Police are searching for an 11-year-old boy who has been reported missing in Stockport.
Anthony Lever was last seen yesterday afternoon and is not believed to have any money or a phone with him.
The last time Anthony was sighted, he was wearing a black McKenzie bubble coat, a yellow top with a PlayStation logo, pale blue jeans, and black trainers.
Officers say they are becoming ‘increasingly concerned’ for the young boy.
Anthony Lever was last seen on Hardman Street in Edgeley at around 12pm on Sunday 15 May.
A statement from GMP said: “Anthony is not believed to be in possession of a mobile phone and does not have access to funds.
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“Officers want to make sure he is safe and well – anyone with information about Anthony’s whereabouts should contact police on 0161 856 9774.”
Featured image: GMP
Stockport
The UK’s biggest padel event lands in Stockport with an all-star cast of top professionals
Danny Jones
On Monday, 10 August, what was billed as the UK’s ‘biggest and best’ padel event got underway in Stockport, as the Sci-Mx Padel Series came to Manchester Padel Club (MPC). Safe to say it didn’t disappoint one bit.
Hosted at the impressive Heald Green facility in Gatley, the Summer 2026 tournament, which saw everyone from total beginners to the cream of the crop turn up in force and fine form, drew a sold-out crowd of over 400 – and that was just the first day.
Running until 5pm this following Tuesday (11 Aug), the competition saw four all-weather and one outdoor courts taken over by padel’s hottest prospects and plenty of plucky underdogs.
More importantly, however, chatting with those not only right at the heart of this particular sporting showcase but the game as a whole gave us a wider appreciation for the craze than ever.
Credit: The Manc Group
First off, props must be given to Sci-Mx and the MPC, which put on a super slick opening afternoon, with plenty of live music, refreshments, bleacher seating, not to mention merch to grab for those who really want to look the part.
Besides the usual trickle of famous faces you regularly see at pro-am events across the country, they even had sports commentator Sam Matterface on the mic to add that extra bit of live flair to the action.
We expect no less for day two tomorrow.
We were lucky enough to catch everyone from last-minute sign-ups and people who have never picked up a racket before to the literal number ones, including UK no.1 Christian Medina Murphy (born in Preston to Mancunian parentage) and even Agustín Tapia, currently ranked the best player in the world.
The men’s exhibition to round off day one at Manchester Padel Club – which saw these two come face to face with separated partners – showed just how fast the best of the best play, demonstrating a frightening level of talent; you can watch the full livestream HERE.
But, to be honest, we were pretty blown away by the high standards from the off, even among the so-called ‘amateurs’ the sports nutrition brand assembled. They certainly didn’t look it to us…
Credit: The Manc
Sarah Horrocks, who heads up the Padel Foundation and partnered sports apparel brand, Palair Sport, was made up with the “family-friendly atmosphere” they’ve managed to deliver on opening day, too.
“It’s very much been a ‘bring anyone along’ approach”, she told The Manc, “and that’s exactly what communities need when it comes to sport. The turnout’s been amazing, especially on Monday.
“You can always fill a padel court these days, but lots of people will have never seen this level before, so having everyone here is special, and hopefully, it’ll inspire the kids and adults here to keep playing and influence that next generation.”
We also got to chat with Team GB padel player, Nikhil Mohindra, who spoke about how impressed he was with the calibre of talent on show even before the pros stepped out.
“It’s such a privilege to be involved with Sci-Mx and the Manchester Padel Club. It’s a very professional put-together event. It’s also exciting to see Sarah and the Foundation continuing to give people who’ve never had the chance to play sport full stop, let alone just padel, in underprivileged areas.
“Getting to not only play and film some content with the best players in the world, but also teach and instruct some of these younger players how to actually hit these shots – it’s a really unique opportunity to do that, so it’s an honour to be involved.”
Sarah and NikhilCredit: The Manc
As absolutely useless beginners ourselves, we also asked him for some useful tips to help us get started.
“I think in tennis you try and hit through the ball, whereas here, the softer you play, the better, as it’s a much more tactical sport; it’s about positioning, and because the courts are only 20×10, it’s about finding those gaps. The lob is the main shot here, so get used to using that and the glass as early as possible.”
Asking the pair what it is that they think has inspired this ongoing padel phenomenon and boom in courts opening across the North West, they believe it has a hugely “wide appeal”, with everyone from youngsters, ex-pros and even current athletes looking for something to mix up their schedule.
They also think a key part of its rapid growth here in the UK also comes down to how quickly people can improve, with Nikhil quipping that once people go online and check out the points, they’re often easily “tempted to come and give it a go for themselves.”
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As for Sci-Mx, locally-born owner Sandy Chadha made it clear how key that element of access and the aim of making it for everyone was a core pillar of the event. Speaking ahead of the first ball, he said: “This is a massive coup for the Manchester Padel Community.
“We are bringing top-class talent to the region and throwing the doors open for two unforgettable days of world-class talent. It was important to me that accessible to all fans, whether you’re a first-timer or play every week; the aim is to bring everyone together in this state-of-the-art facility to watch the best players on the globe face off in my hometown.”
Some of the best on planetAnd quite literally the best in the world, Agustín Tapia
After seeing the rapturous applause from the intimate but packed-out crowd at Manchester Padel Club on a random Monday evening, we can confidently say we’re more keen to try our hand at it than ever.
Last but not least, if you fancy doing your bit for a good cause, you can donate to the Padel Foundation’s ‘Sport For Everyone’ fundraiser right HERE.
All the restaurants, bars and cafes opening in Stockport’s brand-new neighbourhood, Weir Mill
Daisy Jackson
Weir Mill is quickly shaping up to be one of Stockport’s hottest new hangouts.
Capital & Centric’s £60m transformation of the historic riverside mill isn’t just bringing 253 new homes to the town centre – the developers are planning to pack the new neighbourhood with independent places to eat, drink, and spend time.
Set beneath the iconic viaduct and overlooking the River Mersey, the development is swapping spinning mules for Sunday roasts, cocktails, books and buzzing bars.
With a string of exciting independents now confirmed, here’s a list of the restaurants and bars coming to Stockport’s Weir Mill.
1. Social Osteria
Social Osteria is opening at Weir Mill in Stockport
If your ideal evening involves a plate of fresh pasta, a crisp glass of wine, and nattering over dessert with friends, Social Osteria might be your new favourite spot.
The team behind Poynton’s award-winning Social Trattoria are opening a brand-new Italian concept inside Weir Mill, serving fresh pizzas, homemade pasta, small plates and plenty of aperitivos.
Inspired by the traditional Italian osteria, the focus is on simple food done really well in a relaxed setting where nobody’s rushing you out of the door.
The restaurant itself sounds just as appealing as the menu. It’ll make the most of Weir Mill’s industrial heritage with exposed brickwork, vaulted ceilings and even an original kiln still in place, while outside there’s riverside seating that’s practically made for sunny afternoons with a spritz in hand.
2. The Jane Eyre
The Jane Eyre Sunday roast. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Jane Eyre bar and restaurant in Chorlton. Credit; The Manc Group
Already a favourite in Manchester, The Jane Eyre is making the move to Stockport with a neighbourhood bar and restaurant that promises to be as cosy as it is stylish.
Think candlelit tables, warm lighting, mid-century interiors and a soundtrack that carries you from an after-work drink into a full evening out. On the menu will be simple cocktails, local beers, carefully chosen wines and sharing plates, alongside what the team hopes will become one of Stockport’s must-try Sunday roasts.
The team say creating atmosphere is just as important as creating great food, making this the sort of place you’ll pop into for one drink… and somehow still be there three hours later.
3. Bodega Wine Bar
Bodega Wine Bar is coming to Weir Mill. Credit: Supplied
Wine bars have had a bit of a glow-up in recent years, and Bodega is bringing that laid-back European vibe to Stockport.
Expect natural wines, low-intervention bottles, cold lager on tap, generous sharing boards and shelves stocked with bottles you won’t find in your local supermarket. It’s designed to feel relaxed rather than intimidating, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just fancy a decent glass after work.
The real talking point, though, is the Cellar Club. Members can store their own wine collection inside Weir Mill’s restored Engine Room and have bottles served whenever they visit for a small corkage fee.
Whether you’re squirrelling away supermarket bargains or something a bit more special, it’s a clever twist that’s set to make Bodega unlike anywhere else in the UK.
4. Prologue
Early artist impressions of Prologue in Stockport
Bookshops are having a moment, and Prologue wants to prove they’re about far more than simply buying books.
Created by the team behind Bramhall favourite Simply Books, the new space combines bookshelves with a café, wine bar and packed events programme. Pop in for your morning coffee and pastry, browse the latest releases over lunch or settle in with a glass of wine later in the evening.
Author talks, book clubs, comedy nights, live music, writing workshops and language classes are all planned, making Prologue feel more like a community living room than your average bookshop.
5. Rita Ray’s
A sports bar dedicated to women’s sports is opening in Stockport. Credit: Capital & Centric
Perhaps the most unique arrival at Weir Mill is Rita Ray’s, set to become the North’s first women’s-led sports bar.
Created by founder Becky Brown, the venue will champion women’s sport while keeping everything people love about a great sports bar: big screens, lively crowds, good drinks and plenty of atmosphere.
Importantly, it’s designed for everyone, whether you’re a lifelong football fan or simply looking for somewhere friendly to meet up.
Away from matchdays, Rita Ray’s will keep the calendar busy with run clubs, fitness classes, quiz nights, book clubs and community events. By day it’ll be family-friendly, before transforming into a lively social spot once the evening rolls around.
Weir Mill is officially set to open later this month.
Daisy Jackson -
16th May 2022 
