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Text: In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index closed down 4.05% at 16,930.84.
The index hit an eight-month low ahead of the closely-watched Bank of Japan's Tankan quarterly business confidence survey, due on Thursday.
Japan's economy has struggled to pick up momentum after shrinking in the second quarter.
A weak survey of Chinese industrial profits, released on Monday, also added to investors' concerns about the world's second-largest economy.
Investors are looking ahead to manufacturing surveys on Thursday for more information on the extent of the slowdown in China.
The Shanghai Composite closed down 2% at 3,038.14.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index closed down 3% at 20,556.60 after being closed on Monday. The benchmark was dragged lower by Glencore shares which finished the day down nearly 30% following a similar drop in London on Monday.
Glencore's share price plunge in the UK and in Hong Kong came after a note from broker Investec which said that the firm's equity value could be wiped out if commodity prices remain at current levels.
Worries over prospects for the mining sector also sent Australian-listed shares of BHP Billiton down 6.4%, while Rio Tinto closed down 4.6%.
"Its [Glencore's] rumoured reverse takeover of Rio Tinto at the start of the year is now seen as extreme debt risk considering the state of its balance sheet today - a blessing in disguise that the deal wasn't done," said Evan Lucas, market strategist at trading firm IG in a note.
Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index closed down 3.8% at 4,918.40.
Markets in South Korea are closed for public holidays.
Summary: | Asian shares fell sharply as fears over growth prospects and commodity prices continued to drive a global sell-off in equities. |
Text: Presenting the Budget, the chancellor said consumers should be able to benefit from the recent slide in oil prices.
Fuel duty has been held at 57.95p per litre since the March 2011 Budget, when it was cut by a penny.
Mr Osborne also froze duty on beer, cider and spirits, but raised taxes on tobacco products.
Fuel duty remains the biggest component of the price of diesel and petrol. Motorists also pay 20% value added tax on those fuels.
As of 14 March, the average price of petrol in the UK was 102.72p a litre and the price of diesel was 102.91p, according to the RAC Foundation.
The duty was last increased in January 2011 from 58.19p to 58.95p a litre.
In the July 2015 summer Budget, Mr Osborne scrapped a planned fuel duty increase for 1 September.
A barrel of Brent crude oil changed hands for $39.52 a barrel on Wednesday, up from prices of below $28 in January, but way below a peak of $115 a barrel in June 2014.
While beer, cider and spirits' duty will stay unchanged, the duty rates on most wine and higher-strength sparkling cider will increase at the same rate as the Retail Prices Index (RPI) from 21 March. RPI currently stands at 1.3%.
Duty rates on most tobacco products, such as cigarettes, will increase by 2% above RPI. Duty on hand-rolling tobacco will increase to 5% above RPI. These changes will come into effect from 6pm on Wednesday.
Summary: | Fuel duty will be frozen for the sixth year in a row, Chancellor George Osborne has said. |
Text: Festival Park Liverpool will be created on the 90 acre site of the former International Festival Gardens, which was bought by the council in 2015.
Mayor Joe Anderson said it could be a key to the city's "future prosperity".
The plan includes up to 2,500 homes and a "public open space scheme" on the Southern Grasslands.
An authority spokesman said the plan had received "positive feedback" during a public consultation in 2016.
It would now be "taken forward as a strategic priority" and form a "development framework to inform any future planning applications", he said.
He added the authority had taken its search for a backer to MIPIM, Europe's largest property expo, in Cannes.
Mr Anderson said the plan "presents a unique development opportunity at what is a hugely important site to Liverpool and its residents".
"We need a partner, or partners, to help realise the vision," he said.
"The site is fully owned by the city council and we see [it] as a key component of Liverpool's future prosperity, addressing the need for more quality homes and complementing what the city is achieving at the Knowledge Quarter and Liverpool Waters."
The site, which lies south of the city centre, comprises the development zone, the Southern Grasslands and the Festival Gardens, which underwent a £3.7m refurbishment in 2011.
Summary: | Liverpool needs a development partner to help create a "cultural garden suburb which will have no equal in the UK," the city's mayor has said. |
Text: The appointment was announced on the presidential website.
Ilham Aliyev has ruled Azerbaijan since the death of his father Heydar in 2003.
Mehriban Aliyeva, 52, is an MP who trained in medicine and heads the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The state-run media often focus on the Aliyev family.
Human rights campaigners deplore President Aliyev's crackdown on dissent and corruption in state bodies. The government denies the allegations.
In September, Mr Aliyev organised a referendum which created a strong vice-presidency and extended the presidential term to seven years, from five.
Last year leaked US diplomatic documents said that despite being an MP, the president's wife appeared poorly informed about political issues. The leaked cables also derided her expensive taste in fashions and cosmetic surgery.
Her father Arif Pashayev is a wealthy and successful businessman in Azerbaijan. Mehriban and Ilham Aliyev have three children.
Summary: | Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has appointed his wife Mehriban to serve as first vice-president, further tightening his grip on power in the oil-rich Caucasus republic. |
Text: The 36-year-old played 310 games in a seven-season stint with the Elite Ice Hockey League club and ended his career with the Devils after retiring in 2011.
A ceremony will take place before the Devils' game against Edinburgh Capitals on Saturday, where a banner with Voth's name and number will be raised.
The Devils will also wear warm-up jerseys with Voth's name and number.
Voth becomes the seventh former Cardiff Devils player to have his number retired, after Doug McEwen (seven), John Lawless (nine), Jason Stone (10), Brian Dickson (14), Steve Moria (19) and Shannon Hope (35).
Summary: | Cardiff Devils will retire the number 26 jersey in honour of former player Brad Voth. |
Text: Southgate, 46, was interviewed for three hours on Monday after an unbeaten four-match spell as interim manager.
The Football Association says he is "the only candidate" for the role.
"It's just been dragged out a bit," said Mills, 39. "I'm a little bit surprised with the FA."
Mills played alongside Southgate for both England and Middlesbrough.
"Surely you just give him the same contract as Sam Allardyce," he added.
"They made these decisions under Allardyce - the money for the job."
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Former England striker Chris Sutton was critical of the interview process and said it was a "slap across the face" for Southgate.
But former FA chief executive Adrian Bevington said he did not think it was "overcomplicating" the issue.
After Allardyce's departure following a newspaper investigation, Southgate led England to two wins and two draws during his time in interim charge.
"Gareth should be appointed as soon as possible," added Mills. "The job he's done is impeccable.
"A lot of people say he's too nice. Yes, he's an absolute gentleman, and very articulate, intelligent, but he's got an edge."
No decision on England's next manager is expected until 30 November, but Southgate is heavy favourite.
The Three Lions are not in action again until 22 March, when they meet Germany in a friendly four days before their next qualifier against Lithuania.
Summary: | Gareth Southgate should be appointed England manager "as soon as possible" and be given the same contract as predecessor Sam Allardyce, says former Three Lions defender Danny Mills. |
Text: Tigers are taking legal action against the 23-year-old Samoan after he failed to report for pre-season training.
He scored 42 tries in the 2016 season, including a record 40 in Super League.
"Denny Solomona has resigned from playing rugby league and us, and many other clubs, are interested in signing him," Diamond told BBC Sport.
"He's got a friendship with [Sale centre] Sam Tuitupou and he's been to have a look around and at this moment that is where we're at with it."
Tigers chairman Steve Gill said in October that Solomona was not for sale.
"There are no governing body registrations between the sports," added Diamond.
"It is just like someone coming from another sport to rugby union, whether it be football or basketball and I don't understand what the furore is about."
The Sale boss also addressed rumours they are interested in signing England and Bath fly-half George Ford for next season.
There are reports Oldham-born Ford, 23, could leave the Recreation Ground at the end of the season.
"We're not allowed to discuss or talk to players until January 1," added Diamond.
"We need four or five players better than the ones we've got. We are looking for world-class players to join us for next season."
When asked if a rumoured £600,000 wage for Ford, or any other international, would fit into Sale's wage structure next season, Diamond said the Sharks could afford to pay a player that amount.
Summary: | Sale Sharks are interested in signing Castleford Tigers winger Denny Solomona, director of rugby Steve Diamond has confirmed. |
Text: Daniel Aimson, of Ullswater Road in Astley, Wigan, is also charged with misconduct in public office.
The 35-year-old Greater Manchester Police officer was named alongside eight other men charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis.
All are due to appear at Manchester City Magistrates Court on 20 October.
A 26-year-old woman from Astley who was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and conspiracy to produce cannabis remains on bail.
Greater Manchester Police said the charges are related to an investigation into the "large scale" production of cannabis.
The force's anti-corruption unit is also involved.
Summary: | A police officer has been charged with conspiracy to produce cannabis as part of an investigation into drugs supply in Greater Manchester. |
Text: The Scotland under-20 international signed his first professional contract with the Warriors in December, and has made nine appearances this season.
"The last few months have been great, as I've played regularly and feel I've made a positive impact," Price said.
"Being able to train and play with quality players at Scotstoun has also allowed me to improve my game."
Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: "Ali is continually developing as a scrum-half and it's great news that he's staying with us for the next couple of years.
"He's worked hard on his game over the past 12 months, and you can see the confidence he now has in his kicking game and taking on the defence with ball in hand.
"The most important attributes of a scrum-half are a fast and accurate pass, as well as a high fitness level and Ali has done well in these areas this season, seizing the opportunity to play for us in some important games."
Summary: | Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Ali Price has signed a new two-year deal at the club, which will expire in May 2018. |
Text: The rifled muzzle loader shells were found on Gwbert Beach, near Cardigan, in the 1880s and have been kept in the museum stores for the last 10 years.
Although previously deemed safe, a recent check found traces of explosive.
The shells were taken to Borth beach on Tuesday and detonated by a unit from Gloucester.
The museum curator Carrie Canham, said: "Although the shells have been inspected by various experts over the years, and were confident that they were safe, a recent check was carried out by the bomb disposal unit who found traces of explosive and recommended their safe disposal."
Summary: | Two 19th Century artillery shells from Ceredigion Museum have been safely detonated by a bomb disposal unit. |
Text: The posts - which provide support for head teachers - were controversially cut in most schools as part of budget saving measures in 2013.
Education officials said the move had a negative impact on school performance levels.
Members of the education committee agreed to reappoint principal teachers from August.
It was described as "untenable" that head teachers had to cope with additional pressures.
Summary: | Moray councillors have agreed to reappoint principal teachers in a number of primary schools. |
Text: The Prototype Fast Reactor (PFR) was shut down in 1994 after 20 years in operation.
Remotely-operated robotic tools have been specially designed for dismantling the reactor.
The facilities at Dounreay, near Thurso, are being dismantled and the site cleaned.
Among the most complex tasks involve dealing with the PFR and the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR). The DFR is contained within the site's landmark dome.
Graeme Dunnett, senior project manager of the PFR clean-up, said his team were using original schematics of the reactor to help them work out how to decommission it.
He told BBC Scotland: "Since it was operational no-one has been in that area for over 40 years so everything is having to be done remotely.
"We have gone back to the drawings and operating aspects of how it was put together.
"We are also fortunate enough to have senior members of the team who were present when it was operational and we have been able to use their experience to design and manufacture tools to take the reactor apart."
Summary: | Engineers at the Dounreay power nuclear complex in Caithness have begun a crucial phase in decommissioning the site's main reactor. |
Text: The decision was taken with the 49-year-old wanting to be closer to his family in England.
Coyle joined in December 2014 on a three-year deal but his side have struggled under his tenure.
They did not make the play-offs last year and are currently bottom of the Western Conference.
"I asked [club president] Chris [Canetti] if I could speak with him and I explained the challenge of being away from my family," Coyle told the club website.
"I'd like to thank the Dynamo supporters, who have been outstanding. We have a brilliant club, and I have no doubt success is just around the corner."
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Summary: | Former Burnley, Bolton and Wigan boss Owen Coyle has left his role as manager of Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo by mutual consent. |
Text: The Moors, playing at the highest level of non-league football for the first time, are currently nine points clear of the bottom four after 15 games.
"We're on track," the 42-year-old told BBC WM 95.6.
"If we manage to stay up it will be a bigger achievement than last season."
Despite their 2-0 defeat by Aldershot on Saturday, the part-time Moors have a comfortable cushion above the relegation zone, after collecting 19 points so far.
And Bignot says he could not have asked for much more from his squad in that time.
"I didn't tell the players, but I wanted 20 points from the first 15 games and we've got 19," he said.
