Prince Andrew said in a statement he wished to stop "speculation and innuendo" relating to his daughters. He said it was "complete fabrication" to suggest he wanted titles for any future husbands of the princesses. He added that continued speculation over a split between himself and Prince Charles was "pointless". "As a father, my wish for my daughters is for them to be modern, working, young women, who happen to be members of the Royal Family, and I am delighted to see them building their careers," the duke said. "When they do support the Royal Family in its work this is very much appreciated by my family and, most importantly, by those organisations and to those for whom their participation makes such a difference to their lives." While acknowledging there is "considerable interest" in the granddaughters of the Queen, Prince Andrew said he "cannot continue to stand by and have the media speculate on their futures based on my purported interventions, which are completely made up". The statement was issued via the duke's Twitter account. It came shortly after the princesses' mother, the Duchess of York, urged the media to "stop bullying the York family". She was speaking as Beatrice, 28, and Eugenie, 26, became patrons of the Teenage Cancer Trust charity. The duchess and the two princesses visited a specialist teen cancer unit in central London to mark the occasion, meeting young people with the disease. "Let's focus more on this and less on tittle-tattle gossip," said the duchess, who was divorced from Prince Andrew in 1996. By Peter Hunt, BBC royal correspondent Once, personal royal statements were vanishingly rare. Not anymore. After Prince Harry leapt to the aid of his girlfriend Meghan Markle, his uncle has used his personal Twitter account to defend his daughters. And it's significant that the princely views were disseminated this way and not through an official Buckingham Palace statement. There will be those at the palace who will have questioned the wisdom of this move. Not least because there has been tension between Prince Andrew and Prince Charles over the future king's plans to slim down the monarchy when his time comes. Read more from Peter Hunt The Duke of York's statement was issued in response to reports claiming he intended to persuade the Queen or Prince Charles to make any husbands of Eugenie or Beatrice earls. In October, there were claims of a row between Prince Andrew and his brother, said to have been sparked by a wish for his daughters to be given more significant roles within the royal family in future. The statement also comes just over a month after Prince Harry took the decision to issue a statement attacking the media for subjecting his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle to a "wave of abuse and harassment".

Summary: There is "no truth" in press claims of a split in the Royal Family over the future roles of Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, the Duke of York has said.


The discovery could help babies with genetic diseases, elderly people and even astronauts, they say. The findings in mice, published in Scientific Reports, showed cells in the fluid strengthened bone and cut fractures by 80%. Human clinical trials are planned within the next two years. The amniotic fluid protects the baby and helps it develop inside the mother's womb. It also contains stem cells that are the building blocks of other tissues. The researchers collected the amniotic stem cells from material left over from screening tests during pregnancy or collected immediately before birth. The team at the Institute of Child Health - a collaboration of Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London - injected the cells into diseased mice. The animals had brittle bone disease or osteogenesis imperfecta. In people, the condition affects around one in every 25,000 births and can be fatal, with babies born with multiple fractures. Even those who survive face up to 15 bone fractures a year, brittle teeth, impaired hearing and growth problems. Tests on mice showed injecting the cells increased the strength, plasticity and structure of the animal's bones. The number of fractures was cut to a fifth of their original level. Dr Pascale Guillot, who conducted the research, said the findings could help people from crib to grave - from babies with brittle bone disease to pensioners with osteoporosis. She told the BBC News website: "I am extremely excited because this is a major breakthrough that will potentially affect everyone. "We are already used to putting cream on our face to slow down ageing of the skin, this will be the same for the skeleton. "I think in the next few years we will have ways to slow down the ageing of our skeleton to reduce fractures and pain. "This will also be very important for space travel as when you don't have G-force the bones become fragile." Bone is constantly being remade with cells called osteoclasts breaking down old bone and osteoblasts making new bones. Dr Guillot said brittle bone disease, osteoporosis and space travel were all characterised by osteoblasts "becoming lazy". The study showed the stem cells were increasing the natural activity of the osteoblasts - rather than directly making new bone themselves. "Stem cell transplants boost these lazy cells so they become very eager to make more bone and mature bone," added Dr Guillot. Clinical trials are already planned, but ultimately the researchers' aim is to discover which chemicals the stem cells are releasing that kick the osteoblasts into gear. Follow James on Twitter.

Summary: Cells in the amniotic fluid that surrounds a developing baby can revive ageing and weak bones, say UK scientists.


Lesley Griffiths said the risk would not fall in coming weeks, and spring wild bird migration could increase the chances of further cases. On Monday it was confirmed that a wild duck died from the disease in Conwy, following cases in south Wales. On Tuesday, Ms Griffiths told AMs that more cases were likely to be found. Public health officials have stressed that the risk to humans is "very low". Ms Griffiths previously announced the extension of an all-Wales avian flu prevention zone until 28 February 2017. Similar measures have been introduced in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. "Work is in hand, with Defra and the Scottish Government, to consider what the exit strategy might be for lifting the prevention zone," she said in a statement. "I cannot stress enough the need for those who keep poultry flocks and other domestic birds to remain alert for signs of the disease, to contact their private veterinarians if they have any concerns and to practice the highest levels of biosecurity," Ms Griffiths added.

Summary: The risk of more cases of avian flu in poultry and other captive birds may increase in the weeks ahead, Wales' rural affairs secretary has warned.


They were discovered near the border and have been evacuated by helicopter to receive medical treatment. Fighting between rival forces in July left hundreds of people dead less than a year after a peace deal was signed. Mr Machar, who had joined a unity government, fled - and was also aided by the UN in DR Congo a few weeks ago. South Sudan has suffered more than two years of civil war since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. Political differences between Mr Machar and President Salva Kiir ignited a civil war in December 2013 - and they only agreed to settle their differences under intense international pressure, signing a peace deal in August 2015. Mr Machar returned to Juba in April but battles then broke out between his bodyguards and presidential guards in South Sudan's capital, Juba, in July. Mr Machar fled Juba in the wake of the July clashes and was later dismissed as vice-president. After receiving medical treatment in DR Congo in August, he was flown to Sudan's capital, Khartoum, where he remains after being discharged from hospital. His soldiers, who had crossed into DR Congo, were found in an area around the Garamba National Park by UN peacekeepers, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. He said they had suffered mostly from walking in difficult terrain and having no access to food. Many were in critical condition and were helped "on purely humanitarian grounds so that they can receive urgent medical assistance", Mr Dujarric said. An internal Congolese army report, seen by the Reuters news agency on Wednesday, said 500 fighters were evacuated to Goma in the middle of August - a mission that involved three flights a day over three days. More on South Sudan's crisis: Following UN pressure last week, President Kiir has now agreed to the deployment of a 4,000-strong regional protection force for Juba which would have a more robust mandate than the 12,000 UN soldiers already in the country, however the mandate and size of the force still have to be agreed. This was a key request of Mr Machar, who said he wanted a neutral force to guarantee his safety. But US officials are now saying that they do not believe Mr Machar should return to his post. "Given all that has happened, we do not believe it would be wise for Machar to return to his previous position in Juba," US special envoy Donald Booth told a congressional subcommittee on Wednesday. "But this cannot become a justification for President Kiir to monopolise power and stifle dissenting political voices," Reuters quoted him as saying. Meanwhile, the UK is to send an extra 100 troops to South Sudan, joining the 300 already serving in the UN peacekeeping force there.

Summary: More than 100 fighters loyal to South Sudan's sacked vice-president have been found "in extremely bad shape" by the UN in the Democratic Republic of Congo.


Spain had 72.4% of possession in the first half but failed to score. They finally took the lead after 55 minutes when keeper Gianluigi Buffon missed an attempted clearance to leave Vitolo to sidefoot in. Italy rarely threatened but, after Sergio Ramos tripped Eder, De Rossi equalised to extend his country's unbeaten run in qualifiers to 52 games. The last time the Azzurri lost a World Cup or European qualifier was in September 2006 when they were beaten 3-1 by France on their way to reaching Euro 2008. Italy and Spain now have four points from two games, with Albania, who beat Liechtenstein 2-0, top of Group G on six points. Israel won 2-1 in Macedonia in the other game in the group. Spain were out to avenge their defeat by the Azzurri in the last 16 of Euro 2016 and quickly took control of the match. They went close when Andres Iniesta played a one-two with David Silva only to see a weakly struck left-footed shot saved before Gerard Pique sent a close-range header straight at Buffon. Spain looked set for victory after 38-year-old Buffon's error as he completely missed the ball when trying to clear a through ball to Vitolo. However, substitute Ciro Immobile brought some much-needed energy and threat to the home attack and a rash Ramos challenge allowed De Rossi to score. Iceland shocked England when they knocked them out of Euro 2016 and seemed to be on course for a reality check when trailing Finland 2-1 in their first home 2018 World Cup qualifier since then. But Alfred Finnbogason equalised in the 90th minute before Fulham's Ragnar Sigurdsson, who scored in the 2-1 win over England, got a winner in the fifth minute of added time. Finland had opened the scoring through Teemu Pukki and, even though Kari Arnason equalised, Robin Lod quickly restored the visiting side's lead. Gylfi Sigurdsson missed a penalty to compound Iceland's misery before the late drama. Iceland are now second in Group I, level on four points with leaders Croatia, who beat Kosovo 6-0 in Albania. Ukraine drew 2-2 in Turkey and they are third and fourth respectively in the same group. Match ends, Italy 1, Spain 1. Second Half ends, Italy 1, Spain 1. Nacho (Spain) wins a free kick on the left wing. Foul by Alessandro Florenzi (Italy). Nacho (Spain) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Andrea Belotti (Italy). Foul by Álvaro Morata (Spain). Daniele De Rossi (Italy) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Attempt blocked. Andrés Iniesta (Spain) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Leonardo Bonucci (Italy) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Álvaro Morata (Spain) wins a free kick on the left wing. Foul by Leonardo Bonucci (Italy). Offside, Italy. Alessandro Florenzi tries a through ball, but Ciro Immobile is caught offside. Attempt missed. Ciro Immobile (Italy) left footed shot from a difficult angle on the left misses to the right. Assisted by Daniele De Rossi following a set piece situation. Gerard Piqué (Spain) is shown

Summary: Italy salvaged a draw in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Spain with a late Daniele de Rossi penalty.


