Squirrels’ reign of terror in kitchen

A woman has told the BBC she is terrified to enter her kitchen because of the grey squirrels that have been living in her house for the last three years. Michelle Collins, 39, said the rodents have chewed up her doors and skirting boards and have eaten her dogs’ food. “I never imagined squirrels could do this to my home, it’s unbelievable what they can do,” she said. A local pest controller, Scott McIntyre, said he had seen the "nightmare damage" that could be done by squirrels.

Phones banned at Ramen shop

The owner of a ramen noodle shop in Japan said he is banning diners from using their phones. In a bid to speed up seating times and preserve the integrity of the dish, Kota Kai, owner and operator of Tokyo eatery Debu-chan, said he noticed the customers who waited the longest to dig into the bowls of ramen noodles placed in front of them tended to be watching YouTube videos on their phones. “It’s like, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do,’” he told CNN. “Ramen is a form of entertainment.”

Hotel offers free night to Cav owners

A five-star hotel in County Durham will offer owners of King Charles Cavalier Spaniels the opportunity to stay for free to mark the coronation of King Charles in May. Between 1 May and 30 June, owners booking a dog-friendly package with their King Charles Cavalier Spaniel will receive a third night free at Seaham Hall, as part of a three night stay. The “pampered pets will receive an in-room ‘pup-pack’ - complete with bowls, towels and irresistible treats including pawsecco”, said the coastal hotel.

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