"I love going up against these full-time and ex-league teams, it challenges me as a manager."
Former Crewe, Bristol Rovers and QPR full-back Bignot has worked without a contract since taking charge at Damsen Park in summer 2011.
He has been pressing to sign terms officially and hopes to finalise a deal following talks with the board this week.
"The club's changing and it has to meet the needs of a professional set-up - we're not far off," Bignot added.
"We're giving players contracts and it comes to a stage now where I have to commit. I'm delighted they want to sit down and talk and see where that goes."
Summary: | Manager Marcus Bignot says if Solihull Moors can avoid relegation from the National League this season, it would eclipse their feat of winning promotion last term. |
Text: Rovers are seeking to redevelop their present home after plans for a 21,000-capacity stadium at the University of West of England fell through.
Al-Qadi told BBC Points West: "You have safe standing now being revisited and I'm very interested in that.
"I'm very interested in creating a stadium that's very cosy, where fans can create a good atmosphere."
In June, fellow League One club Shrewsbury became the first club to apply to have safe standing and a crowdfunding campaign has started to raise money.
The UWE proposal would have involved the sale of the Memorial Stadium in Horfield, where Rovers have played since 1996.
But Al-Qadi says that redevelopment was always an alternative option if the club failed to agree terms with UWE.
He added: "It's very important for a football club to own its ground. If you look at examples in history, clubs that do not own their stadiums eventually run into problems."
Summary: | Bristol Rovers president Wael Al-Qadi is keen to include a safe standing area as part of a revamped Memorial Stadium. |
Text: The banknote, which will enter circulation in the next three to five years, currently features the economist Adam Smith.
The Bank is asking the public for suggestions of artists ranging from painters to furniture makers.
But the Bank will want to avoid a repeat of previous equality complaints.
It faced criticism after the planned replacement of campaigner Elizabeth Fry on the £5 note with Winston Churchill, which left it facing the prospect of no women being used on banknote images.
This was solved when author Jane Austen was announced as the image on the next £10 note.
The public will be asked to nominate an artist to be considered for the banknote.
They can include painters, fashion designers, sculptors, ceramicists, furniture makers, photographers and film-makers.
This will then be considered by a committee which, taking into account worthiness, equality and diversity, will whittle down the list to between three and five.
The final decision will then be made by the governor of the Bank, Mark Carney.
Summary: | The image of a visual artist will appear on the next version of the £20 note - and the Bank of England wants the public to make nominations. |
Text: Jan Byrne, 43, from Liskeard, said the birds swooped on tortoise Stig who died two days later from his injuries.
"They turned him over and were pecking at him. We were devastated," said Mrs Byrne.
It follows reports of two dogs being killed by seagulls in the past three months in the region.
Seagulls were reported to have attacked and killed Yorkshire terrier Roo in Newquay, Cornwall, last week and in May a Chihuahua puppy was killed in Honiton, Devon, a local newspaper reported.
Insurance agent Mrs Byrne said the attack on the tortoise happened in the back garden of her house.
Source: BBC Nature
She said she chased the two seagulls off after the attack, which happened three weeks ago.
Despite attempts to treat his wounds, Stig died two days later, she said.
"It was like a bloody scene from a horror movie, I found Stig upside down with blood pouring from his wounds.
"The vet said he had died of an infection.
"We had Stig for 15 years and he was more than 20 years old. My daughter was distraught."
Stig's brother George avoided the attack and a pet rabbit, Petal, was protected by being in her run, said Mrs Byrne.
"There are seagulls around here all the time, I assume they are attracted by rubbish.
"But now I'm also concerned about more attacks so I can't let George out to roam any more."
Liskeard Town Council has issued advice to residents about protecting their rubbish sacks from seagulls.
It includes tips such as covering bins in old carpet to prevent seagulls.
"The availability of food appears key to attracting seagulls," said an authority spokeswoman.
"They are pretty ruthless and when they have offspring they just act on instinct to protect their young."
Summary: | Seagulls killed a pet tortoise in Cornwall, according to its owners who have given the latest report of an attack in the South West. |
Text: In spring, there was a surge in calls about people taking the substance that is said to "zombify" users.
Dr Oliver Sutcliffe, a chemist at Manchester Metropolitan University, said the increased potency was probably due to a "manufacturing error".
He said the compound had caused "similar catatonic states" in New York.
"The potency of the products that were seen in Brooklyn matched the same levels of potency that we were seeing in Manchester samples," said Dr Sutcliffe, who is a lecturer in psychopharmaceutical chemistry.
"We think this has arisen through a manufacturing error on the part of the drug manufacturers rather than being put into the sample specifically to increase the potency."
A blanket ban on previously-called legal highs - also known as new psychoactive substances - came into force in the UK in May 2016.
They include spice, which is usually a brand name for synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of cannabis.
"Synthetic cannabinoids have been chemically designed in a laboratory to be more effective [than natural cannabis]... therefore you are producing a much more profound effect at significantly lower doses," Dr Sutcliffe said.
In April, Greater Manchester Police said Spice-related incidents were putting pressure on public services, adding it was "a problem that we cannot afford to get any worse".
Anyone found in possession of the substance can be jailed for up to five years.
Summary: | Samples of the illegal drug Spice that caused a spike in hospitalisations in Manchester were "10 times more potent than normal", an academic has said. |
Text: The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 28 points at 18,240.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 14 points to 5,292, while the S&P 500 dipped 7 points to 2,153.
Official figures showed the US economy created 156,000 jobs in September, the third month in a row the figure has fallen. The figure was slightly weaker than expected.
However, analysts said the Federal Reserve was still likely to raise interest rates before the end of the year.
"Today's data are not weak enough to substantially alter the underlying picture of the Fed's next move being one of tightening policy. It likely remains just a case of when, rather than whether, rates will rise," said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit.
"While a November rate hike therefore looks highly unlikely, given the proximity of the election and signs of a current weak-spot in the economy persisting into the third quarter, an election result that is positively received by the markets and business leaders will most likely pave the way for a December Fed rate hike, providing the economic data flow does not deteriorate further in the meantime."
Among individual stocks, Gap jumped 15% after the clothing retailer said underlying sales fell by less than expected in September.
Honeywell International dived 7.5% after the aerospace parts supplier trimmed its sales and profit forecasts for this year.
Summary: | US stocks closed down on Friday after figures indicated the US economy added fewer jobs than expected last month. |
Text: The 25-year-old has signed a six-month deal at Griffin Park, with the option of a further year.
Jozefzoon joined PSV in 2013 and has made five league appearances for the first team this season, all of which came from the bench.
"Florian is an explosive ball carrier and will bring another dimension to our play," Bees head coach Dean Smith said.
Former Ajax trainee Jozefzoon is Brentford's first signing of the January transfer window.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page or visit our Premier League tracker here.
Summary: | Brentford have signed winger Florian Jozefzoon from Dutch Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven for an undisclosed fee. |
Text: Officers said new information suggested the pair had met a "short time" before clinging to a British Airways flight from Johannesburg to Heathrow.
One man was found dead on the roof of a building in Richmond on 18 June.
The second man found on the plane was in a "critical condition" in hospital.
The deceased man was found on the roof of notonthehighstreet.com's headquarters on Kew Road at about 09:35 BST on 18 June.
A post-mortem examination found he had died from multiple injuries.
Police said an inquest had been opened and adjourned and officers believed they knew the identity of the deceased man, but were awaiting formal identification.
The force has been liaising with the South African authorities throughout their investigation.
British Airways previously said it was working with the authorities to "establish the facts surrounding this very rare case".
The 5,600-mile journey (9,012km) from Johannesburg to the UK usually takes about 11 hours.
There have been other cases where stowaways have fallen to their deaths after smuggling themselves onto planes and hiding in landing gear.
In September 2012, Jose Matada, 26, was found dead after falling from the undercarriage of a flight from Angola to Heathrow on to a street in Mortlake, west London.
An inquest heard he may have survived freezing temperatures of up to minus 60C (-76F) for most of the 12-hour flight, but it was believed he was "dead or nearly dead" by the time he hit the ground.
Summary: | A stowaway who clung to a plane before falling to his death near Heathrow was travelling with another man who was found alive in the plane's undercarriage, the Met Police has said. |
Text: Che Adams almost opened the scoring after beating Vale's defence, but was foiled by goalkeeper Chris Neal.
Vale's Anthony Grant tested George Long with a curler, but Billy Sharp broke the deadlock for the Blades with a half-volley from a Dean Hammond cross.
Sharp was a persistent threat to the Vale backline, but wasted two chances to add to his earlier strike.
Former Blades defender Rob Page's Vale, who slip to 11th, had lost just once in six games prior to his return to Bramall Lane.
Port Vale manager Rob Page told BBC Radio Stoke:
"You are never happy with a defeat. Of course, we are gutted. But it is the level of performance that we set. We have played much, much better than that.
"We haven't given a good account of ourselves today against a team that were there for the taking. Our passing was awful at times. We didn't make it too hard for them.
"I can't fault the effort in the last 20 minutes . I thought we had a right go at them, but I am really disappointed. I thought we fell below the standards we have set."
Summary: | Sheffield United climbed to within four points of the League One play-off places with victory over Port Vale. |
Text: Prior to that, Pendleton's mount Minella Theatre had been jumping well in the Black Forest Club Members race.
The three-mile race was won by favourite Jepeck.
Pendleton, 35, who was unseated in her third competitive ride at Newbury last month, is aiming to ride over jumps at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
She retired from cycling in 2012 after adding gold in the keirin in London to the sprint title she won at the Beijing Games in 2008.
Trainer Alan Hill said the ground "was a little soft" for Minella Theatre, but that Pendleton had ridden him "sensibly" and would look to compete again within weeks.
"The most important thing was that we got her good race experience," said Hill. "The horse jumped well, she rode him well and now we've got that first ride under her belt."
Summary: | Olympic cycling champion-turned-jockey Victoria Pendleton pulled up with two fences to clear in her first point-to-point race at Black Forest Lodge. |
Text: "Never forget 84" and "We want justice #84" have been sprayed on the base of the statue in Leicester's Golden Mile.
Police are investigating after the vandalism was discovered on Saturday.
Sikhs from Leicester and around the UK are marching through London to mark the 30th anniversary of the storming of the Golden Temple by the Indian army.
They are also using the event to protest about what they claim was India's failure to prevent the killing of thousands of Sikhs in rioting later in 1984.
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz said damaging the Gandhi statue was "foolish".
"To think that somebody has felt it necessary, either an individual or a group of people, to vandalise in this foolish and idiotic way, such an important part of the heritage of India, as well as the heritage of Leicester, I think is a disgrace," he said.
The storming of the Golden Temple, codenamed Operation Blue Star, was aimed at flushing out Sikh separatists who had been been demanding an independent homeland - called Khalistan - in the Punjab.
According to the Indian government, about 400 people were killed, including 87 soldiers - but Sikh groups dispute this figure, saying thousands died.
Operation Blue Star led to the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who was killed by her Sikh bodyguards in revenge.
Despite her name, Indira Gandhi was not related to the assassinated independence campaigner Mahatma Gandhi, who promoted non-violent civil disobedience.
Leicestershire Police said the graffiti was due to be removed from the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Sunday, and appealed for anyone with information about how it got there to contact them.
Summary: | A statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been vandalised with graffiti appearing to refer to the 1984 Golden Temple attack in India. |
Text: One of them features a man smoking and urges people not to "watch your money go up in smoke".
Campaigners say the posters "demonise the vulnerable" and are unfair to the homeless.
The council has defended its stance as targeting "aggressive" begging.
The best way to help the homeless is to give through a registered charity, the authority said.
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City council leader Jon Collins said: "Community protection and the police are continually taking action against a small number of persistent beggars who can sometimes be aggressive.
"Many of these individuals appear to be rough sleeping when they have already been provided with accommodation and use the money to feed their lifestyle.
"These professional beggars can make up to £800 a day and have in the past waved notes in front of officers."
He said the council spends over £8m annually on commissioning specialist treatment services for alcohol and drug addiction.
One of the posters has been put on the eBay online auction site and has bids of more than £3,200.
Ruth Atkinson, a student from Lenton who started the petition, said: "Exploiting stereotypes like this would not be tolerated if discrimination were focused on gender, sexuality, race or religion.
"These adverts have the very real potential to increase hostility towards people who beg.