In saying that, you may think I've gone mad - given that the Smith Commission has apparently made some huge decisions. Here is what stands out for me from today's announcement. 1) The Scottish parliament will have total control over income tax rates and the thresholds at which they kick in (but Westminster will still set the tax-free allowance). 2) Revenue raised from the first 10 percentage points of VAT on Scottish spending will be allotted to the Scottish government. 3) The Scottish parliament will have power both to create new benefits and vary some planned and existing benefits - including the housing cost element of Universal Credit, benefits for carers and the disabled, and cold weather related payments. There are lots of other important new powers being transferred to Holyrood, including the ability to lower the voting age, change speed limits, license frackers, influence the new BBC Charter, and - possibly - change abortion rules. But it is the transfer of big tax and spending powers that creates significant fiscal and economic uncertainties - whose resolution may have serious political consequences. The lynchpin of all this is what the Commission calls the fiscal framework for the new devolution, which includes a number of principles. Perhaps the most important is that at the precise moment that the new powers are devolved, Scotland's budget and the UK's budget should neither be bigger or smaller as a result of this transfer to Holyrood of new spending and taxing powers. Or to put it another way, the block grant paid to Scotland under the Barnett formula should be reduced to account for taxes devolved to Scotland and increased to account for spending transferred to Scotland - and future payments under the new Barnett formula should be indexed to protect their real value. Or to put it another way, neither Scots taxpayers or those in the rest of the UK should suffer detriment as a direct result of the new devolution. Which is all very well to say, but my goodness it will be hard for Westminster and Holyrood to agree and implement. The point is that income tax receipts and benefit payments vary considerably with the economic cycle. So determining at any point in time precisely what revenues and costs Holyrood is assuming will be pretty tricky. And it is not just adjusting for the economic cycle that will be difficult. Right now, for example, the British government's take from income tax is well below what it expected it would be, given the apparent buoyancy of the economy. So what if the new grant formula was set on the basis of the current depressed income tax revenues, and then a few weeks later tax revenues suddenly and unexpectedly surged back to past trends? If that were to happen the Scots would enjoy a terrific permanent windfall - and taxpayers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland would presumably feel pretty miffed. Similarly the Smith Commission says Scotland should have new powers to borrow, because otherwise it could find itself running out of money in an economic

Summary: The really important stuff on economic and fiscal devolution to Scotland is yet to be decided.


Media playback is unsupported on your device 19 June 2015 Last updated at 12:11 BST Drone footage produced by Chester Unlocked has revealed hidden craftsmanship such as the Chester Imp carving high up in one of its windows. Other iconic landmarks in the city will be filmed throughout the year.

Summary: A history project has given a glimpse of Chester cathedral which has not been seen for centuries.


The interim New Democracy leader, 61, represents the old way - serving for years in centre-right governments accused by the left of bringing painful austerity and institutionalised corruption. But after months of political strain, exhaustive bailout negotiations and continued economic despair, Greece is seemingly starting to regret its flirtation with the new. According to latest opinion polls, Mr Meimarakis is now challenging Alexis Tsipras, Greece's youngest prime minister in modern times, for first place in this month's elections. Commentators say he is a voice of economic stability, who has successfully unified his party to make a comeback. Born in Athens in 1953, Vangelis Meimarakis's family were from Crete and his father was an MP in the island's main city Heraklion. He trained as a lawyer at the University of Athens, and became involved in student politics while studying public administration at Panteion University. He was one of the founding members New Democracy's youth wing (ONNED). First elected as an MP in 1989, he was ND's chief whip from 1991 to 1992 and served as defence minister from 2006 to 2009. He is married to Joanna Kolokota, daughter of Greek actress Nitsa Marouda, and they have two daughters. Mr Meimarakis became speaker of the Greek parliament in 2012, briefly standing down that year amid a corruption scandal involving an inquiry into money laundering allegation. He strongly denied any wrongdoing and returned to his position soon after, remaining as speaker until early 2015. A strong supporter of keeping Greece in the eurozone, Mr Meimarakis was appointed interim leader of New Democracy in July 2015 after the resignation of Antonis Samaras. Mr Samaras stepped down after voters backed Mr Tsipras in a bailout referendum by a bigger-than-expected margin. New Democracy looked fragile - without the figurehead who had led the party for six years, and trailing Syriza by a wide margin in the opinion polls. But a few months later, its fortunes seem to have turned. Analysts say Mr Meimarakis has managed to unite ND in his short time at the top, sidelining some of its right-wing elements in an effort to woo centrist voters. And the polls are looking up too - Syriza and ND now appear to be neck-and-neck ahead of the snap election on 20 September. Mr Meimarakis has accused Mr Tsipras of mismanaging the economy and pushing the country towards another recession - a tactic that has boosted his approval ratings at his rival's expense. He has repeatedly painted the former PM as a "pampered child" - calling him "kiddo" and "a little liar" - while painting himself as a picture of experience and stability. But his association with the discredited old political elite continues to haunt him. During the first televised leaders' debate on Wednesday, Mr Meimarakis had a heated exchange with Independent Greeks head Panos Kammenos, who accused him of being embroiled in a suspicious submarine deal during his time as defence minister. The ND leader responded by accusing his opponent of acting as a proxy for Mr Tsipras, Mr Kammenos's one-time coalition partner. Occasionally criticised for being sharp-tongued,

Summary: Part of Greece's political establishment for decades, Vangelis Meimarakis is everything voters rejected when they backed Alexis Tsipras and his left-wing Syriza party in January's election.


Roughly based on the shape of a cruise ship, the behemoth is situated at the NEC complex on the outskirts of the city - officially part of Solihull and an area few people would have on their mini-break hot list. So how will it compare to other resort destinations? Nestled within the sprawling NEC, Resorts World is not in a glamorous spot. It is bordered by the M42 motorway, Birmingham Airport and the large housing estate of Chelmsley Wood. But does that matter? The Genting Group is not aiming for guests at the resort to have a local experience. With an Asian-themed spa, Australasian-themed restaurant and New York-themed bar, Birmingham - or even the UK - does not intrude. The idea, which has proved popular in Malaysia and the Philippines, is that once through the doors of Resorts World, visitors could be anywhere. Or nowhere. The business behind Resorts World, Malaysian conglomerate the Genting Group, already owns and runs more than 40 casinos in the UK - as well as casino resorts in the Philippines, Bahamas, New York, Singapore and Malaysia. The International Casino in Birmingham will have more than 100 slot machines, as well as roulette, poker, blackjack and baccarat. The 100-seat sports bar, with large multi-screens and "luxurious private viewing booths" facilitates live match play, and with no windows for daylight to remind gamblers how time is passing, it is open 24 hours a day. Resorts World respects gender difference. Away from the sports bar and its rampant masculinity, there is a drinks menu for those of us without a Y chromosome: "For the ladies we offer an extensive list of tantalising cocktails, why not try our Genting Spring Punch or the Hurricane Rita?" It may be smaller and arguably less glamorous than Las Vegas - but once inside, a casino is a casino. The Genting Hotel promises its rooms "offer a self-contained sanctuary to make you feel right at home". Facilities include a Smart TV, coffee machine, ironing board and a bed. Like the world-famous Bellagio casino and hotel in Las Vegas, Resorts World Birmingham enjoys a waterfront location. There may not be a spectacular fountain display, but guests in Birmingham can opt for one of the five-star suites, "complete with panoramic lakeside views". An Asian-themed spa is due to open in the next few months, with a private entrance "away from the eyes of the public" for hotel guests, so they can come down from their rooms wearing dressing gowns without being exposed to the stares of shoppers and gamblers. The ground floor of Resorts World Birmingham houses more than 50 shops - all of them outlet stores. Deliberately less aspirational than the high-end retailers of Bicester Shopping Village, Resorts World offers an eclectic mix. Yves Delorme ("a passion for luxury home linens since 1845") is just round the corner from Hallmark's discounted greetings card shop. Fitness fanatics can check out Nike's outlet store before popping to nearby Holland and Barrett for health food - unless cut-price chocolate at Thornton's proves too tempting. And should you wish to

Summary: Persuading the public to spend their holiday in a 12-storey building on the edge of the M42 may seem like a tough task for the people behind Resorts World in Birmingham.


They controlled the game from the off, opening the scoring when Kyle Bennett fired home from 20 yards. Michael Doyle hit the bar from range for the visitors, who doubled their lead when a Ben Davies cross was turned into his own goal by Matt Pearson. Pompey's Doyle did score, volleying beyond Jason Mooney from 30 yards, before Shay McCartan pulled one back. The result means Stanley are down to sixth, while Paul Cook's side are now six points off the final automatic promotion place.

Summary: Portsmouth scored three first-half goals away at Accrington to move above them into fourth in League Two.


Bassel Khartabil's wife said he was killed in October 2015 after receiving a death sentence. "Words are difficult to come by," she wrote. "Thank you for killing my lover." The Wikipedia contributor and founder of Creative Commons Syria was first detained in March 2012. After nine months of incommunicado detention, he was moved to Adra prison in Damascus, where his family were allowed to visit him. But he was moved from the prison to an unknown destination in October 2015, and supporters had until now held out hope he might be alive. Soon after his disappearance in 2015, his wife Noura Ghazi Safadi said she did not know if he was alive or dead. But she said she had been contacted by self-declared Syrian government insiders who told her that he had been sentenced to death. Bassel Khartabil, a Syrian-Palestinian, was named a Top Global Thinker by Foreign Policy magazine in 2012 and given the Digital Freedom Award by Index on Censorship in 2013. In 2013, he was described by two European parliamentarians as being "credited with opening up the internet in Syria - a country with a notorious record of online censorship - and vastly extending online access and knowledge to the Syrian people". Noura Ghazi Safadi described her husband as "unbelievably romantic" in a 2015 interview with the Electronic Intifada news website, adding that he "wasn't a typical internet geek". "He used to give me a red rose every day since we became lovers until the day of his imprisonment," she said. Khartabil, an open source web developer, had co-founded the #NewPalmyra project, which creates digitally reconstructions of the ancient Syrian city. Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales said on Twitter that he was "saddened and outraged in equal measure" to learn of the execution.

