BBC's DIY SOS is on the hunt for deserving families that need help

THE production company South Shore have committed themselves to film another television series of DIY SOS for the BBC. If you are unaware what this long running TV show is all about, it is a show which renovates homes that are not fit for purpose for deserving families or individuals. It is presented by:- Nick Knowles, Lowri Turner, Kate McIntyre and Brigid Calderhead, and teams of of volunteers and local tradespeople.

The Casting Producer Mabby Alam has told us that:- "We are coming back with a new series of DIY SOS on the BBC, as a result Nick Knowles and the Purple Shirts are on the hunt... We're now actively looking for deserving families that need our help. If you are a home owner in desperate need of our help, or if you know someone whose life could be transformed with a 'big build' we want to hear from you! We aim to represent all backgrounds across Britain, but applicants must be 18 years of age or older. If you are struggling and think we can help, please do apply! We would particularly encourage applications from those who are from under represented groups. We are happy to consider any health related reasonable adjustments you might require to facilitate the completion of your application. Please let us know by sending an email with details to:- DIYSOS@SouthShore.UK. Any personal information you provide us will be used in accordance with our privacy policy. You can access the application form using online now. The closing date to apply is:- 19 December 2025."

To see previous editions of this show that aims to call to arms and recruit friends, family and local trades to help transform the homes of families please go to:- BBC.Co.UK/iPlayer.

'Leaf it to me' Meet the man who makes sure Northern is ready to face the 'big problem' of fallen leaves on the line

THE man tasked with preparing Northern for autumn said the train operator is ready to tackle the:- "big problem" of fallen leaves on the line.

In his 10th autumn with Northern, Seasonal Performance Improvement Manager Rob Cummings is working hard to minimise disruption for customers and ensure they can reach their destinations safely.

Rob Cummings said:- "Leaves on the line is a serious safety and performance issue for the railway. You have a steel wheel on a steel rail and anything that causes low adhesion can be a big problem."

Known as the black ice of the railways, the leaves are compressed in wet weather and they form a thin, slippery layer on the rail which can cause trains to slide.

Drivers must pull away more slowly and brake earlier for Stations and signals to make sure they stop in time. This can lead to longer journey times and delays.

Northern spent 9 months preparing for this autumn and completed the roll-out of additional equipment on its fleet of trains in July.

Mr Cummings added:- "We conduct a review in January with Network Rail and begin planning for the following autumn. Winter and summer are a bit unpredictable in the UK, but you know that for 2 months of the year; in October and November; autumn will bring fallen leaves. There have been some improvements over the years and we've got better at dealing with fallen leaves, especially since we introduced our new fleet of trains with modern technology that helps reduce the impact of low adhesion., but I've not been in this position before where we have new equipment and technology that can be used across the network. This is the 1st season we are using Double Variable Rate Sanders and Water-Trak equipment across some of our fleet. I think we will see a big benefit once the drivers are confident using it."

Mr Cummings has mapped out the routes which are usually covered with leaves when the weather turns, like the line which links Horsforth and Harrogate, and he makes sure drivers receive the latest guidance and regular weather forecasts so they can navigate the difficult conditions.

Northern works closely with Network Rail, which runs railhead treatment trains along the lines 6 days a week to blast leaf mulch off the tracks and apply a gel; containing a mix of sand and steel grains; to help services run smoothly.

The train operator has also fitted its trains with the latest technology to minimise disruption.

This includes the Water Trak equipment, which blasts water onto the track, Double Variable Rate Sanders, which deploy high quantities of sand, and Wheel Slide Prevention technology that prevents wheels from locking when the train is moving.