"Many homeless people depend on the money of kind strangers to buy food and shelter, and this campaign of yours is going to make their lives so much harder," she said.
"I saw the posters and thought: 'That is completely wrong to stereotype all beggars as alcoholics,' so I thought I would start a petition to see if people agree with me."
Summary: | More than 2,000 people have signed an online petition calling for Nottingham City Council to remove posters urging people not to give to beggars. |
Text: The TV umpire will have a split-screen view of the four side-on cameras.
This will allow him to signal the on-field officials via a vibrating watch within a few seconds of the delivery.
On-field umpires will not call front-foot no-balls without the TV umpire's advice unless cameras are unavailable.
The five-match series, which begins in Southampton on Wednesday, will be the first in which the third umpire has been given such authority.
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The advance of technology in recent years has meant that unless the overstepping is very clear, international umpires have often tended to wait until a wicket falls before checking whether a no-ball has been delivered, and asking the dismissed batsman to wait before walking off.
This has led to accusations that some bowlers were getting away with entire overs of marginal no-balls.
Adrian Griffith, the ICC's senior manager of umpires and referees, said: "This trial is being carried out to ascertain if there is a way in which front-foot no-balls can be called more accurately and consistently, while also assessing the TV umpire's workload and identifying the impact it will have on the flow of the game.
"The ICC will conduct training sessions with the umpires and match referee in Southampton on Monday and Tuesday."
READ MORE: Understanding the no-ball law
Summary: | Front-foot no-balls will be called by the third umpire in the upcoming England-Pakistan one-day international series, as part of an International Cricket Council (ICC) trial scheme. |
Text: The airline is upgrading its check-in system and problems led to lengthy queues on one of the busiest days of the year for the airports.
Among those affected was TV presenter Phillip Schofield, who ended up missing his flight at Heathrow.
BA says the problems have been resolved and flights are operating normally.
Other passengers also tweeted about missing flights or facing delays of up to four hours, which were described by some as "chaos".
BA apologised for the delays and said it had extra staff in place to help customers. Some were rebooked on alternative flights, it said.
The airline said it had been phasing in the roll-out of a new world-wide check-in system since October 2015, which more than 10 million customers have already used.
A spokesman added: "Our IT teams worked very hard to quickly fix a short-lived problem with our check-in system.
"We are sorry for the delays some customers had as they checked in for their flights."
Summary: | British Airways has apologised to passengers who faced long delays at check-in at Heathrow and Gatwick airports on Sunday. |
Text: Assistant registrar Ngaatendwe Takawira caused embarrassment for university administrators by procuring a cap which was too small for the 92-year-old leader, according to her suspension letter, quoted in local media.
Ms Takawira denies the allegations.
The president's office is not thought to have made a complaint.
The decision to suspend Ms Takawira was probably taken by university authorities keen to appease the president and not from any genuine anger on his part, says the BBC's Brian Hungwe in the capital Harare.
Academics first noticed that the so-called "cap of knowledge" was not sitting properly on the president's head while he was presiding over a graduation ceremony in 2014, our correspondent says.
The university then arranged for new caps to be designed for Mr Mugabe in time for this year's ceremony, our reporter adds.
But a driver sent with the new selection of caps for Mr Mugabe to try was turned away by security guards at the president's office, a government source, who did not wish to be named, told the BBC.
As a result, the president did not manage to have a fitting before this year's graduation ceremony on 2 October.
Ms Takawira is now challenging the university's disciplinary action in the country's labour court.
Summary: | A University of Zimbabwe official has been suspended for allegedly supplying President Robert Mugabe with an ill-fitting graduation cap. |
Text: A second pedestrian, an 82-year-old woman, was seriously injured in the incident.
Police said she was in a stable condition in Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
The crash happened at about 15:30 on the town's Academy Street, which forms part of the trunk road.
Police have appealed for witnesses.
Summary: | The 80-year-old woman killed by a lorry in an accident on the A96 in Nairn on Thursday was Margaret Ritchie, from Inverurie, police have said. |
Text: Sky will use Telefonica UK's wireless network, enabling the satellite broadcaster to offer mobile voice and data services for the first time.
It takes Sky into the battle for "quad play", adding mobile to its existing services of internet, landline and TV.
Offering all four services is seen as the next big UK growth area for telecoms firms and broadcasters.
Such bundled services are already popular in much of mainland Europe
"Sky has a proven ability to launch new services, at scale," said Jeremy Darroch, the company's chief executive.
The UK's telecoms market has seen several deals in recent months, and Telefonica is in talks to sell its O2 business to Hutchison Whampoa for about £10bn. Meanwhile, BT, the UK's largest fixed-line provider, is talks to buy the UK's biggest mobile operator, EE, for £12.5bn.
Sky, 39%-owned by Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox, is present in more than 10 million homes and has been successful in cross-selling services.
Sky already offers Sky Go, which enables customers to watch Sky programmes across a number of devices.
Analysts welcomed the move, which they said was unlikely to be a costly drain on capital but which took Sky into a potentially important growth market.
"We would expect take-up amongst loyal customers to be relatively quick," analysts at Citi said in a research note.
The latest announcement will not affect Sky's existing tie-up with Vodafone allowing customers to access Sky Sports or Sky's pay-as-you-go NowTV service.
Last year Sky changed its name from BSkyB after it completed the acquisition of Sky Italia and a majority interest in Sky Deutschland. The enlarged company now serves 20 million customers in three of Europe's four biggest markets.
Summary: | Pay-TV firm Sky is launching a mobile phone service next year in partnership with O2's Spanish parent Telefonica. |
Text: With two fewer players on each side than a normal basketball game, played on half a court with only one basket to score in, the world of three v three makes for rather fast-paced basketball and very little room for error.
On Friday, the best female players in the UK continue the early stages of a new three v three tournament, that you can watch during half-time of London Lions v Bristol Flyers on the BBC Sport website, Connected TV and on the BBC Sport App.
"From an audience perspective I think three v three is easier to follow," said Christina Gaskin of Barking Abbey Crusaders.
"With a normal basketball game when you have 10 people on the floor you have to know a little bit of the game to understand what's going on when people run offenses.
"When you run three on three it's more exciting and played at a quicker pace."
For the tournament the WBBL teams have been split into three groups - North One, North Two and South - and play everyone else in their group once.
The winners of North One will face the winners of North Two in the semi-finals and the top two in the South group will play each other for a place in the final.
So what is it like to play in?
"The energy is different when you play three v three. You realise there's a lot more pressure because you don't have as many opportunities to score.
Find out how to get into basketball with our special guide.
"You have to make sure you get a good shot every time and defensively you're working hard and getting those stops.
"You don't have that help defensively behind you so if you mess up, they're going to score.
"There's that sense of pride that it's me against that person I'm playing against, as opposed to having extra team-mates to help you out. That makes it more intense."
Summary: | What five-a-side is to football, three v three is to basketball. |
Text: A pilot service, linking North Ayrshire and the Kintyre peninsula, has operated for the past three years.
Transport Minister Derek Mackay said it had proved "incredibly popular" and transported an average of over 10,000 passengers and 2,000 cars per year.
He said the permanent service would be part of an enhanced summer timetable for CalMac next year.
"The pilot service proved incredibly popular and I'm sure this announcement will be welcomed by passengers and the communities at either side of the route," Mr Mackay said.
"This will be a real boost for the local economy, enhancing transport links to Campbeltown and the Kintyre peninsula, as well as supporting the tourist trade by making it easier and more attractive for visitors.
Beginning in May over the past three summers, the service provided three sailings in each direction each week.
The sailings provided an alternative to the four-hour drive between Campbeltown and Glasgow and was the first regular car ferry service between Kintyre and Ayrshire.
Until the 1930s, sea travel was the main way of reaching Kintyre from the central belt.
The decision to make the route permanent was taken after Transport Scotland hired consultants to carry out a full evaluation.
CalMac's operations director, Drew Collier, said: "Passenger numbers on this route during the trial confirm that the demand is there for a regular ferry link and we look forward to delivering this service next year in support of the local community in Campbeltown."
Summary: | The Calmac summer ferry service between Ardrossan and Campbeltown is to be made permanent, it has been announced. |
Text: Det Supt Adam Hibbert told the hearing in Crawley a file was being submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Sussex Police has been investigating pilot Andy Hill, 53, for possible manslaughter by gross negligence.
The date for the full inquest into the 2015 crash, which saw a jet plummet on to the A27, has been set for next year.
Live: More on this story and other news from Sussex
Det Supt Hibbert told the hearing that a "conservative estimate" was that 25,000 documents in relation to the police investigation were now held on the force's database.
"We continue to talk with the families and I'm extremely grateful for their continued support and patience in what continues to be upsetting circumstances for them all," he said.
Mr Hill has been questioned voluntarily under caution by police.
The vintage Hawker Hunter jet crashed on to the dual carriageway while performing a looping manoeuvre during the Shoreham Airshow nearly two years ago.
West Sussex coroner Penelope Schofield said the inquest may have to be suspended pending the outcome of any criminal prosecution.
But she assured families at the hearing that she was was monitoring the police investigation.
She told them: "I want to assure you I am satisfied that they are moving forward as quickly as they can in quite difficult circumstances and they are hoping to bring their investigation to a conclusion as quickly as possible."
Speaking on behalf of the families after the hearing, Gerard Forlin QC said the families were very disappointed.
He said the crash had taken place more than 22 months ago.
"However what they want is a full, frank, thorough and fearless investigation into this incident," he added. "And of course for that they will wait as patiently as they can."
Summary: | The police investigation into the Shoreham air disaster in which 11 men died is 95% complete, a pre-inquest hearing has been told. |
Text: The disk went missing from the East Midlands Ambulance Service headquarters in Nottingham in August 2014.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) said it was satisfied "remedial action" had been taken.
"We will keep a record of this incident and may revisit it again if any similar problems occur," an ICO spokesman said.
The spokesman said the security breach only involved data on "an obsolete disk" that was probably not accessible.
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) investigated the disappearance but could not determine how the disk had been lost.
EMAS noticed the disk was missing from a "secure storage safe" at its administrative site in Beechdale Road on 14 August.
The magneto-optical disk, which is similar to a floppy disk, contained scanned images of handwritten patient report forms, with details including names, addresses and some medical history.
The ICO can fine offenders up to £500,000 if "substantial damage or distress" is caused by a security breach.
Summary: | No action needs to be taken over the loss of a computer disk containing the details of 42,000 ambulance patients, an investigation has found. |
Text: It is a first ATP quarter-final for Edmund, 20, who next plays world number six Tomas Berdych.
Yorkshireman Edmund, ranked 102nd in the world, is projected to better his career-high ranking of 99th when the new standings are released next week.
He is joined in the quarter-finals by world number one Novak Djokovic.
The Serb beat Fernando Verdasco 6-2 6-2, while world number five Rafael Nadal progressed with a 6-3 6-2 win over Robin Haase.
Summary: | British number three Kyle Edmund beat Spain's Daniel Munoz de la Nava 5-7 6-3 7-6 (7-3) to reach the last eight of the Qatar Open. |
Text: Pescara midfielder Muntari, 32, was banned after he protested against racist abuse he received from the crowd during Sunday's Serie A match at Cagliari, which earned him a yellow card for dissent before he walked off.
Italy's football chiefs were branded "gutless" by anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out.
"Those with power in Italy need to take action to stop this happening again," Kick It Out tweeted.
In a fuller statement on its website, the organisation added: "Garth Crooks, an independent Kick It Out trustee, is calling for every self-respecting black player in the Italian League to not play this weekend unless the Italian authorities withdraw the ban on Sulley Muntari.
"It's unbelievable that Cagliari escaped punishment as 'only 10' fans were involved. This situation should never be allowed to happen again."
Ex-Ghana international Muntari was cautioned for dissent after asking the referee to stop the match, and then walked off in protest - which earned him a second yellow card for leaving the field of play without permission.
The Serie A disciplinary committee which issued Muntari's ban agreed that the fans' actions were "deplorable" but said its guidelines meant it could not impose sanctions as only "approximately 10" supporters were involved - fewer than 1% of the Cagliari supporters in the ground.
World players' union Fifpro believes Crooks' call may be difficult to implement but agrees action is needed.
Spokesperson Andrew Orsatti told BBC World Service that the committee's decision was "appalling, outrageous and poorly managed".
He added: "The message had to be about racism and stamping it out and sending a clear message that Muntari's cry for help was heard. But they failed on both counts, the Italian authorities, and the mind boggles as to how that occurred."
