Datasets:

sunhaozhepy

/

xsum_keywords

like 0

The 31-year-old Fiji international, who plays on the wing and at centre, has been with the Tigers for four years. He has made 78 appearances for the Welford Road club, scoring 32 tries in all competitions for them. "He will bring another dimension to our back-line firepower from next season onwards," director of rugby Dean Richards told the Newcastle website. Goneva has scored 15 tries for Fiji and won 39 caps, the most recent against Uruguay during last year's World Cup. "It says much for the current standing of the Falcons that we can attract a player of his calibre," Richards added. "We are getting not only a world-class player with Vereniki, but also somebody who has consistently proven they can thrive in the Premiership."

Newcastle Falcons have signed Vereniki Goneva from Leicester Tigers from the start of next season.

35870330

Newcastle Falcons, Vereniki Goneva, Leicester Tigers

Scientists believe kissing helps people judge the quality of a potential mate through taste, smell and fitness. Once in a relationship, the Oxford University study found kissing was a way of getting a partner to stick around. Women were found to value kissing more highly in long-term relationships. An online survey of 900 adults by the Oxford team, published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour, showed that men and women who were more attractive or had more casual sex partners were more selective in choosing mates, and those groups valued kissing more highly. This suggests that kissing helps in sizing up a potential partner, the study says. Professor Robin Dunbar, from the department of experimental psychology at Oxford University, said courtship in humans was complex and involved a whole series of assessments before men and women decided to carry on their relationship. "Initial attraction may include facial, body and social cues. Then assessments become more and more intimate as we go deeper into the courtship stages, and this is where kissing comes in. "In choosing partners, we have to deal with the 'Jane Austen problem': How long do you wait for Mr Darcy to come along when you can't wait forever and there may be lots of you waiting just for him? At what point do you have to compromise for the curate?" Prof Dunbar said that Jane Austen, whose works of romantic fiction included Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, realised that people were extremely good at assessing where they were in the "mating market" and pitching their demands accordingly. "It depends what kind of poker hand you've been dealt. "If you have a strong bidding hand, you can afford to be much more demanding and choosy when it comes to prospective mates," he said, If kissing plays a part in selecting a partner then it also plays an important role before sex in short relationships and at a range of different times in committed relationships, the study found. The study found that kissing was particularly important to women in long-term relationships. This may be because it plays a role in increasing feelings of affection and attachment among couples, the researchers suggest. Previous research had found that women placed greater value on activities that strengthen long-term relationships because being pregnant and raising children is easier when two parents are present. In another study in Human Nature, researchers from Oxford suggest that women's attitude to romantic kissing also depends on where in their menstrual cycle and their relationship they are. Women valued kissing most at the start of a relationship and around the time they were most likely to conceive in their cycle.

Kissing helps us assess potential partners if, like a Jane Austen heroine, we cannot wait forever for Mr Darcy to come along, a study suggests.

24478245

Kissing, Assessing Partners, Study Suggests

Yn ôl Drug Aid Cymru, mae hynny oherwydd cryfder y cyffur a nifer y defnyddwyr sydd ddim yn wybodus i wasanaethau. Dangosodd ffigyrau diweddar bod nifer y marwolaethau yn ymwneud â chyffuriau wedi cynyddu yn 2015, ar ôl gostwng am bum mlynedd. Dywedodd Llywodraeth Cymru y bydden nhw'n ystyried yr opsiynau a'i fod yn "flaenoriaeth" gweld y ffigyrau'n gostwng unwaith eto. "Mae marwolaethau yn debygol o gynyddu achos mae lot mwy o heroin o gwmpas, mae purdeb yr heroin wedi bod yn gryfach ac mae llawer mwy o bobl sydd ddim yn wybodus i wasanaethau," meddai Ifor Glyn, cyfarwyddwr rhanbarthol Drug aid Cymru. "Doedden ni methu mynd i'r afael â nhw. Mae'n rhywbeth sydd yn rhaid i asiantaethau fel ni ar draws Cymru ddelio ag o." Un ffordd o daclo'r broblem fyddai cael defnyddwyr i rannu gwybodaeth am eraill, meddai, neu sefydlu 'stafelloedd ble byddai modd i bobl gymryd eu cyffur yn saff. Mae Llywodraeth Cymru yn gwario £50miliwn y flwyddyn ar wasanaethau cyffuriau, ac fe ddywedodd llefarydd eu bod yn gwneud "popeth y gallwn ni i gyrraedd yr unigolion hynny sydd ddim ar hyn o bryd mewn cysylltiad â gwasanaethau camddefnyddio sylweddau".

Mae elusen wedi rhybuddio y gallai'r nifer o bobl sydd yn marw o orddos o heroin gynyddu yn 2017.

38485946

heroin, deaths, 2017

Mark Wylie, from Calne, beat off competition from 24 criers from around the world to take the title in Bermuda. Entrants in the three-day event were judged on "sustained volume" from a 20m (65ft) distance, diction and bearing among other things. Mr Wylie, who almost lost his voice in the effort, said: "I decided to give it my all and my all is what it took." Having been Calne's town crier since 2007, Mr Wylie normally dons a heavy, "made-to-fit" uniform in the colours of the town's flag. But to compete in the tropical heat, a special lightweight cotton outfit had to be made. "My normal regalia is 100% wool and I would have melted in that," he said. "So my wife made me a new set which was the right weight and very comfortable to wear." Held over three days with a different cry staged each day, Mr Wylie managed to oust the reigning world champion - Canadian Chris Whyman - by winning all three. "My voice is better than it was but it's still rough," he said. "Some criers seem to be able to bellow for as long as they like and it doesn't affect them at all. I'm not too bad usually but in the final round, I could feel it was already pretty hoarse." Despite almost losing his voice in the final stages of the competition, the Wiltshire crier not only took the championship trophy but the winner's reward as well. "It was an awful lot of rum, would you believe, which I need for medicinal purposes," he said.

A Wiltshire man has become the "first Brit" to win the title of International Town Crier.

32509613

Wiltshire man, International Town Crier, first Brit

The electrostatic coating allows the netting to carry much higher doses of insecticide. In experiments, the coating killed off many more mosquitoes than usual. Dutch researchers, writing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, say this could help control diseases such as malaria. Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes has become a significant problem in many parts of the world where malaria is endemic. It is thought that water-based spray insecticides and bed nets, which often contain low levels of insecticide, don't always kill the mosquitoes, allowing them to develop resistance. In this study, researchers from the Netherlands used a charged surface, originally developed for trapping airborne pollen, and applied insecticide to it. The long-lasting electrostatic charge allowed high levels of insecticide to stick fast to the netting, giving the mosquitoes a lethal overdose when they came into contact with the surface - even for just a few seconds. The technique was tested on different strains of mosquito in South Africa, Tanzania and at a lab at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. The research team found that the electrostatic coating of insecticide killed more mosquitoes than other nettings and, for certain insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, was 100% effective. Conventional nettings kill fewer than 10% of mosquitoes, the study said. Marit Farenhorst, who led the research, from In2Care at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, said the coating could be used on screens on windows and doors around the home, on curtains and walls, and in mosquito traps and wall ventilation tubes in homes. "It's a new way of trying to target and contaminate mosquitoes," she said. She also said the new method would be suitable for a number of different types of chemical insecticide. However, she said the coating was probably not suitable for bed nets because people regularly touch and wash them so the insecticide would come off over time.

A new method of applying insecticide to netting has proved 100% effective against some strains of mosquito, an international study reports.

34078819

100% effective , new method , insecticide application

It could see Spotify register shares on a stock exchange and become a publicly listed company without raising new cash, the Wall Street Journal reported. Shares would be traded on the day of listing, with the price based on supply and demand, rather than new investors buying shares the day before trading. Spotify declined to comment. A direct listing would save the music service the underwriting fees needed to launch an initial public offering (IPO), and would avoid diluting the value of existing stakes in the company. It could also sidestep a surge in first-day trading that often takes place after an IPO, which can signal that a company undervalued its newly issued shares. The tactic, though rare, is usually used by smaller companies that do not expect high levels of trading in their stock. A direct listing of a company is "basically just sticking it on eBay", says CMC Markets senior market analyst Michael Hewson. Whereas with an IPO new investors can buy shares from existing investors the day before trading begins, with a direct listing investors buy shares on the open market on the day they are listed for the going rate. Very rare. "No-one does it," says Mr Hewson. Normally firms use an IPO as an opportunity to make lots of cash. In general, IPOs can also cost a fair chunk of money, and, crucially for Spotify, they can take a lot of time to set up. An IPO needs an investment bank or banks to underwrite an issue of new stock. Underwriting often amounts to the bank buying new stock to resell after the company floats. The bank also looks at the company as part of the process for setting a reasonable initial offer price for the shares. The underwriters "build a book" - that is, they go to institutional investors to gauge the appetite for the shares in the company that's going to be floated. Fund managers say how many shares they want and the price they would be willing to pay, and the level of this demand is one of the factors used to set the initial offer price. All of this to-ing and fro-ing eats up cash and time - and for Spotify, the clock is ticking. In March last year, the firm raised $1bn from investors at an interest rate of 5% a year, plus a discount of 20% on shares once they list. But under the terms of the agreement, the interest rate goes up by one percentage point and the discount by 2.5 percentage points every six months until the shares are listed. So as time ticks by, Spotify has to pay more to its creditors, and give them more of a discount on shares. As well as being a faster process, direct listing also means fewer regulatory hurdles, and it helps keeps expectations about share prices in check. Spotify, which last year issued a $1bn (£801m) convertible bond, was publicly valued at $8.5bn (£6.8bn) in 2015. The Swedish firm was founded more than a decade ago and now has more than 50 million paying subscribers. This week it also signed a new long-term licensing deal with Universal Music Group, the world's largest record label. Spotify includes TPG and Goldman Sachs among its major investors.

Spotify is reportedly considering an unconventional direct listing on a stock market that stops short of a full-blown initial public offering.

39523865

Spotify, Direct listing, Initial Public Offering (IPO)

Global Wireless Solutions polled 2,000 mobile-phone users and found 40% had blackspots at home, with most problems reported in Liverpool and Cardiff. However telecoms analyst Matthew Howett says the situation is going to improve. He told the BBC: "This should get better as operators are using different frequencies to provide coverage." He added: "I don't think the results of the survey are hugely surprising as it is the sort of common problem most of us have experience of - whether at home or increasingly in the office. "But EE and Three offer something which lets you use your own existing broadband connection and equipment to make and receive calls and text messages although it might not currently work with every device. "For a long time, Vodafone and others have offered a product called a 'signal booster' which is a piece of hardware you connect to your home broadband to make the above possible and that would support a wider range of devices. "The advantage of the new solution from EE and Three is that you don't need that bit of kit." The survey revealed that the most likely blackspot in people's homes was in the kitchen and that Georgian houses or those built in the 2000s are the hardest in which to get a signal. Sixty per cent of respondents in Liverpool reported having problems making and receiving calls on their mobiles at home with 54% of people in Cardiff and 53% in Bristol also suffering. Paul Carter, chief executive officer of GWS, said: "The UK is no longer a fixed-line nation. When we're at home, we don't just receive calls on our mobiles, we make them too. The best phone is the one you've got on you - not the one sitting in its dock out in the hallway." However, the frustrations could soon be at an end, according to Mr Howett. O2 has committed to a regulatory requirement of providing indoor 4G coverage to 98% of the population by 2017 and he added: "I would be surprised if this problem lasts beyond then."

Nearly half of people living in Britain have problems making and receiving mobile calls at home, according to a survey by a network testing company.

33146158

Mobile Call Issues , British Homeowners , Survey Results

Academics from Edinburgh and Essex universities commissioned a survey of several thousand voters. The results indicated that just 3.4% of "No" voters saw "The Vow" as the main motivation for their decision. A spokesman for the SNP said polling immediately after the September vote produced a different result. The new research by the Centre on Constitutional Change found the biggest factor identified by opponents of independence in making their decision was "feeling British/believe in the Union", cited by 29.5%. Other factors highlighted included: Factors identified by Yes voters in explaining their defeat included: Report co-author Ailsa Henderson, of the University of Edinburgh, said: "There is clearly a divergence between the perception among Yes voters that the offer of more powers was an important aspect of the campaign and reality of how No voters reached their decision. "The issue of 'more powers' is not cited as the main reason for voting No. "However, Yes voters are convinced it caused a loss of nerve leading to support for the Union." Her colleague Dr Rob Johns, of the University of Essex, added: "The trajectory of opinion during the campaign suggests that the drift back to No predated the famous 'Vow' on the Daily Record's front cover. "It is not unusual for a misleading narrative to develop about what swung an election or referendum. According to our data, anyone who thinks 'it was the Vow wot won it' is exaggerating, to say the least. "However, once these narratives develop, they can be hard to shift. We may well see the effect of this one when voters turn out for the general election in May." YouGov questioned 4,849 people between 22 August and 17 September, 2014. They surveyed another 3,719 people from 22 to 26 September. Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont said: "All three pro-UK parties came up with plans for a more powerful Scottish Parliament before the referendum and, whoever is in power after the general election, those powers will be delivered to make Holyrood a more responsible and accountable parliament. "Contrary to Alex Salmond's bluster, we have all been good to our word on delivering these powers." A Scottish Labour spokesman commented: "While it is interesting to carry out these academic exercises, at the end of the day a substantial majority of the electorate voted to stay part of the UK." A spokesman for the SNP said: "While we were disappointed with the result of the referendum, this study shows that a clear legacy has been greater political involvement, particularly amongst young people, and that is something to be proud of. "Polling conducted immediately after the referendum showed that a quarter of No voters regarded the promise of extra powers as important in informing their decision - and nearly 10% of No voters only made up their mind in the last week. "Undoubtedly, the Westminster parties published the Vow because all of their information indicated that it would have a big impact on the result."

The promise of more powers for Holyrood made little difference to the outcome of the independence referendum, according to a new report.

32083974

Holyrood , independence referendum , report

Seaward, 29, cut almost four minutes off his personal best as he clocked 2:14.52 - the Rio standard is 2:17.00. Fellow NI runner Paul Pollock was also inside the standard but his 2:15.38 was only the fourth Irish finisher. Moldovan-born Sergiu Ciobanu clocked 2:15.14 with Raheny's Mick Clohisey just ahead of Pollock in 2:15.35. Ireland will only be able to send three male marathon entrants to Rio so Pollock now faces the prospect of having to run quicker next spring if he wants to maintain his Rio dream. Clonliffe athlete Ciobanu declared for Ireland during the summer and has been a regular on the distance running scene in his adopted country for several years. "I thought I'd run around 2:15 but I didn't think I could go inside it so I'm absolutely delighted," said Loughborough-based teacher Seaward after his impressive run. The St Malachy's athlete set his previous personal best of 2:18.46 at the Manchester Marathon last year. Pollock lamented some recent injury problems which hindered his efforts. "Three weeks ago I had an 11 centimetre tear in my quad so I wasn't able to run for about 10 days and then it was a week of two or three miles a day," said the 28-year-old, whose time was 52 seconds inside his previous personal best set in Dublin in 2012. "I caught Mick with four or five miles to go but he caught me with 3K to go. "In the Brandenburg Gate, it was a kick for the finish and everything seized up and I walked over the line. I'm gutted I'm fourth Irishman." Lizzie Lee has no such worries over her Rio selection after moving to fifth on the all-time Irish list with a 2:32.51 clocking, which was over nine minutes inside the Olympic standard. The 35-year-old Cork mother set her previous best of 2:38.09 in Berlin two years ago.

Belfast man Kevin Seaward put himself in line for Olympic Games selection after comfortably achieving the marathon standard in Berlin.

34378482

Kevin Seaward, Olympic Games selection, marathon standard

Minh To, of Stockport, Greater Manchester said he was left "scared" and "terrified" after seeing pictures of the five-bedroom home on Rightmove. Police later discovered two men had stolen his mail and forged his signature in order to falsify the documents needed to auction the house. Two men have been jailed for their part in the scam at Preston Crown Court. Mike Haley, deputy chief executive of the fraud prevention organisation CIFAS, said Mr To had been "more vulnerable" to the fraud because he had paid off his mortgage. Saeed Ghani and Atif Mahmood both admitted conspiracy to defraud. Ghani, 30, of Polefield Circle, Prestwich, was jailed for seven and a half years. Mahmood, 42, of Sarnsfield Close, Gorton, was sentenced to two years and nine months. On Wednesday a third member of the gang, Toma Ramanauskaite, was sentenced for a separate fraud. Mr To was first alerted to what was going on when he received a phone call from his daughter in November 2012. He said: "She rang me and said 'where are you going?' I said 'I'm going nowhere'. Then she said 'Why are you selling the house then? I've seen it on Rightmove'. "I didn't know what to think. I felt terrible. I felt scared." Mr To logged on to the website to find the advert featured several pictures of his home and was inviting bids starting at £300,000. The details even included a request that the tenants were "not to be disturbed". Police later discovered Ghani and Mahmood carried out the fraud after stealing three utility bills from Mr To's mailbox. Having forged his signature, they then transferred the deeds to his house into Ghani's name. They put the property up for auction in the hope it would sell quickly, without the need for estate agents to show people around. Mr To discovered the advert just three days before the auction was due to commence. The court heard Ghani had carried out a similar fraud targeting a couple in Bolton, using fraudulent passports to transfer the deeds to their £300,000 house into his name. Working with Ramanauskaite, he also took out driving licences in the names of a couple from Salford, before stealing their savings of £90,000. Ramanauskaite, 30, of Spring Street, Bury, also admitted conspiracy to defraud and was sentenced to 14 months, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 250 hours in unpaid work. Because Mr To had paid off his mortgage, the men were able to transfer the deeds without needing the extra authority of the lender. He believes the rules need tightening before more people are targeted. "It's very simple. The government should make it the law that if you're going to change the land registry deeds you should need two signatures," Mr To said. Det Sgt Phil Larratt, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "As this case demonstrates, fraudsters can use your identity details to open new bank accounts, request new driving licences and even try and steal your own home. "We urge the public to secure their mail boxes and employ measures to protect their identities."

An identity fraud victim has described the horror of discovering his £500,000 home up for sale on a property website.

38080102

identity fraud, property sale, horror experience

A Metrolink driver reported a collision involving a tram and a pedestrian at about 19:45 BST on Sunday, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) said. A 31-year-old woman is being questioned in police custody. The woman arrested was not the tram driver, police confirmed. Metrolink customer director Stephen Rhodes said he was "absolutely devastated" to hear someone had died. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the man died at the scene. There was disruption to services on the Bury line for several hours affecting those attending Parklife festival. Metrolink issued a walking map to help those travelling from the festival at Heaton Park return to the city centre. Parklife finished at 23:00 on Sunday. The three-mile walk should take about an hour. Some people questioned the advice on Twitter, suggesting telling young people to walk the distance in wellies in the dark was "unbelievable". Others said they thought there would be safety in numbers. Metrolink tweeted there was an "ongoing medical emergency" and advised passengers to avoid Manchester Victoria station. In a statement, Mr Rhodes, added: "My immediate thoughts are with this person's family and friends. "As this is now a police investigation it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment about what happened at this time." He encouraged those who were able to walk to do so and said 100 buses were also in place, adding: "I'd ask everyone to please bear with us and be patient." Metrolink said "a good service" was in operation on all lines on Monday and trams were operating in and out of Victoria.

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was hit by a tram and died at Manchester's Victoria station.

40244537

Arrested, Suspected Murder, Manchester's Victoria Station Incident

The blaze started at the detached building in Drivers End in Codicote, near Welwyn, during the morning. There was another fire at the building 20 years ago, after which fire-proof foil was placed under the thatch, which is protecting the main building. More than 15 fire engines and support vehicles were called to tackle the blaze. Roads in the area were closed and traffic diverted.

A major fire has been burning in the thatched roof of a large property in Hertfordshire.

