Garden swimming pools are to be banned from sale in a part of southern France over worsening water shortages.

France’s Ecological Transition Minister Christophe Béchu said that Pyrénées-Orientales, which borders Spanish Catalonia, will be officially declared at drought “crisis” level from 10 May.

Bans on car-washing, garden-watering and pool-filling will also kick in from the same date.

“We need to get out of our culture of abundance,” said Mr Bechu.

Explaining why authorities had decided to take the step to ban sales of garden pools, he said: “It is to prevent people from being tempted to do what they are in fact not allowed to do anyway – which is to fill them.

“The Pyrénées-Orientales is a department that has not known a full day of rain in over a year. When you are in a crisis like this, it is really quite simple: it’s drinking water and nothing else.

Warning lights have been flashing in France after a dry winter aggravated the already depleted water tables inherited from 2022.

A wet March has provided a welcome partial relief to farmers by moistening soil ahead of planting but underground water levels remain dangerously low, especially around the Mediterranean. Only Brittany and Aquitaine in the south-west are in a relatively safe position.

The Pyrénées-Orientales will become the fourth district where the drought is officially at “crisis” level. More than 40 others – amounting to nearly half the country – are already at “alert” or “vigilance” levels, presaging even worse shortages than last year.

In parts of the district, aquifer levels are so low that experts fear saline seepage from the sea, which would make tap water undrinkable. Low aquifer levels also mean a higher concentration of pollutants, which could likewise severely damage water quality.

President Emmanuel Macron last month announced a nationwide water programme, with promises of investment to curb leaks and increase recycling. He also outlined a “progressive water tariff” under which consumption above a certain quantity – for example, for swimming pools – would be charged at higher rates.

Some 2,000 villages and towns are at risk of losing their water supply this year, according to Mr Béchu. Last year, 1,000 municipalities had serious problems, of which some 400 had to be provided with bottles or mobile cisterns.

“The war over water triggered by the fall in stocks is a genuine threat to our national cohesion,” the minister said.

A shire horse raised on a farm in rural Wales will be centre stage during the coronation procession of King Charles III.

Ed – now known as Major Apollo – is a ceremonial drum horse raised in Eglwyswrw, Pembrokeshire.

He also took part in Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral procession.

The role involves leading 200 other horses on the procession route on the streets of London, carrying the ceremonial kettle drum.

He was the second horse to be sold by Dyfed Shire Horse Farm to the Household Cavalry in December 2019, following in the hoofprints of Celt, who became a drum horse in 2008.

A third shire horse from the farm, Willa Rose, has also been bought by the Household Cavalry and is being trained as a drum horse.

Major Apollo stands at more than 17 hands (1.73m or 5ft 6in), weighs nearly 800kg (125 stone) and has been trained to carry a musician and drums during ceremonial events.

Major Apollo’s royal links stretch back to July 2018, when Camilla, the Queen Consort, visited the farm along with the King, who was then Prince of Wales.

She took the reins as Ed pulled her around the farm on a carriage ride.

Huw Murphy helps run the farm with his family, and he has been to London to watch Major Apollo’s preparations for the big day.

He said: “They are the highest ranking animals in the British Army. I was down there last week and it is a joy to see how they look after these horses.

“They care for them with exceptional love. The drum horse leads the procession and leads the Household Cavalry mounted regiment band.”

A fort on a hill overlooking Stirling may have been a powerbase for a group of people who battled the Romans about 2,000 years ago.

Archaeologists are making the first significant examination of the site on Dumyat, the most westerly of the Ochil hills.

The hilltop was the location of an impressive complex with a central citadel featuring a roundhouse protected by ramparts and other defences.

Archaeologists said Dumyat hillfort was shrouded in darkness in terms of what they know about it

The Maiatai fought the Romans following their invasion of Britain, and at one stage joined forces with another group – the Caledonii – to take on the invaders.

Roman historian Cassius Dio referenced the Maiatai in his writings in the 3rd Century.

University of Aberdeen’s Northern Picts Project worked with Stirling Council archaeologist Dr Murray Cook and volunteers on last month’s dig.

Prof Gordon Noble, of the Northern Picts Project, said potentially important finds were made including pottery, a brooch and evidence of metal working.

The finds will be radiocarbon dated to determine how old they are.

Dr Noble said: “The hillfort was in a really prominent location, but it is a site shrouded in darkness in terms of what we know about it.”

The investigation forms part of the wider Northern Picts Project, which has also carried out major excavations at Burghead in Moray and Bennachie in Aberdeenshire.

Work has begun to remove a 30-tonne whale carcass from Bridlington’s South Beach.

The 55ft (17m) long animal died on Tuesday evening after becoming stranded.

It is believed to be a male fin whale, the world’s second-largest creature after the blue whale.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said some roads and slipways in the resort would be closed while the operation was ongoing.

Shell is selling its stake in the controversial Cambo oil field, it has been announced.

The project – which is west of Shetland – is the second-largest undeveloped oil and gas discovery in the UK’s North Sea.

The oil major is looking for a buyer for its 30% holding.

Cambo has been the focal point of many protests, and Shell has been rumoured for months to be looking for someone to take over its part.

The remaining 70% of the field is owned by Ithaca Energy.

Ithaca said the two companies had agreed on several possible outcomes.

Shell might sell all of its stake, but if it only manages to find a buyer for a portion of the stake it could offload its remaining share to Ithaca.

If a buyer wants to purchase more than Shell’s 30% stake then Ithaca will sell up to 19.99% of its holding in the project, it said.

Semuc Champey, officially known as Semuc Champey Natural Monument, is an amazing natural monument that is located near the town of Lanquin in the department of Alta Verapaz, in the heart of the Republic of Guatemala.

As Semuc Champey is a stunning natural wonder that is a definite must-see for any nature lover or adventure seeker, this extraordinary geological formation in Central America is a series of cascading turquoise pools that are created by the Cahabón River flowing underground.

The creation of Semuc Champey is a remarkable feat of nature that has captured the attention of travelers and scientists alike. While the river flows underground, it is forming a natural bridge over the limestone bedrock, creating pools of varying sizes and depths that are perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The area is surrounded by lush greenery that is complementing this amazing place, adding to the breathtaking scenery, and creating a very unique experience that cannot be seen anywhere else.

Still, Semuc Champey is not only beautiful but also an important ecological site, as it serves as a home to a variety of species of flora and fauna, including some that are rare and endangered. That is why the preservation of this unique ecosystem is essential for the protection of these species and the environment as a whole so that future generations would be able to enjoy this magnificent and quite heavenly place.

Visiting Semuc Champey is always a treat since the site offers a plethora of different activities and attractions that cater to all interests, but those that are adventure-seeking can go cave exploring, river tubing, and even cliff jumping, while the nature enthusiasts can take a relaxing swim in the crystal-clear pools, hike through the surrounding forests, and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Alternatively, for those who are interested in learning about the Mayan culture, Semuc Champey is the perfect place to start, as the nearby archaeological sites, such as K’anba and Ch’ool Q’ij, offer visitors the opportunity to explore the ruins of ancient Mayan civilizations and learn about their fascinating history.

Nevertheless, Semuc Champey Natural Monument is not just about adventure and cultural exploration, it is also a great place to relax and unwind in nature, where many visitors come to the site simply to enjoy a peaceful day in the lush surroundings, take a dip in the refreshing waters, or lounge in the shade of the towering trees.

In conclusion, Semuc Champey Natural Monument in Guatemala is a destination that offers something for everyone, and its unique geological formation, breathtaking scenery, rich history, and diverse flora and fauna make it an important site for ecological and cultural preservation.

Whether a person is looking for adventure, relaxation, or a combination of both, Semuc Champey is a destination that should not be missed.