It's good to be Taylor Swift — and for 21-year-old Elizabeth Scarborough, it's good to look like Taylor Swift, too, particularly as the University of South Carolina student has been built a career on impersonating the superstar singer. Of course, it's not just her strikingly similar resemblance to 25-year-old Taylor that's helped Elizabeth book private appearances and live concerts where she performs the Shake it Off singer's greatest hits; the Charleston, South Carolina, native can also sing, dance, and act just like her lookalike. 'I first became a fan of her music, and it wasn't until, like, five or six years later when I realized, hey, I could really market this,' she says. Scroll down for video . Similar superfan: Elizabeth Scarborough, 21, impersonates Taylor Swift when she's not attending school in South Carolina . Before embarking on a career impersonating Taylor six years ago, Elizabeth was just a big fan of the star — until classmates at her all-girls school began telling her she looked like the Grammy winner. After Taylor's second album, Fearless, came out when Elizabeth was 15, the student asked her older brother to teach her how to play Love Story — a relatively simple song with only four chords. With looks and musical ability now in her arsenal, Elizabeth was able to start making money as a tribute artist. 'I started to hear the rumor, "Taylor Swift goes to our school", and moms would hire me out for birthday parties,' she told Good Morning Carolinas, and explained that early gigs would earn her about $30. 'I’d come, sing a few songs, and wear a sparkly dress and they loved it,' she told USA Today. Flattering immitation: Elizabeth started to learn to play Taylor's music when she was 15 after classmates told her she looked like the star . Copycat performer: Not only has Elizabeth, left, learned to sing and play music by Taylor, right, on the guitar, but she has also practiced copying the singer's facial expressions and way of speaking . Eventually Elizabeth learned Taylor's entire musical catalog, started designing corresponding costumes, and even studied the singer's mannerisms to improve her impersonations. She still works at parties and even nursing homes, but now her biggest gig is performing with Legends in Concert, a concert series that includes artists impersonating the likes of Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, and Tim McGraw. Last summer, Elizabeth performed with Legends in Concert for two month in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and when she graduates from college in May she'll go on tour with the show, starting in Branson, Missouri and ending in Las Vegas, Nevada. '[I'm] so excited to start designing outfits and song lists for future shows [sic],' she recently said on her Instagram account. Parallel careers: As Taylor releases new music and debuts new costumes on tour, Elizabeth adds new elements to her own impersonations . And while she looks forward to Taylor's new material first and foremost as a fan, the Blank Space singer's growing and evolving career also means Elizabeth gets to have more fun with her

Summary: University of South Carolina student Elizabeth Scarborough performs as a Taylor Swift tribute artist . The 21-year-old has been impersonating the star since she was 15 . Her first gigs were at children's birthday parties, for which she earned $30 .


Lounging on a deckchair by the pool, soaking up the sun in a skimpy bikini, Rhiannon Langley is just like any other tourist on holiday in Thailand... except she's sporting two bruised eyes, swollen cheeks and a bandaged nose. The 24-year-old from Melbourne is recovering from Rhinoplasty, but rather than recuperating at home, she is at a five-star hotel, part of the $5,190 'Bangkok Nose Job' medical tourism package she is on. Rhiannon, a popular social media personality with almost 200,000 Instagram followers, told Daily Mail Australia that she has been enjoying her post-op holiday time, 'chilling out' by the pool, getting mani pedis, and going shopping. Scroll down for video . Living it up post-op: Rhiannon Langley, the blogger sharing her 'nose job journey' with her social media followers, is recovering from Rhinoplasty at a Bangkok hotel . Seeing results: The 24-year-old from Melbourne tells Daily Mail she 'already loves' her new nose . The hairdresser turned model raised eyebrows this week for her decision to go public with her 'nose job journey' in spectacular fashion, by sharing pictures and videos since her arrival in Thailand for the procedure on social media, which fans can follow along by using the hashtag #RhiannonGetsRhino. Miss Langley has been updating her Instagram feed daily, and sharing her progress in a series of Snapchat videos. 'I'm feeling so much better now, just excited to see the outcome!' Langley said. 'I already love it.' While many post-op patients retreat to their beds for weeks afterwards, Rhiannon has taken her recovering poolside. Poolside convalescing: Rhiannon says she has been 'chilling out by the pool', getting manicure and pedicures, shopping and eating out . 'I've been chilling out by the pool,' she said. '[I] got a manicure and pedicure yesterday, today we are shopping, and just eating out.' In videos uploaded to Snapchat, Rhiannon noted that she could already see a difference in the shape of her nose. Sporting a bloodshot eye and bruising, she said doctors had removed some of the stitches. 'I can finally see that my nose is in line for once and I don't have this droop,' she said. Langley spoke to Daily Mail Australia earlier this week just one day after her surgery, and revealed that the changes would be 'quite drastic'. Follow the journey: The hairdresser has over 190,000 Instagram followers and decided to share the experience with fans and 'own' her decision to have cosmetic surgery . Rhiannon said that she chose to go public as she was sick of seeing other well-known women hiding their nips and tucks from followers. 'I have quite a big following on social media and I don't want to lie about it,' she said. 'I think people are more accepting of the decision if you own it. 'I've seen so many other girls on social media get things done and then try and hide it. 'I have been a bit scared about getting negative feedback,' Rhiannon added,referring to the announcement she made the week before departing. Day one and two: Rhiannon has been posting progress

Summary: Rhiannon Langley, from Melbourne, underwent Rhinoplasty in Bangkok . The 24-year-old has 191,000 followers on Instagram alone . Fans are following her cosmetic surgery 'journey' on social media . Langley created the hashtag #RhiannonGetsRhino that fans can follow . Travelled to Thailand as part of a $5,190 Medical Tourism package .


A young mother has spoken of her humiliation after a dental assistant apparently removed her nine-month-old son from her arms without asking while she was breastfeeding him in the dentist's chair. Tayler Chaice Buzbee was forced to make an emergency appointment at an Aspen Dental facility in Alabama on Friday morning after developing agonizing toothache which would not go away. But after calling the dentist's office, she was informed that the only available appointment was in just 20 minutes - meaning that she had no time to find a babysitter for her infant son, Attley. Instead, Tayler was assured by employees that she could bring her baby to the facility. The pair turned up shortly after - but midway through the appointment, Attley started to create a fuss. Upset: Tayler Chaice Buzbee has spoken of her humiliation after a dental assistant apparently removed her baby son, Attley (pictured with Tayler) from her arms while she was breastfeeding him in the dentist's chair . 'I don't nurse in public, and I never have because I hear these stories about people being shamed... I don't do well with being confronted, so I usually find another room to go to,' Tayler toldAL.com. But she said that, in this instance, she had no option but to breastfeed Attley - a gorgeous dark-haired baby with big brown eyes and a cheeky grin - because he was hungry and causing a scene. The hygienists apparently did not mind Tayler nursing her son - and one even offered to halt the treatment and return when she was finished. But Tayler declined and continued to be treated. A short while later, the dentist and another female employee came into the room. The latter reportedly told Tayler that she was not permitted to breastfeed her baby in the dentist's office. Then, while the dentist examined Tayler's teeth, the employee removed Attley from her arms - without permission and before he had finished feeding from his mom - because he was 'in the way'. She then placed him in a stroller, it is reported. Tayler, who was shocked, left the office soon after. Controversy: While the dentist examined Tayler's teeth, a female employee removed Attley from her arms - without permission and before he had finished feeding from his mom - because he was 'in the way' Facility: Tayler had made the emergency appointment at the Aspen Dental facility (file picture) in Alabama on Friday after developing agonizing toothache. She was left 'humiliated' after the breastfeeding incident . Speaking to the news site, the Marshalls employee said: 'I have never felt so humiliated in my life.' She added: 'That was my biggest concern. Don't take him out of my arms. It was a situation where I was humiliated, I was crying, and I felt just embarrassed to be there.' In a statement, Aspen Dental Management Inc apologized to Tayler. 'No nursing mother should ever be made to feel uncomfortable while feeding her child,' representative Kasey Pickett told AL.com. She added that the company is investigating the incident. It is not the first

Summary: Mother-of-one Tayler Chaice Buzbee called Aspen Dental with toothache . She was told only available appointment at the facility was in 20 minutes . Had no time to find babysitter for baby son, Attley, so brought him along . Started breastfeeding the nine-month-old in chair when he created a fuss . But soon after, female employee 'took him out of her arms without asking' Woman 'placed him in his stroller, saying breastfeeding was not allowed' 'I was humiliated, crying, and I felt embarrassed to be there,' said Tayler . Aspen Dental has since apologized to Tayler and launched investigation .


