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The patents include one that relates to the front face of the iPhone and one for touch-screen technology.
It is another win for Apple, after it was awarded $1.05bn (£652m) in damages by a jury in a separate case in August.
The ITC can block the import of products into the US.
The judge's ruling will go in front of a full commission, which is scheduled to conclude its investigation in February.
Judge Thomas Pender agreed that Samsung violated four of Apple's patents, but was not in violation of two others listed by Apple in the complaint.
Three of the patents are related to software features, while one covers Apple's hardware.
However, the Samsung products in this case do not include its latest devices, limiting the impact of a potential import ban into the US.
Samsung has repeatedly argued that any sales ban would limit choice and raise prices for consumers in the US.
Apple and Samsung have bought legal cases against each other in more than 10 countries, each accusing the other of violating patents, as the two battle for market share in the hugely lucrative mobile industry. | A US International Trade Commission judge, in a preliminary ruling, said Samsung infringed four of Apple's intellectual property patents. | 20077735 |
After a year of music lessons, the reading scores of nine and 10-year-olds held steady compared to a dip seen in those who were not taught any music.
Another group of musically-trained children were found to be better at processing sounds and language.
The research is being presented to the American Psychological Association.
The research was led by Dr Nina Kraus at Northwestern University and involved hundreds of children at high schools in impoverished areas of Chicago and Los Angeles.
Her research had previously highlighted that learning music could improve the concentration, memory and focus of children in the classroom by improving their neural functions.
But much of the research had focused on the impact of music lessons on relatively affluent children.
In this study, Dr Kraus found that giving children regular group music lessons for five or more hours a week prevented any decline in reading skills, which would normally be expected in poorer areas.
Another group of teenage schoolchildren, from a poor area of Chicago, took part in band practice or choir practice every day at school as part of a music project.
Researchers recorded their brainwaves to assess how they responded to speech sounds.
After two years of musical training, the results showed the musical group was faster and more accurate at distinguishing one sound from another, particularly when there was background noise, compared to a group that did not participate in any musical activity.
Dr Kraus said this showed music could have a positive impact on the brain, which could also help learning, but it was not a quick fix.
"Research has shown that there are differences in the brains of children raised in impoverished environments that affect their ability to learn," he explained.
"While more affluent students do better in school than children from lower income backgrounds, we are finding that musical training can alter the nervous system to create a better learner and help offset this academic gap."
All the children had similar IQs and reading ability at the start of the study.
Dr Kraus said music appeared to remodel the brain to improve the connections between sounds and meaning, the process by which babies learn to speak.
Children growing up in poorer areas with poorly-educated mothers are more likely to have 'noisier brains', she said.
This is because they are less likely to know and recognise a wide range of words and are therefore less able to respond to sounds and language.
"Music automatically sharpens the nervous system's response to sounds," Dr Kraus explained.
The children participating in the study were part of the Harmony Project, which provides instruments and free music tuition for American schoolchildren in certain deprived urban areas. | Learning to sing or play a musical instrument can help disadvantaged children improve their reading skills, US research suggests. | 28703013 |
Three months of work will begin on 8 August on both carriageways of the M74 from J2A Fullarton to J6 Hamilton.
Four months of work will begin on both carriageways of the M8 in mid-August from J8 Baillieston to J10 Easterhouse.
The M73 will be similarly affected for six weeks from mid-September, between J1 Maryville and J2 Baillieston.
The work is part of an ongoing £500m works programme to improve Scotland's motorway network.
Graeme Reid, Project Manager for the M8 M73 M74 Motorway Improvements Project, said: "Transport Scotland is working with the contractor to ensure these works are completed as quickly as possible.
"While we're doing everything we can to minimise the disruption, delays will be inevitable, so we're asking motorists to check the Transport Scotland and Traffic Scotland websites for updates on these key routes, to plan their journeys in advance and to look at taking an alternative route if possible."
The £500m project aims to upgrade central Scotland's busy motorways and significantly reduce congestion.
It has been estimated that the road improvements could reduce the average daily car commute between Glasgow and Edinburgh by 20 minutes. | Drivers are being warned to expect months of "significant delays" on central Scotland's motorways as work begins to install new signage gantries. | 36940837 |
Ian "Jacko" Roberts, 54, of Acrefair, near Wrexham, was in Toulouse for the historic 3-0 win against Russia.
But on Monday, he will return to hospital for treatment on a tumour in his nasal passage.
He said of the game: "The atmosphere was amazing...exceptional."
The win means Wales qualified for the second round, with their next game to be played in Paris on Saturday.
And Mr Roberts, a father-of-one, said he got to meet former Wales international players turned pundits Robbie Savage and John Hartson, who has had cancer, at his hotel in Toulouse.
"I was having a bit of a talk to John Hartson and he was giving me the arm around the shoulder. It was really good," he added.
Two weeks ago Mr Roberts finished 12 sessions of chemotherapy and is about to begin radiation treatment.
The carpenter and joiner, who sings for Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir, was captured singing the national anthem by Hartson who tweeted the footage before the Russia game.
He said it had been brilliant watching the team in France, adding: "Especially after all the years where we have had the heartbreaks, all them times when we failed to qualify.
"It was actually the morning of the Andorra game [a Euro 2016 qualifier which Wales won 2-0 in October] I was told I had the tumour in the nasal passage.
"For all the winter I didn't know I was coming [to France] until the Wednesday before.
"And my friends have all got me tickets. They've all chipped in money for me to come because obviously I've been out of work for a while."
Mr Roberts said it has been hard travelling but he has had a great time with his friends, including Gareth Roberts, 55, originally of Bangor but now living in Chester.
Mr Roberts said he has met lots of footballers and stars through his singing but it is nice for his son, Thomas, 14, to see him mingling with such big names. | A football fan who has taken a break from his cancer treatment to follow Wales in France in Euro 2016 said it has been "amazing". | 36588482 |
Making them vote may halt declining election turnouts and could "kick start the habit of a lifetime", the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said.
In 2010, 44% of 18 to 24-year-olds voted, with the "younger and poorer" least likely to vote, it suggested.
The UK risks "sleepwalking into a more divided democracy" unless there is reform, the IPPR's Mat Lawrence said.
"The working class and the young have less input into political decision-making processes, with lower rates of participation and representation than older and more affluent citizens," the IPPR report suggested.
Such inequalities undermined the "legitimacy and effectiveness" of democracy, the report claimed, saying it was unlikely the trend would be reversed in next month's general election.
At the 1970 general election, the gap between the proportion of 18-24 year olds and over-65s who voted was 18%.
However, at the 2010 general election, the gap had risen to 32% - with 76% of over-65s voting, compared to 44% of 18-24 year olds.
"Long-run decline in voter turnout in the UK is being driven by the relative collapse in participation among the young and the less well-off - not by a uniform decline in turnout among all groups," Mr Lawrence added.
"A distinctive non-voting population, generally younger and poorer, heightens political inequality by giving some groups far greater influence at the ballot box."
The report comes after the voting age was reduced to 16 for the Scottish independence referendum, in September - when 109,593 16 and 17-year-olds registered to vote.
Mr Lawrence said the high turnout at the referendum, as well as the rise of grassroots groups, provided reasons for optimism.
Broadcaster and author Rick Edwards told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he supported the proposal, saying "something drastic needs to happen" to encourage young people to vote.
But he said there would have to be a "none of the above" option on ballot papers, to allow voters to express their dissatisfaction.
"The problem is politicians are more interested in serving the interests of the demographic who vote more because they are interested in winning their votes and keeping their votes.
"Therefore what is happening is that young people are getting marginalised and their interests aren't being served as they should be," he added.
He said that if young people felt they were not being spoken to, or were not being paid any attention by politicians, they would be even less likely to vote. | Young people should be forced to vote in the first election after they turn 18, a centre-left think tank has said. | 32195135 |
Pee Wee Pumps, which makes soft shoes for infants, describes its products as "cool" and "diva defining".
But pictures of the fashion range posted online have led to criticism on social media sites.
The shoes, which have collapsible heels and pointed toes, are available for infants up to six months old.
In the latest post on the company's Facebook page, an infant in heels sits astride a miniature motorbike with the caption: "This little #Diva, defining cool posing in her #PeeWeePumps."
The image was criticised by a number the site's users, who suggested it was "wrong" and "disgusting" to portray infants in such a way.
It comes amid growing concern at what is seen as the sexualisation of children.
"This is not ok," wrote Melissa Balinski.
Another commenter, Jen, said that "promoting products for babies this way is just sick".
Other promotional images for Pee Wee Pumps products include babies wearing bead necklaces, sequin dresses and tutus.
The range of shoes, which features styles made from red satin and leopard-skin material, have repeatedly met mixed responses from Facebook users.
"I will definitely avoid this brand," wrote Barrow, commenting on a picture of a baby in "black pump classics". "This is horrid," added Flory.
But some users left positive comments, remarking how the shoes made the infants "look adorable". "Too cute," wrote Latoyia.
The Pee Wee Pumps website displays a range of designs, labelled "Swanky", "Wild Child" and "Diva".
"She'll make a statement in this bold, red hue," reads the product description alongside a design labelled "Sassy".
The company came under fire earlier this month from UK campaign group Let Clothes Be Clothes, which posted images of the product range for infants with the warning "beware, the photos are shocking".
"I will definitely avoid this brand," wrote Owen. "That's disturbing. Even without the heels the pics would be not even remotely okay," wrote Eva.
Another user, Natasha, added to the campaign group's post: "Should be banned."
Pee Wee Pumps is based in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The founder, Michele Holbrook, wrote in a statement on the company website that her products "are not intended for walking, but rather to meet the current and ever-growing popular demand for 'high-fashion' in infant apparel". | A US footwear company has sparked outrage among consumers and campaign groups over a range of high heeled shoes for babies. | 39442090 |
Passengers said it was "chaotic", with huge crowds snaking around corridors and a lack of senior staff.
Airport operator BAA said UK Border Agency's service was "completely unacceptable" but queues were easing.
The agency blamed the Easter holiday for the length of the queues.
BAA said queues began easing after 13:00 BST with passengers in Terminal 5 having to wait the longest - 31 minutes for EU passengers and 51 minutes for Non-EU citizens.
The shortest waiting time was in Terminal 4, where it took four minutes for passengers from the EU to clear the checks and two minutes for non-EU nationals.
BAA said on Friday the longest wait passengers had was 77 minutes at Terminal 3, 75 minutes at Terminal 4, and 54 minutes at Terminals 5 and 1, with non-EU passengers facing the longest wait at the time.
Matthew Donaldson, 38, from Lincolnshire, who arrived on a flight from Cape Town in South Africa at about 06:30, said he had to wait for an hour and 45 minutes to leave passport control at Terminal 5.
He said: "It was complete chaos. Half the escalators were closed to slow down the crowds and when we got to passport control there were snaking queues.
"They gave no reason and there were no senior staff there.
"It was erratic to say the least."
George Galanopoulos, founder of London Executive Aviation which runs private jets, wrote on Twitter: "Just landed at Heathrow T5... total chaos! Embarrassing for London."
Simon Baugh, director of media relations at BAA, said the earlier situation at passport control, which is managed by the UK Border Force, the section of the UK Border Agency in charge of entry to the UK, was "fairly typical" but "completely unacceptable".
He said: "It's the UK's reputation and BAA's that suffers. There's no need for it.
"It's entirely about the level of resourcing the government needs to put in place."
A UK Border Agency spokeswoman said: "We will not compromise border security but we always aim to keep disruption to a minimum by using our staff flexibly to meet demand."
She said there were extra workers at the border over the Easter period.
Culture Select Committee chairman John Whittingdale outlined his committee's concerns about the airport's service in a letter to Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Jeremy Hunt which was made public this week.
The letter, dated 21 March, said waits in excess of an hour might deter tourists from returning to the UK.
The government sets BAA targets for processing departing passengers through security but no contractual service level agreements are in place for arriving passengers, said Mr Baugh.
He said the Home Office sets an "aspirational" waiting time of no longer than 45 minutes for non-EU passengers and 25 minutes for EU passengers.
Mr Baugh said: "That bears no relation to customer experience." | Passengers have faced waits of more than an hour at passport control at London's Heathrow Airport two days after it was revealed MPs warned it may struggle to cope during the Olympics. | 17701212 |
Konta, who won 21 of her previous 22 matches and beat world number two Simona Halep on Wednesday, served for a place in the last four in the decider.
However American Williams, 35, won four games on the trot to set up a semi-final against Roberta Vinci.
Konta's form will see the 24-year-old take over as British number one.
She started the year 150th in the world but is now 66th and will next week pass compatriot Heather Watson in the rankings.
Williams, the current world number 24, has won seven Grand Slams since turning professional in October 1994.
"I went on court to win and to do my best," said Konta. "I gave my all. It just wasn't enough.
"I lost to a pretty incredible champion. She played an incredible match. I just feel very fortunate that I got to share the court with her."
Konta made Williams work hard for the victory, becoming the first person to take a set off her at the Wuhan Open after losing the first.
She then led 5-3 in the final set and looked on course to record another upset at the tournament.
However Williams drew upon all of her experience to grind out the victory, coming out on top in a breathtaking final game that saw the crowd applaud midway through one particularly impressive rally.
"Johanna played so well. She has had a wonderful summer," said Williams.
"It seemed like I was finished but I felt the energy from the crowd." | Britain's Johanna Konta was beaten 6-4 3-6 7-5 by former world number one Venus Williams in the quarter-finals of the Wuhan Open. | 34414944 |
Please click on this page for the latest listings.
Fixtures and start times are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. | The BBC has extensive live athletics coverage across TV, desktop, mobile, tablet and app. | 15971129 |
Spanish Trade Secretary Jaime Garcia Legaz said the EU would intervene over Argentina's seizure of the controlling stake in YPF from Spanish firm Repsol.
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also offered support.
But Argentine officials said they were not worried by possible reprisals over the nationalisation.
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner announced the measure on Monday, saying she was asserting sovereignty over Argentina's energy resources.
Her government is taking 51% of YPF, wiping out Repsol's 57.4% majority stake.
The move has wide support in Argentina but has provoked outrage in Spain, which has threatened reprisals.
The Spanish government will consider what measures to take at a cabinet meeting on Friday, and has also been rallying international support.
"There are going to be very clear interventions on the part of the European Union," Trade Secretary Jaime Garcia Legaz said, without revealing further details.
It is not clear what any reprisals might involve.
EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss the issue at a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said Spain would also raise the issue with the IMF, the World Bank and the G-20.
"We will try to pressurise Argentina so that it sees that this road is going nowhere," he said after meeting Hillary Clinton.
He added that Spain and the US had agreed to work together to "re-establish international legality".
But the Argentine government says it will not back down in its decision to nationalise YPF, which it says is a lawful action taken in the national interest.
"The government takes its decisions thinking about the Argentine people and not what the US or the Spanish government think," Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo said.
"We are not worried about any kind of reprisals," he added.
Repsol has said it wants around $10bn for its stake in YPF, but Argentina has said it does not accept that valuation.
It says YPF did not invest enough to increase output from its oil fields, forcing Argentina to rely on imports.
YPF, Argentina's biggest oil company, was privatised in 1993.
