Wrexham owners and Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are part of an investor group that has bought a 24 per cent in F1 team Alpine. Renault, the Formula One team’s parent company, confirmed that Reynolds and McElhenney had joined RedBird Capital Partners, the US investment firm who own Italian football club AC Milan and also have stakes in Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, in the deal. The 24 per cent equity purchase of £171m values Alpine at around £706m and the team said they will hope to compete for the F1 championship following the increased investment. Alpine, who are based in Britain and were born after Renault rebranded its F1 outfit two years ago, finished fourth in the constructors championship behind Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes last season. Reynolds and McElhenney made their first steps into sports ownership when they announced a shock takeover of non-league side Wrexham in 2020. Under their ownership and alongside the popular documentary show Welcome to Wrexham, the Welsh side returned to the Football League with promotion last season following a memorable campaign. Hollywood actor and Creed star Michael B Jordan, who has a minority stake in Premier League team Bournemouth, and US-based Otro Capital are also among the new group of investors in Alpine, the team confirmed. Alpine chief executive Laurent Rossi said: "This association is an important step to enhance our performance at all levels." Read More Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney insist they will not get bored at Wrexham Why Wrexham? How Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney came to buy a club they’d never heard of

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When warmer weather arrives, many of us feel the urge to cool off with a refreshing dip at the nearest pool, pond or beach. A paddle is a pleasant way to beat the heat, it can boost your health too. “The benefits of swimming and dipping in open water are well documented,” says Lee Heard, charity director at Royal Life Saving Society UK. “Not only does being in or on open water allow new adventure, it also has documented benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing.” Research from Next found that 33% of people would look to wild swimming to find relief from muscle aches and pains, while 28% of those facing stress see it as a remedy. “Many of us only swim outdoors during the summer season,” says Ella Foote, founder of The Dip Advisor and author of How to Wild Swim: What to Know Before Taking the Plunge. But just because the sun is out doesn’t mean wild swimming is less dangerous, she says: “Learning to swim at some point in your life isn’t enough and being a fit, healthy person on dry land isn’t the same as being water fit.” There were 226 deaths in the UK from accidental drownings in 2022, according to the RNLI. Heard says: “The basic principles of open water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of the hazards, can increase the enjoyment of open water and significantly reduce the number of incidents that occur each year.” These are the safety considerations to take into account before deciding whether to wade in… Look for lifeguards “There are a great number of open-water sites which are lifeguarded and we would urge people to go to lifeguarded venues if they are looking to take part in open water swimming,” says Heard. Use the RNLI website to find your nearest lifeguarded beach. “Lifeguards are trained professionals who can ensure your safety whilst out on the water and provide assistance should you need it,” Heard continues. “There are also a number of organised events around the country which have lifeguards on duty, so we urge people to attend those events.” Check the conditions If you’re swimming somewhere without a lifeguard, you must be aware of the potential risks.”If swimmers are aware of the potential risks and dangers, then this enables them to do a risk assessment before entering the water,” says Heard. Risks to consider include, he says: “The depth of the water – this changes and is unpredictable; underwater objects and hazards may not be visible; strong currents can rapidly sweep people away; and uneven banks and river beds.” “The weather is more changeable in coastal areas; wind can make a huge difference in the sea and how it behaves,” says Foote, who recommends checking the Tide Times or Surfline websites and following RNLI advice on rip currents. “If you plan a river swim it is worth remembering that water travels faster when a river is shallow, narrow or after spells of heavy rain,” she adds. Know your limits “Can you tread water while keeping your head above the water? Can you float on your back? Could you swim 25 meters without stopping?” asks Foote. “These are the very basic skills for keeping yourself safe in open water and if you are unsure – don’t get in.” While it can be tempting to plunge in on a hot day, never jump or dive without testing the water first. “Enter within your depth and get a feel for the water before swimming,” Foote continues. “Ensure you know where you plan to get out before getting in, sometimes it is easier to get in the water than get out.” And always trust your instincts: “If you’re at the water and something doesn’t feel right, trust that. If the water doesn’t look, or smell right, don’t get in. Outdoor swimming is joyful, but be safe.” Beware of the cold “The shock of cold water can make swimming difficult and increase the difficulty in getting out of the water,” Heard says, even during hot weather when water temperatures are rising. “The water will always be cooler than your core body temperature, so you will experience a gasp and chill on entry,” says Foote. “While it might be warm in the shallows, in deeper water it will be cold at the bottom and that can feel very different when jumping in, which can cause cold water shock and be fatal. “This is also true in coastal areas – the sea is still cool at this time of year.” Don’t trespass Choosing where to swim isn’t just about finding a safe and picturesque spot – you’ve got to make sure you’re not trespassing on private land. “As a rule, avoid reservoirs and quarries – they are often private facilities and are not designed for swimming,” says Foote. “As well as trespassing, many have steep sides and while you might get in okay, getting out can be harder. Some reservoirs have damns, towers and aerators that present a real risk to swimmers.” You should always check whether you’re allowed to swim in a lake in a national parks. The NOWCA network lists safe open water swimming venues. Take the right kit Depending on the weather and water temperature, you may need more than just a bikini or shorts for your swim. “We always recommend going swimming with a friend, wearing appropriate clothing such as a wetsuit, a tow float and a bright-coloured swimming hat,” says Heard, so that you’re more visible if you need help. And don’t forget that while a rush of endorphins can help when you’re in the water, you may feel more chilly once you get out. Heard adds: “It’s vital to also ensure that when you get out you have appropriate clothing to keep you warm after the swim.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Prince of Wales to launch initiative aimed at ending homelessness Beatrice enjoys Glastonbury as princess is spotted on final day of festival Kate triumphant after Frankie Dettori’s win at Royal Ascot

