A video of the 13-year-old's murder has gone viral on social media. The killers accused the boy of trying to steal a bicycle rickshaw van in the north-eastern city of Sylhet. Three people have been detained, including the main suspect who fled to Saudi Arabia after the attack. Suspected thieves are often attacked by mobs in Bangladesh. But the BBC's South Asia editor, Joanna Jolly, says that the brutality of the assault has caused widespread outrage and led to police forming a special squad to investigate the killing. One of the attackers filmed the assault on Samiul Alam Rajon on Wednesday on his mobile phone, while the others tied the boy to a pole and hit him repeatedly with a metal rod. He screamed for help, the Daily Star reported, and cried for water as he begged for his life. The men can be heard laughing and jeering at him as they told him that they would post the video on Facebook. After the boy was killed, the attackers took his body to a secluded dump, the paper reported, about 600ft (180m) away from the torture spot. But they were spotted by some locals who chased them. Three of the group escaped, but one man was caught and handed over to the police. Another was later detained, while the main suspect was arrested in Saudi Arabia. "It's a sad and unfortunate incident," Bangladesh's Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal was quoted by bdnews.24 as saying. "One [man] has been remanded and another has been arrested. The rest will be arrested soon. None will be spared." An autopsy report said that Samiul - who helped his family to sell vegetables - died of a brain haemorrhage after sustaining head injuries. More than 60 injury marks were found on his body. A Twitter page in his honour has been set up.

Summary: Thousands of people in Bangladesh are demanding justice for a teenage boy who was beaten to death by a group of men who filmed themselves laughing and jeering as they carried out the attack.


Now, on the surface, these words from Michael Gove shouldn't be surprising. A minister wouldn't advertise disunity. The surprise though is that - as one of the most prominent Leave campaigners - he was talking about an implementation period post-Brexit which could last for an unspecified amount of time. Insiders say his arrival at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and dealing with the powerful farming lobby may have influenced his view. Some of the most prominent Remain ministers have been expressing relief - tinged in one case with just a hint of triumphalism - that they think in recent weeks that they have managed to sell the idea of a soft landing - or as some say "no cliff edge" - after the UK leaves the EU in 2019 to some of their more sceptical colleagues. So much for unity. Where do differences still lie? It was interesting that, in answering my question on whether freedom of movement would continue under an implementation period, that Michael Gove didn't rule this out. Migration, he argued, would be decided by the needs of the economy. But for how long? The tectonic plates may have moved on a transitional deal but its duration is where cabinet fault lines persist. Liam Fox has been pretty clear he doesn't want to contemplate anything more than two years. As one minister put it - he has waited forty years to leave the EU so two more won't matter. But anther prominent cabinet Brexiteer told me he thought it would be a "disaster" if the implementation period hadn't concluded by the assumed date of the next election in 2022 while others have talked about anything up to a four year period. Then what form will any transition take? Could there be temporary membership of the European Economic Area? Some leavers might be suspicious that temporary would become permanent. Should we stay in the customs union a bit longer until we hammer out a bespoke deal post Brexit? The EU is unlikely to get the clarity it seeks until there is clarity around the cabinet table. So while some Remainer ministers I have spoken to this week were upbeat, relaxed and chipper - and believe that British business is making its influence felt - many issues remain unresolved. And, of course, I use the term 'Remainer" historically - the cabinet is also united on leaving the EU but the question is how. There has been talk of soft, hard and clean Brexits. Increasingly another word has entered the lexicon. David Davis uses it. Michael Gove used it today. Expect to hear more of it. Pragmatic. That's now the goal - a pragmatic Brexit. And that necessarily means compromise at cabinet level as well as with the EU.

Summary: The government and the cabinet "is united".


After 100 minutes of gruelling rugby union in front of a packed Twickenham, Alex Waller's score in the final minute of extra-time was eventually allowed to stand and Jim Mallinder's side were left celebrating their maiden league crown. On Friday night, Saints will embark on the defence of their trophy against Gloucester at Kingsholm, hoping to become only the third side to win successive titles in the play-off era. It kicks off an exciting opening weekend of action, which sees last year's Premiership and Heineken Cup runners-up Saracens take on Wasps, before Harlequins play London Irish, in the London double header. Elsewhere, Leicester Tigers, also denied by a late Northampton try in the play-off semi-finals, host Newcastle Falcons, and newly-promoted London Welsh kick off their return to the top flight with a home match against Exeter. With a home World Cup starting in September 2015, this season could take on extra significance for those plying their trade in the Premiership as they look to muscle their way in on the action. BBC Sport has teamed up with BBC local radio and experts for an at-a-glance guide to the campaign ahead. BBC local radio will be providing live commentary of matches throughout the Premiership season, which you can access through the rugby union commentaries page. How have Bath fared in the transfer market? BBC Points West's Damian Derrick: "Most significantly, Bath have the arrival of the hugely-talented Sam Burgess to look forward to. The West Country club's marquee signing from rugby league will certainly make an impact and could add yet another significant dimension. "The recruitment otherwise has been low key and shows the faith head coach Mike Ford has in his players." What are their hopes and ambitions for the new season? "Bath's biggest challenge may well be emulating their performances of 2013-14, with all the other teams now knowing what's coming. They made huge strides last season with new players and a developing style of play which surprised many in the rugby fraternity. "However, they must start their campaign without two key members of a largely dominant pack. Matt Garvey misses the first couple of months, with a recurrence of the ankle injury that saw him miss the end of last season, and Francois Louw doesn't return from South Africa duty until October. "Missing out on a top-four Premiership place and losing the European Challenge Cup final has been Bath's motivation over the summer to make that next step." Damian Derrick's Premiership prediction: Third How have the Chiefs fared in the transfer market? BBC Radio Devon's Nigel Walrond: "The Chiefs have added three internationals to their squad to bolster hopes for the new season, with Scotland prop Moray Low arriving from Glasgow, former England number Thomas Waldrom from Leicester and Namibian full-back Chysander Botha from South African Super 15 franchise the Lions. "Mitch Lees, Tomas Francis, Elvis Taione and Adam Hughes have also been picked up from Championship clubs." What are their hopes and ambitions for the new season? "Exeter are looking to improve on their eighth-place finish last season, and

Summary: It seems like only yesterday that television match official Graham Hughes was deliberating over whether to award the try that would win Northampton the Premiership title at Rugby HQ.


Mark Gourley, from the Castlemara estate in Carrickfergus, was reported missing in March 2009. He was last seen in the Burney's Lane area of Glengormley. In 2013, police investigating the 36-year-old's disappearance said they had begun a murder inquiry. On Monday, two men, aged 45 and 43, were arrested in Carrickfergus. The pair were released on police bail on Monday night pending further enquiries. The body of Mr Gourley, who was described by police as a "vulnerable individual" who had been on medication at the time of his disappearance, has never been found. Det Insp Darren McCartney appealed to anyone who may have information about Mark's disappearance or who may have seen Mark on or after 7 March 2009 to contact police. "Previous appeals for information did generate reports of sightings but the last definite sighting of Mark was at 2.30pm on 7 March 2009 in the Burney's Lane area of Glengormley," he said. "Mark did not have a mobile phone or a significant amount of money with him when he disappeared." Police said although Mr Gourley was last seen in the Glengormley area, he was from the Castlemara area of Carrickfergus and he may have returned to that area on 7 March 2009. "Police are asking for anyone who may have noticed vehicles or individuals acting suspiciously in either the Burney's Lane area of Glengormley or in the Castlemara area of Carrickfergus around 7 March 2009 to contact police on the non-emergency number 101," Det Insp McCartney said. "I believe there are people in these communities who have knowledge of what happened to Mark. "Additionally, people may have heard rumours about what happened to Mark. I would appeal to them to share this information with police. "If anyone has information about him, I would ask them to examine their conscience and come forward to police." Mr Gourley was about 5ft, 9" tall, described as well-built, with fair, cropped hair, and an eyebrow bolt in his right eyebrow. At the time of his disappearance, was wearing a black, zipped jacket with a grey motif on the back of the shoulders, dark Umbro tracksuit bottoms, black trainers and may have been wearing a blue Glasgow Rangers woollen hat.

Summary: Two men, who were arrested in connection with the murder of a missing County Antrim man, have been released.


The Chinese game is viewed as a much tougher challenge than chess for computers because there are many more ways a Go match can play out. The tech company's DeepMind division said its software had beaten its human rival five games to nil. One independent expert called it a breakthrough for AI with potentially far-reaching consequences. The achievement was announced to coincide with the publication of a paper, in the scientific journal Nature, detailing the techniques used. Earlier on Wednesday, Facebook's chief executive had said its own AI project had been "getting close" to beating humans at Go. But the research he referred to indicated its software was ranked only as an "advanced amateur" and not a "professional level" player. Go is thought to date back to ancient China, several thousand years ago. Using black-and-white stones on a grid, players gain the upper hand by surrounding their opponents pieces with their own. The rules are simpler than those of chess, but a player typically has a choice of 200 moves compared with about 20 in chess. There are more possible positions in Go than atoms in the universe, according to DeepMind's team. It can be very difficult to determine who is winning, and many of the top human players rely on instinct. DeepMind's chief executive, Demis Hassabis, said its AlphaGo software followed a three-stage process, which began with making it analyse 30 million moves from games played by humans. "It starts off by looking at professional games," he said. "It learns what patterns generally occur - what sort are good and what sort are bad. If you like, that's the part of the program that learns the intuitive part of Go. "It now plays different versions of itself millions and millions of times, and each time it gets incrementally better. It learns from its mistakes. "The final step is known as the Monte Carlo Tree Search, which is really the planning stage. "Now it has all the intuitive knowledge about which positions are good in Go, it can make long-range plans." Tested against rival Go-playing AIs, Google's system won 499 out of 500 matches, And last October, DeepMind invited Fan Hui, Europe's top player, to its London office for a series of games, each of which the AI won. "Many of the best programmers in the world were asked last year how long it would take for a program to beat a top professional, and most of them were predicting 10-plus years," Mr Hassabis said. "The reasons it was quicker than people expected was the pace of the innovation going on with the underlying algorithms and also how much more potential you can get by combining different algorithms together." Prof Zoubin Ghahramani, of the University of Cambridge, said: "This is certainly a major breakthrough for AI, with wider implications. "The technical idea that underlies it is the idea of reinforcement learning - getting computers to learn to improve their behaviour to achieve goals. "That could be used for decision-making problems - to help doctors make treatment plans, for example, in businesses or

Summary: A Google artificial intelligence program has beaten the European champion of the board game Go.


