Tony Pulis is plotting talks with West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy Peace once Premier League safety is secured to ensure the club can become a top-ten team again. Pulis said West Brom has 'gone off the rails' in recent seasons and needs fundamental improvements to get back on track. West Brom finished 10th and 8th under Roy Hodgson and Steve Clarke before struggling for survival in a chaotic campaign last season before finishing 17th. West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis (left) shouts instructions from the sideline against Man City . They were in danger of the drop again this year with Alan Irvine in charge, one point and one place above the relegation zone, before Pulis arrived and sparked an upturn in form. Pulis wants to do extensive business in the summer market, with Neil Taylor and Bakary Sako two players on Pulis' shopping list, and discussions with Peace will follow confirmed survival. The Baggies almost got relegated under Alan Irvine (above) last season before Pulis arrived to save the day . 'We will talk about it (summer transfer market) once we have achieved our goals - which is to stay up. We are still points away from that,' said Pulis. 'Once that is achieved we will sit down and talk to the chairman. It is a good football club, everything is in place. 'It has gone a little bit off the rails in the last two or three years. I don't think anyone can argue about that, it is now just about trying to get it back on track.' Wolves winger Bakary Sako (right) is a player that Pulis wants to bring on board during the summer . Pulis, who welcomes Queens Park Rangers to the Hawthorns on Saturday, added: 'We will never look any further than beyond what is directly in front of us and the QPR game is massive; that's what we're focused on. 'But it's a good club and it's a club which I think can be a top 10 club in the Premier League. 'That is the ambition I have and I know the chairman has too. He accepts that it has drifted a bit in the past couple of seasons and we all want to get it going forward again.'

Summary: West Brom finished 10th and 8th under Roy Hodgson and Steve Clarke . The Baggies finished 17th in last season's Premier League . Tony Pulis wants to do extensive business in the summer market .


Corporal Christian Walmsley was found dead in his flat in Bolton after struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder following tours of duty abroad . A soldier who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after a series of tours abroad wrote suicide notes before taking a fatal overdose, an inquest has heard. Corporal Christian Walmsley was found dead in his flat in Bolton, Greater Manchester wearing five war medals after struggling to adapt to civilian life, a coroner was told. The father-of-three had served in the First Gulf War, Bosnia, Angola and Northern Ireland in the Royal Engineers from 1989 until 2000. The 42-year-old had witnessed the 'significant violence only soldiers experience', the hearing at Bolton Coroners Court was told. After retiring from the army, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and Fibromyalgia, a chronic condition causing deep muscle pain. His family members told the court that Cpl Walmsley's two marriages had ended divorce. He had spent some time in Germany over the last decade before returning to the UK to rebuild relationships with his family, relatives said. Stepfather Michael Richards told the hearing: 'He'd always been such a fit lad. But when he came back he had to use a stick because he was so fatigued.' Mr Richards said his stepson had questioned the support given to former servicemen and women. The inquest heard he had previously taken an overdose and told his family he had tried to take his own life. But he discharged himself from the hospital before he had a mental health assessment. In the weeks leading up to his death, his family said Cpl Walmsley had seemed optimistic. Yet on November 4 last year, he had appeared distressed to friends and sent text messages to his mother telling her he was in pain. He was discovered dead on November 6. Police officers found a notebook with several suicide notes inside, the hearing was told. Cpl Walmsley was among British troops in the First Gulf War (pictured in file photo), as well touring Bosnia . The coroner ruled that, without dates on the notes, he could not be certain Cpl Walmsley had attempted suicide. Recording misadventure as a verdict, Coroner Alan Walsh said: 'During his service he would have experienced things only soldiers go through. 'I hope his children are reminded of the bravery he showed in serving his country.' On PTSD among soldiers, the coroner added: 'I do believe it is important that we acknowledge the stress the disorder causes and the total change it causes to someone's life. Those who do serve in the armed forces witness experiences beyond their imagination.' For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here.

Summary: Soldier had fought overseas in First Gulf War, Bosnia and Northern Ireland . Family say he had struggled to adapt to civilian life after 11 years in Army . He previously took overdose and told relatives he tried to take his own life . Coroner records misadventure verdict and praises soldier's bravery .


Tottenham will resist any offers for left back Danny Rose. The 24-year-old is fundamental to Mauricio Pochettino's plans and was signed up to a five-year contract last summer. Manchester City have considered attack-minded Rose as they draw up an extensive list of potential homegrown signings ahead of the close season. Danny Rose has attracted interest from Manchester City after a strong season with Tottenham . Rose is strong going forward but shows off the defensive side of his game against George Boyd of Burnley . Tottenham though believe some new additions of their own in the summer can make them greater contenders for Champions League football next season and do not intend to help their rivals. Pochettino is ready to sell some fringe players, but Rose is not one of them. Pochettino said: 'Danny has been the best English left back this season. I look at the stats and other players in his position. I also look at his performances, which have been great. But that's my opinion.' Gael Clichy, a Frenchman, is City's regular left back in a squad short of homegrown players . Although Rose was been called up to the England squad last month he has yet to receive a full cap but has 29 at U21 level. Doncaster-born Rose had struggled to make an impression at Tottenham down the years but has benfited from Tim Sherwood and Pochettino showing faith in him following a loan spell with Sunderland in 2012-13.

Summary: Manchester City have identified Danny Rose as a transfer target . Rose is a rising star and City's squad is short of homegrown players . But Spus boss Mauricio Pochettino is a big fan of his left back . Tottenham will resist all summer offers for Rose .


Police are believed to have identified one of the men behind the jewel heist in Hatton Garden, as it was revealed the gang could have been inspired by similar robberies in Los Angeles in the 1980s. Officers from Scotland Yard's Flying Squad released images of three suspects on Saturday, but refused to release a picture of the supposed ringleader, likely because he has already been identified. Meanwhile criminologist Richard Hoskins said he has identified 'startling similarities' between the Hatton Garden raid and novel Black Echo, by Michael Connelly. Scroll down for video . Police are believed to have identified one of the Hatton Garden raiders after releasing CCTV images of the gang as they raided the bank vault over the Easter bank holiday . Officers released images of three of the men, but refused to release an images of the supposed ringleader, which is believed to be because he has already been identified . The novel was based on real-life bank robbers dubbed 'The Hole In The Ground Gang' who struck three vaults in LA in 1986 and 1987, and were never caught. In the 1986 robbery, the gang tunneled into a bank vault over a long weekend, triggering alarms on the Friday that were not investigated, before raiding safety deposit boxes stored inside the vaults. It was not until the week following the raids that police were called and discovered the robbers had dug into the vault using heavy machinery, in very similar circumstances to the Hatton Garden raid. Criminologist Richard Hoskins noticed 'striking similarities' between the Hatton Garden raid and crime novel Black Echo, which itself is based on two jewel heists in LA in the 1980s . Mr Hoskins, who also wrote murder novel The Boy in the River, told MailOnline: 'There is obviously a lot we don't know about the Hatton Garden heist, but on the surface they look very similar. 'I think that when the raiders were planning their heist they must have read this book, or researched the robberies in LA. 'While the robbery is obviously terrible for the victims, I think everyone can agree that this was a very smart operation, and Black Echo sets out a very smart way to rob a vault. 'The timeline fits almost exactly, right down to the alarm being set off on a Friday and the break in being discovered on a Tuesday.' The Hole In The Ground Gang first struck in 1986, when they tunneled underneath a First Interstate Bank located along famous Sunset Boulevard near Hollywood, in LA. The gang, believed to number around four or five, made a hole in the wall of a storm drain underneath LA's streets, before tunneling 100ft through the dirt, emerging underneath the bank vault. They then used concrete drills and saws to cut a 20ft-by-25ft hole in the floor of the vault, before clambering through and ransacking the safety deposit boxes. In total they got away with $270,000 in cash, along with the contents of 36 deposit boxes, worth up to $2.5million. One box contained a sketch of a young

Summary: Officers thought to have identified supposed ringleader of jewel thieves . Meanwhile criminologist suspects raid was inspired by plot of crime novel . Novel is based on real-life bank heists carried out the late 80s in LA . Hole In The Ground Gang used drills to bore into vaults in 1986 and 87 .


Hungry for power: SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon . SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon last night admitted she understands concerns of English voters about her party being involved in a coalition government. The Scottish First Minister said: ‘I understand how people south of the border think, “Oh my goodness how will it work? It’s a mess”.’ She also suggested that David Cameron had been ‘not unhelpful’ to the SNP by gaining the party greater publicity. ‘At every Westminster election I’ve fought until this one, the biggest challenge that we’ve had to overcome is being heard and being relevant. We don’t have this problem this time,’ she told The Times. ‘The message it’s given to people in Scotland is – if this is the attention we get just from the SNP riding high in the polls, imagine how loud our voice would be if that was translated into seats. So in that respect I absolutely think it is not unhelpful.’ Miss Sturgeon’s remarks came after she had insisted that she would put Ed Miliband into Downing Street even if Labour wins 40 fewer seats than the Tories in a hung Parliament. Polls suggest the SNP is on the brink of a landslide on a scale unprecedented in modern British politics, winning as many as 50 of Scotland’s 59 Commons seats. That would be all but certain to leave it holding the balance of power at Westminster for the first time. In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Miss Sturgeon insisted: ‘Even if the Tories are the largest party, if there is an anti-Tory majority, my offer to Labour is to work together to keep the Tories out.’ Asked whether Mr Cameron’s party being ahead of Labour by ‘ten, 20, 30, 40’ seats would have an impact on her decision, she said: ‘Governments in the House of Commons are about who can command a majority. 'If there is an anti-Tory majority, yes... we would work with Labour to stop the Tories getting into Downing Street.’ Pledge: Miss Sturgeon’s remarks came after she had insisted that she would put Ed Miliband (right) into Downing Street even if Labour wins 40 fewer seats than the Tories in a hung Parliament. Left, David Cameron . Labour has ruled out a coalition with the SNP but on more than 100 occasions in recent weeks senior figures have refused to rule out a less formal arrangement. Most likely are vote-by-vote negotiations which would see the SNP agree to support a minority Labour government in key Parliamentary votes, after seeking to extract concessions for Scotland. The Prime Minister called Miss Sturgeon’s threat to prop up a weak Labour government ‘frightening’ and said it would lead to ‘economic ruin’. Nick Clegg said last night he would not support any deal with Labour that relies on it being propped up by the SNP. The Liberal Democrat leader said his first talks would be with the party with most seats – which most polls indicate will be the Tories.

