It was gobsmacking, unbelievable, enthralling and explosive throughout, featuring huge momentum swings and with outstanding individual performances in all three Tests. I thought beforehand that if they lost the first Test the Lions would lose the series 3-0, so I have to give credit to what is the strongest Lions side since 2001, or maybe even 1997, for the way they fought back. The quality shone through both in the players and the coaching. After the first week or so the debate about lack of preparation time died down - that is one for the administrators to sort out behind closed doors. But just think what they could have done with 10 days' more time to get ready - they might even have gone in as favourites against the world champions. This will be a tour remembered for Sean O'Brien's try in the first Test. The Lions may have lost that match but it was a wonder try, and now the lads have managed to draw the series that score will be the one that sticks in the memory. Although that might be the standout moment, to be honest pretty much every moment of every Test was a defining moment - it really was that good. The most significant moment was Sonny Bill Williams' red card in the second Test. You don't know for certain what the outcome would have been had he not been sent off, but it's more than likely New Zealand would have won. That was effectively two defining moments - the impact of his shoulder with Anthony Watson's head, and the moment referee Jerome Garces - correctly - decided it was a red-card offence. It was a huge momentum swing in both the match and the series, although it didn't seem so immediately because the Lions proceeded to give away loads of penalties and slip nine points behind, before finally starting to believe in themselves and scoring two great tries as they fought back to win. Another pivotal moment would have been conversations after the first Test because the Lions had been dominated physically in many cases. The conversations must have been along the lines of looking players in the eye and saying: "Are you genuinely up for this?" Warren Gatland's decision to field the back three of Liam Williams, Watson and Elliot Daly in the second Test was a bit of a surprise but, as before with the coach's decisions, it worked out. And then there's the penalty that then wasn't in the final Test. Sam Warburton dug deep into the Lions' legacy and his own mental reserves to prevent New Zealand doing what they wanted to do with the ball. But arguably his biggest contribution was being respected enough by Romain Poite for the referee to change his decision and decide to award a scrum to New Zealand, rather than a very kickable penalty, right at the end of Saturday's decider. It was huge because, unless I've got the rules wrong, it was a penalty as the ball was avoidable for Ken Owens, while a scrum

Summary: We have just witnessed a phenomenal Lions series.


Hadleigh Parkes and Gareth Owen went over for the Welsh side in the first half and Scarlets were good value for their 15-9 lead at half-time. But three Ian Madigan penalties kept Leinster within touching distance and they dominated the second half. Mike Ross' close-range try and Madigan's conversion soon after the restart put Leinster into the lead and another Madigan penalty capped the win. Leinster coach Leo Cullen had named a completely new starting XV for the game against the league leaders, his options boosted by the return of half-a-dozen Ireland internationals. Scarlets also had returning World Cup stars, with scrum-half Gareth Davies returning to the fold after Wales duty. The Welsh side took an early grip with a series of drives at the Leinster line that allowed centre Parkes the space to barrel over, his try converted by Dan Jones. Leinster responded to put Scarlets under pressure, with lock Jake Ball sin-binned for overstepping the boundaries during some frantic defence. In his absence Leinster closed the gap with two Madigan penalties, although they lost Rob Kearney to injury and there could be a nervous wait to see if the Ireland full-back is fit for Europe next weekend. Back to full strength, Scarlets stretched away again as number eight John Barclay joined the line to put Owen away for an unconverted try. Madigan added a third penalty but Jones responded in kind to ensure Scarlets took a six-point lead into the break, although it could have been more with Aled Thomas wide with a long-range kick. As well as Scarlets had played, they found themselves behind for the first time within five minutes of the restart as Ross went under almost under the posts for a converted try after a series of forward drives. Media playback is not supported on this device Johnny Sexton come off the bench for the home side, with the Ireland fly-half slotting in at centre outside Madigan. The combination almost produced a decisive try as Sexton loped away to the line, only to be denied by a crossing call confirmed by video replays. But Madigan added his fourth penalty to give Leinster a four-point cushion, although Scarlets at least had the consolation of a losing bonus point despite being dominated in the second half. Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac told BBC Radio Wales: "I'm very disappointed, I thought the boys played very well. I'm disappointed the breakdown was refereed one way, I thought. "The stream of penalties against us [made the difference], I thought we got into some really good positions over the ball and every other week we're getting penalties for that. "From where I was sitting, we got into some great positions for turnovers and didn't get the rewards... It should have been seven wins. "I don't think it takes anything out [of the season's momentum], the boys know they can compete with these sides now away from home. "That was the pleasing side of it, that we had an opportunity to win the game at the end but we probably blew it really. We

Summary: Scarlets had their 100% Pro12 record ended by Leinster at the RDS in Dublin.


8 December 2015 Last updated at 15:51 GMT Hodnet Parish Council has suggested Brian Wood takes a companion with him, to help pick it up. But Mr Wood said that would affect his independence.

Summary: A blind Shropshire man has been told he should clear up his dog's mess.


The money for Bridgwater Community Hospital is part of the coalition's £330m investment for new NHS facilities across England. Once built, the new hospital will have 30 inpatient beds, a midwifery-led maternity unit, a minor injury unit and X-ray and space for mobile scanners. The current hospital was built in 1813, but it has become cramped and outdated. The total cost of the project is £33m and the remaining balance will be paid for by NHS Somerset and Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Matron Sue Taylor said: "It's very old and in the summer it's very, very hot. In the winter it's quite cold, there's lots of maintenance, lots of running repairs - it's a poor old tired building now. "Sometimes your environment can have such an impact when you're trying to recover from an illness - we make the best of what we've got but when you walk into a new build it just lifts you and gives you that feeling of well-being. "There is a real lovely feel about this hospital and for many years it's served us well, but we need something more modern." In the past five years, three out of Somerset's 13 community hospitals have been replaced. Work has also got under way on the new Jubilee Building at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. Dr Donal Hynes, a Bridgwater GP and medical director at Somerset Primary Care Trust, said: "It will make a huge difference for me and my relationship with my patients. "This is a great vote of confidence of the developments that have been achieved in Somerset where GPs, nurses, and therapists have got together to deliver a whole package of care that can be delivered in a one-stop shop setting." Somerset PCT hopes to build the new hospital on land at Bowers Lane, which will depend on planning permission. The aim is to get the hospital finished by autumn 2014.

Summary: A community hospital in Somerset is to be replaced and rebuilt with a £16m grant from the government.


16 February 2017 Last updated at 10:01 GMT Here, Graeme Wood, national correspondent for The Atlantic argues the rise of so-called Islamic State is a kind of Reformation within Islam. We also hear from Tariq Ramadan who says this argument is "misplaced" and we should not try to "understand Islam through a Christian lens". For more Viewsnight, head over to BBC Newsnight on Facebook and on YouTube

Summary: Viewsnight is BBC Newsnight's new place for ideas and opinion.


The Mediterranean gull and black-headed gull eggs were illegally harvested from from islands in Poole Harbour, Dorset. The theft has been branded "sickening" by bird charity Birds of Poole Harbour. The group said some eggs - sometimes eaten as a delicacy - were not cleared for human consumption. Dorset Police and Natural England have launched an investigation. Natural England is urging any restaurants or pubs to ask to see a valid licence before buying eggs to prepare in meals. Birds of Poole Harbour had been surveying a group of islands in the harbour when the theft was discovered. Mediterranean gulls are classified as a Schedule One species, meaning anyone disturbing their nests must have a special licence. Paul Morton, who runs the charity, said Mediterranean gulls' eggs were not approved for human consumption, and could be a "health issue". "I'm distraught, really. To see the taking of hundreds and hundreds of eggs from an important colony is quite sickening," he said. Mr Moreton said there had been previous convictions for egg poaching in the last 10 or 15 years. He said continued monitoring was needed to understand the effect on the gull population in the harbour, which he said had fallen by 70% since 2008.

Summary: Hundreds of eggs belonging to a protected species of bird have been stolen from an important nesting site, with fears they could be sold to the restaurant industry.


The school says the rule was introduced to respect students who are "sensitive to noise" but says the practice also "reduces fidgeting". It is the latest in the series of school regulations to have faced criticism in the Australian media. Hugs and Australia Day celebrations have faced bans at different schools around the country. Earlier this week, an all-girls school rejected a newspaper report that said its teachers were asked to stop addressing students as girls, ladies and women in favour of gender-neutral language. Elanora Heights Public School, on Sydney's northern beaches, announced the no-clapping policy in its latest newsletter. "If you've been to a school assembly recently, you may have noticed our students doing silent cheers," it said. "Instead of clapping, the students are free to punch the air, pull excited faces and wriggle about on the spot. "The practice has been adopted to respect members of our school community who are sensitive to noise. It said teachers would "prompt the audience to conduct a silent cheer if it is needed" and that they had found it to be "a great way to expend children's energy and reduce fidgeting".

Summary: A school in Sydney has banned clapping in favour of "silent cheering", "excited faces" and "punching the air".


Mauritania, an Islamic republic, has not applied a death penalty since 1987. The Forum of Imams and Ulemas says Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ould Mkhaitir, 29, should be executed despite the fact that he repented for an article criticising Mauritania's caste system. The clerics want him to be killed according to the "law of God". The blogger was arrested in January 2014 for an article in which he lashed out at those who use religion as a means of discrimination against members of certain ethnic groups. The article was later taken down as it was deemed blasphemous towards the Prophet Muhammad. Mkhaitir then apologised and said he never meant to insult the Prophet. Mauritania's Supreme Court can pardon him if it feels his repentance is sincere. But ahead of the court's decision on Tuesday, the body of clerics said the blogger should not be shown any mercy. "We demand that the competent authorities apply the law," the Forum of Imams and Ulemas was quoted by Reuters as saying in a statement. "Kill him and bury him in conformity with the law of God," the statement added. Leading rights groups, including Freedom Now and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have campaigned for the blogger's release. Freedom Now, which represents him, said his trial was marred by procedural irregularities and that three of his lawyers had to resign after receiving death threats. Mauritania's caste system is a sensitive subject in a country with deep social and racial divisions. It has served as justification for the enslavement of members of Mauritania's Haratin ethnic group, often known as the "black moors". Last year, Mauritania introduced a tough new anti-slavery law which makes the offence a "crime against humanity". The country officially abolished slavery in 1981, but activists say it is still widely practised with children born into slavery.

