A Manchester canal was turned into a giant bubble bath after fire crews tackling a nearby chemical plant blaze saw their water mix with a detergent creating a six foot wall of foam. The Ashton Canal was filled with heavy suds which appeared after a fire at an industrial unit occupied by a drug development company. It is believed that the water used by firefighters to dampen down the flames mixed with the detergent being stored in the burning buildings. Scroll down for video . The Ashton Canal in Manchester, which was turned into a giant bubble bath when fire crews tackled a blaze at a nearby chemical plant . It is believed that the water used by firefighters to dampen down the flames mixed with the detergent being stored in the burning buildings . Three-year-old Jason Kernick looks out of the window of his family's canal boat as they try to navigate their way through the foam . This then turned into a huge wall of foam when it drained into the canal, which runs in the shadow of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. Now the Environment Agency have launched an investigation to assess if the foam has impacted on wildlife after concerns were raised for the safety of fish in the affected waters. A spokesman for the agency said: 'The Environment Agency is investigating after receiving reports of foam on a 30 metre stretch of the Ashton Canal, Manchester. 'Initial investigations by Environment Agency officers show that there appears to have been minimal impact on water quality, but our officers will continue to monitor and respond as necessary. Richard Kernick takes a picture on his mobile phone of his boat trying to negotiate a lock and the foam, which ran into the Ashton Canal . A cyclist takes a picture on his mobile phone as the foam comes up on to the cycle path. The Environment Agency are investigating to assess of the foam has harmed any wildlife . The foam reached as high as six foot in some places and covered a 30 metre stretch along the water in the Clayton area of Manchester . 'We are working with the fire service and taking samples of the foam to understand what it is made of, and what impact it may have on local wildlife in and around the canal.' At the height of the blaze on Sunday afternoon, which caused the foam, up to 50 firefighters were tackling the fire and police were also forced to wear face masks. Families in east Manchester were urged to say indoors after a blast was reported at the industrial unit, which is just a few hundred yards from the Manchester City training ground on the Etihad campus. The fire at the chemical factory next to Manchester City's Etihad stadium send a huge plume of smoke across the city on Easter Sunday . Police wearing face masks went around neighbouring streets with loudspeakers urging people to stay inside while the fire raged . Police officers also told children on bikes and mothers pushing prams

Summary: The Ashton Canal became filled with heavy suds due to a 6ft wall of foam created by fire crews tackling a blaze . The fire at a nearby chemical plant saw water from fire service mix with detergents that were being stored there . The foam covered a 30 metre stretch of the canal near Manchester City's Etihad stadium in Clayton .


Wasps will appeal against the three-week ban issued to Nathan Hughes, but their protest will not enable the back row to play in Sunday's Champions Cup quarter-final against Toulon. The club have said in a statement they will appeal on the grounds the incident that left Northampton wing George North unconscious and resulted in a red card for Hughes was an accident and no foul play had occurred. With the hearing scheduled to be held next Friday, it means Hughes can not be reprieved in time to face the reigning European champions in Toulon this weekend. Wasps are set to appeal the three-match ban handed to No 8 Nathan Hughes for knocking out George North . North was out cold on the pitch at Franklin's Gardens and had to be taken off on a stretcher . Hughes' knee collided with North's head as he crossed the line to score a try for Northampton . Hughes was given the suspension - to include three meaningful fixtures - after being found guilty of striking North in the 52-30 Aviva Premiership defeat at Franklin's Gardens on March 27. Commenting on the judgement made on Tuesday night, disciplinary officer Sir James Dingemans said: 'This was a three week ban on the basis that no intention was found. 'However, there was recklessness meaning that, notwithstanding the harm, it was a low entry point of four weeks with mitigation of one week to reflect his previous clean playing record.' Wales winger North suffered a third confirmed concussion in just four months against Wasps last Friday .

Summary: Wasps No 8 Nathan Hughes was given a three-match ban for a late challenge on George North which left the Northampton winger concussed . The club will appeal the decision on the grounds that it was an accident . As the hearing is scheduled to be held next Friday, it means Hughes will not be available for Wasps to face Toulon in the European Champions Cup .


A game of cat and mouse has been captured in a series of striking images as the pair battle it out on a shed rooftop like a real life version of much-loved cartoon duo Tom and Jerry. It is an age-old rivalry that rarely ends well for one of its parties and so it proved in this remarkable set of photos. The snaps of a cat playing with a mouse on a roof in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, illustrate the perils the tiny rodents face in the town. Ironically the pet cat's name is Mouse. Unfortunately for this mouse that's where all similarities between the moggy and its namesakes end. The pictures were taken by the cat's owner Jason Bryant who confirmed the inevitable outcome of the encounter. 'My cat is a very good mouser,' he said. 'She's done it before. She often brings them into the house at 3am and then I can rescue them. But she took this poor little thing on to the shed roof where I couldn't reach it.' Ready to pounce: The mouse flies through the air as its feline nemesis looks to bring it back down to earth with a bang . Eeek: A mouse tries to escape the clutches of a pet cat named Mouse as the pair engage in the age-old game of cat and mouse . In flight: The mouse, unable to evade its moggy hunter, is thrown into the air on the roof of a shed in Shepton Mallet in Somerset . Somersaulting away: The snaps illustrate the perils that tiny rodents face in the town with cats like Mouse around . Cartoon characters: The pair battle it out on a rooftop like a real life version of much-loved cartoon duo Tom and Jerry . Let's play: The pictures were taken by the cat's owner Jason Bryant who confirmed the inevitable outcome of the encounter . Reaching out: The mouse is flung high in the sky as it finally admits defeat in the game of cat and mouse .

Summary: Age-old game of cat and mouse is brought to life in these quirky pictures taken in Shepton Mallet in Somerset . The pair are seen battling it out on the roof of a shed in a real life take on an episode of Tom and Jerry . Ironically, the cat's name is Mouse. The pictures show the dangers small rodents have to be aware of in the area .


Chelsea took a commanding 3-1 lead back to west London after a strong showing in Manchester to see off City's young side. Dominic Solanke scored late on to put a gloss on the scoreline after a Tammy Abraham double had seen Chelsea take a first half lead. Sportsmail was at the Academy Stadium to see how the youngsters got on... Tammy Abraham smashes Chelsea into the lead with a fierce drive into the top corner . Manchester City (4-2-3-1) Kjetil Haug: Norwegian international has been on the bench for long periods but got the nod and looked shaky under the high ball. That said, powerless to stop Abraham's volleys and Soalnke's killer. 6.5 . Pablo Maffeo: Barcelona-born former Espanyol youngster is not the tallest and at times struggled with Chelsea's diagonals early on but grew into the game and could have levelled. 6.5 . Tosin Adarabioyo: Manchester lad and England youth international, City's captain was a commanding presence at the heart of defence. Has the movement of Yaya Toure but put a big shift in. 7 . Christian Haug goes up for the ball under pressure from Chelsea forwards during the Youth Cup final . Cameron Humphreys-Grant: Has captained England and, like Adarabioyo had his hands full against a vibrant Chelsea attack but stood up to the test well. 6.5 . Jose Angelino Tasende: Spanish left-back is not the tallest and was not able to drive forward as much as he would have liked against strong opposition. 6 . Kean Bryan: Box-to-box midfielder from Beswick, yards away from the Etihad Stadium, pulled up injured after 36 minutes but battled back bravely but missed a glorious chance to tie things up. 6.5 . Manchester City midfielder Kean Bryan tracks the run of Dominic Solanke as City looked to stem the tide . Aaron Nemane: Moved to Manchester from France as a toddler, the wide man who scored twice in the first leg of the Semi Final did outwitted Dasilva with a delightful tap and go but could not find the final, killer ball. Blasted wide when should have levelled. 6.5 . Bersant Celina: Kosovan international Celina struggled to fill in for injured star Thierry Ambrose, seeing one shot from the edge of the area easily held by Collins. 6 . Manu Garcia: Joined City from Sporting Gijon and the mini David Silva showed some neat touches on the rare occasions he found space. Was largely ineffective and should have done better when teed up by Barker late on. Yanked on 85 minuted. 6 . Manuel Garcia gets a shot away, but it was blocked by Jake Clarke-Salter . Isaac Buckley-Ricketts: Pacy Mancunian centre forward produced measured finish to bring City level but was marshalled well for the majority of the evening. 7 . Brandon Barker: City's star man, the two-footed local lad is tipped for big things at the Etihad but was perhaps guilty of trying to do too much at times here. Did create a fine chance for Garcia with a trademark surge and almost levelled late on. 7.5 . City's players

Summary: Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham nets first-half double for Chelsea . Dominic Solanke adds a third late on as Chelsea look set to win trophy . Manchester City struggle without injured star Thierry Ambrose . READ: Mourinho warns his young Chelsea players he cannot play them all . CLICK HERE to read our match report from Man City's Academy Stadium .


Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been given the green light to make Gareth Bale his top summer transfer target, after a supporter handed him a list of potential targets at a club fan day. The Dutchman greeted a group of supporters with life-limiting illnesses at the biannual Manchester Foundation Dream Day held at the Aon Training Complex on Monday. And Moshin Tanveer - who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - used the special occasion to provide the former Holland boss with a star-studded cast of Europe's top property he should sign in order to bring the Barclays Premier League title back to Old Trafford. Scroll down for video . Moshin Tanveer gleefully awaits Louis van Gaal's reaction to the players he thinks he should sign . Van Gaal reads the carefully written document containing the names of who he 'should' bring to Old Trafford . Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund) £36m . Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) £120m . Paul Pogba (Juventus) £75m . Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton) £15m . Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven) £30m . Jackson Martinez (Porto) £25m . 'I did some homework for you,' the fan tells van Gaal, passing him the dossier seen in a video posted on the Manchester United YouTube channel. The United boss then reads out the names of Mats Hummels, Nathaniel Clyne, Paul Pogba, Gareth Bale, Memphis Depay and Jackson Martinez, before thanking the supporter for his advice. 'I take it in mind,' van Gaal says, before folding the sheet of paper and putting it in his pocket. 'You are smart, and a very cheap manager.' Tanveer told the Dutchman not to follow up the loan signing of Radamel Falcao with a permanent deal, and also suggested that striker Robin van Persie should be sold. The supporter's mentor said he had spent a week writing up his shortlist ahead of the foundation day, and after being warmly received by the manager, the beaming recipient of a signed home shirt said, 'It was really nice of him to do that. It was like a dream come true.' Dutchman reads out the names of Mats Hummels, Gareth Bale and Paul Pogba among others . Van Gaal jokes that £35 million to prise Hummels away from Borussia Dortmund may be a little optimistic . The United fan carefully typed out the star names he wants to see playing at Old Trafford next season . The supporter also posed with David de Gea as part of a day organised by the club's foundation . United are currently third in the Barclays Premier League with 65 points from 33 games - 11 points behind leaders Chelsea ahead of this weekend's trip to face Everton at Goodison Park. But were van Gaal to land all the names mentioned in the supporter's wishlist this summer, he would be expected to bring the Premier League title back to Old Trafford for the first time since 2013. 'Hummels...£36 million...Clyne of Southampton...£15 million...Pogba...£75 million...Bale...£120 million...and Jackson Martinez of Porto...£25 million. He didn't tell me who I have to sell but after a little bit of

Summary: Man Utd fan gives Louis van Gaal transfer memo with six possible targets . Dutchman urged to sign Gareth Bale and Paul Pogba in summer spree . Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne 'would cost £15 million' Mats Hummels, Jackson Martinez and Memphis Depay also make the list . Total expenditure would hit £300m if all signings were pulled off . READ: Manchester United must keep David de Gea, insists Phil Neville .


The birth of Alanna and Stephan Goetzinger's third daughter was meant to go like the previous two - an intimate family moment that took place in a wading pool their bedroom at home, lit by candles. Instead, the night turned to tragedy when the little girl Rana died either during birth or within minutes afterwards. A coroner found that the care given by the midwife who assisted at the birth in 2012 was 'grossly inadequate' and may have contributed to the death of the baby. But in a move many people would find extraordinary, the couple refuses to blame the midwife, and are in fact is defending her actions. Alanna and Stephen Goetzinger (pictured with their daughters Kayla, right, and Alice, left) lost their daughter during a stillbirth in 2012 and have spoken out against the coroner's report which blames their midwife . Coroner James McDougall said that the midwife failed to adequately prepare for the Rana's birth, allowed the delivery to take place in 'unsafe conditions', and that her failure to provide proper medical assistance may have caused the death of the Goeztinger's baby. Coroner McDougall found that Rana had died either 'during or shortly after birth' from meconium aspiration, a condition where a foetus inhales their faeces before birth, preventing them from breathing. The report also found that the midwife, who handed in her resignation following the inquest, changed her statement about the events of the evening, including the time of the baby's birth and whether the baby had exhibited signs of life. Three years on, the couple, who live on a farm in Kanungra in south-east Queensland, have spoken about the night Rana was born, and what they claim was a tragic and unavoidable event. Alanna, 39, and Stephan, 57, are adamant that Rana was stillborn, and that it was very clear from the moment she was born that she had died before birth. 'We could see a problem as soon as she was born. It wasn't like I was holding her for a while and then we all of a sudden noticed. When she was lifted out of the water and put into my arms she was limp, there was no life in her little body,' Mrs Goetzinger, 39, told Daily Mail Australia. Alanna Goetzinger with her daughters Alice and Kayla while she was pregnant with Rana . Mrs Goetzinger said that her daughter Rana was stillborn, and that the coroner's report which claims she died 'during or shortly after birth' was fabricated . The report found that the midwife changed whether there were any signs of life, and also changed the time of Rana's birth from 11.40pm to 11.45pm to cover a seven minute delay in calling for emergency care at 11.47pm. 'On initial questioning, midwife M stated that she "was very surprised as things were going well and the baby had a heart rate at birth",' the report said. 'She then stated that "there was no heart rate and no signs of life after birth".' The report also concludes that the midwife allowed Mrs Goetzinger to

Summary: Alanna and Stephen Goetzinger lost their daughter Rana when she was stillborn during a waterbirth at their home in 2012 . Rana was found to have died of meconium aspiration, a condition where a foetus inhales their faeces before birth, preventing them from breathing . A coroner's report found that their midwife failed to recognise signs of the meconium, changed the time of birth, and whether there was signs of life . She handed in her resignation at the end of 2014 after the report said her actions during the birth were 'grossly inadequate' The Goetzinger's have spoken out against the findings and claim that the midwife did nothing wrong and that the death could not have been stopped . The want an apology from the coroner's office who conducted an autopsy without their permission and the reinstatement of their midwife's licence .


This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'bouncing baby'. Angelina Santini from San Diego, California, filmed her nine-month-old son Marcus getting carried away in his bouncer one day. The comical clip shows the youngster lurching back and forth with the device almost touching the floor. 'Hi, are you having fun?' his mother asks at one point, to which Marcus replies with a loud squeal. He then stops to look at the camera before starting his bouncing stunt again. After a few gentle rocks, he's soon going at full speed with his arms waving in the air. Adding to the performance, he trills his lips at the same time. At the one-minute-30-second mark, Marcus shows no sign of slowing down. Four years on, videos show that the youngster has swapped his passion for bouncing with playing the guitar. With so much energy though, it's likely he'll be strumming some some rock n' roll beats instead of classical sounds. Caught on camera: Angelina Santini from San Diego, California, filmed her nine-month-old son Marcus getting carried away in his bouncer one day . Ready, set, go! The comical clip shows the youngster lurching back and forth with the device almost touching the floor . Musical abilities: Adding to the performance, he trills his lips at the same time . Ready for more: At the one-minute-30-second mark, Marcus shows no sign of slowing down .

Summary: Angelina Santini from San Diego, California, filmed her son Marcus getting carried away in his bouncer one day . The comical clip shows the youngster lurching back and forth with the device almost touching the floor .


Lauren Crawley was given a new platinum implant . Facial palsy, or weakness of the facial muscles, can stop the patient's eyelids closing properly. Lauren Crawley, 54, a housewife from Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, was given a new platinum implant that makes it easier to blink again, as she tells THEA JOURDAN. THE PATIENT . A few years ago I started losing my sense of balance and developed tinnitus - my GP referred me for scans which showed I had a large but benign brain tumour behind my left ear. Surgery was the only option. Thankfully the operation, in July 2012, was a success. But my facial nerve, which was wrapped around the tumour, was damaged. I'd been warned that facial palsy could be a side-effect, but it was still a shock seeing my face in the mirror - the left side was droopy. Apparently, it's the same thing that can happen after a stroke. I felt very self-conscious, but the problems weren't just aesthetic. I'd lost the hearing in my left ear as well as my sense of taste, and my mouth became dry. Eating and speaking were difficult - and, worst of all, my left eye was permanently open and I couldn't even blink with it. To close it, I had to push the upper lid down with my hand. The eye itself was dry and painful. To sleep, I had to seal it closed with tape. I'd been told that about half those with the condition do improve, so I was hopeful. I tried lots of things to improve the muscle tone, including facial massages, taught by a physiotherapist. I also had electric impulse therapy to shock the muscles back to life. But nothing worked. It was very stressful - I stopped socialising as much, in case people stared. After a year, it was clear the nerve would never work again so I was referred to Raman Malhotra, a plastic surgeon at the facial palsy clinic at the Queen Victoria Hospital. He explained he could put a special platinum chain into my eyelid which would weigh it down and help it close by itself - I'd be able to open the eye easily because the muscle controlling this wasn't affected. Apparently, surgeons used to use gold, but platinum is better because it doesn't irritate the eye's inside lining. It is also more dense than gold, so you need only a thin chain, which meant people would barely see the implant through my eyelid. I had the operation under sedation and local anaesthetic in February last year. Surgery for a benign brain tumour behind her left ear damaged a facial nerve wrapped around it . My eye was wide open as they injected anaesthetic into my eyelid and the skin around my eye, then made lots of tiny stitches into my eyelid to hold the chain in place. It was strange watching it all but didn't hurt. I went home that day, and the difference was immediately obvious. The eye gently shut, and stayed shut, of its own accord. I could

Summary: Lauren Crawley had surgery for a benign brain tumour behind her left ear . While the op was a success, it damaged a facial nerve . The left side of her face consequently appeared droopy . But a new platinum implant has 'made her look more normal'


Chelsea were forced to substitute Oscar during the derby against Arsenal after their creative midfielder suffered 'possible concussion' in the first half. The Brazilian collided with an onrushing David Ospina in the 16th minute at the Emirates Stadium and was sent to hospital at half time for checks. It looked as if the Arsenal goalkeeper had given away a penalty, but referee Michael Oliver waved away Chelsea's protestation following the painful clash. Oscar was clattered into by Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina during Sunday's London derby . Sky Sports revealed that Jose Mourinho said the Brazilian was taken off due to 'possible concussion' Oscar was knocked back by the goalkeeper but Michael Oliver didn't award Chelsea a penalty . Didier Drogba replaced Oscar at the break, with Sky Sports revealing that Jose Mourinho had told them the decision was taken because of concussion concerns over the latter. It means Oscar played on for half an hour before being properly assessed, potentially bringing the concussion debate into the public domain again. 'He went to the hospital at halftime,' Mourinho said. 'We are waiting. We don't know yet (if it's concussion).' Television pundits Jamie Carragher, Graeme Souness and Thierry Henry were all in agreement that it should have been a penalty. Carragher said: 'It was a definitely penalty. It could even be a red card.’ Henry said: 'The adrenalin will sometimes bring you back to the field. Maybe he thought he could not go back on after sitting in the dressing room for 15 minutes.’ Oscar appeared in a bad way immediately after being poleaxed by the Gunners' goalkeeper . He attempted to get up but his arms fell back down to the turf in direct response to the hit . The collision was in the 16th minute but Oscar still manage to play on until half-time .

Summary: Chelsea weren't awarded a penalty for David Ospina's clash with Oscar . Arsenal goalkeeper clattered Oscar inside the box . Brazilian was taken off at half-time, with Didier Drogba replacing him .


