The president-elect has said Mrs Trump and Barron will move to Washington "very soon, after he's finished with school", but has not put an actual date on the move. But transition spokesman Jason Miller's insistence that the Trumps were "energised and excited about their new role serving the country" and it was simply concern about changing schools in the middle of the year did little to quell criticisms on social media. "First Family resides in White House as a symbol of our country to us and and the world," wrote one Twitter user, Pamela Benbow. "Melania Trump's decision is appalling." Others joked it was Mrs Trump's taste in interiors which had prompted the decision, while some began speculating about what the move said about the Trumps' marriage. However, the strength of feeling is somewhat unsurprising. There are only two other First Ladies in the history of the United States who have not made the White House their home during their husbands' years as commander-in-chief: Martha Washington, because it had yet to be built, and Anna Harrison, because her husband died before she could take up residence. But Mrs Trump's decision has its supporters. "Good, this is what most responsible parents do with a child Barron's age," one Twitter user noted. However, it is not out of character for Mrs Trump, who has repeatedly stressed that Barron, 10, is her focus - staying at home during the campaign to care for him in Trump Towers. But they are far from the only mother and child to move into the White House. So how have families coped before? William Seale, a White House Historical Association historian and author of The President's House, said President Grover Cleveland's wife, Frances Folsom Cleveland, only lived in the White House during social season. The president bought a house during his first term, where Mrs Cleveland spent most of her time. The first lady referred to the first home as "Oak View" but it was more commonly known as "Red Top" because of its red roof. But the young bride, who was age 21 when she married the 49-year-old president, was the only first lady to be married in the White House. "The concern of children staying back to finish school - that's more typical than not," Mr Seale said. "It seems not very unusual to me that she would want the child to finish this year of school. I don't find it very surprising." Mr Seale noted that the children of President John Tyler, who became president after William Henry Harrison's death, were not immediately moved to the White House. James Madison's wife, Dolley Madison, also sent her son from her first marriage, Payne Todd, away to school. There have been two sets of school age children living in the White House in the past three decades: Chelsea Clinton, who was 12 at the time, and Malia and Sasha Obama, who were 10 and seven respectively. They also had to move across the country when their fathers became president - but all three lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Summary: The revelation that Melania and Barron Trump would not be joining Donald in the White House in January has raised eyebrows in some quarters, and garnered praise in others.


The adapted artwork for the Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album is worth about ??70,000. It was created to celebrate the success of the record - released in June 1967 - for Christmas of that year. The artwork is one of five Beatles album sleeves to feature in the top 10, compiled by Record Collector magazine. Sir Peter Blake's original Sgt Pepper collage was doctored to replace the faces of The Beatles and other notable figures with those of executives from the band's US label Capitol. Only about 100 are thought to have been made. 'Main attraction' In second place, valued at ??7,000, are the first 10 numbered copies of the Beatles' self-titled 1968 record, which became known as The White Album because of its plain white cover. The band's name was embossed on the front of the sleeve, which was designed by pop artist Richard Hamilton, along with a unique stamped serial number. In third position was a pair of sleeves designed by Andy Warhol. Madrigals' 1953 work Magic Key To Spanish Volumes 1 and 2, and spoken word anti-crime lecture The Nation's Nightmare, from 1951, have been valued at ??3,500 and ??3,000 respectively. At number four was the bizarre US-released compilation album Jolly What! England's Greatest Recording Stars: The Beatles and Frank Ifield on Stage. The 1964 album, featuring the songs of both the Fab Four and crooner Ifield, is valued at ??3,000. The Beatles were also in eighth place for the original album sleeve created for the US release of their Yesterday And Today record in 1966, which is valued at ??2,000. Known as "the butcher sleeve" because it featured the musicians posing with dismembered doll parts and slabs of meat, it was quickly withdrawn from the US market. List compiler Ian Shirley, editor of the Rare Record Price Guide 2012, said: "While pristine records and inserts are vital to securing a top price, the numbered sleeve is the main attraction. "The hunger to collect low numbers remains undiminished amongst Beatles fans."

Summary: A Beatles sleeve which features the faces of music executives in place of the Fab Four has been named the world's rarest album cover.


Ray Dare died when his bike and a van were involved in a collision on the A41 Ashton Clinton bypass, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, at about 14:45 BST on Wednesday. He had belonged to the Surrey-based Kingston Phoenix Road Club for more than 60 years. A statement on the club's website expressed "huge sadness and shock". It said Mr Dare had been "attempting to set a new national record for a 91-year-old". A post on the Timetrialling Forum said: "Other riders have spoken of him riding well and steadily before. "As yet there are no further details but police, of course, are conducting a fatal accident investigation. "I am sure all riders will be as shocked as the officials were at this news." Circumstances surrounding the crash are being investigated and Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward. The driver of the van was uninjured. No arrests have been made.

Summary: A 91-year-old cyclist killed on a dual carriageway was doing a time trial to set a new national record for his age.


Gatland won a first clean sweep in his maiden Six Nations as coach in 2008 after Wales' disappointing 2007 World Cup display. He guided Wales to a second Grand Slam in 2012 after narrowly missing out on the 2011 World Cup final. "We were disappointed not getting to the final in 2011," he said. "We feel a little bit the same this time around. "There's a little bit of frustration as we felt we could have gone a bit further in the World Cup, although we were proud of what we achieved given the number of injuries we had." Wales qualified alongside Australia from their World Cup pool despite a host of injuries to key players such as Leigh Halfpenny, Jonathan Davies and Rhys Webb. Wales were knocked out of the World Cup by two-time champions South Africa in the quarter-final despite leading with 10 minutes remaining. Webb and Halfpenny are still out injured, but centre Davies has returned while backs Liam Williams and Hallam Amos are returning to fitness. Wales hold the record of Championship victories - 26 outright and 12 shared - and a third Grand Slam in nine years would mean they join England on a record 12 Grand Slams. Media playback is not supported on this device Ireland are bidding to become the first side ever to win the Championship three times in a row and Wales coach Gatland said: "You can't look past the Irish." The New Zealander also said that England under new coach Eddie Jones are an "unknown quantity" in "a really open competition". Wales begin their Six Nations bid against the defending champions in Dublin - the same venue where the Welsh began their 2012 Grand Slam campaign. "We're in pretty good shape," added Gatland, himself a former Ireland coach. "There's a few new coaches this year and the familiarly will help us put things together quickly. "Our time together at the World Cup is invaluable preparation and potentially a slight advantage. "It is massive that we're going away to Dublin first and if we can win that first game, the next game at home against Scotland is six days later. "Momentum is huge in this competition."

Summary: Warren Gatland hopes the power of "frustration" can inspire Wales to a third successive post-World Cup Grand Slam.


Compared with other European countries, many apprenticeships are low quality and too short, the Sutton Trust warns. It says thousands of apprenticeships should be created to boost the economy and improve youngsters' job prospects. The Department for Education says apprenticeships are being reformed to "drive up standards". The Association of Colleges said some existing apprenticeships were respected by industry and should be preserved. The study, which was carried out by the Boston Consulting Group on behalf of the Sutton Trust, says fewer than 200,000 of the 520,000 apprenticeships starting in England every year are rated at level three - which is equivalent to A-level. The report cites figures that suggest apprenticeships are offered by just one in five (20%) of employers in England, compared with over half (51%) in Germany, which, the report says, is considered to have one of the best vocational education systems. Only 61,000 new apprenticeship starts were for young people, whereas in Germany, 570,000 new apprenticeships are for youngsters and 90% of these are equivalent to A-levels. The report also notes that England's vocational system has 18,000 different qualifications, while Germany has 330. The report warns that since 2010, more than half (58%) of apprenticeships have been below level three and three-quarters have been aimed at those over the age of 25, many of whom are already in work. And it warns 11 young people are competing for each apprenticeship. In his foreword to the report, Sutton Trust chairman Sir Peter Lampl said the report had found that, with some exceptions, the opportunities on offer to young people who did not go to university were "poor". The attitude in England, with some exceptions, was very different to that in countries such as Germany and Switzerland, he said. "Instead of a clear system of respected vocational routes, we suffer from a complicated patchwork where too many young people are offered qualifications of little worth in a system that confuses employers and is not valued as it should be by society," he said. He said the "cruel deception" about an expansion in apprenticeships, when many were below level three and the majority went to older workers, had to stop. The report calls for apprenticeships to be radically expanded, with up to 300,000 new starts each year. The majority of these should be at level three at least for three years, with some four-year courses at level four - higher than A-levels. No more than 10% of apprenticeships should be two-year courses at level two, it says. Sir Peter said: "Real apprenticeships are as important to social mobility as good university degrees. "Students facing huge loans for a university education find themselves between a rock and a hard place. Even if they would prefer to work with training, the lack of good apprenticeships means they feel they have little choice. "England's patchwork vocational system not only hinders our economic competitiveness, it prevents tens of thousands of young people from gaining good skilled jobs." Teresa Frith, from the Association of Colleges, said: "Creating 300,000 apprenticeships, when the report acknowledges there is already

Summary: Apprenticeships in England need to be overhauled to stop many young people being awarded practical qualifications that have little worth, a report says.


The NHS Information Centre data shows more than eight out of 10 newborns are now breastfed at least once after birth, up from six out of 10 in 1990. Experts said the increase was welcome and partly due to public awareness that "breast is best" for mother and child. But the figures do not reveal how many mums stick at it for the recommended first six months of a baby's life. Many women struggle to continue to exclusively breastfeed. And the Royal College of Midwives is concerned that some new mothers are not getting the support they need to encourage breastfeeding. Spokeswoman Jane Munro criticised the Department of Health in England for axing funding for National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, which runs this week. "We do not want to see the ground we have gained lost." She added: "We know that many women stop breastfeeding when they leave hospital. "This is why it is so important that they are able to get advice and support from their midwife, and that there are enough midwives with the time to offer these women the help they need." The government said it was committed to training up to an extra 4,200 health visitors by 2015 who would "be able to help support women who want to breastfeed but may find it difficult". According to the latest figures, breastfeeding rates were higher in England than in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, although rates have risen in most areas. And the percentage of women who are choosing to smoke either before or during pregnancy has fallen.

