A Dolly Parton book scheme that sends children a free book by post until they turn five has been relaunched in parts of Wales, with a bilingual book included for the first time. The relaunch in Swansea included performances by pupils and a Welsh version of Parton's song Jolene.
Adventurer Karl Bushby returned to his home city of Hull for the final stretch of a long journey that took him around the world.
Volunteers restored a neglected war memorial in Hoylake and West Kirby over 14 years, and it is now lit up for the first time in its 104-year history ahead of Remembrance Day. Across north-west England, communities also created poppy and cross displays, including a roundabout in Leigh and a railway station in Poulton-le-Fylde decorated with yellow poppies honouring the Canary Girls.
Hindus across north-west England are preparing to celebrate Diwali with food, music, prayers and fireworks at temples in Preston, Oldham, Liverpool, Kirkby and Warrington. Temples are welcoming hundreds of people, and volunteers are preparing large numbers of dishes for the festivities, including children's workshops.
