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Moment Syrians ransack Assad’s palaces & explore luxury car collection after 24-year regime crumbled overnight

WATCH the incredible moment Syrians plundered ousted Bashar Al-Assad’s palace discovering his luxury car collection and taking selfies in the abandoned mansion.

The dictator fled his country, leaving behind his homes and luxuries after his 24-year regime took just days to crumble.

Reuters
Syrians broke into Assad’s abandoned palace in Damascus[/caption]
Reuters
Families, friends, and children rushed to visit the home hours after Assad reportedly fled the country[/caption]
Reuters
The tyrant’s former palace was ransacked[/caption]
Reuters
Shocking footage showed the huge collection of luxury cars the dictator owned[/caption]
AFP
Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in days after rebels launched a surprise uprising against the tyrant last week[/caption]

Syrians were filmed entering Assad’s presidential palace in Damascus as they ransacked the home.

Videos posted on social media showed families and friends gleefully roaming the former dictator’s palace.

People were seen smiling for pictures of themselves in the home’s grand rooms.

Two men even brought a selfie stick to capture the historic moment.

One man held up peace signs as he posed for pictures inside the Damascus palace.

A grand hall inside the property was left in disarray as tables, chairs, and papers were scattered and dashed across the room.

More footage also showed the huge mountain of wealth the tyrant sat on as he waged war and suffering on Syrians.

People also entered a building near the palace which housed a compound filled with dozens of cars.

People were seen driving through Assad’s garage as they captured the sports cars and huge 4x4s on camera.

These included uber-luxurious vehicles like Lamborghinis and Ferraris.

One of the people inside the compound was shocked by Assad’s hoard of wealth and said “We are not living in Dubai.”

REBEL RAID

The ruthless dictator’s Damascus palace was not the only mansion stormed this week.

Incredible footage showed Syrian rebels breaking into Assad’s Aleppo home as they wielded AK-47s.

Insurgents explored the stately home and rummaged through his bedroom drawers.

A Rolls Royce pictured in Assad’s abandoned home
Reuters
Videos appeared to show dozens of cars owned by the dictator in a compound near his mansion
Reuters
Reuters
The garage had dozens of luxury cars like Audis, Mercedes, and Ferraris[/caption]

Rebels uncovered and released embarrassing photos of a scantily-clad Assad wearing just a pair of Speedos as a young man.

The image showed the warmonger posing with three other people dressed in swimwear.

These balaclava-wearing rebels however did not trash his Aleppo home and respectfully place items back where they found them.

DICTATOR GONE

Assad’s 24-year rule came to a stunning end on Sunday when rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group the US labelled a terrorist organisation, managed to overthrow the government in just 10 days.

People smiled and took selfies in the ousted leader’s palace
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Syrians ransacked Assad’s Damascus mansion
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AFP
People remove a government banner in Damascus as the government was overthrown[/caption]

The group launched an offensive on November 27 in the northwest of the country.

Rebels quickly captured Aleppo and headed south to gain control of the vital city of Homs.

Southern rebels launched their offensive on November 28 as they moved north toward Damascus.

Insurgent groups captured Damascus on December 8 as Assad’s regime quickly fell apart.

People posed for photos inside the fancy home
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AFP
Rebels fire into the air in celebration after overthrowing the regime[/caption]

Russian state media outlets have reported that the dictator and his family fled to Putin’s country to claim asylum.

The tyrant was thought to have left the Syrian capital on Sunday morning via a private jet which landed in Moscow.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed earlier today that humiliated Assad stepped down as president, fled the country, and begged for a “peaceful transfer” of power.

A timeline of the Syrian civil war

The sudden collapse of Assad’s rule over Syria could mark the end of a nearly 14-year civil war in the country.

2011 – The first protests against Assad quickly spread across the country, and are met by security forces with a wave of arrests and shootings.
Some protesters take up guns and military units defect as the uprising becomes an armed revolt that will gain support from Western and Arab countries and Turkey.

2012 – A bombing in Damascus is the first by al Qaeda’s new Syrian affiliate, the Nusra Front, which gains in power and starts crushing groups with a nationalist ideology.

World powers meet in Geneva and agree on the need for a political transition, but their divisions on how to achieve it will foil years of U.N.-sponsored peace efforts.