The St Louis Cardinals stormed back from a 4-0 first-inning deficit to beat the Chicago Cubs 7-5 and split Major League Baseball’s second London Series. For some punters this event was about gawking at two-foot long hot dogs and potentially seeing a handful of home runs, though noises around London Stadium suggested a decent number of the 55,565 in attendance were genuinely invested in the sport. Players from both sides emphasised the seriousness of MLB’s trip across the pond – which holds genuine consequences for the National League Central rivals’ postseason hopes – while MLB will be evaluating if and how they can continue to stage games in London after the last scheduled series here in 2026. Chicago were dealt a blow when pitching ace Marcus Stroman was forced off with injury in the bottom of the fourth, while the division-bottom Cardinals (32-45) benefitted from an alert offence and strong performance from the bullpen in a game that featured 11 different men on the mound. Stroman entered the afternoon with wins in an MLB-leading seven straight starts, while Cardinals boss Oliver Marmol turned to Matthew Liberatore after Jack Flaherty was a late fitness scratch. The Cardinals quickly fell behind after the ‘visiting’ Cubs batted first, capitalised on a pair of errors and got themselves out to a 4-0 lead in the top of the first inning. But St Louis rallied in the bottom half of the second and had the bases loaded with two outs before singles from Tommy Edman and Brendan Donovan made it 4-3. With a man on first, Marmol swapped his starter for right-hander Jake Woodford at the top of the third, while neither of the two pinch runners Cubs boss David Ross introduced for the subsequent at-bats crossed home plate and the score stood at 4-3. But it was all tied up at the end of the inning after Jordan Walker’s line drive to centre brought home Lars Nootbaar. The Cards took the lead for the first time in the bottom of the fourth through Paul Goldschmidt, who this weekend became the first MLB player to play in five countries and drove in Edman to make it 5-4. Something seemed to be troubling the usually reliable Stroman. He began the game with the national league’s lowest earned-run average, but in London he ended the afternoon with six runs allowed and hit Donovan with a pitch. A mound visit determined the Cubs ace was suffering from a blister to his right index finger and he was pulled after 3.1 innings and replaced by Michael Fulmer, St Louis extending their lead when Lars Nootbaar’s sacrifice fly allowed Donovan to score from third. The Cardinals managed just six hits across all nine innings on Saturday. By Sunday’s seventh-inning stretch they had posted 11, including Nolan Gorman’s fifth-inning single to make it 7-4. The bullpen quartet of Woodford, Genesis Cabrera, Giovanny Gallegos and Andre Pallante combined for seven scoreless innings before Jordan Hicks gave up a sacrifice fly to Nico Hoerner, allowing Nick Madrigal to cross home plate. Though the Cubs had no given up a run since the fifth it was too late to spark a comeback, despite winning a video review challenge. It was down to Seiya Suzuki to make magic happen with their last out. Instead, Hicks caught him swinging to seal the all-important victory in Britain. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Football rumours: Jadon Sancho and Harry Maguire may be shown Man Utd exit door Cameron Norrie ‘really excited’ about leading British men into Wimbledon battle Andy Murray recalls ‘huge relief’ of his maiden Wimbledon win 10 years on

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