Nigel Farage's Ukip insist St George would have been welcomed to Britain because of his skills as a dragon slayer . He was a foreigner born in Turkey. But Ukip has insisted St George would have been welcomed to Britain because of his skills as a dragon slayer. Today on St George's Day, the party announced that it would make it a Bank Holiday in England. But at the policy launch, economic spokesman Patrick O'Flynn faced questions on whether St George would have been welcomed by a 3rd-century Ukip. In its election manifesto the party has said it would have a five year moratorium on unskilled migrants moving to the country. Mr O'Flynn said: 'Well, I guess dragon-slaying is a skill but whether it is one that's in short supply for the needs of the British economy, we will leave to our migration commission. 'Whenever the issue of St George's Day comes up - and I can predict this on Twitter today - there will be many left-centre people who will tweet the fact that St George was from what's today known as Turkey as if that is the start, finish of conversation and that makes St George's Day irrelevant or illegitimate or ridiculous. 'I completely disagree ... I'm not particularly hung up on where St George came from. I'm more interested in what St George's Day can represent. 'The party said it wanted to encourage more people to fly the St George's flag and end a 'cultural self-loathing' about being proud to be English. Peter Whittle, the party's culture and communities spokesman said: 'For too long we have lived with a political and cultural establishment which has shown a sort of disdain for England which has doubted Britain has a whole and has discouraged pride in it. Their embarrassment about our past, their lack of concern about our history has permeated our culture. 'Now many young people know little about the country in which they live. The patriotism of the many is often sneered at. We have a society that appears to live in a state of culture cringe. People have been encouraged to believe that national pride is exclusive, is dangerous, is bigoted and should therefore be discouraged.' He said that people who celebrate St George's Day should not be seen as 'racist'. He added: 'There is a sense somehow when it comes to a perfectly ordinary benign patriotism many people do feel that they are slightly concerned that if they say they are proud they are immediately going to be cast as racist, or bigoted or whatever. It is obviously completely untrue.' He said there was a 'snobbery about showing your pride in your country, that it is a vulgar thing'. Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to veterans at the Northwood Club in Ramsgate, Kent, today . In its election manifesto, Ukip has said it would have a five year moratorium on unskilled migrants moving to the country. Pictured is Ukip leader Nigel Farage celebrating St George's Day with a pint . Mr O'Flynn was also asked whether English

Summary: Ukip claim they would welcome Turkey-born foreigner St George to Britain . Party's economic spokesperson today faced questions on the scenario . Patrick O'Flynn told reporters: 'Well I guess dragon-slaying is a skill' The party's election manifesto states it would have a five year moratorium on unskilled migrants moving to Britain .


A 73-year-old woman died in front of horrified family members after she was knocked over by a Canadian tourist while visiting the Great Wall of China. Cui Hongfang, from Heilongjiang Province in north-eastern China, hit the back of her head on a corner of the stone wall after she collided with the 38-year-old Canadian woman. Police have ruled the tragedy an accident, although they are still investigating the circumstances of the Chinese woman’s death. Cui Hongfang's family told Chinese media that the Canadian tourist was running down steep steps . The victim’s husband told The Beijing News that his wife was knocked over as the tourist ran down steps on a steep section of the wall on Wednesday. He told the newspaper: ‘The foreigner was moving really fast. She was chasing [someone] and laughing and wanted to go between me and my wife.’ Mrs Hongfang’s family members said she lost conscious immediately, was bleeding from her mouth, nose and ears, and stopped breathing shortly after she was knocked over on the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. They said the tourist ran further down the wall and then returned to the spot where the collision occurred. Police in Beijing have ruled Cui Hongfang's death an accident, although they are still investigating . Mrs Hongfang’s family called police and paramedics, who did not arrive until approximately one hour later due to the remote location north of Beijing. An official with the Mutianyu Great Wall Tourism Services Company told news website China.org.cn that the collision occurred in a ‘blind spot’ within the CCTV system, so there is no footage of it. The official said: ‘We have rules and warnings for tourists, asking them not to chase each other, run fast or play around on the steep sections of the Great Wall.’ Police decided not to charge the Canadian woman after interviewing her and witnesses. Mrs Hongfang’s relatives were not pleased that the woman has not been charged with an offence such as involuntary manslaughter, and investigators advised them to file a civil lawsuit against the tourist, who has since returned to Canada.

Summary: Cui Hongfang hit the back of her head on a corner of the stone wall . Police have ruled it an accident, but are still investigating . Victim's family said the tourist was running on a steep section of the wall .


Both Chelsea and the Premier League are furious with the BBC for allowing it to be known that the Premier League trophy was being displayed on the centre circle at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday. There is great sensitivity at Chelsea about not presuming their title success before they are crowned champions and manager Jose Mourinho has warned players and fans to concentrate on first beating Crystal Palace on Sunday before celebrating. Yet a 20-strong stadium tour group at Chelsea clearly saw the Premier League silverware on the pitch although a security guard attempted to cover it up to prevent photographs being taken. Didier Drogba celebrates against Leicester as Chelsea took a step closer to the Premier League title . Jose Mourinho has warned players and fans to concentrate on first beating Crystal Palace before celebrating . The Premier League had agreed to a request from the BBC to film the trophy at Stamford Bridge to help with their programme preparation in advance of Chelsea’s two games this week. But it was on the strict understanding that the big prize was not seen at Chelsea by members of the public, who would then assume the club were taking their Premier League triumph for granted. A BBC spokeswoman said: ‘We were filming a sequence for use in the event that Chelsea win the Premier League and the footage will only air on that basis. We made every effort to ensure the trophy wasn’t exposed to the public, but unfortunately it was briefly visible from a distance to a stadium tour.’ Chelsea allowed the Premier League trophy, lifted by John Terry in 2010, to be displayed at Stamford Bridge for the BBC on the strict understanding that the big prize was not seen by members of the public . On Thursday night, Tony McCoy received what is sure to be the first of a whole host of awards to mark his retirement as the greatest ever jump jockey when given the Sport Industry’s Outstanding Contribution to British Sport accolade. The presentation was made by Clare Balding, who opted to present the Boat Race rather than McCoy’s last Grand National, and Thierry Henry, who was originally due to hand over the jockeys’ championship trophy to McCoy at Sandown last Saturday before being replaced by Ian Wright. Recently retired jockey AP McCoy was in attendance with his wife Chanelle for the BT Sport Industry Awards in Battersea on Thursday and received the Outstanding Contribution to British Sport accolade . There is still plenty of uncertainty around the exact responsibilities of the England director of cricket with only a skeleton job description having been sent out. And another win by Peter Moores’s side in the third Test against West Indies will further advance the view that the ECB should wait and see how the New Zealand and Ashes series play out before making their choice. Meanwhile, although new ECB chief executive Tom Harrison gives the early impression he has little or no time for the media, at least his director of communications appointment Chris Haynes has ordered daily

Summary: Chelsea agreed to request from BBC to film the trophy at Stamford Bridge . The Blues agreed on understanding public could not see the trophy . However, a 20-strong stadium tour saw the silverware on the pitch . Chelsea can win the Premier League with victory over Crystal Palace .


Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao tickets are the hottest property in town. Only 500 were on general sale with the rest distributed by the fighters, promoters, television networks Showtime and HBO and the MGM Grand. One fan, Ade Adebayo, 34, from Brighton was lucky enough to get hold of a ticket when they were released last week and here he tells us his story and his hopes for the fight. I booked the trip to Las Vegas back on December 13. One of my friends, Toby, was convinced the fight was going to happen and we needed to book it before it was announced and the prices sky-rocketed. So we booked it and waited for the announcement. Christmas and New Year came and went and the fight was not announced. Then it looked like it was going to be announced during half-time of the Super Bowl. It didn't happen. Then we thought it was going to be announced during the NBA All-Star game. It wasn't. Ade Adebayo (second right) and friends at Gatwick before jetting off to Las Vegas . Ade and his friends booked their trip to Las Vegas back in December in anticipation for the big fight . The email confirmation that showed Ade had bought a ticket for the biggest fight . But eventually it was announced late one Friday in February and we could not believe it was finally going to happen. Even though we had our flights and hotel booked we were not sure if we were going to be able to get tickets as we thought that hardly any would be released and they would be sold to the big companies for the most amount of money. We thought the whole thing was being orchestrated to make the most amount of money possible. But all four of us had been to Vegas before and we always said that if we were to go again then it would have to be for a big event or fight like this, so we thought it was worth going even if we didn't get a ticket. One of my friends in the group had been in Vegas for both Ricky Hatton vs Floyd Mayweather and Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao. He said it would be insane and that we had to go. Then it was announced last week that a limited number of tickets would go on sale at 8pm on Thursday night. We all agreed to try and get tickets. But my problem was I going to fit camp with my mum on Thursdays and it was the last one, and if I didn't go then she wouldn't go, and I am trying to encourage her. So we went to the gym and I was looking at the clock the whole time. We did the session and the warm-down and at 7.55pm I sprinted out of the gym and into the car and was trying to get online while in the car. We drove to my mum's house and by the time I got there it was 8.09pm and I

Summary: Floyd Mayweather will fight Manny Pacquiao on May 2 at MGM Grand . Tickets were officially sold for as much as $10,000 . READ: Fans get their hands on Mayweather vs Pacquiao tickets . Mayweather vs Pacquiao by numbers: From tickets to betting odds . CLICK HERE for the latest Mayweather vs Pacquiao news .


