Place des Anges, in Queens Gardens Hull on Saturday, involved performers dressed as flying angels and fireworks. Acrobats glided on wires high above the city's buildings and released 1.5 tonnes of feathers on spectators. A total of 10,000 free tickets had been distributed for the event. Rosie Millard, who chairs the company running the city of culture activities, said: "This is a wonderful trial run, the curtain-raiser if you like for 2017." The people in Hull had "a real appetite, they know they have a great year ahead", she added. Initial demand for the free tickets when they were released had caused the event's website to crash. The show was created and performed by French theatre producers Gratte Ciel. Place des Anges was presented by Hull UK City of Culture 2017 and Yorkshire Festival in association with Amy Johnson Festival.

Summary: A free aerial acrobatic event showered the centre of Hull with feathers in a "curtain-raiser" for UK City of Culture 2017.


The money will be used to fund school construction and substance abuse programmes. Coloradans have voted on spending marijuana taxes before, but an excess of tax revenue made by the industry made another vote necessary. Marijuana was legalised in Colorado in 2012. The state collected $73.5m (Â£47.7m) between January and July 2015. The bill "Proposal BB" determined how to spend $66m of the taxes collected. Voters approved spending $40m on construction of new schools and $12m on drug prevention and addiction programs. A further $14m will be for discretionary spending by lawmakers. If voters had rejected the bill, the excess money would have been returned to taxpayers though a tax credit. Marijuana growers would also have received tax rebates. In two previous bills, voters have also chosen to spend marijuana taxes on school developments.

Summary: Colorado has voted overwhelmingly in favour of spending taxes raised from the sale of marijuana.


Businesses generally have had "a very encouraging start" to 2016, according to data compiled for Ulster Bank. In January, the pace of job creation among the companies surveyed was above the UK average for the first time in almost two years. The bank said manufacturing was a key area of concern. Its chief economist, Richard Ramsey, said "doom and gloom" in the global economy will impact further on Northern Ireland manufacturing in the months ahead. The bank produces a Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) each month which records things like new orders, employment and exports. Mr Ramsey said job losses had been reported in the manufacturing sector for a fifth month running. "Manufacturing orders have been flat or falling in four of the last five months. "January's decline represented the sharpest fall since September 2012." The services sector was "the star performer" last month.

Summary: Northern Ireland manufacturers are struggling at a time when the local private sector has just recorded its fastest growth in 16 months.


Visitors to the Port Lympne Reserve, near Hythe in Kent, were moved to safety when the two-year-old, called Kitwana, got out on Sunday. Animal director Adrian Harland said the cheetah was "calm and pacing the enclosure fence, looking to get back in" and there was "no real threat". He was enticed back into the enclosure with food after almost 30 minutes. Mr Harland said the intervention of a vet was not required. He added: "He climbed out to get back with his mother, after he was separated to stop him eating all her dinner. "We have secured the enclosure's perimeter fencing to ensure the cheetah cannot climb out again."

Summary: A cheetah escaped from its enclosure at a wild animal park while the attraction was open to the public.


The man, who was in his 20s, was attacked at a house in Churchill Road in Wisbech in Cambridgeshire on Monday. Police were called at about 17:15 GMT. The victim was airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn in Norfolk, where he died at 03:30 GMT. Cambridgeshire Police said an 18-year-old man from Wisbech has been arrested in connection with the attack and they are not looking for anyone else. Det Insp Dave Murphy said: "We believe the offender and the victim were known to one another."

Summary: A murder inquiry has been launched after a man died following a stabbing.


Lee Solari said he dropped off and left his friend Sion Davies, 25, at a flat in Caia Park estate, Wrexham, last October to collect the cash. But, later, the 26-year-old became concerned when Mr Davies did not answer his mobile, Mold Crown Court heard. Anthony 'Charlie' Munkley, 53, and Lee Roberts, 33, both deny murder. "We used to get cannabis off Charlie but we also sold cannabis to him, up to two ounces," Mr Solari said. After leaving his friend at Mr Munkley's flat on 11 October 2014, Mr Solari became concerned when Mr Davies did not return. He called his mobile repeatedly but got no answer. Mr Solari said he then received a phone call in the early hours of the following morning to say his friend had been found dead. The trial continues.

Summary: A murder victim was collecting drug money when he was shot with a crossbow before falling off a balcony, a jury has heard.


Human remains were found in undergrowth off Albert Fearn Gardens in Foleshill, Coventry, by a member of the public last week. Police believe the remains to be those of 24-year-old Ozi Akerele who went missing during the early hours of 31 January. It is thought the Nigerian student lost his way home in freezing temperatures. His family, who visited Coventry to hand out flyers and help with the search, have been informed. Formal identification has not yet taken place. Mr Akerele was studying for a masters degree at Coventry University.

Summary: A body found in a disused churchyard is thought to be that of a missing student.


The Mi Max features fingerprint security and a 16-megapixel camera but will have a budget price tag of 1,499 Chinese Yuan (Â£159). It has a larger battery - at 4,850mAH - than most smartphones, more powerful than the Apple iPhone 6's 2,915mAH battery. There is a dual Sim function and space for an additional memory card. Xiaomi announced the launch on Twitter. "Phones are getting bigger and bigger because of the way we are using them now," said Stuart Miles, founder of gadget review site Pocket Lint. "It doesn't matter that the phone is huge because it allows you to view content and enjoy it. "You don't have it up against your face as much as you used to. "Based around that idea, the manufacturers push that boundary of what they can get away with."

Summary: Xiaomi has launched a smartphone with a 6.44in (16cm) screen that the Chinese company says will "fit in your pocket".


Police spokesman Tyler Gamble said officers were on their way to break up a big crowd at the city's Bunny Friend Park when shots were fired. Ambulances took 10 people to hospital, Mr Gamble said, and others were taken by private vehicles. It is yet not known what started the shooting or how severe the injuries are. According to Mr Gamble, there were two groups at the park - one had walked there as part of a neighbourhood parade, while others were watching or participating in a video being made in the park. Witnesses told local TV station WWL that there were about 500 people at the park and that two gunmen opened fire in the crowd.

Summary: At least 16 people have been wounded in an apparent shooting at a park in New Orleans, police say.


The bells, which date back to the 14th Century, were removed from St George's in Woolhope in January after cracks were discovered in them. The aim was to get them restored by 23 April - St George's Day. So far, Â£30,000 has been raised but the cost is likely to be much more, the church said. Bell ringer Barbara Fox said "it's such an English pastime, that locals enjoy regardless of whether they are churchgoers". "We've been overwhelmed by generosity of locals - donations, sponsorship, fundraising," she said. The cracks in the bells were discovered in time because left any longer, one of the bells could have fallen, which would have caused much worse damage, she said. "We've probably got to raise another Â£5,000, but its difficult to know what the end figure is going to be...how long is a piece of string?", she said.

Summary: A Herefordshire parish is facing a race against time to restore the bells of its Norman church tower in time for St George's Day.


Father Miguel Angel Machorro is said to be in "delicate but stable" condition after Monday evening's attack, according to government and ecclesiastical sources. A suspect, who was reportedly detained on site as he tried to flee, told law enforcement officials he was a North American artist. His identity has not been confirmed. The assault left the priest lying on the ground, with blood soaking his clothes. He was stabbed in the neck, and some witnesses said it seemed to be an attempt to cut his throat, said La Jornada newspaper. At a news conference, the lawyer of the archdiocese, Armando MartÃnez, told people to pray for Father Machorro. "We cannot talk about terrorism, we cannot talk about motives because we obviously have no significant facts," he said. Mexico's Metropolitan Cathedral, situated on the main El Zocalo plaza, is the largest cathedral in the Americas.

Summary: A Mexican priest is hospital after being stabbed during Mass in Mexico City's cathedral.


The benchmark FTSE 100 index finished 70 points higher at 6,919.42. Oil and mining firms dominated the list of winners, with Royal Dutch Shell and miner BHP Billiton rising more than 6%. Outsourcing firm Capita slumped 26.7% after it said profits would be hit by one-off costs of up to Â£25m, because it was late to implement new IT systems for London's congestion charge. The second-biggest faller on the index was Alton Towers owner Merlin Entertainments, which slid 5% after reporting that visitor numbers at the theme park were still recovering. A crash on the Smiler rollercoaster in June 2015 injured 16 people. On the currency markets, the pound was down slightly against the dollar at $1.2994 and fell 0.5% against the euro to â‚¬1.1554.

Summary: (Close): London's leading shares rose 1% on Thursday as markets digested Opec's agreement to cut oil output.


Bentancur, 19, was in Turin on Monday to have a medical before joining the Serie A leaders. The Uruguay Under-20 international is a product of Argentine club Boca Juniors' youth team. Juventus negotiated a purchase option on Bentancur when striker Carlos Tevez moved back to Boca Juniors from the Turin club in June 2015. Juve are six points clear at the top of the table with eight games remaining as they chase a sixth successive Serie A title. Massimiliano Allegri's side are also in the quarter-finals of the Champions League where they face Barcelona over two legs on 11 and 19 April.

Summary: Italian champions Juventus are close to signing teenage midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur from Boca Juniors.


The proposals for Shifnal were awarded outline approval last year and councillors have now backed the detailed plans. It will also see new roads, footpaths and green areas built near Coppice Green. The development by Barratt West Midlands and David Wilson Homes forms part of a plan to build 1,600 homes in Shifnal by 2026. Shropshire Council received 13 objections to the scheme, including concerns about additional traffic in the area and pressure on services. The head of nearby Idsall School did not object to the proposals but raised concerns about lack of classroom space.

Summary: Plans for 200 new homes in a market town have been given the green light.