A girl whose mother reached out on social media to find a movie goer offended by her daughters behavior has apologized to her victim on national television. Lexy Wood, the 13-year-old daughter of Kyesha Smith Wood, told Rebecca Boyd that she is 'embarrassed' by the way she acted when she disrupted a screening of Cinderella in Bessemer, Alabama. She and her step-sister were said to have been 'rude and obnoxious' throughout the film. She and her brother Nick, 16, were approached after the screening by Mrs Boyd, who said that her husband had just been laid off and the teenagers had ruined the last time she would be taking her daughter to the movies for a while. Mrs Wood, 36, was mortified when she heard about the encounter from her son and said 'It was a hard pill to swallow, but I knew they weren’t raised that way' Scroll down for video . Lexy Wood, 13 (back left), has apologized to Rebecca Boyd (right) after her mother posted a message on Facebook. Above, Nick, 16 (back center) and Ashley (front center) join them on television . Boyd said that the apology and aftermath of the encounter 'reminded me that there are still good people in the world' The mother, who was watching Cinderella with her daughter Ashley, confronted the 13-year-old outside of the movie theater and told her that her husband had just been laid off (reenactment) The story gained national attention after Mrs Wood turned to social media to try and find the woman and apologize to her for her daughter's behavior and pay for her next trip out of her children's allowance. Mrs Wood and Mrs Boyd ended up meeting at the end of March and now share a bond, they say. 'It was old fashioned parenting that we were both using. You approach kids that are acting up and you [ask them to] apologize,' viewers will hear Mrs Wood say when they tune in to Inside Edition. Lexy now says that she 'didn’t realize how loud we were really being' and apologized in person to Mrs Boyd. The offended mother says that the aftermath of the counter and apology has 'reminded me that there are still good people in the world'. Mrs Wood's post was shared by thousands of people, prompting Mrs Boyd to write her a message. Since that message was uploaded, her husband has received job offers and others have offered to fund the next visit. Both families have had dinner together and Mrs Boyd has also received money for movie tickets and snacks from the Woods. Kyesha Smith Wood (pictured with her husband Damond) called out her 'disprectful' children on Facebook after she found out they were rude to a mother . She wrote this lengthy Facebook post in a bid to track the mother down, and it was subsequently shared thousands of times . The post was shared by thousands of people, prompting the mother in question, Mrs Boyd, to write her a message. Since news of them finding each other spread, her husband has

Summary: Lexy Wood, 13, apologized after ruining Cinderella for Rebecca Boyd . Offended moviegoer, whose husband was recently laid off, approached teen after movie and said that she should be more considerate . They were 'loud, rude and obnoxious' throughout the movie . Mother Kyesha Wood found out about behavior and searched for Boyd . She eventually found the mother after social media post went viral . Mothers now share a bond and families have had dinner together .


The omens are looking good. After taking the big race on the opening day of the Grand National festival, AP McCoy repeated the trick on Don Cossack to the delight of a huge Ladies’ day crowd. McCoy, who will ride hot favourite Shutthefrontdoor in the Crabbie’s Grand National on Saturday, struck on day one in the Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle with Jezki. If the trend continues, McCoy will be celebrating another victory in the biggest race of all. And if he wanted a further sign that the cards are falling in his favour, the last time he won the Melling Chase – on Alberta’s Run in 2010 – he followed up the next day in the Grand National on Don’t Push It. AP McCoy celebrates after winning the Melling Chase race at Aintree on Friday . McCoy rode Don Cossack to victory as he prepares for his final Grand National on Saturday . There may have been some fortune attached to Jezki’s victory as favourite Arctic Fire fell at the last flight when poised to challenge. Here, though, there was no luck involved. Don Cossack was mighty impressive in running away with The Grade One Betfred Melling Chase, prompting his trainer Gordon Elliot to talk of a challenge for the Cheltenham Gold Cup next year. This was one of the more straightforward successes in McCoy’s career, as once he took up the running three fences from home the result was never in doubt. Don Cossack ridden by McCoy (second left) leads the field on the way to victory at Aintree . McCoy jumps the final fence on Don Cossack as he rides to victory in the Melling Steeple Chase . In the end, there was a yawning 26-lengths back to second placed Cue Card, with John’s Spirit back in third. Elliott, who won the Grand National in 2007 with Silver Birch, said: ‘The horse is the apple of my eye. I was delighted to see him sent on when he was, as we know that he stays. It is nice having a winner for AP, as well. He is a genius. He has ridden a good few winners for me over the years.’ This has been a memorable meeting for Elliott, who saddled a first day double with Clarcam and Tagliatelle. He saddles Cause of Causes in the big one and hopes are high of a bold show. ‘When I won the National last time, I didn’t really appreciate it, ’said Elliott. ‘We are looking forward to tomorrow (Saturday).’

Summary: AP McCoy wins second feature race at Grand National festival . Rides Don Cossack to victory in Melling Chase on Friday . Set to ride favourite Shutthefrontdoor at Aintree on Saturday .


Facebook has come under fire after removing a video that shows Aboriginal women in a traditional ceremony because they were topless. The social media site deemed the clip, which shows two elderly women painted in ochre in a trailer for upcoming ABC TV show 8MMM Aboriginal Radio, as containing 'potentially offensive nudity'. The video had already had 30,000 hits when it was removed after three days on Sunday. When the makers of the Alice Springs-based six part comedy TV series for ABC1 posted that Facebook had taken the clip off their page, fans commented that it was 'outrageous' and 'ridiculous'. Scroll down for video . The trailer for ABC TV show 8MMM Aboriginal Radio, which includes two aboriginal women painted in ochre, was deemed offensive by Facebook . Miranda Skerman wrote: 'There's not enough room in the entirety of Facebook for me to adequately explain how I feel about this. So I'm just going to think about all the ridiculous half naked, tacky lingerie-clad girls posting selfies that Facebook is apparently okay with and laugh.' Mary-Ann Marshall called it a: 'Typical misapplication of standards.' The show's co-creator Rachel Clements told the Sydney Morning Herald: 'I've moved from anger to disappointment to just bewilderment, really,' Clements said. 'I just think it's silly and disrespectful to the women who were dancing for us. 'Out of all the reasons we could have been pulled, nudity is not high on the list. It's ridiculous.' On 12 April, Clements reposted the video on the 8MMM Aboriginal Radio Facebook page. On 12 April, the show's creators reposted the video on the 8MMM Aboriginal Radio Facebook page and encouraged people to share it . The show's co-creator Rachel Clements called Facebook's decision to remove the trailer 'silly and disrespectful to the women who were dancing for us' 'The 8MMM trailer's back up! Check it out and share if you can, while you still can!,' she wrote. Aboriginal actress Patricia Morton-Thomas, who co-created the comedy show about a radio station in constant plight 'where black and white mingle', told 105.7 ABC Darwin: 'I just don't understand how mothers breastfeeding or dancing ceremonially [can be] offensive.' The 2.36 minute long clip also shows a white man accidentally shooting an aboriginal man with a dart while hunting and the white Australians who have come to work at the radio station in Alice Springs are labelled 'Missionaries, Mercenaries and Misfits'. 'Alice Springs-based Aboriginal radio station 8MMM has been infiltrated by… Well-meaning whitefellas who will save your soul, steal your assets and usurp your culture, all in the name of helping you out,' the blurb for the comedy show reads. Aboriginal actress Patricia Morton-Thomas, who co-created the comedy show about a radio station in constant plight, was also confused about how women 'dancing ceremonially can be offensive' Characters in the ABC TV show Jetro (Tommy) and Gideon (Hamilton) are seen during filming . 'Saving Aboriginal people from themselves is hard work, but 'Closing the Gap' has never been funnier,' it adds. The show will first air on 9:30pm on April 29, 2015. In March,

Summary: Facebook deemed the ABC1 trailer to contain 'potentially offensive nudity' The video had 30,000 hits when it was removed after three days on Sunday . Two elderly Aboriginal women painted in ochre are seen in the advert . The makers of the new comedy TV series, 8MMM Aboriginal Radio, based around an Alice Springs radio station called the move 'bewildering'


The blue-eyed doctor who fled to join the Islamic State is still allowed to practice medicine in Australia despite appearing in a propaganda video encouraging foreign medics to join a terrorist cult. Former Adelaide doctor Tareq Kamleh featured in the latest ISIS propaganda video at the weekend wearing western-style surgical scrubs and handling babies in a maternity ward as he urged people to join the death cult notorious for beheading non-Muslims. Despite his public support for ISIS, Dr Kamleh still remains registered to practice medicine in Australia until September 30 because the Medical Board has refused to deregister him, the Advertiser reports. Former Adelaide doctor Tareq Kamleh, who fled to join the Islamic State, is still allowed to practice medicine in Australia despite appearing in a propaganda video encouraging foreign medics to join the terrorist cult . The Medical Board of Australia can deregister doctors convicted of crimes and can take action against those whose conduct goes against being a 'fit and proper person'. But no action has yet been taken against Dr Kamleh. 'The role of the Medical Board of Australia is to protect the public and manage risk to patients,' the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency said. 'The Board and AHPRA are not able to comment on this matter now, as doing so could compromise any future regulatory action.' Calling himself 'Abu Yusuf', Kamleh featured in the latest ISIS propaganda video at the weekend wearing western-style surgical scrubs and handling babies in a maternity ward . Dr Kamleh, who completed his medical dress at Adelaide University, worked as a paediatric registrar at the Adelaide Women's and Children's Hospital until 2013. He then moved to north Queensland where he worked at Mackay Base Hospital, before working in Perth until late 2014. Dr Kamleh appeared in the ISIS recruitment video at the weekend calling for foreign medics to join him in the city of Raqqa to help launch the Islamic State Health Service. The video quickly went viral and caused his former medical colleagues in Australia to speak out. It has emerged Dr Kamleh has claimed he had unprotected sex with a Royal Adelaide Hospital patient who was a former sex worker and intravenous drug user after he checked her medical records, according to The Australian. Despite his public support for ISIS, Dr Kamleh still remains registered to practice medicine in Australia until September 30 because the Medical Board refused to deregister him . Dr Kamleh appeared in the ISIS recruitment video at the weekend calling for foreign medics to join him in the city of Raqqa to help launch the Islamic State Health Service . He also claimed to have slept with a patient at the Mannum District Hospital in South Australia. A former colleague who worked with Dr Kamleh during his stint at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 2010 said he was a sexually manipulative 'creep', a 'fraud' and a 'sleazeball'. They also said he had a number of sexual relationships with nurses, doctors and other hospital staff, drank to excess and had a strong interest in shooting. 'I feel