Apple founder Steve Jobs' widow Laurene has told of her admiration for Democratic White House front-runner Hillary Clinton. Ms Jobs, 51, called former First Lady Hillary a 'revolutionary' woman, and added that it's not just because she's a woman - but 'the type of woman she is'. Speaking to Time 100, Ms Jobs said: 'Hillary Clinton is not familiar. She is revolutionary. Not radical, but revolutionary: The distinction is crucial. She is one of America’s greatest modern creations. Laurene Jobs, pictured, widow of Apple's Steve, has strongly backed Hillary Clinton for president . Laurene Jobs said that Hillary Clinton, right, has 'judgment and wisdom' based on her public service . 'Her decades in our public life must not blind us to the fact that she represents new realities and possibilities. Indeed, those same decades have conferred upon her what newness usually lacks: judgment, and even wisdom. 'It matters, of course, that Hillary is a woman. But what matters more is what kind of woman she is.' Mrs Clinton announced her intention to seek the Democratic nomination on Sunday - and set upon the campaign trail with a trip to meet 'ordinary' voters in Iowa. But she was blasted for her 'staged' visit on Tuesday morning to a coffee shop in LeClaire, Iowa. Austin Bird, one of the men pictured sitting at the table with Mrs Clinton, claimed the whole event was orchestrated 'from beginning to end'. STAGED: Clinton sat to talk with three young Iowans at a coffee shop on Tuesday – all of whom were driven to the event by her Iowa campaign's political director . NOT SO ORDINARY: Austin Bird is a Democratic Party insider who chauffeured Vice President Joe Biden around Davenport, Iowa in October during a pre-election campaign trip . Bird told Daily Mail Online that campaign staffer Troy Price called and asked him and two other young people to meet him Tuesday morning at a restaurant in Davenport, a nearby city. Price then drove them to the coffee house to meet Clinton after vetting them for about a half-hour. The three got the lion's share of Mrs. Clinton's time and participated in what breathless news reports described as a 'roundtable'– the first of many in her brief Iowa campaign swing. Bird himself is a frequent participant in Iowa Democratic Party events. He interned with President Obama's 2012 presidential re-election campaign, and was tapped to chauffeur Vice President Joe Biden in October 2014 when he visited Davenport. 'What happened is, we were just asked to be there by Troy,' Bird said Wednesday in a phone interview. 'We were asked to come to a meeting with Troy, the three of us, at the Village Inn.' The other two, he confirmed, were University of Iowa College Democrats president Carter Bell and Planned Parenthood of the Heartland employee Sara Sedlacek. 'It was supposed to be a strategy meeting,' Bird recalled, 'to get our thoughts about issues. But then all of a sudden he says, "Hey, we have Secretary Clinton coming in, would you like to go meet her?"' 'And then we

Summary: Laurene Jobs praised former First Lady Hillary Clinton . Steve Jobs' widow claimed the Democratic front-runner is 'revolutionary' Mrs Clinton has announced her candidacy and began campaigning in Iowa . She described Mrs Clinton as 'America's greatest modern creation'


Graeme McDowell believes Jordan Spieth may not be the only rival Rory McIlroy has to face as he looks to complete the career grand slam and add more majors to his collection. McIlroy's fourth place in the Masters is his best finish in seven appearances, while his 12 under par total was 12 shots better than last year and beat his previous best by eight shots. But the world number one never threatened to claim a first green jacket to become only the sixth player in history to win all four major titles and saw Spieth follow up his second place at Augusta 12 months ago with a record-breaking victory. Graeme McDowell watches his tee shot on the fourth hole at Augusta on Friday . Jordan Spieth wears his green jacket after a sensational victory at the Masters on Sunday . 'There are a lot of potential eras evolving,' McDowell said. 'Guys like Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed. I feel like the young blood is certainly strong here in the States as opposed to the rest of the world. I feel like they certainly have the young potential coming through and it's very good for the game. 'When you look at Ryder Cups I think it makes it very interesting for them. I think our nucleus remains the same going forward but they have a lot of potential young blood coming through which could really change the shape of their team. 'Jordan and Rory are very difficult to compare because they are so different. I think it's a good thing to see a guy coming through who is not Dustin or Rory, guys like that who are dominating with physicality. Spieth celebrates on the 18th green after sealing his maiden major at Augusta National . Rory McIlroy waves to the crowd by the 18th green as his bid to win all four major titles ended . 'We see a guy coming around who is average build, average size, hits it average distance. He's not short but he's not the longest player on the planet and he gets it done other ways. That's exciting.' Spieth was ranked 44th in driving distance with an average of 282 yards, with Johnson (315 yards) top and McIlroy seventh at 297 yards. 'Rory's comparable to Tiger but I don't think Jordan is necessarily comparable to Tiger because of the way he plays the game,' McDowell added. 'I think Jordan is more comparable to a (Jack) Nicklaus or someone like that which is pretty cool.' Rickie Fowler walks off the second green after making a birdie putt during the third round on Saturday . McDowell shows his frustrations after hitting an approach to the second green on Friday . McIlroy added: 'I played well. I can take a lot of positives from it. It is my best ever finish here. I played the last 45 holes in 15 under par. I did a lot of things I wanted to do. 'I played the par-fives well (14 under). Just left myself too much to do after

Summary: Graeme McDowell believes it is an exciting time for the sport . Jordan Spieth won his maiden major at the Masters at Augusta on Sunday . Rory McIlroy finished in the fourth position, six shots behind Spieth . McDowell finished in a tie for 52nd on six over par .


As Brendan Rodgers sat down to have his say on Thursday, it was easy to forget that Liverpool have a critical game against their top-four rivals Arsenal on Saturday. Instead, there was only one issue on the agenda, brought about by Raheem Sterling's television interview 24 hours earlier. The interview in which he suddenly seemed happy to discuss that unsigned £100,000-a-week contract, assert he is a trophy-hunter rather than a money-grabber and, perhaps most alarming of all, admit he is flattered by interest from Saturday's opponents from north London. Raheem Sterling looks relaxed during Liverpool's training session on Thursday morning . Sterling shakes hands with his manager Brendan Rodgers during the Melwood training session . Sterling appeared to give his manager a pat on the back as they talked during training . Rodgers issues instructions to Sterling as Liverpool prepare for Saturday's match with Arsenal . Instead of talking about the race for a Champions League pot of gold, Rodgers found himself again discussing the subject of Sterling's silver. The response seemed well prepared, a message of solidarity combined with a show of strength. Sterling is going nowhere was the emphatic statement. And if there were any suggestion from the 20-year-old that Liverpool need to convince him they can match his ambition, the message from Rodgers was equally clear: count yourself lucky to be here. 'Arsenal is a fantastic football club, of course, but this is Liverpool, one of the great clubs of the football world,' said the Anfield boss . 'It's an honour for Raheem to play here at a club like Liverpool in front of our great supporters and he understands that. He sees that. 'If Raheem has said his ambition is to win trophies and be successful, then it's perfectly aligned with what we're trying to do.' There was a reminder to Sterling and his representatives that his stock has risen on the back of the work Liverpool have done with him and the faith Rodgers has placed in the player. He is, Rodgers remarked, not yet the finished article. Not yet of the same calibre as Luis Suarez who eventually got his move away from Merseyside. Sterling admitted he was 'flattered' by interest from Arsenal as his contract talks are put on hold . Sterling and Daniel Sturridge share a joke on the training ground during Thursday morning's session . The players were in a relaxed mood despite the continued speculation over Sterling's future at the club . The England international cast doubt on his Liverpool future in an interview with the BBC on Wednesday . 'Now, as a 20-year-old, no he's not at that level,' said Rodgers. 'Raheem has been involved with the first team for two-and-a-half years and the player he is today — and he still has a lot of improvements to make — is because of the environment and what we've created here. 'He's still got learning and development to make on and off the pitch. We feel this is a great place for him. We'll very much focus on trying to make him

Summary: Raheem Sterling has rejected a new contract worth £100,000-a-week . Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers says Sterling will not be sold . He believes Sterling still needs to prove himself at the highest level . Rodgers is confident that Sterling can win silverware while at Anfield . Liverpool face Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday, kick-off at 12.45pm .


France legend Serge Betsen tells Sportsmail where he thinks Clermont's clash with Saracens at Stade Geoffrey-Guichard will be won... HEAD TO HEADS . Wesley Fofana v Brad Barritt . If there is one genius in French rugby at the moment, it’s Wesley Fofana. The kid is so talented and skilful that something happens every time he gets the ball so Saracens will need to focus on him. He is up against Brad Barritt, who is not as easy on the eye but is a very solid unit for Saracens — hence why they have made him captain. He reminds me of former British Lions flanker Richard Hill — someone you don’t really notice but is so important for the team. Clermont centre Wesley Fofana was in scintillating form during his side's recent destruction of Northampton . Brad Barritt is back to anchor the Saracens midfield against the Top 14 giants . Julien Bonnaire vs Billy Vunipola . Julien Bonnaire may be a flanker and Billy Vunipola a No 8, but when you play flanker, you’re the first man who is going to tackle the No 8. Saracens will be looking to launch Vunipola as chief ball-carrier from the back of the scrum and Bonnaire will be there to stop him. Fritz Lee performs a similar running role for Clermont, but Vunipola is key to Saracens’ game plan. No 8 Billy Vunipola is a Saracens' most devastating ball carrier and his power will be needed on Saturday . Brock James v Charlie Hodgson . How will Brock James handle the occasion? His skills and game management are second-to-none, but he has been known to succumb to the pressure on the big stage. Saracens will try to get in his face early to disrupt the rhythm. Charlie Hodgson has been around for a long time now and is enjoying some good form. KEY AREAS . Rush defence . A red and black wall of defenders stopped Clermont from scoring a try in last year’s semi-final, which Saracens won so ruthlessly. Their defensive line was up so quickly and Clermont were taken by surprise. When you play against that sort of rush defence, you need to stand deeper in attack and maybe exploit it by kicking over the top. But Clermont are most effective with the ball in hand, especially with their back-three combination of Noa Nakaitaci, Naipolioni Nalaga and Englishman Nick Abendanon. Former Bath full back Nick Abendanon is just one of several dangerous backs at Clermont's disposal . Breakdown battle . In France, training is geared more towards flair and creativity so less time is spent working on the breakdown. During my time with Wasps, we spent hours focusing on the post-tackle area. Clermont will fear Jacques Burger after his performance on the flank last year and they must work hard to nullify him around the edges of the breakdown. The key for the French is to keep their discipline and not concede penalties. Clermont will be wary of Saracens flanker Jacques Burger following his tour-de-force in Twickenham last year . Silence the

Summary: Saracens skipper Brad Barritt will line up opposite Wesley Fofana . Flanker Julien Bonnaire will be tasked with stopping Billy Vunipola . Charlie Hodgson is enjoying a rich vein of form at present . Clermont will fear Jacques Burger after his performance last year . The Top 14 side have the best supporters in French rugby .


