Greater Manchester’s leading dog rescue centre, Dogs4Rescue, has published an emotional plea for dog lovers to help secure a second site – guaranteeing a home for the alarming numbers of unwanted canines across the country.
The kennel-free dog rescue needs £550,000 by Friday (11 September) to purchase land for a brand new centre – which has already attracted high interest from property developers.
If successfully acquired, the charity will transform the rural area into a 40-acre world-class Dog Rehabilitation Retreat and Sanctuary – giving unwanted, abandoned and abused dogs a home on the outskirts of Greater Manchester.
It is predicted that as many as 40,000 dogs will enter the UK rescue system due to the ‘lockdown puppy boom’; meaning Dogs4Rescue are set to be inundated with new arrivals.
Emma Billington, founder of Dogs4Rescue, said: “We have proven the kennel-free dog rescue model works having successfully rehomed almost 1,500 dogs in the last seven years.
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“By happy coincidence we have also discovered the dogs living together as pack creates an amazing window for rehabilitation, the kind of which traditional kennel-based dog rescues cannot offer.
“We have 16 permanent sanctuary dogs here who provide a backbone of stability to our pack and are fantastic at helping rehabilitate other shut down and frightened dogs.”
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During lockdown, Dogs4Rescue took in dogs stuck inside the kennel system, as well as pooches considered to be more ‘problematic’.
But with such a high volume of dogs requiring a special environment, Emma has said that the current Dogs4Rescue centre is nearing capacity and “cannot take any more difficult cases”.
“Every day we have to turn down beautiful innocent souls who I know we could help, if we only had a second centre,” Emma commented.
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“It’s our goal to save as many dogs as possible during our lifetime, and for that to become a legacy as we teach more people how to work with difficult dogs who just need a little more time, love and patience.
“We’re leading the way with our kennel-free rescue and the second site will help that legacy touch the rescue industry to change for the better.
“Donations will be a gift to all the dogs that no-one wants now, during our lifetimes and a lasting legacy into the future.”
Every penny makes a difference here. To help Dogs4Rescue secure an essential second home, please donate whatever you can via their JustGiving page.
For large donations or offers of corporate support, email Emma at [email protected] or ring 07412361769.
Twitter and Insta: @dogs4rescue
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‘There must be a way’ – Andy Burnham vows to save Jodrell Bank after funding cuts
Emily Sergeant
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed to save the UK’s largest telescope at Jodrell Bank.
In case you hadn’t heard, back in July, theUK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced that the Jodrell Bank Observatory – which is home to the Lovell Telescope – will not be prioritised for further funding after its current agreement ends in March 2028, despite the telescope standing in its Cheshire home since 1957.
The UKRI said the decision not to continue funding priority was ‘the result of a comprehensive, evidence-based prioritisation process’.
Since the news broke, however, it has been a topic of national uproar and discussion as to how to ensure its legacy lives on.
A proud part of the University of Manchester (UoM), Jodrell Bank had a pioneering role in the development of radio astronomy, and has evidence from its emergence as a new science in the 1940s through to the present day, making it an outstanding part of scientific heritage.
The Prime Minister was pressed to address concerns surrounding the future of the site by Sarah Russell, Labour MP for Congleton, in the House of Commons yesterday (1 September 2026).
Mr Burnham replied: “Every one of my generation went on a school trip to Jodrell Bank, and there is no way that we can see its demise – it won’t happen under my Government.
“I know there’s changes that have been made in relation to research funding, but Jodrell Bank is a heritage asset for the country, as well as a research asset.
“There must be a way to save Jodrell Bank, and I give a commitment today, at this despatch box, we will find it.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Northern’s ‘Flash Sale’ is back for 2026 with millions of train tickets on sale for £2
Emily Sergeant
Millions of train tickets are currently on sale for just £2 each, as Northern has brought its popular ‘Flash Sale’ back for 2026.
A whopping FOUR MILLION of them, to be exact.
For the last couple of years, the rail operator has made life a little easier for train travellers by giving them the chance to grab one of several million tickets for much cheaper than normal – and now, with the cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt, Northern has decided to kick off the autumn season by slashing prices once again.
It means that millions of people will have the opportunity to make a cut-price journey across the north of England before the end of October is out.
With the company’s regular ‘Flash Sales’ having gone onto become a, somewhat, legendary event at this point, it probably comes as no shock that you’ll need to act fast if you want to be in with a chance of get your hands tickets.
Tickets went live today and the sale runs for three days, closing on Friday 4 September – with tickets valid for travel between 9 September and 23 October 2026.
The top local destinations with the most tickets available in the sale are Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport, Manchester Victoria, and Manchester Oxford Road, as well as Wigan and several other neighbouring towns.
A list of routes where tickets will be available can also be found using the ‘cheap fare finder’ tool on the Northern website here.
Northern’s ‘Flash Sale’ is back for 2026 with millions of train tickets on sale from £2 / Credit: Northern | Wikimedia Commons
“With four million tickets up for grabs, this is one of our biggest Flash Sales yet, and there’s something for everyone,” commented Alex Hornby, who is the Commercial and Customer Director at Northern.
“With millions of tickets available for just £2 each, our Flash Sale will make the railway even more appealing, and we believe it will inspire everyone to explore everything our fantastic region has to offer, from bustling cities to countryside and stunning coastlines.
The Manc -
8th September 2020 