A skeleton of a meat-eating Jurassic dinosaur, the theropod, was uncovered by spring storms at Lavernock beach, Vale of Glamorgan, in 2014. The dinosaur's missing foot was found at the beach by palaeontology student, Sam Davies, of Bridgend, at the beginning of this month. "My first reaction was that I was very lucky," he said. The fossilised skeleton of the theropod - a distant cousin of the giant Tyrannosaurus rex - went on display at the National Museum Cardiff's main hall in June after it was found by fossil-hunting brothers Nick and Rob Hanigan. Mr Davies, who studies at the University of Portsmouth, visited Lavernock, near Penarth, after his tutor told him its cliffs were rich with fossils. He arrived only hours after a cliff fall had exposed the fossil and before it could be washed away by the tide. "It was pure luck that I found it. It was just sitting on top of a slab of rock," he said. His tutor, Dr David Martill, confirmed the find was the missing foot of the recently discovered dinosaur, after the student emailed a picture. Dr Martill said: "This was a chance-in-a-million find and highlights how important it is to encourage fossil hunting in this country." He said the specimen would help chart the evolution of dinosaur feet. The foot has been donated to the Amgueddfa Cymru, which hopes to put it on display with the rest of the skeleton soon. Dr Caroline Buttler, head of palaeontology at the museum, said: "The dinosaur found by Nick and Rob Hanigan is the first skeleton of a theropod found in Wales. "Sam's find adds to its significance because we can learn more about the animal and how it is related to the dinosaurs that eventually evolved into birds."

Summary: The fossilised foot of a dinosaur has been discovered on a south Wales beach, National Museum Wales has announced.


Union flags and and Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) flags are flying in Global Crescent and Cantrell Close. The housing developments are part of the Together Building United Communities programme. DUP MP Emma Little Pengelly said she had visited about 100 homes and found mixed views among residents. But a DUP spokesman said earlier flags or any other emblems supporting paramilitaries had no place in communities and should all be all removed. "Paramilitaries are a plague on society," the spokesman told the BBC's Nolan Show. "The DUP condemns all those who cling to criminality and violence." The Police Service of Northern Ireland said removing flags was not its responsibility, and police would only act to remove flags where there were "substantial risks to public safety". "We will work with local communities and respond to any issues where there is a concern for public safety or where it is believed a criminal offence has occurred," said the PSNI in a statement. Mrs Little Pengelly spent a number of hours going door-to-door to meet local residents on Monday evening, and afterwards spoke to the BBC. "There were some people who were very supportive of the flags, people who felt very much it was part of the tradition of the local area and the wider area," she said. "The majority of people said to me: 'We understand that the flags have gone up, but we also understand that they will come back down again'. "Really they didn't want a public fuss around this matter," she added. "And there were some who had concerns around this, who would prefer for the flags not to be there. "The way I would put this is that it was a much more complex picture than I was imagining. "There were some concerns raised, I reassured those individuals that I would be here to support them as well, I would represent their views to the housing association." The housing developments are near the Ravenhill and Cregagh roads, which border the South Belfast and East Belfast constituencies. Mrs Little Pengelly became the new MP for South Belfast earlier this month. Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said it was "almost beyond belief" that Mrs Little Pengelly believes there was no widespread demand for removal of flags from a mixed housing development in the area. "A shared community should be welcoming to all and intimidating to none," she said.

Summary: A DUP MP has said she has found no widespread demands for the removal of flags from a mixed housing development in her South Belfast constituency.


19 September 2016 Last updated at 07:50 BST They used recyclable materials such as shoe boxes, plastic packaging and egg boxes to make them. They went to see how a team from Swansea University are building a real classroom for the future, whose aims are the same. Their classroom is designed to be energy positive - that means they don't have to buy electricity and they have solar panels that use the sun to power them.

Summary: Kids in Swansea have been showing us their designs for buildings for the future, which they say should be as energy-efficient and kind to the environment as possible.


Edward Bright, from Ripley, Derbyshire, lost his limbs when he was seven and needs help with much of his life. When he turned 16 and reapplied for a benefit he was told he had to attend a meeting to be assessed. The Department for Work and Pensions has now said a face-to-face meeting is not necessary. Edward's family claimed disability living allowance (DLA) on his behalf to help towards the added cost of life as a quad-amputee but when he turned 16 he had to reapply for a personal independence payment (PIP). The family were horrified to receive a letter calling him to a meeting with an assessor in Derby and threatening to withdraw the money if he did not attend. His dad Steve said: "He has already been through all the assessments. Nothing has changed [in his situation] in the last seven years; nothing will change, so being called in to interviews every year is pointless. "People with disabilities have enough appointments anyway. You should reach a level when it's flagged up on the system: no more interviews needed." Since the family's case featured in the Daily Mirror, the Department of Work and Pensions has admitted the assessment is unnecessary. "All DLA claimants are invited to apply for the working-age benefit Personal Independence Payment when they turn 16. In this instance a paper-based assessment has been completed and there is no need for a face-to-face assessment. "We've tried to call the Brights numerous times to make clear there's no need to attend a meeting on Monday. A letter has been sent through the post."

Summary: The family of a teenager who lost his arms and legs from meningitis were shocked when told he had to prove he still needed a disability payment.


Stephen Ngila has been arrested for allegedly attacking Jackline Mwende almost two weeks ago, reports say. Kenya has high levels of domestic abuse but Mrs Mwende's case was "particularly shocking", activists added. Mr Ngila has not yet commented. Mrs Mwende, 27, said a drunk Mr Ngila, 34, told her "today is your last day" before he attacked her at her parents' home in a village in southern Machakos County, Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper reports. This was despite the fact that doctors told them she was fertile and he was impotent, Mrs Mwende was quoted as saying. A video of her with stitches on her head and stumps where her hands once were, wrapped in bandages, has also been shown by Kenyan media. The couple were living separately when Mr Ngila allegedly attacked Mrs Mwende, reports said. Reuters news agency quotes Kenyan women's rights group Equality Now as saying that Mr Ngila has been charged with attempted murder, but there has been no independent confirmation of this. "This is a particularly shocking case for Kenya... even though domestic violence is rampant," Naitore Nyamu of Equality Now told Reuters. "We can't afford to let the perpetrators act with impunity - which has sometimes been the case in recent years," she added. The chairwoman of Kenya's Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Josephine Mong'are, said cases of violence against women had been "escalating" and police should ensure that "all culprits are brought to book". "FIDA Kenya reiterates that violence against women is unacceptable and must not be condoned in society," she said.

Summary: A Kenyan man accused of chopping off his wife's hands and hacking her head with a machete after blaming her for their childless marriage should face the full force of the law, rights activists have said.


First up, it's the scandal that refuses to burn out - the Belfast Telegraph and News Letter both carry stories relating to that rather infamous heat scheme on their front pages. "£2.5m fraud probed in just one RHI case" says the Belfast Telegraph, reporting that energy watchdog Ofgem is investigating a suspected multi-million pound claim to the scheme. According to the paper, it's been suggested it would take four biomass boilers running non-stop every day for 20 years to rack up a £2.5m claim. That's a lot of heat. Meanwhile, the News Letter leads on the news that the public inquiry into the scheme will not sit for any public hearings before March's assembly election. It reports that Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has confirmed that Sir Patrick Coughlin will chair a three-person panel into the scheme. Judging by events just in the last month or so, the panel has its work cut out. Elsewhere, the News Letter dedicates the rest of its front page, and three pages inside, to what it describes as Stormont's condemnation of a "missing man bail scandal". The debate at Stormont was inspired by the case of Damien Joseph McLaughlin, a man charged in connection with the murder of prison officer David Black who has gone missing after being bailed. Meanwhile, all the papers on Wednesday dedicate at least some space to yesterday's Supreme Court judgment over Brexit, with the Belfast Telegraph and Irish News both calling for unity among Northern Ireland's politicians over the Article 50 saga. "(Northern Ireland's MPs) may not agree on whether leaving the EU is a good or bad move," says the Belfast Telegraph. "But they must speak with one voice in ensuring that the best possible deal - taking into account our peculiar interests - is pursued during the divorce negotiations." "It is up to our politicians to fight for the best deal for the people of Ireland, north and south," says the Irish News. Brexit has involved plenty of discussion around the UK's financial and economic future but, according to the Daily Mirror, one Irish person need not worry about money ever again. "Irish punter wins £75m" says its front page, adding that it's not yet known where on the island this extremely jammy individual lives. However, Northern Ireland's record lottery win of £20.1m in 2004 could be under threat if the lucky winner turns out to be from up here. Speaking of gold, the Irish News is talking Oscars. The nominations came out on Tuesday with some Irish interest among the nods, including Best Actress nominee Ruth Negga who has attracted praise for her role in Loving. But, the paper reports, there was also a nod for Dublin-born costume designer Consolata Boyle (for Florence Foster Jenkins) and a Best Original Screenplay nomination for the Irish-funded (and Colin Farrell starring) film The Lobster. And finally, a tribute in the Daily Mirror after Ireland's oldest cow died from a heart attack. Jenny passed away in Clonakilty, County Cork, after racking up 33 years. "She was the queen among cattle," says her

Summary: The RHI scandal continues to make headlines, but there's also room for a bumper Irish lottery win, Oscar nominations and the fallout from yesterday's Supreme Court Brexit decision in Wednesday's newspapers.


