There were men's singles golds for Martin Rooke (WH2), Daniel Bethell (SL3) and Krysten Coombs (SS6) while Rachel Choong claimed women's SS6 singles gold. Another three golds in mixed events followed, with three silvers and eight bronzes completing the total. Para-badminton will make its Paralympic debut at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. There were also three bronze medals for Scotland's Colin Leslie, Fiona Christie and Bobby Laing at the four-day event in Beek. See the full results here.

Summary: England's para-badminton team dominated at the European Championships by winning 18 medals in the Netherlands.


The bank has previously said that a "significant percent" of its London workforce would be moved if Brexit became a reality. The bank employs around 5,000 staff at its offices in London. Earlier, the Lloyds of London insurance market said that after Brexit some of its business would move to the EU. "We currently employ more than 5,000 people in London, and probably 20% to 30% of our workforce could be affected," the UBS chief executive, Sergio Ermotti, told the Japanese business newspaper Nikkei. "We believe that London will continue to be an important financial centre, although maybe not as important as it is today," he added. The UK voted narrowly to leave the EU in the Brexit referendum in June. Since then the government and many UK businesses have been grappling both with the process of negotiating the divorce - which has not yet been formally triggered - and the eventual economic, social and political consequences of such a move. Mr Ermotti said that it was too early for the bank to take any decision about moving its operations from London, but it was "well prepared" for any outcome of the impending Brexit negotiations.

Summary: The Swiss banking group UBS says that up to 1,500 of its jobs in London may be moved abroad once the UK leaves the European Union.


Mohammed Rafik Naji, 37, had expressed support for an attack in Times Square, according to a criminal complaint. The 37-year-old, who lives in Brooklyn, was charged on Monday, said a spokeswoman for the FBI. Times Square was the site of a failed car bomb attempt in 2010 carried out by a 30-year-old Connecticut resident. A paid police informant made contact with Mr Naji in August 2015. Suspicions had been aroused after he flew to Turkey with the alleged ambition of joining Islamic State in Yemen. He had emailed his girlfriend while he was away, asking her for money and sending her a "selfie" of himself in black clothing wearing an armoured vest, according to court papers. When he flew back to New York later in 2015, he remained in contact with the informant and one recorded conversation five days after the Nice attacks led to him being charged. In that conversation, Mr Naji expressed his support for staging a similar attack - 84 people were killed in France by a lorry driving into crowds celebrating Bastille Day - in New York's Times Square, say prosecutors. "They want an operation in Times Square, reconnaissance group already put out a scene, the Islamic State already put up scenes of Times Square, you understand," Mr Naji said, according to the court papers. "I said that was an indication for whoever is smart to know."

Summary: A Yemeni man living in New York City has been charged with attempting to provide support to the Islamic State group, say US authorities.


A total of 2,488 medals, each weighing 500g, have been produced - with 812 gold, 812 silver and 864 bronze. They were made with "sustainability at their heart", say organisers. The gold medals are free from mercury, the silver and bronze medals are made from 30% recycled materials, and half of the plastic in their ribbons is from recycled plastic bottles. The designs feature laurel leaves - a symbol of victory in ancient Greece - surrounding the Rio 2016 logo, and organisers say they celebrate "the relationship between the strengths of Olympic heroes and the forces of nature". In line with the ecological theme of the Games, the podiums on which the athletes will receive the medals are made from organic materials and have been designed to be reused as furniture after the Games. There are 2,642 Paralympic medals: 877 gold, 876 silver and 889 bronze and each has a device inside that uses tiny steel balls to make a sound when they are shaken, allowing visually impaired athletes to identify the colour by increasing in volume from bronze to gold. The bronze medals have 16 steel balls and make the lowest sound, the silver medals have 20 balls and the golds have 28, producing the loudest noise. All of the medals also have the words 'Rio 2016 Paralympic Games' written on them in Braille.

Summary: Rio 2016 organisers have revealed the medals that will be competed for at this summer's Olympics.


Patients who suffered persecutory delusions were encouraged to step into a computer-generated Underground train carriage and a lift. The simulations allowed the study's 30 patients to learn social situations they feared were actually safe. The research at Oxford University, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, was funded by the Medical Research Council. Members of one group of patients were told to use their normal defensive behaviour, such as avoiding eye contact. The rest of the patients were encouraged to lower their defences and try to learn they were safe by approaching computer characters (avatars) and standing toe-to-toe or staring at them. This group, who fully tested out their fears, showed the biggest reduction in their paranoid delusions. More than half of them no longer had severe paranoia at the end of the testing day. The first group, who used their defences, also saw some reduction in the level of severe paranoia. The study was led by Prof Daniel Freeman, a clinical psychologist at Oxford University's Department of Psychiatry. He told me: "At the heart of paranoia is the unfounded belief that people are under threat. "With virtual reality we can help the person to re-learn that they are safe, and when they do that, the paranoia melts away." The Oxford team estimate that around 1-2% of the population have severe paranoia at some point in their lives, typically associated with a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia. Patients have such a strong sense of mistrust that they avoid contact with people and may rarely leave home. The study was small and the patients had just one half-hour session of virtual reality with no long-term follow-up. However, Prof Freeman said the results were "exceptionally good". He added: "I think this a glimpse into the future of mental healthcare. There is a revolution underway in virtual reality with many headsets becoming available. "As these become more affordable we will see them used not just in clinical settings, but in people's homes." Toby Brabham, aged 45, was diagnosed with schizophrenia more than 20 years ago, and has experienced severe paranoia. He told me: "I used to experience persecutory voices - they would be having a go at me. I would avoid going out and when I did it was with my head down so I avoided eye contact. It was very isolating." Toby is now being successfully treated, and agreed to test out the virtual reality system for the BBC. Afterwards he said: "If I go on a Tube train or lift now I will certainly remember the virtual reality experience and I think it will be helpful in reducing any feelings of anxiety that I may have." Dr Kathryn Adcock, head of neurosciences and mental health at the Medical Research Council, said: "Virtual reality is proving extremely effective in the assessment and treatment of mental health problems. "This study shows the potential of its application to a major psychiatric problem." Brian Dow, at the charity Rethink Mental Illness, said: "It's exciting to see cutting-edge technology used innovatively to treat what can be an

Summary: Virtual reality has been used to help treat severe paranoia.


William Ross Casement is the second man to appear in court in connection with the death of Enda Dolan. Mr Dolan was a first year architecture student at Queen's University from Killyclougher. The 18-year-old died after being struck by a van as he was walking along the Malone Road in Belfast in 2014. He was returning to his student accommodation at Queen's Elms. On Tuesday, 31-year old David Lee Stewart, from Grays Park Avenue in Belfast, admitted five charges arising from the death of Mr Dolan, including causing his death by dangerous driving. Casement, 21, from Belvoir Drive in Belfast, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday. He admitted two charges - aiding and abetting dangerous driving, and aiding and abetting the failure to remain at the scene of an accident where an injury had occurred. When both of the charges were put to Casement, he replied "guilty". Casement was informed by Judge Gordon Kerr QC that he will be sentenced for the two charges on 22 April - the same day as his co-accused, David Stewart.

Summary: A south Belfast man has admitted offences linked to the death of a County Tyrone student who died after being struck by a van.


Trains were stopped at the border for hours - prompting Italy to launch an official complaint with France. Services were later resumed. Italy has angered France by giving temporary resident permits to thousands of Tunisian migrants. The permits allow them to travel freely in many European countries. The Italian foreign ministry said the French move was "illegitimate and in clear violation of general European principles". Speaking earlier on Sunday, Maurizio Furia, a spokesman for the Italian rail company, said that trains were not being allowed to pass into Menton, France, from the Italian border station of Ventimiglia. The BBC's Hugh Schofield says a demonstration in support of the Tunisian immigrants had been planned, in which some 300 protesters had planned to ride what they dubbed "the train of dignity". Because of the closure, the demonstration was unable to take place. France has said migrants have to prove they can support themselves financially and has set up patrols on the Italian border. But Italy says that France's actions are not in line with the EU's Schengen passport-free travel zone. "We have given the migrants travel documents, and we gave everything (else) that is needed, and the European Commission recognised that, it has said that Italy is following the Schengen rules," Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said in an interview on Italy's Sky TG24 TV. Italy and other European countries have been increasingly concerned about migration from north Africa following the political turmoil in the region. Earlier this month, Italy and France agreed to launch sea and air patrols to try to prevent the influx of thousands of people from Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

Summary: Authorities in France temporarily blocked trains from Italy in an attempt to stop north African migrants from entering the country.


The 25-year-old played 31 games for Hull KR in 2016 but could not help them avoid relegation from Super League. His loyalty has been criticised by Rovers chairman Neil Hudgell, who says the club supported Walker during child sex charges that were dismissed in May. "We're looking forward to seeing him develop further at the club," said Saints head coach Keiron Cunningham.

Summary: St Helens have signed Scotland international forward Adam Walker from Hull KR on a two-year contract.


