Didier Drogba has revealed he will continue his playing career next season. The Ivorian made a shock return to Chelsea last summer after leaving the club in 2012, signing a 12 month deal. But the Blues legend's future remains unclear with the club still to offer him a new contract. Didier Drogba revealed he is not planning to retire at the end of the season - whether he is at Chelsea or not . The 37-year-old (left) is yet to be offered an extension on his current 12-month deal at Stamford Bridge . Drogba (left) celebrates the Blues last gasp victory against QPR at Loftus Road on Sunday afternoon . However, Drogba, 37, insists he has no intention to retire at the end of the season - whether he is at Chelsea or not. 'I have made a decision, it's not my last season,' said Drogba. The veteran striker has been forced to settle for a bit-part role at Stamford Bridge this season after the summer arrivals of Diego Costa and Loic Remy. And he admits he finds sitting on the bench frustrating, saying: 'It's difficult when you don't play and then have to go into these kind of games. But I try to give my best. 'I tried to give the best of my physical capacity against QPR, so if the manager needs me I'm ready.' Despite his lack of action, Drogba looks certain to pick up his fourth Premier League title this season. Veteran striker Drogba (centre) insisted he tried to give the best of his physical capacity against QPR . And the forward, who started Sunday's win at QPR, added: 'We are only looking forward. We just wanted to win at QPR to get closer to the title. 'We still have those games against Manchester United and Arsenal to play. But we try to only think about our game. 'We are top of the league. They are maybe thinking about us and hoping we make a bad result. But we are more positive that we want to win. 'You want to feel that it's comfortable at the top, but when you look at the game against QPR, you know the gap can be closed easily within a game or two. 'So you have to stay focussed and give everything like we did.'

Summary: Didier Drogba insists he has no intention to retire at the end of the season . The striker returned to Chelsea last summer after leaving the club in 2012 . After signing a 12-month deal with the Blues, Drogba is yet to be offered a new contract at Stamford Bridge . CLICK HERE for the latest Chelsea news .


A 'perfect' mansion which has been sold for £51million in an exclusive part of London has become one of the UK's most expensive homes - and the buyer also has to pay £7.6m in stamp duty. The sprawling house, built on the site of an old telephone exchange in Chelsea, west London, has been sold for 300 times the average price of home in England and Wales. But the stamp duty alone, paid on top of the price of the home, is enough for the Treasury to pay the annual salary of 330 nurses. This sprawling house, built on the site of an old telephone exchange in Chelsea, west London, has been sold for 300 times the average price of home in England and Wales . The transaction means it is one of the most expensive homes to ever sell in the UK. Spread across four floors, the house is 18 times the size of the average new home, with nine bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a cinema, a Japanese water garden and an indoor swimming pool. The owner, who commissioned the mansion, had put the house on the market for £55 million. It has now been bought by an offshore company for £51,191,950, according to Land Registry figures. A spokesman for Knight Frank, which sold the home, would not comment further. The property is situated on Boltons Place, at the top of The Boltons, an exclusive street made up of late 19th and early 20th Century mansions. The huge tax bill, the equivalent to 15 per cent, is down to the buyer using a Bermuda-based company to buy the property. Under the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings (ATED), which is payable by companies that own UK residential property, there is a further bill of £218,200 each year. The property has now been bought by an offshore company for £51,191,950, according to Land Registry figures . Spread across four floors, the house (pictured left) is 18 times the size of the average new home, with nine bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a cinema, a Japanese water garden and an indoor swimming pool . Knight Frank's Knightsbridge office had previously described the property as an 'exceptional detached recently built mansion' which was 'presented in immaculate condition throughout'. The advert said: 'The intention from the outset was to bring together the very best in the fields of construction and building services together with the most accomplished artisans and craftsmen to create and build the perfect house. 'Only materials of the highest quality have been employed by the most skilled workmen in order to create a house of unparalleled and exacting design.' The 17,500 sq ft house was built on the site of an old BT telephone exchange, which three developers bought for £15million in 2002. Estate agents Knight Frank's previously described the property as an 'exceptional detached recently built mansion' which was 'presented in immaculate condition throughout' They then demolished the building and commissioned architects Barrett Lloyd Davis to design three mansions. The properties, which were built by Walter Lilly & Company and completed in around 2006, feature

Summary: The house sold for 300 times average price of home in England and Wales . Nine-bed property in Chelsea is 18 times the size of the average new home . Mansion, marketed for £55m, been bought by company based in Bermuda . Stamp duty alone is enough for Treasury to pay year's salary of 330 nurses .


They’ve won seven on the spin in the Premier League and made Liverpool look like relegation candidates as opposed to Champions League rivals during Saturday’s first-half slaughter. So why are Arsenal destined to sign off from another campaign celebrating a top-four finish and not a serious title challenge? Finish second they may well, but never have they entered the race for the top-flight crown. This term they are simply the best of the ragged rest, each with their flaws which have made the title tussle something of a ‘no contest’. Arsenal celebrate after a fine strike from Alexis Sanchez put them 3-0 up against Liverpool on Saturday . This is the most impressive team the Gunners have boasted since the dying embers of the Invincibles side of more than a decade ago. They have pace, power, energy and invention in attack – and that is just Alexis Sanchez. At the other end they have hit upon an understanding which has seen them not concede more than once in the league since New Year’s Day. But their failure to marry all of those components over the course of an entire campaign has cost them, again. This year, however, is a reverse of previous seasons. More recently we have built up Arsene Wenger’s side as title challengers until the arrival of spring, only for it all to fall flat. Arsene Wenger watches on as his side cruise to a stylish win over their rivals for a top-four spot . This time, it is a stuttering start which has undermined their progress. By mid-October they had already dropped 13 points. There was talk of Wenger not even seeing the season out, let alone extending his stay into next term and beyond. But is the long-serving Frenchman finally about to hit upon a team which, given the manner in which they’re finishing this campaign, could well be installed as title favourites come August? Should Wenger strengthen in key areas then they would surely be vying for such status at the head of the market. He needs no more Mesut Ozils, no more Santi Cazorlas or Tomas Rosickys. Rather, he needs a new spine and characters with backbone. Mesut Ozil celebrates his goal on Saturday as the German World Cup winner continued his fine form . A central defender, central midfielder and centre forward need to arrive if this current vintage is to avoid going the same way as those who have promised so much yet delivered so little in recent years. Interestingly, Wenger’s policy of chasing the best British talent could be on the way out. Yes, there was the capture of Danny Welbeck last summer, but that was more opportunistic than a long-term pursuit. Welbeck, in turn, has netted just four league goals and watched from the bench as Liverpool were torn apart. So, too, did Theo Walcott. He has the mitigation of injury, of course, but does Wenger trust him to remain fit for an entire campaign? Likewise, Jack Wilshere. Teams which win titles have players who, in short, play. Jack Wilshere (centre) watches

Summary: Arsenal moved up to second with 4-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday . Gunners are bucking their recent trend of ending the season badly . But they had already dropped 13 points in Premier League by mid-October . Signing a defender, midfielder and forward may make them title favourites .


Two of Heston Blumenthal's restaurants have made it into a list of the top 100 restaurants in the world - scooping both eighth and 25th place. The celebrity chef's iconic Fat Duck was named the eighth best restaurant in the world in the annual poll by luxury magazine Elite Traveler. And his London eatery, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, also scraped through into the top 25. Scroll down for video . Heston Blumenthal's (left) The Fat Duck Restaurant in Bray, Berkshire (right) has been crowned the eighth best restaurant in the world in the annual poll by luxury travel magazine Elite Traveler . Snail Porridge at The Fat Duck Restaurant in Bray, Berkshire . Alinea, run by the uber-talented Grant Achatz has retained its crown for the fourth year running as the best restaurant in the world, the Elite Traveller list revealed. Experimental chef Heston's restaurants join six other British establishments in the list which includes The Ledbury, which serves contemporary French cuisine at 12; sophisticated Indian restaurant Amaya, coming in at 92. Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in Scotland’s famous Gleneagles Hotel just scraped in the list at 98th place. Other celebrity-helmed UK eateries to make it into the top 100 include Raymond Blanc’s Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, at number 61 and Michel Roux Jr's Le Gavroche at number 93. Restaurant Gordon Ramsey run by Clare Smyth came in at a respectable 32nd place. Chicago’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant is the brainchild of culinary prodigy Grant Achatz and features taffy balloons, edible tablecloths and cinnamon bark chopsticks. Country retreat: Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons was also honoured on the list . The US has 19 of the best restaurants in the world, followed by France which boasts 14 and the UK, which has a mere eight. Young talent: Chef Grant Achatz has three Michelin stars for his Chicago restaurant Alinea . Spain has eight in the list while Italy has seven and Australia had five. Germany, Japan and China have six restaurants respectively which made it into the top hundred. These include Mizai in Kyoto, Japan which placed at number 15, Aqua in Wolsberg, Germany, which came in at number 21 and Hong Kong's Amber. Switzerland, Mexico, Belgium, Singapore and Brazil all had two restaurants each in the list. Three restaurants in South Africa - The Test Kitchen, Cape Town (44); Tasting Room at Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek (85), and Rust en Vrede, Stellenbosch (87) - were considered the best in the country. Denmark, Austria, Norway, Ireland, Monaco, India, Canada and the UAE all had one restaurant in the top 100 list. The awards also awarded its chef of the year accolade, which this year went to Swiss chef Daniel Humm, chef and co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which came in a fourth in the list and The NoMad in New York City, which placed 89th. Both Grant Achatz and Heston Blumenthal were shortlisted. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park came in at number 25 on the list . Young chef of the year went

Summary: The Fat Duck in Bray named as the eighth best restaurant in the world . Dinner by Heston at London's Mandarin Oriental hotel makes it to top 25 . Best restaurant in the world is Grant Achatz's Alinea, Chicago . The awards are voted for by readers of Elite Traveler magazine .


