Chinese state media have seized on Paul Keating’s much-criticized meeting with the country’s top foreign affairs official, praising the Labor hero as an “insightful Australian”.

Mr Keating has become a prominent critic of Australia’s approach to the United States and China, speaking with the economic powerhouse’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, in Sydney during a diplomatic visit on Thursday.

Pictures of the pair’s meeting at the Chinese consulate were published last night, with the Chinese government claiming Mr Keating said ‘China’s development and revitalization cannot be stopped’.

“Keating said that China’s huge economic volume and vast space for development do not pose a threat to other countries and are conducive to regional peace and stability,” said a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

“He expressed his full confidence in the prospect of Australia-China relations.”

In the footage, Mr Wang placed his hand comfortably on Mr Keating’s back and led the former prime minister into the meeting room.

Mr Wang described Mr Keating as a “world-renowned statesman” as the pair sat opposite each other in oversized armchairs with cups of tea.

In a separate article published by Global Times, China’s state-run newspaper, Keating was described as an “insightful Australian” for his vehement criticism of the AUKUS deal.

“Some insightful Australians have already realized that Australia is surrendering its sovereignty to the US,” the article reads.

‘Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating recently criticized the AUKUS deal as the ‘worst international decision’. Hopefully, such words can sound the alarm for countries interested in joining AUKUS, regardless of which pillar it may be.”

After the meeting, Mr Keating issued a statement praising the “very pleasant and engaging event” and accepting that Mr Wang’s meetings with government officials were productive.

‘Mr Wang Yi emphasized China’s ability to continue to grow strong and strong, pointing out that China is still only 55 percent urbanized – another 20 percent to go.

‘Mainly [it was] a major discussion about the geostrategic balances and influences in the world.

“He said the world will continue to benefit from China’s ability to provide relatively low-priced, high-quality goods, which will help raise living standards in the West.”

Mr Keating has repeatedly criticized the Albanian government’s approach to China, claiming Foreign Minister Wong had been co-opted into taking a “foolish pro-American stance”.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who has faced much of Keating’s criticism, released a statement noting that the former prime minister does not represent Australia or speak for Australia.

‘Mr Keating is entitled to his opinion. He does not speak for the government or the country,” Senator Wong said in an earlier statement to The Australian.

And opposition Foreign Affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham raised questions earlier this week about the format of Keating’s meeting.

‘Look what Paul Keating had to say about Penny Wong and the Albanian government. And he has been very critical of them,” Mr. Birmingham noted.

On Friday he doubled down on his position, describing Mr Keating’s “attitude towards the way we view regional security issues” as “misguided, ill-considered and downright dangerous”.

“In terms of what Paul Keating has to say and how this affects Australia, it is critical that Australian governments reject much of his vision and approach as it gives far too much gloss and ignores the real strategic challenges.

“Frankly, it was quite pointed of the Chinese embassy to seek and request that meeting, and somewhat insulting to Penny Wong and the Albanian government, of whom Paul Keating has been such a critic.”

At the opening of the Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue, Ms Wong reiterated her pledge to confront Chinese leaders on key issues.

She said she “looks forward to speaking candidly about Australians detained in China, human rights, maritime security and regional and international issues.”

Ms Wong spoke of China’s “unsafe conduct” in the South China Sea and urged the nation to adhere to international law.

Her input on the subject in the past has angered Mr Keating, who has emerged as an outspoken supporter of China and critic of the AUKUS deal.

Speaking at the ASEAN Summit, Ms Wong said: “We are facing destabilizing, provocative and coercive actions, including unsafe behavior at sea and in the air and militarization of contested features.

“We know that military power is expanding, but measures to limit military conflict are not – and there are few concrete mechanisms to avert this.”

Just a day later, Mr Keating criticized her comments, claiming that ‘it doesn’t take much to encourage Penny Wong, with her ‘deeply concerned’ frown, to rattle the China can.’

These comments prompted a swift response from Mr Albanese, who considers Ms Wong one of his closest confidantes.

‘Penny Wong is someone who gives Australia a lot of respect. “She is someone who is diligent, she is someone who is committed, she is someone who ticks all the boxes,” he said.

‘Paul is responsible for what he says, he knows that. But as far as Penny Wong is concerned, I think he is clearly wrong.”

Mr Albanese attended Ms Wong’s wedding to her long-time partner Sophie Allouache at the Bird in Hand Winery in the Adelaide Hills on Saturday.