Shadow chancellor John McDonnell will vow to protect low and middle earners by also ruling out rises in VAT and employee national insurance rates. But he will say the top 5% of earners would pay more to fund public services. The Tories, who have also ruled out a rise in VAT, say there is a £45bn black hole in Labour's tax proposals. Theresa May has said she has "no plans" to raise other taxes after the election, but has so far declined to say whether a manifesto pledge not to raise direct taxes ahead of the 2015 election will be retained. Chancellor Philip Hammond appeared to distance himself from the commitment when he said recently that "greater flexibility" would be needed in future to pay down the deficit and reduce levels of debt. After a poor showing in Thursday's council elections, Labour has admitted it faces a "historic" challenge to win the snap election on 8 June, but Mr McDonnell has urged the party to "come out fighting". In a major speech on Sunday, he will argue Labour is on the side of working families and seek to reassure middle earners about his plans. At the same time, he will accuse his opponents of keeping people "in the dark" about their own intentions. He will say that if Labour wins power, 95% of taxpayers would see no rise in their overall tax burden until 2022 - the end of the parliamentary term. This would be achieved by ruling out increases to the standard 20% rate of VAT, personal national insurance contributions and income tax rates for those earning under £80,000. However, he will say those earning more than £80,000 would have to pay more, without giving specific details. At the moment, those earning more than £150,000 a year pay 45% tax on earnings above that level. "The choice at this election is very clear on tax as there is currently only one party which is committing not to raise taxes on middle and low earners," he will say. "The Tories are the party of tax handouts for the super-rich and big corporations." Mr McDonnell will contrast the certainty around Labour's plans with what he says is obfuscation from the Conservatives. "Every time Theresa May and the Conservatives are asked whether they are planning tax increases if they are re-elected on 8 June, they run and hide," he will say. Labour's spending commitments so far include: The majority of these, it says, will be covered by the reversal of cuts to corporation, capital gains and inheritance taxes. The Conservatives are not expected to confirm their own plans until their manifesto launch later this month. Mr Hammond abandoned proposals in March's Budget to increase national insurance contributions for the self-employed following a Tory rebellion, with MPs claiming the move breached its 2015 manifesto. During the coalition years, the focus of Conservative policy was steady increases in the personal tax allowance, the point at which people start paying income tax. The threshold rose to £11,500 last month and is due to increase to £12,000 by

Summary: Labour is pledging not to raise income tax for those earning less than £80,000 a year as part of a "personal tax guarantee" for 95% of taxpayers.


The White House has been quick to note that this is a "working" vacation. The president won't be leaving the duties of office totally behind. It's fair to say, however, that Mr Trump will spend more than a little bit of time on the fairways. The White House is coy about how much the president has played golf so far during his time in office, but given that he's visited his golf properties at least 43 times so far, he almost certainly has teed up more at this point in his administration than any past president. So while he's lining up his shots over the next two weeks, will memories of his past six months in office break his concentration? Will an ill-timed twinge of concern turn what would have been a solid drive into a wayward slice or cause a sure-thing birdie putt to lip out of the hole? How many of his apparently unlimited supply of mulligans will he have to use to soothe a troubled mind? The president may comfort himself with thoughts of low unemployment or a booming stock market. He may smile when he recalls the cheering crowds at recent campaign-style rallies or the unexpected coup of the Democratic West Virginia governor joining the Republican Party. But as any vacationing piker knows, when a holiday ends there's twice as much work and a load of problems that have piled up in the meantime. Even if the president sails through his vacation without a care, there are plenty of troubles brewing back in Washington. Here's a look at some of them. Perhaps the single biggest legislative accomplishment of the Trump presidency so far is the law imposing new sanctions on Iran and North Korea and strengthening existing ones on Russia. Given that the president signed the measure with extreme reservations, it's safe to say things aren't going according to plan. Efforts to repeal and replace Barack Obama's signature healthcare reforms were dramatically dynamited by a handful of Republicans and a united Democratic Party in the Senate. An overhaul of the tax law is currently barely a glimmer in legislators' eyes. The proposed modifications to the legal immigration system recently unveiled at the White House have been deemed dead on arrival in Congress, while any kind of infrastructure spending package is going nowhere fast. When the politicians return to Congress in September they will have their hands full with more pressing matters. Hardliners may attempt to prevent the treasury from issuing new government debt - raising the "debt ceiling" - without extracting spending cuts. New appropriations bills must be passed to avoid a government shutdown. All this leaves little time for big new legislative efforts to reach fruition before the calendar flips to 2018 and legislators start thinking about their re-election campaigns. View from the tee: The president faces a treacherous par four, with water on both sides and sand around the green. If Mr Trump's domestic agenda creates headaches, the international outlook has the makings of a splitting migraine. North Korea continues to press ahead with its nuclear

Summary: On Friday Donald Trump jetted off to his resort golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, for a 17-day vacation.


Teachers, doctors and nurses were among who stopped work because they had not been paid in more than a month. It comes a day ahead of a suggested national shutdown called by activists complaining about the economy and alleged government corruption. Police used teargas and water cannons to break up protests in some areas of the capital, Harare, on Monday. The unrest had begun when minibus drivers erected barricades in a protest against harassment and roadblocks by police demanding bribes. Teachers, doctors and nurses have not been paid for a month, but the government has said they will get their wages by the middle of July, Reuters news agency has reported. The scene in the country's capital, Harare, resembled a quiet Sunday afternoon, with civil servants on strike, the BBC's Brian Hungwe reports. "We have heeded the call" by our governing council, Zimbabwe Teachers' Union president Richard Gundani said. "Teachers and the rest of the civil servants are declaring their incapacity to go to work. Government departments were operating without some of their staff who stayed at home." Our correspondent says unlike other government workers, the security forces were paid on time in June. Those who were not paid were handed a $100 (Â£76) advance to help with transport and other costs. Zimbabwe has become increasingly volatile in recent weeks as the government struggles to cope with a severe cash shortage and the effects of a drought. Political activists, backed by the social movement called #ThisFlag, have called for a national stay-away on Wednesday "to shut down the country" in protest at the government "for allowing corruption, injustice and poverty". On its Twitter account, #ThisFlag said it wanted "good governance and leadership" in Zimbabwe. "Citizens. They do not have enough guns and man power to kill us all. The country has broken down. We demand an engine overhaul," said one message. It is not clear if the national shutdown has been called for one day or indefinitely until demands are met, our reporter says.

Summary: Government workers in Zimbabwe have gone on strike over unpaid salaries because of a chronic cash shortage.


Michael O'Neill, the man who led them to France, talks to BBC Sport about their expectations for the tournament, how they have prepared, and his hopes of creating a 1982 World Cup-style legacy. I'm glad Euro 2016 is almost here. There has been a sense that it is never going to come and you're waiting and waiting. It's a huge thing to be there. When we won our first three qualifying games people really began to think we can do this. Then you feel there is a lot to lose because you feel it is possible. So to deliver qualification for the people of Northern Ireland was a huge achievement by the players. I'm delighted for the players who have had long careers and at times there have been difficult moments in those careers. Their loyalty alone has been rewarded by reaching Euro 2016. My message to the players is this is an experience we all have to enjoy. We don't want to come away with regrets. I don't want the players burdened by expectation but they have to grasp this opportunity. Leicester won this season's Premier League at odds of 5,000-1. Northern Ireland, the outsiders along with Albania, are 500-1 to win Euro 2016. It's amazing how football changes. In our third qualifier we beat Greece and Claudio Ranieri was the coach. He lost his job the following game. For him to come to the Premier League, at his stage of his career, and win it is an amazing achievement - the stuff of fairytales. There are similarities between Leicester and Northern Ireland when you look at the route a lot of the Leicester players took to get to where they are. We have lads who are at Fleetwood Town [Vardy's previous club]. In terms of how we play there are similarities, too. Hopefully the neutrals will see a nice humility and work ethic about our team. While we're realistic enough to think we're not going to win the tournament, hopefully we get that level of support where we get a huge groundswell of people willing us to do well, which takes us as far as we can go. O'Neill managed Scottish third tier side Brechin City from April 2006 until December 2008, when he became Shamrock Rovers boss. He led the Dublin club to two Irish titles and to the group stages of the Europa League. He left Rovers for the Northern Ireland job in December 2011 and recently signed a new four-year deal. I started my managerial career at the bottom. I had to go to a small club in Scotland who were part-time and I was working in financial services. I had an opportunity to go over to Shamrock Rovers. People thought that was a bit of a strange move but I felt it was a good opportunity. I didn't plan to be the national manager when it came around. I was 42 but I said to myself 'why not see where it takes me?'. It's been a huge challenge. There were difficult times in the first two

Summary: Northern Ireland are preparing for their first ever European Championship finals, where they will face Poland, Ukraine and world champions Germany in Group C.


Tarzan has in the past dragged logs from the Migdale Rock Site of Special Scientific Interest in Ledmore and Migdale Woods in Sutherland. The horse caused less damage to rare plants than modern forest machinery. Tarzan has been put to use at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore where woodland is being thinned out. Trees in a dense plantation of Scots pine have been felled to improve it as a habitat for wildlife including red squirrels. Meanwhile, Scots pine woods on a nature reserve at the most northerly estuary on Scotland's east coast are to be given greater protection. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) plans to control deer numbers and remove non-native plants at the site at Loch Fleet near Golspie in Sutherland. SNH said Scots pine trees in the area were in an "unfavourable condition". Work to remove rhododendron and sycamore, which are both not native to the UK, will start next month. Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve covers a large tidal basin surrounded by dunes, salt marsh and pine woods.

Summary: A horse used in logging operations in a fragile wildlife habitat has been hauling timber in woodland at a museum of Highland life.


30 March 2017 Last updated at 22:18 BST But amateur artist Emanuel Santos, who works at Madeira airport where the bust was unveiled, says he feels hurt by the criticism his work has received.

Summary: A bronze bust of Cristiano Ronaldo has made headlines around the world for its lack of resemblance to the Real Madrid star.