Barry Beavis, 48, lost his case at the Court of Appeal . Millions of motorists face spiralling parking fines after judges ruled yesterday that £85 was not an 'excessively high' penalty for staying too long in a car park. Barry Beavis launched a legal bid to overturn his fine, saying it was unfair, disproportionate and unenforceable. But in a landmark ruling, appeal court judges decided the size of the fine was neither 'extravagant or unconscionable'. Motoring groups reacted in fury to the decision, accusing the judges – who are thought to earn more than £200,000 a year – of being 'out of touch'. Mr Beavis, from Chelmsford, Essex, had gone to court to fight what he called the 'bullying and threatening' private car park firms which heavily penalise motorists who overstay in parking spaces. The 48-year-old, who runs a fish and chip shop, got the £85 fine in April 2013 when he overstayed by 56 minutes in a private car park at the Riverside Retail park in Chelmsford. The car park, run by parking firm ParkingEye Ltd, allowed two hours of free parking, but Mr Beavis stayed for three. He claimed the £85 charge against him was disproportionate and vowed to fight the companies who 'extort money by threatening and bullying people into paying up'. But yesterday judges said the fine was enforceable because it was not 'excessively high'. Mr Beavis said he was 'absolutely furious' and planned to appeal. Meanwhile motoring groups said the ruling was a victory for the parking cowboys and would open the floodgates for unscrupulous profit-hungry firms 'falling over themselves' to ramp up the already hefty penalties they impose. Ian Taylor, of the Alliance of British Drivers, said: 'I think the judges are somewhat out of touch if they think £85 isn't extravagant. 'An £85 penalty may not seem much to a rich lawyer – it's probably less than many charge for an hour. But for the average hard-pressed motorist trying to make ends meet, it's a very heavy and unfair burden.' Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said the ruling would hand parking firms a 'blank cheque' to milk drivers, adding: 'This decision could cost motorists millions. 'If judges believe £85 is not an extravagant amount then what is? £100? £200? Our fear is that parking firms will now be falling over themselves to raise their penalty charges and punish drivers.' Mr Beavis had parked his car at the Riverside Retail Park in Chelmsford, pictured above, on April 15, 2013, . The retail site, pictured above, offers two free hours of parking and Mr Beavis was fined after he returned 56 minutes late . Richard Lloyd, executive director of consumer watchdog Which?, said: 'We are concerned that this decision waters down the law on penalty charges and may encourage excessive default charges.' And AA president Edmund King said: 'Britain's motorists really will think judges are out of touch with everyday life if they consider £85 to be a reasonable amount of money for a parking penalty. £85 may not seem much to highly paid

Summary: Barry Beavis took on private car park operators over 'unfair' charges . 48-year-old tried to challenge £85 fine that he claimed was unjust . Left 'furious' after losing the landmark legal bid at the High Court . Judges found the charge was 'not extravagant or unconscionable'


Lewis Hamilton is creating a bit of a track record for himself - and this one isn't on the starting grid. Celebrating his win at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, he sprayed champagne straight into the face of one of the hostesses. But a leading group which campaigns against sexism has condemned the behavior of the driver - who used to date ex-Pussy Cat Doll Nicole Scherzinger - as 'selfish and inconsiderate', saying he should be forced to apologise for 'specially directing' the bubbly into the woman's face. Others have called the driving ace an 'embarrassment to the UK', while another said his behaviour showed that he was an 'ignorant clown'. Scroll down for video . Right in the ear: Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the Chinese Grand Prix by spraying the hostess in the face with champagne . Not impressed: The hostess looks less than impressed as she is sprayed with champagne on the podium in Shanghai on Sunday . Trademark move: It's not the first time the racing ace has sprayed a grid girl with bubbly - he's also done it after winning the Spanish Grand Prix and even at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he lost out on the top spot . Caught by surprise: The hostess's colleagues laugh in the background as she gets a soaking from the champion British racing driver . Drenched: Hamilton controlled the contest in Shanghai to seal his second victory in three races and extend his lead at the summit of the Formula One world championship . Roz Hardie, chief executive of Object, a campaign on media sexism and 'sex object culture', said: 'The photographs appear to show that the woman is not just being splashed, but that the champagne is being very specifically directed into her face, which does not look like a voluntary piece of horseplay on her part. 'If this if the case we think Lewis Hamilton should apologise for his actions and think carefully about how he behaves in the future. For most people, it would be apparent that she is not enjoying it. 'It is surely a very difficult position to be a grid girl and she would have had little option but to stand there and take it. That is something of which he should be aware. But instead, he appears to have abused her position. 'It's unfortunate that a great victory has been marred by what appears to be selfish and inconsiderate behaviour.' Ms Hardie added that the episode highlighted the more general issue of women being viewed as sexual objects in the motoring world. She said: 'Motor racing appears to unnecessarily portray women as sexualised objects and that probably makes it even harder for the women to stand up for themselves. We would hope people in the industry would be respectful to these women. On Twitter, Hamilton was described as a 'bully' and 'disgusting'. Another user simply said: 'Man please stop spraying Champagne on the Podium Ladies. They don't like it', while one outraged user said he was a 'scumbag - an embarrassment to UK'.

Summary: Lewis Hamilton, 30, sealed victory in Shanghai at Chinese Grand Prix yesterday, his second win in three races . He celebrated with 'trademark' move of spraying champagne in the face of the hostess - much to her surprise . But Object, which campaigns against sexism, said he should apologise for his 'selfish and inconsiderate' actions . Others called the driving ace 'an embarrassment to the UK', while another said it showed he was an 'ignorant clown'


Lawyers for a high school honor student in Massachusetts say the teen is 'bewildered' over the involuntary manslaughter charges against her following the suicide of her friend, as they push to have the case moved to a different county due to 'a conflict of interest'. Michelle Carter, 18, looked glum as she appeared in court in New Bedford on Thursday accused of encouraging the death of Conrad Roy III, who gassed himself in his truck in Fairhaven last July. During the hearing her defense attorney requested the case be moved out of Bristol County, saying it's 'impossible' for Carter to receive a fair trial in the area because the District Attorney is the victim's third cousin. However the the district attorney's office filed a response arguing that the DA, Thomas Quinn, has excused himself from any involvement in the case. Scroll down for video . 'Bewildered': Michelle Carter, 18, seen here in court in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on Thursday, is said to be confused at being charged with involuntary manslaughter over the suicide of her friend, Conrad Roy II, 18, according to her lawyers, who claim she was attempting to help Roy . Hearing: Carter's lawyers are trying to have her case moved out of Bristol County, saying it's 'impossible' for her to receive a fair trial in the area because the District Attorney is the victim's third cousin . Pretrial: Michelle Carter appears for a hearing in court with her attorneys Cory Madera (left) and Joseph Cataldo on Thursday in New Bedford, Massachusetts . Honor student: Carter was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Conrad Roy III last July . Supportive: Parent's Gail and David Carter have insisted their daughter is innocent and had been left overwhelmed by Roy's suicidal talk . 'There's no suggestion that DA Quinn and Conrad Roy III had ever even met,' Assistant District Attorney Kattie Rayburn said. New Bedford Juvenile Court Judge Siobhan Foley heard the arguments but did not make a decision. Authorities claim Carter, of Plainville, texted with Roy minutes before he killed himself in the parking lot of a Fairhaven store. Police said Carter sent him a text saying 'get back in' when he had second thoughts. Carter's lawyer says no crime was committed. Attorney Joseph Cataldo said outside juvenile court that they will prove Carter was actually trying to help Roy. 'Taking all the texts in context, she tried to talk him out of it,' Cataldo said, The Sun Chronicle reported. 'He caused his own death. 'She doesn't understand why she is being prosecuted.' Roy had previously tried to commit suicide over a year earlier and was battling depression. Video courtesy of WPRI . Accused: Michelle Carter (left) allegedly knew that her friend Conrad Roy III (right) was suicidal but rather than seeking help, she encouraged him to take his life in the minutes before he died last July . Last month it was reported that Carter told a friend: 'He got out of the car, and I told him to get back in... because I knew he would do

Summary: Michelle Carter, 18, appeared in New Bedford court Thursday over the involuntary manslaughter of Conrad Roy II, 18, who killed himself last July . Carter 'sent Roy a series of texts encouraging him to take his own life' Her lawyers claim she is 'bewildered at the charges' and have asked for the case to be moved because the District Attorney is the victim's third cousin . They claim she was actually trying to help Roy . Roy was found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning in his idling truck . Carter told a friend she was worried that the police were checking his text messages, saying: 'I'm done ... I could go to jail' After he died, she raised money for suicide prevention and wrote on Twitter about how much she missed him . Carter, who was 17 at the time, is free on bail but can't text or use social media .


They have become one of the most irritating accessories carried by tourists in recent years, but it appears the selfie stick has been a nuisance for three decades. Hiroshi Ueda, a photographer who worked as an engineer for camera company Minolta, claims that he first invented the selfie stick in the 1980s. He said he came up with the idea after struggling to get pictures of himself and his wife together while they were in Europe. Scroll down for video . Hiroshi Ueda, holding his extender stick for taking 'selfies' which he patented in 1983 while working for Minolta . After having his camera stolen by a child he asked to take their picture in the Louvre Museum in Paris, he dreamed up a solution - an extendable stick with a tripod screw at the end. The 'extender stick', as he called it, was designed for use with new compact cameras that were being developed at the time. Whether taking in a spectacular panorama, visiting a famous landmark or watching a concert; the chances are your view has been ruined by a selfie stick on at least one occasion. Now the situation may be about to get a whole lot worse, because there’s a next-generation stick that can grasp a tablet as well as a mobile phone. The contraption lets selfie addicts take photos of themselves using their iPad, ensuring they can capture the best possible duck pout or cheesy grin in their shots. The supersized stick is available on the website Accessory Geeks for just $23 (£16), suggesting that they could be coming to a street near you soon. He added a mirror to the front of the camera so that photographers could see exactly what they were doing. Despite being patented in 1983, the extender stick failed to become a success - mainly due to the poor image quality it captured. But that did not stop Mr Ueda from compiling a family album of family 'selfies' using his device. Speaking to the BBC, he said: 'The idea of taking a picture of yourself was very new back then. 'The philosophy behind it was that I didn't need to rely on anyone else to take a photo - I could take a picture of myself whenever and wherever I liked.' Some 30 years later selfie sticks are now hugely popular - used by narcissists and celebrities everywhere to capture images of themselves in their surroundings. They have become such a menace that many tourist venues, museums, concert venues and stadiums have banned them. Perhaps ironically, Apple - the company that could be blamed for kickstarting the selfie phenomenon by putting a camera on the front of its phones in the first place - has also banned them from its next conference. Mr Ueda used his 'extender stick' to take pictures of himself with his family while on holiday in Europe (above) Modern versions of the extender stick allow a smartphone to be held aloft and use a remote trigger to take the photograph or video. Mr Ueda's patent ran out in

Summary: Hiroshi Ueda patented the 'extender stick' at camera firm Minolta in 1983 . He came up with the invention after struggling to find anyone to take pictures of him with his wife while they were on a family holiday in Europe . It used a mirror on the front of compact cameras to help the photographer . But the idea was not a commercial success and the patent ran out in 2003 .