Summary: | Ex-Tottenham striker Garth Crooks says "every self-respecting black player" in the Italian league should strike this weekend unless Sulley Muntari's one-match suspension is withdrawn. |
Text: The unnamed 35 year old was discovered on the car park of the BP station on Butts Road in Earlsdon, Coventry, at 01:50 BST on Sunday.
The man, from the city, was taken to hospital but died on Monday afternoon, police said.
Earlier, a 21-year-old Coventry man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and a 23-year-old woman detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Read more news for Coventry and Warwickshire
Det Insp Justin Spanner, from West Midlands Police, said: "Sadly we are now looking at a murder investigation and I would ask anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible.
"Our thoughts remain with the man's family as they come to terms with their loss."
The family is being supported by specialist officers, the force says.
Summary: | A man found with serious stab wounds on a service station car park has died. |
Text: 26 November 2015 Last updated at 00:57 GMT
She comes from humble beginnings - she grew up in a trailer park and lived in a car until she got her big break.
Now she's as much an advocate as she is an actor with her campaigns for trans-gender rights as well as working with military families.
As part of the 100 Women season, Rajini Vaidyanathan talks to her about her rise to the top and being a woman in Hollywood.
Our 100 Women season showcases two weeks of inspirational stories about the BBC 100 Women and others who defy stereotypes around the world.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram using the hashtag #100Women. Listen to the programmes here.
Summary: | Hilary Swank is a two-time Oscar-winning actor who has taken on some of Hollywood's grittiest roles. |
Text: This year's event is on Tuesday, 27 December but three of the last six races were run in January after weather postponements.
"The weather forecast this year is very much on our side," said racecourse executive director Phil Bell.
"The weather figures outside are plus-five and plus-10; not much rain at all so we're 99.9% certain to race."
A record 102 original entries have been made for the race with trainers and owners attracted by a £30,000 rise in prize money, which now stands at £150,000 for the race.
Among the prospective runners this year are Native River, winner of the Hennessey Gold Cup at Newbury, Grand National runner-up Last Samurai and former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Lord Windermere.
The 2015 race was run in January, 2016 and won for the second time by Mountainous.
Bell says past postponements have has caused financial problems with smaller crowds attending on rescheduled dates.
"We get crowds in excess of 10,000 and if we do have to re-run it in January, that crowd drops by about a third.
"We are looking at every single weather website. We have our own forecasting service who we speak to daily."
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, Bell says plans are in place to use covers costing £30,000 to beat the effects of frost or rain.
"We'll do everything we can. We'll put every precaution into place that we can," said Bell.
"Money will be no object. It's incredibly expensive to cover the racecourse, but we will do that to give the race every chance of going ahead."
Summary: | Organisers of the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow are "99.9% certain" the 2016 race will go ahead on schedule. |
Text: 5 December 2015 Last updated at 15:26 GMT
Opinion polls suggest the National Front's popularity has risen since the Paris attacks. They are looking to win between two and four of the 13 regions, which would be seen as a springboard for the presidency in 2017.
Gabriel Gatehouse has been to south-eastern France to see how the National Front is making headway in one of the country's most diverse regions.
Watch his full report for BBC Newsnight here
Summary: | French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has warned voters not to fall for the "trickery" of far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen, ahead of key regional elections on Sunday. |
Text: The SNP had claimed that Lord Dunlop, who was an adviser to Margaret Thatcher, had played a "leading role" in the introduction of the charge.
But he said the charge had been "signed, sealed and delivered" before he ever got to Downing Street.
Lord Dunlop was speaking to ITV's Representing Border programme.
Andrew Dunlop was given a peerage after the general election which allowed him to take on a role as a junior minister in the Scotland Office as part of the Conservative government.
At the time, the SNP's leader at Westminster, Angus Robertson, described the appointment as a "scandal".
Mr Robertson added: "If one thing demonstrates how out of touch the Tories are, it's the appointment as a government minister for Scotland of an unelected lord who played a leading role in the imposition of the hated poll tax on Scotland."
But Lord Dunlop told the programme: "I don't want to be a killjoy, but I think that is a complete myth. It is a complete myth, don't let the facts get in the way of a good story.
"The poll tax was signed, sealed and delivered before I ever got to Downing Street and my policy areas were very different - defence procurement, employment and training.
"Indeed one of the policies I was very associated with was the creation of Scottish Enterprise, which is still doing great work in Scotland today."
Summary: | A Scotland Office minister has said claims he was involved in bringing the poll tax to Scotland are a "complete myth". |
Text: The basic principle behind this is the need for due impartiality of political coverage, as set out in the agreement accompanying the BBC Charter.
But there is also a legal dimension which applies to everyone - not just the BBC or broadcasters.
The restrictions on coverage last from 00:30 BST to 22:00 BST on polling day.
The BBC Trust's referendum guidelines say that during those times there should no coverage of "any of the issues relating to the referendum" campaign on TV, radio or bbc.co.uk.
Subjects which have been contested or are part of the campaign in any way - or other controversial matters relating to the EU or the referendum - must not be covered on polling day, to ensure the BBC's output cannot be seen as influencing the ballot while the polls are open.
However, online sites will not have to remove archived reports.
Coverage is restricted to uncontroversial factual accounts, such as the appearance of politicians and others at polling stations or the weather.
Publishing information setting out the practicalities involved in helping people to vote, such as when the polls are open, the wording of the question, expectations of when the result may be known, etc. are allowed, but the BBC stops short of actually encouraging people to vote.
While the polls are open, it is a criminal offence for anyone, not just broadcasters, to publish anything about the way in which people have voted in the referendum, where that is based on information given by voters after they have voted.
That includes, of course, anything emerging from exit polls (which, by definition, are asking people how they actually voted), although the broadcasters themselves have not commissioned any exit polls for this vote.
In addition, no opinion poll on any issue relating to the referendum can be published by broadcasters until after the polls have closed.
Summary: | Strict rules mean the BBC, like other broadcasters, is not allowed to report details of campaigning while the polls are open. |
Text: The 25-year-old is hoping to take part in cycling and athletics at the Games and is world champion in both.
However, she has been moved from the T37 category to T38, for less-disabled athletes, after medical tests in Italy on Thursday.
Cox won T37 100m gold at last year's World Championships in Doha.
She was a talented able-bodied sprinter before a stroke in May 2014 led to Multiple Sclerosis.
Her best time in 2015 was 13.59 seconds, which made her quickest in the world among T37 athletes.
But she would have been only eighth-fastest in the T38 category and the third-fastest Briton behind Sophie Hahn and Olivia Breen.
This year, she has improved her time to 13.30, but that is still only fifth-fastest in the T38 rankings, which are headed by Hahn, who recently clocked 12.66 seconds.
Cox will now race in the T38 category at the IPC European Championships, which start in Grosseto, Italy on Saturday.
Her cycling category was amended on the eve of the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in March, but she still won gold in the C4 500m time trial.
British Cycling appealed against the amendment, and she faces more tests later this summer.
Cox is aiming to be the first GB athlete since Isabel Barr (later Newstead), who was successful in shooting and athletics in Seoul in 1988, to win medals in two sports at one Games.
Summary: | Briton Kadeena Cox's hopes of competing in two sports at the Rio Paralympics have been dented by a change to her athletics category. |
Text: The 27-year-old will join from the Durban-based Super Rugby franchise The Sharks from next season.
Reinach has won 10 caps for South Africa and scored in the Springboks' 31-28 win at Twickenham in 2014.
"We have been watching Cobus for some time and he has proven what a quality player he is," said Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder.
"We need quality players in each position to be able to compete at the highest level and Cobus further enhances a position where we are already strong with Nic Groom, Tom Kessell and Alex Mitchell."
With four scrum-halves now signed for next season, stalwart Lee Dickson, 31, who has played 248 times for Saints and featured in eight cup finals, seems set to leave the club. He is out of contract at the end of the season.
Northampton will hope to welcome Reinach with European Champions Cup rugby next season. They moved back into the top six in the Premiership with a 24-14 win over Worcester on Saturday.
"Northampton is a club with a long tradition and strong values," said Reinach.
"Saints have some outstanding players in their squad and I knew after speaking with the coaches that it was a club that I wanted to play for."
Last week, Northampton announced that 11 players had re-signed for the club, including senior players Luther Burrell, Christian Day and Ken Pisi.
Summary: | Premiership side Northampton Saints have signed South Africa scrum-half Cobus Reinach. |
Text: The 64-year-old Italian, whose current deal expires in 2018, guided the Foxes to a shock success after replacing Nigel Pearson in July 2015.
"When we talk about something, it's long term," said Foxes vice-chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha.
Leicester started the season as 5,000-1 outsiders for the Premier League title but won it with two matches to spare.
Almost relegated last season, they are 10 points clear of second-placed Tottenham with one match left, having lost only three league games.
Former England and Foxes striker Gary Lineker described their title victory as "the most unlikely triumph in the history of team sport".
Italian Football Federation president Carlo Tavecchio said on Monday he wants former Chelsea boss Ranieri to coach Italy to a World Cup triumph in the future.
Srivaddhanaprabha said of a possible new contract for Ranieri: "At the end of the season, we will talk about that with him.
"I like people to work for me when they are happy and enjoy working with the group of people."
Summary: | Premier League champions Leicester City are set to offer manager Claudio Ranieri a new long-term contract. |
Text: Father Paul Moore, 81, who worked in Ayrshire, is also accused of abusing a student priest in the 1990s.
He is accused of committing offences on boys aged between five or six and 13 at various locations, including at a primary school and Irvine beach.
At the High Court in Glasgow, he denied all the charges. Fr Moore is due to go on trial in December.
Summary: | A former Catholic priest charged with sexually abusing children in the 1970s and 80s is set to stand trial. |
Text: Gertrude Weaver was born in 1898 and lives in a nursing home in the city of Camden.
She celebrates her birthday on 4 July, but it's unclear whether she was born on this date as there's no record.
Ms Weaver is a fan of President Barack Obama and she's hoping he'll join her to celebrate her 117th birthday.
In an interview with CBS, Ms Weaver said her secrets were trust in the Lord, working hard, and loving everyone you meet.
She's outlived all but one of her four children, Joe, who turns 94 this month. He visits regularly along with other family members and friends.
The announcement comes after the previous record holder, Misao Okawa from Japan, died a few weeks after her 117th birthday.
Ms Weaver has a few years to go to beat the oldest person ever to have lived - Jeanne Calment from France lived until she was 122 years and 164 days old.
Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat on Instagram and Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube
Summary: | A 116-year-old woman in Arkansas in America is now the world's oldest living person, according to Guinness World Records. |
Text: Olive Cooke was one of the UK's longest-serving poppy sellers and had collected money in Bristol for the Royal British Legion for 76 years.
Media coverage of her death focussed on suggestions she had been overwhelmed by junk mail from charities.
But Jessica Dunne said Mrs Cooke was "not a victim".
She said: "I know the letters were a nuisance and an irritation and very intrusive to her, but it wasn't the reason [she died].
"In the letter that she left the family there was no mention of the letters being a causative factor, and there is no blame on the charities.
"She wouldn't have wanted this backlash."
Miss Dunne said her grandmother's death came as a "shock" to the family, but she had faced "episodes of depression at particular points in her life" and it had "got worse as she got older".
Avon Coroner's Court heard that Mrs Cooke was pronounced dead at 18:20 BST on 6 May by a paramedic and was formally identified by her grandson.
An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned until 16 July.
She had complained to the Bristol Post last year about the amount of requests for donations she was receiving.
A friend told the BBC that while he would not blame her death entirely on charities "pestering" her, she had been "under pressure".
Mrs Cooke, from Fishponds, started selling poppies at the age of 16 as her father was an active Royal British Legion member having served in World War One.
She said it took on new meaning for her when her first husband was killed in action in World War Two.
Summary: | The granddaughter of a 92-year-old poppy seller who was found dead in the Avon Gorge said she wanted her remembered as a "fun-loving person". |
Text: The Dutch rail operator will run ScotRail services from April after securing the franchise in October.
It will take over from Aberdeen-based FirstGroup, which has run most Scottish rail services for the past 10 years.
Representatives from Abellio met with members of Highlands and Islands transport body Hitrans in Inverness earlier.
A feasibility study into how best to upgrade the station is to be completed by March of next year.
The station was constructed and added to during the 1800s. The pitched iron and glass roof over the concourse was built in 1876.