Summary: Australian doctor who joined ISIS is still registered to practice medicine . Adelaide doctor Tareq Kamleh hasn't been deregistered despite publicly supporting terrorist cult . He appeared in ISIS recruitment video calling for support of foreign medics . Medical Board can deregister doctors convicted of crimes or misconduct . It comes after colleagues revealed Dr Kamleh was 'a womaniser who slept with a sex worker after checking her medical records'


Britons spend an astonishing £100 million a year on cough syrup – when a glass of honey and lemon could work just as well, according to a new BBC television investigation. It claims that branded painkillers that say they specifically treat certain types of pain are just using ‘clever marketing’ to make patients spend up to ten times more than they would on unbranded products, and that some manufacturers simply use the same pills in different packaging throughout their ranges. Scroll down for video . 'Clever marketing': Dr Chris Van Tulleken with a range of packets that, he says, may contain exactly the same pills . The UK over-the-counter medicines market, which also includes painkillers and anti-fungal creams, is worth £2.5 billion, with brands vying for attention with brightly coloured packaging and promises that are questionable under scrutiny, claims Dr Chris Van Tulleken. In The Truth About Medicine, to be broadcast on Thursday, Dr Van Tulleken, an infectious diseases specialist, warns we should think less about convenience and more about the effectiveness of medicines. There are three main types of over-the-counter cough remedies, those that contain suppressants to alleviate symptoms of a dry, tickly cough, syrups that reduce the urge to cough by coating the throat, and products that help to thin sticky mucus, making coughing easier. Some also contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, both of which reduce a temperature, decongestants and antihistamines that can help sleep. Yet an authoritative study from Cardiff University’s Common Cold Centre claimed cough medicines work mostly through a placebo effect, and that just 15 per cent of the effect can be attributed to the medicines in them. PREVENT: Sores on the inside of the mouth or cheeks can be caused by damage to the lining of the mouth from hot foods, biting your cheek or even rubbing dentures. They can also be a sign of an iron or Vitamin B12 deficiency, so a balanced diet can help prevent them. Spicy foods and chocolate can be triggers, so keep a food diary if you have recurrent outbreaks to pinpoint problem foods. It’s also worth checking your toothpaste – formulas that contain a foaming agent called sodium lauryl sulphate can cause mouth ulcers by reducing the protective mucus layer in the mouth. You might consider switching brands. TREAT: Over-the-counter antiseptic gels can bring relief from the stinging and help form a protective layer around the mouth ulcer to speed up healing. You could also try a medicated mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, which is anti-inflammatory and helps reduce bacteria. If you have had mouth ulcers for more than three weeks, go to your GP or dentist, who may prescribe steroids in the form of a tablet, mouth spray or gel. DON’T BOTHER: Some people believe upping their Vitamin C intake will cure their mouth ulcers, as the vitamin is known to help the wound-healing process, but too much can actually irritate the mouth. Stick to the daily recommended allowance of 40mg per day (30mg for children aged one to ten) through a healthy diet. A study of 60 over-the-counter medicines found

Summary: 'Clever marketing' makes patients spend up to ten times more, say experts . An investigation found Britons spend £100million on cough syrup a year . But some doctors say there is no need to spend so much on remedies . The Truth About Medicine, 9pm BBC1, April 9 .


A retired Marine has pleaded not guilty to murdering his clothing-designer girlfriend, whose skeletal remains were discovered in a jungle in Panama two years after she disappeared. Brian Karl Brimager, 37, entered his plea on Friday after he was indicted by a federal grand jury in San Diego, in connection with the death of Yvonne Lee Baldelli. He has been in custody since June 2013 on charges including obstruction of justice and falsifying records related to the investigation. The 42-year-old woman from Laguna Niguel, California, was last seen in September 2011 when she arrived in Panama with Brimager. Her family reported her missing the following January. Brian Karl Brimager, 37, was indicted by a federal grand jury in San Diego, in connection with the death of Yvonne Lee Baldelli . The 42-year-old woman from Laguna Niguel, California, was last seen in September 2011 when she arrived in Panama with Brimager. Her family reported her missing the following January . The indictment alleges that Brimager murdered Baldelli, dismembered her body and disposed of her body parts in a remote jungle area. Brimager then engaged in an elaborate scheme to cover up the crime, including destroying evidence and sending a series of emails purportedly from Baldelli in order to make it appear to her friends and family that she was still alive, according to court papers. The indictment also alleges that Brimager attempted to conceal his crime by disposing of a bloody mattress involved in Badelli's murder in the ocean. Brimager conducted two Internet searches on Baldelli's computer, one for 'washing mattress' and a second for 'washing mattress blood stain,' according to documents. A man who was cutting bushes on the island province of Bocas del Toro found a bag containing Baldelli's remains in August 2013. Baldelli's family has the clothing designer was frequently out of touch so they did not immediately suspect anything was wrong. Panama police say Brimager left Panama for Costa Rica and the United States about 10 days after last being seen with Baldelli. In 2012 FBI agents and Panamanian forensic specialists found traces of blood on the walls and floor of the hostel El Sapo in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, which is the popular tourist spot where Baldelli was last seen. Brimager (right) has been in custody since June 2013 on charges including obstruction of justice and falsifying records related to the investigation . The indictment alleges that Brimager murdered Baldelli (pictured), dismembered her body and disposed of her body parts in a remote jungle area . Panama police say Brimager left Panama for Costa Rica and the United States about 10 days after last being seen with Baldelli . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Summary: Brian Karl Brimager, 37, was indicted by a grand jury in San Diego . Is accused of murdering clothing designer Yvonne Lee Baldelli in 2011 . Allegedly dismembered her body and disposed of it in a military backpack . Then engaged in an elaborate scheme to cover up the crime . Sent emails from her account to make people think she was still alive . He has been in custody since June 2013 on charges including obstruction of justice and falsifying records related to the investigation .


They may look like inventions straight out of a sci-fi film, but this collection of designs were very much real and developed in a top-secret British war lab more than 70 years ago. Ministry of Defence 1, also known as ‘Churchill’s Toyshop’, was a weapons laboratory set up in 1939 by Winston Churchill - a firm believer in the importance of science and technology in warfare. He encouraged his scientists to trial even the most absurd of inventions - many of which never made it beyond the drawing board - but some were so successful that they played a vital role in ending World War Two. Scroll down for video . Winston Churcill is pictured gives his 'victory' sign as, wearing his famed Curchillian hat, he made a polling day tour of his constituency during the election in 1945. Churchill was the Conservative candidate for Woodford, Essex, but lost in the elections . 1. THE PANJANDRUM: A GIANT WHEEL COVERED IN ROCKETS . The Atlantic Wall was a series of robust fortifications built after 1942 by the Nazis to defend against an anticipated Allied invasion. Churchill was born in Blenheim Palace into the blue-blooded dynasty of the Dukes of Marlborough. He was an enthusiastic soldier, fighting in several wars before entering politics. Churchill was made prime minister of Britain in May 1940. He survived several strokes in later life, and on his death, he had one of the largest state funerals in history. It posed a significant obstacle for Allies, and so a potential solution to create a breach large enough to allow a vehicle through was dreamed up by one of Churchill’s military think-tanks. The panjandrum was an unlikely-looking weapon, made up of two large wooden cartwheels with a ton of explosives sandwiched between them inside the axle. Cordite rockets were to propel it at predicted speeds of up to 60 miles (97km) per hour, which even without the deadly force of the explosives it carried, was pretty terrifying considering it weighed around 4,000lbs (1,800kg). After extensive trials, the prototype had a disastrous final test in which it veered dangerously off course and disintegrated in the sea. It was promptly canned. The panjandrum, pictured, was an unlikely-looking weapon, made up of two large wooden cartwheels with a ton of explosives sandwiched between them inside the axle . 2. THE TIME PENCIL: A HIDDEN DETONATOR WITH SIGHTS ON THE FUHRER . Otherwise known as ‘pencil detonators’ or officially as ‘Switch, Number 10, Delay’, these were pencil-shaped timed fuses with a vial of corrosive copper chloride at one end. They were inserted into explosives and used as a 'time delay' to set off a bomb. They could be set to delay for between 10 minutes and 24 hours. To activate it, the vial was crushed so the copper chloride would begin to dissolve a metal wire. Once the wire snapped, it released a spring that propelled a striker down the hollow tube to the percussion cap, to detonate the explosives it had been inserted into. These were used extensively during covert operations by

Summary: 'Churchill's Toyshop' operated out of London at first in World War Two . Eventually it moved to a mansion in the countryside to avoid air raids . The top-secret weapons lab developed some groundbreaking weapons . These included the human limpet mine and a rocket-powered wheel .


