As Nadir Ciftci sloped off to Eskisehirspor on loan, fellow forward Colin Kazim-Richards, formerly of Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, arrived from Feyenoord just as his suspension for threatening a journalist came to an end. Whether or not either Turk will delight enough to be hits with their new clubs, it is another loanee who has the potential to set Celtic Park alight if he lives up to his market value. Patrick Roberts moved to Manchester City in the summer for about £12m and the 18-year-old winger has 18 months with the reigning Scottish champions in which to prove himself worthy of the fee paid to Fulham. Kazim-Richards is perhaps even more of a gamble, not only because of his off-field antics but also for a lack of career goals, and steady Erik Sviatchenko is maybe a safer bet to prove worthy of the £1.5m Celtic paid Midtjylland for the Denmark defender. Celtic might need to squeeze every last pound of value out of their new arrivals to thwart a sustained Aberdeen title challenge that appears to have surprised even those inside Pittodrie. The Dandies' deadline-day signing of Simon Church on loan from MK Dons means they have a striker hungry for goals to ensure his place in Wales' Euro 2016 finals squad. However, the Dons may live to regret their bungled attempt to sign Greg Tansey from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in events that left them minus the additional cover in central midfield manager Derek McInnes thought necessary. While they brought in two replacements, the recall by Liverpool of promising goalkeeper Danny Ward could also prove costly in the long run. Third-top Hearts made the biggest profit during January as they arranged a deal that should mean they pocket more than £1m for the sale of Osman Sow to Henan Jianye, who also bought Ryan McGowan from Dundee United, as the Chinese Super League begins to flex its financial muscle. The Edinburgh club have replaced the Swede with Abiola Dauda, a Nigerian striker on loan from Vitesse who has an even more impressive scoring record. Elsewhere, there was the usual influx and exchange of journeymen pros, with Dundee United failing to make the kind of exciting acquisitions that will transform their fans' hopes into expectation that they can bridge the gaping points gap at the bottom of the table. In: Aaron Lennox, goalkeeper (Hayes & Yeading). Loan:Simon Church, forward (MK Dons); Adam Collin, goalkeeper (Rotherham United). Out: Paul Quinn, defender (Ross County). Loan ended:Danny Ward, goalkeeper (Liverpool); Ryan McLaughlin, defender (Liverpool); Josh Parker, midfielder (Red Star Belgrade). Loan:David Goodwillie, forward (Ross County); Scott McKenna, defender (Alloa Athletic); Lukas Culjak, defender (Brechin City); Jamie Henry, midfielder (Arbroath). In:Colin Kazim-Richards, forward (Feyenoord); Erik Sviatchenko, defender (Midtjylland, £1.5m). Loan: Patrick Roberts, midfielder (Manchester City). Out: Loan: Nadir Ciftci, forward (Eskisehirspor); Anthony Stokes, forward (Hibernian); Aiden Nesbitt, forward (Partick Thistle); Jack Breslin, defender (Annan Athletic); Colin McCabe, goalkeeper (Stenhousemuir). In:Darren O'Dea, defender (Mumbai City). Loan:Arturo Juan Rodriquez Perez-Reverte, forward (Cordoba). Out:Kevin Thomson, midfielder (Hibernian); Gary Irvine, defender (St Mirren). Loan ended: Riccardo Calder, defender (Aston Villa). Loan: Josh

Summary: Celtic were once again the biggest movers and shakers in the Scottish Premiership during January, finishing with a flamboyant flourish by trading in a moody Turk who has been a flop in Glasgow for a moody Englishman who made his name playing for Turkey.


Clotilde Nonnez, a 56-year-old yoga teacher, says she has lived in the capital for 30 years and seen her health deteriorate. However, it became worse than ever when pollution in Paris hit record levels last December. Her lawyer says air pollution is causing 48,000 French deaths per year. "We are taking the state to task because we think the medical problems that pollution victims suffer are as a result of the authorities' lack of action in tackling air pollution," FranÃ§ois Lafforgue told Le Monde newspaper. More cases would be brought in the coming weeks, in Lyon, Lille and elsewhere, he added. Paris has struggled for years to combat high levels of smog and the authorities have introduced fines for any vehicle not carrying a "Crit'Air" emissions category sticker - part of a scheme to promote lower-emitting vehicles. Several routes in the capital now have restrictions on car use and a 3km (1.8-mile) stretch of the Right Bank of the River Seine has become pedestrianised. Ms Nonnez says she has led a healthy life, first as a dancer and more recently as a yoga teacher, but has increasingly suffered from respiratory problems, ranging from chronic asthma to pneumonia. When pollution hit the worst levels for a decade last December, her existing bronchial condition prompted an acute pericarditis attack. "The doctor treating me says Paris air is so polluted that we're breathing rotten air. She has other patients like me, including children and babies too. My cardiologist says the same," she told the France Info website.

Summary: A Parisian woman is taking the French state to court for failing to protect her health from the effects of air pollution.


Josh Vela fired Bolton in front from eight yards after Emile Heskey laid Dean Moxey's long throw into his path. But Boro equalised when Rhodes, who was about to be replaced by David Nugent, drilled home from close range. Rhodes then headed in Middlesbrough's second stoppage-time winner this week from three yards. Minutes earlier, Boro's big-money transfer deadline day signing from Blackburn had hit the post and headed wide from six yards as the Teessiders sought a winner, while substitute Gaston Ramirez also scooped a shot over from close range. Relive Middlesbrough's win at Bolton But Rhodes was in the right place at the right time to nod in Nugent's cross in the first minute of injury time and leave Boro two points clear at the top after promotion rivals Burnley, who they face on Tuesday, won 2-1 at Birmingham. Boro, who have now won six successive games, also scored an injury-time winner to beat Reading in midweek and this late show secured only their second victory at Bolton's current home. Middlesbrough face promotion rivals Burnley and Brighton in their closing four games and, as such, have their fate in their own hands as they bid to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2009. Aitor Karanka's side dominated the first half in terms of chances as Stewart Downing hit the bar from 25 yards, while Adam Forshaw, Daniel Ayala, Albert Adomah and Ritchie de Laet all failed to hit to target. Mark Davies' backheel forced Boro keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos into a save from Bolton's best first-half opening. Wanderers looked set for only their fifth win of the season after Vela put them in front but Rhodes had the final say to the delight of Boro's 4,302 travelling fans. Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka: "I told him [Rhodes] after the game that a goalscorer can't forget to score goals in two months. "Always one day it would arrive that he would score goals and it was today - two important goals. "I don't think it's been easy for him. He's not a strong character, you can see it in his face. The reason I am pleased for him is because sometimes when you do your best and you're unlucky you are going down. He was always trusting himself. "Today, the most important day, he arrived and he was there to help the team." Bolton interim manager Jimmy Phillips: "That's [the level of performance] got to be the case from now until the end of the season. "We encourage players to get on the ball, show as much in possession as they could, to be confident with it, because our league fate has been decided but also retaining a real competitive edge and defensive shape. "There's still areas to work on, definitely, hopefully if we can achieve better ball retention, become harder to beat and still work hard that will set the players up for next season for those that are going to be here." Match ends, Bolton Wanderers 1, Middlesbrough 2. Second Half ends, Bolton Wanderers 1, Middlesbrough 2. Offside,

Summary: Jordan Rhodes scored twice, including an injury-time winner, as Championship leaders Middlesbrough came from behind to beat already-relegated Bolton.


The McLaren driver was already not going to race in F1 in 2017, with the team holding an option on him for the 2018 campaign. But speaking on Thursday, the 36-year-old Briton said: "I go into this weekend thinking it's going to be my last race. I think that's the best way. "At this moment in time, I don't want to be racing in F1 beyond this year." Button, world champion in 2009, made his debut at the age of 20 in 2000. Sunday's race will be his 305th grand prix start, with only Rubens Barrichello (322) and Michael Schumacher (306) having driven in more. He has won 15 F1 races, driving for Williams, Benetton, Renault, BAR, Honda, Brawn and McLaren. Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne is replacing Button at McLaren next year as team-mate to two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, whose contract runs out at the end of 2017, with Button acting as an ambassador for the team. "It is true that I have a contract in 2018 but, at this moment in time, I am not going to be racing in 2018," Button added. "The whole point of this [contract for 2018] was if, in three months' time, I had eaten myself stupid and I changed my mind. "But I don't want to go into this race thinking it's not my last race - and it is." Under his contract for 2017, Button is due to be McLaren's reserve driver and would race if either Alonso or Vandoorne are unable to for any reason. Media playback is not supported on this device He will do promotional work for McLaren and some work in the simulator and attend a minimum of four grands prix. "It's been a long journey since eight years old until now," Button added. "You get to Formula 1 with many dreams and hopefully you leave the sport with memories - some amazing memories, some life-changing, some good, some bad. To walk away with the world championship is very special, too. "I will definitely step away from F1 happy with what I've achieved and definitely my life starts now."

Summary: Former world champion Jenson Button says he will retire from Formula 1 after Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.


The deal will see the firm taken over by holding company Cheil Industries, another part of the Samsung group. The merger is strongly opposed by some of Samsung C&T's shareholders, led by US hedge fund Elliott Associates. For Samsung's founding family, the move is a crucial step in consolidating control of the conglomerate. Shareholders in Cheil Industries approved the merger earlier on Friday. Shares in Samsung C&T fell 10.4% and Cheil Industries dropped 7.7% after the merger was approved. Elliott Associates, which is the second largest single shareholder in C&T, says the takeover significantly undervalues the company's stock. The hedge fund had filed several unsuccessful law suits to stop the vote from going ahead. The takeover is key to consolidating the Samsung founding family's control of the multi-headed conglomerate. It is of particular significance as it comes ahead of a generational power transfer at Samsung. The business empire's patriarch Lee Kun-hee has been in hospital since May 2014 and his son Lee Jae-yong is to take a bigger leadership role.