Following the acquisition of Cyprus defender Jason Demetriou, Etheridge, 25, fills the gap left by Richard O'Donnell's move to Wigan Athletic. The ex-Chelsea trainee, who has made just 20 Football League appearances, was released by Charlton in May. "We had a number of good options but Neil stood out," said boss Dean Smith. "He ticks all the boxes in age, room for development and experience at this level and above," said Smith. He's an extremely driven young man who wants to be successful. These are the characteristics we're looking for. "Neil will compete with Craig MacGillivray for a first-team place. They will both push each other on, exactly the kind of competition that we want." Etheridge, who began his professional career at Fulham, added: "The faith that the gaffer and Neil Cutler (Walsall goalkeeping coach) have shown in me means a lot. Now is the time to get my head down and work hard. "I have gained plenty of international experience in front of big crowds, but I've not played as many league games as I'd have liked. I intend to rectify that here." Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League One side Walsall have made their second international signing in 24 hours by bringing in Philippines keeper Neil Etheridge on a two-year deal.


Two generals said the jihadist group had suffered the losses as troops and allied fighters, backed by US-led air strikes, advanced on several axes. Up to 5,000 IS fighters were believed to be in Mosul ahead of the assault. Despite the territorial gains, commanders have warned that securing Mosul could take weeks, if not months. About 50,000 Iraqi security forces personnel, Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, Sunni Arab tribesmen and Shia militiamen are involved in the operation. More than 100 US military personnel are embedded with them, advising commanders and helping direct coalition air strikes. Other US troops are providing fire support from nearby bases. Lt Gen Stephen Townsend, the commander of US forces in Iraq, said on Wednesday that the coalition forces had delivered more than 2,100 aerial bombs, artillery and mortar shells, rockets and missiles since 17 October. "This relentless campaign of strikes has removed hundreds of fighters, weapons, and key leaders from the battlefield in front of the Iraqi advance," he added. On Thursday, the head of the US military's Central Command, Gen Joseph Votel, told the AFP news agency: "Just in the operations over the last week and a half associated with Mosul, we estimate they've probably killed about 800-900 Islamic State fighters." The Iraqi government informed US commanders on Wednesday that 57 Iraqi soldiers had been killed and about 250 wounded. Kurdish Peshmerga fighters are thought to have suffered about 20 to 30 fatalities. Despite the removal of hundreds militants from the battlefield, Gen Townsend warned that IS defences were likely to grow stronger the closer they got to Mosul. The group had "used an extraordinary amount of indirect fire - mortars, artillery and rockets - and an exceptional number of VBIEDs (Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices)," he told reporters during a visit to the Qayyarah airbase. Fierce resistance by jihadists has held up soldiers in the Shura area, 40km (25 miles) south of Mosul, prompting elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) forces to pause their advance near the village of Bazwaya, only 6km east of the city. CTS commander Brig Gen Haider Fadhil told the Associated Press his forces would wait for other units to reach Mosul's outskirts before entering the city. But he stressed: "The operation has not been stopped and is proceeding as planned." Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) said it had trained 90 Iraqi medics in "mass casualty management" as part of its preparations for the Mosul operation, with a special focus on responding to chemical attacks, AP reported. IS has previously used chemical weapons in attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces, and there are fears that it might do so again inside Mosul, where more than a million civilians live. Some 11,700 residents have fled since the offensive began and, according to the UN's worst-case scenario, as many as 700,000 others could follow suit. "There's been quite a dramatic upturn in the last few days," said Karl Schembri of the Norwegian Refugee Council, who warned that there were currently only spaces in camps for 60,000 people. The WHO is working on the assumption that 200,000 of

Summary: Hundreds of Islamic State militants are thought to have been killed since Iraqi forces launched an offensive to retake Mosul last week, the US military says.


Soldiers from the island, as well as Kingussie and Beauly in the Highlands, lost their lives at Festubert in France in 1915. Portree on Skye lost 10 men in a single night. In total, more than 20,000 men died over 10 days of fighting. Three days of events will start on Friday and will include talks by historians and poetry readings. Festubert's impact on the Highlands and Islands was recalled in BBC Two Scotland documentary, The Machine Gun and Skye's Band of Brothers, last year. This week's commemorations will be held in Portree. Many of the men from Skye, Kingussie and Beauly who died at Festubert had played shinty, a fact that will be recalled in some of the events. A set of bagpipes recovered from the battlefield's trenches will be used to play the tune The Beauly Shinty Club. The music was composed by one of two brothers who died in the conflict. Shinty commentator and historian Hugh Dan MacLennan will be among those taking part in the commemorations. He said: "Festubert is our focus because it was one of the first great killing battles, which saw death on an industrial scale. "Not only that, but its impact on Highland communities is beyond belief."

Summary: One of the bloodiest battles of World War One will be commemorated in events to be held on Skye later this week.


From the release of It's Not Unusual in 1965 to his current judging role on BBC One's The Voice, Sir Tom has won fans across the generations. It is well-known he is adored by legions of women the world over, so we canvassed the opinion of some plain-talking Welshmen in a bid to uncover the secret of his enduring appeal. Former NME journalist Iestyn George describes him as "one of the last surviving stars of his time who still has any kind of credibility". He partly puts this down to his ability and that he remains close to his roots. Speaking about his first appearance on The Voice, Mr George said: "When Tom turned up, you were thinking 'how's this going to work?' It should be a bit embarrassing'. "But it's one of the rare opportunities people have had to see his character and it's made him more of a much-loved figure than ever before. "He's spent a great deal of his life away from home, but there wouldn't be any misunderstanding about where he's from. "For me, if you're not authentic or for real, it's just patronising." Mr George described Sir Tom, who remains married to his high school sweetheart Melinda Trenchard, as "a true professional. There's no side of him, backstage or front stage, there's no pretence". And he said this extended to his interviews with the media. "He's really happy to tell the warts-and-all stories, he's happy to tell people 'I've messed around, I've not been great always'. "I'm uncomfortable with the lovable rogue thing, but what helps people who get away with it is they're not trying to pretend they're anything else. "Ultimately it's just about being yourself and being very, very comfortable in your own skin." One of Sir Tom's contestants on The Voice, Ragsy, echoed that sentiment. "Talking to him, you kind of forget who he is and what he's achieved. His valleys charm kind of comes through," said the rocker from Aberdare. "The first time I met him... one minute I was thinking 'Oh my god it's Tom Jones, this living legend, this iconic figure'. But within minutes we were just two Welsh people talking about words like cwtch. "It's his charm first of all and then obviously his God-given talent of having that voice." Ragsy, whose real name is Gary Ryland, said Sir Tom told him the key to success was confidence. "He believes in his ability and oozes confidence. He told me I had a powerful voice, but it was that thing of believing in it. "He still sounds as strong today. He's like the grandfather, the don, of music." Mr George said despite that confidence, Sir Tom, who is managed by son Mark Woodward, was also good at taking advice. "The only person I can compare him to is Paul Weller, managed by his father from age 16 onwards," he said. "He's engineered his own career without any need for representation. They're very different people but there are similarities in the way they represent themselves. "Tom realises it's tough being yourself, being

Summary: Sir Tom Jones celebrates his 75th birthday on Sunday and the appeal of the Welshman is as strong as ever.


Since then the country has seen the creation of a multi-party parliamentary system, a decade-long Maoist insurgency and the abolition of its monarchy. Flanked by China and India, it is home to eight of the world's highest mountains including Mount Everest, known locally as Sagarmatha. As one of the world's poorest countries, Nepal's economy relies heavily on aid and tourism. A devastating earthquake in April 2015 killed thousands of people, flattened villages and reduced numerous heritage sites to ruin. Since then political infighting has delayed much of the reconstruction despite billions of dollars having been pledged. Population 31 million Area 147,181 sq km (56,827 sq miles) Major languages Nepali Major religions Hinduism, Buddhism Life expectancy 68 years (men), 70 years (women) Currency Nepalese rupee President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari Bidhya Devi Bhandari was elected as Nepal's first woman president in a parliamentary vote in October 2015. She is the deputy leader of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) and a former defence minister. She is a campaigner for women's rights and widow of late communist leader Madan Kumar Bhandari. The post of president is mainly ceremonial. Prime minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda Pushpa Kamal Dahal was elected as prime minister for the second time in August 2016. Better known as Prachanda (Nepali for "fierce one"), he led a decade-long insurgency against the monarchy which culminated in the king relinquishing his absolute powers and being forced to give up his throne in June 2008. He became the first elected prime minister of Nepal in August 2008 but his government collapsed nine months later in a row over his attempt to dismiss the army chief. Mr Dahal is the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre). Media freedom is restricted by the fact that journalists have been the victims of violence, activists say. There is a small film industry, nicknamed "Kollywood". Some key dates in Nepal's history: 1768 - Gurkha ruler Prithvi Narayan Shah conquers Kathmandu and lays foundations for unified kingdom. 1814-16 - Anglo-Nepalese War; culminates in treaty which establishes Nepal's current boundaries. 1846 - Nepal falls under sway of hereditary chief ministers known as Ranas, who dominate the monarchy and cut country off from outside world. 1950 - Anti-Rana forces based in India form alliance with monarch. 1951 - End of Rana rule. Sovereignty of crown restored and anti-Rana rebels in Nepalese Congress Party form government. 1960 - King Mahendra seizes control and suspends parliament, constitution and party politics. 1991 - Nepali Congress Party wins first democratic elections. 1995-2006 - Maoist revolt which kills thousands. 2008 - Nepal becomes a republic after abolition of monarchy. 2015 September - New constitution adopted - the first in Asia to specifically protect gay rights.