Summary: A body of Muslim clerics in Mauritania has called for the death sentence to be carried out against a blogger convicted of apostasy in 2014.


A man lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman's Office for NI after the incident last year. He said he had been wrongfully arrested and that his home had been unlawfully searched. The man said his wife was "hysterical" at finding police in the garden. He was taken inside his house and arrested in connection with a firearms offence which had happened the previous day, before being taken into custody at a police station. The man was later released when police realised he was not the person they were looking for. When a Police Ombudsman investigator examined police files, he found that the issue lay with an incorrectly recorded date of birth in a handover information pack provided to the officer who organised the search. The officer who compiled the pack had recorded the name and address of another man of the same name, but had mistakenly added the complainant's date of birth. The officer who co-ordinated the search said she had checked the details in the handover pack, but found no-one of that name living at the address. She then searched for a more up-to-date address using the complainant's name and date of birth, which resulted in his arrest and home being searched. The officer who recorded the wrong date of birth admitted his mistake and "apologised to the complainant and his family for the upset and annoyance which resulted". It said police "later tracked down the right man, who was subsequently arrested". The Police Ombudsman investigator said "the mistake had unfortunate consequences for the man and his family". They said they had "recommended that the officer should receive a disciplinary sanction, and that has since been imposed by the police".

Summary: A police officer has been disciplined over a mistake which led to armed police being sent to the wrong address during a search of a family home in County Down.


Lara Clarke, from Brownhills, has previously made near-life-sized cakes of Hollywood stars Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lawrence. Her latest creation, baked to celebrate the Defender model, fed 2,000 people at an event at the factory in Solihull on Monday. The half-scale replica weighed 600kg and featured working headlights. Comprising 32 sponge cakes, 50kg (110 lbs) of butter cream, 20kg (44 lbs) of ganache and 50kg icing, it took her 150 hours to produce. Ms Clarke said the bake was so heavy it had to be delivered by fork lift truck. "We arrived by van and everyone was coming round to have a look," she said. "They couldn't believe it was a cake. There was plenty to go round and everyone on the factory floor got a piece." It was baked to celebrate the two millionth Defender rolling off the production line - the figure includes its predecessors the Series I, II and III models. Ms Clarke said it started after she tagged JLR in a tweet about a small Land Rover birthday cake. "They got in touch and asked if I could make a cake in the shape of an engine to mark the opening of their new engine plant. "A woman then asked me if I could make a Land Rover cake. "It was originally meant to be quite small, but I asked them if they wanted something that would really impress people." Ms Clarke said she was getting married in October, a week before the Cake International competition at Birmingham's NEC. Rather than enter this year, she said she planned to bake "the best wedding cake that's ever been seen".

Summary: A giant cake has been made in the shape of a Land Rover by an award-winning amateur baker from the West Midlands.


GB Taekwondo have overlooked the world number one three times in favour of Muhammad, ranked 59th in the world. The move has been investigated by the BOA and, while they feel selectors acted properly, they were disappointed by the way the issue has been handled. "There are two world-class athletes directly impacted by this nomination," read a statement issued by the BOA. "Our panel would have preferred to see the selection process managed in a manner that would have been of much greater service to both athletes. Overturning the selection made by a national federation would have been an unprecedented decision for the BOA. They asked GB Taekwondo to reconsider their choice of Lutalo Muhammad and the governing body returned with the same name, and, satisfied that proper selection procedures had been followed, the BOA didn't have much choice. That doesn't mean they're happy. They say they might revisit the matter should the international federation's investigation bring new issues to the fore. They're aware of the pressure this has put on both athletes and have criticised the apparent lack of transparency that has made GB Taekwondo's decision to leave out the world number one hard to understand. "That said, after a thorough review, the panel is now sufficiently satisfied that the agreed selection procedures have been followed, and it is on that basis we are ratifying the nomination." GB Taekwondo welcomed the BOA decision. Performance director Gary Hall said: "This has been a long and difficult process for all involved, for the selection panel members and particularly for the two athletes concerned. Both are outstanding candidates and truly world class, both capable of winning medals in London. This has been the most difficult of selection decisions." Cook's camp is now considering whether to launch legal action. "Aaron is naturally incredibly disappointed with the BOA decision," said his agent Jamie Cunningham. "He should be competing in the 2012 Games. It is an absolute disgrace that a British world number one has not been selected for the London Olympics by either his governing body or Olympic Association. "He is world number one, European champion and has beaten 10 of the top 15 athletes in the Olympic rankings in his most recent fights. What more could Aaron have done? "We urge the World Taekwondo Federation to consider the ramifications of this flawed decision. Aaron will be considering whether he wishes to pursue a legal route to contest this decision over the weekend." Bob Mitchell, solicitor at Harbottle & Lewis representing Aaron Cook, added: "Everyone is extremely disappointed by the outcome today. We have retained a leading sports QC and will be deciding over the weekend what the best way is to proceed for Aaron from a legal and sports perspective. A further statement is likely to be issued early next week." The BOA's Olympic Qualification Standards panel can only accept or reject athlete nominations - it is not within its remit to select individual athletes. However, the BOA noted the importance of working closer with national governing bodies over selection policies for future Games. The

Summary: The British Olympic Association has ratified Lutalo Muhammad's nomination for London 2012 ahead of Aaron Cook.


Crickhowell High School approached Powys council offering to manage the town's library to benefit pupils and the community. It would mean the service can meet its local savings target. The library would stay in its Silver Street location, and the council said the handover would be seamless with no disruption to the public.

Summary: A Powys high school has offered to take over a town library to secure its future.


The RSPB said 2,270 black-tailed godwits spent time on the island this spring, almost double the previous record of 1,320 in 2013. The majority of the birds this year were found in a tiny field in Kilmoluaig. Godwits often stop off in the Hebrides to refuel during their migration to Iceland, where they breed. Spotters identified some of the birds as having come from France, Portugal and Spain due to the rings fitted on their legs. John Bowler, Tiree officer for RSPB Scotland, said: "Black-tailed godwits are known to stop off here for food on their way to Iceland, particularly when adverse northerly winds hamper their progress across the North Atlantic. "So, with huge numbers of golden plover already noted on Tiree during pretty windy conditions, it wasn't a huge surprise when black-tailed godwits started turning up, too. However, to see flocks of this size is just incredible. "Hopefully they will enjoy a good breeding season this year and I'm already looking forward to seeing them pass back through Tiree in the autumn."

Summary: A record-breaking number of migrating birds have been recorded on the Hebridean island of Tiree this year.


One was killed while resting in a hammock at a carwash. A second was dragged from his car and shot dead near the newspaper he had co-founded. When another was killed in front of her son, the criminals left a note: "For your long tongue". Journalists are being murdered in Mexico and this is nothing new. This is one of the most dangerous countries for reporters, rights groups say, and more die here than in any other nation at peace. But even for a place so used to drugs-related violence and organised crime, the recent bloodshed has been shocking. Seven journalists have been killed in the country so far this year, most shot by gunmen in broad daylight. Yet virtually all cases of attacks on the press end up unsolved and, in many, corrupt officials are suspected of partnering with criminals. As the killings mount, is there anything that Mexico can do to save its journalists? Miroslava Breach used to say that corrupt politicians were more dangerous than drug traffickers. For almost 30 years, she investigated cases in which authorities and criminals appeared to work hand in hand in her native state of Chihuahua, in northern Mexico. Last year, Miros, as friends called her, reported for the national newspaper La Jornada on the alleged links between organised crime and candidates standing in the local elections in several towns in western Chihuahua - some located on lucrative drug-trafficking routes. For her enemies, she had crossed a line. "Sister, now I'm really scared," her sister Rosy recalled a tearful Breach saying, as threats had increased and regularly mentioned her children. Breach alerted the authorities but carried on, not knowing what else to do. "She said that against a network of evil there was nothing that could be done," Rosy said. Then last March, as Breach left home in the morning to take her 14-year-old son to school, gunmen shot her eight times. They left a note, reportedly carrying the initials of one of the bandits she had denounced and a message: "Por lengua larga," meaning for your long tongue. Since 2000, at least 106 journalists have been killed across Mexico, according to rights group Article 19. Exact numbers are hard to come by as investigations often get nowhere and different studies apply different criteria in counting the dead. Last year alone, there were 11 deaths, the group said, a record. Up until now, most of those killed worked for small, poorly resourced local publications. So when Breach, a reporter for a national newspaper, was killed, it resonated throughout the country, her smiling photo becoming one of the many symbols of this tragedy. It's an attack on our society, not only on journalists For Oscar Murguía, editor of Norte newspaper in the northern city of Ciudad Juárez, which published Breach's column, it was too much. His reaction was to shut the paper, after 27 years. Its last headline was a single sentence: "¡Adiós!". "It's a tragedy," Mr Murguía told the BBC. "It's an attack on our society, not only on journalists... There's no respect for

Summary: All pictures copyrighted.


