A HONEYMOON in the Maldives has always been a bucket-list trip that risks breaking the bank . . . until now. The island of Dhiffushi offers the palm-lined beaches and crystal-clear waters newlyweds would expect from a holiday to the atoll nation — but at a fraction of the cost. Rooms at a top-rated 3H hotel on the Indian Ocean island are from just £99.39pp for a week. That is cheaper than a single night on most resort islands. So what’s the catch? Unusually for the Maldives, Dhiffushi is a residential island where locals live alongside tourists. A decade ago, the mile-long stretch of land became the first non-resort island in the Indian Ocean to host holidaymakers after its government opened up local islands to tourism. The Maldives is a Muslim country and, unlike resort islands, alcohol is prohibited on local islands. For visitors after a taste of the real Maldives, the trade-off is worthwhile. But you need not detox entirely: Guests can visit a floating … [Read more...] about Take a trip to the Maldives’ palm-lined beaches and crystal-clear waters for just £14pp a night
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BAFTA Games Awards 2021 nominees announced, with The Last of Us Part II breaking a record
BAFTA have announced the nominations for this year's British Academy Games Awards, providing a snapshot of the biggest and best games from 2020. Unsurprisingly, The Last of Us Part II features heavily in a lot of categories, racking up a record breaking 13 nominations. Naughty Dog's sequel steals the crown from Control and Death Stranding, which both topped out at 11 nods each last year. New IPs Ghost of Tsushima and Hades aren't too far behind, earning 10 and eight nominations respectively. GoT was one of the PS4's standout exclusives in 2020, while Supergiant Games' smash hit isometric roguelike Hades appeared on many a Game of the Year list a couple of months ago, including the Mirror's . The EE Game of the Year category winner is the only one decided by a public vote, with a shortlist consisting of Ghost of Tsushima, The Last of Us Part II, Hades, Call of Duty Warzone and VALORANT. If you want to cast your ballot, head to the BAFTA Games Awards section on the EE … [Read more...] about BAFTA Games Awards 2021 nominees announced, with The Last of Us Part II breaking a record
Woman, 61, killed in ‘gas blast’ which destroyed her home was on FaceTime to boyfriend at time of explosion
A WOMAN killed in a suspected gas blast that destroyed her home was on FaceTime to her boyfriend at the time of the explosion , an inquest heard. Hazel Wilcock, 61, was found in the rubble of her home in Bury, Greater Manchester, on the evening of February 18. Five others, including a child, were injured in the horror blast. An inquest into Ms Wilcock's death was opened at Rochdale Coroner's Court today. Police coroner's officer Jane Scullion told the court: "Hazel was at her home address and was having a FaceTime call with her partner when an explosion took place, causing the phone to disconnect and cut off. "All emergency services attended the scene. "Ms Wilcock's property was completely destroyed and there was damage to two neighbouring properties. "Ms Wilcock was in a seating position, on the sofa, at the time of the FaceTime call." Ms Scullion said the fire service has not gathered any evidence of "suspicious activity" and other investigations are still … [Read more...] about Woman, 61, killed in ‘gas blast’ which destroyed her home was on FaceTime to boyfriend at time of explosion
Manchester Arena inquiry: Firefighters were ‘in tears’ after failing to attend 2017 bombing which killed 22
Firefighters were in tears and turned their backs on a senior commander at a debrief as they sought answers from senior officers about why they had not been deployed to the scene of the Manchester Arena attack, the inquiry has heard. The inquiry was told that a tearful paramedic approached firefighters and asked why they were "just stood around" at a fire station a mile from the attack . Group Manager Alan Topping, duty command support officer on the night of the attack, told the inquiry that firefighters were ashamed and emotional in the aftermath of the attack in which the service did not arrive at the scene until two hours after the explosion. The officer, who had 29 years of experience, is the first who was present on the ground to give evidence to the inquiry and said that by the time firefighters arrived it was too late to help. John Cooper QC, for the victims' families, asked about a "hot" debrief soon after the attack with Assistant Chief Fire Officer Geoff … [Read more...] about Manchester Arena inquiry: Firefighters were ‘in tears’ after failing to attend 2017 bombing which killed 22
Actor Gerard Depardieu, 72, breaks his silence after being charged with rape and says ‘I am innocent’
FRENCH actor Gérard Depardieu has spoken for the first time about being charged with raping and sexual abusing a young actress, saying: "I am innocent." The 72-year-old film star broke his silence on Thursday after Paris prosecutors confirmed he faced trial and prison for the attacks allegedly carried out at his £45million mansion in 2018 . "There is no proof, there is nothing against me and therefore I am very serene," Depardieu said in an interview in Italy’s La Repubblica. "I can only reject all the accusations as clearly as possible, as I’ve already done in front of the investigators." Depardieu noted that the accusations made by the 22-year-old complainant, who cannot be named because of legal reasons, were originally thrown out by examining magistrates following nine months of enquiries. He said: "For me, the investigation was closed for lack of evidence. In court, I will reaffirm my innocence. I am innocent and I have nothing to fear." The actor, who is … [Read more...] about Actor Gerard Depardieu, 72, breaks his silence after being charged with rape and says ‘I am innocent’