Pitted against a Russian grandmaster in the tournament, 12-year-old chess prodigy Jonah Willow was an underdog even in the eyes of his most ardent supporters. So it came as a surprise when, after two hours of play, Alexander Cherniaev, 45, shrugged resignedly and offered the youngster a draw. ‘The grandmaster felt he could do nothing more to force a win or to break his way through,’ said Jonah’s proud father Simon Scott. Scroll down for video . Talented: Jonah Willow aged 12, who drew a chess match with a Russian grandmaster four times his age . ‘We were all completely amazed. We couldn’t really believe it. You expect grandmasters to destroy people. ‘But Jonah did very well. Cherniaev was left thinking for 15 minutes after one of Jonah’s opening moves while he worked out what to do next.’ Jonah beat three other players in the Nottingham Chess Congress to face Cherniaev, who went on to win the title. Jonah was third overall, qualifying for the British Chess Championships this August in Warwick. It was the fourth time Jonah, from Nottingham, had competed in an open tournament against far older and more experienced players, but the first time he had played a grandmaster. The title, the game’s highest apart from world champion, is conferred by world governing body FIDE. Jonah started playing chess when he was five after seeing his sister Hambel, then eight, playing for fun against their father. Jonah, 12, played chess grandmaster Alexander Cherniaev for hours before the Russian suggested a draw. Proud dad Simon Scott said the chess champion was left thinking for 15 minutes after one of his son's moves . Both children are home-schooled by their parents Mr Scott, 45, a designer, and his partner Carolyne Willow, 49, a children’s rights campaigner and writer. Jonah said of his David versus Goliath encounter on Sunday with Cherniaev: ‘It feels amazing. It was such a shock result. ‘But I wasn't nervous. I knew if I lost that it didn't matter because he is a grandmaster and I was just excited to be playing against him. I’d like to be a grandmaster myself one day.’ Home-schooled Jonah spend up to two hours a day studying chess moves in books and analysing games . Jonah winning chess tournaments at the age of seven, left and eight, right. He has already represented England at junior events . Jonah was one of 20 players in the open section of the tournament, but was not the youngest – an 11-year-old also qualified. Mr Scott said: ‘Cherniaev said Jonah played well and chose a good opening. They spent time together analysing the game.’ Jonah spends one to two hours a day studying chess moves from books and analysing past games. He belongs to a chess club, enjoys badminton and plays the piano. Mr Scott said: ‘I play chess but Jonah regularly beats me. He just loves the game.'

Summary: Jonah Willow played Russian Alexander Cherniaev at a chess congress . Home-schooled 12-year-old drew the grandmaster in their two-hour game . Youngster began playing chess aged five and has represented England .


Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will miss Sunday's Premier League trip to struggling Burnley as he recovers from a gashed knee suffered two weeks ago against Leicester City. The France international was carried off on a stretcher early in the 4-3 win against Leicester City and missed his country's friendlies against Brazil and Denmark. 'Hugo Lloris is still recovering after his problem against Leicester - he is out,' Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said at a news conference on Thursday. Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris receives treatment after injuring his knee against Leicester City . Lloris will miss Sunday's game against Burnley after being hurt in a collision with team-mate Kyle Walker . Michel Vorm will deputise for Lloris. Spanish striker Roberto Soldado is also a doubt for the match at Turf Moor, where Tottenham need a victory to stay on the edge of the fight for a top-four finish. Tottenham are in seventh place in the table with eight games remaining, six points behind fourth-placed Manchester United and with a far worse goal difference. However, Pochettino said he hopes the quartet of players who featured for England on Tuesday against Italy will be have received a timely confidence boost. Harry Kane is one of four Tottenham players who will return after playing for England against Italy . Mauricio Pochettino could be without striker Roberto Soldado at Turf Moor on Sunday . Harry Kane started his first senior England international in Turin, while Andros Townsend came off the bench to score a superb equaliser. Ryan Mason earned his first senior cap while Kyle Walker was also involved. 'It's been a very good week for Tottenham,' he said. 'The English players and others with their international teams have put in good performances. They are all fit and at a very good level.'

Summary: Hugo Lloris suffered a gashed knee in Tottenham's win against Leicester . Michel Vorm will start at Turf Moor as Lloris continues his recovery . Roberto Soldado is doubtful for Sunday's clash with Burnley . Mauricio Pochettino hopes Spurs' England contingent will return on a high .


Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Kevin Pietersen could play in this summer's Ashes Test series. The 34-year-old has not played for his country since the fifth Test in Sydney, a match England lost to complete a 5-0 series defeat Down Under. Pietersen was described as 'disengaged' from his team-mates during that final Test by England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Paul Downton. Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Kevin Pietersen could play in this summer's Ashes Test series. Downton has since left his role and Pietersen has signed for Surrey with the intent of scoring the runs which would earn him a recall. He scored 170 against Oxford MCCU recently and Clarke feels Pietersen could represent his country again. 'I do think he could be at the Ashes,' said Clarke. 'He has certainly scored enough runs. 'He has made it very clear he wants to play and now it will come down to the England selectors and England board making a decision. Pietersen has not featured for England since he was unceremoniously sacked 14 months ago . The former England star is hoping to win back his Test place with a return to red ball cricket . 'But at the moment from the Australians' perspective, I'm happy if he is not playing because he is a wonderful player.' Clarke will link up with Pietersen in the Big Bash League after confirming he will be the captain of the Melbourne Stars next year. 'It's going to be nice to be on the same side,' he said. 'To have that luxury as captain - to have a player like that in your team - is extremely exciting and I know he'll play a big part in us having success.'

Summary: Michael Clarke believes Kevin Pietersen's Surrey form warrants a recall . The 34-year-old has not played for England since the fifth Test in Sydney . He was described as 'disengaged' from his team-mates during final Test . Pietersen signed for Surrey hoping to score enough runs to regain place .


Photographs of two teenagers who flew to Turkey in a bid to join ISIS were revealed last night, as a Muslim leader warned they could be followed by friends. Farouk Younis, the imam of the mosque used by relatives of Hassan Munshi and Talha Asmal, said Muslims must talk to other teenagers who ‘might be looking at them and thinking this is the way’. The 17-year-olds from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire - billed by their families as two ‘ordinary Yorkshire lads’ - are believed to have travelled to war-torn Syria after going to Turkey on Tuesday last week. 'Ordinary Yorkshire lads': Hassan Munshi (left) and Talha Asmal (right), both 17 and from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, are thought to have fled to war-torn Syria after travelling to Turkey on March 31 . Mosque: Farouk Younis, the imam of the Masjid e Zakaria (above) in Dewsbury used by relatives of the boys, said Muslims must talk to other teenagers who 'might be looking at them and thinking this is the way' And Mr Younis told The Times: ‘We need to talk to their friends and show them the barbaric things that are going on there [in Syria] which are totally against Islam.’ The imam of the Masjid e Zakaria in the Savile Town area of Dewsbury added that it was important for the teenagers’ friends to ‘understand the right thing’. The next-door neighbours are close friends and were seen playing snooker at Dewsbury Snooker Centre about a week ago, acquaintances told the newspaper. Earlier this week, police said the boys from Dewsbury were last seen by their families on the day they are believed to have flown from Manchester to Dalaman. Snooker game: The next-door neighbours were reportedly seen at Dewsbury Snooker Centre a week ago . Flew to Turkey: Teenage girls Amira Abase, Kadiza Sultana and Shamima Begum are believed to be in Syria . West Yorkshire Police said it has been supporting the missing teenagers' families and carrying out extensive inquiries alongside the North East counter-terrorism unit. Link: Hassan is believed to be related to Hammaad Munshi (pictured) - arrested in 2005 and convicted over his role in a plot to murder non-Muslims . A statement released on behalf of the two families on Tuesday said they are devastated at what has happened. It said: ‘Our number one priority is to get Hassan and Talha back home with their families and we implore anyone who may have any information whatsoever to get in contact with the police. ‘Naturally, we are in a state of profound shock and are trying to come to terms with the predicament we find ourselves in and we hope and pray that no other family finds itself in our situation. ‘These were just two ordinary Yorkshire lads who enjoyed the things that all young people enjoy at their age. ‘Both Hassan and Talha had a promising future, as an apprentice and an A-level student respectively, and we are praying they will be back with us soon and are able to realise that future.’ The families have urged parents to

Summary: Photos reveal 'ordinary lads' Hassan Munshi and Talha Asmal, both 17 . Imam says Muslims must talk to others who 'might think this is the way' Boys from Dewsbury believed to have fled to Syria via Turkey last week . Next-door neighbours were seen 'playing snooker about a week ago'


For the first time this year, Nasa’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has spotted its robotic companion on the surface of the red planet. The orbiting spacecraft captured a shot of Curiosity near the base of Mount Sharp in Gale Crater. But interestingly, the rover’s tracks are not visible - possibly because they have been swept away by the Martian weather. The HiRise camera is able to take images of the surface with a resolution of 10 inches (25cm) per pixel, allowing it to spot the rover on the surface. It is seen here in the full image, circled. The rover is parked over dark sand in a valley with light-toned outcrops of rock . The image was taken using the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRise) camera on the Martian satellite, from a height of 187 miles (300km) above the surface. The rover's top speed is 1.5 inches (3.8 centimetres) per second. Curiosity is the fourth rover to visit Mars. It took around seven minutes to land on the Red Planet. The rover is fitted with 17 cameras. It weighs about the same as a Mini Cooper at approximately 900kg (2,000lbs). Scientists considered 60 possible landing sites before deciding on Gale Crater. It is not the first time it has spotted Curiosity, or indeed other rovers, on the surface - but it is the first time in 2015. The HiRise camera is able to take images of the surface with a resolution of 10 inches (25cm) per pixel, allowing it to see Curiosity, which is the size of a car. In this image the rover is parked over dark sand in a valley with light-toned outcrops of rock. These rocks are part of the Pahrump Hills in the Murray Formation, which is an area of sandstones, siltstones and calcium sulphate veins on the surface. They are the lowest exposed rocks of Mount Sharp - also known as Aeolis Mons - which Nasa is planning to send Curiosity up at some point. In the image the rover had recently completed a drive of about 75ft (23 metres) during its 949th day on Mars - also known as a sol. North is towards the top in the image, with the entire view spanning about 1,640ft (500 metres) across. Curiosity has been driving a route through an area called Artist’s Drive, on its way to the higher layers of Mount Sharp after examining Pahrump Hills. Its ultimate science destination, Logan Pass, is at the bottom left of the image. Nasa scientists in California have revealed a distant image of Curiosity (shown). It was taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter from 187 miles up. One interesting aspect is that the rover's tracks cannot be seen. This may be due to Martian weather or they blend in with the surface . Here's the view from the surface: Curiosity took this image of Artist's Drive around a similar time that the MRO spacecraft spotted it from orbit. The rover is now on its way to a region called Logan Pass . Aside from keeping track of the rover, this image

Summary: Nasa scientists in California have revealed a distant image of Curiosity taken by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter . It was taken from an altitude of 187 miles (300km) up, revealing where the rover is heading towards . One interesting aspect is that the rover's tracks cannot be seen behind it in the image . This may be due to Martian weather or that they are the same colour as the surrounding surface .