Summary: A Syrian internet freedom activist was executed soon after he disappeared from prison in late 2015, his wife and supporters say they have learned.


Isabel Gentry, 16, was taken to Bristol Royal Infirmary after falling ill on 18 May and discharged four hours later. Her mother Claire Booty said an initial assessment was "cursory and brief" and she "could hardly walk" when sent home. In a review after the teenager's death, the NHS Foundation Trust said her treatment was "appropriate". Isabel, who was known as Izzy, had been revising for exams when she started to feel unwell on 18 May. She was taken to hospital, by ambulance, at 01:00 GMT but was sent home at 05:00. Ms Booty told the inquest, the hospital had said her daughter had a "viral infection of the stomach". Avon Coroner's Court heard the teenager "could hardly walk to the car" when they left the hospital after the initial assessment. Ms Booty said: "Izzy said 'Mum, I can't believe they're sending me home, I feel so ill'. She was not given a chance." The court heard there had been a possible case of meningitis at her school, St Brendan's Sixth Form College in Bristol, a couple of weeks earlier and all students had been given leaflets explaining the symptoms. Her mother said Izzy had the very symptoms described in the leaflet. Paramedic Gary White, who was called out on 18 May, said he had been told the patient might have meningitis but said he "couldn't detect any major symptoms such as a rash or photophobia". Ms Booty said her daughter "kept asking for the lights to be turned down" in the hospital treatment room. She also said doctors "seemed to be distracted by another patient who was causing disruption at the emergency department". The inquest heard that Izzy deteriorated over the day and another ambulance was called which took her back to the hospital at 17:30. The consultant who treated Izzy diagnosed meningitis and told Ms Booty her daughter was "very seriously ill". Ms Booty told the court the doctor "couldn't believe she'd been sent home initially". The next day an MRI scan detected Izzy's brain was swelling and she died, on 20 May, 48 hours after being initially discharged from Bristol Royal Infirmary. The inquest is expected to last five days and will hear from paramedics, nurses and doctors from University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust.

Summary: A girl who died of meningitis "was not given a chance" by the hospital which sent her home 48 hours before her death, an inquest has heard.


Lives were lost across five provinces, according to the National Flood and Storm Control Agency, quoted by the Associated Press. In Quang Ngai province, flood waters reportedly rose above a previous peak recorded in 1999. A tropical depression has dumped rain on the country. Earlier in the week, at least 13 people died and 81 were injured when Tropical Storm Haiyan made landfall in north Vietnam after wreaking havoc in the Philippines. There has been disruption to the coffee harvest and bean drying in Vietnam's central highland provinces, Reuters news agency reports. The country is the world's top robusta coffee producer, accounting for around 17% of the world's output. Flood waters have started to recede in some areas, allowing residents to return and begin digging out their homes, officials said. Binh Dinh Province reported the highest number of deaths, followed by Quang Ngai, the official Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper reports. Bui Thi Thanh Chuyen, a woman in Binh Dinh, told Vietnamese state TV on Saturday she had rushed home to try and help her mother, who was trapped in her house. "All I heard [on the phone] from my mother was 'Help me, daughter' before the connection was cut off," she said. "I rushed here to try to help her but I cannot cross the flood to the house." In the Danang area, villager Vo Ngoc Nghiem described the speed of the disaster: "We are familiar with floods every year but this time it rose so quickly that we had no time to cope with it. "We weren't warned about the reservoir release. The children were at school and they were stranded there." Some 100,000 houses were submerged and roads were closed and some national train services cancelled. Flood waters rose quickly after 15 hydro power plants opened their sluice gates as a safety measure. Earlier reports on the flooding gave a slightly higher estimate for deaths.

Summary: Flooding and landslides in central Vietnam have left at least 28 people dead, nine missing and some 80,000 homeless since Friday.


The figure is down from 10 flags awarded last year. Beaches with a Blue Flag demonstrate their commitment to protecting the coastal environment, water quality, safety, and access for all. Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful have presented beach and marina operators with 14 national and 10 internationally-recognised awards. Two marinas have also been awarded blue flags - at Ballyronan, County Londonderry, and Ballycastle, County Antrim. Tony Wilcox, chairman of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, said: "Having Northern Ireland's world class beaches managed to such high standards is helping improve the quality of our lives as well as attracting visitors". Forty-seven countries participate in awarding Blue Flags to more than 4,000 beaches and marinas worldwide. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs monitors identified bathing waters on 20 occasions during the annual bathing season, which runs from the 1 June until 15 September. In 2016, Portstewart Strand in County Londonderry was awarded the accolade of Best Blue Flag Beach in the UK. County Down: Cranfield West, Murlough, Tyrella County Antrim: Portrush West Strand, Portrush East Strand County Londonderry: Portstewart, Benone, Downhill Twelve beaches were given the Seaside Award - the national standard for beaches across the UK. This award guarantees a clean, safe, attractive and well-managed coastal environment with varied levels of facilities provided depending on the location of the beach. Two Northern Ireland beaches have received the Green Coast Award, which recognises an agreement with the local community to protect and promote a natural beach environment, rather than developing visitor infrastructure.

Summary: Eight Northern Ireland beaches will proudly display international Blue Flags this summer.


Kenneth Gibson and his wife Patricia - the MP for North Ayrshire and Arran - lost their baby towards the end of her pregnancy in 2009. Staff at the Southern General hospital in Glasgow had failed to spot that Mrs Gibson had pre-eclampsia. A review of baby deaths at Crosshouse Hospital was announced on Tuesday. It came after a BBC Scotland investigation revealed that there had been six so-called "unnecessary" deaths of babies at the hospital since 2008. "Unnecessary" or "avoidable" deaths are referred to as those where harm was caused to a healthy baby during childbirth - usually resulting in them being deprived of oxygen. Reports into some of the deaths referred to failings in monitoring of the child's heartbeat during childbirth. Speaking in the Holyrood chamber, Mr Gibson urged Health Secretary Shona Robison to make the review "wider and deeper" so it could look at similar cases in other hospitals across the country. His wife has previously opened up in the House of Commons about the "devastating" effect of losing her baby. Mr Gibson said: "On her due date in 2009, my wife Patricia, having been sent home and been physically sick, was finally admitted to the Southern General maternity unit despite their protests. "A consultant junior doctor and two midwives examined her that day. Despite being 41, a first-time mother and in extreme pain from head to toe, no-one picked up her pre-eclampsia. She was given morphine and put to bed. "Overnight our baby died and had to be delivered by caesarean. Patricia's liver ruptured and she spent 19 days in intensive care and high dependence." Mr Gibson said the couple had spent 20 months asking NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to explain how they would prevent such a failure of care reoccurring and impacting other lives. He added: "They blanked us and when we were thereby forced to take legal action, hired a QC, wasting thousands in taxpayers' money to defend the indefensible. "It took five years before they eventually conceded this year. What will the Cabinet secretary do to ensure other people in Ayrshire, Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland are not treated as badly when they experience such a tragedy?" Ms Robison said she sympathised with the Gibsons' "appalling" experience, adding: "We would expect all health professionals to treat anyone who has suffered any bereavement with care, dignity and respect. "Clearly that didn't happen in that case and we should learn the lessons from that case." Labour MSP Anas Sarwar raised figures from the BBC investigation, which showed that Scotland's maternity hospitals had recorded more than 25,000 adverse incidents since 2011. The figures, released under freedom of information legislation, showed the most serious incidents included the deaths of 26 newborns and three mothers, as well as 79 stillbirths. Mr Sarwar called for the review to be extended to look at staffing across all maternity units in Scotland, highlighting 500 incidents relating to staff shortages. The health secretary responded by saying NHS Scotland met the Royal College Of Midwives' recommended midwife-to-birth ratio, and patient safety programmes had resulted

Summary: An SNP MSP has spoken about the loss of his child as he urged Scotland's health secretary to widen a review into baby deaths at a Kilmarnock hospital.


Leeds United's Chris Wood gave the All Whites a first-half lead but second-half goals by Benfica's Raul Jimenez and Oribe Peralta sealed victory. But the game boiled over in the dying stages when Mexico skipper Diego Reyes pulled back Michael Boxall, who then lunged at Hector Herrera. New Zealand's Ryan Thomas also became involved and a mass brawl ensued. Referee Bakary Gassama consulted the video assistant referee before issuing three yellow cards to Reyes, Herrera and Boxall. Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio apologised for losing his temper during the match. The 56-year-old had a heated argument with one of New Zealand's assistant coaches after Mexico's Carlos Salcedo went down with a shoulder injury in the first half. And the Colombian coach later had to be restrained by his own bench during the brawl in injury time. "I would like to apologise to our fans, the way I spoke to one of their assistant coaches was not OK," he said. "There is no place for disrespect in football and I am sorry. The game was rough, almost violent on occasion, so I lost my temper." New Zealand's head coach Anthony Hudson played down the incident. "I thought it was bizarre really, it was like we had elbowed the player the way it was going on," he said. Mexico, who left striker Javier Hernandez on the bench, top the group ahead of Portugal on goals scored. Portugal beat Russia 1-0 earlier in the day - and Mexico now only need a draw against Russia in Kazan on Saturday to be sure of reaching the semi-finals. Hosts Russia are third in the group while New Zealand remain bottom and are out of the tournament. Match ends, Mexico 2, New Zealand 1. Second Half ends, Mexico 2, New Zealand 1. Foul by Raúl Jiménez (Mexico). Michael Boxall (New Zealand) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Corner, Mexico. Conceded by Stefan Marinovic. Attempt saved. Jürgen Damm (Mexico) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Marco Fabián. Michael Boxall (New Zealand) is shown the yellow card. Diego Reyes (Mexico) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Héctor Herrera (Mexico) is shown the yellow card. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match (Mexico). Foul by Diego Reyes (Mexico). Michael Boxall (New Zealand) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Attempt blocked. Raúl Jiménez (Mexico) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Javier Aquino. Alfredo Talavera (Mexico) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Andrew Durante (New Zealand). Foul by Héctor Herrera (Mexico). Chris Wood (New Zealand) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Attempt missed. Héctor Herrera (Mexico) left footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. Assisted by Raúl Jiménez. Corner, Mexico. Conceded by Stefan Marinovic. Attempt saved. Jürgen Damm (Mexico) left footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Raúl Jiménez. Ryan

Summary: Mexico came from behind to beat New Zealand and moved top of the group amid ugly scenes at the Confederations Cup.


