There’s slow traffic at Grimston Bar in York this afternoon.
A report on the York: What’s Going On Facebook page says there was a car on fire in the area.
It means there’s slow northbound traffic on the A64 ring road going towards the Hull Road roundabout.
The traffic problems on the A64 near the Fulford interchange today (Wednesday) have now been cleared.
We reported earlier that a broken down vehicle had left a lane closed in the eastbound carriageway, leading to long delays.
The road is running normally again now.
A broken down vehicle is causing traffic problems on the A64 in York this morning (Wednesday, 4 December).
One lane has been closed near the A19 slip road close to Fulford.
The AA reports: “Queueing traffic and traffic problem on A64 Eastbound from A1036 Tadcaster Road to A19 (Fulford Interchange).”
The queues were back to Copmanthorpe at 9.30am.
A crash on the A170 at Sutton Bank near Thirsk has been cleared.
The collision happened in foggy conditions earlier today (Thursday, 7 November), witnesses said.
Traffic is now flowing freely on the road.
There’s been a crash on Sutton Bank this morning (Thursday).
Witnesses say it happened in the fog on the notorious stretch of road near Thirsk.
The road is partially blocked and traffic is slow in the area.
The A64 has been cleared after the earlier crash.
It was shut following a collision between a car and a motorbike today (Thursday, 24 October).
The road was closed for several hours between the B1248 near Malton and the B1249 near Willerby.
The incident is now over and the road is running as normal.
The A64 is closed after a crash between a car and a motorbike today (Thursday, 24 October).
It shut between the B1248 near Malton and the B1249 near Willerby, National Highways Yorkshire reported at 11.52am.
The crash was on the eastbound carriageway but the road was shut in both directions.
It was causing delays as traffic was directed away from the scene.
The A64 is blocked after a crash in Ryedale this morning (Thursday, 24 October).
It’s close to West Knapton.
The AA reports: “Road blocked and heavy traffic due to crash on A64 both ways from Sandy Lane to Knapton Wold Road.
“Detour in operation – via bus route 843.”
A vehicle has struck a deer on the A19 this morning (Tuesday, 22 October), causing traffic delays.
It’s at Crockey Hill and happened shortly before 7am. Two vehicles have put their hazard lights on to shield the animal.
Traffic is slow in both directions due to the obstacle.
A lorry is blocking the A170 in both directions at Sutton Bank this afternoon (Wednesday, 16 October).
North Yorkshire Police put out this alert at just after 3.30pm: “A lorry is stuck on Sutton Bank and the road is currently blocked in both directions.
“We’re assisting with organising recovery but anticipate that it may take some time due to the positioning of the HGV.
“Motorists are advised to find an alternative route.”
A burst water main has created traffic congestion on the A19 this morning (Tuesday, 15 October).
This is a report from the Save Our Selby Facebook page: “If you’re thinking of going Naburn way to York don’t bother – burst water main near the exit to get back too the A19 and you can’t get through there turning everyone back around.”
As a result traffic is slower than usual on the A19.
A crash on the A1079 east of York is causing problems this afternoon (Wednesday, 9 October).
It is near Wilberfoss, close to the junction with the road to Newton on Derwent.
It was reported at about 12.30pm. One witness said there is “debris all over the place and lots of traffic”.
The AA reports the road is “partially blocked and slow traffic due to crash on A1079 both ways at the Newton upon Derwent turn off”.
A road near the North Yorkshire coast is closed by flooding this afternoon (Friday, 27 September).
It’s in Muston, west of Filey.
North Yorkshire Police said at 3.57pm: “There is currently flooding in the area of Muston near Filey on the A165 and the road has been closed.
“Drivers are asked to follow the diversions and not drive through the flood water as the waves that your vehicles cause put properties at risk of flooding. Thank you.”
Here are some more of Sarah’s pictures from an emotional morning at the university.
Without further ado, here’s the unveiling of the Long Boi statue!
Greg James did the honours at the University of York Central Hall, followed by a minute of quacks.