Fury will face New Zealand's Joseph Parker for the WBO heavyweight title in April, with a venue yet to be decided. Parker beat Mexican Andy Ruiz Jr in December to claim the belt that was vacated by Tyson Fury in October. "Hughie is an exceptional character. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he doesn't do anything," Peter Fury said. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, he added: "I don't see where he can fall out of bed or go wrong. "He is a nice young man in and out of the ring. He doesn't put on any image or front. He is a just a consummate professional - totally dedicated." Tyson Fury said last year he had taken cocaine to help him deal with depression, and then gave up his WBO and WBA world heavyweight titles before having his licence to fight temporarily revoked. "I am highly confident Hughie will toe the line," added Peter Fury. "He will be sensible - but, then again, I didn't think Tyson would ever do the things he has done. "I'm not saying he's a quiet lad, but he is just normal. He is very pleasant, he's got no pressures. He's not married. He is totally dedicated to his sport." However, Peter, who trained Tyson, hopes his nephew will return to the ring - with or without him in his corner. "There has been a lot mistakes made after winning the world title. He has made a lot of bad judgements," he said. "Whatever he does in the future, I am very proud of him for what he achieved in the sport."

Summary: Hughie Fury will not make the same mistakes as his cousin, former world heavyweight champion Tyson, says his dad and trainer Peter.


The event occurs when the waters of the Pacific become exceptionally warm and distort weather patterns around the world. Researchers say parts of the Pacific are likely to be 2C warmer than usual. The WMO says that this year's event is strengthening and will peak by the end of this year. The strongest El Nino on record was in 1997-98, but there were events that were significantly above the norm in 1972-73 and again ten years later in 1982-83. Scientists say that the event now underway is sending sea temperatures in parts of the Pacific to levels not seen since the late 1990s. In a statement the WMO said that this El Nino was gathering strength. "Models and expert opinion suggest that surface water temperatures in the east-central tropical Pacific Ocean are likely to exceed 2C above average, potentially placing this El Nino event among the four strongest events since 1950," it said. The WMO says that patterns of cloudiness and rainfall near the international dateline developed during the second quarter of this year and have been well maintained. These patterns are considered essential in triggering El Nino's global climate impacts which are more likely to be felt over the next six to eight months. "Compared to the last major El Nino event in 1997-1998, there is much more information available," said Maxx Dilley from WMO. "We have better models and are much more prepared." "It is a test case for the early warning systems and climate information systems of WMO members and we are hoping that will be of assistance to some of the affected countries," said Mr Dilley The phenomenon can alter established weather patterns in different parts of the world, bringing severe drought to parts of Asia while at the same time bringing heavy flooding to some parts of North America. It can increase flooding in the Horn of Africa while making Southern Africa drier. The events are likely to lead to a decrease in storm events in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico and an increase in storminess in the eastern Pacific. This El Nino has also impacted the South Asian monsoon. "We are seeing that the Indian monsoon right now is almost 12% below normal. There is only a month left of the summer monsoon season making it difficult to recover," said WMO's El Nino expert Rupa Kumar Kolli. "That was the kind of early warning information we can extract from the El Nino signal and it helps policy makers to prepare," he said. Currently, the Pacific is seeing a surge of hurricane activity, with three category four strength tropical storms swirling around the Hawaiian islands. Researchers say that these hurricanes can disrupt the predominant easterly trade winds that are found along the equator. This disruption allows more heat to build up in the eastern part of the Pacific, adding more fuel to stormy conditions. But researchers cautioned that the scale of impacts, especially in the northern hemisphere, is very hard to read because there is also an Arctic warming effect seen in the Atlantic jet

Summary: The current El Nino weather phenomenon could be one of the strongest on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).


The link is suggested by a study of 19,000 women in the US who were asked about their diet in the year leading up to pregnancy. A healthy diet was one with plenty of fresh fish, fruit, nuts and vegetables. Pregnant women and women trying to conceive are already advised to take certain supplements. Experts recommend folic acid to reduce the risk of other birth defects like spina bifida, and vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth. In England, the government's Healthy Start scheme provides vouchers for pregnant women that can be used to buy milk and vegetables. In the study, published in Archives of Diseases in Childhood Fetal & Neonatal Edition, half of the women had babies with heart problems while the other half did not. When the researchers compared the diets of these two groups they found a healthier maternal diet was associated with a lower chance of congenital heart defects. Pregnant women in the top 25% (quartile) of diet quality, had a lower risk of having a baby with certain heart defects - atrial septal defects and Tetralogy of Fallot - than those in the bottom 25%, even after accounting for other factors such as whether the mother took folic acid or was a smoker. Congenital heart disease is one of the most common types of birth defect, affecting up to nine in every 1,000 babies born in the UK. Mild defects, such as holes in the heart, often don't need to be treated, as they may improve on their own and may not cause any further problems. But others can be more serious and some, lethal. In most cases, something has gone wrong in the early development of the foetus. Some heart conditions are due to faulty genes or chromosomes. But often it is unclear why the baby's heart has not developed normally, says the British Heart Foundation (BHF). Victoria Taylor, senior dietitian at the BHF, said: "This is an interesting study which highlights the importance of diet right from the start of life. "A healthy diet before, during and after pregnancy can have benefits for both mother and child and, as seen here, the whole diet should be taken into consideration, rather than solely focusing on individual nutrients. "Eating well isn't a guaranteed way to avoid congenital heart defects, but this will be another factor that will motivate women planning a pregnancy to make healthy choices."

Summary: Women who eat healthily before and during pregnancy may cut the risk of their baby developing a heart problem, researchers believe.


The 49-year-old, a former international player, will take up his role in early January on a four-year contract. Wong is currently women's singles coach to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). He has previously worked with world number one Lee Chong Wei and his wife, Wong Mew Choo, the two-time Commonwealth Games silver medallist. He has also worked for the last three years with world junior champion Goh Jin Wei, and bringing through Scotland's brightest youngsters will be a big part of his remit. Badminton Scotland's chief executive Anne Smillie said: "It has been a long process but it was crucial that we took our time and found the right person, someone with the credentials and capability to develop our youngsters into fully-fledged internationals. "In Tat Meng we believe we have found the person to do that. We have been fortunate in recent years to produce Olympic squad members and World, European and Commonwealth medallists and we want to continue that success story over the next four years and beyond."

Summary: Badminton Scotland has appointed Malaysian Tat Meng Wong as the organisation's new head coach.


The 2-1 home triumph earned Livi an unassailable 16-point lead at the summit with four games remaining. After a flying Alloa start, the hosts' Josh Mullin and Jackson Longridge scored either side of half-time. Dylan Mackin pulled one back for the Wasps, but Livi squeezed home, sealing their return to the Championship at the first time of asking. Livingston needed only to avoid defeat to secure promotion, but when the visitors struck the post twice in the opening six minutes, a title-clinching result looked far from straightforward. That was until Pittman produced a sweetly-struck 35-yard drive to nudge the home side ahead after 17 minutes - a lead they preserved until the interval. David Hopkin's men upped the ante as the second half began, Longridge cutting in from the left flank and curling a right-foot shop beyond Neil Parry in the Alloa goal. Livi's prolific Liam Buchanan was denied a 26th goal of the season when his penalty struck the post, and he illegally converted the rebound before any other player had touched the ball. Mackin halved the deficit with 24 minutes to play, capitalising on confusion in the Livi box following a corner, and subjecting the home fans to a tense finale before the celebrations could begin. Livingston manager David Hopkin: "I'm delighted for my team, my staff and everyone that's worked hard to get us back where we belong in the Championship. "We went top in October and stayed there ever since. It's great credit to the players. Every one of them has been fantastic. "It was important we bought right, and I made sure I did my homework to get people in. I knew Mikey Miller, Sean Crichton from my days at Morton, I knew they'd won the league, I knew Sean Burn had won the league. "It was important I tried to get these guys in to try and mould a team and a squad together that had already seen this league through. It's a very difficult league, there are lot of good players and good managers in it. I'm delighted that we've kept going and got over the line." Match ends, Livingston 2, Alloa Athletic 1. Second Half ends, Livingston 2, Alloa Athletic 1. Attempt missed. Jason Marr (Alloa Athletic) header from the centre of the box is close, but misses the top left corner. Corner, Alloa Athletic. Conceded by Alan Lithgow. Corner, Alloa Athletic. Conceded by Craig Halkett. Attempt blocked. Calum Waters (Alloa Athletic) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Foul by Alan Lithgow (Livingston). Stefan McCluskey (Alloa Athletic) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Substitution, Livingston. Nikolay Todorov replaces Daniel Mullen. Corner, Livingston. Conceded by Andy Graham. Attempt saved. Nicky Cadden (Livingston) right footed shot from more than 35 yards is saved in the bottom left corner. Foul by Stefan McCluskey (Alloa Athletic). Scott Pittman (Livingston) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Jason Marr (Alloa Athletic). Daniel Mullen (Livingston) wins a free kick on the left wing. Attempt missed. Calum Waters (Alloa Athletic) left footed shot

Summary: Livingston clinched the Scottish League One title with a victory over nearest rivals Alloa Athletic.