Summary: More new mothers are opting to try breastfeeding their babies, latest UK figures reveal.


Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission Ltd, a division of energy giant SSE, submitted the "needs case" as part of the planning process for the cable. After assessing the case, energy regulator Ofgem has asked for further details to be submitted. The project has been hit by delays and a rise in costs to an estimated Â£780m. Islands local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has said major renewable energy projects planned for the isles cannot go ahead without the cable. The interconnector would export electricity to the mainland for distribution. It would stretch to about 50 miles (80km) from Gravir on Lewis to Ullapool on the north-west coast of mainland Scotland. The Scottish government has been involved in talks on the project. A spokesperson said: "This is a matter for SSE and Ofgem, but we would encourage the company and regulator to move swiftly to resolve this issue. "Improved grid connections will enable the huge renewable energy resources of Scotland's islands to create jobs - up to 3,500 jobs in the Western Isles, almost 2,900 in the Shetlands and over 4,500 in the Orkney Islands by 2030. The spokesperson added: "SSE put a business case for the Western Isles link to the electricity regulator Ofgem on 14 June, and today Ofgem have responded by setting out the detailed further information they require."

Summary: Ofgem has asked for more information on why a subsea cable is needed to carry electricity generated on the Western Isles to the mainland.


Os oes ganddoch chi awr i sbario y penwythnos yma Ionawr 28-30 mae Cymdeithas Gwarchod Adar RSPB Cymru eisiau eich help chi. Fel rhan o'u hymgyrch Gwylio Adar yr Ardd, mae'r elusen yn gofyn i chi dreulio awr bore Sadwrn neu fore Sul i weld pa adar sydd yn eich gerddi. Y nod ydy helpu RSPB Cymru i ddeall beth sy'n digwydd i hoff adar gerddi Cymru yn y gaeaf. Cyn i chi ymestyn am y sbiendrych ac agor y drws cefn, beth am brofi'ch gwybodaeth o'n ffrindiau pluog? Pa un yw'r Pâl? Pwyswch yma am yr ateb cywir ac enwau'r adar eraill. Dyma un hawdd, pa un yw Glas y Dorlan? Pwyswch yma am yr ateb cywir ac enwau'r adar eraill. Nawr, rhaglen deledu arall o'r '80au - pa un yw'r Bilidowcar? Pwyswch yma am yr ateb cywir ac enwau'r adar eraill. Pa un o'r rhain yw Pioden y Môr? Pwyswch yma am yr ateb cywir ac enwau'r adar eraill. Pa un o'r rhain yw Melyn yr Eithin? Pwyswch yma am yr ateb cywir ac enwau'r adar eraill. Ac i orffen, fedrwch chi adnabod y Ji-Binc? Pwyswch yma am yr ateb cywir ac enwau'r adar eraill.

Summary: Ydych chi'n 'nabod eich adar?


The 34-year-old will sign a permanent deal until the end of the season in January when the transfer window opens. He previously spent two years at Bootham Crescent, scoring 14 league goals in 64 league games between 2002 and 2004 before joining Macclesfield. Parkin is likely to go straight into the Minstermen's team for Saturday's trip to Tranmere.

Summary: National League strugglers York City have signed Newport striker Jon Parkin on loan until January.


At the top, but not in the inner circle. As the first Muslim woman to sit in the cabinet she was a crucial symbol of David Cameron's efforts to modernise the Tories. But now she has left the government - and in a way designed to inflict damage. The prime minister was only told shortly about her decision to quit before she announced it on her Twitter feed. She'd also done an interview, explaining her decision, which was published on the Huffington Post website within the hour. David Cameron's response to her resignation contained a jibe - he had "much regret" she hadn't talked to him about her concerns before she quit. But there was also a warm tribute. "I would like you to know how much I have personally appreciated your support and friendship over the years' he wrote. There is no evidence though that Mr Cameron is changing his mind or re-assessing the government's stance on Israel's conduct during this war. The prime minister has faced criticism from some in his own party for not condemning Israel for what they believe is its disproportionate use of force against Hamas and civilians in Gaza. He described an attack on Monday as a "slaughter" and he said the situation was "intolerable". Other senior ministers have called it a "catastrophe". But neither Mr Cameron nor any Conservative minister has said that Israel has gone beyond what is proportionate. The response on Tuesday afternoon from the new foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, was telling. What Lady Warsi has labelled a "morally indefensible" position he has dismissed as a call for "megaphone diplomacy". He emphasised that he felt he had to be "balanced". That reveals how deep the divide was between two people who were supposed to be working together.

Summary: Sayeeda Warsi has been a permanent feature at the top of the Conservative Party since David Cameron became leader almost a decade ago.


Top-seed Kerber, 29, who also lost to Belinda Bencic at the Fed Cup earlier this month, hit 38 unforced errors as the world number 73 dominated. "I was not feeling my game and not finding my rhythm," German Kerber said. China's Zheng plays Canadian Eugenie Bouchard next. Third-seed Agnieszka Radwanska and fifth-seed Petra Kvitova also progressed to the third round. After the match, Kerber revealed that her plan to have her Australian Open trophy - her first piece of Grand Slam silverware - sent to her via recorded delivery had backfired. She still has not been reunited with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after opting not to take the 10kg trophy in her hand luggage on the flight home from Australia. "It's stuck in Warsaw," she said. "But I hope to get it soon and I'm really looking forward to it."

Summary: World number two Angelique Kerber lost 7-5 6-1 to Zheng Saisai in the second round of the Qatar Open, her first singles tournament since winning the Australian Open.


The as-yet-untitled book will appear in 2013, the 60th anniversary of the super-spy's first literary outing, in Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. Boyd has revealed that his story will mark a return to "classic Bond" and will be set in the late 1960s. He is the third author in recent years to be invited by the Ian Fleming estate to write an official Bond novel. Before him came American thriller writer Jeffery Deaver, who penned Carte Blanche in 2011; and Sebastian Faulks, whose Devil May Care was published to mark Ian Fleming's centenary in 2008. Deaver's book, released in May last year, is set in the present day and portrayed Bond as a Royal Naval Reserve veteran whose service included a tour of Afghanistan. It has sold over 160,000 copies to date and is out in paperback next month. Sales of Carte Blanche in its opening week were about a third of those achieved by Faulks' book in the same period. Other writers to take on Fleming's hero include John Gardner and Charlie Higson, author of the Young Bond books. Boyd said he had "accepted at once" when invited by the Ian Fleming estate to write the new Bond novel. "For me the prospect appeared incredibly exciting and stimulating - a once-in-a-lifetime challenge," he said. "In fact my father introduced me to the James Bond novels in the 1960s and I read them all then - From Russia with Love being my favourite." Boyd's novels include A Good Man in Africa (1981), which won the Whitbread First Novel Award; An Ice-Cream War (1982), shortlisted for Booker Prize; Brazzaville Beach (1990); Any Human Heart and Restless (2006). Boyd's "fascination" with Ian Fleming was previously seen in Any Human Heart (2002). He wrote Fleming into the narrative, making him responsible for recruiting the protagonist, Logan Mountstuart, to the Naval Intelligence Division in World War II. Boyd also points out that three of his screenplays have starred big-screen Bond actors: Sean Connery in A Good Man in Africa, Pierce Brosnan in Mr Johnson and Daniel Craig in The Trench. "The idea that these somewhat random connections with Fleming and Bond should culminate in my writing a new James Bond novel is irresistibly appealing," Boyd said. "The only thing I'm prepared to say at this stage about the novel that I will write is that it will be set in 1969." His most recent novel, Waiting for Sunrise, was published in the UK in February and comes out in the US later this month. "William Boyd is a contemporary English writer whose classic novels combine literary elements with a broad appeal," said Corinne Turner, managing Director of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd. "His thrillers occupy the niche that Ian Fleming would fill were he writing today and with similar style and flair. This, alongside his fascination with Fleming himself, makes him the perfect choice to take Bond back to his 1960s world." The new Bond novel will be published in the UK and Commonwealth in autumn 2013 by Jonathan Cape - Ian Fleming's original publisher - and simultaneously

Summary: Booker-nominated author William Boyd is taking on the mission to write a new James Bond novel.


Internet service providers had until Tuesday to implement the ban. The sites now redirect to a message explaining they have been blocked "by decision of public authorities". In 2015, the authorities banned 11 popular pornography websites, saying many failed to protect children "from information harmful to their health". Analysis by Vitaliy Shevchenko, BBC Monitoring The decision was made following two separate court rulings, which said the websites "spread pornography". Sexually explicit content is not outlawed in Russia, but the law bans "the illegal production, dissemination and advertisement of pornographic materials and objects". It is not uncommon for Russia to ban websites. The government agency Roskomnadzor maintains a blacklist that now includes thousands of them. Access is usually blocked for violating the notoriously vague extremism legislation or child protection laws. Websites critical of the Kremlin have been blocked too, and at one point Wikipedia was blacklisted. Following the 2015 ban, one woman asked Roskomnadzor on Twitter whether it could recommend an alternative. The agency replied: "You can meet someone in real life." On Tuesday, it said its earlier tweet was "still relevant". However, open rights campaigners have warned that local bans can be defeated. "Blocking porn is the fastest way to ensure widespread adoption of censorship circumvention in your country," said Eva Galperin, global policy analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. One of the affected porn sites offered Roskomnadzor a premium subscription to its service, in exchange for lifting the ban. The government agency said it was "not in the market" for such an offer. Nadya Tolokonnikova, lead singer from punk band Pussy Riot, joked that the ban was "a blow below the belt".