Here’s what Greg James has been saying in his Long Boi eulogy today.
“When I first spoke about long boy on the Radio One breakfast show in May 2021 I had no idea that a fleeting comment about a very tall duck would lead to this now, three years later.
“There are hundreds of people here in person to remember and to celebrate him. Millions listening to this ceremony right now on the radio, and even more people all around the world following this story.
“So thank you to everyone who’s taking the time out of their day to listen to this ridiculous event, and thank you to you for your attendance here today.”
He went on: “Some people might not get why we’re doing this today. They might wonder why everyone put in so much time and effort for something that, on the surface, looks silly.
“But silly things are important. Silly things get us through the day.
“And look silliness brings us together, and our favourite animals get us through the day too.
“We love them because they show us the best of ourselves. So when you get the chance to celebrate silliness and to celebrate animals at the same time, you have to seize it with both hands, and that’s what we’re going to do today.
“So without further ado, Let’s all celebrate the life of Britain’s tallest duck.”
After broadcasting his Radio 1 breakfast show live from the University of York today, Greg James is now addressing the hall.
He is dressed in suitably funereal black, complete with veil.
Greg composed his eulogy to Long Boi on the train up to York last night.
Tanisha Jain, sports officer for the University of York Students’ Union, was involved with the fundraising for the Long Boi memorial.
She told Sarah Dunphy that the duck had global appeal.
“We realised that there’s so much overwhelming love for Long Boi.
“I’m from India, and my friends and family in India knew who Long Boi was and they were like, “Oh my god, you go to the same university as Long Boi’.
“We knew we needed to commemorate his life somehow.”
The full interview is below.
People are gathering in the Central Hall of the University of York now ready for the ceremonies to begin.
The spotlight is on the statue of the willowy waterfowl, hidden under a sheet.
Here are some more pictures from Sarah at the scene.
Here’s the University of York vice chancellor Charlie Jeffery paying his tribute to Long Boi.
Absolutely no idea that a duck, a wonderful, engaging, distinctive duck, could generate so much passion.
So we’re going to have at Central Hall at the university, 700 or so students. It’s eight o’clock in the morning, and they’re all ready.
Students don’t normally do that! So this, this is a big thing for the university and for our students. They just love our animals on campus, and this one really took their imagination.
Here’s another personal memory of the lofty lake dweller, this time by Gen Andrews…
Reports are coming in of a crash on the A1079 near York this morning (Thursday, 26 September).
Two cars and a van are said to be involved in the collision near Wilberfoss.
Traffic is slow in the area.
More details when we get them.
Our Sarah Dunphy has been talking to folk on the University of York campus about their memories of Long Boi, the tall duck.
Here’s Kaitlyn Beattie-Zarb:
I saw him pretty much every day if he was on campus, I saw him, and I would walk past him on my way to lectures, and it was great, and you would feed him. And, like, it was just such a he was such a staple of my life there in first year.
Our reporter Sarah Dunphy is at the scene of the unveiling, the University of York.
Greg James’s is broadcasting his Radio 1 Breakfast Show live from the scene (you’ll be listening to YorkMix Radio of course).
Here’s what’s going on there today.
As befits a global legend, Long Boi is on Wikipedia.
Here’s how the entry begins…
Long Boi (fl. 2018 – April 2023) was an unusually tall male duck that lived by Derwent College, University of York, England. He was thought to be an Indian Runner duck-Mallard cross, standing out among the other ducks on the campus due to his height. He went viral and became an internet meme in 2021. His popularity saw him become an unofficial mascot for the university. At least one commentator has branded him ‘Britain’s most famous duck’.
In early May 2023, students expressed concerns that Long Boi had not been seen in at least a week. On 11 May, the university concluded that he was presumably dead. He had not been seen on campus for nearly two months.
You can read the whole entry here.
Here are a few Long Boi pictures from our archives to remember him by.
There is more to today than a mere statue unveiling.
That of course is the apogee of today’s events when we will finally see Long Boi immortalised.
