The university is hoping to secure half the cash it needs in lottery funding to transform the original home of the college, established in 1872. The Grade I listed building will be turned into a centre for heritage, learning and enterprise. Heritage Lottery officials will make a final bid assessment in March. College officials say they want the renovation scheme to turn the Old College into a facility bringing together both academia and the public in Aberystwyth. "We want to encourage closer 'town-gown' relationships and to provide a fantastic facility for showcasing learning, research and enterprise opportunities that will inspire users and visitors and boost the economy," said Louise Jagger, director of development. A final public meeting before the funding assessment will take place on Thursday in the Old College.

Summary: The latest developments in a £19.5m bid to renovate Aberystwyth University's Old College will be made public later.


Councillors agreed to back the closure of Kingswood Civic Centre in advance of a formal consultation on the issue. Labour has criticised the move and point to a 1,675-name petition opposing the closure. A council spokesman said it was "exploring the possible options" for utilising its office accommodation. "We are gathering the evidence of how the office space, training rooms and other facilities at the Kingswood Civic Centre are used, as well as other sites including Badminton Road. This work is continuing," he added. But Labour's Pat Rooney said Tories had "prejudged the issue" and "many will now conclude that Kingswood's closure is a done deal". The Civic Centre was built in the 1970s and refurbished in 2011. The council said there is no suggestion all frontline services will be removed from the building and a final decision has yet to be made over its future.

Summary: Conservative-controlled South Gloucestershire Council has voted in favour of closing a building it refurbished in 2011 at a cost of £6m.


Officers in Wellingborough opened up the custody cells on Thursday with a message to "clear your conscience or face being arrested on the big day". Those who attended were interviewed about offences including theft, robbery and criminal damage. Wellingborough Police also sent Christmas cards to people with records of theft and burglary. The cards included the message: "If you spoil someone else's Christmas, we're ready to spoil yours". Wellingborough Sector Inspector Paul Valentine said the approach was "unusual" but it worked. He said: "This didn't mean offenders were dealt with any differently if they handed themselves in, it just meant they had the chance to control when that is. "We are estimating that in excess of 20 crimes will be detected as a result of yesterday's activity."

Summary: Five offenders handed themselves in to police to avoid being arrested over Christmas.


The full-back's previous contract was due to expire in June 2017. The Spaniard has made over 340 appearances for Swansea since joining from Terrassa in his homeland in the summer of 2007. "I am delighted to have extended my contract for another year and I am looking forward hopefully to having more years at the club," Rangel told Swansea's official website. "This is my home now. This contract will take me to 11 years here and I am so pleased with that. "I am 33 now, but I still feel fresh. That's one of the main reasons why I am still signing contracts." Midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson and winger Nathan Dyer have also signed contract extensions with Swansea.

Summary: Angel Rangel has signed a one-year contract extension with Swansea City.


The project involves redesigning the Spittleborough roundabout so it can cope with the increased traffic from the new Wichelstowe development. Clearance work will be the first phase followed by the major build, with completion due by spring 2018. A planning clause means the works must be complete by the time the 1,100th home at Wichelstowe can be occupied. Funding for the scheme has been paid for by the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), local councils, and Highways England. The work involves widening the slip roads off the motorway to four lanes in both directions, creating a right turn for Swindon traffic turning on to Hay Lane, and widening the carriageway on the Great Western Way approach.

Summary: A £11.5m project to improve junction 16 of the M4 motorway near Swindon is due to get under way.


The quarterly house price index compiled by the Ulster University suggests prices dropped 6.5% between the end of 2015 and this March. Its report said there was "a mini-correction" in the market. It said uncertainty at the outcome of the 23 June EU vote "will undoubtedly have impacted negatively on the market." Last week, official government figures showed Northern Ireland property prices fell for the first time in three years. The university's research suggests the average house price in the first quarter of 2016 was Â£146,472. Over the quarter, all property types, with the exception of semi-detached bungalows, suffered reduced price levels. Professor Stanley McGreal from Ulster University said: "The research statistics are reflective of mixed feelings by the sector across Northern Ireland. "Some estate agents attribute the apparent slowing in first quarter simply to a seasonal fluctuation, others attribute it to house buyers' concerns of economic uncertainty."

Summary: Another report on the Northern Ireland housing market shows price falls, with a claim that the upcoming EU referendum was a contributing factor.


The bank said its Machynlleth branch would shut in the summer after a dramatic fall in customers. Of the 28 banks that shut in Wales last year, 10 were "last bank in town" closures. Residents and businesses have told BBC Wales the loss of local branches is a "massive inconvenience". Montgomery, in Powys, and Tregaron, in Ceredigion, are among the towns which have lost local banks. Eight branches in Wales have so far been scheduled to permanently lock their doors in 2015. The major banks say the scaling back is driven by the massive rise in internet banking. Online UK accounts are now accessed seven million times a day. Last week, Britain's banks reached a deal with the UK government on a protocol for shutting branches to minimise the damage caused to rural areas. This includes working with the Post Office to allow customers to access more services.

Summary: Concerns have been raised over access to banks in rural areas after HSBC announced the closure of a branch in Powys.


The 23-year-old went into the river on 2 February. Hundreds of people joined Mr Glenn's family, police divers and other agencies in a search of the riverside since then. Jack's funeral is to take place on Saturday. His grandfather, Jack Glenn snr, said finding his body was a bittersweet moment for the family. "We're very relieved that the torment of the last seven and a half weeks is over and that we're able to bring Jack home and able to lay him to rest," he said. Jack's sister, Katie, has described him as "the best brother in the world". "He was so talented at everything, he didn't know how good he was and how much everybody loved him," she told the BBC shortly after Jack went missing.

Summary: A body recovered from the River Foyle on Monday is that of missing Londonderry man Jack Glenn.


A report on Friday said the authority had improved its financial management, but needed to boost the ability of councillors and managers to monitor performance. An action plan has been introduced to improve management of the workforce. The council is also not yet ready to take back control of its education service, the report found. Auditor General Huw Vaughan Thomas said: "Merthyr council is making progress, thanks to the external support it is receiving, but without such help, the prospect for continuing to make progress is limited. "That's why I urge the council and Welsh government to continue working together to keep up the level of support. "The county borough continues to face significant challenges and needs to draw on outside help to deliver its priorities."

Summary: Merthyr Tydfil council still needs government help to improve its performance, the auditor general said.


Spratt made his Ospreys debut aged 20 and had a loan spell with New Zealand side Taranaki in 2008. A year later he made his Wales debut against Canada before spending 2011-12 at London Irish. Law graduate Spratt made his 100th Ospreys appearance in a win against Wasps in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in February 2017. Spratt said: "This is the right time for me to move on to the next stage of my life. "I've had a good career. I was only 20-years old when I made my debut and I realise that most professional rugby players don't get as long in the shirt as I've had so I'm extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity and to have been able to do the dream job as long as I have."

Summary: Ospreys' four-times capped Wales centre Jonathan Spratt is to retire at the end of the 2016-17 season at the age of 31.


On Monday, most travel money firms were offering $1.17 for every pound, the lowest rate since 1986. The slide in sterling means holidays overseas will be more expensive for UK travellers. Travelex's tourist rate is down 19% from its strongest level against the dollar over the past year. It stood at just under $1.44 shortly before the UK's European Union referendum in June. The fall against the euro has been less dramatic. The pound now stands at a little over 1.10 euros, the lowest since 9 November. Sterling dropped sharply in Asian trade on Monday, before recovering some ground, following reports that Theresa May will signal that the UK is planning a "hard" exit from the European Union when she gives a speech on Tuesday.

Summary: UK travellers buying US dollars for holiday money are getting the lowest rates for nearly 31 years, according to the exchange firm, Travelex.


David Brooks, named player of the tournament, had given the Young Lions the lead, but Ake Arnaud Loba's late penalty took the match to a shootout. Jean Thierry Lazare had his effort saved by Huddersfield's Ryan Schofield, as Leeds United midfielder Ronaldo Vieira struck the winning kick. Head coach Neil Dewsnip's England team was mainly aged 19 or under. Gareth Southgate was in charge when an England Under-21 side beat France 2-1 in the 2016 Toulon Tournament final. At this year's event, England won all three of their group games against Angola, Cuba and Japan and defeated Scotland 3-0 in the semi-finals. England will face Venezuela in the Under-20 World Cup final on Sunday (kick-off 11:00 BST) live on BBC Two and online.

Summary: England won a second successive Toulon Tournament with victory on penalties over the Ivory Coast after a 1-1 draw.


The clubs will face one another home and away in September and early October in the West Country Challenge Cup. The tournament mirrors the being held by Leicester, Newcastle and Sale. The Premiership is with both Exeter and Gloucester staging matches at their home grounds. Gloucester will play their home games at Bristol's Memorial Stadium, so not to clash with the World Cup matches they are staging. "Each year you want to get your season off to a solid start and all that begins by having a worthwhile and meaningful set of opening fixtures," said Exeter boss Rob Baxter. "For us, the opportunity to play the likes of Bath and Gloucester - two of our biggest rivals in the Premiership - will not only give us a good gauge of where we lie heading into the new season, but it will also provide us with four very competitive fixtures."

Summary: Premiership clubs Exeter, Bath and Gloucester will play in a pre-season tournament during the 2015 World Cup.


Home striker John Rooney was denied from the spot by Welling keeper Marek Rodak but soon redeemed himself with a curling shot from 12 yards. The 25-year-old doubled Chester's lead as he fired in James Alabi's cross before turning provider for Kane Richards to net the third. Tom Shaw wrapped up the win as Welling managed just one shot on target. Victory moves Chester five points clear of the National League relegation places with two games to play while Welling slip back into National League South for the first time since the 2012-2013 season.

Summary: Welling United were relegated to the National League South after a heavy defeat at fellow strugglers Chester.