Last year it announced huge new finds of shale oil and gas. | Spain says it is rallying international support against Argentina's nationalisation of the oil firm, YPF. | 17777517 |
Staff have been told the posts will go by March and will mainly affect management and head office roles in Manchester and Stockport.
Deputy chief executive Liam Coleman said the cost reductions were "critical" as it continues its three-year plan to rebuild the business.
The bank almost collapsed in 2013 and it expects to continue to be loss-making until the end of next year.
Mr Coleman said: "These cost reductions are critical to progressing our turnaround and delivering a cost base which supports a sustainable core bank."
He said it would continue to consult colleagues and trade unions on the proposals over the coming weeks.
"We have made progress in turning the bank around since 2013, but have always been clear that the bank's recovery is a difficult journey."
He said the business would not make a profit this year or next year while it continues its "turnaround plan in a challenging economic environment".
Rob MacGregor, national officer at trade union Unite, said: "The speed and breadth of these cuts will hit the Co-operative Bank's much cherished customer service and with it the bank's unique selling point.
"Compulsory redundancies are anathema to all trade unions, but the timing of this exercise just before Christmas is a real blow to our members."
He said the union would be supporting members and pressing the bank to reconsider the cuts where possible.
The bank was owned by the Co-operative Group until 2013, when a £1.5bn hole was discovered in its finances.
The group had to go to outside investors to support the Co-op Bank, which is now 80% owned by US hedge funds, with the remainder held by the Co-op Group. | Co-operative Bank is cutting 200 jobs as it looks to continue its recovery. | 38012247 |
It said Mr Russell would lead the Scottish government's negotiations with Westminster over "our future relationship with the EU".
Mr Russell has been given the title of Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland's Place in Europe.
He has previously held the environment, culture and education briefs.
But he has been out of the Scottish cabinet since Nicola Sturgeon replaced Alex Salmond as first minister in November 2014.
Ms Sturgeon said the appointment, which is subject to approval by Holyrood when it returns next month, was an indication of the importance she was placing on the negotiations.
She added: "We already have an agreement with the new prime minister that the Scottish government should be fully involved in the development of the UK government's position ahead of Article 50 being triggered and beyond, and that options to protect Scotland's relationship with Europe will form part of these discussions.
"By putting a dedicated and experienced minister at their centre, it will ensure that Scotland's voice is heard loudly and clearly. I am confident that Michael Russell will make strong and constructive representation to the UK government throughout this process."
The first minister said External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop and Europe Minister Alasdair Allan would continue to lead discussions with EU institutions and member states.
She added: "Derek Mackay will continue to have overall responsibility for the constitution, including overseeing preparations for a new independence referendum bill should that prove to be the best or only way to protect Scotland's interests."
Mr Russell was previously Minister for Environment from 2007 until 2009 and then served as Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution before moving to the role of Cabinet Secretary for Education which he held until November 2014.
He said he was "delighted and honoured" to accept the new role.
He added: "Following the overwhelming vote in Scotland to remain in the EU, it is essential that Scotland comes together to defend our national interest. Accordingly in these discussions, it is important that the nation speaks, as much as possible, with one voice.
"I will therefore want to listen and learn from the widest range of individuals, communities, organisations and companies about their hopes and fears for the future."
Mr Russell, who will report directly to the first minister, is expected to attend the second meeting of the EU Standing Council next week. | Michael Russell has been appointed as the Scottish government's new minister with responsibility for Brexit negotiations with the UK government. | 37187854 |
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Wednesday's match in Lyon will be Wales' first in the last four of a major tournament.
Coleman hopes Wales, appearing at a first competition since the 1958 World Cup, will become regular qualifiers.
"People think the end of this tournament is the end of this journey, but it's not," he said.
"It's part of the journey. The experience this group of boys will get from this, they'll be here long after I'm here. This success is part of the learning process.
"When I looked at the group we were in the tournament, I thought we were capable of getting out of the group.
"You never know who you'll get in the last 16, and then the quarter-final. I thought that was a possibility. I told the players that, that I genuinely believed we arrive at that stage.
"I didn't know what would happen after that, if I'm honest. But we've got a good team."
By guiding Wales to a brilliant 3-1 win over Belgium in last Friday's quarter-final, Coleman has already overseen his country's greatest footballing achievement.
They venture into the unknown on Wednesday with their first semi-final, whereas Portugal will be appearing in the last four of a major tournament for the seventh time.
Fernando Santos' side are the bookmakers' favourites in Lyon, though they have yet to win a game in 90 minutes in France.
They will inevitably look to captain and record goal-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration, and his duel with Real Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale has been the subject of much attention in the build-up to the game.
Another Real player, centre-back Pepe, could have an important role to play as Portugal aim to subdue the threat of Bale, who is second in the Euro 2016 scoring charts with three goals.
Pepe returned to training on Tuesday having struggled with a thigh injury and, with the defender's confrontational style in mind, Coleman was asked about potential gamesmanship from Portugal.
"Our boys will know about the opposition. We do our homework on every team. We know their players individually and collectively, we know what to expect," he said.
"You call it gamesmanship, but sometimes it's being streetwise at this level. We've got better at that.
"We used to be far too honest. I'd look at what players used to do to us, and us in the same situations, and we'd be miles behind.
"Sometimes it's not pretty, or even ugly, and you can see it as negative. But anything you need to do to stay in the game, do it. It's streetwise, football smart. We've got a lot better at that in the last few years." | Chris Coleman believes there is more to come from his Wales side regardless of the result of their historic Euro 2016 semi-final against Portugal. | 36717142 |
Mr Bondevik, who said he was travelling on his diplomatic passport, was held for about an hour.
He said his passport also indicates he is a former prime minister.
Immigration officials told him it was unrelated to President Trump's temporary ban on Iranian nationals.
Instead, he was told it related to a 2015 law which places extra restrictions on countries that are part of the US visa waiver programme, according to an interview with ABC7 news.
But Mr Bondevik said he has never had an issue travelling to the US with the same document before Mr Trump's order.
During his 2014 Iran trip, he spoke against extremism at an international conference on behalf of human rights organisation The Oslo Centre, of which he is president.
Iran is one of the seven countries affected by the controversial executive order from the new president.
"I was surprised, and I was provoked," he said, suggesting that the mention of Iran had made him "stick out".
"There is no reason to be afraid of a former head of government who has been on official visits several times to this country, including in the White House," he told Norwegian broadcaster TV2.
The former prime minister was flying to the US to attend the national prayer breakfast event in Washington - which President Donald Trump also attended. | The former prime minister of Norway, Kjell Magne Bondevik, said he was detained at a US airport earlier this week because he had visited Iran in 2014. | 38860907 |
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The former England midfielder, 34, will play for the Major League Soccer club after his contract at Anfield expires.
"We were aggressive in our pursuit of Steven and look forward to his contributions on and off the field," Galaxy president Chris Klein said.
"I'm very excited to begin the next chapter of my career in the United States," Gerrard added.
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"The Galaxy are the most successful club in MLS history and I'm looking forward to competing for more championships in the years to come.
"One of the reasons I chose them was because of the success they've had recently. I want to add some medals and trophies to my collection."
Gerrard, who has won 10 trophies at Liverpool, including the Champions League in 2005, becomes the second England captain to join LA Galaxy, after David Beckham played for them between 2007 and 2012.
"We're very pleased to acquire a player of Steven's calibre, experience and character," said head coach and general manager Bruce Arena.
"He is one of the most decorated players in the world and will join our team with a wealth of success playing at the highest level of the sport.
"Steven will be an excellent example to our young players and we're excited to add him and his leadership to an already-talented roster." | Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will join Los Angeles Galaxy in July, the American side have confirmed. | 30713430 |
Police Scotland said the recovery was made after an intelligence-led operation in the Guild Street area on Tuesday.
Jian Lin, 39, of no fixed abode, appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Wednesday on a drugs charge.
He made no plea and was remanded in custody. | A man has appeared in court after cannabis with an estimated street value of £90,000 was seized in Aberdeen. | 34786284 |
M&S ended 4.4% higher after like-for-like general merchandising sales rose 0.7% in the three months to March 30.
Bottling company Coca Cola HBC topped the risers, closing up 4.6%.
The benchmark FTSE 100 closed up almost 24 points, or 0.35%, at 6,833.46.
M&S saw overall sales rise by 1.9% over the quarter, with like-for-like food sales also up 0.7%. Online sales jumped nearly 14%, returning M&S.com to growth.
The biggest blue-chip faller was BHP Biliton, shedding 2.6%, while fellow miners Antofagasta and Anglo American also slipped 2.1% and 1.9% respectively.
Outside the main index, drug company BTG finished up 4.8% after raising its annual revenue forecast, while Telecom Plus was the top riser on the FTSE 250, adding 4.9%.
Electrocomponents shed almost 3.6%, leaving it as the biggest faller on the 250.
On the currency markets, the pound was down slightly against the dollar at $1.4844, while against the euro, it was down almost 1% at €1.3655. | (Close): Marks & Spencer was among the biggest risers on the FTSE 100 on the last day of trading before the Easter break after the retailer announced a rise in non-food sales for the first time in almost four years. | 32157871 |
The 36-year-old, who rejected a new contract with Partick Thistle, has signed a two-year deal.
He takes over coaching duties from Neil Alexander, who has joined Aberdeen.
Head coach Robbie Neilson said: "He'll primarily be a coach, but he'll be registered as a player too and I know he'll be ready if called upon."
Alexander, two years older than Gallacher, had been Hearts' first choice last season but was released this summer.
Jack Hamilton was given his chance at the end of the season, but Neilson is likely to look for another goalkeeper to challenge the 22-year-old.
Gallacher, who joined Thistle from Ross County in 2013 but only made one appearance for Hearts' Scottish Premiership rivals last season, will also challenge for a place.
"He's a vastly experienced goalkeeper and is a good goalkeeper coach too, having spent time in that role at Partick Thistle," said Neilson of the former Norwich City, Dunfermline Athletic and St Mirren man on Hearts' website.
"I'm sure Jack and the other goalkeepers at the club will benefit greatly from Paul's knowledge."
Meanwhile, defender Faycal Rherras has admitted that he has joined Hearts in the hope it is a stepping stone to English football.
The Belgian-born Moroccan 23-year-old signed a three-year contract this week after leaving Sint-Truiden.
"My dream is to play in England and I know that in Scotland the league is similar in physicality and the style of football that is played in England," he said.
"This move is a chance for me to do well and adapt to those characteristics." | Goalkeeper Paul Gallacher has joined Hearts as a player-coach, but the Tynecastle club are continuing their search for another shot-stopper. | 36555444 |
Leeds, playing under head coach Thomas Christiansen for the first time, went ahead through Phillips' smart finish.
Last season's top scorer Chris Wood then headed in for 2-0, only for Bolton forward Gary Madine to nod home.
But Phillips' tap-in quickly restored Leeds' two-goal lead, and they held on despite Adam Le Fondre's penalty.
The former Reading front man smashed his spot-kick down the middle, with Conor Shaughnessy having fouled Madine almost immediately after coming on.
But the headlines belonged to 21-year-old Phillips, who doubled his career tally for Leeds during the first half to put the visitors in control.
New Zealand forward Wood, who scored 30 goals last season as Leeds narrowly missed out on the play-offs, also opened his account with a clinical header in off the underside of the bar.
But there will be some concern over the fitness of defenders Gaetano Berardi and Matthew Pennington, who were both forced off injured prior to half-time.
Bolton, promoted from League One in May, were direct throughout but struggled to create anything clear-cut from open play - and also lost midfielder Josh Vela through injury at the end of the game. | Kalvin Phillips scored twice as Leeds United opened their 2017-18 Championship campaign with victory at Bolton Wanderers. | 40766937 |
The 31-year old joins from Gloucester City and reunites with boss Graham Westley for a third time.
Reid scored 66 goals in 112 appearances for the Exiles between 2008 and 2011, helping them win the 2010 Conference South title, before Westley paid £100,000 to take him to Stevenage.
Newport have also re-signed former club captain David Pipe.
Defenders Mark O'Brien and Sid Nelson have also arrived at Rodney Parade.
"I am delighted to confirm I have signed a contract back at Newport County, the club I enjoyed so much success with," Reid wrote on Facebook. | Newport County have re-signed striker Craig Reid, the fourth signing made by the Exiles in 24 hours. | 38533099 |
Police made the discovery when a van was stopped on the Hillsborough Road in Hillsborough on Friday.
The man, 34, is due to appear before Lisburn Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Police said the cocaine was "destined for distribution and sale" on the streets of Northern Ireland.
"We are delighted to have removed it from circulation," said Det Insp Alan Pyper.
"The Police Service of Northern Ireland is continually working to identify those involved in the supply of drugs and put an end to their deadly trade." | A man has been charged with possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply after cocaine worth an estimated £100,000 was seized by police in County Down. | 34495335 |
The picture of Men Drinking in a Pub appears to have another work on the reverse, partly covered by wall paint.
The piece was found during renovation of the artist's previous home in Whitworth Terrace, Spennymoor, by new owners Joe and Deborah Smith.
Auctioneer and art expert John Anderson said it was "a piece of salvage that may yield a masterpiece".
"Most artists, if suddenly touched by the muse will grab whatever is available to work out the inspiration," he said.
The artist, who died last year, started working in the mines when he was 14 and became famous for his paintings of everyday life in the industrial North East after attending the Pitman's Academy.
"In this case, presumably, he looked at it and thought 'there's a painting I'm not satisfied with'," said Mr Anderson.
"Rather than going to the shop when he was panelling the bathroom cupboard, this was a cheap and convenient expedient."
Mrs Smith, whose father was Cornish's cousin, said the panel was not signed but "it is definitely a Cornish because his son-in-law Michael has authenticated it and has written a letter of authentication".
The painting is to be auctioned by Anderson and Garland in September.
An early self-portrait of the artist with a hidden portrait of his wife on the other side was sold by the auctioneers for £13,500 in January. | A painting by "Pitman painter" Norman Cornish has been discovered being used as a bath panel in his former home. | 34201151 |
The group, who have sold 70 million records, said Mr Corbyn had inspired young people and offered a "believable" alternative to business as usual.
Mr Corbyn has been backed by several stars, such as actor Daniel Radcliffe.
But best-selling Harry Potter author JK Rowling has called him a lousy leader.
Mr Corbyn is being challenged for the leadership by Owen Smith. The result of the election will be announced on 24 September.
The Labour leader, who has said he wants the arts to be a priority for the next Labour government, has received a number of celebrity endorsements in recent weeks.
Birmingham-based UB40, named after the then government's unemployment benefit form, were one of the most successful British groups of the 1980s and 1990s, notching up 50 hit singles - among them the chart toppers Red Red Wine, Can't Help Falling in Love and I Got You Babe.
Although three members of the original line-up have left in recent years, sparking a legal dispute over the use of the band's name, the remaining members led by guitarist and vocalist Robin Campbell have endorsed Mr Corbyn.
"Jeremy has re-ignited an interest in politics for people who no longer felt included, and engaged and inspired a new generation of young voters who, for the first time, believe that they have an incorruptible politician who truly represents them," Mr Campbell said.
Drummer Jimmy Brown said Mr Corbyn was the only frontline politician "willing to speak up for working people who have been badly treated by successive governments, including New Labour, in recent decades".