But there’s a whole order of service. It includes a very serious minute of quacking.
Here it is in full:
York is preparing to say goodbye.
The city’s favourite waterfowl, Long Boi, will be honoured at a service held at the University of York today (Thursday, 26 September).
And BBC star Greg James will be broadcasting his Radio 1 breakfast show live from the campus – and unveiling the long-awaited statue to the web-footed legend.
You can read our full preview here.
A crash that was causing problems on Tadcaster Road in York this morning (Wednesday, 25 September) has been cleared.
It was near to York College, between Sim Balk Lane and Moor Lane roundabout.
At 9.17am, York Travel posted on X: “Please avoid the area if possible.”
But the road is now cleared and traffic is returning to normal.
Bus services were being disrupted while the crash was ongoing:
The A63 is partially blocked this morning (Monday, 16 September). It is due to a crash on the northbound lane.
The AA reports it is partially blocked and there’s slow traffic due to an “obstruction on the A63 Great North Road Northbound near the hotel.
“Affecting traffic towards Micklefield.”
A road is closed in the Yorkshire Wolds today (Wednesday, 11 September).
The AA is reporting that the A166 is shut both ways near Wetwang.
It says the closure is due to police incident and runs from the B1248 Beverley Road to the B1252 Garton Hill.
Google is reporting a crash both on the A166 and the B1248.
A serious crash is causing problems on the A19 north of York this afternoon (Tuesday, 10 September).
It’s close to Shipton by Beningbrough.
The AA reports: “Road blocked and slow traffic due to crash on A19 Main Street both ways near the church.”
It appears to be blocked in both directions. More when we get it.
Emergency services have been called to a serious crash on a main road east of York today (Tuesday, 10 September).
It’s on the A1079 between Wilberfoss and Pocklington.
Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to the incident, which happened around 2.20pm.
One witness described it as a ‘huge crash’. There is congestion both ways on the road this afternoon.
A notorious stretch of road is closed by a spillage of concrete this afternoon.
Sutton Bank on the A170 is blocked both ways, from Back Lane to Sutton National Park.
The road will stay closed while the council carry out clear up operations.
Please avoid the area.
Traffic is slow on the A64 due to a crash this afternoon (Friday, 6 September).
The incident is on the A64 westbound at Barton Hill crossroads, between York and Malton.
The AA says it is due to a ‘rolled over vehicle’. One lane is closed and traffic is slow.
Staff at The Mount School in York sent their warmest congratulations to their GCSE students today.
They said: “We are so proud of this cohort where 13% of grade 9s were achieved, with 74% of pupils achieving a grade 8/9. 30% of grades awarded were 8-9 and over 45% of grades were 7-9, all outstanding achievements.
“We are delighted that the number of grade 9s achieved has continued to increase by 3% since last year.
“Many girls outperformed their predicted grades after working so hard, showing the value added at The Mount, with 41% of pupils achieving at least one grade 9 at GCSE and many achieving two or more.”
Carina who achieved eight GCSEs including 6 x 9s, an 8 and 2 x 6s. Carina couldn’t collect her results in person from China. She sent this message: “I’m really pleased and grateful for my GCSE results. At The Mount I’ve gained knowledge, confidence and learnt how to live adventurously amongst this wonderful school community. Many thanks to all the staff.”
Seren Dowling who achieved nine GCSEs including 2 x 9s and 4 x 8s, but that is far from her main contribution to school. Seren’s has won tournaments with the school netball team, and for York City Netball Club. She’s played parts in school productions including Alice in Wonderland and has Grade 5 Piano.
Performances were strong across all subjects with the following areas worthy of note, and exceeding national averages:
The Mount also gives pupils the chance to shine early. Nearly 30% of Year 10s who were entered for their English Language GCSE a year early, were today awarded grades 8-9.
Huntington School in York reports that their Year 11 students “have achieved brilliant GCSE results, maintaining the strong track record of academic success.
“Their hard work, resilience and determination has paid off with a set of results that are exceptional and a by-product of an ambitious and challenging curriculum.”
