Yahoo said it would launch a "clean, modern and immersive design" search engine for Firefox users starting in December. The news comes as Google's arrangement with Firefox maker Mozilla nears an end after a decade-long partnership. Market leader Google accounts for 67% of searches from US desktop computers. That compares to about 20% for Microsoft and 10% for Yahoo, according to research firm comScore. Yahoo chief executive Marisa Mayer called the five-year deal with Firefox "the most significant partnership for Yahoo in five years". "At Yahoo, we believe deeply in search - it's an area of investment and opportunity for us," she added. Firefox users in the US will be automatically directed to search results on Yahoo's website when they enter a subject into the small box that appears at the top of the browser. Firefox, however, does lag behind Google Chrome in the US browser market. It accounts for about 10% of browsers on desktop computers, mobiles and tablets compared to over 33% for Google Chrome in October, according to tech data firm StatCounter. Along with ending its partnership with Google in the US, Mozilla is also directing Firefox to Baidu's search engine in China and Yandex in Russia. "Our new search strategy doubles down on our commitment to make Firefox a browser for everyone, with more choice and opportunity for innovation," said Mozilla chief executive Chris Beard. Meanwhile, just last month, Google chairman Eric Schmidt had said that the firm's biggest rival in online search was e-commerce giant Amazon and not competitors like Yahoo. Globally, Google accounts for about 90% of the online search market.

Summary: Tech giant Yahoo will now replace online leader Google as the default search engine on Firefox's internet browsers in the US.


The three-week Between the Monuments project is researching the daily lives of Neolithic and Bronze Age residents at the Wiltshire site. The dig is being led by The National Trust and Southampton and Leicester University archaeologists. The National Trust said if it is a house they will have "hit the jackpot". Spokeswoman Dr Nick Snashall said: "I could count the number of middle Neolithic houses that have been found on the fingers of one hand. "This site dates from a time when people are just starting to build the earliest parts of Avebury's earthworks, so we could be looking at the home and workplace of the people who saw that happening." The site being excavated is next to the West Kennet Avenue - a 1.5-mile (2.5km) prehistoric avenue of two parallel lines of stones - and was first discovered by archaeologist and businessman Alexander Keiller 80 years ago. The team has spent three years researching his journals and drawings together with modern geophysical survey techniques to pinpoint the excavation area. They have also discovered arrowheads, clusters of scrapers for working hide and plant materials, miniature flint saws and pottery. Dr Snashall said: "It's quite astonishing, millions of people have visited this site over the years but few of them can have guessed what they were standing on. "The finds have been coming up three or four at a time, in clusters. It's as if the people were sitting here working away making arrowheads, scraping skins and carrying out their daily tasks and then they just got up and walked away."

Summary: Archaeologists believe they may have found the remains of a house where people who built Avebury stone circle may have lived.


As hundreds of people fled Manchester Arena following the explosion, taxi drivers began taking people to safety. Driver AJ Singh said he tried to help wherever he could. "I've had people who needed to find loved ones. I've dropped them off to the hospital. They've not had any money, they've been stranded," he told Channel 4 News. "We should come out and show whoever's done this that it doesn't matter because Manchester, we're glue and we stick together when it counts." Sam Arshad, from StreetCars Manchester asked his drivers to give free rides to anyone stranded after the Ariana Grande concert. "The audience was a very young audience, and there were a lot of people there without their parents," he told the BBC. "And it's then that people were requesting taxis but they didn't have money. "It was at that point that I made the decision that money isn't everything in life and we're part of Manchester and we need to do our part to make sure these people get home safe and sound." Colin Paterson, the BBC's entertainment correspondent, was standing outside as the audience were running out of the arena. "As I was standing there a taxi just pulled over a said 'would you like a lift? I'll take you anywhere'," he said. "There are stories of cab drivers driving over from Liverpool to try and offer people free lifts back to Liverpool. "There were stories of people coming on to the streets of Manchester to offer their spare rooms because people were not able to get back to their hotels." Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, whose two daughters and two nieces were at the concert, praised the "spontaneous acts of ordinary people" of Manchester following last night's attack at a concert in the city. "The spirit that they have displayed is just typical of people in this part of the world," he said. "A taxi driver from Kirkby fought his way through horrendous traffic and got out of his cab to find my daughters and two nieces. I am forever grateful to that person. "While I've got huge relief this morning my girls are safe, there will be parents waking up without children and unfortunately children waking up without parents this morning because of this horrendous act." Praise for these acts of kindness poured in on social media, along with offers of help. As news of the attack spread, locals soon began offering spare rooms on social media, under the hashtag #RoomforManchester. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham tweeted: "If you are stranded in the area you can also follow #RoomForManchester where hotels and local people of our great city are offering refuge." Thousands of people have also turned to social media to find missing relatives and friends - and there are many people who are offering support. Olivia Campbell Hardy has been missing since last night's concert. Her mother, Charlotte Campbell, speaking on Radio 4's Today programme said "she's not been found yet" but "she can't thank people enough" for having helped her since her appeal on

Summary: Stories of acts of kindness are emerging in the wake of the Manchester attack, with many people from the community rushing to help - offering free lifts home and rooms for the night.


But you might take a second glance when you notice that the footballer in question isn't playing in 2011, but in 1911. Leigh Richmond Roose was born in Holt near Wrexham on 27 November 1877, and died during the Battle of The Somme, aged 38, in October 1916. His biographer calls him a "forgotten hero" and the game's "first superstar". Roose started his amateur career at Aberystwyth Town in 1895, while studying medicine at the university there. But within two seasons Roose became famous throughout Wales, both for his keeping, and his crowd-pleasing antics. He would turn his back on play to tell jokes to the fans, and perform gymnastics from the goal crossbar while the ball was at the other end of the field. By 1900, he'd led Aberystwyth to the Welsh Cup, and earned an international call-up It also brought him to the attention of English First Division clubs, seeing him play for Stoke City, Everton, Sunderland, Celtic, Aston Villa and Woolwich Arsenal. His biographer, Spencer Vignes, explained the Football Association was even forced to change the rules of the game because of him. "Leigh revolutionised the way the game was played in England. Before Leigh, goalkeepers were just shot-stoppers, if they came off their line they had no protection from being punched, shoulder-charged and trampled by the forwards, in a game which was vastly more physical than today. "Usually they were too terrified to come out of their goal, even though - in those days - they were allowed to handle the ball anywhere in their own half of the field." "But Leigh was such a physical specimen that he could take on the forwards at their own game. "He'd flatten the striker, catch the ball, and carry play up field like a rugby fullback does today. So in 1912, at the end of his career, the rules were changed so that keepers could only handle the ball inside the penalty area." Practical jokes But Mr Vignes said the FA was not a fan of Roose. "They hated him every bit as much as the fans loved him. He insisted on staying amateur, playing practical jokes and larking around at a time when the FA were trying to portray football as a serious professional sport." "Leigh was also a bit of a London socialite, and made as many headlines off the field as on it; something else which didn't go down too well with the FA" In 1909 the FA launched an investigation into the expenses Roose, as an amateur, was claiming from his then club, Sunderland. As an amateur, he could not be paid for playing, but received more in expenses than his team-mates earned professionally. According to Mr Vignes, the FA's concerns weren't entirely unmerited. When Roose missed his train from Euston for a 1906 Stoke match away to Aston Villa, he hired his own locomotive and carriage, and sent the £31 bill to his club; this at a time when a miner would earn around £1, three shillings a week. Yet Roose's clubs considered it money

Summary: You could be forgiven for skipping over yet another article talking about a talented international goalkeeper who courts the cameras, dates the trendiest singers, lands himself in hot water through his bad behaviour and gets big money.


Jess Sims and Laura Daniels beat Jo Edwards and Angela Boyd 16-15 to secure Wales' first World Bowls gold since Janet Ackland in 1988. Their success came after Wales had claimed silver in the women's triples Emma Woodcock, Kathy Pearce and Anwen Butten were beaten in the final by Australia.

Summary: Wales women's pairs have won gold at the World Bowls Championships in Christchurch with victory over New Zealand in the final.


Former election agent Alison Hernandez is facing questions over her role in submitting expenses for Tory MP Kevin Foster in 2015. Plymouth City Council Labour leader Tudor Evans said her decision to proceed with a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday was "arrogant". Ms Hernandez defended taking the oath. The Conservative party has admitted failing to declare a total of Â£38,000 of general election expenses for accommodation costs during its 2015 election campaign, blaming an "administrative error". On Friday, it emerged eight police forces were investigating whether Conservative MPs filed election expenses illegally. Devon and Cornwall police is bringing in another force to investigate the claims against Ms Hernandez. Mr Evans said an "urgent" meeting was necessary to discuss "the many issues that have arisen". He said: "Police and crime commissioners are supposed to keep an eye on the police on behalf of the public. "If a member of the constabulary was in the same situation as this police and crime commissioner, they would already be suspended." Ms Hernandez claimed the seat as PCC for Devon and Cornwall with 91,036 votes. Responding to the concerns, she said: "I've had over 91,000 people elect me to office. I'm here for the people of Devon and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. "I'm here to do a job - the police need support." Mr Hernandez, who has previously faced calls to "stand aside", said she would review station closures, help victims of crime and increase police visibility in her new role.

Summary: The new Devon and Cornwall police and crime commissioner has faced fresh criticism for taking the role while subject to an expenses investigation.