Summary: One of South Korea's most controversial mergers has been given approval by shareholders of the construction company Samsung C&T.


Carmarthenshire's Mark James and Pembrokeshire's Bryn Parry Jones had been given cash payments in lieu of employer pension contributions. Dyfed-Powys Police said the force was in discussions with the auditors. Carmarthenshire council said it was pleased the auditor did not rule its pension policy as unlawful. The public spending watchdog report said that both authorities had acted unlawfully in allowing the chief executives to opt out of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) to avoid potential tax payments. Mr James was also unlawfully given an indemnity against potential libel costs. Assistant auditor general Anthony Barrett said: "Carmarthenshire council has acted unlawfully on two fundamental issues, both of which the public need to be fully aware of. "The authority has taken decisions and used taxpayers' money in areas that they do not have the legal powers to do so." In a separate report on Pembrokeshire council, Mr Barrett concluded similar pension arrangements for some senior officers were also contrary to law. It is expected that by the end of March 2014, £51,011 will have been paid to chief executive Mr Jones and one other senior officer. The auditor said the decisions to allow certain officers to receive payments, and then for payments to be made, were unlawful on several grounds. "The public should be able to expect the highest standards of decision making at local authorities and the council must now address the procedural weaknesses I have identified in my report," he said. "It needs to demonstrate to its electorate that it is operating in accordance with the law and in line with good governance principles." Mr Barrett said neither council had the lawful power to give cash supplements in lieu of pension contributions to avoid tax liabilities, but said it was up to the local authorities whether they tried to claw back any money. Mr Barrett conducted two reports into Carmarthenshire council - the first into pension payments, and another into the decision to grant an indemnity to the chief executive to bring a libel counterclaim. He said the council acted "contrary to law" by allowing senior officers to opt out of the LGPS. More than £27,000 was paid to Mr James under the scheme since 2012. Mr Barrett said the council had since "rescinded its decision to offer a pay supplement in lieu of pension contributions and announced that no further payments will be made to the chief executive from January 2014". The original decision taken in November 2011 was considered by the council's executive board without appearing on the agenda and without being open to inspection by members of the public. In his report on the libel indemnity, the auditor said the council "does not have the legal powers to make such payments and there were inadequacies in the processes adopted by the council when making the decision". It concerned Mr James's libel action against Jacqui Thompson, a blogger who was arrested after filming a council meeting on her mobile phone. He won the case and Ms Thompson was ordered to pay costs of £23,217. Her own attempt to sue

Summary: Two councils acted unlawfully by letting chief executives opt out of a pension scheme to avoid potential tax payments, the Wales Audit Office says.


Researchers found that the hard working sheep dogs were successful at keeping seagulls away from beaches. Gull dropping are known to be a source of E. coli bacteria, which can lead to abdominal cramping and diarrhoea in humans. High levels of the bug are a leading cause of beach closures in many parts of the world, including the UK. The bacteria are commonly found in human and animal faeces and can end up in the seas through rain water run off or from sewage. Seagulls have been implicated in the spread of resistant versions of the bug. A recent report showed that around a third of E. coli samples taken from the birds were resistant to more than one antibiotic. In this new study, researchers assigned the dogs to 200-metre stretches of beach along the shores of Lake Michigan in the US, which were patrolled for parts of the summer season. Half way through the dogs were switched to untreated sections. Populations of Ring-Billed gulls have soared in the region since the 1970s with numbers increasing by 10% per year. The collies, known for their intelligence and their herding abilities, disturbed the seagulls and kept them from landing on the beaches. "Most of the time, the dogs were kept on their leads," said Dr Elizabeth Alm from Central Michigan University, who led the study. "They were released with the leads dropped, only when their handler directed them to chase gulls. Then the dogs were called, they would circle back, and the handler would pick the lead back up." Over the course of the summers of 2012 and 2013, the scientists recorded the number of birds at each section of beach while water and sand samples were collected and tested for E. coli. They found that the bacterial counts were significantly lower on those sandy stretches where the dogs had kept the gulls at bay. However the benefit didn't last through the whole season and the researchers found that later in the summer, bacterial numbers had risen once again. Dr Alm believes that the timing of the dog patrols is crucial to their effectiveness. "If the E. coli establish in the sand early in the season, they appear to be able to persist, and probably even grow in the sand so that even though the dogs can remove the gulls from the beach later in the season, this late reduction in gulls does not translate in to a late season reduction in E. coli." One key question though was the worry that the dogs themselves might increase the levels of E. coli if they had to answer nature's call while working on the beach. "These were professional working dogs," said Dr Alm. "They were given ample opportunity to take care of their "business" before going to work. They didn't often poop on the beach, but if they did it was immediately picked up by their handler and disposed of off the beach." The research has been published at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology. Follow Matt on Twitter.

Summary: Border Collies may be an effective weapon against E. coli infections at the seaside according to a new study.


The victim, Jason Bryden, 38, was repeatedly stabbed during the attack at his home in Kilmarnock on 5 July 2015. At the High Court in Glasgow, James Clark, 36, was jailed for a least 22 years after being convicted of murder. His brother John, 38, was jailed for 10 years after being convicted of the lesser charge of culpable homicide. Jailing both men, judge Bill Dunlop told the brothers that they had carried out "a merciless, relentless and savage attack". He rejected any suggestion that Mr Bryden had been laying in wait for them armed with a samurai sword. Judge Dunlop added: "You together planned to gain illegal access with at least one knife and nunchucks. "Jason Bryden may have been a drug dealer but he was a son, a father and a friend. He was butchered by you." After both men were jailed, Det Insp David Moran, who led the investigation, said: "The violent and terrible actions of John and James Clark caused the death of Jason Bryden. "To be taken at the age of 38, in such horrifying circumstances, is a heartbreaking situation that the family has been forced to endure." The court previously heard the brothers, from Kilmarnock, had decided to rob Mr Bryden of a gold bracelet which they had given to him in exchange for drugs. The pair, who were high on drink and drugs, went to his home after masking their faces with scarves and arming themselves with a knife and martial arts nunchucks. The sword used in the killing is believed to have belonged to the dead man. Neighbours said they could see the Clarks attacking Mr Bryden as he sat on a sofa by the window and could hear him screaming. Prosecutor Richard Goddard told the trial: "This was a sustained, frenzied attack on this man." Afterwards, the scene of the killing was described as a "bloodbath". In addition to the stab wounds, Mr Bryden suffered blunt force trauma during the assault. He died in Kilmarnock's Crosshouse Hospital three days later. Both brothers denied the killing. In evidence, James Clark, who has 38 previous convictions including one for attempted murder, said: "I didn't mean it. It was an accident." John Clark, who has 23 previous convictions, said he only got involved to help his brother whom he claimed was being attacked by Mr Bryden.

Summary: Two brothers have been jailed for killing a man with a samurai sword after a drugs-related robbery in East Ayrshire turned into a "bloodbath".


The memorial, with the names of 27 local people, has been unveiled at the Unite building in Islington. The city's office block has been called Jack Jones in honour of the ardent trade unionist from Garston who was badly injured in the conflict. Unite's regional secretary Paul Finegan said: "We feel very privileged." There were approximately 180 men and women who left the safety of Merseyside to defend the Spanish government against the might of General Francisco Franco's nationalist rebels between 1936 and 1939. Jack Jones survived the war and became the leader of the Transport and General Workers' Union. He was heavily involved with the unions until he died aged 96 in April last year. Local historian, Danny Payne, said that although there were 27 names on the plaque, after further research it is believed that 30 people from Merseyside died fighting. They had to travel there in secret, after the UK government declared it illegal to fight in Spain as it tried to appease Hitler's huge fascist force in the lead up to the Second World War. In total, 2,500 from across the British Isles fought in the Spanish Civil War and 500 did not survive. Mr Finegan said: "The plaque used to be on the wall of the unemployed and trade union centre in Hardman Street, but since it closed years ago, it has been sent from place to place across the city. "Now it's good that it has a permanent home here, it all seems to fit together well - a newly refurbished building called Jack Jones and a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in the same war he fought." The civil war ended after WWII had started. More than 300,000 people died and the Republicans were persecuted by the victorious nationalist parties. Mr Payne added: "It was an horrific war, Franco's uprising was supported by the Hitler and Mussolini regimes so he was furnished with arms. "The Republic was short of weapons and medical supplies and it was basically strangled by the might of Franco."

Summary: A plaque with the names of those from Merseyside who lost their lives fighting in the Spanish Civil War has found a permanent home in Liverpool.


The BBC revealed in January it understood Adidas would terminate the deal as a direct result of the doping scandal sweeping the sport. An IAAF statement on Friday said: "Our commercial relationship concludes at the end of 2016." The original 11-year agreement started in 2008. Sources told the BBC earlier this year it was worth, in terms of cash and product, as much as about $8m (£6.3m) per year. Adidas said the decision was mutual and added "we would like to thank the IAAF for a successful and professional co-operation".

Summary: Adidas, the IAAF's biggest sponsor, has announced it is ending its sponsorship deal with athletics' world governing body three years early.


Second-year scholars Callum Pritchard-Ellis, James Ballie, Callum Saunders, James Jones, Fraser Murdock and Perry Ng have all been offered senior deals. Davis told BBC Radio Stoke: "We're delighted to have another strong group. "Producing our own younger players is going to be more important. It only bodes well for the future of the club." Additionally, three under-16s have also signed first-year scholar contracts. Crewe's under-21s have enjoyed success again this season, reaching the Professional Development League Two final thanks to a 4-0 win against Cardiff on Wednesday. Crewe will now play Queens Park Rangers in the final at Loftus Road. "The secondary scholars have all been fairly strong," Davis added. "It took a lot of meetings to decide which of the players we would take. "The future, at the moment, looks very healthy. "It's harder to recruit players now, because of the demands of some of the players and the agents. "Experienced players are more or less a 'no, no' for us, particularly names that people know. Financially, they're always out of our domain. Our own players can give us a better style of playing."

