The Medway Queen took more than 7,000 trapped men from beaches in 1940. Restoration work began last year with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. The government said administrative errors had led to the suspension of EU funding and it was working to get payments released. Restoration work on the ship's hull began in Bristol last April with money from a ??1.86m Heritage Lottery Grant. Medway Council applied to the European Regional Development Fund for a grant to complete the restoration and bring the ship home. The final stages of the project are being undertaken at a workshop in Gillingham by 16 people, including nine young apprentices whose jobs are now under threat, as there is only enough money until the end of April. Peter Skinner, Labour MEP for the South East, said EU funding to all UK partners within the Interreg 2 Seas programme had been suspended after the UK government failed to meet the standards demanded by auditors. He said the problems had nothing to do with the Medway Queen project. "The Medway Queen has taken on local young people and is giving them practical work skills through apprenticeships. "Through no fault of theirs funding has been suspended. That can't be right," Mr Skinner said. "I've been pushing ministers; they need to find a solution. I have also demanded a meeting with the [European] commissioner. I want him on the case. "The project is a great opportunity for the apprentices and they shouldn't be in danger of losing out because of some bureaucratic foul up." In a statement, the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "This funding programme is run by a managing authority in Nord-Pas de Calais, France. "Nevertheless, the department is very disappointed with the European Commission's decision to withhold payments to UK project partners and we are working intensively to get these payments released."

Summary: The restoration of a paddle steamer which rescued Allied troops during the Dunkirk evacuations is under threat after European funding was suspended.


Denmark international Fischer, 21, has been with the Amsterdam club since 2011 and scored 24 goals in 79 league games. The forward visited Boro, who were promoted to the Premier League this season, for a medical and agreed terms. "It's the greatest league in the world and I feel really ready," Fischer told Danish TV station TV2. Eight-times capped Fischer has agreed a three-year deal. Fischer emerged as a key player at Ajax under recently departed coach Frank De Boer, alongside compatriots Lasse Schone and Christian Eriksen - the latter whom he will play against in next season's top flight when Boro face Tottenham Hotspur.

Summary: Ajax winger Viktor Fischer will join Middlesbrough for around £3.8m at the start of the international transfer window next month, BBC Tees reports.


The figure is a big increase on the 89 child abductions reported by Unicef last month. Their latest statement blamed a militia group allied to the government. South Sudan is in a state of civil war with forces loyal to President Salva Kiir pitted against rebels led by former Vice-President Riek Machar. The campaign group Human Rights Watch has accused both sides of using child soldiers. Unicef said the boys were abducted by the Shilluk Militia, under the control of Johnson Oloni. The government has previously said it has no control over the group. "We fear [the children] are going from the classroom to the front line," said Unicef's representative in South Sudan, Jonathan Veitch. Witnesses report seeing children as young as 12 carrying guns, according to the UN. The seizure of the boys happened in an area known as Wau Shilluk, in oil-rich Upper Nile state. The UN believes 12,000 children were used as child soldiers across South Sudan last year. About 1.5 million people have been displaced by the fighting in the country and 2.5 million are facing severe food shortages.

Summary: Hundreds of boys in South Sudan have been kidnapped and forced to become child soldiers, the United Nations children's agency says.


The London-based musician beat eight-year-old magician Issy Simpson and comedian Daliso Chaponda to become the winner of the ITV talent show. The 32-year-old won £250,000 in prize money and an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance. ITV moved the final of the show forward by a day to avoid a clash with Ariana Grande's benefit concert for the Manchester bombing victims on Sunday. Myers had previously supported artists such rapper Kanye West. His performance in the final took in a variety of musical styles and included drumming. He fell to the floor after presenters Ant and Dec broke the news he had received the most votes from the public. Judge Simon Cowell said: "As a talent, as a person, Tokio right now, this was the most important thing for him, I'm thrilled for him." Teenage singer Sarah Ikumu had been chosen as the judges' wildcard choice for the final. The other acts taking part were: magician Matt Edwards, The Missing People Choir, singing pensioners the Pensionalities, dance act MerseyGirls, comedian Ned Woodman, singer Kyle Tomlinson, and magic double act DNA.

Summary: Pianist Tokio Myers has been named winner of Britain's Got Talent.


Flight AF953 was travelling from Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, to Douala, Cameroon's largest city and commercial capital, when it hit bad weather on 2 May. While avoiding storm clouds, the plane came close to hitting the 4,040-metre (13,254 feet) Mount Cameroon. French accident investigators BEA have now opened an investigation. The Boeing 777 aircraft had 37 people on board as it made the short journey to Douala, which is around 100km (62 miles) from Malabo. It was due to arrive in Cameroon to pick up more passengers before continuing to Paris. After diverting north to avoid storm clouds shortly after 21:00 local time, the plane's new route to Douala took it directly towards the mountain. An initial incident report published by BEA said an automated warning, saying "Pull up", was activated. The plane then ascended quickly from 9,000ft (2,743m) to 13,000ft (3,962m) to avoid a collision. BEA did not say how close the plane came to Mount Cameroon. The flight landed 44 minutes after leaving Malabo, and no-one was injured. Air France said they were conducting an internal investigation into the incident.

Summary: An Air France aeroplane narrowly missed central Africa's highest mountain in early May, French investigators say.


The Wales and Northampton winger was injured against Leicester on Saturday. TV replays appeared to show him lying motionless before he recovered to pass a mandatory pitch-side assessment. Northampton said they had not had access to full television footage of the incident before allowing North to rejoin the action later in the match. Rules dictate that any player with confirmed or suspected concussion should be permanently removed from a game. Immediately after Saturday's contest, Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder said North, 24, had not been knocked out. Premiership Rugby and the RFU have revealed that a Concussion Management Review Group (CMRG) met on Tuesday to assess the incident. A statement said the group could decide to issue a warning or even recommend a misconduct charge against the club or an individual. Wales international North fell heavily in a mid-air tackle that led to Leicester's Adam Thompstone being sin-binned. He left the field for a mandatory head injury assessment by the club's doctor. North was passed fit and returned to the action. After the game, North said on Twitter he was "OK", adding: "I landed on my neck and was worried about it. Thanks to the medics for checking me out properly. I can't help but feel I won't be looking left or right for a few days." On Saturday, Mallinder said: "Our doctors and medical staff are really clear that if anyone gets knocked unconscious or has had a knock where they look like they are unconscious, they need to come straight off. "It's as simple as that. You don't go to be assessed - you are off straight away. George has had some previous issues so he took it steady. "The doctor was very, very happy even as he walked off that he was just going to go for an assessment and thankfully he could come back on." A club statement said that North was "communicating immediately with attending medics" and "complaining of neck pain". It added: "Significant neck injury was excluded on the field but on review of video footage pitch side, the team followed World Rugby protocols and used a Head Injury Assessment given the potential mechanism for head injury. "George was fully assessed by the doctor and passed fit to return to play." But Northampton then released another statement on Tuesday, which said: "It is important to note this video footage is not always the full range of replay angles available to the TV viewing audience at home. "If evidence suggesting a loss of consciousness had been available to the medical team at the time of assessment, George would not have been allowed to return to the field of play." Chris Jones, BBC Radio 5 live rugby union reporter This is turning into a very significant story, with Northampton saying that their medics did not have access to all of the television footage to review North's fall, so rather than withdraw him permanently from the field, they took him off for a head injury assessment, which he subsequently passed. But if it is the case that the

Summary: Premiership Rugby and Rugby Football Union officials have held an urgent meeting to assess the handling of George North's latest head injury.


The company, founded by billionaire Newcastle United boss Mike Ashley, has seen its shares rise 86% since the start of the year. The FTSE 100 is updated every three months, reflecting changes in the market value of companies. The reshuffle takes effect from 23 September. Greek coke bottler Coca Cola Hellenic is also set to join the top flight of London-listed companies after it switched its primary listing from Athens to London earlier this year. But outsourcing firm Serco has been dropped after its shares fell 8.5% since the end of June. It is facing an investigation into its practices, and the potential suspension of future government contracts, saw its share price plunge earlier in the summer, before recovering slightly. Sports Direct, said in a trading update on Wednesday that sales had risen by 18.2% in the 13 weeks to the end of July, compared to the same period last year.

Summary: Retailer Sports Direct will enter the FTSE 100 as part of the latest reshuffle of the 100 biggest companies on the London Stock Exchange.


The 22-year-old won with a total of 16.041, as USA's Danell Leyva claimed silver and Russia's David Belyavskiy took bronze. World champion You Hao finished eighth, as China left the Rio gymnastics competition without a title. It was the first time they have not won gold in the sport since 1980. China boycotted the Moscow Games that year. Verniaiev missed out on the all-around title by just 0.101 points after hopping forward when dismounting the high bar. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox. Find out how to get into gymnastics with our special guide.

Summary: Ukraine's Oleg Verniaiev won Olympic gold on the parallel bars in Rio after narrowly missing out on the all-around title.


Foras na Gaeilge has said it will cut the number of Irish language groups for which it provides "core funding" across the island of Ireland from 19 to six. None of the six successful organisations is currently based in Northern Ireland. Pobal, Iontabhas Ultach, Forbairt Feirste and Altram will lose a significant portion of their budgets. They provide support for the language in business, education and the arts in Northern Ireland. Foras said the bodies it plans to fund in the future will promote the language and provide services on an all-island basis. It agreed the plan at a board meeting in Dublin. Chief executive of Foras, Ferdie Mac an Fhailigh, said: "`Foras na Gaeilge recognises that the six months ahead will be a difficult period for organisations whose funding from Foras na Gaeilge will come to an end following this decision. "And every effort will be made to ensure that the Irish-language community will not suffer as a result of these huge changes, and that the important work being done by organisations which were not selected will continue." Foras na Gaeilge had to rationalise because a significant proportion of the money it gave out was being spent on salaries. In 2008, it allocated 40% of its budget, 8m euros (Â£6.6m), to the 19 "core-funded" organisations. They used more than half of that to pay salaries. In subsequent years, the salary bill continued to increase and by 2011, close to 60% of grant money awarded was being spent on pay. In a report drawn up as part of the rationalisation plan Foras said: `"Based on the above trend, and were it to continue, most of the funding would be spent on wages and there would be a risk to service provision." Foras na Gaeilge was set up in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement to promote the language. It is funded by the Irish government and the Northern Ireland Executive. Its own budget has been significantly reduced in recent years. The rationalisation plan was approved at a meeting of the language body of the North South Ministerial Council in July last year. The meeting was attended by Culture Minister Caral NÃ ChuilÃn and her counterpart from the Republic of Ireland, Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Two organisations in Northern Ireland that receive core funding from Foras na Gaeilge will be protected from the changes. Radio Failte, an Irish language station based in Belfast, and an t-Aisionad, an Irish education resources centre based at St Mary's teacher training college on the Falls Road will continue to be funded under separate arrangements. The changes in funding arrangements will take effect from July.