Assad turns his air force on opposition strongholds, as rebels gain ground and the war escalates with massacres on both sides.

2013 – Lebanon’s Hezbollah helps Assad to victory at Qusayr, halting rebel momentum and showing the Iran-backed group’s growing role in the conflict.

Washington has declared chemical weapons use a red line, but a gas attack on rebel-held eastern Ghouta near Damascus kills scores of civilians without triggering a U.S. military response.

2014 – Islamic State group suddenly seizes Raqqa in the northeast and swathes more territory in Syria and Iraq.

Rebels in the Old City of Homs surrender, agreeing to move to an outer suburb – their first big defeat in a major urban area and a precursor to future “evacuation” deals.

Washington builds an anti-Islamic State coalition and starts air strikes, helping Kurdish forces turn the jihadist tide but creating friction with its ally Turkey.

2015 – With better cooperation and more arms from abroad, rebel groups gain more ground and seize northwestern Idlib, but Islamist militants are taking a bigger role.

Russia joins the war on Assad’s side with air strikes that turn the conflict against the rebels for years to come.

2016 – Alarmed by Kurdish advances on the border, Turkey launches an incursion with allied rebels, making a new zone of Turkish control.

The Syrian army and its allies defeat rebels in Aleppo, seen at the time as Assad’s biggest victory of the war.

The Nusra Front splits from al Qaeda and starts trying to present itself in a moderate light, adopting a series of new names and eventually settling on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

2017 – Israel acknowledges air strikes against Hezbollah in Syria, aiming to degrade the growing strength of Iran and its allies.

U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led forces defeat Islamic State in Raqqa. That offensive, and a rival one by the Syrian army, drive the jihadist group from nearly all its land.

2018 – The Syrian army recaptures eastern Ghouta, before quickly retaking the other insurgent enclaves in central Syria, and then the rebels’ southern bastion of Deraa.

2019 – Islamic State loses its last scrap of territory in Syria. The U.S. decides to keep some troops in the country to prevent attacks on its Kurdish allies.

2020 – Russia backs a government offensive that ends with a ceasefire with Turkey that freezes most front lines. Assad holds most territory and all main cities, appearing deeply entrenched. Rebels hold the northwest.

A Turkey-backed force holds a border strip. Kurdish-led forces control the northeast.

2023 – The Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 triggers fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, ultimately reducing the group’s presence in Syria and fatally undermining Assad.

2024 – Rebels launch a new assault on Aleppo. With Assad’s allies focused elsewhere his army quickly collapses. Eight days after the fall of Aleppo the rebels have taken most major cities and enter Damascus, driving Assad from power.

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Job vacancies see sharpest fall for 4 years after Rachel Reeves’ Budget tax raid on businesses

JOB vacancies have been hit by the worst collapse in four years after the ­Budget tax raid on businesses, a survey shows.

Bosses have shelved plans to hire after Rachel Reeves’ £25billion grab.

The poll of 400 recruitment agencies found that November saw the sharpest monthly drop in vacancies since August 2020.

There were large falls in professional and IT roles, said the damning report by accountants KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

REC boss Neil Carberry said: “It should be a surprise to no one that firms took the time to re-assess their hiring needs in November after a tough Budget for employers.

“The drop in vacancies was led by private sector permanent roles.”

Vacancies have now fallen for 13 months in a row, with November’s dip the biggest.

Permanent placements are falling at their fastest since 2023.

The poll also highlighted fears over Deputy PM Angela Rayner’s Employment Rights Bill — with many firms concerned about stricter temporary work rules.

A separate report, meanwhile, put business confidence at its lowest in almost two years.

Business advisory firm BDO recorded its sharpest monthly fall since 2021, as firms brace for rising costs, reduced demand and falling orders.

Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith said the business confidence fall and “collapse” in job vacancies was a “body blow”.

He said: “It’s no wonder bosses aren’t hiring. First the hike in National Insurance, then the union-inspired ‘back to the 70s’ employment bill.

“Rayner and Reeves sounds like a firm of undertakers.

“And for the British economy, that’s exactly what they are.”

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Job vacancies have been hit by the worst collapse in four years after Rachel Reeves’ Budget tax raid on businesses, a survey shows[/caption]

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Horoscope today, December 9, 2024: Daily star sign guide from Mystic Meg

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

♈ ARIES

March 21 to April 20

With Neptune’s help, you are discovering what you already have can be more than enough – and this can mean stepping away from any person or situation that does not encourage this process.

Now you have the strength to really be yourself.

Fast music played at slow speed, or vice versa, can link to luck.

an advertisement for mystic meg with maggie innes on monday
Your daily horoscope for Monday

♉ TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

If a friendship or family bond has crossed a line, you do have a choice – but how you react may come as a surprise.

Listen to what your voice is telling you.

If you’re in love, Venus adds the ability to see a solo future that stills works for two. If you start the day single, you’ll see your soulmate when a clock is striking ten

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♊ GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Your Mars-driven communication centre may be prone to jump to conclusions, so try to build in enough consideration time to every decision you make.

What seems so clear in one moment may get complicated the next.

Work-wise, you have ambition but also insight, and see who has the skills to be your supporter.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♋ CANCER

June 22 to July 22

There is so much to learn about a situation you find yourself in – so take your time.

A solution may not be perfect but it can be the right move for right now.

The sun is strong in fitness matters, and if you have lacked energy to make a first, or final, push, it can be there when you need it. Luck lists holiday locations.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♌ LEO

July 23 to August 23

Mercury can add a matter-of-fact overview to creative plans and get a project started.

But before you tap into this planet coach, do be sure the path you are choosing is the right one for you.

That dream that keeps nudging at your deepest mind, is worth a closer look. Passion is able to compromise, this time on both sides.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♍ VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Maybe you feel you have not made the best choices lately in who to keep closest to your heart – but you have planet input to correct this.

Look past noisy or flashy surfaces to find a quiet nature with a challenging mind, and your search can end.

A cash budget may feel restricting, but there’s real freedom inside it.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

a purple circle with the zodiac signs in it
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Luck leads with a ‘D’ name[/caption]

♎ LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

Joining forces with a fellow air sign – Libra, Gemini or Aquarius – brings its share of challenges, but together you can take on the world.

And a time of feeling work chances pass you by can end.

As for love, your day can brighten when you set your own romance standards. Luck leads with a “D” name

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

List of 12 star signs

♏ SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

Pluto really comes through for you later as work and home can merge in profitable ways.

And looking back at your history supplies at least two strands of business potential.

Your ability to love with freedom but commitment, is unique and exactly what a choosy Aries is waiting for. Scorpio couples rediscover fun.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♐ SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Retracing travel steps can take you to a place you sensed could mean more to you – either as a new home, or a refuge for your heart.

Now you can make your future, instead of feeling trapped in the past.

The way you keep the working world fun without breaking any rules, is a skill that deserves to be developed.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♑ CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

The morning’s for talking and making 100 per cent sure you understand what someone in a position of power means.

Then later you can present your own, improved, version and find an audience.

Cash questions you may have asked before can have an answer, as Venus refreshes calculations.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

a zodiac circle with the signs of the zodiac on it
Supplied
In love, you can be heard at last, and find a couple’s future transforming[/caption]

♒ AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

If you know you need to be louder and more insistent, about what you believe in, this can be your day – with a mix of sensitive moon and say-anything Mars.

In love, you can be heard at last, and find a couple’s future transforming.

At work, a time of silence ends and two sides can now merge into one.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

♓ PISCES

February 19 to March 20

So often you have the most sensitive of charts, and this is one of those days – but with a difference.

This time you can use emotional energy to move forward. This boosts honesty and you are braver about being the one voice against a plan.

Your ability to engage with others makes you a natural screen star.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Horse racing tips: Templegate’s 9-2 NAP will relish stiffer test on handicap debut for Lucinda Russell

TEMPLEGATE takes on Monday’s racing looking to build the Christmas coffers and build towards another big weekend.

Back a horse by clicking their odds.

THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE

The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.

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PRINCE OF PERTH (2.45 Musselburgh, nap)

He looks to be crying out for this longer trip after a promising effort at Carlisle last time. He stayed on strongly there and this stiffer test on handicap debut for Lucinda Russell should be ideal.

BRIGHT (5.00 Newcastle, nb)

He has won well on both visits to Gosforth Park including last time when he had plenty left in the tank. He didn’t get the clearest of runs so was value for further which means he can cope with a 5lb rise in the weights.

YOU SOME GIRL (12.45 Musselburgh, treble)

She looked better than ever when scooting in by seven lengths here ten days ago. She’s climbing the weights but keeps improving and gets on well under today’s claiming rider.

METKAYINA (1.30 Lingfield, Lucky 15)

She did well in bumpers and went close over further here on her first spin over timber last month. She doesn’t need a lot more to score.

Templegate’s tips

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Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

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Heron Foods shoppers praise ‘perfect stocking filler for the kiddies’ scanning at tills for just £1

HERON Foods shoppers are buzzing with excitement over a budget-friendly festive treat perfect for the holiday season.

The Sweetastic Mallow Tree, a marshmallow-filled Christmas delight, is now available for just £1, and customers are snapping them up as stocking fillers for their little ones.

Heron Foods
This marshmallow tree can be the perfect stocking filler this Christmas[/caption]
Alamy
Heron Foods usually stocks a range of festive items during the Christmas season[/caption]

The adorable marshmallow tree is packed with miniature marshmallow figures, including a snowman, reindeer, a tiny Christmas tree, and even Santa Claus himself.

It can be used as a centerpiece for a children’s holiday dessert table, incorporated into Christmas-themed goodie bags, or even taken apart to use the marshmallow miniatures as edible decorations for gingerbread houses or cupcakes.

The Pudsey Road branch in Leeds shared the sweet find on Facebook, writing: “Perfect stocking filler for the kiddies. Only £1 .”

The post quickly garnered likes and comments from fans of the store, with one user asking their pals: “Get me some if you see them please.”

Shoppers have praised the value of the trea as it makes holiday gifting easy without breaking the bank.

With such a great price point, these Sweetastic Mallow Trees are expected to sell quickly as families prepare for the festive season.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to add a little sweetness to your child’s stocking, this treat might just be what you need!

Heron Foods typically stocks a range of festive items during the Christmas season, such as chocolate selection boxes, novelty treats like candy canes, and holiday-themed snacks.

Many of these items are offered at similarly affordable prices, catering to budget-conscious shoppers.

The retailer is also known for its competitive pricing and a focus on offering value for money, often matching or undercutting other budget stores like Aldi, Lidl, and B&M.

While the selection may not be as extensive as larger supermarkets, Heron Foods stands out for its affordability and unique deals like the Sweetastic Mallow Tree.

It comes after a mum-of-two under three explained that now she goes to Heron Foods every week and “raids” the place for cheap snacks.

Molly Champion, 23, explained that she now gets her weekly haul for just £11 – including drinks, cookies, crisps and even jars of baby food.

Showing off her impressive haul online, content creator Molly shared a clip in her local Heron Foods, leaving many open-mouthed.

Heron Foods has hundreds of locations across the UK and prides itself on offering “big-name bargains for less”.

Heron Foods was a family business until it was bought by B&M Stores in 2017.

Since then the company has expanded rapidly and employs over 5000 people across 300 stores.

The majority of locations are in the North East and Midlands but the network is increasing, with some stores already in Cardiff and Luton.

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Marriages between first cousins could be banned in UK under new proposal

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MARRIAGES between first cousins would be banned in the UK under a proposal to be tabled in Parliament.

Former Tory minister Richard Holden thinks they “reinforce negative structures and control women” and are linked to more birth defects.

Mr Holden said: “People already think it is illegal and then are surprised when you mention it isn’t.”

He said cousin marriages can be “cultural rather than religious” in “some of the communities where it is more prevalent”.

He added: “Marriage and relationships should be about individual choice in modern Britain.

“It shouldn’t be about anything else.”

“First-cousin marriage raises serious concerns both in the UK and globally.

“Studies show that it is associated with approximately double the rate of birth defects compared to the general population and can reinforce negative structures and control women.

“Building on my previous work to ban hymenoplasty and so-called virginity testing in the last Parliament, I will urge the Government to reconsider the legality of first-cousin marriage in the UK.

“Many nations and states have taken action on this issue in recent years and it is time for us to do the same.”

The Basildon and Billericay member’s Bill will go before MPs tomorrow.

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Marriages between first cousins could be banned in the UK under new proposal[/caption]

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Danny Jones McFly bandmates react as he wins I’m A Celeb – joking they voted for Coleen Rooney

I’M A Celeb winner Danny Jones’ McFly bandmates have reacted tonight’s victory – and one joked that they voted for Coleen Rooney to win.

The singer, 38, was crowned king of the jungle tonight after a battle for the top spot with WAG Coleen, also 38.

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Danny Jones was crowned king of the jungle this evening on I’m A Celebrity[/caption]
Not known, clear with picture desk
Dougie joked that he voted for Coleen Rooney[/caption]
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Danny with his McFly bandmates Tom Fletcher, Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd[/caption]

Just moments after he was crowned winner, Dougie Poynter, Tom Fletcher and Harry Judd took to social media to celebrate.

Dougie – who won the show back in 2011 – joked: “I’m actually really disappointed I have been voting for Coleen.

“You know, whatever, I think she was the more deserving winner.”

He then shared another video saying: “I’m joking. Of course I’m f***ing joking!”

Harry shared silent video of him laying in bed cheering after watching the final

He captioned the post: “Silent celebration!

“Go @dannyjonesofficial LEGEND! Deserved it!!! Love you mush.”

The star also explained the reason his video had no sound is because his wife Izzy was asleep next to him.

And lastly, Tom posted the very moment that Danny was crowned winner on his Instagram story with the caption: “YEAH!!!!”

He was so pleased for Danny, shouting: “YES!”

The pop star also panned the camera at his wife Giovanna – who won I’m A Celeb in 2020 – who looked very emotional about the results.

Danny managed 23 days in camp – and kept his cool with a python up his shorts in his very first trial.

Crying after his name was announced, he said: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart, I gave it my all, it’s a lovely feeling to be ‘liked!'”

Speaking to Ant and Dec, the dad-of-one revealed how the show had changed him.

He added: “I’ve learned time is really important.

“I came in here and just wanted to show Cooper how brave I was.

“But I’ve actually gone further than that and deeper than that.

“I never thought I’d say that, but I’m coming out of this jungle just knowing more about myself and appreciating way more, and that is, for me, is so worth it.”

During tonight’s episode Danny, Coleen and Rev Richard Coles endured the final Bucktucker trial to win a feast fit for royalty.

Danny’s began with mozzarella sticks paired with sweet chili sauce, followed by a buttermilk chicken burger and chips as his main.

For dessert, he indulged in fresh cream profiteroles drizzled with warm Nutella sauce, all washed down with a cold glass of beer.

Not known, clear with picture desk
Harry celebrated in bed after Danny won the show[/caption]
Not known, clear with picture desk
Tom shared a video of former winner and wife Giovanna reacting to Danny’s win[/caption]
Coleen and Danny were the final two
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Danny with his wife Georgia at the bridge[/caption]

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Popular garage closes for good after 40 years as locals share memories of ‘first class’ service

A MUCH loved car garage is closing down permanently after 40 years as locals reminisce over “first class” service.

Devoted customers were devastated to hear the team at Briggate Service Garage in Whittlesey, Peterborough will be shutting up shop imminently.

Facebook
Briggate Service Garage in Whittlesey, Peterborough is closing down[/caption]
Facebook
Owner Paul is retiring after 40 dedicated years of hard work[/caption]

The popular garage has provided “excellent service” for more than four decades but will see it’s last motor on December 20.

It comes as owner Paul heads into “well deserved retirement”, his dedicated staff announced on social media.

In a statement on Facebook they wrote: “Briggate Service Garage is closing on 20th December 2024.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all of our loyal customers over the years for their support, it has been a pleasure to serve everyone and Paul is now heading into a well deserved retirement.

“I’m sure all our customers past and present would join us in wishing Paul and his very able team all the best for whatever is next, and in extending our thanks to him for working so hard at Briggate Service Garage for the last 40 years.”

Fans of the garage were disheartened to hear of the impending closure, but showered Paul with well-wishes.

“Years of excellent service for all the family over the years Paul enjoy your retirement you will all be missed,” wrote one customer.

Another added: “Thank you Paul to you and your team over the last 25+ years. A truly exemplary service.

“You have worked hard and deserve many happy years not worrying about opening up.

“Although a lot of people in Whittlesey will really miss you, your team and the service you provided. Happy retirement.”

A third agreed: “Happy retirement Paul. Thank you for your service over the years . You and your team have always been first class. Take care.”

“Thankyou for everything you have done for me and mum over the years. Sooo many years you have fixed our cars, towed us home . All the best,” penned someone else.

This comes as a beloved family-run car dealership has apologised to customers after closing down with no warning.

Customers will now have to go five miles out of their way to get hold of cars from one of the world’s biggest brands.

Locals of Newton Abbot, Devon, were left baffled late last month when the Swanson Motor Company suddenly closed its doors.

Elsewhere, a major dealership was forced to close down five showrooms after the business fell into administration.

Marsh Holdings Limited, based in Exeter, Devon, has been forced to shut up shop – just months after it sold its Kia franchise.

Meanwhile, another dealership cleared the forecourt after 30 years of business – blaming a popular car brand’s failures.

Cheapest new cars in the UK for 2024

  1. Dacia Sandero – £13,795
  2. Citroen C3 – £13,150
  3. Fiat Panda £14,750
  4. Dacia Spring (EV) – £14,995
  5. Dacia Sandero Stepway – £15,295
  6. Kia Picanto – £15,595
  7. Hyundai i10 – £16,030
  8. Toyota Aygo X – £16,140
  9. Fiat 500 Hybrid – £16,800
  10. Dacia Duster £17,295

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Heartbreak for legend Paul Lim who fails to make history at the age of 70 in final of the WDF World Darts Championship

PAUL LIM’s fairytale run at Lakeside was ended in the final of the WDF World Darts Championship by Irishman Shane McGuirk.

The Singapore Slinger, 70, was aiming to become the oldest world champion in the history of the sport following a sensational week in Frimley Green.

Paul Lim’s fairytale run at Lakeside is over
70-year-old Lim was beaten Shane McGuirk
https://twitter.com/leeboyce20/status/1865855821357150681

But despite a late flourish, veteran Lim was beaten 6-3 this evening by a player 41 years his junior on the world-famous oche.

Unseeded McGuirk, 29, who is known as the Arrow, lifted a maiden title and collected £50,000 by conceding just three out of 26 sets across six games.

Overall, it was one of the most dominant displays ever witnessed at a world champ.

But he missed out on becoming the first man, across the BDO, PDC or WDF organisations, to become world champion without dropping a set.

Eric Bristow (1984 BDO), John Part (1994 BDO) and Phil Taylor (2001 PDC) reached the pinnacle by conceding just one set in their respective runs.

Lim – who wears glasses and has a deliberate, slow throwing motion – had chances to take the opening set but wasted those darts.

McGuirk threatened to turn this into a whitewash but the mostly pro-Lim crowd had something to cheer about as their hero claimed sets five, seven and eight to make it 5-3.

A scenario looked possible where Lim might fight back and draw level at 5-5 and certainly he did not disgrace himself with some 180s but McGuirk put aside any nerves to close out the contest.

A former world soft tip champion – who is 53 years older than teen sensation Luke Littler – Lim turned professional in 1973 and appeared in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship only three years ago.

At the Lakeside venue in January 1990, the year Phil Taylor won his first of 16 world crowns, the Asian tungsten superstar hit the first nine-dart finish at world level.

For that he received a £52,000 cash bonus, which was almost double what The Power got as the champion.

This was the third version of the WDF worlds, which took the slot vacated when the BDO went defunct in 2020.

Those involved in the event are not allowed to compete at the PDC Worlds, which begin at Alexandra Palace on Sunday.

Beau Greaves became women’s world champion for the third consecutive time with a 4-1 win over Scotland’s Sophie McKinlay, averaging 83.92 in the final.

After defeating Lim, McGuirk said: “Oh my God, I don’t know what happened there. I couldn’t be more relieved to hit top to win that.

“He put me under pressure and couldn’t stop hitting the 19s. I had to tell myself that I had the lead and eventually it would come.

Lakeside favourite Lim was aiming to become the oldest ever darts world champion

“After the last break, I thought I had to come out swinging and get it done. I had never been in this situation before. The first set was very nervy and I got away with it.”