Police believe the 17-year-old boy may have been held in a silver van during the ordeal. The assault happened in Selbourne Square just before 14:30 BST on Saturday. Police do not believe it was a random attack. A woman in her 30s and a 14-year-old boy also sustained minor injuries during the incident. Following the attack, the three victims made their way to the Shell petrol station on Godstone Hill where they called the ambulance service, police said. Det Con Tom Gilbert, said: "Due to the seriousness of the injuries the victim sustained, we have yet to establish some vital parts of the investigation." Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Summary: A teenager has suffered serious head and face injuries in an assault by three men in Godstone, Surrey.


Bristol Channel pilot cutters, all built between 1904 and 1909, will be taking part in a regatta off Mumbles on Saturday and Sunday. They include the 56ft (18m) Olga, which is owned by Swansea council and has undergone refurbishments above and below deck thanks to lottery funding. The other pilot cutters taking part are Alpha, Dolphin, Mascotte and Peggy. They will be leaving their moorings at Swansea marina at about 08:00 BST on both days, with the races starting at 09:30. Built for speed, the vessels were used to take pilots out into the Bristol Channel to intercept sailing barques and then guide them back to their home ports. Frances Jenkins, from Swansea council, said the city has a rich maritime heritage and the races were a "fantastic spectacle" and a "great opportunity to be transported back to yesteryear". The event is part of this summer's Enjoy Swansea programme.

Summary: Five historical vessels are set to go head to head in races off Swansea.


The 22-year-old had to come from behind to claim a 15-14 win over Velikaya, 31, the silver medallist from London 2012. Ukranian Olga Kharlan took bronze with a 15-10 win over France's Manon Brunet. Fencing governing body the FIE cleared all 16 Russians to compete, after the International Olympic Committee rejected a blanket ban on the country. The call had come from the World Anti-Doping Agency in the wake of an independent report into state-sponsored doping in the country. The FIE said it had "re-examined the results from 197 tests taken by Russian athletes in 35 countries, including Russia, between 2014 and 2016" and all were negative. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Yana Egorian won Russia's second gold medal at Rio 2016 with victory over compatriot Sofiya Velikaya in the women's sabre final.


Lopez, appointed at the end of January, was dismissed after a 4-0 defeat at AC Milan on Sunday which left Palermo eight points adrift of safety. President Paul Baccaglini said: "A big shake-up is needed. I am trying everything possible to get the team to react with their heads up." Coach Diego Bortoluzzi will take over. Baccaglini was named as president last month, replacing Maurizio Zamparini, who oversaw nearly 40 coaching changes during his 15 turbulent years in charge. Palermo went through five coaches in just three months last season, and former Swansea City coach Bortoluzzi is the 12th change of manager in two seasons. They began the season under Davide Ballardini who left by mutual consent in early September. He was replaced by Roberto de Zerbi who was sacked at the end of November and followed by Eugenio Corini, who resigned in January.

Summary: Serie A side Palermo have sacked their fourth manager of the season as Diego Lopez paid the price for winning just one of his 10 games in charge.


The 26-year-old midfielder's contract was terminated by mutual consent three days before Ballymena take on holders Cliftonville in the League Cup final. In a generous farewell Davidson donated his final month's wages to a charity of Ballymena's choice. Mark McCullagh has also quit United, with the versatile player departing because of work commitments. Davidson played for Newry City and Glenavon before moving to the Showgrounds in February 2012. However, he was soon caught up in a registration row which denied Ballymena a spot in the Irish Cup semi-finals. It was a dramatic first year at United for Davidson as he scored the winning penalty in a shoot-out success over Linfield in the Co Antrim Shield final. Davidson helped the Sky Blues to last year's Irish Cup decider by scoring twice in the semi-final win over Queen's University.

Summary: Alan Davidson has left Ballymena United in order to concentrate on playing Gaelic football.


The 24-year-old centre-back spent last season on loan at Sheffield United, making 34 appearances to help the Blades to the League One title. Ebanks-Landell, who helped Wolves win the third-tier title in 2015, signed a three-and-a-half-year deal in January. "We beat off a number of clubs, including Championship sides, to bring him here," said MK boss Robbie Neilson. Meanwhile, Wolves winger Ben Marshall has returned home from the club's pre-season tour of Austria for treatment on an injured hip. No likely length of absence has been suggested by the club, who for now say only that they are "hopeful he will return to action as quickly as possible" after consulting a specialist. This follows the injury suffered by Marshall's fellow winger Helder Costa, who will miss the start of the new season following ankle surgery. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: MK Dons have signed Wolves defender Ethan Ebanks-Landell on a season-long loan with the League One club.


The company admitted water pollution and other offences at sewage facilities in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. One fisherman lost thousands and went out of business because the pollution killed his crayfish, Aylesbury Crown Court heard. Fish and birds died following the spills in 2013 and 2014. Aylesbury Crown Court heard on Friday that the spills resulted in hundreds of dead fish, fewer dragon flies, overflowing manholes and sewage spilling into nature reserves. Environmental damage was caused in the riverside towns of Henley and Marlow. There were also reports of nappies and other sewage debris spilling into the Thames. The four Thames Water Utilities Ltd sewage treatment works where the spills occurred were Aylesbury, Didcot, Henley and Little Marlow. The other site is a large sewage pumping system in Littlemore in Oxford.

Summary: Thames Water will face its "biggest ever fine" after pumping millions of gallons of untreated sewage into the River Thames, a judge has warned.


The 31-year-old former Leicester and England forward has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Rams. "He's a proven goalscorer at Championship level and has a great deal of experience to bring to the table," Derby manager Steve McClaren said. Nugent, who began his career with Bury in 2003 before joining Preston, won his sole international cap in 2007. He came on as a substitute against Andorra in a Euro 2008 qualifier, during McClaren's spell in charge of the national team, and scored a goal in a 3-0 victory. The Rams tried to sign Nugent 10 years ago but he opted instead for a £6m move to Portsmouth. After four years with Leicester, he joined Middlesbrough in August 2015 and has since made 42 league appearances, scoring eight goals. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here.

Summary: Derby County have signed striker David Nugent from Middlesbrough for a fee understood to be £2.5m.


There is no standard recall option in the deal for the 18-year-old, who is eligible for the Championship club's opening game against Wigan on Saturday. He has scored 74 goals in 98 youth games for Chelsea at different levels, and played twice in the Premier League. "Tammy is a top-class player who has a very bright future in the game," City boss Lee Johnson told the club website. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Bristol City have signed England Under-19 forward Tammy Abraham on a season-long loan from Chelsea.


Judge Thomas Au of the High Court rejected a request for their swearing-in to be delayed for a judicial review. Yau Wai-ching and Sixtus Leung of the Youngspiration party had their oaths invalidated last week after mounting an anti-China protest in the legislature. The pair slammed the court hearing as an abuse of the legal system. They are expected to re-take their oaths tomorrow in the Legislative Council (LegCo) as scheduled. Several pro-democracy lawmakers caused chaos in the LegCo last week by using their oath-taking to stage boisterous protests against China. Five lawmakers in total need to re-take their oaths, the South China Morning Post reports. Mr Leung and Ms Yau swore while saying their oaths and mispronounced "China". Several pro-democracy candidates won LegCo seats in elections last month. Many had played key roles in the 2014 "Umbrella protests" against growing Chinese influence in Hong Kong's politics.

Summary: Hong Kong's government has failed to block two pro-independence lawmakers from taking their oaths in a last-ditch legal challenge.


Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse scored a penalty just before half-time after Norwich winger Nathan Redmond was fouled. Liverpool forward Jordon Ibe went close to a second but shot just wide, before Sunderland's Jordan Pickford made some crucial saves to deny the hosts. England, who are in Group 9, exited at the group stage of this year's Euros. Gareth Southgate's side beat eventual winners Sweden at the tournament in the Czech Republic, but defeats by Portugal and Italy ended their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage. England will also play Euro 2017 qualifiers against Kazakhstan, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Switzerland.

Summary: England Under-21s made a winning start to their Euro 2017 qualifying campaign by beating Norway 1-0.


Wilfred Isaacs died at Chubbards Cross caravan site in Ilton following a shooting incident. Charlie Broadway, 23, and William (Billy) Broadway, 18, from Ilton, were charged with murder, attempted murder and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. Both men remain in custody and are due before Yeovil magistrates on Monday. Five others arrested in connection with the shooting are being questioned by police. Det Supt Andy Bevan said: "This has been a fast-paced and wide-ranging investigation and I would like to again thank the local communities affected for their patience and support. "We will continue to have a visible police presence at Chubbards Cross caravan site as this ongoing, complex investigation continues." He added that forensics teams remained on site and that it would remain closed for the next few days. Police are still looking for the firearm used in the death, which they believe is a shotgun.

Summary: Two men have been charged with the murder of a 50-year-old man at a Somerset caravan park on Thursday.


At 17, Ebner became the youngest player to play for the US rugby sevens team. He was drafted into the NFL after university, joining the New England Patriots in 2012, and helped them win the Super Bowl three years later. In March, the 27-year-old decided to take a leave of absence from American football to concentrate on gaining an Olympic place. Ebner, who has just signed a new contract with the Patriots, will rejoin the NFL side after the conclusion of the Games on 11 August. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Super Bowl winner Nate Ebner has earned a place in Team USA's rugby sevens squad for the Rio Olympics this summer.


Valdes, 33, has made just two appearances since joining United on a free transfer 10 months ago. The Spaniard had a falling out with manager Louis van Gaal in July before a proposed move to Turkish club Besiktas collapsed in August. When asked about Valdes's future, Gines Carvajal told Radio Marca: "He'll have a chance in January, wherever he goes." He added: "Victor won't be coming to Spain, unless he decides otherwise. He needs to go to a place he feels is right for him." Valdes, who was part of Spain's winning squads at the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship in 2012, will be out of contract at United at the end of the season. During a 12-year spell at Barcelona between 2002 and 2014 he won six league titles, the Champions League three times and the Spanish Cup twice.

Summary: Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes will leave the club in January, according to the player's agent.