Summary: Four Irish language organisations in Northern Ireland are to lose key funding under a rationalisation plan.


Madeley took to Twitter when he spotted the device above the house he shares in Cornwall with his wife, 67-year-old fellow presenter Judy Finnigan. The star, 59, said he chased the drone user and published his van registration number on the social media site. Madeley said "minutes after" his tweet the man reported himself to the police. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they were investigating whether a drone had been used legally. Madeley said the man "called himself in to police with babbled excuses and apologies" following the incident in Talland Bay, near Looe, at about 14:00 BST on Tuesday. A force spokesman said: "Police are looking into the use of the drone and if it was being used in accordance with the law." Drones fitted with cameras must not be flown within 50m (164ft) of people, vehicles, buildings or structures, according to the Civil Aviation Authority's code.

Summary: TV's Richard Madeley has hailed "Twitterpower" after a "peeping Tom" drone was allegedly flown over the garden of his idyllic seaside home.


The man, in his 50s, is believed to be from the Maidstone area of Kent. The clockwise carriageway leading to the Dartford crossing will remain shut until further notice following the crash between junction 30 and junction 31, police said. The arrested female driver, aged in her 30s and from Romania, remains in custody and is being interviewed. Paramedics attended and both carriageways were shut to allow an air ambulance to land. Police said they were now carrying out an investigation. The slip road from Grays on to the clockwise carriageway is also closed. Motorists are advised to seek an alternative route, although the anti-clockwise carriageway has now reopened. Traffic congestion is very heavy but vehicles initially caught at the scene of the collision have been released, police said.

Summary: A lorry driver from Romania has been arrested after a motorcyclist died in a collision on the M25 in Essex.


Media playback is not supported on this device The Welsh region had the game wrapped up at half-time after tries from Parry, Lloyd Ashley and Ashley Beck, with Sam Davies adding the extras. Tommaso d'Apice struck back before the break, before Parry scored his third rolling maul try following a line-out. Ben John and Dafydd Howells added further scores for the Pro12 leaders. Fly-half Davies scored Ospreys' first points of the season with a penalty after Zebre were penalised for not rolling away after just five minutes. Man-of-the-match Parry bundled over from a rolling maul shortly after following a period of sustained pressure from Steve Tandy's side. And the scoreline became even rosier for Ospreys when second-row Ashley broke through a gaping hole in the visitors' defence with a charge from the 22-metre line. Centre Beck was next to touch down when he crashed through two tackles from close range on 25 minutes. Zebre reduced the deficit when d'Apice rumbled over from a line-out five minutes before half-time, but their good work was soon undone. Media playback is not supported on this device Parry forced his way over for his second try on the stroke of half-time with Zebre again unable to stop Ospreys' rolling maul. It became a night to remember for the 24-year-old when he scored a near replica of his second try seven minutes into the second half. Parry was replaced midway through the second period, but the onslaught continued with replacement John running in from a fine inside pass from Davies. Fellow substitute Howells collected a cross-kick from full-back Dan Evans to score with five minutes remaining, before John scored his second after an off-load from Wales flanker Justin Tipuric. Lock Bradley Davies made his Ospreys debut off the bench after joining from Wasps, while Tipuric started after recovering from concussion. Tipuric returned during pre-season having not played since landing heavily at a line-out against Italy in the 2016 Six Nations. Ospreys: Dan Evans; Jeff Hassler, Ashley Beck, Josh Matavesi; Eli Walker, Sam Davies, Tom Habberfield (capt); Nicky Smith, Sam Parry, Dmitri Arhip, Lloyd Ashley, Rory Thornton, Olly Cracknell, Justin Tipuric, Tyler Ardron. Replacements: Hugh Gustafson, Paul James, Ma'afu Fia, Bradley Davies, Dan Baker, Rhys Webb, Ben John, Dafydd Howells. Zebre: Kurt Baker; Lloyd Greeff, Giulio Bisegni, Tommaso Castello, Gabriele Di Giulio; Edoardo Padovani, Guglielmo Palazzani; Andrea Lovotti, Tommaso D'Apice, Pietro Ceccarelli, Federico Ruzza, George Biagi (capt), Jacopo Sarto, Maxime Mbanda, Andries Van Schalkwyk. Replacements: Carlo Festuccia, Andrea De Marchi, Dario Chistolini, Valerio Bernabo, Giovanni Pettinelli, Fabio Semenzato, Carlo Canna, Tommaso Boni. Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU) Assistant referees: Stuart Gaffikin (IRFU), Gareth Newman (WRU) Citing commissioner: Aurwel Morgan (WRU) TMO: Simon McDowell (IRFU)

Summary: Hooker Sam Parry scored a hat-trick as Ospreys made a winning start in the Pro12 with an eight-try bonus-point win over Italian side Zebre.


Hannah Wynne Richards, 63, was found dead in the office above her premises in Sketty, Swansea, on 20 January by a nurse who worked with her. She had taken a cocktail of drugs from her surgery. Coroner Colin Phillips said Ms Richards had been "facing financial pressure". He ruled her death was suicide. Swansea Coroner's Court heard three letters were found next to Ms Richards' body - one to the coroner and the others containing money for Jeanette Hunt, who discovered her body, and a woman who looked after her horses. The one addressed to HM Coroner read: "You are probably returning a verdict of suicide, murder by Inland Revenue would be more accurate." The letter to Ms Hunt said how loyal her employee had been and explained that she could not pay her tax or livery fees. It also contained Â£290, thought to be for wages, the inquest heard. Mr Phillips said Ms Richards had been "facing financial pressure" at the time of her death and added: "She was not a business person and she placed the needs of her animals before her own personal interests." The inquest was told Ms Richards, who set up Penybryn Veterinary Centre in 2007, had no relatives living near her and had little interaction with people outside her working life. Instead, she devoted herself to caring for animals - at the time of her death she was living in a basement flat behind the surgery but was known to sleep in the office when she was looking after animals. PC Jason Sullivan said: "She was regarded as an extremely gifted and caring vet who would do all she could to save an animal's life." The inquest was told that Ms Richards did not have a "good business head" and always said the welfare of the animals was paramount. A post-mortem examination found Ms Richards' cause of death to be multiple drug toxicity and listed four drugs used in veterinary work, which were found in her system.

Summary: A vet who killed herself left a note to the coroner saying a conclusion of "murder by Inland Revenue" would be more appropriate than suicide, an inquest has heard.


In an email sent to every customer, TalkTalk said scammers were using stolen information to trick people into handing over banking details. TalkTalk said it had sent the email to every customer although only a few thousand account numbers went astray. It has set up a dedicated phone line for customers targeted by the scammers. The theft of data was unearthed when TalkTalk investigated a sudden rise in complaints from customers about scam calls between October and December 2014, said a spokeswoman. "We have now concluded a thorough investigation working with an external security company, and we have become aware that some limited non-sensitive information may have been illegally accessed in violation of our security procedure," she said. The attackers got at some of TalkTalk's internal systems via a third-party that also had access to its network. Legal action is now being taken against this unnamed third party. The information stolen included names, addresses, phone numbers and TalkTalk account numbers. The company was confident that no sensitive or payment data went astray in the hack. "We are aware of a small, but nonetheless significant, number of customers who have been directly targeted by these criminals and we have been supporting them directly," said a statement from TalkTalk. It would not put an exact figure on the number affected but said it was in the "small thousands". The company currently has about four million customers. The scammers appear to be using the stolen details to trick people into thinking calls are coming from legitimate TalkTalk customer service staff. People are then tricked into handing over bank details or into signing up and paying for security software and services they do not need. Although TalkTalk said it became aware of the data loss late last year, the BBC has been contacted by one customer who said the scammers working to a similar pattern called in August. His wife's familiarity with computers helped her quickly spot that the call was fake. "They said our computer was infected with a virus and used various social engineering techniques to try to get more info, but she's pretty clued up," said Richard Lee-Williams from Wales. "Over the following few days she got several more calls but from a different person each time trying the same trick," he said. At the time TalkTalk was "dismissive" of the complaint Mr Lee-Williams made about the scam. A TalKTalk spokeswoman said without more details it was hard to know if the same conmen were involved in the August and December attacks. She invited Mr Lee-Williams to contact TalkTalk to resolve his complaint. Customers who have been hit by the scammers can call a dedicated number, 0800 083 2710, to get help from the telecoms firm. Some reports suggest customers have lost thousands to the scammers. Many TalkTalk customers have taken to the company's support forums to report that they have been contacted by the scammers. Customers who have been caught out should contact their bank, said the firm. It added that it was working with the Information Commissioner's Office to identify the

Summary: TalkTalk customers are being warned about scammers who managed to steal account numbers and names from the company's computers.