Judd Trump was in confident mood after safely moving through to the second round of the Betfred World Championship in Sheffield. Trump led 7-2 overnight and many thought he would make light work of Stuart Carrington but he was made to battle before eventually securing a 10-6 victory. The 25-year-old closed with a century and will now face Marco Fu in the next round. Judd Trump beat Stuart Carrington 10-6 on Thursday in the first round of the World Championship . 'I'm just going to focus on my own game,' he told BBC Two. 'If I play how I know I can, I'll win it.' A re-rack was required in the 10th frame but that did not distract Carrington who produced a break of 97 to reduce the gap to four. Trump took the next with a streak of 74 but a 74 of his own from Carrington followed by a run of 70 in the next meant it was 8-5 at the interval. Carrington got amongst the balls after the interval but was halted at 24 and Trump swept in with a 76 to move within one frame of victory. Grimsby potter Carrington showed his mettle, though, with a 99 in the next before a closing 109 from Trump put an end to his campaign. And the 2011 finalist was quick to praise his opponent, who was making his Crucible debut. Trump (pictured) led 7-2 from Wednesday and got the job done despite a good display by Carrington . 'He played really well considering it's his first time here,' he said. 'Second session he hardly missed a ball. He probably won't take as much credit as he would if it was a top player making those breaks. 'He played as good as anyone I've seen first time here.' Trump is one of the crowd favourites wherever he plays and admits there is a weight of expectation on him this year. 'There's obviously a lot of anticipation this year,' he added. 'My results have shown that I'm playing some good stuff, I felt like I played well over the past two days. 'There's obviously a few things I need to work on but other than that I feel very confident. 'It was nice for Stuart to play as he did, it just shows there is always stuff to work on and you won't get many sessions where someone plays that well.' After being five frames behind, Carrington closed the gap to three before Trump earned the victory . At the press conference following his win, Trump was asked about the footwear problems encountered by long-time rival Ronnie O'Sullivan, whose 10-3 victory over Craig Steadman required a change of shoes. Having started Tuesday's match in a new pair of shoes, O'Sullivan discarded them due to the acute discomfort they were causing him; he briefly played in socks before accepting tournament director Mike Ganley's shoes which 'felt great' to him. Of the incident, Trump said: 'I didn't really see it but I heard about it. Obviously, he likes attention. I don't know if he's

Summary: Judd Trump beat Stuart Carrington 10-6 in the first round at the Cucible . Trump led 7-2 overnight but made hard work in finishing Carrington off . The 25-year-old will face Marco Fu in second round of World Championship .


Their parents came to the U.S. for opportunities and now these four teens have them in abundance. The high-achieving high schoolers have each been accepted to all eight Ivy League schools: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University and Yale University. And as well as the Ivy League colleges, each of them has also been accepted to other top schools. While they all grew up in different cities, the students are the offspring of immigrant parents who moved to America - from Bulgaria, Somalia or Nigeria. And all four - Munira Khalif from Minnesota, Stefan Stoykov from Indiana, Victor Agbafe from North Carolina, and Harold Ekeh from New York - say they have their parents' hard work to thank. Now they hope to use the opportunities for good - whether its effecting positive social change, improving education across the world or becoming a neurosurgeon. The teens have one more thing in common: they don't know which school they're going to pick yet. The daughter of Somali immigrants who has already received a U.N. award and wants to improve education across the world . Star pupil: Munira Khalif, from St. Paul, Minnesota, says she has always been driven by the thought that her parents, who left Somalia during the civil war, fled to the U.S. so she would have better opportunities . Munira Khalif, who attends Mounds Park Academy in St. Paul, Minnesota, was shocked when she was accepted by eight Ivy Schools and three others - but her teachers were not. 'She is composed and she is just articulate all the time,' Randy Comfort, an upper school director at the private school, told KMSP. 'She's pretty remarkable.' The 18-year-old student, who was born and raised in Minnesota after her parents fled Somalia during the civil war, she said she was inspired to work hard because of the opportunities her family and the U.S. had given her. 'The thing is, when you come here as an immigrant, you're hoping to have opportunities not only for yourself, but for your kids,' she told the channel. 'And that's always been at the back of my mind.' As well as achieving top grades, Khalif has immersed herself in other activities both in and out of school - particularly those aimed at doing good. She was one of nine youngsters in the world to receive the UN Special Envoy for Global Education's Youth Courage Award for her education activism, which she started when she was just 13. Incredible: Munira, pictured speaking at Malala Day at the UN, hopes to study political science at college . High achiever: She was one of nine youngsters in the world to receive the UN Special Envoy for Global Education's Youth Courage Award for her education activism, which she started when she was just 13 . She launched a non-profit group, Lighting the Way, to make education more accessible for East African youth, especially girls, through scholarships, libraries and improving sanitation issues. And she was also appointed as A World at School Global Youth

Summary: Munira Khalif from Minnesota, Stefan Stoykov from Indiana, Victor Agbafe from North Carolina, and Harold Ekeh from New York got multiple offers . All have immigrant parents - from Somalia, Bulgaria or Nigeria - and say they have their parents' hard work to thank for their successes . They hope to use the opportunities for good, from improving education across the world to becoming neurosurgeons .


The world's youngest DJ who is just two years old has a dedicated following of thousands of fans thanks to his ability to work the decks. Oratilwe Hlongwane, whose DJ name is AJ, is still learning to put together words but the toddler is already able to select and play music from a laptop and has become a phenomenon in South Africa. His capabilities have even earned him special appearances and sponsorship deals with fans desperate to hear his bass-heavy house music. Two-year-old Oratilwe Hlongwane, from Johannesburg, South Africa, whose DJ name is AJ, is still learning to put together words but is already able to play music from a laptop, making him a worldwide phenomenon . The youngster, who still wears nappies and does not yet go to school, plays bass-heavy house music on DJ decks after teaching himself how to select and play music with an disc jockey app on his father's iPad . His capabilities have earned him special appearances and sponsorship deals with fans desperate to hear him . His recent performance at a shopping mall in his home of Johannesburg gathered a large crowd as he bopped his head to the beat, with large headphones slung around his neck. His mother, Refiloe Marumo, credits his astounding success on the decks to his father Glen Hlongwane's decision to buy an iPad for his then unborn son. Mr Hlongwane, a gymnastics coach and aspiring DJ, had planned to download educational apps to speed up his child's education but also downloaded a disc jockeying app for himself. When he was just one-year-old, little Oratilwe learned how to use the gadget and started fiddling about with his father's DJ app. His parents were blown away when their son, who still wears nappies, repeated what he had learned on the app on actual DJ equipment, playing with sound effects and bouncing between songs. A mobile phone recording of him playing music was shared online and the youngster now has nearly 25,000 Facebook fans. The youngster's recent performance at a shopping mall in his home of Johannesburg, South Africa, gathered a large crowd from fans as he bopped his head to the beat, with large headphones slung around his neck . His parents have insisted that they will not force their son to be a DJ when he grows up but said he may want to . The youngster, who still wears nappies and cannot yet talk fully, already has nearly 25,000 Facebook fans . However, as well as a legion of fans, his newfound fame has also brought criticism, with some people accusing his parents of abuse and profiting from their child's precocious ability. Mr Hlongwane said he would not 'exploit his kid' and said the youngster wasn't allowed to play in clubs or at parties due to his age. His parents also insisted that they will not force their son to be a DJ when he grows up, but say they believe his affinity for electronic equipment will probably decide his future. Mr Hlongwane added: 'I can see a future Bill

Summary: Two-year-old Oratilwe Hlongwane can wow fans by playing music on DJ kit . Performing under DJ name of 'AJ', toddler plays house music from a laptop . He still wears nappies and can't yet talk but has a legion of fans for DJ-ing . Parents believe his ability stemmed from DJ app he taught himself to use .


Andy Lee is confident he has improved even further since winning his world title last year. The Irishman makes the first defence of his WBO middleweight belt against Peter Quillin in New York on Saturday. And he is confident he is ready for anything the former champion has in his locker. Andy Lee works out with trainer Adam Booth at the Barclays Centre ahead of his fight against Peter Quillin . Lee is making the first defence of the WBO middleweight title he won against Matt Korobov last year . 'We've made unbelievable progress in the last year on my skills and everything has really just clicked for me and my team and now we're seeing the results in the ring,' Lee said. 'I'm very proud to be an Irishman from Limerick defending his world championship in New York, it doesn't get much better than that. 'There's been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders since winning the world title. It's what I always wanted to do and I've been touted as a champion for years and if I never got it I would have been disappointed. Now the monkey is off my back and I can just box and show people who I am. 'We've made physical and tactical improvements in the gym since the last fight and hopefully they'll show up in the ring on Saturday. 'I think this could be a technical fight or it could be a bit of a fire fight. It's going to be a little of both at times. There will be moments where we're looking at each other, figuring each other out, but once we exchange it could be explosive. 'Quillin is sure of himself, but he has to be, I have the same mentality. You have to be to compete in this sport. 'Fighting at home like Quillin is on Saturday, brings a different kind of pressure to the table, it's the pressure of expectations and people you know coming to the fights. That's also pressure and I know all about that. Quillin is a former champion but is yet to taste defeat as a professional and poses a tough challenge for Lee . Quillin says he has faced struggles his whole life and that this fight will just be the latest in a long line . 'I haven't needed to build up my confidence for this fight. It's not time to think. It's time to do what I've been doing every day in the gym.' Quillin, meanwhile, believes the fight will just be another struggle he has to overcome. 'I never trailed in a fight and came back and won like Lee. I've just won all the time right out of the gate. Those other guys aren't 'Kid Chocolate' so I think that's why this fight was made,' he said. 'It's a big fight for him and a big fight for me. He's a smart fighter when he's in trouble so I have to watch out for that. Most importantly I just need to be true to myself. 'A lot of people

Summary: Andy Lee defends the world title he won against Matt Korobov last year . The Irishman has had a renaissance working under Adam Booth . But Lee faces a tough challenge in unbeaten former champion Peter Quillin . Lee insists he is ready for whatever 'Kid Chocolate' can throw at him .


Ben Grower (above), a Labour councillor, refused to deal with a constituent because they supported Ukip, it has been claimed . A Labour councillor refused to deal with a local resident because they supported Ukip, it has been claimed. Pensioner Alan Roberts wrote to Bournemouth Borough Council complaining about a lack of action over fly-tipping. He signed off his email with: 'That's why I'll be voting Ukip'. Ben Grower, leader of the authority's Labour group, responded: 'As you now appear to be a supporter of a racist party please do not send me any further emails as they will be put in my junk mail folder and automatically deleted.' Mr Roberts said he was shocked by the 'petty' reply. The 65-year-old said: 'I am certainly not a racist and I do not think Ukip is racist. 'My comments about regaining our country is in relation to the fact that we are getting more and more laws from the EU.' A formal complaint has been lodged against Mr Grower and the council is investigating. However Mr Grower stood by his comments, saying: 'Ukip is a racist party.' He added that he has nothing to apologise for. 'I don't believe that everyone that votes for UKIP is racist just like I don't believe everyone who votes for Labour is socialist.,' he said. A spokesman from UKIP said: 'This is a serious breach of his [Mr Grower's] responsibility to treat all people from Bournemouth in the same courteous and respectful manner, regardless of their race, colour or political persuasion.' Six years ago Mr Grower was subject to another council investigation after it was found he had used an alias to praise his own work on a local newspaper website. He used the pseudonym 'Omegaman' to publicly big up the part he played in the community. Pensioner Alan Roberts wrote to Bournemouth Borough Council complaining about a lack of action over fly-tipping (stock image above). He signed off his email with: 'That's why I'll be voting Ukip'

Summary: Alan Roberts wrote to Bournemouth Borough Council about fly-tipping . 65-year-old signed off his email with: 'That's why I'll be voting Ukip' Councillor Ben Grower responded and said he would delete further emails .