Summary: Russia's media watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has blocked access to two of the world's largest pornography websites.


Giving evidence to the Iraq inquiry, Baroness Manningham-Buller said the action had radicalised "a few among a generation". As a result, she said she was not "surprised" that UK nationals were involved in the 7/7 bombings in London. She said she believed the intelligence on Iraq's threat was not "substantial enough" to justify the action. Baroness Manningham-Buller said she had advised officials a year before the war that the threat posed by Iraq to the UK was "very limited", and she believed that assessment had "turned out to be the right judgement". Describing the intelligence on Iraq's weapons threat as "fragmentary", she said: "If you are going to go to war, you need to have a pretty high threshold to decide on that." In a previously secret document from 2002, Baroness Manningham-Buller wrote to the Home Office saying: "We assess that Saddam is only likely to order terrorist attacks if he perceives that the survival of his regime is threatened." The Chilcot inquiry is continuing to hear evidence about decisions taken in the build-up to the invasion and its aftermath. Baroness Manningham-Buller, head of the domestic intelligence service between 2002 and 2007, said the terrorist threat to the UK from al-Qaeda and other groups "pre-dated" the Iraq invasion and also the 9/11 attacks in the US. However, she said the UK's participation in the March 2003 military action "undoubtedly increased" the level of terrorist threat. By Peter BilesBBC correspondent at the inquiry The former head of MI5 chose her words very carefully. Baroness Manningham-Buller was giving her evidence in public, although 35 witnesses have previously testified to the Iraq inquiry behind closed doors in order to protect national security or international relations. Key to her evidence was the release of the declassified assessment which she wrote in March 2002, a year before the invasion of Iraq. This played down the direct threat to the UK from Saddam Hussein's regime, and its possible links to al-Qaeda. As was expected, the focus of her evidence remained on the implications of the 2003 invasion for Britain, rather than the actual decision to go to war. Given the gravity of the situation, with 16 suspected terrorism plots uncovered in the UK between 2001 and 2008, it may be a surprise to some that she did not have direct conversations with Tony Blair during her time as head of MI5. A year after the invasion, she said MI5 was "swamped" by leads about terrorist threats to the UK. "Our involvement in Iraq, for want of a better word, radicalised a whole generation of young people, some of them British citizens who saw our involvement in Iraq, on top of our involvement in Afghanistan, as being an attack on Islam," she said, before immediately correcting herself by adding "not a whole generation, a few among a generation". The ex-MI5 chief said she shared her concerns that the Iraq invasion would increase the UK's exposure to terrorism with the then home secretary David Blunkett, but did not "recall" discussing the matter with Prime Minister Tony Blair. MI5 did not

Summary: The invasion of Iraq "substantially" increased the terrorist threat to the UK, the former head of MI5 has said.


Just as the fighting for Mosul moved from east to west over the course of many months, the Iraqi military is now moving westwards towards the Syrian border. Although much smaller in size, Tal Afar has been a so-called Islamic State (IS) stronghold that the jihadist group has used as a strategic "base" since 2014. And Tal Afar has had ruthless rulers before - between late 2004 and early 2006, the city was controlled by al-Qaeda in Iraq, a precursor to IS. Before it fell to IS, the city's population of 200,000 was predominantly ethnic Turkmen, a Turkic people who have their own language and customs. The majority were also Sunni Muslims. Tal Afar's residents are not viewed as helpless victims by many in the region; for a relatively small population, security sources say a disproportionate number of men from the city filled the ranks of IS as commanders, judges and members of their vicious religious police. The battle for Tal Afar could also escalate tensions between Iraq, its ethnic Kurdish minority, Turkey and Syria. Turkey refuses to close or move its military base near Mosul, claiming it could be needed to protect Iraqi Turkmen as well as the Turkish border. The mere idea of Turkish military action on Iraqi soil has been enough to cause many, from Washington to Baghdad, to lose sleep. Kurdish leaders in Irbil are also keeping their eyes wide open as well - juggling the real or perceived threats from Sunni Arab insurgents, Turkish forces and an ever-growing number of Shia Arab militiamen. Tal Afar is a two hour drive from the Turkish border, and the main road from Mosul to Syria runs through the city. It is, in many ways, the perfect location - and the right time - for a perfect storm. The military assault on Tal Afar might seem clear cut, but the combination of forces involved invites complications on the ground. Approximately 40,000 troops are taking part in the fighting - three Iraqi Army divisions, Iraqi and US-led coalition special forces personnel, as well as "government-backed" paramilitary fighters from the Popular Mobilisation (Hashd al-Shaabi). The Popular Mobilisation is an umbrella organisation under whose banner are militias like Kataib Hezbollah (Hezbollah Brigades), Moqtada al-Sadr's Saraya al-Salam - the current incarnation of the Mehdi Army - and the Badr Organisation. The Popular Mobilisation's ranks also include fighters from Asaib Ahl al-Haq, a group trained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force that has been accused of a number of kidnappings and attacks in Iraq. The factions in the Popular Mobilisation are predominantly Shia and many are backed and funded by Iran. When you speak to them, many of their fighters do not try to hide their deep-seated disdain for Iraqi's Sunni population. Regardless of fears, internally and internationally, about the size and ultimate intentions of the Popular Mobilisation, it is not going away any time soon. It is needed, many argue. Once Tal Afar has been recaptured, this menagerie of forces will face a tougher operation on a wider scale that could last for months.

Summary: Tal Afar, about 55km (35 miles) to the west of Mosul, was always going to be next on the "to do" list for Iraqi forces.


Media playback is not supported on this device Koeman has advised midfielder James McCarthy not to join the Ireland squad after previously saying he had been "massively overloaded" by the Republic. Republic manager Martin O'Neill said this week that Koeman was "bleating" about the matter. Keane added: "Maybe Everton need to look at their own training schedule." McCarthy, 25, has been ruled out of the Republic's World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday because of a hamstring injury. He has missed most of his club's season because of injury but played in the Republic's qualifier wins over Georgia and Moldova last month. That angered Everton boss Koeman, who has only seen McCarthy play 33 minutes of competitive action for the Premier League club since then. However, Keane says he "could not care less" about Koeman's concerns - and also criticised previous Toffees manager Roberto Martinez. "Everton traditionally have always had brilliant Irish players doing well for the football club, so they shouldn't be so quick to stop Irish players coming to play for Ireland," said the former Manchester United midfielder. "We have had a problem previously with Martinez - I think he was slightly over the top. "Every time, we felt, the Everton players were turning up - and this is not a criticism of the players, this is more from Everton and their staff - they were always carrying knocks. "I always felt the Everton players were going to turn up on crutches or crawling in the hotel door, and now it looks like we are probably going to have that issue again with Koeman. I hope not. "Maybe Everton as a club need to - and it's a brilliant football club - maybe their players need to toughen up a little bit." Media playback is not supported on this device

Summary: Republic of Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane says Everton players must "toughen up" in an ongoing row with Goodison boss Ronald Koeman.


Smoke bombs were let off and bricks thrown as police turned out in force to oversee hundreds of far-right demonstrators marching through town. They clashed with anti-fascist demonstrators, leaving five people with minor injuries. Kent Police said it seized more than 20 weapons including a knuckle duster. Police said their operation ended at 17:00 GMT after they had arrested individuals for possession of offensive weapons, breaching the peace and public order offences. Banners and placards carried by the right-wing marchers included those from the North West National Front, neo-Nazi organisation Combat 18 and the Scottish Defence League. Counter-demonstrators included members of Kent Anti-Racism Network, anti-fascist group Antifa and people with Socialist Worker placards. They were addressed by Diane Abbott, shadow secretary of state for international development. Earlier, six people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder at a service station on the M20 which was closed after several coaches believed to be on the way to the demonstrations were damaged. Police said officers were called to a disturbance at Maidstone services at junction eight at 10:51 GMT. Two coaches had swastikas daubed on them in blood following a clash between two rival groups. A coach which left the scene was stopped at junction 11 services at Westenhanger. During the day police took away weapons including a knife, pieces of wood, glass, hammers and bricks. A police spokesman said he could not comment on the motives of those involved, or what groups they may or may not have been a part of. Police warned on Friday the demonstrations were expected to attract large numbers of protesters, with businesses and residents told to expect disruption.

Summary: Three people were arrested amid violent scenes as groups demonstrating against immigration clashed with anti-racism protesters in Dover.


Crews were called to the incident at about 17:00 on Friday. Five appliances were initially sent to the scene with one remaining on site on Saturday afternoon. No-one was injured in the incident.

Summary: Firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a factory on the Isle of Scalpay in the Western Isles.


They were arrested last week by police investigating dissident republican activity in the area. Three men, aged 22, 24 and 46, have been charged with targeting a former member of the security forces in the Craigavon area. A fourth, aged 22, has been charged with the attempted murder of police officers. He is also charged with possessing explosives with intent to endanger life on 31 August in Lurgan. The men will appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Tuesday. A 22-year-old man arrested last Thursday as part of the same investigation was released unconditionally over the weekend. Police, who described the device as "potentially lethal", said it had been recovered during a large-scale police operation. Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr said: "We are relieved and delighted to have taken an extremely dangerous explosive device out of circulation. "Our experience of these devices in Northern Ireland has been that they have been used to try to kill police officers." ACC Kerr said the device had been located in a derelict house in a residential area close to people's homes. "Those responsible have absolutely no regard for the local community, or indeed any community," he said. "I would also like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during the disruption of search activity in recent days. Our primary aim has been community safety."