Summary: Leader said she understands concerns about SNP being part of coalition . Miss Sturgeon also suggested PM had been 'not unhelpful' to her party . Polls indicate SNP is on the brink of a historic landside victory in election .


Apple CEO Tim Cook described the company’s eagerly anticipated watch as ‘the most personal device we’ve ever created’. And it may be the California-based firm’s most durable too. A sapphire glass screen used in the device has remained scratch-free after being subjected to being rubbed with sandpaper, keyed and even hit with a hammer. Scroll down for video . A sapphire glass screen used in the device has remained unscratched after being subjected to being rubbed against a stone wall (pictured) and with sandpaper, keyed and even hit with a hammer . The test was carried out by Cardiff-based iPhone repairs specialist iPhoneFixed.co.uk, which used a sapphire screen from a 38mm Apple Watch for its experiment. Two out of the three models of Apple Watches, which are available to pre-order from today, have sapphire glass screens. Two out of the three models of Apple Watches, which are available to pre-order from today, have sapphire glass screens. The only one that doesn't is the Sport model (pictured above) The glass is made from synthetic sapphire, which is created by applying heat and pressure to aluminium oxide powder, before being processed to remove impurities. Here, it withstands being scratched by sandpaper . Synthetic sapphire is a hard, transparent material made of crystallising aluminium oxide, produced at high temperatures and pressures. As the material is heated, it forms disks that can be sliced using diamond-coated saws. These round disks are ground into shape, and polished, to become glass. The resulting glass is thin, super-strong and scratch resistant. Apple already uses sapphire crystal in the Touch ID fingerprint scanner on the iPhone 5S and 6, as well as to protect the phones’ camera. The Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition both have sapphire glass screens, while the Sport version has a strengthened Ion-X glass screen, which is thought to be more shatterproof. If the price of manufacturing the glass drops, it could potentially replace Gorilla Glass currently used in most high-end smartphones. The glass is made from synthetic sapphire, which is created by applying heat and pressure to aluminium oxide powder, before the crystals are processed to remove impurities. The tiny round disks created are ground into shape, and polished, to become glass. Sapphire glass is said to be twice as tough as normal glass and almost as hard as a diamond. The regular version, which costs from $549 (£479) and the Edition watch, from $12,000 (£8,000) both have sapphire glass screens, while the cheaper 'Sport' version, costing from $349 (£299) has a strengthened Ion-X glass screen, which iPhoneFixed describes as ‘more shatterproof and impact resistant than sapphire glass'. To test the durability of the screen, it was rubbed against a stone wall and then with a coin, before being ‘scratched’ by a key. The video capturing the attempts at destruction, shows no scratches were achieved to the screen. It also withstood being rubbed with abrasive sandpaper at some force and hit by a hammer – albeit not very hard. The video showing the attempts at destruction, shows no scratches were achieved to the screen, even

Summary: Two out of three versions of the Apple Watch have sapphire glass screens . Test showed how durable the material made from synthetic crystals is . Endured being sanded, keyed, rubbed, struck by a hammer and drilled .


Following heavy defeats at Tikrit in Iraq and the appalling costly siege of Kobane, Islamic State have launched their own social media rules to censor coverage on its recent defeats. The image of the rules began to circulate on social media, two weeks after Islamic State was forced to abandon the Iraqi city of Tikrit. With ISIS propaganda team releasing endless sets of dull publicity photos from life inside Iraq and Syria, the senior commanders appear keen to eradicate any hint of problems within the group's territory. The media crackdown appears to be an attempt by ISIS senior commanders to eradicate any knowledge of the extremist group's defeats or internal problems. Some ISIS supporters on social media appear to be exasperated by the apparent leaking of information and discussions of the defeat at Tikrit. Specific details like the manufacturing of new weapons and any pictures of ISIS fighters, have been deemed by ISIS as a breach of online security. Perhaps the strangest and most unclear rule reads: 'The stupendous spread of Mujahideen along a specific locations' It appears unknown what the extremist group meant by 'the stupendous spread of mujahideen.' Whilst it remains unknown how Islamic State will manage to enforce these rules, the jihadi group has previously struggled to keep any control of its fighters and supporters on social media. One exasperated ISIS supporter wrote: 'Brothers, please stop posting news about anything in Tirkit or Ramadi walla. You are doing more harm to the mujahideen than good. Fear Allah.' Some of the rules, particularly regarding the publishing information on the location of fighters and the use of tactics, appears to come after a series of calamitous social media errors by some fighters. Islamic State fighter Mark Taylor, originally from New Zealand, shot to fame after accidentally tweeting his location whilst fighting in Syria. Taylor forgot to turn off the geo-locator setting on his account, allowing intelligence services to successfully track his every movement. He even managed to give away where he was living in al-Tabaqah, south west Raqqa. Known as Ali Al-Farsi, 19-year-old Ali Kalantar's death was first tweeted by Halane, under the nom de guerre, Umm Jafar al-Britaniyah. British terror twin Zahra Halane (left) and Kiwi fighter Mark Taylor (right), have both been criticised by ISIS supporters for giving away information on fighters and locations. Islamic State commander fear that with the deadly coalition air strikes decimating their ranks, such lapses in security is proving costly. In particular female jihadis have been criticized by fellow ISIS supporters for their loose lipped attitude on social media. One of the British terror twins, Zahra Halane, has previously broken the rules by announcing the death of her husband on social media. Known as Ali Al-Farsi, 19-year-old Ali Kalantar's death was first tweeted by Halane, under the nom de guerre, Umm Jafar al-Britaniyah. Halane quickly deleted the tweets but not before a screenshot had sent them viral. Islamic State propaganda remains highly important to their strategy for recruitment and legitimacy. ISIS media continue to churn out endless propaganda photos from inside ISIS territory. Islamic

Summary: Embarrassing defeats at Kobane and Tikrit has left ISIS feeling under pressure . Fighters continue to join social media despite the threat of frequent suspensions . A series of social media blunders has previously led to fighters giving away their positions and tactics . Islamic State have recently launched new offensives for the Baiji oil fields and the Iraqi city of Ramadi .


The International Space Station is to have an Italian espresso maker so astronauts can have a break from instant coffee to 'boost spirits' SpaceX is scheduled to launch its unmanned rocket with the espresso maker — and 4,000 pounds of food, science research and other equipment — on Monday afternoon. The experimental espresso machine is intended for International Space Station astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti of Italy. Scroll down for video . This undated image shows a prototype of Lavazza and Argotec's 'ISSpresso' machine. The final version will be the first real Italian espresso machine on The International Space Station . On Monday a version of the coffee maker is scheduled for launch to the International Space Station aboard a supply capsule which will also include 4,000 pounds of food, science research and other equipment . It was supposed to arrive in January, shortly after her arrival, so she could get some relief from the station's instant coffee. But it ended up on the back burner after a station shipment from Virginia was lost in a launch explosion. The espresso machine was originally intended for astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti of Italy so she could get a break from the station's instant coffee . The espresso maker is dubbed ISSpresso — ISS standing for International Space Station. Italian coffee giant Lavazza joined forces with the Turin-based engineering company Argotec and the Italian Space Agency to provide a specially designed machine for use off the planet. NASA certified its safety. It is the first coffee machine able to work in micro gravity on the ISS, where the principles that regulate the fluid dynamics of liquids and mixtures are very different from those typical on Earth. It uses a 'capsule system' to fill plastic pouches with espresso and other hot drinks such as tea. The machine can also be used to rehydrate food. In order to handle liquids at high pressure and high temperature in a space environment, the plastic tubing inside the normal coffee machines has been replaced with a steel tubes designed to withstand pressure of more than 400 bar. The ISSpresso machine uses a standard coffee capsule, which is posted in the top of the machine. Water is aspirated and pressurised in a unique electrical system and is then heated. The granules mix with the hot water and the coffee is piped into a pouch, which is securely fastened to the machine using a 'rapid coupling/uncoupling system.' The ISSpresso machine is the first coffee machine able to work in micro gravity, where the principles that regulate the fluid dynamics of liquids and mixtures are very different from those typical on earth . Hovering up to 270 miles (435 km) above the Earth, the International Space Station (pictured) is a long way from home and astronauts have reported missing creature comforts such as coffee and beer . Astronauts drink the coffee straight from the pouch using a straw. The machine is much heavier than a normal model, which typically weighs 29lbs (13kg). The space-bound machine weighs around 44lbs (20kg) because there are backups of all the

Summary: The espresso maker, named the ISSpresso maker after the International Space Station, is set for lift off on Monday . It was designed by Italian coffee giant Lavazza, engineering company Argotec and the Italian Space Agency . The experimental machine was specially designed to for use off the planet . It was originally intended for International Space Station astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti of Italy as relief from the station's instant coffee . NASA's space station program deputy manager, Dan Hartman, said it is being sent as part of the goal of making astronauts feel at home .