33497789

major fire, thatched roof, Hertfordshire

Nathan Dyer scored the game's only goal, with visiting keeper Tom Heaton failing to keep out his low shot. Burnley came close to equalising through Lukas Jutkiewicz and David Jones in the second half. Media playback is not supported on this device But Swansea withstood the pressure and, following last Saturday's first league win at Manchester United, are level on points with top-of-the-table Chelsea. Defeat for Burnley, meanwhile, leaves them still searching for a first Premier League point of the campaign, although their battling display will have been encouraging for manager Sean Dyche. Swansea boss Garry Monk named an unchanged team from the opening-day triumph at Old Trafford, with new signings Federico Fernandez and Tom Carroll left out of the squad. Burnley also stuck with the same side which lost 3-1 to Chelsea on Monday, although Stephen Ward was named on the bench after joining from Wolves. The opening defeat by Chelsea was a chastening reintroduction to Premier League football for the Clarets, who were overwhelmed in midfield, and they were similarly outnumbered by Swansea. The hosts stretched their opponents at every opportunity, with wingers Dyer and Wayne Routledge particularly threatening in the opening exchanges. Routledge created early chances for Wilfried Bony and Gylfi Sigurdsson, but it was Dyer who opened the scoring. Latching on to Sigurdsson's through ball, Dyer scampered into the penalty area and shot low into the net despite a touch from Burnley keeper Heaton. Media playback is not supported on this device Swansea were well worth their lead and, apart from a swerving 20-yard shot from Burnley striker Danny Ings, Monk's men were not troubled during a comfortable first half. They faced a reinvigorated Burnley side after the restart, however, and the visitors were close to equalising when Jutkiewicz headed narrowly over after an hour. Jones then had a shot palmed wide by Lukasz Fabianski, while Swansea brought on summer signings Bafetimbi Gomis and Jefferson Montero for Bony and Dyer as they sought to regain the initiative. Although Gomis and Montero injected pace and urgency into the home attack, it was the Swansea defenders who were most influential in the closing moments. With captain and centre-back Ashley Williams a steadying presence on his 30th birthday, the Swans repelled a flurry of late Burnley attacks to cling on to a second successive win and consign the Clarets to another defeat. Swansea manager Garry Monk: "It's a fantastic start and great to have six points. "It's the best start we could have had, but we know we are only two games from being on your back and getting dragged down. "We have to build on what we've done and improve on mistakes." Burnley manager Sean Dyche: "We showed them too much respect in the first half and that can happen for a team that's just been promoted. "I want them to play with freedom, quality and energy and I thought we did that in the second half. "I want us to be brave, but not in a naive way. We want to play on the front foot, create chances and win games."

Swansea City made it two wins from two Premier League games as they held on to beat promoted Burnley.

28816889

Swansea City, Premier League, Burnley

Officials have also banned demonstrations to prevent unrest after the elections. Estate agent Adama Barrow is challenging President Yahya Jammeh, who says divine intervention will give him a fifth term. The Gambia has not had a smooth transfer of power since independence. The BBC's Umaru Fofana in the capital, Banjul, says turnout in the election appears to be very high. Our correspondent went to a polling station outside Banjul, where he witnessed long queues of voters waiting to cast their votes. The results of the election are said to be expected later tonight. The Gambia has a unique way of voting for the president. Instead of using ballot papers, voters put a marble into a coloured drum for their candidate. The system is aimed at tackling illiteracy and preventing rigging. In the 2011 election, only two votes were declared invalid after people placed their marbles on top of drums. Observers say Mr Barrow, who, according to British news reports, was once a security guard in the UK high street store Argos, has generated fresh enthusiasm among opposition supporters. Human rights groups accuse Mr Jammeh, who has in the past claimed he can cure Aids and infertility, of repression and abuses. Several previously better-known opposition leaders are in jail after taking part in a rare protest in April. Observers from the European Union (EU) and the West African regional bloc Ecowas are not attending the vote. This poll in The Gambia is different. An unprecedented number of people turned up at opposition rallies ahead of the election. For a country that has known only two presidents since independence from the UK 51 years ago, its mostly young population is yearning for change. The economic challenges besetting this small West African nation have forced many to make the perilous journey to Europe, with some drowning on the way. President Jammeh has said he will rule for a billion years if Allah wills. Mr Barrow says he wants to bring the country back from the brink and restore human rights and true democracy. Mr Jammeh's supporters say he has spread education and health care to remote parts of the country. However, his critics accuse him of repressive tendencies with many dissenting voices either killed, jailed or forced into exile. Gambian officials opposed the presence of Western observers, but the EU says it is staying away out of concern about the fairness of the voting process. The African Union, however, has despatched a handful of observers to supervise the vote. The Gambia, a tiny country with a population of less than two million, is surrounded on three sides by Senegal and has a short Atlantic coastline, which is popular with European tourists. Mr Jammeh took power in a 1994 coup. Ahead of the vote, rights groups expressed concern over a possible flare-up of violence. However, campaigning passed off almost smoothly without a major incident. On Tuesday Mr Jammeh warned his rivals against contesting the outcome of the vote. "Our election system is fraud-proof, rig-proof, you cannot rig our elections," he said. "There is no reason that anybody should demonstrate. [Demonstrations] are the loopholes that are used to destabilise African governments.'' Mamma Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress is also in the race.

The Gambia has banned the internet and international phone calls as presidential elections are held in the West African state.

38157127

The Gambia, internet ban, presidential elections

After talks with UN and Arab diplomats in Geneva, he said progress had been made on a plan to reduce violence in the second city of Aleppo. However, he said more work was needed and there was no guarantee of success. A cessation of hostilities has reduced fighting in Syria's five-year civil war but has unravelled in recent days. About 250 people have reportedly been killed in Aleppo in the past nine days. On Monday, fresh government air strikes and artillery attacks on rebel-held districts and suburbs of Aleppo left at least three dead, according to activists. Mr Kerry, speaking alongside UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura after a morning of talks in Geneva, said the conflict was "in many ways out of control and deeply disturbing". He said the nine-week-old cessation of hostilities had had "a profoundly positive effect" and saved many lives, but in recent weeks it had been "put to the test". Mr Kerry said the goal was to reinforce a broad truce that could withstand further tests. He also promised more ceasefire monitors to track violations "24 hours a day, seven days a week". "We're trying to press this as fast as possible but I don't want to make any promises that can't be kept," he said. The US secretary of state said a recent air strike on a hospital in Aleppo, which he blamed on the Syrian government, was "unconscionable" but he added that both sides, the opposition and the regime, had contributed to "this chaos". Before leaving Geneva, Mr Kerry spoke by telephone to his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov. Both men reiterated calls for all sides to observe the cessation of hostilities, the Russian foreign ministry said. Mr de Mistura is due to travel to Russia on Tuesday. Mr Kerry's trip to Geneva was hastily arranged after Mr de Mistura appealed to the US and Russia, which back opposing sides in Syria's five-year conflict, to rescue the cessation of hostilities they brokered in February. At the start of a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on Monday, Mr Kerry said he would press rebel groups in Aleppo to separate themselves from the powerful jihadist group, al-Nusra Front. "This is what we're discussing, among other things. There are a number of different ways to approach it," Mr Kerry told reporters. "We're getting closer to a place of understanding. But we have some work to do." The Syrian government and Russia have said the Aleppo air strikes are targeting only al-Nusra, which is affiliated to al-Qaeda and is excluded from the cessation of hostilities along with the rival Islamic State group. However, the opposition and the US have dismissed the claim, and accused the government of targeting civilians and rebels abiding by the cessation of hostilities. "What is happening in Aleppo is an outrage. It's a violation of all humanitarian laws. It's a crime," Mr Jubeir said, adding that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would be held accountable and would be removed from power either through a political process or by force. The fighting in Aleppo has also seen dozens of civilians killed in rebel artillery attacks on government-held areas. After at least 50 people were killed in a reported government air strike on a hospital last Wednesday night, the International Committee of the Red Cross warned that Aleppo was being "pushed further to the brink of humanitarian disaster". Large parts of the city have been destroyed and its infrastructure has been severely damaged, leaving civilians without water and electricity for months. The talks in Geneva come a day after the Syrian military extended a "regime of calm" around the capital, Damascus, for another 24 hours. The unilateral truce also covers the northern countryside of the coastal province of Latakia, More than three dozen rebel factions said on Saturday that they would not respect the truce, unless the government agreed to extend it over the whole country.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has said the Syrian conflict is "in many ways out of control", as he made a fresh push to salvage a fragile truce.

36183569

US Secretary of State, John Kerry, Syrian conflict

The referendum over whether to remain as five states or form a single region runs until Wednesday. It is being held amid ongoing insecurity and many displaced people have not been registered to vote. The US has said the vote will not be credible but President Omar al-Bashir insists it will be free and fair. Bashir defiant on Darfur tour "If held under current rules and conditions, a referendum on the status of Darfur cannot be considered a credible expression of the will of the people of Darfur," said US State Department spokesman Mark Toner. The referendum is the last step in a peace process negotiated in Doha. Rebels have long requested more regional powers to end what they see as Khartoum's interference in land ownership conflicts. If Darfur chose to form one region, it would carry more weight within Sudan, they believe. But the BBC's West Africa Correspondent Thomas Fessy, who recently visited Darfur with Mr Bashir, says many of those who initially wanted this referendum will be likely to boycott the vote because they say it will not be fair. More than 2.5m people remain displaced in Darfur and 130,000 more have fled renewed violence this year, the UN says. Some 300,000 people have been killed since conflict broke out in the troubled region in 2003. Janjaweed militiamen riding horses spread terror in a multi-layered conflict after rebels took arms against the central government, feeling marginalised. The Janjaweed were used by the government alongside bombing campaigns. Today, many have been integrated into the Rapid Support Forces, currently fighting in the Jebel Marra region. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has indicted President Bashir on counts of genocide and war crimes committed in Darfur. Mr Bashir - who has told the BBC he will step down as president in 2020 - has dismissed the ICC as a "political tribunal".

The western Sudanese region of Darfur is to vote on its administrative status, 13 years after the start of a conflict which has left 300,000 dead.

36012016

Darfur, administrative status vote, 13-year conflict

Defence coach Shaun Edwards and forwards coach Robin McBryde are out of contract at the end of the World Cup. And attack coach Rob Howley's deal will expire after next summer's tour. Given Gatland is under contract until the 2019 World Cup, Davies said he "may well look to see if there's a need to renew the coaching set-up". Head coach Gatland and his assistants have worked together since 2008, winning three Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, and fly-half Dan Biggar has said it is vital they remain in place. Having reached the World Cup semi-final in 2011, they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage this time by a 23-19 loss to South Africa. Davies said he and Gatland will now evaluate the performances, which included a win over England in the pool stage, and discuss what happens next. "We'll have a conversation to see how everything went in the competition," Davies said. "It's not just when you fail to get out of the group that needs to be done, like all the focus has been on England. "There needs to be a review on how we can improve moving forward." Media playback is not supported on this device The Rugby Football Union has begun its inquest into England's disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended at the pool stage following defeats to Wales and Australia at Twickenham. If the report's conclusion is to sack head coach Stuart Lancaster, reports suggest England may attempt to tempt Gatland away from Wales. Edwards, who has moulded Wales into one of the world's best defensive outfits, could also be courted by England, especially given his immediate availability. Gatland's worth to Wales was highlighted in December 2013 when he was given a contract extension until 2019 and Davies fully expects him to see it through. "I think he's done some really good work to be perfectly honest," Davies added. "If you look at all the difficulties we've had in this competition... the fact is that we've performed better than the expectation, when you consider all the injuries we've had. "So as I said, Warren has a contract that lasts another four years so it's up to him to assess who he wants for Wales. "I'm not really interested in all this talk in the papers of who wants him, because that fact is he's under contract with the Welsh Rugby Union."

Warren Gatland will be the one to decide whether changes are needed to his coaching team, according to Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies.

34571973

Warren Gatland, coaching team, decision-making

Roberto Firmino's brace had cancelled out Fernando Llorente's double but Gylfi Sigurdsson sealed a valuable three points with a 74th-minute strike. Swansea had never won before at Anfield where Toshack played for eight years. "Liverpool probably thought it was going to be a lot easier than it turned out," Toshack told BBC Radio Wales. "The way Swansea won it was great. Football is full of these surprises. "It's one of the results of all time in the history of the football club. It's got to give them a terrific boost." Toshack had said Swansea would be relegated from the Premier League prior to their game against Liverpool and questioned Paul Clement's appointment. Media playback is not supported on this device The former Liverpool striker said the Swans deserved their victory, however, and claimed it was not only down to a poor Liverpool performance. "In the first half, Swansea were very well focussed and organised. Liverpool probably thought the game was going to be a lot easier than it turned out to be. "Swansea, to go away from home and score three goals at Anfield or anywhere in the Premier League is a terrific achievement. "As disappointing as Liverpool were, you have to look at how focussed Swansea were particularly in that first 45 minutes."

Swansea City's win against Liverpool at Anfield was one of the greatest victories in their history, according to former manager John Toshack.

38707498

Swansea City, Liverpool, historical victory

The 22-year-old can go straight into the Baggies squad for Tuesday's Premier League game at home to Swansea City. A product of Spurs' academy, he made his first-team debut in 2014 after loan spells at Peterborough and Swindon. Pritchard, who spent last season on loan at Brentford, where he scored 12 goals in 47 games, has played just once for Spurs this season. The England Under-21 international signed a new four-year deal with Tottenham last summer. "It's been a hectic few hours - I was close to going elsewhere," he said. "But when this came about I didn't hesitate to come here." "West Bromwich Albion indicated that they had no intention of changing their stance on selling Saido Berahino in advance of deadline day, and were true to their word, despite endless hyping of the possibility from outside. "However much money Newcastle did offer, it wasn't enough to tempt chairman Jeremy Peace to sell, and that in turn made it much less likely Albion would expand their squad. "The one deadline day signing day they did make was talented young midfielder Alex Pritchard, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur." Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

West Bromwich Albion have signed Tottenham midfielder Alex Pritchard on loan until the end of the season.

35459082

West Bromwich Albion , loan signing , Alex Pritchard

The Dutchman was teed up on the edge of the area by the excellent Dusan Tadic and connected with the outside of his boot to drive his shot into the top corner as Saints took the lead on 25 minutes. The Baggies pressed for an equaliser but failed to score for the fifth time in their last six games. They were continually thwarted by England goalkeeper Fraser Forster who made three stunning saves. The first saw him claw away a Salomon Rondon header in the first half and he then denied Craig Dawson and Jonny Evans deep into injury time as Saints held on for the win. Tony Pulis' side have now lost four of their last six and are stuttering in their attempts to achieve their best league finish since 1981, when they came fourth. The win leaves ninth-placed Southampton just four points behind the Baggies, who stay eighth. Scotland winger Matt Phillips made his first start since February, but he could not inspire West Brom. Last season they failed to win any of their last nine league games, with five defeats and four draws. They are three games into their final nine matches of this campaign and their record reads two defeats and one draw. While goals are clearly a problem at the moment, the Albion defence is also struggling with just three clean sheets in their last 20 league games. Albion were not short on chances with 17 shots in the game, six of which were on target. They had 18 attempts in the 2-0 midweek defeat by Watford and Pulis is disappointed his side are not taking their chances. "We have had 35 shots over the last two games, we need to have more composure and steadiness in front of goal," Pulis told BBC Sport. Still, barring a dramatic collapse, they should be able to achieve the Chinese owners' target of a top-10 finish this season. Performances like today will put Forster back in contention to challenge Joe Hart for the England jersey. The 29-year-old made six saves today and manager Claude Puel paid tribute. saying: "Fraser was the difference at the end, he preserved the three points." It was his two injury-time saves that really caught the eye. In the 93rd minute Jake Livermore played the ball over the top and Dawson managed to connect with a volley that Forster saved at point-blank range. Two minutes later, Chris Brunt's corner was flicked on by Livermore and Evans' side-footed shot was slapped away by the former Newcastle keeper. Before those heroics it had been Tadic who had starred for Saints. Since making his Premier League debut in August 2014, following his £10.9m move from FC Twente, he has provided 24 assists. Only Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas (32), Arsenal's Mesut Ozil (30) and Tottenham's Christian Eriksen (26) have more. Southampton have now lost just one of their last six league games, after losing six and winning just one of the seven before that. Media playback is not supported on this device Puel told BBC Sport: "It was an excellent performance. We played a good first-half and could have scored another goal. It was a perfect second half, you can see the character of the players and the team. "To get a clean sheet here is good with the quality of West Brom and the quality of their set-pieces. After the win against Crystal Palace, it's another good performance in terms of consistency. "Fraser was the difference at the end, he preserved the three points." Media playback is not supported on this device Pulis told BBC Sport: "We created better opportunities in the second half and as the game went on we controlled the last 25 minutes and I felt we did enough to get something out of the game. "It is disappointing considering the chances were there, especially in the second half. We have had 35 shots over the last two games. We need to have more composure and steadiness in front of goal. But I can't fault my players today, over the last 25 minutes they showed their mettle and kept going." Southampton welcome Manchester City to Saint Mary's on Saturday, while West Brom host Liverpool on Sunday. Match ends, West Bromwich Albion 0, Southampton 1. Second Half ends, West Bromwich Albion 0, Southampton 1. Attempt saved. Jonny Evans (West Bromwich Albion) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by Jake Livermore with a headed pass. Corner, West Bromwich Albion. Conceded by Jack Stephens. Fraser Forster (Southampton) is shown the yellow card. Attempt missed. Nyom (West Bromwich Albion) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. Attempt saved. Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Jake Livermore with a cross. Foul by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Southampton). Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Southampton) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by James McClean (West Bromwich Albion). Corner, West Bromwich Albion. Conceded by Ryan Bertrand. Substitution, Southampton. Harrison Reed replaces Jordy Clasie. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Southampton) because of an injury. Attempt blocked. Jake Livermore (West Bromwich Albion) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Nyom. Attempt blocked. Salomón Rondón (West Bromwich Albion) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by James Morrison. Corner, West Bromwich Albion. Conceded by Cédric Soares. Foul by Shane Long (Southampton). Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Attempt missed. Hal Robson-Kanu (West Bromwich Albion) right footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. Cédric Soares (Southampton) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Salomón Rondón (West Bromwich Albion). Corner, West Bromwich Albion. Conceded by Maya Yoshida. Cédric Soares (Southampton) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul. Foul by Cédric Soares (Southampton). Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Corner, Southampton. Conceded by Chris Brunt. Corner, West Bromwich Albion. Conceded by Maya Yoshida. Attempt blocked. Salomón Rondón (West Bromwich Albion) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Nacer Chadli. Foul by Shane Long (Southampton). Jonny Evans (West Bromwich Albion) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Shane Long (Southampton) wins a free kick on the left wing. Foul by Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion). Substitution, Southampton. Sam McQueen replaces James Ward-Prowse. Substitution, Southampton. Josh Sims replaces Nathan Redmond. Attempt missed. Dusan Tadic (Southampton) left footed shot from the right side of the box is close, but misses the top left corner. Attempt saved. Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Hal Robson-Kanu. Attempt saved. Salomón Rondón (West Bromwich Albion) header from the centre of the box is saved in the top left corner. Assisted by James McClean with a cross. Attempt saved. Nathan Redmond (Southampton) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Cédric Soares with a cross.

Jordy Clasie's first-half strike proved the difference as Southampton beat West Brom to strengthen their grip on a top-10 finish.

39464041

Jordy Clasie, Southampton, West Brom

Joan Edwards passed away in September 2012, aged 90, and left her estate to "whichever government is in office at the date of my death for the government in their absolute discretion to use as they may think fit". This wording however caused some confusion. The executors of the will interpreted this to be a donation to the political party in power, and both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats accepted the donation. The public outcry that followed caused both parties quickly to hand back the money so that it could go to the Treasury. Miss Edwards had been a nurse, so it was argued by many, that her intention must have been for it to go to the NHS. It may never be clear what her true intention was - but what is clear is that the wording used in the will was ambiguous. The second case that has hit the headlines involves an anonymous £500,000 legacy made also to the government in 1928, which came with the strict stipulation that it "could only be used to reduce the national debt to zero". Eighty-five years later and the fund is estimated to be worth £350m, but because the national debt stands at about £1.2 trillion, it cannot be touched. It would in this instance have been helpful for the will to have contained a clause that covered this scenario, or if the wording was a little more clear. When the courts have to rule in cases interpreting a will, there is the "armchair principle" in England and Wales. The court will endeavour to discover the intention of the deceased (the "testator") and by looking at extra evidence submitted. It would therefore place itself in the "armchair" of the testator and consider the circumstances that surrounded them when they made their will, to assist arriving at their intention. The law in Scotland and Northern Ireland may differ and separate legal advice should be sought. Homemade wills need to be very carefully drafted. It can be a false economy to make a homemade will, if your beneficiaries then face a costly legal battle to prove your intentions in court. Strict rules governing the way a will is made and executed mean that errors can be made very easily which can invalidate it. These errors often include not signing the will or having it witnessed correctly. Source: Susan Midha The wording of a will can also be problematic as words and terms have specific meanings in law, which may be different to their use by the testator in their will. There are regularly problems with the naming and the identification of individuals in wills. Referring to people by nickname, or an abbreviated name, may cause confusion. Also be careful if you have family members of the same name. If you are related to two John Smiths but only want one to be a beneficiary, then make sure you specify which one is the true beneficiary. Don't forget to include substitute beneficiaries if someone you name as a beneficiary dies before you - and don't assume that the children of a deceased beneficiary will (or will not) take their parents' share - there are special rules which can apply. Altering your will by crossing out sections or making amendments after it has been signed will usually mean the alterations will be invalid and can lead to conflict within the family which can end up in the courts. And it is worth remembering that your will when proved after your death becomes a matter of public record - which means that any one can look at it and obtain a copy. So references to, for example, "that waste of space who is my son" may be worth avoiding. If your will is judged to be invalid then your estate would be distributed in accordance with an earlier valid will or by the intestacy laws. Your intention may not be for the government to benefit, but if there are no family members to inherit and no will, your estate will usually pass to the Crown, ultimately funding the Queen's activities as head of state. The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by the BBC unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal or other form of advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Links to external sites are for information only and do not constitute endorsement. Always obtain independent professional advice for your own particular situation.