The pipe burst in the early hours causing the road to crack and lift on the A35 Lyndhurst Road at Ashurst between New Road and Whartons Lane. Southern Water said supplies to 60 properties had been cut as engineers worked to find and fix the leak. The firm said the hot weather can dry the soil out, causing pipes to shift and break. Read more on this and other stories from across the south of England. The road has partially re-opened with two-way temporary traffic lights in place while the work to repair the pipe is carried out. Drivers have been warned to expect lengthy delays. The nearby New Forest Inn was forced to close when water from the burst flooded into the pub.

Summary: A burst water pipe led to the closure of a section of one of the major routes through the New Forest.


The 25-year-old French rider, who was second in the British MX1 championship, was preparing for the race in Cassel. Lenoir was reportedly airlifted to hospital in Lille following the crash. "The Honda Racing Family are sad to hear of the tragic loss of Steven Lenoir following a crash in Cassel," said 24MX Lucas Oil Honda, who Lenoir rode for in the MXGP last year. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, team and fans at this sad time." British superbike rider Alex Lowes added: "Absolutely gutted, always gave everything he had on and off the track RIP mate."

Summary: Former British motocross champion Steven Lenoir has died after a crash during qualifying in France on Monday.


The museum honours the famous regiment which was amalgamated in 1994 to become part of the Highlanders, with Prince Charles its last colonel-in-chief. It has seen business from energy firms suffer amid the oil price downturn. The museum relies heavily on income from oil and gas firms, for events such as conferences, training days and dinners. The award-winning attraction - which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year - has suffered an 80% drop in profits, despite a rise in visitor numbers, and tours last year which involved children from more than 50 schools. The museum said it needed to raise £100,000 a year for the next three years to keep it going. An official campaign will be launched next week. The museum re-opened in 2006 after a £1.2m refurbishment.

Summary: The Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen could face closure if it cannot raise funds, it has been warned.


A suspected gun and a large quantity of cash were also found in a search of a house in Carbry Heights, Keady, on Friday. The man is due to appear at Newry Magistrates Court on Monday. A 36-year-old woman who was also arrested following the seizure has been released on police bail. The man has been charged with possession of a class A drug, possession of a class drug with intent to supply, possessing criminal property, concealing criminal property and possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances Two vehicles - a Lexus car and a KTM motorcycle - were also seized during the operation. Det Insp Brian Foster said he was "delighted" the drugs and firearm have been removed from the streets.

Summary: A 39-year-old man has been charged in connection with a Â£200,000 cocaine seizure in County Armagh.


The team were knocked out by Wales after losing 1-0 to Wales. However, the team beat Ukraine 2-0 on their way to qualifying for the last-16 in their first major tournament in 30 years. An official homecoming event will take place in the Fan Zone in Belfast's Titanic Quarter. Thousands of Northern Ireland supporters watched the team's matches from the Fan Zone throughout the tournament. The event is being hosted by the Department of Communities, Irish FA, Belsonic and Belfast City Council. The homecoming event is expected to start at about 17:30 BST and finish at about 20:30 BST. Tickets for the event are available on Ticketmaster.

Summary: Northern Ireland's Euro 2016 squad will arrive back in Belfast to a heroes' welcome later on Monday.


Emergency services were called to a block of flats in Atholl Street after a report that the floor collapsed into the building's basement. Police said the woman was rescued from the basement and is understood to have sustained minor injuries. Residents from the block of flats have been evacuated while a structural assessment is carried out. Atholl Street is closed between Kinnoull Street and North Methven Street. Five fire engines including the heavy rescue unit attended as well as police, ambulances and the Tayside trauma team. A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We received a call at 07:24 hours today to attend an incident at an address on Atholl Street, Perth. "We dispatched one ambulance, our special operations response team, two managers and a trauma team. "One female patient was taken to Perth Royal Infirmary."

Summary: A 25-year-old woman has been taken to hospital after a floor collapsed in a common close in Perth.


The body of Adim Baba, 49, was found in a wheelie bin in Essex Close, Luton, on 17 October 2016. His death was linked to that of Tabussum Winning, 34, found dead at her home in the same road on 10 October. A man arrested and bailed in connection with the deaths will "face no further action", a police spokesman said. "Officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths," he added. Mr Baba's body was discovered in a bin outside the entrance to the flats. It had been wrapped in cling film and a purple duvet cover. Bedfordshire Police also confirmed that "the matter has now been passed to the coroner". An inquest into both deaths has been opened and adjourned. A date for the full inquest has not yet been set.

Summary: Police are no longer looking for anybody in what was initially a double murder investigation, where one body was found in a bin.


Both Jenna Coleman, who stars as the young queen, and Tom Hughes, who plays Prince Albert, will return to their roles, ITV said. Daisy Goodwin will also continue to write and executive produce the series. Last month, the opening episode of Victoria attracted an average of 5.4 million viewers, not including those watching on catch-up services. Goodwin said: "Even though she reigned in the 19th Century, Victoria is a heroine for our times. "In the next series she faces the very modern dilemma of how to juggle children with her husband and her job. "As Victoria will discover, it's hard to be a wife, a mother and ruler of the most powerful nation on Earth." Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram, or if you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.

Summary: ITV drama Victoria is to return for a second series, the broadcaster has confirmed.


That period would rule him out of games in the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup, while he would also miss Wales' friendly matches against Northern Ireland and Ukraine. The 25-year-old was injured in Tuesday's 4-0 FA Cup win at Hull. "His signs are quite positive," said manager Arsene Wenger. "At the start I would say four weeks." Among the games Ramsey will miss are Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Watford, Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg in Barcelona and a Premier League trip to Everton the following Saturday. He is also set to miss Wales' Euro 2016 warm-up matches against Northern Ireland on 24 March and the away game in Ukraine on 28 March.

Summary: Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey is expected to be out for four weeks with a thigh injury.


The 22-year-old finished last season as the top scorer in his homeland, netting 27 goals in his first campaign in the Eredivisie. AZ wanted 20m euros (£16.15m) for Janssen but De Telegraaf reported Spurs had only offered 14m (£11.31m). "The difference between the offer and the price we demand was too big," said AZ technical director Max Huiberts. "I've read a lot of speculation and been telephoned by other clubs but no-one else has made any concrete offer." He added Janssen visited London with his agent but has also held talks with Bundesliga club Wolfsburg. Janssen has scored three goals in five international appearances, including a penalty in a 2-1 victory over England at Wembley in March. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Dutch top-flight club AZ Alkmaar have rejected a bid from Tottenham for Netherlands striker Vincent Janssen.


The fire broke out in a building being renovated in Harpur Street, leaving three workers stranded on the top floor of the four-storey block. More than 30 firefighters tackled the blaze which started shortly before 17:30 BST on Wednesday. One of those rescued was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. More on this and other stories from Bedfordshire The fire destroyed half of the roof but most of the rest of the building was undamaged, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said. It took about an hour-and-a-half to bring the blaze under control, but firefighters' efforts had been "hampered by the high winds" which made the rooftop rescue more difficult, a fire service spokesman said.

Summary: Three people had to be rescued from a blazing roof after becoming trapped on top of a Bedford office block.


The visitors broke the deadlock when Jordan Williams crossed in to Ben Tomlinson who firmly headed home. Andy Cook doubled Barrow's advantage on the stroke of half time when he rose to nod home Michael Donohue's inswinging corner past Wood keeper James Russell. It was a poor afternoon for the hosts who failed to register a shot on target in the whole 90 minutes. The result means Boreham Wood fall a place to 20th in the National League table and are outside the relegation zone by virtue of a better goal difference than 21st-placed Altrincham, who have a game in hand. Barrow move up two places to 15th.

Summary: Boreham Wood slipped closer to the National League relegation places with defeat by Barrow.


The Foreign Office confirmed it was in contact with Spanish officials regarding the death of a man believed to be British. Father-of-three Eifion Gwynne, 41, was an electrician who had played rugby for Aberystwyth and Llandovery. Sources said he had flown to Estepona in the Costa del Sol to attend the funeral of a family friend. He was killed after being hit by a car, according to reports. Llandovery RFC president Handel Davies paid tribute, describing Mr Gwynne as "one of the nicest people". "He is one of those rare people who you feel privileged to have known and a lifelong friend to all who knew him," he said. "Our heart goes out to his wife and children in their immeasurable loss.''

Summary: Tributes have been paid to an Aberystwyth rugby player believed to have been killed in a crash in Malaga.


The 24-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Swans. Carroll is a Spurs youth product, but has made only three appearances in all competitions this season. He is Swansea's third signing of the January transfer window, following Dutch winger Luciano Narsingh's arrival from PSV Eindhoven and left-back Martin Olsson's move from Norwich. Carroll spent the 2014-15 season on loan at Swansea, and the former England Under-21 captain could feature for the Swans in their Premier League game at Liverpool on Saturday. This site is optimised for modern web browsers, and does not fully support your browser

Summary: Swansea City have completed the signing of Tottenham midfielder Tom Carroll for a fee thought to be about £4.5m.


Ms Brewster, 32, from Sheffield, was among 22 people who died in the suicide bomb attack at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in May. She had gone to the gig with her sister and niece, both of whom were injured in the explosion. The service will feature a number of Ms Brewster's favourite songs along with tributes from family and friends. Ms Brewster was a former City School pupil who worked for Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and insurance company Aviva. The family have asked for donations to be sent to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Summary: The funeral of Manchester terror attack victim Kelly Brewster is due to take place later.


Independents, the largest group of councillors elected last week, are holding talks with others. The SNP group has said a deal has been done between the independents, Liberal Democrats and Labour councillors. However, the independents have said that nothing has been agreed and negotiations were continuing. The SNP has accused the independents of failing to negotiate with them on the potential of forming an administration. The results of last week's local elections saw 28 independent candidates elected followed by the SNP on 22, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats with 10 each, Labour three and Scottish Greens one. The Conservatives were the first to be elected to Highland Council in 22 years. Pippa Hadley's win for the Scottish Greens was a first for the local authority, which had no representative from that party previously. A minority independent administration led Highland Council before the election.