Automatic ticket gates similar to those at stations in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, were installed last year.
Hitrans vice-chairman Thomas Prag welcomed Abellio's commitment to put "significant investment" into the station.
Summary: | Abellio has committed to an upgrade of Inverness Railway Station which will cost between £2m and £3m. |
Text: The fire in South Street, Braintree, began at about 22:30 GMT on Wednesday, trapping Alina Kordaszewska and her daughter Emilia, 11, inside.
Dozens of floral tributes have been left outside the property which is still being guarded by police.
More than 100 people gathered at the town's Catholic church on Thursday night for a special mass.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated by Essex Police and the fire service.
Neighbour Claire Deloubes told of screams and vain efforts to break through a window to rescue those inside.
She said: "We heard screaming so we came outside and a woman was distraught.
"People were trying to break the front window but they didn't manage to."
Mrs Kordaszewska's other daughter Milena, 18, is understood to have been one of two women who escaped the fire.
The teenager's friends have set up a fundraising website page aimed at raising £5,000 for the family.
One card left outside the house on South Street reads: "Dear Alina and Emilia, May you rest in Peace, 2 angels in heaven."
Another message reads: "Emilia, you were the greatest friend anyone could ever ask for and one of the kindest and bubbliest people I have ever met.
"You will always be in my heart, gone but never forgotten."
Rafa Bogonos, who worked with Mrs Kordaszewska at CommScope in the town, said the deaths had "really hit our Polish community".
Notley High School, where Emilia had been a pupil, expressed its "unutterable sadness" at news of her death.
Her tutor described her as a "delightful, friendly and positive student" who had "settled in well during her first term" at the school.
Summary: | A church service has been held in memory of a mother and her daughter who died in a house fire in Essex. |
Text: The Rose and Crown in Brockenhurst has been rebranded "The Huntsman" during a refurbishment by owners Revere.
The New Forest Association (NFA) said its research showed the original name dates back centuries and is "intertwined with village history".
A post on the pub's Facebook page said the new name reflected the forest's past as a royal hunting ground.
Proposals for illuminated signs on the Grade II-listed building were refused by the National Park Authority (NPA), but the name change did not require planning permission.
The New Forest Association said it had unearthed evidence of the name recorded in a map survey by Thomas Richardson in 1787, as well as earlier references to the "Three Crowns".
Vice-chairman Graham Baker said the name change was "alienating the village and regular visitors."
"The Rose and Crown is one of the oldest buildings in the village and its name has stuck like glue for centuries," he said.
"A mere name change may seem like a standard practice, but in the New Forest our heritage is written in the names of our woodland inclosures, our villages, and even our humble pubs."
A planning report by the NPA said the name was linked to the pub from about 1900, but said earlier mentions could have referred to different buildings.
"The authority would need to be able to demonstrate the change in the name has caused negative implications on the historic interest of the listed building which is not considered to be justified in this case," it concluded.
Revere has not yet commented, but a post of the pub's Facebook page said the name was chosen as the New Forest was originally a royal hunting ground.
Summary: | A change of name for a New Forest pub has been criticised as "alienating" by heritage campaigners. |
Text: John Welch, 74, from Corsham and his partner Eileen Swannack, 73, from Biddestone, have been formally identified as victims of the attack.
The couple had been together for nearly a decade and had travelled to Tunisia twice a year for the past eight years.
They had been officially listed as missing since the attack in Sousse on 26 June.
Relatives of Ms Swannack and Mr Welch are getting family liaison officer support.
On Wednesday a book of condolence opened at St Nicholas' Church in Biddestone to remember the couple.
The first bodies of those killed have arrived back in the UK but the process of identifying victims continues in Sousse.
Thirty of the 38 victims are thought to have been British.
Summary: | A Wiltshire couple were among Britons killed by a gunman in Tunisia, police have confirmed. |
Text: Media playback is unsupported on your device
14 November 2014 Last updated at 09:01 GMT
Acclaimed artists from all over the world are exhibiting films at night time screenings in the Southside district of the city until Sunday.
They include a study of stray cats drinking from bowls of milk left outdoors by the artist in Berlin's Mitte district, and a screen projecting two alternating sentences which are interspersed with everyday images captured from Birmingham streets - to "emphasise the randomness of fate".
Called About Town, exhibits include contributions from from Cornelia Parker, Santiago Sierra, Beat Streuli, Gillian Wearing and Yang Zhenzhong.
Summary: | Parts of Birmingham have been transformed into a giant open-air video installation. |
Text: The Spanish ministry of defence named the pilot as Captain Fernando Lluna Carrascosa of the Spanish air force. He leaves behind a wife and a daughter.
The crash occurred at around 14:00 local time (12:00 GMT) at the Moron air base, south-east of Seville.
It is shared by Spain and the US Air Force, but only Spain flies the Eurofighter.
The plane belonged to the Ala 11 division of Spain's air force.
The ministry confirmed that the aircraft crashed as it tried to land during a routine training flight.
Captain Carrascosa, from Madrid, had more than 600 hours' experience flying Eurofighter jets, the defence ministry said.
Images posted on social media showed black smoke rising from the vicinity of the air base.
A Saudi national died at the same air base in 2010 in another Eurofighter crash.
Summary: | A pilot has died after his Eurofighter jet crashed at a military base in southern Spain, defence officials say. |
Text: Kirsty and Matt Hardman may just be the Team GB super fans of the 2016 Olympic Games, after taking venue-hopping, event-watching and selfie-gathering to podium level.
The couple, from Fakenham in Norfolk, started planning an Olympic honeymoon when they got engaged in 2014.
While chasing Team GB around Rio, they have met medallists such as Andy Murray and Jessica Ennis-Hill - and they aren't done yet, as the hunt for tickets goes on for the two PE teachers.
"To sum up the experience, it has literally been the trip of a lifetime and the best possible honeymoon we could have ever wished for," said Kirsty, who married Matt a year ago after over four years together.
The couple have been to the opening ceremony, football, rowing, beach volleyball, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, track cycling, swimming, show jumping, BMX, canoe slalom, athletics, volleyball, diving, boxing, and rugby sevens.
"Being in the venue for all of these events was such incredible experiences and it felt great to be part of seeing history in the making," added Kirsty.
"We've met lots of GB athletes at the events and on the park and they have been very generous with their time, so grateful of the support and to see GB fans out here."
While some couples ask for white goods or crockery as wedding gifts, the Hardmans wanted to see Mo Farah win 10,000m gold and so instead sought help from loved ones in the shape of tickets, flights and accommodation.
So, was it worth it?
"Tokyo 2020, here we come," added Kirsty.
Summary: | Sixteen sports, 30 Olympic sessions, one dream honeymoon. |
Text: Writing for the website UnHerd, Ms Davidson said the government must be "bold" and do more to make the case for Conservatism.
She also said people were losing faith in capitalism and were angry about social injustice.
The article calls for a "Ctrl + Alt + Del reboot" of Conservatism.
Ms Davidson wrote: "It is not enough for government to facilitate a discussion about where next for Britain, it has to actually lead.
"The short-term, election cycle nimbyism of prohibitive planning laws needs to cease and there is no room for one-of-the-in-crowd Davos sycophancy either.
"At home and abroad we need to press the case for fairer markets."
The Scottish Conservative leader also highlighted various areas where she sees the need for reform, including building more houses and providing more opportunities for the younger generation.
She added: "In short, the multiple instabilities of insecure employment, opaque career progression, wage stagnation, high rental and commuting costs and growing financial barriers to home ownership clearly explain why Britain's young adults don't feel they have a personal stake in a system that doesn't work for them."
Following the publication of the article, an unnamed senior Scottish Conservative told the Sunday Times that Ms Davidson was "appalled at the defensive crouch" the UK government had got into.
The source added: "Losing a majority doesn't mean that you don't make the case. It means you make it twice as hard.
"Stop fighting among yourselves and start banging the drum for Conservatism because if we don't, we lose."
Summary: | Scottish Conservative Leader Ruth Davidson has warned the UK government it must show greater leadership if it wants to survive. |
Text: The show, which ran from 1998 to 2003, launched the presenting careers of Geordie duo Ant and Dec.
The pair floated the idea of making a 20th anniversary special, but said they might need to beg Deeley to return because "she's a big star" in America.
But Deeley said she was keen to "recreate the magic".
7 things that MUST be in the SM:TV reunion
On ITV's This Morning on Friday, Declan Donnelly said: "We are talking about maybe doing something if we can get Cat back from America.
"She's a big star out in America now so she might come back if we beg."
Deeley has presented the US TV show So You Think You Can Dance since 2006.
Speaking to the Press Association, she said she had not been "cordially invited" to the reunion, but admitted she had spoken to Ant and Dec about a reunion.
She added: "I think it would be a great idea. It's been 20 years.
"I think it's about time, isn't it, for all those with a mis-spent youth?
"It would be great and really fun. If we can all get back together at the same time, at the same place, let's recreate the magic."
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Summary: | A one-off reunion of hit kids' morning show SM:TV Live is looking more likely after presenter Cat Deeley said it would be a "great idea." |
Text: The man poured petrol over himself and was shouting outside BBC New Broadcasting House, in Portland Place at about 09:10 BST.
Eyewitnesses said he was trying to set fire to himself. He was restrained by security guards.
Police officers and firefighters attended the scene. No-one was injured and there was no fire.
Summary: | A man has been arrested after dousing himself with petrol outside the BBC's office in central London. |
Text: Working under a grey cloudy sky on Monday, crews in a New Jersey town cut down limbs and pieces of trunk as community members looked on.
"Everybody knows Basking Ridge because of this tree. It's a sad sight to see it come down," said one resident.
Acorns from the tree have already been used to grow a replacement.
A young 16-year old tree, only 25ft (7.5m) tall, already stands in the north end of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church.
Work began on Monday on the tree, but is expected to continue for several more days.
"It'll be an empty feeling, very different," said Jann Slapin told NJ.com
In 1740, when the town was in its infancy, English evangelists George Whitefield and James Davenport preached under the tree.
Decades later, General George Washington sat on the lawn to eat with his friend and revolutionary, the Marquis de Lafayette.
It was reportedly the oldest white oak in the country.
Summary: | A 600-year-old oak tree where President George Washington once picnicked has been cut down after starting to show signs of its age. |
Text: The 23-year-old from County Wicklow ended his two rounds on nine under par.
Dunne held a share of the lead after 54 holes of last year's Open at St Andrews while still an amateur but slumped to 30th after carding a final round of 78.
Since turning professional, Dunne has established himself on the European Tour with five top-20 finishes.
The Irishman was the first amateur since 1927 to lead the Open after 54 holes in his second appearance at the championship.
Dunne became a professional after sinking the decisive putt as Great Britain and Ireland regained the Walker Cup at Royal Lytham and St Annes in September.
He clinched his 2016 European Tour card by tying for 13th at the the Final Qualifier in Girona.
Dunne joins fellow Irish players Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Shane Lowry, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington in the field for Troon.
Earlier this week, McDowell was confirmed as one of 11 players who had secured their places in the Open through being the highest-ranked non-exempt players in the world rankings.
Summary: | Ireland's Paul Dunne has qualified for next month's Open Championship at Royal Troon after winning Final Qualifying at Woburn for the third successive year. |
Text: The flight from Minneapolis landed at the Ellsworth Air Force Base, about six miles (10km) from Rapid City.
The US National Transportation Safety Board blamed Delta's two pilots for not using all the instruments at their disposal to determine their location.
The plane was held for more than two hours before it could take off again.
The incident happened last July but the NTSB report into it was released on Tuesday.
According to officials, the two airports have runways that face the same direction - from northwest to southeast - which likely contributed to the error.
The two Delta pilots had been suspended pending the inquiry.
Delta "offered a gesture of apology for the inconvenience" to the passengers involved.
A similar incident occurred in 2004 when another passenger plane landed at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Summary: | Federal investigators are blaming pilot error for causing a Delta Air Lines flight carrying 129 people to land at the wrong airport in South Dakota. |
Text: Hazlehead crematorium was removed from the list of council properties being opened to the public after complaints from families affected by the scandal.
The council was heavily criticised in a report by Dame Elish Angiolini for cremating babies with unrelated adults.
The former lord advocate described the routine practice as "abhorrent".
A council spokesman confirmed Hazlehead would not be part of the annual Open Doors Day event on 10 September.