Western Heights Preservation Society say the burglary at the Drop Redoubt fort in Dover cost it a year's income - about Â£2,500. Equipment stolen included a generator, toolboxes, water boilers used in the cafe and a PA system. The burglary was discovered on Thursday after a photograph was posted online. The picture showed one of the main Victorian access doors wide open despite the 19th Century fort being closed for the winter. "The volunteers who work here are devastated," said spokeswoman Mandy Whall. "They have put a lot of time and effort into assisting and keeping the site running and having wiped out a year's worth of money from the donations and various events we have put on. It is heartbreaking." Kent Police said it was believed an entrance to the fort was forced at some point between 1 and 26 November.

Summary: Volunteers at a historic fortress in Kent have been left "heartbroken" after discovering the building had been ransacked by burglars.


Peterborough City Hospital's A&E department has seen 40% more patients than usual this week, including a woman who had broken a false finger nail. A&E should only be used for genuine medical emergencies, the hospital and its clinical commissioning group said. This does not include a case of the hiccups, they said. "On Sunday and Monday our staff treated some 700 patients over the two days, which equates to 40% more patients than the usual average attendance," Neil Doverty, chief operating officer at Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said. Click here for more news from Cambridgeshire More patients than expected were also brought in by ambulances. "On Sunday we received 133 ambulances, 33 more than predicted. On Monday staff received 104 ambulances, 14 more than predicted." Mr Doverty appealed for people "to think about the treatment they need before they come to A&E".

Summary: People with broken finger nails and hiccups have contributed to "unprecedented numbers" turning up at a hospital's emergency department.


The Cardiff Capital Region City Deal will see £734m invested in the Metro transport scheme and £495m in other projects. Vale of Glamorgan council became the final authority to back the deal on Thursday. Ten councils will formally sign up to the deal on 1 March. Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, had already backed the deal. The local authorities - which have committed to contribute a total of £120m - will be "locked in" to the deal for five years before any can quit. Vale of Glamorgan council leader Neil Moore said the city deal would bring economic and social benefits to the area. "I now look forward to working with colleagues across the region to deliver the objectives of the compact between the ten councils, Welsh Government and the UK government."

Summary: A £1.2bn deal to boost economic growth in south east Wales has got a step closer after being backed by all ten councils.


The teenager was hit by the large, dark blue car, believed to be a BMW 5 series, on Westerton Drive, Bridge of Allan, at about 21:00 on Friday. She was treated in hospital for minor injuries. Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident which happened between the junction with Fountain Road roundabout and the junction with Castleview Drive. Sgt David McNally, of Police Scotland, said: "Fortunately, the teenager suffered only minor injuries and we are eager to trace both the vehicle and driver involved. "Anyone with information which can help with our inquiries is asked to come forward, as is anyone who may have seen the collision or a vehicle matching this description in the area around 9pm. "Likewise, if the driver hears this appeal I would urge them to come forward so we can establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident."

Summary: Police are trying to trace the driver of a saloon car following an accident involving a 15-year-old girl.


Mark Ellis, 57, preyed on the 10-year-old during a series of attacks in 1991. A jury at the High Court in Glasgow heard Ellis was running a football team and training school in South Lanarkshire at the time. Ellis, who had denied the charges of lewd and libidinous behaviour, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month. Ellis lived in Biggar at the time of the offences. He later moved to the West Midlands and coached boys at Birmingham City. The offences came to light after his victim, now 37, travelled to England to confront him. Judge Johanna Johnston QC told Ellis: "You have been convicted of one of the most serious sexual offences... one against a child. It is a grave offence."

Summary: A former boys football coach has been found guilty of sexual offences involving a young player.


Smith, 25, joined the club permanently from Tottenham in January 2014, having previously spent time with the Cherries on loan during the 2010-11 season. The full-back made 36 appearances for Bournemouth in all competitions in the 2015-16 season. "I get along with all of the lads and the gaffer knows me really well, so it was a no-brainer really," said Smith. "I think it's important that the club can keep everyone together, as well. We have a great team spirit here and if we can keep everyone then I am sure we can achieve great things together." Smith's new deal, which runs until 2020, comes a day after fellow defender Steve Cook also committed his future to the club.

Summary: Bournemouth defender Adam Smith has signed a new four-year deal with the Premier League side.


Acomb Parish Church, in York, had ordered four banners saying 'Christ is Risen' but the 'T' was missed off the finished article. However, assistant Curate Ned Lunn said the error was discovered before the signs were delivered. A BBC Radio York Facebook post has been shared more than 3,000 times, prompting one person to reply 'More T vicar?' Mr Lunn said: "I'm so glad the customer spotted the mistake. It'll save a bit of embarrassment and a lot of confusion. "I had to check the four banners when I distributed them though, just to make sure. "The pastor at the Baptist Church is actually called Chris and he's got to get up for a sunrise service at 6.30am on Easter Sunday. "His predecessor didn't manage to get up for the service last year."

Summary: A church was presented with signs reading "Chris is risen" after a mix up at the printers.


Barry Harkcom, 56, from Library Road in Poole, had around 1.9 million images and videos on his encrypted laptop and other devices. Police said he claimed he "had no interest in child pornography and that he was a hoarder". He was jailed for two years and one month at Bournemouth Crown Court. Harkcom had previously pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and possession of extreme pornography, Dorset Police said. Det Sgt Sue Bellamy from the force's online investigation team said: "We uncovered a truly alarming amount of images and videos of child abuse."

Summary: A man has been jailed for downloading more than 70,000 indecent images of children.


Guardian Systems Ltd, which was based in the Springkerse Industrial Estate, had a turnover of Â£1.5m, but saw a fall in orders during the summer. The company said this had led to "major cash flow problems and unsustainable losses". An associate company, Guardian Soft Furnishings Ltd, has also been placed into liquidation. Guardian Systems Ltd, which supplied the residential and commercial market, was founded in 1993. Accountants Campbell Dallas said it would provide "every possible support" to employees affected by the closure. Derek Forsyth, head of restructuring and insolvency, said: "It is unfortunate that a number of factors created significant problems that ultimately caused both businesses to be placed in liquidation."

Summary: A Stirling-based window and door manufacturer has been placed into liquidation with the loss of 44 jobs.


Seven men were sentenced at Preston Crown Court after what Lancashire Police said was one of their biggest drugs investigations in recent times. Police said the men circulated a "huge amount" of cannabis in the Darwen area. Among them was Kenneth Langford, who stepped down as manager of AFC Darwen shortly after his arrest last year. Two other members of his family were also jailed. Det Insp Mark Vaughton said: "Between them, the Langfords and their associates have blighted Darwen and the surrounding areas for too long, flaunting their criminal wealth. "I hope these sentences reassure people that we will act on any information that is passed to us in order to make local communities safer."

Summary: A gang of drug dealers, including a former football club manager, have been jailed after they "flooded" a Lancashire town with cannabis.


Boaty McBoatface was the runaway favourite in a public online vote to name a new UK polar research ship. However, after voting closed, it was decided the Â£200m vessel should be called RRS Sir David Attenborough. The new stage at Bella, near Beauly, is one of two that involves ferry operator CalMac's Culture Music project. The scheme offers new musicians the chance to busk on Caledonian MacBrayne ferries. The name Boaty McBoatface, suggested by former BBC Radio Jersey presenter James Hand, went viral, crashing the Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc) website. It had 124,109 votes. The second most popular choice, Poppy-Mai, had 34,371. The public vote was not binding and the name eventually chosen for the ship recognised world-renowned naturalist and broadcaster Sir David, who marked his 90th birthday earlier this year. A remotely-operated submarine launched from the vessel will, however, be named Boaty McBoatface.

Summary: The name of a new stage at next week's Belladrum Tartan Heart music festival has been inspired by the Boaty McBoatface viral phenomenon.


He was arrested following the death of 24-year-old Xixi Bi at a property in Ely Road, Llandaff, on Friday. South Wales Police received a report of a woman experiencing breathing difficulties at about 08:25 BST, but she died at the scene. The man appeared at Cardiff Magistrates' Court on Monday and spoke only to confirm his name and address. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday. Ms Bi grew up in Nanjing, China, and came to Oxford to study as a teenager. She later went to Cardiff University. Her family, who live in China, have been informed.

Summary: A 23-year-old man has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend in Cardiff.


It was used on an unmarked police vehicle after officers attempted to stop a black Audi in Handforth, Cheshire on 14 October. Officers arrested a 27-year-old man in Preston, Lancashire on Saturday. The man, from Salford, has been charged with offences including affray and aggravated vehicle taking. He was due to appear at South and East Cheshire Magistrates' Court earlier. He was also charged with conspiracy to commit a burglary and conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life. Two other men have also been charged in connection with the incident and officers are searching for a third.

Summary: A man has been charged after a police car was hit with a sledgehammer.


The exhibition of Diana's rarely-seen personal belongings opens on Saturday and coincides with the 20th anniversary of her death. Also included in the collection are photos of the Princess with her sons, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Many of the objects in the exhibition were selected by William and Harry. The centrepiece of the collection is a desk where the Princess of Wales read and answered official correspondence in her sitting room in Kensington Palace. Her love of music is documented in her cassette collection, which includes albums by Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and Elton John. The exhibition, which runs until 1 October, will also include gifts presented to the Queen over her 65-year reign. These gifts include a paperweight made from a fossilised dinosaur bone, and a union jack badge worn in space by British astronaut Major Tim Peake.

Summary: Cassette tapes, a lunch box and ballet shoes owned and used by Princess Diana will be put on public display at Buckingham Palace.


The artwork, titled DHEAD, was donated for the fundraising ARTAID 98 exhibition in the city in 1998. Bowie died on 10 January this year after a private 18-month battle with liver cancer. His portrait is going on sale at Lyon & Turnbull's contemporary paintings sale next week and is valued at between Â£3,000 and Â£5,000. A one-time art school student, Bowie's paintings focus on abstract head studies influenced by the bizarreness and esotericism of 1930s era German Expressionist art. Charlotte Riordan, picture specialist at Lyon & Turnbull, said: "Best known of course as a singer/songwriter, Bowie's entire career was spent actively blurring the lines between the art forms of music, performance and design; the visual playing as big a part as the aural."