About 5,500 homes and businesses remain without power on Wednesday evening. The places worst affected by the storm are Wicklow, New Ross, Athlone, and Inistioge in County Kilkenny, according to Irish state broadcaster, RT??. In Midleton, County Cork, the Irish Army helped to evacuate about 12 family homes after a river overflowed. Several people were also rescued from cars. They included a woman and two children who were rescued from a car in Glanmire, County Cork. The main road from Cork to Kerry, the N20, remains badly flooded in places. The storm also led to rail service disruption in some areas, especially around Cork, where passengers were bussed between Tralee and Killarney and Mallow due to subsidence along the rail track. Some sailings by Stena Line and Irish Ferries have been cancelled but sailings of P&O Ferries are running to schedule. Environment Minister Alan Kelly and Office of Public Works Minister Simon Harris visited Athlone on Wednesday afternoon, where Storm Frank has caused extensive flooding, adding to the problems caused by Storms Desmond and Eva. Mr Harris said Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Enda Kenny would be visiting more places affected by the flooding in the coming days and the flooding issue would be first on the agenda at Tuesday's cabinet meeting.

Summary: Storm Frank has caused flooding and disruption to travel and electricity supplies in the Republic of Ireland.


The UK government is now set to spell out its aims for new customs arrangements. But what is the difference between a free trade area, single market and a customs union? You can be in the EU's Single Market, but not the EU, this is what Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein do. The European Union's single market is perhaps the most ambitious type of trade co-operation. That's because as well as eliminating tariffs, quotas or taxes on trade, it also includes the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. That is why there has been no limit on the number of French people who can come to the UK, or the number of British people who can live in Spain - but there are limits on Turks or Ukrainians, for example. Also, a single market strives to remove so-called "non-tariff barriers" - different rules on packaging, safety and standards and many others are abolished and the same rules and regulations apply across the area. There are EU-wide regulations covering a whole host of industries and products on everything from food standards and the use of chemicals to working hours and health and safety. It is an attempt to create a level playing field and a single market; this does not happen in a free trade zone. For goods, the single market was largely completed in 1992, but the market for services remains a work in progress a quarter of a century later. The EU has promised to introduce it many times, but several countries have dragged their feet and it is much more complicated than creating a single market for say, cars or computers. Even so, the City of London dominates financial services in the EU not least because it can do business in every member country. The EU is therefore not just a free trade area - it is a single market. But to stay in the single market, countries have to allow the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. That last one means immigration is difficult if not impossible to control - although the UK might get a special deal to allow some limits. Membership of the single market also normally involves making annual payments towards the EU's budget and accepting the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, which would cross quite a few red lines for many Brexiteers. Turkey is part of a customs union with the EU but not in the single market. The deal does not cover food or agriculture, services or government procurement. The EU is not only a single market - it is also a customs union. The countries club together and agree to apply the same tariffs to goods from outside the union. Once goods have cleared customs in one country, they can be shipped to others in the union without further tariffs being imposed. If the UK left the Customs Union but stayed in the Single market, our exporters would have to contend with what are called 'rules of origin'. These rules are designed to demonstrate that goods that legally

Summary: Two leading cabinet ministers have said that the UK will not remain in the single market or customs union during the transitional period planned for immediately after leaving the European Union.


Ravichandran Ashwin took 5-67 as the tourists were bowled out for 255 to give up a first-innings deficit of 200. Ben Stokes made 70 and Jonny Bairstow 53 in a sixth-wicket partnership of 110 before England lost their last four wickets for 30 runs. India were reduced to 40-3, but Virat Kohli's unbeaten 56 took his side to 98-3 and a lead of 298. At some point on Sunday, probably soon after lunch, England will begin the task of batting for a day and a half to save the game. It will require a remarkable effort on a surface that is showing variable bounce and is likely to offer more than its current modest turn. "If England had got 350 and taken more time out of the game, I could see a way out for them," said former England captain Michael Vaughan on Test Match Special. "But they allowed India to be too far ahead. England will have to bat four and a half sessions to avoid going 1-0 down in the series - on a pitch that won't get any better." Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott I thought that if England didn't play very well it could have been over very quickly, even today. If today was a boxing match, England actually won it on points. But it really knocked the stuffing out of England yesterday. Ex-England spinner Vic Marks The damage was done yesterday - in one session. England have fought hard today, but if they get out of this it will be a monumental achievement. Former England captain Michael Vaughan Realistically, England will be thinking they need to bat 140 overs in the second innings to get away with a draw. I can't see how they can win. The draw is a possibility but it's very, very minute. England's predicament was the result of a collapse of 4-29 on the second evening, a slump in which the tourists contributed to each wicket that fell. On the third morning, the watchful and skilful combination of Stokes and Bairstow showed their team-mates the way, as well continuing their prolific 2016, both individually and as a partnership. Bairstow, the leading Test run scorer of 2016, and Stokes, who averages 60, have added 772 as a partnership, more than any other pair in the world. Wicketkeeper Bairstow overcame a knee injury sustained as he limbered up on the way to the middle before play and some early indecisive footwork to sweep and nudge his way to a 137-ball half-century, his slowest in Tests. By the time he was bowled off his pads playing across a searing inswinger from Umesh Yadav, the aggregate number of runs added by England's sixth wicket in 2016 stood at 1,759, an England record for any wicket in Tests. "The way Bairstow and Stokes played was terrific," said Boycott. "To intersperse defence and attack in the situation England were in means they deserve full marks." Stokes also made his slowest Test half-century, from 108 deliveries, but was more assured than Bairstow, bar one sharp stumping chance to Wriddhiman Saha

Summary: England were pushed further towards defeat on day three of the second Test against India in Visakhapatnam.


Since then the country has seen the creation of a multi-party parliamentary system, a decade-long Maoist insurgency and the abolition of its monarchy. Flanked by China and India, it is home to eight of the world's highest mountains including Mount Everest, known locally as Sagarmatha. As one of the world's poorest countries, Nepal's economy relies heavily on aid and tourism. A devastating earthquake in April 2015 killed thousands of people, flattened villages and reduced numerous heritage sites to ruin. Since then political infighting has delayed much of the reconstruction despite billions of dollars having been pledged. Population 31 million Area 147,181 sq km (56,827 sq miles) Major languages Nepali Major religions Hinduism, Buddhism Life expectancy 68 years (men), 70 years (women) Currency Nepalese rupee President: Bidhya Devi Bhandari Bidhya Devi Bhandari was elected as Nepal's first woman president in a parliamentary vote in October 2015. She is the deputy leader of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) and a former defence minister. She is a campaigner for women's rights and widow of late communist leader Madan Kumar Bhandari. The post of president is mainly ceremonial. Prime minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda Pushpa Kamal Dahal was elected as prime minister for the second time in August 2016. Better known as Prachanda (Nepali for "fierce one"), he led a decade-long insurgency against the monarchy which culminated in the king relinquishing his absolute powers and being forced to give up his throne in June 2008. He became the first elected prime minister of Nepal in August 2008 but his government collapsed nine months later in a row over his attempt to dismiss the army chief. Mr Dahal is the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre). Media freedom is restricted by the fact that journalists have been the victims of violence, activists say. There is a small film industry, nicknamed "Kollywood". Some key dates in Nepal's history: 1768 - Gurkha ruler Prithvi Narayan Shah conquers Kathmandu and lays foundations for unified kingdom. 1814-16 - Anglo-Nepalese War; culminates in treaty which establishes Nepal's current boundaries. 1846 - Nepal falls under sway of hereditary chief ministers known as Ranas, who dominate the monarchy and cut country off from outside world. 1950 - Anti-Rana forces based in India form alliance with monarch. 1951 - End of Rana rule. Sovereignty of crown restored and anti-Rana rebels in Nepalese Congress Party form government. 1960 - King Mahendra seizes control and suspends parliament, constitution and party politics. 1991 - Nepali Congress Party wins first democratic elections. 1995-2006 - Maoist revolt which kills thousands. 2008 - Nepal becomes a republic after abolition of monarchy. 2015 September - New constitution adopted - the first in Asia to specifically protect gay rights.

Summary: With its ancient culture and the Himalayas as a backdrop, landlocked Nepal was closed to the outside world until the 1950s.


Media playback is not supported on this device The imposing centre-back did not make his top-flight debut until he was 30, but is now captaining the Premier League leaders in one of the most incredible seasons the Premier League has ever seen. Just over 18 months on from finally making it into England's top division, Morgan talks to BBC East Midlands Today about title dreams, his mum's burgeoning pride and how his journey was nearly over almost as soon as it started. Morgan was released by Notts County as a youngster in 1999 but after a couple of years playing non-league football, he was given a second chance across the River Trent. But the journey was still far from smooth. John Pemberton, then Forest's academy director, remembered having to keep Morgan away from manager Paul Hart when he first joined because he simply wasn't fit enough. "His socks didn't go up to his knees because his calves were too big, his legs rubbed together and his shirt was skin tight. He was well overweight," Pemberton said. "Paul saw him in the car park and said: 'Who's that lad?' We said he was a trialist and Paul said: 'We don't want any trialists looking like that'. So we hid from the manager - and we actually hid him for about eight months." Morgan said: "Getting released wasn't nice. It was hard to take. But I remained positive and I got a trial at Forest and that was an opportunity to get back into it and that's where it all started." Despite an inauspicious beginning, Morgan is quick to thank Hart for the big part he played in getting his career up and running. After heeding the timely fitness advice, Morgan made his debut as a 19-year-old in August 2003 and soon became a first-team regular. "I came on trial and did well and was kept on for the season," Morgan said. "I wasn't in the best shape possible and had to work hard. There was a lot of conditioning work to get to the point where I needed to be. "You have to be at a certain fitness level and I needed to put in the work to get to that point. "I have nothing but good things to say about Paul Hart. He gave me my first professional contract and my debut. It all began with him." Hart told BBC Sport: "When I first saw him he was quite big and I said I am not putting him in our kit until that changes. "But he worked extremely hard. You always saw a good footballer; he always had the basics. I gave him his debut at left-back and he was excellent. "Wesley was very aware of his strengths and weaknesses, and when you have that you have a great chance." Morgan's move across the East Midlands after 10 years with Forest came as a shock in 2012, but Leicester manager Nigel Pearson was desperate for a dominant centre-back who was both a reliable leader and a steadying influence. He was convinced he

Summary: Leicester City defender Wes Morgan's rise has been just as remarkable as that of the team he leads.