Penny Wong has issued some cautionary advice to China’s top foreign affairs official, in a move likely to further infuriate former Labor hero Paul Keating.

Australia’s foreign minister – hailed as the country’s most popular politician – drew Mr Keating’s ire over her handling of Australia’s relationship with China.

Mr Keating has repeatedly criticized Anthony Albanese’s government’s approach to China, claiming Foreign Secretary Wong had been co-opted into taking a “foolish pro-American stance”.

She met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, but the official has also sought a meeting with Mr Keating, which will take place on Thursday.

‘Mr Keating is entitled to his opinion. He does not speak for the government or the country,” Senator Wong said in a statement to The Australian.

At the opening of the Australia-China Foreign and Strategic Dialogue, Ms Wong reiterated her pledge to confront Chinese leaders on key issues.

She said she “looks forward to speaking candidly about Australians detained in China, human rights, maritime security and regional and international issues.”

Ms Wong referred in particular to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the troubles in the Pacific and the conflict in the Middle East.

“I have emphasized that it is in all our interests to commit to preventive architecture to reduce the risk of conflict, and that communication should never be withheld as a punishment or offered as a reward,” she said.

‘Dialogue allows us to manage our differences; we both know it doesn’t eliminate them. Australia will always be Australia and China will always be China.”

Ms Wong spoke of China’s “unsafe conduct” in the South China Sea and urged the nation to adhere to international law.

Her input on the subject in the past has angered Mr Keating, who has emerged as an outspoken supporter of China and critic of the AUKUS deal.

Speaking at the ASEAN Summit, Ms Wong said: “We are facing destabilizing, provocative and coercive actions, including unsafe behavior at sea and in the air and militarization of contested features.

“We know that military power is expanding, but measures to limit military conflict are not – and there are few concrete mechanisms to avert this.”

Just a day later, Mr Keating reflected on her comments – which were widely praised – and claimed that ‘it wouldn’t take much to encourage Penny Wong, with her ‘deeply concerned’ frown, to rattle the Chinese tin can.’

Speaking to Sky on Tuesday morning, Opposition spokesman for foreign affairs Simon Birmingham asked questions about the optics of that meeting.

‘Look what Paul Keating had to say about Penny Wong and the Albanian government. And he has been very critical of them,” Mr. Birmingham noted.

He said that while the opposition “welcomes Wang Yi’s visit” and can recognize its importance, he considers the meeting with Mr Keating “pointed”.

“It is quite pointed and somewhat insulting to Penny Wong that the Chinese Embassy has sought this meeting with such an outspoken critic of Penny Wong.”

Mr Wang is the most senior Chinese official to visit Australia in seven years, a sign that tensions between the two countries are thawing after contact was lost during Covid-19.

He met with Ms Wong in Canberra on Wednesday, where they jointly held the China-Australia Foreign and Strategic Dialogue.

Ms Wong then gave a solo press conference, despite inviting Mr Wang to join her.

The meeting was followed by a planned sit-down with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The Australian newspaper reported on Monday that Keating will hold an “unofficial” meeting with Wang, likely in Sydney on Thursday.

Mr Keating has been highly critical of the Federal Government’s AUKUS nuclear submarine deal and has taken personal aim at Ms Wong.

These comments prompted a swift response from Mr Albanese, who considers Ms Wong one of his closest confidantes.

‘Penny Wong is someone who gives Australia a lot of respect. “She is someone who is diligent, she is someone who is committed, she is someone who ticks all the boxes,” he said.

‘Paul is responsible for what he says, he knows that. But as far as Penny Wong is concerned, I think he is clearly wrong.”

Mr Albanese attended Ms Wong’s wedding to her long-time partner Sophie Allouache at the Bird in Hand Winery in the Adelaide Hills on Saturday.

GARY ROWETT has returned to Birmingham as interim manager until the end of the season.

The 50-year-old previously spent two years in charge at St Andrew’s between 2014 and 2016.

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He succeeds Mark Venus, who has been at the helm since Tony Mowbray resigned in February to undergo medical treatment.

The club confirmed that Mowbray would miss the rest of the season.

Rowett will now take charge for the remainder of the campaign in an attempt to beat the decline.

A club statement read: “Birmingham City Football Club can confirm that manager Tony Mowbray will take formal medical leave until the start of the 2024/25 pre-season.

