They have long been a favourite among A-list celebrities. But it seems Mulberry handbags also have a fan in Cheryl Prudham – a pregnant mother of 11 who receives more than £39,000 a year in benefits. She was seen taking her brood to one of the store’s branches, where she splurged on the brand’s luxury products. In the bag: Cheryl Prudham with her purchase after emerging from the Mulberry store at Westfield Shopping Centre in East London . The family pose for a picture outside the store. Mrs Prudham is a pregnant mother of 11 and receives £39,000 a year in benefits . Her husband Rob, 29, pointed out an £850 red shoulder bag in the window display, before they entered the outlet at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, East London, last week. After browsing the designer wares, they left with a small grey Mulberry carrier bag. It is not known exactly what Mrs Prudham, 32, purchased but a purse costs £275, a wallet £295 and the classic Mulberry Bayswater handbag £895. And it is certainly not the first time the Prudhams, from Gravesend in Kent, have been spotted enjoying an indulgent lifestyle. Mrs Prudham's husband pointed out an £850 red shoulder bag in the shop window before entering the store . The family get £39,192 in handouts a year on top of Mr Prudham’s monthly salary of £1,600 as a delivery driver – taking their annual income to nearly £60,000 . Last year the family attracted attention for taking a £7,000 holiday in Menorca, with Mrs Prudham telling Closer magazine: ‘I don’t feel bad about using taxpayers’ money. We’re entitled to a holiday.’ And just last month, it was revealed the couple had reunited after a brief split so they can have more babies. ‘I get more in benefits with every child I have, so I can afford a big family,’ said Mrs Prudham, whose 12th child is due in July. The family get £39,192 in handouts a year on top of Mr Prudham’s monthly salary of £1,600 as a delivery driver – taking their annual income to nearly £60,000. They have managed to avoid the Government’s £26,000-a-year benefits cap because Mr Prudham works enough hours to claim working tax credit. Mr and Mrs Prudham have been together for six years, and Mr Prudham is the father of his wife's youngest children and they live in a five-bedroom council house . They live in a five-bedroom council house – but are on the waiting list for a seven-bedroom home because their current accommodation is ‘too cramped’. The couple have been together six years, and Mr Prudham is the father of his wife’s five youngest children. They broke up when she discovered he had been sending indecent messages to a woman on Facebook – but got back together after he apologised. They now plan to renew their wedding vows later this year.

Summary: Pregnant Cheryl Prudham, 32, receives over £39,000 a year in benefits . Been pictured shopping with her husband Rob some of her 11 children . Was seen entering a Mulberry store in east London and browsing the stock . She then left the store and was spotted with a small grey carrier bag . Mulberry purses can cost £275 and the classic Bayswater bag is £895 . Last year the family attracted attention for taking a £7,000 holiday .


An army sergeant has been cleared of attacking a fellow soldier after he thought he heard him call his wife fat. Afghanistan veteran Edward Keteca told service police he had heard Gunner Gary Doyle say 'something derogatory' about his wife Aimee as they walked home from an officer's mess party. The court heard that the 35-year-old then hit a female colleague who had attempted to break up the resulting drunken brawl at Larkhill Royal Artillery Barracks near Salisbury, in Wiltshire. Afghanistan veteran Edward Keteca (pictured leaving court with his wife Aimee) told service police he heard a fellow soldier call Mrs Keteca fat . Sgt Keteca claimed he had been worried the Gnr Doyle and the 'prominent bunch' of soldiers who had been out drinking with him in nearby Amesbury until 1.30am, might do something to his wife. He said: 'He (Gnr Doyle) turned and said something derogatory about my wife so we exchanged words on that. 'Until today I keep trying to remember what he said to me but he did say something to me because we stood there exchanging words. 'That's when the scuffle started. Words had been said and that's all led to one thing after another.' Sgt Ketaca claimed had heard Gunner Gary Doyle (pictured) call his wife fat and the two became involved in a drunken brawl . Bulford Military Court Centre heard that Gnr Doyle's comrades Gnr Samantha Palmer and Bombardier Andrew Radford had attempted to break up the drunken scuffle. After he being pulled away from Gnr Doyle, the court was told that Sgt Keteca had floored Gnr Palmer, 26, who got back up and told him: 'I'm a girl. You've just hit me.' The female gunner had to be taken to hospital the next day for treatment of a swollen eye. But the sergeant claimed he had struck her in self-defense after the 6ft tall, 17 stone rugby player grabbed his shoulders from behind. He told the court martial he punched her to free himself without realising she was a female. He said: 'I do accept making contact with the person coming from behind and I feel bad. 'I wasn't really sure what his intentions were - female or male. 'I was thinking about safety to myself and because I had my wife there as well. Who's to say they wouldn't do something to my wife?' Sgt Keteca's wife of six years Aimee, 29, added that the main aggressors in the incident on February 22 last year were the other soldiers. The mother-of-two said: 'The men jumped on my husband and they got involved in fisticuffs. 'My husband was being kicked the c*** out of on the ground. 'I was quite upset and I was thinking 'what's going to happen to my husband?' He was on the ground being kicked and punched. 'My husband was defending himself. He had men kicking and punching him and he was doing what any normal person would do.' Sgt and Mrs Keteca were described as a 'calm, happy couple' by comrades who knew them at Larkhill for over

Summary: Sgt Edward Keteca had been cleared of attacking two of his fellow soldiers . The 35-year-old said he had heard Gnr Gary Doyle call his wife Aimee 'fat' Pair became involved in a drunk fight at Larkhill Royal Artillery Barracks . Sgt Keteca then hit colleague Gnr Samantha Palmer who tried to intervene .


FA chairman Greg Dyke has described as ‘pretty scary’ the increase in disciplinary cases brought against players surrounding referees to try to influence decisions. Dyke was speaking out a week after Chelsea’s Champions League defeat by Paris Saint-Germain during which nine Chelsea players crowded around the Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s challenge on Oscar which resulted in the Swedish talisman being sent off. The FA clampdown on such incidents has seen an increase in clubs in the top five divisions – from the Premier League to the Conference - charged with 'surrounding match officials' (three or more players from one club approach a match official in a confrontational manner) from six last season to 16 with another three months of the campaign still to go. John Terry, Cesc Fabregas and their Chelsea team-mates surround referee Bjorn Kuipers . All nine outfield Chelsea players remonstrate with Kuipers as Oscar is left in a heap on the floor . Warnings or reminders are also up from 23 last campaign to 29 during 2014-2015. Dyke said: 'We have seen a pretty scary increase this season in the number of clubs charged with their players surrounding referees. As a result we have written to the clubs in the top five divisions reminding them of the rules and their responsibilities. 'I believe it is particularly important for professional cubs to set an example so that this kind of conduct is not replicated at grassroots and youth level. The whole game needs to ensure it is addressing this issue.’ The rapid increase in FA charges follows not only the December letter sent to 116 teams but also visits to clubs last summer when this issue was raised directly with players who were told that it would not be tolerated. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sent off for his challenge which provoked an aggressive reaction from Chelsea . Chelsea captain John Terry moved to defend his side's actions during their clash against Paris Saint-Germain . The FA will now look at heavier fines than the current sliding scale of costs from £20,000-£500 or other options to address the worrying upward curve in harassing the match officials. Referees could also start to be more proactive themselves by showing yellow cards to the players surrounding them, which is within their powers. Ironically, considering that the Chelsea players' distasteful conduct brought this issue to the fore, UEFA do not have a similar charge in their rulebook. Chelsea captain John Terry admitted after the PSG match that the willingness to surround referees ‘doesn’t look good’. But Terry was adamant they would continue to do so if they believe opponents - such as PSG – are attempting to exert their own influence on the match officials. Terry said: 'For me, if I have to run 20, 30 yards, it doesn’t look great, but when you’re standing back and seeing five or six of their players surrounding the ref... for me, I think I support my team-mates. 'And once I go, four or five go with me. It doesn’t look good at all, but that’s

Summary: Greg Dyke was speaking a week after Chelsea's defeat against PSG . Chelsea players crowded Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's tackle on Oscar... the Swedish talisman was sent off . The FA will look at heavier fines for clamping down on such incidents .


An inebriated 22-year-old Frenchman tried to resuscitate a rubber dinghy he had mistaken for a drowning person. Officers found the man kneeling by an inflatable boat in a shipyard in Vannes, in Brittany near a string of nightclubs and went to investigate. 'He was underneath a boat, on his knees, trying to resuscitate a rubber dinghy,' police told Le Télégramme de Brest newspaper. Officers found a man kneeling by an inflatable boat performing CPR on the vessel (stock picture) Police took the young Frenchman to prison to sleep off his hangover and recover his senses . The man told officers someone was unconscious inside the vessel. He reportedly told them the man 'isn't moving, doesn't reply and must be saved'. But on closer inspection, officers discovered the man was in fact performing CPR on the inflatable boat itself. To make matters worse, he had already called out firefighters to the scene - an emergency call that the police swiftly cancelled. Police took the young man to prison to sleep off his hangover and recover his senses.

Summary: Officers found man by inflatable boat in Vannes, Brittany, and investigated . The Frenchman, 22, told police someone was unconscious inside vessel . But on closer inspection officers found man was performing CPR on boat . To make matters worse, he had already called out firefighters to the scene .