Free-to-use cash machines, banks on wheels and the use of local Post Office branches could all be solutions. The move expands a former voluntary agreement to assist vulnerable customers when towns and villages become bank-free. But there will be no punishment if banks fail to provide alternatives. Banks, the government and consumer groups have signed up to the new protocol, which will be reviewed independently in a year. Business Secretary Vince Cable said that banks had a duty to ensure that vulnerable customers, small businesses and those in rural communities should have access to counter services to conduct their financial affairs. However, many residents of towns and villages have found that they have to travel to the nearest major conurbation in order to get to a bank branch. Banks should now consider the proximity of alternative branches before a closure - although proximity can be very different, depending on the mobility of customers, ranging from young car drivers to older people reliant on public transport. The age profile of the branch's customers will be part of the review. Individual banking institutions should come to arrangements with the Post Office to allow counter services for current account customers, the government has said. A system that allows customers to compare the suitability of current accounts from different banks is also being unveiled. Comparison website Gocompare.com will run a government-backed system that allows customers of five banks to download their last 12 months of statements to judge whether they could get a better deal elsewhere. "The initiative will allow people to compare accounts based on their needs and could help them save money if they switch," said Richard Lloyd, executive director at consumer group Which?. "However, it will only be a success if the banks play their part in making people aware of the service and the benefits of switching, and if it is rolled out across all current account providers." Initially, it will only be available to customers of Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, RBS and Santander. Only 6% of current account customers switched provider in 2014, despite the system becoming quicker and easier.

Summary: Banks must investigate alternative arrangements for customers before closing the last bank in town, under a new agreement.


And concerns are growing that it could get much worse over the next two decades. Road use is expected to grow 25-30% by 2030, according to government figures. Which begs the question: what should the response be? There are no simple answers to the question, but one thing is clear, according to business secretary Vince Cable: "The idea that we can build our way out of the problem is no longer credible." The goal, therefore, will be to increase the capacity of the road network without increasing its physical footprint. "We'll need to be more intelligent in managing the road network and the vehicles that use it," Mr Cable says. The idea will be to bring together the motor industry, the telecoms sector, electronics companies and others to create an "intelligent mobility industry", Mr Cable explains. Its task would be to tackle congestion, enhance road safety, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, Mr Cable insists, this "convergence of technology and transport" should create jobs and growth and bolster the UK economy. Cars that communicate both with their drivers and passengers and with other vehicles will make up a cornerstone of intelligent mobility, according to former Ford executive Richard Parry-Jones, who co-chairs the UK's Automotive Council with Mr Cable. "Designing cars that intelligently navigate their way through traffic is the kind of challenge that calls on the country's combined auto heritage and budding technological expertise," he says. "Networked vehicles under digital control are going to become the future of car manufacturing." Consequently, the UK's transport challenges should not be seen merely in terms of the costs of a necessary transition. Instead, it should be seen as an opportunity for Britain, Mr Cable insists. "Intelligent mobility could benefit the economy, allowing businesses to be more competitive, reducing logistics costs, giving more predictable journey times and reducing carbon dioxide emissions," he says. It could also provide a draw for foreign investors, adds Mr Parry-Jones, who believes it "represents a chance for the UK's auto industry to bring more research and development investment into the country". In turn, the government and industry figures envisage a future where UK companies will become exporters of techniques and technologies to help similar transport challenges elsewhere in the world. The eventual outcome, the Automotive Council predicts, could be the emergence of "an industry employing some 20,000 skilled workers and turning over some Â£5bn within a decade", on top of the economic benefits that would arise from better traffic flows. Mr Cable is exited about the opportunities. "What we're seeing," he says, "is the beginning of something that could become very, very important."

Summary: Traffic jams that waste time and money are a curse of modern life.


Each day that passed, he would score it with a piece of charcoal. One month, he counted. When the members of the Mujao Islamist group took him out of prison, he was unconscious at the back of a car being driven to hospital. His right arm was bleeding as the militants had just cut his hand off with a knife. "They strapped me against this pillar," recalls Mr Moutkel, a 22-year-old father of three, as we toured the prison where he was held. He lies against it and bends his knees to show me how he was sat down on a chair. He then mimics somebody attaching ropes around his legs, his waist and his arms. "They were many," he says. "Some of them wore a mask, and one filmed the whole scene with a mobile phone. "Within a few seconds, one of them emerged from the group with a knife and cut my hand off, just straight like that," Mr Moutkel explains as he moves his stump above his left wrist to imitate the knife. "I was in hospital when I woke up." At least 12 people went through the same horror, either in public or at the back of the prison, according to Gao's mayor Sadou Harouna Diallo. Five of them had one hand and one leg amputated. Legs were also cut using a knife, reportedly under the knee. Mr Moutkel was accused of having stolen a mattress. No evidence was ever brought against him, but the people are too shocked by the brutality and the barbaric act to even discuss the allegation. A sinister atmosphere still haunts Gao. Almost every day, the French neutralise mines, grenades or material used for makeshift bombs that were found in houses inhabited by jihadi fighters. None of the many big black billboards declaring Sharia have been removed. They are planted everywhere. "Al-hijab for the blessing of Allah and the purity of women," one reads both in French and in Arabic. It refers to the dress code that was imposed on females. They had to cover their head, their face and body entirely. Independence Square was renamed "Sharia Square". Children now play football in the long dusty pitch where public punishments were carried out. An employee of the town hall laments that these sign posts are still standing firm everywhere. "We are waiting for the governor to give us the means to take them down," the man says, he refused to give his name. The Islamists' prison where Mr Moutkel was detained has been emptied but the white Mujao flag drawn onto a black iron sheet is still nailed into the concrete wall above the main entrance. About 25 prisoners were thrown into Mr Moutkel's cell, which according to my calculation was about 10 sq m (107 sq ft). They were not given any food or water. At times, their Islamist captors would allow member of their family to bring them something to eat. "The worst was when five persons were amputated at the same time," Dr Abdulaziz Maiga recalls. "They were very agitated

Summary: Algalas ag Moutkel points his left arm at the writing on the wall of the cell in which he was incarcerated during the rule of militant Islamists in Gao in northern Mali.


The logo, called Harmonized Chequered Emblem, replaces the first choice which was thrown out last year after the designer was accused of plagiarism. The designer denied stealing the idea. Organisers said the new design used traditional Japanese colours and patterns to represent the intercultural themes of the Games. "It incorporates the message of 'unity in diversity'," they said, and the idea that the Games "seek to promote diversity as a platform to connect the world". When designer Asao Tokolo found out he had won the re-opened contest he said "my mind has gone blank". "I put a lot of time and effort into this design as though it was my own child." The first design was rejected after Belgian artist Olivier Debie alleged it copied his design for a theatre logo. The Games organising committee never agreed to the allegation of plagiarism but said there were too many doubts over the emblem for it to be used. The logo dispute came shortly after Tokyo decided to scrap the designs for the main Olympic stadium because of spiralling construction costs. A cheaper design, by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, was chosen in December last year.

Summary: Japan's Olympic organisers have unveiled the new official logos of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.


The visitors, set 269 to win, opened with a stand of 87 between Mark Wallace (50) and Jacques Rudolph. But spinners Graeme van Buuren and Jack Taylor and seamer Craig Miles claimed eight wickets between them in the hour before tea. Taylor wrapped up the victory with the final two wickets after the break. It was Gloucestershire's first championship victory at their Bristol headquarters for more than two seasons. Meanwhile Glamorgan captain Jacques Rudolph confirmed that South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn, currently playing in the Indian Premier League is trying to complete visa formalities to allow him to sign for part of the T20 Blast campaign. Gloucestershire spinner Jack Taylor said: "It was a bit strange, it wasn't spinning too much but we stuck the ball in the right area. "They were coming hard, looking to chase the runs and we didn't shell any chances, we took the catches that came our way. "They needed three and a half an over and we knew if we bowled tight, it would be difficult for them. "They got off to a good start but G (van Buuren) came on and took three quick wickets which was just what we needed, really great." Glamorgan captain Jacques Rudolph told BBC Wales Sport: "When Mark (Wallace) and myself had that partnership upfront, I genuinely thought we had a great chance of winning this game. "It was a crazy session, we lost ten wickets for around sixty runs on a fairly flat wicket and it's important we have a good look at ourselves. We got ourselves into a winning position and threw it away, we can't afford to do that. "It was poor execution, we had guys caught on the boundary, at mid-off and mid-on, and it's difficult to explain. "It's hard work at the moment, but we have to re-group and start afresh. I have been in positions like this before and you have to be a bit careful about over-analysing stuff, we've got to stick to the basics."

Summary: Gloucestershire earned their first win of the season as Glamorgan collapsed in spectacular fashion on the final afternoon.