He will make 19 speeches during his tour of Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic (CAR) and they will probably address these issues: He is expected to focus on religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence at a time of rising political instability and extremism in much of the region. Security is expected to be tight throughout the trip, as the faithful flock to see this popular Pope, who has previously said that Christians would be wrong to equate Islam with violence. His first stop, Kenya, has seen some of the worst Islamist violence: Two years ago, gunmen from the Somali militant group al-Shabab massacred at least 67 people inside Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall. In Uganda, his second stop, al-Shabab bombed sports bars in Kampala where fans were watching the 2010 football World Cup on TV. Many think the third stop on his trip, the CAR, is too dangerous for him to visit. The Pope's visit to the capital, Bangui, where many have died in violence between largely Muslim Seleka rebels and mainly Christian "anti-balaka" militias, is seen as his most dangerous yet - but potentially also one of his most fruitful as a peace-maker. In short: He will probably urge Christians and Muslims to get along. 2. Poverty This is a Pope who has been hailed as the champion of a church for the poor. His emphasis on the developing world, and the example of simplicity he sets in his own life, will be welcomed in countries where corruption in public life is often seen as an issue. His capacity to look beyond Europe and embrace the concerns of people around the world is also likely to endear him to the faithful, and to those of other faiths, as this Pope from the southern hemisphere offers a message of hope to the dispossessed, and the struggling. In Kenya, 75% of the wealth is owned by around 1% of the population, so Pope Francis's message may well prove popular among many of the remaining 99%. He is likely to criticise inequality and corruption and will visit Kenya's multi-ethnic Kangemi slum - home to around 100,000 people. In short: He will probably criticise corruption and inequality. With international climate change talks starting in Paris on 30 November, many will be listening closely to what Pope Francis has to say when he speaks in Nairobi to the UN's Environment Programme. His encyclical on the environment, "Laudato Si" published earlier this year, raised hackles among big business in the US with its apocalyptic warning that humankind risks turning the earth into a "vast pile of filth" by mistreating the planet. The Pope is unlikely to mince his words. He will probably emphasise the need for the developed world to stop abusing the planet for profit and to the detriment of the poor, whom he sees as the victims of climate change. In short: He will probably tell big business to think of the poor. LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) activists, especially in Uganda, would like the Pope to encourage greater tolerance and speak out against

Summary: Pope Francis will go to Africa for the first time this week, visiting a refugee camp, a slum and a mosque.


There were about 19,000 diagnoses in 2015, compared to about 17,300 in 2006. Public Health Wales (PHW) said the main reason for the increase was an ageing population. The organisation's Dr Dyfed Wyn Huws said there was "good news" by way of significant reductions in smoking rates in recent decades. There was a year-on-year decrease from about 19,800 cases in 2014, but the 2015 figure of 19,088 is likely to increase as statisticians revise the numbers. Once age factors are taken into account, the rate decreased by more than 5% in men, but increased by more than 5% among women between 2006 and 2015. This is partly due to the rate of lung cancer going down in men, but up among women. Historically, smoking rates peaked far earlier among men than women. Breast, prostate, lung and bowel cancers remain the most common. According to PHW, cases of liver, mouth, throat and melanoma skin cancer saw the biggest percentage increases. The rates of stomach cancer and prostate cancer decreased, while mesothelioma rates increased by almost a third. Dr Huws said: "We know that up to four in 10 of cancers in the population may be preventable. "With an increasing number of cancer cases each year, cancer control is possible and important for future generations and for keeping rising health service demand in check. "The good news is that we have seen significant reductions in smoking rates in recent decades. "This is already bringing cancer rates down in men."

Summary: The number of cancer cases in Wales has risen by almost 10% over a 10-year period.


Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital, Freetown, at the stroke of midnight - marking 42 days without a single declared case of the disease. There were further cheers when the WHO local representative made the official announcement later on Saturday. The outbreak killed almost 4,000 people in Sierra Leone over the past 18 months. 11,315 Deaths - probable, confirmed and suspected (Includes one in the US and six in Mali) 4,809 Liberia 3,955 Sierra Leone 2,536 Guinea 8 Nigeria Many gathered around a giant cotton tree in the centre of the city. Some lit candles in memory of the victims, while others danced with joy. Dr Oliver Johnson, from the King's Sierra Leone partnership, worked at an Ebola clinic in Freetown, and has strong links with medical professionals there. "[For] everyone I've spoken to, there's a sense of relief that this might finally be over and maybe a bit of disbelief that after so many false starts, or false ends, we might finally be there," he told the BBC. A country is considered free of human-to-human transmission once two 21-day incubation periods have passed since the last known case tested negative for a second time. This is the moment Sierra Leone has been waiting for. Thousands of people took to the streets of the capital on the run-up to midnight. Women's groups came together to organise a march through the city centre; the final point was a 600-year-old cotton tree which sits on a huge roundabout. Usually, the area is jammed with cars, but last night it was packed with people. Some held up candles, others jumped around dancing and a military band led the procession through the city. There were waves of celebrations, and then silence as names of some of the dead were beamed on to a screen. Health workers in particular were honoured for their bravery and sacrifice, they were some of the first to die when Ebola struck. Today is an enormous milestone for Sierra Leoneans, and people are overjoyed. But this historic moment is bittersweet. Ebola: Mapping the outbreak How Ebola changed the world Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma is due to address crowds in the city later. On Friday, he blamed the WHO for delaying Sierra Leone declaring a state of emergency and restricting movement during the Ebola outbreak. He said his government did at the time what it could do and did not have the knowledge to fight the disease. He said his government had to put up with the delays because international organisations such as the WHO "were the experts". Neighbouring Liberia was declared Ebola-free in September following 4,800 deaths there. A handful of cases are still being reported in neighbouring Guinea. Sierra Leone has said it will take heightened security and health screening measures at their shared border.

Summary: Sierra Leone has officially been declared free of Ebola by the World Health Organization (WHO).


TWE, which owns brands such as Wolf Blass, Rosemount and Lindeman's, is the world's biggest listed winemaker. Last year, it sold 385 million bottles and recorded revenues of AU$1.76bn. KKR's new bid is a joint venture with fellow US private equity firm Rhone Group. Rhone Group's contribution is not known and the bid is being led by KKR. The proposed offer is worth AU$5.20 a share and represents a 11% increase on the earlier April bid, which was rejected by TWE's board. KKR had a large cash influx following the $5.1bn (Â£3bn) sale of Oriental Brewery of South Korea to Anheuser-Busch InBev and appears thirsty for another drinks company. The winemaker's board has urged shareholders not to throw out the new proposal. It said in a statement: "The board of TWE, together with its advisers, has concluded, based on the revised proposal, that it is in the interests of its shareholders to engage further with KKR and Rhone." TWE has a turbulent history and is currently undergoing restructuring that will see 175 job cuts. It formed in 1995 as the wine division of Australia's Foster's group, brewers of the eponymous beer. However, continuing losses led to it being demerged in 2011. Recent results have been disappointing, with volume falls in Australia, the result of risky price strategy and underwhelming sales in the China the result of government austerity. In June last year, the group was forced to destroy AU$34m worth of unsellable wine as a result of disappointing US sales.

Summary: US private equity giant KKR has launched a renewed $3.4bn Australian dollar (Â£1.88bn; $3.17bn) takeover bid for Australian winemaker Treasury Wines Estates.


RTÃ‰ reports that a number of flights have been cancelled at Cork airport and weather warnings are in place. A number of power outages have also been reported with about 25,000 customers affected. Aer Lingus regional flights to and from Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol have been cancelled. This is also the case with some City Jet flights to and from London City Airport. The airport is advising intending passengers to check with their airlines. There have also been some flight diversions from Dublin Airport to Belfast due to the weather.

Summary: Thousands of people are without power in the Republic of Ireland as the effects of Storm Barney take hold.


The 72-year-old, formerly of Eliza Street Close, Belfast faced 12 counts of child sex abuse. He was accused of abusing a 15-year-old girl between 2009 and 2010. He denied all the charges. The 12-member jury had spent more than six hours deliberating before being discharged on Wednesday. The judge thanked the 10 women and two men for their time. The trial at Belfast Crown Court started on 28 May.

Summary: The jury in the trial of well known Irish traditional musician, Francis McPeake, has been discharged over a legal issue.


Online bookings for his "Dismaland" exhibition were suspended last week after the attraction's website crashed. Many users reported issues when sales resumed earlier - prompting claims the problems were deliberate. But a spokeswoman for Banksy insisted the rumours were untrue. Tickets have now become available on the website. She said the attraction's website was "100% real" and had crashed under "huge demand". Dismaland, housed in a derelict lido on Weston-super-Mare's seafront, is a dark take on theme parks with a nod to Disneyland, featuring work by more than 50 artists including Bristolian Banksy. Among those tweeting their disappointment was Mark Ã–sten, who wrote: "On Friday, I believed 'technical difficulties'. Now, I'm reluctantly believing #Banksy is trolling those after tickets for #dismaland." Caroline Harley tweeted: "It's easier to buy tickets to see the Beatles than tickets to go to #Dismaland" There were suggestions the site may be fake last week. But the artist's spokeswoman told the BBC: "It's not true. It's 100% a real website. It crashed under the number of hits it received." North Somerset Council, which worked with Bansky on the exhibition, has insisted the website is not a hoax. Seafront manager Darren Fairchild said the website had crashed due to an "unprecented" number of hits, despite "huge amounts of work". Dismaland has boosted visits to the seaside resort - one tour guide told the BBC he had not seen such crowds since the 1970s. Among the exhibits are a distorted mermaid, a dilapidated fairy castle and a boat pond where all the boats are filled with models of migrants, as well as paintings and a beach ball hovering above upturned knives.

Summary: Banksy has denied accusations he is "trolling" members of the public - after thousands have struggled to buy tickets for his new show.