Summary: A self-portrait by music legend David Bowie is going up for auction in Edinburgh.


They used a plank of wood as a paddle and remained afloat for nearly two miles before abandoning their makeshift vessel on the banks of the River Dee. Concerned members of the public rang the coastguard service when they spotted the men on Tuesday night. It is thought they sailed from Queensferry to Connah's Quay where they dumped the fridge and fled. A coastguard spokesman said: "They all scarpered as our rescue team came on the scene. "It was highly irresponsible. They had no life jackets and it obviously wasn't the most stable of craft. "Things could have gone very badly wrong. It's a very tidal area. "They were extremely lucky they didn't sink or get stuck in the mud when the fridge ran aground."

Summary: Three men who paddled in a fridge freezer down a river in Flintshire have been branded "highly irresponsible".


O'Keefe, who returned early from Australia's tour of Sri Lanka because of a hamstring injury, was ejected from a Sydney hotel on Saturday. "I failed to uphold the high standards expected of a New South Wales and Australian cricketer and apologise to all concerned," said the 31-year-old. "I take full responsibility for my actions and accept the sanction." As well as being fined A$10,000 (£5,850), O'Keefe must attend counselling. Australia are 2-0 behind in the Test series against Sri Lanka with only one match remaining. There is also a five-match one-day series and a two-match Twenty20 series.

Summary: Spinner Stephen O'Keefe has been fined by Cricket Australia for "offensive behaviour" while intoxicated.


The victim is in a "stable condition" in hospital following the incident that happened at about 21:25 GMT on Thursday. Elsewhere, a 30-year-old man was stabbed at Waveney Road in Ballymena, County Antrim, on Thursday afternoon. Police said a man and a woman, both aged 23, had been released on bail pending further enquiries. The injured man was described on Friday as being in a "stable condition". Also, a man who was very seriously injured in a stabbing in west Belfast on Thursday is now also stable in hospital. He was attacked at Hawthorn Street, near the Falls Road, at about 13.40 GMT.

Summary: A 23-year-old man has been arrested after a 19-year-old man was stabbed in the back in Belfast city centre.


Omeruo, 20, made 14 appearances on loan at Boro last season before playing four games for Nigeria at the World Cup. "He's someone I love to have because he's a player who came from Chelsea and his mood was always perfect," said Boro boss Aitor Karanka. Meanwhile, Clayton has reportedly agreed terms on a permanent move. The 25-year-old midfielder, who is also said to have undergone a medical, scored 12 goals in 94 appearances for Huddersfield following a move from Yorkshire rivals Leeds in July 2012. Clayton began his career at Manchester City but failed to make a first-team appearance before his departure to Leeds. Two successful loan spells at Carlisle United attracted the attention of the Elland Road club, who eventually signed the Manchester-born player.

Summary: Middlesbrough have confirmed the season-long loan signing of Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo and are close to signing Huddersfield's Adam Clayton.


Councillor Tony Kershaw was suspended from the Conservative Group in May with a trial expected to take place in December. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the case had been discontinued in light of new evidence. Mr Kershaw, who has represented Quorn and Barrow for 12 years, has now been readmitted to the party. He is currently chairman of the council's environment and transport scrutiny committee and had previously sat as the cabinet member for waste. A spokesman for the CPS said "further information, some of which was provided by the defence, came to light which has caused us to review the original decision to prosecute". Conservative party leader Nick Rushton said he was looking forward to welcoming Mr Kershaw back to County Hall to resume his duties.

Summary: Charges of common assault against a Leicestershire county councillor have been dropped.


Illegal slash-and-burn farming has devastated large areas of Indonesia and causes air pollution which affects countries around the region. Indonesia has repeatedly been accused of not doing enough to stop it. Government officials said they hoped the moral impact of the fatwa would help reinforce laws against it. At a joint conference in Jakarta, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and the Indonesian environment ministry said they were in talks about how to enforce it. Hayu Prabowo, head of environmental protection at MUI, said most of the forest burning was done by companies, but declaring it haram - forbidden by Islamic law - should make the public feel empowered to stand up to them. "This fatwa will make religious leaders and the general public who in the past didn't care, care and start to take responsibility to end forest burning in their area," he said.

Summary: Indonesia's highest Islamic authority has said it is a sin for people to deliberately burn forests to clear the land for growing crops.


The 3.4 mile (5.6km) bypass will run south of Newtown and south of the Mochdre Industrial Estate but objectors wanted it to pass through the site. A three-week public inquiry was held in June and now Transport Minister Edwina Hart has given the green light for work to start before the end of the year. It is expected to be completed in 2018, ending decades of calls for a bypass. "This bypass will improve the quality of life for the people of Newtown and improve journey times and safety along the A483, A489 and local roads within the town," Mrs Hart said.

Summary: The proposed route for a bypass to ease traffic problems in a Powys town has been given the go-ahead.


Firearms officers and explosives experts were called to a property in Osborne Road, Ilfracombe, on Friday amid concerns for public safety. Timothy Holman, 41, from Ilfracombe, appeared before magistrates earlier, accused of possession of an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose. No plea was entered and he was remanded in custody. More on this and other stories in Devon here Searches by emergency services were completed late on Saturday. Devon and Cornwall Police said officers had to "re-house a number of residents for two nights" until they were sure the area was safe. Mr Holman, who appeared at Plymouth Magistrates' Court via video link, is due to next appear at Exeter Crown Court in January.

Summary: A man has appeared in court after police carried out searches for explosives in north Devon.


Gillies Mackinnon's feature stars Eddie Izzard, James Cosmo, Gregor Fisher, Kevin Guthrie, Ellie Kendrick, Naomi Battrick and Sean Biggerstaff. It was premiered at 70th Edinburgh International Film Festival last year. The films are adaptations of a book by Compton MacKenzie, whose story was inspired by the sinking of the cargo ship SS Politician off Eriskay in 1941. The boat's cargo included more than 250,000 bottles of whisky. Hundreds of cases of whisky were hidden from customs officers by islanders. Some locations of these secret stashes have since been forgotten, according to islanders today. The SS Politician was headed for Jamaica when it ran aground on the northern side of Eriskay, in the Western Isles, in bad weather. Scottish author Mackenzie published the novel Whisky Galore in 1947. It was adapted for cinema in a 1949 Ealing comedy. The new film will be released in cinemas on 5 May.

Summary: A remake of 1949 film Whisky Galore is to be released in cinemas in May, it has been announced.


Citizens UK said the employers of five million workers in the UK were being "subsidised" by the taxpayer. The minimum wage is £6.50 an hour for people over 21, while the living wage calculated by the Living Wage Foundation is £7.85 (£9.15 in London). The British Retail Consortium said most supermarkets paid above minimum wage. When all extra earnings were considered, hourly pay was around £8.40, it added. According to Citizens UK, which organises community campaigns, most of those earning less than the living wage are employed in the retail sector. The charity said this meant most supermarket staff needed in-work benefits - which it argued meant taxpayers were "subsidising private companies by almost £11bn per annum".

Summary: Supermarket workers paid the national minimum wage are forced to claim state benefits totalling £11bn a year, according to a charity.


The basketball team arrived in the Vatican on Wednesday as part of a tour of Italy. The Pope was presented with a framed Globetrotters shirt adorned with the name Pope Francis, and the number 90 on the back. He also took time out from his weekly general audience to be taught a few basketball skills. The Globetrotters, a basketball exhibition team, were founded in 1926, and were one of the first to feature African-American players at a time of segregation in the United States. While visiting Pope Francis, they did not, however, go as far as they did when they were last at the Vatican - when they made Pope John Paul II an honorary member of the team. The significance of the number 90 on Pope Francis' honorary shirt was not immediately clear - although his most recent approval rating among US Catholics was at 90%.

Summary: The Harlem Globetrotters have a new star: none other than Pope Francis himself.


Roy Deeming's yacht, Desiree, was found drifting off La Corbiere at approximately 12:00 GMT. Mr Deeming has been missing from his home in St Brelade's since late Christmas Eve, police said. Lifeboat volunteers found Desiree with nobody on board and a search was launched which has been abandoned due to deteriorating weather conditions. Mr Deeming. described by police as about 5ft 6ins tall, with greying hair and a moustache, was due to visit friends on Christmas Day but did not arrive. Two RNLI lifeboats from St Helier, Jersey coastguards and a French naval rescue helicopter from Cherbourg have all been involved in the search. Desiree has been returned to Elizabeth Harbour.

Summary: The discovery of an empty yacht off Jersey on Christmas Day prompted a major search for a missing man.


Teva has offered $82 for each Mylan share, saying a deal could "transform" the generic drugs industry. On Friday, responding to rumours of an offer, Mylan said a takeover by Teva "is without sound industrial logic or cultural fit". Earlier this month, Mylan had made a $30bn offer to buy drug firm Perrigo. However, Teva said its offer was a more "attractive alternative" for Mylan's shareholders. "Our proposal is compelling for both Teva and Mylan stockholders and other stakeholders," said the chief executive of Teva, Erez Vigodman. "Mylan's business is a natural fit with our own and is highly complementary to it". Mylan employs about 30,000 people and makes about 1,400 generic pharmaceutical treatments. It reported revenues of $7.72bn in 2014. Teva has around 45,000 employees worldwide and reported revenues of $20.3bn in 2014, with more than half of its revenue generated in the United States.

Summary: Generic drug company Teva has announced a bid to buy Dutch rival Mylan in a deal that could be worth $40.1bn (Â£26.9bn) in cash and stock.


Greater Manchester Police were called to the Royal Bolton Hospital at 21:30 BST on Sunday after the 46-year-old from Wigan's death. He had suffered injuries following an altercation on Leigh Road, Leigh, earlier in the day, police said. Two women, aged 24 and 38, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. A post-mortem examination was inconclusive and further tests are being carried out, police added. Det Insp Paul Rollinson said the investigation was "at a very early stage" and inquiries were ongoing. He urged anyone with information about the altercation earlier in the day to contact police.

Summary: Two women have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man died in hospital of "unexplained" injuries.