Most of the students will be staying on to complete A’ Level and Level 3 courses in the Huntington Sixth Form.
Headteacher Matt Smith said: “We congratulate the students on all they have achieved and would also like to thank our exceptional staff for their hard work and dedication.
“These results are a celebration of all that has been achieved through working in partnership with our students and their parents and carers.
“‘”I am incredibly proud of each and every Year 11 student, it has been wonderful to celebrate their achievements and to recognise how far they have come, especially those who have had to navigate their way through challenging circumstances.
“We wish all Year 11 students well with their next steps and we know they have very bright futures ahead.”
ntree School students “responded incredibly well to the challenge of their exams” the staff said today.
“We are so proud of our Year 11 students, and what they have achieved this year,” the York school said.
“They responded incredibly well to the challenge of their exams, and it is wonderful to see all of this hard work pay off. It is lovely to see high levels of performance across our curriculum, with strong results throughout.
“This cohort of students have been a real joy to work with, both in terms of setting high standards in their approach to learning and in setting a high standard as role models for our younger students.”
The York school had some brilliant results from some very talented individuals.
Scarlett Owen achieved 9 grade 9s in her exams. Harry Male and Tom Keast each achieved 6 grade 9s, and Eurwen Parry achieved grade 8/9 in all her subjects.
Yasmin Ali achieved 5 grade 9s, and Emma Ferguson achieved 9 grades at 8/9.
“In addition to the above, we also wanted to celebrate the following students, who all exceeded their target grades by more than a grade/subject: Yasmin Ali, Abigail Naylor, Harry Male, Joshua Percival, David Stamp, Hannah Duck, Meg Gration, Monila Avakyan, Eurwen Parry, Ernie Cope, Emma Ferguson, Jess Hope, Hayson Tong and Jaisha Watson.
“That is an amazing achievement: well done to you all!”
Headteacher David Hewitt said: “We have had a great morning celebrating with our Year 11 students.
“Their hard work and dedication has led to many happy faces today and the start of the next step of their education.
“They have been a fantastic year group and we look forward to working with many of them in Sixth Form and hearing about the success of those who are going on to opportunities outside of school.”
Our reporter, Sarah Dunphy, attended All Saints RC school today for GCSE results day.
Here are some of the cheerful students she met this morning…
Students and staff at Millthorpe School are celebrating an excellent set of GCSE results this year.
Kavina Rothenburg, acting principal, said: “We are all incredibly proud of our students at Millthorpe – they have achieved excellent results.
“We have been impressed by their dedication and relentless determination to succeed; they have remained positive, good humoured and supportive of each other throughout their GCSE years.
“They are a credit to our school and their families. We are very grateful for the support of all of our parents and carers who have motivated their children and continued to work alongside our staff to ensure the students get the grades they have worked so hard to achieve.
“I would also like to publicly thank all the staff at Millthorpe who have worked so hard to support and inspire our students.”
The following Millthorpe students achieved at least 8 grade 7/8/9s (equivalent to A/A* and above): Wren Adams, Yasmine Amin, Esther Borlase, Rose Brint, Brody Clark, Arlo Clayton McClure, Eve Crompton, Beniamino De-Giorgio, Toby Edwards, Bella Ellis, Estell Ennis, Keira Jacobs, Ursula Jarvis, Charlie King, Hannah Lodder, Freya McKay, Morgan McKenzie, Ava Medley, Isla Nichol, Isabel Philips, Dylan Smith, Owen Thomas, Reuben White and Batu Yigit.
Special congratulations to Cameron Nakagawa and Hugo Zielichowski-Haber who achieved an outstanding grade 9 in all their subjects.
Mrs Rothenburg continues “We’re incredibly pleased for all of our students, some of whom have overcome significant challenges during their time with us.
“All our students deserve recognition for their achievements, which may not always be the highest grades, but represent real success for them. We wish everyone the very best of luck as they move to the next stage in their journey.”
More brilliant results from Fulford School in York.