A retired Calgary couple who were attacked by pirates during a sailing trip in Honduras two weeks ago said they're grateful to be alive after the terrifying incident. Loretta Reinholdt, 54, and Andy Wasinger, 46, were on their second day into a trip from Belize to the Honduran island of Roatan in which they were learning to sail on a 17-meter-long hired boat with a captain when they were attacked. Four men with guns and knives boarded the sailboat and took all of their money after waving down the sailboat by asking for gas. Reinholdt (left) and Wasinger (right) were on a hired sailboat with a captain two weeks ago when four men waved them down, boarded the boat with guns and knives and demanded money before pushing their boat to the shore of a remote beach, leaving the couple and captain stranded for four days . 'They were yelling,' Reinholdt, a former nurse, told CBC. 'They were demanding more money. They didn't believe we only had that amount. And the more angry they got, the more scary it was. 'And they actually had me, pulling my hair and a knife on my throat, demanding more money from the captain.' Wasinger, a former computer programmer, added: 'I knew we had to comply with the pirates and not be heroes.' After the terrifying hold-up, the pirates pushed the sailboat to the shoreline of a remote beach in Jeanette Kawas National Park, cut the main sail and tore out the engine wire, leaving the couple and their captain stranded. They also took gasoline, the radio and drinking water from the boat. The couple and captain made SOS messages with branches along a park trail, which was discovered by hikers four days later. 'It was great. It was one of the best moments of my life, I think. I was ecstatic,' Wasinger told CTV News. 'I know we can go through anything in life now after this situation. We are a lot closer as a couple and we live life every day as if it is our last.' During their time in the jungle, they survived on rainwater, peanut butter and cheese and make a make-shift tent to stay in until they were saved. 'We hugged each other, we cried,' Reinholdt told CBS. 'And we couldn't thank them enough for doing this for us, because they were also brave that they actually came to the area. So, it's unbelievable. We were so happy to be alive.' Their rescuers took trio to the town to Tela, where they met Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who happened to be staying in the area. He offered them a presidential helicopter ride to the nearest airport and the country's government handled the bill for the couple to fly to Mexico, where they were sent to recover. Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs told CBS that they were aware of the attack and consular officials at the Tegucigalpa embassy have been in contact with local authorities to gain more information. 'Canadians travelling to Honduras should be aware that serious crime —

Summary: Loretta Reinholdt, 54, and Andy Wasinger, 46, were on on a hired sailboat with a captain when they were attacked . Four men with guns and knives boarded the boat, demanded money and threatened the trio after waving down the sailboat by asking for gas . The men then pushed the sailboat to shore, cut the sail and took supplies . Couple and captain were stranded on remote beach for four days . After being saved by hikers who saw their SOS signals, they were taken to near town and met Honduras president who flew couple to Mexico . Canada has advisory information about traveling to Honduras on their government website .


A nursing assistant stuffed a wet wipe into 96-year-old Phyllis Hadlow's (pictured) mouth to silence the dementia patient's screams . A hospital nursing assistant stuffed a wet wipe into a 96-year-old woman's mouth to stop her screaming. Deborah Roberts, 53, forced the tissue into Phyllis Hadlow's mouth in an attempt to silence her in front of other nursing staff at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. She also poured water over the dementia patient, telling other staff: 'My son said if they do it to you, you can do it to them.' A court heard how Roberts, 53, mistreated Mrs Hadlow when the elderly widow was being treated at the hospital. Roberts was found guilty of one count of ill-treatment or wilful neglect of a person without capacity following a two-day trial - but avoided a prison sentence. Mrs Hadlow, who has since died, needed extensive medical care and would occasionally lash out and shout, Canterbury Magistrates' Court was told. Staff nurse Janet Nelson said she heard screaming coming from her bed and went to investigate, only to see Roberts shove the wet wipe into the elderly woman's mouth. Roberts told her she did it to stop the patient screaming and Mrs Nelson told her: 'I don't want to see this again.' In a separate incident, Mrs Hadlow threw water at Roberts so she retaliated by filling a plastic cup with water and pouring some on her head. Healthcare assistant Lisa Ross said Roberts told her: 'I have had enough of this. My son said if they do it to you, you can do it to them.' Roger Davies, defending, said Roberts had wrecked a lifelong career and was now unemployable as a nursing assistant. Roberts, who worked at Kent & Canterbury Hospital, also poured water over the elderly widow, telling other staff: 'My son said if they do it to you, you can do it to them.' He said: 'She didn't think about the consequences of her actions. She will be reminded every week of what she has done and the price she has paid.' Roberts, from Deal, Kent was suspended after the incident in October 2013 and then sacked. Julie Pearce, chief nurse and director of quality for East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'We are very sorry for the care Mrs Hadlow received whilst in our hospital and for the distress this would have caused to herself and her family. 'As soon as we were made aware of these allegations in October 2013 we suspended Mrs Roberts, referred the incident to the police and subsequently dismissed her following a disciplinary hearing.' Mrs Hadlow's son, Dennis, 71, who was too upset to face sitting through the trial, said: 'We know people with advanced dementia can be difficult to handle but the staff are supposed to be trained. 'I am glad the witnesses who saw what happened had the courage to speak out. 'We were told the sentence was one step below being sent to prison, but it will also have ended her career.' Roberts was given a one-year community order,

Summary: Nurse Deborah Roberts forced a wet wipe into Phyllis Hadlow's mouth . Dementia patient, 96, occasionally screamed out because of her condition . Roberts, 53, also poured water over the elderly widow in a hospital ward . She admitted wilfully neglecting frail Mrs Hadlow but will not be jailed .


Patients should be able to speak to their GPs on Skype, Nick Clegg announced today. The Lib Dem leader wants existing phone appointments extended so doctors can see patients on video calls. Some patients would be uncomfortable with the the prospect of exposing their ailments to their GP over the web. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg wants existing phone appointments extended so doctors can see patients on video calls . Mr Clegg today met patients and staff at Bodmin Community Hospital in Cornwall as he campaigned in the Lib Dem stronghold in the South West . But officials stressed that people would not be forced use the service and insisted it would only be for minor ailments or progress checks. They said it could be used for update appointments, brief progress checks or for when patients needed 'reassurance'. They pointed out many GPs surgeries already use phone appointments which video call services like Skype or FaceTime would improve. The Lib Dems also want repeat prescriptions and booking appointments to be made available online. The Liberal Democrat leader committed to using £250million from the sale of NHS assets deemed to be redundant to fund the use of technology in a drive to create a 'paperless health service' in England. The money would come from the sale of assets including land and buildings such as former accommodation blocks. The Lib Dems said their plans would mean the ability to pay for five million more operations than the Conservatives, and allow them to hire 150,000 more nurses and 38,000 more GPs than Labour . Mr Clegg said: 'The NHS doesn't need warm words, it needs hard cash. And we know exactly how much because the boss of NHS England has told us - an extra GBP8 billion-a-year by 2020. 'The Liberal Democrats are the only party that has committed to finding that money and the only one that has set out how it will pay for it. 'But we also need to help the NHS adapt so it is fit for the challenges of the 21st century. 'That's why we have a plan to introduce modern technology that will help patients, with more doctors' appointments and repeat prescriptions at the touch of a button.' Mr Clegg, who was visiting Bodmin Community Hospital as part of his election tour, said: 'Both Ed Miliband and David Cameron have ignored the experts on this. Only the Liberal Democrats have listened.' The party claims that they would spend £17 billion more than the Tories and £7 billion more than Labour on the NHS. The Lib Dems said their plans would mean the ability to pay for five million more operations than the Conservatives, and allow them to hire 150,000 more nurses and 38,000 more GPs than Labour.

Summary: Phone appointments replaced by doctors seeing patients on video calls . Repeat prescriptions and booking appointments could also go online . £250million from sale of NHS assets to create a 'paperless health service'


Tim Sherwood has urged Ron Vlaar to prove himself again as the Aston Villa skipper prepares for his return. Sherwood wants to see the fit-again defender help struggling Villa to a grandstand finish and warned him people may have forgotten his World Cup heroics. Vlaar starred in Holland's run to the semi finals in Brazil last year - despite missing a penalty in the last four shoot-out against Argentina - leading to links with Manchester United. Aston Villa will welcome back club captain Ron Vlaar (right) as they head to Old Trafford on Saturday . The commanding Dutch centre-back returns from injury to help Villa in their battle against relegation . Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has urged his captain to prove his worth as the club aims to stay up . He played under Louis van Gaal in Brazil and will face his former international boss when Villa travel to Old Trafford on Saturday. The 30-year-old is out of contract in the summer and, having shaken off a calf injury, Villa boss Sherwood wants Vlaar to rediscover his spark. He said: 'We all know what he has done over the years but when people are putting their hands in their pockets to fork out money, they want to know they are getting value. 'He was right up there with the best at the World Cup but people have short memories. 'You are always looking at what people are doing now rather than a few months ago. 'He will have far more options open to him if he is in the shop window that's for sure.' Vlaar has only made 12 Barclays Premier League starts this season following calf and knee problems as Villa, three points above the relegation zone, battle the drop. His last game in February saw him concede a stoppage-time penalty and get sent off as Villa lost 2-1 to Stoke in Sherwood's first match. And Sherwood has put any contract talks on hold with Vlaar in order to focus on keeping Villa in the top flight. 'He realises he needs to be playing. I haven't even bothered speaking to him. There's time for that when we are safe,' he said. 'He is just concentrating on getting fit to play. Without getting on the pitch, he's not going to be an attractive proposition to anybody.' Vlaar played a starring role in Holland's run to the World Cup semi-finals in Brazil last year .

Summary: Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar will return to the first-team from injury . Manager Tim Sherwood has urged the Dutchman to prove himself again and help Villa to avoid relegation from the Premier League . Vlaar played a starring role in Holland's run to the World Cup semi-finals in Brazil last year . Villa take on Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday .


The arrival of an advanced group of modern humans in Europe 40,000 years ago played a role in the demise of Neanderthals, scientists have claimed. Neanderthals were the dominant human species in Europe and much of Asia for around 250,000 years before vanishing entirely 41,000 years ago. Now scientists have found proof that a group of modern humans known as the Protoaurignacian culture arrived in southern Europe at around the same time the Neanderthals disappeared. Scientists took CT scans of teeth found at Riparo Bombrini in western Ligurian Alps (left) and in the Grotta di Fumane in western Lessini Mountains (right), both in Italy, and found they belonged to ancestors of modern humans who were part of a group known as the Protoaurignacian culture . They have been able to conclusively show that a pair of ancient baby teeth found at two prehistoric sites in northern Italy belong to modern humans from this culture. It has settled a debate that has raged since they were discovered in 1976, and later in 1992, over whether the teeth and other artefacts found with them were Neanderthal or Homo sapien in origin. An incisor found in Riparo Bombrini in western Ligurian Alps in 1976, and an upper incisor found in 1992, in the Grotta di Fumane in the western Lessini Mountains in Italy are among only three remains thought to have belonged to the Protoaurignacian culture - an early group of humans. Dr Benazzi and his colleagues at the CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa, Italy, whose work is published in the journal Science, used CT scans of a tooth found in Riparo Bombrini. They found that the enamel on the crown of the teeth was thicker than that found on Neanderthal teeth and it was more similar in morphology to modern humans. Radio carbon dating also showed that it was 40,000 years old. Using advanced scanning and DNA analysis, researchers have now been able to prove that these teeth belonged to Protoaurignacian humans and are the oldest modern human remains in Europe. They suggest it was the arrival of this modern human culture that marked a turning point in humanity’s evolution and led to the rapid disappearance of Neanderthals in the face of their more advanced cousins. The Aurignacian culture that followed the arrival of these first modern humans produced the world’s earliest known musical instruments and the oldest wall art. They also produced advanced bone and antler based weapons, and are thought to have been behind a 40,000-year-old sculpture known as the Lion Man. Dr Stefano Benazzi, an archaeologist at the University of Bologna in Italy said: ‘What the results mean is that these two teeth represent the oldest European modern human fossils currently associated with an Aurignacian-related archaeological context. ‘Human fossil material is very rare, particularly well preserved deciduous teeth. ‘This finding suggests that the arrival of our species on the continent might have triggered the demise of Neanderthals, which likely disappeared around 39,000 years ago.’ There are very few archaeological remains of the Protoaurignacian culture from when they arrived in

Summary: Two incisors found in northern Italy have been confirmed to belong to modern humans who were part of the Protoaurignacian culture in Europe . These people had sophisticated tool making, early art and wore ornaments . Their arrival in southern Europe coincided with demise of the Neanderthals . Researchers used CT scanning and DNA analysis to identify origin of teeth .


Those wondering what the future holds for former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond need wonder no more. The BBC co-host appears to have already launched a new career - as a documentary maker of incredibly dull things. The 45-year-old, whose Top Gear future has been in doubt since Jeremy Clarkson's unceremonious sacking, has released his first home video on a new channel on YouTube. Scroll down for video . Bored: Richard Hammond has released a video documenting his 'bored' unemployed lifestyle - which has already been watched by 230,000 people . The film begins with a scene showing the 45-year-old lying on a wall shouting 'bored' to himself and his dog . It comes after James May, also in the Top Gear presenting trio, released a series of videos showcasing his jobless life. One included a cookery demonstration on how to make a shepherd's pie. But, if the title is anything to go by, it seems Hammond is still in need of a little bit of inspiration. Using the username 'Richard Hammond is bored', the presenter entitled the video 'Bored', before publishing an edited version under the equally-inspired name of 'Bored 2'. Predictably, the description reads: 'This video is about bored'. The amusing but mind-numbing film - which lasts for ten minutes - begins with Hammond lying on top of a wall on his farm in Ross-on-Wye. He is seen shouting at the top of his voice - to no one except his dog - that he is 'Bored!' The slickly-edited video then follows Hammond as he drives along the M6 and country roads to Buttermere in the Lake District, Cumbria. The film follows Hammond as he takes his dog to Buttermere in the Lake District to learn how to herd sheep . Amid scenes of the National Park in all its springtime glory, the footage follows Hammond as he learns from local farmers about how to look after sheep. There are also scenes of Hammond feeding cows before having a pint with the farmers in the local pub, the Bridge Hotel. Hammond also takes time out of his farming duties to sit by a lake with his dog, pensively looking out across the water. But, unlike his Top Gear presenting style, Hammond rarely speaks during the film, sharing only a few key insights such as: 'It's raining' and 'What are we doing?' The film then ends with a cliff hanger which shows Hammond releasing some of the sheep back onto his farm in Wales - but realising that he has left his beloved dog behind. It follows the former Top Gear co-host as he drives along the M6 listening to radio, with his dog in the car . It also shows him having a few drinks in the pub. Unlike his Top Gear presenting style, Hammond rarely speaks during the film, sharing only a few key insights such as: 'It's raining' and 'What are we doing?' Two hours after promoting his film via Twitter, Hammond thanked his fans for their comments - but said it had not abated his boredom. 'Many

Summary: 45-year-old released ten-minute YouTube film showing him in Lake District . It follows the presenter as he drinks pints and learns how to herd sheep . Comes after co-host James May released series of films about jobless life . Clarkson also described yesterday how bored he was with unemployed life .


The remaining family members allegedly caught trying to sneak into Syria with the son of a Labour councillor have been arrested after being brought back to the UK from Turkey. Two women aged 47 and 22, and two men aged 24 and 22, were held at Manchester Airport in the early hours of this morning. They were among eight relatives stopped at the Turkish border with Syria on April 1 with university student Waheed Ahmed, the 21-year-old son of Labour councillor Shakil Ahmed. Arrested: Waheed Ahmed, the 21-year-old son of a Labour councillor, has been held at Birmingham Airport after returning for allegedly trying to sneak into Syria with eight members of his family (pictured in Turkey) Held: The group arrested is understood to include Waheed's aunt, two of his male cousins, his cousin's wife and their children . Legal action: The four children on the trip aged one, three, eight and 11, have also been flown back to the UK . The group is understood to include Waheed's aunt, two of his male cousins, his cousin's wife and two of their children. The four children on the trip aged one, three, eight and 11, have also been flown back to the UK. Pictures emerged yesterday of Waheed Ahmed smirking on his way to the airport just hours before he was arrested by anti-terrorism police upon landing back in Britain. After being escorted off a Monarch Airlines flight which landed at 12.14am yesterday, Ahmed was held on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism . Labour councillor Shakil Ahmed arriving back at his home yesterday but he refused to comment on his son's arrest . Late on Monday, a 30-year-old man from Rochdale – where Ahmed and the other eight detatined in Turkey all live – was arrested on suspicion of the same offence. One man who was on Ahmed’s flight said: ‘We landed and taxied to the terminal and then there was an announcement. ‘It said someone needed special assistance and we had to remain in our seats. ‘Then a plain-clothed policeman got on the plane and escorted someone off. ‘There were other police officers on the tarmac and they got into a car and drove off. It all happened very quickly. Other travellers said they saw a police van and car leaving the airport by a side exit shortly after the plane landed. Ahmed was filmed smiling through the window of a coach a fortnight ago after being detained by Turkish security forces near the Syrian border. Yesterday he again appeared relaxed as he was transported to Dalaman airport. His father Shakil Ahmed, a bakery delivery driver, is a councillor in Rochdale. Karen Danczuk, wife of Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, also represented the ward until her resignation in January. Earlier this month, Mr Ahmed told the Daily Mail he believed his son had been on holiday with other relatives when they were stopped. The territory on the Syrian side of the stretch of border that they were attempting to cross is controlled by the Nusra Front,

Summary: Aunt and cousins of Waheed Ahmed were arrested at Manchester Airport . Ahmed, 21, was held by anti-terror police at Birmingham Airport yesterday . Student is accused of trying to take eight family members into Syria . He was arrested in Turkish border town with family, including four children .


Edinburgh’s European Challenge Cup hopes have been dealt a huge blow after Scotland international centre Matt Scott was ruled out until at least the end of the season. The 25-times-capped centre is now also a doubt for September’s World Cup after undergoing an operation on his left shoulder for the second time in a year. He had played a major role in Edinburgh’s run to the European Challenge Cup semi-final where they play Newport Gwent Dragons at BT Murrayfield on Friday. Scott hasn’t played since picking up his latest injury on Scotland duty against Ireland in the final game of the Six Nations last month. With Glasgow’s Alex Dunbar also a major fitness doubt for the World Cup, Scott’s injury could leave Scotland coach Vern Cotter with a big gap to fill at centre. Mark Bennett of Glasgow will be first choice for outside-centre but it could be a fight between Peter Horne of Warriors and Duncan Taylor of Saracens, who missed the Six Nations through injury, for the inside-centre jersey. Scotland player Matt Scott in action during the RBS Six Nations match between against Ireland at Murrayfield . The Edinburgh medical staff had hoped that Scott’s shoulder would heal naturally but have decided further surgery is required as there has been no improvement over the last three weeks. A club spokeswoman said: ‘It had been hoped that Matt would be able to manage his injury but, following consultation with specialists at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, the decision to perform an investigative arthroscopy was taken. ‘This resulted in him requiring a further surgical procedure to help deal with his shoulder complaints. ‘Matt will continue his rehabilitation programme with the Edinburgh Rugby medical team and won’t play again this season.’ Scott was putting a brave face on having his season cut short by this latest injury blow. In a tweet, the Scotland and Edinburgh centre said: ‘Gutted that my season is over already after getting surgery. ‘Brings an end to a frustrating year for me but positive about next few months.’ Edinburgh are short of cover in the centre positions and will now rely on New Zealander Phil Burleigh and South African Andries Strauss — who both started in the quarter-final away win over London Irish in the absence of Scott — from now until the end of the season. Scott went under the knife last week but he has now been told he will have to be operated on again . Kiwi Sam Beard is the only other experienced centre at the club. To add to their woes, Edinburgh also have a major doubt over David Denton, who was forced off with a head knock in the 34-3 Pro12 loss to Munster on Saturday. Denton is following return-to-play protocols and a late decision on the back-row forward’s fitness will be taken. Without Scott and possibly Denton, Edinburgh will be less confident of overcoming the Dragons on Friday and reaching the Challenge Cup Final, where they would play Gloucester or Exeter. Like Edinburgh, the Dragons may be in the lower half of the table,

Summary: Centre Matt Scott will miss the rest of the season because of injury . Scotland international needs more surgery on problematic shoulder . Scott went under the knife last week but has been told he needs more . The 24-year-old has played just 14 games for club and country in past year .