He said: "Due to the timing of the event, and as a mark of respect to families affected by historical practices at Hazlehead Crematorium, we have taken the decision to remove the crematorium from this year's Doors Open Day schedule."
BBC Scotland revealed in 2013 that no ashes had been offered to the families of infants cremated in Aberdeen over a five-year period.
Baby and adult ashes were mixed together and given back to relatives of the adult, while the parents of infants were told there were no ashes.
The Aberdeen crematorium was among those investigated after it emerged staff at the Mortonhall crematorium in Edinburgh had been burying baby ashes in secret for decades.
Summary: | The Aberdeen crematorium at the centre of the baby ashes scandal will not be included in this year's Open Doors Day event, the city council has confirmed. |
Text: PUP councillor John Kyle told BBC News NI he confronted four youths at the memorial on east Belfast's Albertbridge Road at about 08:20 GMT on Sunday.
He said one was defecating while the others filmed it on mobile phones.
Mr Kyle said when he shouted at them, one of them kicked him off his bike and fled towards the Short Strand.
A PUP statement said their councillor followed the youths into the Short Strand and then reported the incident to police as a "sectarian hate crime".
Mr Kyle said it was a "shame" that such a thing would be done at all, but especially on Remembrance Sunday.
Mr Ervine led the PUP from 2002 until his death in January 2007.
He was a former member of the paramilitary group the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and was a key figure in brokering the loyalist paramilitary ceasefire of 1994.
A police spokeswoman said officers were investigating an assault on a man in the Albertbridge Road on Sunday morning and a report of "attempted criminal damage to a memorial".
Summary: | A councillor has said he was attacked when he tried to stop youths defecating on a memorial to the late Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine. |
Text: The 29-year-old will move to Old Trafford after his stint at Indian Premier League side Mumbai Indians.
Guptill, who has spent time in England with Derbyshire, holds the record for the highest score at a World Cup - 237 not out against West Indies in 2015.
He will be part of the Red Rose squad that will look to defend the T20 Blast title they won last season.
"Martin is a formidable batsman, particularly in white-ball cricket, and is currently ranked as the world's third best batsman in T20 cricket," said cricket director Ashley Giles.
"He's got the ability to take games away from the opposition very quickly once he gets going and I'm sure our fans will really enjoy watching him play."
Summary: | Defending Lancashire have signed New Zealand batsman Martin Guptill for their T20 Blast campaign. |
Text: This equates to 900 pence a share. CSR shares rose 30% to 855p after the deal was announced.
Analysts said the news may encourage other chipmakers to make a bid for the British company.
CSR, formerly known as Cambridge Silicon Radio, rejected a takeover approach from US firm Microchip Technology in August.
The Qualcomm deal was announced on the same day the UK Takeover Panel had set as a deadline for any agreement between CSR and Microchip Technology.
Qualcomm is the world's largest chipmaker, and is keen to get its hands on CSR's expertise in Bluetooth wireless technologies.
"Combining CSR's highly advanced offering of connectivity technologies with a strong track record of success in these areas will unlock new opportunities for growth," said Qualcomm boss Steven Mollenkopf.
CSR chairman Ron Mackintosh said the deal represented a "very attractive outcome for shareholders, customers and employees".
Summary: | US chipmaker Qualcomm has agreed a cash deal to buy UK counterpart CSR for $2.5bn (£1.6bn). |
Text: The M8 was closed between junction 27 Arkleston and 29 St James for about three and a half hours.
Guests at the Holiday Inn Express at Glasgow Airport were moved to the nearby Holiday Inn.
Gas engineers traced the leak to an underground mains pipe in St Andrews Drive. The airport is operating as normal and the road has now reopened.
The leak, believed to be on a road near the Holiday Inn Express car park, was reported at 02:45. Gas engineers were at the scene throughout the day, along with police officers and firefighters.
The leak was fixed by mid-afternoon.
There are no reports of anyone becoming unwell as a result of the leak.
Summary: | Up to 200 guests were evacuated from a hotel near Glasgow Airport after a gas leak was discovered overnight. |
Text: The home side won 3-0 in a raucous atmosphere to secure Brazil's seventh gold medal in Rio.
Brazil football hero Neymar was at the Maracanazinho arena to watch the final, 24 hours after his team won gold.
The USA earlier came back from two sets down to beat Russia 3-2 and win bronze.
Brazil's victory made amends for 2012, when they lost to Russia after missing two match points.
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Summary: | Brazil made up for defeats in the last two Olympic men's volleyball finals and gave the home crowd a gold medal to celebrate as they beat Italy for gold on the closing day of the Games. |
Text: The Cambridge University Eco Racing car, Resolution, was expected to take part in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, but crashed on Tuesday.
The team hoped to fix it before the start, but withdrew on Saturday.
In a statement, the team said: "We have not been able to reassure ourselves of the safety of our solar drivers."
Resolution was one of 28 vehicles entered in the Challenger category of the 1,860-mile (3,000km), seven-day race from Darwin to Adelaide which started earlier.
Built by a 60-strong team of students at the university's engineering department, the car weighs 265lb (120kg) and is designed to run at an average speed of 50mph (80km/h).
During testing prior to the race, the team wrote on their blog: "The first three hours of testing went exactly as planned.
"Unfortunately, we also did one unplanned test, of the structural integrity of the chassis. We had an accident."
The vehicle rolled on its side, skidded along the road and slipped down an embankment.
The driver walked away unhurt as the roll cage and chassis stood up to the impact.
However, the team said: "[The] solar cells on the side of the door... do not take kindly to being sanded by 50m of rough tarmac.
"Large portions of the side panel cells are now scattered in a thin, very expensive layer over the surface of [the road]."
The team added the car was "only designed to withstand one such impact - and as such needs to be repaired to be fit for purpose".
Members were unable to make the repairs in time for the start of the race.
A message on their website said: "The team is very disappointed but we are confident that we have made the right decision."
Summary: | The only British team to qualify for a solar car race in Australia has been forced to pull out after its vehicle crashed just days before the start. |
Text: The Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee called the proposal "ambitious".
But it also warns that without extra resources, education priorities could be distorted by the strategy.
Ministers said the final proposals, due to be published in the summer, would include "a series of indicators".
The report, by the assembly's Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee, said the proposals "need to be delivered in large part through the education system".
The committee warned of a "clear risk that this may have a distortive effect on the delivery of educational priorities as the system is realigned to be able to deliver the language strategy".
"It is therefore important that the resources and capacity needed to implement the policy are in addition to current spending on education," the report added.
Committee chairwoman, Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins, said the AMs fully supported the "bold" aim of the "radical" policy.
"It is clear from considering the evidence that success will require hard work, considerable additional resources and clear targets," she said.
"It will also need to be founded on the continuing support of the people of Wales, Welsh and non-Welsh speakers alike."
The Welsh Government said it had "done a lot of work on the areas covered by the report", after a consultation on the draft strategy.
Welsh Language Minister Alun Davies said: "The final language strategy will set a strong long-term direction including a series of indicators to monitor progress towards achieving the million, in addition to an increased use of the Welsh language."
Calling the one million speakers target "deliberately ambitious" he said: "There are challenges ahead, but we are building from a position of strength."
In January, Welsh Language Commissioner Meri Huws said the education system needed to be "radically changed" to reach the figure, with all children under seven needing to be immersed in Welsh.
Summary: | Plans to double the number of Welsh speakers in Wales to one million by 2050 lacks clarity and detail, a cross-party group of AMs has said. |
Text: The 33-year-old suffered serious facial injuries during the attack, which took place at about 22:00 on Friday in the vicinity of Dick Crescent, Burntisland.
He was taken to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, but was released following treatment.
Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone who recorded the incident on mobile phones.
Summary: | A man was taken to hospital after being seriously assaulted by a group of male and female youths in Fife. |
Text: Joseph Pearce, 40, died from a single stab wound. His body was found at a property on Churchill Close, Burnham-on-Sea.
Dominic Lacey, 21, of Newham Place, Patchway, and James Hobbs, 43, of Churchill Close, Burnham-on-Sea, are due before Taunton magistrates on Saturday.
They remain in custody, Avon and Somerset police said.
A 22-year-old man and three women, aged 24, 38 and 54, arrested in connection with the investigation have all been released without charge.
Summary: | Two men have been charged with the murder of a man found dead on Monday. |
Text: The 40-year-old A338 Bournemouth Spur Road needs to be rebuilt as its foundations are crumbling.
Lane closures and a reduced speed limit will be in place during the works, which start at 20:00 BST.
Drivers have been advised to plan their journeys and, if possible, use alternative routes.
A series of overnight road closures are also planned as the dual carriageway, which normally carries about 59,000 vehicles a day, is prepared for construction work.
The first full closure takes place on the northbound carriageway from 20:00 BST to 06:00 on Monday.
Dates for further overnight closures can be seen on the Dorset councils website.
Passengers for Bournemouth Airport and patients due at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys
The hospital said if patients were late for appointments due to the traffic delays they faced having their appointment postponed.
The work will be carried out on the dual carriageway 24 hours a day, six days a week, Dorset County Council said.
The new road will be given a new surface layer in an attempt to reduce traffic noise.
A 1m (3ft) hard strip to give extra space for cars to move over for emergency vehicles or in case of breakdowns will also be added.
The £22m scheme, which is due to finish by 31 May 2016, has been funded by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.
Summary: | Motorists are being warned of significant travel delays as nine months of roadworks begin on the main route into Bournemouth. |
Text: About 496kg (1,093lb) of cannabis resin was recovered by officers searching the garage in the Springburn area on Friday morning.
The arrested men, aged 41 and 28, have been charged with drug offences.
Det Ch Insp Kenny Gray said it was a "significant seizure of controlled drugs destined for our streets".
Summary: | Two men have been arrested after police seized drugs with a street value of about £618,000 from a garage in Glasgow. |
Text: The FTSE 100 closed up 0.87%, or 53 points, to 6,137.6, led by engineering firm Weir Group.
B&Q and Screwfix owner Kingfisher was the biggest faller on the 100 index.
Its shares fell 2% after reporting first-half results showing a weak performance in its French business, where it runs Castorama and Brico Depot chains.
The company also announced it was considering a big expansion of its Screwfix chain, with potential for another 200 stores.
Overall, investors are expected to remain cautious ahead of the US interest rate decision later this week.
On Thursday, the Federal Reserve will decide on whether to raise US rates for the first time in nine years.
"Ahead of what looks like the most vital Fed meeting in years, the best thing for markets to do would be simply to sit still and wait for Thursday afternoon," said Chris Beauchamp, market analyst at IG.
"With that being impossible, they have opted for the second choice, namely running around in circles," he added.
Credit checking agency Experian was one of the biggest risers, climbing 1.7% after HSBC raised its rating on the stock to "buy".
Shares in online grocer Ocado jumped 3% in early trade, but by the close stood just 0.7% higher.
The firm reported gross retail sales of £252m in the 12 weeks to 9 August, up 15.3% from a year earlier.
On the currency markets, the pound fell 0.48% against the dollar at $1.5353 and was flat against the euro at €1.3628.
Summary: | (Close): UK shares staged an afternoon rally, helped by a strong start on Wall Street. |
Text: A woman in the property was alerted to the blaze by a neighbour on Tuesday morning. Twenty-seven firefighters attended the incident.
The woman was able to get out of the house and was treated at the scene by medics.
The A2 Coast Road was closed at Branch Road near the Black Arch but has now reopened.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said that when it arrived at the scene at about 02:30 BST, two oil tanks were alight.
Five fire engines attended the blaze.
The fire service was able to stop the fire spreading to an adjoining house and another oil tank.
Summary: | Extensive damage has been caused to a house near the A2 Coast Road in Larne, County Antrim, as the result of a fire. |
Text: Coach Scott Bemand keeps the same squad who beat defending Six Nations champions Ireland as England look to make it four wins from four games.
Harriet Millar-Mills drops to the bench to make way for second row Taylor.
"The team has improved with each win and we look forward to having the support of a home crowd," Bemand said.
England kicked off their 2016 Six Nations campaign with a 32-0 win over Scotland.
They followed that with a 33-24 victory over Italy before beating Ireland 13-9 at Twickenham.
England: Katie Mason, Lydia Thompson, Lauren Cattell, Ceri Large, Lotte Clapp, Amber Reed, La Toya Mason, Sarah Hunter, Izzy Noel-Smith, Abbie Scott, Tamara Taylor, Emily Braund, Vickii Cornborough, Emma Croker and Rochelle Clark.