Emergency services had to help bring the flood under control and prevent it spilling into underground car parks. Those responsible said they belonged to the militant group the Regional Action Committee of Winemakers (Crav), France 3 reported. Crav has been alarmed by cheap imports and has claimed previous attacks. "Why this action? Because we are never listened to," a Crav representative told France 3. The attack happed in Sete, a port town in Languedoc-Roussillon, one of France's biggest wine producing regions. Basements and nearby homes were flooded, according to Midi Libre. Earlier this year, Spain summoned France's ambassador after French farmers seized Spanish lorries and drained their cargo of wine, near Le Boulou in southern France. A local union leader for winemakers, Frederic Rouanet, condemned the latest attacks but told Decanter magazine he too was concerned about the rise of cheap imports making it into French shops.

Summary: A protest group has cracked open vats of wine in a southern French town, sending thousands of litres into the streets, local media have reported.


The hole is three metres deep and as long as a minibus! It was caused by heavy rain washing away a drain running under part of Traigh Golf Course, near Mallaig. The golf club says repairing the damage will cost about Â£16,000. At the moment the sinkhole has been fenced off so members can still enjoy the golf course. The club says it may have to raise thousands of pounds to help fix the damage.

Summary: A large sinkhole has appeared on a golf course in Scotland.


Avon and Somerset Police has been publishing details of inappropriate 999 calls to highlight misuse of the emergency number. In another call, a man dialled 999 because staff on Weston-super-Mare pier would not let him on the rides. And a woman told told call handlers she had no money to buy bread because her benefits had not arrived. In a fourth call 999 made on Sunday a man told emergency operators a cash machine "had swallowed his card". Police later took to Twitter to say people should only use the emergency number if offenders were nearby, life was at risk, an injury had been caused or threatened, or if a crime was in progress. "For everything else call the non-emergency number 101. Although these are real calls and may generate humour [they] stop people getting the help they need."

Summary: A woman called 999 to complain her nail varnish had chipped despite being told they had a three-day guarantee.


The world number four is five under at 2018 Ryder Cup venue Golf National, along with Mikko Ilonen, Brandon Stone, Thongchai Jaidee and Jeunghun Wang. England's Andy Sullivan is two shots back in a share of ninth at halfway. Masters winner Danny Willett missed his second cut in a row after a 72 left him five over, but Lee Westwood made the weekend by shooting 70 to sit two over. McIlroy had talked of struggling with his swing after Thursday's first round, but started in commanding form on Friday by making birdies on four holes on the front nine. His excellence saw him move clear at the top until his only blemish on his card at 18 dropped him into the pack.

Summary: Rory McIlroy bogeyed his final hole but has a share of the lead at the French Open after shooting a five-under 66.


Jamie Scott, 27, is accused of engaging in behaviour that is likely or would be likely to incite public disorder by shouting and making the gesture. The offence is contrary to the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act and is said to have taken place on 29 April at Ibrox Stadium. Scott, from Cumbernauld, denied the charge at Glasgow Sheriff Court. He appeared from custody but he was released on bail with the condition that he must not go to regulated football matches. Trial was set for September.

Summary: A man has appeared in court charged with "making racial gestures" at last weekend's Old Firm clash.


Mr Hammond announced the date of the Budget when he began giving evidence to a House of Lords committee. It will set out the government's taxation and spending plans, and the state of the UK economy. In July, Mr Hammond said he may use the Autumn Statement to "reset" economic policy, in light of the UK's vote to leave the EU on 23 June. Appearing before the Lords committee on Thursday, Mr Hammond said: "The Autumn Statement will set out the government's economic and fiscal plans based on the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility. "In the run-up to the Autumn Statement I will be engaging with Britain's business leaders and employee representatives through a series of industry round tables, meetings and visits."

Summary: Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond will deliver his first Autumn Statement on Wednesday 23 November.


The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague said there was no evidence that China had exercised exclusive control over the waters or resources historically. China has said it will ignore the tribunal's findings and defend its interests. Here are the key points from what the tribunal said: China called the ruling "ill-founded" and said it would not be bound by it. In a statement, the Chinese foreign ministry said China was the first to have discovered and exploited the South China Sea islands and relevant waters, "thus establishing territorial sovereignty and relevant rights and interests".

Summary: An international tribunal has dismissed China's claims to much of the South China Sea.


The princess's christening will take place at St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk on 5 July. The new coin will be available in silver and gold to mark the occasion. Director of commemorative coin Shane Bissett said: "It is only appropriate that we commemorate this significant occasion with the release of a special coin." The coins' design will be approved by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Queen and the Chancellor George Osborne. It will then be revealed in the next couple of weeks. A limited edition Â£5 coin was also issued by the Mint, based in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taff, to mark the princess's birth on 2 May.

Summary: A range of new coins will be created by the Royal Mint in south Wales to mark Princess Charlotte's christening.


A motorcyclist suffered broken ribs when the bridge fell on to the London-bound carriageway of the M20 in Kent on 27 August last year. Alan Austen, 63, of Darlington, Durham, pleaded not guilty to two charges of dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Maidstone Crown Court set a trial date for 19 February 2018. The bridge collapsed between junctions four and three, near the junction with the M26, which links the M25 London orbital with the M20. The road, which is the main route to the Channel Tunnel and Port of Dover, had to be shut while two large cranes worked to clear the debris.

Summary: A lorry driver has denied dangerous driving charges over the collapse of a pedestrian bridge on to a motorway.


Carmarthenshire council said it is "delighted" that chief executive Mark James, one of two chief executives to receive payments in lieu of employer pension contributions deemed "unlawful" by the Wales Audit Office, is staying. Mr James has withdrawn his application for severance. His package, worth a possible Â£446,000, was branded "a disgrace". In a joint statement, the Labour/Independent administration said Mr James would stay on "for the time being". Kevin Madge and Pam Palmer, the council's leader and deputy leader, said: "If ever there was a time when we need a first class, highly experienced and respected chief executive at the helm, it is now." The public spending watchdog report said Carmarthenshire and neighbouring Pembrokeshire council acted unlawfully in allowing their chief executives to opt out of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) to avoid potential tax payments. Instead the pair were given cash supplements in lieu of pension contributions.

Summary: A council boss who was at the heart of an unlawful payments scandal is staying in his post.


Cow muck is scraped off, piped into an anaerobic digester and broken down by bacteria to produce methane gas. The gas is then used to produce electricity to power his farm and also sold into the National Grid. David Metcalfe, from Leyburn, North Yorkshire, said: "The milk is losing money, the slurry is making money." He said his cows each produced about 33 litres of milk a day, or 10,000 litres a year, with current milk prices ranging between 23p and 25p a litre. The 900 cows also create about 100 tonnes of slurry a day. That electricity that is produced cuts the farm's power costs by 60%. Mr Metcalfe said: "We looked at the economics and it looked viable. "It's given us another angle to our business." The extra bonus is that the processed slurry is re-used as a fertiliser, halving that bill.

Summary: A dairy farmer is making more money using the slurry produced by his cows for energy production than he is by selling their milk.


Media playback is not supported on this device Sinclair, 19, made five first-team appearances for Liverpool and scored on his first start against Exeter in the FA Cup in January. The clubs have come to an agreement which will see the Merseysiders receive about £4m in compensation as a development fee applies. He is the club's first signing ahead of the 2016-17 season. Sinclair joined Liverpool's academy from West Bromwich Albion in summer 2011, becoming the Reds' youngest ever player when he came on as a substitute in a League Cup tie against his former club in September 2012, aged 16 years and six days. He was loaned to Wigan in 2014-15, playing once, and leaves Anfield having made six appearances with one goal. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Watford have signed out-of-contract Liverpool striker Jerome Sinclair on a five-year deal.


Turkey's NTV television reports that abnormalities were found in Bulut's blood samples from 2011, 2012 and 2013. The 23-year-old is the fifth 2012 Olympic finalist to face drug allegations, along with fellow Turk Asli Cakir Alptekin. Alptekin has since been stripped of her gold medal and banned for eight years. Nataliya Kareiva of Belarus and Russian athlete Yekaterina Kostetskaya, who finished seventh and ninth respectively, have since been banned by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for biological passport abnormalities. Ethiopia-born Swede Abeba Aregawi, who finished fifth in London, was suspended last week pending an investigation after testing positive for a banned substance.

Summary: Olympic 1500m silver medallist Gamze Bulut has been provisionally suspended pending an IAAF investigation into a possible doping violation.


The blaze broke out in the kitchen of the house in Long Cram in Haddington just before 08:00. The fire was put out by 10:20. Two people in the house managed to escape and nobody else was hurt. Police Scotland said they had reopened the road, which had been closed at the A6093 end. A diversion had been set up through Wellside.

Summary: Firefighters have extinguished a fierce fire at a house in East Lothian.


The body of Nadia Jones was found in her flat in Tremorfa on Friday. Five men, two aged 36, the others aged 27, 30 and 32, were held overnight at Cardiff Bay police station. Specially trained officers are supporting Ms Jones's family, while an incident room has been set up as police appeal for information. Detectives are also awaiting the results of a post mortem examination. House-to-house inquiries were also being carried out in Meirion Place, off Mercia Road, where Ms Jones lived. Det Supt Chris Parsons of South Wales Police said: "We are doing all that we can to establish what happened to Nadia in the moments leading up to her death." The officer said it was vital anyone with information about her death came forward, especially anyone in the area between 20:00 BST on Thursday evening through to about 13:00 on Friday.

Summary: Police are continuing to question five men arrested in a murder investigation after the body of a 38-year-old woman was found in a Cardiff flat.


The 28-year-old Northern Ireland international has only featured five times for the Canaries since the start of the 2015-16 season. But he scored in a 6-1 EFL Cup second-round victory over Coventry on Tuesday. "If Kyle keeps showing up well and keeps producing, there's a slot for any player who does well here," Neil told BBC Radio Norfolk. Lafferty finished last season at Birmingham City, and Neil has been open about his search for a new striker. The Scot said: "Whenever you get a chance you've got to perform well and I think he (Lafferty) performed well (on Tuesday). "But it doesn't stop with that one performance, he needs to do it the next time he plays and the next time after that."

