1+ hour, 31+ min ago (926+ words) Georgia Brown on Scotland call-up and making her dad proud Standing at 6ft 2in, Georgia Brown stands out in most crowds. But the English-born Sporting Club Jacksonville defender had concerns of being seen as "an outsider" when she was called up to the Scotland squad for the first time last month. With just two appearances for the under-23s earlier in the year - following a five-year hiatus from the international scene - the 23-year-old was understandably apprehensive about "difficult" moments. But one-and-a-half camps and two caps later, any worries Brown had have gone and she can't wait to travel halfway round the world to pull on the dark blue jersey and meet up with her supportive dad. "It's been my dream, so to suddenly be here, I'm loving every minute," Brown told BBC Sport Scotland at the SWNT camp in Spain. "You can see…...

2+ day, 3+ hour ago (431+ words) Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett has been given the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her "outstanding contribution to drama" and for campaigning work on humanitarian and global environmental issues. The Australian-born star, 55, who is a global goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, attended the ceremony at Guildhall on Friday, with a number of people with refugee backgrounds among her guests. Speaking after the ceremony, Blanchett said: "I treasure this gift from a city and country with a history of offering welcome and opportunity. "London is a melting pot, where people from around the world find a home." She added that London had "long provided sanctuary to those fleeing persecution". "For many refugees, London represents a new beginning - safety, hope and belonging after hardship and displacement. I accept the freedom in their honour." Blanchett has…...

2+ day, 15+ hour ago (436+ words) Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett has been given the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her "outstanding contribution to drama" and for campaigning work on humanitarian and global environmental issues. The Australian-born star, 55, who is a global goodwill ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, attended the ceremony at Guildhall on Friday, with a number of people with refugee backgrounds among her guests. Speaking after the ceremony, Blanchett said: "I treasure this gift from a city and country with a history of offering welcome and opportunity. "London is a melting pot, where people from around the world find a home." She added that London had "long provided sanctuary to those fleeing persecution". "For many refugees, London represents a new beginning - safety, hope and belonging after hardship and displacement. I accept the freedom in their honour." Blanchett has…...

2+ day, 19+ hour ago (31+ words) Copyright 2025 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Should 4-year-olds use face masks?...

3+ day, 22+ hour ago (139+ words) The backlash over the opening of Shein's first brick and mortar store in Paris this month is just one in a series of controversies and complaints over the ultra-fast fashion retailer. As the company ... Shein: How the fast fashion disruptor ran into real world problems Available for over a year The backlash over the opening of Shein's first brick and mortar store in Paris this month is just one in a series of controversies and complaints over the ultra-fast fashion retailer. As the company looks to go public, we explore whether its business model can withstand the world's scrutiny. Laura Bicker, the BBC's China Correspondent, tells us what she found in the Guangzhou factories supplying Shein, and co-host Tristan Redman heads to the Paris store. Executive producers: Bridget Harney and James Shield...

4+ day, 2+ hour ago (616+ words) Pam Hogg, the Scottish fashion designer who created looks for stars including Rihanna and Kate Moss, has died, her family has announced. The designer was known for her eccentric and outlandish designs, which have also been worn by stars including Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue. Her family said Hogg had died "peacefully" at a hospice surrounded by "cherished friends and family". Hogg was understood to be in her 60s, but she told the Guardian in 2018 that she did not publicly disclose her age. No cause of death was given, but her family said they "wish to thank all the staff of St Joseph's Hospice, Hackney for the beautiful support they provided for Pamela in her final days". "Pamela's creative spirit and body of work touched the lives of many people of all ages," they added. "She leaves a magnificent legacy that…...

4+ day, 15+ hour ago (598+ words) Pam Hogg, the Scottish fashion designer who created looks for stars including Rihanna and Kate Moss, has died, her family has announced. The designer was known for her eccentric and outlandish designs, which have also been worn by stars including Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue. Her family said Hogg had died "peacefully" at a hospice surrounded by "cherished friends and family". Hogg was understood to be in her 60s, but she told the Guardian in 2018 that she did not publicly disclose her age. No cause of death was given, but her family said they "wish to thank all the staff of St Joseph's Hospice, Hackney for the beautiful support they provided for Pamela in her final days". "Pamela's creative spirit and body of work touched the lives of many people of all ages," they added. "She leaves a magnificent legacy that…...

5+ day, 4+ hour ago (325+ words) A portrait of Alex Maskey has been unveiled in Stormont to mark his tenure as Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly between 2020 and 2024. The portrait of Maskey was painted in oil on canvas by Belfast artist Tony Bell. The unveiling ceremony on Tuesday was performed by the current speaker, Edwin Poots MLA. It will join the portraits of his predecessors; Lord Alderdice, Eileen Bell, Lord Hay, Mitchel McLaughlin and Robin Newton, which are on display in the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings. Following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alex Maskey was elected as Speaker on 11 January 2020. Two years later, his planned retirement was delayed by the inability of the assembly to elect a speaker. He continued to serve as speaker until 2024, even though he was not a member of the legislative assembly. In his time in the job,…...

5+ day, 9+ hour ago (325+ words) A portrait of Alex Maskey has been unveiled in Stormont to mark his tenure as Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly between 2020 and 2024. The portrait of Maskey was painted in oil on canvas by Belfast artist Tony Bell. The unveiling ceremony on Tuesday was performed by the current speaker, Edwin Poots MLA. It will join the portraits of his predecessors; Lord Alderdice, Eileen Bell, Lord Hay, Mitchel McLaughlin and Robin Newton, which are on display in the Great Hall in Parliament Buildings. Following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Alex Maskey was elected as Speaker on 11 January 2020. Two years later, his planned retirement was delayed by the inability of the assembly to elect a speaker. He continued to serve as speaker until 2024, even though he was not a member of the legislative assembly. In his time in the job,…...

5+ day, 18+ hour ago (535+ words) An auctioneer has suggested that an upcoming sale of designer clothes worn by Cilla Black during her long showbusiness career could yield "bargain prices". The collection includes bespoke gowns, high-end fashion pieces and vintage Biba creations worn by the Surprise Surprise and Blind Date presenter, who died in 2015. John Cameron, managing director from Nesbits Fine Art & Antique Auctions in Portsmouth, added: "Whether you'll be able to get a bargain we don't know because there'll be lots of bidding, but they're priced to sell." All proceeds from the auction of the 246 outfits will go to Variety, the Children's Charity. Mr Cameron told the BBC: "Whilst we can appraise and compare prices in the auction market places, which is how we value anything" we cannot quantify the Cilla-factor. "We price them as if they are vintage garments and we're going to have…...