He can clinch the decisive third point against David Goffin that would end a 79-year wait for a British victory. Should Goffin prevail, the best-of-five tie will come down to a deciding match. Media playback is not supported on this device Kyle Edmund is scheduled to meet Ruben Bemelmans, but James Ward and Steve Darcis remain options for captains Leon Smith and Johan van Herck in Ghent. Britain took a grip on the final when Andy and Jamie Murray beat Goffin and Darcis in Saturday's doubles. "I still think we have a very good chance in both of the matches tomorrow," said Andy Murray. "I'm not getting ahead of myself. I know how good a player Goffin is. You don't get to be ranked 15 in the world in today's game, with the depth that there is, if you're not pretty good." The weight of evidence makes Murray a strong favourite to complete the job on Sunday, and add the Davis Cup to the game's great prizes he has already won at Wimbledon, the US Open and Olympic Games. Murray, 28, has won both previous matches against Goffin in straight sets, at Wimbledon in 2014 and the Paris Masters earlier this month - that one a 6-1 6-0 drubbing. This third encounter will take place on the indoor clay of Flanders Expo, and with 90% of the crowd willing the Scot to lose. "I'm sure there will be nerves there, but I like being nervous," said Murray. "I think it helps me. It helps me concentrate. It helps me give a little bit more effort. It might only be a couple of percent, but it all makes a difference." Goffin, 24, has risen from outside the top 100 just 16 months ago to 16 in the world. He unexpectedly needed five sets to see off Edmund on Friday and then played four sets of doubles on Saturday, but insisted "physically, I'm feeling good". Goffin added: "I've never played against Andy on a clay court, so I'm going to try to play my best tennis. "Of course, I have nothing to lose. They lead 2-1 in the tie. I just have to give everything I have for the match. I think on a clay court I have some weapons to play a good match." Smith is within sight of guiding Britain to an historic Davis Cup victory, but remains focused on the task at hand. Ward and Edmund were out practising on court soon after the doubles ended on Saturday, and their captain said: "There's so much to be played - potentially two big matches. "But I would rather be having two shots rather than one." There is a very real possibility that Ward, who won a five-set thriller over American John Isner in the first round, would be called up for a deciding rubber. Van Herck has a similar dilemma, but Darcis declared himself available and the captain roused his players to make one last effort. "There's a huge task ahead of us," he said. "I think for every tennis player, it's

Summary: Andy Murray says the Davis Cup final is "far from over" as he tries to win the competition for Great Britain against Belgium on Sunday.


Britain's three remaining sides in the competition have reached this stage for the second successive season, with champions Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona also still in. The draw takes place at 11:00 GMT in Nyon, Switzerland. Liverpool, who failed to qualify, join Celtic, Everton and Tottenham in the following Europa League last-32 draw. Chelsea will be in pot one after winning their group, while Manchester City and Arsenal join the group runners-up in pot two. No teams that progressed from the same group or are from the same country can be drawn against each other, so among the sides Jose Mourinho's side could meet are Serie A champions Juventus and French champions Paris St-Germain. Manchester City, who won 2-0 at Roma on Wednesday to qualify, and Arsenal's list of potential opponents include La Liga champions Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and Barcelona. The Gunners could also be drawn against Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, who topped Manchester City's group. Liverpool, Tottenham and Celtic could face difficult ties in the last 32 of the Europa League after not being seeded for the draw. Tottenham and Celtic were second in their Europa League groups while Liverpool dropped down from the Champions League after finishing third in their group. That leaves Everton as the only seeded British team in the draw for the last 32, joining the likes of Inter Milan, Napoli and Zenit St Petersburg. The Toffees could potentially be drawn against Celtic in an England v Scotland tie. The draws will be covered live by the BBC Sport website. Europa League last 32 Seeded teams: Borussia Monchengladbach (GER), Club Brugge (BEL), Besiktas (TUR), Salzburg (AUT), Dinamo Moscow (RUS), Inter Milan (ITA), Feyenoord (NED), Everton (ENG), Napoli (ITA), Dynamo Kiev (UKR), Fiorentina (ITA), Legia Warsaw (POL), Olympiakos (GRE), Sporting Lisbon (POR), Athletic Bilbao (ESP), Zenit St Petersburg (RUS). Unseeded teams: Villarreal (ESP), Torino (ITA), Tottenham Hotspur (ENG), Celtic (SCO), PSV Eindhoven (NED), Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (UKR), Sevilla (ESP), VfL Wolfsburg (GER), Young Boys (SUI), Aalborg (DEN), Guingamp (FRA), Trabzonspor (TUR), Anderlecht (BEL), Ajax (NED), Liverpool (ENG), Roma (ITA).

Summary: Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are in Monday's draw for the Champions League last 16.


Two Foxes fans were arrested during their team's 2-0 home win over the Seagulls on Saturday. Brighton Supporters Club's vice chair said such chanting was "disgusting" and the club should be fined and anyone responsible banned from the stadium. The chairman of Foxes Pride said abuse was "offensive" and "unacceptable". Brighton is a city well known for having a substantial lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Liz Costa from Brighton & Hove Albion Supporters Club said about 50 Leicester fans took part in the "disgusting" chanting throughout most of the match at the King Power Stadium. She said: "The club needs fining, this has nothing to do with football. "[The chanting] lets the whole club down and damages their reputation. I feel I never want to visit [the stadium] again. "Those responsible need to be identified and banned." She added that Leicester's stewards were "very good" and reacted quickly. Graeme Smith from Foxes Pride said: "There are some forums where people are saying you need to get over it, you need to get a life, it's only a bit of banter, but its not, it's offensive and it's unacceptable." Leicester fan Chris Whiting, who is gay, said the "shocking" chanting by his fellow supporters made him feel unsafe. Both the Football Association and the Premier League have been approached for comment. Paul Mortimer from anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said: "It's about education more than anything, making people aware of the impact that this has on their own fans. "Within football clubs there are LGBT communities and imagine what they will be feeling when a section of fans are saying this horrible language in their presence." Leicester City said it was "disappointed" about what happened but satisfied stewards reacted "swiftly and appropriately" and those responsible were ejected and reported to police. A 44-year-old man has been charged with indecent chanting under Section 3 of the Football Offences Act and is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Thursday. A second man aged 21 who was arrested on suspicion of making obscene gestures was given a caution.

Summary: Supporters of both clubs have condemned homophobic abuse after anti-gay chanting was heard during Leicester's match against Brighton.


Nigeria international Ighalo, who has now scored 20 goals in 24 league games in 2015, beat Tim Krul at the near post for the 26-year-old's first early on. The striker then took Troy Deeney's pass to round Krul before the break. Daryl Janmaat gave Newcastle a lifeline from close range but Steve McClaren's side struggled to create chances despite moving off the bottom. The Magpies overtook fellow strugglers Sunderland after their 2-0 defeat by Bournemouth, representing one of the few positives on another miserable day for home supporters at St James' Park. They have seen their team win only three of 25 Premier League games in 2015 and despite a second-half improvement led almost single-handedly by Dutch right-back Janmaat, they have only scored three goals in six league games this season. Their depressing form matches last term when Newcastle were winless in their first seven league games before winning five in succession under former boss Alan Pardew. Click here to relive Watford's victory over Newcastle Click here for reaction from all of Saturday's games Former England boss McClaren said before the match that trying to turn around the fortunes of Newcastle, who narrowly missed out on relegation last season, was "a little bit like a car crash". Media playback is not supported on this device And his side looked bereft of drive in the first half where Watford broke quickly and had the finishing touch required in the form of the impressive Ighalo. Newcastle repeatedly attacked down the wings, but with only four of 40 crosses finding their target, and Papiss Cisse being withdrawn at half-time after missing one decent chance, there was a lack of cutting edge. Florian Thauvin was the most lively of Newcastle's attackers but it took Janmaat's intervention to get them back into the game, the full-back finishing well after a one-two with Moussa Sissoko. Boos rang out from some home supporters at the end of the game, and with Chelsea and Manchester City up next, McClaren's task is not about to get any easier. Ighalo provided the composure in front of goal that Newcastle were lacking as he extended a fabulous scoring run that has made him the most prolific striker in England's top four divisions this year. However, he was indebted to Watford skipper Troy Deeney, who was tireless in his support play and set up the second goal with a clever ball in behind the Newcastle defence. Three of Ighalo's four Premier League goals this season have been assisted by his strike partner. Deeney was not alone in putting in an impressive shift for the visitors. Once Watford had established their lead they defended superbly as Newcastle threatened from the flanks. A solid display by the Hornets' back four was aided by convincing performances from defensive midfielders Etienne Capoue and Ben Watson, who made his first Premier League start of the season. Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores was beaming at full-time, and with good cause after a performance in which his players always seemed to offer support to team-mates, whether in attack or defence. Newcastle

Summary: Newcastle's winless start to the season continued as Odion Ighalo's double led Watford to a second successive victory.


Turnout: 394,990 valid votes (42.5%) Second preference votes are only used if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote. The top two candidates then receive the second preference votes from their eliminated opponents. Also see: South Wales Police is the largest Welsh police force area by population - some 1.2m people live within it. It covers everything from Swansea to Cardiff and includes Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Vale of Glamorgan and Merthyr Tydfil. There are 2,937 officers that work in South Wales Police, with 1,746 support staff and 406 community support officers. The force's chief constable is Peter Vaughan, with Matt Jukes serving as deputy chief constable. The total force budget for 2016/17 is £258.9m. The precept is £207.85 for band D properties. That compares to £200.07 in Dyfed-Powys, £220.06 in Gwent and £240.12 in North Wales Police force areas. The force has current projected savings of £5.4m in 2016/17 with a projected cut in staff numbers of 21. There were 89,864 crimes recorded in south Wales between September 2014 and September 2015, a rise of 4% on the year before. Violence against the person rose by 23%, although all police forces apart from one recorded a rise in the category of offences. Sexual offences rose by 11%, while burglary offences fell by 5%. Theft offences fell by 6%, while criminal damage and arson fell by 1%. The last annual inspection of police forces by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) said South Wales Police was good at preventing crime and antisocial behaviour and had a good understanding of local neighbourhoods. HMIC said the force is good at identifying and tackling serious and organised crime groups.

