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David Cummings, 40, of Clifford Road, Blackpool, was found guilty of 26 counts of rape and child sex offences at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday, including 20 offences involving victims under the age of 16.

Breaking This is the 'smug' rapist found guilty of 'heinous' child sex crimes

The New Philly bar has had the roof blown off during the high winds of Storm Boelo, as Nick Pritchard is faced with a huge task of repairing the damage. Photo: Lucinda Herbert

Storm Boelo blew our roof off, so we might open a rooftop bar instead

David Cummings, 40, of Clifford Road, Blackpool has been found guilty of 26 counts of appalling sexual offences, including some involving children under the age of 13.

Breaking Blackpool man found guilty of 26 counts of rape and child sex offences

Former strongman Harry Kay who is still training at 80 with his neighbour Arron Hearsum. Picture: Lucinda Herbert

I'm a strongman and lifting weights at 80 - but I won't go to a gym!

'It's about bloody time': Lancashire mayor on the horizon after budget

Niall Reynolds

Breaking Drink driver convicted of attempted murder after running over man

31 spectacular images of Carnival Magic at Blackpool Tower Ballroom

A Fylde coast man has pleaded guilty to causing the death of 29-year-old Thomas Pritchard in a crash in Lytham in 2025.

Man, 21, pleads guilty to causing death of NHS worker 2025 crash

Bryan Thomas is 'unlawfully at large' from prison

Prisoner at large as police issue 'do not approach warning'

Fern Hill Farm Milkshake shack has applied for retrospective planning.

Plans approved for exciting Fylde coast milkshake & play area site

One of the Fylde coast’s most popular restaurants will be closing its doors permanently in November after a period of ‘careful consideration’ and ‘continual review’.

Popular restaurant issues new statement on shocking closure rumours

Rosie MacKay celebrates five years at Coffee Box and Bistro

I started my Coffee Box business in a horse cart days before lockdown

There's been an update on a major housing scheme on Lambs Road in Thornton|Google

Update on controversial plans for 184 new homes on Fylde coast

Blackpool FC

Blackpool FC Community Trust showed its support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October

Blackpool FC Community Trust: October’s packed programme of events

Jordan Brown celebrates his long-distance strike against Aston Villa’s U21s on Tuesday

Blackpool players are challenged to shoot from distance more often

Fraser Horsfall made his comeback from injury for Blackpool on Tuesday

Blackpool defender makes a welcome return as a second-half substitute

Blackpool central defender Olly Casey

Blackpool v Aston Villa U21 ratings: Pool central defender led the way

Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt

Ian Evatt: Blackpool performance showed the Seasiders' naivety

Zac Ashworth scores for Blackpool against Aston Villa's U21s

Second-half goals give Blackpool a Jersey Mike’s Trophy victory

Blackpool head coach Ian Evatt

Blackpool head coach wants his team to take their chances in matches

The family of Sir Stanley Matthews, including son Stanley Matthews Jr (second left), daughter Jean Matthews (third left) and granddaughters Mandy Bray (third right) and Samantha Davis (second right) were at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony

Harry Kane marks Sir Stanley Matthews anniversary with Ballon d'Or win

Top stories from 3addedminutes.com

Forget Eddie Howe: Man Utd's next manager decision could be pointless

Glasner's job is at risk but he isn't Nottingham Forest's only problem

The Wonderkid Power Rankings: New entries from Aston Villa & Chelsea

The wonderkid who dazzled his way onto Liverpool and Arsenal’s radar

More Blackpool FC

Stanley Mitchell, 16, has tragically died following a year-long battle with cancer.

'Our hilarious young man' - tribute to BFC fan, 16, after sad death

Blackpool look to atone for last weekend’s home defeat

Blackpool head coach calls for an end to their inconsistency

Josh Bowler under pressure from Jon Russell during Blackpool's defeat to Mansfield Town at Bloomfield Road

Match verdict: Blackpool boss cannot be blamed for individual mistakes

Crime

Yorkshire man, 51, arrested & charged with Fylde coast burglaries

Adam Underdown who was convicted of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour

Breaking Man jailed after abuse left victim 'question her very core'

Bryan Thomas is 'unlawfully at large' from prison

Police update on prisoner at large from Fylde Coast prison

Police impersonation fraud warning issued after reports of scam

'Don't let your home be used for crime' - Police cannabis farms update

Police are appealing for help to trace a man they want to speak to in connection with a report of rape in the early 1980s

Police issue major update on 1981 rape case

Preston Crown Court

Date set for Crown Court hearing of man charged with raft of offences

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Featured Videos

David, the sole surviving kitten from the M55 rescue, is now doing well in foster care.

Heartbreaking - We have no idea how the kittens ended up on the M55

Scott Rogers BEM

I steered them to victory but the medal is recognition for everybody

The Big Fish darts hub in Fleetwood is closing permanently

'Not an easy decision' - Popular Fylde coast darts hub to closure

The new-look Lancashire council map as it was expected to be from April 2028

Decision on Fylde coast council mergers 'to be retaken'

Retro

Elmslie Girls School pupils Pat Howarth ( now Pat Cole ), Betty Taylor , Mavis Jones and Margaret Jones ice skating on Stanley Park Lake in 1946

37 historical pics of beloved Stanley Park back to its opening in 1926
Blackpool Stanley Park is a town treasure and of course, it’s marked its Centenary this year.
Claire Lark

This was the 1940s

35 captivating old photos captured through the decades

Blackpool Football Club’s celebration of Sir Stanley Matthews’ Ballon d’Or legacy has generated international media coverage for the club and the town as Harry Kane because the first Englishman to claim the prestigious title in 25 years.

Blackpool goes global with Ballon d'Or legacy of Sir Stanley Matthews

School Dinners at Hawes Side School

Do you remember Blackpool like this?

Bank Hey Street as it was in 1972

33 amazing retro pictures of Blackpool in 1972 and 1973

Lifestyle

The e.l.f. Christmas gift sets I'd pick for beauty lovers this year and prices start from just £15

e.l.f. has a range of Christmas gift sets for beauty lovers

9 spooky images of Blackpool's Scream And Shake horror-themed cafe

We want to hear from you because every new fosterer makes a difference

Beach Street (Credit: Lytham Estate Agents)

Breathtaking Grade II listed seafront Georgian period home for sale

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Tenerife is a popular destination for winter sun

Last-minute cruise deals for Christmas markets and winter sun from £89

Sam Fender will head out on his Proper Massive tour in 2027

Sam Fender ticket presale has started but fans can get tickets sooner

Violinist and conductor Andre Rieu will be entertaining audiences across the UK and Ireland in 2027

André Rieu 2027 UK tickets from £66 as Christmas gift idea

Sweeney Todd ahead of opening night at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on October 28 (Credit: Dave Nelson)

28 thrilling pics of Sweeney Todd before Winter Gardens opening night

Sport

Expected points: 58.6

Fleetwood basks in 'greatest night in club history' after Arsenal win
Cod Army’s historic Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal united the town in a night of footballing glory that will live long in the memory.
Jack Marshall

Matt Lawlor celebrates Fleetwood's famous win

Fleetwood to face either Everton or Newcastle in next round of Cup

Northern Ireland U21 international Conor Haughey celebrates after scoring Fleetwood Town's winning penalty against Arsenal.

'Doesn't decide where you can go' - Fleetwood reacts to incredible win

Former Pompey midfielder Andy Cannon and his Fleetwood team-mates celebrate victory over Arsenal. Pic: Getty

Fleetwood Town odds for cup glory slashed after Arsenal giant-killing

Danny Murphy saw his AFC Fylde Women team defeated last weekend

AFC Fylde Women exit the FA Cup following their away day defeat

Traffic and Travel

Minister praises improvements to Blackpool's Adult Social Care services after damning CQC report last year

Blackpool’s Adult Care services improvements praised by minister

Wigan Lane this evening. A damaged motorbike remains in the middle of the road

Breaking Biker seriously injured in road smash

All the roadworks planned in Fylde next week

5 major roadworks in place the week including a road closure

What's On

Giant illuminated puppets and fire-breathing dragins lit up the Tower Ballroom during Carnival Magic, a show by Global Grooves as part of Lightpool 2026. Photo: Lucinda Herbert

Free & low-cost half-term family activities - what you need to know

Betty Legs Diamond & Zoe are hosting thier Halloween show at Central Pier Show Bar on Saturday

Beloved Blackpool drag queens ready for Showbar Halloween Spooktacular

Paultons Park in Hampshire

The spooky magic of Paultons Park at Halloween

The Boo Radleys, Jesus Jones, Sleeper and A Certain Ratio are among the latest acts announced for Blackpool: Indie By The Sea.