“The Club has appointed interim manager Gary Rowett for the remaining eight matches of the Sky Bet Championship season with immediate effect.

“Rowett has significant management experience in the division, having previously managed Birmingham from October 2014 to December 2016.

“The decision to act was taken at the start of the international breakthrough by the board and leadership team, in partnership with Mowbray, who was instrumental in identifying Rowett as the right manager to lead the team through to the end of the season moving forward.

“The medical leave will allow Mowbray to focus 100 percent on being with his family and making a full recovery following his recent health issues.

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“Assistant manager Mark Venus will also take leave with immediate effect and rejoin the Club at the same time as Mowbray.

“First team coaches, Ashley Cole and Peter Shuttleworth, and goalkeeping coach, Maik Taylor, will remain with the Club as part of Rowett’s coaching staff.”

Birmingham have not won any of their six games since Mowbray left and picked up just one point under Venus.

Their poor results leave the Blues in 21st place in the Championship and only above the drop zone on goal difference.

Rowett will play eight matches for the first time since 1994 to avoid relegation to the third tier.

The former Millwall boss has disappeared from management since leaving The Den in October.

He previously managed Birmingham for two years and led the club to a successive 10th-place finish in the Championship.

However, he was sacked in December 2016 when the Blues were seventh in the table.

Rowett has also had spells in charge of Derby and Stoke since leaving Birmingham more than seven years ago.

Speaking on the news, Birmingham co-owner Tom Wagner said: “The board and club management fully support Tony’s decision to take time to focus on his health and his family. We continue to wish Tony and his family all the best.

“Based on Tony’s decision to take some additional time off, we have agreed that it is in the best interests of the Club to appoint Gary Rowett to lead the team forward from the sidelines for the final eight games of the season.

“Gary is an experienced leader and has our full support.”

CEO Garry Cook said: “The team is in a challenging position. A strong leader is needed to guide the players to the end of the season.

“Tony wanted to be part of the solution, so we agreed together to identify an interim manager. Gary Rowett was the number one choice.

“We are pleased to welcome Gary back to Blues. He has the experience and passion for the Club and our loyal fans.

“Gary will have all the support needed to keep the club in the Sky Bet Championship.

“We all look forward to welcoming Tony and Mark back to the Club for the start of next season and continue to wish Tony a speedy recovery.”

By Padraig Collins for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 10:19 PM EDT, March 18, 2024 | Updated: 11:01 PM EDT, March 18, 2024

By the end of this decade, drones could hunt criminals and deliver medical supplies.

According to government plans, drone couriers could be a permanent fixture in two years.

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Ministers also expect driverless flying taxis to be able to charge their first fares by 2030.

Drones are already being used by West Midlands Police to tackle violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

Last year, a drone helped police identify three suspects at a speed and distance that would have exceeded officers on the ground.

Meanwhile, victims of cardiac arrest must be saved by defibrillators dropped next to them by drones.

The Scottish Ambulance Service will run simulations in Edinburgh after a similar scheme in Sweden was a success and saved his first life in 2021.

The Department for Transport has unveiled its plan for how regulations and infrastructure will support the new technology.

The Future of Flight Action Plan will change existing visual line of sight rules for drone pilots and convert smaller airports into launch and landing sites.

Minister for Aviation and Technology Anthony Browne said: “We are ensuring Britain is at the forefront of this shift in transport, improving lives and boosting the economy.”

The Civil Aviation Authority said aviation may be “on the cusp of the greatest revolution since the jet engine”.

Drone technology could boost the economy by £45 billion by 2030.

A BODY-BUILDING mum has revealed how she went from never entering a competition to being crowned a champion.

Michelle Fredua-Mensah, 30, from Haggerston, London, never thought she would enter, let alone win, a bodybuilding competition.

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Yet scattered around her house is a large silver trophy, a sparkling tiara, and more gold and silver medals than you can count on one hand.

The gymnastics instructor was inspired to start competing after hearing the success stories of others.

The 30-year-old only started taking it seriously seven months ago and competed in her first competition in September last year.

Michelle told me Hackney Gazette: “I think these games give us confidence.

“To say, ‘This is our body, we are happy with it, we are proud of it, we like to show it off.'”

Michelle said she has received countless messages from women who have been inspired to follow in her footsteps.

Last November was Michelle’s fourth competition, where 25-0 other athletes competed in the Pure Elite World Championship.