David Cameron today announced plans to give millions of workers three days paid leave a year to do volunteer work. The Prime Minister said he will amend the Working Times regulations so for three days people can volunteer or serve as a school governor, and get paid in addition to their 28 days of paid holiday. But business leaders criticised the move as heavy-handed government intervention', amid doubts about how the policy would be paid for. Scroll down for video . Happy handshake: The Prime Minister met staff and volunteers at the Age UK Day Centre in Plymouth today . Prime Minister David Cameron's Big Society good deeds scheme will only affect firms with 250 or more staff . The policy will apply to workers at firms with at least 250 staff - an estimated 10 million in the private sector and five million in the public sector. Volunteers would be able to take the time to volunteer in a block or flexibly. Announcing the policy Mr Cameron said: 'This election is about building a better future for our children and grandchildren. The foundation stone of that better future is our economic security. But Conservatives know the society we build on top of that is just as important too. 'This is the clearest demonstration of the Big Society in action - and I'm proud it's a Conservative government that will deliver it.' But Simon Walker, director general of the Institute of Directors (IoD), criticised the announcement, saying the policy did not appear to have been thought through. 'Many, many businesses are already highly engaged in their local community and with charitable causes, and the IoD thoroughly supports them. Passing a law to compel firms to pay their staff to volunteer for charity is hardly in keeping with the spirit of philanthropy. 'Businesses should support their staff if they want to volunteer, but the architects of this idea cannot pretend that forcing firms to give an additional three days of paid leave will do anything other than add costs. Time off for charity work and volunteering is a matter for managers and employees to discuss between themselves, not a target for heavy-handed government intervention. 'This announcement not only undermines the Tory record on reducing business regulation, it also puts additional pressure on public sector employers, and ultimately the taxpayer. Frankly, the essence of volunteering is that it is voluntary. The IoD would welcome proposals to incentivise and make it easier for companies to facilitate volunteering, but it has to be a choice.' Mr Cameron's plan will affect around 15 million workers across Great Britain in private and public sectors . Survival expert and Television star Bear Grylls said that he supports Mr Cameron's volunteering scheme . The plan was praised by the chairman of BT Mike Rake. He said: 'Corporate volunteering is a triple win - a win for the community, a win for individuals doing the volunteering, and a win for companies.' Survival expert and TV star Bear Grylls also lent Mr Cameron his support for the scheme. 'Any initiative that encourages

Summary: Prime Minister announced plan to amend Working Times regulations . Mr Cameron wants workers to have three paid days off to do good deeds . He described announcement as demonstration of the Big Society in action . Immediately afterwards Eric Pickles suggested it wouldn't be enforced . John Prescott described Mr Pickles' interview as a 'car-crash'


Eden Hazard is reaching the incredible standards of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo with his ‘dancing feet’, says Graeme Souness. The Chelsea star reached 100 Premier League appearances for the Blues at QPR on Sunday and has been lauded for his fine performances for Jose Mourinho’s side this season. Sky Sports pundit Souness believes Hazard, who has 35 goals and 25 assists in his century of Premier League games, will be named the PFA Player of the Year. Eden Hazard celebrates after scoring a fine individual goal in Chelsea's 3-2 win against Hull in March . ‘He’s got dancing feet hasn’t he? When he runs with the ball it’s never more than nine inches away from his feet,’ Souness told Sky Sports. ‘So if you’re a defender, the minute you stick out a foot, he’s skipped past you,’ added Souness. ‘He’s got great feet and looks to be a strong boy too. If you look at him he’s all there, if he wants to stand up to challenges he definitely can.’ Having grown into an integral part of Chelsea’s attack, Souness compares the rapid Belgian with leading world stars such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Hazard warms up at Loftus Road ahead of the clash with QPR, his 100th Premier League game for Chelsea . Jose Mourinho believes that 'it shouldn't even be a debate' that Hazard should claim PFA Player of the Year . ‘The way he goes past players, he makes good players look ordinary. He’s a bit like Messi and Ronaldo in that when you see them go past people, you think “that’s bad defending”, but no it’s not not. These guys are just that good and Hazard is close to that category.’ ‘He certainly needs more goals for me but he’s one of the few players that gets you on the edge of your seat every time you watch him play,’ added Souness. ‘I still think there is much more to come from him in the future.’ Hazard controls the ball under pressure from Stoke midfielder Stephen Ireland at Stamford Bridge .

Summary: Chelsea star Eden Hazard made his 100th top-flight appearance at QPR . He's scored 35 league goals and assisted 25 times since signing in 2012 . Jose Mourinho insists Hazard must win PFA Player of the Year award .


Saracens breathed a huge sigh of relief on Tuesday night as Billy Vunipola was cleared of intentionally headbutting Mathew Tait — leaving the No 8 free to face Clermont Auvergne in Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final. An RFU disciplinary panel dismissed a charge that Vunipola had recklessly led with his head in a incident which left the Leicester full back prone on the ground following a clash last weekend. Saracens are the last remaining English club in the competition and would have appealed against the decision if their in-form England star had been banned. Billy Vunipola trains in the spring sunshine on Tuesday as Saracens prepare for Saturday's clash . The England No 8 had been cited for striking Leicester full back Matehw Tait with his head . ‘As a club we have respect for the disciplinary processes which are in place but at the same time we are surprised,’ said Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall on Tuesday before the verdict. ‘He’s been charged with a strike to the head. It’s got to be intentional but everyone can see that it isn’t. There are enough camera angles to see that Billy’s eyes stay firmly on the ball. ‘If it’s not intentional, the next argument is “was it reckless?” But Billy is decelerating into the contact. ‘He’s in a great driving position and his feet are in contact with the ground. There’s no recklessness involved. It was just an accidental clash of heads.’ Vunipola and his team-mates appear to be having fun in training as he awaited the RFU verdict . Leicester’s Vereniki Goneva received a one-week ban for striking Saracens flanker Kelly Brown in the same game. Meanwhile, Saracens are considering picking exciting 20-year-old forward Maro Itoje in their back row alongside Vunipola. Itoje, who captained England Under 20s’ World Cup winning side last year, signed a new contract on Tuesday and has been touted as a possible bolter for the senior squad at this year’s tournament. ‘It’s exciting,’ Itoje said. ‘I feel like I’ve progressed a lot this season.’ Former England Under 20s captain Maro Itoje has signed a new long-term contract at Saracens .

Summary: Billy Vunipola was cited for clash of heads with Leicester's Mathew Tait . RFU disciplinary panel have deemed the clash was accidental . Vunipola free to play in Saturday's Champions Cup quarter-final . Saracens lock Maro Itoje has signed a new long-term deal at the club .


Paris Saint-Germain face Nice on Saturday, hoping to take Ligue 1's top spot from Lyon but do so with a host of key stars missing, including captain Thiago Silva who is recuperating at home from a thigh injury. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta all join Silva on the sidelines for the trip to the Mediterranean coast, while David Luiz is still not fully fit as he recovers from a thigh problem, although he is still set to start. Silva was pictured nursing his problem at home ahead of the game, with a full diagnosis yet to be completed by PSG's medical team. Thiago Silva who is recuperating at home from a thigh injury and will miss Paris Saint-Germain's game at Nice . Silva was substituted in the defeat by Barcelona in midweek and the injury is still keeping him out . 'Game Ready', as seen being used by Thiago Silva, is a cold therapy compression system used to treat sports injuries. It circulates cold water around the injury, cooling it down with the aim to bring players back from injury as soon as possible. He posted an update on Instagram, writing: 'Guys, I'm here to thank you all for your prayers! 'Yesterday I had the tests and the injury was very small, otherwise I could have been out for five or six weeks! 'I'm already in treatment to come back soon. Remember, no prayer will be unanswered.' PSG coach Laurent Blanc said on Friday: 'Thiago Silva is out for Nice even if his injury is not as bad as first feared.' The game against Nice comes more than 24 hours before league leaders Lyon face a tough task at home against fifth-place St Etienne. A win in south east France would put the French champions a point clear of their closest rivals. Lyon could take back top spot on Sunday but Blanc's side will have a game in hand at the close of the weekend. 'It is not easy to prepare for this match,' Blanc said. 'We must turn in up in championship mode. In this final stretch, we no longer have room for error.' Laurent Blanc said that Silva's injury is not as bad as first feared, and that was confirmed by the Brazilian . David Luiz may be forced to again return early from injury to cope with the loss of his countryman Silva . With six games of the season to go for most sides, PSG are favourites for to retain their crown with Lyon and Monaco now the only realistic competitors after Marseille lost 1-0 at Nantes on Friday night. Serge Gakpe took advantage of an early defensive mix-up by the previous Ligue 1 pacesetters to take all three points for Nantes, and Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa ruled out any hopes of the title after the game. Marseille coach Marcelo Bielsa ruled out any hopes of the title after his side lost 1-0 away at Nantes on Friday . 'A team that loses three consecutive matches in the closing stages of the championship cannot hope to

Summary: Paris Saint-Germain captain Thiago Silva suffered a thigh injury on Wednesday . Brazilian defender had to substituted against Barcelona in Champions League . He is recovering at home and is among a list of absentees for game at Nice .