Mr Corbyn, who is opposed by the majority of his MPs and lost a vote of no confidence after the EU referendum, welcomed the band's backing ahead of a planned joint appearance on Tuesday.
"UB40's story was and remains inspiring; people from across cultures and backgrounds coming together and combining their talents - in a time when prejudice was more prevalent - and creativity to produce music that has endured across decades," he said.
As part of his arts manifesto released last month, Mr Corbyn pledged that all primary schools in England would get extra cash to fund arts activities and a single national scheme for arts scholarships would be set up.
The Labour leader told the Guardian on Monday he would be happy to meet JK Rowling to discuss their differences after she said he was taking the party in the wrong decision.
Her suggestion that Mr Corbyn risked destroying Labour and that the poorest in society need an "electable" alternative to the Conservatives not "mouthy, impotent socialism" provoked an angry response from Corbyn backers on social media. | British reggae band UB40 have praised Jeremy Corbyn as an "incorruptible politician" who will put working people first as they backed his campaign to remain as Labour leader. | 37279761 |
Jake Morrison triumphed over Lord Storey in Wavertree as the Liberal Democrats - who held power only two years ago - took heavy losses.
Another high profile Lib Dem casualty was former education spokesman Paul Clein, who said his defeat was not "a reflection on local candidates".
Labour took 12 of the 14 Lib Dem seats being contested.
Mr Morrison, a healthcare assistant at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, said: "It's absolutely fantastic - I'm over the moon.
"Obviously I hope to follow in some of Mike's (Lord Storey's) footsteps. He's been a councillor for over 38 years and is respected by residents in Liverpool and I wish him well."
Local Lib Dem leader Flo Clucas said the party had suffered at the hands of a national "hate campaign" against Nick Clegg.
"We had an extremely good reception on the doorstep," said Mrs Clucas.
"There was no animosity against those candidates who were standing.
"But as soon as you mentioned the words Lib Dem the words that came back were: 'We all know what Nick Clegg has done. He has jumped into bed with the Tories'."
Mrs Clucas said the national Labour Party had run a negative campaign which she thought was "very bad for politics indeed".
Lib Dem councillor Richard Kemp, who represents Church ward, said his party would come back from the brink.
"I thought we would have done badly, but not this badly," he said. "We have lost some really good people but it's by no means the end of the Lib Dems in Liverpool."
Labour council leader Joe Anderson said: "Liverpool has suffered the worst cuts of any city or town in the country.
"They are hurting but not working. It's no wonder the Lib Dems suffered their biggest defeat in 50 years."
Former Lib Dem leader Warren Bradley had to stand down as the party's leader last month, after an email he had written predicting big losses in the city was leaked.
Labour swept to power in Warrington Council taking six seats from the Lib Dems. The council previously had no single party in control but Labour now has a majority with 34 out of 57 seats.
Labour became the largest party on Sefton council - after it gained five seats and the Lib Dems lost five - although the authority remains in no overall control.
Labour also became the largest single party on the hung Wirral Council with the five seats they took from the Lib Dems, leaving the party with 29 seats to the Tories' 27.
The Lib Dem leader Simon Holbrooke was one of the party's casualties.
Labour retained control of Halton Council, gaining seven seats, and kept hold of Knowsley, where the party took three seats from the Liberal Democrats, two from the Conservatives and two from other representatives.
Labour also strengthened its grip on St Helens where it gained seven seats. The party now holds 35 of the council's 48 seats. | A former leader of Liverpool City Council has lost his seat to an 18-year-old Labour candidate. | 13275291 |
Many larger firms offer to "match" additional pension saving by their employees, by adding a contribution when workers save more.
But insurer Royal London said that many workers were unaware of the option, and failed to take advantage.
This could make a difference of hundreds of pounds in retirement income, it said.
Despite having to make a number of assumptions in calculations, Royal London has estimated that an estimated £2bn of employer pension contributions would be available if workers took up the option of saving to a maximum rather than minimum level.
It estimated that 3.2 million workers could receive an extra £650 per year each.
That would mean somebody on average earnings who chose to take up an additional 3% matched contribution to their pension pot would receive a retirement income of £22,500 rather than £19,050, thanks to the extra contribution and tax relief.
The Nationwide Building Society has changed its default level to a maximum, rather than a minimum contribution. Steve Webb, a former pensions minister and now director of policy and Royal London, said more could be done to make workers at other businesses aware that their employer might add to their pension if they were willing to contribute at a higher level.
"At a time when money is tight for many people and pay rises may be limited, getting your employer to contribute more to your pension can be a very cost-effective strategy," he said.
"When individuals are thinking about where to put their money to get the best return, the chance to more than double your money through an employer contribution and tax relief from the government takes a lot of beating."
Graham Vidler, director of external affairs at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, said; "If your employer offers a workplace pension, you should certainly consider joining and putting in as much as possible as if you don't you will miss out on free money in the form of employer contributions as well as the tax relief.
"This research highlights how much UK employees could be missing out on each year. It is also vitally important that people start saving into a pension as soon as possible as the longer you save, the bigger your final pot is likely to be and the more you can benefit from your employers 'matching' contributions." | Workers are missing out on pension top-ups from their employers by only saving at a minimum level, research suggests. | 40303979 |
The slow left-armer, who had managed only six wickets in his previous 17 Tests, helped dismiss India after tea despite the home side winning the toss.
Murali Vijay top-scored with 75, while leg-spinner Imran Tahir claimed 2-23.
South Africa struggled to 28-2 in the 20 overs possible before the close, with opener Elgar unbeaten on 13.
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, opening the bowling, trapped Stiaan van Zyl lbw for five before Faf du Plessis - also playing no shot - was bowled by Ravindra Jadeja.
Nine of the 12 wickets in the day fell to spin, with Vijay - lbw attempting to sweep Simon Harmer - part of a collapse from 102-3.
"This is not a good Test pitch wicket though it's a result-oriented one," said Elgar. "We sort of expected it to play like that but we didn't expect it to crumble so early.
"It was right up there with the hardest ever Test cricket I've played. Let's hope that it backfires [on India] and turns out to be a great victory for us."
India's batting coach Sanjay Bangar responded: "It's a very challenging wicket where run-making is not easy.
"It says 201 runs on the scoreboard but it's worth far more. But I think runs can be made on this wicket as Vijay showed. It's going to be a test of patience both for batsmen and bowlers."
This Test is followed by matches in Bangalore, Nagpur and Delhi. | Part-time spinner Dean Elgar took 4-22 as South Africa bowled out India for 201 in Mohali, on the opening day of the four-Test series. | 34734105 |
James Stark, 37, Steven Sheldon, 35, and Martin Williams, 36, all from south Wales, died in Wiltshire in June 2014.
Stephen Jenkins, 39, of Abercwmboi, was driving a van that crashed into a lorry, near Chippenham.
He was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving at a previous hearing at Swindon Crown Court.
Speaking after sentencing, Sgt Barrie Card, from Wiltshire Police, said: "Falling asleep at the wheel doesn't happen straight away, you will get telltale signs and that's when you must act before it's too late.
"Every driver owes it to themselves, their passengers and other road users to make sure they are fit to get behind the wheel, and that includes not being too tired.
"The road safety message 'tiredness kills' is true and sadly so true in this tragic case."
Jenkins, of Park View Terrace, was also disqualified from driving for four years and three months and will have to take an extended retest to get his driving licence back. | A van driver who killed three passengers in a crash on the M4 after falling asleep at the wheel has been jailed for four-and-a-half years. | 36461082 |
Robson made 15 appearances for Oyonnax in the Top 14 last season after joining the French side in February 2015.
The 30-year-old had previously spent his entire career at Harlequins, where he made 146 Premiership appearances.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge of trying to win promotion back to the Premiership," he told the London Irish website.
For the latest rugby union news follow @bbcrugbyunion on Twitter. | Championship club London Irish have signed Oyonnax and former Harlequins lock George Robson on a one-year deal. | 36639875 |
The Space Vision app gets children to tap increasing faint black and white squares on a grey background to make aliens pop up and make a noise.
Their ability to keep track of the squares can be used to screen for vision problems and developers hope it will ease the burden on the NHS.
The co-founder of Vision Games, said it was an "exciting prospect".
Luke Anderson started the company with Dr Stephanie Campbell with support from the Centre of Excellence in Mobile and Emerging Technologies at the University of South Wales.
Early tests picked up vision problems, such as lazy eye, in children as young as two.
Mr Anderson said: "We're living in a time where there's increased pressure on the health service and if you can get patients monitoring their own vision at home that takes stress off hospital systems."
The app, once publically available, would initially flag up any vision problems it identified to the user and advise them if they needed to make an appointment with a GP or optician.
In the long-run, Mr Anderson said the data could be synced with family GPs so doctors could access the information to make an assessment.
Mr Anderson, a consultant eye surgeon at Cwm Taf University Health Board, said the idea came from the "extremely difficult" experience of trying to assess children's eyesight using charts.
They often struggled to get young children to sit still, so developing a game children would take an interest in helps them gather more data.
Areas of vision tested include colour, motion, black on white and differentiating between shades of grey.
The app is about to undergo larger clinical tests after a small initial run, but Mr Anderson said if everything went to plan, it could be downloadable within 18 months.
Mr Anderson said getting children to sit still "was still a problem," adding: "But, looking at my children, the time when they're quiet is when they're sitting there on a tablet or a phone.
"So we just naturally took the science and tried to implement it on that platform. The use of technology for efficiency within the NHS is an exciting prospect." | A game for tablets is being developed in Wales which parents can use to test their children's eyesight at home. | 40196386 |
Why? Because of compound interest.
When you save money, it earns interest.
The lump sum grows from interest being added every year or every month.
Interest added on top of that interest is known as "compound interest" - and means that the longer you save, the better off you are.
So people who leave it late - like Dave in the example above - have compounded their financial problems when it comes to cashing in their savings.
But it is worth remembering that pensions usually depend on the success of investments which, unlike savings, do not guarantee a set level of interest. | Saving a small amount of money regularly from when you start work will leave you better off than saving a bigger amount in later life. | 11876532 |
It blamed its own "hubris" for overloading the Model X with technology.
It revealed that it delivered 14,820 cars in the first quarter, falling short of the expected 16,000.
It comes after the firm revealed that its new Model 3 car already has 276,000 pre-orders.
The carmaker said that it had delivered 12,420 Model S sedans and 2,400 Model X SUVs in the first quarter of 2016.
In a statement, Tesla added that its Q1 delivery count was "impacted by severe Model X supplier parts shortages in January and February that lasted much longer than initially expected".
It said that once "issues were resolved", production and delivery rates "improved dramatically".
"By the last full week of March, the build rate rose to 750 Model X vehicles per week, however many of these vehicles were built too late to be delivered to their owners before end of the quarter."
It was frank about the reasons for the delay: "The root causes of the parts shortages were: Tesla's hubris in adding far too much technology to the Model X in version one, insufficient supplier capability validation and Tesla not having broad enough capability to manufacture the parts in-house."
Back in February, Elon Musk admitted that the car had been "over-engineered".
The shortage involved about six out of the 8,000 parts that go into the Model X but Tesla did not specify which ones.
It has raised doubts about how prepared Tesla will be to deliver its new Model 3 car which was announced to much fanfare last week.
The basic model will sell for $35,000 (£24,423) - less than half the cost of Tesla's previous models - and has a range of at least 215 miles per charge.
The car is due to go on sale in late 2017 and customers must put down a $1,000 (£704) deposit. It can be ordered in advance to dozens of countries, including the UK, Brazil, India, China and New Zealand.
Mr Musk has revealed that the company is focusing on ramping up productions and will eventually need to build a factory in Europe to satisfy demand.
Stephanie Brinley, a senior analyst with research firm IHS, said that it was crucial that it gets production of the new vehicle right.
"Given its history of missed deadlines, this one needs to be met, to earn the faith of consumers and investors alike," she said.
Last year Tesla posted a net loss of $889m (£620m) for 2015, partly because of the large sum it spent on research and development. | Tesla Motors has revealed that supplies of its Model X electric car have been impacted by a shortage of parts meaning delays for some who have ordered them. | 35967714 |
The Scots are preparing for friendly matches against Italy in Malta on Sunday and France in Metz on 4 June.
"We can definitely get to the World Cup," said the Cardiff keeper.
"We've got a good group of young lads coming through, so we don't see it [the Euro 2016 failure] as a last chance."
Gordon Strachan's men begin their World Cup qualifying campaign against Malta in September. Their qualifying group also contains England, Slovakia, Slovenia and Lithuania.
Marshall concedes it will be tougher to qualify for the World Cup than the Euros, but believes good showings in the upcoming friendlies can set them up for a successful campaign.
"It's only the top two in the group that proceed so it's going to be harder," said the 31-year-old, who should add to his 22 caps against Italy and France.
"We're going to come up against England in the qualifiers, so the higher level you play against benefits everybody.
"For the young lads coming in and getting that experience, it's going to be big games, big atmospheres, especially the France game over there.
"The better the team you play against, the harder the game, but it definitely benefits us in the long run.
"Obviously the disappointment was there from the Euros, but I think we can take a lot of belief and confidence from a lot of the games."
With Marshall's chief rivals for the Scotland goalkeeping jersey - Allan McGregor and Craig Gordon - absent from the squad, the former Celtic stopper feels it is a good opportunity for him to cement his place for the national side.
"I'm just looking to keep playing," he said. "I've got an opportunity now to probably play most of the two games because Craig and Allan have pulled out.
"Hopefully I can get the two games, do well again and keep my place." | David Marshall says Scotland's failure to make Euro 2016 was not their "last chance" to qualify for a major finals, insisting they can make it to the 2018 World Cup in Russia. | 36384715 |
Fintan Kelly and Karl O'Connell goals helped the Farney County to a 2-10 to 0-5 half-time lead, with Ben Brosnan finding the net soon after the break.
Kieran Duffy grabbed Monaghan's third goal as his side bossed the game to book a place in Monday's Round 3B draw.
Wexford had three players sent-off in the second half, as well as Kelly.
Kelly and Ciaran Lyng were dismissed for two yellow card offences, while Adrian Flynn was flashed a black card four minutes later, with Wexford having used their six substitutes.
Substitute John Leacy was shown a straight red card moments later.
Monaghan will be joined in Monday morning's qualifier draw by Tipperary, conquerors of Cavan, Carlow, who saw off Leitrim, and Armagh, who saw off Westmeath.
The match pitted Wexford manager Seamus McEnaney against his native county, whom he guided to two Ulster finals in 2007 and 2010 during a six-year tenure from 2005 to 2010.
In his first season in charge of Wexford, McEnaney saw his side lose to Carlow in the first round of the Leinster SFC, before edging out Limerick by a point in the first round of the qualifiers.
Monaghan, who saw off Cavan in Ulster, before losing to Down, made four changes to their starting line-up prior to throw-in, with Dessie Mone, Gavin Doogan, Shane Carey and Dermot Malone replacing Vinny Corey, Darren Hughes, Kieran Duffy and Conor McCarthy.
From the outset, the Ulster county appeared determined to ensure that there would be no repeat of their surprise three-point demise to Longford at the same stage of the All-Ireland series last year.