The recent furore over the £520,000 legacy left in the will of the late Joan Edwards to the government, highlights the need for a will to be drafted clearly so it accurately reflects the intentions of the individual.

23782052

Legacy, Government , Will clarity

Police confirmed the body is that of missing Kirsty Aitchison, who was last seen in the early hours of Sunday after leaving a social event for deaf people in the city centre. The 30-year-old mother-of-four had left Campus bar in Sauchiehall Street at about 03:00 BST. The death is not being treated as suspicious, Police Scotland said. The discovery was made by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service from the Clyde near to the Kingston Bridge at about 16.35. Chief Inspector John McBride said: "We would like to thank members of the public and the Deaf/BSL community for their support and assistance throughout this investigation. "Our thoughts and condolences are with Kirsty's family and friends during this difficult time." After leaving the bar, Ms Aitchison was seen on CCTV images heading towards the Broomielaw, holding her high-heeled black sandals and walking barefoot. It had been reported she may have been planning to meet friends at a casino moored on the river. During the week, police divers were brought in to search the river, and an air support unit was used to assist community policing officers as they conducted inquiries.

A body has been found in the River Clyde close to where a deaf woman went missing in Glasgow a week ago.

36568455

body found, River Clyde, deaf woman missing

Joan Crilly was struck by a Skoda Octavia car on Campbell Street at about 16:05 on 22 December. She was taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital then later transferred to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. She died on Wednesday as a result of her injuries. The 73-year-old car driver was uninjured. Officers have appealed for witnesses to come forward. Mrs Crilly was married and had two children, police said.

A 69-year-old woman has died after being seriously injured when she was hit by private hire vehicle as she crossed a road in Greenock.

38469552

69-year-old woman , hit by private hire vehicle , Greenock road accident

Cape Verde had Carlos da Graca sent off on 55 minutes after he conceded a penalty, which was duly slotted home by Morocco striker Youssef El Arabi. Six minutes later El Arabi struck again to double his side's advantage. Morocco go through as group winners, leading Cape Verde by six points and having already beaten them twice. There are two rounds of Group F matches remaining but while Cape Verde could potentially draw level on points with the Atlas Lions they would finish below them because of their inferior head-to-head record. Cape Verde must aim to collect maximum points from their games against Sao Tome and Principe and Libya and hope to make it to next year's finals in Gabon as one of the two best group runners-up. Morocco's passage to next year's tournament means their recently appointed coach Herve Renard will have the chance to win a third Nations Cup title - with a third team. The Frenchman is looking to achieve back-to-back titles, following his success with Ivory Coast last time out. He also won with Zambia in 2012.

Morocco became the first team to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Cape Verde 2-0 in their Group F match on Tuesday.

35922277

Morocco, Africa Cup of Nations, qualification

He has faced a lot of criticism since saying he would be standing down from the assembly but continuing to lead the party from Westminster as an MP. Party grandees including Brid Rodgers and Seamus Mallon said he should give up the leadership. Mr Mallon, a former deputy leader, said he should go "as soon as possible". He added that if he acted decisively it would be good for him and for the party. In his first response to the criticism, Dr McDonnell told the BBC One programme The View that while he respected Mr Mallon's views, he did not agree with them. "He's entitled to that point of view," he said. "I happen to have a different point of view, and the view I'm holding is the point of view of the grassroots and the vast majority of the SDLP who want me to finish the job. "I'm not going to run away from a task half done." He was more dismissive of internal party critics who say if he will not resign, they may try to force a special party conference where they could mount a leadership challenge. "We're a democratic party - people are entitled to challenge," he said. "There's a conference scheduled for November. I have heard no word of any special conference or anything else. "I will work within the democratic rules and regulations and standing orders that we have in the party, and I will win. "Quite simply, what I'm doing is essential. "The vast majority of people in the party know that it's essential and they realise that a silly personality contest or beauty contest, for want of a better description, is not going to help the party and it's not going to help the broader politics in Northern Ireland. "Yes, I would rather people would talk to me about these issues rather than negotiate through the newspapers. "It would be helpful but the point is this: we live in a real world, people do what they do, people are individuals in a democratic party. "I don't have muzzles, I don't have anything else on the people and if they choose to go to newspapers or discuss things through newspapers, it's unhelpful but it's acceptable in a democratic sense."

SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell has rounded on his internal critics, saying: "I'm not going to run away from a task half done."

32744293

SDLP leader, Alasdair McDonnell, internal critics

Kane Williamson (97) and Ross Taylor (96) hit two sixes apiece during a stand of 117 in 123 balls as the Kiwis posted 315-8 having opted to bat first. Kumar Sangakkara (81) made his 93rd one-day international fifty but fell in the 38th over, the eighth wicket to go. Sri Lanka were all out soon after for 195. The final game is on Thursday. It was an emphatic victory for the Kiwis, who meet the Sri Lankans in the opening match of the World Cup on 14 February. Williamson was badly dropped on 27 by Tillakarate Dilshan at short cover and reached fifty from 60 balls, but he was denied a sixth ODI century when he was run out after finding himself at the same end as Taylor when in pursuit of a second run. Corey Anderson added 40 in 28 balls and hit three fours in an over from seamer Thisara Perera that cost 19. Taylor struck sixes in consecutive overs before he was trapped lbw on the toe in the 47th over, but his team compiled the second highest total at the University Oval, to follow the record they set in the previous match. The Sri Lankans made a solid start, reaching 55-0 after 12 overs before Dilshan and opening partner Lahiru Thirimanne departed in successive overs. Sangakkara reached fifty from 39 balls, but having struck successive boundaries off left-arm seamer Trent Boult he got a leading edge and spooned a catch to mid-on, as New Zealand took control.

New Zealand claimed the one-day series with Sri Lanka, taking an unassailable 4-1 lead with a 120-run win in the penultimate match in Dunedin.

30972362

New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Cricket Match

Francis Thomas Mooney, 60, died at the scene of the crash in Fernhill Road on the outskirts of Glasgow on Tuesday. The incident, which also involved five other cars and a bus, happened close to Castlemilk and Fernhill at about 11:05. The 25-year-old man who was driving the agricultural vehicle remains in a stable condition in hospital. No-one else was seriously injured in the crash and the other cars and bus were not badly damaged. Sgt Alison McAuley, of Police Scotland, said: "Inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of this tragic incident and I would continue to appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened to get in touch. "Anyone with information is asked to contact officers."

Police have named a man who died after his car was involved in a crash with a heavy agricultural vehicle which was towing a digger.

36380943

police , man , crash

They tweeted: "The fire brigade were quickly on the scene and the AOC's emergency plan was put in place." The fire involved two pieces of cardboard in a basement car park, Rio 2016 officials said. The Australian delegation initially refused to move into the building on Sunday citing "blocked toilets, leaking pipes and exposed wiring". "The incident in the basement car park of building 23 in the Olympic Village was quickly controlled by the fire authorities who are constantly present," said Rio 2016 media manager Philip Wilkinson. "The occupants of the building were evacuated and were allowed to return inside the building after 30 minutes. The incident is being investigated." Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

The Australian Olympic Team have confirmed there was a "small fire" in the basement of their building in Rio.

36929355

Australian Olympic Team, small fire, Rio building

I ddathlu'r diwrnod, mae Cymru Fyw wedi herio rhai o sêr y sgrin fach i ddysgu ychydig o Gymraeg. Sut hwyl gafodd actorion Eastenders, Casualty a Dannii Minogue, o'r gyfres Let It Shine, arni? Mae'r gantores ac actores Dannii Minogue wedi bod yn disgleirio fel un o feirniaid y gyfres Let it Shine yn ddiweddar ar y BBC. Ac er mai yn Awstralia gafodd hi ei magu, mae ganddi wreiddiau yng Nghymru felly dyw'r Gymraeg ddim yn newydd iddi: Mae llawer o ymwelwyr i Gymru yn cael trafferth i ynganu enwau hyfryd ein pentrefi, trefi a dinasoedd. Ond sut hwyl gafodd cast Eastenders arni? Gan fod y gyfres ddrama Casualty yn cael ei ffilmio yng Nghaerdydd erbyn hyn, mae'n ddefnyddiol i'r criw ddysgu enwau rhannau'r corff yn Gymraeg... Rhannwch y Gymraeg! Ydych chi'n nabod rhywun fyddai'n hoffi dysgu'r iaith? Rhowch gynnig ar y Gymraeg

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus!

39127206

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi hapus!, Happy St. David's Day, Celebration, Wales.

Mrs May said the convention, which is separate from the EU, "can bind the hands of Parliament". David Cameron has previously refused to rule out leaving the convention. Ex-cabinet minister and Leave campaigner Iain Duncan Smith said her "remarkable intervention" had "utterly undermined" the government's position. In her first major speech of the referendum campaign, Mrs May said the UK had to "stand tall and lead in Europe" rather than leaving the EU, and that membership made the UK "more secure from crime and terrorism". She also raised concerns about more countries joining the EU. The ECHR, which is separate from the EU institutions, was incorporated into UK law by the Human Rights Act. The Conservatives have pledged to replace the Human Rights Act with a "British Bill of Rights" but have not proposed leaving the convention altogether. BBC political editor The home secretary is one of the most senior politicians in the country. Of course, her backing of the Remain campaign is important. And it's certainly better for the prime minister and the Remain campaign to have her In, rather than Out. But her qualified support suggests there are three, rather than two, positions at the top of the Conservative party - 'Remain', 'Leave', and perhaps now, 'Reluctant Remain'. It was the Out campaign struggling to contain their internal differences. Tonight, it feels like cracks might appear on the other side too. Read more from Laura A Downing Street spokeswoman urged journalists not to "overdo the differences" between the prime minister and the home secretary on withdrawal from the ECHR. She said Mr Cameron "rules nothing out" as he seeks reform of the convention, saying the home secretary had been "setting out a clear distinction between the ECHR and the EU". Regardless of the outcome of the 23 June EU referendum, Mrs May said she still believed the UK should leave the ECHR which she said "adds nothing to our prosperity". It was the ECHR, not the EU, that was responsible for controversial human rights decision affecting the UK, she said. Earlier pro-Leave Justice Secretary Michael Gove warned that five potential new members of the EU - Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Turkey - would result in millions more people having the right to move to the UK. Mrs May said Albania, Serbia and Turkey had "poor populations and serious problems with organised crime, corruption, and sometimes even terrorism". She added: "We have to ask ourselves, is it really right that the EU should just continue to expand, conferring upon all new member states all the rights of membership?" She said the UK had "forgotten how to lead" in Europe and must re-assert itself to force change from within, adding that it could veto Turkey joining the EU. In her speech - and during a question and answer session - Mrs May admitted that being in the EU made it harder to control the "volume of immigration". But she said the UK was able to control its border by blocking entry to terrorists. She praised David Cameron's leadership in trying to seek a better deal for the UK, but said the UK's collective posture was too often to "blame Europe" for its problems and the UK "has to have more confidence to get things done" rather than "shouting from the sidelines". Mrs May said the issue the British public faced on 23 June was how the UK "maximised" its "prosperity, security, influence and sovereignty". In what she said was an analysis of "the risks and opportunities" of EU membership rather than an attack on Leave campaigners, she said the post-war order had seen the UK and other countries "cede sovereignty in a controlled way" by co-operating to prevent a greater loss of sovereignty through military conflict or economic decline. Mrs May said the question was not whether the UK could "survive" outside the EU given that it was the world's fifth largest economy which had "friendships and alliances across the world" - but whether the UK was "better off in or out". While "the sky would not fall" in the event of Brexit, she said she had concluded it was a matter of "hard-headed national interest" to remain in, based on security, trade and prosperity. On security, she said EU membership enabled the UK to access EU-wide information, such as criminal records, to allow the UK to turn away serious criminals and terrorists at the border, fast-track the extradition of offenders and simplify the deportation of prisoners. The UK had extensive intelligence-sharing with the US and other allies outside the EU, she said but being excluded from the EU-wide information sharing would make the UK "less safe". However, she called for major changes to the way the UK did business in the EU, including reducing the power of the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice. Mr Duncan Smith told the BBC the home secretary's comments on the ECHR and EU expansion had "thrown the gauntlet down" to the government. On EU expansion, he claimed, the prime minister is "in favour of extending our borders to Syria" by allowing Turkey to join the EU. "She actually basically questions the very campaign she says that she supports," he said. "This is a remarkable intervention. She has really thrown the gauntlet down and undermines the whole of the 'vote stay in' campaign." Mr Duncan Smith said immigration was "out of control" and free movement of people rules meant the UK had to accept criminals coming into the country. "An elected government in the UK elected on a platform to reduce immigration right now cannot deliver that because the EU is an open border," he told Radio 4's Today. "You cannot reject anyone unless you can demonstrate categorically that they pose an immediate threat to the life and livelihood of the UK."

Home Secretary Theresa May has said the UK should quit the European Convention on Human Rights while remaining in the European Union.

36128318

Home Secretary, Theresa May, European Convention on Human Rights

The 18-year-old fell at the New Charter Academy on Broadoak Road in Ashton-under-Lyne at about 09:10 BST, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. GMP said he had gone to Manchester Royal Infirmary and his condition was "serious". Principal Jenny Langley said the school would remain "fully open" while police investigated. "Our thoughts are with the family and we're doing everything we can to support them along with staff and pupils," she said.

A student has been taken to hospital after falling from a balcony at a Greater Manchester school.

39863480

student , hospital , balcony incident

The 35-year-old, appearing in his first competitive match in six months after injuring his knee, won 7-5 3-6 6-2 6-2. World number four Stan Wawrinka needed five sets to beat Slovakia's Martin Klizan 4-6 6-4 7-5 4-6 6-4. Japan's Kei Nishikori, ranked fifth, is through after beating Russia's Andrey Kuznetsov 5-7 6-1 6-4 6-7 (6-8) 6-2. The 27-year-old will next play France's Jeremy Chardy while Wawrinka, 31, will face American Steve Johnson. Federer, who hit 19 aces in his two-hour match against Melzer, faces 20-year-old American Noah Rubin in round two. "Any match is a good match, even if I had lost, because I'm back on the court," the 17-time Grand Slam champion said. "Last year was tough but it is nice to be playing normal tennis again. It was a long road but I made it." Chardy, ranked 72nd in the world, progressed when Spain's Nicolas Almagro pulled out with a calf injury four games into their match. Almagro, 31, rebuffed suggestions he had only turned up to claim the $50,000 (£31,000) that comes with a first-round exit. He said: "I have more than $10m. I'm not going to play for $50,000. It is not the reason." Wawrinka, winner in 2014, is appearing in his 12th Australian Open and has never lost in the first round. The Swiss fought back from a break down in the final set to edge Klizan in a testing three-hour encounter during which Wawrinka climbed over the net to apologise after accidentally striking his opponent with the ball. "I was fighting a lot and I never give up but it was most important to get through," he said. Nishikori, who is attempting to become the first Asian man to win a Grand Slam, secured victory despite receiving medical treatment in the final set. "It wasn't easy, especially mentally and I should have finished it in four sets," he added. Australian Nick Kyrgios raced to victory in his opener against Portuguese Gastao Elias, who is ranked 77th in the world. The 14th seed took only 84 minutes to win 6-1 6-2 6-2, despite an eight-minute medical timeout to treat a nosebleed in the first set. Despite the stoppage, it took him just 19 minutes to win the first set as he powered into the second round. "I'm getting some great treatment for it from my team and it didn't cause me any problems," Kyrgios said. Kyrgios will next play Italy's Andreas Seppi, who beat Paul-Henri Mathieu of France 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (3-7) 7-5. Tenth seed Tomas Berdych, twice a semi-finalist in Melbourne, also had a comfortable passage as his Italian opponent Luca Vanni retired after losing the opening set 6-1. Seventh seed Marin Cilic fought back from two sets down to beat world number 278 Jerzy Janowicz 4-6 4-6 6-2 6-2 6-3 in three hours and set up a meeting with Britain's Dan Evans in round two. France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, ranked 12th in the world, advanced after a 6-1 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 victory over Brazilian Thiago Monteiro.

Four-time champion Roger Federer reached the Australian Open second round with a four-set victory over Austria's Jurgen Melzer in Melbourne.

38634057

Roger Federer, Australian Open, victory

The crash happened on Mountain Road near Trimsaran in Carmarthenshire just before 23:20 BST. One boy is at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, and the other was taken to Cardiff's University Hospital Wales. The road remains closed while investigations are carried out. Police have seized a second vehicle which was present at the scene. Any witnesses are asked to contact Carmarthenshire Roads Policing Unit on 101.

Two 17-year-old boys suffered serious injuries when the car they were travelling in crashed on Sunday night.

33131935

17-year-old boys, serious injuries, car crash

Vauxhall's pension scheme is one of the largest in the UK, with 15,000 members. Pensions expert John Ralfe said Peugeot owner PSA would not want to touch it "with a barge pole", saying he thought it had a deficit of about £1bn. Half of the members were pensioners, Mr Ralfe told the BBC's Today programme. The proposed sale will be discussed in the Commons on Monday afternoon after the Speaker granted an urgent question on the matter to the Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, Justin Madders. Meanwhile a Downing Street spokesman confirmed that Prime Minister Theresa May was planning to meet Carlos Tavares, PSA chief executive, but a time and date for the meeting had not yet been fixed. According to company filings to the end of 2014 - the latest available - the Vauxhall pension scheme had assets of about £1.8bn but liabilities of about £2.6bn, leaving a deficit of £840m. Since then record low interest rates have hit the returns on government debt in which big pension schemes invest heavily, so the deficit had probably grown, Mr Ralfe said. Last week it emerged that PSA Group, which also makes Citroen cars, was in talks about taking over GM's loss-making European business, Opel. Mr Ralfe told Today the size of the deficit was a "major issue for the takeover". "At best it's a stumbling block, at worst it could be a deal breaker," he said. He said he was clear that PSA would not want to take on the pension scheme so they would only buy the operating assets, including the plant and the Vauxhall brand, leaving the pensions with General Motors UK. "The trouble with that is that would then be a company with no assets, so what would have to happen ... is that General Motors US would have to issue a guarantee for that UK company," Mr Ralfe said. PSA, which already works with GM in Europe on several projects, said a takeover was among "numerous strategic initiatives" being considered. Any deal would involve Opel's UK arm, Vauxhall, which employs 4,500 staff at plants at Ellesmere Port and Luton. Unite union leader Len McCluskey is also due to meet Mr Tavares this week to discuss the deal and any impact it might have on jobs. Mr Ralfe said he did not think the Vauxhall pensioners needed to be worried about their position, but said that while politicians were "running around all over the place asking about jobs, they should also be running around asking about pensions".

Plans to sell the European arm of General Motors - including Vauxhall - to France's PSA Group could be derailed by the deficit in GM's UK pension scheme, an expert says.

39021319

General Motors, European arm sale, UK pension scheme deficit

The government accepted recommendations by the Senior Salaries Review Body, saying pay restraint was one of the "difficult choices" it faced. The award comes amid a row over the 1% cap on public sector rises. After the general election, some ministers suggested a rethink, putting pressure on Chancellor Philip Hammond. The government says its policy has not changed, and last week teachers were told they faced another year of 1% rises. Most public sector pay is set by ministers after receiving recommendations from different pay review bodies. These bodies have to take into account government policy, which since 2013 has been for a 1% increase across the public sector, although in theory they are able to recommend higher increases. The Senior Salaries Review Board covers the senior civil service, senior military officers, the judiciary and senior managers working for arm's length bodies of the Department of Health. For each group, the board recommended a 1% rise, which has been accepted by ministers. In a written statement, Cabinet Office Minister Damian Green said the government "greatly values" public servants' work and understands the need to recruit, retain and motivate staff. He added: "However, there is a trade-off between pay and jobs in many public services, and pay restraint is one of the many difficult choices the government has had to make to help put the UK's public finances back on track. "Senior public sector workers, like everyone else, will have to continue to play their part to ensure we deliver job security for working people across the country." Naomi Cooke, of senior civil servants' union the FDA, welcomed a government promise of a review of senior salaries, but added: "What should be abundantly clear is that this cannot be achieved within a 1% straitjacket. "Reform of senior civil service pay needs to be fully funded and it needs to happen soon - the current government pay policy is failing and is doing so in a way that costs civil servants and costs the public dear."