Replacements: Amy Cokayne, Heather Kerr, Bianca Dawson, Harriet Millar-Mills, Poppy Leitch, Bianca Blackburn, Ruth Laybourn, Leanne Riley.
Summary: | Tamara Taylor will earn her 90th England cap on Saturday after being named in the starting XV to face Wales at Twickenham Stoop (18:05 GMT). |
Text: Abdelsalam al-Mahdawi was abducted at traffic lights on his way to work. It is not known who was behind the attack.
Interior Minister Ashour Shwayel promised to find the officer and the perpetrators, news agency AFP reported.
Libyan authorities have been struggling to provide security since the Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown in 2011.
Last November, Benghazi's police chief was assassinated in a drive-by shooting.
More than a dozen other security officers were killed last year in Benghazi, the city where the uprising began.
AFP news agency quoted a security official as saying that the investigator "had many enemies".
"He had files on everyone - Gaddafi loyalists, hard-line Islamists and common criminals," said the unnamed official.
A group of police officers has staged a protest against the kidnapping.
One held a banner asking: "Where are the men of Benghazi?"
There has been a series of attacks against diplomatic missions and aid agencies in the city.
They included a deadly assault on the US embassy in Benghazi in September last year.
There have also been attacks against Sufi shrines and mosques.
Witnesses say the attacks were carried out by militant Islamists.
Summary: | Gunmen have kidnapped the acting head of the criminal investigation department in Libya's second city, Benghazi, officials have said. |
Text: The cartoons were shown at an event in Texas last month which was attacked by two gunmen. Mr Wilders was a keynote speaker at the event.
Mr Wilders says he will show the cartoons because parliament had refused to exhibit them on its premises.
Depictions of the Prophet Muhammad are offensive to many Muslims.
"Terrorists have to realise that they will never win and how important freedom of speech is for us in the Netherlands," Mr Wilders said in a statement.
Mr Wilders, who leads the Party for Freedom (PVV), has often expressed his distaste for Islam and mass immigration and has called for the Koran to be banned in the Netherlands.
In December 2014 it was announced he would be prosecuted over allegations that he incited racial hatred against the country's Moroccan community.
Both the gunmen who attacked the Muhammad Art Exhibit at a conference centre near Dallas on 3 May were shot dead by police. One policeman was injured.
The conference included a contest that offered a $10,000 (£6,600) prize for a cartoon of the Prophet Muhammad.
There were widespread protests in 2006 when the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published cartoons satirising the Prophet Muhammad.
In January this year, 12 people were murdered by two Islamist gunmen at the French magazine Charlie Hebdo, which had published similar cartoons.
And a gathering of free speech activists in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, was targeted by a gunman in February. A film director was killed.
Summary: | Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders has said he will show cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad in a TV slot allocated to his party. |
Text: The UN refugee agency was told the news by survivors brought ashore on the Italian island of Lampedusa, spokeswoman Carlotta Sami said.
Twelve bodies have been recovered.
More than 4,200 migrants have died making the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea this year, International Organization of Migration spokesman Leonard Doyle says.
The UN has warned 2016 could be the deadliest for migrants making the journey.
Nearly 330,000 migrants have crossed the sea so far this year, compared with more than one million in 2015.
Gambia goalkeeper dies trying to reach Europe
Migrant deaths hit record in 2016
Aboard the migrant rescue boat
Many of those killed in the latest two incidents are believed to be migrants from West Africa.
Ms Sami said a dinghy - which was reportedly carrying about 140 people including six children and about 20 women, some of them pregnant - capsized 25 miles (40km) off the Libyan coast. Twenty-nine people were rescued, she said, and 12 bodies were recovered.
In a separate rescue operation, two women found swimming at sea told rescuers that 128 other people had died in their wreck.
Smugglers who organise the treacherous journeys overload flimsy boats and often send them off in bad weather, the UN says.
Italy has seen an increase in the trafficking of migrants from Libya ever since an EU-Turkey agreement to halt migrants travelling to the Greek islands came into force in March.
Summary: | More than 200 migrants are believed drowned in two shipwrecks off the coast of Libya, migration officials say. |
Text: The front of a derelict property on High Park Street in Toxteth collapsed onto the pavement shortly before 19.45 BST on Monday, Merseyside Police said.
Nobody was hurt but a family living in a flat above a neighbouring shop has been evacuated.
High Park Street is closed at its junction with Voelas Street and Rhiwlas Street while structural engineers and demolition experts assess the scene.
Pedestrians and motorists are being warned to avoid the area.
Liverpool City Council cabinet member for housing Frank Hont said: "What we think is that the frontage of the shop has collapsed but obviously we've got to check that there's no damage to the rest of the block.
"There are people living on the other end of the block so our paramount concern is their safety."
The regeneration of the Welsh Streets, which include Ringo Starr's birthplace, is set to start next month.
A pilot scheme in High Park Street and Veolas Street will make 35 properties into "25 energy efficient homes", the council said.
Developer PlaceFirst tweeted the collapse was "not related to any PlaceFirst development activity" and will "not affect" their plans.
Summary: | A building has collapsed in the Welsh Streets regeneration area of Liverpool. |
Text: The ban results from a penalty he awarded to South Africa in a 2-1 win over Senegal in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in November.
He penalised Kalidou Koulibaly for handball, but replays showed the ball hit his knee.
Football's world governing body says it will give more details "once the decision becomes final and binding".
Lamptey can now appeal to Fifa and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
One of his assistants, David Laryea, also from Ghana, had charges against him dismissed by Fifa's disciplinary committee.
The win for South Africa left them in second place in the four-team group after two matches, with Senegal in third.
Lamptey, who also officiated at the Rio Olympics last year, declined BBC Sport's invitation to comment, saying he would do so later.
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF), who made a complaint to Fifa over Lamptey, is happy with the decision.
"Today there are many reasons to be happy about this decision - a decision that will be remembered as being significant but will also warn everybody that they are being watched," FSF vice-president Abdoulaye Sow told BBC Sport.
"All cheating and stealing will be punished according to its gravity.
"Fifa has clearly struck a big blow and has promised in its decision to talk again about the match when the decision is final and binding."
Summary: | Ghanaian referee Joseph Lamptey has been banned for life by Fifa for what it calls "match manipulation". |
Text: It is the 27th consecutive month there has been a fall, according to government-produced figures.
The overall total for Northern Ireland now stands at 45,200, a fall of 11,700 over the last 12 months.
However, the local unemployment rate, at 6%, is above the UK average.
But the number of people classified as "economically inactive" has fallen, the figures show.
This refers to working-age people who are classed as neither in work nor seeking work.
In the quarter between December 2014 and February 2015, the inactivity rate for those aged 16 to 64 dropped by one percentage point to 26.8%.
That remained above the UK average rate (22.1%) and is the highest among the twelve UK regions.
Danske Bank's chief economist Angela McGowan said the figures showed that Northern Ireland's economy has the potential to thrive.
"For that to happen the region needs to create a united vision of a shared future," she said.
"Polarised politics needs to be put in the background and we need to prioritise long-term economic investments in areas such as education and skills."
Summary: | The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Northern Ireland fell by 1,000 in March. |
Text: The bid to secure Protected Food Name (PFN) status for Cambus O'May cheese was launched at the Aboyne Games.
Food Secretary Richard Lochhead is backing the campaign by the Ballater-based Cambus O'May Cheese Company.
If successful, Cambus could join Orkney Cheddar and Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese in having its provenance and authenticity guaranteed.
Made to a family recipe, the unpasteurised cheese is the only one of its kind in Scotland. It is hand-pressed using two different curds and has a creamy texture.
Alex Reid, from the Cambus O'May Cheese Company, said: "Achieving PFN status will not only put our company firmly on the world cheese map, but also the north east of Scotland.
"The cheese was lost for a generation in the 1960s but PFN status would more than herald its successful return."
Mr Lochhead said: "Scotland is world-famous for our wonderful food and drink, and people want to know they are buying the real deal.
"Achieving PFN status for Cambus O'May cheese will ensure that consumers at home and abroad have a 100% guarantee of the product's authenticity."
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar was granted protected status by the European Union in 2013.
Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop Cheese was granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status earlier this year.
Summary: | A campaign is under way to win special protection status for a unique cheese made in Royal Deeside. |
Text: Like-for-like sales at Costa, which strip out the impact of new stores, rose 2.6% in the 13 weeks to 2 June.
It helped to lift like-for-like sales across the Whitbread group - which includes Premier Inn hotels - by 1.8%.
Whitbread said Premier Inn gained market share despite a "weaker than expected" hotel market, particularly in London.
Like-for-like sales at Premier Inn were up 2.1% over the period.
Whitbread chief executive Alison Brittain said: "Although it is early in our new financial year and despite current market conditions, with the benefit of our cost efficiency programme we remain confident of making good progress for the full year."
The company said it remained on target to open between 230-250 Costa Coffee stores worldwide and to provide an extra 4,000-4,500 new hotel rooms in 2016-17.
Revenue per room available - an indicator of financial performance in the hospitality sector - at Premier Inn fell by 0.5% on a like-for-like basis, and was down 1.2% overall.
The company said this reflected the "soft" market environment and the "dilution" effects of adding 3,600 new rooms in the final quarter of last year.
Summary: | Rising sales at the Costa Coffee chain have helped to boost trading at parent company Whitbread. |
Text: Back then, the Pharaohs were tenth after winning Africa Cup of Nations crowns in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
They returned to the top of the African rankings last month, for the first time in six years, after finishing runners-up at this year's Nations Cup.
Burkina Faso, who finished third at the Nations Cup, have moved up to 36th, the best ranking in their history.
Africa's top 10 in Fifa's rankings for March (last month's rankings in brackets):
1 (1) Egypt
2 (2) Senegal
3 (3) Cameroon
4 (6) Burkina Faso
5 (4) Tunisia
6 (5) DR Congo
7 (7) Nigeria
8 (8) Ghana
9 (9) Ivory Coast
10 (10) Morocco
Summary: | Egypt have moved into the Top 20 of the Fifa world rankings for the first time since January 2011. |
Text: Gwynedd council's shoreline management plan could see maintenance of flood defences stopped in 40 years.
Villagers have now voted to hire a specialist barrister to fight the proposals and are raising £20,000 to fund the action.
A council spokesman said officers were in regular discussions with residents about the community's future.
People in the area first discussed the possibility of legal action in 2014.
Pete Cole, chairman of action group Fairbourne Facing Change, told BBC Radio Wales' Country Focus programme: "This is something which continues to frustrate and upset people in the village... there's been a lot of talk, but no practical solutions to enable people to move on with their lives.
"We are committed to working with Gwynedd council and the Welsh government, but if we can't find a solution we can all live with, then a legal challenge may be our only way forward."
A Welsh government spokesman said: "It is important that all those at risk of coastal flooding or erosion are aware of the risks they face and plan for future change."
Summary: | People in Gwynedd are set to launch legal action against plans which could see their village lost to the sea. |
Text: The duo were among 13 players who had to finish their final rounds on Monday after Sunday's play at Sentosa Golf Club was curtailed by thunderstorms.
American Spieth sank a five-foot birdie putt on the last hole for a five-under-par 66 to finish 11 under.
Song, resuming on 12 under, parred his remaining three holes for a one-under 70 and victory by one shot.
The world number 204 began the day with a testing 12-foot putt at the 16th, but a simple tap-in at the last secured his first professional victory after two second-place finishes on the Japan Tour.
Song, 24, led from the second round and was five in front of Spieth heading into the final round.
Summary: | South Korea's Song Young-han held off world number one Jordan Spieth to win his maiden title at the Singapore Open. |
Text: Gallacher is one of a clutch of players on one under par at Augusta. Fellow Scots Sandy Lyle and Bradley Neil are two over and six over, respectively.
"Any time you shoot under par round here, it's a good score," Gallacher told BBC Sport.
"I plotted my way round, holed a few putts and didn't make many mistakes."
Justin Rose holds a share of the clubhouse lead on five under.
After bogeying the first hole, Gallacher birdied the fourth, 10th and 15th - describing the latter as "not orthodox" - before bogeying the 16th.
"You've just got to try and accept where you hit it and take the next shot on," he added.
"You can't get over aggressive. It's a week of patience and just trying to build on it. You're one score away from being right up there."
"Its really, really hot out there and quite a hilly track, so it takes it of you mentally and physically."