Manny Pacquiao has once again shown there is more than one string to his bow by directing and performing in a music video which highlights his poverty-stricken homeland. The Filipino really is a multi-talented individual having tried his hand at basketball and acting during his professional career in boxing. Pacquiao has also taken a keen interest in politics over the years, with the 36-year-old even finding time to stand for congressional seats in the Philippines. Manny Pacquiao has shown off his musical talent by singing about the struggles in the Philippines . The boxer is joined by several of his compatriots as he sings and performs in 'I'm fighting for Filipinos' The 'I'm fighting for Filipinos' music video shows his compatriots in derelict areas of the Asian country as well as footage of his previous fights. Pacquiao will be hoping he is in the mood to sing after his highly-anticipated showdown with Floyd Mayweather on May 2. The two star names of world boxing will go toe-to-toe in a $300million fight in Las Vegas. Pacquiao, who will be hoping to become the first fighter to defeat Mayweather, was recently spotted training at Griffith Park in Los Angeles. Pacquiao has included shots of himself in the boxing ring during the recently-released music video . The Filipino boxer showed off his skills by shadow boxing in front of interested spectators at Griffith Park .

Summary: Manny Pacquiao has released music video named 'I'm fighting for Filipinos' The Filipino boxer directed footage which shows poverty in the Philippines . Pacquiao will go toe-to-toe with Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas on May 2 . READ: Pacquiao takes his training to the great outdoors as he jogs in LA . READ: Mayweather vs Pacquiao referee to earn $10,000 (£6,800) on May 2 .


U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro will have a substantive 'discussion' tomorrow at a regional summit the two men are attending this weekend in Panama, the White House said Friday. It will be the first time in more than 50 years that leaders from the previously estranged countries will have had a lengthy in-person exchange. Ahead of an anticipated run-in, if not a formal meeting, this weekend in at the seventh Summit of the Americas, the two presidents spoke by phone on Wednesday for only the second, known time in as many years. Jorge Leganoa, deputy director of Cuba's National Information Agency, this morning made the disclosure to the Associated Press, and a White House official later told reporters traveling with the administration, 'I can confirm that President Obama spoke with President Castro on Wednesday, before President Obama departed Washington.' Scroll down for video . President Barack Obama walks across the Miraflores Locks during his tour of the Panama Canal today. Obama is in Panama to attend the VII Summit of the Americas. He and Cuban President Raul Castro spoke on the phone Wednesday ahead of an anticipated 'interaction' at the conference . Cuban President Raul Castro, second left, arrives in Panama City. A White House official today told reporters traveling with the administration: 'I can confirm that President Obama spoke with President Castro on Wednesday, before President Obama departed Washington' Apart from a couple of brief, informal encounters, including a 2013 handshake between Obama and Castro at South African leader Nelson Mandela's funeral, the leaders of the United States and Cuba have not had any significant meetings since Cuba's 1959 revolution . President Barack Obama is pictured here today with Secretary of State John Kerry, left, and National Security Adviser Susan Rice, far left, at a bilateral meeting with Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela, who is out of frame . The decades-long detente between the countries appeared to be official over on Friday as the United States' Obama and Cuba's Castro prepared to share the same stage in an encounter rich with symbolism as their countries . set aside decades of mistrust and attempt to restore diplomatic . relations. The rapprochement is set to dominate the Summit of the . Americas meeting, held in Panama, less than four months after . they announced they would seek to lower tensions and boost trade . and travel between the two Cold War enemies. Obama and Castro have separate agendas for most of the day, and the White House had said a private meeting was not on the books. But they were both scheduled to attend the start of the summit along with . other regional leaders on Friday evening and the White House said they could have an unscripted 'interaction' there. A national security adviser to the president told reporters in a Friday update, 'We don't have a formal meeting scheduled at a certain time, but we anticipate they will have a discussion tomorrow.' 'We certainly do anticipate that they will have the opportunity to see each other at the

Summary: Ahead of an anticipated run-in this weekend in at the seventh Summit of the Americas, the two presidents spoke by phone on Wednesday . The two nations' top diplomats held talks at a Panama City hotel on Thursday night, the first meeting of its kind in as many years . White House had said a private meeting was not on the books but they could have an unscripted 'interaction' on the sidelines of the event . Adviser to Obama said Friday: 'We don't have a formal meeting scheduled at a certain time, but we anticipate they will have a discussion tomorrow' U.S. State Department has now recommended that Cuba betaken off the list of countries that sponsor terrorism - Obama is likely to approve .


Three's company: Rebecca and husband Harry settle in at Anantara the Palm Jumeirah . My husband Harry and I knew this was going to be a landmark holiday - the last one on our own for a long time. Our baby girl is due on June 4 and, when we touched down in Dubai, I was 28 weeks pregnant. You can't fly after that without a doctor's note. We had left it until the last minute and, by the time we arrived, both of us were ready to relax. I'd been to Dubai once before as a swimmer, when we stayed in an apartment. This was completely different - and utterly amazing. The Anantara is part of The Palm project and is like nowhere else. Because it has over-the-water bungalows there were times when it felt like we were in the Maldives, but when we went to the Australian themed restaurant, I imagined I was back in the jungle on I'm A Celebrity — even though there weren't any luxuries in that jungle. You have to see Dubai to believe it. Everything is so clean, luxurious and new — even the main tourist areas. And everywhere hotels are being built. We kept asking ourselves how they will all survive, but somehow they will. Our room was on the lagoon, which meant we had direct access to the water. We tended to spend a couple of hours in the morning by the main pool, then, after lunch, we retreated to our gorgeous room, where we had sun beds on the balcony. Harry is doing a graphic design course back home and so he spent some time each day on his studies. By 4pm, it gets hazy in Dubai. Some days we went for a wander around the whole resort, which is about two miles round but it is cleverly laid out. It never felt crowded. Jump in: The Anantara has three turquoise-blue 'lagoons' ideal for swimmers of all experience levels . We had a lot of time to think and to discuss what name we should give our baby. We always wanted to know what to expect — we're having a girl — because we are both impatient people and are keen to plan ahead, but we can't agree on a name. Naming something before you see it is strange and it's vital that her first name goes with her last, which will be Harry's name, Needs. We want a name that won't sound as if she is 'Needy', if you see what I mean. One day, we went out on a boat and I hoped to see David Beckham's house, but no one seemed sure where it was exactly. But what we did see were some of the most expensive properties ever. There's a lot of money splashing around in this part of the world. We also made a trip to the famous Dubai Mall, which is bigger than a football stadium — or so it seems. And guess what? We bought our not-born-yet baby her first swimsuit. It has a French

Summary: It was a crucial holiday for the Olympic gold medallist and husband Harry . Their stay would be their last getaway before the birth of their first child . The couple stayed in over-the-water bungalows at Dubai's Anantara resort .


Barcelona midfielder Xavi will have a significant contribution to make during the final months of the season as the Catalans attempt to repeat 2009's historic treble victory, according to manager Luis Enrique. The 35-year-old Barcelona star recently travelled to Qatar to discuss a possible switch to Al Sadd ahead of next season and has managed just five starts in 21 games during 2015. However, after Xavi assisted Jeremy Mathieu's winning goal against Celta Vigo on Sunday, Enrique believes the midfielder has a vital role to play. Barcelona manager Luis Enrique insists Xavi has a vital role to play in the club's hunt for the treble . Xavi congratulates Jeremy Mathieu after setting up the Frenchman's winner in the 1-0 over Celta Vigo . Midfielder Xavi has managed just five starts for Barcelona in 21 games since the turn of the year . Enrique talks at Tuesday's press conference ahead of Barcelona's La Liga clash with Almeria on Wednesday . 'Xavi is an important player for us in any month of the year,' said Enrique. 'He is the player that has played most games in a Barça shirt and will decide (his future). He knew it would be a special year for him and he has accepted it. He helps us both on and off the field.' With the treble still possible, the La Liga leaders face Alemria on Wednesday, play Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey and take on Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Summary: Barcelona star Xavi has managed just five starts since the turn of the year . The midfielder recently travelled to Qatar to discuss possible switch . Luis Enrique believes Xavi has vital role to play towards end of season .


Mohammad Liaqat launched into a 'racist tirade' after Mount Carmel School headteacher Xavier Bowers (pictured) banned Muslim pupils from growing beards . A Muslim father stormed into a Catholic school and launched a tirade of racial abuse at teachers after two teenage pupils were banned from lessons for refusing to shave their beards. Mohammad Liaqat even assaulted the headmaster during the rampage in which he hurled insults at white teachers in front of shocked parents as they picked up their children. The 34-year-old objected to the strict uniform policy at Mount Carmel High School which stated that pupils could not have beards. Liaqat launched into a 'racist tirade' at white members of staff after 14-year-old boys were told they could not keep their facial hair, police said. After being arrested, Liaqat was told to stay away from the school, so went to another school nearby where he continued his rant. When Jeff Brown, headmaster of St Oswald's Roman Catholic Primary School, asked him to move on, Liaqat shoulder barged him, Burnley Crown Court was told. He has a child at the secondary school in Accrington, Lancashire, but was not related to the two 14-year-olds who wanted to have facial hair for religious reasons. Liaqat launched his first outburst even though the situation involving the students’ beards had already been resolved at Mount Carmel. During a three-day trial this week, Liaqat was found guilty of one count of assault and five counts of racially or religiously aggravated behaviour. He was remanded into custody at Burnley Crown Court and will be sentenced in June. Mount Carmel school said the ruling on beards was part of the school's dress code, but the 14-year-olds wanted to keep their facial hair for religious reasons. After being taught in isolation for breaking the school rules, Mount Carmel governors decided that the students could keep their beards so long as they signed up to a programme at their mosque to show their faith. After the trial, Xavier Bowers, headteacher at Mount Carmel said: 'We are pleased that justice has been done in this instance. 'My staff were simply doing their job at the time, supervising our children leaving school and making sure they were safe. 'Without provocation, they were verbally assaulted and abused in front of the children and parents. 'We always try to work towards good relationships with our families. This was an unfortunate incident, but we can now draw a line under it and move on. We are largely a happy school and we have good relationships with our local community.' Mohammad Liaqat racially abused teachers at Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School (pictured) in Accrington after Muslim students were told they could not grow beards . Liaqat then moved on to another school, where he assaulted the headteacher after he was asked to leave, Burnley Crown Court (pictured) heard . Mr Brown, from St Oswald's school, said: 'I am glad this matter has now been concluded and I am looking forward to getting back to concentrating on school life.' PC Dave Hall, from the hate crime

Summary: Mohammad Liaqat racially abused teachers at his child's Catholic school . Muslim father, 34, was furious that pupils were not allowed to grow beards . Liaqat continued tirade at another school and shoulder barged headmaster . He was found guilty of racially-aggravated behaviour and assault .


Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was suspended four matches on Thursday by the French league's disciplinary commission following his criticism of a referee last month. Following PSG's 3-2 loss at Bordeaux in the league on March 15, the Swede striker lost his temper and vented his anger on television at decisions which went against his side. Ibrahimovic, whose comments were caught on camera, insulted referee Lionel Jaffredo and one of his assistants, then used an expletive to describe France. Paris Saint-Germain ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss his side's matches against Nice, Lille, Metz and Nantes . Ibrahimovic has been banned for lambasting Lionel Jaffredo during his side's defeat against Bordeaux . Ibrahimovic, who later said he was sorry after the French sports minister asked him to apologise, is available for Saturday's League Cup final against Bastia as his suspension only starts next week. He will miss league games against Nice, Lille, Metz and Nantes and should return for the last three matches of the season. Although PSG sporting director Olivier Letang argued that Ibrahimovic should not be suspended because he did not address his comments directly to the referee, the disciplinary commission activated a suspended one-match ban imposed in January to add to the three games he received for the latest incident. Ibrahimovic, who took his tally with PSG to 102 goals in less than three years following his hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Saint-Etienne in the French Cup midweek, will also miss the first leg of his club's Champions League quarter-finals against Barcelona after he was sent off against Chelsea in the previous round and therefore suspended for one match. Ibrahimovic has scored 102 goals for PSG since joining the Ligue 1 outfit in July 2012 . Ibrahimovic's comments in Bordeaux caused an outcry in France, with National Front leader Marine Le Pen suggesting that he should leave the country if he was not happy. The Swede's suspension is a tough blow to PSG's ambitions as Laurent Blanc's team chases an unprecedented quadruple with a squad already missing several key players through injuries. Ibrahimovic has been in tremendous form recently, completing two hat-tricks in three games and scoring 10 goals in his last six matches for club and country. The 33-year-old Ibrahimovic has never been shy of controversy during his much-travelled career. He described the Chelsea players as a bunch of 'babies' after he was sent off for a late challenge on Oscar in the first half of PSG's match at Stamford Bridge last month.

Summary: PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss his side's next four league games . Ibrahimovic will be allowed to play in Saturday's League Cup final . The Sweden international blasted Lionel Jaffredo after Bordeaux match .


Lewis Hamilton is getting inside teammate Nico Rosberg’s head as the German bids to win his first World Championship title, according to two time winner Mika Hakkinen. Rosberg accused Mercedes team-mate Hamilton of deliberately compromising his race at last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix by slowing down but Mika Hakkinen said the British driver’s tactics, which saw him win a third consecutive Grand Prix ahead of the German, were entirely legitimate. ‘If you are leading a race that's a fantastic place to be and what goes in your mind when you are leading into finish the race first,’ said Hakkinen. Lewis Hamilton celebrates his win with the Mercedes team, but Nico Rosberg appears less pleased with 2nd . Rosberg accused Hamilton of being selfish by driving too slow and compromising his second position . Hamilton crossed the line to claim his second win of the season and his fourth in China . ‘So you do everything with the team in the right way so you are able to finish the race first. If you have to save tyres, brakes, engine, gearbox whatever it is, that's what you do. 'You don't think about the guy behind you, what he is feeling, how his car is handling or how you want his car to handle at the end of the race you just take care of your own stuff. ‘I have been in this situation with Michael [Schumacher] where where I was much quicker than him and he was definitely challenging me in a very interesting way,’ added Hakkinen. ‘What Lewis and Nico are going through at the moment, they are having a very difficult challenge, already last year and there are challenges continuing this year between them. Rosberg responded to a fan who accused him of 'crying' after he complained about Hamilton . Former world champion Mika Hakkinen says Hamilton was well within his rights to look after himself . Hamilton celebrates with with his trophy and bottle of champagne after his race win . 'They are the drivers with the best possible chance of winning at the moment. It requires a lot of nerves from the drivers to be able to be a good racing driver and not to start fighting because it doesn't make any difference.’ Hamilton, who is bidding to win a third World Championship title this season, has out-qualified and out-raced Rosberg in all three grand prix and Rosberg will likely be feeling the pressure according to Hakkinen. ‘Nico has definitely got big pressure on him,’ said Hakkinen, ‘He doesn't know how it feels to be a world champion and doesn't know what confidence a world championship generates inside you when you are racing driver. ‘He is still hunting that feeling. He wants to win but first he has to beat Lewis but Nico is a great driver and if you look at the qualifying result at the last grand prix the time difference was hardly nothing. I don't say that pole position is the key point to win a grand prix certainly it helps to start in pole.’ Lewis,

Summary: Lewis Hamilton won the Chinese GP with Nico Rosberg finishing second . Rosberg accused his team-mate of being selfish by driving too slow . Mika Hakkinen says Hamilton was right to worry about his own race . READ: Hamilton insists Rosberg was not trying to win in Shanghai . READ: Hamilton ready for Rosberg's underhand tactics .


While Easter in the UK is celebrated with chocolate eggs and a roast lamb, in Greece they mark the day slightly differently - and a week later. As Orthodox Easter Sunday was held, thousands of homemade rockets were aimed at church towers in the Aegean island of Chios by rival parishioners in their traditional ‘mock war’. Dozens of brave souls even attend the late-night services inside the churches of Aghios Markos and Panaghia Erithiani while the annual battle is held – even when the structures and surrounding homes are ringed in defensive veils of chicken wire. Fortunately, severe injuries are rare in Vrontados during the fiery celebrations. Although small firework displays are held at churches around the country at midnight services on Easter Saturday - despite official disapproval from Church officials - Vrontados is in a league of its own, drawing spectators from all over Greece and abroad. The custom dates back to the 19th century, when the island was under Turkish occupation, but may have older roots. Preparations last all year, while on the Saturday morning participants parade their hardware through the village in lorries, honking their horns. Easter Sunday was celebrated in services across Europe, with thousands of people attending church in Greece, Russia, Turkey and the Balkans to mark the most important day of the Christian calendar - Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. Russian president Vladimir Putin attended the Easter Sunday service in Moscow, meeting with the Patriach of Moscow and all Russia Kirill, while Pope Francis held a commemorative service in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican with Armenian clergy to mark 100 years since the Armenian Genocide. Scroll down for video . While Easter in the UK is celebrated with chocolate eggs and a roast lamb, in Greece they mark the day slightly differently with thousands of homemade rockets . St. Mark's and Panagia Erithiani church congregations perform 'Rocket War' by firing thousands of home-made rockets across the sky . The rockets created beautiful patterns against the deep blue evening sky including swirls, spirals and vivid bright lines . Hundreds of people honour the tradition and the aim of throwing the rockets is to hit the bell tower of the church at the other side . Young men ignite homemade rockets during the Orthodox Easter celebrations on the island of Chios, Greece, on Saturday night . In the traditional, annual 'war', the church towers of Aghios Markos and Panaghia Erithiani are pelted with rockets and fireworks . Incredible images resembling a war scene show the spectacle, which attracts visitors from across Greece and further afield to watch . A man wearing just a t-shirt stands next to a huge rocket as another man hoists it on to his shoulder as it begins to spark . Rockets shoot and sparkle through the sky, falling over the courtyard of the Panagia Erithiani church in the village of Vrontados . Dozens of people still went to mass and prayed at Panagia Erithiani on Saturday evening- despite people shooting rockets at its tower . The bright orange rockets are fired

Summary: Stunning pictures show men firing rockets at rival churches' bell towers in annual 'war', as part of age-old tradition . President Putin attends solemn mass in Moscow with the country's Prime Minister and the Mayor of the city . Pope Francis, head of Roman Catholic Church, marks 100 years since Armenian Genocide with special service .


Aaron Hernandez saw his PCP-taking friends kill Odin Lloyd but did not commit the murder himself, his defense claimed in the closing arguments of his trial on Tuesday. 'Did he make all the right decisions? No,' defense attorney James Sultan said. 'He was a 23-year-old kid who witnessed... a shocking killing committed by somebody he knew. He really didn't know what to do. So he just put one foot in front of the other.' After closing arguments from the defense and the prosecution, the jury began their deliberations on Tuesday afternoon. If convicted, Hernandez faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. The former New England Patriots football player, 25, has pleaded not guilty to murder and firearms charges in the death of Lloyd, a semiprofessional football player who was dating his fiancée's sister. Scroll down for video . On trial: Aaron Hernandez is seen in court on Tuesday as his attorney shows a video of his home before closing arguments. His defense argued that he witnessed the killing of a friend but did not commit it himself . Defiant: Defense attorney James Sultan holds a photo of the murder scene during closing arguments . Prosecutor William McCauley points to Hernandez on Tuesday as he told jurors to simply look at the evidence . Prosecutors say the former tight end and two friends, Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz, picked up Lloyd at his Boston home before dawn on June 17, 2013, and drove him to an industrial park near Hernandez's house in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, where they shot him to death. Surveillance video at Hernandez's home minutes after the shooting showed him holding a black item that appeared to be a gun. A joint found near Lloyd's body had Hernandez's and Lloyd's DNA on it. Murdered: Semi-pro football player, Odin Lloyd, was shot dead near Hernandez's home in June 2013 . Cellphone records shared in court also showed the men communicating with Lloyd that night. Surveillance video along the way showed Hernandez driving the Nissan shortly before Lloyd's sister saw him get into a silver car, a moment captured on a neighbor's security camera. Soon after, a toll booth camera caught the Nissan leaving Boston, while Lloyd's phone pinged several cell towers before stopping in North Attleborough for good. His body was found in an industrial park less than a mile from Hernandez's home later that day. Lloyd had been shot six times. In his closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney William McCauley told jurors to go through all the evidence. 'If you do that, you'll get to where you need to go, which is to find the defendant guilty for the murder of Odin Lloyd,' McCauley said. But the defense said the prosecution's case failed to prove Hernandez pulled the trigger. Prosecutors have never presented a motive to jurors and Sultan added on Monday that Hernandez and Lloyd were friends who shared 'a passion for marijuana'. 'Obviously they were friends,' Sultan told the jury. 'They were future brothers-in-law.' Wallace and Ortiz have also pleaded not guilty to murder charges and will be

Summary: Jurors begun deliberations in Aaron Hernandez's murder trial on Tuesday afternoon after the prosecution and defense made their closing arguments . The former New England Patriots football player is accused of killing semi-pro player Odin Lloyd, who was dating his fiancee's sister, in June 2013 . His defense said on Tuesday that he witnessed his friends, Ernest Wallace and Carlos Ortiz, kill Lloyd but did not commit the shooting himself . His lawyers said the prosecution has not proven he pulled the trigger . Hernandez faces life in prison if convicted of the murder .