Summary: Negotiations are being held on forming a coalition of councillors that would then seek to form an administration to run Highland Council.


The 60-year-old, nicknamed Wolfie, was diagnosed in April and has completed a course of radiotherapy. "I'm waiting for an appointment in November and hopefully that'll be the point the consultant says 'You're doing very well Mr Adams, we'll see you in three months' time'," said Adams. "What you don't want to hear is 'Ah, we have a problem'." Following his diagnosis, Adams has missed some tournaments during the summer throughout his radiotherapy course but has been playing in exhibition tournaments and is still ranked as number five in the BDO. He has also been working with the Prostate Cancer UK charity to raise awareness. "The treatment is very good. Hats off to the oncology and radiography teams," he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. "Any question you may have, no matter how small or major it is, if they don't know the answer they're going to find out."

Summary: Three-time BDO darts world champion Martin Adams has revealed he is being treated for prostate cancer.


The fixtures would have been the first MLB games played in Europe, and reports suggested "serious talks" took place about the Olympic Stadium hosting the potential series. Dan Halem, MLB's chief legal officer, said discussions would continue about playing matches overseas. But he said there was not enough time to agree a deal for the 2017 season. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in January that talks had begun about matches being played in London, but ongoing collective bargaining negotiations and next spring's World Baseball Classic are believed to have halted them. Players' Association executive director Tony Clark said: "Unfortunately there were a number of moving pieces related to London that shortened our window in an effort to try to find common ground."

Summary: Major League Baseball has abandoned plans to stage some regular-season matches in London in 2017.


Organisers had concerns the 14th festival would not go ahead because of a Â£15,000 funding gap, before a public appeal raised the money needed. Guests announced include comedian and broadcaster-turned chef Hardeep Singh Kohli. Novelists Simon Mawer, J David Simons, SG Maclean, and Cynthia Rogerson and STV's political editor Bernard Ponsonby will also be attending. Prizewinning poet Jo Shapcott, young Scots singer Siobhan Miller, musician and author Malachy Tallack, pianist Christina Lawrie, playwright and novelist Alan Bisset and award -winning Edinburgh band The Blueswater are almost among those to appear. The festival's Wine and Crime afternoon will feature Nicola Upson, Louise Welsh and Lesley Kelly.

Summary: The line-up has been announced for this year's Nairn Book and Arts Festival.


Rather than repeat the big headlines you will already be familiar with, we will dig deeper to give you our hidden gems from right across the BBC network. It might be fascinating reads, surprising stats, compelling video, an iPlayer exclusive, an engrossing iWonder guide or the best from BBC Radio 5 live that you may have missed. Some will make you think, some will make you smile, and some you can simply mark down as random. One thing it will never be however, is predictable. Interested in giving your inbox something fresh to digest? Then head here to sign up.

Summary: We have launched a newsletter which gives you a slightly different take on the world of sport.


The website, founded in Sweden, is arguably the world's best-known hub for downloading pirated content. It and four other copyright-infringing sites - Torrentz, TorrentHound, IsoHunt and SolarMovie - must be blocked within 15 days, the court said on Thursday. The case was a victory for pay television operator Foxtel and media company Village Roadshow. The judge agreed with internet service providers including Telstra, Optus, TPG and M2 that rights holders should pay the cost of blocking the websites. How they are blocked is up to the service providers. The operators of the websites did not appear at the hearing, and were not represented. "This judgement is a major step in both directly combating piracy and educating these sites is not OK, in fact it is theft," Foxtel CEO Peter Tonagh said in a statement. The case is the first successful use of site-blocking laws in Australia.

Summary: Australian internet providers must block file-sharing site The Pirate Bay, the nation's Federal Court has ruled.


A further 19 servicemen were rescued. Some have been flown to Moscow for medical treatment. All of those killed were conscripts, with some reports giving the age of the youngest victim as just 18. Investigators are examining whether repairs carried out on the building in 2013 are linked to its collapse. An investigation into possible negligence has been launched. The soldiers, who were stationed at a paratrooper training camp, had just gone to bed when the wall fell down and parts of the roof caved in. Russia's defence ministry has been quick to announce generous compensation payments for those affected, says the BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Moscow. But the barracks collapse will be a political blow for Mr Putin, she says, as he has invested heavily in modernising the military and burnishing its image.

Summary: A section of a Russian military barracks has collapsed, killing 23 soldiers, near the Siberian city of Omsk, officials say.


The image was captured in the Southern Cairngorms on Sunday by the Sportscotland Avalanche Information Service (SAIS). The service's latest season started last week amid some of the warmest conditions experienced by its teams. However, there was snow on Sunday above 1,000ft in the Northern Cairngorms. Mountain hares change colour from brown to white to better camouflage themselves against winter snow. Also known as blue hares, they are found in the Scottish Highlands, parts of Derbyshire and throughout Ireland. SAIS avalanche forecasters photographed mountain hares in snowy scenes last winter, including one in the Southern Cairngorms in January.

Summary: A hare photographed against a snowless, green hillside has highlighted the unseasonably mild conditions in Scotland's hills this December.


Previously-bagged flour was left strewn across the southbound carriageway in a collision between a lorry and a car towing a caravan at about 04:30 BST. One lane remains closed between junctions 14 and 15 in Gloucestershire amid a clean-up operation. Highways England said work to clear the flour, debris and fuel spillage will be completed overnight. Avon and Somerset Police said there were no reports of serious injury. Jack Tappin, from Highways England, said the articulated lorry "ended on its side in lanes one and two" following the collision, damaging a safety barrier, Motorists have been advised that one lane will remain closed between junction 14 and junction 15 overnight.

Summary: Up to 24 tonnes of flour and 200 litres of diesel have been spilt across the M5 in a crash.


Soliman quit after a 1-0 win over Al Masry in the Egyptian league on Friday. Despite the victory Mansour had expressed his anger at his side's performance insisting the team did not deserve the three points. Zamalek, who were runners-up in this year's African Champions League, have already had five coaches this season. Soliman has been in charge of Zamalek since August and first of all guided the club to victory in the Egypt Cup. He then offered to step down as they lost to Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in last month's African Champions League final. However Mansour also rejected that offer and had backed Soliman, saying he would stay in his role "until the end of the season".

Summary: The chairman of Egyptian giants Zamalek, Mortada Mansour, has rejected the resignation of coach Moamen Soliman and his technical staff.


The pair were in a group of five people when a car mounted the pavement in Torquay on Sunday lunchtime. The mother, aged 35, suffered head and leg injuries described by police as "life-changing" while her daughter is in a stable condition in hospital. The driver, a 53-year-old Brixham man, suffered minor injuries. Read more on this story as it develops throughout the day on our Local Live pages. The car, which was heading in the Paignton direction, also collided with a parked car. The woman is being treated at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth. Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash near the junction of Torbay Road and Sea Way Lane. The road was closed for seven and a half hours while a specialist forensic investigation of the scene took place.

Summary: A mother has "life-changing" injuries and her six-year-old daughter has been left seriously hurt after being hit by a car while walking on the seafront.


Sandy Hamilton is accused of causing the deaths of Giovanni Coppolaro, 85, and his wife Maria, 83, on the A73 in Newhouse on 27 July last year. The 35-year-old, from Larkhall, denies the charge and another of driving without insurance. At the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lord Boyd set Mr Hamilton's trial for April next year. It is alleged that Mr Hamilton overtook a lorry on a bend when it was unsafe to do so and collided with an oncoming car in which Mr and Mrs Coppolaro, who were from St Ives, Cambridgeshire, were passengers. Mr Coppolaro died in Wishaw General Hospital on 27 July last year. His wife died there on 15 August last year. Gennaro Coppolaro, the driver of the car the couple were travelling in, was severely injured in the crash.

Summary: A man is to stand trial accused of killing two pensioners from Cornwall in a head-on crash in North Lanarkshire.


The man, in his 30s, went into cardiac arrest following a suspected robbery in Holloway Road, north London, and died later in hospital. Officers found the man detained by members of the public after being called at around 22:45 BST on Thursday. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating. A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "The man, aged in his 30s, was handcuffed by police but not placed under arrest and was identified as being unwell." London Ambulance Service took the man to hospital, where he died shortly after 00:10 BST on Friday. The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards had attended the incident and the IPCC would investigate the contact police had with the dead man, Scotland Yard said. Detectives believe they know the identity of the man and next of kin have been informed, but he has yet to be formally identified.

Summary: A robbery suspect has died after he was restrained by members of the public and then handcuffed by police.


The west London schoolgirl beat nine-year-old Saffy by spelling the word "eleemosynary", meaning charitable. Rhea got through to the head-to-head after her mother contested an incorrect answer during her earlier specialist round about Florence Nightingale. Independent adjudicator Olivia van der Werff later ruled it was acceptable. The dispute centred on the question: "To which medical officer did Florence Nightingale report in the Crimea?" Rhea's answer Duncan Menzies was initially deemed incorrect. But her mother Sonal, who gave up her job as an obstetrician to help educate Rhea, successfully argued that Nightingale effectively reported to every medical officer. The programme was watched on Channel 4 on Tuesday by an average of 1.3 million viewers, not including +1, according to overnight ratings. Follow us on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, on Instagram at bbcnewsents, or email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.

Summary: Ten-year-old Rhea has been named Child Genius 2016 after her mother intervened to dispute one of the answers in the Channel 4 show's final.


