The family of Keano Byrne, who was found dead in a Greater Manchester beauty spot this month, have issued a heartbreaking tribute to him – including words from his three-year-old daughter.
Keano, 26, has been described as a ‘happy-go-lucky kind lad’ who was adored by his family.
The tributes shared by his parents through Greater Manchester Police all describe a doting father who ‘spent all his love’ on his young child.
Keano’s family also shared some words from his daughter, the ‘love of his life’, who said: “My eyes are green apples like my mummy, but my daddy has brown apples. My daddy is helping the angels, he loves me, and I love him.”
Keano’s father said: “Keano will always be remembered as a happy-go-lucky kind lad, he was always cheeky growing up with a good heart.
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“He was adored by all his family including his two sisters, brother, and his mum but most of all by his three-year-old daughter who was the love of his life.
Keano Byrne. Credit: GMP
“Since she was born, he always had a spring in his step and he was determined to make her life the best it could be, all his love was spent on her.
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“He adored her and although his time was short with her, his family and loved ones knew how much she meant to Keano and how much he meant to her.
“He was robbed of life, and he will never see his daughter grow up. We all miss him so much and we will always remember Keano for all joy he brought to our lives.
“Our Keano has been taken from us far too soon and we are now left with a huge hole in all our hearts that will not be filled. I have no doubt Keano’s legacy with go on forever, we all miss you so much Keano.”
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Also paying tribute to him, Keano’s mother said: “To the apple of my eye, my son Keano. You kept me going and I will no longer have that spark between us anymore now you are gone.
“You were everything to me, you are my baby boy and always will be. All I ever wanted from you; you gave to me. I will cherish your memory and make sure your little girl is happy and safe.
“I will never forget you and I will love you forever, keep lighting up with the smile of yours. Sleep tight son, love always, Mum.”
And his sisters said: “One minute you’re there, and now your gone. Words could never describe the part that has gone from our hearts.
“We were and always will be proud of the person you became; you fought every obstacle and every distraction that came your way. You were the happiest person and no matter what, you always had that smile on your face.
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“We love you and will never ever forget you, see you again someday, our little brother.”
Keano Byrne was tragically found dead in the water at Reddish Vale Country Park on Friday 7 April, weeks after he was reported missing.
A post-mortem examination found the cause of his death to be inconclusive with the investigation continuing.
Keano’s family have asked for privacy while they grieve for their loss.
Featured image: GMP
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Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year
Emily Sergeant
Digital driving licences are set to be introduced across the UK later this year, it has been announced.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle has announced today that, before 2025 is out, Brits will be given the option to use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person, as well as proving their right to drive.
A mobile driver’s licence is set to be one of the first digital documents in a GOV.UK wallet app that’s being launched later this year.
— Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (@SciTechgovuk) January 21, 2025
The new wallet will allow users to securely store Government-issued documents on their phone, such as DBS checks, Veteran Cards, and loads more, as well as driving licences, and use them easily when needed by making use of a range of security features that are built into modern smart phones – including facial recognition checks.
According to the Government, the new service means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost.
Traditional physical documents will still remain available, however.
Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year / Credit: GDS
The mobile driver’s licence will be piloted later in 2025, and all Government services will have to offer a digital alternative, alongside paper or card credentials, by the end of 2027 under plans set out by the blueprint for digital Government.
“This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID,” commented Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone.”
Featured Image – Pxhere
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Plans to bring Greater Manchester’s rail services onto the Bee Network unveiled
Emily Sergeant
Ambitious plans to bring all rail services in Greater Manchester onto the Bee Network have been unveiled this week.
After the success of all the region’s buses returning to local control at the start of the year, Mayor Andy Burnham has set out Greater Manchester’s step-by-step plan to bring rail into the Bee Network by 2028, working alongside the rail industry to do this as the next part of his joined-up ‘London-style’ public transport system, which is intended to boost passenger numbers, and drive growth across the region.
Developed in partnership with the rail industry, Department for Transport (DfT) and Shadow Great British Rail, Mr Burnham says his plan is aimed at not only improving transport but unlocking major regeneration and housing opportunities on land around the region’s stations too.
Greater Manchester’s proposition is for eight commuter rail lines, covering 64 stations, to be brought into the Bee Network in three phases over the next five years.
Under the plan, the first two lines – which will work to connect Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge, in Tameside – will join the Bee Network by December 2026, and then a further 32 stations, and all lines within Greater Manchester, would join by 2030.
Not only that, but Greater Manchester leaders have also committed to working with the Government and the rail industry to “improve reliability” and “implement service changes” to help drive growth too.
If all goes to plan, the first branded Bee Network train will be running by the end of 2026.
Bus, tram and train will finally be united in a tap-in, tap-out payment system with a daily cap offering much better value for money than existing rail fares.
Another major change is that TfGM has said it will work with the rail industry to accelerate the delivery of accessibility improvements – with more than 60% of stations on the eight lines set to have step-free access by 2028, compared to 43% at the end of 2024.
“Our rail system today is acting as a brake on growth and, as the UK’s fastest growing city-region, Greater Manchester deserves better,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, as he unveiled his plans this week.
“We need a railway that is reliable and fully integrated with the rest of the Bee Network to drive growth and deliver new homes with public transport connections on the doorstep.
“Our plan puts passengers first by delivering a simplified, joined-up public transport network, with better services, stations and overall experience. Only by making travel by train more reliable, simpler, flexible and accessible to everyone, will we convince more people to leave the car at home and make the switch to the Bee Network.”
Daisy Jackson -
27th April 2023 