Hooked to ventilators in hospital beds, they were on the brink of death. These shocking photos show brothers Jeff and Joey Stallings, who were placed in medically-induced comas after taking a 'bad batch' of synthetic marijuana in their hometown of McComb, Mississippi. The siblings, both in their twenties, fell seriously ill earlier this month after smoking the drug, which is a mix of herbs that has been sprayed with a chemical to produce a similar sensation to marijuana. They were hospitalized on April 6, within hours of each other, when they collapsed after suffering from hallucinations, vomiting, night sweats and violent shaking. They had to be put on life support. Critically ill: This photo shows Jeff Stallings, who was placed in medically-induced coma alongside his older brother, Joey, after taking a 'bad batch' of synthetic marijuana in his hometown of McComb, Mississippi . On life support: The siblings, both in their twenties, fell seriously ill earlier this month after smoking the drug, a mix of herbs that has been sprayed with a chemical to produce a similar sensation to marijuana. Above, Joey . BrothersL They were hospitalized on April 6, within hours of each other, when they collapsed after suffering from hallucinations, vomiting, night sweats and violent shaking. Above, the pair before their hospital stays . Fortunately, the pair rallied against the terrifying effects of the drug, and were able to return to home on April 13. However, they are now facing serious - and in Jeff's case, permanent - medical issues. And these issues are only complicated by the fact that the brothers are both addicted to synthetic marijuana, which is also dubbed Spice, Mojo, K2 and Bliss, and is much more toxic than cannabis. Now, their mother, Karen Stallings, has appealed to others not to smoke the drug, which she says has wrecked her sons' bodies and has left her youngest, Jeff, with permanent kidney damage. Speaking to DailyMail.com, she said: 'Seeing my sons in hospital was 10 times worse than what those photos show. It was just chilling. They were put in induced comas and had to fight for their lives. 'Fortunately, they fought the battle and they're now home. But they're not well at all. They're very, very addicted to it and want to get off it. They suffer from shakes, tremors and say random stuff. 'My youngest has to sit down because he gets dizzy. And he has permanent kidney damage. I'm afraid I'm going to lose him, that my son will die. That's something no mother should have to say.' Appeal: Lucikly, the pair rallied against the terrifying effects of the drug, and were able to return to home on April 13. Now, their mother, Karen Stallings (pictured with Jeff), has appealed to others not to smoke Spice . Deadly: The brothers are both addicted to synthetic marijuana (file picture). Because the herbs and chemicals in Spice vary, it is impossible for users to know what they are smoking - and in what concentrations . Recovering: Ms Stallings told DailyMail.com: 'Seeing my sons in hospital was

Summary: Jeff and Joey Stallings took a 'bad batch' of Spice in Mississippi hometown . Hospitalized after suffering from hallucinations, sweats and violent shaking . Photos show the brothers in medically-induced comas in McComb hospital . Fortunately, siblings rallied against the drug's effects and are now at home . But Jeff has 'permanent kidney damage' and both are still addicted to drug . Now, their mom, Karen, has begged others not to take synthetic marijuana . Because chemicals in Spice vary, users do not know what they're smoking .


When journalist Gianna Toboni traveled to India to explore the country's rapidly growing, yet unregulated, gestational surrogacy industry for HBO documentary series Vice, she didn't anticipate 'how dark' the story would get. For nearly two years, the producer and host has been reporting on current issues across the globe and has covered everything from the detention center at Guantanamo Bay to the effect of climate change on polar bears - but nothing could have prepared her for the moment when someone offered to sell her a baby over dinner while she was working undercover in India. 'It was the most heartbreaking experience that I ever had,' Gianna told Daily Mail Online. Baby business: Vice correspondent Gianna Toboni (pictured) traveled to India to explore the country's booming gestational surrogacy industry . Shady deal: The journalist from Brooklyn, New York, went undercover to meet with an agent in India who offered to get her a baby in two to three months . But the heartbreak did not end there. As Gianna quickly learned during her time working on the Outsourcing Embryos documentary, surrogacy in India is a multi-million dollar business, and one which is made all the more lucrative by the high number of American couples traveling to the country in order to use the services provided by one or more of the ‘embryo outsourcing’ agencies featured in the Vice documentary. During her time spent undercover posing as one of these people, Gianna was informed that, in order to maximize profits and ensure a final product, doctors are encouraged to implant multiple embryos in surrogates, which can lead to the surrogate having to abort one of the fetuses or give birth to multiple babies. And if an 'extra' baby is born, it isn't necessarily going home with its genetic parents. There are also issues with couples never making it to India to claim their children for whatever reasons, meaning that the newborn baby is left without a parent. For the most recent episode in the Vice series, Gianna went undercover to meet with one surrogacy agent who claimed over dinner that she could get her a Caucasian baby in two to three months - confirming that there were in fact ‘extra’ babies being sold on the black market. The agent then tried to convince Gianna and her team to buy the baby that they had brought with them to the restaurant. Shocking offer: One of the agents can be seen holding the baby that they brought to the restaurant with them . No morals: The agent eventually offered to sell Gianna and her team the baby over dinner . Gianna noted that the agent spoke with a 'shocking amount of ease' and 'talked about forging documents as if she has done it a hundred times' as she tried to sell her and her team a baby over dinner. 'It made me think it wasn't a one-off thing,' she explained to Daily Mail Online. Gianna never once considered buying the baby, but as a woman who would one day like to be a mother, she

Summary: Vice correspondent Gianna Toboni traveled to India to explore the country's booming gestational surrogacy industry for the HBO series . In the US, surrogacy can cost hopeful parents upwards of $100,000 . Many American couples are hiring surrogates in India because the cost is signficantly less than it would be in the Western World .


An armed robber who held up a shop with a knife was caught because his own former mother-in-law was working behind the till. Kyle Iveson burst into a convenience store and demanded cash from shop assistant Karen Brown, the mother of his ex-girlfriend and grandmother of his daughter. He attempted to disguise his identity by lowering his voice, but she instantly recognised him and was able to report him to the police straight away. Scroll down for video . Caught: Robber Kyle Iveson, left, was apprehended by his own mother-in-law Karen Brown, right . CCTV images show Iveson, 24, taking a 12in knife into the Thorougoods shop in Clitheroe, Lancashire and threatening Mrs Brown, 54. He escaped with £650, but was quickly arrested and has now pleaded guilty to robbery and being in possession of a bladed article. Speaking after Iveson was jailed for three years at Preston Crown Court, Mrs Brown said: 'He was shouting and swearing and straight away I knew it was him. 'He was one of those people who has a certain type of walk and although he had a scarf around his face and his hood up, I recognised him a mile off. 'I think it was half personal and half to line his pockets - but he's stupid and he thought I wouldn't know it was him.' Terror: Iveson was brandishing a 12in knife when he burst into the convenience store . Threat: The robber demanded money from Mrs Brown while trying to hide his identity . The court heard that Mrs Brown had known Iveson for several years, after he had a year-long relationship with her daughter and the couple had a child together. Prosecutor Neil Basarya said: 'She was in a state of panic and attempted to open the till.The till was opened and a large amount of notes were taken by Iveson. 'At one point he dropped some to the floor and collected them before exiting the shop, still holding the knife up.' In a victim impact statement read out to the court, Mrs Brown described Iveson as extremely aggressive and said the robbery had made her feel vulnerable whenever a customer entered the shop wearing a hood. 'All I want is my life back how it was and then I hope I can return to a normal and happy life,' she said. Defending Iveson, Adam Lodge said he was addicted to heroin and had committed the robbery to fund his habit. Mr Lodge said: 'There is some degree of remorse and he does mention that this incident would have been petrifying for her, but mentions she was not the specific target.' Theft: He pulled out £650 in cash from the till but was arrested by police shortly afterwards . Target: The robbery took place at the Thorougoods convenience store in Clitheroe, Lancashire . Judge Jonathan Gibson told Iveson: 'You had a long kitchen knife and you used that knife to point towards the lady who was serving in the shop. 'Not surprisingly, the offence has had a very significant impact on her.'

Summary: Kyle Iveson, 24, burst into convenience store armed with a 12in knife . But shop worker Karen Brown, 54, recognised him because she is the mother of his ex-girlfriend . She reported him to police moments later and he has now been jailed .


Arsenal appear in high spirits ahead of hosting Champions League qualification rivals Liverpool on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners take on Brendan Rodgers' side at the Emirates, third in the Premier League and six points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool in the race for the top four. And in training ahead of the showdown, Arsene Wenger's side managed to appear relatively relaxed ahead of such a vital contest. Arsenal players target defender Laurent Koscielny (centre) with a friendly slap during training on Friday at London Colney . Wenger must be in high spirits having seen his side win all six matches they played in March as the Frenchman picked up the Manager of the Month award. Free-scoring Olivier Giroud, who fired in six goals over the month, completed the double to pick up the player accolade. Arsenal welcomed back Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Debuchy and Abou Diaby to first-team training this week in a boost to their squad. The Gunners boss was however concerned over forward Theo Walcott's plummeting confidence after his disappointing run out for England in Turin. Wenger will have a heart-to-heart chat with Walcott ahead of Saturday's crunch top-four clash. Centre back Per Mertesacker (centre) takes his time getting back to his feet after a push from team-mate Calum Chambers . Arsenal's Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez is all smiles in training as the Gunners gear up to take on Liverpool at the Emirates . England international Jack Wilshere is back in training with the first team having been out since November with an ankle injury . Spaniard Santi Cazorla (left) bursts into laughter while Chambers searches for a pass during training exercises on Friday . Gunners forward Theo Walcott leaps into action during a training drill having played 55 minutes for England in Turin on Tuesday evening . Brazilian centre back Gabriel Paulista performs a stretch as the Arsenal squad limber up ahead of facing Liverpool on Saturday . With Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out of Liverpool's visit due to a hamstring strain, and Danny Welbeck a major doubt after sustaining a knee problem on international duty, Walcott could start on Saturday. But Wenger said: 'Yes, I'm worried about Theo's confidence. He's sensitive and I'm a bit concerned about the damage that game can have on his mind. 'He's not completely there yet (after the injury). But being exposed like that, people have a harsh judgement on him that is not deserved because he does well. 'At the moment he is frustrated, but that is normal. I will speak with him, but I think he is strong enough. He is not fragile mentally, he is strong mentally but he is disappointed because when you come back from an injury you always think you are ready. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has a word alone with German defender Mertesacker as they prepare to host top-four rivals Liverpool . Sanchez was messing around with the cameramen at London Colney, attempting to hide from the lenses . Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who won March Player of the Month award, holds off a challenge from team-mate Mikel

Summary: Arsenal host top-four rivals Liverpool at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League contest . The Gunners won all four of their Premier League games in March to sit third in the league table . Arsene Wenger and Olivier Giroud won Manager and Player of the Month for an in-form Arsenal side . The Gunners are six points ahead of Liverpool in the race for Champions League qualification next season .