Summary: Norwich City striker Kyle Lafferty could still have a future at Carrow Road, according to boss Alex Neil.


It is the first of 11 towns which will be at the centre of the traditional festivities over the summer. The Hawick festival celebrates the capture of the English flag by a group of local youths at Hornshole in 1514. It also recreates the "Riding of the Marches", a tradition dating back to the 12th century when the town's boundaries were checked on horseback. The towns of Selkirk, Melrose, Peebles, Galashiels, Jedburgh, Duns, Kelso, Langholm, Lauder and Coldstream will also host Common Ridings in June, July and August. Do you have any pictures - still or moving - of the Hawick Common Riding? Send them to the BBC Scotland's team in the Borders at selkirk.news@bbc.co.uk Please ensure when filming or photographing that you make your safety and the safety of others a priority. If you submit an image, you do so in accordance with the BBC's Terms and Conditions.

Summary: Hawick will kick off the Common Riding season in the Borders this weekend.


Seven men and two women were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. The Met said victims had their phone numbers masked in order to make it appear as though they were getting a legitimate call from their bank. The fake numbers were then used to glean account details. Money was then transferred into accounts under the suspects' control and withdrawn from ATMs across the UK, the Met said. Police recovered a "significant amount of cash" through raids on 14 addresses in Ilford, Watford, Slough and Scotland. Dongles, SIM cards, mobile phones and laptops were also seized. The arrests followed a collaboration between the Met Police Service's Cyber Crime and Fraud Team and a number of other police forces including Police Scotland, West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police. All the suspects arrested are currently in police custody.

Summary: Nine people have been arrested by police investigating a £60m fraud case targeting business banking customers.


Mr Farry accused the SDLP of "gesture" politics after it sought to amend a motion by the Finance Minister. Mr Wilson's supply resolutions would give the Executive the legal authority to unlock billions of pounds in the block grant. But the SDLP is seeking to amend the motion. Mr Farry said the only "honest and coherent" approach for the SDLP is to leave the Executive. The SDLP amendment seeks to divert more than Â£20m from various departments in a bid to cut travel overheads and consultancy fees. The party has yet to support the draft budget. The SDLP's Alban Maginness challenged Mr Farry on his own party's stance. He pointed out that the Alliance leader and Justice Minister, David Ford, had supported a budget which Mr Farry described as "full of holes".

Summary: Alliance MLA Stephen Farry has challenged the SDLP to quit the Executive if it cannot support the draft budget.


Emmanuel Niyonkuru, 54, was killed at about 00:45 local time (22:45 GMT) by "a criminal with a gun", a police spokesman tweeted. Tweets from Pierre Nkurikiye said a woman who was with Mr Niyonkuru had been detained for questioning, following the "assassination". Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza said the crime would not go unpunished. Hundreds of people, including high-ranking army officials, have been killed in unrest since President Pierre Nkurunziza ran for a third term in 2015, a move which opponents said was unconstitutional. But this is the first time a serving government minister has been killed. For months the country had been relatively calm.

Summary: Burundi's environment minister has been shot dead while on his way home on New Year's Eve.


The Gordon-Elliott trained steeplechaser was around a 16-1 chance for the showpiece contest. "Unfortunately Don Poli has picked up an injury and will not make it to this year's Festival," said Elliott in his Betfair blog. "We are all very disappointed as he was in great form and we were really looking forward to him running." Despite Don Poli's withdrawal, owners Gigginstown House Stud still have a leading contender for the Gold Cup in the Elliott-trained Outlander. Stable companion Empire Of Dirt, just ahead of Don Poli when runner-up in the Irish Gold Cup, had been targeted at the Ryanair Chase, but could be switched.

Summary: Don Poli, who was third in the 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup, will miss this year's race on 17 March.


Flying Scotsman is travelling from Carnforth on the West Coast Main Line following a £4.2m restoration project, which has taken 10 years. The engine, which was retired from service in 1963, has been restored for York's National Railway Museum by Riley and Son Ltd, based in Bury. Low-speed tests have taken place along the East Lancashire Railway. The locomotive is in its black undercoat and sporting wartime numbers. It will be painted in its new green livery next week after the test run. Jim Lowe, head of operations at the National Railway Museum in York, said: "We have all been looking forward to the day when Flying Scotsman is once again running on Britain's tracks." The train is travelling from Carnforth and into Carlisle with a return journey through Appleby and across the Ribblehead Viaduct to Farrington.

Summary: One of the world's most famous locomotives has returned to the West Coast mainline.


Ex-United quintet Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, who agreed to take over the club in March, will have 50% ownership. Lim, who has just taken over Valencia, has acquired the other 50% stake. The Football Association and the Northern Premier League have both ratified the deal. Salford City are currently third in Division One North of the Northern Premier League, six points behind leaders Darlington 1883 with two games in hand. They play in the eighth tier of English football, alongside FA Cup giantkillers Warrington Town. Singapore-based self-made billionaire Lim, 61, is estimated by Forbes to be worth £1.5bn, but withdrew a £320m bid to buy Liverpool in 2010. When the link-up was announced in September, the Neville brothers, Giggs, Scholes and Butt said they have known Lim for more than 10 years, and expect "exciting times" for the club.

Summary: The acquisition of non-league Salford City by a group of former Manchester United footballers and their business partner Peter Lim has been approved.


The former West Ham trainee had a loan spell with the U's in 2011 when he scored six goals in 14 appearances. "He can play wide and up top with his pace and athleticism," Oxford manager Michael Appleton told BBC Radio Oxford. "He had such a good time when he was last here. He knows we've got ambitions to play in the Championship and that's obviously where he wants to play too." Hall joined Bolton is the summer of 2013, and played 34 times for the Lancashire club, but only 16 of them were starts. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Oxford United have signed forward Rob Hall on a two-year contract following his release by Bolton Wanderers.


The "recently serviced and relatively new" device, at King Edward VI School in Southampton, caught fire at about 10:45 GMT on Friday. Headteacher Julian Thould said the fire was contained to one room of the independent school's ground-floor design technology building. He said the school was evacuated within five minutes and no-one was injured. It was brought under control by the fire service by midday, and next week's timetable was unlikely to be affected, Mr Thould added.

Summary: A blaze broke out at a public school after a laser-cutting machine overheated.


The man was disturbed by the owner of the car he was trying to break into in Loughton, Essex, and dropped his bag. Essex Police senior crime scene investigator Ryan Howell later tweeted a photo of the abandoned snacks and a message directed at the suspect. "They're in my office at Harlow, call 101 to get back," he joked. "We've also got your balaclava and glass hammer, but we need those for the time being," he wrote to the thief. "You can definitely have your crisps back though," he added. In a later post, Mr Howell revealed the crisps had been eaten, but said the suspect would be welcome to pick up the balaclava "when we're done extracting your DNA". Read more on this story and other news from Essex

Summary: A hapless thief has been taunted by police for leaving crisps, a soft drink, tools and a balaclava at the scene of a crime.


West Midlands Ambulance staff received the call on Wednesday after someone spotted the pigeon looking unwell. A spokesman for the service said the call was "unbelievable" and "a waste of time which used up an emergency phone line". "We didn't send an ambulance because we're here for people, not animals," the spokesman said. The service - which covers Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Coventry, and the Birmingham and Black Country area - advised that anyone concerned about an animal should watch it to see how badly it is hurt, and contact the RSPCA or take it to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator.

Summary: A member of the public who called 999 over an injured pigeon has been criticised by emergency services.


Organised by the Children of Far East Prisoners of War (COFEPOW) group, it included an address by former peace envoy Terry Waite CBE. It was one of dozens of events taking place across the country. Paul Watson, chairman of COFEPOW, said it was important to remember those who experienced "immense suffering" in the region during World War Two. He said many former prisoners of war had died and the period was in danger of being forgotten by the younger generation. While the war in Europe ended in May 1945, the Japanese did not surrender until 14 August 1945 after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, together killing more than 200,000 people. Britain suffered more than 90,000 casualties in the war against Japan. The Queen attended a remembrance service in London, while a minute's silence was held at a ceremony in Tokyo.

Summary: A service has been held at Lichfield Cathedral to mark the 70th anniversary of VJ Day.


Police said the victim, John Trolan, was found injured in his home at Mark Street at about 10:30 BST on Thursday. "He was taken to hospital by ambulance and was receiving treatment for his injuries but sadly, he has now died," PSNI Ch Insp Gareth Talbot said. Police have appealed for information about the incident. "We are keen to trace John's movements in the hours before he was found unconscious in his home," Mr Talbot added. "We know that he was seen at around 10.30am on Wednesday 7 June. "At this time he was well and uninjured. We need to know what happened between then and Thursday morning."

Summary: A 71-year-old man who was found in his home in Newtownards, County Down, after being assaulted has died.


Ben Gummer, who had been the town's MP since 2010, got 23,393 votes compared with 24,224 votes for Labour's Sandy Martin. Mr Martin said he had seen "a good deal of enthusiasm" while out on the campaign trail. He said Labour ran a "very good election campaign, conducted in a civilised way with a great degree of sense and a clear focus." UKIP's Tony Gould came in third with 1,372 votes, pushing Liberal Democrat Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett into fourth place with 1,187 votes. Elsewhere in the county Conservative Matthew Hancock held his West Suffolk seat. Sorry, your browser cannot display this content. Enter a postcode or seat name

Summary: Labour has snatched Ipswich from the Conservatives by fewer than 250 votes.


Two men and two women were taken to hospital with one of the men being airlifted. Their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. The crash happened on Institute Road in Swanage at about 14:30 BST. Dorset Police said no arrests had been made. A driver, aged in his 20s and from Wareham, is assisting with police inquiries. Four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and the air ambulance were sent to the scene, South Western Ambulance Service said. Institute Road and High Street reopened at 18:00 BST.