Summary: Four men have been charged after police recovered an armour-piercing mortar during searches in Lurgan.


Media playback is not supported on this device At 44 years old, Owens was the oldest of the 12 referees chosen for the World Cup, but his age will not prevent him from taking part in Japan in 2019. Selection criteria is based on performances and fitness, and Owens feels he has plenty more years in him. "My plans at the moment are quite clearly to go on until 2019," he said. "We had a meeting with the assessors and I was asked what my plans were and I said 'I'm enjoying my refereeing and as long as I keep reffing well and I'm fit enough I want to go on to 2019'. "Their response was 'great, we're glad to hear that, we'd like you to be there in 2019'." Saturday's World Cup final at Twickenham, which New Zealand won 34-17 against Australia, was the pinnacle of Owens' 68-Test career. He became the second Welshman to oversee the final following Derek Bevan, who was in charge in 1991 when Australia edged England, also at Twickenham. South African Andre Watson is the only referee to be in charge of two finals. He was 45 on his second appearance in the 2003 final, won by England against hosts Australia. World Rugby, the game's governing body, has welcomed Owens' decision to prolong his international career, adding he had shown exceptional fitness standards during the recent tournament. Owens admits the pressure, scrutiny and physical demands on referees are higher than ever, but he insists the passion for the job remains. "I just thoroughly enjoy it and I'm going to keep on doing it as long as I can and as long as I'm good at it," he said. "When the time is right and I know the body or the mind can't take it any more because of the travelling or the pressure, or when the legs can't get there to make those big decisions, then I'll know that and I will be calling it a day when that happens." Sections of the Australian media have criticised aspects of Owens' performance in the final, claiming he missed a forward pass in the passage of play that ended with Dan Carter kicking a penalty to stretch New Zealand's advantage to 9-3. Owens, though, says he has learned to deal with criticism, and feels his decisions on Saturday did not affect the eventual outcome. "If you can't deal with criticism as a referee you just can't do this job," he said. "There's something in you that helps you deal with that. "It doesn't make it any nicer for me to hear criticism, especially if any criticism is personal. "As long as you can look back on a game and say 'I did my best, I gave it my all' that's what counts." Owens revealed he was hugged and thanked for a "great game" by Australia number eight David Pocock moments after the final whistle. "For someone who's just missed out on winning the Webb Ellis Trophy to come up and do that to you says a lot about

Summary: World Cup final referee Nigel Owens says he intends to keep officiating in international rugby for another four years.


Mr Dutton has accused The Guardian and Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) of "trivialising" allegations relating to treatment of asylum seekers. The Guardian last week published more than 2,000 leaked reports from the immigration centre on Nauru. These revealed widespread abuse and trauma among asylum seekers. Australia asylum: Why is it controversial? "I've spent much of my professional career investigating sexual assaults and assaults against people and arresting people for that. I take these issues very seriously," the former police officer told Sydney radio station 2GB. "The trouble, frankly, with the approach of The Guardian and the ABC has been to trivialise the very serious issues by trying to promote the 2,100 reports as somehow all ... being serious when they're not." Mr Dutton said many of the reports described corporal punishment of children by their parents and minor assaults by detainees on other detainees. He also claimed that non-government organisation Save the Children, which provided counsellors for the centres, was responsible for releasing the cache of "incident reports". The child advocacy group denied that it leaked the documents. Australia agreed on Tuesday to close a controversial asylum seeker detention centre on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea. The Manus Regional Processing Centre, which currently houses 854 men, will be closed by both countries as quickly as possible. Mr Dutton said the men would not be relocated to Australia.

Summary: Peter Dutton, Australia's immigration minister, says he will not "be defamed" by media coverage of the country's offshore detention centres.


Police found Kevin Malthouse in Blackshots Lane, Grays, in the early hours of Saturday morning following reports of a group of men fighting. The 24-year-old had been stabbed in the chest and died at the scene. Jack Taylor, 18, from Oakley Close, Grays, has been charged with his murder and is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court. Flowers - including moving tributes from Mr Malthouse's parents and wife - have been laid near the spot where he died. For more stories from the county, visit BBC Local Live: Essex A 22-year-old man, who was also arrested, has been bailed pending further investigations. A 21-year-old man, from South Ockendon, was released without charge and faces no further action. Mr Malthouse's former team Tilbury Football Club has paid tribute, saying he was "a lovely lad".

Summary: A man has been charged with murder after a former non-league footballer was stabbed to death.


The High Court granted the adjournment after hearing a share purchase agreement was due to be completed, which meant HMRC would receive £1.4m. HMRC had applied to put the Formula 1 team, based in Enstone, Oxfordshire, in administration over unpaid tax. On Thursday, Renault confirmed it would take over Lotus. The adjournment was granted by Mr Justice Birss until 21 December, with the completion of the purchase agreement due on 16 December. He approved Lotus' application for the adjournment, which was backed by Renault Sport and not resisted, because the proposed deal was the result most likely to be of benefit to the creditors and the best chance of rescuing the business as a going concern. Other creditors, owed in excess of £2m, would be paid by 31 December, counsel Jeremy Bamford told the court. Renault first announced its intention to take over the cash-strapped team in September. HMRC brought the case against Lotus because of unpaid income tax and National Insurance contributions.

Summary: Lotus has been given a further two-week breathing space in insolvency proceedings brought by Revenue and Customs (HMRC).


Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols said Christians were the most persecuted people, but few of them would receive sanctuary in the UK. The government has said 20,000 refugees will be brought to Britain directly from refugee camps around Syria. But Cardinal Nichols said most Christians did not go into the camps. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today, Archbishop Nichols said: "I can see the point in going directly to the refugee camps, but in fact I think its unintended consequence will be that there will be few, if any, Christians coming to this country. "That is because for the most part Christian refugees do not go into the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) camps. They go to fellow Christian organisations." He added: "If we are going to deal purely with UNHCR according to their rules, then there can be no preference given to anybody on behalf of their faith and we will simply bypass the Christian refugees, not intentionally but in fact." It comes as the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, will say that Britain has lost its sense of proportion in relation to the refugee crisis. In his Christmas sermon at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff he is expected to say that the "debate seems to be centred on how many refugees we should accept. We forget to ask, or perhaps we choose to forget, why there are so many refugees in the first place". The refugees being brought to the UK will be drawn from established refugee camps, initially as part of the Vulnerable Persons Relocation (VPR) scheme. More than 50 local authorities have taken a share of those who have already arrived. Alongside the VPR scheme, the UK has also granted asylum or other forms of protection to 1,868 Syrians in the year ending September 2015.

Summary: Christian refugees fleeing Syria are being bypassed by the UK government, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales has said.


David Mackintosh, Conservative MP for Northampton South, announced his decision ahead of a local party meeting where his candidacy was expected to be opposed. The BBC reported millions of pounds of public money loaned to Northampton Town FC appeared to have vanished. The MP has denied any wrongdoing. Mr Mackintosh was criticised over the loan to Northampton Town Football Club from the borough council - when he was leader - to rebuild Sixfields stadium and develop nearby land. About £10.25m of that money is now missing and the loan is subject to a police investigation into "alleged financial irregularities". The football stand remains half built. When contacted by the BBC last week, a majority of his party's local executive council said they would vote to deselect him. Mr Mackintosh had previously said he intended to stand for re-election. But in a statement, he said: "It has been a huge honour to be the member of Parliament since 2015, but I now feel it is the right time for my constituents to have a new representative."

Summary: An MP facing deselection after being criticised over his role in a loan to a football club will not stand for re-election.


Avon and Somerset Police wants to raise the cost of the course from £80 to £95 to help pay for its road policing unit. The Alliance of British Drivers said the police should not be funded by people "who hadn't done much wrong". Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said she would not comment on the proposal, which would be discussed later on Monday. Alliance spokesman Bob Bull described the courses as "not about safety", "more about making money" and a "self-funding merry-go-round. He said people who were driving at "marginally over" the speed limit should not be penalised and that the police should be concentrating on catching drivers travelling at well over the limit. In the report, the panel said it hoped the price rise would protect the unit from further cutbacks. The course is offered to drivers who are caught travelling at 10% above the speed limit plus two mph, but not more than 10% plus nine mph. At the new price the course would be £5 short of the £100 fixed penalty, but without drivers getting points on their licences. A motorist who has attended one of the courses within the past three years is not eligible to have the option of attending again. RAC head of external affairs Pete Williams described the increased cost as "an unwelcome surprise for drivers". Mr Williams said with more than one million motorists attending the courses each year "there is big money to be made, either by the police or those running the courses". Staffordshire £80 North Wales £85 Gloucestershire £90 Surrey £95 City of London & Metropolitan £97 Wiltshire Not offered Source: National Association of Driver Intervention Providers

Summary: A plan to increase the cost of speed awareness courses has been criticised as a "self-funding merry-go-round".


The Taiwanese firm, also known as Foxconn Technology, posted a net profit of NT$37bn ($1.2bn; Â£814m) in the October to December quarter. It also reported a 16% jump in full year profit for 2012 to NT$94.8bn. Foxconn is the world's biggest contract electronics maker and Apple is one of its biggest clients. According to some estimates, orders from Apple account for almost half of Foxconn's total revenue. In the October to December quarter, Apple had sold 47.8 million iPhones, up from 37 million a year earlier. Meanwhile, the launch of iPad mini, also boosted sales of its tablet PCs - it sold 22.9 million iPads, compared with 15.4 million in the same period in 2011. However, the heavy reliance on Apple has also raised concerns that Foxconn's growth may slow in the coming months. Some analysts said the rapid rate of growth that smartphones and tablet PCs had seen in recent years could not be sustained. "In most of the developed economies, smartphones are at a mature penetration stage and tablets are pretty close to being at that stage," said Andrew Milroy of consultancy firm Frost & Sullivan. Mr Milroy added that Apple had so far not been able to replicate the success it enjoyed in the developed economies in emerging markets. He explained that in the emerging economies, Apple products were still very expensive and out of reach for many consumers. At the same time, Apple is facing increased competition from other smartphone makers in those markets. "They are being hammered by low-cost smartphones in countries such as China," he said. The fear is that if Apple's growth rate slows, it will have a knock on effect on suppliers such as Foxconn.