Summary: With its ancient culture and the Himalayas as a backdrop, landlocked Nepal was closed to the outside world until the 1950s.


It has been launched by the association that represents thousands of officers. The Police Federation said officers took 37,674 days off sick last year because of the problem. Federation chairman Mark Lindsay described the resources the PSNI devotes to tackling the issue as "pitiful and wholly inaccurate" In his speech to the association's annual conference in Belfast, he described the current situation within the police as "a professional scandal". "This problem needs this urgent intervention," he said. "Whole families are suffering because those hurting are falling through the cracks." He said the fund announced on Wednesday would be used during the next three years to provide additional therapists and psychologists dealing with the issue. Mr Lindsay said the fund was a temporary measure, and that it was the "statutory duty" of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Department of Justice to address the problem. Last week, three officers who have been treated for post traumatic stress disorder PTSD spoke to the BBC about their experiences, and problems getting treatment.

Summary: A £1m fund has been set up to help police officers suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and other psychological illnesses.


The regiment has strong links to the city as an Army Reserve unit is based in Raglan Barracks and the Freedom of Newport was granted to them in 1978. They paraded through the city centre with colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed as they were led by the Band of the Royal Artillery. The parade started at 12:30 BST. It began on Cambrian Road before continuing on to Bridge Street and High Street to the D-Day Memorial where a short ceremony took place. The parade then reformed and travelled down High Street, across Stow Hill and followed Commercial Street to its junction with Charles Street and Llanarth Street.

Summary: About 100 soldiers from the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery marked their 50th anniversary with a freedom parade through Newport on Saturday.


In the latest incident, a man escaped with a three-figure sum after threatening two members of staff with a hammer at McColl's in West Doura Court, Kilwinning, at about 18:20 on Saturday. Police said the staff were uninjured but "extremely distressed". In December, a man robbed the same shop at knifepoint while wearing a 'Joker' mask. The suspect in the latest robbery was described as being white, 5ft 10in, with a stocky build. He was wearing dark trousers and a black hooded top featuring the "McKenzie" logo. Det Sgt Craig Semple said: "I'd like to speak to anyone who may have seen the suspect hanging around the area prior to the robbery taking place or anyone who saw him running out of the shop afterwards."

Summary: A convenience store in North Ayrshire has been robbed for the second time in five months.


The classic 1970s sitcom starred her father Richard Beckinsale as Lenny Godber, cellmate to Ronnie Barker's Norman Stanley Fletcher. Porridge will return for a special episode, again written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Set 40 years on, Kevin Bishop will play Fletcher's prison inmate grandson. Nicknamed "Fletch" Fletcher, Nigel is behind bars for a series of cyber crimes. Beckinsale said in an interview for Radio 5 live, Afternoon Edition: "I don't think that's such a terrible idea. I think that's quite nice really. "When it's beloved characters and a beloved project, it's quite nice to have an imaginary, 'what is their grandson doing?'" But Beckinsale, whose new film is Love & Friendship - a romantic comedy based on Jane Austen's novel Lady Susan - has no desire to make a cameo in her father's old show. "In Porridge? You've got to be joking. It's a boy's prison. I'm not that versatile. Tea lady?" Her father died from cardiac arrest at the age of 31 in 1979. He appeared in all three series of Porridge between 1974 and 1977 and finished making the film version a few weeks before his death. Beckinsale, who starred in 2012's reboot of Total Recall, which originally starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, does not now believe remakes are a good idea, she says. "I think it's a shame sometimes when they take something that is almost perfect or perfect and then remake it. That's a silly idea. "They should remake things that aren't very good and have another go at it." The new episode of Porridge will be broadcast this summer as part of a landmark sitcom season to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the start of Hancock's Half Hour on BBC TV. It will include contemporary follow-ups to Are You Being Served?, Keeping Up Appearances and Up Pompeii! while lost episodes of Steptoe and Son, Till Death Do Us Part and Hancock's Half Hour will be remade from their original scripts for BBC Four. The interview with Kate Beckinsale can be heard on Radio 5 live's Afternoon Edition on Tuesday 31 May at 1300. Love & Friendship is currently in UK cinemas.

Summary: Hollywood actress Kate Beckinsale, best known for the Underworld Series of films, has given her blessing to the BBC bringing back Porridge.


Ian Sawyer from Manchester said: "I'm homosexual, I'm not a paedophile. Does Mr Fury know the difference?" Fury has been quoted as saying a woman's "best place is on her back" and criticised homosexuality and abortion. The boxer, also from Manchester, has denied making any homophobic comments. He said: "Tyson Fury loves his fellow humans. He doesn't hate anybody." Mr Sawyer told the Victoria Derbyshire programme he was offended "to such an extent that I went to Greater Manchester Police" but has yet to be interviewed by police for an official statement. He said 27-year-old Fury, who became world champion by beating Wladimir Klitschko last month, was entitled to his opinions, but "if they are offensive he should keep them private". "After he won the championship I woke up thinking how wonderful it was to have a world champion in Manchester at a sport that I've admired since Muhammad Ali and then when I woke up yesterday morning and listened to his words [on the Victoria Derbyshire programme] I thought he had gone from hero to zero," he added. In an interview in the build-up to his world title fight, Fury, who comes from Wythenshawe, said: "There are only three things that need to be accomplished before the devil comes home: one of them is homosexuality being legal in countries, one of them is abortion and the other one's paedophilia. "Who would have thought in the '50s and '60s that those first two would be legalised?" Fury has been stripped of his IBF belt because he will not be fighting the organisation's mandatory challenger Vyacheslav Glazkov in his next fight, instead planning a rematch with Klitschko. The Ukrainian former champion has exercised a rematch clause in the contract for his original fight with Fury, who still holds the WBA and WBO belts. Watch Victoria Derbyshire weekdays from 09:15-11:00 BST on BBC Two and the BBC News Channel. Follow the programme on Facebook and Twitter, and find all our content online.

Summary: A man who made a hate crime complaint to police about world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has said Fury is "ignorant to the difference between homosexuality and paedophilia".


The testimonial, usually held to honour a player's long service at a club or to mark retirement, are supposed to be light-hearted, non-competitive affairs that raise millions of pounds for charity. But that has not always been the case. From celebrities and brawls to handsome pay-offs and injuries, BBC Sport takes a look at the dos and don'ts of hosting a testimonial. Testimonials began as a way to set up a player for retirement, back when wages paled in comparison to those today, with money made from the game paid to the player. Former Arsenal and England goalkeeper David Seaman made £600,000 tax free from his match in 2001. The recent trend has been for a player to donate the proceeds to charity, which began with former Republic of Ireland and Sunderland striker Niall Quinn. Quinn gave an estimated £1m raised at his benefit match to charity. Rooney has followed suit and said proceeds from the game on 3 August will be split between the NSPCC, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Claire House Children's Hospice and Manchester United's own foundation. Former Coventry defender David Busst suffered one of the worst injuries in football in 1996 against Manchester United, which forced him into retirement aged 29. The Sky Blues granted Busst a testimonial match against United to benefit him and his family. The match was memorable for being Eric Cantona's last game for United, the Frenchman retiring from football two days later. Didier Drogba, retired Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, Lothar Matthaeus, Andriy Shevchenko and Philipp Lahm all turned out for former Germany captain Michael Ballack's testimonial in 2013. Cristiano Ronaldo could be returning to Old Trafford for Rooney's testimonial while the England striker made his return to Goodison Park for Duncan Ferguson's testimonial in August. Then there were the stellar line-ups involved in Portugal legend Deco's benefit match in 2014 at the Estadio do Dragao. The match was between Porto's 2004 Champions League winners and Barcelona's 2006 European champions, both teams that Deco had played for and players on show included Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o, and Edgar Davids. But the stars are not always guaranteed to turn up. George Best reportedly snubbed Manchester United team-mate Bobby Charlton's testimonial against Celtic in 1972 and spent the night drinking. The match at Old Trafford still attracted a crowd of 60,538, which was then a British record for a benefit match. By August 2012, full-back Tony Hibbert had played 308 times for Everton, but had never scored for the Toffees. He made amends in his testimonial, scoring a stunning free-kick in a 4-1 win over AEK Athens. And still after 15 seasons it remains his only goal for the club. "The lads were saying to me in the changing room that it was like a fairytale," he said afterwards. Former England striker Alan Shearer had injured his knee three weeks before his testimonial in 2006 so could not play a full role but he kicked the first and last ball of the match. The Premier League's all-time top scorer came off the bench to score a

Summary: When Wayne Rooney starts planning his testimonial game for next summer he may want to heed a few lessons from previous benefit matches.


Grant Bradburn's side must top their group, which also features Hong Kong, to progress to the Super 10 stage. This will be played alongside the women's event from 15-28 March. Should they prevail, Scotland will be entered into a group containing England, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the West Indes. The Scots will play all their group matches at Vidarbha stadium in Nagpur. First up, they tackle Afghanistan on 8 March, before taking on Zimbabwe two days later. Scotland will complete their Group B campaign against Hong Kong on 12 March. The winners of the first qualifying group, which comprises Ireland, Bangladesh, Netherlands and Oman, will face India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand in the Super 10 phase.

Summary: Scotland's men will face Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in the first stage of next year's ICC World Twenty20 tournament in India.