The "large scale public order incident" occurred at Stapleford Abbotts Golf Club, Essex, on Tuesday night. Police were called to a "disagreement" at the party, attended by about 100 people, and "dispersed" those involved. Afterwards, officers posted photos of themselves removing the cakes, which they said were "donated", and took them to homeless shelters. Essex Police and a police helicopter were called after trouble broke out at the event at the golf club, near Epping, at about 22:00 GMT. More on this and other news from Essex Rory O'Keeffe, assistant manager at the club, said "about 100 Irish Gypsies" turned up to the party, which he understood was to celebrate a confirmation. Insp Rob Brettell, from Essex Police, tweeted to say "lots of damage" had been caused at the club, and some thefts had also been reported. He later wrote on Twitter to say "a number of cakes were donated to our team tonight". He included photographs of a fairytale castle cake and a number of smaller cakes decorated to look like Disney-style princesses. These, he said, were being taken to homeless shelters and mother and baby units. Mr O'Keeffe said "no real damage" was caused to the club, but staff were still "cleaning up the mess and dirt" on Wednesday morning. "And I think a few partygoers are still sleeping off their hangovers in a trailer in the car park," he added. Essex Police said no-one had been arrested in connection with the incident, but they were "continuing to monitor the situation". The golf club said it was open for business as usual.

Summary: Police walked off with a number of elaborate cakes after a clash between "travellers and staff" at a party.


Media playback is not supported on this device The 19-year-old nephew of trainer Willie Mullins led the 33-1 chance to victory in his first ride in the world-famous race. His nine-year-old mount, trained by Mouse Morris, triumphed by six lengths. "Everything just went to plan. I couldn't give you a word to describe how I feel," said the jockey. The youngster had never even walked the Aintree course before Saturday's race, but he showed his skill to make up three lengths on The Last Samuri after the final fence to take the lead at the Elbow and go on to win. Rule The World, who has twice broken his pelvis, was the first horse since the 19th century to claim his maiden win over fences at the Grand National. David Mullins was pleased to play his part in the victory for owners Gigginstown House Stud, headed by airline boss Michael O'Leary. "Credit to Mouse, he told me before that this is probably one of the best horses he's ever had, he's just had small problems," added the teenager. "So to get the call to ride this one was amazing. "I was getting worried that everything was going to plan, and then we hit the fourth-last [fence], and I was kind of delighted once we got back into a rhythm after that that something had gone wrong and it was going to happen coming across the line." While there was joy for Mullins, there was frustration for Gigginstown's retained jockey Bryan Cooper, who opted to ride the winner's stable-mate First Lieutenant. They fell at the second. O'Leary had sympathy for Cooper, who rode Don Cossack to victory in last month's Cheltenham Gold Cup. "Bryan had first choice, and to be fair to him, First Lieutenant has been working out of his skin," he said. "When Bryan made the decision on Thursday or Friday we were expecting good ground - had it been that way it would have been a very different race. "But the rain came and it favoured horses at the bottom end of the handicap. "Had Bryan been able to make the decision at three o'clock today he may well have chosen Rule The World. "That's the problem for retained riders: sometimes they have to make tough decisions and they get it wrong." After his National win, Mullins rode Ivan Grozny (16-1) to victory for his uncle in the last race of the day. "You dream of things like this," he said. "I couldn't ask for much more. and to have a win for Willie is great after he gave me some good rides at Cheltenham." Earlier in the day, Paul Townend, replacing the injured Ruby Walsh, had a short-priced double on Yorkhill (3-10 fav) in the Mersey Novices Hurdle and Douvan (2-13 fav) in the Maghull Novices Chase, to help him to the leading jockey award. And World Hurdle winner Thistlecrack (2-7 fav) completed a Cheltenham-Aintree double for jockey Tom Scudamore and trainer Colin Tizzard with an easy win in the Liverpool Stayers Hurdle.

Summary: Teenage jockey David Mullins said he has "never had a feeling like it" after winning the Grand National on Rule The World at Aintree.


Centre-back Anderson, 27, has cancelled his Barrow contract by mutual consent to join their National League rivals. The ex-Aldershot and Exeter player, who has also played in Italy, could feature against his old club on 18 February. Striker Keating, 21, was recommended to Gulls boss Kevin Nicholson by ex-Port Vale manager Micky Adams. He has previously had spells with Sligo Rovers, Galway United and Finn Harps, with his move subject to international clearance. "Myles hasn't played a huge amount of games for a 27-year-old, but he is the stature, the voice, and is the leader-type I've been after." Nicholson told BBC Radio Devon. "Ruairi is young, a little bit raw, but incredibly hungry to show what he's about." The Gulls are currently four points above the relegation zone, and have won only one of their last six games. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Torquay United have signed Barrow defender Myles Anderson on a permanent deal, and Irish forward Ruairi Keating on non-contract terms.


The Scottish Premiership club have announced that the pair "have agreed the termination of their loan period at Rugby Park by mutual consent". Defender Waddington and goalkeeper Davies were two of 11 players signed on one day by Killie manager Lee Clark. Both made two appearances for the Scottish Premiership club. The 19-year-old Waddington made one start, against Greenock Morton in the Challenge Cup and a substitute appearance away to Hamilton Academical in the Premiership. Davies, who is two years older and was on his second loan spell at Rugby Park, played against Berwick Rangers and Albion Rovers in the Challenge Cup.

Summary: Stoke City's Mark Waddington and Swansea City's Oliver Davies have had their loan spells with Kilmarnock cut short and returned to their clubs.


The Super League side have played at the ground, which is owned by Bank of Ireland, since 1895. As it stands, their lease will terminate at the end of December. "The current lease and cost of repairs is crippling the club," Carter told BBC Radio Leeds. "We made a reasonable offer of what we could afford over the next 18 months but never got a reply and Wednesday was the deadline that we had to give six months' notice. "The ball is in their court now and it may be that we get no response and they are happy to take back ownership of the ground. I can't talk on their behalf." The Wildcats were hoping to move to a purpose-built stadium for the start of the 2015 season but work has never started on the project. Carter says he has spoken to several different clubs about possible groundshares for 2016. He added: "We've already looked at alternatives because it's no good us saying we have six months to get something sorted - realistically you need to have something in place well before then. "We've had a number of discussions with other grounds at this time, which will remain confidential."

Summary: Wakefield Trinity Wildcats chairman Michael Carter says the club could be forced to leave their Belle Vue home after serving notice to the administrators of the ground's lease.


Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was criticised by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in March 2015. A re-inspection in April this year found it had made "positive progress" in some areas, but improvements were still needed. The safety of patients at high risk of suicide had been deemed inadequate but has now been improved. The trust currently has about 27,000 patients across the county and more than 2,000 members of staff. Dr Paul Lelliott, deputy chief inspector of hospitals for the CQC, said there was now "good care" for the population served by the trust. "We saw staff treating patients with kindness, dignity and respect," he said. The use of volunteers and therapy dogs was praised, as was the patient-run cafÃ© and the range of paid job opportunities, including gardening and car valeting. In March 2015 patients at risk of suicide were found not to be kept safe, but the trust said it now monitors "ligature risks", which are fixed points which someone could use to harm themselves. "Heat maps" are also used to show patients at high risk of suicide. Dr John Brewin, trust chief executive, said: "I am pleased that the work of all of our staff has been reflected. "Our staff have a real focus on providing high-quality care for our patients and this latest report is testament to that commitment." Improvements are needed in the areas of care plans, staff supervision, bed availability and delays in patients accessing psychological therapies, the CQC said. The trust was also found to have good relationships with the community and police.

Summary: An NHS mental health services provider has been upgraded from "inadequate" to "good" following a recent inspection.


The sergeant opened fire in June 2014 at his post near the North Korean border and fled, sparking a manhunt. He was captured two days later after he shot himself during a tense stand-off with troops. It reignited debate on military culture in South Korea, where all males must do about two years military service. The conscript's attack had previously been attributed by a defence ministry spokesman to his "difficulties in adapting to military life". He had been placed on a list of conscripts requiring special attention. In July last year, the military completed its investigation into the incident and said the attack, at a post near the border town of Goseong, was in revenge for bullying in the army and at school. The 23-year-old recruit, surnamed Im in previous reports but named as Lim by Yonhap news agency, was found guilty of killing and injuring his comrades by detonating a grenade and firing at them. He was also found guilty of running away with a rifle and ammunition, said the news agency. Under South Korea's military law, a soldier must face the death penalty for killing a superior. One of those killed was a staff sergeant. The soldier expressed remorse in a statement last month before his sentence was announced, AFP news agency reported. "I feel deeply sorry for the victims and their relatives... I am overcome with remorse... How happy would I be, had it been merely a dream and had it been possible to return to the past?" he said. Past incidents in South Korea's military have been linked to bullying and mental health problems. Last year, several suicides by young conscripts were reported. In April, a private died after he was beaten by his superiors - an incident which was only uncovered months later by a civic group. A sergeant was later sentenced to 45 years in military prison for the crime. Four other soldiers were jailed for between 15 and 30 years while a sixth was given a suspended prison sentence. In September last year, two special forces soldiers died after collapsing during captivity training, apparently from suffocation. The incidents sparked a public outcry and prompted the army to take a tougher stance on bullying and abuse. Its chief of staff resigned and his replacement ordered the establishment of a military human rights commission and investigations into hundreds of bullying cases. Prior to last year, South Korea also saw major incidents in 2005 and 2011 where conscripts killed several of their comrades. South Korea has said it needs a conscription system to ensure national security. It technically remains at war with North Korea, as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

Summary: A South Korean soldier who shot dead five of his colleagues and injured seven others has been sentenced to death by a military court.