Jack McCarron played a part in fashioning both first-half goals, Kelly firing a left-foot strike into the bottom corner in the seventh minute and midfielder O'Connell finding the back of the net in the 26th.
A black card for Conor McManus did little to dent Monaghan's superiority as they built up an 11-point advantage at the interval.
Brosnan's goal proved a mere consolation as the visitors continued to pile up the points, Duffy's well executed goal a deserved reward for their supremacy throughout.
Fifteen players in total got their names on the scoresheet for the victors, Kieran Duffy top-scoring with 1-2 and McCarthy contributing four points.
McCarron and Kieran Hughes weighed in with three scores apiece. | Monaghan bounced back from their shock Ulster SFC semi-final defeat by Down with a convincing win over Wexford in Round 2B of the All-Ireland qualifiers. | 40544639 |
Oxfordshire County Council spent £25m in 2014-15 on direct payments to support about 1,770 social care users.
But an internal review has found "insufficient controls in place" to ensure money was not being misused.
Payments were spent on utility bills, household repairs, food and parents paying themselves high salaries.
Updates on this story and more from Oxfordshire
The report added: "The deputy director has confirmed these example items may not be relevant to meet assessed eligible need."
The authority's website said direct payments were intended to pay for "a variety of care and support services".
It said: "Unless there are exceptional circumstances, you can't use the money to employ a close relative or person living in your home.
"You must not use your direct payment to pay for [...] items such as food, drinks, utilities, gifts or for other everyday items."
A report to the authority's Audit and Governance Committee said some expenditure had not been approved "but was not stopped nor recovered".
It added the current system "does not adequately clarify what is or isn't acceptable" and "does not require evidence to support payments".
"Finance queries had gone unanswered and also questionable expenditure not challenged," it said.
Labour councillor and committee member John Tanner said he would be pressing for more investigation into direct payments, because they were "wide open to abuse".
A council spokesman said investigations were continuing into the possible misuse of "a very small proportion" of the £25m budget.
He said steps would be taken to recover any misspent money and a new direct payment policy was being developed to make it clear how it should be used.
Last year, David Cameron wrote to council leader Ian Hudspeth and said he was "disappointed" at proposed cuts to Oxfordshire frontline services.
In response Mr Hudspeth said the council was trying to cope with £72m in funding cuts and increased demand for its services. | Money given to people to pay for their care was spent on items such as mobile phone bills and Apple computer equipment, a council audit has found. | 35280955 |
Scottish Children's Services Coalition made the call after "disappointing" waiting times for appointments were revealed in the region.
Figures show in the Lothians 15% of children had to wait more than a year.
Less than half of the 665 children referred were seen within the target of 18-weeks.
Two years ago the Scottish government set a target for Mental Health services that 90% young people should be seen within 18 weeks.
The figures for treatment from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) relate to the period between October and December 2016.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Children's Services Coalition, a network of support groups, said: "The figures from NHS Lothian indicating that more than half of those who started their treatment between October and December had been waiting more than the Scottish government target of 18 weeks is clearly disappointing.
"In addition, of the 101 children and young people in Scotland who had been waiting for more than a year before they started treatment, these almost all relate to NHS Lothian.
"We know that half of all diagnosable mental health problems start before the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 21.
"As such it is vitally important that an action plan is put in place for NHS Lothian, radically improving mental health services and increasing investment in these, with an overall aim of ensuring that children and young people get the help they need, when they need it.
"A target of 18-weeks is in itself still far too long.
"Families usually experience months of waiting even before a referral to CAMHS.
"The consequent delay in diagnosis and appropriate support can lead to a crisis situation for the child or young person concerned, as well as for their family, and the need for costly extra resources to address this.
"We hope that NHS Lothian takes account of these figures and takes urgent action to address this matter."
Alex McMahon, NHS Lothian's executive director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, said: "More young people than ever before are accessing mental health services and we have seen a steady rise in the number of children and young people being referred to our services.
"Unfortunately patients are having to wait longer than we would like and we are working hard to reduce this number.
"We have invested significantly in CAMHS over the years to support the delivery of expert services for children. We are confident they will be strengthened through integration of education, social and health services.
"Our CAMHS team is working on an agreed action plan to reduce the length of time children and young people are waiting and we have approximately 200 less children and young people waiting more than 18 weeks as a result and are confident we will see further significant reductions in waiting times over the coming months." | Support groups are calling for an action plan to "radically" improve mental health services for children and young people in the NHS Lothian area. | 39193515 |
Police and the British Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were called to Motorhog in Empire Way at 12:15 BST on Friday.
Part of Bristol Road was closed and nearby properties were evacuated while a controlled explosion was carried out.
Police have confirmed there were no explosives in the package and are now investigating. | A suspicious package discovered at a vehicle dismantler's yard in Gloucester was "not a bomb", police have said. | 33034437 |
George "Johnny" Johnson was 22 when he took part in the 1943 air raid using experimental bouncing bombs in Germany.
Despite being nominated for the New Year's Honours list this year, the 95-year-old was omitted.
Oliver Koehler, from the Dambusters Museum in Germany, said "of course" he should be honoured. Carol Vorderman has also petitioned for him to be knighted.
A 237,000-signature petition calling for Mr Johnson to be knighted was taken to No 10 by Carol Vorderman and Gulf War veteran John Nichol in January.
It followed a petition by campaigner Paul Walmsley, who also wanted the recognition for the former airman.
Bomb-aimer Mr Johnson, from Bristol, joined the newly-formed 617 Squadron in March 1943.
Two months later, he was one of the 133-strong squadron who dodged anti-aircraft fire, power cables and mountainous terrain to drop the four-tonne skipping bomb on dams in the Ruhr Valley.
Codenamed Operation Chastise, eight of the 19 planes were lost, 53 men died and three were captured.
Despite Mr Johnson describing it as a "thrilling experience", he said he was "disgusted" Bomber Command had never been given its own campaign medal.
"I feel there's been no attempt to recognise the sacrifice these people made," he said.
But historian and author of Bomber Command, Max Hastings, said there was "an embarrassment" and "an uncertainty" about how the country "should look back on the bombing".
"I do think the reluctance to issue a campaign medal does reflect how controversial it is and the possible upset it could cause in Germany," he said.
But Mr Koehler said Mr Johnson was "courageous" and had been "ready at any time" to "risk his life" and should be honoured.
The Cabinet Office said it could not comment on individual applications. | A museum in Germany is calling for the last surviving British member of the Dambusters to be honoured. | 39179894 |
Martyn Ashton, 41, from Margam, Neath Port Talbot, had set out to raise about £7,000 for rehabilitation equipment.
Friends suggested he set up a crowd funding page rather than sell his Colnago C59 bike worth £7,000.
He described people's generosity as humbling and touching.
Mr Ashton was a professional stunt cyclist, with his videos Road Bike Party and Road Bike Party 2 gaining more than 28 million views between them on YouTube.
But he lost the use of his legs in an accident during a live show in 2013.
He said equipment for people with disabilities could prove expensive so the money would be put to good use.
"I never, ever thought it would reach £50,000," he said. "I can now think long term. It's a remarkable thing." | A paralysed stunt cyclist has said he can start planning his own long-term care and rehabilitation after receiving £50,000 in donations since starting an appeal four days ago. | 35172749 |
The black-headed gull was unable to fly off after getting trapped about 20ft (6m) from the bank of the lake in Leicestershire.
Firefighters chipped him free from the icy water at Grove Park, Enderby, after being called by the RSPCA at about 16:50 GMT on Tuesday.
He was taken to a vet to warm up.
The gull was then taken to a nearby wildlife centre for further care before he will be released into the wild.
Firefighters used a rescue sled, which is like an inflatable raft, to reach the gull.
The RSPCA said in a statement: "He was about 20ft out on the lake and was stuck fast.
"Thankfully the the fire service came out to assist our officers and using an inflatable raft managed to reach the gull and chip him free from the ice." | A bird that became stuck in a lake when the water froze around its feet is recovering after being rescued by firefighters. | 30641088 |
Powys council said the latest phase of work in Talgarth to help protect 19 properties was due to start in March.
However, they say a single objection has delayed the process which has resulted in funding being lost.
Councillor John Brunt said: "We are extremely disappointed and are actively seeking a resolution to the objection." | Work on flood protection in Powys has been stopped due to an objector to the scheme. | 31995346 |
Ms Conway is seen clutching her phone as US President Donald Trump poses with leaders of historically black colleges and universities.
Twitter users accused her of "disrespect".
Ms Conway was taking her own photos at the time.
"That's no way to act in the People's Oval Office," tweeted one user of the social media site.
"Think of all the great people who sat on that couch and put your feet down," wrote another.
The images led some to question Ms Conway's body language, suggesting that she was not taking the meeting on Monday seriously.
Others downplayed the excitement, indicating that it was all a bit of a storm in a teacup.
The images of Ms Conway also drew comparisons to a photograph taken in 2013 showing then President Barack Obama with a foot up on the Oval Office desk.
"What a story. Hope Obama never put his feet up on the furniture," writes Kevin.
Mr Trump was meeting leaders of historically black colleges and universities to discuss his administration's support for the schools, including contracts and grants.
Ms Conway is no stranger to controversy. Earlier this month she was criticised after citing a "massacre" which never happened while defending Mr Trump's controversial immigration ban.
Her recent promotion of products linked to Mr Trump's daughter, Ivanka, led to calls for an investigation into whether she had violated ethics rules. | Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway has sparked a social media storm after pictures emerged of her kneeling on the sofa in the Oval Office with her shoes on. | 39114161 |
Witnesses compared the blast, which sent a plume of smoke hundreds of metres into the sky, to an earthquake.
The explosion occurred in the Faj Attan area of the capital, near the presidential compound.
A Saudi-led coalition bombing campaign has been targeting Yemen's Shia Houthi rebels since late March.
Local resident Adel Mansour told Reuters news agency it was largest explosion in more than three weeks of bombing by the coalition.
"My children are terrified and one of my relatives fainted because of the force of the blast."
Meanwhile, a BBC correspondent in the contested port city of Aden says its hospitals lack the supplies to treat patients.
Orla Guerin says medical teams in the city are complaining that patients are dying for lack of equipment. They have appealed for more antibiotics and bandages.
The Houthi rebels and their allies have been trying to capture Aden for weeks but have been held back by the air strikes and by forces of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who has fled Yemen for Saudi Arabia.
In a televised address on Monday, rebel leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said Yemenis would never give in to the Saudis' "savage aggression".
The blast in Sanaa followed an air strike that hit an Oxfam humanitarian store in Saada, a Houthi stronghold in the north of the country.
The charity condemned the strike, saying it had provided the co-ordinates of its warehouses to the Saudis.
The UN says 150,000 people have been displaced by the latest fighting, and some 12 million are short of food. | At least 25 people were killed and 300 injured in Yemen's capital Sanaa after an air strike on a missile base caused a huge blast that flattened buildings. | 32385946 |
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Britain led New Zealand 21-0 at half-time and clung on as the All Blacks responded with three second-half tries.
They go on to face Argentina in the quarter-finals at 22:00 BST.
New Zealand were in danger of going out but qualified after Fiji's 24-19 win over the USA, and the All Black Sevens will play Fiji in the last eight.
The other quarter-finals will see Japan take on France and South Africa play Australia.
Britain's men are aiming to secure a medal in Rio, having seen the women's team play so well to reach the semi-finals, then miss out on bronze after a 33-10 defeat by Canada in the third-place match.
New Zealand, meanwhile, have had a difficult tournament, with 15-a-side World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams being ruled out of the Olympics after partially rupturing an Achilles tendon during the All Blacks Sevens' shock 14-12 defeat by Japan.
The All Blacks Sevens only made it through to the last eight as one of the two best third-placed finishers in the group stage.
Subscribe to the BBC Sport newsletter to get our pick of news, features and video sent to your inbox. | Britain's men finished top of Pool C in the Olympic rugby sevens by beating New Zealand 21-19 to make it three wins from three matches. | 37035387 |
They reveal that a few minutes before the plane went down, the pilots asked to move a few nautical miles north of their flight path because of weather conditions.
The Dutch Safety Board says its preliminary report was based on the contents of the flight and cockpit data recorders, other communication with the plane, as well as forensic examination of the wreckage where possible.
These are its key findings. | Dutch investigators say the damage to Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which crashed in eastern Ukraine on 17 July, suggests it was pierced by a large number of objects from outside the plane. | 29122816 |
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the case as "shocking" after Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead raised the issue earlier this month.
He said rural constituents were being "fleeced" with such charges.
Halfords said the fee was exceptional for an online exclusive product but that a £2.99 fee would now be charged.
Halfords said in a statement: "When ordering from Halfords.com, normal carriage costs to the Highlands and Islands region apply in over 95% of cases.
"The exception to this was if a customer purchased an online-only exclusive product on Halfords Marketplace which is an online platform that Halfords hosts for smaller independent retailers who deliver direct.
"We agree that the previous charge did not make sense if a Marketplace customer was ordering one item at a small cost and having completed a review, we have reduced the carriage costs to a standard £2.99.
"All suppliers have been notified. Halfords will subsidise the difference whenever the carriage cost is more. We would like to apologise for the frustration this charge has caused for our Marketplace customers."
Moray SNP MP Angus Robertson had initially written directly to Halfords chief executive Jill McDonald.
He said: "Halfords' decision to quickly review and change their delivery charges policy so that a flat rate now applies regardless of where the customer lives is a very welcome change of heart.
"This action by Halfords demonstrates how important it is to challenge companies large and small on their delivery policies to areas like Moray and the Highlands."
Welcoming the news, Mr Lochhead said: "Excessive delivery charges are a massive frustration for people in Moray and across Scotland.
"Halfords decision to now apply the same charge across the board is to be welcomed and I want to see other companies following this example.
"There are many delivery options available to companies, including Royal Mail and there is simply no excuse for companies to discriminate against consumers in Scotland.
"Until companies stop treating customers in rural Scotland with contempt when it comes to delivery charges then we will continue to take a hard line on naming and shaming them."
A study by the Citizens Advice Bureau in 2015 found consumers in the Highlands and islands were paying substantially more for delivery charges. | Halfords has revised delivery charges for the north of Scotland after a £50 delivery charge to send towels costing £5.99 to Speyside was criticised. | 38392895 |
A group of employees from the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (Nipsa) union are in dispute with their employer over pay and job grading.
The grievance involves 12 higher executive officers (HEOs) at Nispa offices in Belfast and Londonderry.
In a statement, Nipsa said it was "committed to resolving this dispute".
Nipsa employees are not permitted to become members of the union they work for, but the staff involved are members of another trade union, Unite.
Unite representative Kevin Kelly said it was a long-standing dispute and he accused Nipsa's governing general council of a "failure to practice a standard of industrial relations that they would expect of their officials".
"My members are disgusted that their employer, who routinely challenges poor industrial relations practice across Northern Ireland, is acting in a manner which no employer would dare," Mr Kelly said.
"This dispute is resolvable if the will of the employer existed.
"It is therefore with reluctance and sadness that our members have been forced to take the ultimate action left open to them, that is the withdrawal of their labour".
The affected Nipsa employees are to hold a one-day strike on Friday 30 October and will then begin a work-to-rule protest from Monday 2 November.