Senior civil servants, military officers and judges are to receive 1% pay rises this year, ministers have announced.

40644571

senior civil servants, military officers, judges pay rise.

Kay's book was chosen from 91 submissions to win the £30,000 prize. It is the first time the public have voted for a winner but the novel was also unanimously selected by the award's judging panel. Leila Aboulela, Stewart Conn and Sue Peebles came in as runners-up, winning £5,000 each. Kay was born in Edinburgh to a Scottish nurse and a Nigerian student, then adopted at birth by a white couple from Glasgow. Red Dust Road follows the author in her search to find her birth parents. She said: "I happened to write the book, but it feels like my whole family is the winner. The book doesn't just belong to me. "And now it seems like it has a whole life of its own in the heart-warming and unexpected way that readers have been finding connections to their own life in it." The prize has been won by James Kelman and Edwin Morgan in previous years. Andrew Dixon, chief executive of Creative Scotland, said: "With more than 40 literature and book festivals from the Borders to Ullapool, Scotland's writers continue to raise Scotland's cultural profile to an international audience. "Jackie Kay is one of Scotland's national treasures."

Scottish author Jackie Kay has won the 2011 Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Book of the Year for her autobiographical novel Red Dust Road.

14681877

Scottish author, Jackie Kay, 2011 Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust Book of the Year

A further eight people were injured, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group. It happened at a border crossing north of the Syrian town of Jisr al-Shugour, which is controlled by jihadist groups. The Turkish military insists guards fired only warning shots and that the Syrians dispersed. Syria: The story of the conflict Syria's displaced struggle to survive Turkey says it is being unjustly accused, and is under immense pressure from the EU to stop Syrians trying to travel to Europe. More than 2.7 million people who fled the war in Syria have taken refuge in Turkey. Turkey closed its borders to Syrians several months ago. As well as four children, three women and a man were also killed, the Observatory said. Other Syrian opposition groups put the death toll at 11. Since the beginning of 2016, nearly 60 civilians have been shot while trying to flee across the border from Syria into Turkey, the Observatory says.

Turkish border guards have shot dead at least eight Syrians, including four children, who were trying to cross into Turkey, activists say.

36570890

Turkish border guards, shot dead, Syrian refugees

Eight hundred of the plants, as well as electrical equipment, were seized at a workshop in Millisle on Friday. Police said it was one of the biggest and most sophisticated production operations they had uncovered recently. Insp Andy Dunlop said there were "young plants, the remnants of a previous harvest, space for drying the product and space for waste products". He added: "No arrests were made this morning but our enquiries will be continuing over the coming days."

Cannabis plants worth an estimated £400,000 have been seized by police in County Down.

30452755

Cannabis seizure, Police action , Estimated value

The government is to meet this week with Southern, which links London with Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Hampshire. The rail company is embroiled in a long-running union dispute over the role of guards on new trains. Mr Maynard said the continued delays and cancellations affecting the service were "unacceptable". More updates on BBC Live: Sussex Industrial action by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) and high levels of staff sickness have hit services, with the introduction of a temporary emergency timetable initially cutting up to 341 trains a day. Mr Maynard told the Commons: "Some routes are still suffering badly and my priority is making sure services are being restored in a timely, sensible and lasting manner." "The real solution here is for the RMT to bring this dispute to a close and start to put passengers first," he added. Mr Maynard also denied plans for "more generous" compensation to Southern Rail commuters affected by strikes were on the "backburner". He also agreed to consider calls for season ticket holders to receive a rebate of up to 20%. Meanwhile, Southern announced it would reinstate the full timetable from Tonbridge and Reigate to Redhill and London Victoria/London Bridge on Monday. Alex Foulds, Southern's passenger services director, apologised to customers "who have suffered ever since the RMT began their unnecessary action". He said the temporary weekday timetable had been delivering a "more consistent, reliable" service. "We are steadily reintroducing trains and will continue to do so until the entire timetable is back in place," he added. Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, called the changes "pitiful". He added: "The fact passengers are still paying through the nose for a vastly reduced service is solely due to the gross managerial incompetence and profiteering of this basket-case rail operator. "Yet again Southern are blaming their staff for their own systemic failures..." RMT spokesman Garry Hassell has said the dispute "could last until Christmas".

Rail Minister Paul Maynard has assured passengers he is determined to resolve issues on the troubled Southern network as a matter of urgency.

37347053

Rail Minister, Southern network, resolve issues

The Dow Jones index finished 0.19% ahead at 20,090.29 points, while the Nasdaq closed up 0.19% at 5,674.22. The S&P 500 just managed to scrape an increase, closing up 0.02% at 2.293.08. Oil prices fell on Tuesday, pushed down by higher stockpiles in the US, and as a result energy company shares came under pressure. Brent Crude dropped by 1.7% to $54.79 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate Crude fell by 2.2% to $51.86. Shares in Chevron closed down by 1.41% and Exxon Mobil was 0.65% lower. "If we are going into a quarter or two of lower energy prices... the story of improving earnings for the S&P 500, with the help of improving earnings in energy companies, may be suspect," said Bucky Hellwig, senior vice president at BB&T Wealth Management. Shares in luxury handbag maker Michael Kors saw the biggest fall on the S&P, losing 10.8%. Earlier the firm had reported disappointing third-quarter sales and cut its full-year revenue forecasts. Also on the S&P, General Motors ended the day 4.7% lower after the carmaker posted a fall in net profits.

(Close): Shares on Wall Street ended the day little changed, although the tech-heavy Nasdaq did edge up to another record high.

38890979

Wall Street, Nasdaq, record high

The road is planned to run from Postwick on the A47 and go around the east and north of the city, to connect with the A1067. Norfolk Chamber said it was "delighted" by the news and that the road would "unlock jobs and new homes". But campaigners say the road will not solve traffic problems and will "damage the quality of life" for local people.

Norwich's northern bypass has been granted development consent from the government.

32974694

norwich, northern bypass, government approval

Announcing the change, justice minister Sam Gyimah said: "Stalkers torment their victims and can make everyday life almost unbearable." If the offence is racially or religiously aggravated, the current seven-year maximum will go up to 14. Labour said ministers had "changed their mind" under pressure, having previously opposed tougher penalties. In 2015, 194 people were convicted of stalking in England and Wales and were, on average, sentenced to 14 months in jail. The government is expected to bring in the changes in an amendment to the Policing and Crime Bill, when it is debated in the Commons on Tuesday. The bill, which is in its final stages in Parliament, is likely to become law in the coming weeks. It will also raise the maximum sentence for harassment from five to 10 years, and similarly from seven to 14 if it is racially or religiously aggravated. Helen Pearson's five-year ordeal started with slashed bicycle tyres. Then the text messages, phone calls and threatening letters began. A dead cat left on the doorstep. "It just slowly kind of escalated," says Helen Pearson, from Devon. "You are constantly the whole time living on a knife edge. "Every time you had a letter, it would get sent off for fingerprints. They'd find no fingerprints, so it would be logged and it would just carry on and on and on." Read more here Mr Gyimah said the sentences were being doubled so these "awful crimes can be properly punished". But Labour said its amendment to the bill in the House of Lords in December, which would have doubled maximum sentences for the most serious offences, had been opposed by the government. The amendment was approved by the Lords by 160 votes to 149 but 139 Conservative peers voted against. However two Conservative MPs, Alex Chalk and Richard Graham, had campaigned to increase punishment for stalking. Mr Chalk introduced a private member's bill last year calling for the maximum sentence to be doubled. Labour says there was a chance of a "sizeable rebellion" among Conservative MPs if the government sought to overturn the move when MPs debate it. "Thankfully, under pressure, the Tories have changed their mind," said shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon. "But more still needs to be done to ensure that victims of stalking feel confident enough that their complaint will be investigated properly when they first report it." Last month, new stalking protection orders were introduced to protect victims - especially those targeted by strangers or colleagues - at the very earliest possible stage. Police in England and Wales can now apply to the courts for an order before a stalking suspect has been convicted or even arrested. A typical order might ban the suspect from going near the victim or contacting them online, and could also make them undergo treatment if they have a mental health problem. The orders follow legislation introduced in 2012 which made stalking a specific criminal offence in England and Wales. In Scotland, stalking is illegal under the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 and in Northern Ireland it is prohibited under the Protection from Harassment Order (NI) 1997.

The maximum sentence for stalking available to courts in England and Wales is to rise from five years to 10.

38519940

Maximum Sentence, Stalking, Court Increase

The sides meet in the Co Antrim Shield decider at Ballymena on Tuesday night. An exciting last-eight line-up also includes two derbies with Portadown hosting holders Glenavon while Coleraine visit Ballymena United. Dungannon Swifts go to Warrenpoint Town, the only team outside the top-flight still in the competition. "It's a big tie between two teams who have played really well for the last 12 months," said Crusaders boss Stephen Baxter. "We look forward to the challenge - it will be a great day with a big atmosphere."

The Premiership's top two teams will meet the in Irish Cup quarter-finals with Crusaders having home advantage against Linfield on Saturday, 4 March.

38870104

Premiership , Irish Cup quarter-finals , Crusaders vs Linfield

Asked if the MPs were thinking of defecting, Mr Farron said he did not want to "betray confidences". But he told BBC News it would be "not surprising" if they had serious doubts about the direction Labour was taking under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. Mr Farron said he was contacted via text messages after Mr Corbyn was elected Labour leader on Saturday. He said he had also spoken on the telephone to Labour MPs, but he declined to name names or say whether they were front bench figures. Speaking to the Evening Standard, he said: "I've had various unsolicited texts, some of them over the weekend, where I felt like I was being an agony aunt rather than anything else. "People who have been members of the [Labour] party for as long as I've been a member of mine who feel that they don't recognise their party anymore and feel deeply distressed." Mr Farron, who was elected Lib Dem leader in July, was speaking ahead of the party's annual conference in Bournemouth, which gets under way at the weekend. It is the party's first gathering since its crushing defeat at May's general election, when it lost all but eight of its MPs. Mr Farron has called the election of Mr Corbyn a "quite staggering opportunity" for his party to occupy the centre ground in British politics, which he believes is being rapidly vacated by the New Labour leader in favour of a hard left agenda. Quizzed about his contacts with Labour MPs on the BBC's Look North, he said: "I am keen to be a decent sort and not betray any confidences - but it would be not surprising if Labour MPs, voters, members and indeed donors were thinking hang about this isn't the Labour Party that I voted for, I need a party that will hold the Tories to account, that can beat the Tories and which believes not just in social justice and fairness, but also in sound economics. "Because you can't protect the health service if the economy goes down the plughole." Former foreign secretary Jack Straw played down the prospect of Labour MPs defecting to other parties, suggesting the experience of the SDP in the 1980s made that "very unlikely". But he said the new leadership could have a "Lazarus effect" on the Liberal Democrats, in an interview with BBC Radio 4's The World at One.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has been contacted by Labour MPs unhappy with their new leader, he has said.

34283161

Tim Farron, Lib Dem leader, Labour MPs

A suicide bomber killed at least 17 people at a bus station in Biu, witnesses say, while a second bomber was caught by a crowd and reportedly beaten to death. In Jos, three bombs thrown from a car killed 15 people at a bus station and the university. February's presidential election has been postponed because of the unrest. The vote is now expected to take place on 28 March. President Goodluck Jonathan, who was visiting the north-eastern garrison town of Baga, insisted that the army was winning the war against Boko Haram. The army recaptured Baga from Boko Haram last week. The group still controls much of the north-eastern state of Borno and more than three million people have fled their homes. Attacks in Kano and Potiskum on Tuesday claimed more than 50 lives. No group has said it carried them out.

Bomb attacks have killed at least 32 people in northern Nigeria, amid a wave of violence from Boko Haram militants.

31650463

Bomb attacks, Northern Nigeria, Boko Haram militants

The warning comes after Johnny Sexton took a number of heavy tackles in France's 10-9 win over Ireland. Sexton was eventually forced off, and France lock Yoann Maestri was warned by the citing commissioner. "I think these boys have to realise they're in the firing line in today's game," said Jenkins. "There's no hiding place and he's just got to get on with it and front up." Sexton was under fire throughout the the game, with one television replay clearly showing Maestri striking the Leinster fly-half in an off-the-ball incident. Biggar was himself forced off in Wales' 16-16 draw with Ireland in Dublin, but his injury was the result of turning on his ankle. He played most of the 27-23 win over Scotland, but had his foot strapped after being replaced in the 76th minute. "He (Biggar) is tough, so let's just hope he keeps going and doing what he has been doing," Jenkins told BBC Radio Wales. "We need him to keep playing as well as he has. If sides target him, that is a positive for us, because it shows how well he has been playing. "We can't hide him. Wherever he plays, unless we get him a seat near the posts, he will be targeted, (as) he was against Ireland and Scotland. "If they want to target him, he is good enough and strong enough to deal with that and he should take it as a compliment." Jenkins also says Biggar's Ospreys half-back partner Rhys Webb needs more game-time before he is considered for a Wales recall. Webb made his Ospreys comeback against Munster last Sunday after being out since September with a foot injury. But the scrum-half suffered a knock to the head which looks set to rule him out of the region's match against Edinburgh on Friday.

Wales fly-half Dan Biggar will be targeted by France when the teams meet in the Six Nations on 26 February, says assistant coach Neil Jenkins.

35589432

Dan Biggar, France, Six Nations.

A police officer was also injured in the incident in Ferry Lane in Tottenham Hale on Thursday evening. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been called in to investigate the death and it said a firearm had been recovered. It is thought the officer, who was taken to hospital and later discharged, was shot first but this is not known for certain, an IPCC spokesman said. In a statement, the IPCC said: "It is understood that the shooting followed an MPS [Metropolitan Police Service] operation." The Metropolitan Police would not confirm if the man had been shot by a police officer. A Scotland Yard spokesman added: "One male was pronounced dead at the scene and one officer was taken to hospital." Local resident David Akinsanya said he arrived at the scene moments after the incident. He said he was told by a witness that a police officer had shouted to the man to stop "a couple of times", but the man had not heeded the warning. The witness, who lives next to the spot where it happened, then heard four shots, Mr Akinsanya said. "There were lots of helicopters and sirens all over the place," he added. "There was also a surveillance van on the corner." A waitress at a nearby pub, who did not wish to be identified, said the incident had happened a few minutes' walk from Tottenham Hale station. She said: "One man came in and he said that he saw police trying to pull some clothes off a man who was bleeding." Another worker said there were "lots of cars" around the scene. Police have taped off a large area and Ferry Lane remains closed. David Lammy, Labour's MP for Tottenham, said he was "shocked and deeply worried" about the attack. "I think there's quite a lot of anxiety now in the community, but we should try to stay calm and not rush to judgement," he said. "We need to understand what has happened. "I hope that the IPCC can move quickly to allay fears and rumours that can circulate in these circumstances."

A man is understood to have been shot dead by a policeman in north London.

14412752

shooting, police, London

Scotland defender Jennifer Beattie lashed in the game's only goal late on after Arsenal had the better chances. Defeat saw four-time winners Arsenal fail to reach the final for the first time in the cup's six-year history. City will play at their own Academy Stadium in the final against Birmingham City on Sunday, 2 October, after their 4-0 win at London Bees on Saturday. After City keeper Marie Hourihan had denied Asisat Oshoala on multiple occasions, the ball deflected straight to Beattie in the Arsenal six-yard box from a Toni Duggan free-kick with 11 minutes remaining and she fired in to win the game. The winner came moments after Danielle Carter's powerful effort for the Gunners had struck the crossbar, and England captain Steph Houghton cleared the ball off the line late on to deny Arsenal again. The first half had seen City go close to opening the scoring, with a Jane Ross shot deflected wide, before Arsenal forward Danielle van de Donk had to be withdrawn because of a concerning head injury, caused by a clash of heads. City - who currently lead the Women's Super League One table and are aiming for a double - previously lifted the Continental Cup in 2014 when they beat Arsenal in the final. Manchester City and England captain Steph Houghton: "When a chance falls to Jen Beattie, I've got every faith she'll stick it in the back of the net. "This is special for us because the Continental Cup final was the first trophy we won, it's the only trophy we've ever won and that makes it extra special. "It was good for me to get back on the line and do my bit at the end, it proved vital because Kelly Smith is always going to create a chance but it was just a relief I got back there to block it. "We had to be professional and that emotion and adrenaline got us through to the final and we're thankful for that." Arsenal and England right-back Alex Scott: "On reflection we had most of the chances and we should have been putting them away. "We should have come away with the win but they came away with a set-piece but apart from that we weren't really threatened. "I was proud of the girls today, that's as solid as we've been all season but a ricochet on a set-piece falls right to Jen and that's that, it's in the back of the net." Manchester City Women: Hourihan, Stokes, Beattie, Houghton (C), Bronze, Walsh, Scott, Christiansen, Duggan, Ross, Parris. Substitutes: Bardsley, Stanway, Asllani, Corboz, Middag. Arsenal Ladies: Byrne, Scott, Stoney, Henning, Mitchell, Nobbs, Janssen, Van de Donk, Oshoala, Carter, Smith. Substitutes: Van Veenendaal, Rose, Corredera, McCabe, Devlin, Losada, Natlia.

Manchester City Women reached the Continental Cup final with a narrow home win over holders Arsenal Ladies.

37271183

Manchester City Women, Continental Cup final, Arsenal Ladies

The Scotland under-20 international signed his first professional contract with the Warriors in December, and has made nine appearances this season. "The last few months have been great, as I've played regularly and feel I've made a positive impact," Price said. "Being able to train and play with quality players at Scotstoun has also allowed me to improve my game." Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: "Ali is continually developing as a scrum-half and it's great news that he's staying with us for the next couple of years. "He's worked hard on his game over the past 12 months, and you can see the confidence he now has in his kicking game and taking on the defence with ball in hand. "The most important attributes of a scrum-half are a fast and accurate pass, as well as a high fitness level and Ali has done well in these areas this season, seizing the opportunity to play for us in some important games."

Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Ali Price has signed a new two-year deal at the club, which will expire in May 2018.

35588153

Glasgow Warriors, Ali Price, new two-year deal

Justine Henshaw-Bryan chased Damien Doughty through Stoke Newington, north London, sending him flying into a tree. Henshaw-Bryan, who is due to give birth in November, said her then boyfriend told her to follow the cyclist, but the judge rejected her claim. Mr Doughty, 38, was badly hurt, spending three days in intensive care. Sentencing 25-year-old Henshaw-Bryan at Wood Green Crown Court, Judge Gregory Perrins said her actions could have killed Mr Doughty. "This was a calculated attempt to run him over and use your car as a weapon," the judge said. "It would have been obvious that to do so would have carried significant risk of injury." The court heard how the pair nearly collided on Stoke Newington High Street on 10 February 2016, when Henshaw-Bryan pulled out in front of the cycle courier while using her mobile. Mr Doughty confronted the driver over her use of the phone, at which point she shouted at him, the court heard. Angered by the exchange, he kicked her wing mirror when they met at the next set of lights. He was then chased down Victorian Grove and hit by Henshaw-Bryan's car. Mr Doughty was left with a number of serious injuries, the court was told. Henshaw-Bryan, from Hackney, who was driving with her then boyfriend in the car, claimed it was he who grabbed the wheel and aimed the car at Mr Doughty. She alleged she had been a victim of domestic violence while in the relationship, but Judge Perrins said he did not accept she had been frightened of her boyfriend. Henshaw-Bryan, who was found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, was also banned from driving for four-and-a-half years. Get news from the BBC in your inbox, each weekday morning

A woman who deliberately ploughed into a cyclist after being confronted about using her mobile phone behind the wheel has been jailed for three years.

39876692

woman,, jailed,, mobile phone

Katie was found with serious injuries to her neck and upper body on a playing field in Woodthorpe, York, on 9 January and died later in hospital. The 15-year-old, who cannot be named, appeared before Leeds Crown Court via video-link as her solicitor confirmed the not guilty plea. She also denies a second charge of possession of an offensive weapon, namely a knife. The girl did not speak during the 20-minute hearing but nodded as Judge Peter Collier QC asked if she understood the court proceedings. Live updates and more news from Yorkshire Family members were in court as Judge Collier, the recorder of Leeds, announced the trial would take place on 3 July. She will remain in "local authority accommodation" until the trial, he said. Katie's funeral was held earlier this week at York Minster, led by the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu. An inquest into her death has been opened and adjourned.

A teenage girl has denied the murder of seven-year-old Katie Rough.