Millions of people have "signed" online petitions calling on Parliament to do everything from bring in rules for a second EU referendum to introducing a Meningitis B vaccine for all children. Sorry, your browser cannot display this content. Enter your postcode or parliamentary constituency: BBC England's data unit found there were 17 parts of the UK where the number of people taking part was consistently higher than elsewhere. Eight of the 17 were London constituencies. All but two have Labour MPs. The constituencies, and the party of their MP, were: Some critics of petitions suggest they are in danger of becoming symbols of protest rather than effective instruments of change. Stephen Coleman, professor of political communication at the University of Leeds, said: "We should be very concerned about how representative these petitions are. "If they are only empowering the usual people who vote and participate in other ways, they will exacerbate the gap between the political efficacy of the already active and the limited influence of the least confident." But Darren Hughes, deputy chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society, said petitions were an effective way of engaging with people who would not normally be interested in politics. "The more ways to engage the better, and while there always going to be places that sign petitions more than others, that's normal, and millions of people are using this tool right across the county," he said. "What would be a positive change would be for these petitions to encourage some further engagement - if the site asked them to register to vote, get more involved in politics, and follow more closely the work of Parliament." We focussed on the top ten most popular petitions. The same 17 constituencies were in the top 10% of signatures in six of the most popular petitions since Parliament launched a website in July 2015. Where they were not in the top 10, it was mainly because the other petitions were calling for the opposite of the other petitions they had signed. For the most popular Parliament petition of all time, calling for a second referendum on leaving the European Union, 17 of the 65 constituencies that signed it the most were also in the top 10% for: We excluded an earlier petition demanding Donald Trump be banned from visiting the UK altogether and another petition about Jeremy Hunt as the issues were too similar to others. 100,000 signatures for MPs to consider a debate in Parliament 10,000 signatures for the government to formally respond 11 MPs on the Petitions Committee 6 months is how long petitions stay open for signatures Only British citizens or UK residents are allowed to sign However, they were not in the top 10% for petitions calling for: Taking the most popular petitions, Brighton Pavilion, represented by Green MP Caroline Lucas, has the highest median rate of signatures as a % of its population. BBC News found no correlation between the proportion of people signing petitions and turnout in the 2015 General Election. Northern Ireland constituencies made up the majority of the 10

Summary: MPs will later debate two petitions about the state visit of US President Donald Trump, but what do online polls and their signatories say about the UK?


Cpl Stuart Robinson was injured when his vehicle hit an explosive device near Camp Bastion in February 2013. He will be joined on the 38 mile (60km) course by former colleague Kurt McGuinness, the brother of 23-time TT winner John McGuinness. The 33-year-old said the challenge had been a "lifesaver" for him. He said that after the "life changing situation... I just had to get on with it. I lost my legs but got away with my life". "Kurt is really into the Isle of Man TT and suggested the challenge." The pair will be joined on the charity challenge by Blackburn's Anton Shepherd, who was paralysed from the chest down following a motocross accident, and soldier Darren Norman. Mr McGuinness said their training for the attempt, which will take place on 26 March, had been "brutal".

Summary: A former soldier who lost both legs in Afghanistan is to attempt the Isle of Man TT course using a hand-powered bike.


The veterans have set off from the Canary Islands. They aim to row the 3,000 miles in under 55 days as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. The Row2Recovery group are competing against 25 other teams in the race, which will end in Antigua in the Caribbean. The race was scheduled to start on 15 December, but stormy weather postponed the challenge. One of the rowers, Lee Spencer, said: "We'll literally be on our own. "We have a life raft and personal location devices and if we end up in the water swimming is not a big deal. We only have three legs between us. "But the day-to-day chores are the things we'll struggle with." Mr Spencer said they had been training their upper bodies to compensate for having lost lower limbs. "We want to be an example to all people; we're just normal guys who have suffered some misfortune, but life carries on," he said. Cayle Royce - 29, from Dartmouth. Suffered serious injuries serving in Afghanistan Paddy Gallagher - 30, from Cambridgeshire. He was injured in Afghanistan while serving with the Irish Guards Nigel Rogof - 56, from Hereford, who lost his leg while taking part in an RAF parachuting display Lee Spencer - 46, from Yelverton in Devon. He lost a leg when he was struck by debris when he stopped to rescue a seriously injured motorist on the M3 Also competing are a group of four women aged 44 to 51 from Yorkshire, and 20-year-old University of Bristol aerospace engineering student Callum Gathercole, who is a solo competitor. Crews will spend at least a month at sea, living on freeze-dried food, while raising money for charity. Carsten Heron Olsen, race organiser, said: "This year we have 26 teams from the US, Italy, the UK, Antigua, Australia and South Africa, and there are 62 rowers in total. "Winds look extremely favourable for the rowers for the first few days at sea, and alongside the high level of professionalism of the participants, we're anticipating a quick and competitive race and hopefully break some records. "The race was planned to start on Tuesday, but due to strong winds going in the wrong direction we had to delay the race for a few days."

Summary: Four ex-servicemen are rowing across the Atlantic in a bid to become what is believed to be the first all-amputee team to make the trip.


The 31-year-old left-armer was released by Sussex in September having been at Hove since 2006. The ex-Leicestershire paceman has taken 34 first-class wickets at an average of 51.05, 79 one-day scalps at 29.22 and 82 T20 wickets at 23.90. "It's great to have Chris on board," said Gloucestershire head coach Richard Dawson. Middlesbrough-born Liddle also played for Dhaka Gladiators in the Bangladesh Premier League in 2013. "He's got a lot of experience in one-day and T20 cricket, having performed strongly for Sussex and he will add excellent competition to our bowling unit," added Dawson. "It's a great opportunity for him to come here and compete in all formats of the game as he has a lot of potential in Championship cricket. We are all looking forward to him joining up with the lads."

Summary: Gloucestershire have signed former Sussex seam bowler Chris Liddle on a two-year contract.


Rose, 26, was replaced by Ben Davies during Tuesday's 0-0 draw at Sunderland and had a knee scan on Thursday. The England international has started 18 of Spurs' 23 Premier League games this season, but will miss the visit of Middlesbrough on Saturday. "We need to wait until Monday to see the specialist," said Pochettino. The Argentine is also without defenders Kieran Trippier and Jan Vertonghen, who suffered an ankle ligament injury two weeks ago. "Jan Vertonghen is better and starting to run, which is very positive," added Pochettino.

Summary: Tottenham left-back Danny Rose will see a specialist on Monday to confirm the extent of his knee injury, manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed.


The material is to be transported by road from the nuclear power complex to Scrabster harbour for shipping to Sellafield in Cumbria. A nine mile (14.4km) stretch of the A836 would be involved. Dounreay is being decommissioned and tonnes of its radioactive material is being reprocessed at Sellafield. Other items have been taken to the Cumbrian nuclear site by train, and also flown to the US and shipped to Belgium. Dounreay said the removal of the latest material formed part of a new phase of the clean up of the site near Thurso. A spokesperson for Dounreay said: "Dounreay is being demolished, so nuclear materials are being returned to national stocks. "This programme started in 2001 and is expected to take several more years to complete. "Our priority at all times is to comply with regulations designed to ensure the safety and security of nuclear materials, both while in storage and transit." The A836 forms part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) tourist route. Tom Campbell, managing director of the tourism initiative, said: "The North Coast 500 is based on roads where people live, work commute as well as visit and enjoy the north Highlands and these roads, like all roads are subject to closures, roadworks and diversions. "The nine mile stretch represents less than 2% of the NC500 and our understanding is that actual closures will be rare and infrequent."

Summary: A stretch of road in Caithness is to be closed for short periods on occasions over the next 12 months so nuclear material can be moved from Dounreay.


Irish slipped back to the foot of the table after defeat at Sale and Newcastle's win against Harlequins. The Exiles host 10th-placed Worcester on Sunday and could move above the Warriors with a win. "We've already spoken about next week and what we need to do," Coventry told BBC Radio Berkshire. "The boys have had a bit of a hurry up in the changing room. We've spoken about how disappointed we were with our second half performance (at Sale)." Media playback is not supported on this device Irish conceded 26 unanswered points in the second half as Sale ran in a total of six tries at the AJ Bell Stadium. It was the second time in their last three Premiership matches Irish failed to score any second-half points. And following news that prop Ben Franks will be ruled out until late April with a ruptured bicep tendon, Irish have been hit by a further injury to winger Alex Lewington. The 24-year-old is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks following surgery on a fractured thumb. "Injuries are a big part of the game, we have to rely pretty much on the squad that we've got," Coventry added. "We can't lament our losses too much, we have to get on with it. "Losing Ben and Alex is a frustration, but we'll just have to manage without out them until we can get them back on the field."

Summary: London Irish head coach Tom Coventry admits their meeting with fellow Premiership strugglers Worcester will be a "huge" game for his team.


Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox will pay £11.7bn for the 61% stake it does not already own. Sky shareholders will receive £10.75 in cash for each share, valuing the entire company at £18.5bn. The deal comes amid concerns that Rupert Murdoch, who also owns the Sun and the Times newspapers, will have excessive influence over UK media. Karen Bradley, the Culture Secretary, will have 10 days to decide whether the Fox bid raises public interest concerns, in this case media plurality, starting from when the companies notify the competition authority. She has the power to ask Ofcom, the media watchdog, to examine the deal. Tom Watson, shadow culture secretary, urged Ms Bradley to refer the deal to Ofcom: "When she stood on the steps of Downing Street this summer, the prime minister said to the people of this country that 'when we take the big calls, we'll think not of the powerful, but you'. "This is a big call. The government needs to decide whose side it's on." A number of Sky shareholders, including Standard Life Investments and Jupiter Asset Management, have questioned the independence of the non-executive directors and their ability to extract a higher price since a possible bid was announced last Friday. Richard Marwood, senior fund manager at Royal London Asset Management, owner of a 0.36% stake in Sky, urged Sky's board to share more information on the independent financial advice that they based their agreement with Fox on. "Such disclosure would help shareholders assess the fairness of the offer and give greater confidence in the independence of the committee in the bid process," he said. James Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch's son, is both chairman of Sky and chief executive of Fox. Shares in Sky closed 2.1p lower at 981.4p. Sky deputy chairman Martin Gilbert, who is also chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, which owns a 0.39% stake in the broadcaster, said: "[We] believe 21st Century Fox's offer at a 40 per cent premium to the undisturbed share price will accelerate and de-risk the delivery of future value for all Sky shareholders. As a result, the independent committee unanimously agreed that we have a proposal that we can put to Sky shareholders and recommend." Not all Sky shareholders agree with Martin Gilbert. One told the BBC: "This is a patsy deal. Many of the directors are not really independent and as a group they should be ashamed of themselves." The BBC understands that James Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch's son who is both Sky chairman and chief executive of 21st Century Fox, met with Sky directors earlier this month. He told them: "We are either a buyer or seller of our stake. The status quo is not an option." James Murdoch offered a 30% premium to the existing share price on the condition the directors recommended it. After further meetings, that premium was raised to 40%. But even with that premium, the sale price is roughly what Sky was worth six months ago and many shareholders will feel short-changed. Read more from Simon here. Chase Carey, the former chief executive of

Summary: Broadcaster Sky and 21st Century Fox have reached agreement on the terms of a takeover deal.