A businessman in suburban Detroit is under fire from unhappy neighbours after hanging a Confederate flag and nooses at his two properties in the area. Robert Tomanovich, who owns Robert's Discount Tree Service in Livonia, Michigan, first hung a noose from a tree and a Confederate flag, printed with the slogan 'I ain't coming down,' on a fence at his home. When neighbours complained, a second noose appeared on a tree outside his tree-cutting business which operates at a second property on the same street. Robert Tomanovich is under fire from unhappy neighbours in Livonia, a suburb of Detroit, after he hung a Confederate flag and nooses at his two properties in the area . Tomanovich first hung a noose from a tree and a Confederate flag, printed with the slogan 'I ain't coming down,' on a fence at his Michigan home . Tomanovich, 55, has denied his actions are racist, although an employee has admitted that the second noose was a deliberate move to antagonise locals. 'One hundred fifty years after Abraham Lincoln's death, we are still going through these kind of atrocities. A hangman's noose and a Confederate flag?' neighbor Mary Greer toldWXYZ. Another local complained that at least one of the nooses was hung from a tree small enough for a young child to climb. When the local TV network attempted to speak to Tomanovich on Friday he refused, although his wife Lindy tried to explain the noose as a tribute to a dead friend. 'Robert has a friend that died in that way (hanging himself), and that's in memory of his friend,' she told WXYZ. 'There's no crime in hanging a noose.' An unnamed employee was qick to take credit for the noose at Tomanovich's business. 'Screw 'em... We're gonna put more up,' he said. Tomanovich, 55, has denied his actions are racist and said he simply liked the colors of the Confederate flag, but has since taken it down . Wife Lindy told local media that the noose was a tribute to a friend of her husband who had hung himself . On Monday, Tomanovich spoke to the Daily News and said accusations of racism were 'stupid.' 'I know black guys, I have black friends. We're all laughing at this stupidity. Do you know how many white guys were hung back in the day? This isn't racist. But all of a sudden it's out of control.' He said he had put up the Confederate flag because 'I like the colors'. Tomanovich also said he has since taken down the nooses and flags, but refused to apologize. 'I don't need to defend this to nobody. My business is doing very well,' he said. 'I only want this story to get bigger. I want people to know I'm not a racist.' A second noose was hung on a tree outside Robert's Discount Tree Service in Livonia, Michigan, after neighbours complained about the first one . An unnamed employee took credit for the noose at Tomanovich's business said, 'Screw 'em... We're gonna put more up'

Summary: Robert Tomanovich first hung a noose and a Confederate flag, printed with the slogan 'I ain't coming down,' on a fence at his Michigan home . Neighbours complained so an employee of Tomanovich's hung a second noose outside his tree-cutting business . Tomanovich said he simply liked the colors of the flag and his wife claimed the noose was a tribute to a dead friend of her husband . He has since taken down the nooses and flags, but refuses to apologize .


Chelsea are on course to becoming the most dominant title-winners in Premier League history as they prepare to break the record of most days at the summit of the table in a single season. Jose Mourinho's side have led the way since beating Everton 6-3 at Goodison Park on August 30, after Tottenham had led the table following the first two rounds of games. The Blues have been top for 230 days as of Friday April 10, although they did share the lead with Manchester City for nine days in January after a statistical quirk saw the two sides exactly level on points, goal difference and goals scored. Chelsea players celebrate as they beat Stoke City 2-1 in the Premier League last Saturday . Jose Mourinho could lead his side to become the most dominant in a single Premier League season . Steve Bruce (left) and Bryan Robson lift the trophy after Manchester United led the way for a record 262 days during the 1993/94 Premiership season . Manchester United 1993/94 - 262 . Chelsea 2005/06 -257 . Man Utd 2006/07 -250 . Man Utd 2000/01 -241 . Chelsea 2014/15 - 230* . Arsenal 2003/04 - 216 . Newcastle 1995/96 -212 . Chelsea 2009/10 - 204 . Chelsea 2004/05 - 193 . Man Utd 2012/13 -191 . *current campaign . The current record for days at the top belongs to Manchester United, when Sir Alex Ferguson's side led the way for 262 days during the 1993/94 season. But Chelsea can beat that record by 12 days should they stay top between now and the end of the season. Chelsea came close under Mourinho in 2005/06 when they topped the table for 257 days, while Man Utd were at the summit for 250 and 241 days in 2006/07 and 2000/01 respectively. The only side in the top 10 of the list that didn't go on to win the title were Newcastle, who led the way for 212 days in 1995/96 before famously imploding under Kevin Keegan. Chelsea currently lead the Premier League table by seven points, with a game in hand on the rest of their title rivals. Their next three games could prove defining as they prepare to face local rivals QPR at Loftus Road, Manchester United at home and second-placed Arsenal away. Chelsea's 2005/06 title-winning side under Mourinho led the way for 257 days . Manchester United's title-winning side of 2000/01 led the table for 241 days of the season . Arsenal's Invincibles of 2003/04 led the table for 216 days as they went unbeaten throughout the campaign . QPR (a), Man Utd (h), Arsenal (a), Leicester (h), Crystal Palace (a), Liverpool (h), West Brom (a), Sunderland (h)

Summary: Chelsea set to spend most days at top in a single Premier League season . Manchester United currently top the list with 262 days in 1993/94 . Jose Mourinho's side have been top for 230 days so far this season . Could set a record of 272 days if they stay top until end of this campaign . CLICK HERE for all the latest Chelsea news .


Dundee United have hit back at fierce criticism of the board's performance by two leading supporters' groups. Arabtrust and the Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs say they are 'shocked' that 25 per cent of £6.3million worth of transfer fees for Ryan Gauld, Andrew Robertson, Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven were paid in commission to unnamed parties. The supporters groups also disputed chairman Stephen Thompson's alleged level of investment in the club. The Dundee United board have hit back at criticism from supporters by pointing to their on-field success . The Tannadice club - already under fire for selling Armstrong and Mackay-Steven to Celtic six weeks before their League Cup final defeat to the Scottish champions - responded by defending their record in a statement. It read: 'All supporters can be assured that the board will continue to implement its professional and comprehensive strategy for the football club. 'This strategy and the related actions of the chairman and board of directors have delivered progress both on and off field. 'On the field the club has reached back-to-back domestic cup finals for the first time in 29 years, qualified for European competition in three of the last four years, finished in the Premiership top six in every one of the last seven years and won the Scottish Cup in 2010. 'The current management team and players are also sitting fourth in the Premiership this season with sights firmly set on securing a European qualification place.' The supporters' joint statement expressed concern over the levels of club debts, saying: 'Despite the sales of the four players the board of DUFC does not believe that this is yet sufficient to pay all current remaining debt.' Defending their record on that point, the club statement responded: 'Off field the board has reduced overall debt, including Thompson family loans, from £5.2m in February 2014 to £2.6m while successfully extricating the club from all bank debt. The club debt is projected to be reduced to £1.4m by the end of this year. 'Supporters can rest assured that the board is comprised of individuals that are, without exception, Dundee United supporters. They bring with them a wealth of experience in business. 'At all times, the board acts to promote the success of Dundee United and will continue to do so.' Arabtrust and the Federation also voiced concerns that chairman Thompson was wary of bringing in external investors for fear of seeing his family's shareholding drop below 75 per cent. The most explosive allegation, however, is the claim concerning the commission paid to outside parties – none of whom are understood to be players, agents or other clubs. The supporters' joint statement added: 'We believe this figure to be in excess of £500k. This does not include payments to players, agents or other clubs. When all of these various payments are totalled, over 25 per cent of the £6.3m in fees received has not been kept in the club.' United last year announced that a recent debt settlement would see the Bank of Scotland collect a share of transfer fees

Summary: Dundee United have faced criticism from fans over the 25 per cent commission paid out from £6.3m worth of transfer fees received . However, the club have responded by pointing to their record on the pitch . Dundee have reached back to back domestic cup finals for the first time in 29 years and secured European football three times in the last four seasons .


The wife of legendary cricket commentator, Richie Benaud, has politely declined the offer of a state funeral for her late husband. Daphne Benaud has reportedly settled on a private gathering with only immediate family, indicating the 'no fuss' approach is the way the former Test captain would have wanted it. The private service for Benaud, who died on Friday aged 84, will take place this week, News Corp reported on Sunday. 'Godfather of cricket': Legendary commentator and former Australia captain Richie Benaud died aged 84 . Respected: Benaud died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his wife Daphne (above) and family members . Richie Benaud, the legendary commentator described as the 'Godfather of cricket', passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight on Friday, surrounded by his wife Daphne and family. He had been receiving radiation treatment for skin cancer since November when he was admitted to a Sydney hospice on Thursday. In his recognition, Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered his family a state funeral, calling Benaud's death the 'greatest loss for cricket since the loss of Don Bradman.' While state funerals are usually reserved for politicians, Mr Abbott said ‘There would be very few Australians who have not passed a summer in the company of Richie Benaud.' News of his death threw the cricket world and beyond into mourning as tributes flowed in to a man remembered for his wry sense of humour, expertise and for simply being a 'true gentleman'. His sayings from the hundreds of Test and One Day cricket matches he commentated on across the world were often what fans remembered from important moments in these games . His dry one-liners and impeccable delivery - including one simple word 'marvellous' - were adopted as part of the Australian lexicon. Scroll down for videos . The cricket commentator had been receiving radiation treatment for skin cancer since November when he was admitted to a Sydney hospice on Thursday . A veteran of 63 Test matches, Benaud played a key role in the formation of World Series Cricket in the 1970s . Benaud's wife, Daphne politely declined Prime Minister Tony Abbott's offer of a state funeral for her husband . A veteran of 63 Test matches, Benaud played a pivotal role in the formation of World Series Cricket in the 1970s and was one of the world's most recognised commentators. In a broadcast career spanning more than five decades, he was instrumental in establishing one-day cricket on television. Masses of Australian cricketers, politicians and sportspeople penned heartfelt tributes on social media in the wake of his passing. Former Australian spin bowler Shane Warne called the champion leg spinner, the 'Godfather of cricket'. 'As a cricketer, commentator and as a person, you were the best there's ever been,' he wrote. Former captain Richie Benaud stands by a sculpture of himself at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2008 . Floral tributes gathered at the bronze statue of Richie Benaud at the Sydney Cricket Ground . 'Our country has lost a national treasure,' Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards said in a statement on Friday.