Summary: Hon Hai Precision Industry, a major assembler of Apple products, has posted record quarterly profits helped by growing demand for iPhones and iPads.


Media playback is not supported on this device Justin Gatlin was supposed to represent the bad old days of athletics. Instead, at an age when most sprinters are slowing down and slacking off, he is closing 2014 as its superstar present: unbeaten all year, owner of six of the seven fastest 100m this season, nominated this month as one of the IAAF's male athletes of the year. This has been no quiet drift into sporting old age from the former Olympic and world champion. Aged 32, Gatlin is now running faster than when he was known to be cheating. This summer he ran the fastest 100m and 200m times by a man in his thirties. Last month in Brussels, he pulled off the fastest ever one-day sprint double, clocking 9.77 seconds for the 100m an hour before running the 200m in 19.71. Two months earlier, in Monaco, he had run 19.68 for the 200m, against a previous legal PB of 20.03. Shouldn't we be celebrating these great feats of sprinting? Isn't this one of the great comeback stories in sport? To subvert that old Lance Armstrong line, extraordinary performances demand extraordinary proof. Gatlin, banned once as a young man, banned again in 2006 - initially for life, eventually, after negotiations and appeals, for four years - is a hard man for many in the sport to trust. To run 9.77 dirty is one thing. To do so again, supposedly clean, at an age when no other man has got close, is too much for some to believe. "It shows one of two things: either he's still taking performance-enhancing drugs to get the best out of him at his advanced age, or the ones he did take are still doing a fantastic job," says Dai Greene, Britain's 2011 400m hurdles world champion. "Because there is no way he can still be running that well at this late point in his career. "After having years on the sidelines, being unable to train or compete, it doesn't really add up. 9.77 is an incredibly fast time. You only have to look at his performances. I don't believe in them." Already Gatlin's nomination for the IAAF's athlete of the year shortlist is causing others to stand up in anger. Germany's Olympic, world and European discus champion Robert Harting, another nominee, is asking for his name to be removed from the list in protest. "If you did it artificially, you don't know how you did it," says Briton Darren Campbell, a former European 100m champion. "If you climbed a ladder the first time with a harness pulling you up, how do you do it again without another harness? Would you have the same confidence to attempt that climb without a harness? "Gatlin must have tremendous mental strength if he believes he can now do it clean." Athletes have long suspected there might be a long-term effect of doping - something akin to the muscle memory that allows technical motor skills to be retained even after lying dormant for years. Research from scientists at the University of Oslo

Summary: Twice banned for doping, distrusted by fellow athletes, trained in the past by a notorious doping coach and now by another man once banned for drugs.


The leftist Syriza government's surprise decision to call that vote scuppered its bailout talks with eurozone ministers. The Greeks have very little time to prepare for a referendum whose outcome could decide their future in the euro. What is the point of the referendum? The government says the EU-IMF bailout terms are unacceptable, but cannot simply be rejected without the Greek people having their say. The issue is so important for Greece's future that "we decided to turn to the citizens, to explain our negative attitude to it [the bailout], but to give them the choice", Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis said. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, in a letter to eurozone leaders leaked by the Financial Times, said holding a referendum "is a sovereign democratic right of the Greek people, necessary to ensure ownership over the financial assistance programme that will be eventually agreed with the institutions". He told the Greek people that the lenders had resorted to "blackmail" in order to impose more austerity. After five years of recession and welfare cuts many ordinary Greeks feel bitter that they have suffered while Europe's business elite recovered quickly from the financial crisis. More than democracy is at stake - a vote to reject the bailout could trigger a "Grexit", a Greek exit from the euro. A No vote would formally cut the euro pipeline from lenders, and the Greek government could be forced to issue IOUs or a "new drachma" currency to prevent a banking collapse. However, the EU has no mechanism for a country to leave the euro - it has never happened before. What will the question be? The language is quite technical, and many Greeks may struggle to understand it: "Should the proposed agreement be accepted, which was submitted by the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the International Monetary Fund in the Eurogroup of 25.06.2015 and consists of two parts, which constitute their unified proposal? "The first document is entitled 'Reforms for the Completion of the Current Program and Beyond' and the second 'Preliminary Debt Sustainability Analysis'." Beside the question are two boxes: "Not approved/No; Approved/Yes". Uncertainty still surrounds the referendum. Mr Tsipras's political opponents say he has not told the Greek public exactly what the lenders were proposing, and what in particular he rejected. It is not impossible that Greece's tortuous negotiations with lenders could resume in the coming days. And the current bailout expires on Tuesday - the day that Greece is supposed to pay back €1.6bn (£1.1bn; $1.8bn) to the International Monetary Fund. Greece is teetering on the brink of default, and if that happens events could unfold dramatically before 5 July. Who wants a No vote in the referendum? Syriza, the nationalist Independent Greeks, and far-right Golden Dawn say "No" to the bailout terms. Opposition parties object to holding a referendum, and their supporters are likely to vote "Yes" or abstain. The main opposition parties are New Democracy (centre-right), To Potami (centrist) and Pasok (centre-left). What was the lenders' reaction? Anger. Eurozone finance ministers had been preparing for last-ditch talks on 27 June to

Summary: Greece's cash-strapped banks are to remain shut for a week, until after a key 5 July referendum on the country's bailout conditions.


More than 30 firefighters helped to tackle the blaze on Great Eastern Street in Shoreditch from 03:45 BST. LFB has since apologised after its joke about the fire was met with a mixed response on social media. It said: "Sorry if we caused any offence by using the term hipsters." LFB added: "Hope #Shoreditch businesses are back on their feet soon." An investigation into the cause of the blaze is due to begin. The apology came after criticism of the joke on social media. Mike O'Brien tweeted "enough with the hipster jokes. People's livelihoods have been ruined". Others were more amused with Twitter user Debbie commending the brigade for a "great job", saying the hipster comment "made me spit my tea out". However, Pete Carrier tweeted to say "are you worried that Met Police Helecopter [sic] are getting all the attention?" His comment made reference to a situation earlier this week when the National Police Air Support Unit in London came under criticism for zooming in and taking a photograph of comedian Michael McIntyre before posting it on its Twitter account.

Summary: A building housing a pop-up restaurant in east London has been partially destroyed by fire, but "fortunately no hipsters were injured", London Fire Brigade (LFB) has said.


The network will comprise at least 600 spacecraft in the first instance, but could eventually encompass more than 2,000. The aim is to deliver broadband links from orbit to every corner of the globe. In particular, the project wants every school to have a connection. Building so large a constellation requires a step-change in the manufacture of satellites - especially for Airbus. It can take Europe’s biggest space company many months and hundreds of millions of dollars to build some of today’s specialist platforms. But for the OneWeb venture, it is all about high volume and low cost. That means new assembly line methods akin to those in factories producing cars and planes. The idea is to turn out three units per shift at well less than a million dollars a piece. The boss of Airbus, Tom Enders, concedes he initially thought the OneWeb concept to be fantasy. "Everything in space as you know traditionally has been 'gold-plated'; it had to work perfectly, [and have] the most expensive materials, etc. "Here, we’ve had to go other ways, to be really commercial and calculating according to the target cost because that is very decisive in the whole business case for OneWeb," he told BBC News. Airbus and OneWeb have inaugurated the first assembly line in Toulouse, France. Two further lines will be set up in a soon-to-open factory complex in Florida. The most obvious difference you notice between these new lines and the conventional satellite cleanroom is the trolley robot, which moves the developing satellites between the various work stations. But the "revolution" here goes far beyond automation; it requires a whole chain of suppliers and their components to scale their work to a different game plan. The first 10 satellites to come off the Toulouse assembly line have a deadline to launch in April next year. Another batch will follow into orbit around November. And then the launch cadence will kick on apace. The establishment of the OneWeb constellation requires the greatest rocket campaign in the history of spaceflight. More than 20 Soyuz vehicles have been booked to throw clusters of 32-36 satellites into a web some 1,200km above the Earth. There should be just under 300 on station by the end of 2020, the start of 2021; more than 600 about a year or so later; and then over 800 by the middle of the decade. OneWeb and Airbus are not the only companies planning a mega-constellation in the sky. SpaceX, Boeing, ViaSat and others have all sought regulatory approval. But not everyone will succeed in getting the necessary multi-billion-dollar financing, and Airbus believes the OneWeb concept has first-mover advantage. Equity of $1.7bn has already been raised, and talks are ongoing to secure the loans needed to complete the roll-out. OneWeb describes itself as a "truly global company" but it has company registration in the UK's Channel Islands. And, as such, it must deal with the UK Space Agency as the licensing authority. "A lot of our revenues are going to flow through the UK. So, from an economic perspective, it

Summary: European aerospace giant Airbus and its partner, OneWeb, have begun the production of a satellite mega-constellation.


