Mike Brooke, Newsquest Journalist Profile

Articles

Harry Potter Horntail dragon makes pit-stop at King’s Cross

1 week ago | times-series.co.uk | Mike Brooke

The journey home wouldn’t be the same after encountering the monster with those nasty, gripping teeth — thanks to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Some seemed brave enough for a selfie with the Horntail, knowing it was boxed up and those deadly claws out of harm’s way. But fans were still advised to keep their wands handy, just in case.
Harry Potter Horntail dragon makes pit-stop at King’s Cross

1 week ago | thisislocallondon.co.uk | Mike Brooke

The journey home wouldn’t be the same after encountering the monster with those nasty, gripping teeth — thanks to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Some seemed brave enough for a selfie with the Horntail, knowing it was boxed up and those deadly claws out of harm’s way. But fans were still advised to keep their wands handy, just in case.
Harry Potter Horntail dragon makes pit-stop at King’s Cross

1 week ago | hamhigh.co.uk | Mike Brooke

The journey home wouldn’t be the same after encountering the monster with those nasty, gripping teeth — thanks to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Some seemed brave enough for a selfie with the Horntail, knowing it was boxed up and those deadly claws out of harm’s way. But fans were still advised to keep their wands handy, just in case.
Ahmed Mahbub elected first Bangladeshi mayor of Haringey

1 week ago | hamhigh.co.uk | Mike Brooke

Cllr Mahbub took over the civic role after being elected during Haringey Council’s annual general meeting at Tottenham town hall, having served as deputy mayor to Sue Jameson over the last 12 months. Haringey is open to all,“ he said.
Play aims to stop young people being drawn into gangs or bullying

1 week ago | enfieldindependent.co.uk | Mike Brooke

3 1/1 Youngsters facing playground bullying or being drawn into street gangs are getting help from the famous Chickenshed Theatre on how to deal with “the negative impact”. The trust running the theatre has been given funds to stage a production that’s soon going on tour of Enfield schools aimed at creating safer environments free from “negative influences of bullying and exploitation”.
Rising costs 'making parenting harder' for nine out of ten families

1 week ago | times-series.co.uk | Mike Brooke

A study by Home-Start Barnet shows 86% of those they help may lose sleep over financial burdens — with single parents especially feeling the pinch. The charity, which supports 800 families in Barnet and neighbouring Brent and Harrow, has seen demand for its services rise by more than half in the past five years alone, which they say is a sign of mounting pressure on parents. “Many more families are coming to us for help,” chief executive Guljabeen Rahman said.
Market Place, Romford to host dog show at food festival

1 week ago | romfordrecorder.co.uk | Mike Brooke

2 1/1 Romford is set to host a dog show this coming bank holiday. The competition from noon on Monday, May 26 is run by Scruffy’s Angels animal charity for owners to show off every dog’s unique personality and style. Categories include cutest puppy, golden oldie, best rescue or rehome and best fancy dress, whether it’s a bouncy pup or a seasoned senior that might still steal the show.
How you can see what animals get up to after dark at London Zoo

1 week ago | thisislocallondon.co.uk | Mike Brooke

5 1/1 Now’s the chance to find out what animals get up to when the visitors have gone at the end of the day at London Zoo. Friday night adults-only Zoo Nights tours are running in June and July for ‘naughty nature’ tours to see survival and seduction in the animal kingdom — or toast the end of the week with Champagne overlooking the penguin colony.
The volunteers helping London's unemployed youth break the 'cycle of despair'

1 week ago | eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk | Mike Brooke

3 1/1 Volunteers helping disadvantaged youths get over barriers blocking their way to jobs have welcomed a cash gift to expand their work in Hackney and the East End. They’ve been given £10,000 by London Freemasons for the Circle Collective that runs social enterprise shops in Dalston, Canary Wharf and Lewisham in south London. The collective has helped 1,450 young people into sustainable jobs since 2021 and thousands more to become ‘job ready’.
Harold Hill Met Police and Havering Council partnership wins award

2 weeks ago | romfordrecorder.co.uk | Mike Brooke

The Met’s Havering squad of community officers based in Romford has been recognised at the first-ever Serious and Organised Crime local awards for reducing anti-social activity. The awards held in Yorkshire celebrated officers who have disrupted criminal activity in targeted neighbourhoods up and down the country. Three winners from the Met Police included the community safety partnership they have with Havering Council for responding to neighbourhood concerns about rising crime.