News reports located on this page = 2.

Merseyside named the best holiday spot in the North West

MERSEYSIDE is the best destination for those looking to holiday in the North West this year, as the county boasts the best value for money when it comes to Sun hours and average temperatures across the Region, new research shows. This could be fantastic news for our tourist trade, as more Brits are choosing to holiday at home than ever before, with more than ½ the adult population (56%) spending their summer vacation in the UK, according to the latest tourism figures. 'The Sun For Your Spend' analysis, conducted by holiday letting agency Island Cottage Holidays, uses Met Office data and Tourism Office costings to calculate which part of the UK offers the best value for money when it comes to Sun hours and average temperatures. Despite hotspots found in the North, the research found that although the South West experiences the highest proportion of domestic overnight visitors when compared to any other Region, the South East actually experiences more sunshine for a considerably lower price per visit.  It costs ₤225 on average per visit to the South West, compared to just ₤167 in the South East. For ₤58 less, holidaymakers can enjoy 7 more hours of sunshine per year and temperatures up to 0.5°C higher each day.  The North of England ranks considerably lower for Sun vs spend, with the North West providing 1,505 Sun hours and maximum temperatures of 13.9°C for ₤203, while the North East offers 1,498 hours of Sun and 13.3°C for ₤200. Scotland offers the worst return on investment for Sun hours at just 1,406, while London is the hottest City in the UK with annual average temperatures of up to 15.5°C - higher than most other Cities. in Europe. Unsurprisingly, it's almost the most expensive destination at ₤252 per visit.

Regional ranking; the most sunshine for the price:- 1. South East. 2. East of England. 3. East Midlands. 4. Yorkshire and the Humber. 5. South West. 6. West Midlands. 7. London. 8. Wales. 9. North West. 10. North East. 11. Scotland.

Moderate Sun exposure is vital in cloudy climates like the UK in order for us to take in vitamin D, which is essential to keep bones healthy, regulate calcium and maintain a strong immune system.  With temperatures on track to exceed 30C in early July across Europe and particularly warm weather is anticipated in the UK around mid July, especially in the South of England, it's crucial that Brits take preventative measures to reduce the risk of Sun damage!  For those who spend a lot of time indoors, or who fall into at risk groups as outlined by the Government, maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D is important all year round. Saadia Noorani, a registered nutritionist, says:- "Vitamin D supplementation is also recommended for adults especially during the autumn and winter months. That's because while you can get vitamin D from some foods, like eggs, fish.  Most of our vitamin D is created by our body after exposure to sunlight; and there isn't much sunshine in the UK during the winter months."

Uniquely designed bandstand to be installed in the grounds of Strawberry Field, Liverpool

When 1 thinks of Strawberry Field, John Lennon or the Beatles, it is music that comes to mind. For many that is what they also 1st associate with the Salvation Army. The team at Strawberry Field are therefore delighted that Liverpool City have now given planning permission for the installation of a uniquely designed bandstand in the grounds of Strawberry Field where John Lennon played as a child.  The latest information released can be found on Strawberry Field's website, with further details will be announced shortly including an anticipated opening date once the details of the planning requirements have been fully reviewed. Major Kathleen Versfeld, Mission Director at Strawberry Field said "We are thrilled to have received the go ahead for the bandstand. We are looking forward to celebrity performances, performances by our Step to Works students and of course by Salvation Army bands. We are very conscious of the fact that we are in a residential neighbourhood, so our plans include significant steps to avoid noise, crowding or other forms of disturbance. We want the bandstand to bring great joy to our local community as well as to our visitors from around the world"