BBC Wales Sport understands the Gills made an enquiry for Byrne, before Edinburgh changed his mind over a player he brought to Rodney Parade. Edinburgh opted to end the pursuit out of respect for his old club, who he managed from 2011-2015, so as not to weaken their battle against relegation. They are currently 20th in League Two, seven points above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Newport have confirmed the release of defender Matt Taylor. The 34-year old joined from Cheltenham in the summer but made just five appearances for the south Wales club. "Further to recent discussions, we can confirm that Matt Taylor will leave the Club with immediate effect having mutually agreed to terminate his contract," a statement from the club read. Taylor is understood to be a target for Torquay United.

Summary: Newport midfielder Mark Byrne was a transfer target for Gillingham before a U-turn from manager Justin Edinburgh.


The Welsh Amateur Boxing Association (WABA) says the audit found no evidence of fraudulent activity, But its chairman said it would take all the steps recommended to put things right. Sports Wales said it would continue funding the association, but it had put special measures in place. The report into the activities of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association (WABA) was commissioned by the association, alongside the Welsh government and Sports Wales which oversees and promotes sport and advises the government. The audit was carried out by accountancy firm, KTS Owens Thomas. In their report, which has been published in a redacted form on WABA's website, the auditors said: "It is our view that in its current state WABA is not fit for purpose and does not qualify to receive public money. "Sport Wales must consider the implications of this finding. "We consider that with the implementation of the recommendations set out in this report, WABA will become fit for purpose and qualify to receive public money." In 2012, WABA received grant support from Sports Wales of just over Â£190,000 - more than double its Â£89,000 grant in 2006. The audit report lists a series of financial concerns: The report also raises issues over the way the association has been run since becoming a limited company in 2003. It noted: "Some members have expressed concern that WABA is not open to constructive challenge and there appears to be divisions in the membership. "Overall, we have found corporate governance to be poor and dysfunctional. We consider that it is improving, but has not reached an acceptable level." The auditors make 38 recommendations for the sporting body's future, including measures to tighten financial controls, banking systems, and expenses management. Their report also calls on the board to "improve the culture at WABA", and to work with Sports Wales to ensure it follows an action plan to implement the recommendations. 'Simply not acceptable' Responding to the report, WABA chairman Terry Smith told BBC Wales: "Obviously we are very disappointed, but we will take all the steps recommended to put things right as quickly as possible." He said much of the organisation was run by unpaid volunteers who did not have formal financial training. But he disputed some of the report's findings, including the issue of unsupported spending. Sports Wales said WABA's failures were "simply not acceptable". Chief executive, Sarah Powell, said an action plan was now in place to resolve the issues at WABA. She added: "In the best interests of the sport's grass-roots participants and elite competitors, Sport Wales has decided to continue funding WABA, but has put in place special measures to protect public funds, until such time as satisfactory progress has been made on the recommendations."

Summary: The body responsible for amateur boxing in Wales is "not fit for purpose" and "does not qualify for public funding", an independent audit report says.


Dave Robins from Swanley, Kent, leased non-emergency ambulances to Coperforma, which was stripped of its Sussex patient transport contract on Tuesday. He began providing them in July after two other suppliers went bust, but has said he has only received one payment. Coperforma said all contractors were paid in full for services received. "In line with our contractual policy we do not discuss with third parties details of the relationship we have with individual transport service providers," a spokesman said. More news from Sussex Mr Robins, of UK Ambulance Sales, said he lost almost Â£200,000 in the summer after two patient transport companies in Sussex went bust. Coperforma stepped in to keep the service running and, he said, did a deal with him to lease ambulances for six months from 1 July. "They made payments for 1 July, supposed to be a six-month basis, [and] haven't made payment since. "Invoiced them for the full amount. Nothing at all, so I feel quite aggrieved about what's gone on," Mr Robins said. Not for the first time Coperforma are having to deal with disgruntled contractors. We saw it with VM Langfords, Docklands Medical Services, Dedicated Care in Eastbourne and now UK Ambulance Sales. As the "managed" handover between Coperforma and South Central Ambulance Service begins, so people within the industry are telling me that confidence in the service and in Coperforma is fragile. Indeed, "fragile" is how the boss of the Clinical Commissioning Group, Wendy Carberry, described the entire Sussex Patient Transport Service when I interviewed her this week. It might be that fragility leads to more problems in the months to come. The spokesman for Coperforma said: "I can categorically state that our payments to our contractors are up to date for service received to support the Sussex patient transport service. "I can also confirm that we are in different stages of negotiations with a small number of providers over invoice queries which we are trying to resolve as speedily as possible." Coperforma is due to hand over its patient transport service for Sussex in a "managed transition" to South Central Ambulance Service by next April.

Summary: A businessman who supplied ambulances to an NHS patient transfer service says he was left with "thousands of pounds of debt" because he was not paid.


The man, of 23, is being questioned on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving over the collision on the A500 at about 04:45 BST. The two men who died, both aged 22, were from the north Staffordshire area, police said. Part of the southbound carriageway was closed for seven hours after the crash at Cliffe Vale, a spokesman said. The road has since reopened. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said it quickly became apparent to crews arriving at the scene "that nothing could be done to save two men that were in the car". They were confirmed dead at the scene. A third man "was treated for multiple minor injuries" and taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital. Anyone with any information about the collision is urged to call police on 101.

Summary: A man has been arrested after two men died when a car and lorry crashed in Stoke-on-Trent.


After Katie Zelem's first-minute opener for Liverpool, goals from Karen Carney, Fran Kirby, Drew Spence and Eniola Aluko put Chelsea 4-1 up at half-time. Caroline Weir and Emma Lundh's second-half strikes gave the visitors hope. But Kirby and Spence both added goals to restore the three-goal lead and keep pressure on leaders Manchester City. Zelem, who netted twice in Liverpool's 3-2 loss at Notts County last time out, stunned the defending champions with a fine strike from range in the early stages. But the floodgates opened after England winger Carney rounded the goalkeeper to level and the scoreline could have been bigger as Carney struck the crossbar with a free-kick late on. Chelsea - who won 2-1 at Liverpool in their previous match - remain second, three points behind first-placed City, who have played a game more. Emma Hayes' side face Arsenal in the Women's FA Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday, looking to defend the trophy they won for the first time last season. Chelsea Ladies midfielder Drew Spence: "It was a bit like a basketball match, the way the goals were going in for both sides. I was pleased with my two goals. "But we're disappointed we didn't manage the game better after coming from behind to go 4-1 in front by half-time. We've got to learn how to not concede before we turn on the gas. "That's something for us to work on in training this week in the build up to the FA Cup final. "We beat Arsenal 2-0 in the league recently but we can't have any complacency because of that, it's going to be a tough game." Liverpool Ladies midfielder Caroline Weir: "Scoring three goals is fine, but if you concede six you can't expect anything out of a game. "We made too many defensive errors and that's just not good enough against a team as good as Chelsea. "This is a tough place to come, but it was so disappointing for us after making a great start with a brilliant goal by Katie Zelem. "We conceded some poor goals after taking the lead, and going in at half-time 4-1 down we knew that wasn't good enough."

Summary: Chelsea Ladies won a nine-goal thriller at home to Liverpool Ladies to maintain their 100% winning start to the Women's Super League One season.


The 14-time major champion, playing in his first full PGA Tour event for almost 18 months, carded a level-par second round of 72, but missed the cut by four shots after his first-round 76. World number one Jason Day and US Open champion Dustin Johnson also missed the cut at Torrey Pines in San Diego. Overnight leader Rose carded a one-under 71 to put him on eight under. Canada's Adam Hadwin and USA's Brandt Snedeker are tied in second on seven under, while US PGA champion Jimmy Walker missed the cut as he finished on three over. Woods is playing in just his second tournament since 15 months out with a back injury. "It's frustrating not being able to have a chance to win the tournament," said the 41-year-old, who won his last major, the US Open, at the same course in 2008. "Overall today was a lot better than yesterday. I hit it better, I putted well again. I hit a lot of beautiful putts that didn't go in, but I hit it much better today, which was nice." Scotland's Martin Laird and England's Paul Casey are both on two under, while Ireland's Shane Lowry is on level par.

Summary: Tiger Woods missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open, as England's Justin Rose maintained a one-shot lead.


K Prithika Yashini, who was born male but underwent gender reassignment surgery, applied to become a police sub-inspector in the southern state. But the state police board did not recognise a third gender, leading her to pursue a legal case against it. A court in Chennai (Madras) has now ruled in her favour. "I'm excited," Prithika was quoted as saying by India's NDTV network. "It's a new beginning for the entire transgender community." A ruling by two judges in Chennai's high court said: "The social impact of such recruitment cannot be lost sight of, as it would give strength to the case of transgenders. "Yashini must reach the finish line, and not be stopped and disqualified in the middle." India's supreme court recognised transgender people as a third gender last April, five years after the electoral commission added the category to ballot forms. The ruling meant the government had to provide transgender people with quotas in jobs and education in line with other minorities, as well as key amenities. There are an estimated two million transgender people in India. While the Times of India reports that Tamil Nadu police already have three transgender constables on their books, reports in other Indian media said Prithika will become the first officer in the country. Prithika was born Pradeep Kumar and left her parents' home before completing a computer studies course and undergoing surgery. She had wanted to be a police officer since being a child, Indian media said. The court also ruled that the result of a police physical test, which Prithika failed after being a second late in a 100-metre dash, was not valid.

Summary: The Indian state of Tamil Nadu is to hire the country's first transgender police officer after a court cleared hurdles that faced one applicant.