The 35-year-old former international stand-off becomes the first French coach of the Perpignan-based club. Frayssinous replaces Trent Robinson, who has left France for a post at Sydney Roosters in Australia. Frayssinous is five months the junior of the previous youngest Super League coach, Bradford's Francis Cummins. Frayssinous had been part of the Dragons' coaching staff and played for them when they made their Super League bow with a 38-30 win against Wigan in 2006. The former assistant coach of the France national team has signed a two-year deal, with the option of a third season.

Summary: Laurent Frayssinous has been appointed the head coach of Catalan Dragons on a two-year contract, and becomes the youngest team boss in Super League.


The news is likely to further dampen expectations of rise in interest rates any time soon. Earlier this month, the Bank of England said that the outlook for global growth had weakened, which was depressing the risk of inflation. Following this report, many economists forecast that rates would not rise until well into next year. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. If you want to receive Breaking News alerts via email, or on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App then details on how to do so are available on this help page. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts.

Summary: UK inflation as measured by the Consumer Prices Index remained at -0.1% in October, figures show.


It was posted on Thursday on Twitter by the south Belfast politician. A number of politicians from Northern Ireland tweeted pictures of their ballot papers. However, Ms Hanna's photo showed her daughter holding a pencil with her hand, appearing to mark a ballot paper for the EU Referendum. A spokesperson for the Electoral Office said: "We would strongly discourage anyone from taking photographs inside the polling station." EU Referendum results The spokesperson added that "the requirement for secrecy around the conduct of the ballot is set out in the Representation of the People Act (1983)". The BBC contacted the SDLP press office to get a comment from Claire Hanna but is still awaiting a reply. However, in a Facebook post, Ms Hanna said: "This is literally the stupidest article I have ever read on what is the absolute opposite of a slow news day." Northern Ireland has voted to remain in the EU Referendum by a majority of 56% to 44%. However, the UK, as a whole, has voted by a narrow margin to leave the EU. Overall, 440,437 people in Northern Ireland voted to Remain in the EU and 349,442 to Leave. Out of 18 constituencies, 11 voted to stay in the European Union. The turnout in Northern Ireland was 62.7% with 789,879 people voting in the referendum. Get the results in full.

Summary: The SDLP MLA Claire Hanna has tweeted a photo of her daughter appearing to mark her referendum ballot paper in a polling station booth.


The 22-year-old played five songs, including Only Girl (In The World) and Cheers, which she dedicated to "all the semi-alcoholics in the world". Rihanna said the album had been recorded late at night after she came off stage on her Last Girl On Earth world tour. "I'd be doing vocals at 4am with a raspy voice," she joked. The record, Rihanna's fifth in six years, marks a return to the singer's pop roots after the bleak nihilism of last year's Rated R. That album, recorded in the wake of the star's assault by then-boyfriend Chris Brown, had a much darker tone - presaged by single Russian Roulette, which talked about a subservient, violent relationship. One track from the new album, S&M, revisits those themes, with Rihanna declaring, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but whips and chains excite me". But most of the new material presented a more carefree side to the Barbadian star. Fizzing synths, club beats and sing-along chants featured heavily, with three songs - Only Girl, What's My Name and S&M - produced by Norwegian team Stargate. The duo previously collaborated with Rihanna on dance tracks like Don't Stop The Music and Rude Boy. Cheers, which the singer also referred to by its working title, Drink It Up, was a funky, loping guitar groove dedicated to a night on the town. Despite its lyrical content, Rihanna confessed she was "too busy" to drink alcohol, and "hardly ever gets any sleep". The night concluded with a strummed, acoustic ballad called California King Bed, about a couple who sleep beside each other but feel "10,000 miles apart". Dressed in a figure-hugging white dress with a bold floral print, Rihanna sang along while her new music played, and chatted bashfully to a small audience of invited fans and journalists. She revealed that the new album would also contain a duet with R&B star Drake and a collaboration with hotly-tipped rapper Nicki Minaj on a track called Raining Men. "Thanks for coming along tonight, this really means a lot to me," she said. "Thank you for coming to hear my silly music." Loud is due for release in the UK in November.

Summary: Pop star Rihanna has unveiled tracks from her forthcoming album, Loud, at a club in London.


The city council is considering plans to build a Go Ape attraction in Roundhay Park, featuring aerial zip wires and rope walks. A petition against the plans has been signed by 1,500 people, who have said say they are concerned it will be too noisy and cause traffic problems. The consultation has been extended by the council until 17 January. Ben Davies from Go Ape said the issue of parking had been considered and would be addressed. "We are confident that we can overcome those issues and with any luck provide some additional car parking spaces for users," he said. "We hope that we can be of benefit to the local area in that respect." Richard Critchley, Chair of Friends of Roundhay Park, said: "We are frightened that we are commercialising and selling off the park bit by bit. "It would destroy the woodland because trees would be felled and then the excessive noise that would be created by people, the character of the area would be destroyed." Jan Rippin, who also lives nearby, added: "It is a free walking place, a woodland, you can see wildlife, you can see woodpeckers. With a big commercial event in one corner, I think it will destroy that part of the park. Go Ape said the attraction would create 30 jobs for local people, there would not be any music or public address systems and it would encourage children to exercise outdoors. Lucinda Yeadon, executive member for the environment and sustainability at Leeds City Council, said: "At the moment we are looking at new ways of bringing in income, and if we want to maintain our green spaces then we need to look at new ways of being able to do that." She said the plan would bring in a "significant" amount of money but that the council had to decide if it was the right decision. "I think we need to consider ways of bringing new attractions to the city, I think an attraction like Go Ape would be fantastic but we need to find an appropriate place for it to go," she said. Go Ape is aimed at people of all ages and has 29 locations in the UK and 12 in the United States.

Summary: Plans to build a high-wire adventure course in a Leeds park are being opposed by local residents.


The annual inflation rate stayed at 0.2%, according to the flash estimate from the EU's statistics agency Eurostat. Energy prices fell 5.6%, compared with a 5.1% drop in June. Food, alcohol and tobacco prices rose 0.9%. Eurostat also said that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 11.1% in June, for the third month. James Howat, European Economist at Capital Economics, said the figures were not positive: "Worryingly, surveys of employment intentions have weakened recently, suggesting that the labour market recovery will remain pretty weak." He also pointed out that the ECB still has a lot of work to do to hit its inflation target of "below, but close to, 2%". In March, the ECB began a massive â‚¬1.1 trillion bond buying programme in an attempt to stimulate the eurozone economy. Policymakers spent much of last year in fear of deflation. The worry is that if price falls become entrenched, consumers and businesses will delay purchases and investment in the expectation that prices will fall further.

Summary: Inflation in the eurozone held steady in July, as falling energy prices offset rises in industrial goods.


The double killer, who is in his 40s, is in the process of changing his name to start a new life, the court heard. The man, who was referred to as "C", had killed his ex-girlfriend and her new companion, the court heard. Anonymity was "necessary" for his reintegration into the community, the judges ruled. The anonymity issue came about after C, who was released in October, applied for a High Court judicial review of a decision by the home secretary to refuse him unescorted leave in the community. Stephen Knafler QC, appearing for C, accepted that his crimes were "high up on the scale of horrific". But he said legal challenges involving mental health patients should be held in private - or at least with the individual's identity protected. Lady Hale, the court's deputy president, described C's crimes as "horrendous" and said they had caused "incalculable distress to the families of the victims". But she said that without anonymity there was "a very real risk that the progress he has made during his long years of treatment in hospital would be put in jeopardy and his reintegration in the community, which was an important purpose of his transfer to hospital, will not succeed". "I would therefore allow this appeal and maintain the anonymity order in place," she said. She also said the public had a right to know what happened in the courts, and that sensible decisions were being made. But that "right to know" had to be balanced against the potential harm the disclosure of a patient's identity could cause to the patient "and perhaps also to the hospital, those treating him and other patients". The court judgement says the Parole Board agreed to the release of the man on life licence in September and had imposed a number of conditions. One of the conditions was that C continues to have psychiatric treatment.

Summary: A convicted murderer released on parole from a secure psychiatric unit has won his Supreme Court battle to keep his identity secret.


