Beware of dangers...from coins

Civic dignitaries are to end a tradition of "throwing" coins to children at a town fair after a health and safety report warned someone could be hurt. A risk assessment said the "throwing of coins" during the the Michaelmas Fair in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, created "significant hazards".
The council's health and safety report warned that people could be hit by "flying objects", could be crushed, or have their fingers trapped or trodden on. Council risk assessor Jayne Westlake pointed out that children, spectators, councillors, officers and officials were all at risk of injury. Councillors have now agreed to "drop" or "roll" the coins rather than "throw" them. The tradition dates back to the 1920s, and locals say that they cannot recall any incidents. The risk assessment also warned councillors to take care when riding on dodgem cars while wearing their robes.

Newlove killers launch appeals

Two youths convicted of the alcohol-fuelled murder of father-of-three Garry Newlove, who died after confronting a gang outside his home, begin their appeals today. The cases of both Adam Swellings and Stephen Sorton will be heard at the Court of Appeal in London.
Swellings, who was the ringleader of the gang that kicked Mr Newlove to death in Warrington, wants to overturn his conviction. The 19-year-old is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years. If his conviction challenge is unsuccessful he will appeal against his tariff.
Sorton, 17, of Warrington, is seeking a reduction in his minimum term of 15 years, the least he must serve before he can apply for parole. Mr Newlove, a 47-year-old salesman, was murdered in August 2007. He confronted a group of vandals, who then "kicked him like a football".

Shannon kidnap trial continues

The trial of the mother of Shannon Matthews, accused of kidnapping her own daughter order to claim the reward money - will continue later. Karen Matthews, 33, and her former partner's uncle, Michael Donovan, 40, are on trial accused of abducting and falsely imprisoning the child.
Yesterday, a jury was told that Shannon, nine, was "drugged to subdue her" and possibly tied up after she was kidnapped by her mother and an accomplice. Prosecutor Julian Goose QC told Leeds Crown Court that Matthews reported Shannon missing on February 19.
But, he said, the 999 call was part of a "dishonest and wicked" plan by Donovan and Matthews. Their motive, he alleged, was to obtain reward money offered by the press. Mr Goose said Shannon "was kidnapped and falsely imprisoned in the flat where Donovan lived".

Darling admits UK in recession

The Chancellor Alistair Darling has now admitted that Britain is in a recession, but insists he is dealing with it. He has told The Independent that his pre-Budget Report in 11 days' time will give the economy a short, sharp shock but predicts that it will bounce back by 2010.
He is expected to have to admit in his statement to the Commons that public borrowing has soared from the £43bn billion he predicted in the March Budget to £65bn. Meanwhile, Gordon Brown will fly to New York today, ahead of this weekend's emergencyG20 summit in Washington. Mr Brown will tell the summit, hosted by outgoing president George Bush, that co-ordinated global action is needed if the crisis is to be tackled. Barack Obama, who does not take office until January 20, will not attend the Washington meeting of 20 industrialised and emerging economies.

Marines killed in Afghanistan

Two Royal Marines have been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. The pair, whose next of kin have been told, were serving with the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force, which has sent the families its "deepest sympathies".
ISAF's Brigadier General Richard Blanchette said: "Their lives are irreplaceable to all of us who fight for the peace and stability of Afghanistan." The men, from UK Landing Force Command Support Group, were taking part in a joint patrol with soldiers from Afghan security forces.
Their vehicle was struck by an explosive device in the Garmsir district of Southern Helmand yesterday afternoon. Commander Paula Rowe, of Task Force Helmand, said: "This is a tragic blow to us all in the task force, but our loss is nothing compared to that of their families and loved ones."

Police probe footballer incident

Detectives are to investigate an incident in which Chelsea striker Didier Drogba threw an object into the crowd, Scotland Yard has confirmed. The 30-year-old has already apologised for reacting, after Burnley fans threw what is believed to be a coin on to the pitch at Stamford Bridge. The incident took place after Drogba scored his first goal of the season after 27 minutes of last night's Carling Cup tie. Drogba also appeared to gesture to the away fans and may now face an FA probe and a possible misconduct charge. Chelsea eventually went on to lose on penalties . The Ivorian, who was shown the yellow card for his actions, said: "I tried to celebrate the goal and I received some things at me. "The big mistake I did was to throw it back so if someone was hurt, I want to apologise for it. It was...in the heat of the moment and I regret it."

Two children stabbed to death

A woman is being held on suspicion of murder after a baby and toddler were found stabbed to death at a house near Manchester city centre. The 21-year-old will continue to be questioned today following the discovery of the bodies of the two children in the Cheetham Hill area last
night. The baby was three months old and the toddler three years - their sexes are not being disclosed until relatives have been informed. Police say officers were called to the house shortly before 6pm because of reports of what they have called "child safety concerns".
Greater Manchester Police said: "An investigation is currently under way into the circumstances surrounding their deaths." Forensic experts have been carrying out an examination of the property. Cheetham Hill is around two miles north of Manchester city centre.
Greater Manchester Police said: "An investigation is currently under way into the circumstances surrounding their deaths." Forensic experts have been carrying out an examination of the property. Cheetham Hill is around two miles north of Manchester city centre.