Summary: Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis says the future of the club looks very healthy as six academy graduates are offered professional contracts.


It became one of the UK's first post-war settlements in 1947 following the previous year's New Towns Act. It is credited as having the first modern high-rise residential tower block, The Lawn, which opened in 1951. Designed for 60,000 by English architect, Frederick Gibberd, the town also included the first all-pedestrian shopping precinct. In April 1964, councillor Reginald Ward, chairman of the Harlow Urban District Council, showed off Harlow to visiting Italian prime minister Aldo Moro, from the roof gallery of the Town Hall. Today, Harlow is a thriving town with a population of 85,500, which includes residents from a wide range of countries. A mural featuring Harlow citizens, including its MP Conservative Robert Halfon, was created by Polish artist Jola Kudela for the book festival this month. The artwork, called "We're all the same boat", was created after a Polish man was killed in the town. The artist Ms Kudela said: "The message is just relax guys and let's live together peacefully and quietly." A large number of events are being planned to celebrate the town's 70th birthday and more information is available on the Harlow 70 council website.

Summary: Harlow is celebrating the 70th anniversary of being designated a new town.


Media playback is not supported on this device Of his first 30 matches in 2017, the world number one has won 21 and lost nine. Winning his last five tournaments of 2016 to pip Novak Djokovic to the year-end number one position in the final match of the season at London's O2 Arena was astonishing, dramatic and unforgettable. And yet it appears that relentless run of success, and the 87 matches he played over a season, has come at a price. Murray's straight-set defeat by world number 90 Jordan Thompson in the first round at Queen's Club was the sixth time he has lost to a player outside the top 20 this year. He has had shingles and an elbow problem, and now his left hip is proving cause for concern. Opting out of two scheduled exhibition matches at the Hurlingham Club in London may not be too much of a blow, as Murray's aptitude for grass is likely to allow him some margin for error during the opening week at Wimbledon. But will he be in pain, and will his movement suffer? Although it was reassuring to see him return to the practice courts on Friday, Murray was walking with a limp and neither moving, nor hitting his backhand, anywhere near as well as he will need to. Only time will tell. Media playback is not supported on this device Murray has looked especially vulnerable this season over three sets. As well as the defeat by Thompson at Queen's, he has also lost in straight sets to Fabio Fognini in Rome (no disgrace), to Borna Coric in Madrid, and to world number 129 Vasek Pospisil at Indian Wells. Though he was bamboozled by Mischa Zverev in the fourth round of the Australian Open, his Grand Slam record remains formidable. He is aiming this fortnight for a 10th consecutive Wimbledon quarter-final, and the last time he failed to reach the second week of a Slam was when he fell to Stan Wawrinka in the third round of the 2010 US Open. So, assuming Murray's hip does not leave him underpowered, the French Open provides the best indication as to how he might fare at Wimbledon. Murray often started slowly in matches at Roland Garros, but put in a dominant third-round performance against Juan Martin del Potro as he won in straight sets. He never looked a realistic champion, but ultimately was just a tie-break away from a second consecutive final. He then ran out of steam, a legacy of insufficient matches, in a Stan Wawrinka-dominated final set of their semi-final. It would be foolish to try to come to a firm conclusion about Murray's chances at the All England Club this year. Twice a champion, and a gold-medal winner on Centre Court at the 2012 Olympics, not even Novak Djokovic has outperformed him at Wimbledon over the past five years. Yet on 2017 results alone, Murray is only the seventh best player in the field. He has too frequently struggled to impose himself on his opponent, and hindered at times by injury,

Summary: Of his last 30 matches in 2016, Andy Murray won 28 and lost just two.


Councils in England are being allowed to raise the tax by 6% over two years to plug a care funding gap. But Wales' Social Services Minister Rebecca Evans told BBC Wales that increasing the tax was not "fair" and "not an approach we're taking". The Welsh Local Government Association has warned councils face a Â£92m social care "black hole" in 2017-18. Leading experts say the cost of providing care could double to Â£2.3bn by 2030. Speaking on The Wales Report on Wednesday, Ms Evans said: "Some parts of Wales have a much larger proportion of older people than others. "And obviously if we were to put the burden on local authorities to raise council tax to pay for that, it would disproportionately affect some parts of Wales more than others." Ms Evans said Welsh ministers wanted to take a longer term approach towards social care but "we do need the UK government to help us with this". "We don't know what our long-term funding is going to be from the UK government," she said. "So these are issues that are beyond our control, but within our control we're certainly doing everything we can to make social care good quality and fair across Wales in terms of paying for care as well." "I'm under no illusion how fragile the sector is in Wales, and the fact that Welsh Government does need to support it," she added. Mario Kreft, chair of Care Forum Wales which represents independent care providers, said that in a "relatively mild winter we're seeing huge pressures" in Wales and across the UK. "This should be no surprise to anybody," he said. "The reality is that we are a million miles away from where we need to be, where we could've been, and we need a wake up call." The Wales Report is on BBC One Wales at 22:40 GMT on Wednesday 8 February.

Summary: Spiralling social care costs cannot be met by increasing council taxes in Wales, ministers have ruled.


6 December 2016 Last updated at 09:59 GMT The app can now identify up to 70,000 public figures by looking at images, video or an actual person. The BBC's Rory Cellan-Jones raised privacy concerns with the company's co-founder Omar Tayeb.

Summary: Augmented reality app Blippar has been updated to recognise faces as well as objects.


Drones: What are they and how do they work? Could we all soon own a drone? Viewpoint: Drones, modern war, and the US The matte black, almost featureless triangular aircraft is making its first public appearance, and the makers don't want people seeing too much of its advanced features. But this object - the rather awkwardly-named nEUROn - could be the future of combat aircraft. When a jet like the Rafale or the Sukhoi SU-35 shrieks overhead at the show, the watching crowds are left in awe at the skill and daring of the pilot. Ever since the World War I, when aces like the Red Baron Manfred von Richthofen patrolled the skies, the fighter pilot has held a special place in the imagination. But that status could now be under threat, because the next generation of combat aircraft may dispense with the pilot altogether. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or drones, are nothing new, as their controversial use in Afghanistan and Pakistan has shown. But drones have limitations, and are vulnerable to being shot down within seconds of going anywhere near properly defended airspace. One solution is to develop much larger machines, full-scale fighter aircraft capable of flying long distances at high speed. They would be capable of bombing missions or tactical strikes, and able to defend themselves. And all without the need for a pilot. A number of experimental "superdrones" have already been built. Among them are Northrop Grumman's X-47 and the BAE Systems' Taranis. And then there's the spooky-looking nEUROn, being developed by a European consortium. France's Dassault is the lead contractor in the six-nation consortium, with the other participants being defence companies from Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The nEUROn, which made its first flight at the tail end of last year, is an ugly beast, low slung and black. Its rather bat-like appearance clearly owes a great deal to the Lockheed Martin F117 Nighthawk, better known as the original Stealth Fighter, and indeed it has been built using stealth technologies. "It's a big one!" says Eric Trappier, chief executive of French firm Dassault Aviation. "It's the size of a fighter, with a bomb bay." The aircraft has already done radar tests to assess its stealth capabilities, but a fully operational aircraft is unlikely to be ready until the end of the decade. Mr Trappier believes there is a clear role for unmanned aircraft to play in future conflicts, with fleets of pilotless planes being directed to targets by controllers on the ground, or from manned aircraft flying behind them. "In some regions you have very dangerous missions, and the use of unmanned vehicles could be very useful. For example, the destruction of enemy countermeasures or missiles or whatever. "It's mainly for the first day of war, where you don't really know what's going on in front of you, the UCAV (unmanned combat aerial vehicle) could be a good answer." So could unmanned planes one day do the job better than a fighter piloted by an individual rather than a computer? "Yes, in some types of mission it could

Summary: Under a huge semi-opaque dome and with heavy security in attendance, visitors to the Paris Air Show peer at a strange looking shape.


The judge held that Mr Durkan acted unilaterally and unlawfully in authorising the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP) without securing consent from executive colleagues. His verdict came in a challenge to the SDLP environment minister's decision. It was brought by former enterprise minister Arlene Foster of the DUP. The judge backed claims that because its significance stretched across departmental responsibilities it needed approval from the Stormont cabinet. A decision on what remedy to grant in the case will be taken at a later date. BMAP identifies zones for retail, residential and commercial development across the city and outlying areas such as Carrickfergus, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and north Down. Among the most contentious aspects of the blueprint is a retail zoning which restricts future expansion at the Sprucefield shopping centre to bulky goods only. That would mean a long-proposed John Lewis store could not be built there. Mrs Foster, now the first minister, issued proceedings amid claims her colleague in the power-sharing administration breached the ministerial code. Mr Durkan had said efforts were made to get the issue on the agenda at executive meetings. During the hearing it was confirmed that the legal action involved a disagreement split down party political lines. The DUP is opposed to the restrictions adopted by the SDLP minister in BMAP, the judge was told. Counsel for Mrs Foster repeatedly argued that the planning framework was a cross-cutting, controversial matter which needed the agreement of the whole executive. He claimed "battle lines were well drawn" in the debate over allowing unrestricted retail development at Sprucefield, with the potential impact on town and city centre shopping. He alleged the environment minister was only interested in securing approval for his own pre-determined outcome. The judge was told seven of the other 10 Stormont departments were concerned enough about BMAP to want to take part in a special executive sub-group set up to deal with the issue. Mr Durkan's barrister contended that attempts were made to coerce him into ignoring his legal duties in dealing with the planning blueprint. He also claimed the environment minister was put under pressure by DUP ministerial colleagues over a policy which effectively blocked attempts to build a John Lewis store. However, the judge held that the decision did cut across responsibilities of others in the executive under the terms of the 1998 Northern Ireland Act. He confirmed: "It was therefore a function of the executive committee to discuss and agree upon it, rather than for the respondent to act unilaterally." In a statement following the ruling, the Department of Environment said: "DoE planning is carefully considering Mr Justice Treacy's full judgement and the outcome of today's decision."