Fabricio Coloccini will miss the Tyne-Wear derby next month, after his appeal against a red card picked up against Everton this week was rejected. The defender was sent off following a lunge on Aaron Lennon in the second half and immediately hit with a three-game ban, ruling him out of the trip to the Stadium of Light on Easter Sunday. And the FA's Indpendent Regulatory Commission decided to reject his claim for wrongful dismissal, keeping him out until April 19. Newcastle lost their appeal over Fabricio Coloccini's red card he picked up during defeat against Everton . Coloccini was sent off for a challenge on Everton's Aaron Lennon and will be banned for three matches . United had felt they had a case for overturning the dismissal but their appeal fell on deaf ears on Tuesday. The club are now left with just one fit centre-back – Mike Williamson – for the games against Arsenal, Sunderland and Liverpool.

Summary: Fabricio Coloccini was sent off for a lunge on Everton's Aaron Lennon . Newcastle appeal rejected on Tuesday by independent panel . Coloccini faces a three game ban and will miss games against Arsenal, Sunderland and Liverpool . CLICK HERE for all the latest Newcastle United news .


Police were called in to manage crowds and pacify irate commuters at one of Britain's busiest railway stations last night after thousands of travellers were left stranded during rush hour. Travellers were photographed jumping over or crawling under ticket barriers in a desperate attempt to get on to the few trains passing through London Bridge. There was chaos because of signalling problems south of the station, while there were also issues after a person was hit by a train. Commuters said they feared someone could have been badly crushed on packed concourses. One giant leap: Pictures show frustrated commuters vaulting the ticket barriers to get on to the platform... ... while others resorted to crawling underneath in a desperate bid to make it home . Severe delays at London Bridge: Thousands of travellers were left stranded when services ground to a halt during rush hour, following signalling problems south of the station and by a person being hit by a train . Joe Kallas tweeted: ‘Avoid London Bridge like the plague. Southern Rail, you have outdone yourselves.’ Meanwhile Gabriella Griffith said: ‘London Bridge has reached peak chaos.’ British Transport Police officers were called to the station to help manage the growing crowds, with a spokesman unable to say how long they were expected to be in attendance. Services on Southern Rail were severely delayed last night, with many customers tweeting their outrage after being left unable to get home. London Bridge - which is the capital's oldest major station and handles 54million passengers a year - has experienced overcrowding problems since redevelopment work began earlier this year. Crawling under barriers: Network Rail insisted it was hoping to return to normal service as soon as possible . Network Rail insisted it was hoping to return to normal service as soon as possible. A spokesman said: ‘There was an incident where a person jumped onto the tracks at Streatham. ‘We turned off the electricity which powers the trains to prevent any further harm to the individual and British Transport Police were called to manage the incident and remove the person safely from the railway. ‘While the railway has been open since 5.27pm and this happened on a separate route to that serving London Bridge, it did cause a considerable amount of knock-on delays to other services, including those out of London Bridge tonight. ‘We're sorry this incident has caused the disruption it has and we're working as hard as we can to recover the service and get as many people where they need to be tonight.’ Travel chaos: British Transport Police officers were called to the station to help manage the growing crowds, with a spokesman unable to say how long they were expected to be in attendance . Left outside: Services on Southern Rail were severely delayed, with many customers tweeting their outrage after being left unable to get home . Nightmare: One angry traveller even tried to get her fellow passengers to sign a petition asking Southern Rail to improve their service . One angry traveller even tried to get her fellow

Summary: Commuters jump over and crawl under ticket barriers at station last night . Signal problems south of station in London and person was hit by train . British Transport Police at scene as Southern Rail reports severe delays . Station has had overcrowding problems since redevelopment work began .


A preview segment for NBC's Nightly News turned into a sweet father-son encounter when anchor Lester Holt met his own son on-air. Stefan Holt, who has followed in his father's footsteps and anchors the local news in Chicago, said 'Hi, Dad!' before handing over to the national host for a preview of that evening's stories. Lester responded 'proud of you' before going on to walk viewers through what was coming up later that evening. Scroll down for video . Father to son: NBC Nightly News host Lester Holt, right, shared a sweet exchanged with his son Stefan, left, who handed over to him after a 5pm newcast . The two also traded jokes about Stefan's bedtime, as the younger Holt was already 'up late' covering the evening newscast for a colleague. Indeed, both Holts crossed paths on the airwaves because they were filling in for somebody else - Lester Holt for the scandal-hit Brian WIlliams. Holt, previously the Nightly News weekend anchor, stepped up to the weeknight job after Williams was yanked off the flagship newscast by NBC bosses. It followed repeated revelations that Williams had lied about his personal involvement in stories, including being hit by an RPG over Iraq. NBC, which said he had violated the trust of their viewers, suspended Williams for six months without pay. He is one month in to the punishment. In his absence, Holt has managed to keep ratings steady at the Nightly News program. Proud of you: Lester Holt, who is filling in for scandal-hit Brian Williams, said he was proud of his son, who is following in his footsteps .

Summary: Stefan Holt passed over to his father after anchoring newscast in Chicago . Said 'Hi, Dad!' before letting Holt Snr preview the day's national stories . Lester shot back 'proud of you' during sweet handover segment . Holt is filling in for shamed Brian Williams, son was covering a colleague .


A ruthless commander fighting for the Islamic State in Iraq has been ridiculed by activists online after a photograph emerged of him wearing camouflage that made him look like a doner kebab. The photograph shows notorious ISIS commander Abu Wahib standing next to a black van somewhere in Iraq's Anbar province while wearing distinctive brown military fatigues. The rotund 28-year-old general's stance and unusually-coloured outfit was immediately compared to a doner kebab by members of Raqqa is Being Slaughtered, the anti-ISIS activist group based in the terrorist organisation's de facto capital. Scroll down for video . Easily confused: Islamic State commander Abu Wahib's unusually-coloured military fatigues (right) were immediately compared to a doner kebab (left) by anti-ISIS activists on social media . Notorious: Abu Wahib is one of the Islamic State terror group's most recognisable commanders thanks to his thick black beard and single eyebrow . Taking to Twitter to mock the Islamic State commander, RIBSS' Abu Mohammed shared the photograph of Abu Wahib alongside an image of a large doner kebab cooking on a rotating spit. He captioned the photograph '#same', much to the amusement of the followers of his anti-ISIS activist organisation. It is far from the first time Abu Wahib has been mocked on social media. Since rising to prominence for the sickening filmed murder of three Syrian lorry drivers in Iraq's Anbar province in the summer of 2013, the militant became one of the terror group's most recognisable commanders thanks to his thick black beard and single eyebrow. Anti-ISIS satirists have subsequently edited images of the hirsute Sunni extremist to make it look as if he is the star of shampoo commercials or appearing on a dating website. Leader: Despite only being 28-years-old, Abu Wahib (centre) is the long term commander of a militia known as the Al-Anbar Lions (pictured), who control vast swathes of territory in central Iraq on behalf of ISIS . Distinctive: Although Abu Wahib currently has a $500,000 bounty on his head, new photographs of the hirsute commander regularly appear online - and are usually quickly mocked by anti-ISIS campaigners . Despite only being 28-years-old, Abu Wahib is the long term commander of a militia known as the Al-Anbar Lions, who control vast swathes of territory in central Iraq on behalf of ISIS. Although he currently has a $500,000 bounty on his head, new photographs of the commander regularly appear online - and are usually quickly mocked by anti-ISIS campaigners. The terrorist is understood to have been first drawn to terrorism while studying computer science at the University of Anbar and was arrested for links to Al Qaeda in 2006. Abu Wahib was held by US forces at the Camp Bucca detention facility in southern Iraq until 2009, when he was sentenced to death and moved to Tikrit Central Prison in Saladin Province. A prison riot led by members of Al Qaeda in Iraq - the forerunner or ISIS - led to Abu Wahib and 109 other Sunni extremists escaping and seeking sanctuary among the terror group's leadership. The following year Abu Wahib was

Summary: Notorious militant Abu Wahib was ridiculed for his choice of camouflage . Commander wore dark brown fatigues that made him look like a kebab . Anti-ISIS activists based in Syria posted the photograph on Twitter . Abu Wahib is the leader of ISIS' feared Al-Anbar Lions group in central Iraq . Distinctive appearance means he often appears in anti-ISIS satire online .


Manchester United have not told Monaco they won't be taking up the £43million option to make Radamel Falcao's move to Old Trafford permanent. Reports in France on Wednesday claimed United officials had been in touch with their counterparts in the principality to inform them that there would be no move for the misfiring Colombian at the end of the season. But a source at Old Trafford told Sportsmail that no decision has yet been made on Falcao and added that none would be forthcoming until May. Manchester United will delay making a decision over Radamel Falcao's future until the end of the season . Falcao has just over three months to convince Louis van Gaal that he is worthy of a £43m transfer fee . The 29-year-old, once one of the most feared strikers in the game, has struggled for form at United since he made the switch from Monaco in the summer. He suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury last January that saw him miss the World Cup and some have questioned whether he can return to the same level. Falcao penned a season-long deal with United but has scored just four goals in 20 appearances - a record that would appear to scupper any chances of his agreement being made permanent. However, an injury to Robin van Persie means Falcao is likely to get more chances to show manager Louis van Gaal why he should keep him at the end of the season. The Colombia international has scored four Premier League goals since joining from Monaco . Falcao is expected to benefit from an injury to Manchester United team-mate Robin van Persie .

Summary: Man United will make decision over Radamel Falcao's future in summer . Reports in France suggested United had rejected chance to sign striker . Falcao has scored four goals for United since joining on season-long loan . Alan Shearer: Falcao is too easy to play against . Click here for all the latest news surrounding Manchester United .


