
Paddy McGuinness supports Saltney school at risk of closure
The proposals by the Diocese of Wrexham and the council have already met vocal opposition from parents at two of the schools earmarked ahead of a public consultation which begins on April 28.
An online petition to save St Anthony's in Saltney has received over 2,600 signatures.
Paddy McGuinness in Saltney for his Children in Need challenge. (Image: BBC)
And now actor, comedian and TV personality, Paddy McGuinness has come out in support of the campaign to save St Anthony's.
He met some of the school's pupils and staff as he stopped off in Saltney during his epic cycling challenge for Children in Need last November.
In a video message this week, Paddy said: "When I did my Children in Need challenge, I remember coming up to your school and feeling really tired, my bum was sore off the bike seat.
"When I came up to your school you all came out and drew me amazing pictures, and offered me loads of support, and cheered me on. It really helped me to get to the end of my challenge, so thank you very much.
"And here's something in return, I'm sending you all my love and support - let's keep your fantastic school open."
Martina Crocombe is a parent who has one child in reception at St Anthony's and another joining nursery there in September. She said: "The thought of St Anthony's closing is deeply upsetting, and the children are understandably saddened by this prospect.
"It's more than just a school; it's a vital part of our community's heart and history, shaping lives and connecting generations."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Emmerdale star reveals scenes were 'cut' at last minute before being brutally killed off
Emmerdale star Simon Haines has exclusively revealed that some of his scenes were 'cut' at the last minute just as he was about to begin shooting. Emmerdale star Simon Haines says some of his scenes were 'cut' before he had even started filming. The actor made three appearances on the ITV soap in July as the character of Owen Michaels and was seen on a date with Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), but things took a sour turn when he spiked Robert's drink and John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) intervened. Just days later, paramedic John found Owen unresponsive at his home and instead of choosing to save him, left him to die so he could write up a note on his laptop framing him for the murder of Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter). Simon always knew his stay in the Dales was going to be short, but has now revealed that there were actually more scenes planned, explaining exclusively to the Mirror: "Yeah, we talked about it in advance with casting. Of course, the scripts always change. I think there was more Owen stuff in there, but by the time we came to do the first day shooting, it had been taken out. "I'm not sure, who knows? Probably not a second date with Robert but yeah we always knew it was going to be a sort of quick, impactful mini villain storyline." However, Simon was ultimately happy with his short run on the show, and explained: "It felt really good because I knew that I had other projects that were coming up and was sort of limited with availability and it was just a great chance to be a part of something so iconic, have a big impact and then get out." Fans are now convinced that they know how killer John will get his comeuppance, and even Simon thinks John 'tying himself in knots' now that things are starting to come to a head, but is not convinced that a return for himself is outside of the realms of possibility in soapland, as he teased: "I think so. I think John is tying himself in knots now. Ollie, on my last day, was like 'You never know, there could be a twin brother or something...' So, you never know, that might not be the last you see of me." Fans know that John has been messaging someone at a helpline to offload about his guilt, with him struggling over his actions. What we found out on Wednesday was that the person he's been messaging is none other than village vet Paddy Kirk. Paddy happens to be the father figure of John's husband Aaron Dingle. Fans are now convinced John will let slip everything he has done, after Paddy asked John, unaware it was him, if he wanted to speak on the phone. If Paddy is told anything by John and he recognises his voice, could it be game over for the killer? Fans certainly think so, wondering if Paddy will work it all out and expose the killer. One viewer posted online: "Did everybody see that? Will Paddy put 2+2 together & eventually figure out that he's talking to John on the Guardians helpline?" Another fan said: "Paddy being able to be the one who exposes John is actually a hilarious idea." A third viewer added: "Ahh Paddy is going to be the one to catch John out." Another fan echoed this theory, writing: "Ooo Paddy put it all together mate!" Meanwhile other fans hoped he might team up with John's brother Robert, who is already onto John. One fan suggested more than one character could now team up to take down John. They said: "Robert, Paddy , Cain and Tracy VS John." But other fans were worried about this latest development, sure it could leave Paddy in danger. If John was to find out Paddy was the person he was messaging, surely he would have to cover his tracks if he did confess to a crime. Fans wondered if Paddy would sadly be John's next victim. One viewer commented: "Don't tell me! Paddy's next," as another said: "OMG Paddy," along with a GIF teasing danger ahead for him.A further post said: "If John hurts a hair on Paddy's head, I will riot. He needs to get caught already." Viewers will have to stay tuned to find out if the pair speak and end up realising who each other is, and what this could mean for John.


Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Emmerdale fans 'solve' jaw-dropping John twist - but another victim 'sealed'
Emmerdale fans think the latest episode of the ITV soap has confirmed which character will trigger the downfall of killer John Sugden, but it could lead to another death twist Some Emmerdale fans are convinced they now know who will bring down killer John Sugden after a telling scene on Wednesday. The character has framed someone else for his darkest crime, the murder of Nate Robinson. But amid a number of other dodgy actions and more than one character seemingly onto him, it's an unexpected character who could unravel the medic's lies. Fans know that John has been messaging someone at a helpline to offload about his guilt, with him struggling over his actions. What we found out on Wednesday was that the person he's been messaging is none other than village vet Paddy Kirk. Paddy happens to be the father figure of John's husband Aaron Dingle. Fans are now convinced John will let slip everything he has done, after Paddy asked John, unaware it was him, if he wanted to speak on the phone. If Paddy is told anything by John and he recognises his voice, could it be game over for the killer? Fans certainly think so, wondering if Paddy will work it all out and expose the killer. One viewer posted online: "Did everybody see that? Will Paddy put 2+2 together & eventually figure out that he's talking to John on the Guardians helpline?" Another fan said: "Paddy being able to be the one who exposes John is actually a hilarious idea." A third viewer added: "Ahh Paddy is going to be the one to catch John out." Another fan echoed this theory, writing: "Ooo Paddy put it all together mate!" Meanwhile other fans hoped he might team up with John's brother Robert, who is already onto John. One fan suggested more than one character could now team up to take down John. They said: "Robert, Paddy , Cain and Tracy VS John." But other fans were worried about this latest development, sure it could leave Paddy in danger. If John was to find out Paddy was the person he was messaging, surely he would have to cover his tracks if he did confess to a crime. Fans wondered if Paddy would sadly be John's next victim. One viewer commented: "Don't tell me! Paddy's next," as another said: "OMG Paddy," along with a GIF teasing danger ahead for him. A further post said: "If John hurts a hair on Paddy's head, I will riot. He needs to get caught already." Viewers will have to stay tuned to find out if the pair speak and end up realising who each other is, and what this could mean for John. Get the latest drama from the Dales by joining our Emmerdale WhatsApp group As drama continues to unfold in the Yorkshire Dales, the Mirror has launched its very own Emmerdale WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest breaking news, secrets, and spoilers delivered straight to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.


Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Naked Ozzy Osbourne fought burglar in 'headlock' as brazen thief broke into home
Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne took part in a press conference back in 2004 in which they spoke about two men having burgled at their home in Buckinghamshire The late Ozzy Osbourne once confronted a brazen burglar who broke into his home while Sharon slept. The singer-songwriter was said to have come face-to-face with the masked intruder in the middle of the night before they made off with jewellery. Ozzy, who died, aged 76, yesterday, and his wife Sharon Osbourne, now 72, were reportedly asleep when two men broke into their home in Buckinghamshire in 2004. They were said to have fled with jewellery worth an estimated £1 million, and the incident led to a police appeal involving the couple. It was reported at the time that the burglary took place after Ozzy and Sharon returned home from a birthday party in London for Sir Elton John 's husband, David Furnish. They were said to have been asleep when the intruders entered their home. Ozzy stumbled into one of the burglars when he got up to use the bathroom at around 4am. The Black Sabbath legend, who was reportedly naked at the time, was then said to have held the assailant in a headlock before they fled by jumping from a first-floor window. It was suggested that the intruders had bypassed a security system at the home. They were said to have got in through the first floor and went through various rooms before making off with a "substantial" haul of jewellery. The haul was said to have included a 10 carat diamond ring given to Sharon two years prior when she renewed her wedding vows with Ozzy. Insurers reportedly put up a £100,000 reward over the stolen items, thought to be worth £1 million. During a press conference, Ozzy said: "When I had a go at the assailant, as I said earlier on, I acted purely on impulse. In hindsight, it could've been a lot worse. I could have been like George Harrison [who was once stabbed by an intruder]. I could have been badly injured or shot or anything." Ozzy said that things could have "got really ugly". As reported in footage from the time shared by ITN Archive, when asked if he would tackle a burglar again, Ozzy responded at the press conference: "Is the Pope a Catholic?" Sharon also gave details about her ring, which was reportedly stolen from a bedside table. She said: "[Ozzy] always said I was a perfect 10 [and] that when he had the money he would buy me a 10-carat diamond ring and he did." Years later, it was reported that a ring had been recovered after their daughter Kelly Osbourne, now 40, spotted it on the BBC's Crimewatch in 2011. It came following an appeal on the TV show for owners of stolen items to come forward after South Yorkshire Police recovered some jewellery. It was suggested at the time that none of the other items said to have been stolen from the Osbournes were part of the recovered lot. Kelly however said Sharon was in tears over seeing her ring. She wrote on X: "Thank you crime watch my mum is over the moon that's her wedding ring she cried with joy because she can get it back! Thank you!" The experience has prompted attention again this week following the news of Ozzy's death. His wife Sharon and four of his children shared the news in a statement just last night, in which they revealed that he had died yesterday. His death has led comments made by Ozzy over the years resurfacing. There have also been articles about his life and career, alongside tributes, including from his former bandmates, making headlines following the news too.