The Met said the "vast majority" of the work in its inquiry into Madeleine's disappearance had been completed. It said no conclusion had been reached but it was now following a "small number of focused lines of inquiry" which was why the team had been cut. Madeleine's parents said they "fully understand" the decision. They said they remained "hopeful" their daughter would be found. Madeleine, from Rothley in Leicestershire, was three years old when she went missing from her family's holiday apartment at the Ocean Club in Praia da Luz on 3 May 2007. Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, from the Met, said: "The Met was asked to take on this exceptional case as one of national interest. "We were happy to bring our expertise to bear only on the basis that it would not detract from the policing of London; and the Home Office have additionally funded the investigation above normal grants to the Met. "That will continue at the reduced level." Clickable map and timeline Madeleine's parents Gerry and Kate McCann praised the "meticulous and painstaking work" done by police. They said: "We are reassured that the investigation to find Madeleine has been significantly progressed and the Met has a much clearer picture of the events in Praia da Luz leading up to Madeleine's abduction in 2007. "Given that the review phase of the investigation is essentially completed, we fully understand the reasons why the team is being reduced. "We would also like to thank the Home Office for continuing to support the investigation. "Whilst we do not know what happened to Madeleine, we remain hopeful that she may still be found given the ongoing lines of inquiry." Detectives from the Met began working through material and following lines of inquiry after the Home Office requested a review of the case in May 2011. Operation Grange, which has been supporting the Portuguese police's investigation, became a full investigation in July 2012. Officers have now finished bringing together and investigating the information held by Portuguese police, the UK investigation and the private investigators working on behalf of the McCann family, the Met said. 1,338 statements taken 1,027 exhibits collected 60 persons of interest investigated 8,685 potential sightings considered 560 lines of inquiry identified 30 requests made to other countries asking for work to be carried out The force said the inquiry had taken 1,338 statements and collected 1,027 exhibits but had not reached a conclusion yet. Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for the McCanns, said: "Kate and Gerry are far from disillusioned. This is no way the end of Operation Grange. "If anything it will now continue on a newly-focused, smaller yes, but focused basis that will hopefully lead to Madeleine being found somewhere in the near future." Officers have investigated more than 60 persons of interest, the Met said, adding that a total of 650 sex offenders had also been considered as well as reports of 8,685 potential sightings of Madeleine around the world. Having reviewed all of the documents, "7,154 actions were raised and 560 lines of inquiry identified", the Met said.

Summary: The number of UK officers investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been cut from 29 to four, the Metropolitan Police says.


She beat the 21st seed 4-6 6-4 8-6 in the fourth round, in a match that lasted three hours and four minutes. "It was mentally, emotionally and physically draining," Konta said. At 24 years old, Konta is ranked 47th in the world. Her next opponent will either be 15th seed Madison Keys, or China's Shuai Zhang. The 'Grand Slam' tournaments are the four most important annual tennis competitions. Players travel from around the world to take part in them. They include the Australian Open, US Open, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon. The last British woman to play in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam was Jo Durie, at Wimbledon in 1984.

Summary: Johanna Konta has become the first British woman to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final for 31 years, after beating Ekaterina Makarova at the Australian Open.


Dan Biggar was heard querying whether to kick for the corner when Wales won a penalty while trailing 16-13 but denied he overruled Jones' decision. Leigh Halfpenny admitted he turned down the chance to kick at goal, however. "Things happen on the field which challenge everybody at the best of times," Thorburn told BBC Radio Wales. He continued: "I don't think it questions his ability as captain at all. "Alun is unquestionably one of the most inspirational players that has been around in the Welsh camp for a long time." Thorburn says he would have no reservations over picking Jones as captain of the British and Irish Lions in light of Wales' poor start in the Six Nations. "He [Jones] leads from the front," he said. "Are you going to base it on the argument about Dylan Hartley, the England captain, whose team didn't know how to cope with some bizarre scenarios against Italy on Sunday?" Wales could have levelled the scores at 16-16 from the penalty if they had kicked for goal instead of the corner, but Thorburn says it is the kicker's responsibility to decide what happens, not just the captain's. "I've been on both sides of the fence - a captain and the goal kicker - what we don't know is what the conditions were like on the field," Thorburn added. "The wind does swirl around Murrayfield and I suspect Leigh probably thought that it was going to be a long kick into what would be a very difficult conditions. "The issue is whether Alun, as captain, should have consulted with him first. We can argue about that until the cows come home but ultimately the kicker is the one who is taking the shot and has to be comfortable."

Summary: Former Wales skipper Paul Thorburn says there is no question over Alun Wyn Jones' captaincy despite claims he was overruled in the loss to Scotland.


Britain's and champion teams up with Heather Stanning as she aims to repeat her success in Chengdu in 2013. "It's the first big title I've had to defend," Glover said. "There's a little bit of pressure, but it I think it's important to feel the pressure," she told BBC Radio Cornwall. "If you're going to define the season for us, when we look back at the 2014 season, it'll be 'we did this at the World Championships'," she added. "In non-Olympic years it's the biggest event by far, it's a really big deal to have that to your name." Glover and Stanning have resurrected their partnership from London 2012 after Stanning took a year off in 2013 to concentrate on her military career. Glover and Polly Swann won the world title last year in Stanning's absence and the both women have rowed with Glover this season before Stanning managed to secure the spot alongside the Cornwall rower for the Worlds. "It's going to be Heather's first chance since the Olympics [to win a world title] and I'd love the opportunity to keep my title so it's important and special to both of us. "When we first came back together we realised it had been a long time since the Olympics. We needed to find our feet again and found that actually everything was really natural. "That gave us the confidence over the last month or so away on training camp to not just let it be the same as it was - we've really worked on pushing it on. "I feel we've moved on and made changes, looking to be a better crew than we were in 2012," Glover added.

Summary: Helen Glover says she is feeling the pressure of defending a major title for the first time at next week's World Championships in Amsterdam.


The New York-based singer won the award for her Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg collaboration, Sings. "I want to dedicate this Grammy to all the traditional musicians in Africa, in my country, to all the young generation," Kidjo said. Her album beat one by Malawi's Zomba Prison Project and South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Kidjo, one of Africa's most prominent musicians, has now won the award for the second consecutive year. The album merges African song writing and rhythms with European classical instrumentation, a fusion on which Kidjo has repeatedly experimented. Kidjo described the album as an artistic challenge as traditional African bands follow the lead of the soloist much more closely, unlike Western orchestras that generally play off refined scores. The singer, who has worked for a long time with Philip Glass, a leading US composer, said Africa was on the rise. "Africa is positive, Africa is joyful," she said after collecting the award. The 55-year-old singer added that she has been fighting for a positive image of Africa for a long time and believed music could connect the world and served as a tool for peace. She later told the BBC: "I have to continue to working... to open the way for many artists from Africa to come." African-American rapper Kendrick Lamar won the most prizes on the night with five awards. The 29-year-old performed The Blacker The Berry, walking on stage as part of a chain gang from inside a prison, before transitioning to Alright, in front of a huge bonfire and African dancers. His performance ended with the unveiling of a new track with Lamar in front of a map of the African continent and the word "Compton" - his hometown in California - written on it.

Summary: Benin's Angelique Kidjo has won the best world music album of the year at this year's Grammys in Los Angeles.


Mitroglou scrambled in the decisive goal for the Portuguese champions from Luisao's header in the second half. Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit a penalty straight at keeper Ederson after Ljubomir Fejsa handled. The German side were the top scorers in the group stage, but failed to find a way through a stubborn home defence. Dortmund will host the second leg on 8 March, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Relive Benfica's win against Borussia Dortmund PSG stun Barcelona to leave Luis Enrique's side on the brink The Bundesliga side were expected to pose a greater threat to Benfica after scoring 21 goals in the group stage. Gabon international Aubameyang had contributed four of those strikes but epitomised an out-of-sorts Dortmund, scooping a close-range chance over the bar and missing his penalty before being substituted after an hour. Dortmund's form has faltered since December, with the German side winning just two of their last seven league matches. Thomas Tuchel's side suffered a shock defeat by the Bundesliga's bottom club Darmstadt on Saturday, and the malaise continued as they were held at bay by a stubborn Benfica display. The Portuguese club have never lost a last-16 tie in the Champions League - having reached that stage three times - and will have a lead to defend in Germany after scoring with their only shot on target. Benfica coach Rui Vitoria: "We fought, gave our best, and victories are also made of that. "Congratulations to Ederson too, a keeper who showed his quality once again, this time against a team that scored so many goals in the group stage." Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel: "Aubameyang is not fully fit after the Africa Cup of Nations and his body language did not suggest that he would do better after missing the penalty. "We played an outstanding game and conceded a goal with their first shot in the second half. "It is an extremely complicated result, but I am very proud of how we played tonight. Even though I am very disappointed, I am proud of how we presented ourselves." Match ends, Benfica 1, Borussia Dortmund 0. Second Half ends, Benfica 1, Borussia Dortmund 0. Foul by Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund). Ederson Moraes (Benfica) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Corner, Borussia Dortmund. Conceded by Eduardo Salvio. Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Foul by Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund). Raúl Jiménez (Benfica) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Attempt missed. Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high following a corner. Corner, Borussia Dortmund. Conceded by Eliseu. Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Filipe Augusto (Benfica). Attempt missed. Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Julian Weigl. Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Foul by Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund). Pizzi (Benfica) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Corner, Borussia Dortmund.