Sangakkara resumed at Chelmsford on 177, with Surrey 334-7, and had time to bring up his double century before the visitors were all out for 369. Essex lost Alastair Cook for 36 and fellow opener Nick Browne made 52. But Dan Lawrence (78 not out) batted through to stumps with Ravi Bopara (33 not out) and saw Essex to 215-3. Lawrence, 19, and all-rounder Bopara's stand is so far worth 89, but on a decent Chelmsford track the hosts will surely be looking for a big first-innings' lead. Sri Lanka great Sangakkara, who scored his fifth-successive Championship century on Friday, struck 27 fours in his sublime 321-ball innings and now has 792 runs at an average of more than 113 this summer. The 39-year-old was the last man to fall in Surrey's innings when he was caught by Neil Wagner off Simon Harmer and was given a standing ovation as he left the field in what will be his final season. Essex were briefly wobbling at 126-3 in their innings once Tom Westley nicked Sam Curran behind, but Lawrence and Bopara batted throughout the evening session.

Summary: Essex's batsman put their side in a good position after Surrey's Kumar Sangakkara fell for exactly 200 on day two of their County Championship match.


Police, fire crews and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team were called to an address in the Ross Place area at about 20:20. A small number of residents were evacuated from the premises but have now returned to their homes. A 17-year-old man has been detained in relation to a separate matter. Police said no-one was injured and at no time was there any danger to the public.

Summary: Bomb disposal experts were called to an incident at a block of flats in Fort William on Friday evening after an "unidentified device" was found.


The illegal hunting of the animal, and the destruction of where they live, are two of the reasons why. Conservationists say their population has fallen by more than one third in the past 30 years. It's been a shock to some of those who care for the creature. But what makes giraffes so special? Here are five facts you might not have known... Giraffes have strong tongues that help them to get their food - and to get it fast. They use their tongues - like humans would use their hands - to grab food. The strength helps them chew food fast to avoid dangerous predators. Until 2016 giraffes were considered as one species, but now they're considered as four. They are: the reticulated giraffe, the northern giraffe, the southern giraffe and the Masai giraffe. They may all look tall and similar, but the creatures are very different - like a polar bear is different from a brown bear. Some of these have sub-species - where the giraffes are a little different but are still the same type of giraffe. Just like human fingerprints, no two giraffes have the same spot pattern. And each of the different species of giraffe have very different types of spot patterns when you look at them closely. Giraffes spend most of their lives standing up; they even sleep standing up! They do sometimes give their legs a rest, but all that standing is ok as their legs are very strong. In fact scientists think that a groove in the giraffe's lower leg bone - which is much deeper than in other animals - helps keep their spindly-legs strong and allow them to support their bodyweight. The largest giraffe relative ever to have existed is thought to have been the Sivatherium giganteum. It's believed to have lived one million years ago in Africa and Asia and had a shorter neck and legs than giraffes of today.

Summary: Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth, but their numbers have dropped so low that they're now vulnerable to extinction.


The 23-year-old captained Inverness Caledonian Thistle to Scottish Cup final success against Falkirk in his last game for the Highlanders before a switch to Pittodrie. Part of their reward for that victory at Hampden Park was advancement to the second round of Europa League qualifiers while Shinnie's new club had to negotiate a tricky first hurdle. However, Shinnie could not have been happier as he was desperate to experience different playing styles after being limited to domestic football at Inverness. Now he and his Dons team-mates are in Croatia preparing for their first-leg tie against HNK Rijeka having seen off Shkendija of Macedonia on away goals in the first round. Derek McInnes's men are probably underdogs against a team who are unbeaten at home in their last 12 European ties. That run includes meetings with Stuttgart, Real Betis, Standard Leige, Lyon, Feyenoord and current Europa League winners Sevilla but Shinnie is undaunted by that record. He is determined to extend his stay in continental competition and hopes Caley Thistle can do likewise now they have finally made it as well. "I loved every minute of both matches in the last round. It was my first time ever playing football in a foreign country," he explained. "Inverness never went away during pre-season and I had never played in a European tie before [facing Shkendija]. "It was brilliant to finally experience what that was all about. I also got a thrill out of the return match at Pittodrie. It was my first game there for the club, so it meant a lot." Shinnie excelled in midfield as Niall McGinn scored the decisive away goal in Skopje. That 1-1 draw was followed by a hard-fought goalless return leg at Pittodrie with Shinnie once again a stand-out but in his more regular left-back berth. Only McInnes knows where Shinnie will feature in the Stadion Kantrida on Thursday but the player himself is happy wherever that turns out to be. "People often ask me where I prefer to play but I'm happy to go in wherever my manager feels is best for the team," he said. "I genuinely love playing in midfield as much as I do at left-back and if I was asked to play in another position for Aberdeen I would be happy to give that a go too. "I'm content as long as the manager feels I'm good enough to be put out on the pitch. "It's then up to me to go out and perform as best as I can to make sure he keeps picking me." Only Mark Reynolds, recovering from shoulder surgery, was missing from the travelling party that left a dull and drizzly Aberdeen for sunny Croatia. The temperature was 36C on arrival in Rijeka and it's not expected to be much cooler at kick-off time, which McInnes admits puts extra demands on the players. Despite that, the Aberdeen manager is confident they can still make it unlucky 13 for a team that have reached the group stages of the competition for the last two years. "We always aim to

Summary: A summer move may have caused Graeme Shinnie to enter the Europa League qualifiers at an earlier stage but the Aberdeen player insists it has only enhanced his first foray into continental competition.


Stephen O'Brien told reporters during a visit to Damascus that the targeting of non-combatants in the country's war was "unlawful, unacceptable and must stop". He was "particularly appalled" by government air strikes on a rebel-held suburb of the capital on Sunday. Activists said on Monday that the death toll from the attack on a market in Douma had risen to at least 96. That would make it one of the bloodiest single incidents of the four-year-long conflict, which has so far left more than 250,000 people dead. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council has backed a new peace talks proposal from the organisation's Syria envoy, Staffan de Mistura, in a rare show of unity on a topic that has divided members. Mr de Mistura's plan involves inviting the various Syrian parties to hold talks at working groups in September, as a step towards implementing the roadmap to peace adopted by world powers in 2012 that calls for the formation of a transitional government A Syrian military source told the Reuters news agency that in its strikes on Sunday the air force had targeted the headquarters of the rebel group, Jaysh al-Islam (Army of Islam). State television also reported that rebels had shelled a government-held district of the northern city of Aleppo on Monday, killing 10 people and wounding 17. Mr O'Brien called on both sides to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law at the end of a three-day visit to Syria, his first to the country since becoming the UN's under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs in May. "I am absolutely horrified by the total disregard for civilian life by all parties in this conflict," he said. "Attacks on civilians are unlawful, unacceptable and must stop." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based group that monitors the conflict, said that in Sunday's raid on Douma air force jets fired at least 10 rockets at the town's central market before attacking again after rescue workers arrived. One video said to be of the aftermath showed a marketplace completely destroyed with surrounding buildings in ruins and vehicles on fire. Turkey has said it plans to set up a "safe zone" for civilians across its border with Syria - policed by "moderate" Syrian forces - who would thwart attacks by the government or Islamic State militants. But Mr O'Brien questioned the use of such buffer areas, saying any country which established them would have to "accept responsibility" for guaranteeing people's safety. "Otherwise very vulnerable people could flock to such safe zones only to find that they've put themselves in more harm's way," he told the BBC. A report by Amnesty International published last week accused the Syrian government of committing war crimes against the 163,000 people living under siege in Douma and other towns in the Eastern Ghouta agricultural belt around Damascus. Between January and June 2015, government forces carried out at least 60 aerial attacks on the area, killing some 500 civilians, the report said. The international community has also strongly condemned the air raids. Mr O'Brien also condemned rival armed groups for cutting

Summary: The UN's humanitarian chief has said he is "horrified" by the attacks on civilians taking place in Syria.


Bradley Onfroy and Josie Hollis are accused of killing Jordan Hill. Mr Hill died in hospital after being found with injuries at a flat in Southey Avenue, Sheffield, on 23 March. Mr Onfroy, 31, of Badger Close, Sheffield, and Ms Hollis, 24, of no fixed abode, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court and were remanded in custody to stand trial on 20 October. They also denied robbery. More stories from across Yorkshire

Summary: A man and a woman have denied the murder of a 21-year-old who was stabbed.


Yeovil District Hospital was put on "black alert" last year when it was overwhelmed by demand. This year the hospital is installing a 24-bed modular ward on its roof and leasing 18 beds from a nursing home. Chief Executive Paul Mears said: "Winter is a challenging time for us and we've taken action to ensure we're well prepared for this winter." Last February, the hospital was put on "black alert" for two weeks as it struggled to cope with the number of people coming into its accident and emergency department. What is a black alert? â€¢The NHS uses a national internal alert system based on the colours green, amber, red and black to rank how busy a local health and social care system is â€¢Black alert status occurs when a hospital cannot cope with the number of people coming into the accident and emergency department because not enough people are being discharged â€¢It effectively means the hospital does not have enough bed capacity to cope This year, to boost bed capacity, the hospital is hoisting a permanent emergency admissions unit onto the roof of its outpatient department in the run-up to Christmas. It has also contracted with a local nursing home to take 18 beds for six months for patients waiting for nursing home placements or a package of care. "Last winter was really, really bad for us - part of that was due to the complexity of the patients we were admitting which were a more elderly, frail group of patients and also the sheer numbers," said Mr Mears. "But we've got 42 beds on top of our current bed base now and we believe that will put us in a much better place to be able to cope with the additional pressures."

Summary: A "ready made" ward is to be craned onto the roof of a Somerset hospital to help cope with winter demand.