Summary: Environment Minister Mark H Durkan had no legal power to approve a major new planning blueprint for greater Belfast, a High Court judge has ruled.


Media playback is not supported on this device The hosts won with a day to spare at Old Trafford to level the series. England made 589-8 declared and 173-1 declared to set up their second biggest win over Pakistan in terms of runs. "It's an absolute hammering. It's as good a four days of cricket that you could wish for from an England point of view," Vaughan told Test Match Special. England's Joe Root, promoted to number three for this series, was named man of the match after scoring 254 in the first innings and an unbeaten 71 off 48 balls in the second. He also took four catches in Pakistan's first-innings 198 and claimed a wicket in his only over as Pakistan were bowled out for 234 on Monday. "It's great to see him stepping up to number three and playing with the responsibility there," said captain Alastair Cook, who made 105 and 76 not out. "It's as good an innings as I've seen. He's an extraordinary player. He didn't put a foot wrong; he played beautifully." Root, who twice fell to poor strokes in England's 75-run defeat in the first Test, said: "It's a great feeling. "Those two occasions at Lord's were batsman error on my part. I tried to cut that out of my game. It's the most controlled I've played." Coach Trevor Bayliss said: "He went away and did a bit of soul-searching and hard work, came back and did exactly what he said he was going to do." Vaughan: added: "This was his best Test-match innings." Media playback is not supported on this device Pakistan batted for only 63 overs in the first innings and 70 in the second on a pitch that offered the bowlers little assistance. "Their spirit was broken," said former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott. "Full marks to England - they got it all together, the quality of the batting, the discipline, their good bowling. "England are in a good place and will win again. They will be too strong for Pakistan. I'll be surprised if they come back." Pakistan play a two-day tour game against Worcestershire at New Road starting on Friday before the third Test at Edgbaston gets under way on 3 August. Media playback is not supported on this device Vaughan said: "England should enjoy the win and have a good party, but I just have a feeling that this series is going to be very, very tight." Of the Pakistan players, only captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq have passed 50 in the first two Tests of the four-match series. "This is a big disappointment for us," said Misbah. "We could have scored around 400 in the first innings - the ball wasn't doing anything much. "We are short of confidence and shot selection really cost us. "These guys are strong characters - mentally strong. I'm hopeful that everybody is hurt and they will really work hard." Media playback is not supported on this device

Summary: England produced a flawless performance to beat Pakistan by 330 runs in the second Test, says former captain Michael Vaughan.


Nine men were arrested over a pitch invasion and flares being thrown during City's 3-0 loss at Sixfields. The club has said that the "repeated disruptions" were "unacceptable". A Sky Blue Trust statement said: "We do not condone anti-social and illegal acts such as the throwing of smoke bombs and multiple pitch invasions." The statement continued: "We do understand, however, that it was entirely the result of frustration and desperation and that many supporters are simply at the end of their tethers feeling powerless and ignored. "While peaceful protests and petitions have attracted national attention and sympathy, they have seemingly been ignored by Sisu and [chairman] Tim Fisher and this once great club is in now in total disarray and turmoil. "The scenes were ugly but borne of desperation and passion. The Trust urges all fans to keep any protests lawful and ensure these scenes are not be repeated." Coventry fans have held a number of protests against the club's owners this season, with December's EFL Trophy second round win over Crawley attracting a record-low home crowd. The Sky Blues are without a League One victory since 1 November and have only won four times all season.

Summary: A Coventry City fans' trust says disruption at Saturday's defeat by Northampton was caused by "desperation" with the club's owners, Sisu.


The hosts took an early lead through former Bath full-back Nick Abendanon. Danny Cipriani kicked Sale's only points but two Camille Lopez penalties gave the hosts a 13-3 interval lead. Napolioni Nalaga plundered two tries to see Clermont pull away and home legend Aurelien Rougerie scored from halfway to secure the four-try bonus point. With three of last year's semi-finalists alongside the Sharks in Pool One the Salford-based side were always going to be big outsiders to qualify, and with a solitary point from two games the knock-out stages look impossible now. They enjoyed some good moments, with David Seymour a constant menace at the breakdown, but ultimately the hosts had too much power and class. Fly-half Cipriani, playing his first game since being left out of the England squad, mixed lovely touches with a couple of careless mistakes, but along with the rest of his side he was powerless to prevent the Clermont onslaught after the break. Despite trailing by 10 points at the interval Sale were competitive in the first half and it took a poor throw at the line-out - far from the last unfortunately for the visitors - to spark Clermont into life. Wales centre Jonathan Davies - who immediately went off with a reported shoulder injury - chipped and regathered before feeding Abendanon, who scooted down the line and produced a piston-like hand-off on Sale scrum-half Will Cliff to score. Lopez, 25, converted and added two penalties after Cipriani's solitary reply for Sale as the hosts edged clear. After the break Clermont grew more dominant by the minute and added a second try when the giant Nalaga claimed Lopez's cross-kick and stepped inside two covering defenders to score. The Fijian powerhouse added a second with 10 minutes remaining after a flowing passing move and, with the passionate home fans demanding a fourth try, the 34-year-old Rougerie dummied on halfway, handed off Tom Arscott and outpaced the Sale defence to score in the corner. Clermont Auvergne: Abendanon; Nakaitaci, Davies, Fofana, Nalaga; Lopez, Radosavljevic, Domingo, Kayser, Ric, Cudmore, Jacquet, Bonnaire, Lapandry, Lee. Replacements: Rougerie for Davies (16), Debaty for Domingo (54), Kotze for Ric (70), Vahaamahina for Cudmore (54). Not Used: Paulo, Kolelishvili, Lacrampe, James. Sale: Haley; Brady, Leota, Tuitupou, Arscott; Cipriani, Cliff; Lewis-Roberts, Jones, Cobilas, Mills, Paterson, Lund, Seymour, M Easter. Replacements: Ford for Cipriani (65), De Marchi for Lewis-Roberts (64), Mamukashvilli for Jones (64), Harrison for Cobilas (64), Ostrikov for Mills (54), Braid for Easter (54), Fowles (for Cliff 61), Forsyth for Tuitupou (72). Att: 17,591 Ref: George Clancy (Ireland).

Summary: Sale were overpowered as Clermont Auvergne clicked into gear in the second half to earn a European Rugby Champions Cup bonus point.


MSC Oscar is shorter in length than the previous holder the CSCL Globe, which docked in Felixstowe in January, but can carry 124 more containers. It is 396m (1,300ft) long and has a capacity of 19,224 standard containers. Clemence Cheng, chief executive of Port of Felixstowe, said it was a "very happy day" for the port. More than 200 people lined the beach between the public viewing platform and Landguard Point to welcome the ship's arrival, although the ship was not carrying a full load. Barrie Bridle, 57, from Southampton, was spending the week in Felixstowe to see the ship. "I work in the marine industry and we get a lot of shipping in Southampton, but it's always nice to see something different and we don't get them that big in our port," he said. "She'll be just as impressive going out, hopefully with a few more boxes on her." Graham Meadows, 60, from Ipswich, said he had a "fascination" with its size. "I missed the Globe in January because I was away, so I got down here early this morning," he said. "I've just finished a night-shift, so I'm tired and I want to go to bed, but I also hope to come down at night and photograph it before I go to work. "My partner understands my interest in photography, so she accepts it whether it's wildlife or anything else." Source: MSC The MSC Oscar had sailed from Wilhelmshaven in Germany and will leave Felixstowe on Tuesday before heading to Rotterdam in The Netherlands and then on to China via Algeciras in Spain and the Suez Canal. Mr Cheng said MSC had worked with the port for the past 30 years and that its continued business, despite the added option of London Gateway, was a "seal of approval". "We're giving them the service that they want," he said. "It's good for the port, good for Suffolk and good for the country." The size of a container ship is defined in terms of its load capacity.

Summary: The newly-crowned largest container ship in the world has arrived at Felixstowe for its first visit to the UK.


The aerodrome's owners had claimed that "permanent unrestricted planning permission" was granted in 1951. However, this was rejected by Waverley Borough Council in July 2011 and the planning inspector in April 2012. A judge at the High Court said the 1951 permission did not grant permission for unrestricted flying. Lord Justice Sullivan said the permission for "flight testing" did not amount to consent for unrestricted flying of aircraft. He said the certificate sought by the owners was pursued on the alleged basis that there was no material difference, in land use terms, between unrestricted numbers of passenger or cargo flights, and flight testing. He said: "The use of land as a bus station is not the same thing as use of land for the testing of buses." He added: "There can be no doubt that, properly construed, the 1951 planning permission does not permit the airfield to be used for unrestricted aviation activities." Dunsfold Park was constructed during World War Two by the Canadian Army. It is now used by about 100 commercial operators and most famously as the venue for the filming of Top Gear. The owners have the right to appeal the latest decision to the Supreme Court.

Summary: The owners of Dunsfold Park aerodrome, which is home to the BBC's Top Gear, have lost their latest fight for unrestricted flying.