Coleman, who led his side to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, said the 2018 World Cup will be his last as Wales boss. The FAW says it would be hard to keep Coleman, 46, if he decides he wants to manage a club side before then. "I know he misses the day-to-day running of a football club, working with players," Roberts said. "He's got a burning desire to take Wales to a World Cup and I think that really is what's made him sign his new contract. Media playback is not supported on this device "But if a big contract came up from a Premier League club I think it would be hard for Chris to turn down." Coleman, who managed Fulham in the Premier League between 2003 and 2007, signed a two-year contract extension with Wales in May. Football Association of Wales chief executive Jonathan Ford is hopeful Coleman will his see out his contract until after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. But Ford conceded it would be difficult to keep Coleman if the former Crystal Palace and Blackburn Rovers defender wants to move into club management before then. Coleman, who succeeded the late Gary Speed in January 2012, has expressed a desire to manage abroad in the future having previously coached in Spain and Greece. He managed Real Sociedad and Greek side Larissa after a spell in charge of Coventry City.

Summary: Wales manager Chris Coleman would find it very difficult to turn down a Premier League job, says his former international team-mate Iwan Roberts.


The tie-up, announced in March, is expected to be completed by the end of this year or early 2017. It will create one of the world's largest exchange companies with a combined value of about £21bn. Each of the two companies has more than 5,000 staff. The LSE said its shareholders would be asked to approve the merger on 4 July. It added that the deal was expected to produce €250m in annual cost savings in five years, with €160m of those savings achieved by year three. If the deal goes ahead, LSE shareholders will own 45.6% of the new holding company, while Deutsche Boerse shareholders will own 54.4%. The two companies said together they should be able to make cost savings of €450m (£354m) a year - about 20% of the combined group's operating costs of €2.2bn last year. The LSE group already owns Milan-based Borsa Italiana. The newly merged company will keep both the London and Frankfurt headquarters. The new holding company, UK TopCo, will be incorporated in the UK.

Summary: The London Stock Exchange Group (LSE) has said its forthcoming merger with Deutsche Boerse could lead to as many as 1,250 job losses.


Media playback is not supported on this device Platini wants to restore the image of world football's governing body in the wake of serious corruption allegations. "We want a reform candidate," said FA chairman Greg Dyke. "We believe he will reform Fifa in the way that reform is needed." Sepp Blatter has already announced he will quit as Fifa president, with an election set for 26 February. Frenchman Platini, president of European football governing body Uefa, is likely to face a number of challengers, among them Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein of Jordan and Liberian FA president Musa Bility. Dyke added: "We understand there will be a number of candidates, which should result in a strong and healthy debate. "However, we should not underestimate how challenging it will be for anyone to lead an organisation that has been so tainted. The whole structure of Fifa must be reviewed and fundamentally changed." Platini has found himself at odds with the FA over Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup. The 60-year-old championed the Gulf nation despite concerns over its human rights record and severe summer temperatures. But Dyke attempted to play down any differences for the time being, saying: "Mr Platini has always made it very clear that he voted for Qatar. "If all the other people who voted for Qatar had been quite as transparent it would have been more helpful." Not everyone shares the FA's confidence in Platini, a former France international who won the coveted Ballon d'Or three times. Just hours after confirming his candidacy on Wednesday, he was criticised by two potential presidential rivals. Prince Ali and Bility both claim Platini would be a bad choice as a successor. Prince Ali, who stood against Blatter in the last presidential election, said that "football's fans and players deserve better". A member of the Jordanian royal family, he added that Fifa needed a "new, independent leadership, untainted by the practices of the past". Bility agreed, telling the BBC's World Football programme that Platini would bring "chaos", "more division" and "more problems".

Summary: The English Football Association has given its backing to Michel Platini's bid to become the next boss of Fifa.


The holders won eight straight races to triumph 9-8 after being docked two points for cheating in the build-up. Oracle surged to victory by 44 seconds to retain the Cup they won in 2010. The Kiwis won four of the first five races, making Oracle modify their boat and call Ainslie from the warm-up crew. The British sailing legend, 36, a four-time Olympic champion, was drafted in as tactician in place of American veteran John Kostecki and was instrumental in the US outfit's resurgence. "It's been one of the most amazing comebacks ever, I think, almost in any sport but certainly in sailing and to be a part of that is a huge privilege," said Ainslie. Ainslie combined superbly with Oracle's Australian skipper James Spithill and strategist Tom Slingsby, another Australian who won Laser gold at London 2012, to drag the syndicate back from the brink in the most remarkable turnaround in the event's 162-year history. "To be perfectly honest, we had a mountain to climb," Ainslie added. "We knew we had to sort ourselves out. We had to get the boat going faster. We did that. "The designers did a great job and we had to start sailing better. We got the momentum going and we started believing in ourselves. When you do that, you can become quite strong. " The New Zealanders, with impressive early pace upwind and slicker boat handling, opened up a seven-point lead (six to minus one) as Oracle's crew and equipment changes took effect. Media playback is not supported on this device But the US outfit, bankrolled by software billionaire Larry Ellison, were soon up to speed and won 10 of the next 12 races to lift the oldest trophy in international sport, known affectionately as the "Auld Mug". The Kiwis, led by skipper Dean Barker, came within two minutes of glory in race 13 in uncharacteristic light winds before organisers abandoned the race because the 40-minute time limit had elapsed. In the decider in fresh breeze and sunshine on San Francisco Bay, Team New Zealand edged a tight start and beat Oracle to the first mark. The Kiwis stayed clear around the second mark but lost the lead to the Americans early on the upwind leg. After briefly retaking the advantage, the Kiwis then watched as Oracle stormed ahead with remarkable upwind pace and remained clear for a comfortable win. I'm incredibly proud of our team and what they've achieved but I'm gutted we didn't get the last win we needed "What a race," said Spithill, 34, after only the third winner-takes-all final in the event's history. "It had everything. Man, these guys just showed so much heart. "On your own, you're nothing, but a team like this can make you look great. We were facing the barrel of a gun at 8-1 and the guys didn't even flinch. Thanks to San Francisco, this is one hell of a day." Barker, 41, said: "It's obviously very hard to fathom. We went out there to give it our absolute best shot. We felt we didn't leave

Summary: Sir Ben Ainslie's Oracle Team USA sealed one of sport's greatest comebacks when they overhauled an 8-1 deficit to beat Team New Zealand in the America's Cup decider in San Francisco.


Brock Turner, 21, who was a swimming champion, assaulted the woman outside a Stanford University fraternity house. He was freed from the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose, California, after serving three months. Inmates in California typically serve 50% of their sentences before release. Turner, who left the jail without commenting to journalists, apparently intends to return to Ohio to live with his parents. Under the terms of his release, he faces three years of supervised probation and will be registered as a sex offender for the rest of his life. The local sheriff's office in Ohio said Turner would be treated "no differently than any other sex offender we monitor". The former swimmer's sentence prompted an outcry, with critics saying the judge had been overly lenient and sex assaults on US campuses were not being treated seriously enough. Prosecutors had demanded a sentence of six years in state prison. Judge Aaron Persky, who handed down the sentence, expressed concern about the impact of prison on Turner. In his decision, he said positive character references and Turner's remorse and lack of previous criminal record were mitigating factors. Turner's father, Dan, also sparked outrage during the case, saying his son should not have been jailed for "20 minutes of action". Two witnesses said they had seen him sexually assaulting the woman, who was lying on the ground unconscious. The victim, referred to by the pseudonym Emily Doe, released her victim impact statement publicly. It was read by millions, and praised by US Vice President Joe Biden. She criticised Turner for not admitting the crime and putting her and her family through an "invasive" and "aggressive" trial. Later, she expressed disappointment at the "gentle" sentence her attacker received. California attorney general Kamala Harris added her voice to the criticism, questioning whether the facts "merit that kind of mitigation". Protesters have called for the recall of Judge Persky, who last month asked to be assigned to the court's civil division. Earlier this week, legislators in California closed a loophole in sexual assault cases, whereby more lenient sentences could be issued if the victim did not resist. In California, the use of force in a sexual assault results in a mandatory prison sentence. In cases where no force is used - when the victim is unable to defend themselves - no mandatory sentence exists. State assembly members voted unanimously to amend the law, and prevent the use of probation in such cases. The bill has been passed to Governor Jerry Brown for approval, but has not yet been signed into law.

Summary: A student at a top US university whose six-month jail sentence for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman in 2015 was widely criticised for being too lenient has been released from prison.


The winger ran from his own half to score a dramatic counter-attack goal. Lionel Ainsworth's scooped shot evaded goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams and his defence to give Motherwell the lead. Iain Vigurs converted a penalty to bring Inverness level after Keith Lasley's foul on Ross Draper but Johnson would have the last word. Mark McGhee's Well - who move above St Johnstone into fourth - will be assured of a top-half place after the league splits in two later this month if Partick Thistle fail to beat Dundee United on Tuesday. Both sides came into the game in the Highlands off the back of impressive wins and knocked the ball around with confidence early on. They produced some neat passing moves but those were largely confined to the area between the respective penalty boxes with little creativity in the final third. It took 24 minutes before either goalkeeper was forced into action when Carl Tremarco finally found space for a cross from the left that picked out Liam Hughes. The former Cambridge United striker managed to loop a header on target but it was a comfortable save in the end for Connor Ripley - as it was just a few minutes later. This time it was Miles Storey who provided the cross from the left with Hughes getting across his marker to glance a header that the visiting goalkeeper grabbed gratefully. Storey himself should have done better when Motherwell were again opened up down the same flank in first-half stoppage time but he could only direct Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo's cross wide from close range. Media playback is not supported on this device Motherwell's main threat came from the occasional set piece and Stevie Hammell's delivery caused problems for the Inverness defence but Chris Cadden guided the ball wide. After a sterile opening hour, Fon Williams made a mess of gathering a cross and Louis Moult set up Ainsworth to lob in the opening goal. The lead did not last long, however, as Lasley was penalised for taking down Draper and Vigurs scored against his former club from 12 yards. However, Johnson raced away following an Inverness corner to fire past Fon Williams as time ran out.