Nottinghamshire dentist Desmond D'Mello has been suspended by the General Dental Council over serious hygiene concerns. Patients are being offered tests for HIV and hepatitis. Doug Black, medical director for NHS England in Nottinghamshire, said it was the "largest recall in NHS history". He said: "We are doing our level best to meet demand, but to avoid waiting, people can book an appointment for another time and come back." Mr Black said it was important people attended the Highcroft Medical Centre, in Arnold, rather than going elsewhere. "The samples we are taking are being sent to a dedicated laboratory, which enables us to track the results," he added. The death of a woman treated at the practice in Daybrook, Nottinghamshire is also being investigated by police. Amy Duffield died in August 2013 shortly after being treated by the dentist. NHS England said it appeared Mr D'Mello failed to wash his hands and used the same instruments for more than one patient without sterilising them between appointments. Experts said the risk of infection was believed to be low and Mr D'Mello had been tested and was clear of all diseases. A Care Quality Commission inspection in July also raised concerns about the possibility of cross-contamination at the practice. However, inspectors who had visited the clinic in November last year, gave it a clean bill of health. The new owners of the practice have renovated the property and addressed all the concerns, the inspectors said. Nottinghamshire Police was asked by the coroner to investigate Miss Duffield's death. Miss Duffield, a Leeds University graduate, died in hospital in August 2013 of viral acute myocarditis after suffering palpitations, her family said. Her mother Sharon Duffield said: "We will of course be interested in the findings of the investigation, whatever the outcome, but it won't bring Amy back." Test results are expected to be available in 14 days.

Summary: More than four hundred people have visited a health centre for screening for blood-borne viruses after 22,000 dental patients were recalled.


The former Manchester United reserve team boss has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal, but saw two goals conceded inside the first five minutes. First, McCleary flicked in a through ball after 57 seconds and then drove home a right-footed shot from distance. Yann Kermorgant's penalty sealed the Royals' third successive league win. Wigan's fans were clearly not impressed after coming to see the dawning of a new era, soon booing after their dreadful opening. Jaap Stam's side continued to have the better openings and Kermorgant might have had a brace himself had Jake Buxton not made two crucial blocks. Joyce turned to his bench at half-time and Yanic Wildschut provided a spark, with Adam Le Fondre almost turning in his cross from the left, while another effort from the Latics forward had to be helped behind by former Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi. But Kermorgant's goal, after Max Power tripped John Swift in the box, killed off the game as a contest and a further goal could have followed had Danny Williams kept his effort down when being set up by the impressive Swift. A stoppage-time strike from Reading's Yakou Meite was also ruled out for offside as Wigan remained in the Championship's bottom three, while the visitors moved up to fourth. Wigan manager Warren Joyce: "The first goal particularly, it's not like it's good play, it's just a straight long ball down the middle. "It's the worst possible start you could get. The second goal was equally poor and then you've got a mountain to climb against a good side. "You're under no illusions before the game starts that it's going to be a tough game, but we've given them a two-goal lead. "It's basics even if you're in under-14 football - a straight ball goes down the middle after 90 seconds and they don't deal with it, two experienced players, you're 1-0 down and you've got a mountain to climb." Reading manager Jaap Stam: "We spoke about what we can expect, with a new manager in, how they want to play, probably press us high up and don't give us time to play out from the back. "The pace that we have up front we knew we could be a threat in behind if we do it well, if the runs are at the right time and we started doing that immediately and scored two early goals. "You want to make it easy for yourself. After that sometimes we got a bit sloppy in how we wanted to play. You don't want to give goals away because it gives them confidence. "How we played, how we defended, how we created chances, we did that very well and we deserved that win." Match ends, Wigan Athletic 0, Reading 3. Second Half ends, Wigan Athletic 0, Reading 3. Offside, Reading. Chris Gunter tries a through ball, but Yakou Meite is caught offside. Foul by Joey van den Berg (Reading). Stephen Warnock (Wigan Athletic) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Attempt blocked. William Grigg (Wigan Athletic) right footed shot from the centre

Summary: Garath McCleary struck an early double as Reading thumped Wigan to hand Warren Joyce a nightmare start as the new Latics manager.


The Air Departure Tax (Scotland) Bill is designed to replace air passenger duty with a devolved Scottish levy. Ministers want to cut the tax by 50% before eventually abolishing it "when finances allow". MSPs backed the general principles of the bill in the first stage of the legislative process, but many asked for more details on the plans. The legislation passed the stage one vote by a margin of 112 votes to four, with six members abstaining. The bill will now progress to the committee stage, before a further debate and vote in the chamber later in the year. The finance committee had backed the general principles of the bill, but said it was "essential" that more information was provided. MSPs called on Finance Secretary Derek Mackay to commission an independent economic analysis of the proposed 50% cut, to be published before or at the same time as consultations begin on rates and bands. Mr Mackay, who argues that the tax is "a barrier to Scotland's ability to secure new direct international services and maintain existing ones", wrote back to the committee saying this review would be carried out. The bill is "enabling" legislation, which sets out how new devolved powers would be used but does not go into detail about rates and bands. A number of groups have voiced concern about this in sessions of the finance committee, including the Chartered Institute of Taxation, who said detail on rates should be included in the legislation. And finance committee convener Bruce Crawford, an SNP MSP, said the group was "disappointed by the government's lack of information on exemptions to the tax, and on the economic, social, financial and environmental impacts" of cutting the levy. Mr Mackay told MSPs that he was listening to recommendations from the committee, saying he agreed that evidence was required and that the tax should be monitored over time. He said he would come back to discuss rates and bands in due course, saying a "consultative and collaborative" approach would be taken, but urged members to back the general principles of the bill and the devolution of the tax in the first place. The Scottish Conservatives have backed the abolition of duties on long-haul flights, which finance spokesman Murdo Fraser said would encourage more direct long-haul flights from Scotland, cutting connecting flights and thus the country's carbon footprint. He said it made sense to have the legislation in place, given it simply creates a mechanism for the implementation of the devolved tax. Scottish Labour also agreed that power over tax should be devolved, and thus backed the bill - but spoke out against the planned cut. Transport spokesman Neil Bibby said cutting the duty would provide "a huge tax break to airlines who simply don't need it". The Scottish Greens oppose cutting aviation tax, but decided to abstain in the stage one vote. Co-convener Patrick Harvie said the bill was "bereft of meaning, intent and purpose", but said it could be fixed later in the legislative process. Meanwhile, the Scottish Lib Dems opposed the legislation, with Mike Rumbles

Summary: Plans for a devolved aviation tax have passed the first legislative hurdle after a vote at Holyrood.


Andrea Albutt wrote an open letter after recent violence at prisons in Hertfordshire and Wiltshire. She said the unrest was causing "grave concern" - adding that governors faced "unacceptable stress and anxiety". The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said action had been taken to increase prison officer numbers. But Ms Albutt said her members had seen "nothing tangible" from the MoJ to ease population pressures in prison, and the burden on staff. She said recruitment remained in a "critical" condition, with a net increase of just 75 officers in the year 2016/17. Training was "poor" and "unsuitable people" were being selected, she added. The BBC's home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said the Prison Governors Association had "traditionally been a voice of moderation". "The criticisms are unlikely to be brushed aside," he said. Data released last week from the MoJ showed a rise in violence in prisons, with 26,643 assaults in the year to March 2017 - 20% more than the previous year. Of these, a record 7,159 were attacks on staff - equivalent to 20 every day. Ms Albutt went on to describe the government's decision earlier this year, to separate operational control of the prison system from responsibility for policy, as "madness". But an MoJ spokesman said the Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) - which replaced the National Offender Management Service - would "help to create a distinct, professionalised frontline service". The spokesman added: "We know that our prisons have faced a number of long-standing challenges, which is why we have taken immediate action to boost prison officer numbers and have created Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service. "We need to create calm and ordered environments to help ensure effective rehabilitation, and we continue to work closely with the unions and all staff to help achieve these vital reforms and make prisons places of safety and reform." In July, the union representing prison workers called for the resignation of prisons' boss Michael Spurr. The general secretary of the Prison Officers Association, Steve Gillan, said his members had "lost patience" and accused the management of HMPPS of trying to "paper over the cracks". This followed the revelation that Mr Spurr had received a bonus of up to £20,000 in 2016-17 on top of his annual salary of around £150,000. The bonus was "awarded" in the previous year when the chief inspector of prisons said many jails were "unacceptably violent and dangerous".

Summary: The president of the Prison Governors Association has attacked the government's management of prisons in England and Wales.


Blair Alston slotted in following Lee Miller's through ball to give the Bairns the lead but James Craigen quickly fired Rovers level. Falkirk were ahead again through David McCracken's first-half header. But the visitors equalised again when Mark Stewart struck against his former club, and though Raith had Kyle Benedictus dismissed they held firm.

Summary: Raith Rovers twice pegged back their hosts to secure a Scottish Championship draw at the Falkirk Stadium.


The 5,000-signature document was taken to the Scottish Parliament. Dumfries and Galloway Council wants to house the hoard in a new gallery being built in the region. However, National Museums Scotland is also bidding to host the artefacts. A meeting takes place on Thursday to discuss their fate. The objects were discovered by a metal detectorist in Dumfries and Galloway in 2014. The Galloway Viking Hoard (GVH) group is backing the council's bid to ensure they end up in Kirkcudbright. Cathy Agnew, who chairs the campaign, said: "The message from Galloway, Scotland and around the world is very clear - the hoard was buried in Galloway for safekeeping 1,000 years ago and that is where its home should be. "We have huge support from the general public, academics, politicians of all parties and many others. "It would be a travesty if their voices were ignored." National Museums Scotland has said it believed it had put forward a "mutually-beneficial and positive proposal". It would allow part of the hoard to go on display permanently in Kirkcudbright and the entire collection to be hosted, on occasions, by the gallery. The Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel meets this week to discuss the hoard's future. It will then make a recommendation to the Queen's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer on where the treasure should end up.