Summary: Kostas Mitroglou gave Benfica a one-goal advantage in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie with Borussia Dortmund.


He also won four Mobo awards, co-wrote an album with Mary J Blige and scooped an astonishing six Grammy nominations. The 22-year-old, from Cambridgeshire, is the son of a London banker who was fired for spending too much time trying to jumpstart her offspring's pop career. He got his break singing on other people's songs - Latch, by dance act Disclosure, and La La La by soul producer Naughty Boy - before scoring his own record deal. Much has been made of his soaring, multi-octave vocals but his technical abilities never mask his emotions. In the Lonely Hour was love letter to a man who never returned Smith's affections, and its honesty spoke to record-buyers in their millions. Ahead of the announcement of the Sound Of 2015 next week, the singer reflects on the highs and lows of his first year in the spotlight. I had hopes of number ones, but I never thought it would actually happen. When you come from being a featured artist there's a sudden fear: "Oh God, was it me that people liked - or was it Disclosure and Naughty Boy?" So when Money On My Mind came out, it was a reassurance - a boost of confidence for me. Just letting me know "things are good, people like your songwriting". That will never happen again - going to the Brit Awards knowing you already have a Brit Award. It was the first time I'd ever been, and I was number one that week. That was very, very surreal for me. I really celebrated hard that night. SNL was the scariest moment of my life, ever. It was the first time I played Stay With Me or Lay Me Down on television. I don't think I'll ever be that scared again... Four million people watching and no-one knew who the hell I was. Four days previous to the SNL performance, I remember reading tweets from people saying "who the f is Sam Smith?" [laughs] But it changed my life. You could feel it the morning after. I walked out of my hotel and people recognised me. Stay With Me went to number two on iTunes. It was mental. Sam's album shifted 166,000 copies in its first week on sale in America, the most ever for a debut by a British male artist. It was only kept off the top by Lana Del Rey's Ultraviolence. Every UK artist prays for US success but, genuinely, it was 50/50 for me. It was either going to work or it wasn't. What I didn't expect was for it to work hand-in-hand with the UK. I didn't think I'd be going to America untilâ€¦ well, about now, actually. Was I cursing Lana Del Rey? I wasn't, actually, because it gave me something to work towards. If I'm going to get number ones all the time, it leaves nothing for me to achieve in the future. Also, what I've realised now is that it isn't about chart positions. I was number two for the first week, and I was number two for the

Summary: Sam Smith topped the BBC's Sound Of 2014 list last January, and went on to sell a million copies of his debut album, In the Lonely Hour, on both sides of the Atlantic.


The Orange Order says flagship parades in Portadown and Kilkeel will provide "an enhanced cultural experience" for spectators. The parades mark the 326th anniversary of King William III's victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Here are all the details of the 12 July celebrations, including parade locations and routes. Portadown - Flagship Twelfth The Orange Order expects 5,000 members to take part in the parade, along with 80 bands. The main parade will commence at 10:15 BST, and proceed through the town centre via Bridge Street, High Street, Market Street and Church Street to the demonstration field on the Armagh Road. Kilkeel - Flagship Twelfth One thousand Orangemen are expected to take part, with 14 of the 15 lodges accompanied by their own band. Kilkeel lodges will leave Kilkeel Orange hall at 09:30 BST and walk several miles to the Council Road on the outskirts of the town. Here they will be joined by other district lodges. The parade will then proceed via Newcastle Road, Newcastle Street and Greencastle Road, to the demonstration field at Manse Road. Belfast This year's Belfast parade will leave Belfast Orange Hall, at Carlisle Circus, at 10:00 BST, making its way along Clifton Street, Donegall Street, Royal Avenue, Castle Junction, and Donegall Place to Belfast City Hall. A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Cenotaph in the grounds of the City Hall. This year the service marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and those who served with the 36th Ulster Division. At 10:40 BST, the parade will then proceed via Donegall Square West, Bedford Street, Dublin Road, Shaftesbury Square, Bradbury Place, Lisburn Road, Balmoral Avenue and Malone Road to the demonstration field at Barnett Demesne. Around 60 bands will walk the six-mile route, traditionally the longest of all the Twelfth demonstrations. The parade is due to leave the field for the return leg at 16:15 BST. Maguiresbridge Orangemen from Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan will join 90 lodges and 70 bands from Northern Ireland. This year, to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme the parade will be headed by soldiers dressed in First World War period costume. Lodges and bands will move off at 12.30 BST from the assembly point at Killyshambley on the Tempo Road before proceeding through the village to the demonstration field on the Lisnaskea Road. Limavady The Limavady demonstration will be the largest Orange parade in County Londonderry. Approximately 3,000 Orangemen, representing 60 lodges, will be accompanied by over 50 bands. The main procession will commence at 12:00 BST from Church Street. It will move through the town centre via Ballyclose Street, Main Street, Linenhall Street, Catherine Street, Roemill Road, William Street, Protestant Street, Catherine Street, Irish Green Street and Roemill Gardens to the Limavady Orange field. Castledawson Up to 50 bands will accompany around 60 Orange lodges as the village hosts the Twelfth for the first time since 2001. The main parade will set off at 12:00 BST from the Hill Road. It will then proceed across the River Moyola and

Summary: A total of 18 demonstrations are being held as part of the Twelfth of July commemorations on Tuesday.


George Rogerson, 22, of Plean, admitted stabbing Leon Cairney 11 times in the village last December after the pair rowed in the street in the early hours. He told the High Court in Dundee he had been provoked into the attack on the 25-year-old. Judge Lord Kinclaven deferred sentence until November 20 and Rogerson was remanded in custody. Rogerson had earlier tried to plead guilty to the lesser crime of culpable homicide, a plea rejected by the Crown. He then went on trial accused of murder at the High Court in Dundee - a charge he denied. The jury was told how Rogerson had rowed with neighbour Simon Blair, who had then called on Mr Cairney to help confront Rogerson. Giving evidence in his own defence, Rogerson said he had grabbed a kitchen knife from a block and stormed out the back door during the incident. He said: "I went out to the side of the house - I opened the side gate and when I did that they came flying in. "It was Leon Cairney and Simon Blair - I recognised them both. "I had the knife in my right hand. We started fighting and he was hitting me on the side of the head and I started stabbing him. "It stopped when he let me go and fell backwards." The court earlier heard from a pathologist that Mr Cairney had been stabbed 11 times - including four in the chest and one in the abdomen that had penetrated up to the hilt of the knife. Rogerson said he had "panicked" by going outside with the knife. A jury of eight men and seven women took two hours and 50 minutes to find him guilty of culpable homicide.

Summary: A man who stabbed a former soldier to death in Stirlingshire has been convicted of culpable homicide.


It was a trip that would take longer to materialise than he could have ever imagined. "My partner and I were in Key West, 55 or 56 years ago, and he said to me 'do you want to take the ferry over to Havana?'" "I said 'I don't know, let's do it next time'. Then, along came the revolution, and this is that next time." As the Adonia pulled out of the Port of Miami and past South Beach, Rick held a Cuban flag aloft and his Italian husband Toni, the Stars and Stripes. He says it was a special moment. "I wanted to show that I'm willing to wave the Cuban flag on an American ship because I think we have to make our relationships better with Cuba." "I hear the Cuban people are wonderful, we're wonderful people - so let's get to know each other better." Those are exactly the kind of sentiments the Obama administration had hoped for when it made it easier for Americans to obtain licences to visit the communist-run island. But while the Adonia set off into the Florida Straits in near perfect sailing conditions, the political journey to reach this point has been far more stormy. This voyage has provoked protests and threats of legal action in Florida against the company operating the ship, Carnival Cruises. The Cuban American community was furious that the company initially complied with a much-reviled Cuban rule banning Cuban-born nationals from entering the country by sea. However, last month the offending measure was removed by the Cuban authorities. The CEO of Carnival Cruises, Arnold Donald, rejects the idea that they forced the Cuban government into a corner by threatening to suspend the service. "Not at all, that would be a mischaracterisation," he says. "First of all, we believed all along that they were going to allow us to bring Cuba-born people to and from Cuba." Secondly, he said, the company was getting a lot of "positive indications to that effect". "They had a lot of things to consider. Whether it was going to be this one ship, whether it would be the cruise industry, whether it's going to be commercial vessels." "But there was always a positive tone," he insists. Either way, the change meant Cuban-American Isabel Buznego and her husband, Robert, could make their first journey back to Havana since they left the island "many years ago". "I feel a lot of different emotions: I'm nervous, I'm happy, I feel proud, a little scared and frightened," says Isabel. "My father always wanted to come but he never could. He died recently and I'm doing this trip for him. That's why it's so emotional." Of course, not everyone in Florida sees the trip to Cuba in such terms. A small boat emblazoned with anti-Castro banners and the word "democracy" in Spanish painted on its side circled the Adonia while it was still in port. It was not a large protest, but the organisers made clear their opposition to the whole process of rapprochement with Havana. Up on the deck, though,

Summary: Almost 60 years ago, Rick Schneider was considering taking a cruise with his then boyfriend.