BT set to shed 10,000 workers

Telecoms giant BT is cutting 10,000 jobs, mainly among its agency workers and sub- contractors, the firm has said. The company has already cut some 4,000 jobs, leaving a further 6,000 to go between now and March. The plans are all part of an "on-going efficiency programme". BT said it was reducing its dependence on consultants and contractors, cutting those jobs by 12% - direct staff numbers will come down by around 4%. BT, which has a global workforce of 160,000, said it will achieve the reduction in its direct staff largely through natural turnover. It has pointed out that reductions in previous years have been through various voluntary schemes. Around 90,000 direct jobs are based in the UK, whereas contractors and agency workers are spread between this country and many other parts of the world.

Baby P: Balls promising action

Children's Secretary Ed Balls has pledged to act swiftly if social workers are found to have failed over the death of "Baby P" in Haringey. The detailed investigation he ordered yesterday into how the 17-month-old was allowed to be tortured and beaten to death has now got under way.
Baby P died in a blood- splattered cot in his North London home last August, despite being on an at-risk register and being seen by care workers over 60 times. Mr Balls has now insisted on Sky News that "...if there is a case for action, I will do whatever it takes."
It follows an inquiry which found all agencies "failed to adhere to the procedures for the proper management of child protection cases". Baby P's mother, her boyfriend and another man have been convicted of causing or allowing his death and will be sentenced at a later date.

Mandelson set to get a grilling

Peter Mandelson is to be questioned by MPs, less than three weeks after his surprise return to Government as Business Secretary. He is going before a committee to answer questions over what help there will be for small businesses fighting to stay afloat in the credit crunch. Lord Mandelson is set to be questioned over the future of Royal Mail and if an extension of employment rights for parents will go ahead. He was warned yesterday that delaying the extension of flexible working because of the downturn would send out "the wrong message".
This came after his department announced it was re-examining the various costs and benefits
of the idea. Business groups welcomed the move but unions, opposition politicians and family campaigners attacked the announcement, saying family- friendly polices were vital.

THE ROYALS

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will arrive in Slovenia today for the of their four-day state visit to central Europe.

FOOD

Nursery schools are serving unhealthy, processed and even potentially dangerous meals, according to a report from organic food campaigners.

THREAT

An area of trees equal to the size of Birmingham has come under threat in the last decade, preservation group the Woodland Trust has said.

DOWNTURN

In another sign that High Street trading is tough, Debenhams has announced a 16.2% fall in pre-tax profits to £110.1m.

Free computers for poor' plan

Details of a government plan to give disadvantaged childre free computers and internet access have been announced. Schools Minister Jim Knight said the programme will beging in February with two year-long pilot schemes in Oldham and Suffolk. Chosen families are to be given grants.
The cash will allow them to buy an "approved home access package", which will include a computer or laptop, basic software and broadband for one year. It is aimed at ensuring that every child will eventually have access to a computer and the internet for their school or college work. The programme will be rolled out nationally next autumn with every five to 19-year-old in England having internet facilities by 2011.

Skeleton find: Father is bailed

The father of the 19-year-old woman whose skeletal remains were found in woodland in a seaside town has been released on bail. Children playing in a wood is Hastings, East Sussex, found a skull last Monday and further human remains were later discovered around the scene.
Medical records were used to identify Victoria Couchman, a single mother who lived with her father, Tony Couchman, about a mile from where her body was found. Mr Couchman, 45, was arrested on suspicion of murder and was last night released on conditional bail.
An initial post-mortem has been completed but the cause of death has not yet been established and more forensic tests are being carried out. Messages of condolence have been left on social networking site Bebo, where Ms Couchman wrote a poignant motto urging people to "live life to the full".

Brown failing to impress in poll

Gordon Brown's response to the financial crisis has failed to win over voters despite attracting praise at home and overseas, according to a poll. A Guardian/ICM survey shows six out of 10 are impressed by the PM's actions, but this has not translated into a bounce for the Labour Party.
Only 13% say it makes them more likely to vote Labour, compared with 27% who say less. The majority, 60%, say it makes little difference. This suggests that Mr Brown's bank bailout has not encouraged many opposition supporters to switch their political allegiances.
Only 3% of Tory and 11% of Liberal Democrats voters say they are now more likely to think of choosing Labour. The state of the parties poll puts Labour on 30%, 12 points behind the Conservative Party on 42%, giving the Tories a majority in the Commons at a General Election.