38992323

teenage girl, denied murder, seven-year-old Katie Rough

A review of a "great deal" of CCTV and dash-cam footage is under way, Thames Valley Police said. The 14-year-old was raped after being snatched on her way to school between 08:15 and 08:40 BST last Wednesday. Officer patrols are continuing in the Summertown area to gather "further witness information", the force said. Det Supt Chris Ward, head of major crime, said: "We are securing evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing the substantial quantity of CCTV, dash-cam footage and information received from the public. "A team of specially trained officers continues to support the victim." Supt Joe Kidman, local policing area commander for Oxford, thanked the public for its support. "I know the shock this rare incident has caused and want to add my thanks for all the support provided by the public," he said. The teenager was found by a member of public at midday in Cavendish Drive, Marston. Descriptions of two suspects have been released. The first offender was a white man who spoke with a northern accent. He was described by the girl as aged in his mid 20s, balding with shaven dark blonde hair and blue eyes. He was of medium build and about 6ft (1.82m) tall. Police said he was described as wearing black trousers and a hooded top with one pocket on the front and no drawstrings or logo. The second man was white, with brown gelled hair, the girl said. He was cleanly shaven and had brown eyes. He was aged in his late teens or early 20s and described as slightly smaller in build than the first offender. Police said they were focusing patrols and inquiries on the nearby Marston Meadow area.

Police investigating the abduction and rape of a girl in Oxford say they have received a "substantial quantity" of information from the public.

37556002

police investigation, public information, abduction rape case

11 May 2017 Last updated at 06:56 BST After two years of training together, the Oxford Bulls have finally played their first game. The boys are all football-mad, but they also have something else in common. They all have a condition called Down's Syndrome. Find out more about what this means here. Ayshah went to meet the boys to find out more about why they love football - and see if her skills were up to their standard!

A football team from Londonderry in Northern Ireland has been making headlines recently.

39875801

Londonderry, football team, headlines

Sport Wales said it would not consider the organisation's application for future public funding unless new directors were appointed. It said it was clear the board was not following its own rules for recruitment, board meetings and other key decisions. One former director said the ultimatum was "short-sighted" and "vindictive". David Francis, another former Welsh Amateur Boxing Association (WABA) chairman, said Sport Wales, which hands out funding, told him money would stop if he and his colleagues refused to step down. He said there had been a "relationship breakdown" with a Sport Wales-backed consultant brought in to address governance issues. The consultant was appointed after auditors found WABA was "not fit for purpose" in 2013, and "partly implemented" recommendations by 2015. In minutes from the last meeting of Welsh Boxing's governing body, in February, issues such as "missing money" and the administration of "medical cards" were discussed. Mr Francis said Sport Wales had "worked hard to get rid" of the board for several months. "We were requested to step down in February as a board and told that the chair and vice chair cannot stand again," he added. Mr Francis said Sport Wales said it was in relation to the information given to them by the consultant. He said he had a "difference of opinion" with the consultant, but Sport Wales took the side of the consultant. He said the 114 clubs the association worked with were "perfectly happy with what we do". BBC Wales has seen an email from one of WABA's former directors, John Wheatley, describing the decision as "short-sighted" and "vindictive". "Sport Wales are supposed to give reason for their actions at the divisional meetings, though I doubt very much if they will actually appear at any meeting personally," he told clubs. Brian Davies, of Sport Wales, said progress had been made until last October, but since then there were "some clear signs of a lack of good governance, processes not being followed, the organisation's own articles of association not being implemented properly". "Those are alarm bells in terms of an organisation that really is there to serve its membership," he added. Mr Davies said Sport Wales could no longer have confidence in the people in charge of WABA. He said it was not critical of the board's dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment, but added: "We need the right people leading an organisation of this nature if we are going to invest public funds in it." He rejected the criticisms of the decision, saying: "I would understand disappointment, but 'vindictive', no." Mr Davies said Sport Wales wanted boxing to improve and had to take steps. He said the board had held meetings outside its remit and had not followed its own rules. He added: "They signed up to a code of good governance and we don't think they are implementing that governance".

The Welsh Amateur Boxing Association board has been forced to resign over a "lack of confidence in governance".

39272285

Welsh Amateur Boxing Association, resignation, governance lack of confidence

Goldman Sachs reported a sharp increase in first-quarter profits, but markets had been expecting more and shares in the investment bank ended 4.7% lower. Johnson & Johnson also weighed on the Dow Jones, dropping 3.1% after its revenues were lower than expected. The company reported first-quarter sales of $17.77bn, but this was below analysts' forecasts of about $18bn. Goldman Sachs and Johnson & Johnson were the two biggest fallers on the Dow Jones, and the Dow was down 113 points, or 0.5%, at 20,523. The S&P 500 index dipped 0.3% to 2,342 points, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq index edged down 0.1% to 5,849 points.

US stocks ended lower after results from Goldman Sachs and Johnson & Johnson fell short of expectations.

39629714

US stocks, Goldman Sachs, Johnson & Johnson

Media playback is unsupported on your device 24 August 2015 Last updated at 16:19 BST The band have sold fifty million records, and had 91 number ones. But Zayn left the group in March 2015, leading to some people questioning the band's future. Now, The Sun newspaper has said that the Harry, Liam, Louis, and Niall will be going their separate ways after the release of their fifth studio album next March. Martin's been getting fans' reactions to the news.

Reports claim that One Direction will be taking a break in 2016, so that all of the boys can pursue solo projects.

34043257

One Direction, Break 2016, Solo projects

New figures obtained by BBC Radio Oxford through a Freedom of Information request reveal 411 signalling problems during the 2014/15 financial year. They also show a 22% increase in faults from 2012/13, which has drawn criticism from commuters faced with rising prices. Network Rail blamed a lack of railway investment for the increase. Signalling systems can fail for a number of reasons, such as power cuts or blown fuses, which cause signals to turn black and drivers to stop their trains. A spokeswoman said the age of the equipment was the cause of the problems. "We are replacing all of the signalling equipment along the Western route as part of our £7.5bn modernisation programme," she said. During the 2013/14 financial year there was 379 signal problems and in 2012/13 the number was 337. Sim Harris, the managing editor of Railnews magazine, said the signalling problems were causing "major disruption to thousands of people". He said: "The problem with the signalling between Oxford and Reading, which is where these problems do occur, is that it's getting on [in age]." Simon Stevenson, 42, from North Oxford, is a company director and commutes into London two or three times a week. He said: "There seems to be a disconnect. We have constant increases in fares, but that doesn't translate into improvements in service." A similar view was shared by Damian Fantato, 26 - a journalist who commuted into London from Oxford every day until earlier this year. "Commuting to London costs an arm and a leg, so when you are delayed most mornings because you are sat somewhere just outside Reading it feels like you are being taken for a ride," he said.

The Oxford to London Paddington line suffered the equivalent of more than one signal problem every day last year.

33995240

Oxford-London Paddington line , signal problems , daily occurrences

Derry lie bottom of the league on three points after going down 2-10 to 0-20 to Cork at Celtic Park on Sunday. Down lost 3-15 to 1-13 to Galway at Newry and are on four points, along with Fermanagh, who were trounced by Meath 3-15 to 0-6 at Navan. Fermanagh host Derry next Sunday, with Down travelling to take on Cork. Danny Tallon scored a goal in either half but Derry were unable to contain a dangerous Cork forward line in their Football League encounter. Cork led 0-10 to 1-6 after a first half which saw play delayed for 15 minutes for treatment to Derry's Jason Rocks. Tallon's second goal restored parity at 2-9 to 0-15 but points from Colm O'Neill (2) Mark Collins, Paul Kerrigan and Barry O'Driscoll gave Cork victory. Oak Leafers boss Damian Barton included Slaughtneil pair Chrissy McKaigue and Brendan Rogers in his line-up but it was Cork who moved ahead at 0-4 to 0-2. Ciaran Mullan replaced the injured Rocks, who was taken away by ambulance, while Cork's Peter Kelleher hit the bar for the visitors. Tallon found the net late in the half and Benny Heron's point before the break reduced the home side's deficit to one point by the interval. O'Neill and Neil Forrester traded points at the start of the second half, then Cork pushed ahead, despite Tallon's second goal. Down went in level with Galway at half-time at Pairc Esler, with Caolan Mooney excelling with two fantastic points from long range. Darragh O'Hanlon was also a regular points-scorer for the hosts, but the second half began badly for the Ulster county as they conceded two goals within a minute. Goalkeeper Michael Cunningham was sent-off for a foul on Gary Sice, with Eamonn Brannigan scoring the resulting penalty. Shane Walsh was next to find the net, although Galway suffered a setback soon after when Declan Kynne received a straight red card for an off-the-ball challenge on Barry O'Hagan. O'Hagan's goal reduced Down's arrears to 2-9 to 1-9 by 49 minutes but despite three further points by O'Hanlon, it was the visitors who dominated for the remainder of the game. Marc Reid saved a penalty but Eamonn Brannigan scored on the rebound to help ensure victory for Galway. Fermanagh got off to a good start with points from Sean Quigley and Ryan Lyons but it was the home side who assumed control thereafter, enjoying a 2-6 to 0-4 advantage by the interval. Donal Lenihan and Bryan McMahon scored the first-half goals, with Graham Reilly, Bryan Menton, McMahon and Donal Keogan all registering scores. The Ernemen's other first-half points came from Kane Connor and a Quigley free. Early second-half points from Sean Tobin and Cillian O'Sullivan were followed by a third Meath goal from Tobin, before Lee Cullen recorded Fermanagh's first score of the second half for 3-9 to 0-5. Meath scored six of the match's remaining seven points to clinch a comfortable success. ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE RESULTS Sunday Division One Cavan 1-10 0-13 Kerry Tyrone 0-12 1-10 Mayo Donegal 1-11 1-11 Monaghan Division Two Derry 2-10 0-20 Cork Meath 3-15 0-6 Fermanagh Down 1-13 3-15 Galway Kildare 0-18 1-14 Clare Division Three Sligo 2-10 2-14 Offaly Tipperary 0-12 0-16 Louth Division Four Leitrim 2-16 0-15 London Wexford 0-9 3-24 Westmeath Wicklow 0-10 1-18 Carlow Saturday Division One Dublin 2-29 0-14 Roscommon Division Three Armagh 1-12 0-13 Antrim Laois 1-13 0-13 Longford Division Four Waterford 0-8 0-14 Limerick

Ulster counties Derry, Fermanagh and Down go into next week's final round of fixtures in danger of relegation from Division Two after suffering defeats.

39399948

Ulster counties, relegation threat, Division Two fixtures

Laura Whitford decorated the centre of Royston with colourful nets and bunting to publicise a craft fair on Saturday. The nets have been thrown on to a roof and into trees almost every day since she put them up on Sunday night. However, Mrs Whitford put her story online and said so many people saw it, everyone "now knows about the fair". She and her friend Anne Walls crocheted covers for bollards in the centre of town and a large net to cover the Royse Stone - a landmark that used to contain a cross, and which gives the town its name. They put them up, together with crocheted bunting "under cover of darkness, like all good guerrilla knitters and yarn bombers do", she said. However, on Monday morning they were gone. Mrs Whitford posted "missing" notices on local Facebook group pages. The items mysteriously reappeared that afternoon. On Tuesday, the nets were discovered strewn on the pavement and thrown into trees. They were retrieved and returned to their rightful positions. The following day the stone cover was spotted on the roof of a bank. Staff from a nearby pub brought out a stepladder and retrieved the cover for Mrs Whitford. However, it has happened again, she said. "They're back in the trees, but frankly that's where they're going to stay until the fair." Mrs Whitford added: "Actually, I'd like to thank the vandals because they really have done me a huge favour, and this whole saga of missing netting has given the fair more publicity than I ever could."

A yarn bomber says vandals who repeatedly removed her woollen artwork, throwing it around a Hertfordshire town, have done her "a big favour".

33185890

Yarn bombing , Artwork removal , Positive consequence

Former Scotland centre Sean Lineen will be the English Championship club's director of rugby. And Roddy Grant, who retired through injury after playing for Edinburgh, joins as a forwards coach. SRU chief executive Mark Dodson said: "This is an exciting partnership which benefits both organisations." Their most immediate goal will be to prevent London Scottish, who are third from bottom of the English Championship table, being relegated. Dodson said the arrangement was the result of months of planning between two organisations that "share the common objective of developing and improving Scottish rugby". "It provides a new, competitive step on the performance pathway for both players and coaches and we look forward to working with London Scottish CEO Rod Lynch and his team," he said in a statement. Players sent on loan from Pro12 clubs Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors, along with Scottish rugby academy and national age-grade players, will be based at the Richmond Athletic Ground and will be available to London Scottish for Championship and B&I Cup fixtures. London Scottish chairman Sir David Reid said: "We will benefit from having experienced players, while we can provide the level of on-field competition that younger Scottish players need to aid their development. "London Scottish intends to remain a successful and ambitious Championship club. Sean Lineen and Roddy Grant will help us achieve this. "The relationship between the union and London Scottish has never been stronger. I really appreciate the leadership and vision shown by Scottish Rugby in this exciting initiative and the support they have shown to London Scottish." Former Glasgow Warriors coach Lineen will work part-time at Richmond to support London Scottish head coach Peter Richards while continuing as Scottish Rugby's head of international age-grade rugby. The 54-year-old will have responsibility for support staff, facilities, match scheduling, pre-season preparation and player recruitment. Grant, the 28-year-old who played for Scotland A, joins the coaching team for the remainder of the season. Scotland back Rory Hughes is currently on loan with London Scottish, while Scottish Rugby Academy players Robbie Fergusson, George Horne and Jack Cosgrove have also been with the Championship club this season.

Scottish Rugby has entered a new partnership through which the governing body will supply players and coaches to London Scottish.

35280425

Scottish Rugby, , partnership, , player/coach supply

Mr Bird, 78, from Barnsley, was regarded as one of the game's most popular and consistent umpires. A guard of honour by the players and a standing ovation from the crowd marked his final Test, between England and India, at Lord's in 1996. After retiring in 1998, he set up the Dickie Bird Foundation which gives grants to under-privileged children. Speaking about the award, Mr Bird told the BBC: "It came as quite a surprise... but I'm tremendously delighted and honoured to get this great honour, this OBE. "It's a marvellous and wonderful honour and I never expected it, really. "It came out of the blue, because I got the MBE in 1986 which is a long time ago, and so when this came along I was completely stunned, shocked." Talking about his foundation, Mr Bird said: "It's for under-privileged kids, who the mothers and parents can't afford to buy them sports equipment... and if we think they are a worthy cause then we send them a grant. "And my aim is to get them off street corners, away from television, doing exercises and giving them a start in life." Other people honoured in South Yorkshire include the county force's recently-retired chief constable, Med Hughes, who has been appointed CBE for his services to the police. World taekwondo champion Sarah Stevenson, from Doncaster, becomes an MBE for her services to martial arts. And Christine Manby has been appointed OBE for her work with South Yorkshire's Women's Royal Voluntary Service.

Former Test cricket umpire Dickie Bird has been appointed OBE for services to the sport and to charity.

16365170

Dickie Bird, OBE, services

Scott Falconer, 20, Bruce Owens, 19, and Cameron Henry, 17, caused £40,000 of damage at the city cemetery between 15 and 17 July 2011. They were caught after police received pictures showing the vandals at work. At Glasgow Sheriff Court, all three men were ordered to carry out 126 hours of unpaid work. Passing sentence, Sheriff Alayne Swanson branded the damage they caused in the Necropolis "absolutely disgusting". At an earlier hearing, Falconer, from Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, and Henry from Carluke, South Lanarkshire, pleaded guilty to maliciously spray painting racist remarks and slogans on various headstones. Owens, from Cranhill, Glasgow, admitted the same offence as well as kicking over and damaging headstones. The court heard how two gardeners discovered the damage at the cemetery on 17 July 2011. Swastikas were sprayed on some headstones, along with slogans such as "white power", "dubba", and "punks dead ha". Some headstones had been kicked over and damaged and there was also smashed glass from broken bottles. The court was told that on 27 July police received an anonymous email with photographs showing people at the Necropolis that linked them to the case. Pictures were circulated and Owens was identified as one of the people in the photographs. Further investigations through Facebook identified Henry as one of the accused and subsequently Falconer.

Three men who admitted defacing headstones at Glasgow Necropolis by spray painting racist slogans have been given community sentences.

24388238

Community Sentences , Defacing Headstones , Racist Slogans

Luke Robertson, 30, had hoped to begin his journey - entitled Due South - two weeks ago but he was delayed by adverse weather. Mr Robertson, who decided to undertake the challenge after surviving brain surgery, is raising money for charity. If all goes to plan, he will spend Christmas on the South Pole. Unassisted and unsupported, he will receive no outside help such as a re-supply by air, and no support from animals or vehicles. In an interview last month with the BBC, Mr Robertson - who also has a pacemaker fitted - said his final preparations for the South Pole attempt included eating "three hot dogs a day" so he would put on some weight. It is estimated he will consume 6,500 calories each day, but burn off about 10,000. The 30-year-old, who is from just outside Stonehaven, will drag 110kg (17 stone) of his equipment across 730 miles of snow and ice for about 35 days, experiencing temperatures of -50C and winds of 100mph. Every day, he will consume packets of freeze-dried food - ranging from Thai chicken to spaghetti carbonara - which he will cook on a stove. Mr Robertson has already managed to raise over £34,000 for Marie Curie, exceeding an initial target of £25,000 which he had hoped to achieve by the end of the journey to the South Pole. After arriving on Antarctica two weeks ago, Mr Robertson was delayed as adverse weather delayed his final departure to the starting point of Hercules Inlet. A break in the weather allowed the finance worker to finally make the journey on Saturday. Readers can follow his progress on social media, and also track his movements on his website.

An Edinburgh finance worker has begun his attempt to become the first Scot to trek to the South Pole solo, unassisted and unsupported.

35024827

Edinburgh finance worker , South Pole trek , solo, unassisted, unsupported

The 57-year-old was approached by another man on a footpath in Ferguslie at 07:55. He threatened his victim with a knife and demanded he hand over his money and possessions. Police said that when the man refused, the suspect ran off in the direction of Abbey Nursery and Millarston Park. He was about 6ft tall and was wearing a home-made balaclava. Officers said his blue beanie hat, which had white stripes at the bottom, was pulled down over his face and slits had been cut for his eyes. Det Con Aileen Cunningham said: "I would like to speak to anyone who was in the Ferguslie area this morning and saw anyone acting suspiciously. "In particular, I would like to trace the male driver of an old silver style Polo which was seen driving in the area heading towards Paisley around the time of the incident. "We believe the driver may have witnessed what happened so I would ask him to get in touch."

Police have launched an investigation after a man was threatened with a knife in Paisley.

38624944

police , investigation , knife threat

Working with a host of industry experts they will help to choose the shortlist for the 2016 award, which is then decided by public vote. Previous winners include James McAvoy, Tom Hardy and Jack O'Connell who was was presented with the award at the Baftas earlier this year. Colman said she was looking for a performance "you couldn't ignore." "I think it's important to support people who are coming into it," she said of being on the jury. "I would have liked someone to go 'well done, you' at the very beginning... it's nice to be able to do that for each other." The award is not only open to newcomers and can go to actors who have already appeared in a number of films. Ross, who hosted the BBC's film review programme for 11 years, said he is looking for someone who has "already made a splash." "It's not about being just a new young face," he said. "It's about someone who has the ability to shine on screen, regardless of the quality of the film or the role or regardless of the genre," he said. "Someone who has already earned their place in the affections of the audience as someone who, when they see them on the cast list, they think, 'OK, I want to go and see that film because that person always does interesting work'." They are joined by producer and jury chair, Marc Samuelson; film critic James King; Philomena producer, Gabrielle Tana; Pirates Of The Caribbean and Testament Of Youth casting director, Lucy Bevan; director of Harry Potter and Four Weddings And A Funeral Mike Newell, and Nina Gold - the renowned casting director for Star Wars Episode VII, The King's Speech and The Imitation Game. The jury will select five nominees who will be announced on 6 January 2016. The winner is revealed at next year's EE British Academy Film Awards in February.

TV host Jonathan Ross and Broadchurch actress Olivia Colman are to sit on this year's EE Rising Star Award jury.

34719830

Jonathan Ross, Olivia Colman, EE Rising Star Award jury.