Nipsa general secretary Brian Campfield said: "Nipsa is aware of the concerns of this group of its staff and has been involved in negotiations with their trade union, Unite, about how the issues in contention can be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.
"Nipsa has advised Unite that it is committed to resolving this dispute and is presently engaged in further work which will hopefully settle any outstanding matters." | Trade union staff are to take strike action against their own organisation, claiming it has been "acting in a manner which no employer would dare". | 34664823 |
The tides are set to reach their peak between Sunday and Monday evening, with a threat to homes and roads near the Wye estuary in Tintern, Monmouthshire.
Natural Resources Wales also warned people living in Crofty, Gower, to install their flood protection gates.
There are 10 alerts, with three in south east Wales, four in south west, one in Ceredigion and two in the north.
Warnings in south east Wales cover the Wye estuary and also the rivers Severn and Usk, with Tintern, Monmouthshire, highlighted as a potential trouble spot.
The road at the village could be closed, while there was a alert about a risk to some properties.
A warning was also issued for Crofty in the Gower.
Locals there have been told to install their flood protection gates - supplied to keep sea water at bay.
NRW's Rick Park said astronomical tides will be "very high" over the coming days.
However, he said: "With relatively settled weather the risk of flooding to the majority of Wales is very low." | Flood alerts have been issued to people in and near coastal areas, with high spring tides set to hit. | 37671706 |
Revenue for the three months to the end of September was 22.2bn yuan ($3.5bn; £2.3bn), up 32% from a year earlier.
Revenue from mobile devices grew particularly strongly.
The value of transactions conducted through the website totalled 713bn yuan, with the number of active buyers growing to 386 million.
"This was a great quarter for Alibaba Group, with strong growth across the board and particular outperformance in mobile," said chief executive Daniel Zhang.
"We are winning in mobile and remain focused on our top strategic priorities, including internationalisation, expanding our ecosystem from cities to villages and building a world-class cloud computing business."
Alibaba said it had increased the number of villages in China it offers sales and delivery services to by more than 4,000 during the quarter.
Growth outside of China has been more muted.
"The performance of Alibaba's international division is reasonable but far from spectacular," said Neil Suanders at retail analyst Conlumino.
"At retail level, sales were up by a fairly modest 14.8%. In our view, this underlines the fact that, despite its scale and its technical expertise, Alibaba continues to struggle in carving out a niche in crowded and competitive Western markets." | Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has reported a sharp rise in sales as more customers spent money through the online retailer. | 34647689 |
The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 2.47 points to 17789.67, while the wider S&P 500 index gained 2.37 to 2099.33.
The tech-focused Nasdaq edged up 4.2 points to 4952.25.
A larger than expected slowdown in car sales however sent shares of US carmakers tumbling.
Ford shares lost 2.8% after reporting a 5.9% fall in May sales.
Similarly General Motors fell 3.4% after the US carmaker reported sales for May were down 18% compared to the previous year.
Data showed global manufacturing slipped for another month, but US investors are waiting for employment data out Friday to get a better sense of whether the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in June.
"There's an abundance of economic data this week that investors are confused on how to digest," said Jonathan Corpina, senior managing partner for Meridian Equity Partners.
Ecommerce firm Alibaba tumbled 6.5% after its largest investor announced a plan to sell its shares. Japan's SoftBank said it would sell $7.9bn worth of Alibaba shares to pay off some of its own debt.
Sportswear company Under Armour saw its shares fall 4%. The company warned investors on Wednesday that its results would be hurt by the bankruptcy of the sporting goods chain Sports Authority.
Shares in Michael Kors rose 6.6% to $44.85 after the handbag and accessories retailer reported a big rise in fourth-quarter revenues.
Revenue in the three months to 2 April rose 10.9% to $1.2bn, although this was helped by the opening of 142 new stores over the past year.
Same-store sales - seen as a better measure of underlying strength - rose by 0.3%, which Neil Saunders, of retail analysts Conlumino, described as "anaemic". | (Closed): Wall Street markets rose on Wednesday despite poor data from the manufacturing, housing and car industries. | 36428698 |
Popular attraction Waterhead, on the northern shore of Windermere, is home to a ferry pier, hotels and cafes.
South Lakeland Council has agreed proposals to spruce up the area including new seating and an information board to identify key local landscapes.
Plans also include widening part of the promenade and new bicycle stands.
Lake District National Park planners will have the final say on the development, which if approved, work could start on later this year. | Plans to give a Lake District promenade a £250,000 makeover have moved a step closer. | 32927541 |
Brown and Barclay have won 107 caps between them but have been omitted from Vern Cotter's 32-man pool.
"We seem to be promoting players who've come in from New Zealand at the expense of John Barclay and Kelly Brown.
"Your chances of playing for Scotland are greatly heightened by playing for Edinburgh and Glasgow," said Nicol.
Edinburgh flanker Hugh Blake has been called into the squad for the first time, in preference to both Brown and Barclay.
Blake qualifies to play for the national team through his Scottish grandparents.
Brown, 32, led Scotland into last year's Six Nations as captain, only to be dropped from the squad for the home defeat to England then recalled as captain for the loss to France at Murrayfield.
He was overlooked for selection for the three Autumn tests against Argentina, New Zealand and Tonga.
Barclay has excelled in the back-row for Welsh side Scarlets this season and, at 28, is likely to have several seasons left at the top level.
Former Bath and Glasgow scrum-half Nicol says favouring players who play their rugby in Scotland isn't necessarily wrong, but that ultimately the decision should come down to ability.
"There's not been a stated policy about not picking players playing in Scotland," Nicol continued.
"There are a number of players (in the squad) who play outwith Scotland, but I think it's very clear that your chances of playing for Scotland are greatly heightened by playing for Edinburgh and Glasgow.
"That might be the right thing to do, don't get me wrong.
"I just think that, if you're picking your best players for this Six Nations, and forget the World Cup, because if they're good enough for the Six Nations then you're good enough for the World Cup, you pick your best players and I would've thought Kelly Brown and John Barclay in particular are two that would come in there."
Despite reservations about the omission of some experienced players, Nicol is positive about Scotland's chances in the Six Nations.
"I'm quite excited about what could happen," he said. "It was a good Autumn series.
"A very good performance against Argentina, good again against the best team in the world, New Zealand, and then finished it off well against Tonga.
"So there's a lot of confidence in the squad.
"Edinburgh have improved markedly since the Autumn tests and that's reflected in more players coming in from Edinburgh.
"That's a good sign. These players will be a bit more confident coming into the Six Nations." | Kelly Brown and John Barclay are among Scotland's best players and should be in the squad for the Six Nations, according to former captain Andy Nicol. | 30905427 |
Zimbabwe-born Armand, 28, joined the Chiefs from Super Rugby side Stormers in 2013 and has since played 55 Premiership games, scoring six tries, and represented England Saxons.
Hill, 22, has made 12 league appearances for the Chiefs since moving from Gloucester in 2015.
The pair are among 11 Chiefs players to re-sign beyond this season.
In addition, Chiefs have signed Gloucester flanker Matt Kvesic, Bridgend winger Tom O'Flaherty and Rotherham forward Toby Salmon, and others could follow.
"We are really pleased," head coach Rob Baxter said. "We are very close to completing the signing of a high-quality player, and we will probably be able to announce that in the next couple of weeks.
"We are still actively in the market for potentially one more high-quality player." | Back-rower Don Armand and lock Jonny Hill have signed new contracts with Exeter Chiefs that will expire in 2019. | 39248679 |
Local media said the T-Team captain, who was 30, collapsed three minutes into the match in Kota Bharu and was taken to hospital.
The match was abandoned after 60 minutes when a message was received from the hospital that Oniya had died.
Oniya had only just joined the Malaysian club this season. | Nigerian defender David Faramola Oniya died on Saturday after collapsing on the pitch during a friendly between his Malaysian club T-Team and Kelantan. | 33123605 |
Investor sentiment was also up after a positive US jobs report on Friday.
Sydney-listed shares in mining giant Fortescue Metals rose by a staggering 23.7%, while BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto were up 5% and 3.5% respectively.
By the end of trading, Sydney's benchmark ASX/200 had climbed to 5,142.80 points. In China, Hong Kong's Hang Seng was flat at 20,159.72.
Hong Kong-listed shares of Chinese telecoms firm ZTE Corporation were halted from trade on Monday morning.
On Sunday, Reuters news agency said the US Commerce Department was "set to place export restrictions on [the] Chinese telecoms equipment maker... for alleged violations of US export controls on Iran".
The firm did not respond to written requests from the BBC for more information about the possible restrictions.
Meanwhile, the mainland Shanghai Composite finished the day 0.8% higher at 2,897.34 points.
Over the weekend, China's chief economic planner said the country would "absolutely not experience a hard landing" despite growth forecast cuts.
Elsewhere, Japan's Nikkei 225 was bucking the regional trend, closing the day 0.6% down at 16,911.32.
In South Korea, the Kospi index finished flat at 1,957.87 points. | Shares in Australia led markets on Monday, closing 1% higher, boosted by commodity and energy-related stocks. | 35741969 |
The Piece Hall in Halifax opened in 1779 as a trading centre for locally-woven cloth.
Calderdale Council leader Tim Swift said the "fascinating finds" hinted at life in the Piece Hall over the past 230 years.
It is undergoing a £19m refurbishment scheme and is due to re-open in Spring.
Three photographs were found behind skirting boards of one of the former shops.
One shows a young boy holding what may be a catapult, standing next to a young girl in a hat. Two other Victorian studio portraits are of smartly-dressed gentlemen.
Calderdale Council said one was a tintype photograph, widely used in the 1860s and 70s.
An un-lidded wooden box was found labelled with Emsley & Collins Ltd, possibly a local company, and a pile of oyster shells was found in the cellar.
Mr Swift said: "The fascinating items provide a tantalising view of a forgotten world. It would be great to know the stories behind them but unfortunately we know very little.
"The artefacts have little historic value but they provide a hint at what daily life may have been like in the Piece Hall during the past 230 years."
In the 1970s, the 18th century hall became a tourist attraction with an art galley, museum and shops.
It closed in January 2014 for a two-year renovation and to add an extension and new visitors centre.
The £19m project is funded by Calderdale Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation and the Wolfson Foundation. | Old photos, oyster shells and a World War Two booklet have been found by workmen renovating a Grade I listed building in West Yorkshire. | 33946045 |
Officers say the 18-year-old suffered an adverse reaction and later died, after taking MDMA at The Warehouse in Byker, early on Sunday.
A 19-year-old man was arrested shortly afterwards and another two men aged 19 and 21 were arrested on Monday.
Both 19-year-olds have been released on bail, while the 21-year-old remains in custody.
All three were arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug.
Police have urged anyone who was at the venue on Saturday night and took drugs to see a doctor.
MDMA forms the active ingredient in ecstasy pills. | Police have made further arrests over the death of a woman who took drugs at a Newcastle nightclub. | 37896574 |
It is thought to be the first such case since the plane went missing between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing in March 2014.
The children's mother said she had accepted compensation from Malaysia Airlines and the government so the boys could move on with their lives. The amount has not been disclosed.
The search for the plane, which was carrying 239 people, continues.
The family of Jee Jing Hang, who was on the plane, brought a lawsuit against Malaysia Airlines on behalf of his two young sons last October for breach of contract, as it had failed to deliver passengers to Beijing.
The family also brought claims against the Malaysian government, the Department of Civil Aviation, the immigration department and the air force for negligence.
"The court was informed that all the parties in the suit had come to an amicable settlement," Gary Edward Chong, a lawyer for the family, told the AFP news agency on Tuesday.
The families of other victims have been following the case closely and experts believe this settlement will trigger other similar legal actions.
No wreckage from the flight has ever been found and an Australian-led team is still scouring the southern Indian Ocean seabed in hope of finding the aircraft.
Four months after MH370 vanished, another Malaysia Airlines plane - flight MH17 - was shot down by a suspected ground-to-air missile while in Ukrainian airspace, with the loss of 298 passengers and crew.
The airline was declared "technically bankrupt" by its chief executive on Monday as he announced plans to cut about 6,000 jobs. | Two Malaysian children who lost their father on flight MH370 have settled their negligence case out of court. | 32971909 |
Scott, 23, joined the Royals' academy aged eight and helped Kelly Chambers' side maintain their top-flight status last term, following promotion in 2015.
"I am absolutely delighted to have signed a new deal with my childhood club," Scott told the club website.
Manager Chambers added: "Her work ethic and tenacity adds a great dimension to our defence." | Reading Women defender Harriet Scott has signed a new deal with the Women's Super League One club until 2018. | 38921831 |
Rail electrification is already going ahead in south Wales but no decision has yet been made on the north.
The Wales Office and Welsh government are working with businesses to make the case for the investment needed for the project to get the go-ahead.
But Mr Osborne said a decision would be affected by the HS2 project and a rail hub possibly being created in Crewe.
Electrification means faster and more reliable services which help businesses and their workers who commute.
Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb also said electrification could be a game-changer and could happen in the longer-term.
Speaking on a visit to Denbighshire, Mr Osborne said: "Lets make the decision first on HS2 because that new rail hub at Crewe will be crucial for north Wales and it's crucial for the investments we're making in the north Wales economy." | There is a "really strong case" for the electrification of the north Wales rail lines, Chancellor George Osborne said. | 33570323 |
Diver Daley, 18, who won a bronze medal and swimmer Meilutyte, 15, who won a gold for Lithuania, were among a number of local athletes taking part.
Both are pupils at Plymouth College, where the parade departed from before heading to the city's Guildhall.
Crowds six deep greeted them, waving flags as the Olympians appeared.
Daley said: "It's been crazy. The amount of people along the streets is amazing.
"A massive thank you from all of us for showing your support."
He also thanked Plymouth College.
"They have been incredible adapting the timetable so we can train at the same time.
"It's a lot of thanks to Plymouth College that I got to the Olympics.
"It's been pretty crazy since the Games, but it's getting back to normal now with school and training and my two annoying brothers."
Lithuanian swimmer Meilutyte said: "I have been here for almost two and a half years and it's been incredible.
"Plymouth is almost like my second home and I'm really proud to be here."
By Chris EllisBBC News Online, South West
Thousands of people lined the streets of Plymouth to congratulate the city's Olympians and Paralympians.
For most of the journey from Plymouth College to the Guildhall there was a stream of people, many with union flags and banners saying 'Well Done Tom' and 'I Love You Tom'.
Drivers of buses and cars honked their horns and one woman in a parked car was leaning out of the sunroof and honking the horn with her foot.
As we approached Royal Parade hundreds of people were lining the streets and the noise was deafening.
Gallery: Olympics 2012 homecoming
Other Olympic athletes taking part included divers Tonia Couch and Sarah Barrow, swimmers Antony James, Jamila Lunkuse and Jade Howard, and fencer Corinna Lawrence.
Barrow tweeted: "How incredible was the Plymouth welcome home parade! Thank you to everyone who came :)"
Couch said: "The parade makes you feel really special, especially in your home city."
Wheelchair basketball player Judith Hamer and Paralympic table tennis player David Wetherill, from Torpoint in Cornwall, joined them.
Wetherill said: "I'm not used to this much attention. This was so much better than London."
Daley's diving coach Andy Banks and Meilutyte's swimming coach Jon Rudd also took part in the parade.