“Fulford School is proud to announce the outstanding achievements of our Year 11 students,” said the headteacher Russell Harris.
“We are delighted to celebrate their fantastic success in GCSE and vocational qualifications.
“The hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our students have resulted in exceptional outcomes at all levels, with many gaining the highest grades across a full range of subjects.”
More than 70% of Fulford students achieved a strong pass in both Maths and English, with an Attainment 8 score of 5.9.
“These outstanding results highlight their remarkable achievements and the many future opportunities now within their reach.
“The results are a true reflection of our students’ hard work and the unwavering commitment of our staff. Our students have shown incredible resilience and determination, and their achievements are truly inspiring. I congratulate each and every one of them.
“They are a testament to the collaborative effort of our teachers, students, and parents. The support and dedication from our school community have been pivotal in achieving these outcomes.
“We will welcome the majority of our students back into our sixth form, whilst others will embark on exciting pathways elsewhere. We wish them all the very best as they take their next steps and thank them for the fantastic impact they have had on our school community over their time at Fulford School.
“Well done to everyone a testament to what can be accomplished through hard work, dedication, and a supportive learning environment.”
Our reporter, Sarah Dunphy, headed to All Saints school this morning to meet with staff and students on GCSE results day.
Congratulations were certainly in order from the teachers, after pupils picked up their fantastic results.
Headteacher, Sharon Keelan-Beardsley, (far right) told YorkMix she was “so pleased” with all of the students.
Bootham School pupils have seen another increase in their GCSE results this year, with 52.2% at 9-7, the equivalent of A and A* grades in the old system.
In total 18 students scored the top A* grades (8 or 9) in over half of their papers.
Robin Taylor and Dinithi Ramanayake went above and beyond – both exceeding the standard 10 GCSEs and securing 13 and 12 passes respectively, for both of them. This included the Astronomy GCSE offered to young people across York as part of the school’s contribution to the York Independent-State School Partnership.
Headmaster Deneal Smith said: “We have seen another improvement in GCSE grades again this year, for the group whose early secondary school experience began with the Covid years. They have massively outperformed both the national averages and the last pre-Covid cohort.
“GCSEs have their critics, but they remain a strong indicator of future academic success. The work our students have done to achieve these results brings rewards not just today, but allows them to start their new A-level courses next month with confidence. ”
Some fabulous stories and results have come in from York High…
Some excellent results in Maths this year. Lots of 7+ grades: congratulations to Safiya M, Stan C, Logan L, Kian C-G and Noah C. Jonathan Byrne the Head of Maths said “Maths staff would like to congratulate pupils of all Maths abilities on their results. These pupils showed a real desire to achieve in Maths with their work in and out of class.”
From the pupils who achieved a grade 5, special mention should go to Jack R, Zach E and Riley M.
We are delighted to celebrate success in our English results this year at York High School. Well done in particular to Saphira Briggs and Chloe Hufton in English and to Carmen Daniel-Mawer in English literature.
Victoria Burns is especially proud of the achievements of the following students: Cobey Bailey, Summer Bruce, Amber Masiak and Georgia Oliver who have all worked exceptionally hard throughout the year.
They are well-deserving of these grades which will enable them to move to their chosen pathways at college.
The Drama results at York High have been exceptional this year, in particular Molly Yates with a grade 9.
“We are so proud of all of the Drama students who have worked incredibly hard. Molly has done amazingly to achieve a grade 9, and Jaeda Nicholls also achieved very highly with a grade 7. Well done to all of our very talented pupils.
The Humanities department at YHS continues to be a strength. Well done to Morgan Tudor, Faiq Mushtaq, Takunda Machiva and Kane Robinson for Grade 8 results in History.
Superb Geography Grade 8’s for David Adeyeye, Macy Kelly and Stan Connor.
RS continues to be the most successful department at York High: well done in particular to Cameron MacGregor, Maisy Shaw and Chloe Hufton.
“Students across the Humanities department have worked incredibly hard over the entire 5 years of their studies. They should be very proud of their achievements and be confident that they are well prepared for their future studies. Well done!”