Media playback is not supported on this device On Thursday afternoon, Jackson Page was meant to be taking part in a physical education lesson at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community in Blaenau Gwent. Instead, the 15-year-old from Ebbw Vale found himself in front of the television cameras at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena, playing former world number one Judd Trump for a place in the last 16 of the Welsh Open. Having beaten Jason Weston and John Astley in the first and second rounds, Page attracted a big crowd; the locals curious to see if this improbably bearded schoolboy could continue his improbable run. However, his match against Trump - the winner of six ranking titles - proved a bridge too far for the Welsh teenager. Page was brave in his shot selection and eager to match his opponent's attacking instincts, but was ultimately outclassed as Trump ruthlessly raced to a 4-0 win. "It was great out there but there were a lot of nerves and pressure too," says Page, remarkably calm and level-headed for a 15-year-old. "It's been great - I've loved every minute of it. My friends have been proud of me and enjoyed watching me. Now it's back to blazers and ties. "No-one likes school really. When I'm there I just can't wait to get into the snooker hall." Luckily for Page, his teachers recognise his potential and are happy for him to forego as many lessons as is necessary for him to pursue his snooker ambitions. After a week in school, Page will travel to Cyprus for the European Championships, where winning the under-21 or senior competition would give him the opportunity to turn professional. Media playback is not supported on this device With Page in Cyprus will be his mother Clare, who along with father Andrew, has been integral to his snooker development. Being the parents of a budding player has meant driving him from school to the local snooker hall every day, then for a whole day of practice on Saturdays and usually a tournament on Sundays - of which Page enters about 33 a year. "We're so proud, we just can't believe it," says Clare. "We came down here with no expectation. He did, he had expectation because he's got all the confidence in the world. "We were just thinking we've got a couple of days off work, we'll come down with him, and my head was mostly down because I couldn't watch." Andrew was the first person Jackson saw as he left the table after his first and second-round wins, and he begins to well up as he reflects on his son's achievement. "It's emotional. Even seeing him walk out on the big stage, you get a lump in your throat," says Andrew, his eyes glistening as he struggles to restrain his tears. "When that last black went in - I don't know if it was the first round or the second, I can't remember - I was the first one out of there, before anyone could see me crying." The pride, warmth and sheer enthusiasm with which Page's parents speak is infectious. They joke that it is just as well they have only one son - as they would simply not have the time to support another child as lovingly or committedly. Media playback is not supported on this device Page, while equally amenable and friendly, is more reserved. His is a temperament made for professional sport. Perhaps it is a quality he has gleaned from two-time world champion Mark Williams, who is from Cwm - just a couple of miles away from Ebbw Vale - and has been helping Page train. "He's very laid back, which is a good trait to have," Page says. "I've played with Mark on the practice tables a few times. You learn off him and get tips off him." Williams, a former world number one with 18 ranking titles and about £5m in prize money to his name, will be a valuable influence as Page aims to establish himself. The financial rewards for leading snooker players can be great and, this week, Page got a taste of things which might be to come. Reaching the third round of the Welsh Open earned him £3,500 - a far cry from the pocket money or paper rounds with which most 15-year-olds have to make do. True to form, the measured Page plans to put the majority of that sum in the bank. Surely, though, after such a remarkable week, he can afford himself a little treat? He ponders his options, smiles and says: "I might get a McDonalds later." Media playback is not supported on this device Former world champion Terry Griffiths "When I saw Jackson play, it reminded me of when I was 15 years of age and how I thought about playing. He just loves to be there. "He takes on shots that other people turn down because he's excited at that age and to win two matches as he has done is exceptional. "He's a tremendous potter, he's got no fear at all." Former world champion Mark Williams "He's played a few pros already and beaten them. I didn't do that when I was 15. What he is doing is incredible. "He is a very fast player, he will slow down when he's older, but he is only 15. He keeps winning under-21 tournaments, so he doesn't need to change too much." Deputy phase director of Ebbw Fawr Learning Community, Paul Freeguard "We are very, very proud of his achievement, but not surprised, as he is an under-18 world champion. "The other pupils are following the tournament, they are all avid fans now. They are getting time to catch up and watch him. "He will have exams when he comes back, same as everyone else, so he will be expected to catch up on the work he has missed. "Jackson will make a professional career out of snooker so it would be unfair if we hadn't supported him. But I couldn't tell you why he doesn't like history or English, but luckily he's doing well in those subjects. "He will get a hero's welcome when he returns to the school."

As excuses for missing school go, playing in the third round of a ranking tournament against the world's fourth best snooker player is a pretty good one.

38995225

Excuse, , School absence,, Snooker tournament

The fires, which happen every year, are caused by slash-and-burn clearances on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Paper and palm oil companies have been widely blamed for the practice. Indonesia, which has repeatedly promised to stop the illegal fires, has sent hundreds of military personnel to try to put them out. It has declared a state of emergency in Riau province, where the haze has been building for several weeks and pollution levels are hazardous to health. In Malaysia, schools have been closed in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and several other areas, while Singaporeans are being advised to avoid strenuous activity outdoors.

Smoke from huge forest fires in Indonesian has created a cloud of smog over the country, which has spread over neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore.

34242311

Indonesian forest fires, smog cloud, regional impact

Bournemouth's Ryan Fraser, fellow midfielder Tom Cairney of Fulham and West Brom winger Matt Phillips are also included. It is a first call-up for Fraser and Cairney, with recalls for keeper Allan McGregor and striker Jordan Rhodes. Scotland host Canada in a friendly on 22 March, then Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier on 26 March. Celtic midfielder captain Scott Brown, who reversed his decision to retire from international football last year, is also included. There is no place in the squad for the likes of Graeme Shinnie and Kenny McLean of Aberdeen, who had been strongly tipped to make the cut. Armstrong, capped 20 times by the Under-21s, has scored 11 times for Celtic this season, eight times since the start of December. Fraser, 23, has been in excellent form for Bournemouth in recent months and Cairney, 26, has impressed for Championship side Fulham. And boss Strachan believes the trio will add "freshness" to the squad. "Up until four or five months ago, they (Stuart and Tom) played wider and I always thought both would be better central," he said. "Since then, they have moved to central positions and similar positions and done very well. "I saw both players over the weekend. Stuart scored his goal yesterday, he had five shots, five on target. "He is now using his assets. He has great fitness. He plays players he is up against out the game. He is getting goals, so he is leaving a footprint. "Tom Cairney was the best man on the pitch at St James' Park (a 3-1 win for Fulham), but that was no surprise - he has been the best man on the pitch on many occasions - and Ryan is doing very well at Bournemouth. "He is keeping out some good players, some high-value players at Bournemouth with his ability and work rate and he played very well at the weekend." Rhodes had been left out of recent squads after failing to command a starting place at Middlesbrough but is now playing regularly on loan with Sheffield Wednesday. "Jordan's playing and he scored a couple of goals the other week there - one was a great cross from Barry Bannan," said Strachan. "There's an opportunity for Jordan to be in the squad because, at the moment, if you look at our strikers, there's quite a few of them not really playing regularly, but Jordan's played the last five or six games and looked comfortable in his new surroundings." Goalkeepers: Gordon (Celtic), Marshall (Hull City), McGregor (Cardiff City, on loan from Hull City) Defenders: Berra (Ipswich Town), Mulgrew (Blackburn Rovers), Hanley (Newcastle United), R Martin (Norwich City), Robertson (Hull City), Tierney (Celtic), Wallace (Rangers) Midfielders: Anya (Derby County), Bannan (Sheffield Wednesday), Brown (Celtic), Armstrong (Celtic), Burke (Leipzig), D Fletcher (West Brom), Forrest (Celtic), Cairney (Fulham), Fraser (Bournemouth), McArthur (Crystal Palace), McGinn (Hibernian), Morrison (West Brom), Phillips (West Brom), Ritchie (Newcastle United), Snodgrass (West Ham United) Forwards: S Fletcher (Sheffield Wednesday), Griffiths (Celtic), Naismith (Norwich City), C Martin (Fulham, on loan from Derby County), Rhodes (Sheffield Wednesday, on loan from Middlesbrough)

In-form Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong has been called up to the Scotland squad by Gordon Strachan.

39253748

Stuart Armstrong, Scotland squad, Gordon Strachan

The lovelorn ballad only reached number 108, but it set the "dirt poor" Tennessee singer on the path to fame. Since then, she's sold more than 100 million albums, topped the country chart 25 times, and won eight Grammy Awards - but she shows no signs of slowing down. "Almost every day I come up with a few song titles or a sweet melody," says the 70-year-old, who claims to have written more than 3,000 songs in her career. Her latest album, Pure & Simple, came out on Friday, featuring new songs with stripped-down arrangements that recall the early days of her career. It has an overwhelmingly romantic theme, inspired by renewing her wedding vows earlier this year. And just like her chart career, her marriage to Carl Dean turned 50 this year. "I thought, well, this would be a good year to write an album of love songs," she says. "I've never done that before. I've usually had a story song or a gospel song, but this was all love stories." The BBC caught up with the star to discuss the new record, her legendary Glastonbury set, and why she admires Adele. First of all, congratulations on celebrating your golden wedding anniversary! Thank you so much. That's a long time to do anything, ain't it? Especially to be married. What's the secret? We've always been good buddies. We have a lot of fun and a lot of respect for one another. It was his first marriage and mine and we never thought we'd ever want to do that again. Why bother? You renewed your vows earlier this year. What was that like? That was sweet. There was no pressure at all. We had our own little ceremony in a little chapel on our property, then we went in our little RV down to Ringgold, Georgia, and spent the night where we had married 50 years before. We took some beautiful pictures and got all dressed up. It was fun really. Did you wear your original wedding dress? Could you still fit into it? Well, I could but I don't know where it is now! I only had a simple little white dress that my mother had made for me for that wedding, but I had always wanted a beautiful, long, beaded wedding gown, so I dressed completely to the nines. I made a right nice bride! That sense of romance permeates your new album. Oh yes! In fact a lot of the songs were written just because of that. You've written so many love songs over the years - how do you find new ways to talk about it? Love is always growing, and we grow as people as well, so you just automatically take on new twists and turns. And it's amazing. I've always been amazed by that myself, how people can just write, year in and year out, about love and it all is different. I could write one right now! How often do you write? I write something almost every single day unless I'm sick or on a movie set. Is that ever an inconvenience? Do you ever find yourself going, "I don't have time to write a song right now, I need to finish this casserole?" Well, no! In fact, I write a lot when I cook. If my cooking's really good that day, my songs are really good. In Head Over High Heels, you sing about "painting my eyes like Adele." What made you write about her? Everyone loves Adele. With all my little nieces, it's all "Adele this" and "Adele that!" And I love how she does her make-up, and so I'm always saying to my little nieces, "can you fix my eyes like Adele?" When I started that song, I had not planned to write that line. I was just thinking, "This needs to be about a girl dressing up sexy, so she's got to have some make-up, and she's got to paint her eyes". And all of a sudden it's like, "And my eyes like Adele!" What do you think her reaction will be? I think she'll have to be complimented, just like I'm always complimented when people write songs about me! I just meant I wanted to look like Adele. I hope she thinks it's cute. You both like to talk to your audience in between songs, but she swears a lot more than you… I wondered what you made of that? Oh, I don't pay any attention to that! Words are just an exchange, like money. I don't think the Lord holds that against us. I think that's just the way we communicate. And some people are just born cussers. What's the worst thing you've ever said on stage? Oh, I've never said anything real bad. I try to respect the audience. The song I'm 16 is based on one of your sisters, is that right? Yeah, she had a couple of bad relationships and she thought it wasn't meant for her to have true love. Then all of a sudden, in her 60s, she met someone and they fell in love, and it's just like they were born again. It's just the sweetest thing. Another one of my sisters and I were laughing. We said, "Look at her, she thinks she's 16!" and all of a sudden I heard the song in my head. Goes to show you're never old unless you choose to be. What age do you think of yourself as? I'm 16 in some ways. I'm still a hopeless romantic! But I'm 35 in my spirit and in my mind. When I was 35, it was a pinnacle, a great time in my life - success and happiness and all that. And so I just decided "I'm gonna claim that number and always be that in my state of mind." What inspired Can't Be That Wrong? That was an easy one to write. I think it's the ultimate cheating song. I based it on someone very, very close to me, who was very much in love with the person at home, and their children, and they weren't looking for love, they just happened to fall for someone. They were so torn, because they loved both people. I saw the turmoil and the heartache, and how overwhelming and overpowering it was. And I just thought, "That's a strong-ass love, right there". You know, to be willing to go through all you have to, and put the other people through that. So I thought, "wow, this would make a great song." The last time I saw you on stage in the UK was at Glastonbury - and you've put that concert on this album as a bonus disc. What are your memories of it? That'll be one of my greatest memories, actually. That'll be a real highlight in my career. I wasn't even certain about doing that show, because I didn't know if I was the type of artist that would fit in that type of a festival - because people are rowdy, they like to go dancing, and they like to drink and smoke and I thought, "I wonder if they're even going to pay attention?" And so, as soon as I went out and I saw the crowd and heard the roar, I thought, "Ohhhh, my Lord, how did I miss this all these years?" They call that part of the day the "legends slot". If you were booking next year's Glastonbury, who would you put in there? I don't know. I hadn't even thought about it in those terms. Probably Adele. But I'm not sure I'd do it again, because I don't know how I could ever top that. Pure and Simple is out now on RCA Records. Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram at bbcnewsents, or email [email protected].

It is 50 years since Dolly Parton first entered the US charts, with a cover of The Tune Weavers' Happy, Happy Birthday Baby.

37131104

Dolly Parton, 50 years, US charts

The German side allowed the 44-year-old speak to the Swans, who are bottom of the Premier League. Clement was interviewed by the club before Bob Bradley was appointed as their manager in October. He is set to be Swansea's third manager of the season and it is likely he will be at Selhurst Park for their game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid assistant manager was in charge of Derby County for eight months before he was sacked by the club in February of 2016. After Bradley was sacked following a spell of seven defeats in 11 games, Clement emerged as the frontrunner to be Swansea's next manager Former Manchester United assistant Ryan Giggs, Wales boss Chris Coleman and former Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett were also linked with the job. The Swans are four points adrift at the bottom of the table and have lost their last four games, including Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth.

Bayern Munich assistant Paul Clement has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal to become Swansea City's next manager.

38490554

Paul Clement, Bayern Munich assistant, Swansea City's next manager

The number of children at significant risk of exploitation in the city has more than doubled, new figures show. Trafficking cases across Wales also rose from 34 to 50 in the last year. But experts say the figures are only the tip of the iceberg - with many cases not officially recorded. A task force set up by Cardiff council heard from police and many of the 50 different bodies working on the issue. "The evidence demonstrates that trafficking in Cardiff is increasing, for all types and for all reasons," says its report. The number of children in the city regarded as being at "significant risk" of sexual exploitation has jumped from 12 to 28 between 2012/2013 and 2013/2104, according to the children's charity Barnardo's. The council task force found: The report also points to five court cases in the area in the last three years, including the case in January of a couple jailed for trafficking two Czech women to work as prostitutes. There was another trafficking case which saw women moved around the UK including to two places in Cardiff. Cardiff council has been regarded as leading the field in tackling trafficking but it is looking at what more it can do. This includes raising awareness at spotting signs of trafficking and improving training for staff. Another concern has been a two-year waiting list for those who have been exploited and need help for post-traumatic stress. There are also concerns some victims have been offered unsuitable accommodation and qualified social workers have not been available when cases are first referred. The Black African Women Step Out (Bawso) charity which helps victims of exploitation from ethnic communities, said trafficking has always existed but there is now more awareness from professionals in health and education. Dr Mwenya Chimba, director of violence against women at Bawso, said: "The problem is very big but the referrals don't reflect the extent of it. "More recently it's not just the sex trade but forced labour and other forms of exploitation." Case study - Mary Mary travelled to the UK from West Africa illegally when she was 14. She believed she was travelling to a job looking after children in London which would allow her to go to school herself. But when she arrived in London, after using counterfeit travel documents, she was taken to a house where there were five other girls of various nationalities being forced to work as prostitutes. She spent a year at the house being made to work as a prostitute and her earnings were confiscated. Police spotted her during a raid at the house and she was placed in foster care before being referred to the anti-trafficking team. She was given help and refuge accommodation in Cardiff where it emerged she was pregnant. She is waiting for a decision to be made on her claim for asylum. Mary's name has been changed Yvonne Rodgers, director of Barnardo's Cymru, said closer work between police, councils and the charity had led to more children identified as being at risk of trafficking, more referrals and more protection for victims. "We need to continue this pattern and see the police authorities in Wales using their full range of law enforcement and disruption tactics to arrest and deter the abusers and protect children from this horrific abuse," she added. A large number of cases in UK are from countries like Nigeria, Vietnam, China, Albania and Romania. A council spokesperson said two of its committees had produced a "comprehensive and useful report on this important issue, which takes many forms and which has a profound impact on both children and adults". It said it looked forward to seeing the recommendations implemented soon.

Human trafficking in Cardiff is increasing year-on-year, with women being exploited for sex and children forced to work, says a new report.

29009500

Human trafficking, Cardiff, report

Media playback is not supported on this device Their relationship has been the subject of intense media scrutiny, with both insisting there is no rift. They meet in Lyon on Wednesday, Wales' first semi-final at a major tournament. "It's not about two players, it is about two nations in a semi-final, 11 men against 11 men," said Wales' Bale. "Everybody knows that really." Bale became the world's most expensive footballer when he joined Real from Tottenham for £85m in 2013, surpassing the £80m the Spanish club paid Manchester United for Ronaldo in 2009. The two players have formed a potent attacking three with French striker Karim Benzema, helping Real to win two Champions League titles in the past three seasons. However, the relationship between Bale and Ronaldo has not always been harmonious. The Portugal captain was pictured gesticulating angrily when Bale did not pass to him during a game in 2015, prompting speculation of discord between the pair. Both have dismissed such talk, while former Real manager Carlo Ancelotti said in a recent BBC Wales documentary about Bale that the two players are "really close". "Of course we get on very well at Madrid, we enjoy playing with each other," said Bale. "He's a fantastic player, everybody knows what he can do. But we have always spoken about what we do, what we do ourselves as a team. We don't worry about the opposition." Wednesday's match in Lyon will be Ronaldo's third European Championship semi-final, and he was part of the Portugal side which lost the 2004 final to Greece. Bale's three goals have helped Wales reach the last four of a major tournament for the first time, and he has reiterated his belief that Chris Coleman's men could be crowned champions. "We all believed from the start. As we have said many times, we didn't come here to make up the numbers," he added. "We came here to do a job, we came to do the business. Ultimately we want to win the tournament. "We know we're a step closer again but, the thing we keep saying time and time again, we can't think past the semi-final now. "We have to concentrate everything on the semi. If we can get the job done, then we can look forward to the final." With Wales making their first appearance at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup, Bale is glad he no longer has to endure taunts from his Real team-mates. "I remember [Germany midfielder] Toni Kroos saying we'd only have three games. So it would be nice to meet him in the final," he said. "It was a good laugh and a joke - a bit of banter. I have had a lot of abuse over the years, when we used to lose and when we were 100th in the world. You have nine weeks' holiday instead of two. "It is good to finally be in a major tournament actually doing great things with our national team. It is great to be part of and we have loved every moment of it and we will continue to do that." While Kroos may await in the final if Wales make it, Bale can look forward to facing Real centre-back Pepe - if fit - as well as Ronaldo in Wednesday's semi-final against Portugal. The Wales forward has also brought his Real physiotherapist, Jaime Benito, with him to France to work alongside the international backroom staff. "I had a few injuries this year and coming to a big tournament I haven't experienced it before so I wanted to make sure I was fully fit and if there was a problem I can get it fixed straight away," Bale added. "It's been a massive help for me and even the medical staff here have probably needed it more because they didn't want to take any of the others out for so long and leave any of the other boys without treatment. It was a good decision all round and it's working well." ________________________________________

Gareth Bale has played down the significance of his duel with Real Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Wales' Euro 2016 semi-final against Portugal.

36703057

Gareth Bale, Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo

Michael Waldman, 53, Ashford, Kent, suffered fatal injuries when his Kawasaki ZX-6R collided with a Seat Ibiza on the B2096 near Netherfield. He was travelling towards Battle with three other motorcyclists at the time of the crash on Sunday. The driver of the Seat, a 30-year-old woman from Sedlescombe, was not hurt in the incident.

A motorcyclist who was killed in a collision during a group ride in East Sussex has been named by police.

34876987

motorcyclist, collision, police announcement

An extensive search operation was launched for Mr Davidson, 73, from Dalkeith, when he was reported missing on 26 April. His body was found by a member of the public in the River North Esk, near Dalkeith, three days later. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances. In a statement, his family said: "We wish to thank the local community and police for their understanding and support at this very sad time." Sgt Stuart Aitchison, of Police Scotland, said: "Our sympathies are with the family of Thomas Davidson and we wish to extend our gratitude to them for their assistance over the course of our search operation."

Police have confirmed the body of a man recovered from a river in Midlothian is missing pensioner Thomas Davidson.