London 2012 Games Makers from Plymouth, the volunteers who helped at Olympic venues, joined the parade in their uniforms and walked behind the bus as it travelled down Royal Parade.
Stella Goodman, who was watching the parade with three generations of her family, said: "We are proud, proud to be Plymothians and see them today."
Deputy council leader Peter Smith said: "It's fantastic that so many of the city's sportsmen and women were selected to take part in the Games and that two of them have won medals.
"They are a true inspiration - not just to youngsters here in Plymouth but all over the country - some of whom will one day follow in their footsteps." | Crowds of cheering fans welcomed London Olympics 2012 medal winners Tom Daley and Ruta Meilutyte as they toured Plymouth in an open-top bus. | 19604048 |
The 36-year-old winger announced last month that he would be retiring at the end of the season.
Third on Scotland's all-time list with 105 caps, Lamont has made 111 Warriors appearances over two stints, scoring 31 tries.
"It would be great to see Sean run in one or two more tries before he finally hangs up his boots," said Townsend.
"Sean has shown a real consistency and resilience to get over a couple of major injuries and to continue to play at a really high level.
"He'll be one of a very small number of players to have played in every position in the back five. Obviously he played most of his rugby on the wing, but he also performed very well at inside centre when I was an assistant coach with the national team back in 2011.
"It was really good to see Sean score that try against Connacht a few weeks ago [in Glasgow's 35-24 win]. You could tell from the players' reaction how much Sean means to them and our supporters loved it.
"It was the bonus-point try and a really good finish."
With Glasgow 11 points off fourth place with just three games remaining, hopes of reaching the play-offs were virtually extinguished by last weekend's 10-7 loss away to Munster.
Lamont, who returned to Glasgow in 2012, has also featured for Rotherham, Northampton Saints and Scarlets over a 17-year period.
He made his Scotland debut in 2004 and scored 70 points for his country.
"I took a real interest in Sean's game when he was playing at Northampton and started to become a regular in the Scotland team," explained Townsend on the Warriors' website.
"Probably as a supporter seeing Sean score two tries against France [in 2006] was a real breakthrough moment, it was a brilliant win for Scotland that day and Sean - with his gloves and blonde hair - was a key part in the victory." | Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend hopes to see Sean Lamont end his career with a flourish. | 39580684 |
Canon Bill Brassell from Gloucester served in the Royal Navy in the 1940s, and battled storms, bombers and U-boats to ferry war supplies to Russia.
He has been awarded the Arctic Star medal for the maritime missions, which Winston Churchill said were the most dangerous of the war.
"I'm very, very grateful to receive this," he told the BBC.
"It's only 70 years I suppose, and at last it's happened. Not just because it's a nice thing for me, but because of all those who served with me and they paid the supreme sacrifice.
"Of all the bits that one served during the war, this was the effort that was made by so many.
"I take it [medal] very much in memory of all those who didn't come back, all my shipmates, and that's something that I will very much treasure".
The medal presentation took place at the headquarters of Gloucester-based A Company 6 Rifles.
In 2005, an Arctic badge was awarded to the veterans of the convoys but they felt that it did not go far enough.
They lobbied the government for a specific medal to recognise the service of those involved in the mission.
The Arctic Star medal was created this year.
"This is a medal that we've introduced to honour those people who served on the Arctic convoys in World War II," said Conservative MP Mark Francois, the minister of state for defence personnel, welfare and veterans.
"I'm privileged to present this to Canon Brassell."
The Arctic convoys brought crucial supplies and weapons to Russia, to help fight off Hitler's armies.
The icy voyages claimed over 3,000 lives and Winston Churchill described them as the worst journey in the world.
The supply ships were under constant threat of attack by German U-boats and aircraft and also had to negotiate severe cold, storms, and ice floes.
The voyages began in 1941 and by May 1945, the Arctic route had claimed 104 merchant ships and 16 military vessels. | An 89-year-old Gloucestershire man has been honoured for his efforts in the World War II Arctic convoys. | 22566290 |
The pontiff has supported the Buenos Aires-based team since he was a boy.
A delegation travelled from the Argentine capital to the Vatican with the trophy.
San Lorenzo recently won the Copa - South American club football's most prestigious competition - for the first time in the club's 106-year history.
Earlier in the week, Pope Francis said: "I am very happy about it, but, no, it is not a miracle.
"For me, San Lorenzo was the team all my family supported. My father played in the basketball team and when we were kids, we sometimes went to the stadium with mum," he added.
San Lorenzo beat Paraguay's Nacional 1-0 on 13 August to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory. | Pope Francis has been presented with the Copa Libertadores trophy by players and officials of Argentine side San Lorenzo. | 28865962 |
On the second anniversary of Stephen's death, the charity has also outlined how the cash has aided cancer services for young people.
Stephen died on 14 May 2014, after contracting bowel cancer.
The 19-year-old, of Burntwood, Staffordshire, became well known after posting a picture online of his "final thumbs up" from a hospital bed.
He had pledged to raise £1m himself for the charity and hit the target three weeks before his death.
The trust said £2.7m had been spent refurbishing cancer units at hospitals across the country, with four more - in Cambridge, Hull, Newcastle and the Wirral - now to benefit.
A total of £1.6m has been used to train specialist nurses, as well as fund the charity's International Conference and Adolescent and Young Adult Global Cancer Congress in December.
Stephen's legacy is also helping fund JTV Cancer Support, a project helping young sufferers express their feelings and record their personal journeys.
Around £500,000 has been spent on education and awareness programmes, and £200,000 on conference weekends for youngsters called Find Your Sense of Tumour.
Stephen's mother Jane has now been made an official ambassador for the trust.
"Not a day goes by when I don't miss my brave and brilliant son. But when I think about everything he achieved and how much he's helping other young people, it makes me feel so proud," she said.
"With his voice in my ear, I've run a marathon, jumped out of a plane and in a few months, I'll be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
"I'm honoured to call myself an ambassador for Teenage Cancer Trust, and feel privileged to be able to continue to spread Stephen's unique message of positivity."
Kate Collins, director of fundraising and marketing at the charity, said: "Stephen was the most incredible young man and has helped us take huge steps forward for young people with cancer." | More than £5.5m has been raised in memory of teenager Stephen Sutton, the Teenage Cancer Trust has revealed. | 36288677 |
The Swede, 35, joined Jose Mourinho's side last summer on a one-year deal and has scored 20 goals this season.
Mourinho said on Friday he believed the club's top scorer would still be at Old Trafford in 2017-18.
When asked about his future, Ibrahimovic said: "We'll wait and see."
Ibrahimovic's goals have helped Manchester United into the EFL Cup final - where they will face Southampton - as well as the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Red Devils are also in the Europa League knockout stage.
Manchester United won the Community Shield in August and Ibrahimovic is confident of adding at least one more trophy to the collection.
"We have one and we can get our second one," he added.
"We are still in the Europa League and FA Cup, so if we don't become champions in the Premier League at least we can try and win two or three trophies." | Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says "nothing is done" with regards to his future but insists he has fulfilled requirements needed to extend his contract. | 38951638 |
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Jake Jervis hit the post in the second half, after Graham Carey and Paul-Arnold Garita had both gone close.
Liverpool went through with a rare goal from Lucas Leiva, ending an FA Cup run which has been worth £1m to Argyle.
"We were really unfortunate to go out of the cup because we had the opportunities to score," Adams said.
"We had to twist, we had to push forward and the players did that really well," added Adams, whose side had held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw with a very defensive display at Anfield 10 days earlier.
"We've got a lot of creative players in our team and at times we were in and around the penalty area. Could we have scored and seen the pressure that would have put on Liverpool?"
More than 17,000 people watched the game at Home Park, making it Argyle's biggest attendance for nine years.
"It was a fantastic atmosphere, it started really early and just got better as the evening went on," said Adams.
"The supporters sang their hearts out and the players responded to that." | League Two side Plymouth were unlucky not to progress in the FA Cup after their 1-0 replay loss to Liverpool, said Argyle manager Derek Adams. | 38674728 |
A total of 28% had not talked about the symptoms, the University of Aberdeen paper revealed.
Lead author Dr Peter Murchie said it highlighted the complications surrounding emergency cancer diagnosis.
Cancer Research UK said it was a complex area.
The study - published in the British Journal of Cancer - said that, of those who had previously flagged symptoms to their doctor, 81% had been appropriately referred on by their GP for further treatment or investigation of their symptoms.
However it said 19% could be viewed as missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis.
The study, funded by the Scottish Chief Scientist's Office, involved a review of the case notes from 1,800 patients diagnosed with cancer in northern Scotland and registered at GP surgeries across NHS Grampian, Orkney and Shetland.
Dr Murchie, a GP and researcher at the University of Aberdeen, said: "This study sheds light on the complications surrounding emergency cancer diagnosis and how quickly circumstances can change for the patient.
"It's vital we do more to ensure people with persistent or unusual symptoms feel confident about getting them checked out by a doctor without delay.
"And it's equally important to give GPs better access to the tests and specialist advice they need to help them spot potential cancer symptoms at the earliest stage."
Jodie Moffat, Cancer Research UK's head of early diagnosis, said: "For some patients, emergency presentation may be difficult to avoid, but for others there are often things that could have been done differently.
"Studies like this help us to understand this complex picture and identify what needs to change.
"Cancer patients diagnosed as an emergency are more likely to have late stage disease and poorer survival. So it's vital we do all we can to break down barriers to people visiting their doctor with symptoms that could be cancer.
"Cancer Research UK is also working with GPs in Scotland to help improve early cancer diagnosis and ensure they have the freedom to refer patients for further tests and access specialist advice if cancer is suspected." | More than a quarter of cancer patients diagnosed as an emergency in the north of Scotland had not discussed any relevant symptoms with their GP beforehand, according to a new study. | 39710723 |
The ISS recently was fitted with a high-definition projector, which the astronauts use for special movie nights, as well as video conferences with space scientists back on earth.
It is isn't the first time they have watched movies in space.
Commander Scott Kelly and her team used the same kit last month to watch space disaster movie Gravity. | Astronauts have been watching Star Wars on board the International Space Station. | 32591955 |
The money was raised in a funding round led by the Royal Mail Group and backed by investors, including the Scottish Investment Bank, Par Equity and technology entrepreneurs.
Mallzee said the cash would allow it to "scale its global offering".
The company was founded in 2013 by 27-year-old Edinburgh-based entrepreneur Cally Russell.
Mr Russell pressed ahead with developing the app after turning down an offer of investment on the BBC's Dragons' Den programme.
Mallzee is a personalised shopping app, which allows users access to more than 100 fashion stores at one go.
It also lets shoppers build their own "style feeds".
Mr Russell said: "This round of investment is going to allow us to become the leading fashion shopping app in the world and the mix of investors is going to be vital to allowing us to achieve this.
"With Royal Mail Group we have a partner that plays a vital part in the online shopping environment and one which is well positioned to enable us to access new retailers."
Earlier this year, Mallzee secured an exclusive promotional link-up with tech giant Samsung.
In a separate development, daily fantasy sports operator FanDuel announced it had acquired Edinburgh-based mobile app developer Kotikan.
FanDuel said the firm had designed and developed its mobile offering and it was "logical" to bring the Kotikan team in-house to further innovate and develop FanDuel's mobile products.
FanDuel reported last week it was set for major expansion after raising $275m (£176m) in a funding round,
It was founded in Edinburgh in 2009 and only operates in North America.
The business focuses on US sports such as basketball, baseball and American football. | Fashion shopping app developer Mallzee is set to expand after securing £2.5m from investors. | 33621673 |
A statement said "several main locations of the wreckage" had been identified.
A deep sea search vessel had also sent back the first images of the wreckage, the statement added.
There were 66 people on board flight MS804 when it crashed on 19 May while flying from Paris to Cairo.
The Airbus A320 plane vanished from Greek and Egyptian radar screens, apparently without having sent a distress call.
The Egyptian investigation committee said that investigators on board the John Lethbridge search vessel, which has been contracted by the Egyptian government, would now draw up a map of the wreckage distribution.
What do we know so far?
Who were the victims?
Earlier this month, search teams said signals from one of the "black box" flight recorders had been detected.
Signals emitted by the recorders are expected to expire by 24 June, experts have warned.
The cause of the crash remains a mystery.
A terror attack has not been ruled out but no extremist group has claimed the downing of the plane.
Analysts say human or technical error is also a possibility. Flight data revealed that smoke detectors went off in the toilet and the aircraft's electrics, minutes before the plane's signal was lost.
According to Greek investigators, the plane turned 90 degrees left and then 360 degrees to the right, dropping from 11,300m (37,000ft) to 4,600m (15,000ft) and then 3,000m (10,000ft) before it was lost from radar. | Wreckage of the EgyptAir flight that went missing over the Mediterranean last month has been found, Egyptian investigators say. | 36543969 |
20 July 2016 Last updated at 17:05 BST
The special drone can search for objects 100m under the surface of the water.
It's been exploring an old steam ship at the bottom of a lake in Nevada, America.
Ricky has been finding out more... | Scientists in America are working with a new type of drone - but instead of flying high up into the sky, this one goes deep underwater. | 36848091 |
The Kitchener memorial in Orkney is among those in line for financial assistance.
The monument, which sits on an exposed cliff edge, and faces extensive weathering - is getting £30,000.
Memorials in Helensburgh, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Huntly, Tullibody and Keiss have also received War Memorials Trust funding.
The recipients are:
Frances Moreton, the director of War Memorials Trust, said: "The charity is delighted at the level of interest in this scheme and the enthusiasm of people across the country to do something about the condition of their memorials.
"There are still plenty of funds available for the right projects so get in touch to see if we can help your local war memorial." | Grants totalling £190,000 have been offered to restore 21 First World War memorials across Scotland. | 34617561 |
Third Energy submitted an application to extract shale gas at a site near Kirby Misperton in Ryedale in May 2015.
The authority said a report on the application had not yet been finalised but it had received more than 4,000 representations about the proposals.
Third Energy said it aimed to "minimise disruption to the local community".
Rasik Valand, chief executive of the company, said: "The hydraulic fracturing and testing is a key step towards determining the viability of producing gas from this hybrid sandstone and shale formation in North Yorkshire."
The county council's decision on the planning application had originally been expected last November but was delayed after the authority requested more information from Third Energy.
The council said it recognised there would be considerable public interest in the decision and was making arrangements to ensure the meeting, at County Hall in Northallerton, was managed "safely and effectively".
Environmental permits have already been granted to Third Energy by the Environment Agency. | A decision on whether to allow fracking at a site in North Yorkshire will be taken on 20 May, the county council has said. | 36090613 |
The deal would see Dublin Bus staff receive pay rises totalling 11.25% over three years.
This is more than the increase of 8.25%, as recommended by the Labour Court.
Drivers have been seeking a 15% pay rise over three years.
The latest deal would not be linked to additional productivity.
Strikes had been scheduled for 11 more days in October, including this Saturday, when Dublin face Mayo in the All-Ireland senior gaelic football final replay.
Under the proposal, staff will be expected to cooperate with the introduction of drug and alcohol testing at work.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ reports that cooperation will also be expected on measures to reduce absenteeism.
The proposal also included items relating to scheduling, pensions, and other policies.