27 June 2016 Last updated at 16:41 BST Even though the UK as a whole voted to leave the EU, in Scotland most people voted to remain. Now, some people are saying that Scotland should get independence from the rest of the UK, so that it can join the EU again on its own. Naz has been in Scotland to see what kids there think.

Summary: One of the biggest questions to come out of the historic decision that the UK should leave the European Union is about the future of Scotland.


Andrew Bickel, 39, was fixing a light at the Catwel shop in Cardiff two weeks ago when he nipped out to his van and returned to find his tools were gone. He said he had a call from a lady in the cat charity shop to say his tools were there to collect, but with "no explanation of how, why or when". Mr Bickel's original Facebook post about the mistake went viral. He said he had enjoyed his five minutes of fame afterwards. "I couldn't believe it," he said, "the phone just didn't stop ringing." "The Sun newspaper came down to where I was working and took photographs, television crews wanted to film me and I even had an offer to appear on Judge Rinder," he added. "I'm just waiting for the call to go into the jungle." Mr Bickel said he had been offered £100 by a magazine for his story and, if it happened, he would donate £50 to the cat charity shop and £50 to a dog charity shop, after admitting he was "more of a dog person". "I'm just glad no-one has been left out of pocket," he said.

Summary: An electrician whose £200 worth of tools were mistakenly sold for £1 in a charity shop has had them returned.


The FBI seized computers and mobile phones from the home in October, after celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence had pictures stolen - apparently via a hack on their Apple iCloud accounts. Court papers have identified eight celebrities by their initials only. The FBI said no charges have been filed at the current time. Last summer's scandal highlighted the vulnerabilities of cloud computing - which allows personal information to be stored on the Internet and accessed from any device. The affidavit - a sworn statement to the court - has identified eight celebrities by their initials only: AS, CH, HS, JM, OW, AK, EB and AH. One of the identified stars learned she was a victim of the leak through the news media. The papers have stated that "all photos were taken with her iPhone and sent through iMessage to her boyfriend". Actress Jennifer Lawrence has since spoken about the leak. Speaking to Vanity Fair, the 24-year-old said: "It is not a scandal. It is a sex crime. It is a sexual violation. It's disgusting."

Summary: Newly-released legal documents have revealed a building in Chicago was raided after hundreds of nude photos of female stars were leaked last year.


Former Education and Welfare officer Lucy Ward told the tribunal she was "bewildered" at being dismissed after returning from BBC commentary duty at the 2015 Women's World Cup. Ms Ward, the partner of ex-Leeds United head coach Neil Redfearn, claims unfair dismissal and sex discrimination. The club denies any improper conduct. Leeds United insist Ms Ward, an employee of 17 years, was dismissed for exceeding her annual leave entitlement. The tribunal in Leeds heard from Ismail Ghandour, a businessman who met with former club chief executive Adam Pearson last year about the possibility of using his contacts to bring in investors to the club. At that point, Mr Ghandour said, coach Mr Redfearn was either "on gardening leave or on his way out". He told Mr Pearson he had heard "rumours on Twitter" about Ms Ward's future at the club, so asked him if they were true. Mr Ghandour was told chairman Massimo Cellino saw Neil and Lucy "as a pair", the hearing learned. When cross-examined by Leeds United's barrister Lucy Bairstow, Mr Ghandour said he was friends with Mr Redfearn and Ms Ward and "everybody knew" the pair were in a relationship. Ms Ward told the tribunal she was alerted by a colleague about the locks on the doors to her work office being changed while she was away on leave. After returning from Canada, she said she was told by Mr Pearson "I was suspended and there was a letter in the post". She said: "I went into the disciplinary thinking I was going to have a fair disciplinary process. "It was quite bewildering as a committed, loyal member of staff to be treated like that." Ms Ward said she thought Mr Pearson would be more honourable than simply to follow through someone else's wishes "because of my relationship with Neil". She told the hearing she warned her line manager about her trip for BBC work and said the club bosses "treated me differently to every other member of staff who behaved similarly". The three-day tribunal is due to continue on Tuesday.

Summary: Leeds United's chairman sacked an employee because she and the head coach he planned to lose came as "a pair", an industrial tribunal heard.


It involves candidates hoping to become the world's most prominent diplomat. At the stroke of midnight on 31 December, as the glitter ball in Times Square makes its annual descent, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is due to end his term in office. The manoeuvring to succeed him - at present it is too genteel to describe it as a fight - is now moving into higher gear. Just as Campaign 2016 could end up with the election of the first female US president, there's a strong possibility that the next head of the UN will become the organisation's first female secretary-general. This week, for the first time in the 70-year history of the UN, the declared candidates will take part in public hustings. This is a radical departure for an organisation that rivals the Vatican in the shadowy secrecy of its executive recruitment process, with its monochrome backrooms hosting the UN equivalent of the papal conclave in the Sistine Chapel. Those who have so far put their names forward, half of them women, will face two hours of questioning from member states. To support their applications, they've also been asked to post their curricula vitae online and to compose a 2,000-word vision statement articulating how they would run an organisation with 30 separate agencies, funds and programmes and 40,000 staff, not to mention 193 member states. What has long been a ridiculously closeted and opaque process is being made more inclusive and transparent. The aim is to turn it into something bearing at least some resemblance to a regular interview process, a far cry from the stealth selection procedure that produced Mr Ban. When the South Korean was jockeying for the job, he shied away from campaigning inside the UN headquarters he would soon end up running. Eight candidates have so far declared and most are from Eastern Europe. Under an unwritten rule of regional rotation, a diplomatic version of "Buggins' turn", this geographical bloc is next in line to fill the vacancy. To a global audience, most of the candidates are "need-to-Google" figures. Top row (from left): Bottom row (from left): More information on the candidates and the selection procedure is available on the UN's website The field is expected to grow. Kristalina Georgieva, a Bulgarian who is a vice-president of the European Commission, might yet be persuaded to run and may well be Mr Ban's preferred choice. In a move that boosted her UN profile, he selected the former World Bank official to co-chair a panel looking into the funding of humanitarian aid. However, the Bulgarian government is backing Ms Bokova, who heads the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco), and Ms Georgieva herself has indicated that she intends to pay "full attention" for the time being to her EU responsibilities. Kevin Rudd, the former Australian Prime Minister, has long made the UN secretary-general's job the target of his immense personal ambition. Then there is the wild card. Many diplomats would like to see German Chancellor Angela Merkel throw her giant-sized hat in the ring. More of a

Summary: As the hoopla of the presidential campaign comes to New York, featuring the political all-stars seeking to become the world's most powerful leader, another race is also under way in the city - a contest of the largely obscure.


Concerns had been raised by the Pakistan Cricket Board over threats from Hindu extremists, who attacked the offices of Indian cricket's governing body last year. However, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said on Thursday that the team had been cleared to play in March and April. "I am pleased that our government has given its consent," said Shaharyar. "As a duty of care, we have asked [world cricket governing body] the ICC to put in place special arrangements for the Pakistan cricket team while in India." India and Pakistan have not played a Test series since 2007 due to fallout from the terrorist attacks on Mumbai in 2008, blamed on militants based across the border. Since 2009, Pakistan have played their 'home' Test series in the UAE after a terrorist attack on the visiting Sri Lankan team led to a boycott on tours to the country. The World T20 runs from 8 March to 3 April. Pakistan are scheduled to play a qualifier team on 16 March in Kolkata, then hosts India on 19 March in Dharamsala.

Summary: Pakistan will play in the World Twenty20 after the government approved their participation in India.


The 24-year-old was an injury-time substitute for the Cherries in their 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Saturday. Wilson, Bournemouth's leading scorer last season, missed six months of the club's first Premier League campaign with medial knee ligament damage. "There's nothing like being back out on the pitch," he told BBC Radio Solent. "It was only a few touches, but it's nice to feel like a football player again." The former Coventry City striker required surgery following the injury he sustained against Stoke in September and revealed his return came a week earlier than planned. "I'd originally targeted the Liverpool game (at home on Sunday), but one week sooner is perfect for me," added Wilson. "There's a little bit of match fitness still to regain, but I feel strong and ready."

Summary: Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson said it was "great to feel like a football player again" as he returned to action following a long-term injury.


It had lost its mother and become stranded in shallow waters off the coast of Mojacar in Andalucia. Tourists then began touching and photographing the animal rather than seeking help for it. Equinac, a local NGO, said "selfishness" caused the dolphin "suffering and stress." The organisation, which works to protect marine wildlife in the area, wrote in a Facebook post (in Spanish): "The animal was subjected to the curious who wanted to photograph and touch it." "These animals are highly protected; to disturb them, to harm them, to manipulate them and to harass them is prohibited by law, and we always ask for respect and consideration."

Summary: A baby dolphin has died after it was surrounded by tourists looking to take photographs on a beach in southern Spain.


The 1962 document is said to be one of the most important contracts in popular music, marking the beginning of the band's journey to international fame. The contract had been expected to fetch up to £500,000 in a sale of other rock memorabilia. It last went under the hammer in 2008 at an auction in London when it went for £240,000. It is the only managerial contract signed by both the final line-up of the Beatles - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr - and their manager. The contract was signed on 1 October 1962 at Epstein's office in Whitechapel, days before they released their first single, Love Me Do. It was witnessed by Epstein's secretary, Beryl Adams. A single page from John Lennon's high school's detention book was also sold for £2,500, recording 29 occasions when he received detention at Quarry Bank High School in Allerton, Liverpool. £1.75m Rolls Royce Phantom V belonging to John Lennon £1.45m The piano on which John Lennon wrote Imagine £800k Handwritten lyrics for A Day in the Life £500k Drumskin on Sgt. Pepper album cover The lots were part of Sotheby's sale also featuring a grand piano used in almost all of Abba's studio recordings between 1973 and 1977, which did not sell. Instruments, clothing and manuscripts from the collection of Cream bassist Jack Bruce sold for between £688 for a manuscript book to £9,750 for a Warwick Fretless Thumb Bass. A powder blue Fender Stratocaster played by Eric Clapton sold for £45,000.