Exam board Pearson has confirmed plans to develop a new history of art A-level for teaching from next September. October's decision by the AQA board to drop the subject provoked an outcry from experts who argued "society had never required its insights more". "It's amazing - just about in the nick of time," said teacher Sarah Phillips. Ms Phillips, from state sixth form Godalming College, developed the new syllabus with AQA and added: "Now we need to get the message out to Year 11 students as soon as possible." Subject to approval by Ofqual, Ms Phillips says she expects Pearson to build on her work which has been made available to the Department for Education by AQA. "It is a global specification. Students won't just study the work of dead white men," she said. "They will have the opportunity to study Islamic architecture and work by men and women of all colours and creeds. The support has been overwhelming," she added. In October, top experts signed an open letter to AQA condemning the decision not to offer the A-level to new students after this year. AQA was the last board to offer the subject and the decision represented "a vital loss for students", they argued. At the time AQA said the change "was not about money or whether history of art deserves a place in the curriculum", but said that it feared the new qualification was so wide-ranging that accurate marking would be impossible. Pearson, which also announced plans to take on AS and A-levels in statistics, also dropped by AQA, said awarding organisations, government and schools should work together in the interests of students to secure the future of important qualifications. "The response from the public, from teachers and from young people shows many people have a real passion for these subjects. We're happy to help make sure they remain available," said the company's president, Rod Bristow. The move was welcomed by leading academics and museum directors as well as by Turner Prize winners Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Jeremy Deller. Mr Kapoor said it was "a huge relief" while Mr Deller called it "a good day for art and culture" and added: "Art history is the study of power, politics, identity and humanity, it makes perfect sense to keep the exam." Ms Parker said she had studied art history "as a working-class girl, receiving free school dinners... It has hugely enriched my life". The Association of Art Historians hopes the battle to save the A-level will boost the subject's popularity, particularly in the state sector. "The threat to the A-level has galvanised support for art history, which will, I hope, provide a platform for a concerted effort to ensure that more people get the opportunity to study a subject that will enrich their lives," said Dr Ben Burbridge of Sussex University who was central to the campaign to save the A-level.

Summary: Campaigners for art history A-level say they are "absolutely thrilled" by a late decision to save the subject, which was set to be discontinued.


The visitors were shot out for only 109 by an electric bowling and fielding performance, with James Anderson taking 3-42 and Luke Procter 3-14. James Vince, watched by England coach Trevor Bayliss and selector James Whitaker, was run out for nought. Haseeb Hameed and Proctor then shared an unbroken stand of 104 to take the hosts to 157-1, a lead of 48 runs. The comfort of Lancashire's reply on a true surface at Old Trafford further highlighted the impressive effort of the home bowlers. Under a blue sky, Anderson bowled with good rhythm a week before England's first Test against Sri Lanka, while Neil Wagner swung the ball to remove both Michael Carberry and Liam Dawson in successive deliveries. By then the biggest drama had already taken place, with Vince - widely tipped for a Test debut at Headingley on 19 May - run out by Steven Croft's brilliant direct hit. Responding to such a meagre total, Lancashire were given a flying start by Karl Brown's boundary-laden 40 from 33 balls. He was pinned lbw by Gareth Andrew's first delivery in first-class cricket for more than a year, the former Worcestershire all-rounder making his debut after joining Hampshire on a match-by-match basis. That, though, was Hampshire's only cheer, as the watchful Hameed and wristy Procter saw Lancashire through the rest of the day without any hint of alarm. Lancashire's Karl Brown: "The bowlers have done it in every game so far. You can't put it down to one person doing everything because, as a unit, they've bowled really well and kept the pressure on. "As a batter I know when you are chewing up dot balls it gets difficult and you can play a shot you shouldn't. Creating pressure has been the key to us taking wickets. "The squad has a lot of confidence and everyone is backing each other to get the job done. It's a very nice pitch and hopefully it will make for a lot of runs and we can get a good lead." Hampshire's Gareth Andrew: "I got the call to play on Friday afternoon while I was making my cricket club's teas so I was in a bit of a flap. I've played a couple of second team games so I'm a bit under-cooked but I'm ready to take my chance. It's match-to-match and we'll go from there. "Lancashire bowled really well and obviously we didn't bat as well as we'd have liked to. We need to stay in the game so we'll be fighting on Monday. We need to keep it simple, hit the deck hard and bowl nice and straight. "It was a dream start for me to take a wicket with my first ball and hopefully my old man was looking down. I lost him only four weeks ago so it's been a tough time but it's been great to have the opportunity to get back into first class cricket."

Summary: Lancashire completely dominated Hampshire on day one of the County Championship Division One match.


Strong winds helped the blaze to spread across the 336.1m (1,105ft) high building in the marina district. One eyewitness told the BBC "there was debris flying everywhere, falling into neighbouring buildings". The fire was later extinguished. It is not known what caused the blaze. Hundreds of people were evacuated and there are no reports of any casualties. Footage posted on social media showed what looked like molten glass and pieces of masonry falling to the ground. "In an hour-and-a-half the fire is almost out on about 60 floors, it looks like mostly the outer apartments that are damaged," eyewitness Rola told the BBC. She said it looked like the blaze had started on the 50th floor. "It's an iconic building, people were out on balconies all around it watching - even though it was 3am [23:00 GMT Saturday]," she said. "The civil defence came really quickly and they have said there were no casualties, everybody was told to evacuate in a timely manner and we think everybody is OK." One of the tower's residents, Kathryn Dickie, said she had seen panels from the building tumble to the ground. "Those panels were catching fire and then coming off the building and being picked up by the wind," she said. "And I was watching them, they were falling down on to the street still in flames, they weren't going out and they were actually knocking into the buildings across the road." US resident RJ Morlock told the Associated Press news agency: "I was really surprised they got it under control pretty quickly. It looked like it was going to go up." In 2012, a fire swept through Dubai's 34-storey Tamweel Tower. No-one was injured in that incident but hundreds of residents were left homeless after the blaze, started reportedly by a cigarette butt.

Summary: A fire has swept through the Torch skyscraper in Dubai, one of the tallest residential buildings in the world.


The 20-year-old spent the latter half of 2015-16 on loan with the Bantams. He made four Europa League appearances and one Premier League appearance for the Hammers in 2015, before playing against Juventus in Sunday's friendly. "I am excited to try to push this club on again," he told Bradford's club website. "The fans, players and staff were all brilliant first time around." Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League One club Bradford City have re-signed West Ham United midfielder Josh Cullen on loan until January.


The debate over the legislation reflected deep divisions in Argentina, which is a mainly Roman Catholic country. BBC Mundo looks at the key aspects of the law and the situation across Latin America: What does the law consist of? The law foresees a modification of article 2 of the Argentine Civil Code, which establishes matrimony as being between two individuals of different gender. The new legislation will replace the expression "man and woman" with "couple". Homosexuals will have exactly the same rights as heterosexuals. This includes the right to adopt, which was one of the most controversial aspects of the proposed bill, inheritance, pension rights and other rights relating to social security. When does the law come in to force? The law will take effect when it has been published in the official gazette, which could take a couple of days. What is the difference between civil union and marriage? Civil partnerships bestow many but not all of the rights and obligations of marriage. The scope of same-sex marriage and civil union laws vary from country to country. For example, Portugal's gay marriage law does not allow adoption, while Uruguay's civil partnership legislation does. However, the difference in scope is not just legal but often has a significant symbolic and cultural component. For those who support same-sex marriage, it is a historic advance that grants rights to people irrespective of sexual orientation. For those opposed, recognising same-sex unions as marriage undermines the traditional concept of family. Where else is same-sex marriage recognised? Just a handful of countries recognise gay marriage - see box. In the US, same-sex couples can marry in five states and in Washington DC. Some of the countries that recognise civil partnerships are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Slovenia, Finland, France, Hungary, Iceland, Israel. Luxembourg, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. What is the situation in the rest of Latin America? Mexico City until now had been the only place in Latin America where homosexuals had the same rights as heterosexual couples to marry and adopt children. Uruguay allows gay people to adopt children but not to marry. In Chile, the government is drawing up proposals which would grant homosexual couples the same rights as heterosexual couples regarding their finances, including pension rights, and being recognised as next of kin. However, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has said that civil unions would not under any circumstances be equivalent to marriage. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has indicated he backs the legalisation of civil unions. However, various legislative proposals regarding this have failed in Brazil, which has the world's biggest Catholic population. Other countries, such as Colombia, do not recognise gay marriage but do offer civil guarantees, including the right to draw a pension if one partner dies. In the majority of Central American and Caribbean countries there are no major legal or social initiatives regarding gay marriage or civil partnerships. In Costa Rica, however, gay rights activists and some deputies have backed a proposed bill to guarantee civil rights. There was a proposal in Cuba in

Summary: Argentina has become the first country in Latin America to legalise same-sex marriage.


The Championship club had been in talks with the former owner of San Diego Padres. However, Al Hasawi, who took control at the City Ground in 2012, says negotiations have "come to an end". "A deal as it stands is not in the interests of the long-term future of our club," said the Kuwaiti. "We feel strongly that we have acted in good faith on behalf of the club and its fans." In October, it was reported that Moores, who had previously been interested in buying Premier League side Everton, was on the verge of securing a £50m deal to take an 80% stake in the East Midlands club. The American was reportedly ready to finalise the deal on 22 December, but was waiting for final sign-off from Al Hasawi. Two-time European Cup winners Forest are 20th in the Championship after 25 games, two points above the relegation places. Forest had been under a transfer embargo since January 1 due to a delay in submitting audited accounts, but that was lifted on Friday. Former Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas on BBC Radio 5 live "The fanbase will be devastated. I am a Forest fan and am disappointed by it too. I know they were looking forward to that takeover. "There were a few names linked with the club in terms of who would be brought in to help bring stability, growth and get the club back to where it belongs. "This just digs deeper into the fans' hearts in terms of bad news for the season."

Summary: Nottingham Forest's proposed takeover by a United States-based consortium led by John Jay Moores has collapsed, according to owner Fawaz Al Hasawi.