England had a good day on Tuesday at the start of this second Test in conditions that suited them. If they go on to bat themselves into a strong position, they can look at it in one of two ways. England can be happy they are good enough to take wickets at home and when the ball is swinging and conditions are in their favour - like here. If that’s the case then carry on as you are, but a position of strength is often a good one from which to take a long hard look at yourself and say ‘how can we improve?’ Alastair Cook needs something different to draw on in his same-same pace bowling attack . Cook is frustrated after dropping a catch off Marlon Samuel, who was on 32 and finished the day 94 not out . Cook and coach Peter Moores are under pressure to produce a result after drawing the first Test . The biggest reason England have not won away from home since 2012 is that they are lacking something different in their attack. The whole of England’s bowling psyche is about containment, it’s about bowling maidens and building pressure, as we saw for much of the first day here in Grenada until West Indies started to crack. That’s fine and it has been very successful for them but with so much batting depth now, with Jos Buttler arguably the best Test No 8 England have ever had, they can afford to pick someone who gives them an extra ingredient. There are those who feel it could have been provided here by Adil Rashid but by all accounts he hasn’t been bowling well enough to warrant selection. England have a good spinner in Moeen Ali - even though he looked rusty on day one - and a more than capable back-up in Joe Root. So perhaps that trump card could come in place of one of the four seamers who all have similar attributes. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid could offer what is needed but by all accounts he hasn’t been bowling well enough . Cook speaks with paceman Mark Wood, who could be what is needed with comparisons to Simon Jones . The one I would keep an eye on is Mark Wood. From what I’ve seen of him there is a bit of Simon Jones about him and the Welshman was a key element of England’s best attack of the last 20 years - the 2005 Ashes line-up. Jones learnt a lot of the skills that made him the 2005 trump card on the Caribbean tour a year earlier, for instance the ability to gain skiddy reverse swing on flat pitches, and Wood might have done that now. I don’t like building players up before they have played Test cricket and then quickly passing judgment on them when they are given their chance but Wood seems to have that different trajectory which should suit overseas pitches. He is the sort of bowler who almost takes the pitch out of the equation - like Jones and

Summary: West Indies were 188 for five at the close of play on day one in Grenada . Conditions suited England at the start of the second Caribbean Test . England's biggest weakness is a lack of something different in their attack . Mark Wood, who is in the Caribbean, could offer a new element . Alastair Cook's side hasn't won away from home since 2012 .


This time last year the world was shocked by the abduction of 276 Nigerian schoolgirls who were kidnapped from their school by Boko Haram militants. A-listers from Michelle Obama to Angelina Jolie lent their support to the #bringbackourgirlscampaign in the hope the children could be saved. But Unicef have revealed that a year later, more than 200 of these girls remain in captivity while scores of other children have gone missing since. Scroll down for video . Rose Zeeharrah, right, with her children at a camp for internally displaced persons, in Yola, Adamawa, where the family fled after a Boko Haram rebel group attacked their village and killed her husband . Evelyn was lucky to escape with her and her daughter Rose when saw a Boko Haram rebel group entered their village killing people and kidnapping girls . 20-month-old Stephanie Samson cries while being weighed in the Kwanaya refugee camp. She weighs six kilos but should weigh nine. She and her mother survived in the mountains on pumpkin seeds and stream water for six weeks after they fled their home when Boko Haram attacked . Children as young as four are being used within the ranks of Boko Haram – as cooks, porters and look-outs. Those are the lucky ones, others are trained to fight, forced to be suicide bombers or sold as sex slaves. According to accounts by escapees, young women and girls who have been abducted have been subjected to forced marriage, forcible religious conversion from Christianity to Islam, physical and psychological abuse and forced labour and rape. Thanks to the violent conflict in the region, 1.2m people have been forced to flee their home, displaced inside Nigeria or crossing into neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Many have had to run away in fear as their homes and villages were attacked by Boko Haram militants, causing a large number of children to be separated from their parents amidst the violent chaos. One of them is 15-year-old Ahmid who is the subject of one of Unicef's latest campaign films. It's been a year since the high profile #bringbackourgirls campaign, supported by Michelle Obama, but the suffering continues for many . Girls who have been exposed to abuse and violence and forced from their homes are getting access to an education thanks to Unicef supported projects in Bauchi State, pictured . He fled his home in Nigeria during a horrific Boko Haram attack and travelled for week without his family across Lake Chad. He said: 'I ran away by myself as they were cutting people's throats as if they were rams. 'We had to eat grass from the lake. I worried most about hunger there was nothing to eat and nowhere to sleep. I worry about my parents.' Ahmind has been supported at a Unicef Centre where children are encouraged to express their grief through art and given access to education. He said: 'It was a policeman who urged me to go to school. At first I couldn't be bothered because I was thinking about my parents. 'I have nobody here but

Summary: 276 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram militants last year . The shocking abduction led to high profile 'bring back our girls' campaign . Many children remain in captivity, forced to fight or become sex slaves . Unicef film highlights few escapees are now in refugee camps . The charity says more than 200 girls remain in captivity .


These days you can ditch hotels and stay in a real house just about anywhere in the world - find the one that best suits you with our guide. Host with the most . The concept of a homestay holiday is that rather than renting an empty house or apartment, you stay at a reasonable cost in the home of your hosts. Web-based company Homestay.com lists options for single people, couples and families in cities, established holiday areas or farther afield. At best, homestays are offered by hosts who want to help you understand their country or district. We can all find the Dordogne or Lake Garda on a map but this gets you closer to the real region faster and cheaper. More information: www.homestay.com . Dive in: This light-filled apartment and swimming pool in Los Angeles can be rented through onefinestay.com . Rich pickings . Rent posh private apartments in some of the world’s most glamorous cities while the owners are out of town. These luxury homes are on offer through the website Onefinestay.com in London, Paris, New York and Los Angeles. The firm’s latest venture is a deal with travel firm Carrier to offer accommodation complete with flights, transfers and financial protection. More information: www.onefinestay.com . Head for the west coast: Take a trawl online and you could be hitting the surf on a board before you know it . Bed-and-breakfast extravaganza . An online company that started out as a website offering airbeds for rent on living room floors in San Francisco, with breakfast thrown in, now claims 800,000 listings in towns and cities worldwide. Its name, Airbnb.com, remains unchanged in homage to its origins, and with so many listings, no doubt the occasional inflatable mattress still features. These days, it is people wanting to raise cash from their spare room who form the great majority of hosts. But a thorough search of Airbnb will yield yurts in Mongolia, castles in the Alps, treehouses in New England, igloos in the Canadian Arctic and innumerable boats (where an airbed doubles as a life raft, naturally) to stay in. Back in San Francisco, where it all started, search through thousands of listings ranging from £7 per night on a sofa to £500-plus for a whole apartment. More information: www.airbnb.com . Diverse: Airbnb.com offers an array of accommodation, from spare rooms to igloos or even a Mongolian yurt . Home from home . Book a villa or city apartment, then sit back and relax in the knowledge that even though you are paying far below top whack, every little thing will be fine. Owners of the thousands of properties listed on the Housetrip.com site are so confident you’ll be happy, they take payment 48 hours after guests arrive. If you get there and are dissatisfied, the company will find an alternative or give you a refund. More information: www.housetrip.com . Ethical getaways . The squeaky-clean agency Responsibletravel.com specialises in ethical travel by connecting tourists with local travel companies all over the world, particularly in developing countries. Homestays are at the core of

Summary: Travellers are increasingly ignoring hotels for 'homes away from home' Homestays, with and without hosts, are available for all budgets . Sites like Homestay and AirBnb are catering to this different style of travel .


The owner of a takeaway where pizza boxes were filled with mouse droppings and mouldy tomato puree was used as a topping has been fined nearly £15,000. Council inspectors also found filthy food preparation areas at the mice-ridden Pizza Plus Fried Chicken business run by Kunaratnam Kunanatha, 36, in Gillingham. Kunanathan, of Catford, London, admitted seven offences under food safety and hygiene regulations at Medway Magistrates’ Court. Disgusting: Mould was seen growing in the tomato puree during an inspection of the takeaway in Gillingham . They included a lack of cleaning, having an uncontrolled mice infestation and selling unfit food. He also admitted two health and safety charges including a failure to maintain the electrical installation to prevent danger. He was fined £14,500 and ordered to pay £2,793 in costs. The court heard officers from Medway Council immediately closed the premises in Gillingham, Kent in January 2014 as they feared an immediate risk to public health. The takeaway reopened several months later and further checks were carried out by the council to ensure the infestation was under control. But it was closed down in May for good by the owner. Infestation: Mouse droppings could be seen all over the floor at the now closed Pizza Plus Fried Chicken . Filthy: A pizza box set to be given to customers sits on top of a horrendously dirty extension cable . Unfit preparation areas: The units used at the takeaway were dirty when council inspectors visited . More droppings: The business's owner Kunaratnam Kunanatha admitted two health and safety charges including a failure to maintain the electrical installation to prevent danger .

