Everton's players appeared in buoyant mood ahead of Thursday evening's Europa League clash with Dynamo Kiev. Roberto Martinez's side hold a 2-1 advantage going into the second leg of their last 16 tie and were full of smiles as they boarded the plane to Ukraine on Wednesday morning. Toffees forward Romelu Lukaku took a number of snaps ahead of the trip and posed for selfies with strike partner Arouna Kone and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard . The Belgium international also stopped for pictures on arrival in the Ukrainian capital. Everton striker Romelu Lukaku stops for a photo and gives the thumbs up on arrival in Kiev on Wednesday . Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard walks through the airport having arrived in the Ukrainian capital . Joel Robles, Everton defender Seamus Coleman and midfielder James McCarthy walk through to arrivals . Lukaku and Howard pose for a selfie ahead of Everton's trip to Ukraine on Wednesday morning . Lukaku and Everton strike partner Arouna Kone pose for a selfie before boarding the plane to Ukraine . Lukaku and Kone, who played upfront together during Everton's 3-0 win over Newcastle, pose for the camera . Everton forward Lukaku took another selfie on board the plane and wished people a 'nice and blessed day' Everton midfielder Ross Barkley boards the plane having scored in Everton's win over Newcastle on Sunday . VIDEO Kiev win can be turning point - Martinez . The rest of the Blues squad also seemed to be in a good mood after Everton - who have struggled in the Premier League this season - eased lingering relegation fears with a confident 3-0 victory over Newcastle on Sunday. Aaron Lennon, who is ineligible having played for Tottenham earlier in the competition, travelled with the squad as did Aiden McGeady and John Stones who both missed the victory over the Magpies. However, Kevin Mirallas was not seen to board the flight. Dynamo Kiev, meanwhile, have announced that the Olympic Stadium, which holds 70,000, has sold out for the visit of the Toffees bar the section closed off by UEFA following crowd trouble in the previous round against Guingamp. Everton manager Roberto Martinez will be keen to see his side build on their 2-1 lead in the second leg . Howard pulls a face and makes a point while Everton captain Phil Jagielka appeared in a good mood . Aaron Lennon, pictured right with Tyias Browning, made the trip despite being ineligible for the competition . John Stones and Aiden McGeady also travelled to Ukraine having missed the victory over the Magpies . Everton coach and club legend Duncan Ferguson (right) boards the plane while Leon Osman gives a smile . With some suggesting a European campaign can have an adverse affect on a side's Premier League form, Everton have experienced mixed fortunes when playing straight after a fixture on the continent this campaign. The Merseysiders have won three of their matches played directly after a Europa League fixture, drawing two and losing four. However, despite finding things tough domestically, Everton have impressed in the

Summary: Everton face Dynamo Kiev in Europa League last 16 on Thursday night . The Toffees hold a 2-1 advantage going into the second leg clash . Blues squad appeared to be in high spirits as they boarded the plane .


Steve Clarke afforded himself a few smiles on the touchline and who could blame him? This has been a strange old season for Reading, who are one win away from an FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal but have spent too long being too close to a Championship relegation battle. At least this win will go some way to easing that load. They made it hard for themselves, but they had an in-form player in Jamie Mackie who was able to get the job done. He put Reading in front in the first half and then scored a brilliant winner just moments after Chris O’Grady had levelled with a penalty – one of the only legitimate chances Brighton had all night, even if Clarke was angry about the decision. Reading frontman Jamie Mackie fires the Royals ahead against Brighton in Tuesday's Championship fixture . Mackie (centre) is congratulated by Nathaniel Chalobah and Garath McCleary after netting Reading's opener . Reading (4-1-3-2): Federici; Gunter, Hector, Cooper, Chalobah; Akpan; McLeary, Williams (Keown 92), Robson-Kanu (Pogrebnyak 76); Blackman, Mackie (Norwood 79) Subs not used: Cox, Yakubu, Andersen, Taylor . Scorer: Mackie, 24, 56 . Booked: McLeary, Pogrebnyak . Brighton (4-3-3): Stockdale; Halford, Greer, Dunk, Bennett; Ince (Best 75), Kayal, Forster-Caskey; Ledesma (Bruno 86), O'Grady, LuaLua . Subs not used: Ankergren, Calderon, Hughes, Holla, Teixeira. Scorer: O'Grady (Pen), 53 . Booked: Ince, Dunk, Bennett, Greer . Ref: Andy Haines . Attendance: 14,748 . Ratings by Riath Al-Samarrai . He said: ‘It’s embarrassing. There was almost no contact. It seems to be the standard of refereeing in this division.’ The win puts Reading 13 points off the bottom three and Clarke added: ‘It gives us a lift in the league because that is what was needed. It was a big win. It makes the gap bigger between us and the bottom three and we needed that.’ Brighton, meanwhile, have now gone five games on the road without a win and this one came against a side that had gone 344 minutes without scoring at home before Mackie netted midway through the first half. Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale must take an element of blame. His pass out to Rohan Ince was easily cut out and after advancing unchallenged Mackie pulled the trigger from the edge of the area. By then, Jake Cooper had already seen an effort hacked off the Brighton goal-line by Jake Forster-Caskey and Hal Robson-Kanu made a spectacular hash of a chance, launching the ball into the stands when he went clean through. Mackie’s strike eased the tension and almost immediately Reading could have been two up, only for Michael Hector to balloon over the bar from six yards. Niall Keown, son of Arsenal legend Martin (right), made his senior debut for Reading against Brighton . Brighton striker Chris O'Grady scores from the penalty spot to level the scores at the Madejski Stadium . O'Grady celebrates his equaliser for the Seagulls but Brighton went onto concede just three minutes later . And Brighton? Not a chance of note in the entire first half for a side

Summary: Reading are now 13 points above the Championship drop zone . Frontman Jamie Mackie scored twice to earn Royals all three points . Chris O'Grady scored for Chris Hughton's Brighton from the penalty spot . Niall Keown - son of Sportsmail columnist Martin - made Reading debut .


Choosing shoes to match an outfit could soon be as simple - and cheap - as pressing a button on a smartphone. A startup has designed a range of footwear that changes colour and design thanks to flexible e-ink displays built into the sides. The range also has 'anchors' on the toe and heel so physical accessories can be added to the Volvorii Timeless smart shoes. Scroll down for video . A startup has designed a range of footwear that changes colour and design thanks to flexible e-ink displays built into the sides. The Voltarii Timeless shoes (example pictured) also have 'anchors' on the toe and heel so physical accessories can be added, such as bows, flowers or ankle straps . The shoes were designed by Lithuania-based iShuu Technologies, which is currently seeking funding for the footwear on Indiegogo. At the moment, prototypes are only available in black and white, but other colours are expected to launch if the campaign receives enough funding. Each shoe has flexible e-ink displays on the left and right sides. Inside the shoe's sole is a Bluetooth receiver that connects these displays to a smartphone app. Each shoe has flexible e-ink displays (pictured) on the left and right sides. Inside the shoe's sole is a Bluetooth receiver that connects the displays to a smartphone app . At the moment, the prototypes are only available in black (pictured) and white, but other colours are expected to launch if the campaign receives enough funding. The team is estimating a delivery date of December this year and has raised more than $21,400 (£14,300) of its $50,000 (£33,600) target . Patterns including polka dots, animal stripes and flowers can then be selected and 'sent' to the displays on the shoes. They are made of rubber and leather in European sizes 36 to 40 . Each shoe has a flexible e-ink display on the left and right sides. Inside the shoe's sole is a Bluetooth receiver that connects the displays to a smartphone app. Patterns including polka dots, animal stripes and flowers can then be selected and 'sent' to the displays on the shoes. The shoe also has physical customisation options. On the top of the toe and back of the heel are anchors, to which the wearer can attach accessories - a flower or bow on the toe, for example, and an ankle strap on the back. A wireless module, also in the sole, allows the shoe's display to be charged wirelessly . Patterns including polka dots, animal stripes and flowers can then be selected and 'sent' to the displays on the shoes. 'The Volvorii's clean, elegant, sturdy design brings gravitas, respect and formality in an unmistakable way,' said the campaign page. The shoe also has physical customisation options. On the top of the toe and back of the heel are anchors, to which the wearer can attach accessories - a flower or bow on the toe, for example, and an ankle strap on the back. They are made of rubber and leather in European sizes 36 to 40. A range

Summary: The Voltarii Timeless shoes were designed by iShuu Technologies . Firm has launched an Indiegogo campaign to fund production of the shoes . Each shoe has a flexible e-ink display on the left and right sides . Inside the shoe's sole is a Bluetooth receiver that connects to an app . Patterns including polka dots, animal stripes and flowers can be selected and 'sent' to the displays on the shoes . A module, also in the sole, means the shoes can be charged wirelessly . Prices start at $249 (£167) and shoes are expected to ship by December .