Jeroen Blom, a researcher at Glasgow School of Art's Highlands and Islands Creative Campus, brought the team of three artisans together. They are Karen Collins, from Rafford, and Scott Gleed, of Relugas, both in Moray, and Roger Milton, from Auldearn in the Highlands. They are working with three people who use prosthetic limbs. Among the materials being used to make what are known as greaves is wood, while the skills involved include weaving. Mr Blom said: "Through this project three lower limb amputees have been able to have a full involvement in the creation of something very personal and unique to them and in so doing had a much greater sense of involvement and ownership." "For the artisans, meanwhile, this has been an opportunity to apply and showcase their skills in a new area and to create very special partnerships with their collaborators in the co-design process. "The aesthetics of the resulting greaves reflect the identity of the amputee as well as the artisanal process." One of the amputees, Caitlin McMullan, said discussions about her use of a prosthetic limb influenced the design work. She said: "We spoke a bit about my experience of being an amputee, and my experience of before my amputation. "It was good to think about the design of that, and talk about how I think the design is disability-awareness as well." She added: "I like having choice, I like changing what my prosthesis would look like. "I don't like to cover it up. I don't really see the point in trying to hide it. That's what I like about this project. It's making something really nice out of a prosthesis." Chema Perez, who along with Carol Sloan is another of the amputees, worked with craftsman Mr Milton on a wooden greave. Mr Perez said: "The idea Roger had about having a piece of wood which is not really nice and shiny but something that has some marks of imperfection that tells you a story, was something that I was looking for. "Something that reflects my experience to make it more personal." The art school's Highlands and Islands campus is in Forres in Moray. Students and researchers use it as a base for studies in the Highlands and Islands.

Summary: Craftspeople have been working with amputees who use artificial lower limbs to create more personalised prosthesis.


The hosts were closest to scoring in a cagey first half as Peter Whittingham's thunderous long-range shot hit the bar. Gunnarsson won it for Cardiff with a swerving first-time effort from 25 yards, though Apostolos Vellios almost equalised but also hit the woodwork. Forest drop to 21st place in the Championship table, just one point above the bottom three. Cardiff, meanwhile, climb up to 13th after a third successive home win. A significant day at the foot of the Championship saw four of Forest's relegation rivals taking each other on, with Blackburn hosting Bristol City and Birmingham at home to Burton. Perhaps mindful of how tight things were in the bottom half, Mark Warburton's side started a little apprehensively against Cardiff, who were the first to threaten with Whittingham's booming 30-yard shot which crashed against the crossbar. Other than that and a powerful long-range effort from Forest's Mustapha Carayol, there was precious little in terms of scoring opportunities in the first half. There was more entertainment near the dugout, where Cardiff assistant manager Kevin Blackwell and his opposite number David Weir had to be separated after frayed tempers almost led to a scuffle. Forest appeared to harness that emotion at half-time, emerging after the restart with renewed vigour and attacking intent. Carayol looked their likeliest source of a goal, unnerving the home defence with his direct and quick running. Despite the visitors' improvement, it was Cardiff who made the breakthrough as Kadeem Harris' cross was only half-cleared, leaving the ball to bobble invitingly into the path of Gunnarsson, who unleashed a fierce first-time shot which swerved beyond Jordan Smith and into the far corner. Forest rallied, with substitutes Vellios and Britt Assombalonga threatening - but the former wasted their best opportunity as his looping header bounced on to the bar, stretching their winless run away from home to 11 league games. Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock: "Gunnar normally whacks the pigeon off the top of the stand with those strikes. It was like a missile going into the top corner. "I watched it all the way in and the goalkeeper had no chance. It was a cracking finish. I think he can do more in attack and should be pushing for 10 goals a season, but I'm delighted. "I know people have said we've got nothing to play for, but we wanted to have a real go and I think we did that." Nottingham Forest manager Mark Warburton: "We created some good chances to score, but I'm disappointed we conceded a goal from 25 yards because I thought we did more than enough to get a point. "We are where we are and I'm not getting away from that. But if we play like we did today and show the desire and work ethic we did, then we'll be okay. I hope the supporters saw that in our performance because this is a very tough place to come. "We have to concentrate on ourselves now because if you don't do that in this league, you pay the price." Match ends, Cardiff City

Summary: Nottingham Forest were plunged deeper into relegation trouble as Aron Gunnarsson gave Cardiff victory.


New Zealand-born Dale McIntosh, 47, of Pontypridd, admitted threatening behaviour at Llandudno Magistrates' Court. The court heard he threw punches after being subjected to a "torrent of derogatory terms" while he was drinking in Rhyl on 4 February. McIntosh apologised for his behaviour. Diane Williams, prosecuting, said police outside a pub saw an "agitated" Merthyr RFC coach taking off his jacket before he cornered a man and allegedly struck him numerous times. The former Cardiff Blues and Pontypridd RFC coach was arrested and told police he reacted after being taunted by a group. Graham Parry, defending McIntosh, said it was a "very unfortunate incident" and his client was subject to a "considerable amount of very unpleasant provocation". McIntosh apologised to the court for his actions, saying: "I'm not here to question it or make excuses for myself. I used physical force, I am a professional person and role model in my community. "I extend my sincere apologies especially to the three arresting officers. Hopefully I will learn from this experience."

Summary: A former Wales rugby player-turned coach has been fined Â£350 for making threats after he retaliated to racist taunts while out in Denbighshire.


A selection of your pictures of Scotland sent in between 23 and 30 June. Send your photos to scotlandpictures@bbc.co.uk or via Instagram at #bbcscotlandpics

Summary: All pictures are copyrighted.


A commission of inquiry was set up five years ago to look into the allegations surrounding the 1999 government deal. Mr Zuma was sacked as deputy president in 2005 after his financial adviser was convicted of corruption over the deal. The president on Thursday announced the inquiry had found no evidence against any government officials of the time. He said money had been paid for consultancy services "and nothing else". The allegations relate to the government's purchase of 30bn rand (then $5bn) worth of fighter jets, helicopters, submarines and warships in 1999. Mr Zuma was sacked as deputy president in 2005 after his then financial adviser Schabir Shaik was found guilty of trying to solicit bribes for his boss from an arms company. Mr Zuma always denied the allegations, and in 2009 prosecutors dropped 700 charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering against him, just weeks before elections which saw him become president. But his critics refused to let the issue drop, so in 2011 he agreed to appoint a commission to investigate the arms deal, which concluded its enquiries at the end of last year. This is not the only controversy he has been implicated in. Last month South Africa's highest court ruled he had violated the constitution by failing to repay government money for a luxurious upgrade on his private residence. The investigation, which took four years to conclude, found no evidence of widespread bribery, corruption and fraud in the selection of the preferred bidder to supply the arms, or of payment of bribes to officials in the awarding of the deal. The three-volume report on the investigation, which will be made public, has not made any recommendations for further investigations, leading some to believe the ANC is covering up for its leader and other officials who were implicated. The opposition Democratic Alliance believes the Arms Procurement Commission made no real effort to investigate the allegations contained in crucial documents. It has described the final report as a massive disappointment because no-one will face criminal charges.

Summary: South African President Jacob Zuma says an inquiry into an arms deal worth billions of dollars has found no evidence of corruption or fraud.


An estimated 40% of cash dispensers are empty, meaning people are unable to withdraw new notes to replace the old ones they have handed in. There has been widespread disruption since Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in November that 500 and 1,000 rupee notes would no longer be legal. The move was meant to curb corruption. It has divided opinion, especially over how the ban was implemented. Early last month the government scrapped the 500 and 1000 rupee notes to crack down on undeclared money and fake cash. Deadlines for spending the notes or swapping them for new currency have already passed. Some people, including those of Indian origin living abroad, will be able to exchange the notes in branches of India's central bank until 31 March 2017 - but the process will be more complicated than going to a regular bank. Parliament is preparing laws that will make it a criminal offence to hold the old notes from 1 April 2017 onwards. Together the two notes represented 86% of the currency in circulation and there have been chaotic scenes in India ever since, with people having to spend hours queuing outside banks and cash machines which have been running out of money. ATM queues and cash withdrawal limits mean getting currency can still be tricky, and there have been several changes of the rules around how much money people can access or deposit. The government hopes the measures will encourage more people to have bank accounts and move towards a society less reliant on cash. But there are concerns that many poorer people and those in rural areas have yet to get bank accounts. Local firms which allow people to make digital payments both online and in shops have reported a surge in transactions as people look for cashless alternatives. The government says the move has been a success with the banks flush with cash and significant increases in tax collection. But critics argue the move has failed to root out corruption and unearth illegal cash, since most of the money in circulation has been put back into the financial system. Instead, they say, the economy which was growing at a rapid pace, has slowed down significantly.

Summary: There have been long queues outside many banks in India as people tried to deposit discontinued banknotes ahead of a deadline that has now passed.


Former England under-17 player Clark joined the U's on loan in March last season, making nine league appearances for Shaun Derry's side. The 20-year-old has yet to play a game for Hull's senior team. "Max made a huge impression on us all last season, with not only his performances but his appreciation and appetite for our club," Derry said. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: League Two side Cambridge United have re-signed left-back Max Clark on a six-month loan deal from Hull City.


The government had previously denied they were missing, saying all patients had been moved to another facility. The Ebola outbreak, which has spread from Guinea to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, has killed at least 1,145. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for exit screenings on all travellers from affected countries. It wants checks at airports, sea ports and major land crossings. Several airlines have already stopped flying to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Cameroon has closed its land, sea and air borders with Nigeria, reports say. The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the world's deadliest to date. The disease has no known cure. Meanwhile, the UN's chief co-ordinator in Sierra Leone, David McLachlan-Karr, told the BBC that Ebola had spread to 12 out of 13 of the country's districts. "While Sierra Leone was the last affected of the three Mano River countries [Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone] to have confirmed [cases] of Ebola, now it's the country with the most cases," he said. There have been at least 810 cases of Ebola reported in Sierra Leone, including 348 deaths, according to WHO figures. The attack on the quarantine centre in Liberia, in Monrovia's densely populated West Point township, took place on Saturday evening. There are conflicting reports over what sparked the riot, in which medical supplies were stolen. Assistant Health Minister Tolbert Nyenswah said the protesters were unhappy that patients were being taken there from other parts of the capital. Other reports suggested the protesters had believed Ebola was a hoax and wanted to force the centre to close. A senior police officer, speaking to the BBC on condition of anonymity, said blood-stained mattresses, bedding and medical equipment had been taken from the centre, potentially furthering the spread of the virus. On Monday, Liberia's Information Minister Lewis Brown told the BBC that 17 of 37 inmates from the quarantine centre had gone "back into their communities". He said the authorities were now trying to track them down but said he was confident they would return. "Most of the people that went into this holding facility came there voluntarily," he told the BBC. "So our impression is that they still want to be [there], but they were forcibly removed by vandals and looters, not because they wanted to leave; so we are sure that they will return." He said the attack on the quarantine centre was Liberia's "greatest setback" since the Ebola outbreak began. Lindis Hurum, from medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), says there is an urgent need for a massive public awareness campaign in Liberia. "Some people don't believe that it exists. Definitely, as the situation is getting worse and more people are getting sick, more people also start to believe it," she told the BBC. "But they don't necessarily understand or know how they should prevent it." MSF says the Ebola outbreak has had a terrible impact on Liberia's entire healthcare system, which it says is more or less falling apart. Many health facilities have closed, with patients as well as medical staff, too scared to turn

Summary: Seventeen suspected Ebola patients are "missing" in Liberia after a health centre in the capital was attacked, the government says.