Bolton, 22, moves up two divisions to League One, having made 39 appearances in the National League last season. The former Macclesfield and Halifax right-back becomes Shrewsbury manager Paul Hirst's 10th summer signing. "It's always been my goal to play in the Football League, so if I get the opportunity I'm confident I can get up to pace," Bolton told the club website. Although he can play at centre-back, Hirst confirmed Bolton will play at right-back in the absence of the injured Joe Riley. Goalkeepers: Craig MacGillivray (Walsall), Dean Henderson (Manchester United - loan) Defenders: Zak Jules (Reading) Midfield: Jon Nolan (Chesterfield), Ebou Adams (Norwich City - loan), Daniel James (Swansea City - loan) Strikers: Lenell John-Lewis (Newport), Arthur Gnahoua (Kidderminster Harriers), Carlton Morris (Norwich City - loan) Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Shrewsbury Town have signed Gateshead defender James Bolton on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.


A firearms officer has been arrested over the fatal shooting of Jermaine Baker on 11 December. The 28-year-old was shot dead during an alleged attempt to spring two convicts from a prison van in Wood Green. Met Police Federation chair Ken Marsh, said a criminal charge would have "massive ramifications" for the force. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has opened a homicide inquiry following the shooting. But Mr Marsh said: "If the officer in question was charged, my colleagues would consider very, very carefully if they would still carry blue permits and carry firearms. "We are talking about police officers who carry firearms by choice and are looking to be backed up by the government for doing this. "Otherwise, if they are out in the streets in a Paris-style scenario, they don't want to think if they are going to be prosecuted."

Summary: Armed police officers could refuse to carry weapons if a colleague is charged over the shooting of a man in London, the Police Federation has warned.


The Spaniard, 51, was appointed in June of last year following the club's promotion from the Championship. The Hornets are 12th in the Premier League but have won just twice in 11 league games and lost their FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace. "The club would stress it is very happy with the job Quique and his staff have done this season," a statement read. "As the club has consistently made clear, no decision has been made on the future of Quique Sanchez Flores and certainly no decision will be taken until the club has held in-depth discussions with Quique. "Those discussions will only take place once the season has finished."

Summary: Watford say they will discuss the future of manager Quique Sanchez Flores at the end of the season.


Ten birds died at Exmoor Zoo over the course of two weeks. It is suspected the birds, some of which had lived at the zoo for more than 20 years, died of avian malaria. Post-mortems have been "inconclusive". Curator Danny Reynolds said: "The migrant birds bring it over, and because the penguins have grown up in a coastal environment they can't cope." More on penguin deaths, and news from Devon and Cornwall. Internal investigations are ongoing, with blood and tissue samples still under examination. Mr Reynolds said that, after the first death, zoo staff suspected a fungal disease may have been the cause but it later emerged something more serious was affecting the birds. He added: "Had we realised early on, we may have been able to administer anti-malarial drugs. "For those who hadn't already contracted the malaria, it may have saved them."

Summary: The deaths of every penguin at a zoo may have been caused by a disease spread by migratory birds.


Police were alerted by two other climbers who found the bodies on Stob Coire nam Beith at 16:25 on Saturday. Officers directed Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team to the scene and the bodies of the two men were located at about 18:55. A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Sadly, the two climbers were found to be deceased. Further details will be released when available." It is understood the two men were roped together. The leader of the mountain rescue team, Andy Nelson, said an investigation was under way to check for any sign of an avalanche.

Summary: Two men have died while climbing in Glen Coe in the Scottish Highlands.


Levi, 27, first joined to play Twenty20 cricket in 2013 and next season will be his fourth at Wantage Road. "I'm really excited to be part of next year's squad and looking forward to continuing my success with the Steelbacks," he told the club website. Levi played 13 Twenty20 internationals for the Proteas in 2012 but signed for Northants as a Kolpak player last year. Kolpak contracts are signed by foreign players, using a European Court ruling so they are not counted as an overseas player. Since the end of the 2015 English season, Levi has played for South African side Cape Cobras as an opening batsman. He boasts the second highest number of sixes in any T20 international innings, hitting 13 on his way to 117 not out against New Zealand in 2012.

Summary: South African batsman Richard Levi has signed a new two-year deal with Northants for all formats of the game.


This is the first of three 48 hour strikes over March and April as part of their fight against the government's plans to force a change in their pay and working conditions. Ministers want to change the hours they work and the money that junior doctors get, especially at the weekends and overnight, but doctors say the changes are unfair. The government says the new contract will improve services for patients but doctors are worried that longer hours will make them tired and could put patients' health at risk. The NHS says emergency services will still be operating, but as in previous strikes, thousands of appointments and less urgent operations have been cancelled.

Summary: Hospitals in England are preparing for a third strike by junior doctors starting at 8.00am on Wednesday, this time for 48 hours.


Pop musician Craig David returns to perform in his hometown as the opening headliner at the Southampton event, organisers said. Scottish rockers Primal Scream have been revealed as the Sunday night headliners for the new Oxford festival next year. Both artists will swap venues to play as each other's support acts. Public Enemy, Gaz Coombes, Ghostpoet and Chas and Dave will also play at both venues over the weekend. The festivals take place on 28 and 29 May on Southampton Common and in Oxford's South Park. They are being organised by Rob da Bank, a DJ who started Bestival on the Isle of Wight and also runs Camp Bestival in Dorset.

Summary: The first headline acts have been announced for the Common People festivals in Southampton and Oxford.


The Cardi Bach, which linked coastal towns and villages between New Quay and Cardigan, ceased running in September 2014. Ceredigion council, which ran the service, said at the time it was not "self-sustaining". But it relaunched on Sunday, backed by Welsh Government funding, and will run six days a week during the summer. Last year's closure of the service was greeted with disappointment from businesses and local councillors along the coastal path with a petition against its demise submitted to the Welsh government. But Ceredigion council said it had since worked with a campaign group in order secure funding from Cardiff Bay until March, 2016. It will also allow the council to run a reduced service during the winter. The new service, running as the 522, will also operate on Thursdays throughout the year to a number of villages along the route.

Summary: A popular bus service which was scrapped last year has returned for the summer months.


It happened just after 22.35 GMT on Tuesday night. A man aged in his 40s was in the house at the time but was not injured. Police said two shots were fired at the living room window of the house on Bonds Street. The gun attack has been condemned by the DUP MLA Gary Middleton, he said he was grateful no one was hurt. "We got a phone call last night when it happened, thankfully no one was hurt or killed," he said. "This has to be condemned in the strongest possible terms, there no place for such activity especially in such a residential area." Police have appealed for witnesses.

Summary: Shots have been fired at a home in the Waterside area of Londonderry, police have said.


Rebii Simon took silver, her first individual senior medal, in the K1W 1000 A final. Liam Heath and Jonathan Schofield won bronze in the K2 200, in which they claimed bronze at London 2012. "It feels like we are going in the right direction but we're not going to get complacent," said Schofield, paired with Heath in the K2 for Rio 2016. Simon, 19, was one of the K4 quartet who secured GB's quota place at Rio and was delighted with the performance that put her on the podium in Racice. "I'm pretty happy with my race and I really couldn't have done any more. I've got lots of silver medals but all from junior level, so it's pretty special," she said. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Great Britain won two medals on day two of the Sprint World Cup in Racice in the Czech Republic.


The 28-year-old started his senior career at Brentford and has had spells at Millwall, Bristol City, Colchester United and AFC Wimbledon. Following his summer move to Home Park, he made just one appearance as a substitute for the League Two side. "It's going to be a great challenge for me and I'm really excited for what's ahead," said Osborne. "I've got friends at Rangers and Partick Thistle. This league is well known and I'm proud to be here. "I bring experience and I'll give my all to help the boys move up the table." Kilmarnock, who sit 10th in the Scottish Premiership, signed Newcastle trio Cal Roberts, Sean Longstaff and Freddie Woodman on loan last week.

Summary: Kilmarnock have signed Karleigh Osborne on a two-year contract following the defender's release from Plymouth.


In a note on their website the centre said two partners were on long-term sick leave and they were unable to replace another who was retiring. It said due to "clinical safety" patients may find they are unable to be seen on the day they call. NHS England said the practice should consider stopping patient registration. The note said: "The practice is currently looking at sourcing additional locum GP cover to assist in the shortfall of appointments during this crisis period and would ask patients to please support us in this difficult time." Patients with urgent problems who cannot be seen on the day have been advised to use walk-in centres at Caterham Dene, Edenbridge or the A&E Department at East Surrey Hospital. The practice has not yet responded to the BBC's request for a comment.

Summary: The managers of Oxted Health Centre have told patients the practice is in "crisis" and asked them to carefully consider their need to see a GP.


The collision, involving a black Triumph motorbike and a beige Hyundai, happened on the B9113 Forfar to Montrose road at about 16:30 on Sunday. The 56-year rider was treated by ambulance service personnel but died at the scene. Three occupants of the car were taken to hospital with minor injuries but later released. The road was closed for several hours. Police are asking anyone who was travelling on the road near the time of the accident to contact them.

Summary: A motorcyclist has died in a crash with a car in Angus.


Thousands of people lost properties and other valuables in the inferno at the Gikomba market, they said. The blaze spread quickly through the market and firemen extinguished it several hours after it began. The cause of the fire is still unclear but it may have been started by an electrical fault, reports say. The market has a monthly turnover of $1.1m (??700,000), says the BBC's Abdi Noor in Nairobi. There were chaotic scenes as people tried to salvage their belongings, he adds. The market is visited daily by thousands of people from East Africa to buy clothes and food. Police and the Kenyan Red Cross said no major casualties had been reported. A few traders sustained minor injuries while trying to salvage their property, they said. This is the second fire to hit Nairobi in two days. On Monday, a fire gutted a petrol depot in the city's industrial district.

Summary: A huge fire has destroyed large parts of East Africa's biggest second-hand clothing market in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, officials say.


South Yorkshire Police said a man and woman, believed to be in their 90s, were found in the building on Spout Lane in Stannington. Twenty firefighters from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue were called to the blaze at 03:10 GMT. The blaze is now out with crews damping down at the scene and an investigation has been launched into the cause. More on this story and other news in South Yorkshire Acorn Way and Acorn Drive, which had been closed to traffic, have reopened.