Summary: A petition has been delivered seeking to ensure a hoard of Viking treasure discovered in Galloway goes on display in Kirkcudbright.


The bucardo became extinct in 2000, but cells from the last animal were frozen in liquid nitrogen. In 2003, a cloned calf was brought to term but died a few minutes after birth. Now, the scientists will test the viability of the female bucardo's 14-year-old preserved cells. The bucardo, or Pyrenean ibex, calf born through cloning was an historic event: the first "de-extinction", in which a lost species or sub-species was resurrected. The Aragon Hunting Federation signed an agreement with the Centre for Research and Food Technology of Aragon (CITA) in Zaragoza to begin preliminary work on the cells from the last animal, named Celia. One of the scientists behind the cloning effort, Dr Alberto Fernandez-Arias, told BBC News: "At this moment, we are not initiating a 'bucardo recovery plan', we only want to know if Celia's cells are still alive after having been maintained frozen during 14 years in liquid nitrogen." In addition to this in vitro work, they will also attempt to clone embryos and implant them in female goats. "In this process, one or more live female bucardo clones could be obtained. If that is the case, the feasibility of a bucardo recovery plan will be discussed," Dr Fernandez-Arias, who is head of the Aragon Hunting, Fishing and Wetlands Service, explained. The bucardo (Capra pyrenaica pyrenaica) was a sub-species of ibex, with distinct physical and genetic characteristics to other mountain goats inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula. It was perfectly adapted to life in its mountain habitat, and to survive the extreme cold and snow of winter in the Pyrenees. However, its population had been declining for years for several reasons, including hunting. In April 1999, researchers captured the last animal, a female named Celia. They obtained skin biopsies and froze the tissue in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196C (-321F). The following year, Celia was killed by a falling tree in the National Park of Ordesa in north-east Spain. But a team including Dr Fernandez-Arias, Jose Folch and others were able to inject nuclei from Celia's preserved cells into goat eggs that had been emptied of their own DNA. Then they implanted the eggs into surrogates - hybrids between Spanish ibex and domestic goats. Of 57 implantations, seven animals became pregnant and one was carried to term. The baby bucardo was born in 2003 - the first successful "de-extinction". But the clone of Celia died a few minutes later due to a defect in one of its lungs. Earlier this year, Dr Fernandez-Arias related the story in a TEDx talk, as part of a meeting on de-extinction. Even if the new effort succeeds in producing healthy clones, any future recovery plan for the bucardo would be fraught with difficulty - especially given the only frozen tissue is from a lone female. One possible approach for bringing back the bucardo might be to cross a healthy female bucardo clone with a closely related sub-species - such as the Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) or the Gredos ibex (Capra pyrenaica victoriae) - and then selectively breeding the offspring to enhance traits

Summary: Scientists in Spain have received funding to test whether an extinct mountain goat can be cloned from preserved cells.


Ms Perry told MPs she was "mystery shopping" the 10 busiest rail services in the country to find out for herself the extent of overcrowding. It was "unacceptable" that people were unable to board trains on commuter routes because they were already full. Fellow Tory MP Dominic Raab said his constituents expected answers about why they were been treated like "sardines". Mr Raab, the MP for Esher, raised conditions on the 07:32 Woking to London Waterloo service during a Westminster Hall debate on value for money on services operated by South West Trains. He said the train, dubbed the "Sardine Express" in the media, was regularly carrying 500 passengers more than its capacity and was "packed to the gunnels" long before it reached its final destination. Mr Raab said passengers were seeing their fares rising every year while having to put up with "cattle-class" travelling conditions. "EU rules stipulate that calves, adult goats and unshorn sheep must be transported by train in an area of space of at least 0.3 metres squared per unit of livestock," he said. "But the new governing standard for commissioning commuter services for humans is now 0.25 metres squared, significantly less." While demand for rail services was particularly acute in the south of England, Mr Raab said such overcrowding was not limited to the area but "systemic" across the network. Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage said overcrowding was not the only problem in the south of England and that journey times on busy routes were unsatisfactory. She said it took as long to travel from Portsmouth to London as it did from Doncaster to London, which is more twice the distance away from the capital. Ms Perry said the railways were a victim of their own popularity, with passenger numbers doubling since privatisation and demand increasing by 10% each year in some parts of the country. While the railways were the "safest and most punctual in Europe" and the government was investing billions in new lines and capacity, she acknowledged that conditions were not improving for some users. "Passengers in many cases do not feel they are getting value for money," she said. "They are travelling on crowded, slow trains and cannot understand why timetables get messed up and the whole resilience of the network can go down if we have a fatality." A train's capacity is defined as all seats, plus a standing allowance if passengers are standing for less than 20 minutes. Figures published last month showed that during the high peak between 08:00 and 09:00, 38% of London services were over capacity, and 81% had passengers standing. Ms Perry said rail services were not like the London Underground, where trains run every couple of minutes, and people were "late for work if they could not board their trains". "There is a very strong expectation that nobody who is travelling for more than 20 minutes should be standing beyond that point," she added. "(That is) Not always achieved but those are the kinds of standards we are looking for."

Summary: Rail passengers should not have to stand for more than 20 minutes during a journey, minister Clare Perry has said


About 350 people attended the third Welsh Asian Women Achievement awards ceremony at City Hall on Saturday. In total, 29 Asian women were nominated for recognition in eight categories, with a panel deciding the winners. Categories included business, arts and culture, social and humanitarian and tackling violence against women. Other winners were:

Summary: Asian women who have made a significant contribution to Welsh life have been celebrated at an event in Cardiff.


Phillip Cullen, 57, of Cadbury Heath in Bristol, committed six offences relating to Large Blue butterflies. Bristol Magistrates Court heard he caught butterflies in Somerset and Gloucestershire and then killed and mounted them for a wall display. His is believed to be the first prosecution in the UK involving offences related to the species. Cullen was seen illegally entering and chasing butterflies with a net at Daneway Banks reserve in Gloucestershire on 18 June 2015. He was also witnessed acting in a similar way at Collard Hill reserve in Somerset between 17 and 20 June the same year. It was reported to police who searched his home and found up to 30 trays of butterflies. Cullen had denied catching the Large Blue species found at his home, instead insisting he had purchased them from abroad. He was convicted of capturing, killing and possessing the insect. Source: Butterfly Conservation The Large Blue (Maculinea arion) species became extinct in 1979 but is now thriving after reintroduction in 2004. In 2004 it was found on nine sites in the country following a major conservation programme. It has a wingspan of more than two inches and can be identified by a row of black spots on its upper forewing.

Summary: A collector has been found guilty of capturing and killing the UK's rarest butterfly.


Satnam Singh, 74, was found with serious injuries in a Derby street in July 2015 - opposite the Sikh temple where he volunteered. Police initially thought he had been hit by a car but last year arrested 30-year-old Sukhraj Atwal for murder. Mr Atwal denies the charge. His defence said there was a lack of "real evidence" and witnesses. The prosecution has previously alleged Mr Singh - the defendant's former step-grandfather - was "brutally assaulted" over a long-running family dispute. The trial at Nottingham Crown Court claimed Mr Atwal repeatedly stamped and jumped on Mr Singh in the early hours of 23 July. The victim was found with 41 fractures to his ribs, lacerations to his heart, a fractured skull and severe brain damage. The attack itself was not captured on CCTV but Mr Atwal's car was seen entering and leaving the area shortly before Mr Singh was found. Defending barrister Shaun Smith, said the case was based on "half-baked theories" and "speculation". "There is no footage of what happened," he added. "There are no eye witnesses and when it comes to real evidence there's nothing. "Nothing to place him at the scene on his footwear or his car, no-one to hear or see it [the attack], or hear cries of distress or see anyone run into a car." He said although the victim and defendant lived just streets apart "they ignored and blanked one another" and "barely knew" each other. Mr Atwal chose not to give evidence in court. The trial continues.

Summary: The trial of a man accused of murdering a pensioner in the street has heard he "had no motive" to kill him.


Allegations against the Rt Rev George Bell were first made by the victim in 1995 but were not investigated or referred to the police. Bell was Bishop of Chichester from 1929 until his death in October 1958. Current Bishop Dr Martin Warner issued a formal apology after the Diocese of Chichester settled the civil claim. He paid tribute to the victim's courage in coming forward to report the abuse. "I am committed to ensuring that the past is handled with honesty and transparency," he said. The allegations of sexual offences against Bell date from the late 1940s and early 1950s and concern an individual who was at the time a young child. The victim first reported the abuse to the then Bishop of Chichester, Eric Kemp, in August 1995 but no action was taken until contact was made with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby's office in 2013. Following settlement of the claim, Bishop Warner wrote to the survivor formally apologising and expressing his deep sorrow. The victim's solicitor said they remained bitter their 1995 complaint was not properly listened to or dealt with. "The failure to respond properly was very damaging, and combined with the abuse that was suffered has had a profound effect on my client's life," said Tracey Emmott. "For my client, the compensation finally received does not change anything." Another retired Church of England bishop was jailed last week for a string of offences against teenagers and young men. Peter Ball, 83, the former Bishop of Lewes and Bishop of Gloucester was sentenced to 32 months for misconduct in public office and 15 months for indecent assaults, to run concurrently.

Summary: A victim who was sexually abused as a young child by a former Bishop of Chichester who died in the 1950s has received compensation from the Church.


Mr Whyte's lawyer entered the plea during a hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday morning. The 45-year-old, who lives in London, faces a charge of fraud and a second allegation under the Companies Act. A trial is scheduled to go before judge Lady Stacey at the High Court in Glasgow in April. The Crown has alleged that Mr Whyte fraudulently obtained a "majority and controlling stake" in the Ibrox club. It is alleged that he directly, and through representatives, pretended to then Rangers owner Sir David Murray, and others, that funds were available to make all stipulated payments. The second charge under the Companies Act centres on an Â£18m payment in connection with the takeover.