His solicitor Julia Cooper has asked Surrey Police to explain a statement that he had confessed to the murder. Bellfield, 47, was given a whole-life prison sentence in June 2011 for murdering the schoolgirl. Surrey Police confirmed it had received a letter from Bellfield's solicitors but said it was standing by its statement on the confession. Milly was kidnapped while on her way from school to her home in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, in March 2002. Ms Cooper said Bellfield, now known as Yusuf Rahim, believed a "covert tape" may have been used to record his response to a police interview in prison. She said "my client denies giving a confession". She has written to Surrey Police requesting the tape recording and notes from the meeting. Ms Cooper said Bellfield contacted her very soon after Surrey Police distributed its press statement relating to the Dowler case. She said Bellfield denies all the crimes for which he has been convicted. Last month, Surrey Police revealed Bellfield had made the admission during an investigation into whether he had an accomplice involved in the abduction and rape, but not murder, of Milly. The force said it stood by its original statement. A police source speaking to the BBC would not comment on how the admission was recorded. Milly's body was found 25 miles away from where she was kidnapped, in Yateley Heath, Hampshire. Experts could not say how she died. Bellfield was found guilty of abducting and murdering the teenager following a trial at the Old Bailey where a judge described him as a "cruel and pitiless killer". He was already in jail for the murders of Amelie Delagrange, 22, and Marsha McDonnell, 19, and the attempted murder of Kate Sheedy, 18, when he went on trial accused of killing Milly. He lived 50 yards from where Milly vanished but did not become a suspect until he was arrested by police in London for the other crimes in 2004. On Wednesday, the Dowler family revealed harrowing details of Milly's final hours, saying they had been made aware of her suffering last year after Bellfield had spoken to police.

Summary: Serial killer Levi Bellfield has denied confessing to the abduction, rape and killing of 13-year-old Milly Dowler.


Amirah Droudis, 37, will spend at least 33 years behind bars for killing the woman -who cannot be identified - in 2013. Droudis's boyfriend, Man Haron Monis, took 18 people hostage in a Lindt cafe in central Sydney in 2014. The 16-hour siege ended with the deaths of Monis and two hostages when police stormed the building. Monis had been charged with being an accessory to his ex-wife's killing, and was on bail at the time of the siege. The Supreme Court of New South Wales heard that Monis planned the 2013 murder and Droudis carried it out. The victim, identified by the pseudonym Helen Lee, was stabbed 18 times before being doused in petrol and set alight outside an apartment in western Sydney. After the trial, Justice Peter Johnson ruled that Monis recruited Droudis to murder his ex-wife. "The offender uncritically adopted and espoused Monis's foul beliefs and acted in public support of him in public protests," he said in his sentencing remarks on Wednesday. The judge described Monis as "an evil man" whose death was "a result of his own criminal and murderous acts". "No-one mourns his passing and many have been left to grapple the consequences of his destructive acts," he said. The judge acknowledged claims that Droudis had been repeatedly assaulted by Monis. Droudis was sentenced to a maximum 44 years in jail with a non-parole period of 33 years. Detective Inspector Jason Dickinson, who worked on the case, said he was satisfied with the sentence handed to Droudis. "This was a brutal and callous crime and I think the sentence today has reflected that brutality," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. The victim's family made a statement outside court, thanking the judge, prosecutors and police. "Today we are very happy that justice has been served to our only daughter," the statement said. The findings of an inquest into the cafe siege are due to be handed down this year. How the Sydney siege unfolded

Summary: The girlfriend of a man behind a deadly siege in a Sydney cafe has been jailed for murdering his ex-wife.


Neil Ward, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales Trust, said the diminishing sports budget was leading to "unrealistic" expectations. The Welsh Government said it was "totally committed to making Wales a more healthy and active nation". But its funding via Sport Wales has fallen by 14% in the past seven years. Mr Ward told the BBC's Sunday Politics Wales programme he was concerned about the limit to what could be achieved with the Sport Wales budget of about £22m a year. His comments came a year after Wales' historic quarter-final win over Belgium at Euro 2016. Mr Ward said the FAW had committed to investing its profit from the tournament - about £4m - in infrastructure projects which would benefit grassroots football in Wales. But he said more public money was needed too. "The government is going to be asking the sport sector to do more with the £20m that it presently receives, and to expect sport to do even more with what is a diminishing budget is unrealistic." "This is a public health issue," Mr Ward added. "If we don't protect the facilities we get, if we continue to increase facility charges, it means those who are less well will have to pay more. "They're probably going to disengage further from physical activity and we know there are a million people in Wales who are physically inactive." The FAW Trust said the number of registered young players in Wales had increased over the past year with 900 more boys playing the game and 1,100 more girls. Former Wales international and FAW Trust board member Prof Laura McAllister told the programme the biggest problem was finding places for them to play. "It's no good them being enthused by Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen if then when they go out and try and play there aren't sufficient pitches for them to enjoy the game," she said. "There was a lot of celebration amongst our politicians as much as amongst the public for the success that we saw in the Euros but there has to come a time where we put our money where our mouths are." A Welsh Government spokesman said: "What we must continue to focus on is looking at different ways of working together to maximise our investment in sport and physical activity, and deliver greater outcomes so we translate existing participation levels into lifelong physical activity habits and encourage those who live a sedentary lifestyle to become more active. "We also recognise the importance of ensuring that there are better quality facilities for people to take part in sport and physical activity and are undertaking a facility review so we gain a better understanding of our priorities for the future." A spokesman for Sport Wales, which distributes the Welsh Government's sports funding, said it had invested in schemes to develop new artificial pitches and further spending has been committed.

Summary: Grassroots sport needs more money to ensure more people are physically active, according to Welsh football's development arm.


Lennon, who managed Brown, now 31, in his four years as Celtic boss, says the midfielder's decision would boost Gordon Strachan's Scotland squad. "It is not a surprise because I thought he retired too early," said Lennon. "Sometimes you can make these decisions and then think you have still got plenty to offer." Brown's return to the fold means that on Wednesday he is almost certain to be included in Strachan's squad for the World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley on 11 November. Lennon told BBC Scotland: "I think last season his injuries took a toll on him and we didn't see the best of him but certainly this season he is looking far more like himself again and playing very well, which will be an asset to Scotland. "I think his presence around the dressing room and training ground and certainly on the pitch will be felt if he is not there. "He is only 31 and there is plenty more to come from him. I thought his decision was premature anyway." Lennon does not envisage any issues with Brown returning to the squad for a game he believes Scotland can win. "I don't know how it would affect the dynamic of the group but certainly I think it would pep it up," he added. "It was a poor performance and result in Slovakia and it might just give them the wee jag they need, having a player of that quality back. "The England game is one I think they can win. It will be a British style of game and there won't be anything the Scottish players will be surprised about." Scotland assistant manager Mark McGhee, meanwhile, looked forward to the team benefiting from Brown's leadership, saying "by example and his voice and influence, (he) makes other people better". McGhee added: "Scott Brown is someone who I would imagine, when England are looking at our squad and our team, would prefer him not to be playing. "He looks as if he has coped better with combining the European and league campaigns. He feels good about himself and he can do both at this stage. "I would imagine he has been revitalised by Brendan (Rodgers, the Celtic manager). I think the manager has given him a new lease of life. "He would have made his [original] decision in an honest way. But now he has looked at it and decided it was clearly the wrong decision. "If the other players feel that Scott Brown gives us a better chance of winning the game, they will be delighted to have him back."

Summary: Hibernian's Neil Lennon believes Scott Brown retired too soon from Scotland duty and still has plenty to offer now he has decided to return.


He told a rally in Columbus, Ohio, that he had heard "more and more" that the contest would be unfair. He offered no immediate evidence. At another event he called Democratic rival Hillary Clinton "the devil". Mr Trump has come under fire from across the political divide for remarks he made about the parents of a US Muslim soldier killed in action. On the forthcoming vote, he told supporters "I'm afraid the election is going to be rigged, I have to be honest". He later repeated the claim on Fox News, adding "I hope the Republicans are watching closely or it's going to be taken away from us.". Mr Trump has made similar comments before in relation to the Democratic race, suggesting the party fixed its system to favour nominee Hillary Clinton over her challenger Bernie Sanders. Earlier this year, he also complained the Republican primary system was also "rigged" amid party efforts to stop his march to the candidacy. Correspondents say Mr Trump could be trying to capitalise on voters' distrust of establishment institutions, or lay the groundwork should he lose the election. At another rally in Pennsylvania, he took the unprecedented step of directly calling Mrs Clinton "the devil". He attacked Mr Sanders for capitulating in the Democratic race, saying he "made a deal with the devil. She's the devil." Democrats and Republicans alike have condemned Mr Trump for his remarks about the parents of US Army Capt Humayun Khan, who was killed by a car bomb in 2004 in Iraq, at the age of 27. Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain became the latest senior figure in the party to criticise Mr Trump for his attacks. Senator McCain, a veteran of the Vietnam War, said in a strongly worded statement that Mr Trump did not have "unfettered licence to defame the best among us". The soldier's parents, Khizr Khan and his wife Ghazala, told the BBC it was time to stand up to Mr Trump but he accused them of "viciously" attacking him. Mr Trump had caused controversy by suggesting Ghazala Khan had been prevented from speaking alongside her husband at the Democratic convention last week. In another development, American billionaire businessman Warren Buffett challenged Mr Trump to release his tax returns. Mr Trump has said that they cannot be made public until the financial authorities have completed an audit. But Mr Buffett said there were no rules against showing tax returns and allowing people to ask questions about them.

Summary: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has suggested that the November election could be "rigged".