Summary: Labour's Alun Michael has been re-elected as South Wales police and crime commissioner.


The Dow Jones industrial average slipped 5.23 points to 16,995.13. The S&P 500 gained 0.31 points to 1,989.57, while the tech-focused Nasdaq index fell 12.22 points to 4,662.16. US markets mirrored those in Europe after ECB head Mario Draghi said the bank would expand stimulus measures, but did not expect further rate cuts. Shares in mobile payment company Square fell 6.1%. The company reported on Wednesday that it had seen growth in payment volume over the fourth quarter, but also increasing operating expenses. Dollar General shares rose 10.7% after the company reported profits of $376m. Its discount competitor Dollar Tree saw its share price rise 4%.

Summary: (Close): US stocks finished mostly lower following a turbulent trading day and an announcement of new stimulus from the European Central Bank.


Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu told reporters there had been "a mistake... in tax planning" in connection with the transfer. Barcelona had been accused of tax fraud over the signing, which it denied. Neymar and his father are also being investigated over alleged tax fraud, which they also deny. "We have had to accept paying a €5.5m fine due to a mistake in the 2011 and 2013 tax planning in the signing of Neymar," Mr Bartomeu said. "It was better to accept this agreement than continue on with the uncertainty that has dragged on for a long time over the Neymar case." Barcelona made a voluntary tax payment of €13.5m in 2014 after being charged with tax fraud over the signing, but denied any wrongdoing. Neymar, whose full name is Neymar da Silva Santos Junior, joined Barcelona in June 2013 after a successful career with the Brazilian club, Santos. Barcelona said it paid €57m (£43m) for the forward, with the player's parents receiving €40m and Santos €17m. But investigators said the fee was closer to €83m and that Barcelona had concealed part of the deal. The club denied the claim. Earlier this month, Spanish prosecutors called for Neymar to be tried for fraud. They allege that the player and his father hid the true value of the transfer from Santos to Barcelona. A Brazilian investment fund, which held 40% of Neymar's sporting rights when he played at Santos, argues it was deprived of its full share of the transfer deal. Neymar is also being investigated for tax evasion in Brazil.

Summary: Barcelona football club has agreed to pay a €5.5m (£4.3m) fine over the transfer of Brazil international Neymar in 2013.


The boy, named locally as Reggie, was attacked at a house in Falkland Road at about 04:15 BST. He was taken to hospital where he later died. Police said the small terrier dog had been removed from the address and was likely to be destroyed. Northumbria Police said a 30-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident. A family member, who did not want be identified, said the baby's mother - named locally as Maria Blacklin - was not in the house when the youngster was attacked. The man said the baby's mother never left her son alone with the dog and she was devastated by what had happened. A neighbour said the baby was a "lovely bairn". She said: "They're all right [the family], they're no bother and his wife, she looks after them bairns, she was over the moon with her little boy. "It's a shock more than anything else, I cannot get over it. It's shocking." Flowers have been laid against the front wall of the house, along with cards bearing messages of support. Superintendent Gillian Mitchell said: "As you can appreciate, we have concerns with regards to the care of the child at the time this incident occurred. "They [the family] are absolutely devastated as you would imagine, it's tragic to lose a child at any stage, but in these circumstances it is just unbelievable. "They are receiving support... it is a very difficult time, the officers attending the scene this morning were faced with quite a significant incident to deal with. "It's a tragic isolated incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the baby and indeed our officers who have dealt with this incident." Police said additional officers were in the area to provide reassurance to support the public during an "horrendous time in the community". A police car remains parked directly outside the front of the property. Police said the family's dog posed no threat to the wider public and is now in secure kennels. More than 200,000 people a year are estimated to be bitten by dogs in England, according to research for the British Medical Journal. Since 2005, 22 people have been killed by dogs in the UK, 12 of them children, according to the Office for National Statistics. Everybody you speak to in this quiet tree-lined street knows the family of little Reggie. His proud mum had introduced him to their neighbours in recent days. They also knew the family had a dog, a small terrier which they believed had a good temperament. It obviously didn't. Those same neighbours have spent the afternoon leaving flowers outside the three week old baby's home - many of them in tears. "He was a bonny little lad", one of them remarked. A relative came by to tell us the terrier dog was usually kept in a brick outhouse at night. He couldn't understand why the dog was in the house. He also told us the dog was always well behaved around the other children in the home. The animal is

Summary: A three-week-old baby boy has died after being bitten by a dog in Sunderland.


Munster sealed a dramatic late victory against Tandy's side as Dave Kilcoyne touched down to score the winning try. Tandy was frustrated with two incidents from the game where he feels his players were unfairly tackled. "You just want consistency. That's something we probably didn't get [against Munster]," he said. Speaking after the defeat, which ended their 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions, he continued: "There are question marks over the officiating - definitely." Tandy was not happy with was what he felt was an illegal no-arms challenge on Ospreys centre Ashley Beck by Francis Saili in the second half. The Ospreys coach was also unhappy where, in the last movement of the game, referee Marius Mitrea again called for TMO Stefano Penne, to adjudicate on a suspected high tackle from Munster replacement hooker Kevin O'Byrne on scrum-half Brendon Leonard. It was not deemed to be a high tackle, however, but Tandy believed it was similar to an incident earlier in the game when prop Rhodri Jones was penalised. "We'd like some explanation on no-arms tackles and on the consistency of high shots - when you look at Rhodri Jones's in the first half and the ones at the back end of the game," he continued. "You just have to question the protocols and what they are looking at and how far back. They don't want to listen to players when they are asking the question. "But then they are missing things. I don't even know whether they looked at the no-arm tackle. That would probably be something that's frustrating for us." "At the end of the day it is getting borderline ridiculous when you look at it. But if you are going to be consistent that's something you just want. You could argue both of them are not high tackles, the way the game has gone." Despite being unhappy with the refereeing in the game, Tandy admits that his side should have seen the match out and keep the pressure on Munster and Leinster. "For us, it would be easy to go down the referee route around certain aspects of the game," he said. "But, ultimately, I think there was enough in our game today to win that match."

Summary: Ospreys head coach Steve Tandy says there are some "question marks" over the officiating in their 23-25 Pro12 defeat by Munster.


Karoo national park authorities had originally considered putting Sylvester down but will now rehouse the animal away from male competition. The lion's plight was highlighted in a Twitter campaign in South Africa. Sylvester will now join two young female lions in Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape province. Sylvester escaped at the end of March by crawling under an electric fence after heavy rain dislodged earth, a park spokesperson said at the time. It is thought three-year-old Sylvester was running away from threatening older males. The move will establish him as the dominant male, said Fundisile Mketeni, CEO of South Africa National Parks. "There is always a risk that this lion may break out again but this will be mitigated to a large extent by reducing any potential conflict with other males," Mr Mketeni added. Last June, Sylvester went on a three-week sheep-killing spree, wandering 300km (180 miles) before he was found taking a nap by rangers and airlifted from the Nuweveld Mountains. When he was found he was fitted with a tracking collar. The second time he escaped, rescuers followed the signal from his collar to find him high up in the mountains in Western Cape again. He was tranquilised and airlifted by helicopter, an operation the park authorities captured on video. He had been away for four days.

Summary: A South African lion called Sylvester who twice fled a national park will be rehoused rather than put down, and encouraged to become an alpha male.


Archibald, 22, dominated the event, with Dutch rider Kirsten Wild second and Belgium's Lotte Kopecky third. That came 24 hours after she won her third consecutive women's individual pursuit title, having gained silver in Thursday's elimination race. The Scottish cyclist won gold in the pursuit quartet at the Olympics in Rio.

Summary: British Olympic champion Katie Archibald won omnium gold at the European Track Championships, her second title in two nights in Paris.


Umpires Ian Gould and Richard Illingworth, the former Worcestershire and England slow left-armer, made several inspections. But the previous day's incessant rain had left an already wet outfield totally sodden at New Road. Overnight frost on the covers also led to melting ice dripping onto the pitch. The two sides still hope to get underway promptly on Monday morning (11:00 BST). Worcestershire assistant coach Matt Mason: "We can't do anything about it. It's one of those things that is out of our control. "We have given the ground a good chance to dry out today and it has not quite done it. Player safety has got to come first." Kent captain Sam Northeast: "It's extremely frustrating. After four weeks of preparation in pre-season, we get to the first day and we are unable to play and the sun's out as well. "The boys are raring to go, so it's pretty disappointing. We hoped for the best but looking at the ground this morning, we knew it was going to be tough to get on."

Summary: Worcestershire and Kent spent a frustrating first day of the new County Championship season before play was called off in mid-afternoon.


"What time does your website close?" in Poole and "Can I exercise my kestrel on your tip?" in Nottingham are among the top ten bizarre calls of the last year. Three of ten were made in Somerset, including: "What are the rules and regulations for hosting a mouse race?" Councils are people's "first port of call" whatever the query, says the LGA. The Local Government Association said councils' customer service hubs in England and Wales handled more than 50 million calls a year - the bulk of which are about council tax and parking. But it compiled its top ten of the "slightly amusing to the outright bizarre" queries received in the past 12 months. Peter Fleming, of the LGA, said: "These light-hearted examples of calls highlight the variety of issues that councils deal with every day."