The latest figures, for 2011, show just 62% of newly qualified teachers were still in teaching a year later, the ATL annual conference has heard. This is a steep drop from 2005 when there were 80% still in teaching after a year, says the union. This is a "crisis of teacher supply" said general secretary Mary Bousted. "Teachers are leaving in their first year, or not starting teaching when they have completed their training," said Dr Bousted in her speech to the union's annual conference in Liverpool. "That's almost 11,000 qualified teachers never entering the profession - taking work elsewhere. Work with better pay and reasonable workload." The union's analysis draws on official Department for Education figures for 2011. The researchers added the figures for teachers who left the profession within their first year in service to figures for newly qualified teachers who never actually practised as teachers. The results suggest that in 2011 some 10,800 newly qualified teachers never entered service after completing their training, just over a third (38%) of the total. "Why are we losing the next generation of teachers, that new blood for the profession which should be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, full of promise and ambition?" asked Dr Bousted. "Is it, I wonder, because trainee and newly qualified teachers see very early on just what teaching has become and decide that they do not want to be a part of it? "Is it that they learn as they work with exhausted and stressed colleagues that teaching has become a profession which is incompatible with a normal life? "Trainee and newly qualified teachers cannot fail to understand that, despite Michael Gove's intentions, teaching has become a profession monitored to within an inch of its life." Dr Bousted said fear of the demands of Ofsted had led many head teachers to impose an excessive bureaucratic load on staff, "filling forms, inputting data, using three different coloured pens for 'deep marking' and so on". The increased workload adds "not one jot to the quality of teaching", she said. This exodus from teaching "could not happen at a worse time", said Dr Bousted. "We need our teachers and lecturers now, more than ever, if we are to face the challenge of change. "A tsunami of curriculum and qualification changes threaten to engulf schools and colleges as Ofqual, the qualification agency, marches on - leaving dismay and devastation in its wake," she told the conference. Dr Bousted concluded with a reminder that it is education professionals and not politicians who raise standards. She warned that failing to improve the lives of education professionals risked politicians reaping "the bitter reward of parental fury when there is no teacher for their child". In challenge to politicians to act she warned that this was no threat, but "a crisis of your own making".

Summary: Record numbers of new teachers are leaving the profession within a year of qualifying, according to a teachers' union's analysis of official figures.


Wolecki Black, 50, was taken by ambulance to Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. The former Glasgow City head coach took over from Gary Bollan in December after the latter had joined Forfar Athletic. Airdrie thanked their physio Kirsty Hughes and Cowdenbeath "for their prompt and professional response". Former Montrose player and manager Wolecki Black had initially joined Airdrie in September as director of coaching. That followed a spell working with Edusport Academy - a Scotland-based football academy for young French players - and a highly successful period in charge of Glasgow City. City won four successive Scottish Women's Premier League titles during Wolecki Black's time in charge and also reached the Uefa Women's Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 2014. Airdrie's 3-1 win at Cowdenbeath's Central Park moved them up to fourth in Scottish League One, just inside the promotion play-off zone.

Summary: Airdrieonians manager Eddie Wolecki Black is in a stable condition after taking ill during half-time of Saturday's win at Cowdenbeath.


There will be little space for civil society, no Western-style democracy and no listening to "well-fed foreigners who have nothing better to do than to lecture us". Instead the message of the Plenum is that President Xi wants a rules-based system in which a cleaned-up and competent Party/state bureaucracy continues to serve the "masses" unchallenged. Kleptocratic dictatorships which call themselves democratic are not thereby democratic. And the same applies to political parties which call themselves communist. The Chinese Communist Party is an entrenched ruling party whose guiding ideology is not Marxism but national "rejuvenation" and whose leader is now unashamedly reaching back to the language of his imperial forbears to unite his 1.3bn citizens. It would be easier for the world to understand if the Chinese Communist Party were to rename itself the Chinese Nationalist Party, but awkwardly that's the bunch the communists swept from power 65 years ago, so the name is forever off limits. Make no mistake though. Xi Jinping is a nationalist leader with a nationalist credo. In power for two years already, he has a further eight to go. If he can reform China's economy and hold its politics together, his era may see China overtake the US as the world's largest economy in absolute terms (it has just overtaken the US on the measure which takes account of differences in the cost of living). And by the time he leaves office in 2022, China may have built its own space station and assembled the military might to confront US strategic resolve in Asia. This is exactly what Xi Jinping means by "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation". But for China's "great rejuvenation" to succeed depends now on the success of enormously challenging economic reform, and that in turn depends on the resilience and flexibility of its politics. So what are Xi Jinping's politics? President Xi believes that China is special and different. As he puts it: "Several thousand years ago, the Chinese nation trod a path that was different from other nations." Two years into his leadership, the fond hope cherished by some dissidents and Western observers that he might be a closet liberal has been completely dashed. Since the US and China restored relations in 1979, successive US governments have argued that exposure to capitalism and globalisation would eventually bind China into the existing world order and advance the political freedoms that underpin it. But Xi Jinping has made it clear he has no time for either. Instead he is determined to make China's internal politics fit for a very different world order. And he is a more confident and purposeful leader than China has seen at the top since Mao Zedong or Deng Xiaoping. The evidence suggests that Xi Jinping simply doesn't believe in Western-style liberal democracy for China. Like many of his generation of Chinese leaders, he was dismayed by the collapse of communist rule in Moscow. He is famously reported to have said the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991 because "no-one had the balls to stand up for it". Observers often

Summary: At October's top level Communist Party meeting in Beijing, President Xi Jinping set out his vision for China's governance.


The Tories have promised £4bn extra but this equates to a £1bn rise in real terms, the independent think tank says. When growing pupil numbers are taken into account, investment per pupil will fall 2.8% by 2022, the IFS says. Labour has pledged to increase spending per pupil by 6% over the course of the next Parliament. The IFS says this would require an increase of around £4.8bn in real terms or 2017-18 prices. The Liberal Democrats' plans protect per pupil spending over the course of the Parliament in real terms at the present level (for 2017-18). This would require £2.2bn extra investment. Presently, the schools budget is £40bn a year. Luke Sibieta, associate director at the IFS, said: ""The commitments made by each of the main parties would imply quite different paths for school spending in the next Parliament. "Labour would increase spending per pupil by around 6% after inflation over the course of the Parliament, taking it to just above its previous historic high in 2015. "Proposals from the Conservatives would lead to a near 3% real terms fall in spending per pupil over the Parliament, taking it back to its 2010 level." The analysis of the headline figures comes as parents are preparing to hold events in different areas of England to highlight the cash crisis facing schools. The IFS has previously said schools are currently facing the first real terms cut for 20 years. Head teachers have been complaining of the tough decisions they have had to make about staffing and resources.

Summary: A new Conservative government would leave schools in England worse off financially than they currently are, the Institute for Fiscal Studies says.


It includes new taxes on businesses and the wealthy, Giorgios Stathakis told the BBC in an exclusive interview. Eurozone finance ministers have welcomed the plan, saying there could be a deal "within days". Greece will default if it does not repay a €1.6bn (£1.1bn) IMF loan by the end of the month. If that happens, it risks crashing out of the single currency and possibly the EU. Mr Stathakis told the BBC's Robert Peston he was confident Greece's new proposals to balance the government's books had broken the deadlock with its creditors. "We [will] try to remove the tax burden from pensions and wages towards business and the wealthy," he said. He said the proposals also included an increase in the VAT rate for some selected items. Greece's economy minister Giorgios Stathakis told me that his Syriza government, led by Alexis Tsipras, had avoided crossing its red lines with the new proposals. So, he said, there would be no further reductions in pensions or public-sector wages. And there would be no increase in VAT on electricity. He also said that the government had agreed with the IMF and eurozone governments that the targeted budget surplus would be 1% of GDP or national income this year, 2% next year and 3% the year after. There will be no agreement with creditors to cut Greece's massive burden of debt, despite Syriza's earlier insistence on this. But Mr Stathakis told me he expects eurozone government heads to issue a communique later saying that debt relief will be on the agenda for negotiation in coming months. Read more from Robert Speaking ahead of an emergency Eurogroup summit in Brussels on Monday, European Council president Donald Tusk said the latest Greek proposals were the "first real proposals in many weeks". "This evening I want all cards on the table. That doesn't mean I want to negotiate technical details, but it means I want to end this political gambling," he said. Talks have been in deadlock for five months. The European Commission, the IMF and the European Central Bank (ECB) are unwilling to unlock the final €7.2bn tranche of bailout funds until Greece agrees to economic reforms. Separately, the European Central Bank (ECB) again increased its emergency funding for Greek banks after anxious savers withdrew more than €4bn in recent days. Greek PM Alexis Tsipras, who has ruled out pension cuts, higher power rates, and an excessive budget surplus, said he hoped Greece would "return to growth within the eurozone". He met the heads of Greece's three international creditors in Brussels, ahead of his talks with the leaders of 18 other eurozone nations later on Monday. But eurozone finance ministers said they were not given enough time to study them for a proper assessment, amid confusion over different versions of the Greek proposals submitted. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Dijsselbloem described the proposals as "broad and comprehensive", but said work was needed to check they added up "in fiscal terms". One of the key power-brokers, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, told reporters his goal was to find an

Summary: Greece's economy minister has spelled out the terms of new proposals to end deadlock on its debt crisis, amid hopes a deal can now be struck this week.


The existing Langlands School building, which is based at Loreburn Park, is in a poor condition, according to the education department. They have proposed moving it to a new joint campus serving the north-west of the town. It is part of a wider scheme known as a the Dumfries Learning Town project. According to a report to Dumfries and Galloway Council's education committee, the school for secondary age pupils would be known as New Langlands School. It would be part of a campus at Alloway Road which would also incorporate Maxwelltown High School, and Lochside and St Ninian's primaries. Officers have recommended a formal consultation on the plan. They said parents and staff have reacted positively to the proposal during initial informal discussions.

Summary: A Dumfries school for children with severe and complex needs could be relocated to a new "learning campus" under new council plans.