Summary: Two people have been found dead after a fire at a farmhouse in Sheffield.


That temperature was just shy of the record 16C recorded at Murlough in County Down on 11 December 1994. The mild weather is being driven by warmer air coming from south of the Azores in the mid-Atlantic. It is not unusual to have temperatures in the double digits at this time of year. "In December last year, amidst the wind, rain, and storms we actually had the mildest December since the 1980s," said John Wylie from the Met Office. "Temperatures of 14C and 15C were fairly common place." Rewind six years and we were just entering the coldest winter on record with widespread disruption due to heavy snow. It's set to remain mild for the rest of the week according to the Met Office, although temperatures are unlikely to be as high as Wednesday's. Will we get a white Christmas though? It's still much too early to say.

Summary: With temperatures reaching 15.9C at Magilligan in County Londonderry on Wednesday, it has been the warmest December day since 1994.


BBC Wales Sport has learned the Championship club are keen to sign the 29-year-old on a permanent deal this summer. Immers was a deadline-day loan signing from Eredevisie club Feyenoord. He has made a big impact at Cardiff, scoring five goals in 12 appearances to help keep Russell Slade's team in contention for a play-off spot. Immers scored 31 goals in 100 League appearances for Feyenoord, having joined them from Den Haag in 2012. Cardiff are under a Football League transfer embargo, but were able to sign players on loan during the January window. The club hope the embargo will be lifted in the summer in time for them to sign Immers when his loan deal will expires.

Summary: Cardiff City want to keep Dutch loan striker Lex Immers beyond the end of the current season.


In November, the Sun alleged an attack took place in May at a Eurovision results party in Ben Howlett's constituency. The Conservative MP strenuously denied the claim and voluntarily attended a police station to speak to detectives. Mr Howlett's office said it "understood the matter is now closed". A CPS spokesman said: "In November 2016, the CPS received a full file from Avon and Somerset Police relating to an allegation of sexual assault in Bath. "This file has now been considered by a specialist lawyer who has concluded that it does not meet the evidential threshold, and no charge has been authorised."

Summary: No action will be taken against a Bath MP over sexual assault allegations, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said.


Aguero, who scored five goals in City's win against Newcastle on 3 October, was carried off after 22 minutes. The 27-year-old is set to have a scan and looks likely to miss Argentina's game against Paraguay next week. Aguero had only just returned to fitness after a knee injury earlier in the season. A statement on the City website said: "The striker pulled up holding his left hamstring while chasing a long ball downfield." The Premier League leaders are next in action against Bournemouth on 17 October. Elsewhere in South America, Brazil were beaten 2-0 by Chile in their World Cup qualifier, with Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas scoring the goals.

Summary: Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Argentina in the 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Ecuador.


The regulatory body has put together a standard set of regulations, along with detailed guidance, to help local grazing committees. The Inverness-based commission hopes the move will lead to the areas being managed effectively and prevent them from being overgrown or abandoned. Common grazing is an area of land shared by crofting townships. Crofting commissioner Murdo MacLennan said that "properly constituted grazing committees" were the most effective way to safe guard the future the land for the benefit of all crofters.

Summary: The Crofting Commission has standardised the way common grazing land is regulated.


Carlisle had goalkeeper Mark Gillespie sent off five minutes after the break when he brought down Tom Elliot on the edge of the penalty area. Robinson pounced from the resulting free-kick after substitute Dan Hanford had parried Lyle Taylor's effort. Carlisle captain Michael Raynes almost equalised seven minutes from time but crashed a half-volley onto the post. Media playback is not supported on this device AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley told BBC Radio London: "I think it's easy when the opposition go down to 10 men for you to think that we should dominate the game and pass it. "The pitch wouldn't allow anyone to control the game out there and neither would Carlisle." "It was tough and I thought they were excellent." "For us to manage to win that game says a lot about our players and they deserve a lot of credit."

Summary: AFC Wimbledon moved into the play-off places as Paul Robinson bundled in a second-half header against Carlisle.


International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), which owns British Airways, has offered £1bn for the firm. Unions have raised concerns about Aer Lingus jobs and working conditions. But Aer Lingus chief executive Stephen Kavanagh said their firm would benefit from the deal and current employment terms and agreements would continue. In a staff bulletin, Mr Kavanagh said the Irish airline would retain its brand, location and independence as company operating within IAG. However, he said the deal would give Aer Lingus better access to global markets and support services. Mr Kavanagh told staff that because of IAG's advantages of scale, Aer Lingus would benefit from the deal in terms of its costs and revenue. He said the IAG offer was a vote of confidence in the Irish airline, which could continue to grow on a stand-alone basis if the takeover goes ahead.

Summary: The boss of Aer Lingus has written to his staff to reassure them about the airline's future and their terms of employment under a proposed takeover.


Many streets were left under deep water after the torrential downpour, More than half Aberdeen's expected July rain fell in just a few hours. The council said staff should be commended for their efforts to combat the problems, which included more than 600 sandbags being distributed throughout the city. Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: "Our teams worked extremely hard yesterday afternoon, through the night and into today to protect properties and keep people safe on the roads. They should be commended for their efforts. "Our partners in Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are also to be thanked for their work too in helping people out during the floods. "We can appreciate that flooding causes huge problems and inconveniences to residents and businesses which is why there are plans in place to alleviate the problems working in partnership with Scottish Water."

Summary: Aberdeen City Council is working with Scottish Water to improve drainage to alleviate the kind of flooding experienced in the city on Tuesday.


A 30-day consultation on proposals for Aberpergwm Colliery, near Glynneath, is due to start on Friday, according to the National Union of Mineworkers South Wales branch. The mine employs about 60 staff after 300 workers lost their jobs in 2012. In a letter to workers, American owners Walter Energy said the proposals meant "significant" redundancies. They have been asked to comment. Neath AM Gwenda Thomas said: "I sincerely hope that all the jobs in Aberpergwm can be saved. It is vital for the future prosperity of Wales that deep mining continues to exist."

Summary: Jobs could go under plans to mothball a coal mine in Neath Port Talbot.


The discovery in Tainan city has brought rescue efforts to an end, mayor William Lai announced. The death toll from the 6.4-magnitude earthquake now stands at 116. Mr Lai identified the last missing person to be pulled out from the apartment building's rubble as Hsieh Chen-yu. He was part of the building's management committee and "might have wanted to wait until everyone else had left", Lai said, according to the Central News Agency. On Friday, the president and president-elect attended a memorial service held by relatives of the dead and missing. All but two of the people killed had been inside the 17-storey building, which completely collapsed. Lin Ming-hui, the developer of the Weiguan Jinlong (Golden Dragon) complex, and two architects have been detained on suspicion of negligence, amid accusations that the building was poorly constructed.

Summary: The remains of the final person reported missing from a collapsed building in Taiwan have been found, a week after a powerful earthquake.


Appleton guided Oxford to eighth in their first season back in League One and took them to another Wembley final. "I'm going to try my hardest recruitment-wise to make sure we're in the strongest position come June," he told BBC Radio Oxford. "We've already started making preparations behind the scenes." Oxford finished their league campaign with three successive wins and only missed out on the play-offs by four points. Appleton was expected to meet on Tuesday with chairman Darryl Eales to discuss which players would be offered new deals and who they might be able to afford to pursue in the summer transfer market. "I'll be spending much of May travelling the country speaking to players and agents," he said. "And then most of June, I plan to be out of the country on a break."

Summary: Oxford United head coach Michael Appleton plans to get the majority of his recruitment for next season planned by the end of May.


The world number 16 won 6-4 2-6 6-1 to secure the ninth title of her career. Pavlyuchenkova, 25, took the opening set with the only break and, after Kerber levelled, raced into a 5-0 lead in the deciding set before winning in one hour and 55 minutes. Germany's Kerber is yet to win a title in 2017. Meanwhile, two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka has announced she will return to the WTA Tour in July, seven months after giving birth to her first child. The 27-year-old former world number one, who has not played since retiring from the French Open in May last year, announced her pregnancy in July. The Belarusian has used the hashtag "don't call it a comeback" on social media.

Summary: Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova shocked world number one Angelique Kerber to win her fourth Monterrey Open title in Mexico.


Ben Roethlisberger threw two touchdown passes to Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell ran for two touchdowns as the Steelers cruised to victory in the AFL wildcard game in Pittsburgh. The Steelers, who have won eight games in a row, will play Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional play-offs. Houston Texans will now play regular season leaders New England Patriots. The wildcard round finishes with New York Giants travelling to Green Bay Packers, with the winner earning a visit to Dallas Cowboys. In the other divisional play-off, the Seattle Seahawks will travel to the Atlanta Falcons. The second-round games will be played on 14 and 15 January, followed by the conference championships on 22 January. The winners of those ties playing in the Super Bowl on 5 February in Houston, Texas.

Summary: Pittsburgh Steelers beat Miami Dolphins 30-12 in freezing temperatures of -8C to advance in the NFL play-offs.


The 30-year-old spent the last five years with the Bantams but turned down a new contract. He made 183 league appearances for the Valley Parade side, helping them win promotion to League One and reach the League Cup final in 2013. McArdle told the club website: "I've met the manager for a chat and his objectives are similar to mine." Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Scunthorpe United have signed Bradford City defender Rory McArdle on a three-year deal.


Captain Marissa Callaghan's second-half goal proved enough for Alfie Wylie's side as they avenged a 1-0 defeat by the Portuguese earlier this week. Northern Irish keeper Jackie Burns made several fine saves but Kerry Montgomery also went close for the visitors. Avilla Bergin set up Callaghan's winner with a superb cross. As Portugal chased an equaliser, Jessica Foy and Ashley Hutton made a couple of crucial interventions while substitute striker Lauren Brennan also held the ball up well, when the Northern Irish did attempt to counter. Manager Wylie made three changes from the starting line-up that lost last time out with Lauren Wade, Ciara Sherwood and Bergin replacing Kirsty McGuinness, Laura Rafferty and Caragh Miligan.

