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Super-glue armed anti-tourist activists to flood Majorca TOMORROW & demand visitors ‘go home’ to kick off summer carnage

SPANISH activists are urging angry locals to vandalise key boxes outside rentals before the country’s anti-Airbnb and tourism protests.

Locals in over 40 cities across Spain will take to the streets this Saturday, raging against Airbnb rentals and mass tourism that they say is ruining their hometowns.

Protestor holding a sign that says "Tourist Go Home" at a demonstration.
Anti-tourist marches have been taking place across Spain since last summer
Up to 50,000 people are believed to have attended the march in Tenerife
Up to 50,000 people are believed to have protested in Tenerife in April 2024
Illustration of a map showing protests against overtourism in several European cities.

Locals on the Costas, Tenerife and other British hotspots have been told by activists to damage rental properties by supergluing their locks.

“Please vandalise all the locks you see. Go super glue mad,” reads a message posted on a campaign site.

Below the post is a photo of several key boxes outside an apartment block in the Costa del Sol capital of Malaga.

Nearly 40 organisations from the Balearic Islands will take part in the protest in the Mallorcan capital of Palma.

Majorca, one of the centres of the protests last year, will host the first mass protests of the year this Saturday.

The slogan for Saturday’s protests is: ‘Let’s end the housing business’.

Locals have been saying for the past year that they cannot afford to buy a home, blaming the government for allowing holiday rentals and accommodation construction to drive up housing costs.

Protests will also take place in Valencia, Andalucia, Madrid, as well as Tenerife and Costa del Sol, which are especially popular among Brits.

With the summer holiday season fast approaching, anti-tourism protestors are expected to take over the streets across Spain – as they did last year.

Malaga’s protest on Saturday will be its third in less than 12 months.

In Majorca, after anti-mass tourism protests in May, foreign holidaymakers received so much abuse that organisers even had to apologise.

In Malaga, over 15,000 people took to the streets an anti mass-tourism demonstration in June.

They demanded an end to the problems associated with mass tourism, including pollution, traffic chaos and the lack of affordable housing for locals.

In street demos in Malaga, marchers held up banners, reading: ‘We feel strangers in our own city’ and ‘Malaga is for the people of Malaga, tourism forces us out.’

Some of the banners, in many cases pieces of cardboard the protestors had scrawled messages in felt-tip pen on, said: ‘One more tourist is one less local resident’.

Others read: ‘Padlocks out of our neighbourhoods’ in reference to apartments’ coded key holders.

Before the march stickers were plastered over the front of tourist apartment blocks in Malaga with messages in Spanish reading: ‘F##k off from here’ and ‘Stinking of Tourists’.

Others wrote: ‘This used to be my house’ and ‘A family used to live here’.

Javier Barbero, a spokesman for the ‘Majorca Is Not For Sale’ platform, who will take part in Saturday’s demonstrations in Spain, said: “Majorca is no longer an attractive place to work.”

“The number of people quitting seasonal jobs in tourism and hospitality has shot up because it’s not worthwhile.

“The same thing is happening with education, healthcare and security.

“Not only is the present at stake, so is the future of our children on the island,” he said.

But the tourism industry, which rakes in billions across the globe every year, is responsible for keeping many of the Spanish towns and villages afloat.

The scheme to destroy Airbnb locks was also used by protestors in Italy last November.

Locals vandalised key boxes in Milan and Florence, placing stickers reading ‘Less short lets, more houses for all’ on the safes that had keys for tourists to access their accommodation.

This had the desired outcome – the Italian government went on to ban metal key boxes in a move to clamp down on over-tourism.

What are Spain's anti-tourist protests?

In April 2024, residents across Spain began protesting against overtourism.

Since then, large protests have taken place across the country, especially in tourist areas like the Balearics and Canaries, and cities like Barcelona and Málaga.

In April 2024, between 20,000 and 50,000 people reportedly protested in the Canary islands.

By July, around 50,000 took to the streets in Palma de Mallorca.

Locals say overtourism has reduced their quality of life, increased the cost of living, and brought in cheap, “low-quality” tourists who do not contribute to the local economy.

But critics argue that the protests and their messages could be considered ‘tourismphobia’ – an ‘aversion or rejection of tourism’.

Anti-tourism movements have been gaining traction not just in Spain, but across Europe in countries like Italy and Greece.

In response, measures have been implemented across Europe to curb mass tourism.