She won the overall title and took first place in “Mums Who Lift” and second in the “International Model” and “Fitness” categories.

Michelle hopes the industry will inspire more women, especially mothers, to love their bodies.

The bodybuilding mom will now compete in the Arnold Classic UK 2024 this weekend (March 15-17) at the NEC in Birmingham, England.

Michelle will compete in the Fitness International UK category and will be competing against some of the best bodybuilders from around the world.

To achieve this she trains five days a week at Legends Gym in Dalston.

With the help of coach Lucy Chase and a detailed plan, Michelle does rigorous strength training, over 20,000 steps per day, 15 minutes of posing per day, a macro diet and mindset training.

What the gymnastics instructor eats before the competition can make all the difference.

Michelle’s bulk diet consists of six egg whites and beacon medallions for breakfast; oatmeal before training; a protein shake after training; turkey with potatoes and salad for lunch; and skinny mice with vegetables for dinner.

The Haggerston mum is looking for another first place medal and is looking forward to competing against the best in the world.

“I started this journey,” she said.

“I might as well keep going and see where it leads.”

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Prince William joked today that his wife Kate ‘is the arty one’, as he carried out a royal visit three days after she apologised for editing her Mother’s Day photograph.

The Prince of Wales was mocking his lack of creativity as he decorated biscuits with children in a training kitchen while opening a youth charity facility in West London.

In a comment likely to raise eyebrows amid the ongoing future at the Princess of Wales, William said: ‘My wife is the arty one. Even my children are artier than me.’

It comes as Kate was said to be distraught by criticism over the picture editing row, which has seen her criticised around the world and the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency comparing Kensington Palace to North Korea and Iran today.

William also told youngsters at the OnSide Youth Zone in Hammersmith and Fulham that his son Prince Louis ‘loves sprinkles, so I’m going to put some more on here’.

The Prince continued: ‘How’s that? Alright? It’s remotely edible. Not quite as good as yours, but it’ll do. In the couple of minutes I got to do it.’

And he played basketball and celebrated successfully shooting a hoop after four failed attempts at the site, which is called West (‘Where Everyone Sticks Together’).

William was escorted by Kevin McGrath, Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham who represents the monarch at official events locally.

Later, William and his estranged brother Prince Harry will both separately take part in a ceremony paying tribute to their late mother at the Diana Legacy Award.

William will attend the event at the Science Museum in London in person, where he is set to give a speech to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary and present awards.

Harry, 39, will then join a video call with the 20 winners – although it is understood that his involvement will only take place after William, 41, has left the ceremony.

Other royals on engagements today included Prince Edward and Sophie who attended the All England Open Badminton Championships in Birmingham. 

It comes as William and Kate continue to face intense scrutiny after the Princess publicly apologised and confessed to digitally editing a family portrait taken by her husband and released by Kensington Palace to mark Mother’s Day last Sunday.

On Monday, Kate publicly took the blame for the manipulated family photograph released by Kensington Palace as she issued a personal apology for the ‘confusion’.

Kate said sorry with a statement on social media which read: ‘Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.

‘I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C.’

The photograph of Kate and her children, taken by William, was the first to be issued since the princess’s abdominal surgery and was released by the Palace to mark Mother’s Day.

It was issued in part to quell conspiracy theories about Kate, who had not been seen at a royal event since Christmas Day or after her surgery.

But it was withdrawn with a ‘Kill’ notice by international picture agencies hours later, and the UK’s PA news agency on Monday, because of suspicions it had been manipulated.

The saga intensified speculation concerning Kate, her health and her whereabouts, and raised questions over whether images released by Kensington Palace could be trusted.

Royal sources said the Princess made ‘minor adjustments’ and that Kate and the William wanted to offer an informal picture of the family together for Mother’s Day.

Kate was later spotted leaving Windsor in a car with William as he was driven to the Commonwealth Day service. The princess was not attending the service, but was understood to have a private appointment.

Despite calls for the original to be published, Kensington Palace said it would not be reissuing the unedited photograph of Kate and her children.

The Palace has faced growing pressure over the debacle with the controversy branded damaging to the public’s trust of the royal family .

Concerns were raised over a missing part of Princess Charlotte ‘s sleeve and the misaligned edge of her skirt, with other speculation including the positioning of Kate’s zip.