She had climbed the Great Wall of China, canoed down one of France's longest rivers and danced for more than a decade. And all this time, Karen MacLachlan had no idea she had a lethal, undiagnosed heart condition that could have killed her at any time. The self-confessed fitness fanatic was born with a heart defect that kills 90 per cent of babies before their first birthday if left undetected. The 25-year-old, from Glasgow, had no idea she had the deadly disease - which is usually diagnosed at birth - until her heart suddenly stopped beating. Ticking timebomb: Self-confessed fitness fanatic Karen MacLachlan had no idea she had a lethal, undiagnosed heart condition that could have killed her at any time . 'When I collapsed, my mum thought I'd tripped over,' she said. 'It wasn't until she heard a deathly rattling sound coming from my chest that she called an ambulance. 'She thought I was dead because my skin had turned a deathly black colour as I lay lifeless on the floor.' Ms MacLachlan was rushed to hospital and put into a medically induced coma. And remarkably, after surgery to rewire her heart, she has made a full recovery. Ms MacLachlan was diagnosed with Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA). This is a rare heart condition where the main ventricle of the heart, which supplies oxygen to the body, is wired incorrectly. Usually, the condition is diagnosed at birth, but there is 90 per cent chance a patient will die from heart failure by the age of one if undetected. Ms MacLachlan said: 'At first, doctors believed my heart stopped as a result of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome not ALCAPA - it's very rare for someone to survive past infancy with it.' 'Doctors were amazed that I'd lived with this condition for so long and never had any problems before.' Indeed, she had always prided herself on being fit and healthy. 'Doctors asked if I'd struggled walking up hills, but I've walked the Great Wall of China - I'm really fit and active,' she said. 'I'd danced for 10 years, canoed one of the longest rivers in France and never had any symptoms, so it was a shock to everyone.' 'Even was taken aback because doctors told me I should have been so unwell, it was really scary. Danger: The self-confessed fitness fanatic was born with a heart defect that kills 90 per cent of babies before their first birthday if left undetected . 'It's terrifying as I now know I could have died at any moment.' Months after her collapse, Ms MacLachlan underwent corective open heart surgery. She then had a year of rehabilitation to get her heart used to even the most gentle exercise. She said: 'After doctors fixed my heart I was really poorly, I didn't realise how much the surgery would affect me. 'I couldn't walk four steps without sweating buckets like I normally do during strenuous exercise. 'I had to learn to build up my energy and became physically fit again. 'Every hour I'd

Summary: Karen MacLachlan had no idea she had lethal, undiagnosed heart condition . Born with a heart defect that kills 90% of babies before 1 if left undetected . Only realised something was wrong when she suddenly collapsed . Tests revealed she had rare condition where heart was wired incorrectly . Has now undergone corrective surgery and is on road to recovery .


Stuart Hogg has been warned he may provoke a furious England backlash at Twickenham after suggesting Scotland’s Calcutta Cup rivals do not respect them as a rugby nation. While Stuart Lancaster, who represented Scotland at age-group level, dismissed any notion that his team will take Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations visitors lightly, Hogg’s incendiary remarks to Sportsmail drew a stern response north of the border. Former Lions prop Peter Wright accused the full-back of a ‘misjudgment’ in making what amounted to a familiar claim of English arrogance. Stuart Hogg claimed England have 'no respect' for Scottish rugby ahead of Saturday's Twickenham clash . Hogg breaks away to score the opening try during the Six Nations game against Wales in February . ‘Under previous England coaches maybe there was a lack of respect for Scottish rugby but under Stuart Lancaster that has changed,’ said Wright. ‘He always gives respect to the opposition. The England lads will be angry to be accused of not respecting Scottish rugby because they do and that could fire them up even more.’ Wright’s comments followed a Twitter reaction to Hogg’s outburst by Will Carling, who said: ‘I always thought you earned respect through your performances. Old fashioned I know…’ His point was a clear reference to the fact that Scotland have failed to win at Twickenham for 32 years. Hogg (centre) wants to record Scotland's first win of the tournament against England at Twickenham . Wright added: ‘Will Carling has every right to suggest respect has to be earned by Scotland. He is a former England captain who led them to three Grand Slams, played in a World Cup final and went on tour with the Lions, so he has every right to take issue with Hogg. ‘I am surprised Stuart said it in the first place and I hope he isn’t made to regret his comments by an England side that will respect Scotland on Saturday but may now want to beat them even more.’ There was a more measured response from within the Scotland camp yesterday. Brad Barritt injured his ankle in Saracens' win over Wasps on Sunday and is now a doubt for England . Exeter Chiefs' 21-year-old fly-half Henry Slade earned himself a call up to Stuart Lancaster's England squad . Assistant coach Matt Taylor added: ‘I don’t see a lack of respect at all. Under Stuart Lancaster they are quite a humble group and they will be taking us seriously.’ Lancaster said: ‘We have a healthy regard for their team, their players and their coaching team.’ England have been forced to rule out Brad Barritt (ankle), Tom Croft (shoulder) and Henry Thomas (shoulder) from the rest of the championship. Exeter’s Henry Slade has been called into the squad and while he may push Billy Twelvetrees for a bench place, he is being viewed as a rising World Cup candidate. Luther Burrell and Mike Brown are expected to start against Scotland.

Summary: Stuart Hogg suggested England do not respect Scotland as a rugby nation . Former Lions prop Peter Wright accused Hogg of a lack of judgement . Ex-England captain Will Carling responded by saying respect is earned . England coach Stuart Lancaster made it clear that his team have a 'healthy regard' for the Scotland team .


All party leaders dream of getting their hands on the keys to Number 10. But David Cameron has emerged as the most popular party leader families would like to seeing moving in next door to them. The Prime Minister topped a poll of which senior politicians people would most like to have as a neighbour, although Ukip's Nigel Farage was the most popular among the under-25s. David Cameron has emerged as the most popular party leader families would like to seeing moving in next door to them . With fewer than 60 days until the general election on May 7, attention is focussing on the party leaders as they set out their pitch to voters. While policies will always be important, the personality of the leader could be key to securing the support of swing voters. A new YouGov opinion poll sought to find out which party leader UK homeowners would most like to have as a neighbour. Among those who expressed a view - excluding don't knows - Mr Cameron came out on top with 31 per cent, well ahead of his Labour rival Ed Miliband on 23 per cent and his Lib Dem deputy Nick Clegg on 20 per cent. David Cameron came out on top with 31 per cent, well ahead of his Labour rival Ed Miliband on 23 per cent and his Lib Dem deputy Nick Clegg on 20 per cent . Nigel Farage, who has boasted he is on course to make big gains in May's election, was the preferred choice of just 18 per cent. Green party leader Natalie Bennett was favoured by only 10 per cent of homeowners . Mr Farage, who has boasted he is on course to make big gains in May's election, was the preferred choice of just 18 per cent. And Green party leader Natalie Bennett, who has been criticised for faltering media performances, was favoured by only 10 per cent of homeowners. Mr Farage, who once sparked controversy for saying people would be concerned if a group of Romanians moved in next door, was the top choice of the 18-24-year-olds, backed by 25 per cent. But the Ukip leader slumped to fourth place among the 25-34 and 35-44 age group, but was third for 45-54 and 55+ voters. Living next door to Mr Farage proved popular with men, but women prefer Mr Clegg or Mr Miliband, according to the survey carried out by The House Shop. Mr Farage, who once sparked controversy for saying people would be concerned if a group of Romanians moved in next door, was the top choice of the 18-24-year-olds, backed by 25 per cent . A spokesman said: 'The likeability contest between the prospective leaders of our country is well underway, as the party leaders launch their charm offensive in the run-up to the General Election in May. 'The polls so far have been tight, with Labour and the Conservatives battling for the top spot and the Greens and Lib Dems fighting it out to avoid last place. 'It seems that Nigel Farage’s cheeky, cheerful,

Summary: Homeowners asked which party leader they would like as a neighbour . 31% said Cameron, 23% Miliband, 20% Clegg, Farage 18%, Bennett 10% . Farage was the top choice of 18-24-year-olds, backed by 25 per cent .


A group of Belgian holidaymakers who were heading to the French Alps for a few days of skiing wound up being taken on a major detour thanks to their coach driver’s sat-nav mistake. The driver wasn’t familiar with the route to La Plagne, a popular destination for ski tourists, and mistakenly drove the tour group to the South of France after selecting the wrong destination on his GPS. Instead of entering La Plagne into his sat-nav, the driver entered Plagne, located in the French Pyrenees, putting the group of 50 holidaymakers on a nearly 800-mile detour, Belgian media reported. The tourists were travelling to La Plagne in the French Alps, but were driven towards the South of France . The bus driver said there were three entries for Plagne on his sat-nav and he chose the wrong one . The driver told Dutch-speaking radio station StudioBrussel: ‘There are three entries for Plagne in France and we were wrong.’ StudioBrussel is owned by public broadcaster VRT, which organised the ski holiday for its listeners. By the time the driver realised his mistake the group was already in Toulouse, nearly 425 miles south-west of La Plagne. He turned around and drove to the correct destination, and the holidaymakers arrived 24 hours behind schedule. When they arrived they were greeted by a StudioBrussel journalist, who treated them to tapas. The coach driver realised his mistake and turned around in Toulouse, nearly 425 miles from La Plagne . The ski tourists were driven towards the French Pyrenees after their driver picked the wrong destination . Despite the disruption – and lost time on the slopes – some of the tourists took it all in stride and were happy they were taken on a detour. One of the passengers, a Twitter user named Sven, tweeted that the group had ‘just seen the Mediterranean and Carcassonne’, referring to a fortified French town located between Toulouse and the Mediterranean coast. He added: ‘We had a hard time convincing the driver he was going to Spain and had a few laughs’.

Summary: Group of 50 holidaymakers were travelling to La Plagne in the French Alps . Their coach driver selected Plagne, in the French Pyrenees, as destination . The driver turned around in Toulouse after realising his error . Tour group arrived at La Plagne nearly 24 hours behind schedule .