Summary: The former Rangers owner Craig Whyte has pleaded not guilty to two charges, including one of fraud, in relation to his purchase of the club in 2011.


Media playback is not supported on this device The 52-year-old replaces Richie Foran, who was sacked following relegation from the Premiership. He has signed a two-year deal after leaving his head of coach education post at Hearts, where he spent 18 years at a player and manager. The Highlanders won promotion to the top flight for the first time under Robertson's guidance in 2003. Robertson left in 2004 to take over at Hearts and has had spells in charge at Ross County, Livingston and Derry City. He has not held a managerial position since leaving East Fife in March 2012. "This time last week it wasn't even on the radar," Robertson said of the job. "I didn't apply for the job, I had a very responsible, high-profile job at Hearts - commercial and the academy, working as head of coaching there to rebuild it. "I was as surprised as anybody when the call came in to say, would you like to come up and have a chat? "This is a massive challenge and one I'm looking forward to, and it's one we can achieve together as a club. We know what's ahead of us. It's far easier to stay in the Premiership, I think, than get out the Championship, but it's a challenge we're going to meet head-on. "The fans' expectations will be high, and they should be, but they'll not be any higher than mine." Caley Thistle chairman Willie Finlayson added: "We had an excellent interview process with some strong candidates but John emerged as our unanimous choice. "We were hugely impressed with his tremendous drive, determination, communication and motivational skills. "He clearly has a great knowledge of the game in Scotland and is both well respected and connected. We firmly believe he is the right man to lead us back into the Premiership." After the departure of John Hughes, Foran was promoted to player-manager last summer on a four-year contract, having been at the club since 2009. They won three of their last five fixtures but could not avoid finishing last and dropping down to the Championship. Chairman and chief executive Kenny Cameron stood down three days after relegation was confirmed. Aberdeen granted Inverness CT permission to speak to Under-20s coach Paul Sheerin about their managerial vacancy before deciding Robertson was the man to take them forward.

Summary: John Robertson is the new manager of Inverness Caley Thistle, returning to the club he left almost 13 years ago.


Miller's converted try and a Jimmy Gopperth penalty put Wasps 10-3 up at the break after Saints' Stephen Myler kicked the first points of the game. Myler swapped penalties with Elliot Daly before Miller grabbed his second. Daly's long-range penalty and Jamie Stevenson's try ensured Wasps moved to within two points of second place. They are also now seven points clear of fourth-placed Leicester Tigers with just three games remaining. With fifth-placed Saints facing Leicester in their next league outing on 16 April, Wasps are on the verge of making their own top-four Premiership spot secure and are well set to earn a home semi-final date. The win against a below-par Northampton was not convincing until the latter stages, with a combination of some spirited defence, sloppy Saints handling and the distance kicking of Daly keeping them in front. Miller's first-half try, following a slick move from a break from deep inside their own half, helped to establish a seven-point interval lead. Despite not being at their best, a Saints side that lost England prop Kieran Brookes and replacement scrum-half Lee Dickson to head injuries kept probing and stayed within touching distance. And it was not until Miller crossed for his second try on 66 minutes, running a brilliant line from George Smith's inviting pass, that the game was made safe. Replacement scrum-half Stevenson's score in the final minute gave hope of a four-try bonus-point win, but the home side had to make do with four points. Wasps director of rugby Dai Young: "We didn't play anywhere near our best and have played a lot better this season. We were edgy and snapped at things. "Of course we're happy with the win, but it's tinged with frustration over the way we played. "We realise that this performance will not be good enough against Exeter. There are lots of things for us to work on and get right." Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder: "Lee and Kieran are up and about. We will have to go through the protocols and hopefully they won't have any symptoms. "I can't remember a period when we have had so many concussions, but I guess that is what happens. We will have to battle on. "Dylan (Hartley) is getting better. We are not sure when he will return, but hopefully we will get him doing some exercise this week." Wasps: Miller; Wade, Daly, S Piutau, Halai; Gopperth, Hampson; Mullan (capt), Johnson, Cooper-Woolley, Launchbury, Davies, Young, Smith, Hughes. Replacements: Festuccia, McIntyre, Cittadini, Myall, Haskell, Stevenson, Jackson, Tagicakibau. Northampton Saints: Foden; K Pisi, G Pisi, Mallinder, North, Myler, Fotuali'i; Waller, Haywood, Brookes, Lawes, Day, Wood (capt), Harrison, Dickinson. Replacements: Marshall, Ma'afu, Hill, Craig, Fisher, Dickson, Hanrahan, Collins.

Summary: Rob Miller scored two tries as Wasps beat Northampton to boost their top-four hopes while also sealing leaders Saracens' place in the play-offs.


Emergency services were called to the collision between a Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Corsa on the A308 Marlow Road near Maidenhead on Wednesday. The driver of the Vauxhall - a 38-year-old woman - was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and died in hospital on Monday. A nine-year-old girl in the same car was taken to hospital with serious injuries and has since been discharged. The three occupants of the Nissan all sustained minor injuries. No arrests have been made in connection with the crash.

Summary: A woman has died from her injuries five days after a car crash in Berkshire.


Items worth more than £36 sent from the islands will incur VAT from 1 January 2013. The limit was £40. A gift is defined as an item sent between two private people, such as a birthday or Christmas gift. Jersey and Guernsey Post allow people to pay the VAT in advance so that the recipient is not charged by the UK Post Office. A spokesman for Jersey Post said the recipient could have to pay the VAT and an £8 charge set by the Post Office, if the sender did not pre-pay for the item. VAT is charged on all commercial parcels sent from Jersey to the UK after the end of Low Value Consignment Relief in April 2012. This loophole previously allowed for commercial items worth less than £15 to be sent VAT free. HM Revenue and Customs says the change is due to a revaluation of the euro compared to the pound.

Summary: The maximum value of gifts sent from the Channel Islands to the UK without incurring VAT has dropped.


The 43-year-old, from Reading, was arrested by Thames Valley Police, which is investigating the unexplained death of Gerald Jones. Mr Jones, 51, died suddenly at an address in Wrenswood Close, Reading, on 19 June. Police arrested the woman after receiving information following a post-mortem examination. She was later released on bail until 30 January.

Summary: A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of a man in June.


Fry faced strong criticism online for comparing costume designer Jenny Beavan to a "bag lady" when she picked up her Bafta for Mad Max. Twitter users demanded Fry apologise for his comments over her clothes. But Fry, a prolific Twitter user, said online afterwards Beavan was "a dear friend" who had "got" the joke. The comedian and broadcaster underlined the point by posting a photo of the pair at the Bafta after-party. He wrote: "Jenny Baglady Beavan and Stephen Outrageous Misogynist Swine Fry at the after party." But on Monday morning, Fry appeared to have removed himself from the site. Fry has been presenting the show for 11 years and audiences have become used to his cutting wit in the course of his role, often involving risque quips about many of the stars involved. Beavan, who won the Bafta for Best Costume Design for Mad Max: Fury Road, came onto the stage at London's Royal Opera House wearing a black leather jacket, white t-shirt and dark trousers. After her acceptance speech and she had left the stage, Fry said: "Only one of the great cinematic costume designers would come to the awards dressed like a bag lady." The joke however was not well-received and Twitter was soon alight with angry reaction and demands that Fry apologise. Twitter user Wendy Evans was one of many others who felt Fry overstepped the mark when she wrote: "Stephen Fry's 'bag lady' comment was vile. Once again the achievement's of a female overshadowed by comments on her appearance." But Fry hit back by first posting the photo of himself and Beavan at the party and then by angrily telling his critics they were "tragic people". Nonetheless, Fry also received support from others, including several celebrities. Radio 1 Scott Mills DJ wrote: "I thought Stephen Fry was an excellent host tonight. Dealing with the biggest stars in the world is scary. I find this. He is a natural." Comedian Matt Lucas joked: "Stephen Fry Didn't you get the memo? No-one is allowed to do jokes anymore." British singer Adele - who has 25m followers - announced she was leaving Twitter in 2012 due to comments about her new-born son. She since returned, but revealed last year that she no longer sends her own messages due to "drunk tweeting". Girls creator Lena Dunham said she was leaving Twitter last year to create a "safe space", after receiving online abuse for posting a picture on Instagram in a sports bra. Although her account is still active, it's believed to be run by a member of her creative team. Actor and writer Matt Lucas left Twitter four years ago after a joke was tweeted about the death of his former civil partner, Kevin McGee. He has since rejoined the site. US singer Chris Brown deleted his account in 2012 after receiving a barrage of tweets following a heated exchange with comedian Jenny Johnson. He was back on the site less than a week later. In 2012, Kanye West quit the site by deleting all his tweets except for one announcing

Summary: Bafta show host Stephen Fry appears to have deleted his Twitter profile in the wake of his controversial comments during Sunday night's show.


