Published: 29 December 2025
…there’s something new and what happens in this series is truly…

Published: 29 December 2025
…there’s something new and what happens in this series is truly…

Kevin Shoesmith/BBCTwenty-seven years ago, Karl Bushby left Hull to walk 36,000 miles (58,000km) around the world. In September 2026, the former paratrooper hopes to return to…

Many in the UK who unwrapped a new drone this Christmas may face a rude awakening next week, when they will have to take a theory test before being allowed to fly outdoors.
From 1 January, those intending to fly drones or model aircraft weighing 100g or more outside must complete a Civil Aviation Authority (CCA) online theory test to get a Flyer ID – something previously only needed for heavier drones.
The regulator believes up to half a million people in the UK may be impacted by its new requirements.
CAA spokesperson Jonathan Nicholson said with drones becoming a “common Christmas present” it was important people knew how to comply with the law.
“With the new drone rules coming into force this week, all drone users must register, get a Flyer ID and follow the regulations,” he said.
“We want people to enjoy their drones but it’s vital that they have checked the new rules and know how and where to operate their drone safely before they fly.”
The CAA’s requirements are based on the weight or class of drones and model aircraft.
Where previously a Flyer ID was only required for devices weighing 250g or more, it will soon be required to fly a drone weighing 100g or more outdoors.
In addition to completing a theory test to obtain a five year Flyer ID licence, those who own a drone weighing 100g or more with a camera must also register with the CAA to get an Operator ID.
According to the CAA, the new rules are designed to be easier to understand, as well as allow for “safe expansion” of drones across the UK.
Its requirements also apply to children, but vary for different age groups.
Children under the age of 13 must obtain a Flyer ID and have a parent or guardian present when completing the free flyer theory test to get one.
Meanwhile those aged 12 or younger must be supervised by someone over 16 to fly drones, with parents also required to obtain an Operator ID.
The CAA also wants existing drone owners and ID holders to acquaint themselves with the rules, which sets out where drones should not be flown and how to protect peoples’ privacy when piloting those equipped with cameras.
It says flying a drone or model aircraft without necessary IDs is against the law, and punishable by fines or, in severe cases, with prison sentences.
But Dr Alan McKenna, a law lecturer at the University of Kent, said effective enforcement would likely be “a case of resources”.
He told the BBC while he believed most people would seek to abide by new UK requirements for flying drones outdoors, some may look to “fly under the radar”.
“You’re always going to get people who make mistakes or can’t be bothered,” Dr McKenna said – adding concerns about the impact of rising drone use on the environment, privacy and safety were “wider issues” at play.

A raft of major UK retail and hospitality brands shut down stores across the UK this year, with other high street mainstays closing their doors for good.
It came amid a backdrop of pressure on consumer finances, rising inflation for most of the year and increased costs for businesses.
As a result, numerous businesses launched restructuring efforts or entered administration.
Here are some of the major brands with closed sites across this year:
– Poundland
Poundland is among chains to have suffered over the year from pressure on shoppers despite its value proposition.
The group was sold for £1 as a result and launched a major restructuring plan.
This involved the initial closure of 57 stores in a move which put more than 1,000 jobs at risk.
The company, which was bought by investment firm Gordon Brothers, has since announced further tranches of closures and is set to have shut more than 100 sites by the start of 2026, as part of efforts to trim its estate from around 800 sites to between 650 and 700 shops.
– WH Smith
WH Smith had been a stalwart of UK high streets since its first store opened in 1792, selling everything from crime fiction to confectionery.
However, the brand disappeared from the high street after the group sold off all its UK high street retail shops to private equity company Modella Capital to focus on its travel locations, where it will still operate under the brand.
As a result, Modella revealed plans to rebrand the chain as TGJones.
As it pushed forward with efforts to sell off the high street arm, the group pushed forward with the closure of 20 stores.
– Claire’s
The UK arm of fashion accessories business Claire’s tumbled into administration this year after its US owner entered bankruptcy.
Modella Capital once again appeared in the picture, striking a deal to save 156 stores.
However, 145 shops – employing around 1,000 workers – were not part of the deal and closed as a result.
– Pizza Hut
In October, Pizza Hut confirmed that 68 of the brand’s UK restaurants would shut after the business running its franchise in the country entered administration.
It also shut 11 delivery sites as part of a restructuring which put 1,210 workers at risk of redundancy.
DC London Pie, the firm running Pizza Hut’s UK dine-in restaurants, appointed administrators after being impacted by a slowdown in the sector.
American hospitality giant Yum! Brands, which owns the global Pizza Hut business, bought the remaining UK restaurant operation in a rescue deal, saving 64 sites.
– Bodycare
Bodycare was among the brands to disappear from UK high streets for good after it shut all its roughly 150 stores.

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