Summary: Inspectors found Pizza Plus Fried Chicken in Gillingham overrun with mice . Owner Kunaratnam Kunanatha, 36, admitted seven food safety offences . Included lack of cleaning, uncontrolled mice infestation and unfit food . Takeaway reopened a few months later but was closed after further checks .


As Captain Ross Poldark, his brooding good looks and rippling muscles have sent women around the country into a frenzy. But Aidan Turner's Poldark co-star Heida Reed has claimed the obsession with his body is sexist, and is unintentionally undermining the BBC1 series. Miss Reed, 27, who stars in the period drama as Poldark's former lover Elizabeth, said Turner, 31, was being 'objectified' in a way that would not be tolerated if he were female. Poldark star Heida Reed has claimed audiences' obsession with Aidan Turner's (pictured body is sexist . Claiming it is evidence of reverse sexism, Miss Reed said: 'I think there should be the same standard for both sexes when it comes to things like this. 'Of course it's nice for everyone involved that he's viewed as a sex symbol or very attractive man. But it's getting a little bit ridiculous. I think it just undermines the rest of the show. 'I don't think it should be any more allowed than if a woman was in the same situation. And if she was, the media would have a field day that she's being objectified.' Reed said she knew 'for a fact that [Turner is] completely baffled by the amount of interest' in the popularity of images that show him scything in a field. 'The producers had no idea that was going to happen either,' she explained. 'They never said 'let's have his shirt taken off and everyone will go nuts'. It wasn't a strategy.' The Icelandic actress's comments follow overwhelming interest in Turner's physique from Poldark's avid fans. Hundreds of viewers have taken to Twitter to marvel at his strapping form, as scenes showed him swimming naked in the sea and scything a field topless. One joked on Twitter: 'If Poldark gets any hotter we'll have to call the fire brigade.' Another told MailOnline: 'There isn't a single woman I know, who doesn't think he's absolutely gorgeous.' And they even complained after last week's episode failed to feature Turner's bare chest. One posted: 'All bad news on the Poldark front tonight. @Aidan didn't get his shirt off once.' However while fans' interest might be taken for flattery, Miss Reed said Turner, who is reportedly engaged to his girlfriend of four years, actress Sarah Greene, is 'completely baffled' by the level of attention, which has included online marriage proposals. Heida Reed pictured with her popular co-star in a scene from the TV series Poldark . Miss Reed, who is currently starring in a play about revenge porn called Scarlet, in which she appears on stage in just her underwear was speaking to the Daily Telegraph. Poldark, which is based on the books by Winston Graham, has followed Ross Poldark since he returned from the American War of Independence only to find that his father has died and his former fiancée, Elizabeth, has married another man. He rescues Demelza, played by Eleanor Tomlinson, 22, from life as a street urchin and takes her in as his maid. And their relationship develops from a working one to one of passion, climaxing with

Summary: Heida Reed has claimed audiences' obsession with her co-star is 'sexist' She said Aidan Turner is being 'objectified' in a form of 'reverse sexism' Hundreds of viewers have expressed delight about Turner's bare chest .


The number of women in Britain becoming nuns is at a 25-year high. Figures from the Catholic Church show the number of women taking Holy Vows has trebled from 15 in 2009 to 45 last year. From a low of only seven in 2004, the figure has been rising for the past decade. Theodora Hawksley, 29, was until recently a post-doctoral researcher in theology at the University of Edinburgh. But at the beginning of the year she decided to become a nun. Figures from the Catholic Church show the number of women becoming nuns in Britain has trebled from 15 in 2009 to 45 last year. From a low of seven in 2004, the figure has been rising for the past decade (file image) She joined the Congregation of Jesus in January and is now living in their house in Willesden, North London, while taking the first steps towards making vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Miss Hawksley, from Hertfordshire, said: ‘In one sense, it is a bit like trying to explain to somebody why you are marrying the person you are. You can list their qualities, but in the end it is a relationship of love. ‘But on the other hand, I was drawn to it by wanting a greater freedom in being able to give myself to God and the world. 'I don’t have to worry now about practical things like making a career for myself. I’m free to go where I’m needed and meet people at the margins.’ She is not the only young woman choosing the religious life. According to Church figures, 14 of the 45 women who entered convents last year were aged 30 or under. The next moderator of the Free Church has claimed the Church of Scotland is ‘literally dying’ because of falling congregation numbers. The Rev David Robertson said the departure of ministers and ‘concerns’ over issues such as same-sex marriage are linked to a ‘theological and moral decline’ in the Kirk. The Dundee minister, who will become Moderator next month, made the remarks on his blog site The Wee Flea as the Church of Scotland prepares to hold the General Assembly 2015 in May. The Free Church has seen modest growth over six years, with about 13,000 people currently attending services. Mr Robertson said the Kirk is losing ‘around 16,000 members per year’. But the Church of Scotland yesterday hit back, saying it remains one of the country’s ‘largest and most robust organisations’. Miss Hawksley said: ‘There is another person in an order in London and she is 27 and we meet to chat. You are not on your own. It is an unusual life choice, but you are not the only one making it. There are plenty of people asking themselves the same questions.’ She admitted some of her friends were ‘a bit bewildered’, but most had been very supportive. Far from being trapped in traditional habits, Miss Hawksley said her order tends to dress down in T-shirts and jeans. Father Christopher Jamison, director of the National Office for Vocation of England

Summary: Figures from the Catholic Church show more and more becoming nuns . The number of women taking Holy Vows stood at just seven back in 2004 . But that figure had risen to 15 in 2009 and increased further to 45 last year . One father said a 'gap in the market for meaning' led people toward religion .


David Cameron took on Church of England bishops yesterday after they questioned the morality of his austerity and welfare policies. In an Easter message to Christians, the Prime Minister insisted the Coalition had spent five years ‘trying to lift people up’ by making work pay and encouraging responsibility. ‘Just because some people have disagreed with our policies, does not mean those policies are missing in moral content,’ he insisted. Scroll down for video . Trip with George: Prime Minister David Cameron visited Marston's Brewery in Wolverhampton yesterday . Statement: In an Easter message to Christians, the Prime Minister insisted the coalition had spent five years 'trying to lift people up' by making work pay and encouraging responsibility . His intervention came as another senior Tory, chief whip Michael Gove, claimed Christians in Britain were being dismissed with a combination of condescension and suspicion. Six weeks ago, the Church provoked a row with ministers by publishing an unprecedented guide to how the country’s 30million Christians should ‘approach the General Election’. Bishops insisted it was not targeted at any particular party, and criticised successive governments while calling for a ‘fresh moral vision’. But much of the 50-page document was widely interpreted as indirect criticism of the Coalition’s welfare policies, which include a £26,000-a-year cap on household benefits, a new universal credit designed to ensure people are always better off in work and tough sanctions to prevent people languishing on jobless benefits. The bishops complained that welfare claimants were ‘described in terms that imply they are undeserving, dependent and ought to be self-sufficient’. They insisted it was ‘game-playing … to claim that anyone who cares about the impact of austerity on the most vulnerable members of society is… careless about the extent of national indebtedness’. The Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby - pictured ahead of a service for the re-burial of Richard III at Leicester Cathedral last week - has seen the Church of England come under fire from the PM . Despite evidence that the best-off are paying more in tax than ever before, the bishops also complained that ‘the greatest burdens of austerity have not been borne by those with the broadest shoulders’. Official Treasury figures suggest that the richest 10 per cent of households are contributing most to deficit reduction. Archbishop of York John Sentamu blamed welfare cuts and 'poverty wages' for rising inequality . Speaking to Premier Christianity magazine, Mr Cameron said the ‘values of the Christian faith are the values on which our nation was built’. ‘I’m an unapologetic supporter of the role of faith in this country. And for me, the key point is this: the values of Easter and the Christian religion – compassion, forgiveness, kindness, hard work and responsibility – are values that we can all celebrate and share,’ he added. Mr Cameron conceded he was not a model Christian and was ‘a bit hazy on the finer points of our faith’. ‘But even so, in the toughest of times, my faith has helped me move on and drive forward. It also gives me

Summary: Prime Minister said Coalition had spent 5 years 'trying to lift people up' In an Easter message to Christians he defended 'moral content' of cuts . Comes after Church provoked a row with unprecedented election guide . In it they told Britain's Christians how they should 'approach election'


Model: Olsi Beheluli, pictured, claimed he appeared on Channel 4 dating show My Little Princess . A drug dealing model was jailed after he posted a picture of himself surrounded by £240,000 in cash on Twitter. Olsi Beheluli, who claims he appeared on Channel 4 dating show My Little Princess, was a member of a gang responsible for selling 'significant quantities' of class A drugs. The 24-year-old enjoyed living the 'high life' and gambling with the money he made from the illegal operation, police said. Officers seized more than £4million worth of heroin and cocaine when they raided the gang's 'stash house' in Brent, north west London. They also found stacks of money, counterfeit identity documents, and equipment used for drug dealing. Beheluli was jailed alongside fellow gang members Besim Topalli, 29, and Azem Proshka, 23, for a total of 31 years at Blackfriars Crown Court, London, on Wednesday. Officers arrested Beheluli, from Harrow, north west London, in October 2014 and searched his phone to discover a further picture of him with bundles of cash. He tried to claim it was a relative's money and was taken in Albania but detectives matched the distinctive wallpaper and furniture in the image to a picture of a home that Beheluli used to rent. A raid of the gang's 'stash house' in Brent, north west London, unearthed cash, drugs, counterfeit identity documents and drug dealing equipment such as scales. Beheluli stashed £24,000 in his bank account and told officers it was gambling winnings from the World Cup. Officers found betting slips showing he had recently placed £12,000 stakes at Ladbrokes and William Hill. National Crime Agency branch commander Oliver Higgins said: 'Beheluli seemed to enjoy the high life and gambling with the money he made from drug dealing, but in the end his luck run out. 'These men were involved in supplying significant quantities of high-purity class A drugs, as demonstrated by the value of the cash, cocaine and heroin we have seized from them. Haul: The 24-year-old, who was jailed for 11 years, posted a picture of himself with £250,000 on Twitter . Officers said that Beheluli appeared to 'enjoy the high life' with the money he made from drug dealing . Haul: More than £4million of cocaine and heroin (pictured) was found when police searched the 'stash house' 'But they were unaware that they were being watched by the NCA, and their arrest and subsequent conviction should have the wider criminal fraternity looking over their shoulders.' Beheluli was found guilty of conspiring to supply Class A drugs and was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment on Wednesday. Albanians Proshka and Topalli will be deported after they serve ten years in prison after admitting conspiring to supply drugs, money laundering and possessing fake ID documents. Behelui was jailed alongside Besim Topalli, 29, left, and Azem Proshka, 23, right, for a total of 31 years .