The city council is considering plans to build a Go Ape attraction in Roundhay Park, featuring aerial zip wires and rope walks. A petition against the plans has been signed by 1,500 people, who have said say they are concerned it will be too noisy and cause traffic problems. The consultation has been extended by the council until 17 January. Ben Davies from Go Ape said the issue of parking had been considered and would be addressed. "We are confident that we can overcome those issues and with any luck provide some additional car parking spaces for users," he said. "We hope that we can be of benefit to the local area in that respect." Richard Critchley, Chair of Friends of Roundhay Park, said: "We are frightened that we are commercialising and selling off the park bit by bit. "It would destroy the woodland because trees would be felled and then the excessive noise that would be created by people, the character of the area would be destroyed." Jan Rippin, who also lives nearby, added: "It is a free walking place, a woodland, you can see wildlife, you can see woodpeckers. With a big commercial event in one corner, I think it will destroy that part of the park. Go Ape said the attraction would create 30 jobs for local people, there would not be any music or public address systems and it would encourage children to exercise outdoors. Lucinda Yeadon, executive member for the environment and sustainability at Leeds City Council, said: "At the moment we are looking at new ways of bringing in income, and if we want to maintain our green spaces then we need to look at new ways of being able to do that." She said the plan would bring in a "significant" amount of money but that the council had to decide if it was the right decision. "I think we need to consider ways of bringing new attractions to the city, I think an attraction like Go Ape would be fantastic but we need to find an appropriate place for it to go," she said. Go Ape is aimed at people of all ages and has 29 locations in the UK and 12 in the United States.

Summary: Plans to build a high-wire adventure course in a Leeds park are being opposed by local residents.


Another car ploughed into the parked vehicles in Emlyn Street in Talywain near Pontypool on Sunday. A 45-year-old woman has been charged with aggravated taking of a vehicle, driving without a licence and insurance, theft and possession of a class C drug. She has also been bailed on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs. Gwent Police have talked to some witnesses but have appealed for more people who saw the incident at 15:50 BST to contact them on 101.

Summary: Motorists are counting the cost after a trail of car damage was left on a street in Torfaen.


The bank has previously said that a "significant percent" of its London workforce would be moved if Brexit became a reality. The bank employs around 5,000 staff at its offices in London. Earlier, the Lloyds of London insurance market said that after Brexit some of its business would move to the EU. "We currently employ more than 5,000 people in London, and probably 20% to 30% of our workforce could be affected," the UBS chief executive, Sergio Ermotti, told the Japanese business newspaper Nikkei. "We believe that London will continue to be an important financial centre, although maybe not as important as it is today," he added. The UK voted narrowly to leave the EU in the Brexit referendum in June. Since then the government and many UK businesses have been grappling both with the process of negotiating the divorce - which has not yet been formally triggered - and the eventual economic, social and political consequences of such a move. Mr Ermotti said that it was too early for the bank to take any decision about moving its operations from London, but it was "well prepared" for any outcome of the impending Brexit negotiations.

Summary: The Swiss banking group UBS says that up to 1,500 of its jobs in London may be moved abroad once the UK leaves the European Union.


Earlier, the government announced 21 locations for enterprise zones in England in an effort to boost economic growth. Gloucestershire's bid focused on Gloucester and Cinderford. But Communities Minister Bob Neill said the county could still benefit from other job-creating projects. "It's no disgrace to Gloucestershire at all, they did hard work, I know that," he said. "And what I'd say to them is do not be discouraged. "We are working with local enterprise partnerships and local councils beyond the enterprise zone projects, for example giving councils the ability to discount business rates to attract businesses into the area, giving the ability to set up simplified planning regimes." Plans for 21 nationwide zones were first set out in March's Budget. Zones have been confirmed for sites in Cheshire, Cornwall, Gosport, Norfolk, Hereford, Kent and Oxfordshire. Other locations include Essex, Suffolk, Northampton, Leicestershire, Cambridgeshire and the Humber Estuary. Ministers said 30,000 new jobs would be created by 2015 by giving cheaper business rates, super-fast broadband and lower levels of planning control.

Summary: Gloucestershire's failure to secure an "enterprise zone" for the county is not a reflection on local businesses, the government has said.


The girl made emergency calls to Wiltshire Police from telephone kiosks on 16 and 23 November, reporting that a non-existent fight was in progress. She was identified when officers reviewed CCTV of the kiosks in Calne and posted images of her on Facebook. She was invited to Calne police station where she admitted both offences. Police said the first call was made from a kiosk in Church Street. When a PCSO attended the scene he found nobody there. The second call was made from a kiosk in Phelps Parade, but again nobody was there when officers attended. There were many responses from people to the CCTV images of Church Street posted on Facebook and, during the appeal, the girl also contacted officers to tell them what she had done. A further review of the footage from Phelps Parade established the same girl was responsible. She was invited to the station with her mother and questioned about both offences. As the girl had not been in trouble with the police before, and because of her age, it was agreed to resolve the matter with a so-called Local Resolution. She was told to write a letter of apology and then attend force headquarters to give her apology in person.

Summary: A 13-year-old girl who made hoax calls to police has been made to read an apology to the 999 call handler supervisor.


The Los Angeles Lakers star's outburst was caught on camera as he reacted to being judged to have committed a foul. Bryant is shown apparently mouthing the word "...faggot" after failing to get the referee's attention. The player has apologised and said his action was out of "frustration in the heat of the game". "What I said last night should not be taken literally," said Bryant, who also punched his chair and tossed a towel following referee Bennie Adams's call. NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement that Bryant's comment was "offensive and inexcusable". "While I'm fully aware that basketball is an emotional game, such a distasteful term should never be tolerated. Accordingly, I have fined Kobe $100,000." The Human Rights Campaign, a gay civil rights group, said Bryant's "horribly offensive and distasteful" language "perpetuates a culture of discrimination" and called for a fuller apology. Bryant is one of the highest paid US sportsmen and one of US basketball's most celebrated stars.

Summary: US basketball player Kobe Bryant has been fined $100,000 (£61,000) for using a homophobic slur during an NBA game on Tuesday.


One advertiser suggested that, in some cases, video viewing statistics had been overestimated by up to 80%. Facebook's analytics are an important tool for advertisers, who use them to work out how much of their video content is being watched. The social network said the error had been fixed and had not changed how much advertisers paid the site. The error affected a Facebook metric called "average duration of video viewed", which was supposed to tell publishers for how long, on average, people had watched a video. However, the metric did not include viewers who had watched for less than three seconds in the count. Discounting the shorter views - including people who had ignored a video in their news feed - inflated the average viewing times for each video. In a statement, Facebook said: "We recently discovered an error in the way we calculate one of our video metrics. "This error has been fixed, it did not impact billing, and we have notified our partners both through our product dashboards and via sales and publisher outreach," it added. The video-watching metric has now been renamed to more accurately reflect what it measures, the company said. The metric is now called "average watch time" and Facebook started using this to gather statistics on video consumption late last month. The statement also said the video-viewing metric was one among many that ad firms use to work out if their content is being watched. The Wall Street Journal quoted ad-buying firm Publicis as saying that Facebook's misreporting was "unacceptable". Publicis said it showed the need for third-party verification of statistics gathered by Facebook. The social network has previously been criticised for counting a video as being "viewed" after three seconds.

Summary: Facebook has overestimated how much video people have watched for the last two years, the firm has admitted.


It is thought refrigeration units at three Tesco stores in Cardiff and one in Pontypool could not cope with soaring temperatures on Tuesday. Hundreds of fresh food products, including butter, milk, meat and yogurts had to be thrown out. A Tesco spokesman said: "The vast majority of our fridges and freezers are working as normal." "When our stores report a problem, we have been working quickly to put things right for customers." Temperatures in some parts of Wales reached 32C (90F) on Tuesday. The fridges at the Pontypool store are now working again and staff are re-stocking.

Summary: Supermarkets in south Wales have been forced to throw out large amounts of fresh food as their fridges failed.


Violet D'Mello entered the enclosure for a photo next to the cats at the Kragga Kamma Game Park in Port Elizabeth earlier this year. She suffered injuries to her head, stomach and legs during the incident. The authorities in South Africa have ruled the park was not negligent. A party of visiting schoolboys and a cheetah in heat were said to have been factors in what happened. Mrs D'Mello, 60, said she survived by "playing dead". She had been on holiday with her husband Archie at the time.

Summary: A South African game reserve where an Aberdeen woman was attacked by a cheetah has been cleared of any wrongdoing.


The site of the Chicago Rock club, on New Street, Barnsley, was badly damaged when a fire broke out last week. At its height, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service used eight fire engines to tackle the blaze at the disused building. David Shepherd, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council's director for economic regeneration, said the demolition would take place over the weekend. He said: "We've worked with Historic England to see if anything on the site can be preserved, but unfortunately we've come to the decision the building cannot be saved." Mr Shepherd added the demolition would take place in order to "ensure people are safe and are not at risk from the building collapsing without any warning". More on this and other local stories from across Sheffield and South Yorkshire

Summary: A former nightclub gutted by fire is to be demolished.


Monitor has written to the 46 foundation trusts with the biggest deficits "challenging" their plans. It urged money-saving measures such as filling only essential staff vacancies. The Department of Health supported the move, but Labour argued it suggested there was a financial crisis in the NHS that was "spiralling out of control". David Bennett, chief executive of Monitor, said the NHS was facing an almost unprecedented financial challenge this year. "We are already reviewing and challenging the plans of the 46 foundation trusts with the biggest deficits," he wrote in a letter to trusts. "However, it is clear that this process will not close the funding gap and so we need all providers - even those planning for a surplus this year - to look again at their plans to see what more can be done." He urged trusts to leave non-essential vacancies unfilled, and to follow guidelines on safe staffing in a way which was "proportionate and appropriate". Rosters should be rigorously managed to deploy staff efficiently across all required shifts, including evenings and weekends, he said. In May, NHS trusts in England reported a total deficit of £822m in 2014-15, compared with £115m the previous year. A big rise in spending on agency nurses contributed to the deficits. At the time, Monitor said figures for this financial year were likely to be even worse. Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said the warning by Monitor "suggests that the financial crisis in the NHS is threatening to spiral out of control and hit standards of patient care". He added: "The suggestion that hospitals can ignore safe staffing guidance will alarm patients and the government must decide if it will overrule this advice." The Department of Health said it was investing £8bn into the NHS in England so that it could implement a five-year plan, and it was vital that "every penny possible" was spent on patient care. "We support this move by NHS regulators, on top of the package of financial controls announced earlier in the year, to ensure the service lives within its means without compromising standards," a spokesman said. The provider sector has forecast a total deficit of more than £2bn for 2015-16, according to specialist resource Health Service Journal.