Summary: Northern Ireland's women earned a surprise 1-0 friendly win over Euro 2017 qualifiers Portugal in Agueda on Thursday night.


The beech trees which stand tall on a hill south of the A30 tell travel-weary locals their journey is nearly over. People have been taking to social media to share their love for the Cookworthy Knapp trees, which were planted around 1900 and have become known as the "coming home trees". We are inviting you to tell us about your coming home landmarks. Use the form below and we could be in touch to share your photographs and anecdotes on the BBC website.

Summary: This copse on the Cornwall Devon border has long symbolised one thing - coming home.


Makemake is only 870 miles wide, much smaller than planet Earth, and its newly discovered moon is just 100 miles across. The team who found the moon says it was hard to spot because of how bright Makemake is. The mini planet is part of the Kuiper belt, an area beyond Neptune that also includes Pluto. Makemake was previously thought not to have a moon, unlike the other dwarf planets near it. Now it's no longer the odd one out. For the time being, Nasa has called the new moon MK2. Hopefully it will be given a more memorable name in the future.

Summary: The Hubble space telescope has made another amazing discovery - a tiny moon circling the dwarf planet Makemake.


The 50MW eight-turbine Kincardine Offshore Windfarm will be constructed nine miles (15km) south east of Aberdeen. Ministers said that once operational, it would have the capacity to power the equivalent of almost 56,000 homes. About 110 jobs are expected to be supported during assembly, installation and ongoing operations. Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said the technology had huge potential if it could be demonstrated at scale. He added: "With 25% of Europe's offshore wind potential, and through development with due regard to our natural environment, Scotland is uniquely and strongly positioned to maximise the economic and environmental benefits that the technology can deliver, which will help us progress towards our carbon emission reduction targets." Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: "The continued development of floating turbines in Scotland is encouraging as it could enable us and other nations to secure even more clean power from offshore wind."

Summary: The Scottish government has given planning consent for one of the world's largest floating offshore wind farms.


Police confirmed that the body of a man in his 50s was recovered at about 09:00 on Thursday morning. The kayaker got into difficulty in the water near an area known as Elephant Rock, 10 miles south of Forres, on Wednesday afternoon. A coastguard rescue operation was launched, but the search was called off in the face of worsening weather conditions. The man's next of kin have been made aware.

Summary: The body of a kayaker has been found in the River Findhorn in Moray.


The alleged incident happened when the England forward, 27, was driving home from training at about midday on Wednesday. Carroll is believed to have driven away from his pursuers and headed back to the club's Rush Green training ground. A West Ham spokesperson confirmed that police were handling the incident. It is understood police were called at 12:45 GMT after Carroll returned to the ground. The former Newcastle and Liverpool forward is recovering from a knee injury, having not played for West Ham in the Premier League since the opening day of the season. He signed for the Hammers from the Reds for £15m in 2013, but has only made 38 starts. Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox.

Summary: Police are investigating claims West Ham striker Andy Carroll was threatened and chased by armed motorcyclists.


Fire crews and paramedics were called to Cuthbert Road, Cheadle, at 20:00 GMT on Saturday. She was taken to Manchester Children's Hospital, where she is being treated for burns to her back, hand and leg. Several fires started by lit candles have been reported in Greater Manchester during the past two weeks. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said a man "was left homeless" on Friday after a house fire in Bolton. On Thursday, two people were taken to hospital after a lit candle caused a fire at a flat in Hyde. In a third fire, the roof of two terraced homes in Moss Side was destroyed in the early hours of 11 December.

Summary: A 14-year-old girl has suffered serious burns after her dress caught fire when it brushed against a lit candle in Stockport.


The 24-year-old has won seven caps and had a spell last year at French fourth-tier side US Le Pontet. Robba will play for the Gulls in their pre-season match at Southern League side Tiverton Town on Tuesday. "He was one that Robbie Herrera (Torquay's assistant manager) found," Gulls boss Kevin Nicholson told BBC Radio Devon. "He's the Gibraltar number two international goalkeeper, so we'll have a look at him and see." Torquay currently have just one goalkeeper on their books in American Brendan Moore, although former Plymouth Argyle youngster Cory Harvey has also been on trial at the club.

Summary: Gibraltar international goalkeeper Jamie Robba is to have a trial with National League side Torquay United.


A parked motorcycle and an explosive device were detonated late on Tuesday next to the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Kurdistan (PDK) in Koy Sanjaq, east of Irbil. The attack took place as party members celebrated the winter solstice. The PDK alleged that Iranian forces were behind the blasts. There was no immediate comment from Iranian authorities but PDK members have in the past been involved in armed clashes with Iran's Revolutionary Guards. The PDK is striving for autonomy for predominantly Kurdish areas in north-western Iran. Jihadist militants from so-called Islamic State (IS), whom Kurdish forces are battling in northern Iraq, have carried out similar attacks in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region. Correction 22 December 2016: The attack targeted the Democratic Party of Kurdistan (PDK), not the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) as stated in a previous version of this story.

Summary: Seven people have been killed and 15 wounded in a bomb attack on the offices of an Iranian Kurdish opposition party in northern Iraq, security sources say.


The closure announced last February will see five stations closing down and merged with other sites. Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Mick Dixon, said: "We work hard against our diminishing budgets to provide a service right across the Avon area." During the closure, the service at Brislington will serve Keynsham. Eventually Brislington fire station will also close down and both areas will be served by a new station being built at Hicks Gate which is due to open early next year. Mr Dixon added: "We've got a major building programme that's going on which is seeing the redevelopment of our Kingswood Fire Station. "We've got a brand new fire station being built at Temple, we've got Hicks Gate coming on line so we're at the forefront at investing for our future." The fire service has said the Keynsham and Brislington closures will save Â£4.5m from its budget.

Summary: Keynsham fire station is permanently closing as part of wider efforts by Avon Fire and Rescue to re-organise the service in the Bristol area.


The party says scrapping the tolls in 2018 would save commuters up to Â£1,300 a year more than other parties' plans. Lib Dem candidate Jenny Willott called the tolls a "huge barrier to business". Conservative Chancellor George Osborne announced in his March Budget that Severn Bridge tolls for cars and vans will be cut to Â£5.40 in 2018. Ms Willott said: "Tolls are extremely rare in the UK, so I see no reason why people should be forced to pay to enter Wales." "Plaid, the Tories and Labour all want to keep the tolls as a cash-cow - the Lib Dems won't let that happen," she added. Plaid Cymru candidate Steffan Lewis said his party would lower the fee to Â£2 per car and wants to see the Welsh government take control over the bridge. Labour and the Conservatives have been asked to comment.

Summary: The Liberal Democrats have accused their election rivals of planning to use Severn Bridge tolls as a "cash-cow" when they return to public ownership.


An investigation into the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise was set up after five babies died in the maternity unit between 2006 and 2012. A draft of the report was recently circulated by the Health Information and Quality Authority. But the Health Service Executive has raised the possibility of legal action. It is objecting to the report being published in its current form, and has sought further information and documentation from the HIQA on the draft report. The report has to go to the HIQA board for approval and then to minister for health Leo Varadkar before publication. The investigation followed a TV report by Irish state broadcaster RTÉ that raised questions about the unit. The HIQA appointed a six-member team to examine the matter and its draft report was finished recently. The HIQA is to give more information to those named in its report with regard to its findings.

Summary: The publication of a report into baby deaths at a hospital in the Republic of Ireland has been delayed due to legal issues.


Jean Hoggart, 56, and her seven-year-old grandson Mikey Dawson were hit by a train at Moor Bridge crossing in Nottinghamshire in 2008. Lindsey Inger, 13, was killed by a tram at the crossing in 2012. Relatives and the community campaigned for a footbridge, which was installed in 2013, but they said that was not enough and demanded lighting too. Sherwood MP Mark Spencer, who campaigned with them, said: "Finally people can cross in safety, they can feel confident in crossing. "It puts the whole thing to bed really, I hope, and we won't be burdened by another tragedy of another accident." Other people have died at the crossing but these have been suicides rather than accidents. Nottinghamshire County Council is installing the lighting over the weekend. The council said there had been a delay because of complications of working by a live line.

Summary: Lighting is being installed at a tram and rail crossing where three people have been accidentally killed.


Hafal said it would join up with Crossroads Mid and West Wales (CMWW) to form one organisation from April 2017. The move will involve the transfer of CMWW assets, services and staff to Hafal. Hafal's chief executive Alun Thomas said it would secure the charity's future in the coming years. By creating a larger organisation, staff levels were expected to increase along with its budget, he added. CMWW currently operates in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys while Hafal operates across Wales. Roger Gant, chief executive of CMWW, said: "We will of course look to our members and clients, and to our staff group, to help us develop the unified organisation and to continue to deliver excellent services."

Summary: Two mental health charities in Wales are set to merge, it has been announced.


The map, found in Aberdeenshire, was identified as a late 17th century wall map of the world produced by the Dutch engraver Gerald Valck. It has been delicately washed and cleaned. The map is now on display at National Library of Scotland (NLS) in Edinburgh until 17 April. It had become known as the chimney map because it was first said to have been found stuffed up a chimney. However it is now understood that it was found under a floorboard during renovations on a house that was once part of the Castle Fraser estate near Kemnay. Clare Thomson, the conservator who worked on project, said she had serious doubts when she first saw the map about being able to salvage it. "Never have I worked on anything as bad as this," she said. "It was so fragmented, some of it was just like confetti."

Summary: A rare antique map of the world found during building work has gone on public display after being saved by conservation experts.