Candidates running for election are listed below, and are also available on the Electoral Office for NI website Candidates listed alphabetically by surname. Andy Allen, UUP Ross Brown, Green Party Joanne Bunting, DUP Amy Doherty, SDLP Sammy Douglas, DUP Andrew Girvin, TUV Erskine Holmes, Northern Ireland Labour Representation Committee Maggie Hutton, Independent John Kyle, Progressive Unionist Party Jonny Lavery, UKIP Naomi Long, Alliance Party Chris Lyttle, Alliance Party Chris McGimpsey, UUP Tim Morrow, Alliance Party Robin Newton, DUP Niall Ó Donnghaile, Sinn Féin Courtney Robinson, Cross-Community Labour Alternative Neil Wilson, Conservative Ken Boyle, UKIP Paula Bradley, DUP Tom Burns, Independent Lesley Carroll, UUP Geoff Dowey, Northern Ireland First Fiona Ferguson, People Before Profit Alliance Fra Hughes, Independent William Humphrey, DUP Billy Hutchinson, PUP Gerry Kelly, Sinn Féin Nichola Mallon, SDLP Nuala McAllister, Alliance Nelson McCausland, DUP John Miller, TUV Caral Ní Chuilín, Sinn Féin Malachai O'Hara, Green Party Abdo Thabeth, Northern Ireland Labour Representation Committee Gemma Weir, Workers Party Brigitte Anton, Northern Ireland Labour Representation Committee Clare Bailey, Green Party Paula Bradshaw, Alliance Party Sean Burns, Cross-Community Labour Alternative Billy Dickson, South Belfast Unionists Claire Hanna, SDLP John Hiddleston, TUV Lily Kerr, Workers Party Emma Little-Pengelly, DUP Ben Manton, Conservative Rodney McCune, UUP Fearghal McKinney, SDLP Duncan Morrow, Alliance Party Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, Sinn Féin Ruth Patterson, Independent Ian Shanks, PUP Christopher Stalford, DUP Bob Stoker, UKIP Alex Attwood, SDLP Conor Campbell, Workers Party Gerry Carroll, People Before Profit Alliance Jemima Higgins, Alliance Party Gareth Martin, UUP, Alex Maskey, Sinn Féin Fra McCann, Sinn Féin Jennifer McCann, Sinn Féin Rosie McCorley, Sinn Féin Frank McCoubrey, DUP Ellen Murray, Green Party Pat Sheehan, Sinn Féin Roy Beggs, UUP Stewart Dickson, Alliance Danny Donnelly, Alliance David Hilditch, DUP Noel Jordan, UKIP Gordon Lyons, DUP Jim McCaw, PUP Margaret McKillop, SDLP Oliver McMullan, Sinn Féin Maureen Morrow, UUP Dawn Patterson, Green Party Alastair Ross, DUP Conor Sheridan, Cross-Community Labour Alternative John Stewart, UUP Ruth Wilson, TUV Caoimhe Archibald, Sinn Féin Jordan Armstrong, TUV Yvonne Boyle, Alliance Party Maurice Bradley, DUP Aaron Callan, UUP Stuart Canning, Conservative Tor Christie, Independent Amber Hamill, Green Party David Harding, Conservative William McCandless, UUP Adrian McQuillan, DUP Gerry Mullan, SDLP Cathal óhOisín, Sinn Féin Steven Parkhill, UKIP George Robinson, DUP Claire Sugden, Independent Russell Watton, PUP Rosemary Barton, UUP Kerri Blyberg, Alliance Party Donald Crawford, TUV John Feely, Sinn Féin Phil Flanagan, Sinn Féin Arlene Foster, DUP Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Féin Damien Harris, NI Labour Representation Committee Tanya Jones, Green Party Sean Lynch, Sinn Féin Richie McPhilips, SDLP Maurice Morrow, DUP Alastair Patterson, UUP Kathleen Bradley, Independent Maurice Devenney, Independent Gerard Diver, SDLP Alan Dunlop, Conservative Mark Durkan, SDLP Colum Eastwood, SDLP Mary Hassan, Green Party Julia Kee, UUP John Lindsay, Cannabis Is Safer Than Alcohol Eamonn McCann, People Before Profit Alliance Raymond McCartney, Sinn Féin Chris McCaw, Alliance Party Anne McCloskey, Independent Martin McGuinness, Sinn Féin Maeve McLaughlin, Sinn Féin Gary Middleton, DUP Dan Barrios-O'Neill, Green Party Robbie Butler, UUP Pat Catney, SDLP Jonathan Craig, DUP Peter Dynes, NI Labour Representation Committee Paul Givan, DUP Brenda Hale, DUP Brian

Summary: Northern Ireland goes to the polls on 5 May to elect the 108 members of the Northern Ireland Assembly.


A census of Scottish Christians found that there are around 390,000 regular churchgoers north of the border, down from 854,000 in 1984. The research also revealed that 42% of churchgoers were aged over 65. One leading cleric said the findings presented a "crisis and an opportunity" for Christians in Scotland. The statistics were revealed in the results of 2016 Scottish Church Census, which was recently published by Brierley Consultancy. Other key findings include: Lead researcher Dr Peter Brierley said the figures indicated a crisis in Christianity across Scotland. "We are living in the 21st century and one of the features of the 21st century is that people's allegiance to particular faiths is no longer as strong as it used to be," he said. He said the main reason for the decline in church attendance was the deaths of elderly churchgoers. "Part of the problem is the proportion of people in the church who are elderly is much greater than in the population of Scotland as a whole," he said. "So, you have a great number of churchgoers dying. The rate of replacement is not as many. That's the basic reason for decline. "It's not that people are moving away from the faith, although I'm sure some are, but in general terms that is not the case. "There are also quite a lot of invisible Christians who used to go to church, still believe in God, but they have moved house, perhaps to a rural area, and simply haven't found a church to go to." The census also revealed growth among some denominations in some parts of Scotland. Attendance among the Pentecostals has doubled since 2002 and now stands at 19,000, making up 5% of all churchgoers in Scotland. The census also revealed a growth in new churches - 12,000 people regularly attend around 300 new churches started since 2002. Researchers said many immigrant churches and so-called "Messy Churches", which are more informal gatherings, account for much of the new growth. They credit a 2% growth in church attendance in Aberdeenshire to the influx of a large number of Polish migrants, mostly Roman Catholic, to the oil industry. The Reverend Dr David Pickering, Moderator of the United Reformed Church Synod of Scotland, said the census did not make "terribly happy reading". He said: "It's a crisis and an opportunity. Both present themselves. "The Scottish Church Census doesn't make terribly happy reading. But it also presents a new opportunity for the church to portray the love of God and the good news of Jesus in a new way for a new generation. That's an opportunity and a challenge for us. "Although I wish it were different, I think we must acknowledge that most congregations have more older people than younger, and most young people simply do not see the relevance of God, of Jesus, of the church, to their lives. "And, of course, there are now more things to do on Sundays than there were even a generation ago. "I think if the church doesn't respond [to the decline in numbers], it is a

Summary: The number of people who regularly attend church services in Scotland has fallen by more than half over the last 30 years, according to a new survey.


A military statement said the twin-engine turboprop Antonov AN-26 had crashed in the province of Artemisa on a flight from Playa Baracoa, just outside the capital Havana. The cause of the crash is unclear and an investigation has been launched. The site of the accident was said to be the Loma de la Pimienta mountain about 80km (50 miles) west of Havana. "The eight military personnel on board, including the crew, died," the armed forces ministry said in a statement. "A commission of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces is investigating the causes of the accident." Cuba's last major plane crash was in 2010 when an Aero Caribbean flight went down in flames killing all 68 people on board.

Summary: A military plane has crashed in the mountainous west of Cuba, killing all eight personnel on board.


Christina Sethi, 25, targeted three victims at a care home between January 2014 and May this year. She filmed the assaults on her mobile phone before sharing them with her partner, Plymouth Crown Court heard. Sethi, from Torquay in Devon, admitted three counts of sexual assault and two of assault by penetration last month. Recorder Richard Stead told Sethi, of Woodville Road, that she had committed "horrific abuse of three vulnerable and elderly victims who were in a care home under your care". He said she degraded and humiliated the victims who trusted her. The abuse was discovered when a man who knew Sethi bought a computer and found footage of the attacks on deleted files. Devon and Cornwall Police described Sethi's actions, against two female victims and one male, as "incomprehensible". Det Insp Ed Wright said: "Sethi committed crimes that most ordinary people could never comprehend. "This depraved individual carried out shocking acts of abuse and grossly abused her position at the care home." A 32-year-old man from Torquay who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit sexual assault has since been released without charge.

Summary: A "depraved" care worker who sexually assaulted elderly patients and sent footage of the attacks to her boyfriend has been jailed for 10 years.


Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool would have drawn level on points with leaders Manchester City with a fifth successive Premier League victory, but were subdued by a classic Jose Mourinho performance of defensive organisation and discipline. United did not allow Liverpool to build the momentum and intensity that has characterised their game this season, while Mourinho's limited attacking ambitions ensured chances were at a premium. The Portuguese was still grateful for two fine second-half saves from goalkeeper David de Gea, who dived low to stop Emre Can and saved athletically from Philippe Coutinho's 25-yard effort. United's best chance also came in the second half, but the unmarked Zlatan Ibrahimovic directed Paul Pogba's cross off target. The visitors had just 35% of possession - their lowest in a Premier League match since Opta began recording the data in 2003-04. Media playback is not supported on this device While this deadlock does little for the ambitions of both teams, there is no doubt who will be the happier manager. This was, in so many respects, the most Mourinho performance of his short time at United. Klopp came on to the pitch at the final whistle to applaud Liverpool's fans, but there was a tinge of disappointment in his measured tread as he trudged off. His side's promising start to the season has been built on pressing opponents into submission - a high-pressure style that has brought victories at Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as nine goals in two home wins against Leicester City and Hull City. But Mourinho picked a powerful, athletic side and instructed them to turn the tables on Liverpool's pressing game. Ander Herrera was at the heart of United's smothering gameplan, almost operating in the pockets of Coutinho and Roberto Firmino in midfield, while Liverpool were never given a second. They simply could not find a way through. United held their shape and discipline, much to their manager's satisfaction, although he still needed those two superb saves from De Gea, and a magnificent saving tackle from Antonio Valencia to stop Firmino as he raced in on goal. It was classic Mourinho, a tactic he has perfected and utilised throughout his career, and Anfield's increasing anger and frustration will have been music to his ears. This match should have been the perfect stage for the £89m Pogba - but once again he was a peripheral figure. The world's most expensive player was used in a more advanced role and is certainly on the same wavelength as Ibrahimovic, delivering a perfect cross which the Swede should have converted. In other aspects, though, he operated on the margins of the game and failed to exert the influence expected of a player of his quality and experience. United will expect much more as the season goes on. Anthony Taylor was the man in the middle in every sense after the heat generated by the appointment of the Manchester-based official for a meeting between these two fierce rivals. Mourinho said the appointment made it "difficult" for Taylor, and put him under pressure - comments being investigated by the

Summary: Liverpool and Manchester United played out a goalless and uneventful stalemate on a disappointing night at Anfield.


Andrew Tosh, of Dundee, was so inebriated he did not know which country he was in, Sussex Police said. He was jailed after a flight from Glasgow to Turkey was diverted to Gatwick because of his behaviour in May. He was sentenced to nine months in prison on 16 June at Lewes Crown Court. He had admitted sexual assault, threatening and abusive behaviour, assault and being drunk on an aircraft. The Thomas Cook flight to Dalaman was diverted to Gatwick Airport on 6 May and was delayed at the airport for about two hours. Footage released by Sussex Police shows Tosh being carried off the flight by officers. As he was being taken to police cells he said he did not know which country he was in. Tosh, 34, was jailed for nine months and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years. A spokesman for Thomas Cook Airlines said: "For the benefit of our customers' and employees' comfort and safety, we have a zero tolerance approach to disruptive behaviour on our flights and fortunately incidents as serious as this are very rare." A Sussex Police spokesman said the force was working with airlines, shops and bars at Gatwick Airport to help deal with those who "have the potential to cause issues" before they board their plane. Ch Insp Andy Kundert said: "Drunken behaviour by obnoxious people on flights can include sexual assaults or assaults on cabin crews. Cabin staff can also have to deal with verbal abuse and threats. "It is also upsetting and can be very frightening for other passengers, especially young children. "This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable."

Summary: Footage of a drunken man being arrested on a plane at Gatwick Airport after he sexually assaulted a female member of cabin crew has been released by police.


The foreign ministry said Mr Comey had suggested in a Washington Post article that some Poles were accomplices. After the summons US envoy Stephen Mull said he made it clear the US believed "Nazi Germany alone" was responsible. Six million Polish citizens were killed by the Nazis during World War Two, half of them Jewish. In the Washington Post article on Thursday, aimed at raising education about the Holocaust, Mr Comey wrote: "In their minds, the murderers and accomplices of Germany, and Poland, and Hungary, and so many, many other places didn't do something evil. "They convinced themselves it was the right thing to do, the thing they had to do." The words sparked a storm of protest in Poland. President Bronislaw Komorowski told Polish television the comments were an "insult to thousands of Poles who helped Jews". Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz said: "To those who are incapable of presenting the historic truth in an honest way, I want to say that Poland was not a perpetrator but a victim of World War Two. I would expect full historical knowledge from officials who speak on the matter." Ambassador Mull, who on Sunday attended ceremonies marking the 72nd anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising against the Nazis, said that any suggestion that "Poland, or any other countries other than Nazi Germany, bear responsibility for the Holocaust, is a mistake, harmful and insulting". After Sunday's summons he added: "I made clear that the opinion that Poland is in any way responsible for the Holocaust is not the position of the United States. "Nazi Germany alone bears responsibility. I now have a lot of work before me to make things right in this situation." But Mr Mull also said he believed the wider message of the article was that many people had either aided the Nazis or not done enough in response to the atrocities, including in the US. The Washington Post on Sunday published a column criticising Mr Comey's comments. The Nazis ran death camps in Poland during the brutal 1939-45 occupation. Correction 20 April 2015: In an earlier version of this report, comments made by the Polish ambassador to Washington were incorrectly attributed to Stephen Mull.

Summary: Poland has summoned the US ambassador and demanded an apology over comments on the Holocaust by FBI director James Comey.


A witness said the victim, named locally as Aqib Mazhar, was stabbed in the back after being targeted by a gang armed with bricks and poles. The victim, who was in his 20s, was attacked in Russell Road, Forest Fields, on Wednesday evening. Nottinghamshire Police said he died in hospital and have appealed for anyone with information to contact them. The Jamia Masjid Sultania mosque in Sneinton wrote in a tribute on its Facebook page: "Our prayers go out to Aqib Mazhar from Forest Fields who passed away last night after being attacked on Russell Road with a knife. "May Allah swt make it easy on his family during this difficult time." The witness said there were several young men in three cars, which all stopped in the street. "They were throwing bricks, they had poles," she said. She dialled 999 at about 20:35 BST and went to try to help. "As I turned him onto his side all the blood just [went] all over the pavement," she said. A 23-year-old man was arrested late Thursday afternoon. A 21-year-old man was also arrested later that day and an 18-year-old was arrested on Friday morning. Police said more than 80 officers were involved in the murder investigation.

Summary: Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was fatally stabbed in a Nottingham street.


Algerian TV broadcast footage of Mr Bouteflika's meeting with the prime minister and head of the armed forces a day earlier in the French capital. He was seen in a black dressing gown, talking, drinking from a coffee cup, and eating a pastry. Mr Bouteflika's absence has fuelled speculation about his condition. In the footage broadcast on Wednesday, the 76-year-old leader was seen during a meeting at the National Residence of Invalids, a complex built for war veterans that includes a hospital. Mr Bouteflika was taken there after being treated in Val de Grace military hospital. He looked frail, talking and smiling occasionally and moving his right hand. Algerian state media said he talked with Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and Chief of Staff Ahmed Gaid Salah for two hours, covering the draft budget and other government business that needed to be approved by the cabinet. Mr Bouteflika gave "detailed instructions" over the supply of goods ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which begins in July, APS news agency reported. It also issued a health bulletin saying that the president had suffered a transient ischaemic attack on 27 April that had "not affected his vital functions". It said doctors had "recommended that he observe a period of convalescence and functional rehabilitation to consolidate his recovery". Mr Bouteflika has been in power since 1999. His latest health problems are widely seen to have ended his chances of running for another term in presidential elections next year.

Summary: Images of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika have been shown for the first time since he went to Paris to be treated for a mini-stroke in April.


Billy Mankelow was found in a railway arch, on Swinegate near Commercial Garages, at 03:20 BST on Saturday. Police said he had been assaulted. The 20-year-old from Tonbridge, Kent had surgery but died on Sunday. A 31-year-old man from Leeds has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in police custody. Det Insp Mick Jackson, of British Transport Police, said Mr Mankelow had been living in the Hyde Park area of Leeds. He added: "Our thoughts are with Billy's family at this difficult time."

Summary: A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 20-year-old found with severe head injuries near Leeds railway station.


Paisley-born singer Nutini will be the top act for the Concert in the Gardens, his only festival performance in 2016, while the indie favourites will headline the Waverley Stage. The event is estimated to be worth more than Â£40m to the economy. Increased stewarding and security will mean higher prices for some events including the Torchlight procession. Nutini said: "When they offered us the gig, I was made up, as it was 10 years ago that we had shown up at the castle, lined up to play alongside the Pet Shop Boys and unfortunately it was a washout ... forcing the powers-that-be to cancel. "We went back as a three-piece in '08 to play a small set before legging it to Glasgow for George Square, but this now gives us a chance to make up for lost gigs. "We had no plans for any shows this year after Wales but this was the only one that, over the years, I hoped that we would get another shot at. "Edinburgh is electric at that time of year and I'm glad we get a chance to be a part of it." Charlatans singer Tim Burgess, said: "Nowhere in the world sees in the New Year like Scotland. "I've been to Edinburgh before for Hogmanay and it's always brilliant. Looking forward to another big night." About 75,000 revellers are expected to attend the celebrations in Edinburgh city centre, with entertainment across seven open-air stages. The Castle Stage will feature Scottish music from artists including Salsa Celtica , Manran and Ross Ainslie, Ali Hutton and Friends. The Frederick Stage will have DJs, dancers and performers from Guilty Pleasures while the Mound Stage will showcase jazz performers including James Brown is Annie, Brass Gumbo and Blues n Trouble. A candlelit concert will also take place in St Giles' Cathedral and the record-breaking Old Town Ceilidh will return to Parliament Square. The event will be rounded off with a fireworks display from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh's Hogmanay, described as the UK's largest outdoor winter music festival, has been produced by Unique Events on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council since 1993. It is expected to bring in 150,000 visitors from more than 80 countries across three days of celebrations, giving the city an estimated Â£40m boost. Other events confirmed include the annual torchlight procession on 30 December, the "Loony Dook" dip in the Forth at South Queensferry, the Scot:Lands festival of music, art and theatre on 1 January and the Final Fling closing ceilidh, also on New Year's Day. Penny Dougherty, director of Edinburgh's Hogmanay, said "Edinburgh's Hogmanay's place alongside the New Year celebrations of the world's leading cities proves that Edinburgh continues to punch above its weight and that Scotland is the home of hogmanay. "As the world's leading festival city and on the back of two sell-out years, we are looking forward to another exhilarating three days of hogmanay celebrations."