Dozens of cheap and popular California wines are tainted with dangerously high levels of arsenic, claims a new lawsuit filed this week. Sutter Home, Korbel, Franzia and Trader Joe's Charles Shaw White Zifandel, also known as 'Two-Buck Chuck,' were just a few of the 31 wine brands the lawsuit claimed were unsafe. Twenty-eight California wineries were listed in the complaint, which is asking for a halt in production of the wines in question. Scroll down for video . A new lawsuit claims dozens of cheap and popular California Wine, including Franzia and Trader Joe's Charles Shaw White Zifandel, are tainted with dangerously high levels of arsenic . The lawsuit was filed by four individual Southern California wine consumers who, according to their attorney Brian Kabateck, had 1,306 wines tested at a Denver-based laboratory and then confirmed results with two additional laboratories. Kabateck said 83 wines, almost all of which sell for below $10 a bottle, contained arsenic levels 10 parts per billion above the range considered safe for drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency standard for drinking water is 10 parts per billion - meaning that the tests allegedly found arsenic levels that were double the federal drinking water standard. 'This is a very serious public health concern,' Kabateck said. 'We would hope the wine industry would take these wines off the shelf immediately.' 'If not voluntarily, we would ask the court to do it.' The United States does not have a set standard for safe levels of arsenic in wine, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The lawsuit claims 83 of the 1,306 wines that were tested contained arsenic levels 10 parts per billion above the range considered safe for drinking water . But wines are allowed to have arsenic levels up to 100 parts per billion in Canada - and other countries allow even higher levels. The Wine Institute, an advocacy group for California wineries, called the lawsuit 'misleading' and 'false'. According to Institute spokeswoman Gladys Horiuchi, California wines have never come close to exceeding the arsenic levels that are accepted in other countries, she told the Associated Press. In a release statement, the Institute said arsenic was 'prevalent in the natural environment' and that 'no research' had found the amounts in wine to 'pose a health risk to consumers'. The lawsuit specifies the wines contained 'inorganic arsenic,' which is more toxic than the arsenic found naturally in the environment. Chronic long-term consumption of inorganic arsenic can cause cancer, as well as liver and kidney damage. But a number of wine producers have fought back at the lawsuit and said they plan to contest the claims. A Trader Joe's spokesman said the grocery store chain had 'no reason to believe the wines we offer are unsafe, including Charles Shaw White Zinfandel'. Korbel said the lawsuit was 'without merit,' adding that the company plans to challenge the allegations. The 83 bottles of wine cited in a lawsuit this week as having dangerously high levels of arsenic came from 28 California wineries and were bottled under 31 different brand labels. Some of

Summary: Sutter Home, Korbel, Franzia and Trader Joe's Charles Shaw, better known as Two-Buck Chuck, were among the 31 wine brands listed as 'unsafe' The lawsuit was filed by four individual Southern California wine consumers who tested 1,306 wines . Suit claims 83 wines contained arsenic levels 10 parts per billion above the range considered safe for drinking water . The US does not have a set standard for safe levels of arsenic in wine . Wines in Canada are permitted arsenic levels up to 100 parts per billion .


J.C.X. Simon, 69, and three other men participated in the racially-motivated attacks in the 1970s . A 69-year-old black man who was convicted of participating in the infamous 'zebra murders' in San Francisco, California, in the 1970s was found dead at San Quentin State Prison. J.C.X. Simon was one of four black men convicted of carrying out a string of racially-motivated attacks that killed 14 people and injured seven. He was found in his one-man cell shortly before midnight Thursday, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The cause of death is unknown and an autopsy is planned. Simon was convicted of two first-degree murder charges, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon in 1976 and was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole, the maximum sentence allowed In California at the time. The killing spree was dubbed the 'zebra murders' because of the special Z channel radio band investigators used, the San Francisco Gate reported. During a six-month murder spree from October 1973 to April 1974. the four men targeted white victims and murdered the majority of them with an execution-style shot to the back of the head. The other three men who were convicted - Larry Green, Manuel Moore and Jessie Lee Cooks - are serving life sentences at other California prisons. The trial saw 174 witnesses testify and was described as 'San Francisco's longest criminal trial' at the time. The victims were aged 15 to 87 and did not know one another, the Los Angeles Times reported. Simon was convicted of two first-degree murder charges, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon in 1976. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole . In addition to Simon, Larry Green (left), Manuel Moore (center) and Jessie Lee Cooks (right) are also serving life sentences with the possibility of parole . In order to stop the murders, then-Mayor Joe Alioto (pictured announcing the arrests) ordered a city-wide dragnet in San Francisco, Caliornia, to catch the killers . In order to stop the murders, then-Mayor Joe Alioto ordered a city-wide dragnet to catch the killers. Police stopped and questioned nearly every young black man they encountered between the ages of 20 and 30 who were 6ft tall or a few inches shorter. Those questioned and cleared were given a card to show other officers who detained them. A federal judge eventually put a stop to the practice. After getting a tip from an informant, police raided an apartment complex and arrested seven men. Simon, Cooks, Green and Moore were the only ones who were charged. The victims who were wounded were instrumental in helping police come up with composite sketches (above)

Summary: J.C.X. Simon participated in the racially-motivated slayings in the 1970s . Simon and three other black men were convicted of targeting white people . Six-month crime spree from October 1973 to April 1974 also injured seven . Convicted in 1976 and was serving life sentence with possibility of parole .


A couple sent their children to a £32,000-a-year private school and rented a house for almost £2,000 a month while claiming £42,000 benefits, a jury was told today. Sarah Grant, received a £40,000 payment from her parents and was drawing income as a director of three companies during the time she and husband Leslie, 67, were claiming benefits, Gloucester crown court heard. The couple, of Cheltenham, claims the firms were in liquidation and deny falsely claiming pension credits, housing benefit and council tax benefit without declaring that they had other income. Couple accused: Sarah and Leslie Grant allegedly sent their children to a £32,000-a-year private school and rented a house for almost £2,000 a month while claiming £42,000 benefits . Prosecutor Tara Wolfe told the court the couple had claimed a total of £42,500 to which they were not entitled. 'While they were in receipt of those benefits they were managing to continue to pay for their children to go to Dean Close School in Cheltenham and to continue to pay for expensive child care and expensive rent,' she said. 'We say they received £19,000 pension credit, £19,000 housing benefit and £4,500 council tax benefit to which they were not entitled. 'We say Mr and Mrs Grant knew they were under an obligation to inform the Department for Work and Pensions and the council of money coming into their accounts which affected their entitlement to benefits. 'The prosecution say they had income coming in from three sources. Between September 2010 and October 2011 Mrs Grant received £40,000 from her parents. 'There was also income from her position as a director of three limited companies that were trading during the material time and which Mr Grant was running. 'And they were using their business accounts for personal expenditure. 'Money from those accounts that was not being declared was being used to pay personal bills, for example their expensive rent and school fees as well as for more day to day things such as shopping.' Top private school: The Grants' children attended £32,000-a-year Dean Close School in Cheltenham while the couple was claiming benefits, the court heard . The three active companies of which she was a director were Hadleigh Partnership, Hadleigh Developments and Sarafino Ltd, she said . The prosecutor said Mr Grant had been receiving pension credit from November 2007 yet he was running the companies of which his wife was director. Investigations into their affairs began when questions were raised about how they were able to pay £1,950 a month rent while receiving housing allowance of only £775 a month, added Ms Wolfe. Mrs Grant was questioned by a benefits official in May 2010 and said her parents had paid the rent shortfall and school fees. She claimed the money paid to her by the companies was to reimburse her for expenses she had paid for the businesses from her personal account. Mrs Grant has held the position of director at eight different companies founded in the last seven years. On trial: Speaking at Gloucester Crown Court (above), prosecutor Tara Wolfe

Summary: Sarah, 37, and Leslie Grant, 67, are on trial at Gloucester Crown Court . Mrs Grant said to be director at three firms while getting housing benefits . During same period she received £40,000 from her parents, court heard . Mr Grant is accused of claiming £19,000 pension credit while running two of his wife's companies . Meanwhile children were attending leading private school in Cheltenham .


Saving the lives of premature babies is not always the most kind course of action, doctors have been told. New guidance says health professionals should carefully consider whether medical intervention is in the baby's best interest, and shouldn't be carried out 'just because the technology is there'. Continuing treatment to keep the baby alive can sometimes actually cause greater suffering, child health doctors said. Doctors should carefully consider whether saving the lives of premature babies is the kindest course of action, new guidance from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) says . The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) today released a new framework, which advises doctors on how to care for children and babies with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. It asks medics to weight up the benefits of prolonged treatment versus the suffering the young patient might be likely to experience. It says seriously ill children should be given a greater say in whether they want to continue receiving treatment which is keeping them alive. The updated information provides three sets of circumstances for when limiting or withdrawing the treatment of children and babies can be considered. This can be done when life is limited in quality or when life is limited in quantity. Treatment can also be limited or withdrawn when there is 'competent refusal of treatment' - if an older child with extensive experience of illness repeatedly consents to stopping their medical care. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) advises doctors on when to treat children and babies with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. It says life-sustaining treatment can be limited or withdrawn when: . For example, a child that has undergone repeated cycles of chemotherapy or had organ transplantation, 'will have more informed views about continuing treatment than an adult facing such treatment for the first time', the document says. But it adds that, equally, children may not have any experience in decision making and it therefore may not be as appropriate for them to be involved. Written by medics, lawyers and ethicists, the framework was published to provide an ethical and legal framework for doctors. Since the last version was published 10 years ago, major breakthroughs in medical science have led to better survival rates for seriously sick babies and children. Babies born at 22 or 23 weeks are now surviving. But child health experts said that just because the technology is there, it does not mean it is necessarily in the child or baby's best interests to use it if their circumstances fall under any of the categories set out. Dr Simon Newell, a consultant neonatologist and vice president of the RCPCH, said the document sets out a 'better and more family-friendly process'. 'For some, continuing life-sustaining treatment is simply prolonging suffering in the face of the inevitable,' he said. Seriously ill children should be given a greater say in whether they want to continue treatment that is keeping them alive, the guidance adds (file photo) 'In these cases, an active decision is reached among the clinicians, parents and

Summary: New guidance is from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health . Advises on when to treat children and babies with life-limiting illnesses . Says medics should weigh up benefits of treatment versus child's suffering . Adds it is not always kind to save children and babies with no quality of life . Advises seriously ill children should help decide whether to stop their care .