Summary: Questions on everything from James Bond villains to Great British Bake Off cake tins have been received by council call centres in England.


Officers were called to Salford Royal Hospital at about 23:45 GMT on Friday by staff who reported a 28-year-old had been admitted with stab wounds to his neck, shoulder and chest. He had been helped to the hospital by friends after being attacked on Edward Street. Det Sgt Julie Connor said it was a "brutal attack" with an unknown motive. "What we do know from the doctors is that the victim is lucky to by alive and if his friends had not intervened, he would probably have died from blood loss," she said. The man's attacker was described as being white, in his early 20s, and of average height and slim build, with brown hair cut in a 1960s style and a scruffy beard or moustache. He was said to be wearing a blue top with a circle emblem on the front and blue jeans, and was carrying a large carving knife. Det Sgt Connor said anyone with information about the attack should contact police.

Summary: A man who suffered "numerous stab wounds" in an attack in Salford is "lucky to be alive", police have said.


They were trying to block an anti-terrorism bill which they said threatened personal freedoms. But they gave up on Wednesday fearing a public backlash, as the prolonged anti-terror proceedings were delaying the passing of other important bills. The previous world record of 57 hours was set by a Canadian party in 2011. The end of the filibuster in Seoul means that a bill backed by the ruling Saenuri Party, which holds the majority of seats in parliament, will be put to a vote and is likely to be passed. The legislation allows intelligence services to collect a wide range of personal information - including phone records - on anyone deemed to pose a security risk. Opposition parties said it would violate privacy rights and could be used to stifle political dissent. Filibustering is a parliamentary delaying tactic by which MPs drag out speeches to the end of the allocated time, so that no vote can be held. South Korea's filibuster was spearheaded by main opposition party Minjoo which was joined by other smaller parties, and began last Tuesday, 23 February. Their tactics included reading out lengthy academic articles in full as well as news articles and internet comments, staging elaborate and rambling monologues and even reading from George Orwell's novel 1984. Some lawmakers were spotted wearing trainers, while others reportedly refrained from drinking water so that they could cut down on loo breaks. Still others were seen dozing off in their seats during the marathon session. The longest speech made was by Jung Cheong-rae, who spoke for 11 hours 39 minutes. They would have succeeded if they had managed to hold out until the end of the parliamentary session at midnight on 10 March. But as the days wore on they faced increasing public criticism, as the filibuster was delaying the passage of bills on North Korean human rights and electoral districts for April's general election. But President Park Geun-hye had argued such measures were necessary and condemned the filibuster as "nothing more than a dereliction of duty". "The National Assembly is nearly paralysed at a time when people's lives and safety are exposed to terror threats," she said in a televised speech on Tuesday, according to Yonhap. Filibustering around the world How do you talk for 24 hours non-stop?

Summary: South Korean opposition lawmakers have ended a parliamentary filibuster that lasted 192 hours, which is believed to have set a new world record.


The bill promises new powers for Wales, but there have been claims it would reduce AMs law-making powers. First Minister Carwyn Jones recommended AMs vote for the bill, saying it could be improved but "takes Wales forward". But Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood suggested Wales had been "backed into a corner" over the legislation. The vote was 38-17 in favour of the bill. The Wales Bill offers to extend the transfer of powers over tax, energy, transport and the assembly's own affairs. Labour - the largest group with 29 of the 60 assembly seats - agreed on Monday to back the legislation despite reservations. It was joined in supporting the bill by the Conservatives, ensuring the motion to give consent to the bill passed. UKIP and Plaid Cymru opposed the law - UKIP voted against because it devolved income tax without a referendum and Plaid because of the claimed "roll-back" in assembly powers. The Wales Bill introduces a system of powers that are reserved to Westminster - such as defence and foreign affairs - with everything else assumed to be devolved. But some have claimed that the new devolution model is unclear and have criticised the large list of reservations. In a debate on the bill in the Senedd, the first minister said: "On balance, I believe it is in the best interests of Wales as we look at dealing with the issue of Brexit that we take what is on offer today." Mr Jones said the bill should be seen as "another step on what is a long journey of devolution". However he said there was "a need for improvement" in some areas, such as the lack of devolution of air passenger duty. He added it was "not possible to conclude that the reserved powers model, welcome though it is in theory, is fit for purpose in the long term". "There is no other country that I know of where two legislatures exist in the same jurisdiction", he said. "It's possible in the future that somebody might be arrested in Cardiff for something that is not an offence in Wales." Plaid Cymru decided at a group meeting on Tuesday to oppose the bill. Sian Gwenllian, Simon Thomas and Elin Jones voted in favour, with the rest of the group against. Ms Wood told the debate Plaid was voting against the Wales Bill "with a heavy heart". "We never want to see Wales backed into a corner again," she said. Her party supported the fiscal framework on Wales' funding negotiated between the UK and Welsh governments, she said. But she added: "The UK Government did not have to tie the fiscal framework to a bill that would restrict our ability to make laws. "The public finances of Wales should not be conditional on accepting a worsened legislative framework." Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: "Is any bill perfect? No it's not. "But this bill offers a huge opportunity to take responsibility over energy, over transport, over electoral arrangements, over income tax - the list goes on." He said it was a

Summary: AMs have backed the UK Government's Wales Bill in a Senedd vote - meaning the next stage of devolution can become law.


The 35-year-old has been without a club since at the end of last season. Morrison scored nine goals in 36 games for Ireland and was part of their squad at the 2002 World Cup. The striker is available to play for Exeter in their League Two game at Accrington on Friday night. Morrison began his career at Palace in 1997 and scored 71 goals in 181 games before moving to Birmingham City for club-record fee of £4.25m in 2002. After three seasons at St Andrews he returned to Palace for £2m before moving to Coventry City in 2008. He spent two seasons at the Ricoh Arena before moving on to Sheffield Wednesday, and after loans at MK Dons and Brentford, joined Colchester in 2012.

Summary: Exeter City have signed former Republic of Ireland, Crystal Palace and Birmingham City striker Clinton Morrison on non-contract terms.


"Another terrorist attack in Paris," Mr Trump wrote. "The people of France will not take much more of this. Will have a big effect on presidential election!" The previous day, during a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Mr Trump had quickly labelled the incident a "terrorist attack" - before even French authorities had done so. "It's a very, very terrible thing that is going on in the world today," Mr Trump said. "And what can you say? It just never ends. We have to be strong and we have to be vigilant, and I've been saying it for a long time." That last line is certainly true. While the dynamics of French politics are decidedly different from those in the US, Mr Trump may recall that another incident in Paris - the November 2015 mass shooting at the Bataclan theatre - helped solidify his lead in the polls leading into the Republican presidential primaries. "Everyone is now saying how right I was with illegal immigration and the wall," he tweeted several days after the attack two years ago. "After Paris, they're all on the bandwagon." Mr Trump did not mention her by name, but the president seems to be predicting the Champs-Elysees shooting will be a boost for French nationalist candidate Marine Le Pen, who has campaigned on deporting suspected Islamic militants and a French withdrawal from the European Union. Although Mr Trump has not formally met the French presidential candidate, she is close to some of the same advisers who helped craft the president's populist message during his campaign last year and was spotted in Trump Tower during the presidential transition in January. Breitbart News, which was an early supporter of Mr Trump's improbable presidential bid, has also warmly covered Ms Le Pen's efforts. "A new world is emerging, global equilibriums are being redefined by the fact of Trump's election," Ms Le Pen said the day after Mr Trump's presidential victory. "Their world is crumbling; ours is being built." While critics may view Mr Trump's Friday morning tweet as an unwelcome effort to influence the politics of another nation, the reality is slightly more complicated than that. Earlier on Thursday former President Barack Obama spoke with another leading French candidate, Emmanuel Macron, who has campaigned in favour of a strong European Union and open borders. "The main message I have is to wish you all the best in the coming days." Mr Obama said in an edited video of the call that Mr Macron posted on Twitter. "And make sure, as you said, that you work very hard all the way through because you never know, it might be that last day of campaigning that makes all the difference." "Let's keep defending our progressive values," Mr Macron wrote. "Thank you for this discussion @BarackObama". In other words, the French election - from an American perspective, at least - could be setting up a proxy battle between the current and former president and their competing views of economic nationalism versus liberal globalism. A similar dynamic played out during

Summary: On Friday morning Donald Trump dipped his presidential toe into French electoral politics, tweeting about the possible impact of the Paris shooting on Thursday that resulted in one police officer dead and two seriously wounded.


Laura Whittle, third at the British trials, joins compatriots Steph Twell and Eilish McColgan in the 5,000m. Hammer throwers Mark Dry and Chris Bennett have also been granted selectors' picks for places in Rio. It is the highest Scottish representation in track and field since the 1908 London Games, with GB sending an 80-strong team to Brazil. Twell and McColgan were among eight athletes from Scotland who booked their places at the trials in Birmingham last month, with three marathon runners selected in April. Just five Scottish runners made it to London 2012. Team GB will be looking to improve on a haul of six medals from four years ago. Scots in the GB athletics team for Rio 2016: Callum Hawkins, Tsegai Tewelde, Derek Hawkins - marathon Beth Potter - 10,000m Andrew Butchart - 5,000m Eilidh Doyle - 400m Hurdles, 4x400m Relay Lennie Waite - 3,000m Steeplechase Laura Muir - 1500m Chris O'Hare - 1500m Lynsey Sharp - 800m Steph Twell, Eilish McColgan, Laura Whittle - 5,000m Chris Bennett, Mark Dry - hammer

Summary: Three more Scots have been added to the Great Britain Olympic athletics team, taking the total up to 15.