The rapper and songwriter said she would never condone Nazism in her art. She added that both the producer and the person in charge of the video "happen to be Jewish". The video also features rapper Drake, who is half Jewish. Minaj said the video had not been influenced by Adolf Hitler's party but by a cartoon called Metalocalypse and also by Sin City, the comic book that was made into a film. The director Jeff Osborne has been retweeting both positive and negative reviews of the video. Her apology came after Anti-Defamation League, one of the top civil rights agency in the US said the video used "Third Reich imagery". They argued the video was "a trivialization of the history of that era". In the video Nicki Minaj is portrayed wearing a black body suit with stylised black letters on her chest. Some fans said this resembled a swastika. Long red banners bearing the logo hang above her as she sits at the end of a corridor of tanks. Guns fade across the screen as a drawing of Chris Brown in an authoritarian uniform flashes up, the logo emblazoned on his cap. Troops in futuristic outfits are also drawn into the video, as well as grim reapers, futuristic flashing gas masks and storm trooper-type characters who appear to fan Minaj. The ADL welcomed her apology, adding "We hope that she will take further steps to educate herself and her fans about who the Nazis were and why we should never take genocide or the Holocaust lightly." Her full Twitter comments can be seen below.

Summary: Nicki Minaj has apologised after the lyric video for her 'Only' track was accused of containing Nazi imagery.


"The president cannot suffer bright lights," George Charamba was quoted as saying by the state-run Herald newspaper. Mr Mugabe, 93, has been seen apparently sleeping at several events, leading to speculation about his fitness. He intends to stand in presidential elections next year. The president is currently receiving specialised medical treatment for his eyes in Singapore. Africa Live: More on this and other stories Mr Mugabe most recently appeared to fall asleep during a discussion panel about "fragile states" at a World Economic Forum meeting in South Africa earlier this month. There he stated that Zimbabwe was 'one of the most developed countries in Africa' "I feel like a failure when there is this reading that the president is sleeping in conferences - no," Mr Charamba said. He then compared Mr Mugabe to the anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, whose eyes were affected by years of working in a limestone quarry while imprisoned on Robben Island. "You were not allowed to even use flashes whenever he was in the room," Mr Charamba said.

Summary: Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is not asleep when he closes his eyes for long periods during meetings but is resting his eyes, his spokesman says.


Resuming on 27-2, the Bears looked likely to follow on when injured skipper Ian Bell's departure left them 88-6. They recovered to post 152, thanks to Varun Chopra's 56, then fought back. They bowled Somerset out for 178 - of which Peter Trego made 51 - and closed on 4-0 in pursuit of 322 to win. Trego's second half-century of the match, following his first-innings 94, may yet prove decisive, despite Boyd Rankin's 3-33 and Chris Woakes' 3-45. A first-innings lead of 143 was a significant advantage on a pitch which has offered bowlers more assistance than envisaged. Lewis Gregory and Jamie Overton each took three wickets for Somerset, but Craig Overton finished off the innings after Warwickshire's last pair Woakes and Jeetan Patel had added 17 to see their side past the follow-on target. With both sides looking for their first win of the season, Warwickshire will have to make the highest score of the match to do it - and the balance is tilted even further in the visitors' favour by the continued worry over Bell, who is nursing an injured hamstring. Having not come in until number seven in the first innings because of the time he had spent off the field the previous day, Bell lasted only 12 balls before holing out off Trego for seven. Bell, hoping for an England recall against Sri Lanka for the first Test at Headingley in 10 days' time, went off at the end of the day's play for a scan, but is expected to be able to bat. Warwickshire bowler Boyd Rankin told BBC WM: "We will try and bat really positively. We still think we can win. In general, it is a pretty good wicket. There are a few cracks there in the pitch but we have just got to be positive. "I would say that the reason so many wickets have fallen is down more to batsman error than top-quality bowling. "Looking back on our innings there were quite a few soft wickets and I suppose the same with them. "The wickets here seem to get a bit flatter so our ploy was to bowl a little bit short. There were one of two them not too keen on the short ball so it was something we felt would work well on that wicket." Somerset all-rounder Peter Trego told BBC Somerset: "Tom Abell played magnificently well on day one, supported up the other end by myself, but we played and missed at a lot of balls that we could easily have nicked. The general feeling was that you could easily be rolled for 150 and that played out in Warwickshire's innings. "We have got ourselves into a great position now and it's about staying disciplined and pretty much replicating what we did in their first innings. "The pitch has some quite decent-sized cracks so, when the ball is in and around that area, there is a little bit of uneven bounce and sideways movement. Because of the nature of what happens when the ball does hit a crack, it

Summary: Somerset look in the best shape to win at Edgbaston after a bowler-dominated second day against Warwickshire in which 18 wickets fell.


Natalie Putt left her home in Thornleigh, Lower Gornal, on 1 September 2003, leaving her 11-week-old son at the house with relatives. It was the last time anyone reported seeing the 17-year-old. West Midlands Police said the case remained open and any credible information would be investigated. Det Sgt Matt Morgan said: "It remains a missing persons' inquiry as there is no evidence she's been murdered and certainly nothing to suggest she was suicidal at the time she vanished." Natalie had been out with a friend the day before she went missing. An 18-year-old man was arrested in 2004 in connection with her disappearance but was later released without charge. Police sealed off private land in Wombourne, south Staffordshire, earlier this year after someone recalled seeing a man digging near stables where Natalie is understood to have kept horses. Det Sgt Morgan said: "Forensics teams carried out extensive searches and archaeologists used specialist radar equipment to reveal any buried items, or [reveal] whether land had been disturbed. "Nothing suspicious was uncovered though and the search was called off after three days." Natalie was described as white, of slim build, and just over 5ft (1.5m) tall She was wearing a pendant necklace with the words "someone special" engraved on it.

Summary: Information is being sought over a teenage mother who went missing in the West Midlands 10 years ago this month.


The head of Madagascar's FA is the sole challenger to the Cameroonian, who has led Caf since 1988. Central to Ahmad's manifesto is a desire for improved governance, with a commitment to increased transparency and reinvestment outlined. The Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa will host the elections on 16 March. Ahmad, who confirmed his candidacy to the BBC on 12 January, has also said he hopes to bring about 'reconciliation within the different actors of the African football.' "Those who have lost their trust, their confidence in Caf, those who have been long forgotten and those who have been left on their own - they all must join Caf," his manifesto states. Among the other ideas prominent to his candidacy: Ahmad is seen as an outsider to depose Hayatou, who is seeking an eighth term in office, and is eligible to contest the elections given he is already a member of Caf's Executive Committee. The Malagasy has been boosted by receiving the backing of Cosafa, the southern African region. Ahmad is considered the most serious challenger in years to Hayatou, who was re-elected unopposed in 2013.

Summary: Ahmad Ahmad, the man bidding to depose Issa Hayatou as president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), has unveiled his manifesto.


The country has never played before in a major football competition. But it is not yet clear whether Albania will qualify for the next round in France. The team will get €1m (£770,000; $1.1m) in extra funding as well as the new passports, the government said. Albania lost their other two matches, coming third in their Euro 2016 group. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama captured the nation's excitement on Sunday by tweeting "Goooooooooool...." when Armando Sadiku headed the winning goal against Romania in the first half. The award of diplomatic passports is mainly symbolic, as many of the Albanian players are already with clubs elsewhere in Europe and Albanians enjoy visa-free travel to the EU. They will not enjoy diplomatic immunity, as that is reserved for official diplomats, but they will benefit from easier international travel. The win sparked big celebrations in the streets of Albania's capital Tirana and in Pristina, capital of neighbouring Kosovo, where most of the population are ethnic Albanian. Fans waved Albanian flags, let off fireworks, honked car horns for hours and danced to folk music. The European football body Uefa has launched disciplinary proceedings against the Albanian and Romanian football federations because of crowd trouble at the match. Some supporters let off smoke bombs, hurled objects and invaded the pitch. One French-Albanian man hid a banned flare in his rectum to smuggle it into the stadium, prosecutors said. Uefa has now opened disciplinary actions against eight countries in the tournament because of hooliganism by fans.

Summary: Albania says it will reward its national footballers with diplomatic passports for having beaten Romania 1-0 at the Euro 2016 tournament.


It was a role he relished and he often returned to it over a period of four decades. He was a consummate character actor who took on a wide variety of roles on stage, screen and television. And despite playing Johnny Speight's infamous creation for such a long time, he managed to avoid being typecast as Britain's favourite bigot. Warren Mitchell was actually born as Warren Misell on 14 January 1926 in north London. His father, Monty, was English, while his mother Annie, who died when he was 15, was of Russian descent. He was chosen, aged five, to play Tiny Tim in his primary school's production of A Christmas Carol but never made the stage. His Orthodox Jewish grandmother vetoed the idea when she learned he would be breaking Jewish dietary law by eating Christmas pudding containing suet. In later years he developed a pathological loathing of Christmas, referring to it as "all that sentimental crap". However, his interest in acting grew and, at the age of seven, he was enrolled in Gladys Gordon's Academy of Dramatic Arts in Walthamstow, east London. He also developed a love of football, becoming a staunch supporter of Tottenham Hotspur. He did well at school and went on to read physical chemistry at University College, Oxford, where he met Richard Burton, who encouraged his interest in acting. They joined the RAF together in 1944 and Mitchell was sent to Canada to train as a navigator, although the war ended before he saw active service. Mitchell enrolled for a two-year course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, spending his evenings performing with the left-wing Unity Theatre in London, where he met his wife, Connie. Because she was an Anglican, Mitchell's Jewish father initially refused to have Connie in the house, but he eventually came round to the idea of his son marrying outside his faith. Mitchell was an atheist for most of his life and a keen supporter of the British Humanist Association. He changed his name in 1951 when he stood in for the DJ Pete Murray as a presenter on Radio Luxembourg. "They said, 'You can't have a name like that, nobody's ever going to write in their request to Warren Misell'," Mitchell later explained. By now he had become a competent character actor in straight and comedy roles, while premature baldness gave him the ability to play a wide age range. After appearing in the popular radio show Educating Archie, he got his TV break in 1955 in a number of episodes of Hancock's Half Hour. He became a TV regular with roles in shows such as The Avengers, Danger Man and The Saint. He also appeared in sitcom, notably with Charlie Drake in the BBC production Drake's Progress, which ran in 1957. By then he had already made his film debut, an uncredited role in the wartime drama The Battle of the River Plate. It was the first of many screen appearances although, with his baldness and command of eastern European accents, he was often cast in minor roles, usually as

Summary: Warren Mitchell never completely distanced himself from his most famous character, Alf Garnett.