Stuart Lancaster has indicated it will be England’s forwards who will come under the selection microscope ahead of his side’s Six Nations decider with France. The England coach has ruled out wholesale changes for Saturday’s Twickenham clash but hinted at freshening up his pack in a bid to counter France’s muscular eight. Dylan Hartley’s position at hooker is under threat from Leicester’s Tom Youngs while his club team-mate Geoff Parling could replace Dave Attwood at lock after both men impressed off the bench against Scotland. Stuart Lancaster watches his team win against Scotland, but may still make changes for the final game . Tom Youngs is one of several forwards who could be in line to start against France next Saturday . Dave Attwood, who wasn't as good against Scotland as he had been against Ireland, could be replaced . Alex Corbisiero could come into contention after Joe Marler was twice penalised for scrummaging offences, although concerns remain over the Northampton Saint’s shoulder. The blindside flanker position will also be considered with Tom Wood vying with James Haskell for a starting spot. ‘Selection is based on the team we think is best suited to beat France and that will be the priority,’ Lancaster said. Dylan Hartley, seen here tackling Blair Cowan, could also be replaced as Lancaster shuffles his pack . Tom Wood is likely to compete with James Haskell for the position of blindside flanker against France . ‘I won’t be making wholesale changes. There were enough positives in that performance from players to show that there’s real potential there and the impact from the bench was strong.’ England’s management and players insist they have learned lessons from previous Championship deciders which have seen them fall at the final hurdle, including against Wales two years ago and Ireland in 2011 — before Lancaster took charge. ‘Getting the balance right in the week and making sure we don’t overdo it and play too early in the week is key,’ he said. ‘My experience two years ago was that when it came to the game we were probably emotionally beyond the point we needed to be.’ Going in to the final weekend of the Six Nations, four teams - England, Ireland, Wales and France - are still in with a shout of claiming the trophy. Here's how each can be victorious.

Summary: England coach Stuart Lancaster could shuffle his pack . Dylan Hartley, Dave Attwood and Joe Marler could all be dropped . Tom Youngs, Geogg Parling and Alex Corbisiero in contention . England take on France at Twickenham in final Six Nations game .


A New York rapper was arrested Thursday for allegedly attacking and robbing two vendors who were selling trademarked T-Shirts outside a California concert venue where he was headlining. Felipe Coronel, 37, known as Harlem rapper 'Immortal Technique,' and his tour manager Steven McDaniel, 40, were arrested after the sold-out show at The Observatory in Orange County Thursday and charged with robbery and attempting to prevent/dissuade a victim from reporting a crime. The two were identified as two of 10 to 12 men who beat the two vendors and stole their cash, T-shirts, and cell phones, according to the Santa Ana Police department. Rapper: 'Immortal Technique' (Felipe Coronel), 37 (left), and his tour manager Steven McDaniel, 40 (right), were arrested Thursday for allegedly beating and robbing two vendors outside of the rapper's sold-out concert . Confronted: The vendors were reportedly selling the T-shirts outside of the venue when they were confronted by the rapper's entourage over a dispute that Coronel was not receiving any profits from the T-shirt sales . The vendors were reportedly selling the T-shirts outside of the venue where Coronel was performing with rapper Talib Kweli when they were confronted by the rapper and his entourage over a dispute that Coronel was not receiving any profits from the T-shirt sales. Santa Ana police told NBC that the two were arrested after the show because officers did not want to 'go in there, shut the concert down and then have additional issues.' Coronel was released Friday after posting $50,000 bail. McDaniel was released a few minutes earlier, NBC reports. The two were back on tour that night. Coronel took to Twitter after the incident tweeting that he would make an official statement soon. Tour: Coronel was released Friday after posting $50,000 bail and was back on 'The People's Champions' tour with fellow rapper Talbi Kweli that night . Official Statement: Coronel took to Twitter and Facebook after the incident saying that he would make an official statement soon . He tweeted that the 'convoluted' media coverage of the incident 'was instrumental' in uniting him with loved ones with whom he had lost touch with. He also posted the message to his Facebook page. Kweli also voiced his opinion about the Santa Ana PD calling the department 'incompetent' claiming officers arrested McDaniel for a crime he did not commit. The rapper boasts millions of followers on social media sites and became a Harlem favorite in the early 2000's with his debut album Revolutionary Vol. 1. He reportedly has a lengthy rap sheet including multiple assault charges, according to Viper records. 'Incompetent:' Kweli voiced his opinion about the Santa Ana PD on Twitter calling the department 'incompetent' claiming officers arrested McDaniel for a crime he did not commit .

Summary: Rapper 'Immortal Technique,' was arrested Thursday after he and his entourage allegedly attacked and robbed vendors outside of his concert . The group allegedly beat and robbed the men for not giving the rapper any of the profits from T-shirt sales . The rapper posted bail and was back on tour the next night .


March 16, 2014. Liverpool travel away from Anfield for a game that will shape the destiny of their season and Brendan Rodgers' confidence is telling. 'If we beat them, they cannot do it,' Rodgers proclaims ahead of a trip to Old Trafford. He had just been asked what the consequences would be if Manchester United, who were trying desperately to keep pace in the race for the Champions League, lost to Liverpool. His words are backed up by a swaggering display, full of devilment, wit and counter-attacking menace. Manchester United are left punch-drunk by a 3-0 defeat that could have been even heavier, as Steven Gerrard – with two pressure penalties – and Luis Suarez ran amok. Steven Gerrard scored two penalties as Liverpool won 3-0 at Manchester United on March 16, 2014 . Luis Suarez (bottom) was also on the scoresheet as Liverpool built a 14-point gap over their arch-rivals . Liverpool headed home that afternoon with a 14-point gap over their rivals in the Barclays Premier League and had effectively destroyed any lingering hope that David Moyes had of commandeering a top four spot. It was a day when Rodgers saw his players make a massive statement of intent, a day that suggested there was a shift in the balance of power of this rivalry; leaving Old Trafford then, you felt it would be a long time before the deficit would be clawed back. Fast forward to March 16, 2015. Again Liverpool were away from Anfield for a vital fixture and again Rodgers' confidence in the build-up was telling but, this time, there was no performance of verve and invention to back up his pre-game message. There was, however, doggedness, determination and the result was just as crucial. Jordan Henderson's freak goal, coming after they had spent much of a rain-sodden night in South Wales riding their luck and defending for their lives, has set them up for another afternoon of destiny with their most bitter foe. Jordan Henderson scored a second-half winner for Liverpool as they won 1-0 at Swansea on Monday night . Henderson runs off to celebrate his winner that moved Liverpool within two points of the top four . Henderson's (right) shot was deflected over the top of Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski and into the net . The goal was Henderson's (right) third in the last three Premier League games for Liverpool . No trophy will be presented at Anfield next Sunday but there is the sense that the winner of Liverpool and Manchester United's latest showdown will take all in relation to the final spot in next year's Champions League. It is going to be another day of reckoning. Do not underestimate how much Liverpool needed this result at the Liberty Stadium. They have stylishly worked their way into contention for the top four with a long unbeaten run but United's victory over Tottenham had threatened to alter the landscape. What if a loss in Wales and had then be follow up with a defeat at Anfield? Such a scenario would have left bleak consequences

Summary: Liverpool won 1-0 away at Swansea in the Premier League on Monday night . On March 16, 2014, the Reds were 14 points clear of Manchester United . Fast forward a year later and Liverpool trail United by two points . READ: Liverpool have sights on second place after beating Swansea . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .


One of Australia's biggest car mechanic groups has had its website hacked to make a statement about the current conflict in the Middle East. The website www.ultratune.com.au was hacked late Tuesday night by a group that referred to itself as 'Security Crews' and claimed to be 'the voice of Palestine'. 'Greetings to all citizens in this world!! I am the voice for Palestine! Please open your eyes wider for what happened around us... humanity is gone in our life now... it's full of cruelty and suppression,' the hackers wrote. The website www.ultratune.com.au was hacked into late Tuesday night by a group referred to as security crews who claimed to be 'the voice of Palestine' The hackers added that 'Khilafa will rise soon', which is in reference to a global leadership system for Muslims . 'Killing others is an unacceptable act and this should be stopped. There is no religions and laws permits this action. For that, please open your mind and grab the ideas of which is rights and which is not.' The hackers added that 'Khilafa will rise soon', which is in reference to a global leadership system for Muslims. It is not clear why the hackers targeted the Australian company for their pro-Palelstine message across. Ultratune is an Australian-owned company with 260 service centres across the country. The company has been servicing private and fleet cars for more than 30 years.. Ultratune is an Australian-owned company with 260 service centres across the country . It is not clear why the hackers targeted a mechanic company to get their pro-Palelstine message across . Reddit users have dubbed the hackers 'amateur idiots' for targeting the car company. 'Basically what happens is that amateur idiots like this attack whatever website they can find that has the weakest security and also the one that matches the technique they're using to gain access,' one user wrote. 'So, they're not making a statement about their target and the business they run, inadvertently they're only making a statement about about themselves and how they don't have the skills to take down any website that has anything to do with the topic at hand or is a more popular website.' Ultratune has been contacted for comment.