Lim said: “I want to thank the crowd, the people that have been here were amazing. I was down but never give up. I always say, never give up,

“That is what you do in life. I will be here next year.”

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Coleen Rooney admits ‘I was ready to leave the jungle’ as she breaks silence on losing I’m A Celebrity

COLEEN Rooney has admitted she was ready to leave I’m A Celebrity for over a week before coming second place.

The famed WAG was runner-up to Danny Jones, who was crowned King Of The Jungle in the nail-bitingly close finale.

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Coleen admitted she was ready to leave the jungle a week ago[/caption]
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Coleen admitted she was surprised she was on the show for so long[/caption]
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Coleen had her fair share of trials while in the camp[/caption]

Reverend Richard Coles came in third place, ending the three week wild ride with the Australian campmates.

While Coleen said she was proud to get so far on I’m A Celeb, peaking on spin-off show Unpacked, she told host Joel Dommett that she had been waiting to leave for a while.

“I didn’t think I would make it that far,” she said. “You know, I was ready to go a week ago. And you know, I have my bag packed every morning with everything in, and then I go back up and unpack, and then I come back.”

“But the feeling that people are voting to keep it in meant a lot to me,” she added.

“And you know, I’ve celebrated a lot of people in my life, so for people to celebrate me, I felt it was quite yet special.”

“I’ve learned that I can be patient.” she said of what she found out about herself in the jungle. 

“Yeah, there’s been times in there where, you know, no one’s annoying me, but there’s been certain things who have wanted to step in and do it but I’ve let it be, so I think I’m going to be a bit more patient when I get out of here.”

She also said she hoped that she made her four kids – Kai, Klay, Kit and Cass – would be proud of her.

In the emotional finale, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Danny was declared the winner, with Coleen telling hosts Ant and Dec after the announcement he “truly deserved it”.

Danny broke down in tears when he was announced the winner after 23 days in the jungle.

Once he was crowned by last year’s winner Sam Thompson, he told the audience: “Um, just thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

“You know, just, I gave my all in there, gave myself, and it’s a lovely feeling to be liked.”

Coleen and Danny both lasted the entire stretch in the jungle, with Danny becoming a fast favourite after a snake crawled up his trousers in the first challenge.

Since then, he took on the role of entertainer of the camp, often seen singing with other members of the group.

He also formed a close bond with Barry McGuigan, with the pair being praised for their honest, emotional chats.

Both have since compared their relationship to that of father and son, with Barry backing him to win after his elimination earlier this week.

I’m A Celebrity is available in full now on ITVX.

I'm A Celebrity - All The Winners

Here's every star who has been crowned King or Queen of the Jungle to date:

  • 2024: Danny Jones, McFly star
  • 2023: Sam Thompson, Made in Chelsea star
  • 2022: Jill Scott, England footballer
  • 2021: Danny Miller, Emmerdale star
  • 2020: Giovanna Fletcher, actress and podcaster
  • 2019: Jacqueline Jossa, EastEnders star
  • 2018: Harry Redknapp, England legend
  • 2017: Georgia Toffolo, Made In Chelsea star
  • 2016: Scarlett Moffatt, Gogglebox star
  • 2015: Vicky Pattison, Geordie Shore star
  • 2014: Carl Fogarty, famed racer
  • 2013: Kian Egan, Westlife star
  • 2012: Charlie Brooks, EastEnders actor
  • 2011: Dougie Poynter, McFly star
  • 2010: Stacey Solomon, X Factor star now TV personality
  • 2009: Gino D’ACampo, TV Chef
  • 2008: Joe Swash, TV personality
  • 2007: Christopher Biggins, actor
  • 2006: Matt Willis, Busted star
  • 2005: Carol Thatcher, author and broadcaster
  • 2004 (second series): Joe Pasquale, comedian
  • 2004: Kerry Katona, Atomic Kitten star and reality star
  • 2003: Phil Tufnell, England Cricketer
  • 2002: Tony Blackburn, Radio DJ

There was also an All Star series in South Africa in 2023, which was won by Myleene Klass.

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The star came in second place to Danny Jones[/caption]
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Danny was crowned champion[/caption]
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Coleen said she wanted her boys to be proud of her[/caption]

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