The world number two is 18 years, four months and 20 days old. The previous record was held by American Morgan Pressel, who was 18 years, 10 months and nine days old when she won the Kraft Nabisco in 2007. Ko shot eight birdies in a final round of 63 to finish on 16 under par, with American Lexi Thompson on 10 under. In February, aged 17, Ko became the youngest player to reach the top of the rankings and she also holds the record as the youngest winner on the LPGA Tour after her Canadian Open victory as a 15-year-old amateur in 2012. It was Ko's last opportunity to beat the age record as she would have been too old by the next major, the ANA Inspiration, in April. "It has been such an unbelievable experience," Ko told Sky Sports. "Now everybody won't ask me when I will win my first major because it is done. "It is definitely one of the top rounds of my whole life." Ko had started the day in third place, two shots behind overnight leader Lee Mi-hyang of South Korea. Tournament organisers decide to use split tees, using the first and the 10th, due to the threat of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon. Lee's challenge faded and she finished tied for fourth place, nine shots behind Ko, after carding a three over par 74. England's Charley Hull was six over for the day and finished tied for 38th place, while Republic of Ireland amateur Leona Maguire was tied for 34th.

Summary: New Zealand's Lydia Ko has become the youngest winner of a major with a six-stroke victory at the Evian Championship in France on Sunday.


The 84-year-old, who played the British spy in seven films between 1973 and 1985, praised Craig's performances in his new book, Bond on Bond. "I loved Casino Royale and Daniel Craig. He is a wonderful actor, certainly the best actor to play Bond," he said. He added he thought the 44-year-old had "the best build of any Bond". Recalling his years as 007, the veteran actor said: "Back then I could leap out of a chair without fear of my knees cracking. "[I] could chew a toffee without fear of losing a tooth; could admire my flowing locks and my bronzed, slim torso. "With a twitch of the old eyebrow I set pulses racing across the world, they say. These days it's my pacemaker that keeps my pulse racing." Craig's third Bond film, Skyfall, is due for release in the UK on 26 October. A new trailer for the movie was unveiled last month, showing Bond being "killed" in action and his boss M typing up his obituary. It also gave fans the first glimpse of Bond villain Silva - played by Oscar winner Javier Bardem - in action.

Summary: Sir Roger Moore has said he believes Daniel Craig is the best actor to have played James Bond.


The visitors raced into a three-goal first-half lead at Hampden. Weatherson opened the scoring with an unstoppable 15th-minute free-kick, and he made it 2-0 in the 27th minute. Matt Flynn made it 3-0 six minutes later with a fine finish. Queen's pulled a consolation goal back in stoppage time through John Carter.

Summary: Peter Weatherson netted a brace as Annan recorded only their second win in eight matches.


Media playback is unsupported on your device 16 December 2014 Last updated at 18:06 GMT With a rented boom box the pair took to the streets, filming passers-by in Accra, school children in Akim and the landscapes of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. "People were just so excited and happy. When people hear music and a beat they want to dance. You don't have to ask. They will just come and dance and jump in front of your camera," says Ollie Williams, one of The Busy Twist duo. Inspired by highlife, reggae and dance sounds emanating from Ghana's streets and clubs, the track represents something different from digitally driven dance music.

Summary: London DJs The Bush Twist shot a music video of their track Friday Night around Ghana.


Wurz, 41, retired as a racing driver this week and has been asked by owner Stephen Fitzpatrick to run the team. The Austrian said: "I was approached. I would have preferred it not be out in public but I can't deny it." Wurz would not say whether he would accept the role, which would be senior to the new one created for Ryan. Manor team boss John Booth and sporting director Graeme Lowdon have resigned and their last race with the team will be the season finale in Abu Dhabi later this month. Neither has said why they have chosen to quit but it seems they have lost confidence in the management of Fitzpatrick. Ryan spent 34 years at McLaren before being forced to resign following the 'lie-gate' scandal in 2009, when he and Lewis Hamilton were found to have misled race stewards at the Australian Grand Prix. It is widely believed in F1 that Ryan was not responsible for the incident, but was forced to take public responsibility. He received a substantial redundancy payment from McLaren and has recently been running a team of McLaren cars in sportscar racing. Ryan, 61, said: "I'm very excited to be joining the Manor Marussia F1 Team at a pivotal time in their development. Media playback is not supported on this device "Having spent time with Stephen, and understood his vision for the future, it is clear he has ensured there is a strong platform from which the team can make big steps forward in the seasons ahead. "Manor has all the hallmarks of a fiercely competitive racing team, but having grown up in a much more contemporary Formula 1 era, it is a very lean operation with a collaborative culture, which leaves it well placed to contend with the sport's future direction. "There is clearly a big challenge ahead and a lot of work to do, but I can't wait to meet the wider team and get down to business." Full qualifying results Brazilian GP coverage details

Summary: Manor want former grand prix driver Alexander Wurz to be their team principal and have named ex-McLaren man Dave Ryan as racing director.


Citizens Advice said that hidden charges such as line rental and delivery costs could add Â£20 a month to the advertised price. It highlighted one case in which a customer would pay Â£465 more than the amount advertised during a contract. The trade body for internet service providers, ISPA, said broadband prices were "clearly presented". Nicholas Lansman, ISPA secretary-general, said: "It is important that customers look at the full terms of an offer when choosing a provider. "Ofcom recently concluded that the UK has one of the most competitive broadband markets among major European economies, as the average price of a fixed broadband package has fallen by 40% and speeds have greatly increased." Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said confusing teaser rates and hidden costs made it difficult for consumers to work out whether they were getting a good deal. "Internet providers need to be upfront about broadband costs, ensuring adverts are transparent and people know what they are signing up to," she said. "Some broadband firms are starting to accept that prices need to be clearer. Now the whole industry needs to up its game." The charity said that line rental was the most expensive additional cost. The ISPA said that service providers using the BT network were required to levy a line rental charge, which went toward maintaining the network used by most of the UK for both phone calls and broadband. The report comes as Virgin Media was criticised by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for one of its broadband adverts. Two customers complained that they had signed up to the operator's 12-month broadband contracts only to be told that their monthly charges would be increasing during the minimum term. They said this was misleading. The company argued that it could not predict price rises at the start of a contract and so was unable to advertise potential increases.

Summary: Teaser deals in adverts are masking the long-term cost of broadband packages, a charity has claimed.


The Olympic bronze medallist split the strong Chinese pair of Aisen Chen, who took gold, and Qiu Bo to improve on his bronze-winning performance in Windsor, Canada a week ago. "There are still things I have to improve, but I'm very happy with the silver medal," said 21-year-old Daley. "It was fun to battle against Chinese divers to see who can come out on top." He added on fina.org: "This is the last chance to compete against them before Rio. That's exciting and nice to know that going into Olympic Games I can be very close to the Chinese." Attention now switches to the European Aquatics Championships in London next month, a key part of Daley's preparations for Rio. "It will be a very special competition," said Daley. "I live in London, train in London. But it's going to be tough."

Summary: Great Britain's Tom Daley claimed silver in the men's 10m platform at the Diving World Series in Kazan, Russia.


Eight people were arrested after raids on homes in the Midlands and south of England in September 2014. Warwickshire Police believe Chinese and Malaysian women were being brought into the UK to be exploited. Some of the eight have been charged with running brothels while others face charges relating to money laundering. They have all been bailed to appear before Leamington Spa Magistrates' Court on 2 December. The ring was discovered after a property in Nuneaton was investigated, said police. Two homes in Nottingham were raided, two in Warwickshire, and one each in Reading, Slough, Wolverhampton, Torquay and Finchley, in London.

Summary: Members of an alleged nationwide prostitution ring which forced trafficked women to work in brothels have been charged, said police.


Boyce, 27, who had a couple of spells with Glentoran, had spent this season on loan at Dungannon Swifts after being put on the transfer list at Coleraine. Last June, Coleraine boss Oran Kearney said Boyce was not in his plans and the player was not given a squad number. "We are delighted to get someone of Darren's ability," said Ballymena United manager Glenn Ferguson. "He will add quality to our front line and score goals." Earlier this week, Ballymena signed former Linfield defender Jim Ervin, also on a 30-month deal. United said both players would be eligible to make their Sky Blues debuts in Saturday's Irish Cup fifth round match away to Championship One side H&W Welders. The match at Tillysburn has a 13:30 GMT kick-off. Meanwhile, on Thursday night, Linfield midfielder Brian McCaul signed for Glenavon. McCaul was Linfield's top scorer last season but had not commanded a regular place this term. He had previously been at Glenavon on loan and has signed an 18-month deal at Mourneview Park.

Summary: Ballymena have announced the signing of winger Darren Boyce from Coleraine on a two-and-a-half year contract.


Lagavulin is launching a single cask edition of 522 bottles of its single malt to raise funds for local projects. Sales of the £1,494 bottles are set to see £310,000 donated to Islay Heritage to help build a story of the island's past based on its archaeological sites. The Finlaggan Trust, which maintains the historical home of the Lord of the Isles, should also receive £60,000. The Lagavulin 200 Legacy is set to make further contributions to the local swimming pool, cyber cafe and arts and festival organisations, as well as a new partnership with the RSPB to restore and conserve peatlands on the island. Nick Morgan, of Lagavulin's owners Diageo, said: "We have had a fantastic year celebrating the 200th anniversary of Lagavulin, both on Islay and with the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who adore the whisky. "Islay and its remarkable local community are at the heart of Lagavulin. "That's why we were determined there should be a legacy from the anniversary which would directly benefit the island and its people. "We believe that our contribution to Islay Heritage is not only of great significance to the island itself but is an important contribution to conserving and promoting the history and heritage of Scotland." Bottles of the Lagavulin 1991 Single Malt Scotch Whisky cask can only be purchased through an online ballot on The Whisky Exchange. The first bottle will be auctioned separately to raise more charitable funds, and one bottle will be donated to the Diageo Archive and the Whisky Exchange. Steven Mithen, trustee of Islay Heritage and professor of archaeology, said: "Islay Heritage is hugely grateful to the Lagavulin 200 Legacy for the support it is providing to further our knowledge about the archaeological sites and monuments on Islay. "This investment in our heritage will greatly benefit both the local community and visitors to the island. "While some of Islay's sites and monuments are very well known and accessible, others are virtually unknown, difficult to find and rarely visited. "There are no doubt many more waiting to be discovered which will help tell us more about not only Islay's story but that of Scotland, Europe and the path of human culture as a whole. "We are delighted that Lagavulin shares our vision to reveal Islay's past so that it can be explored and enjoyed by everyone."