Summary: Olsi Beheluli posted picture of himself with £250,000 in cash on Twitter . The 24-year-old was part of a gang found with £4million in Class A drugs . Police said he enjoyed 'living the high life' with cash made from his crimes . Beheluli claimed he appeared on Channel 4 dating show My Little Princess .


Rafa Benitez is what he is; an excellent cup manager. He proved this yet again on Thursday, when his Napoli side blitzed past Europa League favourites Wolfsburg by four goals to one on the Germans' home turf. But despite managing some of the continent's most established clubs since leaving Valencia just over a decade ago - Liverpool, Inter, Chelsea (albeit on an interim basis) and Napoli - he has amassed a grand total of zero league titles. Benitez famously guided Liverpool to the Champions League in 2005 as he enjoyed cup successes . Benitez remains popular at Anfield, but when he left there were few regrets over his departure . Donovan Chandler is a Liverpool fan writer on 90min.com . At Anfield, we will be eternally grateful for the Champions League trophy he delivered in 2005, in spite of possessing what was, on paper at least, our worst accumulation of players in recent history. Djimi Traore, Antonio Nunez, Milan Baros and Igor Biscan - cult hero that he was - were all part of that unfathomably successful squad. All four were dispensed of either that summer or the one that followed. Two years after Instanbul, Benitez was (almost) at it again with a side that better resembled the one he would have wanted, though it wasn't quite good enough to overcome an improved AC Milan side on this occasion. For all the Spaniard's successes, he also brought in the hapless Djimi Traore and Czech forward Milan Baros . And although we ran Manchester United a close second two seasons after that, we actually ended up further away from the Premier League title than we had been in a number of years during his final campaign (2009-10) - a failure that signalled the end to an Anfield tenure that also yielded our last FA Cup. In between, he lumbered us with the Josemi's, Albert Riera's and Phillipp Degen's of this world; none of us had many regrets over his departure - except, of course, that it was the catalyst for our introduction to Roy Hodgson. Benitez won the FA Cup with Liverpool in 2006 on penalties against West Ham . With Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard playing well together, Benitez got close to the title, but never won it . And for all his moments, I fully believe we are on the right track again under Brendan Rodgers, even if we can't quite clutch that final Champions League spot this season - or miss out on the FA Cup. That's why, if Rafa returns to England again in the summer - as is being speculated due to Napoli's Serie A shortcomings this season - it will receive little more than a shrug from large sections of the Kop. His league failings mean he is unlikely to be sworn in at any of our top-four rivals, unless Manchester City need someone to keep the seat warm for their dream conquest Pep Guardiola. Liverpool's failure in the Premier League means that Benitez will always be remembered as a cup specialist . As far as my

Summary: Rafa Benitez won the Champions League and FA Cup with Liverpool . But the Spaniard is little more than a cup manager, lacking league titles . Liverpool fans are grateful to Benitez for his successes . But the Kop faithful won't mind him coming back to England with new club .


A notorious thug who once survived a gangland hit has been banned from every pub and club in Manchester after ramming his car into nightclub doors when his friend was refused entry. David Totton, 36, admitted driving a hired white Peugeot RCZ into the doors of Club Liv, a nightspot popular with footballers in central Manchester, at around 3am on August 31 last year. Totton, who survived being shot in the head in 2006 as part of a suspected assassination attempt, tried to claim the attack had been meant as 'a joke', but a judge ruled otherwise. David Totton, 36, admitted driving a rented white Peugeot RCZ into the doors of Club Liv in Manchester (pictured) after bouncers refused to let his friend come inside . Totton was walking through Manchester city centre when he saw his friend, who was not named, in an altercation with door staff so he went over to act as 'peace-maker' The attack began in the early hours of August 31 as Totton was walking past St Peter's Street when he saw a friend having an argument with club bouncers, Manchester Crown Court heard. He went over to remonstrate with the bouncers and act as 'peace-maker', but was told because it was late nobody else was being allowed in. Totton, who has a well-known history of violence, was told to leave as well, and the doormen eventually closed and locked the doors in order to prevent an altercation. Recognising Totton, who has a long history of violence, staff closed and locked the doors. Totton the drove his car on to the pavement at low speed before 'nudging' the doors with his bumper . Instead of leaving, Totton knocked on the window of the club asking for the doorman to come out, and when he refused, Totton calmly walked back to his car and climbed inside. He then drove up to the club doors at a low speed before nudging his front bumper against them. After the doormen still failed to come outside he drove off, and later handed himself over to police, telling officers it was 'a prank' and he didn't mean to intimidate anyone. Prosecuting, Simon Barrett said: 'The defendant was recognised by one of the door staff as someone who was barred. 'Then the gentleman who was with the defendant became aggressive and abusive towards staff and because of that and previous incidents the door staff took the decision to bring in the barriers and to lock the doors to avoid confrontation. 'This defendant can be seen tapping on the window to speak to the doorman and then left.' He added: 'He got in the driver's side of the vehicle then then collided with the front of a taxi then went forward before reversing again back up Peter Street to where he was adjacent with Club Liv. 'He proceeded to move towards the doors of the nightclub, mounting the pavement, approaching with the vehicle the doors of the nightclub and nudging the doors. 'This is done very slowly. It is not an intention to cause

Summary: David Totton, 36, in central Manchester when he saw friend in argument . Went over to act as 'peace-maker' between the man and club bouncers . Club Liv security told Totton his friend couldn't come in as it was too late . Totton the got into car, mounted pavement, and rammed front doors . He has now been banned from every pub and club in Manchester .


When complete strangers Niamh Geaney, 26, and Karen Branigan, 29, discovered they looked so alike that they could be identical twins earlier this week, they made headlines around the world. But the Irish pair aren't the only unrelated twosome to boast real life doppelgängers - and the celebrity world is no exception. Whether actresses Liz Hurley, 49, and Jacqueline Bissett, 70, or model David Gandy, 35, and soap star Dean Gaffney, 37, there's no shortage of Hollywood lookalikes. Among the more unlikely pairings is Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson, 22, who stunned film fans when he stepped out at a première in Spain this week bearing a striking resemblance to James Alexandrou, 30, an actor best known for his role as Martin Fowler in Eastenders. Scroll down for video . Oi, Pat! Martin's in the Hunger Games! Josh Hutcherson arrives at a première in Madrid looking remarkably like Walford's Martin Fowler . Clones: Would Martin Fowler, played by James Alexandrou until 2007, have made it as far in the Hunger Games as Hutcherson's Peeta? Blonde ambition: Prince Harry's ex-girfriend, 29-year-old Chelsy Davy, looks very much like soap queen Letitia Dean, 47 . Strikingly similar: John Meyer, pictured left, and Johnny Depp, right, both have sharp cheekbones, dark hair and a penchant for hipster specs . East end girls: N-Dubz singer and former X-Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos, 26, looks incredibly similar to Eastenders' Shona McGarty, 23 . Looking a long way from Panem, Hutcherson's chubbier cheeks, darker hair and stubbled chin gave him a distinctly Walford-worthy appearance, which was only emphasised when the night concluded with the 22-year-old having what looked like a heated argument with girlfriend Claudia Traisac. But the Hutcherson-Alexandrou pairing isn't the only set of twins to emerge from Eastenders, which produces a remarkable number of stars who bear a striking resemblance to Tinseltown's finest. Other unlikely double acts include TV hard man Ross Kemp, 50, who played Grant Mitchell in the long-running soap and who, with his stern expression and shaved head, looks strikingly similar to Hollywood hard man Bruce Willis, 60. Glamorous blonde Gillian Taylforth, 59, is another former Eastenders star with an A-list doppelgänger, in her case supermodel and fellow Londoner, Kate Moss, 41. Another is Letitia Dean, 47, who bears a sisterly resemblance to Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Chelsy Davy, 29, and Linda Henry, 52, who memorably played Shirley Carter and looks strikingly similar to Heather Mills, 47. Away from Albert Square, there's no shortage of celebrity clones with Johnny Depp, 50, looking remarkably like singer John Mayer, 37, and Zoe Saldana, 36, who looks very much like fellow actress, Jada Pinkett-Smith, 43. Seeing double: 35-year-old Essex-born model David Gandy looks strikingly similar to former Eastenders man, Dean Gaffney, 37 . Similar: Their mutual love of eye make-up makes the similarity between actress Jessie Wallace and Kris Jenner even more striking . London's finest: One is a blonde with striking high cheekbones and the other is Kate Moss - Gillian Taylforth and her model lookalike . A tale of two hard men: Bruce Willis and Ross Kemp

Summary: Hunger Games star Josh Hutcherson, 22, surprised film fans when he appeared at a première in Madrid this week . The star showed off newly dark hair and a stubbly chin that made him look like Eastenders' Martin Fowler . Other unlikely celebrity twins include actress Letitia Dean and Chelsy Davy and Ross Kemp and Bruce Willis . More famous faces with unlikely doppelgängers include Johnny Depp, Emma Stone and Kate Moss .


