March 03, 2021 - 16:18 GMT Gareth Herincx We've chosen 10 of the best cars for new drivers that will make perfect first cars, whatever your budget You've just passed your driving test - go you! - and your first car is one of life's milestones. Whether you're buying new or used, choosing your first car doesn't need to be tricky, but an affordable car that's reliable and easy to drive - not to mention economical too. Finding your first car doesn't need to be hard SEE: The first cars of the royals, from Princess Diana to Kate Middleton MORE: 11 times the Kardashians and Jenners matched their cars to their outfits But before you put down a deposit or spend a chunk of money, we've put together some tips on choosing your first car: Set a hard budget and keep to it. Leave a little wriggle room so that you can cope with the unexpected. Don't just budget for the initial purchase cost, or monthly repayments if you're using a finance deal such as a loan or PCP (Personal Contract Purchase), consider all the running costs too (ie car insurance, road tax, fuel, servicing and maintenance). Try not to let your heart rule your head. Think hard about whether the car you have in your sights is right for you. Don't just buy a car just because you like the look of it, or the first one you see. Ask family and friends for recommendations and research models online. Looks at other important factors such as reliability, fuel economy and safety features. If you're buying used, find a car with the lowest mileage possible, a full service history and a modest number of owners. Invest in an HPI Check (it will reveal whether the car has been a write-off or subject to an active finance agreement, for instance) and check its MOT history for free. If you have a new car in your sights, check on the length of the warranty. They can vary from 3-7 years, while batteries in electric and plug-in hybrid cars are … [Read more...] about 10 best cars for new drivers 2021: How to choose a first car, whatever your budget
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Sophie Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor pictured off-duty ahead of Prince Philip’s funeral
April 16, 2021 - 17:04 BST Grace Lindsay Sophie, Countess of Wessex and her daughter Lady Louise Windsor were spotted in a rare off-duty moment, a day before the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral. The Countess of Wessex was spotted during a rare off-duty moment on Friday, as she was accompanied by her daughter Lady Louise Windsor to view floral tributes for the late Duke of Edinburgh . Sophie, 56, was visibly moved by the tributes laid outside St George's Chapel ahead of her father-in-law Prince Philip 's funeral on Saturday 17 April. RELATED: Why royal ladies will wear hats to attend Prince Philip's funeral The Duke passed away last Friday aged 99, and many bouquets and heartfelt messages have been left in his honour over the last week. Loading the player... WATCH: Prince Philip's best family moments The Countess was dressed casually for the occasion, wearing a black jumper and jeans, which made a change from her usual attire. Her daughter, 17, who she shares with Prince Edward , was also dressed casually in a grey jumper. The pair were earlier seen looking over handwritten letters from children, clad in smart black ensembles. While looking at the letters, Sophie could be heard saying "how sweet" before speaking to her husband Prince Edward about the number of bouquets that had been gathered. The Countess of Wessex was dressed casually for the occasion On Sunday, two days after the Duke of Edinburgh's tragic passing was announced, the Earl and Countess of Wessex headed to The Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor for a church service. MORE: The sweet way Prince Edward and Sophie spent Earl's birthday After the service, they took the time to meet the members of the congregation. Their daughter was also present on the visit, and wore black in honour of her late grandfather. Lady Louise Windsor was dressed in all black Her wool … [Read more...] about Sophie Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor pictured off-duty ahead of Prince Philip’s funeral
8 new driving changes in 2021 every motorist should know, from car tax to road laws
March 30, 2021 - 16:39 BST Gareth Herincx Car drivers are faced with new challenges every year, so don't get caught out over the coming months and clue up on these new motoring law changes in 2021 Car drivers are faced with new challenges every year, whether it's new or revised laws to keep us all safe or fresh ways to tackle air pollution and climate change. This year is no exception, so here's a round-up of the key changes for 2021... MORE: 10 best cars for new drivers in 2021 1. New 'greener' petrol Arguably the most important development in 2021 will be the introduction of E10 fuel. It will be available from service stations in the UK from September and will join the existing E5 'regular' and 'super' unleaded petrol options at the pumps. A blend of petrol and ethanol, the Government says E10 could cut transport CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year – the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road. The ethanol used is made from materials including low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood. However, a small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, will still need E5 fuel, which is why it remains as an option. Engine damage could be caused to cars incompatible with the new fuel. If you're in any doubt, check if your vehicle can run on E10 petrol using the Government's simple online tool . 2. Driving in Europe There were fears that British motorists would need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Europe because of Brexit, but that was averted thanks to a last-minute deal between the UK and EU. However, you might need an IDP to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have a paper driving licence and/or a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. An IDP can be bought over the counter at the Post Office (£5.50) and you can check if you need one using an online checker . If you drive … [Read more...] about 8 new driving changes in 2021 every motorist should know, from car tax to road laws
Helen McCrory,
Photo: Tim Whitby/BFC/Getty Images for BFC British actor Helen McCrory , best known for playing Polly Gray in Peaky Blinders and Narcissa Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, has died from cancer at the age of 52, her husband, Damian Lewis , announced on Friday. “I’m heartbroken to announce that after a heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family,” Lewis wrote . “She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now, Little One, into the air, and thank you.” In addition to her roles on Peaky Blinders and in the Harry Potter films, McCrory also played Tony Blair’s wife, Cherie Blair, in both The Queen (2006) and The Special Relationship (2010). She also had a prolific stage career, appearing in over 25 productions since 1990, including Macbeth , Twelfth Night , As You Like It , and Medea , for which she won a Critics’ Circle Theatre Award in 2015. Tributes to McCrory poured in on social media following the announcement of her death. The official Harry Potter franchise account, Wizarding World, wrote, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our beloved Helen McCrory, who played Narcissa Malfoy with such depth and brilliance in the Harry Potter film series. She was a wonderful actor and a very dear friend; Harry Potter fans will miss her very much.” McCrory married Lewis ( Homeland , Band of Brothers ) in 2007. She is survived by Lewis and their two children, Manon and Gulliver. … [Read more...] about Helen McCrory,