Summary: Hospitals and health trusts in England have been told by regulators to look again at their financial plans as current ones are unaffordable.


Addresses were searched in Livingston, Bathgate, Blackburn and Salford, with a reception centre set up to support potential victims. Police Scotland said 25 people were interviewed as part of the operation. The men are due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on Monday. Two of them are aged 28 and the others 35 and 26. Police Scotland was supported in the operation - which took place on Friday - by the National Crime Agency, Greater Manchester Police and West Lothian Council. The men were detained at addresses in Livingston, Bathgate and Salford in Greater Manchester and have been charged in connection with human trafficking offences, involvement in serious and organised crime, and a sexual offence. Six further addresses were searched in Livingston, Bathgate and Blackburn. Det Ch Insp Stephen Healy said: "In total, twenty-five people have been interviewed as part of this operation and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their travel to and from Scotland. "In the meantime, they are being offered support and assistance in terms of health and welfare, housing and victim support. "This operation is the result of a complex and lengthy investigation into serious and organised crime involving foreign nationals centred on West Lothian." Ch Insp Barry Blair, West Lothian local area commander for Police Scotland said: "The activity under Operation Heathyard has been centred on the Latvian communities in West Lothian and we will continue to support all those affected going forward. "We will have additional officers on patrol in these neighbourhoods over the weekend to provide reassurance and to speak to anyone who may have any further information or who needs any more advice and assistance. "I would urge anyone with information or concerns about human trafficking or exploitation in their community to speak to police on 101. We will do all we can with our partners to keep people safe." West Lothian executive councillor for services for the community, George Paul, added: "Along with other public sector partners, West Lothian Council will provide social care support to the victims."

Summary: Four men have been arrested and charged after an operation aimed at tackling human trafficking and serious organised crime in West Lothian.


Thomas Gallagher, 16, was discovered by a member of the public in Old Kays Park in Tottington, Bury, in July 2015. An inquest concluded the schoolboy took his own life and police shortcomings did not contribute to his death. But an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report found Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) conduct was "below the standard expected." The teenager's parents criticised police, saying there had been serious failings in the handling of the case, the Manchester Evening News reports. In a statement they said: "We explained his vulnerabilities concerning his recent mental health history. Subsequently two members of the public found Tom five hours later. GMP failed to respond at all." The IPCC found police delayed looking for the schoolboy because of staffing shortages in the Bury division, which were "foreseeable". "No officers were deployed...until the discovery of Thomas' body some five hours later," the investigator found. The report said the response of four officers and a radio operator was "unsatisfactory". It said the conduct of an inspector, a police sergeant, an acting police sergeant, a police constable and a civilian radio operator, "whilst not amounting to misconduct, did fall below the standard expected." IPCC Associate Commissioner, Guido Liguori, recommended GMP "should address" the "under-resourcing" of the police division in Bury as well as "ensuring police officers and staff are properly supported" for "the benefit of the local community." Ch Supt Chris Sykes from GMP's Bury division said: "Thomas Gallagher's death was a tragedy and our deepest condolences remain with his family. "Unfortunately, it was not possible for GMP to resource the original missing report, due to staff abstractions and a higher than usual number of incidents on the night." Changes have already been implemented in Bury, including new shift patterns, to ensure the force could respond to unanticipated spikes in demand in future, he added. He said: "Whilst the jury concluded that none of the shortcomings in GMP's response caused or contributed in any way to Tom's death, we fully acknowledge the comments made by the jury in delivering their conclusion at today's inquest. We will also await the coroner's report on any recommendations."

Summary: No officers were deployed to search for a vulnerable teenager who was later found dead, the police watchdog said.


Both houses of Congress voted in quick succession on Wednesday to approve the agreement, as well as pacts with Panama and Colombia. It will now go to President Barack Obama to be signed into law. The agreement is expected to increase US exports to the Asian economy by as much as $10bn (Â£6.5bn). The free-trade deal with South Korea is the largest US trade pact since it signed the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994. However, it still needs to be passed by the South Korean parliament. 'Made in America' President Obama said the pacts with South Korea, Panama and Colombia were "a major win for American workers and businesses". "Tonight's vote, with bipartisan support, will significantly boost exports that bear the proud label 'Made in America', support tens of thousands of good-paying American jobs and protect labour rights, the environment and intellectual property," he said in a statement. The Obama administration says that pact alone will support 70,000 American jobs. There was nearly $80bn in trade between the US and South Korea last year. The Asian country is the seventh largest trade partner for the US. The vote coincided with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's arrival in Washington for an official visit. In a speech on Wednesday he said the agreement would "send a powerful message to the world that the US and South Korea stand together in rejecting protectionism and that we are open to free and fair trade". The pact was first agreed in 2007, but concerns in the US over tariffs imposed by South Korea on US carmakers delayed the proceedings.

Summary: US lawmakers have approved a long-delayed free trade agreement with South Korea, calling it the most significant in 16 years.


The Fiji international, 25, faces a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday. He is accused of "lifting a player from the ground and dropping or driving that player into the ground" when tackling Gareth Owen in the 51st minute. World Rugby's recommended bans for those found guilty of such offences range from four to 52 weeks. Ospreys' next match sees them host Dragons on New Year's Day at the Liberty Stadium. If banned, Matavesi could also miss the Pro12 trip to Leinster on Friday, 8 January as well as their crucial European Champions Cup game that follows at Clermont Auvergne on Friday, 15 January.

Summary: Ospreys centre Josh Matavesi has been cited for an alleged dangerous tackle during Boxing Day's 27-26 Pro12 win at Scarlets in the west Wales derby.


The victim, aged 50, was stabbed 10 times in Barking and spent weeks in hospital recovering from his injuries. The suspect is described as aged between 20 and 30, wearing a dark hooded top with the hood up, light-coloured trousers and light trainers. No-one has been arrested in connection with the attack, said police. The Metropolitan police said they hoped issuing the footage of the incident may encourage anyone with information to come forward. The victim was attacked from behind while walking home from a social club on 28 October on Pelham Avenue at around 21:45 GMT. The suspect then ran off along Sterry Road towards Denham Way. The victim staggered a short distance before collapsing where he was discovered by his wife. Police were called and the first officers on the scene administered first aid before the London Ambulance Service arrived. The victim was taken to the Royal London Hospital in a critical condition where he spent two days in a coma. Det Con Roxanne Dawe, from Barking and Dagenham CID, said: "This was an incredibly violent attack on a married father-of-two who was just walking home after a night out as he did every Friday. "He had not had an argument or a dispute with anyone that night and we can find no motive at all for what happened. Nothing was stolen from him. "We hope the release of CCTV footage showing what happened will prompt someone to come forward with information." She added the victim "very nearly lost his life" and that the attack was being treated as attempted murder.

Summary: CCTV footage of a man being stabbed in what police have called a "frenzied and unprovoked" attack in east London has been released.


Chris Oakley was criticised by Ofsted for keeping the animals at Luton Pentecostal Church Christian Academy. The report - which rated the fee-paying the school as "inadequate" - said "no risk assessment" was made. The BBC has contacted the school for a comment. The Ofsted report said: "The proprietor has not ensured that all necessary risk assessments are carried out and that they are updated regularly. "For example, a seven-foot-long boa constrictor and a number of tarantulas are kept in the principal's office. "No risk assessment has been made to ensure that keeping such animals in school does not pose a risk to children." The report said the school also kept a number of other pets - to "enhance the work of the school" - which had not been assessed for their risk to children. The independent school has 58 pupils aged three to 13 years old. It had been previously rated as "good" but government inspectors on their latest visit found it to be "inadequate" in all areas. In addition to the safeguarding issues relating to the snake and spiders, Ofsted said the school had not met the "independent school standards". It said the school had no first-aid policy, leaders "did not promote harmony" and that pupils' attainment is "below expectations for their age". Ofsted did say, however, that pupils were "polite, friendly and well-mannered" and that behaviour was "good throughout the school". It said leaders were "deeply committed" to further improvements. Advice issued to schools by Public Health England says reptiles "are not suitable" as pets and that "all species carry salmonella".

Summary: A head teacher kept a seven-foot (2.1m) boa constrictor and tarantulas in his school office without checking if they posed a risk to children, government inspectors found.