In an open letter, he said he loved Russia, calling it "a great democracy". Mr Depardieu had recently announced he would give up his French passport after the government criticised his decision to move abroad to avoid higher taxes. Moscow earlier said President Vladimir Putin had personally signed the decree granting the actor Russian citizenship. In December, Mr Putin had said he would be happy to welcome the actor in his new country. "If he'd like to have a Russian passport, consider it settled," Mr Putin said. Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault had called Mr Depardieu's decision to leave the country "shabby". In the letter, broadcast on Thursday on Russian TV station Pervyi Kanal, Mr Depardieu said: "I filed a passport application and I am pleased that it was accepted. "I love your country, Russia - its people, its history, its writers. I love your culture, your intelligence." He said that he had spoken to French President Francois Hollande and told him Russia was "a great democracy, and not a country where the prime minister calls one of its citizens shabby". Under France's civil code, dual citizenship is permitted but it is unlawful to be stateless. A person must obtain another nationality before giving up French citizenship. Mr Depardieu's highly publicised tax row began last year after Mr Hollande said he would raise taxes to 75% for those earning more than 1m euros (Â£817,400). The actor accused the new socialist government of punishing "success, creation and talent", and announced in early December that he would move to Belgium. Although the Constitutional Council struck down the tax rise proposal on Sunday, Mr Depardieu said this did not change the situation "one bit". The BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris says the series of events would be amusingly eccentric, were it not also serious in its implications for France's international image. Mr Depardieu, described by Mr Putin as a successful businessman and friend, has developed close ties with Russia, which has a flat 13% personal income tax rate. He currently appears in an advertisement for Sovietsky Bank's credit card and is prominently featured on the bank's home page. In 2011, he played the lead role in the film Rasputin, a Franco-Russian production about the life of eccentric monk Grigory Rasputin. In addition, Mr Depardieu has also helped raise funds for a children's hospital in St Petersburg.

Summary: Actor Gerard Depardieu has hailed Russia's decision to grant him citizenship, following a tax row with the government in his native France.


Police said the man was arrested after a 54-year-old man died at St John's Hospital in Livingston. He had suffered head injuries during an incident in King Street, Bathgate, at about 03:00 on Saturday. Officers have appealed for witnesses to come forward. The arrested man is due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court on Monday. Ch Insp Colin Gagen said officers would be carrying out high-profile patrols in the area and added: "This death is a tragedy and our thoughts are with the family of the deceased. "These types of incidents are thankfully rare and we are treating this death as an isolated case. "We will be undertaking extra patrols in the King Street area in order to provide community reassurance."

Summary: A 35-year-old man has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Bathgate.


The animals are easier to spot in spring when vegetation is low and the breeding season is under way. Hares may be declining in parts of the UK, while rabbits have been hit by myxomatosis and other viral diseases, says the Mammal Society. People are being asked to send in photographs of rabbits and hares to help map the UK population. Dr Fiona Mathews, senior lecturer in mammalian biology and chair of the Mammal Society, said: "We have very poor information on rabbits and hares - and it's important to know if numbers are going up or down. "They are part of the ecosystem and lots of other animals depend on them, either through grazing of their habitat or as a food source for foxes or birds of prey." She said some parts of the UK had very low populations of rabbits and hares, particularly where there had been disease outbreaks. However, in other regions they have become so abundant they have become agricultural pests. The Mammal society wants people across the country to send in sightings of wild rabbits or hares across the countryside, including parks, fields and mountains. The data will be used in a national atlas of mammals to support future conservation and research projects. Derek Crawley, who is co-ordinating the atlas, said rabbits and hares can be distinguished by their gait and appearance. "Hares are larger, have long limbs and lollop along whereas the rabbit has a bobbing gait," he said. "The ears are also distinctive: those of hares are longer and have black tips." Sightings of rabbits and hares, or their signs in the countryside, such as droppings and burrows, with any photographs taken, can be reported via the Mammal Tracker app, The Mammal Society website, or by posting information to The Mammal Society.

Summary: Biologists are calling on the public to report sightings of rabbits and hares as part of a conservation effort.


It has emerged that an original crash barrier was removed, even though the Roads Service could not find out why it had been put there in the first place. It had been in place following a fatal crash in 1977. It was removed three weeks before Enda Dolan died after he was hit by a van on the Malone Road last October. According to documents received through a Freedom of Information request made by the BBC, officials from the DRD Roads Service - now called Transport NI - ordered the barrier to be removed, even though they were unable to find out why it had been originally put there. The documents show communication between officials discussing the barrier. One asked: "Have you been able to find out why this barrier is at this location? I would like some more background before we remove it." Another official replied: "We have not been able to find anyone who knows the history of why it was installed." The barrier was later removed and not replaced. According to a newspaper report from 1977, the barrier was erected at the bend following the death of two girl students in a car accident. The headline on the story from then reads: "Barrier plan where two girls died". Jim Beggs, who lives in the area, said the DRD would have found out the history of the crash site if they had asked him. He said: "There are people living in this street for 40 years. The people in this street know about the horrible accident that took place in 1977, a result of which the barrier was put in place. They did not ask me." Since Enda Dolan's death, his family, students at Queen's University, where the 18-year-old was studying, and politicians have all called for the barrier to be reinstated, fearing another tragic accident. The DRD has said arrangements are now being made to install new safety measures at the spot where the County Tyrone teenager was knocked down. However, the barrier will not be replaced like-for-like. The kerb will be raised to deflect any traffic away from the pavement and a new waist-high fence will also be built. A DRD spokesperson said: "Arrangements are now being made to put in safety measures at this location. This will take the form of a high containment kerb and vision panel guardrail. This work will be completed as quickly as possible. "Detailed costs of the proposed works are currently being worked up in conjunction with the detailed design." UKIP MLA David McNarry, who sits on the DRD committee at Stormont, said it will be looking for answers. He said: "If the barrier was put there in the first place, it had to be there for a reason." The Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy was unavailable for comment.

Summary: The Department for Regional Development (DRD) is to reinstate safety measures at a fatal accident black spot on a main road in Belfast.


The Local Government Association (LGA) says the government needs to find "genuinely new money" to meet its funding pledges to schools in England. Ministers insist money raised from a sugar tax on soft drinks will be spent on improving child health. But the LGA fears this money is being used to cover funding shortages. It says schemes to improve pupils' health cannot be seen as "nice-to-do but fundamentally non-essential". In February, ministers announced that £415m would be pumped into schools, as part of a healthy-pupils capital programme, to pay for facilities that support sport, after-school activities and healthy eating. This is to be paid for by a levy on soft drinks with the most added sugar, introduced from April 2018. Last week, Education Secretary Justine Greening announced an extra £1.3 billion for schools over the next two years, a move that came amid concerns from schools and parents about intense and growing pressures on budgets. Some of this £1.3bn would come from making savings of £315m from the healthy-pupils funding, the Department for Education (DfE) said. It is understood that the government now expects to receive less money than previously expected from the sugar tax and the Treasury is topping up the fund to the original expectation of about £1bn. It is understood that it is this part of the money that will now go towards general school funding. But Izzi Seccombe, chairman of the LGA's community wellbeing board, said: "It is vital that the soft drinks levy, which marked a significant step in the fight against obesity, is protected. "Government needs to find genuinely new money to meets its new school funding commitments. "It is perverse and counterproductive to simply shift this money around, particularly at the expense of children's health." Sugar tax: How will it work? Soft drinks levy will earn schools £415m Young 'to get biggest sugar tax boost' Mrs Seccombe added: "The government needs to be clear about what this now means for the levy, and for reducing the worrying levels of child obesity in this country. "Schemes that encourage physical activity, healthy eating and improve children's mental and physical health - which the levy would have been used to pay for - cannot be seen as nice-to-do but fundamentally non-essential." A spokeswoman for the Department for Education said: "Our soft drinks industry levy will raise an estimated £775m by 2020 and has led to soft drinks companies cutting sugar levels in their products. "Every penny of England's share of that money will be spent on improving child health."

Summary: Money set aside for promoting physical activity and healthy eating in schools should not be used to "plug a black hole in funding", councils say.


Officers confiscated marijuana in the UK with a street value of Â£100 million, according to an Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) report. The number of farms discovered increased to 7,865, more than doubling in four years. The UK is at "significant risk" from criminal gangs who cultivate cannabis on a commercial scale, says the report. It estimates that the number of recorded cannabis production offences in the period from April 2011 to March 2012 will rise to 16,464, up from 14,982 in 2010-11. In the last two years, police forces have seized 1.1 million cannabis plants. Source: projected Acpo figures for 2011/12 Based on a street value of Â£134 per ounce, the drugs are valued at Â£207 million. Commander Allan Gibson of the Metropolitan Police, Acpo's lead on cannabis cultivation, said: "Increasing numbers of organised crime groups are diverting into this area of criminality, but we are determined to continue to disrupt such networks and reduce the harm caused by drugs." The report also recorded an increase in robberies, burglaries and violence - including the use of firearms - linked to cannabis farms. There is evidence of "taxing", or stealing of crops, while debt bondage is being used to control some cultivators. Criminals are spreading risk, to reduce detection and financial losses, by paying a large number of "gardeners" to manage smaller crops in residential areas. The study notes a shift from cannabis farms in commercial and industrial properties to "multiple site" small scale factories. It also says that with the economic downturn and a reduction in amounts supplied by drug dealers, the number of personal use cultivation offences is rising. Police intelligence suggests the purchase of seeds and hydroponic equipment (for growing the plants without soil) is on the increase. More farms were found in the West Yorkshire force area - 936, or 42 factories per 100,000 people - than any other in the country. But South Yorkshire had 64 farms for every 100,000 people, the highest per capita in the UK, with 851 farms. Some 663 farms were found in the West Midlands or 25 per 100,000 people, while the Metropolitan Police had 608 farms, or eight per 100,000 people. The highest rise in the number of farms since 2009/10 was recorded in Devon and Cornwall, where the number rose 1,664% per cent from 11 to a projected total of 183. Fife saw a 488% increase from eight farms to a projected 39 for 2011/12.