36209258

police confirmation, missing pensioner, river recovery

New powers have been adopted by Gloucester City Council after complaints of people injecting drugs and aggressive begging. Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) will be imposed in the city centre, banning people from begging and causing a public nuisance. Some beggars have claimed there is not enough support for them. Cabinet member Jennie Dallimore said some of those causing problems were "housed and in receipt of benefits" which she said "cannot be tolerated". The new powers were given to councils under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. A PSPO was used to stop people taking legal highs around Taunton. If people flout the new rules and refuse to engage with the council or drug charities, they could be fined or prosecuted. Councillors at Wednesday's cabinet meeting also agreed an awareness campaign to raise better understanding of the support available for rough sleepers. Martin, who begs on the streets, told the BBC: "I want to get myself clean but there's no help. "I need help now, not in a few months down the line. At the end of the day they should sit here, then they would understand. "I'm not abusive, I'm polite, I'm only sat here, I'm not going out shoplifting or going and mugging people." But Ms Dallimore said support is available for those who want to tackle their addictions. She said: "We have been working with not only the police but also with a lot of our charitable sector partners including Turning Point who help people with substance misuse issues. "It's welcome news this individual wants help, and the public needs to report individuals they're coming across to us."

A crackdown on begging is being taken in Gloucester after reports of rising anti-social behaviour.

36854437

crackdown,, begging,, Gloucester

David Leyonhjelm, a cat-loving former veterinarian and Liberal Democratic senator for New South Wales, has twice been elected to federal parliament, and is one of a disparate group of cross-benchers who hold the balance of power in an unpredictable upper house. He is his libertarian party's sole representative in Canberra, and has been branded "the nastiest, most sexist politician in Australia" by Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons. FitzSimons, a former rugby union international, told his readers a story about an elderly female reader who had taken exception to the senator's relaxed view on Donald Trump's crass remarks about women. She complained and received a brusque response saying she was "not fit to use a computer". "Apparently a constituent wrote to me and made some fairly silly remarks. I have a fairly low tolerance for idiots," Senator Leyonhjelm told the BBC from his offices in Sydney. "It was fairly idiotic email, so I wrote back to her and called her a bimbo. I had no idea [but] it turns out she is in her 70s or 80s or something like that and she complained to this sports writer." "He contacted my office and asked for a comment and one of my staff replied we had no comment for him about the particular matter but… said 'well, usually he [the Senator] tells people like that to [profanity]-off, and he didn't in this case, so we're worried that he is mellowing. "Apparently that enraged this guy." It sure did. A fired-up FitzSimons added that "with such personal abuse, the Senator disgraces the office he holds". This is not the first time the Liberal Democratic MP has been castigated in the press. In August, the Herald labelled him a "hate-speech apologist" and "a boorish, supercilious know-all with the empathy of a [concrete] besser block". At issue is the senator's push to repeal section 18C of Australia's Racial Discrimination Act, which outlaws behaviour that is likely to "offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate" someone because of their race or ethnicity. Here is where he channels memories of "Chopper" Read, who died in 2013 after serving 23 years in jail in Australia for kidnapping and malicious wounding. "Our right to free speech is not a frivolous matter, but it is time for sooks and whingers to take a leaf from Chopper. It's not the government's job to protect us from hurt feelings," Senator Leyonhjelm said on his official website. Feelings were certainly singed following a tweet soon after the death from cancer of the celebrated sports journalist Rebecca Wilson. "Doubt there'll be many #WSW [Western Sydney Wanderers] fans at Rebecca Wilson's funeral #innocentlivesdamaged," he tweeted in reference to the late reporter's identification of fans allegedly on a banned list for poor behaviour, most of whom were followers of Western Sydney Wanderers. "He takes bluntness to a higher level. He can be obscene at times but it is in Australia's more rough and tumble tradition," explained Dr Peter Chen, senior lecturer in the department of government and international relations at the University of Sydney. "He originally was a member of the Labor Party. He joined the Liberal Party and he fell out with both sides of politics, most recently with his membership of the Liberal Party over the introduction of gun laws in Australia following the Port Arthur shooting about 20 years ago," Dr Chen added. Senator Leyonhjelm is broadly in favour of immigration, supports same-sex marriage, lower taxes and assisted suicide, but it's restrictions on firearms that make his blood boil. "I find that distressing because it is wrong and it is very unkind to me and 800,000 licensed shooters in the country, who are absolutely vilified, treated like we are criminals-in-waiting and whose sporting implements are constantly under threat," he explained. His critics argue that his stance on guns ignores the opinions of most Australians, who back tough laws. "He is using extreme tactics to push through his quite dangerous agenda," said fellow New South Wales Senator Lee Rhiannon, from the Greens, who is her party's gun control spokesperson. "He has been provocative, blunt, extreme, at times rude." She concedes, however, that Senator Leyonhjelm and Pauline Hanson's right-wing anti-immigration One Nation Party are tapping into anti-establishment rage in Australia. "We're seeing a real anger build up within the community with regard to machine politics, the political class, whatever name you want to call it, who are worried how their kids are going to buy a home and feeling left out of how society is working," Ms Rhiannon told the BBC. "They think that globalisation has robbed them of a life that they think is fair." The Liberal Democrats say they have recruited hundreds of disaffected former supporters of the governing Liberal Party and hope to mount a show of force at the next year's state election in Western Australia. That campaign promises to be anything but dull. Lampooned by TV comedians in June, Senator Leyonhjelm reacted in trademark fashion by swearing at the crew and telling them to leave.

He's labelled a fellow Australian MP a "dumb heap of parrot droppings", has put forward a law inspired by notorious criminal Mark "Chopper" Read and unleashed profanities to silence his critics on Twitter.

38047723

controversial statements, legislative inspiration, social media confrontation

Finnair, the national carrier, has cancelled 16 domestic flights and delays are expected. Trains and city buses have stopped running, but ferries, including those to Sweden and Estonia, are operational. Strikers are protesting against government cutbacks, including limits to benefits and overtime pay. Talks on a collective agreement on wages and working hours collapsed, leading to the strike, Associated Press reported. Last week, Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila announced plans aimed at reviving the eurozone member's economy after three years of recession. The plans included cutting back holidays, reducing pensioners' housing allowances, and reductions in employees' overtime and Sunday pay. "The Finnish state has contracted debt at a rate of almost a million euros (£730,000) per hour for seven years, day and night, every day of the week. We cannot continue like this," Mr Sipila said. Police and organisers expect thousands of people to demonstrate in Helsinki, the AFP news agency reported.

A widespread anti-austerity strike in Finland has shut down ports and disrupted flights in the country, news agencies have reported.

34287816

Anti-austerity strike, Finland, Port disruption

Bronze fired into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area as England battled against Norway. Solveig Gulbrandsen's opener had given the Norwegians a lead, but Steph Houghton equalised with a header from a corner before Bronze's winner. At the end of the match the substitutes ran on to the pitch to join their team-mates in celebrating the victory. It is the first time England have won a knockout match at the Women's World Cup. England now have the opportunity to better the quarter-final defeats suffered in each of their three previous World Cups. They'll play Canada in Vancouver on Sunday.

England have reached the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup thanks to a stunning strike from Lucy Bronze.

33235855

England , Women's World Cup , Lucy Bronze

Luke Durbin, 19, of Hollesley, failed to return home after a night out in Ipswich on 11 May 2006. No-one has been charged in connection with the case and the reward is the first to be put up since the investigation began. His mother, Nicki, said: "My family and I desperately need answers." Luke had spent part of the Thursday evening in Zest nightclub on Princes Street and was last seen on CCTV cameras near the Cattle Market bus station in the early hours of the following morning. The reward has been put up jointly by Nicki Durbin, Crimestoppers, Suffolk Police, the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star. Ms Durbin said: "It's more than nine years since I reported Luke as missing. "We still believe somebody locally knows what happened to Luke and we're hopeful this reward can be the incentive that finally makes them come forward with the information that helps us find my son." Det Supt John Brocklebank said: "We don't make decisions to offer rewards lightly because there are legal ramifications. "We had enough lines of inquiry to pursue without offering a reward earlier and the timing is for operational reasons - we are now appealing for people who may have information who want or need the financial reward." Suffolk Police said they also wanted to establish who was driving a white or silver Volvo 440 on Orwell Place at 04:09 BST on Friday, 12 May, 2006. CCTV cameras captured a picture of the vehicle, but its number plate was not visible. Police said they had confirmed there was a Volvo 440 in the Ipswich area with a M206 LYE number plate at the time, but it was registered under a false name and address and they are keen to hear from anyone who recognises this number plate so they can confirm whether it was the car in the CCTV images.

A reward of £20,000 has been offered in the case of a 19-year-old man feared murdered after he disappeared in Suffolk nine years ago.

34381016

Reward , Murdered man , Nine years ago

Farooq Shah, 21, of Station Road, Forest Gate, east London, stabbed Mariana Popa to death in Ilford Lane, Redbridge, on 28 October. Shah was ordered to serve a minimum of 28 years for the murder and received a concurrent six year sentence for robbery. The Met Police said he had "deprived a young daughter of her mother". Ms Popa, a Romanian national, had arrived in the UK only weeks before her murder, police said. She had a six-year-old daughter and was in the early stages of pregnancy at the time of her death, officers said. On 28 October police patrolling the area said they spoke to her three times and issued her with a caution for soliciting. CCTV footage showed Ms Popa walking along with Shah and his bicycle shortly before 00:00 BST, before he took a knife from his back pocket and stabbed her in the chest. Shah made off on his bike, while Ms Popa ran to a nearby shop where she collapsed. She was taken to an east London hospital where she died shortly afterwards. The post-mortem examination found the 24-year-old died from shock and haemorrhage and stab wounds to the chest. About 400 hours of CCTV footage was reviewed during the investigation and officers were able to identify the bicycle used by Shah during the attack and track his movements to an area around St Francis Way. During door-to-door enquiries on 6 November the bike was discovered in the area and Shah was arrested inside a flat by police. A mobile phone was also found at the flat and officers discovered that less than an hour before the killing Shah robbed a partially sighted man in his 50s in Harold Road, Upton Park. The victim was able to describe his robber's distinctive thick beard, police said. Det Insp Darren Richards, from the Met Police, said: "Shah has never given any reason or expressed any remorse for killing Mariana. "Fortunately he was caught on camera and we were able to put together his movements and bring him before the courts. "His callous murder has deprived a young daughter of her mother and a family of their loved one. "I hope today's sentence brings some sense of justice for them."

A man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing a sex worker in east London.

28064995

man,, sentenced to life in prison,, killing sex worker in east London.

The hackers - who are believed to be Russian - published emails belonging to a Usada staff member on Thursday. "This is just another desperate attempt to distract from the real issue of state-sponsored doping," said Tygart. In July, the McClaren report documented Russian doping in Olympic sports. It outlined a state-backed scheme and led to more than 100 Russian athletes being banned from the Rio 2016 Games, while all Russians were banned from the subsequent Paralympic Games. Since then the Fancy Bears, who describe themselves as a global hacking team, have released the medical records of some of the world's biggest sports stars, stolen from the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) database. They claim they want to highlight doping and are fighting for clean sport. Most records released belonged to athletes who had been given permission by anti-doping agencies to take otherwise banned substances to treat medical conditions. The latest releases on Thursday were emails which detailed more athletes who have been given therapeutic use exemptions (TUEs), which allow banned substances to be taken for athletes' verified medical needs. But Tygart said Fancy Bears were trying to "smear the reputations of athletes and organisations from around the world who choose to operate with integrity and abide by the rules". "They are con artists," the Usada CEO told BBC Sport. "We are confident that people will see this for what it is: a malicious and illegal invasion of athlete privacy followed by a baseless smear campaign." Russian officials have denied that the state has anything to do with Fancy Bears. Usada also highlighted to BBC Sport errors in the latest release by the hackers. In one example, Fancy Bears claim the organisation "granted" 583 TUEs in 2015 but the accompanying image of a table details that number of applications being "received" by Usada. Usada's 2015 annual report says 402 TUE applications were granted. Usada is confident the hackers have not breached their security and is working with law enforcement at the highest level in the US to protect athletes it feels have become victims. The leaks have been criticised by anti-doping officials and sports bodies, who say the TUE system is an accepted part of sport which is strictly governed. However, critics have said the leaks raise important questions about the widespread use of TUEs and whether they should be allowed in sport.

US Anti-Doping Agency head Travis Tygart has called cyber-espionage team Fancy Bears "con artists" after they released documents allegedly showing "cover ups" by US sports officials.

37576197

Travis Tygart, cyber-espionage, Fancy Bears

The Cube in Corby, which has cost £48m, now has its fourth floor office space completed and available for rent. The rest of the building includes Corby Borough Council offices, a library, theatre and register office. Tom Beattie, the council's Labour leader, said: "There was a cost over-run, but we held our hands up and accepted responsibility." The Cube opened in November 2010, but it had issues, which included a leaking roof. Building inspectors said the helical staircase was "dangerous, like a helter skelter" and it was described by the then Conservative opposition leader David Sims as a "poorly managed, waste of taxpayers' money". Work to bring it up to scratch has now been completed, the council said. Mr Beattie said: "We know it's taken a while, but we've got a building which is functional, people have got used to it and it makes a statement about Corby's ambition. "As you see the developments taking place around the town centre, I don't think any of that would have happened without this building being here - it's acted as a magnet to attract further business." Rob McKellar, current Conservative opposition leader, said: "The Cube is a building Corby can be proud of and it represents Corby's ambitions. "It was controversial and there are multi-million pound overspends. "The public did punish the Labour administration at the ballot box in May and Labour has apologised, but now it's time to look to the future and Corby's is certainly a bright one." Earlier this year, council officer Steven Redfern, reached an out-of-court settlement after launching a £1m damages claim after he turned whistle-blower over the spiralling costs of the project.

Work to finish off a public building, which went £13m over budget, has been completed five years after it opened.

34454741

Public Building, Budget Overrun, Delayed Completion

College budgets are not protected and might be vulnerable to cuts in the 2015 Spending Review, says the party. The analysis comes as further education members of the University and College Union strike over pay. The government says it is determined young people should have funding to "enjoy high-quality courses". Chancellor George Osborne has asked government departments to come up with savings plans for 25% and 40% of their budget ahead of the Spending Review on 25 November. Labour commissioned researchers at the House of Commons library to model the effect of a 25% cut on college budgets. The researchers used last year's budgets, updated to this year's prices, to calculate that savings of 25% would amount to £1.625bn from a total budget of £6.5bn. Almost three-quarters of the money goes to further education colleges, so if the cut fell proportionally FE colleges would lose £1.173bn and sixth-form colleges £451m overall, say the researchers. According to the calculations this could mean the closure of 80 FE colleges and 56 sixth-form colleges - a total of 136 or 40% of the 335 colleges, says Labour. Shadow education secretary Lucy Powell said the government was "putting post-16 education on a cliff edge, harming opportunities for the next generation and holding our young people and our country back". "It is simply not possible to build a 21st-Century economy on falling investment in education," Ms Powell argued, saying Labour would have protected the whole education budget from cuts. James Kewin, deputy chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, called the analysis "deeply worrying". It "confirms our fears that some sixth-form colleges could be wiped from the educational map after the Spending Review. "Funding for 16- to 19-year-olds, already significantly lower than for younger students, has been cut three times since 2011 and it seems certain that further reductions will be made next year." FE college staff, striking over a pay freeze, say they have suffered a real-terms cut of more than 17% over five years. University and College Union general secretary Sally Hunt said she feared for the future of the sector. "Colleges need stable investment to continue to help people of all backgrounds fulfil their potential," she said. The Association of Colleges said the pay freeze reflected "stringent financial circumstances in the sector". Colleges "simply cannot take more cuts", said chief executive Martin Doel. Mr Doel urged the government to fund post-16 education at the same level as education for younger students, "to ensure adult skills training does not become a thing of the past". The government announced area-based reviews of post-16 education and training in the summer, aiming to streamline spending. "We need to move towards fewer, larger, more resilient and efficient colleges," wrote Skills Minister Nick Boles in guidance. A Department for Education spokesman did not directly address Labour's figures but reiterated that the government was "reforming further education to give employers and local authorities a greater say over how and what young people are taught so that training meets local labour market needs, while ensuring the best return on investment for public funding". "We are determined that post-16 providers have the resources they need to ensure young people in further education can enjoy high quality courses."

Up to four in 10 further education and sixth-form colleges in England could close if the government presses ahead with savings, says Labour.

34766970

Further education, Sixth-form colleges, Government savings

The show was part of an economic event, "Make in India", designed to encourage foreign investment. Video from the scene, in an enclosure on Chowpatty Beach, showed the fire blazing under a stage as dancers up above continued their act. VIPs including the state chief minister had to wave at them to stop. Reports say the blaze, caused by a short circuit, was brought under control and no-one was hurt.

Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan were among those who had to be evacuated when a big fire broke out at a lavish cultural show in Mumbai.

35574186

Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, evacuation

Drainage work on land between junction 12, Tal-y-Bont, and junction 13, Abergwyngregyn, will begin in the autumn, once the landowners agree. It is part of a stretch of the A55 closed by flooding on Boxing Day. First Minster Carwyn Jones also said a separate £1.9m Tal-y-Bont scheme is due to start in the spring and be ready for winter. Mr Jones visited the village, also hit by flooding over Christmas, in January - a week after residents complained they had been left waiting for him after he had driven through the village without stopping. He apologised but said he did not know they had been expecting him. Visiting the Traffic Management Centre in Conwy on Thursday, he said: "When I saw the flooding on the A55 and then met residents of Tal-y-Bont who had been affected, I said that the money was available for a flood alleviation scheme to help reduce the risk of it happening again. "Following discussion with Gwynedd council, I'm pleased to say that construction can start this April and will be complete ahead of next winter." He said the A55 work "needs a great deal of planning because of its sheer scale". "The plan is not that there are perpetual road works on the A55," he added. "At the moment, we need to make sure that the tunnels are safe for the future. "We're not planning any works after Easter of this year, but you have to remember that the A55 was built on the cheap, unfortunately. "If you look at some of the sections like the tunnels, it's just the old road. We would never build a road like that now, we would build a far better road. So we have to improve the road's resilience for the future."

A £500,000 grant to speed up flood prevention work on the A55 in Gwynedd has been announced.

35486470

grant, flood prevention, A55

The president also called on US courts to "give us back our protective rights" in order to be tough on terrorism. It comes a day after Mr Trump urged people to look into a debunked myth about a general who fought Islamist militants by using pig's blood. Twin terrorist attacks left 14 people dead in Spain on Thursday. American killed in Barcelona terror attack A driver rammed a car into crowds in Barcelona's tourist district, Las Ramblas, killing 13 people and injuring dozens. Hours later, police killed five terror suspects in a second vehicle attack in the town of Cambrils. A woman injured in the attack later died. Police said the men killed in Cambrils were linked to the Barcelona attack, which the Islamic State group said it had carried out. End of Twitter post by @realDonaldTrump End of Twitter post 2 by @realDonaldTrump End of Twitter post 3 by @realDonaldTrump In Friday's tweets, Mr Trump lambasted "Obstructionist Democrats" for hindering his security plans, which appeared to refer to legal efforts to block his travel ban in US courts. On Thursday, Mr Trump condemned the attack in Spain before he urged his Twitter followers to look into General John Pershing's actions during the US war in the Philippines in the early 1900s. According to the debunked myth, the US commander rounded up 50 terrorists and ordered his men to shoot 49 of them, using bullets dipped in pig's blood. Pigs are considered ritually unclean in Islam. It is claimed the survivor was told to go back and tell his people what happened. However, historians and fact checkers say there is no truth to the story. Mr Trump has faced sharp criticism for his inconsistent response to terrorist attacks and hate crimes. Earlier this week, he declined to label the clashes in Charlottesville, Virginia, a terror attack after the Justice Department announced it was investigating it as an act of terror. A driver there barrelled a car into a group of counter-protesters at a far-right rally, organised by white supremacists and neo-Nazis, killing a woman and injuring 19 others. The president said "all sides" were to blame for her death and the violence.

Radical Islamic terrorism "must be stopped by whatever means necessary", US President Donald Trump has tweeted in the wake of attacks in Barcelona.

40977702

Radical Islamic terrorism, US President Donald Trump, response to attacks in Barcelona

Health Minister Marcelo Castro said priority for testing would be given to pregnant women. Brazil has the largest known outbreak of Zika, which has been linked to a sharp spike in birth defects. Mr Castro also announced extra funds to speed up finding a vaccine for Zika. He said that the goal was to develop a vaccine "in record time". At the moment the only way to fight Zika is to clear standing water where mosquitoes breed. The aim is that the tests will speed up diagnosis and ensure patients get correct medical treatment fast. Since October around 3,530 babies have been born with microencephaly, which can lead to small heads and under-developed brains. Fewer than 150 cases of microencephaly were seen in Brazil throughout 2014. The US State Department confirmed its first case of a baby born with brain damage because of infection by the Zika virus. The baby was born in a hospital in Oahu, Hawaii. The Hawaii State Department of Health said the mother was believed to have contracted Zika while living in Brazil in May 2015 and that the baby was most likely infected in the womb. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert on Friday advising pregnant women to avoid travelling to Brazil and other Latin American and Caribbean countries where outbreaks of Zika have been registered. The travel alert applies to Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes species mosquito.