Summary: A whisky distillery plans to invest £580,000 in community projects to mark its 200 years on the island of Islay.


A senior executive at the Wall Street giant, Daniel Pinto, said that "hundreds" of staff may move to Dublin, Frankfurt and Luxembourg. However, it is understood that the number of people who would be relocated involves between 500 and 1,000 jobs. Earlier, Standard Chartered bank said it was in talks with German regulators about making Frankfurt its Europe base. However, Standard said the impact on UK staff would be "minimal". Several global banks have announced in recent weeks that they will move some jobs out of London as part of contingency plans for when the UK leaves the EU. Speaking to Bloomberg News, Mr Pinto, head of investment banking at JP Morgan, said: "We are going to use the three banks we already have in Europe as the anchors for our operations. "We will have to move hundreds of people in the short term to be ready for day one, when negotiations finish, and then we will look at the longer-term numbers." JP Morgan's main offices in continental Europe are in Dublin, Frankfurt and Luxembourg, but it also has operations in Paris, Milan, Madrid and Stockholm. JP Morgan is widely reported to be in talks to buy a Dublin office big enough to hold more than 1,000 workers. Since the Brexit referendum last year, European cities have lined up to try and woo financial services companies to move operations there to continue serving European clients. Standard Chartered chairman Jose Vinals said on Wednesday: "We are looking at setting up a subsidiary in the EU to ensure we are prepared. "The choice of Frankfurt is very natural as we have a branch there and we do euro clearing there." However, a spokeswoman for the bank, which only has a small amount of business in Europe, said the impact on UK staff would be "minimal". Other financial services companies have announced plans to move workers out of London in case the UK fails to secure "passporting" rights for them to operate across EU borders after Brexit. Deutsche Bank said last week it could move up to 4,000 jobs out of the UK as a result of Brexit - nearly half its UK workforce. Barclays told the BBC the bank was preparing to add hundreds of staff to offices in Dublin, Frankfurt and Milan to counter Brexit risks to its European business. Goldman Sachs has confirmed it will move jobs away from London and bulk up its European presence by "hundreds of people" before a Brexit deal is struck. Insurers Lloyd's of London and Royal London are also setting up subsidiaries outside the UK. JP Morgan's Mr Pinto told Bloomberg: "We have to plan for a scenario where there is no UK-EU passporting deal, and we have to move a substantial portion of our business to continue serving our European clients. "We'll have to wait to see what kind of deal can be achieved and see what we need to do from there." He was speaking on the sidelines of a conference in Saudi Arabia. A JP Morgan spokesman confirmed Mr Pinto's remarks, but did

Summary: US bank JP Morgan could move up to 1,000 jobs out of London ahead of the UK's exit from the European Union.


He had rejected a move to Birmingham on Wednesday but has now agreed personal terms and passed his medical. Stewart, who was in the final year of his contract at at Dens Park, had scored six goals in three games for Dundee already this season. He could make his Blues debut in Saturday's Championship match at Leeds. Stewart is Birmingham's second signing of the week following the arrival of striker Che Adams from Sheffield United. Birmingham opened their Championship campaign with a goalless draw against Cardiff City and were knocked out of the EFL Cup by League One side Oxford United in Tuesday's first-round tie.

Summary: Birmingham City have signed Dundee forward Greg Stewart on a three-year deal for a fee believed to be around £500,000.


Fewer than 400 so-called neuro-technology patents a year had been filed in 2000-09, research company SharpBrains said. But that had doubled to 800 in 2010. And 1,600 such patents had been lodged in the US in 2014. Research company Nielsen holds the most neuro-technology patents - with 100. Microsoft holds 89 patents for software that can assess mental states. The expansion into non-medical uses represented a dawn of the "pervasive neuro-technology age", said SharpBrains chief executive Alvaro Fernandez. "Neuro-tech has gone well beyond medicine, with non-medical corporations, often under the radar, developing neuro-technologies to enhance work and life," he added. There has been a rise in the number of companies such as Thync, a start-up working to connect to the brain sensors that can alter mood in the same way as a coffee or energy drink. And there are moves afoot to come up with ways of controlling video games via brainwaves - such as a collaboration between EEG headset-maker Emotiv and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). There are also plenty of so-called neuro-marketing companies using with Electroencephalography (EEG) - a way of recording the electrical activity of the brain by placing sensors on the scalp - to try to find out what someone thinks about a new product or advert. Matt Wall, of the Centre for Imaging Science, at Hammersmith Hospital, said: "There probably are some decent companies doing work in that space, but there are a massive number of neuro-marketing companies that have sprung up in the last few years. "Because of the wide availability and low-cost of the EEG hardware these days, they all seek to define their [unique selling point] and intellectual property (ie patents) based on their fancy analysis techniques and claim to measure things like 'engagement' or 'interest' from EEG signals. "Any EEG researcher knows this is absolute rubbish, but they do succeed in producing fancy sciencey-looking graphs and results that appear convincing enough for the marketing people they're selling it to."

Summary: There has been a dramatic rise in the number of technology patents filed that relate to reading brainwaves.


Representatives from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, the Conservatives, Scottish Greens and UKIP will be in the studio panel. Presenter Sarah Smith, who will be chairing the debate, will put the questions you send in to the six guests. The politicians will tackle a range of subjects including the economy, welfare, defence, taxation, pensions and immigration. Email your questions to Scotland.2015@bbc.co.uk - Please put "election debate" in the message field. You can also post questions on social media by going to Scotland 2015's Twitter page @BBCScot2015

Summary: As polling day fast approaches, the BBC's Scotland 2015 programme is holding its final election debate featuring politicians answering your questions.


The base will be home to HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, the largest ships ever built for the navy. Work on Portsmouth's jetty, built in the 1920s and last upgraded in the 1970s, has begun, with upgrades expected to be completed next autumn. It forms part of a Â£100m infrastructure package to prepare the base for the arrival of the first carrier. HMS Queen Elizabeth measures 280m (300 yards) long and can travel up to 500 miles (800km) a day. The ship's systems are being tested and it will conduct sea trials next year before being handed over to the Royal Navy. It is expected to come into service in 2020. HMS Prince of Wales is being constructed at shipyards around the UK before it is assembled at Rosyth. Once completed, the revamped naval base is expected to create hundreds of jobs in Portsmouth. In November 2013, BAE Systems announced it was ending shipbuilding in Portsmouth, leading to 585 voluntary redundancies, 160 compulsory redundancies, and the redeployment of 175 members of staff.

Summary: The Royal Navy has released an image of planned improvements to a jetty at Portsmouth Naval Base.


One person died overnight after being hit by a freight train at the Channel Tunnel's Coquelles terminal, according to Eurotunnel. On Thursday a migrant, believed to be Syrian, died after being hit by a car on a motorway close to the tunnel. Their deaths bring to 16 the number of people killed in or near the tunnel trying to get to the UK since June. Emergency services have not yet been able to identify the latest victim's age or sex because of the severity of their injuries. Eurotunnel said: "Once again it is a very regrettable accident but it shows yet again the serious risks that are involved in trying to cross the Channel illegally. "The driver of the train has now been taken into the psychological support system that Eurotunnel operates for this kind of incident and the police will be looking after all other aspects." Eurotunnel said services from Folkestone were being delayed by about two hours. The situation in Calais is part of a wider migrant crisis across Europe, with huge numbers of people heading north from the Mediterranean. Several men have faced charges in recent months after allegedly walking the 31-mile (50.5km) length of the Channel Tunnel from Calais to the UK. New security measures were introduced at the tunnel's entrance in August to cut the number intrusion attempts, which reached 2,000 per night at their peak.

Summary: Two migrants believed to be trying to reach the UK from Calais in France have been killed over the past two days.


Police said the man was being held over alleged offensive behaviour. He is understood to be among those pictured in a recent police CCTV images appeal. Several appeals for information were made after toilets were vandalised at the game and offensive effigies of Rangers fans were hung from the stands. The match, which Celtic won 5-1, took place at Celtic Park on 10 September.

Summary: A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with disorder at the recent Celtic v Rangers game in Glasgow.


The Times reports that doctors in Kiev used a method called pronuclear transfer in what is a world first. It is not the first baby born with DNA from three parents, however. The baby girl, born on 5 January, is thought to be the world's second "modern three-parent baby" - another child was created using a slightly different method in Mexico last year. The Kiev team fertilised the mother's egg with her partner's sperm. They then transferred the combined genes into an egg taken from a donor. The child has the genetic identity of the parents, alongside a tiny amount of DNA from the second woman. Doctors developed three-person IVF to help women who are at risk of passing on serious genetic disorders, called mitochondrial disease, to have a healthy child. Eggs from a mother with unhealthy mitochondria and a donor with healthy mitochondria are collected. The Nadiya clinic in Kiev used the technique to treat an infertile couple, not a couple carrying a mitochondrial disease. UK experts said this was "highly experimental". Valery Zukin, who led the work, said they had a hunch it would work for the Ukrainian couple who had not been able to conceive with conventional IVF. He said he had a second patient - in a similar situation - who is expected to give birth in early March. The UK has already passed laws to allow three-person IVF for couples with mitochondrial diseases, although no such baby has been born in Britain yet. The science is new and controversial and raises ethical questions, including how any child from the technique might feel about having DNA from three people. Prof Adam Balen, chairman of the British Fertility Society, said: "Pronuclear transfer is highly experimental and has not been properly evaluated or scientifically proven. "We would be extremely cautious about adopting this approach to improve IVF outcomes."