Summary: Ultratune website was hacked late Tuesday night by 'Security Crews' group . Hackers posted statements about current conflict in the Middle East . It is not clear why the hackers targeted Ultratune - a car servicing company .


West Brom have vowed to take strong action against any of the club's fans found to have been involved in disturbances at the FA Cup quarter-final against Aston Villa on Saturday. Seats were thrown from the Albion section and Villa supporters invaded the pitch twice during the game as Tim Sherwood's men beat the Baggies 2-0 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals. Police have made 17 arrests related to the game and a spokesperson for the Football Association said its investigation into the incidents will begin on Monday. Aston Villa supporters stormed the pitch following the club's FA Cup victory over West Brom on Saturday . Police attempt to halt fans who ran on to the pitch after Aston Villa booked their place in the semi-finals . West Brom goalkeeper Boaz Myhill is mocked by an Aston Villa fan following the home side's second goal . Villa issued an apology after the game to 'the Football Association, the West Bromwich Albion directors, manager Tony Pulis and all his staff and players' and Albion announced in a statement on Sunday that the apology had been 'received in the spirit with which it was intended'. 'West Bromwich Albion note the public apology issued by Aston Villa FC in the wake of the disturbing scenes during and after the FA Cup quarter-final at Villa Park,' read the statement. 'The apology is received in the spirit with which it was intended. 'The club is also aware of reports of serious misbehaviour involving some of its own supporters. 'It issues an uncompromising reminder today that any supporter found guilty of disorder offences can expect the appropriate sanction from the club. West Bromwich Albion will continue to operate zero tolerance to any fans who bring the club's reputation into disrepute. 'The club also welcomes the FA investigation into the scenes and how they came about; West Bromwich Albion will co-operate fully. 'Pitch invasions cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. The safety of the club's players and staff during and at the end of the game was clearly compromised and that has to be a subject of deep concern for everyone involved.' The West Brom goalkeeper attempts to make his way off the field following the full-time whistle . Meagre numbers of police and stewards attempted to deal with the hundreds who invaded the field of play . Scorer Scott Sinclair (second left) is mobbed by a fan and team-mates Ashley Westwood and Jack Grealish . The police have also launched their own probe into a pre-match disturbance at the Witton Arms, close to Villa Park. 'We carried out a large policing operation for the FA Cup yesterday evening (March 7) to ensure supporters could enjoy the game in a safe environment,' Chief Superintendent Chris Johnson from West Midlands Police said in a statement. 'During the course of the operation 17 men were arrested for various public order offences. An investigation has been launched to identify people involved in a disturbance before the match at the Witton Arms pub. 'Anyone who saw what happened should contact police on 101

Summary: West Brom have announced they will take strong stance against fans . Police have made 17 arrests following FA Cup match at Villa Park . Baggies were eliminated from the FA Cup after 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa . READ: West Brom fan needed bloody wound glued back together .


Former Liverpool owner Tom Hicks is selling his Dallas mansion for a staggering $100millon (£66.5m), although he has dropped his $135m (£90m) asking price. The Texas businessman took control of Anfield with partner George Gillett in February 2007, but almost left the club in administration with debts of over £400m during a damaging three-and-a-half year spell. The conduct of the pair led to rows with then manager Rafa Benitez and former chief executive Rick Parry while disgruntled fans staged large scale protests before Hicks and Gillett eventually sold the club to New England Sports Ventures in October 2010. Former Liverpool owner Tom Hicks is selling his home, the biggest residential property in Dallas . Hicks and business partner took control of Liverpool in 2007 but almost left the club in administration . Fans staged regular protests against the pair before they sold up to New England Sports Ventures in 2010 . Hicks is now selling his home, which is the biggest residential property in Dallas with over 50,000 square feet in the main building, a 6,400-square-foot guesthouse and a 9,194 square-foot recreation building with a full-size movie theatre in the basement. The 25-acre spread, which was completely rebuilt and enlarged in 2000, requires two hours just to be viewed. Brendan Rodgers oversees a training session ahead of Liverpool's FA Cup clash with Blackburn . Raheem Sterling and Steven Gerrard train as the Reds look to continue their impressive form in 2015 . 'Every time I go through it I see something more – there is so much detail. This property takes things to a whole new level,' said estate agent Allie Beth Allman. The three-story house – originally designed by Swiss architect Maurice Fatio – has a conservatory, wine cellar, media room, exercise room and a European-style kitchen with a $65,000 French range. There's a seven-car garage and a full basement under the main house. However, according to the Dallas Morning News, Hicks has dropped the original asking price of $135m, which made it the most expensive residential property for sale in the U.S. three years ago.

Summary: Tom Hicks and George Gillett took control of Liverpool in 2007 . US owners almost left club in administration before selling up in 2010 . Hicks has dropped the original asking price of $135m (£90m) to sell his Dallas home, once the most expensive retail property in America . Liverpool face Blackburn in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday .


Having rich parents doesn’t just buy an expensive education and exciting holidays abroad. It may also purchase more brainpower. A study found the children from wealthy families have bigger brains than their poorer counterparts. Los Angeles researchers say being wealthy boosts brainpower. Their study found that money was important to a young mind. Parental income was found to be more important than their education. Shown is a picture of Angelina Jolie, Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt and Brad Pitt . Brain regions key to academic success were particularly large, the journal Nature Neuroscience reports. Interestingly, the study also revealed that money matters more than parental background when it comes to nourishing the young mind. In one of the first studies of its kind, the US researchers put more than 1,000 healthy children and teenagers through brain scanners and quizzed their parents on their background and income. Richer people live further away from their parents than those on modest wages, a study in December 2014 claimed. The report found workers earning less than £25,000 ($37,000) live within 31 miles (50km) of their family, but this distance grows the wealthier people become. Britons who earn £35,000 to £45,000 ($52,000 to $67,000) live 42 miles (68km) away while those earning more than £55,000 ($81,000) live 47 miles (76km) away. Annuities firm Partnership said this was because high-earning professionals were more likely to have moved away from where they grew up to secure a lucrative career. The study also found people in their 50s live closest to their ageing parents, but later move farther away to be near their own children and grandchildren. While people in their 40s lived 37 miles (60km) away, on average, this reduced to 33 miles (53km) as people reached their early 50s. The youngsters, who were between three and 20 years old, also did tests of memory and something called executive function. This term covers the mental skills that are used to weigh up options, prioritise, multi-task and plan ahead. Children with poor executive function may struggle to memorise information and be more likely to get into fights. Analysis showed important brain areas to be bigger in children whose parents had been to university than those whose education had finished when they left school. However, parental income was even more important. Brain areas key to language and executive function were bigger in children from wealthier families. These youngsters also did better in the mental tests. Researcher Dr Elizabeth Sowell, of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, said: ‘Our data suggest that wider access to resources likely afforded by the more affluent may lead to differences in a child’s brain structure. ‘Access to higher-quality childcare, more cognitively stimulating materials in the home and opportunities for learning outside the home likely account for some of these effects.’ Analysis showed important brain areas to be bigger in children whose parents had been to university than those whose education had finished when they left school. However, parental income was even more important, perhaps because the children had better living conditions (stock image shown) She said that growing up

Summary: Los Angeles researchers say being wealthy boosts brainpower . Their study found that money was important to a young mind . Parental income was found to be more important than their education . This is thought to be due to a difference in living conditions .


David Duckenfield has admitted that his failure was a direct cause of the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans at the Hillsborough disaster . The police match commander in charge of Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest in 1989 has admitted that his failure to close a tunnel was the direct cause of the deaths of 96 fans at the Hillsborough disaster. During the inquest into the deaths today, David Duckenfield also admitted that he 'froze' on the day in question, while Paul Greaney QC suggested that a child of 'average intelligence' could have realised the consequences of opening a gate to relieve congestion. Up to 2,000 fans entered Hillsborough stadium's Gate C, with many heading straight for a tunnel in front of them which Mr Duckenfield had not ordered to be closed. They then continued to the already full central pens on the terrace which led to the fatal crushing. Mr Greaney reminded Mr Duckenfield of his earlier evidence to Christina Lambert QC, counsel for the inquest, about his state of mind after the opening of Gate C when he told her: 'It was a momentous decision and your decision is such that you do not think of the next step. My mind for a moment went blank.' Asked again if he 'froze', Mr Duckenfield said: 'It appears to be a distinct possibility.' Mr Greaney said: 'You know what was in your mind and I will ask just one last time. Will you accept that in fact you froze?' Mr Duckenfield responded: 'Yes sir.' Mr Greaney went on: 'Do you agree with the following, that people died in a crush in the central pens?' Mr Duckenfield said: 'Yes sir.' Mr Greaney said: 'That if they had not been permitted to flow down the tunnel into those central pens that would not have occurred?' The witness repeated: 'Yes sir.' Liverpool supporters were crushed to death during an FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest in 1989 . Liverpool supporters and family members of the victims of the disaster have long sought justice . The barrister continued: 'That closing the tunnel would have prevented that and therefore would have prevented the tragedy.' Mr Duckenfield said again: 'Yes sir.' Mr Greaney said: 'That you failed to recognise that there was a need to close that tunnel.' Mr Duckenfield said: 'I did fail to recognise that sir.' Mr Greaney said: 'And therefore failed to take steps to achieve that.' Mr Duckenfield replied: 'I did sir.' A young Liverpool fan is carried away from the danger as supporters are forced on to the Hillsborough pitch . Mr Greaney said: 'That failure was the direct cause of the deaths of 96 persons in the Hillsborough tragedy.' Mr Duckenfield said: 'Yes sir.' Earlier Mr Duckenfield had claimed he was unaware of the geography of Sheffield Wednesday's ground, this being his first match in charge, and denied that he 'bottled it'. Mr Greaney, representing the Police Federation, put it the retired police chief: 'Do you agree that never mind a competent match commander it might only take a child of

Summary: A total of 96 Liverpool supporters died in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 . Fans were crushed during an FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest . David Duckenfield admits his failure to close a tunnel caused the deaths . The retired police chief claims he was unfamiliar with the stadium .