Protest against tourism policies in Tenerife.
An anti-tourist protest on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands last summer
A graffiti against tourists is seen at the Guell Park in Barcelona, Spain
Anti-tourist graffiti at the Guell Park in Barcelona, Spain
Anti-tourist protesters held up banners reading 'People live here' and 'We don't want to see our island die'
Anti-tourist protesters held up banners reading ‘People live here’ and ‘We don’t want to see our island die’ in Majorca in April 2024
Tourists walking past graffiti that reads "Tourist Go Home."
Graffiti with the slogan ‘tourist go home’ in Majorca in April 2024

Read More »

5.15 Aintree result – day 2: Who won the Handicap Hurdle 2025? How every horse finished at Grand National Festival

THE final race of day two is here as attention turns to the Handicap Hurdle.

Sun Racing brings you how every horse finished in the 5.15pm at Aintree.

Jockey Jonjo O'Neill Jr. riding Wellington Arch to victory in a horse race.
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The Handicap Hurdle is underway[/caption]

5.15 Aintree result

Full results and horse placing to follow…

Full Aintree Grand National Festival TV schedule and race times

Thursday, April 3

All times BST

1:45pm: Manifesto Novices’ Chase (WINNER: IMPAIRE ET PASSE)
2:20pm: Juvenile Hurdle (WINNER: MURCIA)
2:55pm: Aintree Bowl (WINNER: GAELIC WARRIOR)
3:30pm: Aintree Hurdle (WINNER: LOSSIEMOUTH)
4:05pm: Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase (WINNER: GRACCUS DE BALME)
4:40pm: Red Rum Handicap Chase (WINNER: SANUS BRUIT)
5:15pm: Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (WINNER: SEO LINN)

Friday, April 4

1:45pm: Mildmay Novices’ Chase (WINNER: CALDWELL POTTER)
2:20pm: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (WINNER: WELLINGTON ARCH)
2:55pm: Top Novices’ Hurdle (WINNER: SALVATOR MUNDI)
3:30pm: Melling Chase (WINNER: JONBON)
4:05pm: Topham Handicap Chase (WINNER: GENTLEMAN DE MEE)
4:40pm: Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (WINNER: JULIUS DES PICTONS)
5:15pm: Hallgarten and Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle (Racing TV)

Saturday, April 5

1:20pm: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (ITV)
1:55pm: Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (ITV)
2:30pm: Freebooter Handicap Chase (ITV)
3:05pm: Liverpool Hurdle (ITV)
4pm: Grand National (ITV)
5pm:
 Maghull Novices’ Chase (Racing TV)
5:35pm: Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Racing TV)

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 chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – gamcare.org.uk
  • GambleAware – GambleAware.org

Read our guide on responsible gambling practices.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

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Russell Brand breaks silence after being charged with string of rape & sex assaults against 4 women over 7-year period

RUSSELL Brand has broken his silence after being charged with rape and sexual assault.

Detectives began investigating after receiving a number of allegations in September 2023 stretching over a seven-year period.

Close-up of a man with long hair and a beard wearing a straw hat, speaking.
Russell Brand broke his silence in a video
Russell Brand holding his book, "Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions."
Getty
He has been charged with rape and sexual assault over a seven-year period[/caption]
Russell Brand speaking in front of a wooden wall.
Youtube/Russell Brand
Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2[/caption]

It followed reporting by Channel 4‘s Dispatches and The Sunday Times.

In a video posted to X he denied the alleged crimes.

He went on to say: “I’ve always told you guys, when I was young and single, before I had my wife and family, I was a fool man.

“I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile. But what I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity – I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.” 

The comedian and actor, 49, has been charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault.

The Metropolitan Police said the charges relate to four separate women between 1999 and 2005.

Brand has previously denied the accusations, and said all his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual”.

He is charged with the rape of a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area and the oral rape and sexual assault of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of London.

He has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman in 2001 and sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005 – both offences are alleged to have taken place in Westminster, London.

Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 2.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy said: “The women who have made reports continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

“The Met’s investigation remains open and detectives ask anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone who has any information, to come forward and speak with police.

“A dedicated team of investigators is available via email at CIT@met.police.uk.

“Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.”

Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of sexual offences.

“We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023.

“We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault.

“These relate to reported non-recent offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.

“He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing on Friday May 2, 2025.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Brand was briefly married to pop star Katy Perry between 2010 and 2012.

He hosted shows on radio and television, wrote memoirs charting his battles with drugs and alcohol and appeared in several Hollywood movies.

In recent years, Brand has largely disappeared from mainstream media but has built up a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories.