Summary: Four elderly pedestrians were seriously injured when they were hit by a car in Dorset.


Alejandro Fuentes, 45, died on Saturday in hospital after an ambush on Thursday night. He was a Voice contestant in 2011. His death comes 10 days after singer Christina Grimmie, who appeared on the US edition of The Voice, was shot and killed in Orlando, Florida. The number of murders in Chicago this year is up 72% from 2015. Mr Fuentes had been celebrating his birthday with friends on Thursday night, the local medical examiner's office said. He was in his car on the street outside Tras Bambalinas, a performing arts school he ran for young people in south-west Chicago. A gunman ordered him out of the car - when he refused, the gunman shot him three times in the head. No arrests have yet been made. Ms Grimmie, 22, was shot by a fan in Orlando as she was signing autographs after a concert. Her attacker then killed himself.

Summary: A former contestant on Mexico's version of The Voice TV talent show has been shot dead in Chicago, police say.


Penguins are birds - but even though they have wings they can't fly. Their wings are specially adapted for swimming. Not all penguins live in snowy places like Antarctica. Some species like the Galapagos penguin live in warmer climates near South America. The emperor penguin is the largest penguin, standing at more than a metre tall when fully grown. Male emperor penguins are responsible for looking after eggs until the chicks hatch. The smallest penguin is called the fairy penguin. It is found quite commonly in Australia and New Zealand. Ever wondered why they're black and white? Their dark back makes them hard to see from above while they're in the water, which can help protect them from predators.

Summary: To celebrate the arrival of three baby Humboldt penguins at Oregon zoo in the United States, here are Newsround's top five penguin facts!


The trek from York to East Sussex is due to end on 14 October - the 950th anniversary of the famous clash. A Saxon-style encampment has been set up in Hyde Park, where there are weapons, food and pottery demonstrations. The group, which is travelling on foot and horseback, left left York last month. One actor said: "We've just beaten the most fearsome Viking general the world has ever seen. "Yes, we're feeling confident." King Harold defeated a Viking army at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in East Yorkshire, on 25 September, 1066, before travelling south to face the Normans. On 14 October, he fought and was killed at the Battle of Hastings -the bloodshed of which was later immortalised in the Bayeux Tapestry.

Summary: A group of "warriors" re-enacting King Harold's 300-mile journey to the Battle of Hastings has invaded London.


The Dow Jones closed up 12.81 at 17,827.75 while the S&P 500 was up 5.8 points at 2,072.83. The tech-heavy Nasdaq index rose 29.07 points to 4,787.32. Initial claims for jobless benefits rose to 313,000 last week, figures showed, the first time it has been above the 300,000 mark since September. Figures from the Commerce Department showed orders for non-defence capital goods excluding aircraft, fell 1.3% in October - the second month in a row the measure has fallen. Separate figures from the Commerce Department showed that consumer spending - a key factor behind US economic growth - rose 0.2% in October. Among individual stocks, shares in farm equipment maker Deere fell 3.2% after it predicted that sales would fall in the current quarter. Hewlett-Packard was up 4% after results late on Tuesday.

Summary: (Close): US shares closed with modest gains, but trading was light ahead of Thanksgiving, when the markets will be shut.


Revolucion De Cuba, part of the Revolution chain, will open in the former HMV store in Friar Street, Reading, which closed in 2011. Reading Borough Council attached a number of conditions, including limiting capacity to 500 and restricting weekend opening hours. Objections were raised by police and borough councillors over the increased risk of crime and disorder in the area. Revolucion De Cuba already has venues in Cardiff, Derby, Manchester, Sheffield and Norwich. It had applied for a capacity of 650 and opening hours until 02:00 between Thursday and Saturday. The council requested the venue close at 01:00 between Thursday and Saturday and 00:30 Sunday to Wednesday. Police concerns centred on the potential dispersal of people on to town centre streets at the same time with a number of nearby venues operating similar late-night hours.

Summary: A licence for a late-night Cuban-themed restaurant and bar has been granted.


Media playback is not supported on this device The England all-rounder was the best player in the 2005 home Ashes victory over Australia having produced match-winning moments throughout. Flintoff scored 141 runs in total in the second Test, a crucial century in the fourth Test and took 23 wickets throughout the series to help England regain the Ashes. He became the first cricketer since Sir Ian Botham, in 1981, to win the coveted BBC award. BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2015 is broadcast live from Belfast on Sunday, 20 December from 19:00 GMT on BBC One. Further coverage on BBC Sport's online platforms and Radio 5 live.

Summary: In 2005, cricketer Andrew Flintoff was named Sports Personality of the Year.


A woman has been airlifted to Cherbourg hospital while the search continues for the other person. Guernsey Coastguard said the woman was found on a life-raft by a Russian merchant ship, the Jork Rider, which responded to a mayday call. The Royal Navy's HMS Tyne is assisting the French coastguard in the search. Lt Cdr Will Peters told the BBC searchers had found what they thought was one of the plane's wheels, and the search area was being widened, with night-vision equipment being used. The aircraft was en route from Lee-on-Solent, in the UK, to Alderney when the crash happened at about 15:50 GMT. The aircraft belongs to Alderney Flying Training Club. Lifeboats from Guernsey, Alderney and Cap de la Hague, French Coastguard helicopters and Channel Islands Air Search are involved in the search operation. The MoD said HMS Tyne is equipped with night vision capability.

Summary: A private plane carrying two people from Alderney has ditched into the English Channel off the coast of France.


The sport involves athletes standing on a board and using a long paddle to move - a cross between kayaking and surfing. The International Surfing Association (Isa) says it has organised competitions for years in the sport. However, the International Canoe Federation (ICF) says the use of the paddle means it falls under its banner. The sport has enjoyed huge growth in recent years and has been talked about as a potential Olympic discipline. "We are pleased that the issue is now before CAS," said Isa president Fernando Aguerre on Thursday. Surfing is one of five new sports to be included in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Isa had unsuccessfully tried to include stand up paddle boarding in those Games as a surfing discipline.

Summary: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) is to decide which organisation controls the increasingly popular sport of stand up paddle boarding.


Locke stood down after the 1-0 home defeat by Hamilton at Rugby Park. The result leaves Kilmarnock second-bottom, having played more games than the three teams around them. Locke, 40, was put in temporary charge in February 2015 and was made permanent manager in April. He won 11 of his 43 games in charge. Kilmarnock said in a statement:"The Board of Directors would like to thank Gary for his time with the club and wish him every success in the future." Former Scotland international McCulloch joined Kilmarnock as a player-coach in July. He has only played on one occasion, starting the 4-0 home defeat by Ross County on 22 August. It is his first managerial appointment and he is to be assisted by Peter Leven and Alan Robertson. Kilmarnock play Rangers in a Scottish Cup fifth-round tie at Ibrox on 6 February.

Summary: Gary Locke has resigned as manager of Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock and will be replaced on an interim basis by Lee McCulloch.


Myron Issac-Yarde, 17, was found dying in Camplin Street, New Cross, on 3 April after officers were called to reports of an altercation. The musician, who was also known as MDot, had performed in concerts and online videos. An online funding plea raised almost Â£14,000 for his funeral. The accused boy, 15, who cannot be named, appeared at Bromley Youth Court. He rose to give his name, age and address before he was remanded in custody. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on 12 April. A 16-year-old boy and a man aged 19 arrested on suspicion of murder have been bailed. Two other teenagers previously also arrested on suspicion of murder, aged 15 and 16, have been bailed until May.

Summary: A boy has appeared in court charged with the murder of a rapper who was stabbed in south-east London.


No one on the ground was hurt although the plane nearly stuck a vehicle. "It's a miracle, literally a miracle, that no other cars were hit," DeKalb Fire Capt Eric Jackson said. The Piper PA-32 crashed minutes after taking off from DeKalb Peachtree Airport on Friday. Rescue workers shut down Interstate 285 in both directions so investigators could determine what happened. The closure created traffic problems through the city. Authorities did not immediately release the names of the victims. "It looked like it was struggling. You could see him trying to get the nose of the plane up. It was edging up, and then it just dropped," witness Don McGhee told the Associated Press. "It was just a huge fire, just smoke and fire."

Summary: A small passenger aeroplane has crashed and burst into flames along a busy Atlanta motorway, killing all four people onboard.


Police said the woman was subjected to a serious sexual assault in Queen's Park, near the Strathbungo and Shawlands areas, on 30 March. The park, at Pollokshaws Road and Balvicar Street, has been cordoned off. Police have appealed for anyone who was in the park at about 23:00 on 30 March and who saw anyone acting suspiciously to get in touch. A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "A police investigation is continuing in relation to a 37-year-old-woman who was seriously sexually assaulted on the evening of Wednesday 30 March 2016, in Queens Park, Glasgow. "Inquiries are at an early stage to establish more details on this incident. "At this time, we would ask anyone who was in the park late on Wednesday 30 March 2016 from 11pm, and witnessed the assault or anyone acting suspiciously to contact London Road Police Office."

Summary: An investigation is under way after a 37-year-old woman was raped in a popular Glasgow park.


The 45-year-old recently agreed a contract extension until 2017 after he was linked with a move to Gillingham, who sacked Peter Taylor in December. County have refused to comment but it is believed Edinburgh now wants to join the League One side. Edinburgh succeeded Anthony Hudson as Exiles manager in October 2011. The former Tottenham and Portsmouth defender led them back into the Football League after a 25-year absence. Newport remain in the League Two play-off zone despite losing their last three games. Heavy away losses to Cambridge United and Northampton Town were followed by Saturday's 1-0 home loss to league leaders Shrewsbury, a run in which Newport have failed to score a goal.

Summary: Gillingham have made an approach for Newport County manager Justin Edinburgh, BBC Wales Sport understands.


The 27-year-old Cameroon right-back never played for the Italian side in six years, spending the entire time on loan with Spanish club Granada. Thirteen members of Watford's current squad have played for Granada, Udinese or both - with all three sides owned by Giampaolo Pozzo. Nyom was part of the Cameroon squad at last summer's World Cup finals, playing in the 4-1 defeat by hosts Brazil. He is Watford's seventh signing of the summer after they were promoted to the Premier League in May. Nyom was still in contract at Udinese with no details of a transfer fee being revealed. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. Media playback is not supported on this device

Summary: Watford have signed defender Allan Nyom from Udinese on a four-year contract.