Wales robbery death: man held

Police are questioning a 52-year-old man on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and false imprisonment in connection with the death of a man in Pontypool, south Wales One man was killed and another seriously injured during a robbery at a driver recruitment agency's offices.
Two other men at the scene suffered the effects of breathing in smoke after the offices were set on fire. Later police said armed officers dealt with an incident in the Rumney area of Cardiff which was understood to be linked to the death of a man at New Inn in Pontypool.
It was initially reported that the Pontypool incident happened at a driving school, but it was in fact the Driver Line 247 recruitment agency. The agency's offices, on an industrial estate on New Road, in the New Inn area of the town, were sealed off by police, as was a street in Cardiff.

Aid workers' security reviewed

Aid agencies in Afghanistan are looking at their security arrangements following the murder of Christian relief worker Gayle Williams. The 34-year-old was shot dead yesterday by two gunmen on a motorcycle as she walked to work in the capital, Kabul. The Taliban claimed responsibility. It said she was targeted for the shooting because she was trying to spread Christianity in the conservative Islamic nation. Ms Williams, who held dual British-South African nationality, was working for UK-based charity Serve Afghanistan, and is the latest Western civilian to be killed. Other charities are warning that the situation is becoming more dangerous and they are looking at workers' safety in light of the murder. However, Dominic O'Reilly, the UK Director of Afghanaid, said: "We will be reviewing our security, but will continue to use female staff."

Teen stabbed to death at club

A 16-year-old boy has died of his injuries after being stabbed outside a crowded youth club in Liverpool, police have confirmed this morning. The teenager and two friends are thought to have been attacked by a group of youths outside the club in the Everton area of the city, last night. The victim, from Old Swan, was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A second boy, aged 17, from Old Swan, was also stabbed but his condition is not believed to be life threatening. There were 50 to 70 teenagers in the venue at the time. Police believe at least some of the young people may know who the attackers are and have appealed for them to reveal what they know. Chief Supt Steve Watson said: "We need that information so we can act immediately and bring those responsible to justice."

Six killed in motorway smashes

A Portuguese lorry driver has been arrested after six people were killed in two car crashes
on the M6 last night. Five of the victims - believ to be two adults and three children - died when their car caught fire after a collision involving another vehicle and three lorries in Cheshire.
In an earlier incident, a sixth man lost his life when the van he was driving hit a bridge. The second accident happened in the tailback caused by that. The 46-year-old lorry driver has been held on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is being questioned by police.
The second tragedy happened shortly after 10.30 in the lengthy queues caused by the first incident, which happened about an hour earlier. Inspector Brian Rogers issued an appeal for wtinesses, saying he and his officers needed to find out exactly what happened before, and during, the crash.

Obama flies to ill grandmother

Barack Obama is leaving the presidential campaign trail for two days to be with his 85-year-old grandmother, who has suddenly become very ill. The health of the Illinois senator's grandmother Madelyn Payne Dunham, who brought him up, is said to have worsened in recent days.
The 47-year-old Democrat will travel to Hawaii to be with her. He leaves the campaign trail just two weeks before next month's election. Mr Obama will attend an event in Indianapolis, Indiana, before making the long flight to Hawaii later today. Other events have been called off.
However, his wife, Michelle, will replace him at two rallies in the battleground state of Ohio on Friday. Mr Obama's spokesman said: "Senator Obama's grandmother has always been one of the most important people in his life, along with his mother and his grandfather."

Brown failing to impress in poll

Gordon Brown's response to the financial crisis has failed to win over voters despite attracting praise at home and overseas, according to a poll. A Guardian/ICM survey shows six out of 10 are impressed by the PM's actions, but this has not translated into a bounce for the Labour Party. Only 13% say it makes them more likely to vote Labour, compared with 27% who say less. The majority, 60%, say it makes little difference. This suggests that Mr Brown's bank bailout has not encouraged many opposition supporters to switch their political allegiances.

Wales robbery death: man held

Police are questioning a 52- year-old man on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and false imprisonment in connection with the death of a man in Pontypool, south Wales. One man was killed and another seriously injured during a robbery at a driver recruitment agency's offices.
Two other men at the scene suffered the effects of breathing in smoke after the offices were set on fire. Later police said armed officers dealt with an incident in the Rumney area of Cardiff which was understood to be linked to the death of a man at New Inn in Pontypool.
It was initially reported that the Pontypool incident happened at a driving school, but it was in fact the Driver Line 247 recruitment agency. The agency's offices, on an industrial estate on New Road, in the New Inn area of the town, were sealed off by police, as was a street in Cardiff.

The greatest burger

A chef has become the first person to completely eat a Pennsylvania restaurant's special 15lb burger - along with 5lb of special toppings.

Buckingham Palace opens it's gardens

Buckingham Palace is to allow tour groups into its gardens for the first time next year at a cost of £20 a head, it has been confirmed.