This is the moment a family got a shock after an elderly buffalo escaped being dinner for lions - only to run headlong into their car. Moya Gerber was travelling in her vehicle through the Kruger National Park, South Africa, when she spotted a male and female lion trying to bring down a Cape Buffalo. Moya's sister Rone Odendaal, 24, who is a teacher at Laerskool Lothair, located in the village of Lothair, began taking pictures of the struggle, before noticing the buffalo was heading for the road. Battle: Moya Gerber and her sister Rone Odendaal, 24, spotted this struggle between two lions and a buffalo in the Kruger National Park in South Africa, so they stopped to photograph it . Collision: After a few moments the buffalo managed to escape the lions' clutches, but headed straight for the road instead before running into the side of Ms Odendaal's car . While the beast managed to escape being eaten by the lions, it did receive a nasty knock to the head after running into the side of their van. Speaking to MailOnline, Ms Odendaal, who uploaded the pictures to her Instagram, said: 'We were on holiday. We go to the park a couple of times every year but this is the first time something like this has happened. 'It was on the third day of a five day trip in the morning that we saw the buffalo. We were on the h3 road, going from the from Malelane satellite camp towards Skukuza camp. 'It started when we saw two male lions just past abridge heading towards a waterhole. 'They got a drink of water and then slept under bushes on our left hand side and then we spotted the buffalo on our right side. 'The wind was in the lions favour, they jumped up in unison and walked fast over the road towards the buffalo.They looked really hungry and needed food, that's when the action started. 'The lions stalked the buffalo before one jumped on its back. That lion held on for almost 30 minutes until the buffalo ran towards the cars. It's horn punctured a car wheel which gave the lion a fright. 'The other male lion got thrown through the air but came back and also started biting the buffalo by its tail. We could smell the blood. Life or death: Miss Odendaal, a teacher from the village of Lothair, captured these images of the beasts fighting with one-another before the buffalo crashed into her vehicle . Explain that to the insurers! A fully grown buffalo can weigh up to 1,750lbs - about half the weight of a VW Golf - and stands six foot tall, meaning it left quite a dent in the car's door . 'Just before the lions could bring the buffalo down it punctured the car wheel and then ran into our car taking the mirror off. 'I was in the car with my sister and her two children, one-year-old Hendri, and Lisa who is four. 'The children started crying after the buffalo hit the car

Summary: Rone Odendaal, 24, took pictures of two lions hunting an elderly buffalo . Beast managed to escape hunters' clutches, but headed straight for road . In its desperation the animal ran straight into the side Ms Odendaal's car .


A power outage temporarily blackened Washington, D.C. this afternoon, interrupting a State Department briefing and forcing the White House onto back-up generators. Traffic lights also went out in parts of the city. The chief spokesman for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue confirmed that the outage 'briefly had an impact on the White House complex' but it was 'back on the regular power source' by the time he began his briefing approximately an hour and a half later. 'Things are slowly but surely returning to normal at the White House complex,' Josh Earnest, White House press secretary, said, noting that he was in the Oval Office with the president when it happened, and it was barely noticeable. Scroll down for videos . District of Columbia Metro Police and U.S. Secret Service Uniform Division officers clear Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. The temporary power outage affected the State Department, the Department of Energy, the University of Maryland in College Park and other areas in the District of Columbia and Maryland . With traffic lights still out at a busy intersection not far from the White House, a Metro Police Department officer directs vehicles after an electrical blackout affected the city . Several Smithsonian museums were affected as well, including the Portrait Gallery, and guests were evacuated . The impact on the White House was 'minimal,' he said, but was unable to say how many offices in the West Wing were affected. The source of outage was not immediately known, but the Department of Homeland Security has said there's no evidence of malicious intent or terrorism related activity. A possible cause was an explosion at a power at a plant located in southern Maryland, according to the Associated Press. Power company Pepco told local news station WTOP that a dip in power in the transmission line at one of its Maryland stations was responsible. As of a 1:35 pm update, more than Washington-area customers - including government offices - had reported outages, Pepco said. Visitors wait for the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum to re-open after it was evacuated following a power failure . A security guard announces the museum's closure to prospective visitors . The outage lasted but a few seconds at the White House, as the government building immediately moved onto generators. Press Secretary Josh Earnest's regular briefing with reporters was pushed off schedule by more than an hour. An unrelated matter, said by the White House to be an 'unattended package,' forced the building into a temporary lock down, adding to delays. Other government agencies, including the State Department, were affected for longer periods of time than 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The State Department's acting spokeswoman Marie Harf was in the middle of her daily briefing when the blackout hit. She lit the room with her cell phone, photos posted to Twitter show, and ultimately had to cut it short. Oprah Winfrey also got caught up in the power outage while speaking at the Maya Angelou Forever Stamp Dedication at Warner Theatre in downtown D.C. The U.S. Capitol, the Justice Department, IRS,

Summary: It interrupted a State Department briefing and forced the White House onto back-up generators . Outage 'briefly had an impact on the White House complex' but it was 'back on the regular power source' an hour and a half later . White House press secretary says he was in the Oval with the president when it happened, and it was barely noticeable . Related to a dip in power in a transmission line at a Maryland facility, power company says; another report says it may have been an explosion . Homeland Security says there's no evidence of malicious activity .


A pensioner is living in fear after his Jack Russell saved him from a badger the size of a large pig with six-inch teeth. Shocked Terry Cooper, 79, was enjoying the sunshine in his garden with his dog Sam when the huge animal burst through a hedge with two cubs. Mr Cooper, from Curry Rivel, Somerset said his dog dragged him back indoors and fears he could have been attacked if his pet had not been there. Scroll down for video . Shocked: Pensioner Terry Cooper said the huge badger burst through a hedge with two cubs (stock image) Mr Cooper spotted the huge badger while sitting in his garden in the sunshine with his Jack Russell Sam . The retired charity worker said: 'I've got a little Jack Russell and I took him out just after tea at 5pm. 'Suddenly there was a badger and two little'uns in my garden. 'He was the size of a pig, with teeth about six inches long. They were as long as a lemonade bottle is wide.' 'My dog turned me round and quickly pulled me in,' Mr Cooper added. 'The badger didn't attack me, so I didn't seek medical attention, but I was left badly shaken. 'If I hadn't have had my dog there, the badger could have had me.' Following the scare, the National Farmers' Union has issued advice for residents on protecting their property from invading badgers (stock photo) He has covered the gap in his hedge with two pieces of metal and a bag of compost. Following the scare, the National Farmers' Union has issued advice for residents on protecting their property from invading badgers. Alex Stevens, South West regional policy advisor, said: 'Badgers are protected by law and people shouldn't be interfering with badgers or setts. 'This incident is really unusual and surprising, given the time at which it happened. But badgers are pretty headstrong. I suspect he was searching for an easy source of food. 'Badgers can squeeze through any gaps in fences or hedges which are bigger than 7.5 centimetres. So if you have fencing with the slats spaced more narrowly, that will help. 'Even better, people can protect their property through badger-proof fencing. This goes a foot or two into the ground so that badgers cannot tunnel underneath it. 'People should also keep the lids on their bins, and if they have a dog or a cat, don't leave their food or water bowls out in the open. 'If you do have to make contact with a badger, be sure to wash your hands afterwards.'

Summary: Terry Cooper, 79, said a badger the size of a large pig burst through hedge . The pensioner from Somerset said his Jack Russell dragged him indoors . Fears he may have been attacked by the badger if his pet hadn't been there .


A young footballer who tragically died following a freak accident during a first grade rugby game has been described by his club as a well-respected player and all round 'good bloke'. Nicholas Tooth, 25, was playing for the Quirindi Lions against the Narrabri Blue Boars in mid-north NSW on Saturday when he collapsed after hitting his head on an opponent's shoulder during a tackle. He was treated at the ground before being airlifted to Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition but died in hospital late on Sunday. Scroll down for video . Nicholas Tooth, 25, died after sustaining a head injury when he hit his head on an opponent's shoulder in a tackle during a first grade rugby union match on Saturday . The young man was visiting his hometown in the New England region of NSW for the weekend . 'Nick went in to tackle an opponent and his head clashed with the shoulder and he went down,' Quirindi Lions club president Charles Murray told the ABC. 'There was no foul play, nothing untoward about it at all. Sadly it was just a very tragic accident.' Originally from Wallabadah in the New England region of NSW, Mr Tooth, who had been working in the agricultural grain industry, was visiting his home town for the weekend. The young man had been living in Sydney while studying at Sydney University, and tributes have since poured in for the 25-year-old. Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver told Daily Mail Australia in a statement that the loss of Mr Tooth was 'incredibly sad'. 'The passing of one of our young country rugby players over the weekend is incredibly sad and is a loss that is felt by the entire Australian Rugby community. 'We send our thoughts and sincere condolences to Nick's family, friends, team-mates and members of the Quirindi Rugby and broader community,' he said. Mr Pulver also offered his support to Mr Tooth's family, friends, club and teammates. Mr Tooth, pictured here with his sister Alexandra, passed away late on Sunday at Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital . He also played for Sydney team Wollahrah Colleagues RUFC, and was remembered by club President Richard McGrath as a 'highly regarded' player . 'I'd like to thank those who helped at the scene on Saturday and we'll ensure we provide whatever support we can for Nick's family and club at this challenging time,' Mr Pulver added. Chairman of NSW Rugby Union Nick Farr-Jones also offered condolences and support to the friends and family of Mr Tooth. 'On behalf of the NSW Rugby community, I would like to offer our sincere condolences and support to the family and friends of Nick Tooth, and to the rugby community of Quirindi and the Central-North region,' he said in a statement. 'We will be providing ongoing assistance to Nick's family and rugby club during this difficult time.' Mr Tooth was playing for the Quirindi Rugby Club, about 350 kilometres north-west of Sydney when he was injured. 'The Quirindi Rugby club would like to send their deepest condolences to

Summary: Nicholas Tooth, 25, was playing for the Quirindi Lions in regional NSW . On Saturday he hit his head on an opponent's shoulder during a tackle . He was airlifted to Newcastle's John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition . On Sunday Mr Tooth, who had been living in Sydney, died in hospital .