Audi has created a so-called 'green' diesel fuel made using a combination of water and carbon dioxide. The car manufacturer described its breakthrough as the 'fuel of the future' and claims it could provide a carbon neutral way of powering vehicles. Experts used renewable energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into a form of crude oil known as 'blue crude', which was then refined into diesel. Scroll down for video . Audi claims to have created the fuel of the future - diesel (shown above) made from water and carbon dioxide. Experts used renewable energy to convert the carbon dioxide and water into a form of crude oil known as 'blue crude', which was then refined into diesel . Tests have shown it can be mixed with diesel from fossil fuels, or used as a fuel in its own right. Audi has already begun using the new e-diesel to power the official car of German minister of education and research Dr Johanna Wanka. Reiner Mangold, head of sustainable product development at Audi, said: 'In developing Audi e-diesel we are promoting another fuel based on carbon dioxide that will allow long‑distance mobility with virtually no impact on the climate. Audi's fuel was developed with Sunfire, a Dresden-based energy technology company. To make the fuel, water is first heated to form steam which is then broken down into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen using high-temperature electrolysis. By performing this process at temperatures above 800°C (1,472°F), the water breaks down with greater efficiency than at room temperature. The hydrogen is then pumped into a reactor with carbon dioxide at high pressure and high temperatures. This causes them to react to produce long-chained liquid hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are the basic building block of all fossil fuels, but the compounds produced in the reactor are known as 'blue crude'. Audi claims the whole process can be powered using renewable energy and can be achieved with an efficiency of around 70%. The blue crude can then be refined in a similar way to standard crude oil to produce e-diesel. 'Using carbon dioxide as a raw material represents an opportunity not just for the automotive industry in Germany, but also to transfer the principle to other sectors and countries.' The new fuel was developed by Audi along with Sunfire, a Dresden-based energy technology company. To make the fuel, water is first heated to form steam, which is then broken down into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen using high-temperature electrolysis. By performing this process at temperatures above 800°C (1,472°F), the water breaks down with greater efficiency than at room temperature. The hydrogen is then pumped into a reactor with carbon dioxide at high pressure and high temperatures. This causes them to react to produce long-chained liquid hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are the basic building block of all fossil fuels but the compounds produced in the reactor are known as 'blue crude'. Audi claims the whole process can be powered using renewable energy and can be achieved with an efficiency of around 70 per cent. The blue crude can then be refined in

Summary: German car manufacturer used renewable energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into 'blue crude' oil which was then refined into diesel . The carbon dioxide can be removed from the air or from power plants . Audi claims its e-diesel is carbon neutral without adding to climate change . Tests suggest it allows cars to run quieter and produce fewer pollutants .


A tortoise has been reunited with his owner after spending nearly a year on the run and even finding a new home - at the age of 109. Owner Wendy Stokes, 74, had given up hope of ever seeing Toby again after he escaped from her garden 11 months ago. But he has now returned home and after piecing together his escapades over the last year, it's become apparent he's had quite an adventure. Reunited: Wendy Stokes, 74, is delighted to have 109-year-old Toby back after his escape 11 months ago . He wandered through a gate in her garden and headed for the open road where he was picked up by a passing driver concerned for his safety and taken to a nearby animal rescue centre. Six months ago, he was re-homed with a couple living in Margate, Kent, 22 miles away from Wendy's farm in West Hougham. But the couple, who could just about make out the word 'Stokes' written in white paint on his shell, felt they needed to find out who Tony belonged to. With nothing else to go on, they decided to call every Stokes in Kent listed in the phonebook. Eventually came across a delighted Wendy, who immediately arranged to collect him. She's had Toby since the 1980s when he was given to her by her late great aunt. He was returned home last Sunday, a full 11 months after his amazing, if a little slow, adventure. Wendy has had Toby since the 1980s and wrote her surname, Stokes, on his back in white paint . Retired farm worker Wendy said: 'I had painted my name and number on the side of his shell but it had faded when he went missing so they couldn't read it. 'The people who found him could read Stokes but they couldn't make out the number. 'He had got out because I had left my gate open. It is normally closed because we have sheep in the paddock but they were in a different field. 'Toby just walked out and trotted towards the road where somebody picked him up and took him to a rescue centre. 'Everyone knows I have a tortoise and we always take him to the village fete so he is a bit of a local celebrity. 'I was devastated when he went missing and spent weeks looking for him in all the fields around the farm.' She added: 'I went all goosey when they told me they had Toby because I had really given up on him. 'It is brilliant having him back and I think everybody was keeping their eye out for him all this time.'

Summary: Toby escaped out the back gate from his Wendy Stokes' garden in Kent . He was picked up by a driver on a nearby road and taken to a rescue centre . Six months later he was re-homed with a couple in Margate - 22 miles away . Toby had 'Stokes' written on his shell so the couple tried calling every Stokes in Kent before reuniting him with Wendy 11 months after escape .


Scientists in Italy have extracted the oldest ever DNA sample to be taken from a Neanderthal. Calcium formations on ‘Altamura Man’ - a skeleton found in a cave in 1993 - suggest he was 128,000 to 187,000 years old. Now researchers plan to sequence his DNA to see if they can reveal new details about the evolution of our ancient ancestors. Scroll down for video . Calcium formations on ‘Altamura Man’, a skeleton found in a cave in 1993, suggest he was 128,000 to 187,000 years old. Now researchers plan to sequence his DNA to see if they can reveal new details about the evolution of our ancient ancestors. Researchers have, up until now, held off from excavating the remains as they believed it would cause irreparable to the skeleton. An earlier study of the head and part of a shoulder of suggested the skeleton belong to a Neanderthal. The current project has been ongoing for six years with researchers taking a tiny part of shoulder bone and analysing it in the lab. It is believed that Altamura Man was left in such a peculiar spot after falling in a well and getting stuck. Altamura is a city of Apulia, in southern Italy. It is believed that Altamura Man was left in such a peculiar spot after falling in a well and getting stuck . Researchers have, up until now, held off from excavating the remains as they believed it would cause irreparable to the skeleton. An earlier study of the head and part of a shoulder of suggested the skeleton belong to a Neanderthal. Pictured is ‘Altamura Man's’ skull from different angles . Scientists assume he starved to death, or died from lack of water - but not much else is known about his life. Analysis revealed that the calcite on skull was formed 172,000 to 130,000 years ago, during a period when ice sheets were expanding significantly from out of Antarctica and Greenland. The team say samples of DNA have also been retrieved from the sample, and because of the age, represent the oldest such samples ever recovered from Neanderthal remains. It has been around 30,000 years since the ancestors of modern-day humans are thought to have wiped out the ancient Neanderthals. But the extinct species could be taking revenge on us from beyond the grave by making us more vulnerable to potentially killer diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Neanderthals and modern humans are thought to have co-existed for thousands of years and interbred, meaning Europeans now have roughly two per cent Neanderthal DNA. These 'legacy' genes have been linked to an increased risk from cancer and diabetes by new studies looking at our evolutionary history. However, some genes we inherited could have also improved our immunity to other diseases. Scientists have found that part of our HLA system, which helps white blood cells to identify and destroy foreign material in the body, could have come from Neanderthals. Other researchers have suggested that humans outside Africa are more vulnerable to Type 2 Diabetes because they interbred with Neanderthals. Researchers

Summary: Altamura Man was discovered in a cave in 1993 in southern Italy . Skeleton's calcium formations suggest it is 128,000 to 187,000 years old . Scientists have successful extracted DNA and are trying to sequence it . They say DNA might reveal new details about the evolution of hominids .


Bayern Munich have an interest in Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic but are unlikely to make a move until January. The 31-year-old Serbia captain has yet to open talks over a new contract at Chelsea and his current deal runs out in 2016. Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic could be targeted by Bayern Munich in the January transfer window . Bayern like Ivanovic but don't expect Chelsea to sell yet they know he will be free to talk to foreign clubs from January. Paris Saint-Germain will make a £7million offer for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech this summer. The 32-year-old is poised to leave Stamford Bridge and wants to play for a Champions League contender. PSG are set to make a £7million bid for Ivanovic's Chelsea team-mate Petr Cech in the summer .

Summary: Branislav Ivanovic's contract at Chelsea expires at the end of next season . 31-year-old has yet to open talks over a new deal at Stamford Bridge . Petr Cech is poised to leave Chelsea at the end of the season .


Part of a fiberglass boat spotted floating off the coast of Oregon is thought to be more debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami. The 25-ft long wreckage was discovered floating west of Ona Beach in Lincoln County at about 9.30am on Thursday. Biologists with the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center inspected the boat remains and and found 'several live specimens of a variety of yellowtail jack fish found in the coastal waters of Japan.' Tsunami debris: A chunk of a fiberglass boat 25-30' long has been spotted floating off the Oregon shore . Rescued: These live yellowtail jack fish, native to Japan, were found inside the floating debris and are now being housed in the Oregon Coast Aquarium . The several live yellowtail jack fish found on board will be delivered to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Five million tons of wreckage - the remains of homes, boats, and other remnants of shattered lives in eastern Japan - were swallowed by the ocean when the tsunami struck four years ago. About 70 per cent of it sank, leaving about 1.5 million tons floating with scientists saying they expect more debris to hit Alaska and the West Coast of North America for years to come. An estimated 5 million tons of debris washed into the ocean in March of 2011 during the tsunami. Around 70 percent of it is believed to have immediately sunk near the Japanese coast. Some more mobile items may have reached the Pacific Northwest before 2011 even came to a close. The first documented piece of debris to arrive in California, a barnacle covered fishing boat, came ashore in April 2013. The particles are dispersed sparsely from Alaska to the Philippines. In 2013, a floating island of debris the size of Texas crossed the vast Pacific Ocean to the western shores of the Americas. The Oregan authorities plan to tow the boat segment to the Port of Newport for temporary storage. 'The debris appears to be half to two-thirds of a larger vessel, possibly damaged and set adrift during the earthquake and tsunami that struck the east coast of Japan in 2011,' said Chris Havel of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. He said biologists inspected the object and consulted with the state Fish and Wildlife Department, deciding that the attached organisms pose little threat to the Oregon coast ecosystem. The remains of the boat will eventually be removed from the water, studied, dismantled and taken to a landfill. Wreckage: The fiberglass remains of the boat found floating off the coast of Oregon yesterday . Wreckage: A floating island of debris the size of Texas floated toward California coast in 2013 after washing into the Pacific in Japan's horrific 2011 tsunami . Ghost ship: The 164ft Japanese fishing vessel Ryou-Un Maru entered US waters March 31, 2012, on its ghostly journey after being washed away by the massive wave. The ship eventually sank in the Gulf of Alaska .