Brilliant results in Child Development at YHS. Jenni Nicholas is thrilled at the Child Development results with the following students achieving Level 2 Distinction: Alicia Hunter, Libby Walton and Grace Whiteley.
It has been a great year for the students studying Health and Social Care. Jenni Nicholas was delighted with the Level 2 Distinctions of Eshaa Ahmed, Macy Kelly, Safiya McGarry and Maisy Shaw.
After the Olympics it is great to see our students excelling in the Sports National Qualification. Congratulations to Stan Connor and David Adeyeye for achieving the highest grade possible and also a celebratory shout out to Matthew Ellwood, Charlie Kellett and Harri Anderson.
Students, parents and staff at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate are celebrating today following the announcement of the GCSE results for 2024, with success throughout Year 11.
Queen Ethelburga’s has two senior schools on their Thorpe Underwood campus.
Both have seen outstanding performances from students, their combined percentage of 7-9(A*/A) grades reaching 62%, and with all students achieving a broad range of qualifications across the curriculum.
Head of QE Faculty at Queen Ethelburga’s, Lauren Blakeley, said: “The results we have seen today from our Year 11 students is outstanding. It’s much more than just the grades themselves, it is seeing the individuals we have got to know in their time with us – some for many years – achieve their aspirations and being ready for their A Levels with drive and vision.’
Head of QE College, Steven Turner, said: “The talent within our Year 11 students is clear to see today, with successful grades across a large and varied amount of different subjects.
“Our students are ambitious in their approach to their education but also their aspirations, and this shows today. We’re really proud of each of them and look forward to following their achievements as they move into Sixth Form.”
This from York High School: “Congratulations to the Year 11 students for some fantastic results this year.
“This group of students have shown great resilience in bouncing back from the disruption of Covid and school closure earlier in their school lives.”
Headteacher Rod Sims said: “This year’s group has got better and better as they have progressed through the school. We have some fantastic students and staff at York High School.
“It is always brilliant to see the rewards that hard work and good attendance brings.”
The school offered special congratulations to Faiq M, Jaeda N, Kane R, Molly Y and Yun W for exceptional achievement.
Students are given a GCSE forecast nationally based on their Sat results at the end of primary school. These students deserve special congratulations for achieving 2 grades higher than they were predicted: Saphira B, Macy K, Olivia S and Grace W.
Our reporter Sarah Dunphy has been at All Saints School in York this morning.
Here are some of her pix of the students and staff on this big day.
“Congratulations to the students at All Saints Catholic School on their incredible GCSE results. The staff are very proud of what you have achieved.”
That’s the message from the All Saints team in York today.
Headteacher Sharon Keelan-Beardsley describes their GCSE outcomes as phenomenal with students who have a variety of educational backgrounds performing at the highest level.
There were many superb results in all areas and outcomes in every one of our core subjects including English, Maths, Science and RE were excellent. Students also excelled in French, Media, and many other areas.
Individually, there were numerous outstanding results, where students achieved top grades in all of their subjects. We also saw a large number of students who made significant progress across their suite of GCSE’s.
There were four students who achieved an average progress score of over 3 grades above what they would be predicted to achieve nationally in all their subjects.
The school said: “We are very proud of all our young people, and this year we are especially delighted that our students who under government measures are classed as disadvantaged have achieved particularly well. In fact this group has made significantly more progress than their non disadvantaged students nationally.
“What this shows, is that hard work, combined with excellent teaching and a caring and aspirational environment really do make the difference.
“Our mission statement is that we are ambitious to educate the whole person to thrive personally, academically and spiritually. We believe that by delivering on these aspirations, our young people are well placed to face the future with confidence.
“We have a record number of applicants to our successful sixth form this year and we look forward to welcoming back many of the young people who have performed so well whilst at All Saints.
“On behalf of all the staff and governors at All Saints, I would like to thank our families for how they have worked with the school to help the students achieve these fantastic outcomes.”