After 14 weeks in hospital, his weight has increased to 6lb 1oz and his parents - Leanne Hughes and Dale Davies - are hoping to take him home to Connah's Quay, in Flintshire, on Monday. While in hospital they became one of a number of families to test specialist equipment for a new neonatal intensive care centre in Denbighshire. This is 34-year-old Leanne's story. I found out I was pregnant just before Christmas and the pregnancy was going well. I didn't have any horrendous morning sickness, it was quite an enjoyable pregnancy. Just before my 20-week scan I had a little bit of a bleed, but it settled down. Then, after my scan, that's when I had a bigger bleed and I went straight to Glan Clwyd [hospital]. They assessed me and suspected I may go into early labour. Given I was only 24 weeks into my pregnancy, they didn't have the facilities at the unit to take babies that premature so they looked for the nearest available unit and that happened to be Preston, about an hour and a half to two hours' drive away. I got transferred up there straight away and spent about four days in Preston hospital. Then I had a big bleed and it just happened, my waters broke. We were taken to the neonatal unit in Preston and we were there for six weeks before we got transferred back to Glan Clwyd. We only found out we were having a boy at the 20-week scan. It was a bit of a shock to the system, we knew we were pregnant but we thought we had plenty of weeks to prepare and get ourselves ready for everything. We didn't. The only thing we did have was the pram, that was on order. Because it was so early on, we hadn't started to go crazy preparing everything because we didn't want to jinx anything. The doctors in Preston had warned us it would be a bit of a rollercoaster and there would be good days and bad days. We had our ups and downs but he's pulled through and he's been really good. After we had been at Glan Clwyd a couple of weeks and they were happy they knew Jude and what was happening, we started to get involved trialling the equipment. The first thing we were trialling was the new incubators. They were really good and it gave us more confidence when we were looking after him, doing his nappy and stuff like that, getting him in and out. When they're in an incubator you feel not very attached to them. We're staying in the hospital at the moment because I'm breastfeeding. We're trialling some chairs that help with breastfeeding because you need to be comfortable, that's where it comes in handy. Until you've been through it, it's difficult to really understand it. It's good to have other parents there who understand how you're feeling, to reassure each other when somebody is having a bad day. But everybody has their own journey, no baby is the

Summary: Baby Jude weighed just 1lb 12oz when he was born 16 weeks prematurely.


Former Priory Federation chief executive Richard Gilliland, 64, was accused of misusing school credit cards to buy personal items and suppressing the results of a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check on his son. The group's ex-finance director Stephen Davies, 58, faced three fraud charges. The pair were found not guilty in a trial at Lincolnshire Crown Court. The Priory Federation runs four schools in Lincoln and Grantham. The trial previously heard Mr Gilliland bought items on school credit cards, including videos and condoms. He said he was always owed money by the federation and used its credit cards to make his own purchases as "an off-setting exercise". Mr Gilliland was also accused of suppressing the results of a CRB check so his son Kia Richardson - who had served a jail term for outraging public decency - could work at an equestrian centre run by the Priory. He told the court colleagues were fully aware of his son's "troubled past". Speaking after the trial, Mr Gilliland said: "It has been very hard to deal with, very emotional, but I am pleased with the result." Mr Davies described the trial as "interesting", adding he was confident of the result as he had "done nothing wrong".

Summary: Two former senior members of staff at a Lincolnshire schools academy group have been cleared of fraud charges.


The probe relates to allegations that Electronic Monitoring Service (EMS) employees were paid to fit the devices loosely so they could be removed, The Sun said. The newspaper alleges some of those under curfew were able to pull off the tags and go out for the night. EMS said it was an "isolated issue". The Ministry of Justice said it was urgently investigating. Two current and one former members of EMS staff have been arrested, the Metropolitan Police said. A further 11 people have also been questioned. The Sun said the matter came to light after an offender was arrested when they should have been under curfew. A 46-year-old former EMS employee was arrested in Romford, east London, for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and the theft of tagging equipment. Police said a house was searched and items of evidence recovered. A 45-year-old man from Barking and a 57-year-old woman from Romford have been questioned for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. A further 11 people - none of whom are former or current EMS employees - have been questioned on the same charge. All 14 have been bailed to dates in April. An EMS spokesperson said: "We have a zero tolerance policy against any of our employees who act in any way to undermine the robustness of the electronic monitoring service. "The small number of employees being investigated regarding this isolated issue were swiftly taken off duties and we are closely co-operating with the Metropolitan Police Service."

Summary: Three people have been arrested by police investigating the alleged misuse of electronic tags used to monitor criminals.


Adur District Council said it was looking into the possibility of a memorial walk along the River Adur. People are being invited to submit their thoughts and suggestions to the shorehamremembers.org website. A shortlist of ideas will be created in January, followed by a public consultation in March. Eleven men were killed on 22 August when a vintage Hawker Hunter plummeted into the A27 in West Sussex during the Shoreham Air Show. In a statement, Adur District Council said: "It has been suggested that a new memorial, close to both the river and the proposed site for a new slipway, could form the start and finish of a beautiful walk between the recreation ground and Old Tollbridge. "This idea potentially also incorporates the temporary memorial board and archway erected by the county council in a meaningful way, and could create a multitude of spaces and perspectives for reflection along the walk's length." It continues: "While other ideas are being invited this particular one appears to be currently gathering support throughout the community." In the days after the crash, thousands of flowers, cards, pictures and messages of condolence were left on the Old Shoreham Toll Bridge, which became known as the "Bridge of Flowers". A memorial service was held at Lancing College's gothic chapel on 22 November, three months after the disaster. During the service, the Bishop of Chichester, The Right Reverend Dr Martin Warner, praised the "human courage, generosity and compassion" of the emergency services and said this was a time when "grief must blend with love" in a celebration of those who died.

Summary: A permanent memorial is to be created as a "fitting, lasting tribute" to the 11 men who were killed in the Shoreham air disaster in August.


Police were called to the woman's mobile home after receiving a 911 call about a woman suffering chest pains. But when officers arrived, the woman pointed a gun at them and threatened to shoot anyone who came near her. The woman stayed put despite police using flash grenades and tear gas. The standoff in the town of Topanga, near Los Angeles, finally ended early on Friday after the woman attempted to crawl under her mobile home and police pulled her out. "It's very unusual, but we're just happy that we're able to bring this to a peaceful resolution," said Lt. A J Rotella of the Sheriff's Department's Malibu station told the Los Angeles Times. "No-one wants to see an elderly woman, for whatever reason she acted this way, no one wanted to see her get seriously hurt." It was unclear whether the crisis-negotiation robot was damaged in the incident. The woman also hit it with a broom and threw a cover over it. Some police departments in the US use the robots - equipped with two-way radios and cameras - to scout dangerous situations and establish communication between police and suspects.

Summary: An elderly California woman has surrendered to police after a 22-hour stand-off, in which the woman shot at a police robot that was sent to communicate with her.


Bora-Hansgrohe rider Postlberger, 25, won the 203km stage ahead of Caleb Ewan in second and Andre Greipel in third. Last year's winner Vincenzo Nibali, Team Sky's Geraint Thomas and Colombia's Nairo Quintana all finished safely in the peloton in the opening stage of the race's 100th edition. Saturday's second stage is a 208km ride from Olbia to Tortoli. Postlberger's team-mate Cesare Benedetti took the Maglia Azzurra, the climber's jersey, after overhauling Daniel Teklehaimanot of Dimension Data. Italian cyclists Nicola Ruffoni and Stefano Pirazzi were suspended before the race started, after returning positive doping tests. The Bardiani CSF pair were due to ride in the Giro but world governing body the UCI said they were "provisionally suspended" after detection of the growth hormone GHRP. Bardiani said both would be dismissed if the positive tests were confirmed. Find out how to get into cycling with our special guide. Thomas was the first British finisher in the race's opening stage, the Welshman finishing 18th, 10 seconds behind Postlberger. All teams are racing with nine-man squads apart from Astana, who have only eight riders having left a space open following the death of Michele Scarponi on a training ride. Team Sky's co-leader Geraint Thomas told BBC Wales Sport: "It was OK. It wasn't too hard a day but the winds made it hard at times. It was all about getting through safely and saving as much energy as possible. "The final was quite chaotic but fortunately I was OK. One [stage] down, 20 to go. "It's all about good position and avoiding stuff like that [the crash towards the end]. A day like today, the pink jersey is up for grabs for the winner and there's a lot of stress. "It wasn't one of the hardest stages so there were a lot of fresh legs at the end and a lot going on but, fortunately, the boys did a great job for me and [fellow leader Mikel] Landa. Perfect. "I've done my fair share of that in tours in the past so I appreciate that and know how hard a job it is for them to do what they do. A good job but a long way to go." Stage one result: 1. Lukas Postlberger (Bora-Hansgrohe) 5hrs 13mins 35secs 2. Caleb Ewan (Orica-Scott) Same time 3. Andre Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) Same time 4. Giacomo Nizzolo (Trek-Segafredo) Same time 5. Sacha Modolo (UAE Team Emirates) Same time

Summary: Austria's Lukas Postlberger won the first stage of the Giro d'Italia in Sardinia on his race debut.