An aide to a former United States senator revealed she was on the phone with Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich discussing rumors about his religion moments before he killed himself. Schweich, 54, fatally shot himself on February 26 in an apparent suicide at his home in Clayton. Former US Sen. John Danforth's assistant Martha Fitz said Schweich threatened to kill himself during their conversation about the angst he was feeling over false rumors he was Jewish. Scroll down for video . Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich, 54, fatally shot himself in an apparent suicide at his home in Clayton last week . Schweich at his swearing-in ceremony with wife, Kathy (left), son Thomas (above), and daughter Emile (right) Emergency services were called to Schweich's home on the morning of February 26 after he shot himself . After making the threat, he handed the phone to his wife Kathy, Fitz said in a written statement. She wrote: 'Seconds later, I heard Kathy say, 'He shot himself!'" Fitz added: 'He spoke solely about his outrage concerning the rumors that were being spread about his religion and how he should respond to those rumors. 'I told him I thought it was best to let others stand up for him.' Schweich was Christian and attended church, but had some Jewish ancestry. The auditor's chief of staff, Trish Vincent, also talked with Schweich before his death. She said he told her he hadn't slept because he had been physically ill for most of the night before his suicide. In a written statement, she said Schweich 'was distraught, as he had been the last few days, regarding untruths about his religion'. On Tuesday during Schweich's funeral, Danforth eulogized his friend. Danforth, a political mentor and longtime ally to Schweich, is an ordained Episcopal minister. He suggested political bullying and an anti-Semitic whisper campaign led his friend to kill himself. Danforth expressed 'overwhelming anger that politics has gone so hideously wrong' as he spoke at the Church of St. Michael and St. George, the Episcopal church Schweich had attended in Clayton. He said: 'Words do hurt. Words can kill. 'That has been proven right here in this state.' He then urged the audience to disown 'winning at any cost' campaigns run by 'bullies' and to pledge 'that we will not put up with any whisper of anti-Semitism', the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Danforth delivered the eulogy at Schweich's funeral and said political bullying was to blame for his suicide . Family members of Schweich embrace outside the Church of St. Michael and St. George at his funeral . Former US Sen. John Danforth's (left) assistant Martha Fitz (right) was talking to Schweich before his suicide . Schweich, a Republican, launched an anti-corruption campaign for governor last month and was thought to have a good chance of winning. Last month, Schweich told an Associated Press reporter the believed the new chairman of the Missouri Republican Party - John Hancock - told people he was Jewish last year. Schweich said he considered the comments anti-Semitic and was extremely upset by them. Hancock has

Summary: Tom Schweich, 54, shot himself several times at his home on February 26 . Aide to former US Senator John Danforth was speaking to Schweich about rumors about his religion moments before he killed himself . At his funeral, Sen. Danforth blamed Schweich's suicide on bullying . Auditor was Christian and attended church, but had some Jewish ancestry . Schweich, a Republican, launched a campaign for governor last month .


Ukip will form an electoral pact with Northern Irish MPs to keep the Tories in power after the next election, Nigel Farage said this morning. The Ukip leader said the Conservative Party will emerge from the general election as the largest party but wouldn't have enough MPs to govern on their own. Mr Farage said he would force an early referendum on Britain's membership of the EU as his price for keeping David Cameron in Number 10. Ukip leader Nigel Farage said the Conservative Party will emerge from the general election as the largest party but wouldn't have enough MPs to govern on their own . The Ukip leader's intervention comes amid growing pressure on the Tories to rule out a power-sharing deal with Ukip after the election. Mr Cameron has repeatedly challenged Labour to reject a coalition with the SNP, but has side-stepped questions about whether the Conservatives would rely on Ukip to form a government. But Mr Farage said this morning said he would not have a choice. He said: 'At the end of the day, this is all about numbers, isn't it?' He added: 'I mean I still believe that the Conservatives will be the biggest party – not least of which is because Alex Salmond's party is doing so well in Scotland. 'I think between UKIP and possibly the DUP in Northern Ireland as well, there will be a body of MPs there to have significant influence and to force a referendum on our EU membership.' Mr Farage has previously insisted he would be willing to support a Tory minority government only if a referendum on Britain leaving the EU was held before the end of this year – two years earlier than David Cameron plans. Nigel Farage said Ukip would form an electoral pact with Northern Irish MPs to keep the Tories in power after the next election . The Tories have insisted that Mr Cameron needs two years to re-negotiate Britain's membership of the EU. But Mr Cameron said: 'Donald Tusk and Mr Juncker, the two bosses of the European Union, have made it perfectly clear there is no renegotiation. 'When it comes to the fundamental point of the free movement of people and immigration into the UK, which is the number one issue in British politics and I think between now and May 7 will start to dominate this General Election campaign, there is no renegotiation.' David Cameron may be forced to rely on Ukip and DUP MPs to stay as Prime Minister . Mr Tusk – the European Council president – last week claimed Mr Cameron's proposal for a new EU treaty was 'Mission Impossible'. But the Prime Minister, speaking in Brussels on Friday, said a Tory victory in the General Election would give him a 'very powerful mandate' to win sweeping reforms and insisted it was possible. He added: 'Tom Cruise normally prevails in the end. He's a little bit smaller than me, but I hope to be just as effective.' But Mr Cameron has refused to rule out a coalition with Ukip,

Summary: Ukip leader said the Tories will emerge from the election as largest party . But he said David Cameron would not have enough MPs to form a majority . He said Ukip would form a pact with the DUP to keep the Tories in power . In return Ukip will demand an early in-out referendum on the EU .


Two teachers who were arrested in January for allegedly having a beach sex party with five male students have been hit with new charges - including that they supplied cocaine to the minors. Melody Lippert, 38, and Michelle Ghirelli, 30, from the Los Angeles suburb of Covina, were both originally only charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor over allegations that they gave booze to the students. On Monday, prosecutors hit them with a slew of new, much more serious, charges, KTLA-TV reports. Scroll down for video . Melody Lippert (left), 38, and Michelle Ghirelli (right), 30, both from Covina, were arrested in January. On Monday, they were hit with drug and sex abuse charges . 'The Covina-Valley Unified School District is shocked by the Orange County District Attorney's decision with regards to the charges filed. 'However, we recognize that the investigation is continuing and additional charges could be forthcoming,' spokesperson Michelle Van Der Linden said in a written statement. 'As teachers and administrators who work closely and in a trusted position with children, we hold ourselves to a higher standard. 'We are subject to the Education Code and our Board policies and as such, we will continue with our own investigation and have created our own draft statement of charges for dismissal, which will be delivered to both individuals.' Lippert, who allegedly organized the trip, was charged with unlawful sexual intercourse and furnishing a controlled substance to a minor, both felonies. Ghirelli now faces charges of unlawful sexual intercourse, furnishing a controlled substance to a minor and oral copulation of a minor, all of which are also felonies. Prosecutors had initially said there was not enough evidence to file sex abuse charges. Ghirelli's lawyer said the teacher intends to 'vigorously defend' against the charges, telling the Los Angeles Times: 'There's two sides to every story.' The teachers, from South Hills High School in Corona Valley, California, allegedly went on a camping trip to San Clemente Beach with five students from December 27 through 29. Lippert, who has taught as a teacher for the Covina-Valley Unified School District for 15 years, had previously met up with a group of male students from her high school at a beach in San Clemente last November, on a trip that was not school sponsored, according to KCAL-TV. In initial reports, Lippert had reportedly given the group alcohol and then engaged in a sexual act with one of the students, according to Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies. She then made plans to meet up with the students for a second liaison at the same spot, bringing along Ghirelli, who has been teaching for the district for five years. The pair then met up with five students of the same group on the non-school sponsored camping, spending a night on the beach. The teachers from South Hills High School could possibly face additional charges as investigators look into other allegations (the school pictured above)

Summary: Melody Lippert, 38, and Michelle Ghirelli, 30, from South Hills High School in Los Angeles County, face charges of unlawful sexual intercourse . Also charged with furnishing a controlled substance to a minor . Ghirelli is charged with unlawful oral copulation . Ghirelli allegedly had sex with a 17-year-old boy during the beach vacation in December .


Second-tier French club Nimes will be relegated at the end of the season after its former president was found guilty of trying to fix matches. After interviewing about 50 officials, players and coaches, the French league disciplinary commission says Jean-Marc Conrad tried to fix four matches as his club fought off relegation last season. He was banned from football-related activities for seven years. Seven games involving Nimes were investigated after Conrad was arrested last November. Nimes' former club president Jean-Marc Conrad was arrested for his involvement in match-fixing last year . The investigation followed a 1-1 draw against Caen last May that kept Nimes in the second division and saw Caen promoted to the top flight. Preliminary charges of corruption have been filed against Caen president Jean-Francois Fortin and Conrad, who has stepped down in the aftermath of the scandal. Nimes can appeal the sanction. The Ligue 2 side will be relegated at the end of the season following the match-fixing scandal . Monaco forward Valere Germain (centre) vies with Nimes players Larry Azouni (right) and Anthony Marin (left)

Summary: Second-tier French club Nimes will be relegated at the end of the season . Former club president Jean-Marc Conrad attempted to fix matches . A full investigation was launched and Conrad was arrested in November . Conrad has been banned from football-related activities for seven years .


Former Everton and Manchester United boss David Moyes believes failure in Europe has exposed declining standards in the Barclays Premier League. Moyes is manager of Spanish side Real Sociedad, a job he took up in November. He has been linked with a return to England with West Ham, where Sam Allardyce remains in charge, but appears comfortable in La Liga. Former Everton and Manchester United boss David Moyes says the Premier League isn't what it once was . Real Sociedad's Moyes says the Premier League now is 'probably the poorest I've seen in a long, long time' While Spanish sides have flourished in Europe this season their Premier League counterparts have struggled, with none left in the Champions League or Europa League after Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton bowed out this month. Moyes said on BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: 'It's not been too long ago where we were looked at as probably having the best teams, and it does change. 'Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal are all exceptional teams in their own right and they'll be disappointed they went out, and maybe on another day they'd have gone through. 'It's just becoming a wee bit of a habit that we're not getting our teams quite as close to the final as we had in the past. Moyes shakes hands with Lionel Messi of Barcelona, one of the Spanish teams flourishing in Europe . He says Chelsea (here bowing out of the Champions League to PSG), along with Manchester City and Arsenal 'are all exceptional teams' but that the Premier League might be talked up more than it deserves to be . 'I think this year you'd have to say it's probably the poorest Premier League I've seen in a long, long time. 'Maybe we do go over the top and recently we have maybe talked up the Premier League more than what it's actually been. There's other leagues which are certainly now comparable.' Moyes expects to return to the Premier League, but not in the near future. 'I think someday I will,' he said. 'I've left when I didn't expect to be leaving but what I've taken on is a great job. 'I love working in Spain.'