Summary: Paolo Nutini and The Charlatans have been announced as the headline acts for Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations.


Ovarian Cancer Action said the Scottish Medicines Consortium's decision on olaparib was "ground-breaking". The SMC approved the drug after hearing that patients tended to be younger women with family and work commitments. Cancer Research UK said trials have shown that olaparib can extend lives by an average of seven months. Olaparib is already approved for use in England for people who are suffering with cancer for a third time. In Scotland, it will be used by women who have relapsed with cancer for a second time. Katherine Taylor, chief executive of research charity Ovarian Cancer Action, said: "The SMC's decision to approve the routine use of olaparib is ground-breaking; a huge leap towards more personalised treatment for women facing ovarian cancer because of a genetic mutation." The drug targets ovarian cancer in women with a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation. Last year Angelina Jolie had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed after she was found to be at an increased risk of ovarian cancer due to a "faulty" BRCA 1 gene. Ms Taylor warned that women in Scotland would only qualify for olaparib if their BRCA status is known. She said: "NHS Scotland must continue to make sure that all patients are offered a BRCA test at diagnosis so they can be treated with the best drugs available." Gregor McNie, of Cancer Research UK in Scotland, said the charity was also funding clinical trials to asses the potential for olaparib in the treatment of brain tumours and pancreatic cancer. He added: "Cancer Research UK scientists played a pivotal role in discovering and developing olaparib and it is great news that the drug will now offer new hope to some women in Scotland with advanced disease. "We look forward to further good news on olaparib in the future, with clinical trials showing it also has potential in other types of cancer." Olaparib was approved by the SMC after being considered by its Patient Clinician Engagement (PACE) process which is used for medicines that treat end of life and very rare conditions. Prof Jonathan Fox, chairman of the SMC, said: "As the first maintenance treatment for ovarian cancer, olaparib is an important development, and we know from the evidence given by patients and clinicians through our PACE process that it will be welcomed."

Summary: Cancer charities have welcomed a decision to approve a new drug for treatment of a rare form of incurable ovarian cancer.


Arctic Monkeys won both best group and best album for the third time. Ellie Goulding won best British female, while pop act One Direction were honoured for their global success for the second year running. Kate Moss collected Bowie's prize and read a speech on his behalf urging Scottish voters to reject independence. "I'm completely delighted to have a Brit for being the best male - but I am, aren't I Kate? Yes. I think it's a great way to end the day. Thank you very, very much and Scotland stay with us," were his words - as delivered by Moss. Overnight figures show an average 4.2 million viewers watched the ceremony live on ITV - the lowest audience since at least 1999. Last year's show was watched by 6.5 million viewers. One direction also won best British video, in a public vote. Their win, for the track Best Song Ever, was helped by their 17.8 million-strong Twitter followers. By Mark SavageBBC News entertainment reporter With the honourable exception of David Bowie, what's notable about this year's Brit Awards is the sheer youthfulness of the winners. Almost everyone on the podium was in their 20s, with New Zealand goth-pop singer Lorde a mere 17 (she ties with Joss Stone as the youngest-ever Brit victor). And it's a positive thing. The Brits need to represent the vigorous pop and dance scene, because almost every other ceremony almost exclusively rewards middle-aged men. Ultimately, though, it was the cross-generational appeal of resurgent rock rebels Arctic Monkeys that stole the show. Their comeback began with a headline set at Glastonbury last year, and culminated in tonight's historic third "double win". But as frontman Alex Turner humbly noted backstage: "I don't think the talent of a group of musicians is directly proportional to the size of their trophy cabinet." The ceremony at the O2 Arena also featured a host of performances, including from Beyonce and Katy Perry, who put on a colourful, Egyptian-themed show. But Perry lost out to New Zealander Lorde in the race for best international female. Bruno Mars also gave a live performance, just shortly after picking up the prize for best international male. Bowie's prize came at the expense of four much younger hopefuls - Jake Bugg, Tom Odell, John Newman and Mercury Prize winner James Blake. At 67, he is the oldest recipient of a Brit Award in the ceremony's history and the award comes 18 years since his last Brits success. The singer, who released his The Next Day album after a 10-year hiatus, previously won best British male in 1984. But the star, who spends much of his time in New York, did not attend the gala. Noel Gallagher, announcing the award, remarked: "You maniacs didn't think he'd actually be here? David Bowie's too cool for that." The ceremony was wound up with a medley by Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, who played Daft Punk's Get Lucky, Chic's Good Times and Williams' current feelgood chart hit Happy. Goulding lifted the first prize of the night and said she was "genuinely

Summary: Rock legend David Bowie has been named best British male at the Brit Awards in London, although he was not there in person to collect his award.


But he blamed French and German "intransigence" and pressure from Eurosceptic Conservatives for putting the PM in "a very difficult position". Initially Mr Clegg said the coalition was united over the use of the veto. But he told the BBC he had "made it clear" to Mr Cameron it was "untenable" for him to welcome the move. Sources close to Mr Clegg have told the BBC he "couldn't believe it" when he was told the summit in Brussels had "spectacularly unravelled". The prime minister blocked changes to the EU's Lisbon Treaty at an EU summit, arguing that the proposed changes were not in the UK's interest. It now looks likely that all 26 other members of theEuropean Union will agree to a new "accord"setting out tougher budget rules aimed at preventing a repeat of the current eurozone crisis. As leader of the Liberal Democrats, Mr Clegg is far more pro-European than his Conservative coalition colleagues. By Nick RobinsonBBC Political Editor More from Nick Robinson Q&A: Cameron and the EU Interactive: How will euro crisis end? He told the BBC's Andrew Marr programme: "I'm bitterly disappointed by the outcome of last week's summit, precisely because I think now there is a danger that the UK will be isolated and marginalised within the European Union. "I don't think that's good for jobs, in the City or elsewhere, I don't think it's good for growth or for families up and down the country." He said he would now be doing "everything I can to ensure this setback does not become a permanent divide". The deputy PM said he had learned of the veto in a phone call from the prime minister at 0400 GMT, shortly before Mr Cameron gave a press conference announcing it publicly. Asked what his reaction had been, the Lib Dem leader said: "I said this was bad for Britain. "I made it clear that it was untenable for me to welcome it." The new accord will hold eurozone members to strict budgetary rules including: Mr Cameron has said he was seeking certain "safeguards" from Europe on protection of the single market and the UK's financial services industry. By Robert PestonBusiness editor, BBC News More from Robert Peston But French President Nicolas Sarkozy called those demands "unacceptable". Mr Clegg said unwillingness to negotiate from France and Germany, combined with "outright antagonism to all things European" from parts of the Conservative Party, had left Mr Cameron in a difficult position. "He couldn't come back to London empty-handed because self evidently, if he'd done so, he wouldn't have been able to get whatever had been agreed through the House of Commons so all we would have had would have been a delayed crisis." On Friday, a spokesman for Mr Clegg said he had been "consulted throughout" the 10 hours of unsuccessful negotiations in Brussels - a claim backed up by Foreign Secretary William Hague. He told the BBC the Lib Dem leader was fully "signed up" to the decision to veto the proposed treaty. Mr Cameron will make a statement in the House of

Summary: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg says David Cameron's veto of EU treaty changes was "bad for Britain" and could leave it "isolated and marginalised".


In his speech to Scottish delegates gathered in Aberdeen, he said "nationalism and populism" might seem like "attractive options". However, he said the right choice was the Liberal Democrat Party and the influence it could wield in government. Mr Carmichael said his ambition was to see all 11 Lib Dem Westminster seats in Scotland being retained. He told the conference: "In a world where nationalism and populism can seem like attractive options - a world where the power of the state and corporate interests can seem to overwhelm the rights and freedoms of the individual - in a world like that liberalism is needed more than ever before and more than ever before our country needs Liberal Democrat influence in government." Recent polling had suggested that the Liberal Democrats would lose most of its Scottish MPs. However, echoing similar messages from party leader Nick Clegg and Treasury Minister Danny Alexander, Mr Carmichael said he wanted to prove the doubters wrong about the 7 May election outcome. He said: "All the clever people tell us - apparently it is over. We are all going to lose. At best I will be the last man standing. Well, let me tell the clever people this. I have campaigned in every general election since 1979." He added: "In each and every one of these elections the imminent demise of our party has been confidently predicted. Our wipeout has been awaited with relish. "But somehow - in the face of all the cleverness - we are still here. We have proved them all wrong before and I promise you this, come May 7th we are going to prove them wrong again. "We are defending 11 seats here in Scotland, in this election. And we can hold each and every one." The minister re-capped on the party's time in coalition government and said that Lib Dem influence had helped to: Mr Carmichael made clear he knew the road so far had been a hard one and there would be more challenges ahead. But he said he had no intention of cutting more than was needed. The MP for Orkney and Shetland said: "In this week's budget the Tories softened their plans for PR purposes. "But they still want to cut further into the fabric of our public finances. "Further than the economic case requires." He added: "There must be rich, chauffeur-driven venture capitalists out there who live in gated communities, use private healthcare, have no children, and were born to parents who were either equally rich or who are long since dead, and who would be quids-in under the Tories. "But for the rest of us on a normal salary or a low salary, or no salary at all, who depend on the NHS, who have children at state schools, or use public transport, or rely on the state pension, or who have dependents, or who just live on the same planet and breathe the same air as most of us do. "Well, for us, this right-wing, dogmatic, self-centred, ideologically-driven, Ayn Randian dystopia is not a matter of

Summary: Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael has said he believes liberalism is needed "more than ever before".