The ballot of Dublin Bus staff is expected to take about ten days.
Hundreds of thousands of people have already been disrupted by a series of strikes by bus drivers in September. | Bus strikes in Dublin have been suspended pending a ballot of staff, after talks between management and unions at the Workplace Relations Commission. | 37515785 |
Mr Trump invited the County Down golfer to play at his Trump International Golf Club on Sunday.
After 18 holes on the Florida course, McIlroy said of his playing partner: "He probably shot around 80. He's a decent player for a guy in his 70s."
However, following a backlash on social media, McIlroy took to Twitter on Friday evening to defend his actions.
In the post, he said he respects Mr Trump's office and hit out at those who described him as a fascist and a bigot in the wake of the meeting.
"I don't agree with everything my friends or family say or do, but I still play golf with them," he tweeted.
"Last week, I was invited to play golf with the president of the United States. Whether you respect the person who holds the position or not, you respect the office that he holds."
He added that the game was "not an endorsement, nor a political statement of any kind".
"It was, quite simply, a round of golf," he wrote.
"I've travelled all over the world and have been fortunate enough to befriend people from many different countries, beliefs and cultures.
"To be called a fascist and a bigot by some people because I spent time in someone's company is just ridiculous. I hope, to some degree, this clarifies my decision to accept the invitation." | Rory McIlroy has said a round of golf he played with Donald Trump was not an endorsement of the US president. | 39083570 |
The database is reported to contain information on 100,000 US Department of Defense employees, among others.
Troy Hunt, who published news of the leak, said the information had "enormous" potential for scammers.
Business services firm Dun & Bradstreet confirmed to tech news site ZDNet that it owns the data.
Information on government departments and private sector employees is commonly collated by business services that sell the data to other companies, such as marketing firms.
In this case, the records - including names, job titles and contact details - were originally compiled by NetProspex, which was acquired by Dun & Bradstreet in 2015.
Organisations with employees mentioned in the data include the US Postal Service, telecoms giant AT&T and the retailer Walmart.
Mr Hunt pointed out that people might try to use the names and email addresses in the database to scam or retrieve sensitive information from recipients - a practice known as spear phishing.
"The value for very targeted spear phishing is enormous because you can carefully craft messages that refer to specific individuals of influence and their roles within the organisation," he wrote on his blog.
Dun & Bradstreet told ZDNet: "Based on our analysis, it was not accessed or exposed through a Dun & Bradstreet system."
The leak is the latest in a long string of personal data caches dumped online.
In January, personal information of health workers in the US Army was found online by another security professional. | Details of more than 33 million US employees - including military staff - have been released online, according to a security researcher. | 39278637 |
Goodwin, who gave Trevor Francis his Blues debut, led the club to two FA Cup semi-finals and promotion to the old Division One in his time in charge, from June 1970 to September 1975.
He had previously been manager of both Scunthorpe United and Brighton.
During his playing career, he was a wing-half for Matt Busby's United, then Leeds before finishing at Scunthorpe.
As one of the Busby Babes, he made his first team breakthrough at Old Trafford following the Munich Air Disaster in 1958.
He played in the first game after Munich, just a fortnight later, when the team-sheet in the programme was famously left blank for the club's FA Cup fifth-round win over Sheffield Wednesday.
And he was in the rebuilt United team all the way to Wembley, where they lost 2-0 to local rivals Bolton Wanderers.
Heywood-born Goodwin also played first-class cricket over two summers, making 11 appearances as a fast bowler for his native Lancashire, in which he took a career-best 5-35 against Middlesex at Lord's in June 1955.
After leaving Birmingham in 1975, Goodwin took up an offer to move to the then burgeoning North American Soccer League, where he had two spells as coach, then club president of the Minnesota Kicks.
He remained in the United States for the rest of his life, and died at home in Gig Harbor, Washington State at the weekend.
Birmingham City will pay tribute at Tuesday night's home game with Bolton Wanderers at St Andrew's. The players will wear black armbands and there will be a minute's applause. | Former Birmingham City manager and Manchester United player Freddie Goodwin has died at the age of 82. | 35631380 |
The dig at Auckland Castle's walled garden revealed a pioneering pinery-vinery, created by Bishop Richard Trevor in the 1750s.
This utilised furnaces and flues to allow the cultivation of exotic fruits, particularly much coveted pineapples.
It is believed to be one of the first of its kind in the North East and set the standard for following ones.
The dig, by archaeologists from Durham University and volunteers from the Auckland Castle Trust, was in advance of a £10m scheme to grow fruit and vegetables under glass domes in the walled garden to supply a new on-site restaurant. | Heating systems to grow fruit have been uncovered at the former private palace of the Prince Bishops of Durham. | 37229599 |
Hugh Shaw, the UK government official overseeing the salvage operation, said preparations were being made to allow the Hawk to begin the journey to Malta.
From Malta the 17,000-tonne drilling rig is to be taken to a yard in Turkey to be broken up.
The structure ran aground at Dalmore on Lewis in a storm in early August while being towed to Malta.
Last week, Transocean Winner was floated on to the deck of the Hawk, a semi-submersible ship used for transporting large maritime structures over long distances. | The rig Transocean Winner is expected to be moved on a heavy lift ship from Broad Bay, Lewis, on Wednesday. | 37616551 |
Trains to London Victoria, Charing Cross and Cannon Street are affected.
Passengers were urged to check the Southeastern trains website before they travel, with more than 50 services currently delayed or cancelled.
Southeastern apologised, saying it had been caused by "a complete loss of signalling".
The signal is now working again, but delays are expected to continue.
Train passengers are being advised they can use their tickets on London Underground, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground, and on London Buses between Lewisham and central London.
Commuters delayed by more than half an hour can claim compensation.
The general secretary of the RMT union blamed the problem on a "toxic mix of massive overcrowding and infrastructure failures".
A Network Rail spokesperson said: "We apologise for the delays passengers experienced this morning on the line through London Bridge to Charing Cross and Cannon Street.
"The signalling problems have been fixed but there are delays as the service recovers. We would advise passengers to check the latest travel information on National Rail Enquiries or with their train operator." | A major signal failure at London Bridge has caused severe disruption for commuters trying to reach central London from Kent and the South East. | 35037000 |
8 September 2016 Last updated at 02:42 BST
When the PS4 Pro is released in November, it will be the first time the Japanese firm has had two consoles on sale with significantly different graphics capabilities within the same generation.
The head of PlayStation Europe, Jim Ryan, told the BBC's Michelle Fleury that the move was designed to future-proof the PlayStation 4. | Sony has announced a more powerful version of its PlayStation 4 console at an event in New York. | 37302956 |
Emergency services were called to the line near Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, at about 21:30 GMT on Monday.
A tow truck had to be called to remove the car, which was stuck on the track. No one was trapped or badly hurt.
The 18-year-old driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, driving without insurance and careless driving.
Train operator c2c apologised for delays to passengers.
It said services were disrupted for about three hours while the car was removed and Network Rail engineers examined the track and repaired the fence. | A motorist crashed through a fence and onto a train track, causing several hours of delays for passengers. | 31919365 |
Mr Schleicher, who runs the tests, says the high results of deprived pupils in some Asian countries shows what poor pupils in the UK could achieve.
The most disadvantaged pupils in Shanghai match the maths test results of wealthy pupils in the UK.
Mr Schleicher says it "debunks the myth that poverty is destiny".
On Monday, Education Secretary Michael Gove said individual schools in England should take Pisa tests, so that they could compare themselves against international standards.
The latest Pisa - Programme for International Student Assessment - test results were published last year by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, ranking developed countries in terms of how well 15-year-olds performed in tests in reading, maths and science.
Source: OECD
This showed the UK as a middle-ranking country, with Asian school systems, such as in Singapore, South Korea and Shanghai and Hong Kong in China, as the highest performers.
But Mr Schleicher's latest analysis compares the performance of the most deprived 10% of pupils.
This reveals how the poorest in many countries overlap with the results of the wealthy in other countries.
The poorest 10% of pupils in Shanghai are as good as the most privileged 20% of teenagers taking the test in the UK and the United States.
In Europe, the Netherlands has the highest-performing pupils from the poorest families.
Poor pupils in the Netherlands are as good at maths as much better-off teenagers in France.
The poorest 10% of pupils in Hong Kong scored at a higher level than the wealthiest in Sweden and Norway.
The very lowest performers among this group were in the Slovak Republic.
Mr Schleicher says it shows how academic differences attributed to social background should not be unquestioningly tolerated.
"We tend to overestimate the impact of poverty," he says .
There was also a challenge to the idea that the UK has an unusually poor record on social mobility.
Dr John Jerrim at the Institute of Education published a study suggesting that in international terms the UK was mid-ranking in the link between family background and future employment opportunities - 17th out of 34 developed countries.
There was greater equity in Scandinavia and some European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands.
But Dr Jerrim said social mobility in the UK was not dissimilar to France, Spain and Italy - and the UK's record was better than some central and eastern European countries.
"Policymakers often state that the relationship between family background and labour market earnings is stronger in the UK than most other countries," he said.
"It is not true that we stand out compared to the rest of world. Policymakers should avoid making such exaggerated claims when discussing this politically sensitive issue." | There is nothing inevitable about the weaker academic performance of poorer pupils, says an analysis of Pisa tests by the OECD's Andreas Schleicher. | 26015532 |
Locals in the Kathmandu Valley are being supported with food and water from The Brick Children School.
Headteacher Anita Shrestha said staff have been busy preparing food packages for 50 families.
The school, a charity project founded in Wrexham, has also been turned in to a refuge shelter.
Since the earthquake, the death toll has risen to over 7,000 and the Nepalese authorities have ruled out finding more survivors. | Families and children left homeless following the Nepal earthquake are being provided with help from north Wales. | 32672717 |
On 30 June, the trust reported a year to-date deficit of £738,000 compared to a planned shortfall of £125,000.
Monitor said the trust's "finances will continue to deteriorate" and is yet to decide on whether further regulatory action is needed.
The BCPFT said its finances were its "biggest challenge".
Karen Dowman, chief executive of the trust, said: "We have already started a programme of activity to identify cost-savings and improve our financial sustainability, and to put in place safeguarding checks to ensure efficiencies do not compromise care."
Marianne Loynes, regional director at Monitor, said: "No decision has been taken about whether further regulatory action is required and an announcement about the outcome of the investigation will be made in due course."
The trust provides mental health, learning disability and community healthcare services across Sandwell, Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton. | The Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (BCPFT) is being investigated by a health regulator due to concerns over its finances. | 34188098 |
Every year about 76 people aged between 14-25 are diagnosed with cancer.
Figures from the NI Cancer Registry reveal there is a higher diagnosis rate among young people in Northern Ireland compared to the rest of the UK.
Five charities have come together to provide a new service that includes five new nursing posts, one in each health trust.
There are also social workers and community workers to guide young people at home, school and work.
The service aims to ensure young people have equal clinical and psychological support for their medical and social needs no matter where they live.
Figures also reveal that the amount of miles that local families, seeking support, clock up is the second highest compared to their counterparts elsewhere.
Up until now, the service has been confined to the Belfast Cancer Centre and The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Bridging that gap means the service will now be available in four hospitals including Belfast, Craigavon, Altnagelvin, Ulster and Antrim Area.
That means fewer families will have to make the average 100 mile round trip to get treatment in Belfast.
Leona McManus, 22, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year.
"Travelling while undergoing treatment is hard. You are tired, sick, often in pain. I had to travel from Limavady to Belfast.
"This new service means I can go to Altnagelvin - young people will also have a nurse, even a community worker. Every little helps when living with cancer."
James Doggart was 18 when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The cancer spread to other organs, but 18 months in remission he is now looking forward to celebrating his 21st birthday on Friday.
"When first diagnosed I was told I would probably die. It was a lonely time. I was being treated alongside older men," he said.
"There wasn't the support for a teenager. I had to leave university, my friends were all moving on - I just wanted to speak to someone at my own level. This service will now provide that. It's good."
Darren McKinley is the Teenage and Young Adults Project Manager with the Northern Ireland Cancer Network.
"This means teenagers and young adults with cancer can now access the best possible outcomes and have access to age-appropriate services targeting their needs, their language, their lives," he said.
Dr Anthony McCarthy, a consultant paediatric oncologist at the Royal Belfast Hospital said the new regional service would provide the specialism that young people require when living with cancer.
"When cancer comes it's like a bolt out of the blue. Young people aren't expecting a cancer diagnosis. Their treatment does need to be different.
"It is a distinct specialism in the treatment of cancer. The aim of the regional service is to reduce mortality rates and to provide support for patients and their families."
Dr McCarthy said as more people are surviving, the service will need to grow, and that means they will need the financial support from the Department of Health. | A new service for teenagers and young adults living with cancer is being rolled out across Northern Ireland. | 40339452 |
The Twilight star is one of 12 female creatives making films for women-focused media company Refinery29.
Fellow actresses Gabourey Sidibe and Chloe Sevigny will join Stewart under the umbrella of Refinery29's ShatterBox Anthology.
Oscar nominee Sidibe will direct her own short film titled A Tale of Four Women, according to Variety.
Meanwhile, Sevigny's Kitty, the first film of the anthology, will premiere at Cannes Film Festival later this month.
Speaking during Refinery29's presentation at the Digital Content NewFronts event in New York, Sidibe said it was important to tell a story through her own voice.
She said: "[In my acting career] everything I do, my image and who I am and what I feel represents me is in the hands of a man, usually a white man... I realised very recently that I want to be the one that decides what image I show the public."
It was also announced that Ugly Betty star America Ferrera will produce a multimedia project titled Behind the Headlines, and a documentary series titled Only Girl. | Kristen Stewart is to make her directorial debut with a short film about the power of women. | 36192131 |
"I said no to the last one and then ended up doing it, and was pilloried by all my friends," he said. "But I do think this is probably it."
Mendes directed 2012's Skyfall and the forthcoming Bond film, titled Spectre.
"I don't think I could go down that road again," he said. "You do have to put everything else on hold."
Spectre, in which Daniel Craig will make his fourth appearance as the MI6 agent, will come out on 26 October in the UK and 6 November in the US.
Spectre and Skyfall took a total of five years to make, he told BBC Radio's Test Match Special.
"It feels almost, even though we've just finished shooting it, like one big experience and it was a fantastic life-changing thing," he said. But he added he did not think he could go through it again.
"It really is more a lifestyle choice than a job," he said.
Mendes made his name in theatre, and directed a new stage production of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in between making the Bond films.
But shooting a Bond movie is "pretty much all encompassing", he explained.
"I'm happiest rehearsing a play or editing a movie, and when I've finished editing a movie I generally want to be back in a theatre environment again," he said.
"It feels like home, it feels controllable after the chaos of a movie set. But it won't be long before I want to do another film, and I'm very fortunate to be able to go back and forth between the two."
Spectre has been filmed in locations including London, Mexico, Italy and Morocco, and the cast and crew totalled more than 1,000 people, Mendes revealed.
"And you really do feel it," he said. "This is a bigger movie than Skyfall. It's shot in more places - we were in Mexico City and Tangiers and northern Sahara and Rome and the Alps and London. It's been an enormous undertaking."
Spectre also stars Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Andrew Scott, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Dave Bautista, Monica Bellucci and Ralph Fiennes.