These stunning pictures show a trio of daredevil bikers dicing with death as they leap over huge jagged rocks metres above crashing waves. The mountain bike athletes were captured taking huge leaps as the sun went down over Portland Rock, an island off the coast of Weymouth, Dorset, on Sunday by photographer Jack Davies. The group included renowned professional trial bike riders Jack Gear, 25, Andrei Burton, 29, and Joe Seddon, 19, who were unfazed by the choppy waters just 10 metres below. Mr Davies said: 'It was incredibly dangerous, the sea was 10 metres below Andrei, crashing against jagged rocks, also the wind plays a big factor, threatening to blow them off course whilst in the air. 'It's a sport based around precision and getting your landing inch perfect. If the wind blows too hard it can completely alter your course in the air and throw you off the bike.' 'It was a really interesting day and so exhilarating to watch the riders launching themselves over the rocks.' It's not the first time the riders have pulled such a daredevil stunt - last year Mr Burton and Mr Seddon took part in a promotional video to highlight the need to increase space for cyclists in London by cycling over some of the capital's top landmarks. Scroll down for video . Stunning: The trio of bikers were captured as they made leaps of faith at Portland Rock, off the coast of Weymouth in Dorset on Sunday . Breathtaking: The bikers were just 10 metres from the choppy waters below as they jumped from one jagged rock to another yesterday . Heart-stopping: Joe Seddon, 19, previous British Elite Champion and international competitor, balances on the back wheel of his bike . Renowned: The trio of bikers were made up professional trial bike riders Jack Gear, 25, Andrei Burton, 29, and Joe Seddon, 19 . Leap of faith: Andrei Burton, former UKElite championship winner and sixth world champion, shows no fear as he leaps over the sea . Fearless: One of the riders, Jack Gear, says the wind can play a major factor, threatening to blow them off course while in the air . Balancing act: One of the riders takes a leap of faith an almost misses as he hangs from a rock by the front tyre of his bike . Dangerous: Andrei Burton (pictured) has also ridden for Top Gear Live and is an ambassador for the surfwear brand Saltrock . Skills: It's not the first time the riders have carried out such daredevil stunts - last year they cycled over London landmarks for a promotional video demonstrating the need for space on the capital's roads . Professional: The stunning photographs were captured by Jack Davies in Dorset on Sunday as the bikers tested out their skills . Leap: Photographer, Jack Davies, said: 'It was incredibly dangerous, the sea was 10 metres below Andrei, crashing against jagged rocks' Break time: The riders take a well deserved rest as the sun sets over Portland Rock after an afternoon of biking over the cliff

Summary: Mountain bike athletes were captured as they took giant leaps at Portland Rock, near Weymouth in Dorset . Group are made up of renowned professional trial bike riders, Jack Gear, 25, Andrei Burton, 29 and Joe Seddon, 19 . Bikers seemed unfazed as sea crashed 10 metres below them while they jumped from one jagged rock to another .


Ed Miliband vowed to end casual employment contracts yesterday but his crackdown backfired spectacularly as he forgot Labour use them . Ed Miliband was accused of hypocrisy last night after Labour town halls and MPs were revealed to be hiring thousands of workers on zero-hours contracts. The Labour leader yesterday vowed to end casual employment contracts that ‘undermine living standards and family life’. But his crackdown, which was intended to regain the political initiative after boosts for the Tories on jobs and incomes, backfired spectacularly. In a disastrous day for Labour’s General Election hopes: . Speaking in Huddersfield, Mr Miliband said a Labour government would legislate to require employers to offer a contract to anyone who had been working regular hours for 12 weeks. He made a stinging attack on both David Cameron and firms that use ‘exploitative’ contracts which fail to guarantee minimum hours of work. Scroll down for video . ‘The Conservatives believe by looking after a few big firms and individuals at the top, everyone else will be OK,’ said Mr Miliband. But, far from being the preserve of business, the contracts are being routinely used by charities, the public sector and the Labour Party itself. It emerged that 68 Labour MPs had also signed up researchers and other staff on zero-hour contracts in the last two years including shadow health secretary Andy Burnham (right) and shadow chancellor Ed Balls (left) Freedom of information requests circulated by the Conservatives reveal that Labour councils are behind 21,798 zero-hours contracts. In December last year, the director of finance at Doncaster Council admitted to still having 300 relief workers on their books. Among the worst authorities are Wolverhampton, which had 738 staff on zero-hours contracts as of May 2014; Liverpool with 442 as of September 2014; and Ealing with 278 as of January 2015. In an even greater embarrassment, it emerged that 68 Labour MPs had also signed up researchers and other staff on the deals over the past two years. They included shadow health secretary Andy Burnham, shadow chancellor Ed Balls, Mr Miliband’s parliamentary bag carrier Karen Buck and his election supremo Lucy Powell. The Labour politicians said they had been told by the Parliamentary expenses watchdog to use the contracts in order to pay a living wage. Freedom of Information requests found 22,000 zero-hours contracts were handed out by Labour-run councils, including Doncaster (pictured) where Mr Miliband is standing for MP . Tory chairman Grant Shapps said: ‘It’s the same old hypocrisy from Ed Miliband. 'On the day he generates a load of hot air about zero-hours contracts it emerges that his party is one of the most prolific users of them. ‘It’s chaos in the Labour Party that would cause chaos for the country. Ed Miliband’s not up to the job because he says one thing and does another. A hung parliament could send financial markets into a tailspin and the pound and shares crashing, experts warned last night. Sterling has already fallen nearly 5 per cent against the US dollar in the past five weeks amid jitters about

Summary: Ed Miliband vowed yesterday to end casual employment contracts . But Labour councils and MPs hire many workers on zero-hours contracts . FOI requests reveal Labour councils have 21,798 zero-hours contracts . Miliband has been accused of hypocrisy after his crackdown backfired . 68 of the party’s MPs were revealed to have employed staff on zero-hours contracts over the past two years; . 22,000 more of the contracts were handed out by Labour-run councils, including Doncaster where Mr Miliband is standing for MP; . Employers and legal experts said his crackdown would cost scores of jobs; . Statisticians accused Labour of using ‘unjustified’ propaganda; . 17 more business leaders came forward to sign a letter supporting the Tories in May’s election – taking the total to 120.


The man who shot himself dead at the Universal Studios theme park on Friday was stalking his estranged ex-girlfriend, it has emerged. Police revealed it was not the first time the gunman, who has not been identified, had sparked security concerns at the park, where the mother of his child works in a restaurant. Last week he was escorted off the premises - just days after he vandalized his ex-girlfriend's car. But despite court orders banning him from the park in Hollywood, California, he was spotted at 2.15pm near the water slides, where he shot himself dead in front of children and families. Chaos: Crowds were seen running around Universal Studios in Hollywood, California, not long after the shooting . Smoking area: The man was said to have shot himself in a secluded part of the theme park, near a Depiscable Me-themed ride . He was standing in a smoking area behind the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride at the time. Sheriff's deputies who rushed to the scene engaged the man in conversation but were unable to restrain him. 'The deputy tried to talk him out of it, but after going back and forth for 30 seconds or so, he shot himself, ' Lt. Eddie Hernandez told NBC. Four visitors witnessed the suicide, he said. Inside: This video from social media shows guests being herded inside the Despicable Me ride in the aftermath of the shooting . 'Suicide': According to reports, the man turned a gun on himself around the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, shown above . The ride was closed temporarily and guests were filmed being herded inside the ride by staff in the wake of the killing. Universal Studios has an official policy banning all weapons from its grounds, and searches guests before they enter. It is not clear how the man got past the checks. A parks spokesman told NBC Southern California: 'The safety and security of our guests is always of utmost importance. Business remains open.'

Summary: Man, who has not been named, turned gun on himself at 2.15pm . His estranged ex-girlfriend, mother of his child, works at the site . He visited the park twice last week, received two restraining orders . Was standing by new Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride at the time . Four visitors witnessed suicide, sheriffs tried to talk him out of it but failed .


Rape: Edwin 'Jock' Mee is accused of attacking several Army cadets while working as a recruitment sergeant . An Army recruiting sergeant raped a teenage cadet after telling her he could help her get a visa from the Home Office, a court heard today. Edwin 'Jock' Mee allegedly told the 18-year-old, from Sierra Leone, that her visa application had been delayed in order to persuade her to have sex with him. He is accused of carrying out sex attacks on 11 victims as young as 15 while working at an Army careers centre in Croydon, south London, between October 2010 and September 2011. One woman told Southwark Crown Court today that she saw Mee, 46, as a father figure after he helped her join the Army. She said: 'He was like someone I could really lean on because, going for some interviews with him, he would ask me everything about my personal life, everything, because he said that is the procedure they need to do. 'So it is like I took him as a father, or someone I can relate to, or maybe understand what is happening to me.' Jurors heard that Mee repeatedly asked the teenager if she wanted to have sex with him - she initially ignored him, but later explicitly told him she did not want to do. The court heard that one occasion when she went to see Mee, he slapped her bottom as she left the office, and she told him 'never do that'. Prosecutor Rosina Cottage QC asked the woman why she did not tell any of the other recruiters what was going on. The witness replied: 'He always told me not to say anything to anyone because no one will believe me and looking at him, and his status, all these things, I believed him.' Describing the alleged rape, the woman said she had gone in for her final Army selection interview in August 2011 before the conclusion of the process. Around the same time she was trying to renew her visa with the Home Office, and was not aware of any problems with the application before she went to see Mee. She said: 'He said there was a delay for me to pay the money, that if the visa didn't come, I can't go for selection and my date was already fixed. He told me he can help me. 'He told me that because I need to go to selection and my passport was with the Home Office, and he told me that he was going to help and I said, "How are you going to do that?" He just said, "A call that I can make," and I said "Why don't you do it?" 'He said: "You know what you can do that will make me do it."' Base: Mee was working at an Army careers centre in Croydon, south London, pictured . The court heard that Mee then told the woman to wait for the 'boss' who was going to conduct her interview. But he returned a short time later, told her

Summary: Edwin 'Jock' Mee allegedly told 18-year-old she had visa problems . He told her he could make a call and help her stay in Britain, court hears . Sergeant then allegedly attacked the teenager and nearly suffocated her . Mee, 46, denies carrying out a string of rapes and sexual assaults .


The sequel to the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series has been shrouded in such secrecy the novel is being written on computers with no internet connection to avoid any leaks. The Girl In The Spider's Web, published worldwide on August 27, will be the fourth installment in the best-selling Millennium crime trilogy by Swedish author Stieg Larsson. The book was completed in November by David Lagercrantz based on a plot outline left by Larsson before he died of a heart attack in 2004 aged 50. Mr Lagercrantz, known for co-authoring Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic's autobiography, said the publishers have gone to extreme lengths to keep the novel under wraps. However, Norstedts did yesterday reveal that it kicks off with an artificial intelligence intrigue involving a U.S. spy agency. Under wraps: The sequel to the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series by Steig Larsson (left) entitled The Girl In The Spider's Web (right) has been shrouded in such secrecy it is being written on computers with no internet . The 500-page sequel takes up the story of tattooed computer hacker Lisbeth Salander and journalist Mikael Blomkvist, whom she helps solve a murder mystery in the first book in the series. Mr Lagercrantz said he, the editors and translators were subject to similar kinds of espionage-style secrecy, reportedly working on computers disconnected from the Internet to avoid leaks. He told the Dagens Nyheter daily: 'If you write about Lisbeth Salander its easy to get a little paranoid. 'You realise what opportunities there are to hack computers. 'It was a little awkward. 'Every time I needed to Google I had to do it on another computer. And we used code words - like our own little spy world.' Its British publisher, MacLehose Press, which has unveiled the front cover showing Salander with her dragon tattoo and wearing punk trousers, said they have given strict instructions to follow suit. Taking up the mantle: The book was completed in November by David Lagercrantz (above) based on a plot outline left by Larsson before he died of a heart attack in 2004 aged 50 . Christopher MacLehose told The Guardian: 'The Swedish original publishers Norstedts have put everyone on notice that no particle of this book can be shared with anybody. 'There'll be no review copies in any language before it's launched on 27 August... nobody will be in a position to beat the ring of steel around this book.' The novel is called Det som inte dödar oss in the original Swedish - or What Doesn’t Kill You - but given a different title for the English version. It is being translated into 38 languages. Setting the scene, Norstedts publishing house wrote on its website: 'One night professor Frans Balder, a leading authority within AI (artificial intelligence) research, calls up Blomkvist. 'Balder says he has world-shattering information on U.S. intelligence services... had contact with a female super hacker, who bears a certain resemblance to a person Blomkvist knows well.' Saddened: Eva Gabrielsson has said Larsson would have been 'furious' about the release of The Girl

Summary: The Girl In The Spider's Web is fourth installment in Stieg Larsson's series . Written and translated on computers with no web connection to avoid leaks . Plot kicks off with artificial intelligence intrigue involving a U.S. spy agency .


New York is set to officially break ground this week on a Ferris wheel that could become the tallest in the world once it is completed in early 2017. But any reign for the New York Wheel would be brief, as Dubai started construction a few days ago on a Ferris wheel that will be just 60ft higher. The humongous attraction on Staten Island promises stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, in addition to other New York City boroughs and the neighbouring state of New Jersey. Planners for the New York Wheel said it will offer stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and other New York boroughs . Set near the St George Ferry terminal the giant observation wheel will cost an estimated $25 to $30 for a 38-minute ride . Located next to the Hudson River the 630ft New York Wheel will be able to carry as many as 1,400 passengers at a time, with one full cycle taking about 38 minutes to complete. It will include mobile bar cars, a 20-seat restaurant, a 4-D ride on the ground and an LED light show every night, in addition to alternative energy sources. A shopping mall and 200-room hotel are to be built next door. Ticket prices will range from an estimated $25 to $30 (£17 to £20) as New York Wheel LLC, the company behind the ambitious project, hopes it will join the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building and Times Square as one of New York’s must-visit attractions. Located on the bank of the Hudson River the New York Wheel will be able to carry as many as 1,400 passengers at a time . The $500million (£340million) observation wheel was designed by Perkins Eastman and EEK Architects, and is being built by Starneth BV, the Dutch company which erected the London Eye and is overseeing the Dubai Eye. Wil Armstrong, president of Starneth LLC, told Mashable that the Dubai Eye is ahead, but ‘anything could happen to delay it’ and give New York Wheel the lead. Dubai’s observation wheel will stand 690ft tall when it is complete, making it the world’s biggest. At 550ft, the current record holder is the High Roller in Las Vegas, followed by the Singapore Flyer (541ft), China’s Star of Nanchang (525ft), and the London Eye (443ft). The $500million observation wheel is being built by Starneth BV, the Dutch company which erected the London Eye . Planners hope the New York Wheel will join the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building as a top attraction in New York City . The original Ferris wheel, built in Chicago, was 264ft tall. New York’s giant Ferris wheel will be located near the St George Ferry Terminal, which welcomes an estimated two million tourists every year. Planners for the New York Wheel believe it will attract more than three million riders every year, and claim it will create about 350 construction and 600 permanent jobs in ticket sales, maintenance and other positions. The company said it is currently in talks with the New York Police Department

Summary: Official ground-breaking for the 630-ft New York Wheel will take place this week on Staten Island . Construction started last week on the Dubai Eye, which will be just 60ft higher . New York Wheel will have mobile bar cars, a 20-seat restaurant and a 4-D ride on the ground .


QPR have confirmed that Eduardo Vargas has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury that is expected to keep him out for between 10-12 weeks. The 25-year-old opened the scoring in Saturday’s 4-1 win over West Brom but picked up the injury to his left knee after falling awkwardly and had to be replaced in the first half. 'Scans have since revealed Vargas sustained a grade two medial collateral ligament injury, which is likely to keep him sidelined for between 10-12 weeks,' read a statement on the club’s website. QPR have confirmed that Eduardo Vargas has been ruled out for the rest of the season . The 25-year-old picked up the injury to his left knee after falling awkwardly in the win against West Brom . Scans have since revealed Vargas sustained a grade two medial collateral ligament injury . 'Vargas is the third QPR player to sustain an MCL injury since the turn of the year, following recent injuries to Richard Dunne and Leroy Fer. 'However, both Dunne and Fer are now closing in on a first team return, with the pair potentially in line to be in contention for the visit of West Ham United to Loftus Road at the end of the month.' Vargas has scored three goals for QPR this season after signing on loan from Napoli in August. Vargas opened the scoring against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns Stadium before sustaining injury . Vargas is the third QPR player to sustain an MCL injury since the turn of the year . Vargas leaves the games against West Bromwich Albion on crutches following the knee injury .

Summary: Eduardo Vargas has been ruled out for 10-12 weeks with knee injury . Chilean ace Vargas will miss the rest of the Premier League season . Vargas picked up the injury during Saturday's win against West Brom . Scans revealed he sustained a grade two medial collateral ligament injury .


Two Maryland parents whose hands-off 'free-range' parenting got their children picked up by police yet again on Sunday are now vowing to file a lawsuit. Danielle and Alexander Meitiv have been cited multiple times for allowing their son Rafi, 10, and daughter Dvora, 6, roam free in their suburban neighborhood. But the Meitivs, both of them scientists, say authorities crossed a line over the weekend when they picked up Rafi and Dvora and held them nearly six hours without food before allowing them to reunite with their parents. Picked up: Officials seized Dvora, 6, (far left) and 10-year-old Rafi (left, blue hat) on Sunday in a Maryland park. The parents Danielle and Alexander Meitiv (right) have vowed to sue authorities responsible for keeping them in custody for six hours . Attorney Matthew Dowd, of the firm Wiley Rein, is representing the Meitivs and on Tuesday sent a ointed letter regarding Sunday's events. Rein wrote: . 'The actions of Maryland CPS and Montgomery County Police violate the fundamental rights parents have in raising their children. 'This fundamental, constitutional right of parents cannot be infringed simply because certain governmental employees disagree with a parent’s reasoned decision on how to raise his or her children.' The firm declined to say who the suit would be against, exactly, when asked by the Washington Post. However, the attorney has vowed to pursue 'all legal remedies' to protect the rights of the Maryland parents. The Meitivs made headlines just before Christmas when police found Rafi and Dvora walking the sidewalk on their own. Picked up AGAIN: The Meitivs say they were left to panic for hours by CPS workers after their children--who they raise with a so-called 'free-range' approach--were picked up by police for the second time in two months while walking down the street alone . 'Besides the policeman pulling up...no': Asked if he was scared during the hours-long ordeal Sunday, 10-year-old Rafi admitted he was, but not because he'd been left alone with his sister . Free-range parenting is the name given to a style of raising kids in opposition to so-called 'helicopter parenting'. 'Helicopter parents' are named for their habit of hovering over their offspring, micro-managing their lives in an attempt to keep them safe. However critics believe this creates under-confident, over-reliant children, while also causing the parents stress. Free-range parents advocate a more hands-off approach, where children are allowed to go out and experience the world on their own. Instead of constantly monitoring activities to make sure children are safe, the emphasis is put on adults assessing risk ahead of time, and equipping children with the skills to deal with danger themselves. On Sunday, a concerned citizen reportedly called authorities once again after seeing the siblings unaccompanied near a neighborhood park around a third of a mile from their home. The children were picked up by police, who say they followed protocol by turning them over to CPS. Meanwhile, Mrs Meitiv tells Fox 5 DC that CPS workers left her and her husband to panic for hours before letting them know their kids were

Summary: Police seized Rafi, 10, and Dvora, 6, in a Maryland park on Sunday and their parents say they weren't reunited by CPS for hours . Scientists Danielle and Alexander Meitiv believe in 'free range parenting' meaning the children are afforded total independence from infancy . The Meitivs were found guilty of neglect in March. After Sunday's incident they were forced sign a paper pledging not to leave them unattended .


A married couple who have endured the heartbreak of ten miscarriages in ten years, have revealed the joy of becoming parents to their miracle daughter. Last year Sarah, 36, and Mark Brennan, 35, from south Wales, never gave up hope of becoming parents despite being told they'd never conceive naturally. Yet last September they defied doctors to have Eryn, who was born seven weeks early, weighing just 3lb 11oz. Sarah and Mark Brennan show off their longed-for daughter Eryn Elisabeth . Sarah, a project manager, said: 'We'd just been put on the waiting list for IVF, when I had an inkling I might be pregnant.' After feeling queasy and exhausted, she decided to take a pregnancy test, which confirmed that she was expecting. Mark, a technician, said: 'It was wonderful to find out that Sarah was pregnant, but after so many miscarriages, we could not help but worry.' The pair, who met when they were 18, were just about to jet off to Egypt for a holiday and quickly booked themselves in for a private scan. Mark said: 'It may sound strange, but after about six miscarriages, we just got used to it - to being let down every time.' During their holiday, Sarah continued to suffer from sickness and giddiness and went straight to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend when they returned home. Project manager Sarah, pictured with her treasured daughter, advises other mums struggling with infertility to not give up . After telling the midwife their history they were referred to the sonographer and a scan revealed a heartbeat. 'We couldn't stop the tears - we were in pieces. We even had the sonographer in tears,' Sarah said. In the weeks that followed, the pair were told that their baby was developing well and found out at the 20-week scan that they were expecting a girl. Everything went smoothly until 29 weeks, when Sarah's waters broke so early, the doctors did not believe they had gone. She recalled: 'I was in a state of panic. But they hooked me up to machines to check her and, thank God, she was OK.' Sarah was told that she was experiencing Braxton Hicks - a tightening of the muscles in the womb - and sent home. The couple then spent the next few days in and out of hospital. 'Fear was creeping back into both of us,' she said. 'In fact, scared just isn't the word.' The doctors eventually confirmed that her waters had broken and she was sent to a specialist unit at Singleton Hospital in Swansea for close monitoring. After going into labour early, Sarah feared she'd lost Eryn and couldn't hold her newborn for five hours . 'I was in agony with the pain of every baby kick, stretch, minor movement or hiccup,' she said. Sarah spent the next two weeks in hospital, but did not go into labour and decided to go home. She eventually went into labour on September 30 and was booked in for an emergency Caesarean, as the baby was in the breech position.

Summary: Sarah Brennan, 36, was on the IVF waiting list when she became pregnant . Project manager from south Wales went into labour at 33 weeks . Couple had ten pregnancies, none of which went past 12 weeks .


Peter Scudamore rode an incredible 1,678 winners but has seen his achievements dwarfed by AP McCoy. Here, he identifies what he believes are the 10 finest achievements of Saturday's retiring champion. 1 RIDING HIS 4,000th WINNER AT TOWCESTER ON NOVEMBER 7, 2013 . He has won virtually every big race in the calendar but McCoy’s greatest feat has to be the immense tally of winners he has ridden. To put his numbers into perspective, in the all-time list of successful jockeys, great rival Richard Johnson is closest to him and the gap is around 1,500 winners. Tony McCoy celebrating after he won his 4,000th race on board Mountain Tune at Wetherby in 2013 . 2 HIS 20 STRAIGHT JUMP JOCKEY TITLES . If you like your champions dominant, you have to love McCoy. No modern sportsman can match his reign. He outstrips 16-time darts world champion Phil Taylor by almost 200 weeks, with a staggering 1,040 weeks at the top. That compares to 364 for Formula One’s Michael Schumacher and 302 for tennis ace Roger Federer. 3 WINNING THE 1994-95 CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS CHAMPIONSHIP . McCoy hit the ground running on his arrival in Britain from Ireland, landing the apprentice title for jumps jockeys with a record 74 wins. Not surprisingly, it is another McCoy record which still stands. 4 RECORD 290 WINNERS IN A SEASON (2001-02) The 300-winner season McCoy craved proved too much even for him but he got close with 289 in Britain and one abroad. His feat outstripped the European record of German Peter Schiergen (271 in 1995) and Sir Gordon Richards’ best of 269 in 1947. 5 WINNING BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR IN 2010 . Not to be underestimated. Frankie Dettori and Lester Piggott are household names but neither of those great jockeys won this prestigious title. McCoy’s prodigious achievements have transcended racing’s usual boundaries and his peerless career has gained the respect it deserves. McCoy stands proud with his Sport Personality of the Year Award in Birmingham in 2010 . 6 DON’T PUSH IT’S 2010 GRAND NATIONAL WIN . Picking out even a handful of McCoy’s best wins is an exercise in subjective futility. We all have our favourites but Don’t Push It’s victory at Aintree was arguably the most significant on the greatest stage. Plenty of top jockeys have never had a sniff of the Grand National winner’s enclosure. McCoy celebrates aboard Grand National winner Don't Push It at Aintree racecourse in 2013 . 7 WORTH HIS WEIGHT . Unbelievably, given the lengths to which he has gone to control his weight and boil himself down, McCoy has never had to put up overweight (carry more than his mount was allotted). It is another example of his extraordinary self control. 8 BREAKING MY FASTEST TIME TO 100 WINNERS IN A SEASON . I never thought my fastest-to-100-wins record would stand forever but in November 1996 McCoy thrashed my best by 30 days. A season later and he beat his own record by 16 days. This season he set a new best for a fastest

Summary: AP McCoy has two rides at Sandown before he retires from horse racing . Iron man McCoy will be awarded with his 20th champion jockey trophy . Peter Scudamore lists his top 10 achievements by racing hero McCoy .


Jack Grealish feels ashamed about inhaling nitrous oxide through a balloon and has assured Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood he will not repeat his mistake. Sherwood told his young winger, who inspired Villa to FA Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool on Sunday, that such behaviour could not be tolerated by the club. Grealish, 19, was pictured taking so-called ‘hippy crack’, a legal high, after a night out nearly a year ago, with the image published in The Sun on Thursday. Jack Grealish has become the third top flight starlet caught on camera inhaling nitrous oxide . Grealish starred for Aston Villa in their FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool on Sunday at Wembley . Raheem Sterling, 20, and Saido Berahino, 21, have been pictured doing the same recently and the PFA will look to increase their education to players on the risks of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Users say it creates feelings of euphoria and light-headedness but drug advice website Frank warns ‘there is a risk of death as a lack of oxygen can occur’. Sherwood said on Thursday: ‘I’m not pleased. I spoke to Jack first thing this morning as he came in, I explained to him his behaviour can’t be tolerated by the football club. ‘He did not come in here with the “I’m only young, I’m allowed to get away with it” attitude. He was very ashamed and does not like the bad publicity. He’s assured me it won’t happen again.’ Grealish has not been fined over the incident and will be in Villa’s squad for the trip to Manchester City. He was given his first Premier League start on April 7 and has been integral to his side’s success in the past three games. The PFA have noticed a growing trend in the recreational use of nitrous oxide, and will look to adapt their extensive tutoring programmes on substance abuse. John Bramhall, PFA deputy chief executive, said: ‘We’re working with Sporting Chance, delivering the message, and it’s a continuing process. It will change as different issues come into focus.’ The selfie, which shows Grealish and a friend, was taken in a hotel room after a night out, according to The Sun. Sherwood hopes Grealish can learn a lesson, not only about his choices but how such information can come into public knowledge. ‘He’s hurting but he needs to stop hurting,’ said Sherwood. ‘Perhaps a year ago when the photo was taken no-one wanted to know Jack Grealish but now he realises people have taken an awful lot of notice — and he wanted that. If you’re a professional footballer you want to be noticed. Emre Can of Liverpool tries to tackle Grealish during their FA Cup tie with Aston Villa at Wembley . ‘But he needs to get on the other side of the paper. I want him to forget about this by Saturday. I don’t want him to dwell on it. It only really affects me if I let it affect him on the pitch. ‘As I said about Raheem last week, he’s a

Summary: Jack Grealish was pictured inhaling nitrous oxide through a balloon . Tim Sherwood has told him such behaviour will not be tolerated at the club . Grealish has assured the Aston Villa manager 'it won't happen again' The young winger inspired Aston Villa to victory over Liverpool on Sunday . Grealish seeks assurances from Roy Hodgson before playing for England .


What started out as a harmless April Fools Day prank turned out to be anything but funny when the joke resulted in a fire at an apartment near a college campus Wednesday. Units from multiple fire departments were called to a fire just west of Grand Valley State University in Michigan after an April Fools prank involving fireworks sent one apartment unit up in smoke, the Holland Sentinel reports. Four girls live in Apartment 4 of Building B of the Campus West Apartments. Fire officials said one of the girls threw a lit firework at a roommate; the firework landed in a laundry hamper, setting the contents on fire. April Fools: An April Fools Day prank went horribly wrong when a joke involving fireworks led to an apartment fire (photographed) near Grand Valley State University in Michigan . Fireworks: Fire officials said one of the apartment building's residents threw a lit firework at a roommate; the firework landed in a laundry hamper, setting the contents on fire . No one was hurt, Fox reports, and the girl is not expected to face charges. One of the girls' neighbors, Addison Walstra, 19, told the Sentinel that her neighbors came to her apartment and she had given them a fire extinguisher -- the units are not required to have fire extinguishers because they are townhomes. 'The fire was too big for [the extinguisher] so they told us to get out and then we knocked on everybody else's doors to get them out as well,' Walstra said, describing the moment her neighbors returned to her apartment to tell her they could not put out the fire. Firefighters arrived at around 9.30am and the building was evacuated. The fire was contained to the upper-level of the building, the Sentinel reports. Contained: Firefighters arrived at around 9.30am and the building was evacuated; he fire was contained to the upper-level of the building . Damage: Allison Mitchell (photographed), who lives in a neighboring apartment, said her room had smoke damage . Capt. Dave Pelton with the Allendale Fire Rescue said firewalls prevented the fire from spreading to neighboring apartments and Fox reports that the fire was extinguished at around 9.45am. '[The residents] were lucky, we had a great response and everyone was able to make it out safely,' Pelton told MLive. Sarah Long, who lives in a neighboring apartment told MLive that she heard the smoke alarm and someone crying before residents told her and her roommates to leave the building. 'It's just an April Fools gone wrong..' Long said. 'It was supposed to be funny, and, now it's not.' The apartment residents are allowed to return to two of the six apartments in the building, WOOD-TV reports. The remaining students, except for Apartment 4's residents, are expected to be able to return later Wednesday. Return: No one was hurt and the girl is not expected to face charges; all students, except for Apartment 4's residents, are expected to be able to return to the apartments Wednesday .