Summary: Daphne Benaud has politely declined a state funeral for her late husband . The wife of the legendary cricket commentator has settled on a gathering with only immediate family indicating this is what he would have wanted . Former Australian captain died peacefully in his sleep at a Sydney hospice . He had been receiving radiation treatment for skin cancer since November . Benaud had witnessed, as player and commentator, over 500 Test matches . Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott offered his family the state funeral .


What does Republican senator and presidential contender Rand Paul have in common with a gun-toting, stripper-hurling playboy? An avid interest in poker, as it turns out. On Friday, the 52-year-old libertarian lawmaker from Kentucky shared a Snapchat video of himself learning how to play poker from the infamous ‘King of Instagram’ Dan Blizerian. The 10-second video, obtained by Daily Caller reporter Kaitlin Collins, is titled ‘Lessons from Dan Blizerian.’ Scroll down for video . Strange bedfellows: On Friday, Senator Rand Paul (left) shared a Snapchat video of himself learning how to play poker from the debauched social media star Dan Blizerian (right) High stakes: The pair were playing Liar's Poker - a game where players use dollars bills instead of cards and track the serial numbers on the banknotes . All about the Benjamins: The GOP senator and the professional poker player had $100 bills in their hands . In the clip, the two men sit at a table opposite one another with money fans in their hands, playing what appears to be Liar's Poker - a game where players use dollars bills instead of cards and track the serial numbers on the banknotes. The goal of the game, according to Investopedia.com, is to bluff the opponents into believing that your bid does not exceed the combined sum of all of the serial numbers. Collins reported that Paul and Blizerian were playing with $100 bills. Liar's Poker is also the title of a book by bestselling author Michael Lewis about the dissolute, everything-goes culture of Wall Street bond salesmen in the 1980s. Blizerian is a renowned professional poker player and self-described international playboy who has amassed 8million followers on his Instagram page, where he documents his globe-trotting, hard-partying lifestyle. Odd couple: There does not appear to be much overlap between the married 52-year-old doctor-turned-lawmaker and the 34-year-old globe-trotting, hard-partying playboy . THAT video: Blizerian made headlines last year when this video was released showing him hurling an 18-year-old porn star from the roof of his mansion into the pool . Gun lover: In December, the former Navy SEAL trainee was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly trying to manufacture a bomb . In a profile published in the Wall Street Journal in 2014, Blizerian estimated earning about $50miillion in poker winnings in just over a year. Most of the images on his social media account feature young, attractive women in various states of undress, stacks of cash, yachts, supercars and wild clothing-optional parties. The poker champ and one-time Navy SEAL trainee also has been known to share with his fans pictures of his large weapons collection, which he lovingly refers to as his ‘accessories.’ Blizerian made headlines last year when a video was released showing him hurling an 18-year-old porn star from the roof of his mansion into the pool, leaving her with a broken foot. Viral sensation: Blizerian is a renowned professional poker player and self-described international playboy who has amassed 8million followers on his Instagram page . Playboy: Nearly every day he shares photos of himself surrounded by

Summary: The 52-year-old libertarian lawmaker from Kentucky shared a Snapchat video of himself learning how to play Liar's Poker with $100 bills . Blizerian is best known for his X-rated Instagram page followed by 8million users worldwide . He plays poker professionally and reportedly once earned $50million in winnings in just over a year . Video from last year showed Blizerian hurling porn star from a roof .


A freak snowstorm was captured on video engulfing a bridge and then a river in a matter of seconds in Russia. The incredible weather event took place in Siberia’s third largest city, Krasnoyarsk, and shows the moment snow and sleet plunge the Yenisei River into darkness. A video maker captured the storm, which initially it looks like a large white cloud, from the bank of a river. The snowstorm moved at a speed of 45mph and engulfed the��Kommunalnyi Bridge in a matter of seconds . Suddenly the storm grows in size and begins moving at a speed of 45mph towards the Kommunalnyi Bridge, which it instantly dwarfs with its size. Flecks of snow can be seen in the air as the large cloud becomes increasingly grey in colour and the bridge disappears from view. The video maker then tilts the camera slightly and captures the cloud moving overhead. Flecks of snow become bigger and more frequent as the snowstorm continues to engulf the video maker . Visibility is drastically reduced as the snowstorm engulfs the Russian city in a matter of seconds . The flecks of snow suddenly become larger and more of them can be seen beating down on the side of the river bank. Moving ever closer, the wind begins picking up and suddenly the visibility is next to zero. The video maker then captures a friend standing nearby before returning to film the storm, which the pair are now very much a part of. The video maker momentarily films a friend before returning to the storm, which they are now a part of . The video concludes with more snow pelting the video maker and the grey clouds obscuring the sun completely. According to reports, warm weather is thought to have caused the cyclone, which swept through the city centre in less than a minute.

Summary: The cyclone travelled through Siberia’s third largest city, Krasnoyarsk . Video captures the snowstorm engulfing the Kommunalnyi Bridge . Flakes of snow become bigger as visibility reduces drastically .


Behind the highly-publicized trial of murderer Aaron Hernandez has played out a painful and private feud between two sisters. Hernandez's fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, 25, sobbed and hugged the killer's mom in the Massachusetts court on Wednesday as the jury returned a guilty verdict for first-degree murder, sending the ex-NFL star to prison for life with no chance of release. Just feet away across the aisle in the packed courtroom, sat her 23-year-old sister, Shaneah Jenkins, the girlfriend of victim Odin Lloyd who Hernandez executed with five bullets on June 17, 2013. The once-close sisters, who shared an apartment in their native Bristol, Connecticut, have not spoken since it became clear that Hernandez had a role in Lloyd's brutal death. Scroll down for video . Happier times: Sisters Shaneah (pictured left) and Shayanna Jenkins (right) pictured in 2011. The Aaron Hernandez murder trial has left them estranged . Torn apart: Shayanna Jenkins (pictured right) and her younger sister Shaneah (left) in their senior yearbook photo from 2007 at Bristol Central High School, Connecticut. The two sisters were close until Aaron Hernandez's murder of Odin Lloyd left them on opposite sides of a murder trial . The girlfriend of Odin Lloyd (circled, bottom left) dabbed her eyes with a tissue as she sat across the aisle from her estranged sister and Hernandez's fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, who sobbed and hugged the former NFL player's mother Terri (top right) when the guilty verdict was announced . Shayanna Jenkins left the courtroom immediately after the guilty verdict on Wednesday morning and was seen driving away in her car, eyes shielded by sunglasses. She did not wait to hear the victim impact statement of Lloyd's mother, Ursula Ward, who said that she had forgiven those who 'had a hand in my son's murder both before and after'. The mother also spoke of how her son Odin introducing her to his girlfriend Shaneah had been 'a gift' in her life. Shaneah did not speak before the court but placed a comforting hand on Ms Ward when she spoke to media outside. The Jenkins sisters, who introduced the men, both attended the trial at times, sitting on opposite sides without exchanging a word, their rift on full display. Shayanna sat behind Hernandez, 25, and could be seen joking with him, several times exchanging whispered 'I love yous' when she attended. Shaneah sat with Lloyd's family. Before he was killed, she and Lloyd, 27, had made plans to move in together while she attended law school in Boston. Both sisters took the stand during the two-and-a-half-month murder trial in Fall River, Massachusetts. When Shaneah took the stand against Hernandez, her sister sat in the front row, supporting the former Pats star and father of her two-year-old daughter, Avielle. The sisters, for a time, took similar paths, according to Shaneah's testimony. The women grew up together in Bristol, Connecticut, and both attended Bristol Central High School. They have a 16-year-old younger sister. Shayanna had an on-and-off relationship with Hernandez that spanned the last two years of high school. When Hernandez went off

Summary: Hernandez's fiancée, Shayanna Jenkins, 25, sobbed when the verdict of first-degree murder was announced on Wednesday . She left the courtroom with Hernandez's mother soon afterwards . Her sister, Shaneah Jenkins, Odin Lloyd's girlfriend, wept alongside the victim's family as Hernandez was told he would spend rest of his life in jail . The once-close Jenkins sisters have sat on opposite sides of the courtroom throughout the trial in Massachusetts .


Elton John and lead singer of the band REM Michael Stipe have joined forces calling for the equal rights of transgender inmates in response to allegations of mistreatment at a Georgia prison. ‘Transgender women in male prisons have an equal right to protection from violence and abuse in prison, and yet they continue to face horrific injustices,’ according to a joint statement the musicians released Tuesday. Last week, the US Justice Department said prison officials must treat an inmate’s gender identity condition just as they would treat any other medical or mental health condition following a February lawsuit from the Southern Poverty Law Center filed against Georgia Department of Corrections officials on behalf of Ashley Diamond, a transgender woman. Allies: Elton John and lead singer of REM Michael Stipe have joined forces calling for the equal rights of transgender inmates . Prison officials must treat an inmate's gender identity condition just as they would treat any other medical or mental health condition, according to a Justice Department ruling in the case of transgender inmate Ashley Diamond . According to the lawsuit, prison officials did not provide sufficient treatment for 36-year-old Diamond’s gender dysphoria - a condition that causes a person to experience extreme distress because of a disconnect between the birth sex and gender identity. The lawsuit also said Diamond was without hormone treatment for three years and her body suffered as a result, and that she had been sexually assaulted and ridiculed in prison. ‘More often than not, assaults in part go unreported because the perpetrators are prison guards, wardens and staff,’ said Stipe and John, who founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation. ‘This is outrageous, and the message it sends is horrific: that violence against and discrimination of trans people is not only allowed, but sanctioned.’ Both John, 68, and Stipe, 55, are openly gay. The frontman of REM is a long-time supporter of the Rocket Man singer’s foundation. In their statement, John and Stipe applauded the Justice Department for coming out in support of Ms Diamond and for challenging the constitutionality of Georgia’s policy of denying transgender inmates hormone treatments. But the musicians argued that more steps must be taken to end the ‘culture of violence and discrimination.’ ‘We urge the state of Georgia to embrace desperately needed changes to their correctional system,’ the statement concluded. Last week, a judge ordered California’s corrections department to provide a transgender inmate with sex-reassignment surgery. It was the first time such an operation has been ordered in the state. A photo of Diamond compared to her Department of Corrections mugshot shows the drastic difference without maintaining treatment . The Justice Department filed a brief in Ashley Diamon's case last Friday saying it's not taking a position on the accuracy of Diamond's claims, but reminding prison officials that the Eighth Amendment of the US Constitution requires them to provide inmates with individualized assessment and care for the condition. Department of Corrections spokeswoman Gwendolyn Hogan wrote in an email that the agency doesn't comment on pending litigation. While similar cases have been brought in

Summary: John and Stipe issued a joint statement calling for equal rights of transgender inmates . 'Transgender women in male prisons have an equal right to protection from violence and abuse in prison, and yet they continue to face horrific injustices,' statement read in part . Southern Poverty Law Center in February filed sued Georgia Department of Corrections on behalf of Ashley Diamond, a transgender woman . Diamond, 36, identifies as a woman and has been taking hormones since age 17 . Claims lack of medical attention has harmed her transition process .


