
Rising Concern Over Mobile Phone Theft: How To Protect Your Device
Mobile phone theft in the UK is surging at an alarming rate, with new figures revealing a sharp rise in incidents that show no sign of slowing. According to recent Freedom of Information (FOI) figures, obtained by The Independent, at least 83,900 mobile phone thefts between July 2023 and 2024, nearly doubling the 45,800 reported over the previous five years.
12:28 PM 22nd February 2025
Does Your Business Need To Embrace Cloud Native?
At software conferences or tech meetups, the term 'Cloud Native' is thrown around like confetti. Along with it comes an avalanche of buzzwords: containers, orchestration, microservices. But what does it all really mean for your business? Let's cut through the jargon and explore why Cloud Native has become such a hot topic – and more importantly, whether it's right for you.
1:00 AM 15th February 2025
Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind: How To Beat Phone Distractions Behind The Wheel
In January 2025, rapper Stormzy was banned from driving for nine months after being caught using his phone at the wheel. Although drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a crash while using their phone, many still find the distraction all too tempting. In this article, SIM-only mobile provider spusu offers its advice for a safer driving experience.
1:00 AM 8th February 2025
The Expert’s Checklist For Shopping Refurbished Smartphones
Buying a refurbished smartphone can be a budget-friendly choice for upgrading your device while being kind to the environment. Doing a little research helps to ensure you’re getting a device that’s reliable and worth the investment. Shing Pang, CEO of Mobile Federation has provided a comprehensive guide on what to consider when purchasing a refurbished device.
1:00 AM 8th February 2025
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 9 January 2025
Image by Bruno from Pixabay
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
5:36 PM 9th January 2025
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 3 January 2025
Image by Angelo Esslinger from Pixabay
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
11:42 AM 4th January 2025
Possible Science And Technology Breakthroughs In 2025
Richard Trinder
Managing Editor
Photo credit: geralt
2024 has been a tumultuous year for developments in Science and Technology across a multitude of different disciplines. Next year looks certain to continue the explosion with huge breakthroughs poised to hit the mainstream in space research, quantum computing and the much-discussed and, I think, under-hyped area of Artificial Intelligence.
1:00 AM 1st January 2025
AI-Driven Scams Are Targeting Christmas Shoppers With Fake Discounts
Image by BearyBoo from Pixabay
As the Christmas shopping season is in full swing, AI is revolutionising industries and enhancing productivity but it is also fueling a concerning trend: discount fraud. Coupon company Voucherbox warn of the ways cybercriminals are leveraging cutting-edge AI tools to create shockingly realistic fake websites, emails, and discount offers to dupe consumers.
1:02 PM 23rd December 2024
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 19 December 2024
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
9:10 PM 19th December 2024
Advice Accepted On Spring 2025 COVID-19 Vaccination Programme
The government has accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for the spring 2025 COVID-19 vaccination programme.
3:57 PM 12th December 2024
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 12 December 2024
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
3:43 PM 12th December 2024
Hepatitis C Infections In People Who Inject Drugs Fall
Chronic hepatitis C infections have fallen in people who inject drugs in the last 6 years.
10:17 AM 11th December 2024
Only Those With A High IQ Can Crack These Tricky Tech Brainteasers
Only the cleverest and most determined problem-solvers can quickly crack these tricky, technology themed brainteasers, created by the global engineering experts at RS. On average it takes just under one minute to solve both puzzles, which were designed specifically for World Computer Literacy Day, which is on 2nd December.
1:01 AM 7th December 2024
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 5 December 2024
Image by Angelo Esslinger from Pixabay
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
4:56 PM 5th December 2024
Diversity Must Improve In Medical Device Testing
Image: pexels-tara-winstead-7723389
The current approach to medical device trials systematically excludes large segments of the population. Women, ethnic minorities, elderly patients, and those with rare conditions are routinely underrepresented in clinical trials. This isn't just an issue of fairness – it's a matter of life and death.
1:01 AM 30th November 2024
Take The Stress Out Of Travelling This Christmas
Image supplied by spusu
Whether you’re travelling to visit family and friends or jetting off on a Christmas getaway, there can be lots to prepare before you can enjoy Christmas festivities. You might have planned your packing and wrapped your gifts, but have you thought about how to get the most out of your phone during your travels?
1:00 AM 30th November 2024
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 28 November 2024
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
4:58 PM 28th November 2024
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 21 November 2024
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
8:30 AM 23rd November 2024
What Could The Safer Phones Bill Mean For Young People?
In October 2024, a Labour MP introduced the Safer Phones Bill with the aim to protect children from the negative impacts of excessive screen time and addictive mobile apps. However, parliamentary procedures mean that, even if it’s passed, the new regulations may take years to come into effect.
1:00 AM 23rd November 2024
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 14 November 2024
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
5:53 PM 15th November 2024
MHRA Approves Adapted Nuvaxovid JN.1 COVID-19 Vaccine For Adults And Children Aged 12 Plus
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved an adapted version of the Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine that targets the Omicron JN.1 COVID-19 subvariant.
5:47 PM 15th November 2024
Anti-Bullying Week 2024: Tips To Limit Cyberbullying
Images: spusu
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 847,000 children experienced bullying online in the last year. Anti-bullying Week, taking place between November 11 and 15, aims to raise awareness of bullying in both physical and digital spaces, and to highlight ways of preventing it.
2:00 AM 9th November 2024
Armstrong Watson Launches New Cyber Security Solutions Service
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
Accountancy and business advisory firm, Armstrong Watson, has announced the launch of its new Cyber Security Solutions service. This innovative service is designed to help businesses navigate the complex landscape of cyber risk and enhance their cyber security measures.
1:00 AM 8th November 2024
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 7 November 2024
Image by Couleur from Pixabay
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
5:51 PM 7th November 2024
Latest Update On Cases Of Clade Ib Mpox
One further case of Clade Ib mpox has been detected in a household contact of the first case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) can confirm. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 4, all of which belong to the same household. The patient is currently under specialist care at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London. The risk to the UK population remains low.
10:21 AM 7th November 2024
RSV Vaccine Could Reduce Antibiotic Prescribing
RSV infections lead to 640,000 antibiotic prescriptions a year, new analysis from UKHSA, Imperial College London and Oxford Population Health has found.
4:28 PM 5th November 2024
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 31 October 2024
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
9:07 PM 31st October 2024
Finance Expert Warns Rising Phone Scams Following £1,500 Loss Over A Call
In a sobering reminder that fraudsters can target anyone, a victim’s Reddit post detailing a recent phone scam that cost them £1,500 has gone viral. The incident reveals how easily even the most cautious individuals can fall prey to sophisticated social engineering tactics.
12:00 AM 26th October 2024
Flu And COVID-19 Surveillance Report Published - 25 October 2024
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
6:00 PM 25th October 2024
more