A Chinese man recovering in hospital after a car crash had a shock - when all 17 of his girlfriends turned up to see him. Mr Yuan, from Changsha, was involved in the accident on March 24 and has been in hospital ever since. None of the women knew he had been seeing anyone else - some for up to nine years - and one even had a son with him. The women discovered his secret after doctors contacted all of them to let them know he had been injured. A Chinese man recovering in hospital after a car crash had a shock - when all 17 of his girlfriends turned up to see him (above) Xiao Li, who had been seeing Mr Yuan for 18 months, said: 'I was really worried when I heard that he was in hospital. 'But when I started seeing more and more beautiful girls show up, I couldn't cry any more.' Other girls said they had started planning their weddings with Mr Yuan. Wang Fang, the mother of his son, added: 'What can I do now? I don't love him any more, but I do love my son.' The women have now set up an online Facebook group so they can all chat and are quickly discovering just how much he hid from them, South China Morning Post reported. The story has attracted a lot of attention on social media, with some condemning Mr Yuan's actions and others expressing admiration. The story has attracted a lot of attention on social media, with some condemning Mr Yuan's actions and others expressing admiration . One user with the handle @shusshshussh wrote on Twitter: 'What we can learn from Mr Yuan of China with 17 girlfriends is that: players should NOT get into accidents & allow hospital visits.' @J_Rain26 simply asked: 'How does one manage to have 17 girlfriends?' And one user known just as Shan said: 'Salute this man RT: Man's 17 girlfriends respond when he gets in car accident #awkward.' Police have launched an investigation into allegations of fraud. It is too early to say if the girlfriends were victims of a scam, officials added.

Summary: Mr Yuan was in the accident on March 24 and has been in hospital since . One girl had been dating him for nine years and another had a son with him . Police have now launched an investigation into allegations of fraud .


A surrender order issued by Hitler's successor in the final days of the Second World War that was found on the chief of the Luftwaffe when he was arrested is being auctioned 70 years later for £21,000. The typed dispatch – owned by a US collector – was sent by German president Karl Doenitz on May 8, 1945, telling officers to abandon fighting or face the Allies' wrath. It was seized from Luftwaffe chief Robert von Greim when he was arrested that day. The WWI fighter ace then killed himself rather than be tortured by the Russians. The surrender order that is being auctioned is being auctioned by Bonhams, New York . The typed order sent by German president Karl Doenitz is expected to fetch £21,000 when it goes under the hammer . Grand Admiral Doenitz had been Hitler's choice to replace him as leader of the Nazis, a role he assumed following the dictator's suicide on April 30. But a week later, amid a crumbling and defeated Reich, Doenitz met with Allied commanders to sign the instrument of surrender, bringing an end to war in Europe. The following day Doenitz, who had been commander of the German navy up until Hitler's death, sent a telex message to his commanders in the field informing them of the immediate surrender 'to save as many people as possible for Germany'. Describing the action as 'unavoidable', Doenitz instructed officers to abandon all fighting or face the wrath of the Allies. The note read: 'On 7 May 1945 0241, the Supreme Command of the Wehrmacht signed the unconditional surrender of all armed forces on land, on water, and in the air to the Supreme Command of the Allied Expeditionary Forces as well as the Soviet Supreme Command. 'This was unavoidable in order to prevent the complete destruction of certain parts of the front, which was expected to occur in a short time, and, in doing so, to save as many people as possible for Germany. 'Accordingly, on 9 May 1945 0100 GST every ongoing combat activity must be abandoned. 'All officers of the army, navy and the Luftwaffe, as well as troops of the Wehrmacht divisions and the Waffen SS shall remain in their current positions. 'Effective immediately, no maritime vehicle or aeroplane shall be sunk or destroyed, no military equipment may be damaged in any way.' He finished the message with a stark warning that if his officers 'do not act according to the conditions of surrender, the Command of the Allied Expeditionary Forces and Soviet Command will undertake punitive measures or other steps beyond the conditions of surrender.' Von Greim, 52, a WWI fighter ace, had been put in charge of the Luftwaffe after Hitler turned on Herman Goering accusing him of treason. Railing against his former comrades, Hitler summoned von Greim to Berlin and ordered him to hunt down and kill Gestapo chief Heinrich Himmler who he believed had tried to harbour a peace deal with the Allies. The order was seized from Luftwaffe chief Robert von Greim when he was arrested that

Summary: Typed dispatch sent by German president Karl Doenitz on May 8, 1945 . Seized from Luftwaffe chief Robert von Greim when he was arrested . Order told officers to stop fighting or face the Allies' wrath . Set to fetch £21,000 when it goes under the hammer at Bonhams, New York .


Amid the flurry of tributes that followed Al Kellock’s announcement he was retiring at the end of the season, one from another old warhorse stood out. ‘So my friend and foe Alastair Kellock calls time on a great career,’ tweeted Scotland and Saracens lock Jim Hamilton. ‘Been a pleasure punching and getting punched by you. And punching together.’ As he suggested, Hamilton had stood toe to toe with his countryman as opponents when their respective teams, Edinburgh and Glasgow, clashed. But, in the second row for Scotland, they would have each other’s backs as they fought — normally against the odds — for their country. Al Kellock will retire at the end of the season and take up a new role with the SRU . On Thursday, at the home of Glasgow, it was announced that this fierce warrior would be standing down from active service after a career that truly boasted blood, sweat and toil for both club and country. At 33 and having amassed 56 international caps and made over 200 appearances for Glasgow and Edinburgh, Kellock has decided that his body and mind have been put through enough. No one could deny that he deserves nothing but praise and admiration, although lifting the Pro12 title at the end of the season would also be a more than fitting send-off. And yet, it might never have been. As he reflected upon his career yesterday, Kellock admitted that the odds were stacked against him even being a rugby player as he grew up in football-mad Bishopbriggs. In fact, his local high school didn’t even have a rugby team. He began, unsurprisingly given his height, as a budding centre-half in the school football team and only saw a rugby ball when he trained on a Tuesday and Thursday night at Allan Glen’s RFC. However, encouraged by his parents, who drove him to training, the decision to choose the oval ball has never since been regretted. The record books will show that he skippered Scotland to their first ever Test series win in the southern hemisphere and led Glasgow Warriors into their first ever play-off final. And, of course, more history could yet be made. ‘To retire as Glasgow captain is good enough but if I could go out as the Glasgow captain who wins the Pro12 for the first time in our history would be fairy-tale stuff,’ said Kellock, who played his 150th game as skipper in the 34-34 draw at Leinster last Friday. ‘If you had told me when I was at school I would go on to achieve some of the things I have achieved, and have a chance to round things off by winning the league, I wouldn’t have believed you. Kellock amassed 56 international caps and made over 200 appearances for Glasgow and Edinburgh . ‘When I was starting out, I was one of very few people at my school who dreamed of playing at Murrayfield. All my school friends wanted to play at Hampden and, don’t get me wrong, as a west of Scotland guy I played

Summary: Glasgow Warriors captain Al Kellock will retire at the end of the season . Kellock amassed 56 Scotland caps during eleven-year international career . The lock is calling time on career after 150 matches as Glasgow captain .


Onlookers have described the horrifying moment they saw a surfer being mauled by a 'monster' Great White shark on South Australia's west coast. The man has been identified by the Adelaide Advertiser as Chris Blowes. The 26-year-old is currently fighting for his life in hospital. Mr Blowes was surfing about 350 metres offshore near Right Point on the south-western side of Fishery Bay in Port Lincoln National Park, when he was attacked at 9.45am on Saturday. Mr Blowes was out in the surf with about a dozen others when she 'massive' shark struck. Shocked witnesses recall seeing what they believed was a six-metre great white shark swimming away with the surfer's leg and a surfboard in its jaw. 'The shark came in and bit his leg off and the guys helped him in and carried him up the cliff,' said Glenn Lugg, who has been surfing in the area for 25 years. 'I was just watching the shark go out to the ocean with his board still attached. Obviously the shark still had his leg and he was still swimming around with it,' Mr Lugg told Adelaide Now. Scroll down for video . The shark victim was taken to hospital before being airlifted to Adelaide for further treatment on Saturday . Mr Lugg was told to call an ambulance while his fellow surfers pulled Mr Blowes from the water, up the beach on a surfboard and into a car to take the 26-year-old to hospital. The shocked witness said the experience was 'pretty traumatic', but that everyone involved did a great job. A friend of Mr Blowes, Ty Swan, described the 26-year-old as a 'good bloke', and that he had been bitten in the middle of the thigh. Mr Swan placed a sign at the popular tourist beach to let others know of the attack. Another witness, who was surfing at the time, told Daily Mail Australia that 'there was blood everywhere'. The injured man was initially taken to Port Lincoln Hospital with life-threatening injuries but been been airlifted to Adelaide for further treatment. Shocked witnesses said after the attack, which took place at Fishery Bay, South Australia, the six-metre shark was seen swimming away with the surfer's leg in its mouth . The man was airlifted to Adelaide for further treatment after he was bitten by a shark . Another man said those closest to the badly injured surfer acted quickly without any thought of danger to themselves. 'I was just watching the shark go out to the ocean with his board still attached,' another witness told the Sunday Mail. 'Obviously the shark still had his leg and he was still swimming around with it.' The man said even though he was 50 metres from the shark, he could see its 'massive' pectoral fin - and he had no doubts it was a great white shark, the most feared creature in the sea. However details of the type of shark and the man's injuries have not been released or confirmed. Surfer is in a critical condition after being attacked by a

Summary: A man is in a critical condition after a shark attack in South Australia . Police said the man was attacked 350m offshore at Fishery Bay . The man was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries . The attack happened shortly before 10am on Saturday . Witnesses claimed a Great White shark has bitten off the man's leg . The shark victim has been airlifted to Adelaide for further treatment . South Australia has been the site of numerous shark attacks .