Known for its beaches and cricket - its national sport - the former British colony has a dual heritage: English - evident in its stone-built Anglican churches and Saturday race meetings - and African, reflected in its music and dance. Country profiles compiled by BBC Monitoring Barbados is one of the more populous and prosperous Caribbean islands. Political, economic and social stability have given it one of the highest standards of living in the developing world. As well as being a centre for financial services, it also has offshore reserves of oil and natural gas. However, the economy took something of a knock in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis. The country's public debt rose sharply in 2009-11, mainly because of a slowdown in the tourism and financial services sectors. Prior to the economic crisis there was a construction boom, with new hotels and housing complexes springing up. The trend accelerated as the island prepared to host some of the key Cricket World Cup matches in 2007. However, a shortage of jobs has prompted many Barbadians - more often known as Bajans - to find work abroad. The money that they send home is an important source of income. Most Barbadians are the descendants of African slaves who were brought to the island from the 17th century to work the sugar cane plantations. Limestone caverns, coral reefs and a warm climate tempered by trade winds are among the island's natural assets. Barbados is relatively flat, with highlands in the interior.

Summary: The eastern Caribbean nation of Barbados was historically heavily dependent on the export of sugar as its main revenue earner, but in recent decades the economy has diversified into tourism and offshore finance.


Four hundred devices have been purchased, at a cost of Â£1.5m. Body Worn Video Technology, as it's known, is already in place in Derry City and Strabane District. The cameras are clipped on to the top half of an officer's uniform and can provide eight hours of continuous recording. Officers have been trained to tell people when they are being recorded. Supporters of the scheme say the cameras will improve the quality of evidence that police officers can gather. They will be particularly useful in assisting prosecutions in cases of domestic abuse, for example. The roll-out follows on from a pilot scheme in Foyle in 2014-15. Body cameras are routine in other parts of the UK and were first introduced about a decade ago. Studies have found that they dramatically reduced complaints against officers by members of the public, by up to 93% in one case. PSNI Chief Supt Chris Noble said: "Video evidence puts the victims of crime first. "The pilot of this technology in Foyle district evidenced how Body Worn Video has the potential to improve the quality of evidence provided by police officers. It also increases the number of offenders brought to justice. "The introduction of this new technology is the latest example of our commitment to these principles as we continue to work together with the community to keep people safe."

Summary: Police officers in Belfast will wear body cameras while on duty from Wednesday.


Tear gas was used near the Idomeni crossing, where more than 11,000 refugees and other migrants are camped out on the Greek side of the border. Aid organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said it had treated around 300 injured people. Balkan states closed off the migrant route to northern Europe this year. "The indiscriminate use of chemicals, rubber bullets and stun grenades against vulnerable populations... is a dangerous and deplorable act," Greek government spokesman George Kyritsis said. MSF said authorities had fired tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades at those trying to force their way into Macedonia. "Two hundred people were treated for respiratory problems caused by tear gas, mostly men but including women and some children under the age of five," MSF spokesman Jonas Hagensen told the BBC. More than 30 people were treated for rubber bullet wounds, he added, and a further 10 people said they had been beaten by Macedonian police. Some 30 people had been treated for shock and other injuries; seven had been sent to hospital with more serious wounds. Sunday's unrest reportedly began after a group of migrants approached the fence to ask Macedonian border guards to open it and let them pass. When their demand was rejected, they were joined by others, some of whom were carrying packed bags. Migrants could be seen running from clouds of tear gas just inside the Greek border, as well as hurling stones across the fence. 152,461 in 2016, up to 7 April 37% of 2016 arrivals are children 53% arrive on Lesbos 366 died on Turkey-Greece route 853,650 arrivals in 2015 An unnamed Macedonian police official told AFP: "Greek police are using tear gas near the border with Macedonia. It is calm so far on the Macedonian side of the border." However, Reuters news agency, also quoting an unnamed Macedonian police official, said migrants had thrown stones at the Macedonian police. "The police fired tear gas in response," the official said. "The migrants were pushing against the fence but standing on the Greek side of the border. The fence is still there, they have not broken through." This week Greece began deporting migrants who do not qualify for asylum, under an EU deal with Turkey. More than 300 people, many of them Pakistanis, were sent to Turkey by ferry from the Greek islands. In addition, nearly 100 were deported via Greece's land border with Turkey, AFP reports. The International Organisation for Migration said the rate of arrivals had dropped in the first week of April, with 5 April the first day since last year that no arrivals were recorded. More than a million undocumented refugees and other migrants have entered the EU by boat from Turkey to Greece since early last year, generating an unprecedented crisis for the EU's 28 member-states. A note on terminology: The BBC uses the term migrant to refer to all people on the move who have yet to complete the legal process of claiming asylum. This group includes people fleeing war-torn countries such as Syria, who are likely to be granted refugee

Summary: Greece has condemned the action of Macedonian police to disperse hundreds of migrants at the border between the two countries.


The criticisms concern some members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), accused of doing favours for Azerbaijan. The oil-rich ex-Soviet state has cracked down on political dissidents. There are suspicions that Azerbaijan influenced PACE's rejection of a report on Azeri political prisoners in 2013. Azerbaijan is among the 47 member nations of the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe. The council - not part of the EU - monitors compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights, and judges in Strasbourg enforce it. In January 2013 PACE rejected a report by German Social Democrat MP Christoph Strässer, which deplored human rights abuses in Azerbaijan and urged the authorities there to release political prisoners. The Azeri government denies that charges against opposition activists are politically motivated. Opponents of President Ilham Aliyev have been jailed on various charges, including tax evasion, spying and weapons possession. Three top international human rights lawyers will investigate the PACE corruption allegations and will report their findings by the end of 2017. They can recommend action against any PACE members implicated in corruption. The investigators are: PACE elects the judges at the ECHR, whose human rights rulings are binding on Council of Europe states. As part of the inquiry, PACE plans to revise its code of conduct. An investigation published in December by the European Stability Initiative (ESI), a human rights think-tank, alleged that some parliamentarians in PACE had engaged in political lobbying for Azerbaijan. There were claims that some received Azeri payments. Council of Europe profile Azerbaijan bans online insults to leader In March a top Council of Europe official, Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland, wrote to PACE President Pedro Agramunt, urging him "to establish an independent external investigation body without any further delay". A large group of European MPs in PACE made a similar plea in January. They said PACE's integrity was threatened by "recent, serious and credible allegations of grave misconduct" by some fellow MPs. Civil society groups in Europe sent an open letter to PACE in April, saying an independent investigation must "shed light on hidden practices that favour corruption".

Summary: Europe's top human rights watchdog, the Council of Europe, has launched an investigation into alleged corruption at the council involving Azerbaijan.


The 56-year-old met chairman Steve Parish on Thursday as tension between the pair came to a head. The former Stoke boss, who won the Premier League's manager of the year award last season, had been frustrated by the failure to land a number of summer transfer targets. Media playback is not supported on this device Assistant manager Keith Millen will be in charge against Arsenal on Saturday. On Friday, Palace issued a statement, saying: "The club would like to thank Tony for his efforts with the club last season and wish him all the best for the future." Bookmakers' odds had tumbled on Thursday as speculation over the Welshman's job intensified. Media playback is not supported on this device Malky Mackay and David Moyes were suggested as potential candidates to replace Pulis by former Palace defender Matt Lawrence, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live. The remainder of Pulis's coaching staff - including Gerry Francis and Dave Kemp - have been asked by Parish to stay on for the trip to Arsenal before leaving the club. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: "He has done a remarkable job last season, made a miracle. I was at a managers' meeting on Monday, he was there and nothing indicated he wouldn't be here tomorrow." Pulis wanted to assume greater control of all football matters at Selhurst Park, especially transfers, after missing out on a number of key targets. He and Parish also disagreed about their vision for the club. Parish and sporting director Iain Moody are in charge of delivering the potential signings earmarked by Pulis. Moody arrived in November from Cardiff City, where he had held a similar role before being dismissed by the owner Vincent Tan. Media playback is not supported on this device Palace signed Liverpool full-back Martin Kelly on Thursday, while striker Fraizer Campbell arrived from Cardiff for £900,000 and former Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland have joined on a free. Just hours before Pulis left, Kelly told the club's official website: "I'm looking forward to playing under Tony and playing regular football again." Hangeland also picked out Pulis as one of his reasons for moving to Selhurst Park, saying: "All the things I've heard about this club - the manager, players, staff - it's all been good." Pulis left Stoke last year after seven years at the Britannia Stadium, having guided the Potteries outfit to the Premier League and kept them there, extending his record of never being relegated. Palace were bottom of the table when he was named as Ian Holloway's replacement in November 2013. Pulis managed to halt the decline, and a run of five successive victories from 29 March, starting with a 1-0 win over Chelsea, steered the Eagles to safety. They famously came back from three goals down in the final 11 minutes against Liverpool to all but deny the Reds the title at the end of last season. Their eventual 11th-placed finish was the club's highest since 1992. Former Palace chairman Simon Jordan told Talksport that managers "have to do as they're told". "Football managers are incredibly

Summary: Manager Tony Pulis has left Crystal Palace by mutual consent less than 48 hours before the start of the season.