Summary: A baby has been born to a previously infertile couple in Ukraine using a new type of "three-person IVF".


So, if you've been inspired by the action in Texas, why not grab your mates and give it a go yourself? Here former New York Giants team-mates Osi Umenyiora and Jason Bell, both of whom won the Super Bowl, give you their tips for starting your own game day. Media playback is not supported on this device Check out our rookie's guide to learn the key rules, the player positions and the ultimate aim of the game. Media playback is not supported on this device American football can be played at adult,university and junior levels. It's a very welcoming, inclusive environment and athletes with a disability are welcome to play too, although there is no formal competition structure in the UK for adapted American football. Clubs are always on the lookout for new members, with many able to provide taster sessions and full kit for practice and games. Why not check out our activity finder to find a session in your area? Charlie Novak plays for the Manchester Titans - one of the growing number of women in a male-dominated sport. Here's the inspiring story of how she went from not playing sports to being defensive captain of her team. Media playback is not supported on this device Meet eight-year-old Isaiah Bird, who was born with no legs and plays American football for his local team in New York. Media playback is not supported on this device And if you are still looking for ways to get involved head to our guide where you can find all the help you need to start playing.

Summary: On Sunday, the New England Patriots staged a stunning comeback to beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in the 51st Super Bowl.


AFC Wimbledon are set for the big screen, having reached agreement with Hollywood studio Fox 2000 for a film to be made about the club. The Dons' story will be retold from its formation in 2002, when it held trials on Wimbledon Common. The phoenix club, founded by supporters after the old Wimbledon FC was given permission to relocate to Milton Keynes, reached the Football League in 2011 following five promotions in nine years. American author John Green, who sponsors a stand at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, will co-produce the film. "AFC Wimbledon isn't just one of the best underdog stories in sports history; it's also a story about a community that fought the injustice of the Milton Keynes debacle and is now fighting to have a stadium back in Wimbledon," Green told the club website. The film is in the early stages of development, with no script yet written or schedule for release. However, Matthew Breach, chair of the Dons Trust which owns the club, said the deal was "a fantastic opportunity to tell a great story". With the Dons currently 10th in League Two and attempting to reach the play-offs, it is not yet known whether the likes of manager Neal Ardley or striker Adebayo 'The Beast' Akinfenwa will have roles in the film. So the prospect of a Dons movie is fact, not fiction. But the same could not be said of the imaginative lines appearing on social media and club websites on Friday morning. Southampton were straight out of the blocks, informing fans they would be introducing a new club crest this summer. There would be one minor change to their current badge - replacing the halo-topped football at the top of their badge with an angel-face emoji. Meanwhile, Arsenal claimed they would be installing a retractable sunroof at the Emirates and Championship club Bristol City said 6ft 5in defender Aden Flint had signed a dual-registration deal with local basketball side Bristol Flyers. But perhaps best of all saw Hartlepool United announcing that the Football Association had given them permission to play in fancy dress on the final day of the season. Maybe both Pools and Wimbledon are in need of a good costume designer... Have you added the new Top Story alerts in the BBC Sport app? Simply head to the menu in the app - and don't forget you can also add score alerts for your football team and more.

Summary: Several football clubs tried to catch out their supporters on April Fool's Day - but one of the more remarkable stories to appear is in fact true.


The American company replaced Reebok as the kit supplier for all Wales international teams in 2008. Whereas the original Under Armour contract was worth roughly £2.5m a year, the new deal will see the annual fee rise to around £3.7m. This renewal will be the first major deal overseen by new WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips. His predecessor, Roger Lewis, stepped down after Wales' exit from the 2015 World Cup having held the role since 2006. It was announced in September that Wales' home ground, the Millennium Stadium, will be renamed the Principality Stadium in a 10-year sponsorship deal beginning in January 2016. Under Armour's other high-profile clients include Tottenham Hotspur, American football player Tom Brady and golfer Jordan Spieth.

Summary: The Welsh Rugby Union is set to agree a new nine-year contract with kit manufacturer Under Armour worth £33m.


The 34-year-old - nicknamed 'The Beast' and recognised for his immense physical strength on the Fifa series of video games - joined Wycombe on Sunday. But during the first game of their pre-season trip to France, he saw red for a scuffle after an opponent shoved Wycombe's Luke O'Nien to the ground. Striker Akinfenwa later said on Twitter: "The sending off was dubious." However, he continued: "I should have known better but guess every day is a learning day." The Le Havre player also saw red for the incident, but both sides continued to play 11 v 11 on the request of both managers.

Summary: Adebayo Akinfenwa was sent off on his Wycombe Wanderers debut in a pre-season friendly against Le Havre on Tuesday.


Their 196-run first-innings lead came mainly thanks to Tom Kohler-Cadmore (102) and Ed Barnard (59). Further contributions down the order allowed the visitors to reach 403 all out for five batting bonus points. Glamorgan started well with Jacques Rudolph and Nick Selman putting on 74 for the first wicket, but they ended 141-3 at the close, 55 runs behind. Worcestershire claimed three wickets for 34 runs to reduce Glamorgan to 108-3, but Colin Ingram (41 not out) and Aneurin Donald saw out the rest of the day. Glamorgan bowler Michael Hogan told BBC Wales Sport: "It seemed to go through different stages at different times. It was a little trickier at times and then got easier as ball got softer. The boys toiled hard but it could have been a bit better. "It was good to see Lukas Carey doing well. He has done a lot of work in pre-season and he has worked really hard on his fitness and his technique, so it is good to see him being given a chance and taking it with both hands. "I'm fitter after a winter off, probably lacked a bit of bowling conditioning. I've had a few weeks off with injury so probably I got bit tired towards the end. "We thought with the sun out after about 35 or 40 overs it got a bit easier, but they have got a good attack so we will have to absorb a bit of pressure. I think the boys can do the job and if the boys can build a good total we can hopefully bowl them out."

Summary: Worcestershire batted themselves to a good position on day two against Glamorgan in Cardiff.


The 58-year-old plans to develop a giant aircraft that would put spaceships into orbit, rather than lifting them off from a launch pad. Other moguls are in the private space race, too, after Nasa this year ended its 30-year space shuttle programme. Virgin Galactic is working on a commercial space venture which aims to fly passengers into sub-orbit by 2013. Aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan is a partner on Mr Allen's project, which is called Stratolaunch Systems. The project is the latest to be led by Silicon Valley tycoons who think they spy a gap in demand opened by the retirement of the US government's space shuttle programme. While Nasa put rockets into space from a launch pad, the Stratolaunch plan is to launch unmanned rockets from high-flying aircraft, and eventually undertake manned missions too. The developers said their aircraft could ferry cargo for the commercial satellite industry and the International Space Station. The giant plane would be powered by six 747 jumbo jet engines and have a wingspan of 385ft (117m), developers said. It would be wider than the biggest aircraft ever, legendary Hollywood tycoon Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose. The first test flights are scheduled to begin in 2016. Mr Allen and Mr Rutan said that preliminary designs for the Stratolaunch aircraft have been put together over the course of 10 years. Construction has begun on a hangar in California's Mojave Desert, they said. In 2004 the duo created SpaceShipOne, a sub-orbital rocket that became the first privately financed, manned spaceship. "When I was growing up, America's space programme was the symbol of aspiration," Mr Allen said at a news conference in Seattle. "For me, the fascination with space never ended. I never stopped dreaming what might be possible." Stratolaunch's plane will carry a booster rocket on its belly, to be built by a space company owned by Elon Musk of PayPal, who has already built a successful commercial rocket. Other technology titans who have made forays into the private space industry include Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com. British tycoon Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic aims to take passengers into sub-orbital space. Dropping rockets into space is not a new technique, but can offer more launch flexibility and minimise weather constraints, developers said. It can also save on rocket fuel. Orbital Sciences Corp, an older rocket company, has used this method of launching payloads such as unmanned rockets and satellites.

Summary: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen has announced plans to launch unmanned rockets and carry cargo into space.


"The EU needs a complete overhaul," says Germany's Sueddeutsche Zeitung. "The remaining union has to learn from the Brexit vote and carry out the most fundamental examination of its policies" since its creation in 1957, the paper argues. Der Tagesspiegel agrees, and tells the EU to "reform or be destroyed". But it also warns that there is a "shocking gulf" between remedies offered by the political elites - closer integration, especially in economic terms - and the expectations of ordinary Europeans. The answer, it concludes, is "more openness, more transparency", as well as a stronger focus on welfare. Under a picture of French and Dutch far right leaders Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders, an article in Der Spiegel voices alarm at the rise of the "great simplifiers", saying they threaten democracy by appealing to the irrational. "The populists are on the loose, and not just in Great Britain," it warns. "They are dragging Western Europe towards its downfall." "Populism is tearing Europe apart," a commentary in Spain's El Pais agrees, but warns that any changes to the EU should not try to appease their "anti-establishment" discourse. "Populist parties have grown by exploiting the idea that the EU is to blame for an economic crisis caused by the whims of the markets," it argues Instead, it calls for policies that "promote stability" and "reject blaming Europe for our ills when it is part of the solution". An article entitled "the dictatorship of democracy" in El Mundo voices the fear that other countries could follow Britain's example. "What is disturbing is that, after Brexit, fools can say with greater strength and certainty: 'Yes you can.'" In Italy's La Repubblica, a commentary says the vote for Brexit reflects rising general discontent by the "excluded" that is driving the rise of the likes of Donald Trump in the US, as well as of Italy's own populist Five Star Movement. On the website of Polish news magazine Polityka, commentator Andrzej Celinski warns against "giving in to the wave of nationalism", and appeals to Poles to end what it calls their hesitant approach to the EU project. "In the face of a real threat to the [European] Union, Poland's political leaders must stand together to fight for European unity," he urges. "Do not follow the British. Build Europe". An article in Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza agrees, saying that the anger felt by many EU citizens must be channelled into a desire for a "stronger Europe and better democracy, not nationalist phantoms". BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, web and print media around the world. You can follow BBC Monitoring on Twitter and Facebook.