Diet Pepsi will no longer contain the sweetener aspartame due to customer fears over its safety . Diet Pepsi will no longer contain the sweetener aspartame due to customer fears over its safety. The controversial sweetener has been linked to a range of health problems, although research has shown it to be safe. PepsiCo said today it is dropping the ingredient from the popular drink in the U.S. in response to customer feedback. Diet Pepsi, Caffeine-Free Diet Pepsi and Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi will now contain sucralose, another artificial sweetener commonly known as Splenda. The decision to swap sweeteners comes as after a decade of plummeting sales. Consumers have shifted away from diet drinks because of perceived health concerns about artificial sweeteners, specifically aspartame. The ingredient, used in fizzy drinks and diet products, has been at the centre of critical reports dating back decades linking it to everything from cancer to premature birth. This is despite the Food and Drug Administration stating that more than 100 studies support aspartame's safety. However these assurances have failed to convince some people, who continue to report adverse reactions, such as headaches and nausea after consuming foods containing the sweetener. The sweetener, which is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, is widely used to sweeten diet sodas. It is also used by rival Coca-Cola Co in its drinks such as Diet Coke, Coke Zero and Schweppes Diet Lemonade. In a statement today, PepsiCo said: 'Diet cola drinkers in the U.S. told us they wanted aspartame-free Diet Pepsi and we're delivering.' The reformulated drinks will begin appearing on shelves in August. Sales in PepsiCo's beverage business have been hurt by a long-term decline in soft drink sales in the United States. And Coca-Cola said this week that sales volume for Diet Coke fell 5 percent in North America in the first three months of the year. Executives at Coke and Pepsi blame the declines on perceptions that aspartame, first sold under the brand name Nutrasweet, is not safe. Consumers have shifted away from diet drinks because of perceived health concerns about artificial sweeteners, specifically aspartame . Despite aspartame's poor reputation, it has been ruled a safe food ingredient by food watchdogs in Britain, the EU, the USA and around the world. Last month, a study commissioned by Britain’s food watchdog found eating the sweetener had no impact on the body or behaviour of people who claimed to be sensitive to it. Aspartame has established itself as an important component in many low-calorie, sugar-free foods and beverages and is primarily responsible for the growth over the last two decades in the sugar-free market. It is currently consumed by over 200 million people around the world and is found in more than 6,000 products. These include carbonated soft drinks, powdered soft drinks, chewing gum, dessert mixes, puddings and fillings, frozen desserts, yogurt, tabletop sweeteners, and some pharmaceuticals such as vitamins and sugar-free cough drops. Aspartame is a nutritive sweetener made by joining two amino acids (protein components) -- L-phenylalanine and L-aspartic acid, with a third component called a methyl

Summary: Aspartame has been linked to a range of health problems . But more than 100 studies have deemed it to be safe, says the FDA . Diet Pepsi in the US will now be sweetened with sucralose, or Splenda . Comes after consumers shy away from such drinks on health grounds .


They are the most recognisable shapes in the night sky, tracing distinctive patterns that have enabled astronomers to navigate the starscape above them for thousands of years. Yet for anyone staring at the heavens 98,000 year from now, the constellations could look very different indeed. Martin Vargic, a graphic designer from Slovakia, has created a chart that shows how the most famous of the constellations have changed from 50,000 BC to 100,000CE. Martin Vargic used satellite data to chart how the constellation stars have shifted and will change in the future . Using data collected by the European Space Agency on the gradually shifting position of stars, he has estimated how the constellations will change between. The results suggest that many of the most distinctive constellations will become almost unrecognisable in the future and some may need to be renamed entirely. Stars generate sounds on their surface in an unexpected way, according to new experimental evidence. Of course, as space is a vacuum it is impossible to hear sound in space, but the discovery reveals a new way that fluids can interact to produce a sound - one with an extremely high frequency. The researchers found that, when material - dust or gas from nearby - falls onto a star, it can produce an extremely high pitched sound in the plasma. The researchers said the phenomenon is 'more common in younger stars' that are still accumulating material from their surroundings. It would be less common in more mature stars, like our sun. The Big Dipper, for example, will change from looking like a plough to something that looks more like duck, while the proud form of Leo will mutate into an unrecognisable shape. Orion, named after the hunter in Greek mythology, will lose his head and the Crux will become little more than two parallel lines similar to an equals sign. Mr Vargic's chart also shows how some of the more abstract constellations, like Cassiopeia, were almost unrecognisable further back in human history when our ancestors were still living in caves. Lyra would also have faced completely the wrong way 52,000 years ago. Mr Vargic said: 'On a short timescale, stars appear to maintain nearly fixed positions in relation to each other, long term observations show that all stars indeed move and all constellations gradually change over time.' Astronomers have been recording the position of the stars since the Ancient Greeks, who believed the Earth was at the centre of the universe due to the apparent unchanging nature of the stars. This animation shows how the constellation Leo changed from 50,000BC to what it will look like in 100,000CE . The constellations were initially named after real life objects and mythical figures they appeared to represent and that tradition has continued. There are now 88 officially recognised constellations. In some cases ancient travelers used the constellations to help find their way at night. Now, using sophisticated observations from space telescopes like Hubble and the European Space Agency's Hipparcos satellite, scientists have been able to watch the movement of the stars. This has

Summary: New charts show how the constellations will look 98,000 years in the future . Graphic designer Martin Vargic created the charts using observation data . The Big Dipper, Leo, Cassiopeia and Crux will change beyond recognition . The stars will shift position as our solar system moves through the galaxy .


Half of hospitals in England are allowing patients to jump NHS queues for cataract surgery if they pay for it themselves, new figures reveal (file picture) Half of hospitals are letting patients jump NHS queues for cataract surgery if they pay for it themselves, an investigation has revealed. Some are charging up to a ‘shameful’ £2,700 for one eye – treble what it costs the health service – raising suspicions that they are ripping off elderly patients. Cataract treatment is being rationed in England to save money, even though the NHS recently announced it would fund weight-loss surgery for 15,000 obese adults every year at a cost of £6,000 each. Yesterday the Mail revealed how millions was being wasted on prescriptions for suncream and toothpaste. Many NHS trusts have imposed arbitrary rules to determine who is eligible for cataract treatment, and patients who cannot read, sew or watch television are routinely turned away. Those patients who do meet the strict criteria often have to wait eight months for treatment, over which time their eyesight deteriorates further and impairs basic tasks and hobbies. Freedom of Information responses from 78 hospital trusts in England obtained by the Mail found that 41 offered patients the opportunity to pay for cataract surgery themselves. The operation usually costs the NHS between £800 and £900 per eye, but some trusts are charging up to £2,700. Campaigners accused hospitals of profiting from elderly patients. Clara Eaglen, from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, said: ‘It’s shameful that people are being asked to consider funding their own treatment when they are entitled to it for free, and in a timely manner, on the NHS. Scroll down for video . ‘We strongly believe that everyone who has a sight-threatening condition deserves early access to treatments.’ Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, said: ‘In the last few years it has become harder to access cataract surgery as people are forced to wait for their sight to significantly deteriorate before getting help. ‘It is extremely worrying if people whose sight is starting to fail feel the only way to get help quickly is to pay for it. ‘Cataracts are extremely debilitating and treatment should be based on a clinical need not age or bank balance.’ Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients’ Association, added: ‘The NHS belongs to the people, and all patients have the right to access appropriate treatment at the right time and in the right setting, irrespective of their ability to pay; we cannot and should not have a two-tier NHS.’ In England, 41 hospital trusts said they offered patients the opportunity to pay for cataract surgery. The operation costs the NHS about between £800 and £900 per eye, but some trusts are charging up to £2,700 . More than half of over-65s suffer from cataracts, which are cloudy patches in the lens that make vision blurred or misty. Sight can be restored in a simple 45-minute operation, with doctors using ultrasound waves to break up the cataract. Most hospitals charge patients between £700 and £1,000 per eye for cataract

Summary: Half of hospitals in England let patients jump queues if they pay for surgery . Charging up to £2,700 for cataract surgery on one eye - treble cost to NHS . Campaigners have accused hospitals of profiting from elderly patients .


Three reportedly inexperienced abalone divers died after jumping into rough seas off the coast of northern California on Sunday. The men were part of a group of five divers from the East Coast and San Francisco. Ten friends, including the dead men, had rented a house on Caspar Cove 160 miles north of San Francisco to hunt for abalone, a rare and expensive mollusk that is prized as a delicacy. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reports that the accident in Mendocino County is the deadliest single incident involving abalone divers in recent memory. Witnesses said at least some of the men appeared to be inexperienced abalone divers who chose rough, choppy waters near several dangerous rock outcroppings to dive - instead of entering the water at the soft beach nearby. Abalone is a prized delicacy that sells for up to $70 per pound. The annual abalone season brings divers out into the rough waters of northern California (stock image) The three men died after diving into rough waters off of rocky coastline in Mendocino County, California, on Sunday in search of abalone (stock imagine of abalone diver) Firefighters said the men dove into water in Caspar Cove and found themselves immediately in trouble. An off-duty firefighter who happened to be fishing nearby spotted the men and called for help. The three men who drowned were overcome by the churning water and crushed against the sharp rocks on shore. Rescuers managed to pull the two survivors and one of the dead men from the water immediately after arriving on scene. A Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office helicopter plucked the second victim from the sea and brought him to shore. Ten friends from the East Coast and San Francisco rented a house on Caspar Cove to dive for abalone, locals said. Five of them went out on Sunday - three died . Firefighters performed CPR on the two drowned men on the beach as his horrified friends watched - but both were pronounced dead on Sunday afternoon. The third man's body was found after a five-hour search that involved aircraft and boats from several fire departments and sheriff's offices, as well as the US Coast Guard. He was smashed against rocks in a cove, which required rescuers to hoist his body up the cliff with a winch because they couldn't get to him by water. Local authorities say the abalone season, which started April 1, is always marred by several rescues and often a few death. Abalone, a snail-like mollusk with a beautiful shiny shell, sells for up to $70 a pound.

Summary: Three victims were part of a group of ten friends from San Francisco and the East Coast who were staying in Mendocino County to hunt for abalone . They dived into rough choppy water and found themselves almost immediately in trouble . Abalone is an expensive, prized mollusk that is considered a delicacy .