Blackpool: Indie by the Sea reveals new acts - all you need to know

Puzzles

Quick CrosswordTo test and hone your word skills

SudokuThe ultimate logic-based numbers game

WordwheelPit yourself against the clock with our simple anagram game

UK Trending

Joy Cullen gave up her job as her hip pain pre-surgery was too severe

NHS patients choose to travel further for surgeries under scheme

More than half of adults have avoided buying clothes over concerns about caring for them

Eight in 10 Brits suffer from 'laundry anxiety', according to research

Three quarters of Brits believe a week of guaranteed sunshine would boost their mood.

Six in 10 Brits face 'sun withdrawal'

Shoppers are preparing for Black Friday by tracking prices and researching products before buying.

Brits fear autumn budget will put pressure on finances

Research found more than four in 10 Brits are envious of Spain’s laid-back approach to mealtimes

Eating out in Britain has become an increasingly rushed affair

Original fireplaces, exposed beams and cornicing have been named the ultimate signs of good taste in the home, according to new research

Period features still deemed 'most stylish' property features

Homes and Gardens

Elmfield (Credit: Stephen Tew)

Thriving 11-bed Blackpool hotel near Pleasure Beach Resort for sale
Anyone fancy taking over?
Jack Marshall

Electricity North West update as power cuts affect 148 homes

A power cut is affecting 77 properties in Stanley, Blackpool, with engineers on their way to deal with the issue.

Breaking Power cut update as 77 homes without electricity due to cable issue

A total of 144 properties across the Fylde Coast and Wyre are without electricity following power cuts linked to unexpected incidents affecting overhead and high-voltage cables amid Storm Boelo.

Storm Boelo: Update as 144 Fylde coast properties without power

Planning applications for Fylde

Here are all the planning applications received this week

Entertainment news from NationalWorld.com

The Celebrity Traitors

Krispy Kreme launches £2.99 The Traitors doughnut

Willis will present Strictly alongside Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdecombe (Guy Levy/BBC)

Josh Widdicombe on Strictly’s ‘no ego’ new hosting team

These Bunches flowers are the easiest way to update my home for the new autumn season

I’ve found the easiest way to give my home an autumn update

e.l.f Soft Satin Finish Foundation

The e.l.f Soft Glam makeup products I’m tempted to add to my basket

People

The Chancellor’s Budget will give Blackpool “breathing space and hope for the future”, according to Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, who has highlighted measures he says will support local families, businesses and workers.

Budget gives workers, businesses & families breathing space and hope
Blackpool South MP highlights business rates relief, household energy support and investment in housing following the Chancellor’s Budget
Jack Marshall

Fylde Rangers are inviting residents to lend a hand with spring bulb planting at Hope Street Park in Lytham on Thursday 29 October.

We're planting hundreds of bulbs to create a stunning display in 2027

Lorraine Beavers, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, has welcomed small business support measures announced in the Budget, highlighting changes to business rate relief and support for young entrepreneurs.

My favourite part of the Budget was support for small businesses

Lytham Coastguard has been carrying out a series of training sessions over recent weeks to maintain its rescue skills and ensure team members are prepared for a range of challenging situations.

'We've been very busy ' - Coastguard rescue operations update

Blackpool is set to see improving weather conditions over the coming days, with showers easing and sunny spells expected to develop as high pressure builds towards the end of the week.

Weekend weather update - when to expect dry weather and sunny spells

Leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage with Reform UK Chairman for Blackpool & Fleetwood branch, Mark Butcher outside the newly rebranded Reform UK pub, The Talbot.

Blackpool Reform leader responds to PACT voter manipulation claims

Primary school-aged children across Blackpool South are being invited to design MP Chris Webb’s official Christmas card, with the winning entry set to be sent across the constituency and Westminster this festive season.

MP launches 2026 Xmas card competition for primary school children

Beach House Blackpool has announced a new programme of autumn and winter events, including a watercolour painting afternoon, a Christmas wreath-making workshop and a festive Santa experience overlooking the Irish Sea.

Luxury venue unveils autumn & winter events - what you need to know

High water levels on the River Wyre

'Floods possible' - Major alert on Flyde coast with high tide warning

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