Summary: An average of more than 21 cannabis factories were found daily in Britain last year, police chiefs say.


It will close to all traffic at 20:00 GMT and reopen 48 hours later, each weekend until 19 December. During the works, about 50,000 tonnes of material will be laid on the 2.9km (1.8 mile) runway. Traditionally, airports close for up to 14 days to carry out such work. Airport bosses said completing the refurbishment over several weekends rather than all at once was the "best way to avoid major disruption". The closures were agreed following two years of discussions with retailers and airlines, airport management added. "Some of our retail partners are refurbishing their shops which they wouldn't be able to do when the airport is open," said Jack Kelly from EMA. "We've made sure flights can come in ahead of the closure and more flights can go out after it, so we are limiting the amount of disruption." The runway was last refurbished in 1999 and has a lifespan between 12 to 17 years. Engineers will also be replacing 1,200 lights around the runway with LEDs. The runway will be divided up into seven sections, with one chunk being repaired and sealed off each weekend.

Summary: East Midlands Airport (EMA) will shut later for the first of seven consecutive weekends to resurface the runway - a first for a UK airport, bosses have said.


The 20-year-old would have been part of Paul Simpson's squad in South Korea, but opted to remain in Glasgow. "I made a decision and I'm proud of that decision," Roberts said. "I've got a massive final to play. There's an incentive for all of us to go all the way." Celtic can seal the treble - for only the third time in the club's history - if they overcome Aberdeen on Saturday at Hampden. It may be Roberts' last game for the club, since he is due to return to parent side Manchester City in the summer, after 18 months at Celtic Park. "To win the treble at this massive club would be big for me and hopefully we can do that," Roberts said. "It's a massive trophy to be a part of and a big one in Scottish football. So it's important for all the players, not just me, to go into it 100% and we'll do that. "We [have] the same focus, the same mindset and go into the final in the same way [as every other game this season]." Celtic have defeated Aberdeen in all five of their meetings this season, but Roberts insists the Pittodrie side will be a "tough test" because "they have a point to prove". Roberts has been in impressive form in recent weeks - scoring six goals in his last 10 games - and credits the influence of manager Brendan Rodgers for the level of his performances. "I'm feeling good at the moment, confident, and as a player you need to feel good about yourself, to go into a game feeling positive and do what you do best," Roberts said. "As a player, you're striving for games and form, and you become a better player for that. The time I've been here I've come on leaps and bounds, thanks to the players and the staff here. It's been a good year and it's not over yet. "[Rodgers] is a top coach, and he's brought all the players onto a different level. This year we've been unplayable at times and that's been down to his management, his coaching has been brilliant. "He loves working with young players, he's done that with me, Moussa [Dembele] and Kieran [Tierney] and we've gone up a gear this season, which is important for our careers as well as Celtic." Roberts also expressed his condolences for the families affected by the Manchester bombing. "It's a tragic thing to happen in any part of the world, but especially somewhere so close," he said. "To go to a concert and for a bomb to go off, it's not good and our thoughts are with all the families end everyone in Manchester. It's good that we unite and get behind the country."

Summary: Celtic's on-loan attacker Patrick Roberts has no regrets over choosing to stay with Celtic for the Scottish Cup final rather than playing for England at the Under-20 World Cup.


Moat Brae in Dumfries has been a private house, a nursing home and harboured hopes of being turned into a themed hotel. It has gone to the brink of demolition and back but now its future finally looks secure. The mansion, designed by architect Walter Newall for a local solicitor, will now become a national centre for children's literature after raising Â£5.3m in capital funding. It has been a dramatic journey very much in the spirit of author JM Barrie who studied at Dumfries Academy and played in Moat Brae's gardens as a child. Born in Kirriemuir in Angus, he moved south in 1873 at the age of 13. In his memoirs published in 1904, he wrote of Peter Pan: "Our escapades in a certain Dumfries garden which was an enchanted land to me was certainly the genesis of this work." That was during Moat Brae's first life as a private home but, for many Doonhamers, it is best remembered in another role. Until the 1990s it was run as a private hospital/nursing home. However, when that operation was closed, the building at the back of Dumfries Academy faced an uncertain future. It sat empty for some time before eventually being sold at auction to a private buyer in late 2000. There were hopes that its fortunes could be transformed but talk of a grand hotel never came to fruition. Instead, the property remained empty and became a target for vandals as its sorry decline continued. In January 2003, furniture inside the building was set on fire, a number of windows and fittings smashed and plasterboard ripped from walls. It was estimated that it would cause Â£200,000 to repair, prompting fresh calls for action to help safeguard its future. Yet there would be five more years of deterioration before the building was put up for sale once more. It was secured by the Loreburn Housing Association (LHA) in May 2008. They wanted to create a residential development as well as a visitor centre but not everyone approved of the proposed project. In August 2009, the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust (PPMBT) served an interim interdict on LHA to stop their overhaul works which would have seen the facade retained but much of the rest of the building demolished. It came just days before the bulldozers were set to move in. Later that year the housing association agreed to sell the building to the trust for Â£1. Convener Iain Agnew said it now felt the PPMBT was "best placed" to lead the restoration project. But that was just the start of another difficult voyage - raising the funds needed to convert the building into a centre for storytelling and children's literature. That goal sometimes seemed as distant and imaginary as Neverland but slowly but surely it gathered momentum. The drive and determination of the PPMBT - and generosity of numerous groups and individuals - has put the resources in place to create what they hope can be a major visitor attraction. It should provide a happy conclusion to the Moat Brae tale which

Summary: The grand sandstone building which helped to inspire the Peter Pan story has known a few adventures of its own over its 193-year history.


Zambia, who won their continental trophy on home soil on Sunday, have been drawn in Group C alongside Iran and Costa Rica and will also play twice former champions Portugal in their opening match on 21 May in Jeju. Senegal, Guinea and South Africa will also represent Africa at the event in South Korea. Click here for Under 20s World Cup fixtures from the Fifa website Guinea have arguably the toughest group of the African contenders, being drawn in Group A alongside hosts South Korea, six-times winners Argentina and their old rivals England. South Africa will be in Group D and will take on Japan, Italy and Uruguay whilst Senegal will take on Ecuador, USA and Saudi Arabia in Group F in the tournament which runs from 20 May to 11 June. The head coach of South Africa's Under-20 team, Thabo Senong, admitted the Amajita have a challenging task ahead of them. "We have a difficult assignment but I believe once we have completed our preparation we will be up for the task" said Senong. "I am, however, looking forward to this great football spectacle and I can assure the nation that we are not going there to make the numbers, we are going to compete," he added. The 24 participants were seeded into four pots for Wednesday's draw. The teams were drawn by Argentine stars Diego Maradona (pictured) - who was on the winning team in 1979 and kissed the trophy as he brought it on stage in Suwon - and Pablo Aimar, a winner in 1997.

Summary: The African champions Zambia have been handed a tough opening match at the Fifa Under-20 World Cup in May, following Wednesday's draw in South Korea.


Strachan has indicated a willingness to cap some of the country's young talents as he begins preparations for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. Some of BBC Scotland's football analysts, all of whom have played for Scotland, give their thoughts on which players deserve the chance to impress the national manager in Prague and Glasgow later this month. Position: Central midfield Age: 24 Experience: A product of the Aberdeen youth system and has been capped up until under-21 level. Former Aberdeen defender, manager and director Miller said: "He's got everything you need to make the step up from club to international level. "In that defensive midfield role, he has great composure, a good touch, he doesn't get flustered and he's happy to take the ball in tight areas. "At a young age, he's been given the captaincy of a title-challenging team, which he's handled well and he plays an extremely prominent role in a very good Aberdeen side." Position: Central midfield Age: 21 Experience: Came through the youth ranks with St Mirren before switching to Championship rivals Hibernian after the Paisley's club's relegation last summer and is a regular for Scotland Under-21s. Former Dundee United, Rangers, Cardiff City and Burnley striker Thompson said of his former Buddies team-mate: "I've known him since he made his debut for St Mirren and it looks as though this season he's really turned from a boy to a man. "He's physically stronger and he now has the belief and confidence that he's a top midfielder. "He's the complete midfielder: he can tackle and be combative but also creative, with driving, surging runs. "Despite only being 21, he's played more than 100 league games, so he's got great experience and has managed to maintain a level of consistency throughout this season." Position: Left-back Age: 18 Experience: Has not even represented Scotland beyond under-19 level as yet but burst into the Celtic first-team from their youth ranks this season and ousted Honduras international Emilio Izaguirre from the left full-back position with the Scottish champions. Former Dundee United, Celtic, Bristol City and Dumbarton right-back Wilson said: "He may only have played 23 times for Celtic, but at 18 he's been a real stand-out in a lot of those games and, if you're a stand-out at Celtic, that speaks volumes. "Given the pressure and scrutiny they're under, he's stood up to the challenge and, even in European games, he's been the man of the match. "He has a great engine; he can get from goal-line to goal-line and, unlike a lot of young full-backs, he hasn't sacrificed the defensive part of his game just to concentrate on the attacking aspect. "There are a lot of similarities with Andy Robertson in that he can make a tackle at one end and then be putting in a quality cross at the other within seconds - and he's got quite a number of assists already." Position: Winger Age: 22 Experience: Has played for Scotland at all youth levels after coming through the youth ranks with Hearts and has recently returned from long-term injury

Summary: Scotland manager Gordon Strachan is to announce two squads this week for the forthcoming friendly internationals against the Czech Republic and Denmark.