The plot involves "a cryptic message from Bond's past [that] sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organisation".
Mendes revealed that the Spectre theme song was finished - but would not disclose who had recorded it. "I can say that the song's been recorded and it's fantastic and I'm very excited about it," he said. "You won't have to wait long."
Skyfall made £700m ($1.1bn) at box offices worldwide. | James Bond director Sam Mendes has said he does not want to make any more 007 films after the next instalment, which comes out in October. | 33585233 |
The warnings, which indicate a possible danger to life, have been issued around the towns of Egremont and Kendal.
The north of England and parts of Wales are warned to prepare for the risk of flooding, as heavy rain approaches.
There are amber warnings, meaning "be prepared", for Greater Manchester, and North and West Yorkshire.
People in certain locations around Kendal and Egremont, on opposite sides of the Lake District, have been advised to move out to stay with family and friends who live in areas with lower risk of flooding.
Reception centres have opened at Kendal Town Hall and West Lakes Academy.
South Lakeland District Council said up to 1,000 properties could be at risk and that military personnel could be deployed to install temporary flood defences to protect vital infrastructure.
The worst of the weather is expected from Saturday evening through to Sunday.
In some places, a month's worth of rain has been forecast to fall in 24 hours.
Falling on already saturated ground, it is likely to cause localised surface water flooding and high river levels, the Environment Agency said.
The Met Office has also warned of possible flooding in parts of Scotland in the wake of Storm Abigail.
Nicola Willis, from the Met Office, said high ground was likely to be most affected by heavy rain.
"These areas have had a lot of rain already this week and they are already quite saturated," she said.
"We are expecting the rain to be heavy and persistent, although the heaviest rain will not necessarily continue through the whole of the warning period."
Cumbria was hit by severe floods in November 2009.
During those incidents, Pc Bill Barker, 44, died after the bridge he was standing on collapsed in Workington, a town about 13 miles north of Egremont.
Craig Woolhouse, from the Environment Agency, said it was working closely with emergency services to prepare for any problems.
He added: "Our teams are already in action clearing watercourses, maintaining existing defences and standing ready to deploy temporary pumps and defences where these can be effective."
The latest band of rain comes in the wake of Storm Abigail, which closed schools and brought down power lines in parts of Scotland.
The Christmas lights switch-on in Bradford on Saturday was cancelled because of the weather forecast. | Twelve severe flood warnings have been issued for Cumbria and Lancashire, warning people to take immediate action and prepare for flooding. | 34820104 |
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Craig Benson finished second, with Commonwealth champion and pre-race favourite Ross Murdoch third in Glasgow.
London 2012 silver medallist Michael Jamieson was fifth in what could be the final race of his career.
"This means so much. It's such a great field," Willis, 25, told BBC Sport.
He is the fifth swimmer to manage a Rio 2016 qualification time, following Adam Peaty, Hannah Miley, James Guy and Max Litchfield.
Willis, who won in two minutes 8.08 seconds - inside the qualifying time of 2:08.52 - reached the London 2012 final and finished third behind Murdoch and Jamieson at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
"I did expect Ross to go quicker, but the strength in depth is only going to help us GB breaststrokers progress," Willis said.
Murdoch remains unsure over an Olympic place, having finished second to Peaty in the 100m on Tuesday.
Siobhan-Marie O'Connor warmed up for her favoured 200m individual medley event on Saturday with victory over Fran Halsall in the 100m freestyle in 54.18 secs.
Two-time Olympian Lizzie Simmonds won 200m backstroke gold but her time of 2:09.24 was almost a second outside the qualifying time of 2:08.21.
"I know if I get that place that I can go quicker, as I've done it in the past," she said.
"I was fourth at the last Olympics, so perhaps it'll be a case of third time lucky."
Freestyle specialist Guy followed up his 400m gold and Olympic place from Tuesday with victory in the 100m butterfly.
He won in 52.15 secs, which, although outside the qualifying time of 51.24, he hopes will earn him a spot in the men's 4x100m medley relay team for Rio.
"Last year we were fourth [at the World Championships] and we hope that with the right mix we can potentially win a medal in Rio," Guy told BBC Radio 5 live.
If swimmers do not achieve the qualifying times or win selection for the relay events, they must rely on discretionary picks by the GB selectors.
The team for Rio will be named on 21 April. | Andrew Willis produced a stunning display to win a surprise 200m breaststroke gold at the British trials and secure a place at the Rio Olympics. | 36058871 |
13 October 2016 Last updated at 00:23 BST
Many analysts think Sony's kit will outsell rival headsets from HTC and Facebook's Oculus division because of its lower price and the fact that more than 43 million PS4 consoles have been shipped.
Even so, they add, it is likely to remain a niche product for some time to come.
Strategy Analytics forecasts that only 3% of Brits will own a VR headset this year and the PlayStation model will account for just 7% of that number. The bulk, it says, will instead own more basic "shells" into which they can slot a smartphone.
BBC Click's Marc Cieslak put the PS VR to the test and had reservations of his own.
More at BBC.com/Click and @BBCClick. | The PlayStation's virtual reality headset is making its way into gamers' homes - the last of this year's three big VR hardware releases. | 37630609 |
The result moved Stranraer off the bottom of the division while Airdrie's visit to Brechin City was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.
Queen's Park moved into the top four with a 2-0 win over Stenhousemuir, who slipped to bottom on goal difference.
And Peterhead drew 1-1 with Albion Rovers in the other League One game.
Alloa Athletic v East Fife had previously been postponed due to the Fifers' Scottish Cup meeting with St Mirren. East Fife lost 3-2.
At Ochilview, on-loan Hearts forward Dario Zanatta fired Queen's Park ahead and although the Spiders had Ross Millen sent off for two bookings, Anton Brady added a stoppage-time second for Gus MacPherson's side. They are two points in front of Brechin, who have a game in hand, and a point off Alloa.
Eighth-placed Peterhead led Albion Rovers through Rory McAllister's cool first-half finish but Ross Stewart swept in an equaliser in the second half.
The two sides are level on points - four ahead of Stranraer and Stenhousemuir.
Livi, who threatened through Scott Pittman at home to Stranraer, are 11 points clear of Airdrie and 12 ahead of Alloa. | Scottish League One leaders Livingston were held to a 0-0 draw with Stranraer while nearest challengers Airdrieonians saw their game postponed. | 38946028 |
The Portugal left-back struggled for first-team football at the Spanish club last season.
Former Manchester United manager David Moyes tried to bring him to Old Trafford in September 2013 but a transfer deadline day loan move fell through.
The 27-year-old joined Real from Benfica for a reported £25m in 2011.
Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page. | Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao has joined French side Monaco on a season-long loan deal. | 34068416 |
Ouseph, 30, became the first Englishman in 27 years to win the men's singles title with a narrow 21-19 21-19 victory over home favourite Anders Antonsen.
The husband-and-wife Adcocks beat Danes Joachim Fischer Nielsen and Christinna Pedersen in the mixed doubles final.
Scot Kirsty Gilmour lost in the women's singles final to Carolina Martin.
The Spanish top seed triumphed 21-14 21-12.
It is the first time England have won two golds at the Euros since 1988, when Darren Hall won the men's singles and Gillian Clark claimed the mixed doubles title with Danish partner Steen Fladberg.
The success at the Euros comes after GB Badminton had all its funding cut by UK Sport before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Ouseph, who had previously won two bronzes and a silver in the men's singles at the European Championships, is just the third Englishman to win the event with Steve Baddeley the previous player to triumph in 1990.
Between the wins for Baddeley and Ouseph, players from Denmark had won gold in eight out of nine European Championships.
The second-seeded Adcocks took full advantage of their first appearance in a Euros final to see off top seeds Nielsen and Pedersen, who had won the event in the past two Championships.
The Adcocks were pegged back after winning the first set but held their nerve to triumph 21-17 18-21 21-19. | England claimed two gold medals as Rajiv Ouseph and Chris and Gabby Adcock triumphed in finals at the European Badminton Championships in Denmark. | 39765218 |
It started happening when Apple's operating system, iOS 8.3 came out.
By tapping and holding on a chosen emoji, iPhone users of iOS 8.3 or above are now given the choice between five different skin tones and new flags.
Apple users who are still using iOS 8.2 and below are not able to see the new emojis.
Instead they are replaced with a picture of an alien face inside a black square, next to the original emoji.
Apple wouldn't give us a comment on this, but on their website it says: "If you get a message with unexpected characters instead of emoji, try updating your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac."
If you're viewing the new iOS emojis on devices other than Apple they can appear as lots of other things, like blank spaces, boxes, equal signs, question marks, or even line breaks. | Have you noticed any of these little guys creeping into your texts and social media, when you know they weren't intended to be there. | 33989775 |
Farc leader Ivan Marquez said the group would start by making an inventory of its weapons before handing them over to United Nations monitors.
He said it was a sign of the Farc's "unconditional commitment to peace" after more than 50 years of conflict.
The government has yet to reach a peace deal with the ELN rebel group.
The Farc said its fighters would register their weapons with UN monitors and reveal the location of any stashed explosives.
Almost 7,000 rebels are now gathered in 26 transition zones where they are being registered and offered help to reintegrate into civilian life.
But it took months rather than weeks to get them there because of what the government said were logistical difficulties.
And when they arrived many Farc members complained the camps were unfinished and they had to build their own accommodation.
The Colombian government and the Farc insist that by 30 May - the date set in the peace accord for the disarmament process to be completed - all the guerrillas will be leaving the transition zones and entering civilian life.
But there have been serious delays, and the government and the rebels are trying to reassure Colombians that the peace process is still on track.
According to the original plan, the Farc were supposed to hand over 30% of their arms on 1 March.
But now only 320 rebels are set to disarm by the end of Wednesday, far short of the original target.
However, both the government and the Farc insist the disarmament will be completed in time and that they will meet the May deadline. | Colombia's Farc rebels say they will begin laying down their arms later on Wednesday as agreed in a peace deal signed in November. | 39124119 |
The Toomebridge rider lies ninth in the overall standings on 28 points, having scored points in every round to date.
Laverty, 29, charged into ninth place on the opening lap on his Aspar Ducati, then made it up to eighth, before being overtaken by Spaniard Pol Espargaro.
Valentino Rossi was a start-to-finish winner, with Jorge Lorenzo in second.
Pole position man Rossi enjoyed a two-second advantage over his Yamaha team-mate at the chequered flag, with Honda pair Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa taking third and fourth places respectively.
Marquez leads the championship by 17 points from Lorenzo, with Italian Rossi a further 17 points behind in third.
Laverty lapped consistently throughout, with Espargaro coming past with 16 laps to go, but failing to significantly increase the gap between the two.
Laverty ended only 1.5 seconds behind the Spaniard and although Hector Barbera tried a last-lap attack on the former World Superbike rider, he couldn't make it stick.
Laverty was 12th in the previous round, the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, having clinched his best-ever result of fourth in Argentina a week earlier.
He also occupied 12th spot in the season opener in Qatar. | Eugene Laverty secured another seven points in the MotoGP championship by finishing ninth in the fourth round of this year's series at Jerez in Spain. | 36124991 |
It said it had introduced the technology to help people get better results when they search.
Often, it said in a blogpost, the best answers to a query were found in an app rather than a web page.
Initially nine apps have been selected to work with the streaming system as it is tested.
Jennifer Lin, Google engineering manager, said the firm started indexing information found in apps two years ago to bolster its larger corpus of search data.
About 40% of searches done via Google now turn up content found in apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Airbnb or Pinterest, she said.
Until now, Google has only answered queries with information that is available both on the web and in apps. Now, however, it is starting to show results that are only found in apps.
One example of when these results would show up might be when someone is looking for hotels during a spur-of-the-moment trip to an unfamiliar city, wrote Ms Lin in the blog.
Google said it was using an in-house developed streaming system to give people access to results in apps they do not have installed on their Android handsets.
This lets people try the app and use it as if it were installed, said Ms Lin. An experimental cloud-based virtualisation technology Google has developed underpins the streaming system.
Apps from HotelTonight, Useful Knots, Daily Horoscope and Gormey are among the first to be available via streaming.
Danny Sullivan, founding editor of the Search Engine Land news site, said the streaming system made visible a lot of information that was hard to get at easily.
"It's a bad experience to show links to an app that no-one can view unless they install an app," he said.
Plus, he added, it could mean data found in apps was now more widely available and could be put to other uses.
"Potentially, the new system could even cause some apps that might seem to lack linkable content, such as games, to consider app-only links," he wrote.
Streamed versions of apps are available via Google's own app and on its Chrome browser. Users must also be on a fast wi-fi connection and be using a handset running Android Lollipop or a more recent version. Lollipop was released in November 2014.
The test of the app streaming and search responses is currently only taking place in the US. Google has not said when, or if, it will be expanded to other parts of the world. | Google has started streaming apps to Android phones so people can use them even if they are not installed on a handset. | 34878872 |
South Central Ambulance Service and South East Coast Ambulance sent out land and air crews to an area near the Discovery Centre at Swinley Forest, Crowthorne at 15:57 BST on Saturday.
Crews were responding to reports that a man had come off his mountain bike. The cyclist died at the scene.
The man's death is not being treated as suspicious. His name has not yet been released. | A male cyclist died at a popular mountain biking area in Berkshire. | 33669582 |
DUP leader Arlene Foster said the "wide-ranging" pact was "good for Northern Ireland and the UK" - so where will the money be spent?
The heart of the financial package is infrastructure spending - £400m of it over two years.
That is a significant sum given that Northern Ireland's annual infrastructure budget is about £1bn.
The deal specifically mentions the York Street Interchange, a project to ease congestion where three major roads meet in Belfast.
It is expected to cost about £150m, so there should be plenty left over for other major projects.
They could include a planned transport hub in the centre of Belfast and other major roads schemes like the completion of the A5 or A6.
On top of the £400m, there is a further £150m for ultra-fast broadband.
This was a project which was already being scoped by the Department of the Economy before the collapse of Stormont.
It is ultimately about improving the connectivity of rural businesses.
Previous Stormont/Westminster deals have also included infrastructure but they typically involved allowing Stormont to borrow more.
This time it is cold, hard, no-strings-attached cash.
The money for health and education is more modest - given that a figure of £1bn for health alone was being mentioned during the negotiations.
There is a minimum of £250m for health and and we can assume it will get about half the "immediate pressures" money, bringing it to a total of £300m.
That will help ease the problems with waiting lists and give the system some breathing space ahead of a major reform programme.
The "immediate pressures" money for education (about £50m) will go some way to easing a growing row with head teachers who have said they will not impose any more cuts.
There is also £100m to be spent on deprived communities over five years.
It will be interesting to see what the delivery mechanism for that money will be.
Stormont's Social Investment Fund, which was also designed to help those communities, has been mired in controversy.
Another part of this deal is to give flexibility to a previously agreed £500m fund for investment in shared education and housing projects.
Stormont has struggled to spend this money, in its first year just £3m of a £50m allocation was spent.
So its is possible that the new flexibility will allow all that money to go into general infrastructure spending. | Northern Ireland will receive an extra £1bn over the next two years as part of the deal that will see the Democratic Unionist Party's 10 MPs back Theresa May's minority government in Commons votes. | 40402184 |