Summary: The original contract signed by The Beatles and manager Brian Epstein has sold at Sotheby's for £365,000.


Under the adverse conditions, RBS's capital levels fell by 7.5 percentage points - the third biggest fall of the 51 banks tested. However, RBS said the tests showed it had made "continued progress". RBS was bailed out by the government in 2008 and the UK taxpayer continues to hold a 73% stake in the bank. The health check of 51 lenders in the eurozone and the rest of the EU, including the UK, was carried out by the London-based European Banking Authority. It examined the impact of GDP falling by about 7% between now and 2018. Why are the banks being tested? The Bank of England said the results for RBS and three other UK banks - Barclays, HSBC and Lloyds - were "consistent with those of previous Bank of England stress tests". "They provide evidence that major UK banks have the resilience necessary to maintain lending to the real economy, even in a macroeconomic stress scenario," it added. Under the test conditions, RBS was left with a capital buffer of just over 8%. Ewen Stevenson, RBS chief financial officer, said: "The EBA stress test results demonstrate our continued progress towards transforming the balance sheet to being safe and sustainable. "We are confident that in delivering our strategy, we will transform RBS into a low-risk, resilient bank." Conservative former chancellor Lord Lamont urged people not to be overly concerned about RBS's position, saying it was still "well above the minimum capital" that would be required - and saying the real danger to the European economy came from continental institutions. He told BBC's Today programme there was "work to be done" but attention should be focused on banks in Germany and Italy, as well as Portugal and Greece which were not tested because they were considered too small. "That is where it is thought there is a lot of weakness in the European banking system," he said, warning the situation in Italy and other countries "could create a real political crisis" for Europe. Under the test conditions, Barclays' capital buffers would fall by 4 percentage points in the event of a major economic shock, leaving it with a buffer of 7.3%. Unlike in previous years, the EBA did not judge whether banks had passed or failed its latest tests. In 2014, if banks had a capital buffer of 5.5% after the stress test, then they were considered healthy, and analysts use that as an informal benchmark. Both RBS and Barclays surpassed that mark in the latest test. Allied Irish Banks, which was bailed out by Irish taxpayers, showed a near 9 percentage points fall in capital levels in the test. "AIB is well-capitalised and capital accretive," the bank said in a statement. "The results published today are point-in-time projections based on prescribed stress assumptions and should not be treated as indicative of the future financial performance." Italy's Monte dei Paschi di Siena was by far the worst performer, with the test forecasting that its capital would fall by 14 percentage points under the adverse conditions. Shortly before the results of the stress test

Summary: RBS Group performed comparatively poorly in the latest European stress tests, which assess how the banks might perform in adverse economic conditions.


The 22-year-old spent much of the 2015-16 season with the Blues, making 22 league appearances. Lloyd will not feature for Chester in Saturday's game at Maidstone as Jon McCarthy's side look for back-to-back victories in the National League. They beat Dagenham 3-0 on Tuesday, having lost their opening game by the same scoreline at Gateshead. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: National League club Chester have re-signed Port Vale midfielder Ryan Lloyd on loan until 1 January.


The draft Investigatory Powers Bill would place a legal duty on internet providers to assist in hacking devices. But it would not be restricted to phones and PCs, a tech industry chief told the Commons science and technology committee. Antony Walker, of techUK, said anything that connected to the internet could "in theory" be hacked into. In the future, this could include driverless cars or household appliances connected to the internet - the so-called Internet of Things - said Mr Walker. He said the Home Office needed to spell out more clearly where it draws the line over what it calls "equipment interference", highlighting recent concerns about "smart toys" that connect to the internet and have microphones and cameras built-in. "A range of devices that have been in the news recently, in relation to a hack, are children's toys, that children can interact with," he told the committee. "These are devices that may sit in a child's bedroom but are accessible. "In theory, the manufacturer of those products could be the subject of a warrant to enable equipment interference with those devices. "So the potential extent, I think, is something that needs to be carefully considered." In November, electronic toy company Vtech had its app store database hacked, allegedly resulting in the appearance online of personal data including children's names, dates of birth and gender. Talking dolls, such as Hello Barbie and My Friend Cayla, have also been put under scrutiny by security experts in recent months. Barbie manufacturer Mattel reportedly made modifications to Hello Barbie, which allows children to talk to the doll over a cloud server connection, after concerns were raised about cyber attackers potentially stealing data through it. The police, security services, HM Revenue and Customs and other law enforcement agencies can already hack into devices provided they get a warrant. This allows them to download the contents of computers or smartphones, track locations, listen to calls, or even switch on microphones and cameras, allowing officers to listen in to conversations or take pictures of those standing nearby. The Home Office says these powers, the existence of which were revealed earlier this year following a court case, have "made a vital contribution to counter the increased threat to the UK from Islamist terrorism and have also enabled the disruption of paedophile-related crime", according to a Home Office fact sheet. The draft Investigatory Powers Bill would put "equipment interference" warrants on a firmer legal footing and make sure they are "only used when necessary and proportionate for a legitimate purpose". A revised bill will be introduced to Parliament in the New Year, following consultation and scrutiny by the industry and other interested parties. Mr Walker, whose organisation represents 850 UK technology firms, told MPs it needed to be more forward-looking and less vague about the limits of surveillance. "When we start to think, not just about the world today, but the world in five, 10 years' time as the Internet of Things becomes more real, and more pervasive. "I think it requires careful thought in terms of where the limits

Summary: The security services could remotely take over children's toys and use them to spy on suspects, MPs have been told.


Deng Zhengjia, in his 50s, died on Wednesday in Chenzhou City, Hunan. He was hit with a weight from a set of scales after a row erupted with chengguan officials, Xinhua news agency said, citing Mr Deng's niece. Chengguan are unpopular with the Chinese public after a series of high-profile violent incidents. The chengguan, or Urban Management Law Enforcement force, support the police in tackling low-level crime in cities. But the force's ''thuggish'' behaviour had led to public anger and undermined stability, a report by Human Rights Watch said last year. "They are now synonymous for many Chinese citizens with physical violence, illegal detention and theft," said Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch (HRW), when the report was released in May 2012. The row in Linwu county, Chenzhou, erupted after Mr Deng and his wife "tried to sell home-grown watermelons at a riverside scenic spot, where urban management workers said no vendors were allowed", Xinhua reported. Police and a disciplinary watchdog were investigating, the report said, without giving more details. In a statement, the Linwu county government said patrollers found that Mr Deng and his wife Huang Xixi had "set up a watermelon stall in violation of the rules". An "altercation" arose after the law enforcers asked them to leave, and "the enforcers temporarily confiscated four of the watermelons, requesting that the couple sell their melons in an authorised location instead". The couple began "insulting" the officers when they encountered them again 50 minutes later, the statement said. "The enforcers tried to reason with the couple, the dispute between the two sides became a physical conflict, and in the process Deng Zhengjia suddenly collapsed and died," the statement said. "Both city and county level party committees and governments take the incident seriously, and have ordered the relevant departments to investigate the incident and handle the incident in accordance with the law," the statement added. Chinese newspaper Guangzhou Daily said: "It is still too early to assert that the chengguan beat the watermelon farmer to death." "But the watermelon farmer did, after all, die during a dispute with chengguan. Even if his stall location did not meet the chengguan's requirements, there was no reason to resort to force against a 50-year old elderly man." In July 2011, the death of a disabled street vendor who was reportedly beaten by local law enforcers sparked a riot in Guizhou province. Some Linwu residents turned out on Wednesday protesting against the chengguan. The fruit-seller's death has also sparked outrage on China's microblogs, with a search for "Linwu hawker" on Sina Weibo returning over 300,000 results. Many users expressed anger at the enforcers. User I Am Tian Dalin wrote: "I'm furious! No one has the right to trample on the lives of others. Who gave the chengguan the right to treat human life as a trifle? Is our taxpayers money supporting public servants, or a pack of wolves?" User Wen Linhui is a Woman wrote: "No matter what the result of the autopsy is... perhaps the deceased had a pre-existing condition... but it was the

Summary: Police are investigating the death of a fruit seller in China, state media say, amid reports he was beaten by "chengguan" urban security personnel.


Mark Drakeford has already apologised for the scandal on the Tawel Fan ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan. It followed a damning report into what went on with families saying patients were treated like animals in a zoo. But he said the embarrassment to the Welsh government was the "least important part" of it all. "The real focus is to make sure the families and the people who are closely connected to what went on is that we properly attend to what they need," Mr Drakeford told BBC Wales. He added he is yet to meet any of them but he was "hugely impressed" by the way the families have acted and they are "looking for assurances" that there will not be a repeat of what went on. "I'm very willing to speak to the families when the time is right," he said. "This is a really tough time for these families." 'It was probably a mistake keeping him in there' Mr Drakeford said on Thursday he will consider putting Betsi Cadwaladr health board into special measures which could mean the Welsh government or another body taking over some or all of the board's functions. In an interview with BBC Radio Wales on Friday, Mr Drakeford said he will receive advice via a "proper process" involving the Welsh government, Health Inspectorate Wales and the auditor general for Wales which will meet to review whether further intervention is needed. "It isn't a matter of a politician shooting from the hip, making an off the cuff decision," he said. "We get the experts involved together and we act on the proper advice that we are given." Meanwhile, the boss of patient watchdog North Wales Community Health Council (CHC) said the health board needed a "greater level of external support and direction". Chief officer Geoff Ryall-Harvey said: "The avalanche of adverse reports over the past few months has been unprecedented in my experience of 30 years as a CHC chief officer."