Ex On The Beach star Jess Impiazzi has been signed up by bargain fashion brand In The Style to be the face of their new South Beach swimwear range. Brand bosses say they spotted Jess strutting her perfect bikini body on the MTV show and knew immediately she was the right girl for the job of pushing their latest swimwear pieces. The model, who is most famous for her fleeting TV appearance on the reality show, has recently been in the headlines for clashing with the rather more established swimwear star Kelly Brook, claiming that the actress called her a 'slut' for getting involved with her ex David McIntosh. Scroll down for video . Ex On The Beach star Jess Impiazzi has been signed up by bargain fashion brand In The Style to be the face of their new South Beach swimwear range . Brand bosses say they spotted Jess strutting her perfect bikini body on the MTV show and knew immediately she was the right girl for the job of pushing their latest swimwear pieces . Kelly and David famously called off their engagement last year, and in the months after Jess and David enjoyed a fleeting romance. It wasn't until Jess and Kelly were locked into a phone conversation, the beauty explained to The Sun On Sunday earlier this month, that the former Big Breakfast host allegedly expressed her frustrations. Jess recalled of their conversation: 'She went, "Are you and David dating - are you together? What's going on?" I said: "Nothing really, we're just friends.'" The 25-year-old, who claims she wasn't aware until then that Kelly and David were speaking again, added: 'I said, "Kelly, there's no need to try and upset me. I'm not in love with the guy. There's no need to be horrible. I don't care." The model is most famous for her fleeting TV appearance on the MTV reality show . And also dated Kelly Brook's ex David McIntosh for a short time after he split from Kelly . The 25-year-old also played a small part in TOWIE in 2012's fourth series, where she meddled in Mario Falcone's relationship with Lucy Mecklenburgh when it was discovered that he was texting multiple girls . 'She said, "Let's hope you're not lying to me like all the other sluts. Nice talking to you Jess. Bye." She made me feel like a bit of an idiot.' It's not the first time that exes have been the centre of attention for Jess, who shot to fame in a reality TV show that sees glamorous stars washed up on a remote island where they might unexpectedly face ex-partners (also deserted on the island) or find new love with fellow singletons. Jess also played a small part in TOWIE in 2012's fourth series, where she meddled in Mario Falcone's relationship with Lucy Mecklenburgh when it was discovered that he was texting multiple girls. Today though she is showing all those exes what they are missing in the glossy high street campaign . Posing in cut-away swimsuits and barely there bikinis the

Summary: Ex On The Beach star is face of In The Style swimwear campaign . Joins Lauren Pope and Charlotte Crosby as celebrity face of the brand . Reality contestant dated Kelly Brook's ex David McIntosh for a short time . Claims Kelly made 'slut' jibe during phone call about their mutual ex . All items pictured are available to buy online now from www.inthestyle.com/swimwear with prices starting at £11.99 for bikini bottoms.


Danielle Liddle, 22, was attacked with baseball bats and a knife while she was in labour, pictured with her two-year-old baby Reggie . A father has branded the masked gang who attacked his pregnant partner with baseball bats and a butcher's knife while she was giving birth as 'sick scum'. Chris Miller, 33, said the five men who assaulted Danielle Liddle, 22, had 'wrecked his family's lives' and that his partner was too traumatised to return home with baby Reggie. The couple were preparing to leave for hospital when the gang smashed through the front window of their home in Basildon, Essex, with a crowbar. Ms Liddle was slashed in the face with a butcher's knife and beaten with crowbars and baseball bats as her two-year-old son Kenzie slept upstairs. She was rushed to Basildon hospital with a fractured skull and facial wounds, but gave birth to a baby boy despite her injuries. Mr Miller, who was collecting his partner's hospital bag when the gang broke in, said: 'This was an extremely traumatic experience for us both. 'My girlfriend remains in hospital with a serious head injury when she should be celebrating the birth of our child. He relived the moment the gang smashed their way into the home and appealed for help to find those responsible. 'My partner's contractions were about six minutes apart, so I went upstairs to get her hospital bag and to phone the babysitter to come and look after our two-year-old,' he said. 'The next thing I heard a loud smash - like a fish tank shattering. 'My partner started screaming my name and I just heard these men shouting something like 'where's the money?', 'give us the money!'.' 'I came down running down the stairs and they were attacking her. I just threw my arms round her to protect her. 'They carried on beating us. I was just shouting back at them, 'you are wrong man, she is in labour'. 'Me and my girlfriend just started screaming and shouting for help. 'I can't even describe to you how angry I am. My partner is too traumatised to even go back to our home. Ms Liddle and her partner Chris Miller were attacked when a masked gang burst into her home in Beambridge (pictured), Essex . 'She is going to need counselling to help her get through this. To do this to a woman who is in labour - it's sick.' Ms Liddle was ten days past her due date when she went into labour at 6am on Monday at her home in Pitsea, Essex. Just before 9pm that night the contractions became more regular so Mr Miller started preparing a bag for hospital. But while he was upstairs a gang of five men - three wearing balaclavas - broke into their terraced home. They were heard shouting 'where is the money' and fled with just an iPad, Sony Experia mobile phone and £60 cash after the attack. Ms Liddle's family say the 'strong and courageous' mum suffered flashbacks of the horrific attack while she was in

Summary: Danielle Liddle, 22, was beaten with baseball bats while giving birth . Gang of five men broke into her home in Essex and demanded money . They attacked 22-year-old and slashed her in the face with a butcher's knife . Ms Liddle fractured her skull in the assault and is recovering in hospital . She gave birth to baby Reggie on Tuesday despite serious injuries . Partner Chris Miller, who suffered minor injuries, branded gang 'scum' Police are now hunting five men, aged in the twenties, involved in attack .


Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has rubbished claims of a Canberra makeover, and confessed she arrived in parliament with a wardrobe made up entirely of op-shop purchases. Ms Lambie said her thrift was the result of more than $20,000 of debt, which meant she was not able to splash out on her clothing. However, the fiery politician said she has splashed out on at least one luxury, admitting to getting botox injections in her back and face, according to the Daily Telegraph. Senator Lambie in the colours of her then-party in October, 2013, speaking at a Palmer United Party press conference . 'I haven't had a makeover,' Senator Lambie said, when asked if she had undergone a make-over since she arrived in Canberra. 'This is how it works. When I first came in, because I had sold my house and used every last bit of money I had, Clive Palmer in the end helped me get over the line, I had nothing left. 'It took a couple of months to get back on my feet and the only things in my wardrobe I pretty much got from Vinnies over the last two years. It would have only been $3 to $4 apiece. Bright yellow scarves were a staple for Ms Lambie in 2013 (pictured: left), but she gradually toned down the colout in 2014 (pictured: middle) and 2015 (pictured: right) 'I haven't had a makeover,' Senator Lambie said, when asked if she had undergone a make-over since she arrived in Canberra . 'You know, if you want to look nice and you're in the public spotlight, that's just part of the job,' Ms Lambie said . 'So I've just basically gone out and bought some new clothes. I've got girlfriends. One of them owns the shop in Davenport. I try to keep it local. So I thought, 'bugger it, I will just do it at Christmas time when they've got all their sales and stuff'. 'I have a heap of Botox in my back, right, so every now and again I put some in my crow's feet.' 'You know, if you want to look nice and you're in the public spotlight, that's just part of the job.' Ms Lambie was no stranger to colourful accessories during her early parliamentary days, with bright scarves and jackets a staple of her wardrobe when she first stepped foot in the senate.

Summary: Jacqui Lambie laughs off claims she has had a makeover since election . Senator admitted early outfits were entirely purchased at op-shops . Ms Lambie says high debt meant she couldn't afford to splash out . Confessed to having had 'a heap' of Botox in an effort to look nice .


A hospital has permanently stopped specialist keyhole surgery after five cancer patients died from avoidable complications. The Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust halted upper gastrointestinal (GI) operations for throat and stomach cancer patients last year. It came after an internal review found the deaths of five patients between 2012 and 2013 could have been avoided. Patients requiring the surgery were referred to St Thomas' Hospital in London for a period of 12 months. But the Kent trust has now said the decision to stop the operations at the hospital will be permanent. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said a decision to refer upper gastrointestinal operations for throat and stomach cancer patients to St Thomas' in London, taken last year, will be a permanent move . Medical director Paul Sigston said: 'The trust will not be resuming upper GI cancer resection surgery, but diagnostic work and cancer treatment will continue to take place locally at both Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells hospitals. 'Major upper GI cancer surgery will not be carried out at MTW and we are currently working with our NHS partners to plan the long-term strategy for patients needing this kind of treatment.' The service was given a high-profile launch in 2010 and included the opportunity for consultants and trainees to watch on screen at a lecture theatre next door. But subsequent investigations found more than 30 per cent of patients who underwent the surgery developed complications. The trust initially suspended operations in December 2012 following two deaths and resumed in January 2013 before three more fatalities forced them to stop again. A report by the Royal College of Surgeons last May concluded that surgeons at Maidstone Hospital were unable to provide a safe service. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust admitted potentially avoidable complications could have contributed to the five deaths between 2012 and 2013. Three surgeons were barred from carrying out the procedures, but all have been allowed to continue doing general surgery. The decision came after an internal review found the deaths of five patients between 2012 and 2013 could have been avoided . The report says the team was ‘dysfunctional’, their working practices were ‘secretive’, and they had a ‘difficult’ relationship with anaesthetists. It found there was a high rate of complications associated with the keyhole techniques, and that after care for patients was poor. Speaking last May, Dr Sigston, medical director of the trust, said: ‘I would again like to apologise to the families involved.’ The incidents were referred to the General Medical Council and the trust also conducted its own internal inquiry while procedures were suspended. Sharon Lam, from Thomson Snell and Passmore solicitors, represents the families of the five patients who died and said they welcomed the decision not to resume surgery. She said: 'If they have any doubt as to their ability to deliver a safe service to the patients then that must be a correct decision.'