He recently said he had moved to the United States.

Russell Brand and Brandon Lake onstage at the Riviera Theater in South Carolina.
instagram
Brand joined Brandon Love at The Riviera Theatre in South Carolina last night[/caption]
Russell Brand walking down the street.
Getty
Detectives began investigating in September 2023 after receiving a number of allegations[/caption]
Russell Brand leaving a hot yoga class.
Clint Brewer Photography / BackGrid
The alleged incidents took place between 1999 and 2005[/caption]
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 07: Host Russell Brand performs on stage at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards at Paramount Pictures Studios on September 7, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Brand has previously denied the accusations
Getty

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The 17 ways you can slash your risk of stroke, depression and dementia all at once revealed

FOR many conditions, particularly those without a cure, prevention is key.

When it comes to slashing your risk of age-related brain diseases, such as stroke, depression and dementia, there are 17 ways, according to a new study.

Illustration of a woman with a backpack and illustrations of kidney disease symptoms surrounding her.
Risk factors linked to stroke, depression and dementia include kidney disease, hearing loss and alcohol use

Researchers at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham found a reduced risk of all three conditions by modifying any one of the 17 factors.

They looked at previously published meta-analyses of risk factors associated with the conditions, then combined the data to identify modifiable risk factors (those that can be altered through behavioural changes) shared amongst at least two out of the three diseases.

They also estimated the relative impact of each risk factor on measures of quality of life and early death.

Altogether, the researchers identified risk factors shared by at least two of the diseases, including blood pressure, kidney disease, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, alcohol use, diet, hearing loss, pain, physical activity, purpose in life, sleep, smoking, social engagement, and stress.

Of these, high blood pressure and severe kidney disease had the biggest impact on the incidence and burden of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression.

In contrast, physical activity and engagement in leisure activities with a cognitive aspect, for example puzzles, were associated with a lower risk of disease.

But the researchers suspect these associations may be symptomatic rather than causal, since individuals with brain disease may be less capable of engaging in physical and cognitive leisure activities.

“Dementia, stroke, and late-life depression are connected and intertwined, so if you develop one of them, there’s a substantial chance you may develop another one in the future,” said one the study authors, Jasper Senff, a postdoctoral fellow at the Singh Lab at the Brain Care Labs at Mass General Hospital and at Harvard Medical School.

“And because they share these overlapping risk factors, preventive efforts could lead to a reduction in the incidence of more than one of these diseases, which provides an opportunity to simultaneously reduce the burden of age-related brain diseases.”

The researchers developed and validated the Brain Care Score to measure efforts to protect brain health and offer guidance on how to improve it. 

This has been updated with the latest scientific findings.

The team emphasise the need for more studies on modifiable risk factors of late-life depression and call for a randomised controlled trial to test an intervention using the Brain Care Score.

Find out the 17 modifiable risk factors…

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to a wide range of diseases, including liver and heart problems, various cancers, and mental health issues.

What you can do: Try switching to low alcohol alternatives, have drink free days, or give stopping completely a go.

If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call Drinkline’s helpline for free at 0300 123 1110.

Blood pressure

Woman using a blood pressure monitor.
Getty
Managing stress is one of the things you can do to keep your blood pressure in check[/caption]

Unmanaged high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, leading to strokes or smaller, unnoticed brain damage, both of which contribute to cognitive decline. 

What can you do: To lower blood pressure, focus on a combination of lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing sodium intake, limiting alcohol, and managing stress, and consider medication if necessary after consulting with a healthcare professional. 

Body mass index

A high body mass index (BMI), particularly in midlife, is associated with an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and depression, while a decline in BMI in late life may also increase dementia risk. 

What you can do: To achieve a healthy BMI (between 18.5 and 24.9), focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and sustainable lifestyle changes, rather than drastic measures. 

Fasting plasma glucose

A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) it the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood after you’ve fasted (not eaten or drunk anything except water).

Elevated FPG can indicate diabetes and prediabetes, which can increase the risk of stroke, dementia an depression.

What you can do: To keep FPG in check, focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress, as well as getting enough sleep and potentially consulting with a healthcare professional for personalised advice. 

Total cholesterol

Woman's hands holding an apple and a donut.
Getty
Eat less fatty foods to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol levels[/caption]

High total cholesterol, particularly elevated levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, increases the risk of stroke and may contribute to dementia, including vascular dementia, by affecting blood vessels and brain function. 

What you can do: To lower high cholesterol levels, eat less fatty food, exercise more, stop smoking and cut down on alcohol.

Leisure time cognitive ability

Leisure time cognitive ability refers to the mental skills and processes engaged in during free time activities, like reading, puzzles, or games, which can positively impact cognitive function and potentially reduce cognitive decline. 

What you can do: To improve cognitive abilities during leisure time, engage in mentally stimulating activities like reading, puzzles, games, and social interactions.

Depressive symptoms

Depression can manifest in various ways, including persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness.

What you can do: To combat depression, focus on self-care, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and engaging in activities you enjoy. And consider talking to a healthcare provider or therapist and exploring therapies or medication if needed.

Diet

Woman holding a bowl of superfood salad.
Getty
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet[/caption]

A healthy diet is crucial for preventing various diseases.

What you can do: To eat a healthy diet, focus on a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. 

Hearing loss

Hearing loss is linked to an increased risk of dementia, depression, and social isolation, and can also be a early sign of stroke, particularly posterior circulation strokes. 

What you can do: Prioritise protecting your ears from loud noises, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek regular hearing checkups. 

Kidney function

Impaired kidney function, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), is linked to an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and depression, with CKD being a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and cerebrovascular disease. 

What you can do: To maintain healthy kidney function, focus on a balanced lifestyle that includes a kidney-friendly diet (limiting sodium intake), regular exercise, managing blood pressure and blood sugar (if you have diabetes), quitting smoking, staying hydrated, and regular checkups. 

Pain

Woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain.
Getty
Ensure good posture and sleep habits to help prevent pain[/caption]

While pain itself doesn’t directly cause dementia or stroke, chronic pain can increase the risk of developing dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) and stroke, and it can also contribute to depression. 

What you can do: To prevent pain, focus on maintaining good health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and ensuring good posture and sleep habits. 

Physical activity

A lack of physical activity is linked to an increased risk of dementia, stroke, and depression, as well as other health problems. 

What you can do: To improve physical activity, incorporate more movement into your daily routine, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, and include strength training exercises at least twice a week. 

Purpose in life

While having a strong sense of purpose in life is generally beneficial, a lack of purpose or a sudden loss of it can contribute to mental health issues like depression.

What you can do: To find purpose in life, explore your values, passions, and strengths, set meaningful goals, and engage in activities that bring you fulfillment and allow you to make a positive impact. 

Sleep

Woman sleeping peacefully in bed.
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Establishing a regular sleep schedule can help improve sleep[/caption]

Sleep is crucial for overall health, impacting physical and mental well-being.

What you can do: To improve sleep, establish a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, optimise your sleep environment, and limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, especially before bed. 

Smoking

Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, by damaging blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the brain.

What you can do: To successfully quit smoking, consider setting a quit date, seeking support from friends, family, or a stop-smoking service, and using nicotine replacement therapy or other medications if needed, while also identifying and avoiding triggers and finding healthy distractions. 

Social engagement

Social engagement plays a crucial role in mitigating the risks and impacts of depression, dementia, and stroke, with studies showing that social isolation and loneliness are linked to increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, while social engagement can improve cognitive function.

What you can do: To maintain strong social connections, prioritize quality time with loved ones, actively participate in community activities, and nurture existing relationships through regular communication and shared experiences. 

Stress

Woman practicing pranayama on a sofa.
Getty
Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing to reduce stress[/caption]

Chronic stress and depression are potential risk factors for dementia and stroke, with studies showing that they can increase the likelihood of developing these conditions, particularly in later life. 

What you can do: To reduce stress, try incorporating regular physical activity, practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and prioritising sleep, healthy eating, and social connections. 

Best diet for your brain

The MIND diet, short for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay, is a hybrid of the Mediterranean diet (rich in plant-based foods, healthy fats, and fish) and DASH diet (focused on reducing sodium and saturated fat), focusing on foods that may help protect brain health and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. 

Foods include:

  • Green leafy vegetables: Kale, spinach, and collard greens
  • Berries: Blueberries and strawberries
  • Nuts: Almonds and walnuts
  • Whole grains: Brown rice, oats and quinoa
  • Beans: Kidney beans and lentils
  • Fish: Salmon, mackerel and herring
  • Poultry: Chicken and turkey
  • Olive oil

The MIND diet suggests limiting or avoiding:

  • Red meat
  • Butter and margarine
  • Cheese
  • Pastries and sweets
  • Fried or fast food

Read More »

Amazon shoppers rave about cordless vacuum that’s ‘better than a Dyson’ and 40% cheaper for Prime members

Cordless vacuum cleaner on carpet.
Credit: Amazon

SPRING has arrived, which means it’s the perfect time to get stuck into some cleaning.

Amazon has cut the price of a little-known cordless vacuum cleaner exclusively for Prime members: it’s now less than £120.

Cordless vacuum cleaner in three positions.
Amazon has reduced this little-known cordless vacuum by over £80 for Prime members

SunSare Cordless Vacuum Cleaner,
£119.98 for Amazon Prime members (was £199.99)

Now down from £199.99 to £119.98, this vacuum is only available to Amazon Prime members.

Deals like these usually pop up during the twice-yearly Prime Day sales, but every now and then, Amazon surprises us with these members-only discounts.

It’s already racked up over 300 reviews online, with an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Our shopping reviews team hasn’t tried out the SunSare, but some shoppers are saying it’s better than a Dyson.

It’s powered by a 550W brushless motor, offering a suction of 45KPa. That’s 65% better than the previous model.

Its cordless design makes it easy to carry around the house, and its self-standing feature means you don’t have to prop it against a wall while you take a break.

The vacuum can run for up to 60 minutes on its ECO setting, thanks to eight removable lithium batteries.

Much like Dyson vacs, it comes with a wall-mounted charging dock for simple storage.

There’s also a smart LED touch display that shows battery levels, filter clogs, and other useful updates.

Shoppers are by and large impressed with its performance, particularly its lightweight design – it’s garnered an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.

One reviewer writes: “I have a very old Dyson, which is reliable but heavy and awkward to use.

“This SunSare vacuum is light, easy to move around, and clears cat fur quickly.

“The LED lights on the front are great for spotting dust under furniture.”

Another reviewer compared it to the same brand: “Looks and feels better than a Dyson. Picks up general dust brilliantly on the low setting.

“It works better [than a Dyson] on rubber flooring, and the replaceable batteries are a fantastic feature.”

Not all feedback was perfect: some users mentioned that emptying the dust cylinder can be fiddly, as you sometimes need to pull dust out manually.

If you’re looking for a new vac with some tried-and-tested recommendation, head to our best cordless vacuum round-up, where you’ll find models from Hoover, Ryobi and, yes, Dyson.

Just remember, if you want to pick up the SunSare at that low price, you’ll need to sign up for Amazon Prime, which has a 30-day free trial.

SunSare Cordless Vacuum Cleaner,
£119.98 for Amazon Prime members (was £199.99)

Don't miss out...

Visit The Sun’s shopping home and garden hub for more news, deals and tips.

For more discounts and recommendations from the Sun Shopping team, sign up to our newsletter and join the WhatsApp group.

For more smart ways to do your spring cleaning, head to our cleaning hacks page.

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Shoppers race to get ‘brilliant’ KitchenAid dupe in major supermarket that’s £335 cheaper than the original

Shoppers are rushing to snap up a budget-friendly stand mixer that’s similar to an expensive brand – but it’s on sale for hundreds of pounds cheaper.

George at Asda is flogging its stylish White Scandi Stand Mixer for a reduced price of £44.76.

White stand mixer with a stainless steel bowl and wooden accents.
George at Asda is flogging its stylish White Scandi Stand Mixer for just £44.76
Shoppers at the entrance of an Asda supermarket.
Alamy
The budget mixer was previously priced at £55, saving shoppers a further £10[/caption]

Shoppers reckon it’s a bargain alternative to a KitchenAid, which is currently selling for a whopping £381.65 on the brand’s own website.

The budget mixer was previously priced at £55, meaning shoppers can save just over £10 in the current clearance.

It features a 600W motor, 7 speed settings and a 5L stainless steel mixing bowl.

The lightweight machine also includes dishwasher-safe attachments – a whisk, dough hooks, and paddle – plus a removable splash guard to help keep mess to a minimum.

One delighted customer raved: “This is my second one of these (my previous one had an electrical issue) which they refunded me even after 2 years of having it! I replaced it with another and they are perfect for home baking. Highly recommend.”

Another wrote: “Purchased to make birthday cakes – looks amazing, love the white and the wood look. Brilliant for the price and powerful.”

A third added: “I bought this product more than six months ago. It really helps me when I do cakes. It is a very excellent product.”

But not everyone was as impressed, with some users reporting issues with durability.

One shopper claimed: “Lasted a few months but the attachments ended up breaking. The whisk fell to pieces just from cake batter and the screws went into the mixture.”