The picture was released to reassure the public amid escalating conspiracy theories online over the state of Kate’s health in recent weeks, but in an extraordinary turn of events sparked what is being dubbed ‘Kategate’ and even ‘Sleevegate’.

William and Kate have an established track record of issuing their own photographs, often taken by Kate rather than William, to mark special occasions including their children’s birthdays.

But the Princess’s confession has raised questions over whether – or to what extent – the images have been altered in the past.

Sky News said an examination of the photo’s meta data revealed it was saved in Adobe Photoshop twice on an Apple Mac on Friday and Saturday and the picture was taken on a Canon Camera.

Under the licensing agreement issued to photo agencies for use of official royal photos, Royal Households usually stipulate: ‘This image must not be digitally enhanced, cropped, manipulated or modified in any manner or form.’

Kate had surgery at the London Clinic on January 16, but details of her condition have been kept private, and she is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter .

While the fallout from the picture continued, William was back on royal duties today as he arrived in White City at 11am to visit West, the new purpose-built youth facility that will soon be available to young people in the area.

Kensington Palace said the site, which was given its name by local young people, will be staffed by youth workers who will ‘support young people from across West London to develop the skills and confidence they need to achieve their dreams’.

The West Youth Zone, which is a newly formed local independent charity, has facilities including a sports hall, fitness suite, indoor climbing wall, teaching kitchen and a performing arts studio.

There will also be a café which will serve hot meals costing no more than £1. 

It is also part of an education hub known as EdCity, which was developed by education charity Ark alongside Hammersmith and Fulham Council.

This centre will also include a new school, nursery, adult education centre and affordable housing.

West has been developed by OnSide, which the Palace described as a ‘national youth centre charity whose mission is to empower young people to lead positive, fulfilling lives by providing access to state-of-the-art spaces and exceptional, life-changing youth work in areas where they are needed the most’.

There are 14 Youth Zones in the UK OnSide network including in Bolton, Manchester, Wigan and across London – with seven more set to open over the next two years in areas such as Bristol, Grimsby, Preston and Essex.

In 2021, the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited OnSide’s Wolverhampton Youth Zone, ‘The Way’.

During today’s visit, William spent time speaking to pupils from Ark White City primary school and West’ Young People’s Development Group who were involved in shaping the design and facilities in the new centre.

He toured the Youth Zone, meeting young people using the four-court indoor sports hall before seeing a teaching kitchen.

William also celebrated the launch of the Youth Zone with a plaque unveiling it ahead of its official opening next month on April 21, when it will be available seven days a week.

Later, Harry and William will both separately take part in the Diana Legacy Award ceremony.

It comes as the royal brothers have continued to distance themselves from each other in recent months.

The pair did not meet when Harry spent time with the King at Clarence House following news of his cancer diagnosis last month.

In an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, Harry said ‘I love my family’ and that he was ‘grateful’ to be able to spend around 45 minutes with Charles when he flew back to the UK.

Harry published his controversial memoir Spare last year, in which he accused William of pushing him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan Markle.

It was also claimed William teased Harry about his panic attacks.

Further tensions between the royal brothers can be traced back to the early period of Harry’s relationship with wife Meghan, when his then fiancee had a falling out with the Princess of Wales in the run-up to their wedding.

The Diana Award was set up to promote the Princess’s belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better.

Both William and Harry presented the inaugural legacy awards at St James’ Palace in 2017.

Dr Tessy Ojo, chief executive of The Diana Award, told The Times: ‘It’s a privilege to have the support of both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex – particularly as we mark our 25th anniversary year.’

A spokesman for the award also told The Telegraph that Harry will be a ‘key part’ of the celebration.

‘He is scheduled to speak with the award recipients, virtually, on the evening of the awards to celebrate their accomplishments,’ he said.

Yesterday, the King appeared full of cheer during an audience with Baroness Scotland at Buckingham Palace.

Charles, who has met the Commonwealth secretary-general on many occasions, welcomed his guest to the Private Audience Room for the in-person meeting.

The 75-year-old monarch, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, is continuing with his head of state duties including face-to-face audiences despite not carrying out official engagements in public. 

He was photographed chuckling and giving a wide smile as he shook Baroness Scotland’s hand.

The King is Head of the Commonwealth but this week missed the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, although his pre-recorded video message was played to the congregation.

Queen Camilla and William attended the service along with other royals including Princess Anne.

Also yesterday, Camilla spent a day at the races as she attended the Cheltenham Festival.

Anne was also among the royal party as were Zara and Mike Tindall, Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank, and Camilla’s friend and official Queen’s Companion, Lady Sarah Keswick.

Spotted in the parade ring before the start of a race was former army officer Mark Dyer, who acted as Harry’s mentor, playing the role of a supportive big brother figure for him after the death of Diana.

 

POUNDLAND is rolling out major changes to more stores in just a few weeks, which will be a big boost for shoppers.

Shoppers will soon be able to browse clothing, homewares and chilled and frozen products in dozens of other Poundland stores.

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It’s part of a massive new makeover project the chain is calling “Project Evo,” and some renovations have already been completed.

This includes locations in Urmston, Greater Manchester, Wolverhampton, West Midlands and Leeds Crown Point.

A total of 150 stores will receive a makeover between now and August 2024.

Shops in New Malden, Nottingham and West Bromwich.

After the adjustments, all stores will offer more baby and children’s clothing for parents on a limited budget.

The introduction of chilled food will give shoppers the chance to pick up items from Poundland’s popular frozen range.

Shoppers can also purchase a £3 Poundlands meal deal at any location.

Poundland commercial director Tim Bettley said: “There has been a transformation underway at Poundland for some time.

“With our significant investments in ranges, stores and service, now is the right time to invite customers who have not yet seen what we now offer to come and see for themselves the changes we have made.”

Below is a full list of locations where renovations will take place in the coming weeks:

• New Malden, London – March 16
• Dartford Priory, Kent – March 16
• Droitwich, Worcestershire – March 16
• Basingstoke, Hampshire – March 23
• Hailsham, East Sussex – March 23
• Exeter Exe Bridges, Devon – March 23
• Cannock, Staffordshire – March 23
• Nuneaton, West Midlands – March 30
• Belper, Derbyshire – March 30
• East Kilbridge, Scotland – March 30
• Brigg, Lincolnshire – March 30
• Coulby Newham, North Yorkshire – March 30
• Rhyl, Wales – April 6
• West Bromwich, West Midlands – April 6
• Bangor, Wales – April 6
• Waltham Abbey, Essex – April 6
• Barnet, Greater London – April 6
• Nottingham Wheeler Gate – April 6

So far, 16 stores have already been renewed and these are listed below:

• Urmston, Greater Manchester
• Keynsham, Somerset
• Darlington High Row, County Durham
• Plymouth Royal Parade, Devon
• Keighley, West Yorkshire,
• Leeds Crown Point, West Yorkshire
• Coventry, West Midlands
• Chatham, Kent
• High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
• Plymouth New George Street, Devon
• Ashford, Kent
• Wolverhampton, West Midlands
• Pontypridd, Wales
• Maidenhead, Berkshire
• Liskeard, Cornwall
• Billingham, County Durham

Around 50 stores, including Irish Dealz stores, will have a makeover by April 6.

Shoppers have taken to social media to share their joy about the new stores.

A Facebook user in Billingham said their new store “looks fantastic”.

While one shopper in Medway wrote: “I can’t wait for the Gillingham store to get a makeover soon too.”

Another added: “It looks so much better there. The staff are great too.”

While a third exclaimed: “It looks amazing in there.”

In February, Poundland also completed the renovation of 11 former Wilko stores.

The retailer bought 71 ex-Wilko stores when the retailer went into administration.

The discounter quickly changed locations and opened many of the stores under its own brand before Christmas.

The 11 former Wilko stores that have been given a makeover are as follows:

• Leigh, Wigan, Greater Manchester
• Ammanford, Wales
• Peterlee, County Durham
• Leicester, Leicestershire
• Chepstow, Wales
• Worcester, West Midlands
• Bicester, Oxfordshire
• Greenock, Scotland
• Thornaby, North Yorkshire
• Stevenage, Hertfordshire
• Hull, East Yorkshire

It comes just weeks after Poundland revealed it is rolling out thousands of new products, including homeware and bathroom decor lines.

Shoppers can pick up the new items at more than 850 branches in Great Britain and Ireland and online.

Pepco, which took over Poundland in 2017, revamped its clothing departments in Poundland stores last year.

More than 550 stores with clothing ranges were redesigned, doubling the amount of space for baby and children’s clothing.

Meanwhile, Poundland is expanding its store portfolio after opening more than 85 stores in just 70 days before Christmas.

It included 10 branches that welcomed customers for the first time over two days in December, on what was dubbed “Super Saturday”.

The retailer has opened stores across the UK, including in Falkirk, Scotland, Birmingham and Plymouth.

Some of the new locations have been acquired from former rival Wilko, which went into administration in August last year.

In November, Poundland said it expected to have opened stores in 64 former Wilko locations before Christmas.

It came after Wilko’s last remaining stores closed for good in early October.

The openings come as B&M makes similar moves, announcing plans earlier in January to open 17 new locations by the end of next month.

Branches have already opened in Stourbridge, Wigston and Loughborough, with more set to open in London, Castle Douglas and Beaumont Lays.

WHSmith announced last week that it will also open 15 new stores at airports, train stations and hospitals.

But it wasn’t all good news for Poundland, which has also closed stores in the UK.

The retailer shuttered its branch in the Chineham Shopping Center near Basingstoke on December 31.

A spokesperson said it was closing the location because the lease could not be renewed.

Meanwhile, Poundland closed its store in Colwyn Bay, Wales, on January 5, leaving locals devastated.

Poundland opened its first store in Burton-upon-Trent in 1990 and today has opened more than 850 stores across Britain and Ireland.

The retailer employs 18,000 employees and serves seven million customers per week.

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A BARGAIN chain has suddenly closed a city center store – but shoppers are ‘buzzing’ about its ‘great’ replacement.

Poundland has around 800 branches across the UK, including in major cities such as London, Leeds and Birmingham.

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But Norwich shoppers can no longer visit Poundland in St Stephens Street after it closed for the final time this weekend.

However, it is not all bad news for shoppers, because the chain will open a new store around the corner from the old location on March 30.

Customers flocked to social media to share their excitement about the new store.

One Facebook user said: “I can’t wait. I’m dying to open this.”

Another wrote: “It will be so good to see it open again!”

While a third said: “I wouldn’t miss this opening to the world, I’m soooo excited!!”

A Poundland spokesperson said the chain’s new store will open on the site of a former store. Primark.

They added: “The new store will give us the space to bring our best offering to the city – including great Pepco clothing for all the family and our all-new general merchandise ranges.

“Of course, we also carry customers’ favorite groceries – all at the great price we promise customers.”

It comes just weeks after Poundland revealed it is embarking on a major new makeover project that the chain is calling “Project Evo”.

The stores will also have fresh new signage, flooring and lighting.

After the adjustments, all stores will offer more baby and children’s clothing for parents on a limited budget.

The introduction of chilled food will give shoppers the chance to pick up items from Poundland’s popular frozen range.

Nearly a dozen stores have been renovated so far, including those in Darlington and Plymouth.

But in the future, 150 stores will get a makeover.

Poundland has also revealed it is launching thousands of new products, including homeware and bathroom decoration lines.

Shoppers can pick up the new items at more than 850 branches in Great Britain and Ireland and online.

Pepco, which took over Poundland in 2017, revamped its clothing departments in Poundland stores last year.

More than 550 stores with clothing ranges were redesigned, doubling the amount of space for baby and children’s clothing.

Meanwhile, Poundland is expanding its store portfolio after opening more than 85 stores in just 70 days before Christmas.

It included 10 branches that welcomed customers for the first time over two days in December, on what was dubbed “Super Saturday”.

The retailer has opened stores across the UK, including in Falkirk, Scotland, Birmingham and Plymouth.

Some of the new locations have been acquired from former rival Wilko, which went into administration in August last year.

In November, Poundland said it expected to have opened stores in 64 former Wilko locations before Christmas.

It came after Wilko’s last remaining stores closed for good in early October.

The openings come as B&M makes similar moves, announcing earlier in January plans to open 17 new locations by the end of next month.

Branches have already opened in Stourbridge, Wigston and Loughborough, with more set to open in London, Castle Douglas and Beaumont Lays.

The retailer shuttered its branch in the Chineham Shopping Center near Basingstoke on December 31.

A spokesperson said it was closing the location because the lease could not be renewed.

Meanwhile, Poundland closed its store in Colwyn Bay, Wales, on January 5, leaving locals devastated.

Poundland opened its first store in Burton-upon-Trent in 1990 and today has opened more than 850 stores across Britain and Ireland.

The retailer employs 18,000 employees and serves seven million customers per week.

What other stores are opening stores?

A number of retailers are expanding their store portfolio after positive sales periods.

More than a dozen chains, including household names such as Primark and B&M, are bucking the trend and opening branches in the UK.

Asda, Primark, Nike and Sainsbury’s are all bringing new stores to shoppers in the coming months and years.

Asda opened 110 smaller Express convenience stores in February as part of major expansion plans.

Primark confirmed plans to open new branches and invest and renovate more than a dozen of its existing stores.

It comes as part of a £75 million investment in its UK shopping complex.

Primark previously announced that new stores will open in Bury St. Edmunds, Teesside Park and Glasgow Fort in 2024.

Wilko has already launched a comeback on the high street, opening stores in Plymouth, Luton and Exeter before the end of 2023.

The retailer, which went bankrupt in August last year, has plans to further open the shutters.

CDS Superstores, trading as The Range and Wilko, has previously said it could reopen dozens more Wilko branches.

In January, B&M said it had plans to open 17 new locations by 2024, some of which would open soon.

The Sun has compiled a full list of chains opening stores.

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As another year of Crufts has passed, dogs have shown their enthusiasm for the revered event, not only as participants, but also as viewers.

Owners have taken to social media to share sweet snaps of their puppies enjoying the prestigious dog competition.

The reactions ranged from hyper-focused and animated to lazily immersed in the events.

‘Buzz has an afternoon chilling out watching Crufts,’ @emilywhitts said on X – formerly known as Twitter, as she shared a photo of a sleepy-looking Beagle on the couch.

Elsewhere, @georgelolaboxer shared a sweet photo of George, an 11-year-old boxer looking very alert as they tuned in to Channel 4’s coverage of the event.

Ben Kristall (@BenCrystall), from Hertford, took a photo of his Terrier Maple intently tuned in to watch the show.

‘Maple has her favorite chewing gum ready for the #terrier inspection and #bestinshow! #Crufts2024 @Crufts,” he wrote. ‘And lots of barking to cheer on the #flyballers.’

In the meantime @K9Reggie took a video of their Chihuahua Rupert’s first time watching Crufts – and said it was clear he ‘wanted to be there’.

More than 19,000 dogs from around the world, along with their owners, flocked to the NEC in Birmingham this week to take part in the competition.

The competition, which has been running since 1981, is currently organized by The Kennel Club and attracts more than 160,000 spectators every year.

An Australian shepherd named Viking was crowned best in show at Crufts 2024 last week.

Three-year-old Viking, from Solihull, Birmingham, beat 24,000 dogs from around the world over the past four days to claim the show’s top honors on Sunday.

Viking, co-owned by Melanie Raymond, John Shaw and Kerry Kirtley, was the pastoral group winner earlier in the show.

Mrs Raymond, a third-generation dog breeder who lives just three miles from the show grounds, said: ‘We all dream of being best in show at Crufts.’

When asked if he lived up to expectations, she said: “He actually did, I should never doubt him because he always gives me everything and you walk in and he says, ‘Yeah, come on, let’s do this doing”.

“So he’s loving every minute of it.”

According to dog welfare and training organization The Kennel Club, the breed was developed in America as a herding dog for working on ranches and is “very successful in the show ring” because of its “attractive colors and athletic movements.”

A nine-year-old Jack Russell terrier named Zen, from Japan, who previously won the terrier group, was named reserve dog.

Viking succeeds hunting dog Orca, who last year became the first lagotto romagnolo to win the prize. The four-year-old was driven 25 hours across Europe, from Rijeka, western Croatia, to the world’s most famous dog show.

Among the 220 breeds represented at the show was an Afghan Hound that was groomed before being judged by a comparable owner.

But it wasn’t just the dogs that battled it out at the National Exhibition Center (NEC) in Birmingham.

Singer-songwriters Chris Amoo and Sting’s dogs battled it out today. Police frontman Sting’s wife Trudie Styler’s Creena Atticus Finch in Dukesarum was one of nine Irish Wolfhounds the couple entered at the show. But he finished second behind Sade Melchior of The Real Thing singer Amoo in the Irish Wolfhound Limit Dog class.

Amoo, 71, was a finalist last year with crowd favorite Paris, another Irish Wolfhound.

The 70-year-old won Best in Show in 1987 with an Afghan Hound.

An Afghan hound is groomed before being judged on the final day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham, central England, on March 10, 2024.