Summary: Real Sociedad manager David Moyes said Premier Leagues is overrated . He said England's top league is 'maybe talked up more than what it's been' He said Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal are all exceptional teams . Former Everton and Man United boss said he could return 'someday' Although linked with West Ham, Moyes said 'I love working in Spain'


A couple of thick-skinned surfers in Alaska were caught on camera as they went head to head with the local pros; sea lions. The two unidentified men were spotted of the rocky coast of Shrine of St. Therese in Juneau as they paddled alongside the large creatures in near freezing conditions. In one shot a surfer leads the way as the seals trail behind him and in another the animals inquisitively watch as the humans pass them by. The unusual scene was captured by 55-year-old Danish photographer, Birger Baastrup. After noticing the surfers braving the extreme weather, Baastrup decided to use the opportunity to get some shots of them in action. Playtime: A couple of thick-skinned surfers in Alaska were caught on camera as they went head to head with the local pros; sea lions . Dressed for the weather: The two unidentified men were spotted of the rocky coast of Shrine of St. Therese in Juneau as they paddled alongside the large creatures in near freezing conditions . Catch me if you can: In one shot a surfer leads the way as the seals trail behind him and in another the animals inquisitively watch as the humans pass them by . Picture pro: The unusual scene was captured by 55-year-old Danish photographer, Birger Baastrup . Career high: The cameraman says in Alaska he sees a lot of wildlife, but spotting the sea lions was 'extra special' But it was only when he’d zoomed in on his camera that he noticed the unlikely panel of spectators bobbing in the water. Incredibly, the sea lions seemed to enjoy the show so much that they stayed nearly two hours but decided to keep their distance. Recalling the incident Baastrup said: 'When I got there the surfers and sea lions were already there. 'The sea lions repeatedly stuck their heads or large part of their body out of the water to watch these surfers and what they were doing. 'I have observed surfers at this location many times before but never with this amount of sea lions and around and I’ve never seen them this curious. 'I think the surfers were trying to ignore the sea lions but we were also just careful that they did not come too close. 'The sea lions didn’t interact with the surfers from what I saw, they can get quite territorial so that could potentially not be a good thing. 'Here in Alaska we see a lot of wildlife, which is one of the reasons I love living here, so it’s not a surprise to see sea lions, however, these were extra special.' Snapped: After noticing the surfers braving the extreme weather, Birger decided to use the opportunity to get some shots of them in action . Close up: But it was only when he’d zoomed in on his camera that he noticed the unlikely panel of spectators bobbing in the water . Unusual event: Recalling the incident Baastrup said: 'When I got there the surfers and sea lions were already there. The sea lions repeatedly stuck their heads

Summary: Two unidentified surfers were spotted of the rocky coast of Shrine of St. Therese in Juneau as they paddled alongside the large creatures in near freezing conditions . The unusual scene was captured by 55-year-old Danish photographer, Birger Baastrup . He said the sea lions played near the sportsmen for almost two hours but maintained a safe distance .


The company behind the Snuggie, Perfect Bacon Bowl and other 'As Seen on TV' products has agreed to pay $8 million to settle charges that it deceived customers. The Federal Trade Commission said Thursday that Allstar Marketing Group promised customers buy-one-get-one free promotions, but some were still charged for the items in the form of high processing and handling fees. The FTC said costumers were led to believe they would be getting two $19.95 products for less than $10 each, but actually paid $35.85 when a processing and handling fee was applied. Underfire: The company behind the Snuggie, Perfect Bacon Bowl and other 'As Seen on TV' products has agreed to pay $8 million to settle charges that it deceived customers . Allstar will pay $7.5 million to the FTC to create a fund for customer refunds. The other $500,000 will be paid to the New York attorney general's office for penalties, costs and fees. Allstar said it has already made changes to its business to make costs easier to understand. 'While we have always believed our processes complied with the law, we are proud to have successfully worked with the FTC and the NY AG to improve them and set new standards for transparency,' Jennifer De Marco, general counsel at Allstar, said in a written statement. Some customers were also sold more products than they intended to buy. The New York attorney general said one customer who wanted to buy two $19.95 Perfect Brownie Pans was charged $105 for six of them after being confused by an automated phone call. The customer was unable to get a refund, the attorney general said. Allstar, which is based in Hawthorne, New York, sells products such as Chop Magic, Cat's Meow and Topsy Turvy through TV commercials, websites and in stores.

Summary: Allstar Marketing Group allegedly promised customers buy-one-get-one free promotions, but some were still charged for the items in the form of high processing and handling fees . The FTC said costumers were led to believe they would be getting two $19.95 products for less than $10 each . However, they actually paid $35.85 when processing fees was applied . Some customers were also sold more products than they intended to buy because of confusing payment systems .


The full extent of the impact of good schools on house prices around England is laid bare by research released today. A map produced by Savills estate agents shows the cost of homes near the best performing schools can be more than 25% higher than in other areas. Each dot on the map represents a school, with the darker coloured dots representing better performing schools and the size of the dot showing the 'house price premium' around that school. Scroll down for video . The fact that the darker dots are often the largest in each area shows just how much parents are willing to pay to live near a good school. Savills say the map shows that certain areas can be classed as 'educational hotspots', in which a choice of good schools leads to a spike in property prices. The company say the best examples of these are Northwood in Middlesex, Brighton in West Sussex, Shrewsbury in Shropshire and Ascot in Berkshire. The map also shows how selective grammar schools, such those in Kent and Buckinghamshire, drive up house prices in the surrounding area. Lucian Cook, director of residential research at Savills, said: 'What it shows is there are clear house price premiums around high performing state schools. These are not uniform, there are exceptions where people can still get access to a well-performing school, but generally, there is a premium. 'That said, I suppose there is a bit of a chicken and an egg situation of where you have to ask whether affluent families cluster around a high performing school, or are schools high performing because of the families who live nearby.' A graph produced by estate agents shows that house prices are higher than the regional average in places where pupils perform well at school . The report states: 'For many [house buyers], rather than pinning their hope on a single school, a choice of good schools will determine whether they will look to buy. 'In locations such as Northwood, Brighton, Shrewsbury and Ascot that will be driven entirely by a cluster of high performing independent schools. 'In others such as Dorking, Malvern, Borehamwood, Warwick, Oxford and Guildford these will be supplemented by one or two high performing state school alternatives. 'In other areas, such as Wallington, Altrincham, Orpington it might be exclusively a function of the grammar school system. 'In others, such as Bath Winchester, York, Colchester, Tunbridge Wells, Chelmsford and Cambridge the a network of a range of high performing schools underpins a high value family housing market.' The research comes after a study last year found a top state secondary adds an average of £21,000 to surrounding house prices - with one school in Buckinghamshire adding nearly £500,000 to the price of nearby homes. The research shows how parents are willing to pay much more in order to live close to a good school .

Summary: Research by estate agents shows house prices in areas with good schools are up to 28% more than local average . Map of so-called 'education equation' shows well-performing schools add premiums to cost of homes . Northwood in Middlesex, Brighton in West Sussex, Shrewsbury in Shropshire identified as 'education hotspots'


Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says captain Steven Gerrard will not find an easy route back into his team on return from injury, particularly given the side's excellent form. Gerrard has been absent from Liverpool's last six matches with a hamstring injury but he could return in this weekend's FA Cup clash with Blackburn Rover having resumed training this week. But his manager says that with Liverpool in a good run of form, Gerrard will have to fight for a place in a side that has enjoyed success recently . Steven Gerrard is back in training with Liverpool, but he won't walk straight back into the team . Brendan Rodgers says Gerrard does not have a god-given right to return to the team straight away . Gerrard returned to training with Liverpool at Melwood after recovering from injury this week . 'There is no-one in the squad who has a God-given right to walk straight into the team,' Rodgers said. 'It probably would be (an issue) for other people but certainly not for me and it wouldn't be for Steven. 'He is very much a team player and if he was on the bench because the team was in good form and playing well I think everyone respects that.' 'It wouldn't be significant for me or for him. If the team is in good form, there wouldn't be an issue. The most important thing is having Steven available. Gerrard catches his breath as Liverpool prepare for the visit of Blackburn to Merseyside in the FA Cup . Gerrard performs a trick during Liverpool's training session as Raheem Sterling looks on at Melwood . Rodgers said Gerrard would not have a problem if he was benched for the in-form outfit . 'To have him back is the most important thing. Let's see how the season pans out. Steven is one of the best players of all time in the Premier League. 'He has still got a couple of days to go and we will assess it. He is still with the rehabilitation team. The team is playing very well. To have him back available for selection is the most important thing.' Rodgers brushed off comparisons between Gerrard and his vice-captain Jordan Henderson after the former Sunderland midfielder scored against Manchester City and Burnley. 'Jordan is a wonderful player, a different player,' he said. 'Because he shoots from outside the box doesn't mean he is the new Steven Gerrard. 'His stature as a footballer is growing all the time. He is already a first class footballer but he is going to go on and become even better. Henderson has stood in as Liverpool captain during Gerrard's absence and has scored twice in a week . Rodgers did not want to label Henderson as the 'next Gerrard' but talked up his development . 'He is vice-captain and has a wonderful role model in Steven but I would ask every young player to follow Steven Gerard by example because he is an incredible professional and football player. 'His stature as a footballer is certainly growing all the

Summary: Steven Gerrard is available for Liverpool again after a hamstring injury . But Brendan Rodgers will not put him straight into his team . Liverpool are in a good run of form and beat Burnley 2-0 on Wednesday . READ: Liverpool without Gerrard is like The Beatles without McCartney . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .


This is a nightmare moment for any dog owner: recognising their missing pets served in a roast shop. And it just happened to a five-year-old from northern Vietnam. A picture of a little girl crying by a dog she believed to be her pet has quickly gone viral on the internet, according to People's Daily Online. The unidentified girl reportedly lives in the countryside of north Vietnam. She had raised a dog 'Flower' for three years and was deeply saddened when her beloved pet went missing mysteriously. Devastated: The little girl, who is believed to be living in northern Vietnam, finds her beloved pet 'Flower' already cooked outside a dog meat stall. She has searched for the dog for a few days after it went missing mysteriously . She had spent great effort searching for 'Flower', but to no avail. A few days later, when the child passed by a local dog meat stall, she instantly recognised a dog lying on the street - and already cooked. 'That's Flower,' cried the girl while rushing over to the dog. The picture broke the heart of hundreds of thousands on the internet. Many agreed that the tragedy is too much for a five-year-old to take and have appealed for a ban on the consumption of dog meat. Dog meat is treated as a delicacy in several Asian countries, including Korea, Vietnam and China. A documentary made by Channel 4 last autumn revealed that seven tonnes of live dogs are shipped to the nation's capital Hanoi every day with one slaughter house owner saying he killed up to 30 dogs a day. Many of the dogs are pets stolen from gardens and front porches at night.