Mac's owner could hear the dog on a ledge high on the quarry wall near Pennal and called in Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team on Thursday evening. The team of volunteers created a rope system which allowed a rescuer to be lowered to the ledge on Friday morning. Mac was loaded into a purpose-built bag and the pair were lowered to the quarry floor. A spokesman for Aberdyfi SART said: "Mac was unscathed by his adventure and made his way directly to his grateful owner, pausing only for a quick detour back to his rescuer in the full knowledge that there were still biscuits in his pocket."

Summary: A sheepdog has been rescued from a Gwynedd quarry ledge after failing to return from sheep gathering.


The 10-year-old African grey, called Barney, was snatched from an address in Cleckheaton Road between 08.30 BST and 13:30 on Thursday. West Yorkshire Police said the bird had been stolen along with computer and garden equipment. The force said the parrot's cage was not taken and they believe the suspects may have used a hessian bag or large box to transport him. Det Con Sarah Hamer said: "Any burglary is devastating for the victim, but in this case it's even more upsetting for the family with Barney also being taken. "Barney does speak, and it's likely he will be making a lot of noise wherever he is being kept."

Summary: A family's pet parrot has been stolen during a burglary in Bradford.


Police were called to the Penlan area at about 01:45 BST on Saturday and a local man, 41, has been taken to Morriston Hospital to be treated. South Wales Police said the suspect was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and had been taken to Swansea Central police station. Police officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Summary: A 42-year-old man has been arrested after an alleged assault in Swansea.


Francie Molloy, MP for Mid Ulster, said police visited his home on Saturday morning and warned of an "imminent threat to his life". "They called around 2am with intelligence relating to an attack by a loyalist paramilitary organisation on me or my home," Mr Molloy said. "I was surprised at this type of thing, it's concerning. "I pride myself in representing all sides of the community here in Mid Ulster, and I won't be deterred from doing that. "It would look as though it relates to events of the last couple of weeks." The Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady, who has also been the subject of death threats, has asked those with information to bring it to the police "so that those who are intent in taking us backward are brought to justice".

Summary: A Sinn Féin MP has said he has received a death threat from a loyalist paramilitary organisation.


Former Germany Under-21 international Hofmann joined Brentford from Kaiserslauten for an undisclosed fee in July 2015. The 24-year-old featured in only 33 games in two seasons with the Championship club, scoring four goals. "It is a move that is in the best interests of all parties," co-director of football Phil Giles said. "It is fair to say that things haven't worked out as well as either Philipp or Brentford would have hoped since he signed in 2015. "We were therefore keen to find a new club for Philipp to give him a fresh start and a chance to play games." Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Brentford striker Philipp Hofmann has joined German second-tier side Greuther Furth for an undisclosed fee.


The man in his 30s was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital on Monday afternoon after the stabbing in Windmill Road, Headington. A 27-year-old man, thought to be known to the victim, was arrested at the scene. Police are treating it as an isolated incident. The victim's next of kin have been informed. Det Insp Dave Hubbard added: "We believe this to have been an isolated incident, and we are now in the process of conducting a thorough investigation. "Members of the public may see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days whilst we conduct inquiries."

Summary: A murder investigation has been launched after the victim of a stabbing died in hospital.


Albertina Choules, 81, was attacked at her home in Ragmans Lane, Marlow, in the early hours of Wednesday. A 23-year-old man from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody. A family statement described the victim, known as Tina, as a "self-sufficient" woman who was "incredibly special". For more on this and other Buckinghamshire stories A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was blunt force head injury. Thames Valley Police is expected to remain at the scene of the crime for several days. The force said an officer who was assaulted by a man when he arrived at the property has been discharged from hospital.

Summary: A woman suffered a fatal head injury before her body was set alight, police have said.


In a special ceremony called an inauguration, President Trump took over from Barack Obama as America's leader. He won the election in November 2016 but there is a delay of two months as power changes from one President's team to the next. Mr Trump swore an oath to "faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." In his first speech as President, Mr Trump promised to change America, saying that too much power was in the hands of the government and he would concentrate on giving a voice to ordinary people. He also repeated his well-known phrase from the election campaign, by promising to "Make America great again".

Summary: Donald Trump is the 45th President of the United States of America.


Wakefield Trinity Ladies will enter the Women's Premier League, which currently contains 12 clubs, from 2017. Championship sides Featherstone Rovers and Bradford Bulls already have teams competing in the division. "As a team, this presents us with endless opportunities for players, coaches and team development," head coach Joanne Phillips said. "More importantly it helps us to promote the women's game within the Wakefield community, and hopefully engage more women and girls to participate within rugby league." Trinity Ladies will not be based at Wakefield's Belle Vue ground, and will instead play games at local amateur club Sharlston Rovers. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Wakefield Trinity Wildcats have become the first Super League side to launch a women's rugby league team.


Soldiers from 9 Regiment Army Air Corps in Dishforth held the ceremony to mark the merging of the unit with another regiment in Somerset. Its closure means there will be no British Army helicopter units based in the north of England. The regiment has served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. Its most recent operation was providing disaster relief in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. The ceremony was attended by the local mayor Kenny Fuller, who once served in the regiment as a helicopter pilot. Mr Fuller described the event as "extremely emotional". "I got a bit upset there when they were handing over the flag over to the regimental colonel," he said. "It's quite moving."

Summary: A parade and flypast has marked the disbanding of a North Yorkshire army helicopter regiment.


Joshua Smith, 27, was last seen at 08:30 BST on Tuesday crossing railway lines near his Staffordshire home. Friends joined his mother and sister to search for Mr Smith, from Stone. Police said there was some suggestion he had taken a harmful substance and due to "the potential risk of substance transfer" they asked that "no direct physical contact is made" with him. His mother, Sara Buckley, said: "While there's any chance that we could find him and him still be alive, we just desperately want to encourage people if they've seen him, to let us know." Mr Smith is described as thin, 5ft 10ins tall and has blue eyes. Staffordshire Police said he "has light hair which is longer on top, a bushy beard and wears glasses". He was last seen wearing a black three-quarter length coat, black work boots and a mustard backpack.

Summary: Family have been searching for a missing man who it is feared may have taken a harmful substance.


The building, on Carlisle's Warwick Street, has performance spaces for music, comedy, theatre and exhibitions as well as a cafe-bar. It also has studios for workshops and conferences. Construction work began in October 2014. Carlisle City Council said the "ambitious" development would "bring people here and keep people here". Stephen Dunn, arts officer for Carlisle City Council, said: "I think the million pounds is an investment. Over the next two or three years that money will be seed money. "It's public money and it has to be invested right and it has to come back in and that's why the Old Fire Station has to be a business and stand on its own two feet."

Summary: A fire station that underwent a £1m transformation into an arts venue is to have its official opening later.


The Twin Otter aircraft, owned by the Indonesian domestic airline Aviastar, lost contact soon after taking off from the Masamba airport, officials said. The plane was heading to the provincial capital Makassar with three crew and seven passengers including two babies. Indonesia has a patchy aviation safety record. There have been three major air disasters in the past year, including the loss of an AirAsia plane in the Java Sea last December that killed all 192 people on board. Transportation Ministry spokesman Julius Barata told BBC Indonesia that the Aviastar plane lost contact with air traffic control about seven minutes after take off. A rescue team has been sent to search for the plane. In July, a military transport plane crashed in a residential area of Medan, Sumatra, claiming 140 lives. A month later, a plane carrying 54 people on board came down in the remote West Papua region.

Summary: A search is under way for an Indonesian passenger plane carrying 10 people that lost contact with air traffic control over Sulawesi island.


The 6.7-magnitude quake hit 12km (seven miles) north-east of Kos, near the Turkish coast, with a depth of 10km, the US Geological Survey said. At least 20 others were injured on Kos, a popular tourist destination. Some buildings were damaged. In the Turkish city of Bodrum, several people were injured as they tried to flee the quake. Pictures on social media showed people in the city walking with water lapping their ankles and localised flooding, and about 70 people sought hospital treatment for minor injuries. The earthquake struck at 01:31 on Friday (2230 GMT Thursday). Turkey and Greece sit on significant fault lines and are regularly hit by earthquakes. One of the deadliest in recent years hit the heavily populated northwest of Turkey, in 1999, killing some 17,000 people.

Summary: A strong earthquake in the Aegean Sea has killed at least two people on the Greek island of Kos, officials say.


Bale scored 24 goals in 42 appearances for club and country this season as he led Real Madrid to an eleventh Champions League title. However, it was his heroics with Wales that caught the eye as he inspired them to the semi finals of Euro 2016 in their first major finals in 58 years. Bale is part of a 10-man shortlist. Journalists from each of Uefa's 55 member associations provided a list of their five best-ranked players. Three finalists from the shortlist of 10 will be announced on 5 August. The UEFA jury will then cast their votes for the outright winner, which will be announced during the UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on 25 August. Bale's inclusion caps a memorable 24 hours for the 27-year old who announced his engagement over the weekend on social media.

Summary: Gareth Bale has been rewarded for a stellar season after being named on the shortlist nominated for the Uefa Best Player in Europe award.


Shares in IBM rose more than 2%. Earlier it announced the purchase of Bluewolf, which provides software services to firms. The Dow Industrials lost 31.57 points, falling to 17,685. The S&P 500 fell 4.21 points to 2,059 and the Nasdaq was a little higher at 4,869. There will be a closely-watched employment report out on Friday. "Today, we're just in a do-nothing mode and we will wait and see what happens Friday," said Matthew Tuttle, chief executive, Tuttle Tactical Management. "There's going to be a big move one way or the other [on Friday], you don't know which way it's going to go and you don't want to put on large bets right before that," he said.

Summary: (Close): Wall Street closed flat after making gains earlier in the week.