Summary: The families of patients who suffered "institutional abuse" at a mental health ward in Denbighshire will have a chance to meet the health minister.


Davis has made 14 appearances for the Cod Army since joining on loan in October, and recently agreed to extend his stay until the end of the season. The 22-year-old signed for Leicester from Port Vale in 2014, but did not feature for the first team. "I'm delighted that it's all been done now and I can concentrate on my football," he told the club website. "I stated from the start that I'd be really interested in staying with the club, and I'm just over the moon to be here now." The length of Davis' deal with Fleetwood has not been disclosed. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League One side Fleetwood Town have signed defender Joe Davis from Leicester City for an undisclosed fee.


Jamie Vardy's crisp finish from a lightning break gave Leicester the lead on 18 minutes - but he was then sent off after getting a second yellow card for diving when he tangled with Angelo Ogbonna early in the second half. Referee Jonathan Moss made himself even more unpopular when he awarded West Ham a penalty with six minutes left. There had been pushing and pulling in both penalty areas but he decided to punish Wes Morgan for pulling back Winston Reid at a corner. Analysis: MOTD2 pundits on referee's 'mind-boggling inconsistencies' Substitute Andy Carroll slotted home to end Leicester's run of 574 minutes without conceding a league goal and Aaron Cresswell looked to have opened the door to the Foxes' title rivals Spurs with a stunning left-footed finish two minutes later. As the game went into injury time, Moss produced another controversial decision when he pointed to the spot once more after Carroll made the merest contact with Jeff Schlupp. West Ham clearly felt Moss had evened things up after earlier decisions in their favour, but Ulloa was not concerned as he took the chance to secure what might yet be a vital point - although Leicester will be without Vardy for next weekend's home game with Swansea. Relive the action from the King Power Stadium Leicester's fans celebrated at the end before turning their anger on referee Moss - although it was his very questionable decision that allowed them to earn that point at the end. Psychologically, this point could be vital because a loss might just have produced a few doubts and given Spurs just a little more wiggle room going into their game at Stoke on Monday. It means Leicester's last Premier League defeat is still that last-minute loss at Arsenal on Valentine's Day and their spirits will be lifted by the manner in which they earned a point when it seemed certain they would end up empty-handed. Referee Moss was surrounded by players of both sides and escorted from the field by stewards to jeering from the home fans at the final whistle. Moss's eventful second half began after 56 minutes when he penalised Vardy for simulation as he tumbled theatrically under a challenge from Ogbonna. Having already given Vardy a yellow card, he felt obliged to give a second. Vardy made the most of the contact and ran the risk of punishment. And he has been accused of doing this before this season. Opinion was split but plenty felt Moss was right. For West Ham's penalty, there was undoubtedly pulling and pushing between Morgan and Winston Reid - so again Moss had justification. The difficulty, the inconsistency, is that similar behaviour had been going on in both penalty areas all afternoon without punishment - so why did Moss decide this was the time to penalise it? Too often, these decisions seem arbitrary, as was demonstrated when Ogbonna dragged Huth to the floor even more unceremoniously a few minutes later and no foul was given. Finally, in injury time and with an atmosphere of chaos engulfing the

Summary: Leonardo Ulloa's injury-time penalty rescued a point for Leicester in a controversial encounter with West Ham as the Foxes went eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.


The pharmacies say that online drug retailers are putting customers at risk by failing to follow existing rules. The government says it is in the process of drawing up guidelines to regulate online drug sales. A number of companies are selling drugs online to tap a market which is estimated to be worth $10bn (Â£65m). Although the pharmacies will be shut, customers will be able to buy emergency drugs using special telephone numbers printed on posters and newspapers. "It is going to be a 100% strike. Approximately 800,000 chemists will be on strike," All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists chief JS Shinde told AFP news agency. "Our own investigation has shown that anti-pregnancy pills, sleeping pills and steroids are being sold freely online." Mr Shinde said 40-50% of the business of India's bricks-and-mortar sellers had been affected because of online drug sales. "We want the government to close down all illegal online pharma companies immediately." India's health ministry said it was drawing up plans to regulate online drug sales. "A sub-committee has been constituted to look into the matter, which has so far undertaken only preliminary discussions with the stakeholders to ascertain their views," the health ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Summary: At least 800,000 pharmacies in India are on a one-day strike, demanding an end to online drug sales which they say is affecting their business.


The 29-year-old, who plays on the right side of midfield, joins Carrick from Mid Ulster League side Crewe United. In addition to his stint at Crusaders, McAllister has also had spells with other Irish League clubs Ards, Ballymena United and Donegal Celtic. McAllister is Carrick's eighth signing during the current transfer window with Aaron Smyth and Kyle McVey already among the arrivals. Carrick face Ballinamallard United in the Irish Premiership on Friday night after taking just two points from their last six games.

Summary: Carrick Rangers have signed former Crusaders midfield Eamon McAllister.


Vincent Uzomah, who is 50 years old and understood to be supply teacher, was attacked at Dixons Kings Academy at 08:55 BST. He was stabbed once in the stomach with a knife during a science lesson but is in a stable condition, police said. The teenager was arrested in the city centre following an extensive manhunt. Det Supt Simon Atkinson, from West Yorkshire Police, said the teacher was attacked in front of other students. "There were a number of pupils who witnessed this incident, which took place in a classroom, and they are currently liaising with specially trained officers who are obviously supporting them at this difficult time. "This is believed to be an isolated incident and the police are continuing inquiries to establish the facts," he said. It is thought Mr Uzomah had only been working at the school for four weeks. Police said his injuries are not life threatening and his family are at his bedside. Executive principal of the Dixons Academy group, Nick Weller, said: "It happened right at the beginning of the school day and there were some students who witnessed it. "Those students have been interviewed by the police. Obviously, it's a very shocking thing for them to see. "The general atmosphere in the school is very calm, quite orderly, we're trying to keep to normal routines as much as possible." Mr Weller said there was nothing in school that suggested the attack was about to happen. He added: "The police are looking into the lead up to this incident, there was nothing in school that led up to it. "There may have been other people outside the school who maybe knew something." He confirmed the suspect has been a pupil at the school for a year. The school, formerly called the King's Science Academy, opened in 2011 and was one of the first free schools to open. It has about 700 pupils and has since become part of the Dixons academy group. Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said violence of any kind in schools is "totally unacceptable", adding that her department is "ready and prepared to offer all necessary support". Ian Murch, of the National Union of Teachers' Bradford branch, which has members at the school, said: "Obviously people are shocked - they would be when an incident like this happens at a school. We hope it can be resolved without any more suffering or difficulties for anybody." He said the incident "does raise questions with people about safety and what can be done to improve safety".

Summary: A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a teacher was stabbed at a Bradford school.


The Nottinghamshire golfer partnered Masters champion Danny Willett on the Sunday at Augusta, then Dustin Johnson on the final day of the US Open at Oakmont. "I hadn't had those feelings for a while, that buzz and that rush of adrenaline," Westwood said. "It was great to get them back, even if it ended in disappointment." The 43-year-old stands 39th in the world rankings. He has done well on both previous trips to Troon, finishing tied 10th in 1997 and fourth in 2004, while he came third just down the Ayrshire coast at Turnberry in 2009. The bookmakers see it differently, rating him a lot higher. He is the 12th shortest price on offer at 40-1, shorter than not only Willett but also four comparatively recent former Open winners - defending champion Zach Johnson, Ernie Els (2002 and 2012) Louis Oosthuizen (2010) and Padraig Harrington (2007 and 2008). "I feel like I'm back to the stage where I turn up fully expecting to play well, a bit like the way when I was winning for fun a few years back," said Westwood. Find out how to get into golf with our special guide. "That's down to the way I'm swinging a club, and the way I am mentally. Hiding in a darkened room and cursing my luck is never going to be my style. "After putting myself in the frame in both majors this year, I'm sure I'll be a bit more relaxed if I can get in the mix at Troon. "I've been through so many ups and downs now that nothing's ever going to faze me, and I really like the course." The former world number one continued: "I had a great weekend in 2004 when I finished 67-68 and holed a really long putt on the last on the Sunday from 35 feet. In fact, I've played well there both times the Open has been played there." Westwood has come close to victory so many times in major championships. His total of nine top-three finishes is comfortably the most of any golfer not to have won one of golf's big four events - the Masters, the US Open, the Open or the US PGA. And, on five occasions, he has had to stand by and watch mates from Chubby Chandler's same management team - Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Willett - all win their first major. But, in three successive years, from 2011 to 2013, the Open was won by a fortysomething. Phil Mickelson was 43 when he won at Muirfield in 2013. Both Westwood's great friend Darren Clarke (at Sandwich in 2011) and Els (at Royal Lytham in 2012) were 42, while Mark O'Meara was 41 when he triumphed at Royal Birkdale in 1998. Like allowing a good claret time to mature, when it comes to finding the winner of a Claret Jug, turning 40 is clearly not the worst age to be. English golf's big hitters: Along with Westwood (39th), there are currently six other English players inside the world's top 50 all taking

Summary: Lee Westwood takes his place in the field at the Open at Royal Troon having enjoyed a box seat at both of the first two majors in 2016.