A murder investigation was launched after Ibrahim Ismail, 23, was found outside the Raxo shisha lounge in Highgate, Birmingham, on 17 December. West Midlands Police said two men from the city, aged aged 23 and 24, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. They have been bailed pending further inquiries. See more stories from across Birmingham and the Black Country here Det Insp Martin Slevin, said: "We continue to investigate all lines of inquiry into reports that there was an altercation prior to Ibrahim's death, but we still need to people to come forward with information." A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Ismail had stab wounds to his chest and back.

Summary: Two men have been arrested and bailed in connection with the death of a man who was stabbed to death.


Celtic Energy said it followed an announcement by RWE that Aberthaw power station was unlikely to require large volumes of coal beyond March 2017. A consultation on the plan for the Nant Helen opencast site has begun with trade unions and other parties. The company said the state of the coal industry meant "difficult decisions are inevitable". In October, Celtic Energy announced its decision to mothball its opencast coal site Selar, near Glynneath, for three years, resulting in 70 people losing their jobs. When that decision was taken, the company said it could not keep the site running along with Nant Helen and the expanded East Pit.

Summary: A Powys opencast mine could be mothballed, resulting in 90 redundancies.


It issued yellow "be aware" rain warnings for much of Wales, saying isolated thunderstorms may develop in the evening. The Met Office said storms could be severe with torrential downpours and hail a possibility. But it said there was "large uncertainty" over the areas at risk and many will remain dry. The forecaster said there will be a "fresher start than recently" on Friday morning, with plenty of sunshine across Wales. It will turn cloudier later in the day and become increasingly warm and humid, with maximum temperatures up to 26C (79F). Thundery rain will then move north overnight, the Met Office said. Conditions could cause "very localised significant disruption", added forecasters.

Summary: Wales could be set for heavy rain and thunderstorms on Friday, the Met Office has warned.


The Oscar-winning actress will take the role of Broadway star Margo Channing, originally played by Bette Davis. The production will open in Spring 2018, with further details to be announced. Ivo van Hove, whose recent plays include Hedda Gabler at the National and Obsession at the Barbican, will direct. The last time she was on stage in London, Blanchett was hailed as "mesmerising", "magnificent" and "beyond terrific". That was in 2012, in a play called Big And Small (Gross und Klein) produced by the Sydney Theatre Company. Earlier this year, Blanchett received rave reviews for her Broadway debut in New York in The Present, a reworking of Chekhov's play Platonov. The plans for All About Eve were confirmed by Sonia Friedman Productions and Fox Stage Productions. Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk.

Summary: Cate Blanchett is to return to the London stage in a new adaptation of the classic 1950 film All About Eve.


Geoffrey Mark Ball has a history of sexual assaults on women and is due to be released from prison. The 44-year-old, who has lived in Middlesbrough and Wales, defrauded his victims and lied about his identity. Cleveland Police applied for the sexual harm prevention order "due to the risk he poses to vulnerable females", they said. Ball was convicted of indecently assaulting a woman in 1989 and jailed for six months. He was sent to prison for four years in 2006 for grievous bodily harm. Following a prison sentence in 2010 for sexual assault he was was put on the sex offenders register until 2017. In 2013 a police manhunt was launched for Ball after he breached the requirements of the Sexual Offences Act. He is due to be released from Holme House Prison in County Durham.

Summary: A sex offender has been banned from making friends with women without telling police.


The revised figure is more than £3.5m above the previous estimate reported by the health board late last year. Deputy director of finance Graham Stewart described the level of savings required as unprecedented. The figure equates to about 7% of the region's health budget and is substantially higher than the board has ever previously achieved. The total includes an anticipated savings shortfall of almost £5m which is expected to be carried over from the current financial year. Medical departments are being challenged to re-examine their approach to delivering efficiencies and identify new areas which could be reviewed. The board has previously highlighted the costs of staffing medical vacancies and absences as one area of pressure. A number of programmes being taken forward looking at reducing "waste and duplication" around drugs costs. Getting rid of buildings the health board no longer needs is also being considered.

Summary: NHS Dumfries and Galloway has said it needs to find efficiency savings of £22.6m in the next financial year.


The 30-year-old had scored six goals in 27 matches for Micky Mellon's side this season after joining from Peterborough in February 2015. But he had only started one game for Shrewsbury since 31 October. He is the second striker to leave Shrewsbury in the past week, following James Collins' move to Northampton. "I think Phil Brown has had an interest before I signed for Shrewsbury and once he saw I wasn't getting many games, he put an interest in me and that's how it's come about," Barnett told BBC Essex. "I liked playing against Southend (earlier this season). They play good football and get a lot of good balls into the box. I was thinking at some stage I'd like to be on the end of them - now that I'm here hopefully it'll be the same." Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Southend United have signed striker Tyrone Barnett on loan from League One rivals Shrewsbury Town for the rest of the season.


Local officials said President Macky Sall had asked Ms Toure to stand down, after less than a year in office. Ms Toure's Alliance for the Republic (APR) was defeated in key cities, according to preliminary results. Discontent over economic policies contributed to the party's poor results, correspondents say. "She was sacked. She is no longer the prime minister," a source close to the presidency told Reuters news agency. The Senegalese Press Agency reported that Ms Toure had left the government. Her departure opens the way for President Sall to try to speed up his reform process, aimed at creating more jobs. In March 2012, election Mr Sall defeated Abdoulaye Wade - who had been president for 12 years - promising to tackle poverty and corruption. Senegal is seen as a beacon of democracy in West Africa and remains the region's only country never to have had a military coup.

Summary: Senegalese Prime Minister Aminata Toure has been sacked after her ruling party's poor results in local elections last Sunday.


Museum director Lonnie Bunch said it "has long represented a deplorable act of cowardice and depravity". It is the second noose found at a Smithsonian museum in four days. The looped rope is synonymous with the extrajudicial hangings, or lynchings, of mainly African-American people in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. Another noose was found hanging from a tree in the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden on Friday, steps away from the National Mall footpath which legions of tourists pass by each day. US Park Police are investigating the incidents. "Today's incident is a painful reminder of the challenges that African Americans continue to face", Mr Bunch wrote in an email to staff. "We will continue to help breach the chasm of race that has divided this nation since its inception," he added.

Summary: Police are investigating after a noose was found in an exhibit on racial segregation at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.


Thomas, 22, scored nine goals in 34 appearances this season as Pools suffered relegation from League Two. Blades boss Chris Wilder told the club website: "Nathan is someone we have tracked for a long time and is a talented young player." Meanwhile, midfielder Jay O'Shea has rejected Sheffield United's contract offer and left the club. The 28-year-old joined the Blades on loan until the end of the season in January from Chesterfield and helped them to the League One title. He scored three goals in 10 appearances for the Bramall Lane side. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Sheffield United have signed Hartlepool midfielder Nathan Thomas for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.


Action Comics No 1 cost 10 cents when it first went on sale in 1938. The copy sold by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions is one of about 100 originals known to still exist. Its condition was rated 5.5 out of 10. But it is far from the most expensive comic ever sold - a nine out of 10-rated copy of the same edition fetched $3.2m (£1.9m) in 2014. Heritage said the copy sold on Thursday came from the collection of an unnamed East Coast comic book fan who had bought it in the 1990s for $26,000 (£19,800). After his appearance in Action Comics No 1, Superman soon became a hit and was given his own dedicated comic in 1939.

Summary: A rare copy of the comic in which Superman made his debut has been sold at auction for $956,000 (£728,000).


The Uruguayan, 30, scored five goals in 28 games during 2016-17 as Boro were relegated from the Premier League. Stuani joined the club in 2015 and went on to make 66 appearances, winning promotion to the top flight in 2016. The former Espanyol player's departure follows the arrival of forwards Britt Assombalonga and Martin Braithwaite to the club during the summer. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

Summary: Middlesbrough forward Cristhian Stuani has joined La Liga side Girona for an undisclosed fee.


The six-tonne tribute was organised by 90-year-old Joseph Williams who served in Bomber Command and set up The Bomber Command Tribute Beachy Head Committee. The committee said for most of the airmen Beachy Head was their last sight of Great Britain. Almost half the 125,000 Bomber Command airmen died on missions to bomb Nazi Germany. Lord Lieutenant Of East Sussex, Peter Field, dedicated the memorial to the 55,573 airmen who lost their lives. An RAF Chinook helicopter delivered the memorial to its location in June. Mr Williams, who joined the RAF in 1944 aged 21, started the campaign for the memorial in 2008.

Summary: A memorial to World War II Bomber Command airmen has been unveiled at Beachy Head in East Sussex.


Media playback is not supported on this device The 27-year-old returned to Portugal as part of the deal which sees Marcos Rojo move to Old Trafford. Sporting wanted the loan agreed before they would sanction Rojo's £16m move. Meanwhile, United have rejected reports that they were interested in signing Germany's attacking midfielders Thomas Muller and Marco Reus this summer. "It is not true," said a United spokesman. Nani joined United in 2007, since when he has won four Premier League titles and the Champions League. He played in all three Portugal matches at this summer's World Cup. He was afforded a hero's welcome on his return home on Tuesday. Sporting play FC Arouca on 23 August and major rivals Benfica on 31 August.

Summary: Manchester United will pay Nani's wages - around £4.8 million - for the duration of his season-long loan to Sporting Lisbon.


"Eve" was discovered at Must Farm quarry at Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, and donated to the museum last year. The museum was awarded Â£90,000 from the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund to display the specimen alongside another plesiosaur. Director Prof Paul Smith said it would "reinvigorate" the museum. Eve will be displayed with a short-necked plesiosaur discovered near Oxford in the 1990s in new cases, and with new artwork and digital content. "The exhibit will present a picture of central England 165 million years ago: submerged 50 metres underwater in a warm, shallow sea, teeming with animals that are now long-extinct," a spokesman said. Mr Smith said it would "conserve and exhibit two internationally-significant fossil marine reptiles". The museum is currently looking for matched funding to complete the project.

Summary: A rare long-necked plesiosaur could soon go on display in Oxford after the city's Museum of Natural History successfully bid for a grant.