The DR Congo international signed for Everton from Crystal Palace in a £25m deal in August, and has played in every game this season. Bolasie, 27, injured the right anterior cruciate ligament in the 68th minute of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Goodison. He now faces a fight to return before the end of the Premier League season. Bolasie, who spent four seasons with Palace after joining from Bristol City in 2012, will miss his country's Africa Cup of Nations campaign, which starts in Gabon next month. Before Bolasie's injury, Everton boss Ronald Koeman had previously spoken about his interest in taking Manchester United's Dutch forward Memphis Depay, 22, on loan in January.

Summary: Everton winger Yannick Bolasie will have knee surgery after scans confirmed he suffered serious ligament damage against Manchester United on Sunday.


The blast happened at about at 16:40 BST on Saturday at Plumpton Road in Hoddesdon. A man in his 30s and another in his 40s, both from Wood Green in London, died from their injuries at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. Hertfordshire Police said a man had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence. A third victim, who is in his 20s, was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow but has since been discharged. Police said the arrested man is a 40-year-old from Hoddesdon. He was also being questioned on suspicion of health and safety offences. The fire service tweeted to say it had received "numerous calls to a building fire". The scene remained cordoned-off on Sunday while investigations took place. Police said the unit was currently unoccupied, but it was believed the men may have been carrying out some form of work there.

Summary: Two men have been killed and a third injured in an explosion at an industrial unit in Hertfordshire.


The bodies of Joanne Marie Semple, 36, Kelly Taylor-Hackett, 28, and Stephen Fitzgerald, 18, were found on Sunday after a blaze on East Park Street, East End Park. Post-mortem examinations found all three died as a result of the fire, police said. Three Rottweiler dogs were also found dead inside the terraced property. The fire had burnt itself out before the emergency services arrived. West Yorkshire Police said it continued to treat the deaths as unexplained.

Summary: Photographs of three people who died following a house fire in Leeds have been released.


Gloucestershire lost Phil Mustard and Ian Cockbain early on as they slumped to 29-2 from six overs and were on the back foot as they made a below-par 200. Kent seized the initiative with Joe Denly and Daniel Bell-Drummond's 92-run opening stand putting them in control. Denly hit eight fours and one six as Kent won by seven wickets on 203-3. Darren Stevens hit a six to help the hosts over the line to reach 7,000 career one-day runs thanks to his 28. Mustard joined Gloucestershire on loan from Durham on Tuesday, but will be ineligible to play against his parent club if the two sides meet in the knockout stages of the One-Day Cup, as is the case when they face each other in the T20 Blast quarter-finals on 10 August.

Summary: Kent eased their way to victory in the One-Day Cup as reigning champions Gloucestershire struggled with the bat at Canterbury.


Police said the crash, involving a Toyota Corolla, happened on the B741 at Burnside at about 05:45 on Thursday. They said that no-one in the house was injured. However, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers have appealed for anyone who was on the road at the time and may have information about the crash to come forward. A report into the incident is being sent to the procurator fiscal. Sgt Cat Gibbons said: "At this time, police inquiries are continuing into the cause of the crash. "I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the crash take place, or who was driving on the road around the time of the crash to come forward as they may have information that will assist out investigation."

Summary: A 37-year-old man has died after his car crashed into the wall of a house in New Cumnock.


The hosts struggled with the bowling of Dan Lawrence (3-35) and Graham Napier (3-50) as they made 219-8 with James Franklin's 55 boosting their innings. Essex started well, with Nick Browne hitting 79, but they struggled when he was removed by Franklin. The visitors needed 11 runs off the last six balls but lost Ashar Zaidi and finished five runs short on 215-9. Toby Roland-Jones (4-40) had kept Essex pegged back in their innings with the paceman doing the damage as time ran out for the visitors. Despite the defeat, Essex remain in second place in the One-Day Cup South Group table, with a game still to play.

Summary: Middlesex sealed victory against Essex in a close One-Day Cup game at Lord's which went down to the final over.


Pembrokeshire council recently voted to cut Milford Haven paddling pool's Â£1,000 budget, leaving its future uncertain. A petition started by Brian Phillips calls on Milford Haven Town Council to take over its running. Mr Phillips said the pool "has been a source of summer fun for children for many decades" and had been "gaining in popularity over the last few years". "We need Milford Haven Town Council to take responsibility for this lovely feature to ensure it remains open for many years to come," he added. A Pembrokeshire council spokesman said the local authority would work with elected members, the town council and the community to "ensure a bright future for the town's paddling pool".

Summary: A campaign has been launched to save a Pembrokeshire town's outdoor pool.


Boxing heroes from the past and the present attended the event. The statue is a tribute to former boxers, but also an encouragement to future generations to take up the sport. Among those attending its unveiling was former British bantamweight champion Davy Larmour and current featherweight Marco McCullough. "I travelled far and wide, I travelled the world," Mr Larmour said. "Been in Cuba, America, Romania, Russia - I won titles in different places all over the world." Marco McCullough said he used to hear stories about Larmour when he was a child. "Wayne McCullough, Larmour, we've always had good boxers coming through, so it's brilliant," he said. "You used to have the likes of Larmour coming in and out of the clubs and you used to hear stories. "Then when you got older you started watching videos of him and started looking up to him."

Summary: A statue has been unveiled in Belfast's Shankill area to recognise its history of boxing.


Moroccan-born Mohammed Bellazrak's family reported him missing after he failed to return to Trowbridge after dropping his wife off for a flight. Police in Oxfordshire eventually flagged down the 72-year-old after his car triggered a camera in Oxford. They found he had spent from 23 - 25 December driving, trying to get back. Analysis from number-plate recognition systems showed he had driven around various towns in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire and on the M4. Mr Bellazrak had no mobile phone with him, and he told newspaper reporters that his sat-nav was not working. Thames Valley Police took him to Oxford police station after he was stopped in Abingdon Road in the city at 2pm on Christmas Day, and after a rest, relatives took him home. He was unharmed by the ordeal. A police spokesman told the BBC it was "nice the story had a happy ending".

Summary: A Wiltshire grandfather spent three days trying to find his way home from Gatwick Airport after becoming disorientated in snowy conditions.


The black Daimler DS420, which was due to be replaced in three to five years, has been retired after 24 years of service. The car has carried the Princess Royal, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall during visits to Guernsey. The car is to be replaced by a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit III model, in a claret livery. Major Marco Ciotti, secretary to the lieutenant governor, said "an unexpected opportunity" had arisen to acquire a Rolls-Royce locally, in a similar colour to that of some of the cars in the Royal Household. "The Rolls-Royce will bring better reliability and lower running costs, with a genuine British pedigree. We're looking forward to its first ceremonial outing," he said. The lieutenant governor's ceremonial car is owned and run by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Summary: The official car of the Queen's representative in the Bailiwick of Guernsey is set to be sold.


Australian utility back Marc Koteczky, 25, has agreed a new contract, having played 16 times for the club in the Championship last season. He is joined by compatriot and former Australia Under-20s cap Ethan Ford. Ford, who is English-qualified through his grandmother, can play at centre, wing or full-back and played alongside Koteczky at Sydney-based club Randwick. "I'm looking forward to joining up with the Plymouth Albion squad and experiencing rugby in England," Ford said. "I've heard a lot of good things about the club and the city. I know Marc well from Randwick, so it will be great to play alongside him again. "I'm excited about the challenge that awaits." Plymouth Albion were relegated from the Championship in April after 13 years in English rugby's second tier.

Summary: Plymouth Albion have made their first two signings as they prepare for life in National One.


Former Everton and Manchester City central defender Distin, 38, joined the club on a one-year deal last summer. The Frenchman started just nine Premier League games for the Cherries in an injury-disrupted season. Goalkeeper Ryan Allsop, 23, who spent time on loan this season at Wycombe and Portsmouth, has signed a new two-year deal at the club until 2018. Bournemouth have also confirmed Stephane Zubar, Josh Carmichael, Josh Wakefield, Mason Walsh and Jon Muleba will be leaving.

Summary: Sylvain Distin is among six out-of-contract players to be released by Premier League Bournemouth.


Taylor, 26, tweeted a picture of himself outside Nottingham City Hospital on Thursday. "Well that has been one hell of an experience," he said of his fortnight undergoing tests on the condition - arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). "What a beautiful day!" he added. Taylor's county, Nottinghamshire, said he would continue his recovery at home and "be tested and monitored to determine future treatment". Taylor, who began his career at Leicestershire, played seven Tests and 27 ODIs for England. He fell ill during the first day of Notts' match against Cambridge University this month and was diagnosed with ARVC, a similar condition that afflicted Bolton Wanderers footballer Fabrice Muamba. On medical advice, Taylor retired with immediate effect.

Summary: Former England batsman James Taylor has left hospital after a "preliminary procedure" on the heart condition which prompted his retirement.


The uncapped Billings, 23, made his county debut in 2011 and averages 44.71 with the bat in List A matches. Kieswetter has suffered a setback in his recovery from an eye injury and is due to miss the 2015 season. He tweeted his congratulations to Billings, calling him a "seriously talented player" and "future star". The World Cup will be held in Australia and New Zealand from 14 February to 29 March 2015, with England's first match, against Australia, in Melbourne on 14 February. England's provisional squad includes two other wicketkeepers, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow. All squads must be reduced to 15 by 7 January.

Summary: Kent wicketkeeper Sam Billings will replace Somerset's Craig Kieswetter in England's 30-man provisional squad for next year's World Cup.


The soldier, who has not been named, served in the 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. The death in the rural district of Taji, north of Baghdad, was "not the result of enemy activity", the MoD said. An investigation is under way and the soldier's family have been told. Taji, to the north of Baghdad, is home to Camp Taji, also known as Camp Cooke, which is a coalition forces base. A spokesman from the MoD said: "The death occurred in Taji, Iraq, following an incident that is currently under investigation, but we can confirm that it was not as a result of enemy activity."

Summary: A British soldier has died in Iraq, the Ministry of Defence has said.