It was feared England would travel to India under a new captain in Alastair Cook, get beaten and suffer badly from the experience. Media playback is not supported on this device Those fears were not unfounded. England had previously endured a tough year, with the humbling defeat by Pakistan in the UAE followed by the surrender of top spot in the world rankings at home to South Africa. In many ways, though, both of those experiences have made England stronger. The South Africa defeat came amid the backdrop of the Kevin Pietersen saga - with the batsman dropped and then reinstated over texts sent to the opposition camp - but, I have been told by one of the players, that episode has well and truly been put to bed. Spirit in the camp is now genuinely high - that is not just toeing the party line. And the lessons from the UAE, when England struggled to deal with quality spin on Asian wickets, look finally to have been learnt. What makes England's achievement in India all the more impressive is the manner in which these wins have been earned. "The mood must be very buoyant in the England dressing room. They have worked harder than India more than anything. The biggest gulf was probably the seamers, Finn and Anderson, and when your fast bowlers are on top it doesn't half make life easier." They have lost three tosses in alien conditions but, after the hammering in Ahmedabad, have inflicted two crushing defeats on India, who rarely lose at home. Before this series, India had played 59 home Test matches this century, losing only nine. Now they have lost two in a row. That speaks volumes for how they have been outplayed by a brilliant England side. Of course, I also have to point out that as good as England have been, India have been awful - especially their batting. But after Ahmedabad, a few basic things were rammed home to the England team. Deep down, they knew they had a better bowling attack than India, but that was never going to do them any good unless they had runs to play with. The tourists worked out what they had to do - bat long, sell your wicket dearly. The results are plain to see. Cook is in stellar form. Pietersen is transformed. Nick Compton looks at home at the top of the order and Ian Bell batted well on the last day in Kolkata. Perhaps batting coach Graham Gooch deserves some of the credit. He is tireless in his work with the players, especially those who want to improve. Often during the third Test he has been in the nets throwing balls at 7.30 in the morning. 1984-85: India 1-2 England (5 Tests) 1992-93: India 3-0 England (3 Tests) 2001-02: India 1-0 England (3 Tests) 2005-06: India 1-1 England (3 Tests) 2008-09: India 1-0 England (2 Tests) It's also the tiny, minute details where England have gained the advantage. One lunch time, I looked out of the commentary box to see three

Summary: The turnaround completed by England to beat India so convincingly in Mumbai and Kolkata after the big defeat in Ahmedabad is truly remarkable.


The waste, which includes soft toys, plastic bags and photographs, was discovered by the charity that operates Telford Steam Railway. The site - owned by Network Rail - is near the A4169 near Horsehay, the Shropshire Star reports. Network Rail said it was supporting an investigation by West Mercia Police to identify the culprits. Read more on this and other news for Shropshire Network Rail said it had been monitoring the site to find out who was responsible for the fly-tipping. Simon Masters, media relations manager, said: "Fly-tipping causes a great amount of misery to those who live nearby, as well as costing the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds in clean-up costs." Paul Hughes, from Telford Steam Railway, a group which leases a signal box on the site, said he first discovered the dump before Christmas. "We were doing a routine inspection when we discovered there was some commercial fly-tipping which progressively increased to what has become a huge mountain of waste," he said. "We are all used to seeing somebody drop off an old sofa or bedspread but this is on a completely different scale." Telford and Wrekin Council said it was working with the police and the Environment Agency.

Summary: Some 150 tonnes of rubbish has been dumped near a popular steam railway attraction in Shropshire.


The Pilgrims, second in League Two, will return to England on Thursday. "We're going there to train for three days in preparation for the remaining games of the season," Argyle manager Derek Adams told BBC Radio Devon. "I've done it before as a manager. It's about getting us focused with 18 games to go, and allowing us to train in hot weather and a very good area." Adams added to his squad during the January transfer window, and believes the trip will help integrate his new players. Jakub Sokolik, Nathan Blissett, Antoni Sarcevic, Ryan Taylor and Matthew Kennedy were brought in as Argyle look to strengthen their promotion challenge. "It's been in the planning for a while and we've been able to factor it in," said Adams. "We've got new players in and it's about trying to get them to know what the other players are about, and also to get my ideas across to them." Sarcevic, signed from Shrewsbury during the final days of the window, added: "It's nice to get away from everything and get a good few days in Spain. But it will be hard work."

Summary: Plymouth Argyle are preparing for Saturday's derby against Exeter with some warm-weather training in Spain.


Ukraine's interior minister said earlier that three tanks had entered rebel areas of the east, and fighting was under way. Arsen Avakov said that the tanks entered Ukraine along with other armour through a border checkpoint controlled by rebels in the Luhansk region. Russia denied the report. The foreign ministry said it was "another fake piece of information". Meanwhile, a vehicle belonging to a separatist leader was blown up in the eastern city of Donetsk late on Thursday. The BBC's Steve Rosenberg says the van belonged to Denis Pushilin, the self-declared leader of the Donetsk People's Republic. Mr Pushilin was not inside but pro-Russian separatists, who control the city, said four people were injured. It is not clear what caused the explosion. Earlier, Moscow accused President Poroshenko of not delivering on his pledge to stop fighting in the east. It wants an investigation into allegations that Ukrainian forces used banned incendiary bombs against civilians. "The lack of any progress whatsoever in efforts to stop the violence and halt military operations... is causing increasing concern," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. He said that reports in the Russian media that incendiary bombs were being used was another "cause for special concern". The bombs are designed to trigger major firestorms and were often used during the Vietnam War before they were banned by the United Nations. Ukraine has denied using the weapons. It has accused Russia of allowing the rebels to deploy three Soviet-era T-72 tanks across the border into the east of the country. Ukraine's presidency said in a statement that Mr Poroshenko, who was elected last month, had a "substantial" conversation by telephone with Mr Putin on Kiev's plan of bringing peace to the east. Mr Avakov said the tanks had crossed the border from Russia along with armoured personnel carriers and artillery pieces in the Dyakove area of Luhansk region, before moving into the neighbouring Donetsk region. Two headed towards the town of Horlivka and were attacked by government forces, he added. Unverified video has been posted on YouTube of a battle tank rolling down a street said to be in Snizhne. The footage was shot from a flat overlooking the street. A second clip, also said to have been recorded in Snizhne, shows a similar tank passing a roundabout. There was no confirmation about the tanks from the insurgents. Pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions declared independence after holding referendums last month which were deemed illegal by the government in Kiev. Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of supporting and arming the rebels - a claim denied by Moscow. The rebellion began amid the turmoil which followed February's ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych, whose last-minute decision not to sign a landmark treaty with the European Union in November sparked mass street protests in Kiev.

Summary: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has told President Vladimir Putin that reports of Russian tanks moving into Ukrainian territory are unacceptable.


A team of three male candidates was selected last month which resulted in Michelle Gildernew being left off the ticket. The meeting gives the former MP and minister another opportunity to be put on Sinn Féin's list. Ms Gildernew had been replaced on the ticket by current MLA Phil Flanagan. Analysis: 'Major embarrassment' for Sinn Féin He had missed out on selection at a previous convention almost two months ago. In December, Ms Gildernew was selected to run alongside sitting MLA Sean Lynch and local councillor John Feely. However, Sinn Fein's ruling council (Ard Comhairle) ordered a revote. The party did not specify why, but it has been reported that concerns had been raised about procedural errors. A new convention at the end of January in Enniskillen replaced Ms Gildernew with Mr Flanagan, who will now stand alongside Mr Lynch and Mr Feely. In December, the outgoing MLA Bronwyn McGahan announced she would not be seeking re-election. However, Ms McGahan did put her name forward for the latest convention but was not successful.

Summary: Sinn Féin is to meet next week to select a fourth candidate in Fermanagh and South Tyrone for this year's assembly election.


It follows the death of a beached whale in Hunstanton, Norfolk, on Friday and the discovery of three carcasses near Skegness over the weekend. The sperm whales are believed to be from a pod spotted off the Norfolk coast. The fifth whale was found at Wainfleet, Lincolnshire, on Monday afternoon, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency reported. It was found on the site of a former bombing range, and warnings have been issued for people to stay away. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust tweeted: "There is no public access to the area and it is extremely dangerous with tidal creeks and the potential for unexploded ordinance. Many of the lanes to the marshes are private and not accessible." Why do sperm whales wash up on beaches? Marine biologists were using a probe to examine one of the Skegness whales earlier on Monday when there was a "huge blast of air", said BBC reporter David Sykes. The letters CND had also been spray-painted by someone on the whale's tail. CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) said the action was not carried out by the organisation at a national level. The word "fukushima" - presumably a reference to the stricken Japanese nuclear power station - was also written on the side of the whale's body. One of the Skegness whales is at the end of Lagoon Walk, with the other two towards Gibraltar Point. They have been cordoned off to prevent crowds of people touching the carcasses. People are also being prevented from going too close to the Hunstanton whale.

Summary: A fifth sperm whale has washed up on the east coast of England.


The centre in Deptford, south-east London, provides training for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. It was founded by Baroness Lawrence in memory of her son who was killed in a racist attack by white youths in 1993. The Cambridges also visited XLP urban Christian charity in Gypsy Hill. Baroness Lawrence showed the royal couple the Harris Academy law workshop that aims to raise pupils' career ambitions through lectures and mentoring. She also showed them a digital journalism project called The Write Way that encourages young people to develop their literacy and IT skills. "It was a quite amazing visit," she said. "The duke and duchess spent a really good time talking to our young people and showed genuine interest in what they were doing." Stephen Lawrence was stabbed to death at the age of 18 by a group of white youths near a bus stop in Eltham, south-east London. He aspired to become an architect and the charity was set up by his mother in his memory in 1998, originally to provide support and bursaries to budding architects. Staff and volunteers at the centre wished the couple good luck with their new baby, which William said was due "any day now". Catherine is believed to be around eight months pregnant and is expected to give birth at the end of April. Before leaving the centre Stephen Lawrence's 10-year-old niece Mia presented the duchess with flowers and revealed that she liked to cook shepherd's pie, to which William replied: "I quite like shepherd's pie, I will have to pop round and try it." William and Catherine then visited Christ Church in Gypsy Hill, south London, to find out about the work of XLP. XLP describes itself as a Christian urban youth charity operating in seven London boroughs that helps young people from deprived inner city estates to realise their potential. Many of the people it seeks to help are coping with family breakdown, unemployment, gang life and educational failure. "For these young people to know that the royal couple is interested in their lives and wants to hear what they have to say is hugely significant, as well as inspiring for them," the charity said.

Summary: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited the Stephen Lawrence Centre and a youth charity in south London - on Catherine's last day of official events before the birth of her second child.