Summary: Digesting the UK's vote to leave the EU, papers across Europe call for radical change to counter what they see as a rising tide of populism and nationalism on the continent.


UKIP, which won May's election, spent £2,956,737, while the Tories' campaign expenditure was £2,980,815, The Lib Dems spent £1,580,575 and lost all but one of their MEPs - Labour, which came second, spent £1,027,339. The figures cover the campaign period from 23 January to polling day, 22 May. UKIP's campaign spending works out at 68p for each of their 4,376,635 votes. For Labour it is 26p per vote, the Conservatives 79p and the Lib Dems, who lost 11 of their 12 MEPs, £1.45. The Green Party, which came fourth, spent £534,249 on its campaign - 43p for each of its 1,255,573 votes. Including the SNP's £267,372, the six highest-spending parties spent a total of £9,347,087 on campaigning, the Electoral Commission said. All but Labour spent more than they did during the 2009 European election campaign.

Summary: The UK Independence Party spent almost as much as the Conservatives at this year's European elections - while the Lib Dems outspent Labour, Electoral Commission figures show.


But, if the venerable founding father had lived in Northern Ireland over the last few months he could have changed it to "death, taxes and another RHI story every day". The News Letter continues firing journalistic wood pellets on the ever-burning fire. Its political editor Sam McBride reports on two leaked documents that reveal the names of two civil servants who told figures in the renewable heat industry in July 2015 the scheme was soon to end. The paper has received business emails appearing to indicate that information was circulating about the scheme's imminent end. It's been claimed that a spike in RHI applications in the two months before the scheme's October 2015 closure was due to details of its ending being widely known. However, the News Letter points out that the department have not confirmed or commented on the latest revelation, and adds that there is no suggestion that the civil servants named acted improperly. Sam McBride also sets out, across eight lengthy bullet points, the newspaper's justification for publishing the names of the civil servants and stresses that it is "not alleging corruption". Watch this space. Elsewhere on Planet RHI, the Irish News reports that a charity watchdog is investigating after a green energy group said it would be "ethically improper" to warn Stormont about flaws in the scheme. The managing director of Action Renewables, a group paid to process RHI applications, made the comments to the Irish News last week. Now the Charities Commissions says it has "opened a concern" on Action Renewables. Meanwhile, the Irish News' front page is dedicated to the naming of a soldier who shot dead a man in Belfast 45 years ago, a move welcomed by the man's widow. Mary Thornton, speaking outside court on Wednesday, said: "The way I look at it is, he shot him, so why not?" She added that the inquest had helped her family answer questions about the death of an "ordinary father who lived for myself and the children". Elsewhere, Thursday's papers firmly put Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn in the firing line after he wrongly told Westminster that a PSNI officer shot on Sunday had died. "Apologise!" says the News Letter's front page, reflecting a call by Police Federation chairman Mark Lindsay who called it a "jaw-dropping gaffe". It's understood Mr Corbyn has written to the PSNI's chief constable to say sorry, but the Belfast Telegraph says it's only the latest in a line of "blunders from the Labour leader". If the Labour leader is feeling sheepish today, spare a thought for the chap caught taking a naked jog over Londonderry's Craigavon Bridge. The Daily Mirror reports that the man pleaded guilty at Derry Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after his Tuesday night run was caught on CCTV. A defence lawyer said he had "given no reason for the jogging naked across the Craigavon Bridge, but he is not in the habit of doing this type of thing". The man received a conditional discharge for a year. January is nearly at a close so that means it's nearly

Summary: It was Benjamin Franklin who said we can be certain of nothing in life except death and taxes.


Dorothy Cooper was seriously injured when a man allegedly jumped into her vehicle and drove over her in a car park in Royton, Oldham, on Wednesday. Paul Anthony Moore, 45, of no fixed address has been charged with wounding with intent, dangerous driving and motoring offences, police said. He was remanded in custody to appear before magistrates in Manchester later. Mrs Cooper got out of her white Hyundai i10 when she was told there was a problem with it, witnesses told Greater Manchester Police. As she was checking the vehicle, a man allegedly jumped in and drove over her. The car was found about three miles away in Buersil Avenue, Rochdale.

Summary: A man has been charged with wounding a 76-year-old woman who was run over by her own car in a suspected carjacking.


The accident, which involved a white Vauxhall Astra van, happened on the A701 Howden Hall Road in Kaimes at about 07:50. The woman was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. The road was closed between Alnwickhill Road and Burdiehouse Road but has since reopened. Police appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Summary: A 19-year-old woman has been seriously injured after being hit by a van in Edinburgh.


Victoria Gayle, 31, was charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body after police discovered the remains of a baby at her home last month. Ms Gayle, previously of West Hendon, north London, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon. She spoke only to confirm her name, address, and date of birth. The court heard a post-mortem examination took place at Great Ormond Street Hospital on 2 June but the cause of death could not yet be determined. Ms Gayle was also charged with perverting the course of justice. She was not asked to submit a plea and will appear at Kingston Crown Court on 8 July. The charge follows a case review of an investigation into a child who went missing in 2004, which was sparked by the death of another child at an address in Barnet in 2015. The investigation led to the arrest of a 50-year-old woman in Fryent Crescent, West Hendon in north London. A 52-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of preventing a lawful and decent burial. Both were bailed until mid-July.

Summary: A woman has been remanded in custody charged with covering up the death of a one-year-old for more than a decade.


Charles Howden, 64 and Fiona Stanley, 59 both from Newtongrange were killed when their Triumph Bonneville motorcycle collided with a white BMW car. The accident happened on the A6094 at Rosewell at about 22:40 on Thursday. In a statement, their families said they were "much loved by all those whose lives they touched". They added: "Their kindness to others was legendary. They will long be remembered for the laughter they brought into our lives and the love they had for their friends, for their family and most of all the love they had for each other." Officers are carrying out inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding the collision and have urged anyone with information to contact them.

Summary: Two bikers who died following a crash in Midlothian have been named by police.


Joseph Mensah was arrested on suspicion of assault on Sunday before being transferred to Manchester Royal Infirmary with leg injuries. After jumping from the first-floor window, he is believed to have caught a number 50 bus on Upper Brook Street. Greater Manchester Police have appealed for anyone with information about Mr Mensah's whereabouts to contact them. He is described as black and of heavy build and was wearing a dark coat and jeans at the time of his escape. Police were at the hospital at the time, but were not specifically tasked with guarding Mr Mensah. Det Ch Insp Chris Mossop said: "We are currently investigating the circumstances that led to Mr Mensah's escape and are continuing to search for him. "I would like to remind those who may be hiding him it is a criminal offence to do so. "I would also make a direct appeal to Mensah as he was originally admitted to hospital for injuries to his leg and needs treatment."

Summary: A suspected criminal is on the run after leaping from a hospital window and catching a bus.


A white BMW 420 coupe struck the woman under a railway bridge on Bradford Road, Dewsbury at about 10:10 GMT, police said. The road was closed for four hours, with a section of the nearby Lidl car park also cordoned off. The arrested 21-year-old man remains in police custody for questioning. Sgt Carl Quinn, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "Anyone who saw the collision or the manner in which the BMW was being driven prior to it, is asked to contact the major collision and enquiry team."

Summary: A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a woman was run over near a supermarket in West Yorkshire.


The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showed the jobless total rose by 6,000 between October and December, to stand at 135,000. UK unemployment fell by 7,000 to 1.6 million over the same period. The Scottish unemployment rate is now 4.9%, slightly above the UK rate of 4.8%. The number of people employed north of the border increased by 8,000 over the quarter to 2,611,000. The employment rate is 73.6% - below the UK average of 74.6%. In January Scotland's claimant count, including Universal Credit, was 76,400. The Scottish government said Scotland's youth unemployment rate was at its lowest level since records began, while the nation continued to outperform the UK on female employment and inactivity rates. Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn said the figures were "encouraging" and showed that Scotland's labour market remained "resilient". He said: "We are working to build an economy where everyone can share in the benefits of economic growth. "It is therefore encouraging to note this rise in the number of people in work alongside some positive statistics on female and youth employment, where we continue to lead the UK." The UK government's Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: "There is cause for some cautious optimism about the state of Scotland's labour market, with employment up and more women returning to the labour market. "However, declining economic activity during the last 12 months, and the gap between the Scottish and UK labour markets, remains a concern. "We have devolved a raft of new powers to the Scottish Parliament. It now needs to use those levers to strengthen the Scottish economy." Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive Liz Cameron said: "These figures underline the need to focus resources on those who are currently unemployed and recently unemployed; to enable them to become equipped with the skills that our businesses need right now. "We are still detecting significant skills shortages across a range of sectors and, in these circumstances, Scotland's employment rate really ought to be closing the gap with the UK as a whole."

Summary: The number of people seeking work in Scotland has risen for the third time in a row, according to official figures.