The Scottish government said the review group would assess whether college and university students in Scotland receive fair and effective support. Ms Gadhia, who has been chief executive officer of Virgin Money for nine years, will also make recommendations for improvements. The group will report its findings in 12 months' time. The review group will look at whether effective support is being provided for the poorest and most vulnerable students. It will also examine the current repayment threshold and period for student loan debt. It is being carried out as part of the programme for government announced by Nicola Sturgeon in September. Minister for Further Education Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "With such strong financial experience, and already contributing to Scottish education as a member of the International Council of Education Advisers, Jayne-Anne will provide a fresh perspective to the work of the review. "I look forward to the recommendations that the review group will offer." Ms Gadhia, who last year led a UK government review into women in finance, said: "It is important to ensure the student support system is fit for purpose, fair and firmly focused on meeting the needs of all students in further and higher education, particularly the most vulnerable. "As such, I welcome the opportunity to undertake a comprehensive review of the current systems of student support in Scotland." The review, which will be carried out jointly with universities and colleges, has been welcomed by Colleges Scotland. Shona Struthers, the chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said: "We want a standard and fair system for student support funding that provides students with adequate financial support, as well as reasonable certainty on the support they are likely to receive for the duration of their study. "We fully support measures to improve student support funding to ensure that all students can attend college, regardless of their personal circumstances or background." The announcement was made as figures from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) showed the number of students being paid grants across Scotland fell by 4.8% on last year as an increasing number take out loans. However, the total cost being spent on grants increased by 3.9% - from £63.6m in 2014-2015 to £66.1m in 2015-2016, according to the SAAS report. The number of students taking out loans rose during the same period by 3.4% to 92,005 and the total authorised in loans was £486.3m, a 3.7% increase. The average loan per student in 2015/16 was £5,290, up £20 on the previous year. Scottish Conservative education spokeswoman Liz Smith said: "These are hugely worrying figures, and show that the SNP has slashed bursary support in recent years. "At a time when we should be doing all we can to close Scotland's attainment gap, the SNP has chosen to cut the money given to those who need it most. "Bursaries are designed to help students get their foot in the door but this is becoming increasingly hard, and it's those in our poorest communities who are missing out." Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said: "Figures released today show that almost 20,000 fewer

Summary: Virgin Money boss Jayne-Anne Gadhia has been appointed to review the student support system in Scotland.


ITV's The Only Way is Essex (Towie) has been "largely positive" for Brentwood, where it is set, but "everything has a shelf-life", the council leader said. Lisa Bone, of Visit Essex, added: "If its bubble bursts we could be left with stereotypes, not economic benefits". A meeting is being held on Tuesday to discuss the town's "sustainability". The show Towie, now in its 11th series, features ordinary people appearing in modified situations based on their actual lives. Many run their own businesses in Brentwood, including shops, salons and nightclubs, which feature in the programme. "Towie won't always be around and while it brings in a lot of tourism it has also given the town a certain stereotype, perception and image," Ms Bone said. "Brentwood is full of beautiful historic buildings and family-friendly parks and we need to ensure we emphasise those, making the town attractive to everyone and ensuring its sustainability." Borough council leader Louise McKinlay, said: "The popularity of the show has been very good for the town centre, retailers and the tourism trade, bringing so many people in to the area. "Whether we like it or not, Towie has put Brentwood on the map. Yes, there's a lot about tans and nails in Towie, but there's also a great entrepreneurial spirit and that's evident everywhere in the town. "I'd like to say that the only thing that's orange in Brentwood is our recycling bags." Businesses in the town are being asked to consider Brentwood's "unique selling point and future branding" at Tuesday's meeting hosted by the council and Visit Essex.

Summary: An Essex town buoyed by the popularity of a reality television show needs to plan for when the "bubble bursts", businesses have been told.


His sister was married to Mohammad Sidique Khan - the oldest of the four suicide bombers who attacked London on 7 July 2005, killing 52 people. Now he has decided to speak publicly for the first time, because he wants to help in efforts to prevent radicalisation. Mr Patel says the actions of his brother-in-law, who killed himself and six others when he detonated a bomb on a Circle Line underground train near Edgware Road, were "disgusting". Mr Patel struggles to find adjectives about him that are not expletives, adding: "He's a coward. How is his daughter supposed to live the rest of her life now? Terrorism hurts everybody." He says that at first he did not register the attacks and only properly understood what had happened on 12 July. "My mother, brother, sister and niece, came to my house. Scotland Yard and MI5 with them. My brother said to me 'that thing in London, they're telling us it was Sidique,'" he recalls. "I actually asked him, 'What thing has happened in London?' I had to go research it. "I nearly fainted. I can remember my mother the next two or three days fainting multiple times." Profile: Mohammad Sidique Khan 7/7 attacks: What happened that day? 7/7 attacks: The victims His first reaction was denial. "You cannot believe this person that you knew is capable of that, simply because there were no signs, there were no indicators. "I'm thinking 'maybe he's just one of the victims', because it was an ongoing investigation." That period of denial came to an end when Mohammad Sidique Khan's "martyrdom video" was released. In it he claimed to be acting in response to western involvement in Muslim countries. Mr Patel is categorical that there were no signs he could have spotted in Khan to predict what he would go on to do. He says Khan, who worked as a learning mentor for children before the attacks, would discuss events such as the Iraq War as part of normal conversation but never showed signs of being capable of violence. But he does say that Khan looked down on the Muslim community in Dewsbury, where they were all living, and would refuse to visit local mosques because he disagreed with their non-political stance. "His attitude was 'my prayers won't be accepted in these mosques'. "The term he would use is that, 'You guys are hippy Muslims - you're like the Quakers, like the Salvation Army. All happy clappy Muslims, that's what you Sufis are.'" Mr Patel has met two 7/7 survivors and has often considered paying his respects to victims at one of the annual commemorations but worries it would offend grieving relatives. He says his family have also have been affected, with his children being bullied by other Muslim children. "We were not the perpetrators, but we were ostracised from the community - that is proof that the community views terrorism with disgust - and they view the families of terrorists with disgust." But Patel is clear that he is not trying to detract from the suffering of

Summary: For more than a decade Ahmed Patel has lived with the legacy of the 7/7 attacks.


Steve Sankey was elected in the East Mainland, South Ronaldsay and Burray ward of Orkney Islands Council. Party co-leader Patrick Harvie tweeted that he was "delighted" with the first Green gain in the elections, and the party's first Orkney councillor. Robbie McGregor won the uncontested Shetland South seat for the SNP. He is the first councillor to represent the party on Shetland Islands Council. The Greens said Mr Sankey was the first member of a mainstream national party to be elected to Orkney Islands Council, where candidates have traditionally stood as independents. Both Orkney and Shetland councils were independent holds.

Summary: Orkney has elected its first ever Scottish Greens councillor, while the SNP has gained its first representative in Shetland.


It happened in Bedford Street between 03:40 GMT and 04:00 GMT last Sunday. The man, who is a foreign national, was taken to hospital but his injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Police have said the attacker is in his early 30s, of slim build and around 5'11" tall. He was wearing dark clothing and was armed with what police have said was a sharp object. Police are appealing for witnesses.

Summary: A man in his 40s has been assaulted in Belfast city centre in what police have said was a racially motivated hate crime.


The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, 53, has taken over from The Right Reverend Michael Perham after his retirement. Two women bishops have already been appointed, but Bishop Treweek is the first woman to run a diocese. At a service in Gloucester Cathedral she was presented with her pastoral staff and placed in her bishop's chair. She also preached her first sermon as a bishop. During the service, she was welcomed by the Dean of Gloucester, the Very Revd Stephen Lake.

Summary: The most senior woman bishop in the Church of England has formally begun her new role as the Bishop of Gloucester.


She met with pupils and staff at Burnfoot Community School in Hawick on the first day of their new term. It is one of two primaries in the region benefiting from the Scottish Attainment Challenge programme. The latest allocation of Â£2.8m is being distributed to 46 primaries across 12 local authorities. It is part of the Â£750m that the Scottish government said it intended to invest in the Attainment Scotland Fund over the course of this parliament. "As a new school year begins today, pupils and parents here at Burnfoot Community School are looking ahead to an exciting and stimulating year of learning," said Ms Sturgeon. "I am determined that every child must have the same opportunities and an equal chance to succeed. "That's why our top priority is raising attainment overall and closing the gap in achievement between young people in our most and least deprived areas." She said that in areas of deprivation across the country, teachers were already developing innovative approaches to improving literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing. "At Burnfoot, for example, there has been a significant focus on family support, family learning programmes and links with the wider community," she added. Scottish Borders Council's executive member for education, councillor Sandy Aitchison, said Burnfoot was an "excellent example" of schools working to "close the attainment gap". "The school has initiated a range of interventions aimed at closing the gap and since joining the Scottish Attainment Challenge this work has intensified," he said. "This has had a tremendous impact on children and their families including improved attainment in reading, writing and numeracy, as well as improved attendance of pupils." Liz Smith of the Scottish Conservatives said everyone agreed tackling the attainment gap should be the "first priority" for schools. "The ambition should be about ensuring young people have good quality early years provision, and that they get access to top class local schools, teachers and support staff with a wide range of subject choice and extra-curricular activities," she said. "None of these things can happen with the SNP's current approach. "We need radical reform in our schools which allows headteachers to have more control and which allows parents both more involvement in and more choice over their child's schooling." Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said his party had outlined a "series of positive policies" to cut the gap between "the richest and the rest". "We would scrap unfair charges for exam appeals, which favour private school pupils over those educated in state schools, and we would introduce a Scottish Graduation Certificate to replace the failing baccalaureate," he said. "Whilst the First Minister poses for photo ops in the Borders, her government is only delivering attainment funding to two schools out of 63 in the area. "If the SNP were serious about cutting the gap between the richest and the rest in our classrooms they would deliver more investment by stopping the cuts to education and backing Labour's plan for a 50p top rate of tax for those earning over Â£150,000 per year to invest in our schools." The full

Summary: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has promised a continued focus on improving attainment in education during a visit to the Scottish Borders.