Summary: Picture has gone viral of a little girl crying beside her roasted pet dog . The five-year-old is believed to be living in a village in northern Vietnam . Her pet 'Flower' had gone missing mysteriously a few days earlier . Child searched for pet in vain but found it accidentally by a dog meat stall .


For many people with primary school children, their weekends are filled with football and cooking, laughter and games. However, for some families, time away from school is filled with violence and the constant dread of being attacked - by their own children. While incidents of domestic abuse against women by their partners is well known, violence against mothers by their children is still a relatively taboo subject. Scroll down for video . Tracy stands by one of the damaged walls attacked by Robert during a temper tantrum . Ten-year-old Robert kicks his mother Tracy at their home in Preston, Lancashire . One woman, Tracy, lives in perpetual fear of her ten-year-old son Robert and his vicious onslaughts which range from kicks to punches. Indeed, she says sometimes his attacks are so violent, she's had to call the police to come and save her. 'I've got locks on my bedroom door - at the top and the bottom - so I've got somewhere safe to run away from Robert,' says Tracy, who lives in Preston. 'Sometimes it's just a clip around the head, other times it's a punch or a kick.' In the past two years, Tracy has had to call the police on numerous occasions to intervene. 'Once the police used riot gear to go up the stairs after him,' Tracy said. 'He used to throw a paddy when he was two and people used to say to me, "don't worry, he's going through the terrible twos, he'll grow out of it" but it didn't stop, it just got worse, and it hurts a lot more now.' Robert sits in his bedroom and contemplates his behaviour having spoken to Ann Ramsden from the Rosalie Ryrie Foundation. Robert can be seen attacking his mother on the Channel 5 show My Violent Child. Tracy says her son was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the age of five and he's now on the strongest dose possible. 'Robert can be full of life, full of energy, very loving and very caring,' adds Tracy. 'But the other side he can be violent and primarily nasty. I've had to put locks on my door so if Robert is getting violent I have somewhere safe to go. 'It's terrible having to have somewhere in the house that's safe for me - this is my home, I should feel safe all the time. Tracy anxiously peers through the window wondering what mood her son will be in when he returns home . 'He kicks, hits and throws things at the wall. When he's in a temper, he's got so much force behind him. 'I'm scared that one day he's really going to hurt me, and if it isn't me, it's someone else and then he will get into trouble for it.' Robert's stepfather, Steve, said he's concerned about the escalating levels of violence. 'He can be evil at times and chased Tracy out of the house with two bread knives and we had to call the police. Eight-year-old Bailey hates getting ready for school in the morning,

Summary: Mum Tracy has called police to save her from being attacked by schoolboy . Chased from the house by Robert who was brandishing two bread knives . Regularly has items thrown at her including skirting boards and books . Family appearing on Channel 5's show My Violent Child .


Title winner Robbie Neilson will this week start laying the groundwork for a crack at the Premiership’s top six - as he aims to take advantage of Hearts’ two-month head-start over Hibs and Rangers. The Tynecastle boss will summon in agents to draw up new deals for his out-of-contract stars in the team who wrapped up the Championship title before Easter, before turning his attention to luring new players for an assault on the top flight. The 34-year-old believes that by clinching the title so early he has gained a huge advantage over rivals like Hibs and Rangers, who will not know until after the play-offs – which run from May 9 to June 2 – what division they will be playing in next season. Robbie Neilson believes winning the Scottish Championship title so early has given Hearts a big advantage . Delighted to avoid such a scenario, Neilson believes Alan Stubbs or Stuart McCall will risk miss out on landing the best players available. Neilson said: ‘If you go into the play-offs, you’re looking at June 2 before you know if you’re going to be in the Championship or the Premiership. That’s a lot of time to take off your planning for the following season. With any decent players out there, if you’re having to wait until June before you can offer them a contract, the good ones will be away. ‘So I do think that winning the title so early gives us an advantage. We know where we are going so it gives us the opportunity to get going and get in some recruits. Our pre-season is all planned now, too. Jubilant Hearts players throw Neilson in the air after they confirmed their status as champions . ‘We’re going to speak to the guys who are out of contract, get their agents in and see what we can do. There’s a few coming in this week and the week after that as well. It’s important to try and get them tied up because they have given us so much this season. We want to push to get into the top six so if that means altering the squad a little, so be it. But everything falls into a budget.’ Hearts strolled to the Championship title, losing just once this season, at home to Falkirk in January. Yet while Neilson will keep faith with the core of the team who secured him his first trophy as a manager, he warned them they will need to up their game in the top flight. ‘We’re not getting carried away,’ he said. We’ve just won the Championship, but we’re stepping up to a higher league. We definitely need to recruit but the nucleus of the team will stay the same. There are great players here, players with great potential, young guys that are doing great and some older players who have been fantastic. The Hearts manager celebrates his side's league title with club owner Ann Budge, who got a standing ovation . ‘We’ve got guys now who have won a league and that experience

Summary: Hearts have already secured promotion from the Scottish Championship . Boss Robbie Neilson will start laying the groundwork for next season . He believes a two-month head start can give them a crack at the top six . Neilson thinks Hibs boss Alan Stubbs and Rangers manager Stuart McCall risk missing out on the best players available .


Lukasz Fabianski admits Swansea want to make up for a night of Anfield misery when they welcome the Barclays Premier League's most in-form team to the Liberty Stadium on Monday night. Liverpool have won seven and drawn one of their last eight league games to close the gap on fourth-placed Manchester United and move right back into contention for a Champions League place. Brendan Rodgers' side also swept Swansea aside 4-1 at Anfield at the end of December and Polish goalkeeper Fabianski says that defeat still hurts at the Welsh club. Lukasz Fabianski admits Swansea want to make up for a night of Anfield misery against Liverpool . Adam Lallana was among the goalscorers as Liverpool beat Swansea 4-1 in December . 'It wasn't the best of nights but this is a game you want to play in, a second chance and an opportunity to put that right,' said Fabianski, who was culpable for Liverpool's second goal that evening when his attempted clearance cannoned off Adam Lallana and into the Swansea net. 'We have had a good rest (from the Tottenham match) and this is a good game to bounce back in. 'We have shown with the way we put the defeat to Chelsea to bed by beating Manchester United what we can do at home. 'Liverpool are on a good run and playing well but hopefully we can compete against them and take something from it.' Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey (right) scored an own goal for former club Liverpool to make it 4-1 . Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers (right) all smiles with Emre Can in training on Saturday .

Summary: Lukasz Fabianski wants to make up for Anfield misery earlier this season . Swansea were comfortably swept aside 4-1 by Liverpool in December . Reds travel to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea on Monday night .


The prosecution of journalists is the hallmark of ‘oppressive regimes’ such as Russia and Egypt, which try to crush free speech and a free Press, the Old Bailey heard yesterday. The claim was made by Trevor Burke, QC, in his closing speech on behalf of Sun chief reporter John Kay, who is accused of paying a Ministry of Defence official for stories. Mr Burke described Kay, 71, as a ‘legend of Fleet Street’ who is being prosecuted ‘for simply doing his job’. The prosecution of journalists is the hallmark of ‘oppressive regimes’ such as Russia and Egypt, which try to crush free speech and a free Press, the Old Bailey (pictured) heard yesterday . His articles revealed bullying, crime and sexual assault within the military, the jury was told. His QC said: ‘Please recognise how disturbing a development it is that journalists that only report the news accurately, honestly and fearlessly now face being prosecuted in our criminal courts. ‘From John Kay’s perspective that is exactly what’s happening right here.’ Mr Burke told jurors they would be ‘all too familiar with journalists being silenced by courts’ and spoke of oppressive regimes such as Russia and Egypt that sought to crush a free Press and free speech. ‘You might be aware of events in Moscow over the weekend, where a free Press has long ceased to exist,’ he said. ‘It never did in China. ‘And we have seen in recent years protests – people demanding a fraction of the rights we enjoy here, which include but are not restricted to a free Press.’ Mr Burke said the jury would have to rule on public interest. ‘It is the very basic function of a journalist in a free society to report the news without fear or favour,’ he said. ‘To expose hypocrisy and to reveal the truth.’ Mr Burke told the jury how the Press had exposed child sex abuse in Rotherham as well as the MPs’ expenses scandal. The public official who leaked the documents revealing the expenses story has not been prosecuted, the court heard. ‘Nobody could ever conceivably justify a prosecution of the official because of the overwhelming public interest,’ Mr Burke said. ‘Paying an official can be trumped by a public interest defence.’ Mr Burke said Kay saw it as his ‘fundamental duty to hold the powerful to account and to speak for those who have no voice’. ‘He saw it as his role to expose, to correct, to reveal the very truth,’ he said. ‘If John Kay and his profession do not do it on your behalf who will?’ The trial has heard that MoD official Bettina Jordan-Barber, 42, was paid £100,000 by the Sun while working as a strategy officer who briefed the Defence Secretary and that Kay knew she was a public official. Mr Burke described the sum paid to Jordan-Barber as ‘compensation’ for the risk she ran in losing her job if her bosses found out she was leaking information to the Press. ‘The public interest was part of her motivation,’ he added. Also on trial

Summary: Claim made by Trevor Burke QC in his closing speech at the Old Bailey . Trevor Burke QC made claim on behalf of Sun chief reporter described as a 'legend of Fleet Street' John Kay, 71, is accused of paying a Ministry of Defence official for stories .