Summary: An April Fools Day prank involving fireworks resulted in an apartment fire near the Grand Valley State University in Michigan . A girl allegedly threw a lit firework at a roommate, which landed in a laundry hamper, and set the contents on fire . No one was hurt and the girl is not expected to face charges .


Will Stevens has followed the lead of England's elite footballers and taken to using the world-class facilities at St George's Park to help him climb the Formula One ladder. Manor driver Stevens was introduced to St George's Park by Michael Johnson Performance, the training company founded by the four-time Olympic champion and which has a partnership with the Burton-based centre where all 24 England teams train ahead of international fixtures. The 23-year-old was a regular visitor last year as he looked to step up his fitness in preparation for a potential F1 drive, which came his way with now-defunct Caterham in the final race in Abu Dhabi. Will Stevens has been using the facilities at St George's Park to help him climb the Formula One ladder . Stevens has access to an exercise bike, treadmill and rowing machine, located in the altitude chamber . Stevens continued over the winter as he held talks with Manor prior to the South Yorkshire-based marque finally exiting administration in early March. Due to Stevens' grand prix commitments he has been unable to visit St George's Park as much as he would like these past few weeks, although he is planning a trip over the summer months. 'The facilities they have there are great, better than anywhere,' said Stevens. 'Last year I spent quite a lot of time there because I needed to get myself ready if I had the opportunity to step up into F1. The main entrance to St George's Park, the Football Association's £100m training complex . The Hydrotherapy suite has a main pool (background), ice bath (centre) and jacuzzi (foreground) 'This year is a lot different because we need to manage the schedule to keep up my energy levels, when to train hard and when not to. 'I'll probably go there during the break because obviously the German Grand Prix has gone. 'There is a lot longer break in the middle compared to what it would be normally, so I'll probably spend a week or so there. 'I'll have a fitness assessment for the first couple of days, and then after that I'll work on the areas where I need to improve. Stevens was a regular visitor last year as he looked to step up his fitness in preparation for a potential F1 drive . 'They've a heat chamber which is good and a really good underwater treadmill so you can do a lot more non-bearing stuff on your body. 'If you're training solidly for more than a week it's good to do that kind of stuff. 'If you are out running or whatever it's obviously a lot harder on your body, and you can train a lot longer over the duration of the day rather than a few hours.' Past use of the heat chamber will have a bearing for Stevens this weekend as he competes in the Bahrain Grand Prix. Although an evening/night race when temperatures will be in the mid 20s centigrade compared to searing day-time highs of 36, it will still be of benefit. The Manor driver is preparing

Summary: Manor driver Will Stevens has been using the facilities at St George's Park . The state-of-the-art centre is used by the senior England football team . Stevens is preparing to race in the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday .


This is the emotional moment Walter Scott's family met with the man who filmed his death - and threw the case wide open. Feidin Santana, 23, visited the family's Charleston, South Carolina home on Thursday to meet with the man's heartbroken parents, son and other relatives - in a moving moment witnessed by NBC. Santana has been hailed a hero for keeping his cellphone camera trained on Officer Michael Slager as he fired eight shots at Scott, 50, in North Charleston on Saturday and later releasing the video. 'Oh, thank you God!' Judy Scott, the mother of Walter Scott said, as she embraced Santana tightly. 'Thank you Lord! Blessed God! Thank you, thank you God. Thank you, thank you!' Scroll down for video . Hero: Feidin Santana, 23, is seen entering the Scott family home in Charleston on Thursday to meet the slain man's family, days after he recorded their son being shot dead by a white police officer . Thankful: Scott's mother, Judy Scott, looks at Santana before they embraced at the emotional meeting . Emotional: Scott's father looks on, right, as his wife thanks the man who captured the video on Saturday . Mr Scott's father, Walter Scott, Sr., also hugged the man and said: 'Thank you for another son, God, thank you. You've got a family in Charleston right now... anytime.' 'You did a good thing, Brother,' Walter Scott's son, Walter Jr., 20, added as he embraced Santana. 'I don't know how this would've turned out without the video, I just want to thank you. I don't know how much I could thank you more.' Santana, a barber who is originally from the Dominican Republic, said he shared the footage because he wanted the family to know precisely how their son had died. 'Just amazing that they know the truth, you know,' he told NBC News as he met with the family. 'And they know that Mr Scott won't, like I say, this didn't just happen and stay that way. 'God put me there for a reason, I'm a very believer of God.' Scott's mother added: 'He was supposed to be there.' Scott was pulled over for a broken tail light on Saturday, but when officers approached his car, he fled - perhaps because he had previously been arrested for failing to pay child support. As he ran, Santana saw him and pulled out his cell phone camera to record the moment Officer Slager shot Scott, who was unarmed, multiple times as he ran away. Santana said he is glad the video could show the true story of what happened to the Scotts' son . Grateful: Mr Scott's son, 20-year-old Walter Jr., said he wasn't sure how he could thank Santana enough . New friends: Mr Scott's father, also called Walter, told Santana he now has family in Charleston . The officer, who is white, slowly approached the man's body, calmly checked for a pulse and failed to perform CPR. Santana got closer and continued recording the man's body on the ground. 'I know what I saw and I

Summary: Feidin Santana, 23, went to the Scott family's Charleston, South Carolina home on Thursday to meet with the slain man's mourning relatives . He was embraced by the man's parents and son, who told him that he should now consider them family . Santana has been hailed a hero for filming the moment Officer Michael Slager fired eight shots at Scott as he ran away on Saturday, killing him . After the video emerged, the officer was arrested and charged with murder .


Paula Radcliffe expects her emotions to spill over once more when she pulls down the curtain on her competitive running career in Subday's London Marathon. David Beckham memorably cried in the dying moments of his last appearance for Paris Saint-Germain, overwhelmed during the final moments of his professional football career. ‘I spent most of my career crying, didn’t I?’ said Radcliffe, laughing at the comparison, ‘I have done enough crying but I don’t know, I think the marathon does that to you anyway because you are so exhausted by the end of it, emotions are really close to the surface.’ World record holder Paula Radcliffe says she is likely to cry when she runs the final race of her career . Sunday's London Marathon will be Radcliffe's final competitive marathon of her career . Radcliffe joked that she has never been far from tears in her career, as she was at the 2004 Athens Olympics . Radcliffe has battled with an injury to her left foot, which made it difficult for her even to walk short distances two months ago, to make it to the start line. She will set off with the masses rather than the elite runners but the memory of her stunning 2hr 15min 25sec world record run in London in 2003 will not be far from her thoughts. Almost 12 years later no woman has come close to that mark, but Radcliffe insists her remarkable time was not a mixed blessing. ‘I would never call it double-edged,’ she said, ‘The longer it stands, and now as I get older and training gets harder, I appreciate it a lot more than I did. When I crossed the line I thought I could go and run faster.’ Thereafter Radcliffe’s career was plagued by injury and misfortune, particularly at the Olympics. She pulled out of the Athens 2004 marathon at 22 miles and sobbed at the side of the road. In Beijing four years later she wept as she struggled over the line in 23rd place. She was forced to pull out of London 2012. The former World Champion says she knows she got the best out of her career, despite several injuries . Radcliffe set the world record in 2003 when she won the London Marathon in a time of 2:15:25 . ‘Maybe my career was a little bit shorter because I ran so hard to do those times early on. But, still, I can look back and say I got the best out of myself that I was capable of doing.’ Radcliffe maintained she wanted to finish her career on her own terms and in London. ‘If you said to me you could run another marathon hard and be competitive but you’ll never be able to run again, I wouldn’t choose that. ‘I don’t want to do something that would jeopardise the health of my foot. I want to be able to run with my kids.’ The 35th London Marathon will double up as the IPC World Championships, and the women’s elite race sees Edna Kiplagat attempt to retain

Summary: Paula Radcliffe will retire from competitive running after London marathon . Radcliffe set the world record at the event in 2003 . And she says that she will be thinking of that moment during final race .


The curtain fell on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2015 on Thursday night in a spectacular finale show by Johanna Johnson. The glamorous Hollywood-inspired collection, 'Sirens' Call', featured mirrored embellishments, fringing, and feathers, while the hair and make-up appeared to be influenced by the Great Gatsby. Johnson's trademark gowns featured heavily in the collection, which was created in under one month, interrupted by separates of leather and cashmere. Scroll down for video . Grand finale: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia 2015 ended in Sydney on Thursday night with a spectacular show by Johanna Johnson . Hollywood glamour: The collection, Sirens' Call, featured intricate wedding gowns with with hand-beaded detailing . Spotlight: Johnson said ahead of the show that she intended to 'bring a little bit of Hollywood to Sydney' 'I wanted it to be a celebration in terms of bringing a little bit of Hollywood to Sydney,' Johnson said. 'It's also a call to all independent strong women, everyone who is trying to juggle careers, motherhood and even just modern life.' Stand-out pieces were a structured gown embellished with hand-beaded mirrors. The model dazzled disco-ball style as she strut down the runway. Disco ball: One of the highlights of the collection was a structured gown embellished with hand-beaded mirrored pieces . Shimmy: Models wore dresses and separates in gold and gunmetal with fringed beading . Other notable creations were a gold foil skirt, liquid metallic silver satin dress with a tulle skirt, and an incredibly intricate 1920s style wedding gown. The hand-beaded dress was so heavy that the slight model struggled to stay upright as she made her way down the runway, and was seen celebrating backstage when she made it back without falling. More sheer creations turned heads following an increasingly racy day at the shows - a black netted full-length dress turned heads. Flirty: A model swished her sheer red dress on the catwalk, giving a glimpse of her black G-string underwear . Sheer delight: Another see-through dress was conservatively cut, but entirely sheer . Leather and feathers: A gold maxi skirt was a stand-out in the collection (left), while ensembles were accessorised with feather neckwear . A model in a gold fringed top paired with a plum skirt shimmied her way down the catwalk to give photographers a glimpse of how the garment moved. 'The luxe collection celebrates the art of fine dressing with an elaborate approach to both luxury lifestyle and opulent evening wear,' Johnson stated. 'Adorned with embellished hand beading, refined leather accessories and delicate feathering, it is a call to all independent women. Siren call: A seemingly simple strapless gown revealed a flash of flesh with a thigh-high slit . Shimmer and sheer: Full-length (left and centre) and midi (right) dresses were presented in a variety of fabrics, colours, and opacities . 'Women who stand strong against diversity, women who support each other in their endeavours to juggle the demands of our modern world. Our everyday Hollywood sirens.' The in-demand designer is a favourite amongst celebrities, including Madonna, who has a number of designs by Johnson and wore

Summary: Final show for MBFWA took place at 7pm at the Carriageworks venue in Sydney . Johanna Johnson's show, called Sirens' Call, was inspired by Hollywood glamour . The designer said the collection was 'a call to all independent strong women' Stand-out pieces from the show included a hand-beaded mirror gown, intricate wedding gowns and gold fringing .