Summary: Marvin Johnson's stoppage-time winner against Inverness Caledonian Thistle all but secured a top-six Scottish Premiership finish for Motherwell.


He told Fox News: "I think President Obama's behind it because his people are certainly behind it", but added: "I also think it's just politics." Mr Trump offered no evidence for his claims and his predecessor in the White House has not commented. The president also spoke about his budget plans and other issues. President Trump's interview was broadcast hours before he is due to give his first address to a joint session of Congress. A senior White House official told the BBC the president would talk about a "renewal of the American spirit", offering an "optimistic vision". In the speech he is expected to set out in greater detail his plans to cut spending and boost the economy. Mr Trump has said his proposal to increase the defence budget by $54bn (Â£43bn) would be paid for by a "revved up economy". The foreign aid purse and the environmental department face a squeeze to pay for it, but analysts are doubtful the spending promises can be kept without increasing the deficit. The president said he would get "more product for our buck" in terms of buying military hardware and would ask for a "form of reimbursement" from countries making use of the US military. In other developments: In the Fox News interview, Mr Trump was asked about the protests faced by some Republican politicians at town hall meetings across the country. He said he was certain Obama loyalists were behind both those protests and White House leaks. "In terms of him being behind things, that's politics. And it will probably continue," he added. He was asked for more detail on how he would find the money for the 10% increase in military spending he has proposed for 2018. Proposed cuts elsewhere are unlikely to cover the proposed increase. An address to Congress is a different kind of presidential speech. Will the American public see a different Donald Trump? If history is any guide, that seems unlikely. Every time there has been talk of a pivot or shift of focus for candidate Trump, or president-elect Trump, or President Trump, the end result has been the same Donald Trump as always - blustering and belligerent, unvarnished and unapologetic. Mr Trump would be well-served to take a different tack tonight, however. While he's spent his first month in office in a blizzard of activity, issuing executive orders and squelching controversies, there's been little progress with his agenda in Congress. Top-line items like tax cuts and healthcare reform will be heavy legislative lifts with a balky conservative caucus in the House and a narrow Republican majority in the Senate, requiring presidential leadership of a kind not yet demonstrated by Mr Trump. Recent opinion polls have shown the president's standing with the public improving after a dismal first few weeks, but any progress can quickly evaporate if his "man of action" bravado runs headfirst into congressional obstinance. Tuesday night's speech is the president's first major opportunity to avoid that outcome. The White House sent Mr Trump's 2018 budget blueprint, which begins on 1 October, to federal agencies

Summary: US President Donald Trump has said he believes Barack Obama is behind a wave of protests against Republican lawmakers, and national security leaks.


Figures show the number of women taking their holy vows has trebled in the past five years, from 15 in 2009 to 45 last year - the highest number since 1990. Fourteen of the women who entered convents in 2014 were aged 30 or under, the latest figures show. The Church says women are being drawn to religious life because of a "gap in the market for meaning in our culture". Sister Cathy Jones, from the National Office for Vocation, said: "We are never going to be at the place we were at 50 years ago, Catholic culture was at a very different place. "But the fact that more women are becoming nuns than there has been in the past 25 years shows that as a generation we have turned a corner." The figures show that in the 1980s around 80 women were becoming nuns each year but the numbers gradually declined until 2004 when only seven women joined a convent. The small number of entrants has gradually increased again in the last 10 years, reaching 45 in 2014. Sister Cathy said nuns were now less visible in communities but they were now doing more hidden work with trafficked women or working as counsellors. And she added that some women may have been driven to the work after having seen more poverty in the UK during the economic downturn. "It doesn't tend to be those who are coming from quite vulnerable places who become nuns, but there are people who want to be reaching out to those on the margins, who join," she said. Theodora Hawksley, 29, was until recently a postdoctoral researcher in theology at the University of Edinburgh, but at the beginning of the year she decided to end her career as an academic, and begin her training to become a nun. She joined the Congregation of Jesus in January and is now living in their house in Willesden, north London, while taking the first steps towards making vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Ms Hawksley said: "In one sense it is a bit like trying to explain to somebody why you are marrying the person you are. You can list their qualities, but in the end it is a relationship of love. "I don't have to worry now about practical things like making a career for myself. I'm free to go where I'm needed and meet people at the margins. "You are not on your own. It is an unusual life choice, but you are not the only one making it. There are plenty of people asking themselves the same questions." She admitted some of her friends were a "bit bewildered" when she revealed her plans, but most have been very supportive. Last year the majority of new nuns - 27 out of 45 - chose to be active religious sisters, who have a ministry outside of the convent, working in a community in areas such as nursing or teaching. Religious sisters are often sent to live in different communities every few years, both in the UK or abroad.

Summary: The number of women becoming nuns has reached a 25-year high, the Catholic Church in England and Wales says.


McClean, who was recently released by Nottingham Forest, was on trial with the Perth outfit in the last few weeks of the 2016-17 campaign. And the midfielder has now signed a one year deal at McDiarmid Park. Manager Tommy Wright told the club's website: "I was very impressed with Kyle in his trial and he will go straight into the first team squad." McClean has been included in Northern Ireland's squad for their opening Euro Under-21 qualifier in Estonia on Thursday. St Johnstone finished fourth in the Premiership in 2016-17 and go into the Europa League qualifiers later this month. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: St Johnstone have made 18-year-old Northern Irish midfielder Kyle McClean their first signing of the summer.


Colour Sgt Martyn Horton, L/Cpl David Ramsden, Pte Douglas Halliday and Pte Alex Isaac all died after the crash in Helmand on 23 June, 2010. The collision forced their Ridgeback vehicle onto two wheels, before rolling into the canal, the court heard. The inquest is due to take five days. The hearing, at Salisbury Coroner's Court, resumed on Monday after being part heard in November, The servicemen were members of a police advisory team, travelling as part of a two-vehicle convoy, at the time of the crash. The vehicle, driven by L/Cpl Ramsden, collided with an Afghan National Police car by the Nahr-e Bughra canal. The inquest heard how the crash happened as the vehicle was travelling to a police checkpoint, at the request of the Afghan National Police. The request followed several explosions in the area. Dr John Searle, a consultant in accident reconstruction, said: ""It was a glancing impact, an impact where the vehicle carries on and is not stopped by the impact." He said visibility in the vehicle would have been similar to a car driving in normal night-time conditions. Pte Michael Peers, who managed to escape from the submerged Ridgeback, said the occupants were wearing seatbelts and opened the back hatch near the water, as was recommended. "I heard a loud bang which was like an explosion, I do not know where it came from or where it impacted, if it did impact," he said. Colour Sergeant Horton, 34, was from Runcorn in Cheshire, L/Cpl Ramsden, 26, was from Leeds and Pte Halliday, 20, was from Wallasey in Merseyside. Pte Isaac, 20, was from the Wirral. All four soldiers were from the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire).

Summary: An inquest into the deaths of four servicemen in Afghanistan has been told the armoured vehicle they were in rolled into a canal after colliding with an Afghan National Police car.


Deaths rates from heart disease between 2004/05 and 2013/14 dropped by 43%, according to official figures. The number of people dying after a stroke also decreased by 41%. The Scottish government said the figures showed its strategy for tackling heart disease was working. Figures from ISD Scotland found the gap in death rates between the most and least deprived communities had narrowed by 33%. For patients admitted to hospital with their first heart attack, the chances of surviving at least 30 days have risen from 85% to 92% over the same period. The figures also show a 30% drop in the number of new cases of heart disease. In 2013 there were 7,239 deaths in Scotland where coronary heart disease was the underlying cause. Treating and preventing heart disease is a national clinical priority for Scotland. Public Health Minister Maureen Watt welcomed the figures. "It's tremendous news that fewer people are developing heart disease or suffering strokes, and that fewer people are dying," she said. "I'm also encouraged to see that health inequalities are reducing in this area, with the gap in mortality rates between the most deprived and least deprived communities falling over time."

Summary: Mortality rates for two of Scotland's biggest killers, stroke and heart disease, have fallen in the past decade.


The interior of the Saab 340 that flies to and from Orkney was stripped out and renewed and the exterior repainted at a cost of almost £270,000. Loganair, a franchise partner of Flybe, will spend £3.5m having the same work done to the rest of its fleet. The first stage in the three-year project follows criticism about the reliability of Loganair services. The airline's business includes operating lifeline routes to and from the Scottish islands, including Lewis in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland. Last year, members of the public and MSPs raised concerns about the reliability of some of these services. In January this year, the company announced that it was investing £15m in a programme of improvements and upgrades. As well as being given a revamp, each plane is to undergo a specialist check every 36 months. Loganair said this "intensive process" would involve stripping back the aircraft to the basic airframe structure for an examination using X-ray machines. Both engines and the flight control surfaces would also be removed to give access to the aircraft's structure and internal systems. Loganair chairman David Harrison said he was "extremely pleased" the first plane had been refurbished He said: "Our engineers and support teams put an incredible amount of time and effort into the project, and I'm certain our customers will appreciate their endeavour and enjoy the comfort benefits the renewal project brings to the Saab 340 fleet. "This Saab 340 renewal programme again underlines the commitment made by Loganair at the beginning of the year to embark on a significant investment programme to enhance the fleet and ultimately improve customer experience."

Summary: The refurbishment of the first of 13 aircraft operated by the Scottish airline Loganair has been completed.


Media playback is unsupported on your device 3 January 2015 Last updated at 18:30 GMT It was one of eight turbines on the Screggagh wind farm on Murley mountain. The turbine, valued at over Â£500,000, collapsed on Friday evening, scattering debris over a wide area. BBC Newsline's Martin Cassidy reports.

Summary: An 80-metre wind turbine has collapsed on a mountainside near Fintona in County Tyrone.