The company is to make Inchinnan, near Glasgow Airport, a Centre of Competence for making aerofoils and engine shafts. The specialist unit will provide parts for aero-engines which have gone out of volume production, meaning it requires flexible skills in making bespoke items. It is expected that 130 roles will be created. The company said this would partly offset the loss of almost 190 jobs announced in March. While Rolls-Royce has faced big challenges in adjusting to market changes, with repeated profit warnings, it is consolidating its operations. It currently has 54,000 employees in more than 50 countries, making and servicing aero-engines for airlines, ships and military use. Last year, it had turnover of more than £14bn. Mike Mosley, chief operating officer for the supply chain division at the Derby-based firm, said: "Our investment in Inchinnan demonstrates our commitment to innovative technology and world-class facilities which will improve performance and drive profitable growth for our business. "We recognise the dedication and flexibility of the Inchinnan workforce who continue to play a key role in the success of Rolls-Royce." Rolls-Royce initially invested £85m in the Inchinnan plant. In a statement, the company said the investment would "potentially" offset the impact of job reductions announced earlier this year as part of the restructuring of its aerospace division. Renfrewshire Council said the investment was a "vote of confidence" in the Inchinnan plant. Council leader Mark Macmillan added: "For a world-leading manufacturer to choose Renfrewshire as a focus for further investment is also a tremendous boost for the Renfrewshire economy. "Renfrewshire has a proud engineering and manufacturing heritage and Rolls-Royce has been at the forefront of that." In March, Rolls-Royce announced that it was going to shed 187 of the 700 jobs at Inchinnan. More jobs were to go at its East Kilbride plant, where it services and repairs small and medium-scale engines. That older plant is to close by the end of the year, as 630 staff are moved, in phases, to the Inchinnan site.

Summary: Rolls-Royce, the engine and turbine maker, is to invest up to £60m in its Renfrewshire manufacturing plant.


With most of the 16 nations' squads confirmed, we take a look at who is on their way to the tournament in Gabon, which takes place between 14 January and 5 February. Players whose teams reach the latter stages are certain to miss at least four Premier League matches. Burkina Faso Goalkeepers: Moussa Germain Sanou (Beauvais, France), Herve Koffi (ASEC Mimosas, Ivory Coast), Aboubacar Sawadogo (RC Kadiogo, Burkina Faso) Defenders: Patrick Malo (Smouha, Egypt), Issoufou Dayo (RC Berkane, Morocco), Bakary Kone (Malaga, Spain), Issouf Paro (Santos, South Africa), Steeve Yago (Toulouse, France), Souleymane Kouanda, (ASEC Mimosas, Ivory Coast), Yacouba Coulibaly (RC Bobo, Burkina Faso) Midfielders: Charles Kabore (Krasnodar, Russia), Prejuce Nacoulma (Kayserispor, Turkey), Alain Traore (Kayserispor, Turkey), Bertrand Traore (Ajax, Netherlands), Cyrille Bayala (Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldova), Bakary Sare (Moreirense, Portugal), Blati Toure (Omonia, Cyprus), Adama Guira (Lens, France), Abdoul Razack Traore (Karabuspor, Turkey), Jonathan Zongo (Almeria, Spain) Strikers: Jonathan Pitroipa (Al Nasr/UAE), Aristide Bance (ASEC Mimosas, Ivory Coast), Banou Diawara (Smouha, Egypt) Cameroon Goalkeepers: Fabrice Ondoa (Sevilla, Spain), Jules Goda (AC Ajaccio, France), Georges Mbokwe (Coton Sport de Garoua, Cameroon). Defenders: Ernest Mabouka (MSK Zilina, Slovakia), Nicolas Nkoulou (Lyon, France), Ambroise Oyongo (Montreal Impact, Canada), Mohamed Djeitei (Nastic Tarragone, Spain), Fai Collins (Standard Liege, Belgium), Michael Ngadeu Ngadjui (Slavia Prague, Czech Rep), Adolphe Teikeu (Sochaux, France), Jonathan Ngwem (FC Progresso, Angola). Midfield: Sebastien Siani (Ostende, Belgium), Georges Mandjeck (Metz, France), Arnaud Djoum (Hearts), Franck Boya (Apejes, Cameroon). Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Besiktas, Turkey), Benjamin Moukandjo (Lorient, France), Jacques Zoua (Kaiserslautern, Germany), Edgar Salli (Saint-Gall, Switzerland), Karl Toko-Ekambi (Angers, France), Clinton Njie (Marseille, France), Robert Ndip Tambe (Spartak Trnava, Slovakia), Christian Bassogog (Aalborg). Gabon Goalkeepers: Didier Ovono (KV Ostende, Belgium), Yves Stephane Bitseki Moto (CF Mounana, Gabon), Anthony Mfa Mezui (unattached). Defenders: Lloyd Palun (Red Star, France), Andre Biyogho Poko (Kardemir Karabukspor, Turkey), Aaron Appindangoye (Stade Lavallois, France), Franck Perrin Obambou (Stade Mandji, Gabon), Bruno Ecuele Manga (Cardiff City), Yoann Wachter (CS Sedan Ardennes, France), Johann Serge Obiang (ESTAC Troyes, France), Benjamin Ze Ondo (Mosta FC, Malta). Midfielders: Junior Serge Martinsson Ngouali (IF Brommapojkarna, Sweden), Levy Clement Madinda (Nastic Tarragona, Spain), Guelor Kanga Kaku (Etoile Rouge de Belgrade, Serbia), Merlin Tandjigora (Meixian Hakka FC, China), Didier Ibrahim Ndong (Sunderland), Samson Mbingui (Raja Casablanca, Morocco), Mario Rene Junior Lemina (Juventus, Italy). Forwards: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Malick Evouna (Tianjin Teda FC, China), Denis Athanase Bouanga (Tours FC, France), Serge Kevyn Aboue Angoue (Uniao Leiria, Portugal), Cedric Ondo Biyoghe (CF Mounana, Gabon). Guinea-Bissau Goalkeepers: Jonas Mendes (Salgueiros, Portugal), Rui Dabo (Cova da Piedade, Portugal), Papa Massé Mbaye Fall (Aguadulce, Spain) Defenders: Emmanuel Mendy (Ceahlaul, Romania), Rudinilson Silva (Lechia Gdansk, Poland), Juary Soares (Mafra, Portugal), Agostinho Soares (Sporting Covilha, Portugal), Mamadu Candé (Tondela, Portugal), Eridson Mendes Umpeça (Freamunde, Portugal) Midfielders: Nani Soares (Felgueiras, Portugal), Jose Mendes Lopes Zezinho (Levadiakos, Greece), Bocoundji Ca (Reims, France), Tony Silva Brito (Levadiakos, Greece), Toni Silva (Levadiakos, Greece), Piqueti Djassi Brito (Braga), Idrissa Camara (Avellino, Italy), Jean Paul Mendy (US Quevilly-Rouen, France), Francisco Santos Junior (Stromsgodset, Norway), Lassana Camara Sana (Académico de Viseu, Portugal) Forwards: Joao Mario Fernandes (Chaves, Portugal),

Summary: Which Premier League teams will be most affected by their players heading to the Africa Cup of Nations?


Police said detectives were investigating the blaze which started shortly before 04:50 GMT on Coniston Road. The force added the fire is being treated as unexplained and a joint investigation with the fire service has been launched. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it sent five fire engines to the scene to tackle the blaze.

Summary: A person has died in a house fire in Lancaster.


The 25-year-old midfielder signed a two-year deal in 2015 after leaving Derby County. "It's been a long time coming but it's signed and sealed," he said. "I'm delighted. I just want to play as much as I can and try to get this club as high as they can as well. Hopefully we will stay in the league." The Brewers are 18th in the table, four points above the relegation zone.

Summary: Midfielder Tom Naylor has signed a one-year extension to his Burton Albion contract which will keep him at the Championship side until June 2018.


Clydesdale Bank's Scottish £5 note was the first fully polymer banknote to enter circulation in Great Britain. The International Bank Note Society has nominated the fivers, made from a polymer substrate, for the award alongside banknotes from countries including New Zealand and China. They are the only UK note on the shortlist. Clydesdale chief executive David Duffy said: "We are proud that our polymer £5 note has been nominated. "We take our responsibility as an issuer of banknotes seriously." Two million of the £5 notes are currently in circulation. The bank introduces around £400m of new notes every year. A new polymer £10 note, featuring Robert Burns, will start to be made later in 2016 and is expected to enter circulation in 2017. More than 20 countries around the world have adopted polymer notes. The Bank of England is to begin issuing them later this year. In 1999, Northern Bank of Northern Ireland issued a polymer £5 commemorative note celebrating the year 2000.

Summary: Britain's first fully polymer £5 note is in the running for the International Banknote of the Year award.


The department, which employs 247 staff, said it plans to shut the office by 2018 but has not said how many, if any, redundancies there may be. It said the decision was aimed at cutting costs by creating a combined central HQ and policy centre in London. PCS, the union, say a further 100 jobs in the UK are threatened by the move. Permanent secretary Martin Donnelly said the move was intended to "modernise the way we work, reduce operating costs and deliver a simpler, smaller department that is more flexible and responsive to stakeholders and businesses. "The decision to close Sheffield by 2018 has not been taken lightly. "We will provide comprehensive support to all those facing a potential change or loss of job." However, he said the department was planning to create "around six business centres" across the country. The department currently employs about 2,500 people in total across 10 locations. Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the Public and Commercial Services union, said: "The business department is supposed to lead the way in helping local economies grow after the recession, yet it is retreating from towns and cities across the country. "We do not accept the need for these offices to close and for jobs to be at risk and will be opposing these moves." The union has not said where the other 100 jobs could be lost. Julie Dore, leader of Sheffield City Council, described the plan as "appalling" and said she would be writing to the Secretary of State to "make it clear that this is unacceptable". Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat MP for Sheffield Hallam, said the decision "flies directly in the face of the Northern Powerhouse agenda".

Summary: Nearly 250 jobs have been put at risk after the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills announced it will close its office in Sheffield.


Morgan King, a single mother, had apologised to her professor for being absent due to childcare problems. The University of Tennessee professor emailed to say she could bring her daughter, Korbyn, to lessons and she would be "delighted" to hold her. Ms King said the warm words made her cry. In an interviewed with US news channel WBIR-TV, she said: "I just didn't know what else to do. I emailed my professor after class and was apologising for missing class that day." Professor Sally Hunter, from Knoxville, then wrote back with her "very serious" offer of help. "Let me know if there are any other ways I could be supporting you," she said, before signing off. Ms King shared the email on Twitter and it was shared thousands of times. On Wednesday, the university's chancellor, Beverly Davenport, responded: "Morgan, thanks for showing us challenges college students face. Prof Hunter, thanks for being part of the solution." Ms King said her professor, who teaches in the Department of Child and Family Studies, is not on Twitter and is nonplussed by the reaction. "She just doesn't think she did anything special, which speaks about the kind of person she is," Ms King told WBIR-TV. The student said she has not needed to take her up on the offer yet. When she graduates she hopes to become a recreational therapist, working with children with disabilities. "I have to get my degree for Korbyn, not just for me. It means a lot that people are really supportive," Ms King said.

Summary: A US student with a three-month-old baby has expressed gratitude to a teacher who offered to babysit so she would not miss classes.


The announcement by the World Health Organization (WHO), was made at a meeting of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in New York. It follows Nigeria going more than a year without a case of wild - naturally occurring - polio. Three years without cases are required before it can be declared polio free. The decision means there are just two endemic countries - Pakistan and Afghanistan - where transmission of the paralysing virus has never been interrupted. Jean Gough, Unicef country representative in Nigeria, told me: "This is an important milestone, but it is too early to celebrate. We need to continue the efforts at every level if polio is to be eradicated." Polio is spread by poor sanitation and contaminated water and usually affects children. The virus attacks the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis - usually of the legs - within hours. GPEI was established in 1988 when tens of thousands of children in more than 125 countries were paralysed by polio each year. Partner organisations include the WHO, Rotary International and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Nigeria's progress against polio has been hard-fought. In 2003, some northern states boycotted the oral polio vaccine for nearly a year after scare stories that it caused sterilisation. It led to the virus spreading to many countries that had been declared polio free. In 2013 nine vaccinators were shot dead in Kano. But instead of being a deterrent, it galvanised support at every level. The Nigerian government declared polio a national health emergency and greatly increased the number of vaccinators. And community and religious leaders voiced their support. As a result, the number of families refusing to have their children immunised has decreased sharply. The success has come despite the Islamist militant insurgency in north-east Nigeria. Earlier this month Unicef said half a million children had fled attacks by Boko Haram over the past five months. Vaccine teams have been focussing attention on displaced families who have moved elsewhere in Nigeria, as well as fleeing to neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Chad and Niger. I last visited Kano in northern Nigeria in 2005 and met Aminu Ahmed, and his son Umar - both of whom have been paralysed by polio. Like other children, Umar did not get the drops of polio vaccine and was infected, partially paralysing his right leg. His father - who runs a charity making hand-operated tricycles for polio sufferers - has become a campaigner for polio immunisation. I went back to meet the family. Umar is doing well at school and he now joins his father in persuading families to be immunised. Aminu Ahmed told me: "Ten years ago, it was very common to see families saying no to the vaccine - now they all want it. "We say you do not want your children to be unable to walk, like me." Nigeria, like the rest of the world, is switching from the oral polio vaccine, given in two drops into the mouth, to an injectable, inactivated form of polio vaccine (IPV). The oral vaccine, which contains

Summary: Nigeria has been removed from the list of polio endemic countries in what is being regarded as a "milestone" on the quest to eradicate the disease.


Mark Carney told the Guardian the financial sector could be worth 20 times the UK's economic output in 25 years. He said: "If the UK financial system thrives in a post-Brexit world... it will be 15 to 20 times GDP in another quarter of century. "Well then you really have to hold your nerve and keep the focus." Carney was speaking to the Guardian to mark the 10th anniversary of the start of the global financial crisis in August 2007. He said the UK could not return to the pre-crisis light-touch regulation in order to attract business after leaving the EU. The governor has previously said the UK after Brexit could be the "investment banker for Europe". He said: "We have a financial system that is [now] ten times the size of this economy… It brings many strengths, it brings a million jobs, it pays 11% of tax revenue, it is the biggest export industry by some token… all good things. "But it's risky." "We have a view… that post-Brexit the level of regulation will be at least as high as it currently is and that's a level that in many cases substantially exceeds international norms. "The problem you have is that the same issues re-emerge under different labels… and the progress that's been made… is gradually chipped away." Mr Carney's comments come as US regulators begin formal proceedings to loosen regulations brought in after the financial crisis to curb the way banks took high-risk bets on the financial markets.

Summary: The governor of the Bank of England has said the banking sector could double in size but still needs tough regulation.


Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue worked with Mendip Cave Rescue to free them from the former stone mines in Box after being called at 02:50 BST. Martin Grass, from Mendip Cave Rescue, who helped rescue the seven, in their late teens and early 20s, said they were "cold and inadequately equipped". It comes after another group had to be rescued from the same caves on Sunday. Nobody in either group was injured but the fire service is warning people "to think twice before visiting the former stone mines". Mr Grass said: "With these two most recent rescues, the groups were woefully ill-equipped for what they were trying to do, and they were very lucky that they found a place of relative safety where there was a phone signal." After rescuing another group of three men on Sunday evening, the fire service tweeted saying that signs, to help people get out, had been painted over. Darren Nixon, from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said: "Fortunately, nobody was injured on these two latest occasions, and the groups were OK to stay where they were until the cave rescue team arrived. "However, with a bit more planning, and a bit more thought, they could have avoided multiple fire crews and volunteers being mobilised. "Having fun is fine, but please think twice about your plans and whether you have done everything possible to be safe." In July last year, a group of teenage boys had to be rescued from Box mines after getting stuck 100ft underground while paying the smartphone game Pokemon Go, where users search real-life locations for digital creatures.

Summary: Firefighters have rescued a group of people trapped in a Wiltshire cave for the second time in a week.


Media playback is not supported on this device Extending their run to 19 in Ireland next weekend would secure Eddie Jones' side back-to-back Grand Slams, another feat beyond their legendary predecessors. However, they will need to win a World Cup of their own to join the 2003 team in the pantheon of English sides. Next Saturday, the current team do have the chance to do something that eluded Woodward's side in 2001 when, having beaten Scotland by 40 points, they failed in their shot at a Grand Slam as they lost in Dublin. They are not yet the finished article - and have some way to go to match the achievement of the World Cup winners - but how do they compare man to man to the greats of 2003? Whereas Josh Lewsey could alternate between the two positions, Mike Brown is definitely a full-back, not a winger. He is the classic high-ball warrior, relishing the aerial battle that is such a big part of the modern game. Ireland's Rob Kearney, Wales' Dan Biggar and New Zealand's Ben Smith are among the best in the world at fielding the ping-pong kicking exchanges, but none are better than Brown. Lewsey is a better all-rounder however. He eclipses Brown in attack with his speed, and was rock-solid in defence. His rib-breaking hit on Australia's Mat Rogers the summer before the World Cup final left his opposite number unable to surf as lying on the board was too uncomfortable. Poor Jack Nowell. Any wing in the world would suffer by this comparison because Jason Robinson had unique attacking skills. He combined the best step I have ever seen with breathtaking acceleration that would leave defenders choking on dust. Nowell has boundless energy and always wants to get his hands on the ball and take on the opposition. Still only 23, that attitude has fuelled his improvement with every game. What a contrast. Jonathan Joseph and Mike Tindall are two totally different types of players, but each perfectly fitted their eras. Tindall was direct, confrontational and strong, but he also had an eye for the pass and the ability to deliver it. He was uncompromising in attack and defence, relishing the collision with or without the ball. Joseph's most eye-catching quality is his pace and ability to pick a defence-piercing line. We saw the perfect demonstration of that in his hat-trick performance against Scotland on Saturday. His defence is more subtle than Tindall's crash-bang style, but it is equally effective. While there were differences at outside centre, the two sides' inside centres bring similar assets to the table. Will Greenwood was both a playmaker and try-scorer for the 2003 side. He was deceptively quick, picking clever lines and gobbling up the yards with his long stride. He has a superb rugby brain, and made time and space for others as well as finding holes to exploit himself. Farrell has perhaps improved more than any other player under the guidance of England coach Eddie Jones. His running with ball in hand is now a real threat to

Summary: Victory against Scotland on Saturday was a world record-equalling 18th in a row for the current England team, who were already on a longer winning streak than Sir Clive Woodward's 2003 world champions - their best was 14.


The allocation was made at the start of February. The money must be spent by the end of March 2017, according to an email seen by the BBC. The email told medical staff to refer "long waiting patients suitable for the independent sector". It said to refer those who require treatment for "spines, hip and knee, lower and upper limbs". The news comes after the health minister said on Tuesday that more than £31m is required to treat patients who have been waiting more than a year for some appointments. Michelle O'Neill said she was confident the money would be agreed after the election on 2 March. The funding to the private sector does not include money to treat outpatients. The email goes on to say that the £1m funding move does not affect any "in-house" funding, which the trust received in the past four months, and that staff can continue to backfill lists and carry out weekend work when teams are available. While most people waiting may not mind when their operation is performed, it is understood that doctors and nurses would have preferred for the additional money be invested in the health service instead. In 2015, when the then health minister allocated £40m towards waiting lists, the money could not be spent in time and only half of the amount when on operations. That was because hospitals do not have the capacity or the staff to spend the money in such a short space of time.

Summary: The Belfast Health Trust has been allocated £1m in order to send patients currently on waiting lists to be treated in the private sector instead, the BBC has learned.


He will star in the project, translated as Stalin's Sofa, which will be directed by actress Fanny Ardant, said The Hollywood Reporter. The film is based on French author Jean-Daniel Baltassat's 2013 novel. Depardieu was presented with a Russian passport by Vladimir Putin in 2013 after moving to avoid higher taxes in his native France. Mr Depardieu's move to Russia came after he criticised French President Francois Hollande's plans to raise taxes to 75% for those earning more than 1m euros (Â£817,400). The actor accused the government of punishing "success, creation and talent". In 2011, he played the lead role in the film Rasputin, a Franco-Russian production about the life of eccentric monk. He also recently announced a movie about WW2 French fighter aces who flew alongside Red Air Force pilots over the Eastern Front. Josef Stalin, the supreme ruler of the Soviet Union for more than 25 years, helped the allies defeat Nazism. But his regime of terror caused the death and suffering of tens of millions. The new movie, to be produced by French/Portuguese company Leopardo Filmes, is to be set in the 1950s Soviet Union and will centre on a young artist commissioned to create Stalin's monument.

Summary: French actor Gerard Depardieu is to play Russian dictator Josef Stalin in a new film, according to reports.