Summary: Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust halted surgery last year . Upper gastrointestinal (GI) operations referred to St Thomas' Hospital . Came after internal review found 5 patients died of avoidable complications . Kent trust has now said decision to stop surgery will be a permanent one .


She is rarely pictured without a beaming smile on her face as she goes about her royal duties. But yesterday the Duchess of Cambridge was showing the strain of keeping up with her busy schedule at almost eight months pregnant. She looked pale and tired, with fine lines on her forehead, as she left an exclusive London hotel, and, unusually, failed to offer onlookers even the briefest of grins. Nevertheless Kate, 33, still showed off her impeccable style in a floral print dress, matched with navy Alexander McQueen court shoes and an understated £255 Russell & Bromley Muse Suede Clutch. Scroll down for video . Yummy mummy: The Duchess of Cambridge departs following a birthday celebration for the 105-year-old Goring Hotel . Erdem Resort 2013 Darla dress in purple . Click to check out the current Erdem collection at Net-a-Porter! Visit site . Well this is a nice surprise. We weren't expecting to see the Duchess of Cambridge today but here she is looking fresh as a daisy in a lovely floral print frock as she stepped out of the Goring Hotel. This spring-ready dress is by Erdem and is from the London based designer's Resort 2013 collection. So not only is Kate rocking one of the coolest high end labels around but she's still wearing regular fitting clothes, despite being seven months pregnant. How does she do it? With fans in Alexa Chung, Kate Bosworth and Keira Knightley, Erdem is now a regular feature on the red carpet and Kate's look today confirms just how into fashion she is. Styled with her favorite navy blue suede Alexander McQueen heels and a clutch by Stuart Weitzman, she's the picture of elegance. And what you can't see is that the dress has a cute cut out at the back. Gorgeous! Unfortunately it is no longer available to buy but if you click the link (right) you can take a look at the current collection at Net-a-Porter. For those who want to steal Kate's style for less we've found some pretty prints that will do the trick. L.K. Bennett's 'Rosa' dress is a dead ringer for the Erdem original or check out Coast and Marks and Spencer for similar styles. If the Duchess is dressing for spring then we've all got the royal seal of approval. Coast Harla print dress . Visit site . Asos Maternity floral print dress (now reduced to $41.50) Visit site . Little Mistress floral print dress at Asos (now reduced to £56) Visit site . Sam & Lavi floral dress at Revolve . Visit site . She looked remarkably svelte, displaying her neat baby bump in the £995 Erdem dress, which is not designed for pregnant women, as she left the lunchtime reception at the five-star Goring Hotel. Kate's lunchtime foray was not part of her official schedule and, according to Kensington Palace, the 33-year-old was attending in a private capacity, having received a personal invitation from the hotel. Today's visit is far from being the first time that the Duchess has spent time at the Goring. Last December,

Summary: The Duchess of Cambridge was at the Goring Hotel's 105th birthday celebration this lunchtime . Was glamorous in a purple patterned dress by Erdem that showed off her growing baby bump . Visit was an unofficial one and took place after the Duchess was sent a personal invitation . Husband Prince William is currently on an official tour of China and arrived in Shanghai today .


We feed them, groom them, clothe them and otherwise shell out the big bucks to protect and pamper our pets. The American Pet Products Association's annual report on pet industry spending says Americans spent $58 billion in 2014 on their 397 million pets, which range from freshwater fish and reptiles to cats and dogs. The industry trade group released the survey Thursday at the Global Pet Expo, an annual trade show in Orlando, Florida. The data came from a variety of groups, market research studies and media reports. The American Pet Products Association's annual report on pet industry spending says Americans spent $58 billion in 2014 on their 397 million pets, which range from freshwater fish and reptiles to cats and dogs . Here's a snapshot of how we spend money on pets: . WHERE THE MONEY GOES . The association measures five areas of spending. Last year, people spent $22 billion on food; $15 billion on veterinary care; $14 billion on supplies such as beds, bowls and collars and over-the-counter medicine to fight ailments such as fleas, ticks and colds; $4.8 billion on other services; and $2 billion on animals themselves. The 'other services' category grew the fastest in 2014 and includes payments on grooming, boarding, walking, training, day care and even trips to the spa — where pets can get facials and massages, said Bob Vetere, president and CEO of the pet products association, based in Greenwich, Connecticut. Food: $22.62 billion . Supplies/OTC Medicine: $13.72 billion . Vet Care: $15.25 billion . Live animal purchases: $2.19 billion . Grooming & boarding: $4.73 billion . The breakdown of pet expenses above is an estimation by the American Pet Products Association based on its annual report on pet industry . VET VISITS FLAT . The report says trips to the veterinarian were unchanged or slightly down last year, although expenditures per visit have increased as owners green-light more expensive procedures, Vetere said. Those treatments ranged from the lifesaving to the exotic, like plastic surgery. A robust human-animal bond still exists, especially with dogs and cats, and people are doing more to prolong their pets' lives, from surgery to food, Vetere said. WHAT'S FOR DINNER . If food for pets sometimes sounds good enough to eat, it's because it is. San Diego-based Honest Kitchen and Vero Beach, Florida-based Caru Natural Dog Stews are two pet food brands considered human-grade by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because their grub is made with ingredients palatable by people and produced in facilities meeting higher safety requirements. Americans spent the most on food for their pets last year, and much of it mirrored human trends, such as gluten-free, wheat-free, little sugar or reduced-calorie. The feast might come dry, wet, raw, baked, flaked, shredded, diced, sliced, frozen or freeze-dried. PET SALES DOWN . Sales of the animals themselves dropped from $2.23 billion in 2013 to $2.15 billion in 2014, which was expected because spending in the category has fallen slightly each of the past several years, Vetere said. There is likely no one reason, he said. But

Summary: The American Pet Products Association's annual report on pet industry spending says Americans spent $58 billion in 2014 on their 397 million pets . Americans spent the most on food for their pets last year, and much of it mirrored human trends, such as gluten-free, wheat-free or little sugar . Sales of the animals themselves dropped from $2.23 billion in 2013 to $2.15 billion in 2014 .


If you're the sort of gentleman who holds the door open for a lady – or the sort of woman who expects him to – then be warned. Such acts of chivalry may actually be 'benevolent sexism' in disguise, according to researchers. Experts say this type of sexism is harder to spot than the 'hostile sexism' we are more familiar with – because it often masquerades as gallantry. It is typified by paternal and protective behaviour, from encouraging smiles to holding doors open. Sexist? Boston researchers carried out a study into types of sexism in men. They say there are two types of sexists, identifiable by their smile (stock image shown) 'Hostile sexist men' were less approachable and less friendly while those who displayed 'benevolent sexism' were nicer and smiled more . US researchers argue that while women may enjoy being showered with attention, benevolent sexism is 'insidious' and men who are guilty of it see women as incompetent beings who require their 'cherished protection'. Professor Judith Hall, of Northeastern University in Boston, said: 'Benevolent sexism is like a wolf in sheep's clothing that perpetuates support for gender inequality among women. 'These supposed gestures of good faith may entice women to accept the status quo in society because sexism literally looks welcoming, appealing and harmless.' Working with a male colleague, Professor Hall paired 27 men with women they had never met before and gave them a quiz game to play and time to chat afterwards. Ladies should behave like men if they want to work in male-dominated industries, according to a controversial study. Research by Professor Ann Marie Ryan, a psychologist at Michigan State University, suggests recruiters prefer more masculine traits to those commonly associated with women. She asked women to apply for leadership roles in male-dominated industries such as engineering in front of a panel of volunteers asked to evaluate the candidates' suitability. Some of the women were asked to emphasise 'masculine-like' traits such as assertiveness, independence and raw ambition. Others were asked to display more 'feminine traits' - warmth, supportiveness and a nurturing nature. The panel, irrespective of the gender of those sitting on it, decided that leadership required more dominant and assertive traits to be shown during the interview process. The men, who were aged 18 to 22, also filled in a survey designed to detect sexist attitudes. Examples of hostile sexism included agreeing that women tend to exaggerate problems at work, while someone who is benevolently sexist will believe women should be rescued before men from a sinking ship. They found men whose answers led to them being classed as benevolently sexist smiled more while playing the quiz game and chatting. They were more patient while waiting for their female partners to answer the trivia questions and warmer, friendlier and chattier than those who were hostile sexists. Writing in the journal Sex Roles, the researchers said that while such behaviour may be well-intentioned, this doesn't mean it isn't harmful. Men who are guilty of benevolent sexism see women as 'warm and pure, yet helpless and incompetent beings'. