This is not a headline we ever expected to write... but there's a company that is actually willing to pay you to pick up dog poo.
As bizarre as it sounds - and trust us, we do know it's an odd one - Harringtons Pet Food is offering one lucky dog owner the chance to get paid to pick up their dog’s poo as part of a newly-launched campaign.
The #ScoopThePoop campaign encourages dog owners to monitor their canine companion's health through its poo before it's picked up and binned, as even though it is, admittedly, a bit grim to check, dog poo can often contain visual indicators of the animals' health, and/or the dietary changes that may be needed in their lives.
As part of the campaign, the dog food company says it's "on a mission" to encourage responsible dog ownership when out and about on dog walks this year, especially as you can be fined up to £100 on the spot for not picking up poo.
So, instead of being fined for leaving poo, how would you like to be paid to pick it up instead?
While we're not expecting loads of you to have answered 'yes' to that question, the successful applicant to this ‘dream job’ will front Harringtons Pet Food's #ScoopThePoop campaign, by communicating the message of the importance of picking up after your pet through social media, and will also receive a year's supply of dog food - which is worth £700.
The role is open to anyone and everyone with a dog.
Whether your walk is short or long, or your dog is a small breed or large breed, anyone that’s passionate about dog walking and responsible ownership is encouraged to apply.
Prospective candidates just need to be over 18 years old, and live in the UK.
A company is genuinely offering to pay someone £700 to pick up dog poo / Credit: Geograph | Unsplash
Fancy it then?
All you need to do to apply is fill out this form and let Harringtons Pet Food know which park you most regularly enjoy walks with your furry friend, as well as agree to spreading the #ScoopThePoop word on your social media channels at least twice in 2024 to receive the free £700-worth of dog food.
Applications will close on 29 February at 23:59pm, and the successful candidate will be notified of their new role by 15 March.
Singer-songwriter Myles Smith has just announced his biggest headline tour and is set to play a huge arena gig in Leeds this year.
Quit ‘Stargazing’ and get ready to fight for tickets as Myles Smith has just announced he’ll be visiting Leeds later this year for his biggest arena gig to date.
Known for hits like ‘Nice To Meet You’, ‘Stay (If You Wanna Dance)’ and ‘Wait For You’, this BRIT School graduate is now heading on the road for some headline shows across the UK.
Recognised for his folk-pop sound, Smith has built quite a name for himself just three or so years into his career, with solo efforts and a few collaborations under his belt.
Myles Smith is heading to First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, on tour this year / Credit: Press shots (supplied)
Recently, the Luton-born artist collaborated with some well-known names like Shaboozey on their track ‘Blink Twice’ and even features on a new single from former One Direction member Niall Horan titled ‘Drive Safe’.
It was only last year that the ‘Stargazing’ songwriter visited Leeds, bringing his high-energy hits to O2 Academy back in February.
Now, Smith is ready to tackle an arena crowd and has chosen Leeds First Direct Bank Arena and is expected to raise the roof when 13,500 fans flock to the star’s show this winter.
Titled after his upcoming album My Mess, My Life, My Heart, Smith will be playing a variety of well-known and brand new hits when he makes his way up North.
Fans who are signed up to the official artist presale can get exclusive access to tickets from Wednesday, 25 March at 10am, with the window closing on Friday, 27 March at 9am.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live by 10 am that same Friday (27 Mar).
Myles Smith is embarking on his ‘My Mess, My Life, My Heart’ tour this winter and visiting First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds on Sunday 8 November – tickets and more info HERE.
Leeds city centre crowned one of the best places to live in the north by The Sunday Times
Clementine Hall
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
Emily Sergeant -
16th February 2024 