The Brazilian Health ministry says it's developed new testing kits to rapidly identify the presence of three viruses - Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya - all carried by the same mosquito.

35336618

Brazilian Health Ministry, New Testing Kits, Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya Viruses Identification

The former business secretary said the lack of an alternative to Chancellor George Osborne's Northern Powerhouse was a "huge political mistake". He said Labour did not have election policies to "rebalance both the economy and the political system". In May, Mr Osborne said northern England would get more powers. He laid out plans to transfer powers on housing, planning, transport and policing. Lord Mandelson said Labour's proposals had not been "radical enough". "We stepped back and passed the ball to the Conservatives and the coalition," he told BBC's Sunday Politics North West. "And what did they do? They ran with it... and it was a strong part of their appeal both in the North West but also nationally. "And the Labour Party, I'm afraid, has a long way to catch up. But catch up, it must do." He added: "I think George Osborne got it. I think he got it because he saw an electoral advantage in it... and we let him do so. And that was a huge political mistake." Lord Mandelson, a key figure in the governments of former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, is currently running for the position of University of Manchester chancellor. He has been nominated alongside writer Lemn Sissay and Sir Mark Elder from the Hallé Orchestra. Lord Mandelson said he wanted the post "because the city of Manchester is becoming the most exciting, edgy place to be around in England". "Let's be honest, something very exciting is happening in this region as part of the Northern Powerhouse." The new chancellor will be announced on 22 June. Sunday Politics North West, BBC One North West, Sunday 7 June 11:35 BST During the General Election campaign Labour told voters its policies on devolution were more radical than George Osborne's "Northern Powerhouse". But the trouble was nobody could point to a coherent strategy. Lord Mandelson has become the first senior Labour Party figure to admit it simply did not exist. The former business secretary was clearly frustrated policies he began to formulate in government were not developed by Labour in opposition. He clearly believes the party handed a political advantage to the Tories, something he describes as "a huge political mistake". No wonder so many North West council leaders have been willing to work collaboratively with the government, despite the substantial cuts they have endured. It is difficult to imagine how Labour lost the political initiative in its own regional heartland. Labour will fight hard to win it back but that will become increasingly difficult if the Northern Powerhouse strategy starts to bear fruit.

Lord Mandelson has criticised Labour for failing to come up with a credible strategy for decentralising power from London to northern England.

33024679

Lord Mandelson , Labour Party , Decentralisation strategy

The 70ft (21m) finback arrived at Cambridge University's Zoology department 150 years ago, after washing up dead on a Sussex beach. It was taken down from display when the Museum of Zoology closed in 2013 for a £4m makeover. Re-assembling and re-hanging the whale took two people about four weeks. The finback (Balaeonoptera physalus) - the second largest species after the blue whale - is thought to have weighed about 80 tonnes, the equivalent of eight double-decker buses, when it was alive. More on this story and other news from Cambridgeshire It washed up in Pevensey Bay on 14 November, 1865, after a storm. The mammal was sold at auction for £38 to 10 local fisherman who cut it up under the guidance of William Henry Flower, conservator of the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons. Mr Flower told Cambridge University about the "magnificent skeleton", and the department bought it, finally putting it on public display 30 years later. For years it took centre-stage, dwarfing the museum's four million other specimens, including the skeleton of a Dodo and many animals collected by naturalist Charles Darwin. However, it was consigned to storage boxes for three years until being put back together and re-hung in a new glass display area. Putting it back together took "a lot of patience, a lot of effort and a lot of labour", collections manager Matt Lowe said. "It's really iconic, it's 150 years old - exactly the same age as the museum itself," he added. Whale-watchers will be able to appreciate the whale's sheer scale when the museum reopens to the public next summer.

A giant whale skeleton dismantled and put into storage for three years during a museum refurbishment has been put back together, bone by bone.

37451334

giant whale skeleton , museum refurbishment , bone by bone reassembly

The National Audit Office found the General Practice Extraction Service had cost £40m to set up instead of £14m. The system was meant to make data from GP systems in England available to bodies across the health service. But the system has provided information to just one organisation - NHS England. The NAO said in its current form, it was "unlikely" the system could deliver what it was set up for. The idea was to create a system that could help gather information from GP surgeries, such as the number of patients being diagnosed with dementia or getting immunised, to help with research and monitoring. It also provides information to determine how much doctors are paid. As well as finding that GPES had run over budget, the National Audit Office also said it was delivered late. The original plan was for the service to be up and running by 2010, but in the end it was not until April last year that data was sent to the first customer, NHS England, which has since used it a number of times. However, no universities, academics or other organisations have been given data, mainly because of the time taken to extract it. A spokeswoman for the Health and Social Care Information Service, which runs the system, said: "It is clear the procurement and design stage was not good enough." She said the organisation was in the process of improving the system.

A new GP IT system designed to improve quality and planning in the NHS in England has been criticised for running over budget and behind schedule, by a finance watchdog.

33354824

NHS, IT system, budget overrun

As the form of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea side hit a new nadir with a 3-1 defeat by Liverpool, social media took great delight in mocking the under-pressure Blues boss. But only around 3,700 tweets, of around 200,000 which were sent, contained both the words 'Mourinho' and 'sack'. Does, deep down, the public want to keep a man who tends to create talking points? Maybe. But even so, no one said they can't have a giggle. By 16:00 GMT on Saturday the term 'Chelsea' had been tweeted 578,000 times - the leading worldwide trend - while there were roughly 200,000 tweets sent containing the term 'Mourinho' between midday and 15:00 GMT. Golf's world number three Rory McIlroy simply posted, #TaxiforJose. Within three hours it had been re-tweeted more than 2,000 times, gaining traction as far afield as Melbourne and Jakarta. Popular YouTube personality and West Ham fan Spencer Owen wrote: "Chelsea should have got rid of Mourinho weeks ago before Big Sam joined Sunderland! He was their best chance of staying up this season!" Meanwhile, cartoonist Omar Momani was quick to link a Halloween nightmare as he depicted Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp arriving at Mourinho's home. Everton fan Andy tweeted: "Poor Jose, he was just fully committed to being Brendan Rodgers for Halloween, and now he's going to lose his job over it." And Twitter user Kobi the Key opted for some lyrics from the 2003 R Kelly hit 'Ignition'. His adapted lyrics read: "It's the remix to ignition. The Mourinho Edition. Bought Falcao to spite Man U. Now I'm in 15th Position." Popular website Bleacher Report simply used the following image along with the words: "Chelsea FC—The Sinking Bus." Of course, after such a humbling defeat, with a pack of baying journalists ready to fire questions, Mourinho's post-match news conference suddenly became a must-see event. In it, the 52-year-old - charged by the Football Association with misconduct earlier in the week - refused to answer questions about key incidents in the game on the basis he may be punished again. His guarded nature led to the hashtag #Nothingtosay being used just over 6,400 times in around 90 minutes. Paul Hayward, chief sports writer for The Telegraph, tweeted: "Chelsea's players are the best in the business at seeing off managers. Nobody could say they fought to keep Mourinho today."

Has there ever been a better pantomime villain in football?

34688538

football, villain, opinion

But he warns that the number of children doping to reach the elite level is Wada's "biggest concern". Howman said sport's increasing profitability had led to young athletes becoming more "vulnerable". Drug testing is limited in non-elite events, and Howman admits teenagers are "under the radar" of doping agencies. He also said doping could become a criminal offence in five years. Howman said Wada's estimation of the level of cheating varied between sports. "We have some guestimates based on some research undertaken over the last years," he told BBC's Hardtalk. "It's far more than we would wish it to be - over 10%. That is of concern because those being caught by the system is far lower than that. Not in all sports, in some sports. Media playback is not supported on this device "The area of most concern for us is the level of young athletes who have not broken through into the elite who are trying to get that breakthrough and are susceptible to taking drugs because that's a shortcut. "Not only are they susceptible to taking drugs, they are being encouraged to do so by any one of a number of people that surround them - coaches, trainers, even parents - because it's way to make a lot of money." Nigerian weightlifter Chika Amalaha, 16, was stripped of her gold medal after failing a drugs test at last year's Commonwealth Games. Former Wada president Dick Pound has previously said that four out of five cheats are not being caught. And Howman said he was concerned there might still be riders doping at this year's Tour de France after former winner Lance Armstrong was stripped of seven titles following his admission he took performance-enhancing drugs. Leader Chris Froome has been questioned about his performance during this year's race but the Team Sky rider has always denied doping. Howman said the numbers of riders doping had fallen "majorly" since Armstrong won Tours from 1999 to 2005, adding: "I have great respect for the way in which the UCI [world cycling's governing body] are now running their anti-doping programme." Regarding other sports, Howman said: "Significant ground has been made to make sure the clean athlete achieves a level playing field." American sprinter Justin Gatlin is due to compete in next month's World Championships following two previous doping bans. Asked whether he knew some of the world's top athletes were cheats, Howman said: "Not to the same level as the information we had on Lance Armstrong but certainly we have information that is being investigated about a number of athletes around the world." Howman, who is to step down in 2016 after 12 years at Wada, admitted his organisation's effectiveness was limited by a lack of resources. "When I started at Wada, Wayne Rooney was being paid $4m a year by Manchester United," Howman added. "He's now being paid something like $30m. "We were getting $20m when he first started, we're now getting $30m. Sport is saying to us [your money] should be increased but they are not doing it in the same proportion. "That probably is not a good way of addressing the issue."

More than 10% of elite athletes could be using performance-enhancing drugs, says World Anti-Doping Agency director general David Howman.

33646276

Elite athletes, Performance-enhancing drugs, World Anti-Doping Agency

Davide Nicola made the deal in April, when Crotone looked certain to go down. But they won six of their final nine matches of the season to avoid the drop by two points, after having won just three games from their previous 29. The 44-year-old arrived in his home town of Vigone near Turin on Sunday - nine days after leaving Crotone. "Am I tired? I still do not feel any particular pain," he said. "It's been a beautiful journey, a fairytale. From tomorrow maybe I will feel a bit tired, but what matters most to me is that my goal has been achieved." Three years ago, Nicola's 14-year-old son Alessandro was killed after being knocked off his bike by a bus in Vigone. "I kept the promise and, with the help of many people, we have also attracted the attention of many people to the question of safety on the roads," he added. "Here in Turin I was greeted with great enthusiasm, I am very excited." Nicola made the deal with his players after a 2-1 win at Chievo - Crotone's first victory away from home in Serie A. Crotone took just 14 points from their first 29 games but won six of their last nine matches to finish on 34 points, two points above the relegation zone. Even with their remarkable late run, the side began the final day of the season in the bottom three, but a 3-1 win over Lazio and Empoli's defeat by Palermo saw them survive in their maiden top-flight campaign.

A Serie A manager has completed a 1,300km bike ride up the length of Italy, after telling his players he would do so if they avoided relegation.

40322608

Serie A manager, bike ride, player contract incentive

The doping review board of the IAAF - athletics' governing body - agreed the seven athletes had met "exceptional eligibility criteria". The group includes world champions Sergey Shubenkov and Mariya Kuchina. In November 2015, Russia was banned from international athletics after claims of state-sponsored doping. The country did not compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, after which the suspension was extended. As it stands, Russia will not have a team at this year's World Championships, which take place in London during August. But Shubenkov and Kuchina could now defend their respective 110m hurdles and high jump titles. Athletes can apply to the IAAF doping review board for neutral status if they can demonstrate they meet drug-testing criteria. The other five to be cleared are pole vaulters Illia Mudrov and Olga Mullina, race walkers Sergey Shirobokov and Yana Smerdova, and high jumper Daniil Tsyplakov. They take the tally of Russian athletes cleared to compete as neutrals to 12, with three applications approved in February, and two last year. Their participation in competitions is still subject to approval by the organisers of individual events.

Seven more Russian athletes have been cleared to compete as neutrals while their country remains suspended from international athletics.

39565762

Russian athletes, cleared to compete, international athletics suspension

Armed police were called to Highcliffe School in Christchurch shortly after midday. The school was placed in emergency lockdown, but has since reopened. A 26-year-old man from Christchurch was initially held on suspicion of firearm offences but was de-arrested at the scene. A number of air pellets were found. Police said there was no risk to pupils or staff. No-one was injured. A Dorset Police spokeswoman said: "Police officers have now left the scene and police community support officers remain in the area carrying out community reassurance patrols. "The school is back to normal and police have completed a full and thorough search of the area. "We have moved this matter from a response to an investigative phase.... inquires are continuing."

A school was placed in emergency lockdown after reports a gunman fired shots at school workmen, police said.

30534259

emergency lockdown, gunman incident, school security

The arrests were made during early-morning raids in Lancashire, Tyne and Wear and Worcestershire. Police said eight women suspected of being trafficked to the UK from Romania for prostitution were rescued during the raids in Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool, Gateshead and Evesham. Police said it was one of the biggest operations of its kind in the country. The detainees - seven men and one woman - are being questioned by detectives on suspicion of conspiring to traffic for sexual exploitation and conspiring to incite prostitution. Those arrested were: Det Insp Mark Vaughton of Lancashire Police said: "Today's arrests are the latest stage of a long-running proactive investigation into the activities of a Romanian organised crime group which we believe has been trafficking women into the country for the purposes of prostitution." He added: "Modern slavery is not something confined to history, it is still happening today and it's happening in Lancashire." Lancashire Police Crime and Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "These were highly-organised gangs making thousands of pounds, exploiting the most vulnerable women and girls."

Eight people were arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected human trafficking gang.

39644242

arrested, human trafficking, investigation

In one part of the Golden State, prices hit $5.69 a gallon (£0.91 per litre), $1.20 more than the California average. The situation has been magnified by pollution limits requiring a special fuel blend during the summer. Officials insisted California was not running out of petrol, and one refinery has already resumed production. The refinery had gone offline because of a power cut, exacerbating the supply problems. "People may not find gas at a price that they like and there may be some stations where they used to get it that they can't, but our analysis says there is enough gasoline to meet demand," Alison Roberts, a spokeswoman with the California Energy Commission (CEC), told Reuters news agency. Fuel price spikes particularly affect the state's independent petrol station operators, who pay a higher price for their supplies than some national chains. Some have closed down their pumps rather than cut into profit margins. Costco, a giant discount store chain that sells large volumes of petrol, closed 14 of its 40 Los Angeles-area stations. Five were expected to reopen on Friday. As prices increased over the past week, the California Independent Oil Marketers Association requested a waiver from the state's air board requesting to use the so-called winter-blend before the scheduled 1 November switchover. A spokesman for the California Air Resources Board said there was no timeline for the decision. Petrol prices are still relatively high around the US, averaging $3.79 a gallon, 39 cents higher than this time last year, according to the American Automobile Association. But several disruptions have pushed California's average fuel price past Hawaii, which usually has nation's most expensive petrol. As of Friday, the state's average was $4.49 per gallon. A fire at a Chevron refinery in Richmond on 6 August, one of the region's largest, has left it producing at a reduced capacity. A pipeline that moves crude to Northern California was also shut down and two plants closed for preventative maintenance. An Exxon Mobil refinery in Torrance had a power failure, disrupting production for several days, but has since resumed normal operations.

A sharp rise in fuel prices in California linked to state supply shortages has forced some petrol stations to close temporarily.

19853740

Fuel prices, California, Petrol stations closure

7 June 2015 Last updated at 07:44 BST The dogs can help to open doors, collect post and use a pedestrian crossing where their owners might have problems. They also provide emotional support and friendship for owners like eight-year-old Phoebe. Phoebe has autism, a condition that affects the way you communicate and make sense of the world around you. She used to get very nervous and confused in busy places like supermarkets, where there are lots of people, but her special dog CJ helped her to feel calmer and more relaxed. Ricky has been finding out more about these very special dogs...

A charity in Dorset has been training a group of special dogs to help kids who have physical and mental difficulties.

33023078

Charity , Special Dogs , Kids with Difficulties

Blues fans were shocked by the Chinese-owned club's decision to replace the immensely popular Rowett with the club eighth in the Championship table. "The difficulty was that my predecessor was doing very well," Zola told BBC WM. "Sometimes that makes it not easy for a new manager, but I'm professional, it was a good opportunity and I could not refuse it," added the Italian, 50. Zola played against Birmingham twice during his illustrious career with Chelsea. He scored in both matches in the 2002-03 season - a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge and a 3-1 win at St Andrew's - as part of a Chelsea team that also contained future Birmingham players Mario Melchiot and Jesper Gronkjaer. A return to the Premier League is the main target for the former West Ham and Watford boss. "When I was first asked two days ago, I said it is fine for me," he said. "It is a good club with good players and I like these things. It is a chance to build something and get in the Premier League as quickly as possible. "The fact that the previous manager had done very well will make it more of a challenge but it will also make me more focused to become more accepted." Brighton manager Chris Hughton, who takes his second-placed Seagulls side to Birmingham on Saturday, led Blues to the Championship play-offs in his one season in charge in 2011-12. "My reaction was like most people, who were quite shocked," Hughton told BBC Sussex. "Gary's done a wonderful job in the period of time that he's been there and made real progress. "In this day and age in football, there aren't many surprises, but that was one of them. "It's wonderful to see Gianfranco back in the English game. Nobody will begrudge somebody of his stamp coming back in, but it will more a case of feeling for Gary. It's always sad to see a very good manager lose his job. "We can only prepare ourselves like for any other game. They have some very good players and are now on the back of a good win against Ipswich." Former Blues defender Michael Johnson knows Zola well, having done his FA coaching badge on the same course. "He's one of the most decorated footballers in English football, somebody I now consider a friend," Johnson told BBC WM. "He's a great guy, very well mannered and very well spoken but, make no bones about it, if he does not get his way and the players do not adhere to what he wants, he'll come down heavily on them. "It will be difficult to get people onside in the outset. But, in Gianfranco Zola, they've got someone who can do well for them."

New Birmingham City boss Gianfranco Zola says he had to be "professional" about replacing Gary Rowett as manager.

38329806

Gianfranco Zola, professional, replacement

NUT Cymru had responses from 17 of Wales' 22 local authorities to Freedom of Information requests. The number of assaults average at eight per school day in Wales, which the union said was "a great concern". It said they needed to be considered by schools, councils and the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government has been asked to comment. One teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, told BBC Wales he was punched by a teenage pupil as he tried to stop a fight in his classroom. The teacher, who has more than 20 years experience in the classroom, has spent more than six months on sick leave. "I was punched in the face, it was a really violent incident," he said. "It was like an out of body experience. You think, is this really happening? "I was in shock. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion." NUT Cymru secretary David Evans said: "Clearly any incidents of physical or verbal assault by pupils towards teachers or any members of the school staff are unacceptable. "The details of the FOI do not cover the severity of these assaults but of course we can only assume that they were notable enough to warrant school staff to feel the need to report them." Pembrokeshire council recorded the highest number of incidents by far - 1,268 over three academic years. Of these, 1,268 were physical and 77 verbal. A spokesman said councils had varying approaches to the reporting of violent incidents and comparing figures from different areas could be misleading. He said the council had been "particularly robust in improving its recording and logging of physical and verbal violence against staff in its schools in order to give a true picture of the situation". The council said this ensured that the staff received the best possible support. It added that many of the incidents took place in the authority's specialist education units rather than in its mainstream schools. Union officials said the real number of attacks in Wales could be much higher. NUT Cymru has also questioned how different local authorities recorded the incidents. "It does beg the question why there isn't a more standard approach to monitoring which would help in terms of putting in place policies and training to reduce the impact it may have," Mr Evans added. The union said assaults not only had an impact on individual teachers but disrupted the classroom environment. Cardiff head teacher Jason Clark has faced verbal abuse from a pupil and even a physical assault by a parent. He said these kind of events were rare and staff were trained to deal with them. "You rely on your training, you go straight back to what you've been taught - provide a calm space so you can de-escalate the incident as soon as possible," he said. "It's only later that you can start to reflect on the emotional struggle that child is going through and also how it makes you feel." Welsh Conservative education spokesman Darren Millar AM said it was "very concerning to see such a high prevalence of unacceptable behaviour in our classrooms". "We need more discipline in our schools, more support for teachers in managing unruly behaviour and targeted intervention to support pupils with behavioural problems," he said. "It is clear from these figures that the current arrangements aren't working and that we need a Welsh Government strategy to tackle the roots of these problems once and for all."

Teachers and school staff in Wales have been the victims of more than 1,500 physical and verbal attacks by pupils every year, figures have shown.

38761942

Teachers, Wales, Physical and verbal attacks