The say that imitation is the highest form of flattery, although Floyd Mayweather Jnr's sparring partner Jeremy 'J Flash' Nichols' impersonation of Manny Pacquiao is less than complimentary. The Filipino meets undefeated Mayweather in a $300million mega-fight that has been branded 'the biggest bout in boxing history' at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2. Mayweather has been sharing regular updates from his training camp across social media with the latest being a YouTube video featuring his sparring partner taking on Pacquiao's role during a mock interview. Floyd Maywether's sparring partner Jeremy Nichols gives a mock interview as Manny Pacquiao . 'J Flash' makes fun of the Filipino's faith, singing and claims his mother uses Voodoo . Mayweather uses a -200C kriotherapy chamber to help his recovery from training . Nichols mimics Pacquiao's Visayan accent while poking fun at the 36-year-old's decision to both write and perform his own entrance song as well as ridiculing the 'Pacman's' religious faith. The young boxer also takes a pop at Pacquiao's mother by claiming her 'voodoo powers' are the secret behind his success - so-called 'Mommy D' was accused of using Voodoo chants from ringside during her son's victory over Tomothy Bradley in April 2014. As a parting shot, Nichols refuses to refer to the fight's date in normal English and repeatedly says it will be staged on 'May two, May two!'. The up and coming boxer has not had a professional fight yet but insists he is ready for the challenge of getting Mayweather in prime shape before the contest. Mayweather takes part in a training session under the gaze of a packed media audience . Pacquiao and his coach Freddie Roach take part in a similar training session In Los Angeles . The unbeaten US fighter gets a light massage ahead of his workout in Las Vegas . Pacquiao is so popular in the Philippines that he is featured on the latest postage stamps . 'It's a blessing an opportunity to work with one of the biggest names in boxing,' he said. 'I want to make sure he knows there's someone ready to take over the 147lbs once he gets ready to hang up the gloves. 'It's a great experience and I've learned so much - I've switched my entire training regime around since I've been here. This opportunity is a blessing, I can't thank him enough for giving me the chance,' he added.

Summary: Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather meed at MGM Grand on May 2 . American's sparring partner Jeremy Nichols impersonated the Filipino during a mock interview shared on YouTube . 'J Flash' made fun of Pacquiao's accent, singing, faith and claims his mother uses Voodoo chants to help her son . Mayweather vs Pacquiao: The ultimate tale of the tape for $300m fight . Mayweather-Pacquiao is 11 days away... why are there no tickets on sale?


The prospect of a Labour government is knocking up to 10 per cent off the price of some of Britain's most expensive homes, it has been claimed. Wealthy buyers are demanding a lower 'Ed Miliband' price to compensate for any future mansion tax bills introduced by the Labour leader if he becomes Prime Minister. Estate agents in London are now said to be offering a higher 'Cameron price' and lower 'Miliband price' for the same property. Labour leader Ed Miliband, on the BBC's Andrew Marr show (left), has pledged to introduce a mansion tax on properties worth over £2million. The annual levy will hit his own home in north London (right) Mr Miliband has pledged to introduce an annual levy on homes worth more than £2million to raise money for the NHS. Under plans drawn up by shadow chancellor Ed Balls, homeowners with properties worth between £2million and £3million will be forced to pay £3,000 a year in mansion tax. Owners of homes worth more than £3million will have to pay even more. The Tories have dubbed the proposal the 'homes tax' and warned that families living in much more modest properties could be dragged into the levy. Mr Milliband himself has admitted that his North London home would be hit by his party's planned annual levy. David Cameron, on Sky's Murnaghan show this morning, has criticised Labour's proposed mansion tax as a 'home tax' A Labour government could see people's mortgage bills soar by £1,000 a year, George Osborne has claimed. The Chancellor warned warned that the prospect of Ed Miliband propped up by the SNP would lead to a 'clear and present danger' of rising interest rates. Predicting increases in mortgage rates, he said: 'A 1% rise in interest rates would hit the family with the average mortgage with an extra £1,000 bill a year. The price is paid by working people.' The Labour leader lives in a four-bedroom semi-detached house in Dartmouth Park valued at around £2.7million. But if Mr Miliband ever came to sell his home as Prime Minister he could be forced to lower the price to cover the costs of his own mansion tax. According to the Sunday Times, one buyer who is about to exchange contracts on a £15million property in St John's Wood, north London, has threatened to drop his offer to £13.5million if the deal is not completed before May 7 and Mr Miliband becomes Prime Minister. In Notting Hill, west London, a buyer of a property for sale just above £2million has said he will only pay that price only if David Cameron makes it back to Number 10. Miles Meacock, of Strutt & Parker, the estate agent, in Notting Hill, told the Sunday Times that the bidder who had trimmed £100,000 from their offer for a £2m property, wanted to be sure of permanently avoiding the burden of mansion tax. He said: 'If the Tories win, he will come back to the table. This is likely to be a phenomenon for the next two weeks.' According to the property website Rightmove

Summary: Estate agents are offering a 'Cameron price' and a lower 'Miliband price' Labour will introduce an annual levy on homes worth more than £2million . The prospect is alarming wealthy buyers who are demanding a discount . Some buyers are waiting until after the election to complete purchases .


A traumatised mother has been left with a phobia of all things yellow after she was hit by a canary-coloured taxi. Lorraine Cobourn cannot even handle bananas following the incident that left her with a broken hip. The 51-year-old had to leave her job as a Barclays bank clerk as a result of the injuries she suffered when the yellow taxi struck her in May last year. She has received two payouts and is now undergoing counselling to help her deal with the psychological damage she received - including a terrible fear of anything yellow. Lorraine Cobourn (pictured) cannot even handle bananas after being hit by a yellow taxi in May last year . Ms Cobourn, of Oakwood, Derby, said: 'It sounds crazy I know, but I can't even touch bananas unless they're wrapped in cellophane - and I only ever buy green ones. 'I can't look at yellow number plates either. And If something yellow comes into the corner of my eye when I am watching TV I have to switch channels. 'I also gasp or sigh if I see a yellow taxi when I am out. I'm terrified of them, and if I saw a yellow taxi on the street I would feel this urge just to drive into it.' She added: 'Obviously I didn't but it felt like there was something in my brain that needed to be released. 'It's very difficult but I try to have yellow flowers in my house to try and cure this fear.' She added: 'It has had an absolutely massive impact on my life. 'The whole incident was incredibly traumatic and I am still coming to terms with it. I cannot face returning to the accident site. The mother-of-two was hit by one of Derby's distinctive yellow Hackney Carriages (pictured) in the city centre . The 51-year-old had to leave her job as a Barclays bank clerk as a result of the injuries she suffered . 'You never expect something like this to happen to you.' She was struck by one of Derby's distinctive yellow Hackney Carriages in the city centre as she crossed a road ten months ago. She was hit as the cab reversed at speed - before the driver left the scene without helping her. He initially denied any involvement in the incident, but was charged with driving without due care and attention, eventually pleading guilty to the offence on the day of his trial. He was fined £400 pounds and given seven penalty points. Speaking about the accident, Ms Cobourn said: 'I looked up and the next thing I knew I was on the road. I couldn't feel anything from my waist down, I thought I had broken both my legs. The pain was like nothing I have ever felt before - it was absolutely agonising.' Chromophobia, also known as chromatophobia or chrematophobia, is a persistent, irrational fear of colours. More severe cases of this phobia can hinder daily activities for some people. People with the phobia may associate a distressing event with a specific colour. The phobia can

Summary: Lorraine Cobourn cannot even handle bananas following the incident . The 51-year-old suffered a broken hip after the accident in May last year . She is now undergoing counselling to cope with psychological damage . Ms Cobourn said: 'It sounds crazy I know, but I can't even touch bananas'


It's official, darling – the stars of hit BBC show Absolutely Fabulous are set to reunite for a film. Jennifer Saunders, who wrote and starred in the series, confirmed yesterday the cast will begin filming in the autumn. She revealed that Joanna Lumley, who plays Patsy in the comedy (pictured with Saunders) had told her to ‘do it before we die’ and she was spurred on to finish the script by a £10,000 bet with Dawn French. Jennifer Saunders (left) and Joanna Lumley (right) are set to reunite for a film of Absolutely Fabulous . The film will be based in London, with some scenes in the south of France, or in the Bahamas if the budget allows. Saunders, 56, who plays immature Edina, told ITV’s Loose Women that she had been 'nervous' about writing the film script. She said: ‘I think that’s why I didn’t do it for a while. I thought, wouldn’t it be awful if it was awful but now we’re all so old, Joanna said to me “Do it before we die!” We’re all on the brink.’ When pushed for details about the film’s plot, she said: ‘There is a plot and that’s the miracle! ‘It involves all the main characters and virtually everyone that’s ever been in the series, all those characters, and we’re in London and sometimes we might go to the South of France, I’m hoping. 'I’m waiting for the budget! It could be anywhere – if it’s a big budget it will be the Bahamas!’ The film will be based in London, with some scenes in the south of France, or in the Bahamas if the budget allows. Jennifer Saunders plays Edina Monsoon while Lumley plays Patsy Stone . Miss Saunders said she was hurried along to finish to script because of a bet with Dawn French, 57. She said: ‘Dawn bet me on live radio a year and a half ago, that if I didn’t write it that year, I’d have to pay her £10,000, which was a good kind of motivator and I just got it in on time. New Years Eve I gave it to her.’ The award-winning comedy is set in the world of fashion and PR. Jennifer Saunders plays immature and fun-loving mother Edina Monsoon and Julia Sawalha stars as her sensible daughter Saffron.