Summary: Japanese species of fish found inside the remains of floating vessel . Latest of one million tons of debris dispersed in the Pacific by tsunami . Oregon authorities plan to tow the 25-ft piece of fiberglass . 18,000 died in the disaster with waves reaching 128-ft above sea level .


An undercover police officer who was captured on video ranting at an Uber driver is assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force, it has emerged. The New York Police Department's Internal Affairs Bureau is investigating the incident after the footage was posted online involving Detective Patrick Cherry. One of the passengers in the car captured the exchange after the incident in West Village. Scroll down for video . Detective Patrick Cherry, pictured in the blue shirt, launched his tirade after the Uber driver hooted at him . The driver, named only as Humayun, pictured, tried to repeatedly apologise to Detective Cherry . The officer has been named by the New York Daily News as Detective Patrick Cherry of the NYPD's joint terrorism task force. Detective Cherry was trying to park his Hyundai without indicating when the Uber driver known only as Humayun honked his horn. The angered detective pulled over the Uber cab and launched a tirade, questioning the diver's command of the English language as well as his car control skills. Detective Cherry is now under investigation by the Civilian Complaint Review Board following a complaint of 'discourtesy'. President of the Detectives Endowment Association said Detective Cherry had been visiting his colleague Detective Harry Hill who had recently had a heart attack while undergoing surgery and was very stressed. He said: 'The past five days have been emotionally draining for the members of the JTTF dealing with their fellow detective's health . 'Despite what some people think, cops have feelings, too.' During the three-minute video, Detective Cherry shouts: 'I don't know where you're coming from, where you think you're appropriate in doing that; that's not the way it works. How long have you been in this country?' The two passengers in the backseat of the car can be heard assuring the driver that he has done nothing wrong, with one of them saying; 'It's not your fault; this guy's just a d***.' Moments later the cop returns with a ticket, this after he has pounded on the car and, according to one of the passengers, thrown things in the vehicle. As the driver agrees with everything the cop says, he manages to cut off the man, which sends him into another tirade as he screams; 'I don't know what f****** planet you're on right now!' The officer also mocks the driver's accent throughout and his pronunciation of certain words. Passengers in the cab claimed that Detective Cherry failed to indicate before attempting to park his Hyundai . According to the New York Daily News, the NYPD has seen the video and said in a statement; 'We are aware of the incident and video and it is under review with the department’s Internal Affairs Bureau.' 'Our Uber driver, Humayun, was abused by a police officer today in New York,' Sanjay Seth, who took the video, wrote on his Facebook page on Monday. 'The unending rage, door slamming, throwing items into the car, threatening arrest without cause was bad enough - but the officer's remarks at the end really took it to another

Summary: The NYPD detective has been accused of shouting abuse at an Uber driver . Patrick Cherry of the Joint Terrorism Task Force is now under investigation . Detective Cherry was on his way back from visiting a colleague in hospital . The Uber driver 'honked' Det Cherry as he reversed into a parking space .


Many of us dream about escaping our everyday lives for something more exotic. Ten years ago, bartender Liz Clark did just that when she swapped cleaning glasses for sailing around the world. The 34-year-old left her home in San Diego, California, when she was given a Cal 40 sailboat on the condition that she sail the globe and document her travels. Scroll down for video . Ten years ago, bartender Liz Clark did just that when she swapped cleaning glasses for sailing around the world . The 34-year-old promised to document her travels on a Cal 40 sailboat after being handed inspiration from a retired professor . And for the last decade Liz has been enjoying an idyllic life as she sails alone in a sailboat, travelling about 25,000 nautical miles to date. 'After I graduated from university, I happened to cross paths with a retired professor, Dr. Arent H. Schuyler, who was looking for someone to sail his boat around the world,' says Liz. 'He was 80 years old at the time and just wanted to help someone else realize his dream.' Liz, who studied Environmental Studies at the University of California in Santa Barbara, jumped at the chance. She says: 'At university I learned about all the damage we were doing to the Earth and the unsustainable lifestyles we were leading. 'I looked around me and it seemed like no one was doing anything about it, and I decided that I really didn't want to be a part of it anymore. 'I knew this trip would be everything I loved in one-a simple, eco-friendly lifestyle close to nature, searching for remote uncrowded waves, learning from other cultures, challenging myself physically and mentally, and going on an open-ended adventure.' Liz, who studied Environmental Studies at the University of California in Santa Barbara, jumped at the chance to discover the world . As well as perfect her sailing skills, the ten-year trip has helped Liz perfect her surf-boarding talents . Sailing around the world offers Liz the perfect chance for scenic stop-offs to practise yoga . After graduating from university, Liz worked as a bartender for three years, before quitting her job when the opportunity to sail around the world arose. She spent three years preparing for her voyage and learning how to operate the sailboat. Liz says: 'It was petrifying to leave the safety and security of the dock and my friends and family. 'I didn't know if I would be capable of captaining a boat this big and managing all that goes into a trip where you're off the grid and away from any help - but I knew I had to try or I'd always regret it. 'When I left I didn't know how I'd make money, and I don't come from a wealthy family or anything, like many people assume. 'I was writing blogs the first year and from this I developed a close relationship with Patagonia, an outdoors clothing company - who have been my main financial supporter since the beginning.' It's often hard work for Liz,

Summary: Liz Clark, 34, was working as a bartender in her hometown of San Diego, California . But a professor suggested she use his boat to live out her dream and sail around the world . Ten years later, Liz is determined to continue her adventure, although she admits it can be lonely . She sails alone in a Cal 40 sailboat, and has travelled about 25,000 nautical miles to date .


A noose was discovered hanging from a tree at Duke University outside a building that houses several offices focused on diversity on the campus. The disgusting symbol of racial hatred is now under investigation by Duke University and the police who are attempting to work out who hung the rope on the tree. Police said the thin yellow rope was tied into a noose at about 2 a.m. Wednesday on the Bryan Center plaza in Durham, North Carolina. Disgusting: Officials said the rope was tied into a noose at about 2 a.m. in the Bryan Center plaza in Durham North Carolina . The area in which the noose was found is home to several offices focused on diversity including the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity and the Center for Multicultural Affairs. Larry Moneta, Duke's vice president for student affairs said in an email to students that anyone found responsible for 'committing this act of intimidation' would be held accountable. She wrote: 'To whomever committed this hateful and stupid act, I just want to say that if your intent was to create fear, it will have the opposite effect.' 'Today, fear will be among the reactions students, and especially, students of color, will have. Be assured that the Duke community will provide all the support necessary to help us all get through this. 'In time, each of these cowardly acts of bias and hatred will strengthen our resolve to love and support each other.' Duke University students took to social media sites to discuss the issue, with many believing it was racially motivated. On twitter, @DPickett12 wrote: 'They're still hanging nooses from trees..... Look how far we've come.' And @Indyz_A_WOW responded: 'Talk about it! They think they can erase this history. Duke has always been racist.' @DPickett12 added: 'Duke hasn't been just diagnosed with racism...it has been suffering from this disease for years. It's chronic.' The noose was removed from the tree at around 2:45 a.m. Wednesday according to a report in The Duke Chronicle. On twitter, @DPickett12 wrote: 'They're still hanging nooses from trees..... Look how far we've come.' @Indyz_A_WOW responded: 'Talk about it! They think they can erase this history. Duke has always been racist.' @DPickett12 wrote: Duke hasn't been just diagnosed with racism...it has been suffering from this disease for years. It's chronic. @cierane tweeted: 'The fact that black students at Duke pay $60,000 a year and constantly feel unsafe on campus is ridiculous.' Race issues: The shocking incident comes just two weeks after students allegedly chanted a racist song at a black female student . Several students were seen talking to two police officers shortly after reports about it surfaced online. Members of Duke's Black Student Alliance met on the west campus before 1 p.m. for a march to the Bryan Center. They chanted: 'We are not afraid we stand together,' according to a tweet by Amanda Lamb from WRAL. Students chanted: 'We are not afraid we stand together,' according to a tweet by Amanda Lamb from WRAL . However, the incident comes just two weeks after students

Summary: Duke officials are attempting to work out who hung the noose on the tree . Officials said the rope was tied into a noose at about 2 a.m. Wednesday . The shocking incident comes just two weeks after another race attack . Officials said anyone found responsible will be held accountable .