He's known as living in one of the most exclusive postcodes in London, and enjoying the best bars and restaurants with his wealthy co-stars, but Chelsea boy Andy Jordan's heart lies outside the capital. From getting stopped and searched for drugs in Mexico, to hijacking tuk tuks in India, the fun-loving broker has had many adventures beyond London's exclusive SW3 postcode. While you may expect him to enjoy the best luxury hotels around the world, the carefree traveller says he often packs the bare minimum and even enjoys staying in the odd Travelodge. Jetsetter: Andy Jordan from Made In Chelsea has enjoyed the best hotels around the world, but also enjoys a stay at Travelodge . Sat in Andy's London flat at the start of the bank holiday a travel edition of 'Would You Rather' kicks off proceedings. 'I don't think I've played this sober before,' he says, before revealing how he prefers action holidays to lying on a beach. 'I once took a girl on holiday to Morocco for her birthday,' he said when asked about the most romantic place he has taken a female companion. 'It was a bit awkward as we were together but broke up just before, but both still wanted to go. 'What she didn't realise is I had booked it based on the best surfing spots in the area and turned up at the airport with my surfboard. 'She was livid!' Action man! The singer loves to keep active on holiday and aims to surf in the Arctic one day . The singer released his album, Geography, last year and in the title song he sings about falling in love at first sight on London's Underground. The ladies of London will be delighted to know he is completely open to finding love on trains. 'I had my first 'train encounter' when I was 14 and I chatted to this girl for five hours, all the way from Oxford to Bodmin Parkway,' he explains. 'It was so incredible we even kissed when I got off and met up that evening on the beach. 'I am a big believer in that kind of thing.' Sun loving! The latest holiday the Chelsea boy went on involved the cast from the TV series. Their trip to Barbados was shown on the season opening episode this week . Most of the singer's future holiday plans involve ticking surfing spots off his bucket list. 'I want to surf in the Arctic, it's becoming a big thing and you can surf between glaciers with Patagonia wetsuits that let you go in four degree water.' Of course the Chelsea boy had a gap year, funded by doing a telesales job in his bedroom in pajamas, before surfing every day for six months around the world. When asked if he would rather join the Mile High Club and be caught or never join at all, his response is instant. 'Join it! Hands down! Just to clarify I am not currently a member of it.' Andy's favourite hotel is the Tryall Club in Jamaica. He stayed

Summary: MIC's Andy Jordan spoke to MailOnline about how Chelsea boys holiday . He got stopped on his gap year in Mexico and were searched for drugs . The star said Spencer was the most high maintenance traveller .


It is the age-old trick of students the world over - pulling all-nighters to cram for an exam. But a team of experts at Brandeis University in Massachusetts have a few words of wisdom, urging students to put down the coffee and sleep. They believe the memory neurons that are responsible for converting short-term memories into long-term ones, work most effectively when a person is asleep. Scientists have long known that sleep, memory and learning are deeply connected. Most animals, from flies to humans, have trouble remembering when they are sleep-deprived. And studies have shown that sleep is critical in converting short-term memories, into long-term memory, a process known as memory consolidation. A team of scientists at Brandeis University in Massachusetts believe all-nighters to cram before an exam won't work because the process converting short-term memory to long-term memory is best carried out when a person is asleep . But just how that process works has remained a mystery. One body of thinking questions whether the mechanism that promotes sleep is also responsible for consolidating memory. While another asks if the two distinct process work together. In other words, is memory consolidated during sleep because the brain is quiet, allowing memory neurons to go to work, or are memory neurons actually putting us to sleep? Graduate students, Paula Haynes and Bethany Christmann, at the university's Griffith Lab, believe the answer is the latter. They focused their research on dorsal paired medial neurons, well-known memory consolidators in fruit flies. The pair noted, for the first time, that when the neurons are activated, the flies slept more, but when they were deactivated, the flies kept buzzing. These memory consolidators cause the flies to fall asleep, as they begin to convert short-term memory to long-term memory. Ms Haynes and Ms Christmann said this all takes place in a section of the fly's brain called the mushroom body - similar to the hippocampus in humans, which is where our memories are stored. The parts of the fly's mushroom body, which is responsible for memory and learning is the same part that keeps it awake. The hippocampus in the brain, highlighted in red, is where our memories are stored, and where, the scientists believe the process takes place . Ms Christmann, said: 'It's almost as if that section of the mushroom body were saying, "hey, stay awake and learn this". 'Then, after a while, the DPM neurons start signaling to suppress that section, as if to say, "you're going to need sleep if you want to remember this later".' Understanding how sleep and memory are connected in a simple system, like fruit flies, can help scientists unravel the secrets of the human brain. 'Knowing that sleep and memory overlap in the fly brain can allow researchers to narrow their search in humans,' Ms Christmann said. 'Eventually, it could help us figure out how sleep or memory is affected when things go wrong, as in the case of insomnia or memory disorders.' This research was funded by the National Institute of Health.

Summary: Memory neurons that covert short-term memory to long-term work most effectively when a person is asleep, scientists believe . Brandeis University scientists believe memory neurons put us to sleep . Say you need to sleep to consolidate and remember what you've learned .


A woman who spent 30 years of her life believing that she suffered from cerebral palsy, only to learn that she had in fact been misdiagnosed and almost all of her symptoms could be cured with just one pill, insists she feels no resentment or anger about her doctor’s life-changing error. Jean Sharon Abbott, 38, from Plymouth, Minnesota, was told she had spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, when she was just four-years-old, she explained to The Mighty. But after three decades of suffering from muscle spasms, weakness, near immobility, as well as undergoing painful surgical procedures, she learned at the age of 33 that she actually had dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD), a rare, yet treatable, muscle disorder. 'Honestly, I’ve never had any negative thoughts about what I went through,' Jean told Daily Mail Online of her misdiagnosis, which saw her confined to a bed for much of her childhood. Scroll down for video . Life-changing error: Jean Sharon Abbott can be seen recovering from surgery when she was 12-years-old. The 38-year-old has now discovered she was misdiagnosed with spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy . Different life: Jean, who is pictured with her husband (L) and by herself (R), used a mobility scooter before she was diagnosed as having dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD), a rare, yet treatable, muscle disorder . While Jean admitted that there 'plenty of times' she wished she didn't have to deal with the physical symptoms associated with condition, including her dependence on others to complete everyday tasks, she noted that she still had a 'fantastic childhood' - thanks in large part to the unwavering support of her family and friends. 'Even though I had challenges, my parents were so good with dealing with my disability and didn’t “baby” me,' she explained. 'Also, I had true friendships that I never had to question. All of my life experiences made me who I am today - and I like me.' When Jean was first diagnosed with spastic diplegia, she was considered a textbook case, even though her MRIs and CAT scans didn’t show any typical symptoms of the disorder. And because her neurologist was considered one of the best in the field, second opinions never yielded any other conclusions. 'I had been seen by one of the best in the country, if not the world, and my parents even took me to the leading hospital in the US for a second opinion,' she recalled. 'They confirmed the spastic diplegia diagnosis and said that my doctor taught all of them.' Jean said she never questioned her original diagnosis and instead chose to accept her physical struggles and focus on living her life to the best of her ability. 'I was never one to dwell on my disability or to think about it too much, other than when I was at these doctor appointments,' she said. 'I guess I was too busy trying to live a normal life and having fun with my friends and family.' By the time she was 12-years-old, Jean underwent a 'very painful' muscle transfer to prevent

Summary: Jean Sharon Abbott, 38, from Plymouth, Minnesota, was told she had spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, when she was four-years-old . She was 33-years-old when she learned she actually had dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD), a rare muscle disorder that can be treated with one pill . Jean, who was nearly immobile for 30 years, went on a 10-mile hike four months after she was given her new medication, which is known as L-Dopa . Despite her misdiagnosis, the mother-of-three insists she feels no resentment or anger about her doctor’s life-altering mistake .