At 11:20pm, former world champion Ken Doherty potted a final black and extinguished, for now, the dream of Reanne Evans to become the first women player to play the hallowed baize of Sheffield's Crucible Theatre in the world snooker championship. In every other respect however, 29-year-old Evans, a single mum from Dudley, was a winner on Thursday night. She advanced the cause of women in sport no end and gave Doherty the fright of his life in an enthralling and attritional match that won't be bettered in this year's qualifying tournament. Snooker's governing body had been criticised in some quarters for allowing Evans a wild card to compete alongside 127 male players for the right to play in the sport's blue-chip event on April 18 - something no female had achieved. Reanne Evans shakes hands with Ken Doherty following his 10-8 victory at Ponds Forge . Evans plays a shot during her world championship qualifying match against Doherty . Doherty, who won the World Championship title back in 1997, took out the first frame 71-15 . Evans had Doherty in all sorts of trouble before the former champion closed out the game 10-8 . Those critics and the bookies who made Doherty a ridiculously short-priced 20/1 on favourite were made to look foolish as Evans had her illustrious opponent on the ropes before finally bowing out 10-8. A gracious Doherty admitted afterwards: 'She played out of her skin. It was good match play snooker and tough all the way through. There was a lot of pressure on this match, a different kind of pressure to what I've ever experienced. 'I don't usually feel sympathy for my opponents but I felt sorry at the end. She played better than me and lost. I don't know how I won that final frame. If it had gone to 9-9, I'd have been a million-to-one to win it.' Evans, cheered on by her eight-year-old daughter Lauren at the Ponds Forge sports centre in Sheffield, admitted she was exhausted after a match of unfamiliar intensity for her. A 10-time ladies' champion, Evans had led twice during the opening session before Doherty went 5-4 in front . The 10-time ladies world champion collected just £400 as prize money for winning the title in 2013, and this was a completely different environment against a player who beat Stephen Hendry to be crowned the best player in the world in 1997. 'It was a struggle. With the experience Ken had, I just had to dig in,' she said. 'Ken had little runs when he needed it but I could tell he was under pressure. Some of the balls were wobbling in from the first frame. I just couldn't take advantage in the end. 'I can play better than I did so there is no reason I can't return and beat Ken or even players above him. I have the women's game on my shoulders. I just hope I get some help and am allowed to play in more big tournaments to give me experience. 'Next week, I will playing the

Summary: Reanne Evans faced Ken Doherty in World Championship qualifier . Doherty won the world championship in 1997 . Evans lost the first frame 71-15 against Doherty . But the Dudley native fought back to lead 4-3 . Ken Doherty, however, managed to close out an enthralling contest 10-8 .


Jurgen Klopp has refused to address his future and whether he is bound for the Premier League. The charismatic manager has announced he will leave his post at Borussia Dortmund, alerting a host of clubs in England and across the continent. Manchester City are on the lookout for a new manager following their lacklustre campaign while Brendan Rodgers is also under pressure at Liverpool as he faces a third trophyless season. Jurgen Klopp has announced he will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season . But speaking ahead of his side’s Bundesliga clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, Klopp did not want to comment on whether he’ll be heading for England next term. ‘I'm not interested in what the Premier League thinks of me,’ said Klopp. ‘I'm just looking forward to the rest of our season.’ After a poor start to the campaign, Dortmund are ninth in the Bundesliga with five matches to play. Brendan Rodgers is pictured putting his Liverpool side through their paces at Melwood on Thursday . Liverpool, meanwhile, were knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa on Sunday but Rodgers is adamant there is nobody better equipped to manage the Anfield club than himself. ‘After the weekend there is always emotion,’ said Rodgers, who's side travel to West Brom on Saturday. 'When you lose a big game, this is when you find out you are at a big club because the critics come after you. ‘I will hold myself up against anyone to manage this club and to fit the model of what they want.’ Liverpool are set for a third trophyless season after they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa .

Summary: Jurgen Klopp will leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season . A number of clubs are interested in securing the German's signature . Liverpool and Man City have both been mooted as possible destinations . But Klopp is only concerned with remainder of Dortmund's campaign . Klopp met with Man City in 2013 but Manuel Pellegrini landed top job .


A young woman has revealed details about her lengthy battle with a rare condition that left her unable to eat anything for a year and a half – despite the fact that she still felt desperately hungry. Kyli Wilfson, a self-confessed ‘food person’, was 26 when she first started experiencing agonizing pain – which made her feel like she had been ‘kicked in the abdomen' – whenever she ate, a symptom which doctors initially brushed off as being due to a mild pancreatic problem which would ‘resolve itself’ in a matter of days. Kyli, now 29, was eventually diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, and the North Carolina resident found herself looking at a lifetime spent on a feeding tube, as the disease, which effects less than .01 per cent of people, would only get worse. Within months she had dropped to a startling 80lbs, she revealed to Cosmopolitan.com, and had to postpone her wedding as she spent more and more time in hospitals. Mystery illness: Kyli Wolfson, pictured, had trouble getting a correct diagnosis when she woke up in excruciating pain in October 2012; her illness left her unable to eat for a year and a half . At first, doctors faced difficulties even diagnosing Kyli; though she'd had digestive problems for years, her rare disease wasn't initially considered. Instead, doctors at her local ER insisted that she had acute pancreatitis, a condition that commonly effects heavy drinkers. However, Kyli's pain continued to return every time she tried to eat anything — even soup — leading her to visit two more hospitals in search of a new diagnosis and a cure. 'It never even changed,' she said, explaining that when she tried to eat, it felt like she was burning on the inside. 'It was still ten-out-of-ten pain.' Three months after her first visit to the emergency room, she was finally diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, a condition she had likely had since birth but was only found after doctors put a camera down her throat to her pancreas — a potentially life-threatening procedure that was only tried after all other options had been exhausted. Literally starving: Still maintaining an appetite but unable to eat without pain, Kyli was constantly hungry — leading her fiancé Dustin Wood to feel bad eating in front of her . Rapid weight loss: Kyli's weight, which is normally at around 110lbs, dropped to 80lbs when she was at her lightest . Sufferers of the illness, which is characterized by an inflammation of the pancreas, have to be fed through a feeding tube because the condition never improves, and eventually leads to permanent damage. Kyli spent a year and half abstaining from eating entirely, which was an incredibly trying ordeal for both her and her fiancé Dustin Wood. 'We're food people,' she said. 'We [love] to bake, order takeout. Now he felt bad eating in front of me.' Luckily, Kyli found a support group for people who have chronic pancreatitis on Facebook, some of whom said they found a way to eat: a risky surgical procedure to remove the

Summary: Kyli Wolfson, 29, felt severe pain whenever she ate thanks to the disorder, which developed in October 2012, when she was 26 . She dropped to just 80lbs and doctors told her she would likely need a feeding tube for the rest of her life . Diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, Kyli's only hope was to undergo a 14-hour surgery to remove her pancreas .


From the moment I set foot on my terrace overlooking the scenic Douro river to the divine meal I ate at its Michelin-starred restaurant, The Yeatman played a wonderful trick on me. The five-star hotel in Porto celebrates all things wine - Port wine, in particular - and has the feel of a place steeped in decades-old tradition, with a prime location, classic design and unblemished attention to detail. But, to my surprise, The Yeatman has been open for just five years - a fraction of the age of some of the pricier bottles in its wine cellar. In those five years it has been hitting all the right notes, developing a reputation as a haven for wine lovers and one of Portugal’s best luxury hotels. The Bacchus suite at The Yeatman boasts a high-vaulted wooden ceiling, copper Jacuzzi, fireplace and a rotating bed . Portugal's first wine hotel is built into a hill, providing sweeping views of Porto and the Douro river from the indoor pool and guest rooms . When guests arrive at The Yeatman they set foot in a stunning lobby with a statue of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine . For guests like myself, who know little about wine but will never allow it to go to waste, it presents an opportunity to learn and develop an appreciation for the picturesque Douro region’s nectar. Even though the hotel is dedicated to wine, it’s not just for enthusiasts. Regardless of their knowledge or palate, guests can take advantage of two other things that The Yeatman specialises in: relaxation and imaginative food. When I arrived on a Friday night I stepped into the immaculate lobby - accentuated with a statue of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine - to the sound of an acoustic guitar drifting from Dick’s Bar, the in-house bar where couples canoodle on couches and bartenders mix Port wine cocktails. With more than 80 wines by the glass it is the only bar in Porto to remain open 24 hours a day. Public spaces inside the five-star hotel, including the lobby and Dick's Bar, offer a breathtaking view of Portugal's second-largest city . The Yeatman is located in Vila Nova de Gaia; it is separated from Porto by the Douro river, which spills into the Atlantic Ocean . The Yeatman's large decanter-shaped infinity pool is heated and surrounded by a terrace with plenty of space to lounge in the sun . From the statue of Bacchus, guests’ attention usually moves to the large glass doors and windows that offer sweeping views of the river and the Luis I Bridge, which links Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Guests are afforded the same luxury when they enter their room and set foot on the private terrace, which has impressive views across the river of Portugal’s second-largest city. The Yeatman, Portugal’s first luxury wine hotel, is built into a hill in Vila Nova de Gaia, with all of its 82 rooms facing the river and almost every one themed after a Portuguese winery. Guest rooms at The Yeatman

Summary: The Yeatman has been open for just five years, but has the feel of a place steeped in decades-old tradition . There is a wine theme throughout the five-star hotel, with guests enjoying amazing views of the Douro river . The hotel is built into a hill in Vila Nova de Gaia, with almost every room themed after a Portuguese winery .


Ahmed Gaddaf al-Dam, a former minister and the late Muammar Gaddafi's cousin . The most senior member of the Gaddafi clan has laid the blame of the migrant shipwreck that killed about 950 people on the western countries which helped overthrow Colonel Gaddafi. Ahmed Gaddaf al-Dam, a former minister and Muammar Gaddafi's cousin, said the 'overwhelming chaos' in Libya 'has become a shame that will haunt the countries that had participated in the destruction of the Libyan armed forces in 2011'. But senior Conservative minister William Hague has defended the government's role in helping to overthrow the dictator, who was well-known for his barbaric treatment of the would-be migrants. About 800 people are believed to have died when a fishing boat carrying migrants overturned off Libyan waters, south of the Italian island of Lampedusa, shortly after midnight on Sunday. And Gaddafi's cousin, who was one of several high-profile regime figures who fled to Egypt during the 2011 revolution, believes the only solution for stability in the Mediterranean is to bring back those who surrounded the country's despotic former ruler in government. Mr Gaddaf al-Dam, whose supporters claim could be Libya's next president, said western countries have shed 'the tears of crocodiles over democracy and human rights'. 'The missiles of NATO have installed the gangsters instead of the regime,' he said. 'I express my astonishment. How have super power countries, members of the Security Council, been incapable of realising that they are committing such a crime and not foreseeing the consequences? 'What happened in Libya, Syria and Iraq may extend everywhere... and will burn all the fingers that have participated in it.' Scroll down for video . Former dictator: Western countries helped overthrow Muammar Gaddafi (pictured) and his cousin claims they are to blame for the Mediterranean Sea disaster . Family: Ahmed Gaddaf al-Dam, pictured here with his cousin Muammar Gaddafi's, blames the migrant shipwreck that killed about 950 people on the West . Local residents and rescue workers help a woman after a boat carrying migrants sank off the island of Rhodes, southeastern Greece . He described the situation in Libya since the fall of his cousin as a 'continuing tragedy'. Mr Gaddaf al-Dam claimed a third of the population had been displaced, men and women had been imprisoned and are subjected to torture, and towns are cities are bombed. But Mr Hague said it would be wrong to think that whatever has happened in Libya in the last few years is the cause of this'. He added on BBC Radio 5 live: 'Let me remind you of something as well, which is that when Colonel Gaddafi was still in power, there were periods when he simply allowed people to do exactly this, to get into boats and try to go to Europe – that was one of the ways in which he put pressure on Europe.' Colonel Gaddafi's 42-year-rule, which ended in 2011, was characterised by tyranny. He murdered political opponents and dissidents, and replaced law with his 'Green Book' of rambling political philosophy, taught in all Libyan schools. He saw

Summary: Ahmed Gaddaf al-Dam says the West is to blame for the 'chaos' in Libya . He's a senior member of Gaddafi clan and late Muammar Gaddafi's cousin . Mr Gaddaf al-Dam blames western countries for the migrant shipwreck . The UK government has defended its role in helping to overthrow dictator .


The yoga being taught in a San Diego County school system is not a gateway to Hinduism and doesn't violate the religious rights of students or their parents, a California appeals court ruled Friday. The 4th District Court of Appeal in San Diego upheld a lower court ruling that tossed out a family's lawsuit trying to block the Encinitas Union School District from teaching yoga as an alternative to traditional gym classes. The lawsuit brought by Stephen and Jennifer Sedlock and their two children claimed the school district's yoga classes promoted Hinduism and inhibited Christianity. Scroll down for video . Students hold their positions during a yoga class at Capri Elementary School in Encinitas, California, in 2012 . A California appeals court ruled yoga classes taught at Capri do not violate students' right to religious freedom . The court upheld the previous ruling in a 3-0 opinion. The district court wrote: 'While the practice of yoga may be religious in some contexts, yoga classes as taught in the district are, as the trial court determined, "devoid of any religious, mystical, or spiritual trappings." 'We conclude that the program is secular in purpose, does not have the primary effect of advancing or inhibiting religion and does not excessively entangle the school district in religion. 'The district's yoga program does not violate our state constitution.' The First Amendment bans school-sponsored religious promotion and prayer. Yoga instructor Kristen McCloskey (right) leads third graders at Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School in 2012 . The Sedlocks were disappointed with the ruling and are considering their options. Attorney Dean Broyles said: 'No other court in the past 50 years has allowed public school officials to lead children in formal religious rituals like the Hindu liturgy of praying to, bowing to, and worshipping the sun god.' A school distort lawyer said there were no rituals occurring in the classroom and no one was worshipping the sun or leading Hindu rites. The district said the practice is taught in a secular way to promote strength, flexibility and balance. Yoga is now taught at schools across the country, but the district is believed to be the first with full-time yoga teachers at all schools. A three-year grant from the K.P. Jois Foundation, a nonprofit group that promotes Ashtanga yoga, provides twice-weekly, 30-minute classes to the district's 5,600 students. About 30 families have opted out of the classes since they began in 2011.

Summary: Lawsuit tried to block Encinitas Union School District from teaching yoga . Family's lawsuit said yoga promoted Hinduism and inhibited Christianity . 4th District Court of Appeal in San Diego upheld court ruling against suit . District said yoga taught in secular way to promote flexibility and balance . Yoga taught to district's 5,600 students at twice-weekly, 30-minute classes .


Will Stevens is hoping for third time lucky this weekend in his bid to finally compete in a grand prix weekend with Manor. Stevens has yet to turn a wheel in anger for his new team in either qualifying or the race in the opening two Formula One events of the year in Australia and Malaysia. Manor have naturally had their teething problems since being rescued from administration, notably in Melbourne where Stevens and team-mate Roberto Merhi failed to make it out on track for a single lap due to the rebuild of their IT infrastructure. Manor driver Will Stevens is hoping to compete in the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend . At Sepang, after taking part in the two Friday practice sessions, Stevens frustratingly missed final practice and qualifying due to a fuel system issue. The 23-year-old, speaking ahead of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, said: 'Clearly Malaysia was a tough weekend for me. 'It started pretty well, I felt comfortable in the car straight away, and the pace we had in P1 and P2 would have got us easily inside 107 per cent for qualifying, so that was a positive. 'To then miss qualifying and the race was disappointing, but then we came into this year knowing the first few races would be difficult. 'I want to be out in quali and racing, and if I'm not then I'm going to be disappointed and frustrated because my job is to race. Stevens, pictured driving during a practice session in Malaysia, is yet to compete in qualifying this season . 'But I understand everything that has gone on. It's great the team are back (in F1) and I understand the effort that has gone into that. 'It's not as if I'm sitting here not understanding what everyone has had to go through. 'I'm part of the team and I need to understand everything that is going on. As I do, it makes problems easier to get through. 'So third time lucky and I hope this weekend will be good. 'Coming here we're in a much better position again and I'd like to think I'll be racing.' Stevens is confident the problem that struck in Malaysia will not reoccur at the Shanghai International Circuit. Stevens walks alongside his Manor team-mate Roberto Merhi at Sepang Circuit late last month . 'It's about working our way through everything we've got to get through,' said Stevens. 'Gremlins creep up and you have to figure out what they are and move on from there. 'That's what we've done and we're as sure as we can be this weekend we should be running smoothly. 'Roberto saw the flag in Malaysia, which was great for the team he did. It was good data and mileage. 'So this weekend we should be up and running and everything should be good.'

Summary: British driver Will Stevens did not compete in Australia or Malaysia . He hopes Manor's problems are now over and he will be able to race . The Chinese Grand Prix takes place in Shanghai on Sunday .


Sending post to space is problematic, so when a teenager from Houston, Texas, wanted to send a message to her astronaut father, she had to be creative. 13-year-old Stephanie decided that long-distance phone calls weren't enough and she wanted to given her father a visual note of how much she missed him while he was away. The next time the NASA employee was up in space, she decided to create a huge art project in the desert that he would be able to see from the International Space Station. The message 13-year-old Stephanie wrote to her father in Nevada’s Delamar Dry Lake . Her father is a keen photographer and likes to take pictures of the earth when he is floating in space. Stephanie thought she could use his hobby to send him a message from back on earth. She enlisted the help of car manufacturer Hyundai to make the earth drawing, that has now broken a world record for its size. The car company used eleven sedans to draw the message on the land in Nevada’s Delamar Dry Lake, that read ‘Steph [hearts] you!’ using coordinates and a helicopter. Stephanie drew the note on paper and worked with Hyundai to get it copied onto a large land surface . 11 cars wrote the message in the dusty land in Nevada’s Delamar Dry Lake using coordinates and a helicopter. Her father took a picture of the image from space to show his daughter that her plan had worked. Measuring 5,556,411.86 square metres or 59,808,480.26 square feet, the Guinness World Record has now declared it the largest tire track image ever. The scheme has been made into a video for Hyundai’s New Thinking Campaign. Stephanie's father taking pictures of the message from the International Space Station . The picture of the message on Stephanie's father's phone .

Summary: Stephanie from Houston, Texas, has a father who works as an astronaut . She wrote a message on land that could be seen from the space station . 11 cars created the 59 million sq ft message in Nevada’s Delamar Dry Lake .