Peers backed a government bill paving the way for gay couples to marry. It is set to become law by the end of the week, with the first weddings in 2014. Labour's Lord Alli said its passage meant "my life and many others will be better today than it was yesterday". But Tory peer Lord Framlingham said the "ill-thought through" change had been "bulldozed" through Parliament. Peers approved the principle of same-sex marriage last month, despite efforts by opponents to "wreck" the legislation. MPs had earlier done the same, in the face of opposition from many Conservatives, the Church of England and other faith groups. Supporters of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill wore pink carnations during Monday's proceedings in the Lords, during which a series of minor amendments - including one relating to pension benefits for same-sex couples - were proposed. Government minister Lady Stowell said the bill "puts right something which is wrong" and had been improved by detailed scrutiny in the Upper House. "I can't claim to be a gay rights campaigner, but I am a firm believer in justice and fairness," she said. But the Gay Marriage No Thanks group claimed it had been prevented from mounting an advertising campaign around Parliament after its truck was vandalised and its driver threatened. After clearing the Lords, the bill will return to the Commons for a short debate on government amendments before the Commons begins its summer recess on Thursday. The bill must then receive Royal Assent before it becomes law.

Summary: Same-sex marriage in England and Wales is a step closer to becoming law after the House of Lords approved the change.


It's not difficult to understand why. In her maiden event at this level, the British 400m champion joined an elite band of Scottish athletes. Only five others have won a medal at the World Athletics Championships. Liz McColgan is still the only Scot to have tasted individual success. That 10,000m gold in Tokyo back in 1991 will live long in the memory. Her daughter, Eilish, 10th over half the distance this year, is now hunting down mum's 5,000m personal best. Three Scots have stood on World Championships relay podiums and Clark is one of them. Eilidh Doyle, who took silver along with Clark this time round, and Lee McConnell are serial medallists as part of the 400m relay squad. In the sprint relay, the former European 200m champion, Dougie Walker, helped the British team to bronze in Athens in 1997. An honourable mention for Kirsten McAslan too. Not selected for the final, she nonetheless got a bronze medal two years ago in Beijing for helping the British team through the heats before watching them take third in the final. So half a dozen Scots have World Championships medals on the mantelpiece. We very nearly had two more in London. Media playback is not supported on this device Surely the best Scottish performer was Kilbarchan AC's Callum Hawkins, who followed up a fine top-10 performance at last summer's Rio Olympics with a superb fourth place in the marathon. He might not have seen the crown jewels along the way in an event that started and finished at Tower Bridge, but he was agonisingly within sight of a historic bronze. As it is, no British man has bettered his performance in a World Championships marathon. If Hawkins thought he was close to a medal, spare a thought for Laura Muir. Beaten to the bronze by seven one hundredths of a second. No wonder she collapsed to the track after the photo-finish with South Africa's Caster Semenya, unable and unwilling to look at the giant scoreboard that beamed out confirmation of her agony. Her time will come, though. Don't take my word for it: take Brendan Foster's. The English long-distance legend has made a solemn promise to BBC Scotland: Muir will be a major championship gold medallist within four years. We'll hold him to that, shall we? As well as the two silver medallists, and two fourth-placers, there were other fine performances from by far the biggest Scottish contingent ever to join a British team for the World Athletics Championships. In the 5,000m, Andy Butchart has a tough act to follow after Sir Mo Farah's retirement from the track, but he's finished in the top 10 at the Olympics and now the World Championships and surely has a great future ahead. Perhaps the best gauge of improvement is the contrast between these World Championships and the London Olympics. In 2012, only five Scots competed in track and field. None made a final. Fast forward five years and we have 16 Scots making the team; two winning medals and their compatriots qualifying for seven finals. The

Summary: Reflecting on a dramatic 10 days in and around the London Stadium, Aberdeen's Zoey Clark claimed she's in shock at what she's achieved.


The country's bank central bank also raised interest rates from 12% to 13% in a bid to stem foreign reserve loses. Nigeria has spent billions of dollars defending the naira using "dwindling foreign reserves", the bank's governor said. Falling oil prices also affected the Angolan kwanza, which hit a record low against the dollar on Tuesday. The bank's governor Godwin Emefiele said: "Falling oil prices have consistently reduced the accretion to external reserves, thus constraining the ability of the bank to continually defend the naira and sustain the stability of the naira exchange rate." The bank moved the target band of the currency to 160-176 naira to the US dollar, compared with 150-160 naira previously. It also raised interest rates by 100 basis points. Nigeria, which has one of the biggest economies in Africa, and is one of the continent's leading energy producers, has spent billions of dollars in the past year shoring up the naira, Mr Emefiele said. Foreign reserves stood at around $37bn (Â£23.5bn), down over 18% from a year ago. "Big surprises from the central bank," said Razia Khan, head of Africa research at Standard Chartered. "With these moves the central bank has shown absolute commitment to dealing with current challenges," she said. "They have not shied away from the tightening needed to sustain current FX [foreign exchange] reserves." Meanwhile, Angola's kwanza traded traded as low as 100.895 against the dollar before recovering some ground to 100.700 on Tuesday. Angola is Africa's biggest oil producer after Nigeria.

Summary: Nigeria has devalued the naira, saying a drop in oil prices had made it hard to defend its currency.


Philip Garvey, 56, his wife Ann, 55, and their children Emily, 23, and Daniel, 20, died when their plane came down in Somerset in November 2015. They were flying from Surrey to Devon. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it was possible Mr Garvey tried to manually start landing while the autopilot was still on. Mr Garvey had taken off from Fairoakes Airport, close to the family home in Woking, and was heading to Dunkeswell Aerodrome. The AAIB's report said it was an overcast and rainy day and all planned flights at Dunkeswell had been cancelled because of the weather. Several witnesses told investigators they heard a sound like a plane doing "aerobatics" before the Piper Malibu Mirage appeared from the clouds and hit the ground near Churchinford, south of Taunton. The AAIB said: "The evidence from the autopilot examination system suggested that, as the pilot turned on to the final approach and started to descend, the autopilot may not have been disengaged due to a mental lapse, incorrect button selection or a technical fault." The plane was seen to quickly climb into cloud before coming down. The AAIB concluded it was "unable to determine with certainty the reason for the initial rapid climb" but said attempting to override the autopilot would have caused the plane to go "nose up" as it would fight to maintain its set height. While the aircraft could still have been controllable, it said "recovery may have been beyond his capabilities". Mr Garvey had been a pilot since 2012 and had flown to Dunkeswell 25 times since 2013, including 14 times from Fairoaks. His instructors told investigators he was "less able than average pilots at multi-tasking and poor at prioritising especially when under pressure". Another instructor said Mr Garvey "would often have difficulty dealing with an unusual or unexpected condition".

Summary: A pilot who died along with his family when the plane he was flying crashed was "poor under pressure", his instructors have told investigators.


The internet retailing giant also said it expected to report a bigger-than-expected loss in the next three-month period. Amazon shares plunged over 10% in after-hours trading in New York. Investors have long been wondering when Amazon will turn its significant revenues into profits for shareholders. Amazon has been spending heavily in various new initiatives, including its Amazon Fresh grocery delivery service in the US, and its $1bn acquisition of video game streaming site Twitch. That has hurt profits at the firm, with operating expenses growing to $21.1bn, compared with the $17.1bn last year. Investors have been tolerant of Amazon's policy of reinvesting profits back into the firm. But patience has been wearing thin in recent months. Shares in the firm have fallen nearly 20% since the beginning of this year. In a statement accompanying its earnings, Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos chose instead to focus on the firm's holiday offerings during the crucial period in the run-up to Christmas. "As we get ready for this upcoming holiday season, we are focused on making the customer experience easier and more stress-free than ever," he said.

Summary: Amazon has reported a third-quarter loss of $437m (£273m) - up significantly from the $41m loss it reported for the same period last year.


He is currently the managing director of retail banking for the Ulster Bank group. Mr Donnan replaces Ellvena Graham, who is becoming a non-executive director of the bank. She held the position as â€Žhead of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland since it was created just over two years ago. Ulster Bank is the largest bank in Northern Ireland and the third largest in the Republic of Ireland. Its chief executive Jim Brown said: "I would like to wish Ellvena well as she departs her executive role. "She has always been a positive and energetic influence on the business with a solid understanding of what matters for our people and our business. "She has also been a great support to me personally." Mr Donnan has been with Ulster Bank for about 25 years.

Summary: Ulster Bank has appointed Richard Donnan as its new boss in Northern Ireland.


Speaking ahead of the register's launch, Alison White conceded a lot of lobbyists would not be listed on it. But she said her job was to make sure the rules were implemented and she would do so with "extreme verve and vigour." But one critic of the register said it was "fake" and full of "loopholes". Lobbyists are companies or individuals paid to influence government decisions. The coalition promised to introduce a statutory register of lobbyists when it came to power in 2010, and legislation was passed last year, with ministers saying the move would help clean up politics. However, the new register will only cover consultant lobbyists and will not apply to lobbyists working "in-house" for companies or organisations. A person or company will only need to be registered if they are contacting a government minister or permanent secretary in a government department - leading to criticism it will not come close to reflecting the scale or nature of lobbying that goes on across Whitehall. But Ms White, who is independent of the government, said her task was to implement the law as it stood not to question the powers she had been given. "We are having something that has never been in place before," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "This is a statutory register. The industry tells me it is a professional industry. I expect them to conform with the legislation. It is my job to make sure they do so." Ms White, who was appointed as the registrar of consultant lobbyists in September, acknowledged the register would not indicate different "levels of lobbying". "The legislation was quite narrowly drafted to address a particular issue, which was that it was not always particularly clear, when ministers were being lobbied, who the client of the lobbyist was. That is what the register was set up to do," she said. She added: "This will give anyone who wishes to access the register the opportunity to be able to see who is lobbying and being paid for it and who their clients are. That is the main information the register will contain. "If a lobbyist sets out to influence government policy in some way, they would have to be registered. If they are not registered, then they would not be conforming. They have to go on the register before they lobby." Ms White said last month that the register would not have any entries on its launch day but she had received more than "20 expressions of interest" about joining and companies and individuals might be required to sign up retrospectively. Potential registrants will be able to log on and create an account to file an "information return". But Tamasin Cave, from the Alliance for Lobbying Transparency coalition, said "hardly anyone" in the industry would be covered by the provisions of the new law. "You have a huge commercial lobbying industry, and very few of them will have to sign up," she told Today. "The second flaw is that it won't show the interaction between lobbyists and government, and that is

Summary: The woman in charge of the government's new register of lobbyists has said she expects the industry to "conform" with the statutory system.


