BBC News England

People in North Yorkshire need to show "common sense" this weekend ahead of Monday's easing of coronavirus restrictions, the county's health boss has said.

North Yorkshire County CouncilCopyright: North Yorkshire County Council

From Monday people can meet outside with one other household or within the "rule of six", and outdoor sport facilities are due to reopen.

Louise Wallace (pictured above), North Yorkshire’s director of public health, said: "After the tough restrictions, being able to meet outdoors will do us all good."

But she warned: "Getting together outdoors is good for our mental health and well-being, but it's important we do so safely. Follow the rules, maintain social distance and wear face coverings where required."

Ms Wallace added: "While there's not a limit on how far you can travel, we’re asking people to be sensible about what’s appropriate. Let’s use our North Yorkshire common sense."

BBCCopyright: BBC

Her sentiments have been echoed by York's health boss, Sharon Stoltz (pictured below).

Ms Stoltz said: "Like everyone, I'm looking forward to being able to see friends or family outdoors in line with the national rules from 29 March.

"However, the virus is still present in our communities and we cannot let our guard down yet.

"Covid loves a crowd, so please don’t give it the chance to spread. Please continue to follow the rules and keep a safe distance from those not in your household bubble."

BBCCopyright: BBC

Thousands of workers at Leeds-based supermarket Asda have won a major victory at the Supreme Court in their battle for equal pay.

Reuters/Toby Melville/File PhotoCopyright: Reuters/Toby Melville/File Photo

The court upheld an earlier ruling that lower paid shop staff, who are mostly women, can compare themselves with higher paid warehouse workers, who are mostly men.

The judge stressed the ruling did not mean the 44,000 claimants had won the right to equal pay. However, they are now free to take further action.

The GMB union, which has members involved in the case, called it "amazing news and a massive victory for Asda's predominantly women shop floor workforce".

Susan Harris, the GMB's legal director, said: "We now call on Asda to sit down with us to reach agreement on the back pay owed to our members - which could run to hundreds of millions of pounds."

But an Asda spokesman said there was a long way to go before the issues were finally settled: "This ruling relates to one stage of a complex case that is likely to take several years to reach a conclusion.

"We are defending these claims because the pay in our stores and distribution centres is the same for colleagues doing the same jobs regardless of their gender. Retail and distribution are very different sectors with their own distinct skill sets and pay rates."

It said it remained confident in its case.

Lawyers say the ruling will have implications for supermarkets and other retailers.

Police seized a car that was found to have no insurance in Leicester - and then confiscated two more that arrived to collect the driver.

Leicestershire Police said the driver was stopped in Tudor Road at about 14:15 on Thursday and found to have no insurance or a valid licence.

When a second car came to pick up the driver, that was also found to be uninsured and it happened again with a third car.

Leicestershire PoliceCopyright: Leicestershire Police

A force spokesman said: "Two cars that subsequently arrived at the scene were also found to be driven by drivers who did not hold insurance. Those cars were also seized.

"While still in the area, a further two cars were stopped and their drivers were also found to be without insurance. Those cars were seized as well."

Leicestershire PoliceCopyright: Leicestershire Police

Nominations for by-elections in Erewash have opened after two borough councillors resigned.

Pamela Ashley, for the Hallam Fields ward, and Diane Fletcher, for Nottingham Road, Long Eaton, have stepped down from Erewash Borough Council.

The authority is accepting nominations for the roles until 8 April.

Erewash Borogh CouncilCopyright: Erewash Borogh Council

Nomination papers must be delivered to the returning officer at Ilkeston's town hall between 9:00 and 16:00 on any working day, said the council.

Voting will take place on Thursday 6 May.