Amateur champion Neil picked up 10 bogeys and four birdies, while 1988 winner Lyle bogeyed four holes and birdied holes two and 12.
Summary: | Scotland's Stephen Gallacher highlighted a need for "patience" after opening the Masters with an opening-round score of 71. |
Text: Instead, a report from the Global Council on Brain Health recommends that people engage in stimulating activities such as learning a musical instrument, designing a quilt or gardening.
It said the younger a person started these activities, the better their brain function would be as they aged.
Age UK said it was never too late to learn something new.
The council - which is a collaboration of international scientists, health professionals and policy experts - has produced a report on the best ways to stimulate the brain and reduce cognitive decline.
It said that although many people thought playing online games, such as puzzles and mind games, designed to improve brain health was important, the evidence regarding the benefits was "weak to non-existent".
"If people play a 'brain game', they may get better at that game, but improvements in game performance have not yet been shown to convincingly result in improvements in people's daily cognitive abilities," the report said.
For example, there was no evidence that playing sudoku would help you manage your finances any better, it added.
The report recommends seeking out new activities that challenge the way you think and are socially engaging, while leading a healthy lifestyle.
Examples include:
James Goodwin, chief scientist at Age UK, which helped set up the Global Council on Brain Health, said brain decline was not inevitable.
He said: "There are plenty of activities that we can start today that can provide benefits for brain health, if they are new to you and require your concentrated attention.
"They may even be activities that you do regularly in your life, such as playing with grandchildren, gardening or playing cards.
"Even though it's never too late to learn something new, the overwhelming message from this report is that you shouldn't wait until later life to try to maintain your brain health."
Summary: | Brain training games may not provide the benefits to brain health they claim to, according to experts. |
Text: Jenny Laing has replaced Barney Crockett as leader of the Labour group, and hopes to be confirmed as the authority's new leader on Wednesday.
She told BBC Scotland: "I am delighted and privileged that my colleagues have had faith in me. We had a democratic process. Barney has done a great job over the last five years."
Mr Crockett was unavailable for comment.
The new Labour group leader said the decision was taken at their annual general meeting.
She added: "I hope I will be confirmed as the new leader of Aberdeen City Council."
The council has made headlines in recent months.
Last month, claims that Aberdeen City Council's administration broke the rules by including a pro-Better Together letter to council tax payers were thrown out by an independent watchdog.
Bills sent to every council tax payer in Aberdeen included a letter from Mr Crockett.
In March, Mr Crockett insisted Scottish government ministers would not be banned from visiting Aberdeen City Council buildings.
His intervention came after Labour colleague Willie Young sparked controversy with the suggestion.
Last week the authority announced that Angela Scott will become its new chief executive.
She will take up the post in July, replacing Valerie Watts who is leaving to take up an NHS post.
Summary: | Aberdeen City Council is to have a new leader. |
Text: They called on people to consider whether emergency care was necessary due to pressure on Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan and Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.
The issue has also led to ambulances being delayed, bosses said.
Other Welsh hospitals have reported increased pressures this month.
A Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board spokesperson said: "We are doing all we can to maintain timely care for our patients but this is becoming increasingly more difficult at the present time."
Morriston Hospital in Swansea said it had seen an "exceptional spike" in the proportion of very sick older people and fewer patients had been sent home.
Aneurin Bevan and Cwm Taf health boards in south Wales both appealed to people only to come to their emergency units if absolutely necessary, citing high demand on services.
Summary: | Emergency department patients are facing "significant" waits at north Wales' three district hospitals due to demand, health bosses have said. |
Text: Baker joined Spurs in June 1949 and made 342 appearances.
He won the league title, two FA Cups and the 1963 European Cup Winners' Cup under Bill Nicholson.
A club statement said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our former double-winning right-back Peter Baker."
Baker left White Hart Lane in the summer of 1965 and emigrated to South Africa, where he played for Durban United.
Summary: | Former Tottenham Hotspur right-back Peter Baker, who was a part of the club's 1961 double-winning team, has died following illness aged 84. |
Text: The company said its flight schedule would continue to operate as planned, while administrators examine whether the firm can be turned around.
Alitalia has received more than 7bn euros (£5.9bn) from the Italian state over the last decade.
But without further support, it may end up permanently grounded.
Last week, airline employees voted against a plan to cut jobs and salaries that would have allowed it to secure new funds.
Alitalia said in a statement that Italian shareholders and Etihad, the Abu Dhabi airline that owns 49% of Alitalia, had been "committed to recapitalise and finance the plan with 2bn euros".
But without the approval of workers, the plan could not go ahead, the airline said.
On Tuesday, Italy's government gave the go-ahead for Alitalia to enter administration.
It also approved a 600m euro bridging loan to allow Alitalia to keep operating during the administration process, a spokesperson for Alitalia said.
The government has called for administrators to find prospective buyers as quickly as possible, while also minimising the amount of public money spent on the airline.
James Hogan, chief executive of Etihad, said: "We have done all we could to support Alitalia, as a minority shareholder, but it is clear this business requires fundamental and far-reaching restructuring to survive and grow in future.
"Without the support of all stakeholders for that restructuring, we are not prepared to continue to invest."
Italy's industry minister last week opposed renationalising, or providing further funds for, the troubled carrier.
And public opinion seems to be behind the decision. Italians have taken to social media in recent days calling for politicians to resist bailing the airline out again.
An opinion poll published on Friday suggested 77% of Italians believe the airline should be left to fail.
However, with an election looming next year, politicians may be reluctant to see Alitalia's 12,500 employees lose their jobs.
Summary: | Italy's troubled flagship airline Alitalia has gone into administration after the Italian government formally approved the move. |
Text: Spurs have missed out on Champions League qualification as they sit sixth, 10 points off fourth with two games remaining.
"Always you need to analyse the last season," said Pochettino.
"Nobody is sure that they are staying at the club."
After Gareth Bale's £85m move to Real Madrid two years ago, Tottenham brought in Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, Vlad Chiriches and Etienne Capoue, but they have struggled to make a significant impact.
Defenders Federico Fazio and Ben Davies, as well as midfielder Benjamin Stambouli have been unable to make much of an impression since being signed by Pochettino after he became Spurs boss last summer.
Pochettino accepts lessons must be learned from past mistakes in the transfer market if the club is to enjoy success in the future.
"We need to look forward and we need to learn from the past," he added.
"We have a plan for the development in the next few years and we need to deliver it."
Summary: | Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has warned nobody is safe at the club as he looks to build a side capable of finishing in the top four of the Premier League next season. |
Text: Media playback is not supported on this device
Gary Lineker will present live coverage from Wembley as 11-time winners United look to secure their first FA Cup triumph since 2004 and Palace seek to win it for the first time.
There will be dawn-to-dusk coverage of the final across BBC One, BBC Two, Radio 5 live and the BBC Sport website.
Mark Clattenburg is to referee the tie.
Media playback is not supported on this device
The tie is a repeat of the 1990 final when Sir Alex Ferguson's United won the replay 1-0 after a 3-3 draw.
United will wear white shirts, black shorts and white socks at Wembley and Crystal Palace will wear their traditional red and blue home colours.
More than 57,500 supporters of the two finalists will be at Wembley, according to the FA, up from 50,000 in 2015.
Media playback is not supported on this device
A statement on the FA website said: "The increase will see 28,780 tickets per team, the equivalent of 80% of the available seats in the stadium."
Ticket prices across all price points have been reduced by £5, with prices at £45, £65, £85 and £115.
Palace fans will be situated in the west side of Wembley, with United fans occupying the east side.
Summary: | The FA Cup final between Manchester United and Crystal Palace on 21 May, which will be shown live on BBC One, will kick-off at 17:30 BST. |
Text: The tech firm was the biggest main gainer, adding 4.18% after giving a revenue forecast in line with analysts' expectations.
Overall, the Dow was up 71.64 at 18,108.34 points, while the S&P 500 rose 10.44 to 2,106.28.
Meanwhile, the tech-rich Nasdaq gained 33.73 points to 5,011.02.
Other big winners on the Dow included JP Morgan and Exxon, notching up healthy gains for the second day in a row.
JP Morgan was up 1.19%, following a rise of 1.56% on Tuesday, when it reported a 12% rise in profit to $5.91bn for the three months to the end of March.
Exxon was up 1.66%, after rising 1.5% on Tuesday on the back of a rise in oil prices.
US benchmark crude was trading $2.74 higher at $55.95 a barrel in New York.
Bank of America fell 1.2% after first-quarter earnings came in below expectations.
Summary: | (Close): US shares closed higher on Wednesday, buoyed by a positive outlook for chipmaker Intel and a gain of 5% in the price of oil. |
Text: Emergency services were called to the building on Kinghorne Road at about 08:49.
A number of roads were closed while crews brought the blaze under control.
Several other people were treated for minor injuries at the scene. The cause of the fire remains unexplained and a joint police and fire investigation is to be carried out.
Summary: | A man has been taken to hospital following a fire at a block of flats in Dundee. |
Text: The reasons why were unclear but last November he ended a tour early.
He had accused fellow rapper Jay-Z of trying to kill him and walked off stage after announcing he would vote for Donald Trump.
His wife, reality TV star Kim Kardashian, remains on Twitter and has 51m followers.
She has been promoting her and her husband's children's clothing line.
Shortly after West's accounts were deactivated, she tweeted that he had hand drawn a logo for the clothing line.
Fans responded by pleading with her to persuade her husband to return.
West had already adopted a quieter approach to social media earlier this year and reportedly deleted some of his previous pro-Trump tweets.
His breakdown also came after his wife was robbed of jewellery worth an estimated €10m (£8.7m; $10.5m) in Paris last October.
Summary: | US rap star Kanye West appears to have deleted his Twitter and Instagram social media accounts, which had tens of millions of followers. |
Text: Mr Brennan told a hearing the group remained "formidable" despite territorial losses.
He estimated that IS now has more fighters than al-Qaeda when that group was at its strongest.
As many as 22,000 IS fighters are operating in Iraq and Syria, he said.
Mr Brennan made the comments to the Senate intelligence committee in an update on the threat from extremists.
"Unfortunately, despite all our progress against Isil [Islamic State] on the battlefield and in the financial realm, our efforts have not reduced the group's terrorism capability and global reach," he said.
The CIA was particularly concerned about the growth of Libya as an IS base, he said.
While he said the US-led coalition had made progress against IS, the group has "a large cadre of Western fighters who could potentially serve as operatives for attacks in the West".
"To compensate for territorial losses, Isil will probably rely more on guerrilla tactics, including high-profile attacks outside territory it holds," he warned.
His appearance came days after the attack on a gay nightclub in Florida. The gunman, Omar Mateen, had pledged allegiance to IS.
But Mr Brennan told the hearing the CIA had not uncovered any direct link between Mateen and foreign militant groups.
With al-Qaeda, it was never about the numbers.
The group did not have many core members - only a few hundred, even at its peak. From a military perspective, this was meaningless.
Al-Qaeda had a stark set of principles, though, and a fierce determination to destroy their enemies. And they attracted a variety of supporters.
There were hundreds, or maybe a few thousand, supporters; men and women who helped at various times with the group's operations.
This made al-Qaeda powerful, at least for a while.
With IS, the situation is different: they have a compelling narrative, a rigid ideology and tens of thousands of soldiers, according to Mr Brennan. No wonder he is worried.
Summary: | The efforts of the US-led coalition fighting so-called Islamic State (IS) have failed to reduce its ability to carry out militant attacks, CIA Director John Brennan says. |
Text: Mr Akinwolere swam five miles across the Palau Trench, an 8,000-metre deep abyss in the Pacific Ocean.
He is the first person to swim across the deepest part of the trench, and now holds the record for the deepest location for an open water swim.
He took three and a half hours to complete his swim.
His records were verified by the World Open Water Swimming Association.
Until a few weeks ago, Mr Akinwolere was unable to swim a length and was terrified of open water.
He said: "It's an absolute triumph to have completed this swim, after having had just over 10 weeks of swimming training I still cannot believe how far I've come.
"I could not swim a length before this and now I have swum over one of the deepest parts of the world.
"All the hours of gruelling training will be worth it if my challenge inspires more children from ethnic minorities to learn to swim."
The story of his swim will be screened in a Blue Peter special - Andy's Big Splash - on Monday 20 June on BBC One.
Summary: | Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere has set two world records for swimming in one of the deepest stretches of water on the planet. |
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