The retired American, 36, said he felt "exploited" by McGregor's camp. Malignaggi also reacted angrily on social media to an image that showed him down on the canvas during one of two spars with UFC fighter McGregor. "This was a push down in sparring, post the whole video, rounds one through 12, unedited," he said. UFC lightweight title-holder McGregor will make his professional boxing debut when five-weight world champion Mayweather comes out of retirement to face him in Las Vegas on 26 August. Two-weight world champion Malignaggi had been one of the sparring partners helping to prepare McGregor. Malignaggi claimed he "beat the breaks off" McGregor during one session, and the Irishman pushed him down out of "frustration". In a post on Instagram, Malignaggi said he will not give away any of McGregor's tactics but added he will speak about what has "upset" him "in time". "I came with the best intentions and intended to help out," said Malignaggi. "It's some of the stuff outside the ring and some ways things were handled in training camp that I didn't agree with and made me come to this decision." Reacting later to the picture of him on the canvas on Twitter, Malignaggi added: "I came to help this camp out, not to be exploited, now you're going to get the truth." Retired referee Joe Cortez - who officiated when Mayweather beat Ricky Hatton in 2007 - has been working with the McGregor camp to assist in helping the UFC champion adapt to boxing rules. Earlier this week, Cortez revealed he had to stop a sparring session between McGregor and Malignaggi because the pair were "out of control". Prior to joining McGregor's team, Malignaggi told BBC Radio 5 live in May that "not a second" of the 29-year-old's bout with former five-weight world champion Mayweather would be competitive. A seat on the Las Vegas strip? Mayweather, 40, was undefeated in 49 bouts prior to retiring in 2015 and is a heavy favourite for the sold-out T-Mobile Arena bout. His promotional company has confirmed nine venues will be used on the Las Vegas strip to show the fight on closed circuit television at a cost of $150 (£114) a seat. Over 400 cinemas across the US will also broadcast the fight at a cost of around £31 a seat, with organisers confident of "sold out auditoriums". But earnings from home pay-per-view sales will make up the biggest portion of what is expected to be around $600m of revenue from the fight. Households in the US will have to pay $99 (£75) for high-definition pictures, while in the UK, the figure will be considerably lower at £19.95. Both fighters signed a confidentiality agreement, so their split of the earnings is not known, but it is widely accepted Mayweather will earn more than the reported £100m McGregor will make from his professional boxing debut. Mayweather has said he expects to earn "$300m (£228m) or better in 36 minutes".

Summary: Former world champion Paulie Malignaggi has left his role as Conor McGregor's sparring partner in the build-up to the Irishman's bout with Floyd Mayweather.


The former Deputy Chief Constable was confirmed in the top job at a meeting of Strathclyde Police Authority in Glasgow on Monday. The post vacated by Mr Corrigan will now be filled by former Assistant Chief Constable Rhuaraidh Nicolson. In turn, his position will be filled by Chief Superintendent Russell Dunn. Mr House was appointed last week to head up Scotland's new single police force, which comes into being in April next year. He has already said that as many as 3,000 support staff could be lost as he seeks to merge eight forces into one.

Summary: Campbell Corrigan has been named acting Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police following Stephen House's appointment to head Scotland's new single force.


Coach Michel Dussuyer has also left out Newcastle's Cheick Tiote, plus Siaka Tiene and Lacina Traore for the match on 6 September. Dussuyer says Toure is still thinking about his international future. "At the moment he's in a period of reflection about his international future," Dussuyer said. "I met him in London and told him I was counting on him. "He's a big player and the captain of the team. I hope he'll continue his adventure with us." Toure said in March that he was considering whether to continue playing for the 2015 Nations Cup winners. Dussuyer also explained the absence of several other experienced players. "As for Cheick Tiote we tried to get in contact with him through various means but there was no sign of life. "I just wish he had made his position clear. Siaka Tiene still doesn't have a club, "As for Lacina Traore and Tallo Gadji, I have to make a choice but it doesn't mean that I won't call on them in the future. "They will just have to play well for their clubs." The match will be played in the Nigerian city of Lagos as Sierra Leone are banned from hosting matches at home due to the Ebola crisis. Sierra Leone lost their opening Nations Cup qualifier 1-0 to Group I opponents Sudan in June. The group also includes 2017 Nations Cup hosts Gabon but their matches will not count towards qualification. Only the group winners advance to the finals. Ivory Coast and Gabon drew 1-1 in June. Ivory Coast squad: Goalkeepers: Sylvain Gbohou (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Ali Sangare Badra (Asec Mimosas) Made Sayouba (Stabaek, Norway) Defenders: Serge Aurier (PSG, France), Mamadou Bagayoko (KV St Trond, Belgium), Eric Bailly (Villareal, Spain), Simon Deli (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Sheriff Jymoh (Athletic Adjame), Franck Kessie (Cesena, Italy), Adama Traore (Basel, Switzerland), Ousmane Viera (Rizespor, Turkey) Midfielders: Jean Daniel Akpa Akpro (Toulouse FC, France), Ismael Diomande (St Etienne, France), Yao Serge N'Guessan (AFAD), Geoffrey Serey Die (VFB Stuttgart, Germany), Jean Michael Seri (OGC Nice, France) Forwards: Wilfried Bony (Manchester City, England), Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Gervinho (AS Roma, Italy), Max Gradel (Bournemouth, England), Salomon Kalou (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Giovanni Sio (Rennes, France), Thomas Toure (Bordeaux, France)

Summary: Manchester City's Yaya Toure has asked not to be included in Ivory Coast's squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.


Hamilton was 0.029 seconds quicker than team-mate Valtteri Bottas, and a second clear of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel in third and fourth. Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fifth, just 0.250secs behind Raikkonen. McLaren-Honda's dismal season of unreliability continued, with Fernando Alonso sent into a spin by a major engine failure on his first lap. Alonso spun to a halt in a cloud of smoke with oil pouring from underneath the engine after it failed coming out of Turn Two on his first lap. The Spaniard then left the track to go back to his hotel. Honda blamed the failure on "an oil leak" and said Alonso would be back out with a new power-unit in second practice. Alonso posted a tweet saying: "Keeping the body active," accompanied by an emoji with a halo and a photograph of himself with his trainer playing tennis. Honda have a small upgrade on the engine for this weekend but said the one he was using had previously run in Australia and China and in Bahrain until qualifying. In lovely spring sunshine and under a beautiful blue sky north of Barcelona, the teams spent the session evaluating the upgrades they have brought to this race. All the teams have new aerodynamic parts, as is traditional at this first European race of the season, and the most striking are on the Mercedes. The silver cars have a narrower nose, under which is fitted a unique new snow-plough style aerodynamic shaping device, as well as new parts all the way along the side of the car. So far, they appear to be working well, and Hamilton and Bottas traded times throughout the session, rarely separated by more than a few hundredths of a second. Hamilton arrived in Spain determined to make amends for a poor weekend two weeks ago in Russia, where he finished fourth and Bottas won. Bottas, by contrast, has made it clear that his focus has shifted to trying to win every race after an up-and-down start to the season in which he has been alternately impressive - with his first win in Russia and first pole in Bahrain - and not, such as when he spun behind the safety car during the Chinese Grand Prix. The two men are separated by 10 points in the championship, with Hamilton ahead and 13 points behind Vettel. Ferrari also have a series of aerodynamic changes on their car, as do Red Bull, who are hopeful their upgrade will clos the one-second gap that has separated them from the front-runners so far this season. It is too early to make any conclusions about relative pace, not least because Vettel's session was disrupted by a gearbox problem on the pit straight. He managed to pull of into the pit lane exit, from where the car was recovered and the Ferrari mechanics were able to repair the car and send him out again to set his fastest time.

Summary: Lewis Hamilton set the pace as Mercedes impressed in first practice at the Spanish Grand Prix.


Jason Kenny, Philip Hindes and Callum Skinner beat Poland by 0.051 seconds. Britain's women's team pursuit and team sprint squads both took silver, beaten by Canada and Russia respectively, and the men's team pursuit won bronze. Mark Cavendish is fourth halfway through the omnium after second places in the scratch and elimination races and a 16th in the individual pursuit. The Manxman, who is yet to win an Olympic cycling medal, is aiming to qualify for the track cycling team at the Rio Games in August but faces stiff competition from Ed Clancy and Jon Dibben for the omnium place. Olympic champion Laura Trott leads the women's omnium at the halfway stage, from USA's Sarah Hammer and Belarus' Tatsiana Sharakova.

Summary: Britain's team sprint squad started their Olympic year with victory at the Track Cycling World Cup in Hong Kong.


Mark Avis and Aaron Saddleton produced the rare feat while playing on the Royal Norwich Golf Club course. Bookmaker Paddy Power gave the odds of two amateur golfers scoring aces at the same hole as 25 million-to-one. Morgan Thompson, assistant professional at the club, said the achievement, reported first in the Eastern Daily Press, was "remarkable". Mr Saddleton, 29, from Norwich, was the first to tee off at the 135-yard hole and was delighted to sink an ace. But he had little time to celebrate as Mr Avis, 43, of Attleborough, quickly stepped up and repeated the feat. Mr Thompson said: "I was working in the shop at the time and suddenly saw everybody celebrating. "I don't think they could quite believe it and it was all they were talking about afterwards." Mr Thompson said the course averaged one hole-in-one every six months. The players were on opposing sides in a 2v2 game during a Norfolk Handicapped League match between Sprowston Manor Golf Club and Royal Norwich Golf Club.