This video captures the dramatic struggle faced by villagers as they attempted to rescue an female elephant trapped in a treacherous muddy bog in southern China. The animal became stuck in the quagmire during the night and was lying on her side in a state of desperation when locals came across her and raised the alarm. Using only ropes and wooden poles, more than 20 villagers and police officers teamed together to free the wild Asian elephant before she died of starvation, dehydration or exhaustion. Scroll down for video . Rescue mission: The elephant was discovered stuck in a muddy quagmire by villagers in rural southern China . Reporters could see the animal - report to be around 15 years old - trying to push itself up using its two front legs but the boggy ground kept if firmly stuck in place, reports People's Daily Online. Police were called to lead the rescue operation and officer Wang Xingtao got the villagers to help drain the swamp to prevent the elephant from drowning. He said: 'This area is very boggy without any solid ground. The quagmire the elephant was trapped in is only around one metre deep.' The police and forestry officials on the scene then got the villagers to fetch long wooden poles and ropes to use in the difficult extraction. An Asian elephant weighs four to five tons on average. Exhausted: The female animal was found lying on its side after becoming trapped in the middle of the night . After three hours and without any heavy machinery their efforts were finally rewarded when the elephant was dragged out of the swamp. Veterinarian Bao Mengwei said: 'After an extended period of time struggling in the quagmire the elephant has some blood circulation problems as well as the tremendous stress that has been put on the heart and lungs of the animal. 'And without food for over a day it is temporarily unable to stand up.' Rescuers quickly administered anti-infection and anti-shock drugs to help stabilise the elephant's condition and have pledged to do everything they can to bring it back to health. Stranded: Reporters could see the elephant trying to push itself up using its two front legs but the boggy ground kept if firmly stuck in place . Team effort: Police were called to lead the rescue operation and officer Wang Xingto got the villagers to help drain the swamp to prevent the elephant from drowning . Life-saving: It took the combined efforts of more than 20 people to haul the five-ton animal from the mud . Safety: The female animal, believed to be around 15 years old, emerges from the mud tired and unable to stand . Basic equipment: After hours of effort and without any heavy machinery their efforts were finally rewarded when the elephant was dragged out of the swamp . Given medication: Rescuers quickly administered anti-infection and anti-shock drugs to help stabilise the elephant's condition and have pledged to do everything they can to bring it back to health .

Summary: Wild Asian elephant was trapped in a swamp in rural southern China . Female animal had battled all night to escape before being discovered . Villagers and police teamed up in a dramatic three-hour rescue operation . Exhausted elephant cannot stand up and is being treated with medication .


Sydneysiders missed out on Saturday night's lunar eclipse, but Melbourne and Adelaide residents had a spectacular view of the 'blood moon' as it lit up the sky. Wet and cloudy weather was to blame in Sydney, where the Sydney Observatory said the short lunar began at 10.58pm (AEDT) and finished at 11.03pm. 'Our live feed from Griffith Observatory is showing gorgeous totality pink!' observatory staff wrote on Twitter at about 11pm, accompanying their tweet with a picture of equipment showing off the bright pink moon. Scroll down for video . The lunar eclipse as seen from Melbourne on Easter Saturday, April 4. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon is completely in the Earth's shadow . Wet and cloudy weather was to blame for Sydneysiders missing out on the view, but the Sydney Observatory captured every moment with their equipment . Brisbane was also predicted to miss out due to bad weather, but the moon was pictured revealing itself through rain clouds towards the end of a total lunar eclipse . The beginning of the eclipse was captured from behind leaves illuminated by a street light in Canberra on Saturday . 'It's highly likely that it will still be cloudy,' The Bureau of Meteorology's Chris Webb had said of Sydney, adding that a break in the clouds at precisely the right moment could still present a slim chance for hopeful sky gazers. Brisbane, Darwin, Canberra and Hobart residents were also promised slim chance of viewing the phenomenon due to poor weather conditions, but clear night skies were predicted for Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth. Those faced with bad weather may not have missed out on much however, with the event being one of the shortest lunar eclipses of the century. 'Some sources indicate it will be around 10 minutes of totality, which will make it the shortest since 1917, but other sources say it will be less than five minutes which makes it the shortest since 1592,' Sydney Observatory astronomer Andrew Smith told the ABC earlier. Despite rain and clouds predicted to obscure the event for Canberrians, this image was taken of the full moon behind clouds on Saturday night . Taken in Canberra: The event was predicted to be one of the shortest lunar eclipses of the century . The eclipse begins in Canberra: Weather warnings did not deter star gazers . Residents of Auckland in New Zealand also had a spectacular view of the 'blood moon' A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through the edge of the earth's shadow. This is an area known as the umbra, where light from the sun is blocked by our planet. The light refracts differently in the atmosphere and, as it hits the moon, it appears red. The eclipse is the third in a series of four blood moons, with the final one expected on September 28. Part of the lunar eclipse is seen behind fully bloomed cherry blossoms in Utsunomiya in Tochigi prefecture, 100km north of Tokyo on April 4 . Sky-gazers in part of the Pacific Rim enjoyed the 'unusually

Summary: The April lunar eclipse turned the moon blood red on Saturday night . Bad weather ruined viewing chances for Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Darwin . Adelaide and Melbourne had the clearest skies out of all the states . A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in the shadow of Earth .


Paul Sturrock experienced a baptism of fire at Yeovil, as they were relegated for the second consecutive time in his first game in charge - two days after he got the job. The 58-year-old spent four days as an advisor to Conference side Torquay before jumping ship to join League One basement side Yeovil on Thursday. Sturrock has been promoted five times as a manager but Yeovil’s 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Notts County condemned them to relegation at Huish Park. Yeovil Town manager Paul Sturrock suffered relegation with the club in only his second day in charge . County defender Haydn Hollis headed into his own net to give the hosts the lead but the visitors, in new boss Ricardo Moniz’s first match, equalised through Garry Thompson. The Glovers were tipped for promotion this season but instead, despite stopping a run of six consecutive losses, become the first League One side to be relegated. Garry Thompson's equaliser condemned the Glovers to back-to-back relegations .

Summary: Yeovil Town drew 1-1 with Notts County at Huish Park on Saturday . Result condemned Yeovil to relegation from League One . Paul Sturrock was appointed as Yeovil's latest manager on Thursday .


A 14-year-old cheerleader has died after plunging 60 feet during a rappelling trip with her family over Easter weekend. Millie Elia, an eighth-grade student from Oak Mountain, Alabama, died following the accident at Mount Cheaha State Park around 4.40pm on Saturday. The teenager had been rappelling on Pulpit Rockpark with her family and a friend when she fell. The park refused to release any further details when contacted by DailyMail.com on Monday. Tragic: Millie Elia, an eighth-grade student from Alabama, died on Saturday after a rappelling accident . In Oak Mountain on Monday, her classmates and teachers mourned the teen, who was part of the Advanced Symphonic Band, the National Junior Honor Society and the Science Club. Students wore blue to class in memory of Millie, decorated her locker with notes and photographs, and paid tribute to her on social media. 'Such a beautiful girl,' a fellow cheerleader wrote on Twitter as she shared images of Millie. 'Such a sad loss. Please send lots of love and prayers to the Elia's. We love you, Millie.' She added that prayers needed to go out to Millie's best friend because she had also been at the scene of the accident. 'Wish you were gonna be out there cheering with us,' she added. 'We'll be cheering for you girl. You're awesome, Mill! Fly high!' Principal Larry Haynes called her a 'very involved and well-liked student', WVTM reported. He emailed parents last night to tell them about the tragedy. Scene: The teenager fell around 60 feet while rappelling in Mount Cheaha State Park, pictured . Family: She is pictured with her mother Angie, left and right. In the image, right, they were taking part in a fundraising walk for cancer care, and she wrote: 'I love you mom! stay strong!' Counselors from the school and surrounding schools were at Oak Mountain Middle School for students and teachers on Monday. 'The students are making cards and passing out ribbons that were made in Millie's honor yesterday by a group of students and parents who gathered at Veterans Park,' Haynes said. Outside of school, she was an active member of Meadowbrook Baptist Youth Group and shared snaps of her laughing and posing with friends to her Instagram page. In one photo from six months ago, she posed with her mother, Angie Elia, a pediatric nurse practitioner, as they took part in a fundraising walk for cancer care. 'I love you mom!' she wrote in the caption. 'Stay strong!'

Summary: Millie Elia plunged to the ground while rappelling with her family in Mount Cheaha State Park on Saturday afternoon .


The will of Princess Diana is among 41 million available to order at the click of a button. Diana’s final wishes for the disposal of her £21.4 million estate are among a vast archive of wills dating back to 1858 now available to view online. Those of Winston Churchill and George Orwell can also be seen. In her will, Diana’s butler Paul Burrell was bequeathed the sum of £50,000, free of inheritance tax. Scroll down for video . The will of Princess Diana is among 41 million available to order at the click of a button thanks to a new service . Possessions including paintings and a clock were distributed among her 17 godchildren, while the rest went to her sons William and Harry. Qadir Ahmed runs the secure Iron Mountain facility in a leafy suburb of Birmingham where row upon row of the documents are kept in temperature-controlled storage, under tight security. He said the wills are a fascinating snapshot into the personalities and characters of people from every walk of life. For some, having a copy of a will is a matter of sentimentality, whereas others - particularly in the case of celebrities - are ordered out of 'pure curiosity', he said. 'We have 41 million in storage and there are so many fascinating and emotional stories,' said Mr Ahmed. One such is that of the late Paul Hunter, the champion snooker player, who died of cancer in 2006 aged just 27. Paul Burrell was given £50,000 by Diana when she died . The Yorkshireman fathered a daughter who, at the time he penned his will, was not yet born but she is remembered in the passages of his will, as Mr Ahmed describes. 'There are some really touching stories inside these files - people like Paul Hunter, who in his will says 'To my unborn child, I leave ...' and that is genuinely touching. 'He believed at the time he was writing this will, that he wouldn't survive the birth of his child.' 'You feel the emotion of that moment, through reading the record.' The first disbursement of Diana's will reads: 'I bequeath to my butler Paul Burrell the sum of £50,000, free of inheritance tax.' It also provides for specified keepsakes including watercolour paintings and a carriage clock to be distributed among her 17 godchildren, while to Princes William and Harry she left everything else. In the event of her death she makes express provision the Prince of Wales 'will consult with my mother [Frances Shand Kydd] with regard to the upbringing, education and welfare of our children'. She also makes clear her wish to be buried. Mr Ahmed said the new system, which has been in place since the end of last year, means people no longer have to order wills by post, or by heading to their local Registry Office. 'A lot of the public are not aware these are public records,' he said. 'Once someone goes through probate, that's it. It's a simple process, through the gov.uk website. 'You can pay a small fee of

Summary: Diana's will is among those stored in an archive which is to be put online . In it she bequeathed £50,000 free of tax to her former butler Paul Burrell . The rest of her estate was divvied up between Princes William and Harry . Internet users can pay £10 to view the documents and millions of others .