Dr Ian Paterson denies 20 counts of wounding with intent against nine women and one man at Nottingham Crown Court. He said he had never told alleged victims they had "a ticking bomb" of cancer inside them. He said the phrase appears in three witness statements which was "clear evidence" statements have been coached. "It's a scary thing, why would I intentionally scare a patient, that you've got a time bomb?" he said. More updates on this and other stories in Birmingham and the Black Country The 59-year-old also said one patient, John Ingram, who had a double mastectomy after tests showed only potentially abnormal cells, was a "quivering mass of anxiety", convinced he would get cancer. Nothing he told him would have changed his mind, Mr Paterson said. Mr Ingram gave evidence saying Mr Paterson, who worked at hospitals run by the Heart of England NHS Trust and Spire Healthcare, told him in 2006 he was "on the road to developing breast cancer". But Mr Paterson, of Ashley, Altrincham, Greater Manchester, said on Wednesday that Mr Ingram's memory had become "confused" over time. He described his patient as a "troubled gentleman with multiple phobias - one of them breast cancer, because his mother had died of breast cancer, aged 42". "So the minute he had an abnormality in his chest wall, in his head he was on the way to getting breast cancer," he said. "Very little I told him thereafter would disavow him of that view." Prosecutor Julian Christopher QC asked whether it was "quite wrong" to say he would "travel in time towards cancer". Mr Paterson said: "I doubt I said that, simply because nobody has a crystal ball." The trial continues.

Summary: A breast surgeon accused of carrying out unnecessary operations has told a court that witness statements against him have been "coached".


Vaughan joined Blues permanently from Huddersfield in the summer after a loan spell last season but has featured just once this term. The 28-year-old former Everton, Derby, Leicester and Norwich striker is the Premier League's youngest ever scorer at 16 years and 271 days. Vaughan has signed a two-year deal and can play against Walsall on Saturday. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Bury have signed striker James Vaughan on a free transfer after he left Birmingham City by mutual consent.


New England manager Allardyce takes charge of his first game after predecessor Roy Hodgson resigned in the immediate aftermath of the humiliating last-16 exit at the hands of Iceland in France. Allardyce, 61, starts England's campaign to reach the World Cup in Russia in 2018 with an opening qualifier against a side that held them to a damaging goalless draw in the Euros - and wants to deliver a morale-boosting opening result here in Trnava. He said: "I can only focus on this game and hopefully the fans who watch on TV and that are here go home very happy or are turning the television off saying England are back on track and looked great. "Everyone will want us to win. Some will expect us to win but I don't think it will be that easy based on Slovakia's record. "Winning is what we want. If the nation thinks that's the only thing we can have to make us feel better, we'll try. But personally, if we get a draw from the most difficult game of the group, I'll be happy." Allardyce defended his new England charges against any claims that they were not hurt by the harrowing experience of Euro 2016 as they rebuild once more after the disappointment of another early exit at a major tournament. He said: "The nation was proud of the team up to Iceland. It was only that result which turned everyone against them. "It was a hugely disappointing result for everyone, and none more so than them. Everyone involved in England hurt that night, but the players more than anyone else. "There's a perception that they don't hurt, but they do. The period 2014-16 was a fantastic ride for this young team and it's something we have to try and achieve again. I just hope they gain in confidence, get there and then do better when they get to in Russia 2018." Allardyce is fulfilling a lifelong ambition of leading England after a managerial career that has taken in clubs such as Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United and Sunderland. And he admits it was a special moment when he met his England players for the first time as the squad gathered at St George's Park ahead of this qualifier. "It's been a great week for me," said Allardyce. "Walking into St George's Park, then the lads coming in and the training week - it's been really enjoyable. "I've enjoyed watching, meeting up with everyone and the coaches. I think that, hopefully, it goes as well on the pitch as I've seen in training, but it's all about what happens on the pitch on Sunday. It's the best job for me at this stage of my life. "I couldn't have asked for anything better. Having met the players and chatted, I have a very talented squad. In the Euros it was the youngest average age, and this squad can only mature and get better." Wayne Rooney has revealed his plans to retire from international football after the World Cup in Russia in

Summary: Sam Allardyce has made it his mission to restore the nation's pride after the debacle of Euro 2016 as his new England era starts in Slovakia on Sunday.


The 28-year-old former Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Leeds United centre-back has signed a three-year contract with the Addicks. Pearce made 33 appearances last season as the Latics won the League One title and becomes Charlton's seventh signing of the summer transfer window. "He's an absolute warrior," boss Russell Slade told the club website. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League One club Charlton Athletic have signed defender Jason Pearce from Wigan for an undisclosed fee.


The victim was taken to hospital from Crown Street, Acton, on Friday but died from his injuries. A 16-year-old suspect was arrested and remains in custody in South London, police said. Officers are continuing to question a 17-year-old arrested near the scene on suspicion of murder, the Met said. Police believe they know the identity of the dead youth but it has yet to be formally confirmed. Det Ch Insp Rebecca Reeves said the street would have been busy at the time of the stabbing and asked for anyone with information to come forward. She added: "We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard an argument outside a cafe on Crown Street."

Summary: A second teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death in a west London street.


Hasbro, the maker of My Little Pony, approached Mattel about a deal late last year, according to Bloomberg news. The combination of the two toy-makers would produce a company with a $20bn market capitalization as of Wednesday. In 1996, Mattel made a $5.2bn (Â£3.5bn) offer to buy Hasbro, but the two sides failed to reach a final agreement. Over the last few years, Mattel has lost market share to Hasbro and Denmark's Lego. Lego overtook Mattel as the world's largest toy-marker in 2014. In its most recent quarter, Mattel reported a 4% drop in worldwide sales and expects sales to decline this year. That is partly because Hasbro has taken over the contract to produce toys based on the Disney movie Frozen, and toys sold under the Princess brand. Mattel estimated in 2014 that the Princess brand brought in $300m. In an effort to boost sales of its Barbie line, Mattel introduced three new body types and seven new skin tones in January. Sales of Barbie dolls fell 10% globally in 2015. Neither company has commented on the rumoured deal. Hasbro's share price rose 1.5%. In afternoon trading, Mattel shares fell back and were trading up 1.6% on the day. Hasbro reports its full-year earnings report on 8 February.

Summary: Shares in Mattel, the maker of Barbie dolls, jumped 8% on Thursday following a report it had discussed a merger with rival Hasbro.


The Academies Enterprise Trust (AET), which runs Weston Academy, said it made the "sad decision", due to falling pupil numbers. The 56-pupil school was classed as "inadequate" by Ofsted in March. A petition set up by parent George Metcalf, describing closing the school as a "huge waste of resources" attracted more than 500 signatures. The campaign won the backing of the National Secular Society as parents claimed the nearest alternatives were all faith schools. The school was placed in special measures following an Ofsted report in March which criticised leadership and management, pupils' behaviour, the quality of teaching and achievement of pupils. But in May the watchdog reported that teaching and leadership was improving. AET said the school had less than 40 pupils and the Department for Education had confirmed its agreement to closing the school at the end of December. Chief executive Ian Comfort said: "Closing a small school is always a very sad decision to make, and is only taken as a very last resort. "The declining numbers at Weston, however, have been making it increasingly difficult for the school to provide pupils with the quality of education they deserve. I am sure they will all thrive in their new schools and we wish them, and the staff, every success in the future."

Summary: An Isle of Wight primary school is to close, despite a parents' campaign to keep it open.


Rherras is a 23-year-old left-sided player of Moroccan descent who has spent the last year playing for Sint-Truiden in the Belgian top flight. Sammon, the 29-year-old ex-Kilmarnock forward, has agreed a three-year contract as he leaves Derby County. They will arrive as Hearts prepare for their first Europa League qualifier. Six players left Tynecastle in the summer, with three first-team regulars - defender Blaze Augustyn, goalkeeper Neil Alexander and midfielder Miguel Pallardo - all now on the lookout for new clubs.

Summary: Hearts are expected to confirm the signing of defender Faycal Rherras and striker Conor Sammon ahead of a return to pre-season training next week.


BBC Northern Ireland is planning to move from its premises at Broadcasting House on Ormeau Avenue. The corporation has yet to decide on a site. The council has set out its preferred options for the broadcaster in its regeneration and investment strategy. It said lands to the rear of Belfast Central Library, a site north of Great Patrick Street or the stalled Royal Exchange development could all be suitable. It has recommended that a working group involving the BBC, the council, the universities and other agencies should be formed. The Ulster University is currently building a major extension to its Belfast campus on the northern edge of the city centre. Adjacent streets are also due to be redeveloped as part of the Northside scheme. The council strategy expresses hope that a major department store, such as John Lewis, will anchor the Royal Exchange development. But it states that if the retail option is not possible the BBC "would be an obvious candidate" as an anchor tenant. The BBC has previously been linked with a move to Titanic Quarter or as part of the redevelopment of Great Victoria Street station. The council's strategy also contains details of its Â£19m city centre investment fund. It could be used to make loan or equity funding to developments or for the council to buy development sites.

Summary: Belfast City Council has said a BBC relocation to a site beside the Ulster University campus would lead to a "comprehensive transformation" of that part of the city.


Patrick Maloney, 43, died as a result of "multiple crushing injuries" after he was hit by a vehicle at Toddbury Farm, Little Billington, near Leighton Buzzard on 2 August. A second man, Thomas McCarthy, 24, of Toddbury Farm, was previously charged with murder and remains in custody. A woman, 42, arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed until September. Mr Maloney's wife described him as a "gentle giant". Bedfordshire Police said a post-mortem examination showed the victim, a father-of-three, died as a result of injuries "consistent with being involved in a collision with a vehicle".

Summary: A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a man at a travellers' site in Bedfordshire.