Summary: Two golfers from Norfolk have achieved a 25 million-to-one double hole-in-one at the same hole.


And do not take my word for it, jockey Ruby Walsh, looking for his sixth win after five on the great Kauto Star, has two words to describe jump racing's William Hill-sponsored mid-season championship: "Bloody competitive." Walsh's mount Champagne Fever, trained in Ireland by Willie Mullins, has lack of steeple chasing experience and stamina for the three-mile distance to prove, with the former a more likely stumbling block. He is ranked second favourite behind last year's winner Silviniaco Conti, who, with Al Ferof, attempts to add to champion trainer Paul Nicholls' record haul of eight King George victories, five of them also with Kauto Star. Both horses turn up in apparently very good form, 'Silviniaco', after a November success at Haydock over fellow Kempton big-race challengers Menorah, Dynaste and Cue Card. Al Ferof, last year's third, who prefers the going on the drier side, made a superb return from an absence at Ascot, also in November, and given his conditions can be expected to play a major role. Menorah, a stellar mount for Tom O'Brien in place of the suspended Richard Johnson, has been magnificent this season with a good win at Wetherby followed by that gallant second behind Silviniaco Conti. There is no doubting he will put in another sterling performance, but there are doubts about whether he is likely to be quite good enough. Things have not worked out well so far for Cue Card, runner-up in the 2013 King George, with fourth places at Exeter and then at Haydock. Jockey Daryl Jacob, however, believes the eight-year-old, trained by Colin Tizzard and by his son Joe, the horse's now-retired ex-rider, will put in a better show especially as the Tizzard horses are going very well. My fancy though is for Dynaste, trained by David Pipe with, I imagine, this race very much in mind. The shrewd Pipe team will have been very satisfied with the encouraging nature of the already-mentioned Haydock third place by the grey, last year's fifth, and first or second at both of the last two Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals. Although also the winner of the 2012 Feltham Novices Chase - now the Kauto Star Chase - in heavy conditions, if the rain stayed away, as forecast, that would not do him any harm. And chatting to Dynaste's jockey Tom Scudamore did not put me off. He said: "He's one of the best chasers in the country. "You think of the likes of Dynaste, Cue Card, Silviniaco Conti, the main English guns as it were, they are all capable of beating each other, and none of their levels of form is much higher than the rest. "As boring as it sounds, it's just a case of who's better on the day. "You've got the Irish horse Champagne Fever as well, and he's very good. He's been doing a lot of his racing over two miles, so the hustle and bustle and speed of the race shouldn't affect him. "He should stay ok, but you can't be 100% sure until he's done it. "My horse ran well at

Summary: It looks like as wide-open a staging of jump racing's King George VI Chase as there has been for a bit, one of those occasions when you could go into the pub, tip one of five or six and not look ridiculous.


Held at the city's Eden Court, the line-up includes 34 films from 21 countries. Five of the features are UK premieres and 17 will get their Scottish premiere during the event, which runs from the 5-9 November. Documentary, The Possibilities are Endless, follows Scots singer Edwyn Collins' recovery from a stroke in 2005 with the help of his wife Grace. Collins will perform songs after the screening of the film. Foreign films are a key feature of the festival. This year's include Difret about a teenage girl in Ethiopia who is charged with murdering a 29 year old man after he abducts her. Winter Sleep, set in a small hotel in central Anatolia, will be given its Scottish premiere at Eden Court. Another feature that will be give its Scottish premiere in Inverness will be Fantail, a story about a white New Zealand woman who was raised as a Maori. The foreign language offerings also include Firestorm. Another is The Tribe. Festival director Paul Taylor said: "The Tribe is my pick of the festival, it's a unique and original film from Ukraine without words or subtitles or translation and is the most exciting and powerful film that you will see all year. "It's a true one of a kind, which after 120 years of cinema doesn't happen very often." Drama on and under water appear in a number of the films to be shown, including Kon-Tiki which is about Norwegian adventurer Thor Heyerdahl's 1947 bid to cross the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft. Angel Azul tells of the creation of an artificial coral reef by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Also on an aquatic theme is Once in Your Lifetime. It explores the idea that all keen anglers should try fishing on Scotland's lochs and rivers.

Summary: The programme for the 12th Inverness Film Festival has been announced.


Clement "Butch" Desmier, 68, was repeatedly stabbed with a knife and screwdriver at his home in August 2012. David Lawler, 33, and 20-year-old Nathan Jefferson - who turned 17 on the day of the killing - ransacked Mr Desmier's home as they hunted for cash. At Bradford Crown Court, Lawler was told he would serve at least 16 years, while Jefferson must serve 34 years. During the trial the jury was told how Lawler, from Shipley, had been given a 10-year extended jail sentence for slashing a man's throat with a Stanley knife nine days after Mr Desmier was murdered. The jury heard that more than 60 injuries were inflicted on the pensioner, whose face was covered with a cushion during the attack at his home in Rowlestone Rise, Greengates. Lawler - described as the "dominant personality" of the pair - denied murder and witness intimidation but was convicted last week. Jefferson pleaded guilty to murder. The police inquiry into the case lasted more than three years and included undercover work and a Crimewatch reconstruction of the attack.

Summary: Two men have been given life sentences for murdering a pensioner in a brutal stabbing attack in Bradford.


The 26-year old rejoined Stanley in the summer after spells at Stockport, Barrow and Chester on an initial one-year contract. McConville has scored five goals in 28 games in his second spell at the club. "Goals and assists are a plus but the most important thing is working hard for the shirt and I think I've done that," said McConville. Stanley boss John Coleman said: "He won't be the last to sign up. We expect a few more to be putting pen to paper over the coming weeks."

Summary: Midfielder Sean McConville has signed a new deal with Accrington Stanley until the summer of 2018.


A retired British doctor is hoping to trace the descendants of allied soldiers and nurses portrayed in a celebrated collection of World War One pastels. Doug Jenkinson, 70, became aware of the work of Swiss artist Eugene Burnand while exploring his own family history. From 1917-21 Burnand scoured three French cities finding sitters from over 40 nations. Not only did he seek out decorated officers, but ordinary soldiers, nurses, stretcher bearers and labourers. His portraits hang in the Museum of the Legion of Honour in Paris which is planning a centennial exhibition. A friend of Dr Jenkinson, Shirley Darlington, was so captivated by the images she wrote a book about the artist. "When you look at the portraits you can see their individual characteristics and their humanity. I think if their relatives knew of these portraits they would be so interested and proud of their ancestors." she added. Eugene Burnand's wife, Julia Girardet, would help him look for potential sitters by approaching people in uniform on the Paris Metro. His friend, Louis Gillet, who was an art historian and critic, described the sittings as "resembling a confessional", with Burnand sitting knee-to-knee with his subjects at his home. Burnand was quite well known at the time and the French military allowed him to visit barracks, where soldiers would be either recuperating or resting from action on the front line. Australian soldier Robert Hamilton later wrote in his diary about being approached by the artist while he was having breakfast. "Thought I was a typical Aussie, so more out of curiosity and to break the monotony of sightseeing I went. He treated me well and for two days I was well dug in at his home." The great-great granddaughter of French Alpine infantryman Fernand Ruan contacted Dr Jenkinson after finding her relative's picture on his website. The family sent him a photograph of Mr Ruan taken in 1973 (below right). He died seven years later. I tracked down the descendants of one of Eugene Burnand's British sitters, Rear Adm Sir Edward Heaton-Ellis. His great-great niece, Charlotte Chichester, had no idea about the portrait and said that despite his calm air of authority he had a tough life. Rear Adm Heaton-Ellis lost his parents as a small child and was brought up by his grandmother before going to a naval college at 14 and was sent to sea soon afterwards. He was decorated for his bravery and daring as Captain of the Inflexible at the Battle of Jutland. Despite surviving World War One he lost both his sons, one in action and the other to the flu epidemic of 1918. Eugene Burnand's great-granddaughter Francoise Witheridge said the portraits were his way of recognising the sacrifice made by so many different nationalities. "There were people coming from completely different countries to save France. I think that is what is most moving. "You see the portrait of the Sikh, the man from Baluchistan, the New Zealander, the Fijian. "Really it was his way of wanting to remember them all and thank them and the way he drew

Summary: Portraits courtesy Museum of the Legion of Honour


Two goals by Timmy Adamson in the first half appeared to have Crusaders in control but the Crues striker was later sent-off for two yellow cards. Dean Youle headed Bangor back into contention on 68 minutes with Andy Hall equalising with a superb free-kick. Sub Ethan Boylan scored two goals in extra-time to put Bangor through. He ran onto a flick on to shoot past keeper Sean O'Neill in the 99th minute. Boylan then produced a lovely finish for 4-2, lifting the ball over the stranded O'Neill to make sure of the victory. Adamson had given Crusaders the lead in the 24th minute after Stephen Cockcroft's cross had caused hesitation between defender Colin Nixon and keeper Paul Cairnduff. The Crues front man scored again on 36 minutes after Gavin Whyte had set the chance up. Adamson, who had been booked in the first half for a hand ball, was sent-off when a foul early in the second half resulted in a second yellow card. Bangor, seven points clear in the Irish League's second division, play the Crues again in the semi-finals of the County Antrim Shield. Bangor manager Garth Scates: "We were excellent from the start and had a couple of chances in the first half which we did not take. "We knew if we kept going forward we would get a chance to get into the game. "The sending-off helped and we went three at the back. What a team performance, they worked tirelessly." Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter: "The sending-off was stupid. Timmy is not a young lad, he is 32 and should have known better. "We made one or two changes with Saturday's match against Cliftonville in mind and it has come back to haunt us. "But there are more important things going on in the world than a game of football so we are not going to lose any sleep over it."

Summary: Championship One leaders Bangor came from two goals down to beat Premiership title challengers Crusaders in the League Cup quarter-finals.