The 16-year-old, who also plays age-grade football for her country, defeated 20-year-old Elspeth Young from Kinross 11-4, 5-11, 11-6, 12-10. In the men's event Scottish number one Alan Clyne, who has risen to world number 32, beat Douglas Kempsell. He won 11-5, 11-5, 11-2 to earn his seventh Scottish title. The 30-year-old from Inverness said: "I felt good going through the rounds, but I knew that Douglas would put up a real fight in the final because we all know he is a battler. "That was the way that it panned out, but I managed to get on the front foot and take the win. "I am often playing abroad, so I love getting a chance to play in Scottish tournaments and I am very proud to be national champion for a seventh time." Adderley, seen as Scottish squash's best prospect, said: "Coming into the event aged 16 as number one seed brought its own pressures. "But I had played in this event last year for the first time and that helped me with nerves and what to expect out there. "I played well in my semi-final on Saturday and that left me feeling good about the final. "We had some really good rallies in the first game, but she then came back in the second. At that point I had to hold my nerve, but I did and got a good start to the third game. I then managed to go on and win and the feeling at the end was amazing." The Scottish National Squash Championships at Edinburgh Sports Club is part of the Team Scotland Series which brings together 17 Scottish national championship events in 2017 across 12 Commonwealth Games sports.

Summary: Edinburgh teenager Georgia Adderley won the Scottish women's squash title for the first time at the Senior National Championships on Sunday.


The Dutchman, 25, led 6-5 before racing to victory and the £60,000 first prize with five consecutive legs. "This is a really big tournament to win and a difficult tournament too, so I'll enjoy this," said the world number one. Wright defeated Phil Taylor at the quarter-final stage and whitewashed Stephen Bunting in the last four. But the colourful 44-year-old from Mendham in Suffolk was unable to clinch his first major Professional Darts Corporation title, losing to van Gerwen, who also beat him in the 2014 World Championship final. "It's been a long weekend and I think I ran out of energy in the final, and Michael was too good," said Scotland-born Wright. "I'm really pleased to have got to the final though and I'm getting closer to a big TV title."

Summary: Michael van Gerwen has won the UK Open title for the first time in his career, beating Peter Wright 11-5 in the final in Minehead.


The plans for Hopwas Wood near Tamworth have been submitted by Lafarge Tarmac to the county council. Austin Brady, of the Woodland Trust, said such woodlands were irreplaceable, adding that "turning this into a hole in the ground is bad for everybody". The company said the quarry would cover only a fifth of the wood. It also claims much of the area where it proposes to extract sand and gravel for the construction industry was damaged by fire in the 1970s and can no longer be considered ancient woodland. Opponents of the plans include Tamworth Tory MP Christopher Pincher who said he would encourage residents to complain to the County Council before a 5 December deadline. Mr Brady, the Trust's director of conservation, said it regarded the plans as the "largest threat to a single ancient woodland site in England that the charity has seen in its 42-year history". Such historical woodland covered only 2% of Britain, said Mr Brady, and often contained rare and threatened species. "What we're concerned about is that people are putting profits before the long term importance of the environment for society," he said. The Trust maintains a loophole in current planning policy meant protection for ancient woodland was "weak" and cites a decision by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to approve a quarry on "ancient woodland" near Maidstone. This was denied by a government spokesman who said planning policy made it clear such development should be avoided. The plans for the 76-acre site (31 hectares) have been added by Lafarge Tarmac to the county's Minerals Local Plan, which covers the period until 2030. The firm said the local community would be consulted about the plans and has pledged to restore the land to its natural habitat.

Summary: Plans to turn an area of ancient woodland mentioned in the Domesday Book into a quarry have angered conservationists in Staffordshire.


Killie thumped Falkirk 4-0 to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit in the Premiership play-off final second leg at Rugby Park. But after only a third win in 14 games since he took charge in February, Clark said changes are needed by next season. "It is a celebration but tinged with a warning," he said. Media playback is not supported on this device "This club has been loitering in this position for four or five years before I got here. This warning needs to be heeded. We need to change the mentality. "The boys have bought into my methods and we haven't got what we deserved in some games. But the position we are in tells me there needs to be a freshness to the group, and that is what we will do." Clark, who ran down the touchline in celebration after the third and fourth goals, grabbing a scarf from a fan on the first occasion, endured an emotional afternoon in the home dugout. "When the goals were going in, it was like what we did when we stayed up with Birmingham City [in 2014] and I never thought that would be repeated," he told BBC Scotland. "I knew what was at stake if we didn't get the result. "We couldn't have dreamed of a better start and that settled us a bit, but you know it is never over with Falkirk." Kilmarnock striker Kris Boyd, who scored the final goal, admitted a sense of relief at having come through the ordeal of a play-off decider. "It is a great occasion at the moment, but it is one you don't want to be involved with, and hopefully never again," he said. "It has been a tough season, but we have shown today we have got some good players and we are a team. We think we can be a match for everybody in this division." His fellow forward Josh Magennis - who could be in the Northern Ireland squad heading to Euro 2016 - played an influential role on his return from injury, setting up two goals and causing Falkirk havoc. "To do it on the last day of the season was not what we wanted, but sometimes that's what it takes," he said. "Everything fell into place. We didn't let them breathe at all and we were all over them from the first whistle." Falkirk manager Peter Houston admitted his side failed to cope with the early intensity of the hosts, as their brave promotion bid came up short. "When you are two down after seven or so minutes, the occasion certainly got to us," he told BBC Scotland. "There are a lot of players in tears in there feeling like they have let the fans down. But they have been magnificent all season and it is not a day to criticise the players. "We were involved in a cup final at the end of last season and a play-off at the end of this one. "We need to learn when we are in a position like that how to get

Summary: Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark has warned the club needs to change personnel and mentality to avoid further brushes with relegation from the top flight.


Councillors are to meet next week to consider bids to turn the hall into a food market or a hotel, with council officials backing the food hall plan. However a number of pre-conditions would need to be met before a draft lease could be agreed, at the authority's February meeting. The B-listed Edwardian building has sat empty since it closed 10 years ago. Councillors deferred a decision on which development bid to back, if any, in July, calling for further reports from Historic Scotland and other agencies and further information from the applicants. At that stage, council officials had backed the view of independent property specialists Jones Laing LaSalle that the Perth Market Place Ltd proposal should be preferred to the hotel bid from the Seventy Group. A report to councillors ahead of Wednesday's full council meeting noted that "there has been a change in circumstances which significantly impacts upon the Seventy Group's bid", meaning no further information could be provided. Planning and development head David Littlejohn has asked councillors to give the marketplace proposal "preferred bidder status" to allow detailed negotiations to take place. Should this happen, a draft lease could potentially be considered by the council in February 2016, although this would also have to be signed off by the Perth Common Good Fund Committee. The Edwardian building, which dates back to 1911, was closed 10 years ago after a modern new concert hall was opened in the city. Decisions over its future have been drawn out over a decade since then, with councillors at one point approving plans to have it demolished, which were subsequently blocked by Historic Scotland opposition. The development management committee then backed the Seventy Group plans to convert it into a luxury hotel, before councillors agreed to publicly market a 125-year lease on the building to find an alternative to demolition. Five bids were submitted in January, which where whittled down to two by July when councillors deferred the decision. Should neither bid ultimately win approval, demolition could still be an option, although Historic Scotland chief executive Ian Walford warned he would be minded to object to such a move. Mr Littlejohn also noted in his report that Historic Scotland had underlined that "the process cannot be allowed to perpetuate", and that a decision will have to be made.

Summary: A decision on the future of demolition-threatened Perth City Hall will not be made until February 2016.


The stones and bottles thrown and the hate banners displayed by Borussia Dortmund supporters on Saturday exposed a widespread loathing in Germany for a team seen as upstarts, RB Leipzig. The club is challenging for Champions League football in its first ever season in the top flight. The hatred is because of the way they are wholly owned by one company, Red Bull. A wall of hatred was on view: "Slaughter the bulls", "Red Bull, enemy of football" were some of the milder slogans used. Families came under attack, and six fans and four police were hurt. One top football official Max Eberl said the violence was sick: "Whether you like RB Leipzig or not, it shouldn't get out of hand." Dortmund's fans are not alone. One tabloid newspaper, the Berliner Kurier, even refused to print the club's name a few weeks ago, using the insulting term "Dosenverkauf" (Can-sellers) in their Bundesliga table. Selling drinks is the core business of RB's owner, Red Bull, and there have been plenty more insults since the company bought a team in the Leipzig suburbs in 2009 and oversaw four promotions in seven seasons. Listen to Tim's BBC World Service programme here: The Rise of RB Leipzig The vitriol derives from RB's ownership model. Traditionally German football clubs are run without a single, rich investor. It is the members who must control a majority of the shares in the entity that owns the team. But RB Leipzig has only 17 members. It follows the letter of this law, but not its spirit. Among the club's biggest critics is the chief executive at Borussia Dortmund, Hans-Joachim Watzke. "It's a club built to push up the revenues for Red Bull and nothing else," he says. Read more on RB Leipzig here: RB Leipzig's rapid rise 'no fairytale' Andreas Bischof, whose blog in Leipzig pokes fun at the new club, goes further. "This club is not owned or sponsored by a company, this club is like an outlet of a company," he says. "It's a whole new level of using sports as a marketing vehicle." But others argue that RB Leipzig is just what the city and surrounding region need. There has been little Bundesliga football in the former East Germany since unification in 1990. "Football is a business that needs an enormous amount of money," says Martin Machowecz from weekly newspaper Die Zeit. "And here's someone who's come along, got involved and made sure that we've now reached the same standard as in West Germany in an area of society that's important." What RB as a club lacks in sporting history, its home city and its stadium provide. Lokomotive Leipzig became a household name when they beat Bordeaux in a penalty shoot-out to qualify for the final of the Uefa Cup Winners' Cup in 1987. The goalkeeper saved two penalties before stepping up to score the winner. Gerlinde Rohr, now director of the Leipzig Sports Museum, was among the reported 110,000 in the stadium that night. "I was there with a school mate and after Rene Mueller scored

Summary: Football hooliganism is nothing new in Germany, but when violence broke out before a Bundesliga match between two of the top clubs, this was something different.