Diabetes could become a global epidemic affecting one in 12 adults around the world (file picture) Diabetes has become a global epidemic, affecting one in 12 adults, scientists say. And the number of sufferers is set to soar by 55 per cent in the next two decades unless the human population drastically changes the way it eats and exercises. The study by researchers at the University of East Anglia estimates that 382million people had diabetes in 2013. At current rates, that figure is expected to reach 592million by 2035. Around 10 per cent of sufferers have type 1 diabetes – an auto-immune disorder that is usually present from childhood. But the other 90 per cent have type 2 diabetes – an illness driven by a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet. The chronic illness is a particular problem in fast-developing countries. In China and India, almost 10 per cent of adults have diabetes, compared with the global average of 8.3 per cent, reveals the study published in the journal Pharmaco Economics. In Britain, around 3.2million people have diabetes. Lead researcher Till Seuring said: ‘Diabetes has become an epidemic. ‘The rising prevalence of diabetes in these countries has been fuelled by rapid urbanization, changing eating habits, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. ‘Diabetes affects 382 million people worldwide, and that number is expected to grow to 592 million by 2035. ‘It is a chronic disease that has spread widely in recent decades - not only in high-income countries, but also in many populous low and middle-income countries such as India and China.’ He added: ‘We would hope that the findings further increase the policy attention being paid to diabetes prevention and management in rich countries and it should in particular make health and economic policymakers in developing countries aware of the economic damage that diabetes can do.’ The study, published in the journal Pharmaco Economics, cited data from the International Diabetes Federation estimating that 8.3 per cent of adults aged 20 to 79 now suffer from diabetes. In China and India the number is closer to 10 per cent, with 165million diabetics living in those two nations alone. Mr Seuring and his colleagues analysed the impact on increasing number of diabetics on the economies of 20 countries. They found that increased healthcare costs and reduced workforce productivity could severely dent economic growth. A woman adjust a device which delivers insulin to her body. In Britain 3.2 million people suffer from diabetes . And Mr Seuring warned of a hidden cost of carers, many of whom leave their jobs to care for loved ones. In Britain, where 3.2million people suffer with diabetes, Mr Seuring estimated the cost to be significant. He said: ‘People in the UK with diabetes experience an income loss of £887 per year. But it is carers in the UK who are the worst hit financially, with a reduction in income of £1327 annually.’ That pales in comparison, however, with the US where the annual diabetes healthcare cost is $6,800 (£4,600) – and the total economic burden per person reaches $283,000 (£191,200) over a

Summary: Researchers estimate 382million people suffered from diabetes in 2013 . At current rates number of sufferers globally could be 592million by 2035 . In China and India 10 per cent of adult population suffer from the condition . This compares to the global average of 8.3 per cent, according to study . 90 per cent of sufferers have lifestyle-related type 2 diabetes .


Andy Murray finds himself with the task of killing off America in the Davis Cup on Sunday after Great Britain’s scratch pair came tantalisingly close to doing the job for him. Taking their cue from James Ward’s heroics on Friday, Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot almost mimicked his comeback before going down 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-7, 9-7 to the Bryan brothers, Mike and Bob, in another epic, this one lasting three hours and 39 minutes. It left GB leading this World Group first-round match 2-1 with two to play, but it could so nearly have been all over as the British pair shocked the sport’s most feared duo with the force of their comeback. USA's Mike and Bob Bryan celebate after holding on to win the doubles rubber in their Davis Cup clash . Dominic Inglot and Jamie Murray (right) battled back bravely from two sets down before losing decider 9-7 . The American Bryan brothers are the top ranked pairing in world doubles . British No 1 Andy Murray screams encouragement from the sidelines . Inglot and Murray put up superb resistance, spurred on by more passionate support. Inglot was impressive from the start in only his second Davis Cup tie while Jamie Murray recovered admirably from a terrible first two sets. By opting to rest Andy Murray, GB captain Leon Smith knew he could be sacrificing a doubles point, with the calculated trade-off that his No 1 player would be fresh for this afternoon’s reverse singles. He will tackle John Isner, whom he has beaten in all three meetings, and if he can extend that record, a home quarter-final will be secured against France, who have beaten Germany. Inglot plays a one-handed backhand to GB's American opponents Bob and Mike Bryan on Saturday . The Bryan brothers, representing USA at the Davis Cup, celebrate after winning a point against Great Britain . Murray celebrates after winning a vital point against the Bryan brothers during his double's match . A buoyant Jamie Murray was confident his younger brother can finish it, partly due to superior team spirit. ‘It’s pretty obvious we are a much tighter team than the US,’ he said. ‘I didn’t feel the rest of their team were cheering much, while our guys were up on every point. ‘I don’t think Isner will be back-flipping out of bed tomorrow to play Andy. I guess with his serve he has a chance but I wouldn’t bet against Andy in this situation.’ So far this tie has uncannily mirrored last year’s first round between the countries in San Diego, when Murray sealed it in the fourth rubber after the Bryans had reduced the deficit to 2-1 by the Saturday night. Inglot and Jamie Murray played together a few times as juniors but are unfamiliar as professionals. Mike Bryan plays a forehand shot as he attempts to win a point back for USA in the Davis Cup in Glasgow . Andy Murray watches on while his brother serves (left) and the GB team discuss tactics (right) Bob and Mike Bryan of the

Summary: Bryan brothers beat Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot in five sets in Davis Cup . GB went 2-0 down, but battled back to 2-2 before losing deciding set 9-7 . Great Britain lead the USA 2-1 heading into the final singles rubbers .


Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has insisted Real Madrid's most important player is not Cristiano Ronaldo but Karim Benzema. Ronaldo has 30 goals in La Liga compared to Benzema's 13, but former France international Abidal reckons his compatriot is the more desirable player to have in a team. 'Benzema is the man I'd sign from Madrid if I were at Barca because for me he is Madrid's most important player right now,' Abidal told Gol TV. Eric Abidal has insisted Real Madrid's most important player is not Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured) Former Barcelona defender Abidal would rather have Karim Benzema (pictured) in his team . Real's Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Benzema celebrate a goal during their La Liga match against Levante . 'If you take Benzema away from Real Madrid then they would continue scoring goals but not as many as they do with Karim in the team. 'He's a very complete player and other players [play] well in Madrid when Karim is there. 'So yes, if I have to sign one person it would be him, and not just because he is my friend and my compatriot but because of his qualities.' Abidal left Barcelona in 2013 and feels his former club will prove too strong for their Madrid rivals. He continued: 'I think it will finish 3-1 to Barca. I think Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez will each score, though I'd like Javier Mascherano to get a goal for the club. 'Barca are doing much better than at the start of the season, when they struggled a little bit. Now, in 2015, everything's looking impressive and hopefully that continues until the end of the season.' Former Barcelona defender Abidal left Nou Camp in 2013 and has had his say ahead of El Clasico .

Summary: Real Madrid face Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Sunday in La Liga . Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has had his say on the match . Abidal feels Real's most important player is not Cristiano Ronaldo .


With her dark sunglasses and stony expression, the image of Hillary staring at her smartphone made her look such a boss that it launched its own Tumblr parody account. The photograph, which dates from a trip to Tripoli, Libya in September 2011, was even adopted by the former Secretary of State herself for her Twitter profile picture. But it seems the picture, which inspired hundreds of comedy memes, could be no laughing matter for Clinton as it emerges the photograph could be a figurative smoking gun. Indeed, Clinton herself has removed the image removed from her Twitter account because it could show her using her controversial personal email account to conduct diplomacy in Libya. For more than a year, the former Secretary of State had used the monochrome image of her using a Blackberry on board a C-military plane around a month after Colonel Gaddafi's regime fell. Switcheroo: Hillary Clinton swapped out a picture of her using a Blackberry on her way to Libya for a silhouette promoting a gender equality initiative . The picture, regularly seen by her 2.9 million followers, was removed Sunday - to promote a political campaign for gender equality, timed to coincide with International Women's Day. The image was once a symbol of Clinton's funny side as the face of the Texts From Hillary meme, which she said had given her 'many LOLZ'. But the change also comes at a time when senior figures in Congress are intensifying scrutiny of Hillary's communications from 2009-13, which it was recently revealed were not conducted via official State Department accounts. Proof? The chairman of the House Committee on Benghazi mentioned that he has seen no emails from Clinton's time in Libya, despite pictures such as this one from 2011, showing her using a Blackberry . The picture inspired hundreds of comedy memes posted on a parody Tumblr account last year. This one refers to Carly Rae Jepsen's pop song Call Me Maybe . A lot of the memes make a joke about how serious Clinton looks and speculate about what she's doing on her phone . The image of Clinton staring at her smartphone with her dark sunglasses and stony expression make her look like she doesn't have time for anyone . Clinton has handed over swathes of communications from the time, but it has been claimed that the documents have 'huge gaps'. The image was mentioned by the chairman of a House committee into the 2012 attack on U.S. diplomats in Benghazi to suggest that vital communications from Clinton's involvement in Libya were being kept from public view. Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-South Carolina), today told CBS's Face the Nation that he has been provided with no emails from the September 2011 trip - despite Clinton being clearly pictured communicating while aboard the plane. He said: 'There are gaps of months and months and months. And if you think to that iconic picture of her on a C-17 flying to Libya, she has sunglasses on and she has her handheld device in her hand, we have no e-mails from that

Summary: Former Secretary of State swapped out phone picture for blank silhouette . Said the switch was to raise awareness of gender equality initiative . Came amid huge scrutiny over use of private emails to enact foreign policy . Photograph was used to complain about emails withheld from Congress . Trey Gowdy said it 'strains credibility' to think picture from 2011 does not show Clinton dealing with Libya situation using private accounts . Picture also inspired 'Texts From Hillary' meme, which took off in 2012 .