Jenny Wallenda, 87, the matriarch of the famous family of high-flying circus performers, died late Saturday at her home in Sarasota, Florida, according to family members. Wallenda's nephew, Rick Wallenda, said his aunt died following a lengthy illness. 'She had a great life in entertainment, a very rewarding and rich life,' he said. Wallenda was the oldest daughter of high wire walker Karl Wallenda and grandmother of daredevil performer Nik Wallenda. Matriarch: In this January 1964 photo, Jenny Wallenda applies makeup in a dressing room prior to appearing at the opening of the Shrine Circus in Detroit. She died late Saturday at age 87 . Relative: Wallenda was the oldest daughter of high wire walker Karl Wallenda. Karl Wallenda is seen in London in this November 1976 photograph . Legacy: Jenny Wallenda was grandmother of daredevil performer Nik Wallenda, seen here over the Grand Canyon in 2013 . Tricks: Karl Wallenda is seen here preforming in February 1964. He later fell to his death in 1978 . Jenny Wallenda's husband, Richard Faughnan, died in 1962 when a human pyramid collapsed. Karl Wallenda fell to his death in 1978. Jenny Wallenda survived the invasion of Berlin by Soviet forces at the end of World War II and returned to the United States in 1947 to perform with her family. Her parents sent her to Germany to live with her grandparents in 1934 at age 6. Jenny Wallenda walked the high wire as an adult and performed on bareback horses as a child. According to the Sarasota Herald Tribune Wallenda advocated for causes important to the circus community in her later years and helped create the Circus Ring of Fame. She was inducted into the Ring of Fame in 2008. Nik Wallenda paid tribute to the woman he called Oma on his Facebook page. 'She was an amazing woman who lived a truly incredible life. She will be missed everyday. Oma in your honor, I will never give up,' he wrote. Tribute: On Facebook Nik Wallenda (seen over Chicago in 2014) wrote of grandmother Jenny Wallenda 'She was an amazing woman who lived a truly incredible life. She will be missed everyday' Embrace: Jenny Wallenda (left), is seen with her father Karl Wallenda, center, and her sister Carla, right . The famed Wallenda circus troupe perform at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in Detroit, January 30, 1962. Two of the group were killed and a third injured when this pyramid formation collapsed and the performers fell to the ground. Left to right (bottom row): Dieter Schepp, 23; Mario Wallenda, 21; Richard Faughnan, 29; Gunther Wallenda, 42. Second row, left to right: Karl Wallenda, 57; Herman Wallenda, 60. Sitting on chair atop pyramid is Jana Schepp, 17. Dieter Schepp and Faughnan died in the fall. Mario Wallenda and Miss Schepp were injured . Famous family: In this January 1964 photo, Karl Wallenda, center left, and his daughter Jenny, center right, wait on the sideline with troupe members Louis Murillo, left, and Andy Anderson, before performing a high wire act in Detroit .

Summary: Jenny Wallenda, 87, the matriarch of the famous family of high-flying circus performers, died late Saturday at her home in Sarasota, Florida . Her nephew, Rick Wallenda, said his aunt died following a lengthy illness . Wallenda was the oldest daughter of high wire walker Karl Wallenda and grandmother of daredevil performer Nik Wallenda . Nik Wallenda has walked over the Grand Canyon and over Chicago . Jenny Wallenda walked the high wire as an adult and performed on bareback horses as a child . She also advocated for causes important to the circus community in her later years and helped create the Circus Ring of Fame .


Patients are being put at risk because paramedics are leaving firemen to deal with 999 calls, healthcare leaders warn. Many firemen have not been trained in basic first aid – yet they are being left to care for seriously ill elderly patients for hours while they wait for an ambulance. The Fire Brigades Union say the practice is irresponsible and dangerous but is becoming increasingly common because the ambulance service is so overstretched. The ambulance service is becoming increasingly reliant on firemen to attend life-threatening emergencies . The Fire Brigade Union say the practice is irresponsible and dangerous and becoming more common . Senior union officials say fire engines are routinely being turned into makeshift ambulances to ferry patients to A&E. They normally carry a few blankets, oxygen masks to protect against smokes and a defibrillator – to restart the heart. In one case earlier this year an elderly lady is feared to have died because she was left in the hands of fire crews for nearly 40 minutes while paramedics were delayed. The ambulance service is facing unprecedented demand from the rising and aging population and in some areas 999 calls are up by 15 per cent on last year. Paramedics are also having to respond to rising numbers of non-urgent calls from patients frustrated that they cannot get an appointment with their GP. They are also having to waste much of their time queued up outside A&E units which cannot accept their patients because staff there are also very busy. This has all led to the ambulance service increasingly relying on firemen to attend potentially life-threatening emergencies. The Fire Brigades Union yesterday warned that South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue were sending firemen with no medical training to 999 calls instead of ambulances. It pointed out that only a third of firefighters at this branch had any medical training – and even this only consisted of a four day course of basic first aid. Yet in one case they were left to help an elderly lady who had stopped breathing for 45 minutes whilst they waited for the ambulance to arrive. Senior union officials say fire engines are routinely being turned into makeshift ambulances to ferry patients to A&E . In another, they tended to a pensioner who had fallen and banged her head for two hours before they were forced to leave her on her own – to attend a fire. The practice is occurring across the country and last July, firemen took a 16-year-old girl with suspected bleeding on the brain to A&E in Warrington, Cheshire . In December, crews were sent to a care home in Ryde on the Isle of Wight where an elderly woman had a stroke and were ordered to cut the rings off her fingers which were turning blue because of poor blood flow. Ian Murray, vice-president of the Fire Brigades Union – which represents 44,000 firemen – said: 'We know only a small percentage of firefighters are trained to give basic first aid. 'It is irresponsible and dangerous to put untrained firefighters in

Summary: The Fire Brigades Union say practice is irresponsible and dangerous . But becoming more common as ambulance service is so overstretched . Ambulance service facing huge demand from rising and aging population . Led to them relying more on firemen to attend life threatening emergencies .


More than half of voters do not want to see Nicola Sturgeon or the SNP calling the shots in the next British government, a damning poll revealed tonight. Ms Sturgeon today launched her party's manifesto setting out demands for as the price propping up a Labour government, promising the rest of the UK the 'hand of friendship'. But a new ComRes poll for ITV News reveals 54 per cent want her kept out of the next UK government, and 59 per cent want the SNP as a whole to play no part in running the country. Scroll down for video . A new ComRes poll for ITV News reveals 54 per cent want her kept out of the next UK government, and 59 per cent want the SNP as a whole to play no part in running the country . Nicola Sturgeon today launched her party's manifesto setting out demands for as the price propping up a Labour government, promising the rest of the UK the 'hand of friendship' Polls in Scotland put the SNP on course to make huge gains north of the border, taking dozens of seats from Labour and robbing Ed Miliband of all hopes of securing an overall majority. Mr Miliband and Ms Sturgeon have ruled out a formal coalition with SNP MPs sitting in Cabinet. But they have left open the possibility of the SNP supporting a Labour government on a vote-by-vote basis, raising the prospect of Mr Miliband being forced to bow to their demands to get any legislation through. The SNP has already suggested that it will be 'entitled to vote against any bit of legislation' and 'any bit of spending' it does not agree with. It means that for Labour to pass new laws or agree to spending in England, Wales or Northern Ireland they would have to strike a deal with the SNP. With the election too close to call, and polls pointing to another hung parliament, ComRes surveyed voters to see which parties they would like to see sharing power with Labour or the Tories. The SNP got the biggest thumbs down, with 59 per cent against them playing a role in the British government and only 19 per cent in favour. Prime Minister David Cameron, pictured campaigning in Chester today, warned an SNP-Labour deal would be a 'match made in hell' for the British economy . 36 per cent of voters back the Lib Dems playing a role in the next government, with only 40 per cent against . The manifesto includes demands for extra spending, an end to benefits cuts and the scrapping of Trident . Key election promises in the SNP manifesto include: . Ms Sturgeon has made clear that in the event of a hung parliament she will take charge of talks with Labour. 'I am the leader of the party, I would lead those discussions if we're in that scenario.' she said yesterday. However, just 22 per cent of voters across the UK back the idea with 54 per cent against. It makes the SNP by far

Summary: 54% want Sturgeon kept out of UK government, 59% oppose the SNP . Sturgeon launched manifesto with £140billion demand for more spending . Cameron warns Labour-SNP government is a 'match made in hell' for UK . Lib Dems are most popular smaller governing party in hung parliament .


A majority of the public does not want Camilla to become queen if Prince Charles succeeds to the throne, a poll for the Daily Mail reveals today. And the nation is completely split on whether Charles should become king at all. Only 43 per cent believe he should ascend to the throne compared with an almost identical number saying he should stand aside in favour of his elder son Prince William. William and Prince Harry are the most popular members of the Royal Family, closely followed by the Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge. Scroll down for video . A majority of the British public does not want to Camilla (left) to become Queen if the Prince of Wales (right) succeeds to the throne, a Daily Mail poll reveals . Four out of ten people think Prince Charles should give up his right to be king so the crown passes straight to William (pictured with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge) Prince Andrew languishes at the bottom of the popularity table, with his brother Edward not far ahead. Camilla and Andrew are the only two royals who are more disliked than liked, according to the poll. Despite courtiers’ efforts to have Camilla accepted into the nation’s hearts, 55 per cent are against the Duchess of Cornwall becoming queen when her husband becomes king. This is down from 73 per cent opposition at the time of her wedding to Charles in April 2005, but shows she has yet to win over most of the country. However, she is no longer regarded as the main culprit for the break-up of Charles’s marriage to Princess Diana. The prince himself is held most to blame by 39 per cent, followed by Diana on 13 per cent and Camilla on 12 per cent. There is still great affection for Diana, who died in a Paris car crash 18 years ago, with a substantial majority saying she would have made a better queen than Camilla. Intriguingly, the younger generation is most attached to her even though many of them were not old enough to remember her when she was alive. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, two out of three would have preferred Diana to be queen, while only 3 per cent backed Camilla. Charles’s wedding to Camilla divided the country at the time, and ten years on people remain uncertain about its wider significance for the Royal Family. Fifteen per cent said the marriage had strengthened the monarchy but 24 per cent believed it had weakened it; just over half felt it had no impact. Camilla, 67, was once reviled as the woman whose love affair with Charles, 66, destroyed his relationship with Diana, who was 36 when she died in 1997. Prince William and his son George . Four out of ten people say Prince Charles should give up his right to be king so the crown passes straight to William. Britain is evenly split on the question of whether Charles should succeed to the throne when the Queen dies, the poll reveals. William has the female vote,

Summary: Majority of British public doesn't want to Camilla to be Queen, poll reveals . Nation is completely split on whether Prince Charles should become king . Princes William and Harry are the most popular members of royal family . Prince Andrew languishes at the bottom of the popularity table .