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Woman, 20, publicly named and charged with aggravated arson in relation to Dovestone moorland fire

She appears in court today.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 14th July 2026

A woman who was arrested on suspicion of arson as part of the ongoing investigation into a large moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir has now been charged.

She has also been publicly named as 20-year-old Shania Care-Slede, from Hyde.

She has been charged with aggravated arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered, and dangerous driving, and has been remanded in custody before appearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today (14 July 2026).

After the blaze broke out on Saturday evening at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response that has now entered its third day, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.

Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.

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To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.

Residents affected by smoke are advised to keep windows and doors closed where possible.

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Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says its officers are continuing to pursue a number of lines of enquiry and are seeking to identify any other individuals who may have been involved.

Woman arrested on suspicion of arson over moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir

“While we have secured charges against one individual, our investigation remains ongoing,” explained Detective Inspector Andrew Day. “Detectives are carefully reviewing all available evidence to identify anyone else who may have been involved in criminality linked to this incident.”

As criminal proceedings are now active, GMP says it would encourage people to ‘avoid speculation’ online, particularly on social media.

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Anyone with footage or information that may assist the ongoing investigation can submit it via the Dovestone Fire Evidence Submission Portal here.

Featured Image – GMFRS

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The UK’s ‘fastest-growing ultra’ run that’s the perfect beginners race and less than 90 minutes from Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones 13 Valleys Ultra trail running race Lake District

Dubbed as the UK’s ‘fastest-growing ultra’ run, not to mention perfect for beginners looking to get into the craze, and its picturesque setting is located more than an hour and a half away in the Lakes.

Revolving around one of Britain’s most beautiful National Parks, you can get there in less than 90 minutes, and it’s also easily reachable via public transport if you’re willing to make the journey.

Let’s be honest, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys running long distances, a few hours on trains and buses is a drop in the ocean.

Founded in 2023, the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra over in the Lake District has seen a bigger attendance every year, with a 60% increase in registrations year-on-year, and with such stunning scenery to take in whilst trekking through the hills, it’s no wonder.

Some of the best vistas in ultra running

The trail and ultra marathon phenomenon is one that, rather fittingly, looks to be constantly on the up, with seemingly a huge uptake not just here in Greater Manchester but across the country in general.

A great sport to take up early and often turned to later in life, the benefits go without saying; then, taking into account events in places as gorgeous as this World UNESCO Heritage Site, it’s no wonder this particular race is seeing even bigger crowds.

Ticking off famous Wainwrights and other bucket list destinations like Borrowdale, Buttermere, Coniston, Langdale and Ullswater; the Theatre finish line at Keswick, and of course, Windermere, plenty simply turn to the 13 Valleys Ultra for the views and accessibility – especially if you live here in the North West.

We don’t need to tell you how jaw-dropping the Cumbrian landscape can be at times, but the promotion hosted by beloved running brand Altra really has put together a wonderful whirlwind tour of the region that you can enjoy on foot.

lake district trail running events
Credit: Press shot (supplied via Altra/Get the Affect)

Now into its fourth year, with people already gearing up for 2027, too, it’s fair to say that this is fast becoming one of the most in-demand trail races on the national circuit and endurance calendar.

That being said, walkers are also welcome, of course, and they also have shorter variations for those just starting out on the trail scene or looking for an easier race, but we’ll get on to that in a minute…

We’re always blown away by the people who can add elevation into already big enough tests; for instance, this bloke is taking on the biggest mountain in England as part of a wider charity challenge.

Staggering stuff.

A baker’s dozen – or even just a pair

It’s worth noting that you don’t need to do the ‘full thing’, as the organisers offer four different routes when it comes to length, with total distances ranging from 22 kilometres and going all the way up to a whopping 180km. Gulp.

The 22k/half-marathon version is a super popular choice, having already sold 70% of their entire allocation for this year, as you get a little bit of everything: an ideal intro to trail running, a mix of road and trail, the scenic course, a great crowd of mixed abilities, and once again, walking is encouraged.

So whether you’re an ultra-marathon addict, a runner looking to make things up, or just a rambler looking to cop a medal for your next outing, you can find out more about the Altra 13 Valleys Ultra, see if any of them suit you, and sign up for the 2026 edition right HERE.

13 Valleys Ultra trail run Lakes
Credit: Supplied

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Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via Get the Affect)

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Two Greater Manchester gems named in Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants 2026

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Two of Greater Manchester’s best-loved eateries have been featured in a prestigious new ranking.

The Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2026 have been named, celebrating the independent restaurants that define their neighbourhoods.

Rooted in reader nominations and rigorously inspected by the Good Food Guide team, the awards shine a light on the most exciting, accessibly priced places to eat across Great Britain.

Each year, tens of thousands of nominations are submitted by readers championing their favourite local restaurants, from bustling city dining rooms to small-town gems and rural hideaways, and then inspectors narrow it down to 100 of the best.

Inspectors visit anonymously, book like any other guest, and always pay their own bill.

Across Greater Manchester, we’re incredibly lucky to be home to thousands of independent local restaurants, but two of the very best have been featured in this year’s list – Lupo in Prestwich, coming in at a very respectable number 19, and The Spärrows in the Green Quarter at number 58.

Tucked away on a rather unassuming industrial estate, Lupo opened its doors back in 2015 with owner Nico Pasquali at the helm, and has been serving up a slice of Rome in Manchester ever since.

Speaking on Lupo and what makes it such a local gem, the Good Food Guide said: “Even though this homely little all-day trattoria is in the incongruous setting of an industrial estate, it attracts a steady flow of customers drawn by the unfussy, unpretentious vibe, the chequered tablecloths, the soft hum of Italian music, and the precisely cooked traditional dishes – from perfectly crisped Roman-style pizzas, to richly sauced hand-rolled pastas.

“To drink, there’s a modest collection of artisan Italian wines, as well as cocktails and Italian beers. The expertly brewed coffee also receives rave notices.”

Two Greater Manchester gems have been named in the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2026 / Credit: The Manc Group

A beloved resident of Manchester’s Green Quarter, The Spärrows is a modern continental restaurant which opened up in 2019 offering traditional Swabian Spätzle, as well as hand made dumplings an pasta of Central European origin.

“Not the least reason The Spärrows has been such a firm local favourite is that there is so much going on here, from winemakers’ lunches to sake tastings, it’s in those perfectly rendered little parcels of happiness, though, that the culinary energy is focused,” the Good Food Guide commented.

“Spätzle or gnocchi come with a range of sauce options, before the menu heads east for pierogi and pelmeni, with lashings of sour cream and garlic breadcrumbs to complement their richly meaty fillings.”

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Outside of Greater Manchester and looking at the North West as a whole, there are also some other impressive inclusions in the top 10 – including the number one spot being given to La Laconda in the Ribble Valley village of Gisburn, and Almanac in Glossop taking ninth place.

Read the Good Food Guide’s full list of the Best 100 Local Restaurants for 2026 here.

Featured Image – The Manc Group

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