China has been rocked by a hard-hitting film made by a former state TV news anchor which links her baby's tumour to the country's terrible air pollution. Chai Jing's investigative documentary - which has already attracted unprecedented attention from the country's officials - explores the controversial topic of smog in China, one of the most widespread issues in the state. In the opening scene of the documentary, Ms Chai tells the story of her daughter, who was diagnosed with a benign tumour before her birth in October 2013. The 39-year-old goes on to report how a number of newborn babies in China have contracted pneumonia without even leaving home. Scroll down for video . Young victims: Chai Jing, 39, has made a hard-hitting film, exploring the controversial topic of smog in China, one of the most widespread issues in the state . Motherly love: In the opening scene of the documentary, Ms Chai tells how her daughter was diagnosed with a benign tumour before her birth in October 2013 . The film also features an interview with Wang Huiqin (pictured), 6, who lives in highly industrialised Shanxi Province and says she has never seen stars or blue skies . Although Ms Chai does not explicitly link her daughter's tumour to China's air pollution, the film - the first to probe the topic in such depth - has prompted public speculation that the two are connected. It has already been watched by some 200million people and has sparked a firestorm of public criticism over the government's failure to act on the issue in a timely manner. In the 144-minute film, Ms Chai, a former anchor at China Central Television, the Communist Party's mouthpiece, tells how she made the documentary to tell her daughter 'what is smog, where smog comes from and what we shall do with it'. She explains how she found herself pregnant in January 2013, when 25 provinces and cities in China were blanketed by heavy smog. She then gave birth in October 2013, when her daughter had already been diagnosed with a benign tumour. The diagnosis led to Ms Chai quitting her job at the beginning of last year so she could focus on taking care of her daughter. It was during that period that she began making the film, entitled Under the Dome, she explains. Enveloped: Most cities in China, such as Beijing and Shanghai (pictured), face serious air pollution issues . Price for industrialisation: China burns a large amount of petroleum and coal, two major causes of pollution . The film was distributed to various video websites in China on February 28. It received 117 million views in the first 24 hours, according to Tencent. Ms Chai's daughter is no longer unwell. But she says in the film that she only took her daughter outside when air quality in Beijing was marked excellent or good. The rest of the time she had to lock her daughter at home 'like a prisoner', she claims. She adds that 175 days during 2014 were graded as polluted in Beijing. The film

Summary: Chai Jing, 39, made documentary about air pollution for her sick daughter . In first scene, she tells how her child was diagnosed with tumour in womb . The news anchor fell pregnant in 2013, when Beijing was heavily polluted . Film has sparked public criticism over government's failure to act on issue . Has also prompted speculation that girl's tumour and air pollution are connected .


Britain last night pledged to back the Saudi attacks on rebel positions in Yemen. Around 100 Saudi fighter jets bombed Iranian-backed Houthi fighters yesterday as fears grew of a proxy war in the Middle East between Sunni and Shia factions of Islam. Saudi Arabia is the main Sunni power, Iran its Shia counterpart. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said Britain will provide technical help. Speaking in Washington, he said: ‘We will provide support to the Saudi operation in every way we can, but we’re clearly not going to get involved in military action itself.’ Mr Hammond said there were fears of a 'proxy' war developing in Yemen between Saudi Arabia, the leading Sunni power, and Iran, the leading Shia power. Yemen's President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi arrived in Saudi capital Riyadh on Thursday night after leaving his refuge in Aden as Houthi rebels advanced to within a few miles of the southern port city. Throughout Thursday, warplanes from Saudi Arabia and Arab allies struck at the Shiite Houthis and allied army units, who have taken over much of Yemen and seek to oust Hadi. Warplanes resumed bombing the Houthi-held capital Sanaa that evening, shaking whole neighbourhoods and terrifying residents. Up to 39 civilians have been reported killed in Sanaa. Greeting: Yemen's President Hadi (left) arrived in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh on Thursday night after leaving his refuge in Aden. Yesterday Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond (right) warned of a 'proxy war' exploding in the Middle East as Saudi warplanes continued to blitz rebel positions in Yemen . An armed Houthi militiaman stands over the rubble of houses destroyed by a Saudi air strike in Sanaa . Fury: Shiite rebels hold up their weapons during a rally against the Saudi airstrikes in Sanaa . Anger: Shiite Muslims are pictured holding their weapons in the air during an anti airstrike rally in Sanaa . Rubble: A man is photographed sitting at a bomb site near the air force base in Sanaa . Power: A tank bearing the flag of southern separatist movement, which was confiscated from a military depot, is driven on a street in the southern Yemeni city of Aden yesterday afternoon . Safety: Yemen's President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi (left) walks with Saudi Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman as he arrives in Riyadh on Thursday evening . Speaking in the US yesterday afternoon, the Foreign Secretary said: 'The Saudis are very exercised by the idea of an Iranian-backed regime in Yemen. 'They cannot accept the idea of an Iranian-backed regime in control of Yemen, which is why they felt compelled to intervene the way they have. 'We know there has been Iranian support for the Houthi and we are all concerned to avoid this becoming a proxy war.' MPs today said the escalation of the conflict, which threatens to engulf the entire region into a wider war, was 'heart-breaking' and said the British government could not stand by and see it 'burn'. MP Keith Vaz, chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, called for the UK to take immediate action to help stabilise the region-wide

Summary: Philip Hammond says Britain will provide technical help to Saudi attacks . He said: 'We're clearly not going to get involved in military action itself' Saudi warplanes are continuing to bomb Yemen's rebel-held capital, Sanaa . At least 39 people have been killed in coalition airstrikes so far in the city .


The Easter bunny was invented in German folklore, where an 'Easter Hare' was used to determine whether children had been well-behaved. Much like Father Christmas, the brown-coloured animals was often depicted carrying a selection of treats to good children's houses. But while the traditional version of the rabbit was a natural-looking creature, the modern character has become an often terrifying white, pink, purple and yellow creation. The Easter bunny is meant to be a joyful character, but often botched costumes mean they are more horrific than happy, as this picture demonstrates . The symbol of the Easter often results in a terrifying sight when produced on a budget. Children who would usually be delighted to be meeting someone who will be gifting them with chocolate eggs end up screaming for their parents. As reported by Metro, unfortunate humans who have been given the task of dressing up as the rabbit end up looking more like the terrifying Donnie Darko character than a friendly furball. Read on to see some of the creepiest Easter bunnies around.... This bunny would be better suited to Halloween . This Easter rabbit looks like he could behave a starring role in Texas Chainsaw Massacre . This bunny isn't giving much cheer out... and appears to have lost its neck . This child is braver than most adults, getting this close to an evil-looking bunny . This bunny looks like it needs to break out . This Easter rabbit needs to work on its body language . This bunny on the left might like to lay off the coffee, while the bunny on the right hasn't had much luck impressing these children . This bunny took the hand-on approach too literally . This bunny looks like it could borrow a few cups of coffee from bunny No.7 .

Summary: Easter bunnies are supposed to be friendly characters that bring gifts . But cheap costumes often leave the rabbit looking odd and scary . FEMAIL round up some of the best pictures of creepy Easter bunnies .


West Brom's Chris Brunt has requested a personal hearing after being charged by the Football Association for allegedly verbally abusing a match official. The midfielder is alleged to have used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour in the tunnel after Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Aston Villa. Referee Anthony Taylor sent off Albion's Claudio Yacob and Villa's Jack Grealish during the game, which saw Villa progress through to the semi-finals where they will play Blackburn or Liverpool. Chris Brunt (right), pictured disputing a decision with Anthony Taylor, has been hit with an FA charge . Aston Villa fans celebrated by racing on to the pitch following their 2-0 victory over West Brom at Villa Park . Baggies boss Tony Pulis steered well clear of getting involved at Thursday's press conference ahead of their game against Stoke. 'That's with Richard (Garlick, director of football administration) and the powers that be,' he said. 'That's in the if, buts and maybes for Saturday. 'We don't know if he'll be charged or if he's banned. We're not sure yet, they're still talking.' Both Albion and Villa are awaiting the results of FA and police investigations after crowd trouble at Villa Park where home fans twice invaded the pitch. Police clash with unruly fans in the aftermath of the FA Cup clash between Aston Villa and West Brom . West Brom are working with police after footage emerged of supporters appearing to let off fire extinguishers . West Brom supporters threw seats into sections of the Villa fans during the second half with Pulis insisting the day after the match that anyone found guilty should be banned for life. Pulis remained detached from all disciplinary issues on Thursday, ranging from Brunt's case to the crowd trouble and whether his winger Callum McManaman was struck in the tunnel after the game. 'That's ongoing and it's something I'm not involved in,' he said about the disturbing scenes. 'That's down to the powers-that-be who are above me. It's up to them to sort that out and we'll see where that takes us. But at the moment I don't think there's any comment from ourselves or the FA.' Police and the FA are investigating the behaviour of both club's after the unruly scenes in which some West Brom players are also alleged to have tried to trip Villa fans . Tony Pulis has called for supporters to behave themselves, or be punished properly . Pulis did, however, reiterate the need for common sense from supporters. 'You want derbies to be passionate and committed but there are certain levels, certain rules, that we should all stay and work within,' he said. 'If people have broken those rules then they should be punished and punished properly, because you can't have a situation like we've had 20 or 30 years back where it's just chaos. We've moved on as a country from that and we have to make sure we don't allow it to come back in.' As for possible lifetime bans for supporters, Pulis said: 'That's down to the club.'

Summary: Brunt faces a charge of using insulting words in the tunnel after West Brom's defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup . Villa won a fiesty game, which saw two red cards and crowd trouble . Both clubs are still waiting the results of FA and police investigations .


Ever thought you'd see a professional footballer taking aim at a Subbuteo goal? Well here's your chance as Roma have become the latest club to feature in a promotional advert for Paddy Power. Roma stars Radja Nainggolan, Alessandro Florenzi and Miralem Pjanic played out a number of different challenges to promote the Irish bookmakers. Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic managed to hit the back of a Subbuteo goal net . Paddy Power collate tweets aimed at the players taking part in the video before playing out the hilarious predicaments. Pjanic takes a free-kick at a Subbueto goal, Nainggolan races against a motorbike while Florenzi celebrates with a grandma after scoring a superb training-ground bicycle kick. Roma's first team stars will be getting back down to serious business on Thursday night when they face Serie A rivals Fiorentina in the last 16 of the Europa League. Radja Nainggolan raced against a man on a bike in Paddy Power's latest promotional advert .

Summary: Miralem Pjanic took part in a mental skill tests for promotional advert . Pjanic was filmed shooting into a Subbuteo goal during challenge . Roma take on Fiorentina in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday .


Australian bat-lovers and conservationists are mourning the loss of an infant flying fox named Charlotte. Charlotte, also known as Little Miss Charlotte, was in the care of Batzilla the Bat, a bat rescue group in Brisbane, for a little over a month before the baby bat was found to have liver issues and her carers were forced to have her euthanized. Though the rescue group takes in many orphaned bats, usually rehabilitating them and releasing them back into the wild, Charlotte was different. Scroll down for video . Charlotte: Australian bat-lovers and conservationists are mourning the loss of an infant flying fox named Charlotte who was euthanized due to liver issues . Condolences: Here, Denise Wade, a videographer and carer with Batzilla, writes on the group's Facebook page about condolences she has received since Charlotte's passing . Rescued in January, the flying fox captured the hearts of bat lovers as her carers posted videos and updates of her progress on the group's Facebook page. Little Miss Charlotte weighed just under two ounces when carers with Batzilla rescued her after a homeowner found the infant bat lying in a gutter, according to the group's Facebook page. Charlotte's parents fell victim to heavy rains in Brisbane that damaged the flying fox population, according to PEOPLE Pets. 'Dehydrated, skinny, and crying for her mum,' Denise Wade, a videographer and carer with Batzilla, wrote, the little bat would have died. Massage:Here, Charlotte is seen in a video posted to Batzilla the Bat's YouTube account being massaged by a carer . The group shared Charlotte's story on the Facebook page and described her rescue as a 'little miracle,' the post was accompanied by a video of little Charlotte being cradled in the hands of one of the group's carers. From the very first post, it was clear to see that little Charlotte was special. The post of Charlotte's rescue story, along with the video, has since amassed more than 800,000 views, more than 14,000 'likes,' and more than 17,000 shares. Since the group announced her rescue, Charlotte's little face has graced the group's Facebook page and YouTube account numerous times with videos of Charlotte being massaged, fed, bathed and more. Her videos and posts on the page have amassed, in total, more than 7 million views, more than 200,000 shares, and more than 200,000 'likes.' Baby Bats: About 300 baby bats are orphaned every year in Australia after their mothers die of starvation or illness . A Facebook post indicates that Charlotte was euthanized in the morning on Feb. 21. In the post Wade wrote that the decision to euthanize little Charlotte was not an easy one and that she cried like a 'big girl.' 'We will never know if her ailment was a result of her prematurity or whether she was just born a little different,' Wade wrote, 'but either way, we had to do the right thing by Charlotte as her long term prognosis was poor.' The comment section of the post is riddled with condolences from more than 1,000 Facebook users who followed Charlotte's

Summary: Australian bat-lovers and bat conservationists are mourning the loss of an infant flying fox named Charlotte . The little bat became a Facebook sensation after a bat conservation group posted the miraculous story of her rescue . The group was forced to have Charlotte euthanized due to liver issues .


Forget Groundhog Day. For suffering Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw, it is beginning to feel more like Groundhog Year. There has been an increasingly familiar pattern to his addresses in the aftermath of every one of his team’s four defeats in this Six Nations campaign so far. He has talked of the positives to take from each loss while trying his best to put the bravest of faces on matters. As he sat at BT Murrayfield on Tuesday following a tough training session with his international colleagues, his mask didn’t slip one bit as he went through the same old routine. Greig Laidlaw in action during the Six Nations rugby match between France and Scotland at Stade de France . But behind the forced smile it was clear there is a new fear engulfing him which makes the final Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday an increasingly nervous prospect. The scrum-half with 38 caps to his name doesn’t want to join Chris Paterson and Ross Ford in the record books as a captain who led Scotland to a Six Nations wooden spoon. Paterson did it twice, in 2004 and 2007, with Ford suffering a similar fate in 2012. Since Five Nations became Six, Italy have been bottom of the pile 10 times with Wales and France finishing last once each. England and Ireland have never picked up the wooden spoon. Laidlaw, who played stand-off rather than scrum-half in the side that was whitewashed under Ford, doesn’t want to experience that feeling again. He is hoping his team-mates feel as embarrassed as he is about the current plight and use the fear of failure as motivation to put things right against the Irish. ‘I don’t know if it hurts me as captain more than the other players, but losing all our games so far certainly hurts me a lot, that’s for sure,’ said the 29-year-old. ‘I like to think avoiding the wooden spoon is a big driving factor whether you are captain or not, as nobody wants to be in the team that’s failed to pick up any wins. ‘Remember, though, we haven’t finished bottom yet and we’ve got an opportunity this weekend to finish on a high. If we can win this one, it allows us to give a big sigh of relief going into the pre-World Cup games over the summer and then build towards the World Cup. Laidlaw leaves the field after the second half of the the RBS Six Nations match between against Italy . ‘The other side of the coin is that if we lose this one, it’s a long time before we play for Scotland again and that’s the worst situation to be in. At least we have a week to try to rectify some of the problems that were there against England and give everybody the boost they want by turning things around against Ireland.’ Laidlaw admitted he has been left totally frustrated at how his side had come up short in all their matches and fallen away badly in the second half of key games.

Summary: Greig Laidlaw doesn’t want to join Chris Paterson and Ross Ford . The duo led Scotland to the wooden spoon in 2004, 2007 and 2012 . England and Ireland have never picked up the wooden spoon . Since five nations became six, Italy have been bottom of the pile 10 times .


Nine high school students have been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting two underage girls multiple times. Staff at Venice High School in Los Angeles informed police of a suspected attack on a female student on Tuesday. However the LAPD found the sexual misconduct involved another student and had occurred frequently for more than a year. An investigation has since identified 14 suspects between the ages of 14 and 17 who have allegedly been involved in sexual activity at the school - some consensual and some not. Investigation: Nine students at Venice High School in Los Angeles have been arrested in connection with sexual assaults on two underage girls dating back to 2013 . Eight youngsters from the school were arrested on Friday while another was arrested at another location. The suspected attacks are believed to have occurred on and off campus and date back to around December 2013. However the majority are believed to have taken place in the last two months. A statement by the LAPD read: 'In an effort to protect the victims, all subjects were arrested at Venice High School and transported to Pacific Area Station for booking. 'The investigation is still ongoing and detectives will continue to interview all parties involved as well as collect any additional evidence.' A source for the LA Times said the accusations involves the male students working together to pressure girls into having sex. Los Angeles Schools Police Chief Steve Zimmerman told the media: 'When we have information about issues that concerning student safety and issues pertained to the school as a whole, we will do everything to ensure that behavior doesn't happen.' The police department confirmed rape wasn't involved but said it involved forced sexual assault. Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon Cortines told The Times the students' parents had been notified and counselors were on campus to assist any other students. He said: 'This is a painful moment for Venice High School, and this district. I want you to know that no sexual misconduct of any kind by students or staff will ever be tolerated in L.A. Unified.'

Summary: Staff at Los Angeles school reported a sexual assault on Tuesday . The LAPD investigated and discovered there was a second victim . They say attacks on two girls date back to December 2013 . Force have identified 14 suspects between the ages of 14 and 17 .


These incredible pictures show the ancient art of falconry as it is still practiced in the harsh mountainous region that straddles the border between Russia, China and Kazakhstan. The traditional hunting method is a prominent part of the culture in the autonomous Xinjiang Uygur region, where falconers gather every year to compete in a place known as the 'Village of the Falcon'. As a means to preserve the skill for future generations, the local government has also begun issuing monthly salaries of 300 - 500 yuan to falcon masters to encourage them to pass down their skills. Scroll down for video . A falconer holds his hunting eagle aloft during the annual festival held in the remote mountainous region of Xinjiang Uygur, China . Members of the Uygur, Kazak and Kirgiz ethnic groups have practiced the ancient tradition for generations . Every year falconers gather to compete in Akqi county, of Kezilesu Kirgiz autonomous prefecture, northwest China . A falconer holds his eagle prior to the beginning of the festival where participants compete in a range of competitions designed to test the ability of their hunting eagle . Hunters wear traditional costumes, complete with fur coats made of marmot, fox or wolf skins which have been caught by their eagles . Since November 2010, falconry - which is predominately practiced by the Uygur, Kazak and Kirgiz ethnic groups - has been listed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The training and handling of the large birds of prey follows a strict set of ancient rules that local eagle hunters are attempting to preserve. The tradition of hunting with the huge eagles is said to have been started by the nomadic Khitans from Manchuria in northern China around 940AD. The eagles soar through the air at speeds of up to 200mph as they race to reach their keeper first, during annual festivals. Their hunting prowess is also tested as they chase meat pulled along by the horses. Other activities held during the competition include horse racing, archery and Bushkashi, which is a goatskin tug of war on horseback. It also sees awards handed out for Best Turned Out Eagle And Owner, Best Eagle At Hunting Prey and Best Eagle At Locating Its Owner From A Distance. The hunters wear traditional costumes, complete with fur coats made of marmot, fox or wolf skins which have been caught by their eagles. The more extravagant the coat the more respected the hunter is. Falconers travel one of the area's remote roads on horseback on their way to compete in the annual festival . The well-trained eagles can fly through the air at speeds of 200mph as they race to reach their keeper first during the annual festival . Trained eagles, such as those pictured, are able to catch dozens of pheasants a day which their keepers can then sell at local markets . Two falconers travel side-by-side on horseback before their eagles are let loose in a race across the isolated region .

Summary: Amazing images show eagle hunters gathering for annual falconry festival in China's remote Xinjiang Uygur region . The tradition of using birds of prey to hunt game goes back generations among communities in the isolated area . Hunters wear costumes of fur coats made of marmot, fox or wolf skins which have been caught by their eagles .