Another added: “Bought this in March, used a handful of times and it just died – less than four months for something that’s used a handful of times is shocking.”

Still, with hundreds of positive reviews and a price tag that’s a fraction of a high-end mixer, it could be worth getting if you’re on a budget.

Remember to compare prices across lots of retailers before investing in an appliance like this, as you may find a better deal elsewhere.

Elsewhere, Aldi is selling a popular baking must-have for £216 cheaper than one from Lakeland.

The bargain retailer is bringing out its own pastel take on the classic stand mixer, just in time for Easter – and shoppers are already gearing up to bag one before they sell out.

Lakeland’s 6.5L Digital Stand Mixer can cost you up to £249.99, but Aldi has a dupe that is cooking up excitement.

And Aldi’s returning Classic Stand Mixer is being scanned for £34.99 and is a must-have for any kitchen.

Last week, the retailer announced it was flogging a garden gadget for £160 less than Karcher.

The budget supermarket is still currently selling the FERREX High Pressure Washer for just £89.99.

This type of product has proven to be a hit with customers in recent years.

The deal will save shoppers a tidy sum compared to big name brands.

This includes Karcher’s high pressure washer, which costs between £200 to £250, depending on the offers and promotional events.

When's the best time to shop at Aldi?

WHEN it comes to shopping at Aldi, the best time to do so depends on what you want to buy.

For reduced items – when shops open

Red sticker items are rare at Aldi’s 830 UK stores, but the supermarket says that none of its food goes to waste so there are some to be found – if you’re quick.

A spokesman for the supermarket said: “All items are reduced to 50 per cent of the recommend sales price before stores open on their best before or use by dates.”

That means you have the best chance of finding reduced food items if you go into stores as soon as it opens.

Opening times vary by shop but a majority open from 7am or 8am. You can find your nearest store’s times by using the supermarket’s online shop finder tool.

For Specialbuys – Thursdays and Sundays

Specialbuys are Aldi’s weekly collection of items that it doesn’t normally sell, which can range from pizza ovens to power tools.

New stock comes into stores every Thursday and Sunday, so naturally, these are the best days to visit for the best one-off special deals.

For an even better chance of bagging the best items, head there for your local store’s opening time.

Remember: once they’re gone, they’re gone, so if there’s something you really want, visit as early as possible

Remember to compare prices

Websites like Trolley and Price Spy let you compare thousands of products across different retailers to find the best price.

Price Spy even lets you see how much an item has cost over time.

A quick scan on the Google Shopping/Product tab will also bring up how much retailers are selling a certain item for too.

How to save money at Asda

It’s worth signing up to the Asda Rewards scheme to save money at the supermarket.

The loyalty scheme, which is free to join, lets you earn Cashpot points by completing “missions” like hitting spending targets or buying products in certain categories.

You can also earn cashback by buying “star” products.

If you’re a regular shopper and often go for Asda’s premium lines, it’s worth taking on the “downshifting” challenge, too.

This means going for budget lines instead, which could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your shopping.

It’s worth joining specific Facebook groups where shoppers flag bargain deals they’ve found online or in-store.

Two worth checking are the Latest Deals Facebook Group and the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group.

The Sun revealed earlier this year the best time to score deals at Asda is once in the morning and again in the evening.

Look out for fresh produce like fruit and veg, often reduced to as low as 10p, especially during the morning reductions.

Check the reduced shelf throughout the day as different times can offer varying discounts.

How to bag a bargain

SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…

Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.

Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.

Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.

Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.

Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.

When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.

Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.

Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.

And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.

Black KitchenAid stand mixer with stainless steel bowl.
Oliver Dixon
It’s a bargain alternative to a KitchenAid, selling for a whopping £381.65[/caption]

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Mats Hummels chokes back tears as he retires aged 36 after World Cup winner and Dortmund legend’s incredible career

GERMANY legend Mats Hummels has announced his retirement from football.

Hummels, 36, rolled credits on his glittering 18-year career with an emotional announcement on social media.

Mats Hummels holding the World Cup trophy.
Mats Hummels has announced his retirement from football
Getty
Close-up portrait of a man with dark hair and a slight smile.
Hummels could barely hold back his tears as he announced his retirement

The centre-back, who currently plays for Roma, sat in front of a camera and watched the greatest highlights of his career with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Germany.

The defender then confirmed that he will be hanging up his boots at the end of the season.

Hummels said: “I’m struggling with myh emotions right now. Now comes the moment that no footballer can avoid.

“After more than 18 years and so many things that football has given me, I’m ending my career this summer.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

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