Summary: Cast will become filming in London, France and Bahamas in the autumn . Saunders spurred on to write script after £10,000 bet with Dawn French . 56-year-old, who plays Edina, said Joanna Lumley wanted to 'do it before we die'


John Carver admits Newcastle United need to look at the 'DNA' of their dressing-room this summer. The Magpies were beaten for the fifth successive time in Tyne-Wear derbies during Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. Head coach Carver says the club's hierarchy have already spoken about addressing their shortcomings during the close-season, and concedes that character is one issue they have to consider. Newcaslte boss John Carver admits the club need to look at the 'DNA' of their dressing-room this summer . Newcastle players train at the club's training complex on Thursday ahead of Monday's clash with Liverpool . Newcastle trio Moussa Sissoko, Vurnon Anita and Massaido Haidara take a breather during training . Ryan Taylor attemps to bend the ball around some dummies and hit the target during Thursday's session . 'There is something in the DNA,' said Carver. 'We've had different managers but the same group of players (keep getting beat). There aren't many Ws (wins) next to their names. 'It's something we need to look at. We struggle when we have to compete. We have talked about addressing that in the summer. 'We are going to invest in the summer so there will be new players around to take us forward.' Newcastle failed to show at the Stadium of Light and Carver later admitted he was 'embarrassed' by the performance. Jermain Defoe (centre) connects beautifully with a left-footed volley to score the winner for Sunderland . Newcastle players look dejected following Sunday's 1-0 defeat to rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light . And he added: 'A lot of people in the dressing-room know they didn't perform and didn't do themselves justice. 'I brought them in on Monday when they were meant to be off, I wasn't accepting that. 'Monday was one of my darkest days. It just was not good enough. 'You can do all your preparation you want but it doesn't matter if you don't perform on a Saturday. I don't want training-ground players.' Carver admits he was embarrassed by the performance against Sunderland as Newcastle failed to show . United are nine points clear of the relegation zone and travel to Liverpool on Monday. Carver, though, is taking nothing for granted with regards survival. 'There is only nine points in it,' he said. 'That could be six points if we get nothing at Liverpool. We need points. I'm not interested in how we play, we just need points. 'We have a seven-game season now. These next seven games could define the players. There are a few in there who are out of contract.'

Summary: Newcastle lost 1-0 to rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday . John Carver admits the Magpies struggle when they have to compete . Newcastle play Liverpool on Monday and are nine points above drop zone .


While sunseekers across Britain have been making the most of the clear skies recently to soak up some sunshine, the lack of clouds has also proved a bonus for stargazers in Scotland hoping to catch sight of shooting stars. This incredible image was captured above Pitcaple in Aberdeenshire yesterday as photographer Graeme Whipps picked up two meteors which were part of the Lyrid meteor shower. The annual celestial event has been observed for the last 2,700 years across the globe, but is most visible in the northern hemisphere, and is expected to peak tonight with between 10 and 20 meteors an hour. Scroll down for video . Close up: A magnified version of the image above shows one meteor appearing to graze the horizon, while another meteor trail appears top left . Stunning: Graeme Whipps captured this image of the Lyrid meteor shower in the skies above Pitcaple in Aberdeenshire yesterday . The strength of the showers vary from year to year and most years there are no more than five to 20 meteors an hour, but in 1982 Americans counted nearly 100 an hour and in 1803 it was as high as 700 an hour. The Lyrids are created by debris from comet Thatcher, which takes about 415 years to orbit around the Sun, and appear to radiate outwards from a star known as Vega and the constellation Lyra in which it sits - which gives the meteors their name. Mr Whipps, a 50-year-old meteorologist, said: 'I was out photographing the sky and saw the meteor, which was amazing.' While the Lyrid shower has been known to produce up to 100 meteors sightings per hour, most years the peak, which occurs tonight, only produces between five and 20 per hour (the Lyrid shower pictured from space)

Summary: Lyrid meteor display is visible in skies across the globe every year in April, and has been observed for 2,700 years . Number of meteors is unpredictable, usually peaking at around five to 20 an hour, but has reached 100 per hour . Graeme Whipps captured this image of meteors passing through the skies over Pitcaple in Aberdeenshire yesterday .


Police arrested 53 people as pro-cannabis protestors gathered to get high and call for the drug to be legalised in London's Hyde Park today. Dramatic images captured the moment four officers took down and restrained a tracksuit-wearing man near the entrance to the park - just yards from a prominent police sign which read: 'Possession of cannabis is illegal'. The crowds met this afternoon as part of the annual '420' event - a global celebration of cannabis which calls for reform to drug laws. Scroll down for video . Taking him down: The four police officers were seen rushing towards the man at the entrance to Hyde Park . Restrained: The pro-cannabis protestor is pushed down to the ground just yards from a police sign reading: 'Possession of cannabis is illegal' Thousands of campaigners were seen sitting on the grass openly smoking marijuana, comparing the size of their joints and listening to speakers while dozens of police officers hovered nearby. Many protestors handed out cannabis leaf-shaped fliers and carried signs, with one reading: 'Ed Miliband wouldn't want his own children criminalised for cannabis possession.' Of the 53 who were arrested in London, 16 were taken into custody, while 21 were released on street bail and asked to return to a station at a later date. A Met Police spokesman said: 'Anyone seen by an officer openly smoking cannabis in Hyde Park or in the Westminster area could be issued with a warning or face arrest.' The term '420' has become universally known as the code word for cannabis - after a group of students coined it while searching for an abandoned crop of marijuana in California in 1971. A man wearing a President Obama mask holds a marijuana joint to his mouth in Hyde Park today . Campaigners were seen openly smoking cannabis while dozens of police officers stood nearby . The festival is usually held on April 20 and last year there were estimated to be around 10,000 people openly smoking marijuana in Hyde Park. The 420 Day event is organised by a reform-seeking group called NORML UK, along with the UK Cannabis Social Clubs (UKCSC). Last year, Greg de Hoedt, president of UKCSC, told the Guardian last year: 'The cannabis community is crying out for legalization and regulation. 'We encourage growers to register with UKCSC because we want data we can present to authorities and say: this many people grow cannabis, this many people are growing for medicinal purposes; and we can also establish which strains work with which illnesses.' Four people hold their marijuana joints together with a bag full of the drug visible in the centre of the photo . Many campaigners carried signs including this message referring to Labour Leader Ed Miliband . This weekend also saw campaigners gather in Glasgow's George Square and in Manchester's Platt Fields Park. The Manchester event's Facebook page reads: 'This will be our fifth annual gathering so we plan to make it one to remember. 'For those who haven't been there's going to be good tunes, good food, good company, games

Summary: Thousands met in Hyde Park today as part of annual global '420' event . Crowds seen openly smoking marijuana as police officers stood nearby . Controversial festival also saw gatherings in Manchester and Glasgow .


The Premier League returns this weekend after the fourth interruption this season for international fixtures, leaving managers hoping their players have returned with a clean bill of health. The break can be both a blessing and a curse, potentially halting your momentum if results and confidence are positive, or halting your slide if all is not well. Premier League sides have already had to resume their season after international breaks in September, October and November 2014. Premier League leaders Chelsea have won all three of their matches following the international break . Everton lead the post-international Premier League table with three wins from three after the break . However six Premier League clubs are still chasing their first win after an international break this season, so who has been the best at managing this transition? Sportsmail examines this through a modified Premier League table that takes in only results immediately after international resumptions. Our alternative table makes nice reading for Toffees fans, with their side winning all three matches and keeping clean sheets against Aston Villa and West Brom. Champions-elect Chelsea are the only side to match this perfect record, though both of these teams have not faced a current top seven team across their post-international fixtures. Southampton and both Manchester clubs are the only other unbeaten sides though United did slip up in drawing 2-2 at home to West Brom. Manchester City have been relatively impressive, drawing 2-2 at the Emirates and most notably dispatching Champions League chasing Tottenham 4-1, who have an indifferent record. Moving further down and Liverpool have a significantly worse record following the international break than in overall form, suffering surprise defeats when visiting Crystal Palace and hosting Aston Villa. Moreover their only win came through an unconvincing 3-2 victory at Queens Park Rangers, secured only through a sensational second-half display by Raheem Sterling. Manchester United will be hoping to follow up their win against Liverpool by beating Aston Villa . Arsenal are awaiting their first Premier League win directly following an international break . Brendan Rodgers (right) will be hoping his side can pile more post-international misery on Arsenal . Saturday . Arsenal vs Liverpool . Everton vs Southampton . Leicester vs West Ham . Manchester United vs Aston Villa . Swansea vs Hull . West Brom vs QPR . Chelsea vs Stoke . Sunday . Burnley vs Tottenham . Sunderland vs Newcastle . Monday . Crystal Palace vs Manchester City . Both the Reds and Arsenal will want to change the vast discrepancies between their current league table positions and their positions in our alternative view, currently sitting in eighth and 13th respectively. The two Champions League sides meet on Saturday lunchtime as Arsenal chase a first win following an international break this season. The Gunners have been fortunate in having three home fixtures but have totally failed to capitalise on this, drawing 2-2 with Hull City and Manchester City, whilst losing 2-1 at the hands of Manchester United. Southampton have handed out two thrashings to sides in the North-East by picking up 8-0 and

Summary: Everton and Chelsea have perfect records with three wins each . Southampton, Man City and Man United are the only other unbeaten sides . Arsenal are still yet to win following an international break this season . Liverpool are similarly poor with one win and two defeats . Six clubs are yet to win after an international break, find out who here… .