Web-savvy militants fighting for the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq could control as many as 90,000 Twitter accounts worldwide, allowing them to spread their sickening propaganda with ease. The terror group is able to 'exert an outsized impact on how the world perceives it' because of its shrewd use of social media and sheer number of online followers, terror experts have concluded. Recommendations in the report by the Washington-based Brookings Institute report include governments and social media companies working together to find new ways to tackle the problem of pro-ISIS accounts spreading horrific murder videos and images and jihadist rhetoric. Power: ISIS militants (pictured) are able to 'exert an outsized impact on how the world perceives it' because of its shrewd use of social media and sheer number of online followers, experts have concluded . The report, by Brookings academic JM Berger and technologist Jonathon Morgan, says: 'While we do not believe that any mainstream social media platform wishes to see its services used to further acts of horrific violence, we also suspect some would rather not be bothered with the challenge of crafting a broad and coherent response to the issue. 'While we can sympathise with the challenges and dilemmas such a response would entail, it is clear that social media companies do feel an obligation to respond to some social standards and illegal uses of their services. 'We are not aware of any major company that takes a hands-off approach to the use of its platform to promote child pornography or human trafficking - or, less dramatically, phishing, spam, fraud, and copyright violations. 'Extremism, while raising thornier issues, merits attention, especially when faced with a rising challenge of violent groups who manipulate platforms to reap the rewards of spreading images of their cruelty.' Showboating: ISIS terrorists use social media to boast of the organisation's victories and territorial gains . The study of ISIS-linked accounts between September and December estimated there were between 46,000 and 70,000 IS-supporting Twitter accounts, with the researchers believing that the true figure was towards the lower end of this scale but setting an absolute maximum at 90,000. It argues that the problem also applies to other social networks and extremist groups such as far-right organisations. Brookings' analysis was based on 'robust' data collected about 50,000 accounts, and partial information about a further 1.9 million. Only a small number of the accounts were able to have their locations identified, as most had this function switched off. But of those that could be located, the vast majority were in the Middle East and North Africa. Other were found in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and Australia, but these numbers were in single figures, the report found. They noted that platforms including Facebook and YouTube have already introduced changes aimed at tackling extremist material. Horror: The militants also use social media to share barbaric images of atrocities they commit, such as throwing men accused of being gay off the roof of high buildings . Twitter had started suspending accounts linked to ISIS by the time the

Summary: Militants use social media to 'impact on how the world perceives ISIS' They spread propaganda online and use social networks for recruitment . Tens of thousands of Twitter accounts are currently controlled by ISIS . As soon as one account is deleted, the terrorists set another one up . Information was revealed in a new report by US-based Brookings Institute .


A woman who had her phone stolen will be reunited with it after the selfie of the man who handed it into police that appeared on her Facebook wall went viral. Nicola Shelton, 33, was partying with friends at Lala Land in Byron Bay, on the New South Wales' north coast, on Valentine's Day when her bag was stolen with her phone, wallet and cards inside. She thought she would never see her iPhone again, but then on Wednesday someone posted a selfie of themselves at Byron Bay on her Facebook wall. Nicola Shelton got a shock when a man taking a selfie appeared on her Facebook wall without her knowledge . Earlier in February her phone had been stolen in Byron Bay and she started sharing the selfie to get her phone back . Ms Shelton's boyfriend alerted the Melbourne woman to the post while she at work. 'It was an awful feeling [seeing the photo]. My boyfriend asked "why are you posting photos of these boys on your Facebook page?"' she told Daily Mail Australia. The photo shows a picture of man smiling at the camera while another climbs over rocks at the beach in the background. At first, Ms Shelton thought the man in the picture was the one who stole her phone and re-posted the photo in an attempt to get her phone back. Almost two weeks later, the selfie appeared on her Facebook wall and Ms Shelton thought the man in it stole her phone, but he later apologised - saying he had bought the phone off someone else . 'Straight after I saw it I re-shared it and changed the subject to "This is the person who has my iPhone" and it started gaining momentum,' she said. So far, the post has been shared on social media almost 20,000 times. 'I was absolutely dumbfounded. At first when I re-shared photo I didn't think anything would come from it,' Ms Shelton said. 'But people were messaging me and wishing me luck, people I didn't know, it was bizarre.' After the post started to gain traction, the man in the photo messaged Ms Shelton on Facebook and apologised. He said he saw her sharing his photo and had bought her phone off someone else. The man told Ms Shelton he was going to hand the phone over to the police. To her relief, she got a call from Byron Bay police and the phone will soon be returned to its owner. 'I’m just amazed by the help from people I don't even know. I'm happy to get my phone back,' Ms Shelton told Daily Mail Australia.

Summary: Nicola Shelton, 33, lost her phone on Valentine's Day at Byron Bay, NSW . The new male owner of the phone posted a selfie on her Facebook page . Ms Shelton then shared photo thinking he was the one who stole her phone . The man in the selfie contacts her and apologises for having her iPhone . He said he bought her stolen phone off someone and returned it to police .


A Washington, D.C. news anchor got a real earful during a live broadcast on Monday when an exotic insect got so cozy on his ear that he laid two eggs. Fox 5's Bob Barnard was broadcasting from the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History for a story on Museum Week when a palm-sized African Moon Moth unexpectedly landed on his head. Largely unfazed, Barnard continued with his broadcast. When he was done, he discovered the the exotic bug had left behind a gift. Scroll down for video . Ova the top: Washington Fox 5's Bob Barnard got an earful from an African Moon Moth in a live spot at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History on Monday when the bug laid two eggs in his ear . Barnard was doing a story on Museum Week in DC when the moth laid eggs in his ear. He had no clue it had happened until after the broadcast . The moth had previously caused Barnard a bit of a tickle, which he at first appeared to believe was a bite. However, the insect zookeeper Barnard was interviewing informed him that African Moon Moths don't have mouths at all and are thus incapable of biting. Their plump, green larvae, the zookeeper explained, do all the eating. The moths then live off the fat stores once they become adults. 'That African Moon Moth on my ear on live TV laid two eggs! (Yuck),' Barnard tweeted Monday. Big and beautiful: The African Moon moth measures around 4 inches across with tail-like structures dangling majestically from its wings. The moth likely laid hundreds more eggs after the two he left behind on Barnard . Perhaps that sensation he thought was biting was actually the moth laying her eggs. Either way, the moth won't be around long enough to see if Barnard helps raise her young. The Moon Moth, unable to eat, lives only a handful of days. She does, however lay hundreds of eggs--just a few at a time--before she dies.

Summary: Washington Fox 5's Bob Barnard got an earful from an African Moon Moth in a live spot at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History on Monday .


Theresa May has shelved a decision on whether water cannon can be used on the streets of Britain until after the election, in a major snub to Boris Johnson. Mrs May has refused to sign off the controversial riot control machines despite pressure from the London mayor, who last year spent £220,000 buying three cannon for use in public order emergencies. Home Office sources confirmed last night no ruling on permission would be made this side of the election. That means the machines will lay idle, in a potential embarrassment for the mayor. Boris Johnson spent £220,000 last year buying three water cannon to use in public emergencies, such as the London riots, but Theresa May has today refused to approve their use (file image) Soon after buying the three German machines last year, Mr Johnson said it was ‘highly likely’ the Home Secretary would sign them off, adding: ‘My view is we need to get on and equip the police with the water cannon they need, or might need.’ But in the past she has expressed concerns about whether they fit with the British model of policing and is thought to have concerns about their safety. The standoff over the issue cast light on the ongoing rivalry between the two, both of whom are seen as potential Tory leadership candidates should David Cameron lose the election and step down. Mrs May's Home Office has been locked in a row with the London Mayor over the decision to buy the machines and whether they fit with UK policing . Last night City Hall sources insisted Mr Johnson had known about the timetable for some time and was ‘very relaxed’ about the delay. A spokesman for the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime defended the decision to purchase the cannon, pointing towards support for them among Londoners. He said: ‘Independent polling shows that the majority of Londoners support the police having water cannon at their disposal for use in exceptional circumstances. 'The Mayor has made his position clear and awaits the Home Secretary’s licensing decision.’ But critics of cannon warn that in incidents on the continent they have led to serious injury and even death. In one case in Germany a man was blinded and in another a protester was stunned and then killed after being run over. Water cannon have been used in Northern Ireland to quell public order incidents, but never on the UK mainland. Calls for their introduction came during the 2011 riots and later student protests in the capital. Last summer The Prime Minister’s spokesman also endorsed their use, saying the prime minister ‘supports’ the police’s application for water cannon. Mrs May and Mr Johnson two regularly appear at or near the top of polls on who Tories would like as a future leader. She is known to regard the Mayor as a 'faintly ridiculous' figure. At the time the mayor purchased the machines, he was warned it could be a waste of taxpayers’ money. When Mr Johnson purchased the machines he said it was 'highly likely' the Home

Summary: Boris Johnson spent £220,000 on buying three used water cannon last year . Said Home Office was 'highly likely' to approve their use, sparking a row . Decision seems to have backfired after Ms May refused to sign off on use .


Misfiring Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao might be struggling to win over English fans with his modest scoring return of just four goals from 19 games, but he will be pleased to know his popularity hasn't diminished too much abroad. Training with his Colombia team-mates in Barhain ahead of the South American country's mini-Asian tour, Falcao was warmly embraced by one supporter who ran on the pitch to reach him. The young fan, wearing one of United's replica away kits managed to get a selfie with Falcao and the striker's signature on the front of his shirt before being escorted away by security staff. Colombia play Bahrain on Thursday before facing Kuwait four days later. A young Manchester United supporter rushes on to the field to meet striker Radamel Falcao . Falcao duly obliges with a hug while training on international duty with his Colombia team-mates . Falcao signs the youngster's replica United shirt as security staff come over to escort him away . Security take the boy away from the Colombia squad, but he will no doubt be happy with his actions . The hug will no doubt come as a lift for Falcao who is under huge pressure to improve his poor club form. Previously viewed as one of the game's top marksmen while at Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco, the Colombian has failed to reach those same heights since agreeing to a big-money loan deal at Old Trafford. United manager Louis van Gaal has been so unimpressed with Falcao's performances that the striker has even been made to spend time training with the club's Under-21s team. Falcao has struggled to replicate the sort of form he showed while at Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco . Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal at one point demoted Falcao to the club's Under 21s team .

Summary: Radamel Falcao was hugged by a young supporter and posed for a selfie while training with his Colombia team-mates in Bahrain . Colombia face Bahrain on Thursday as part of their mini-Asian tour . Falcao has struggled in front of goal for Manchester United this season . He has failed to reproduce the form he showed at his previous clubs . READ: Falcao will be offered to Liverpool on loan this summer . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .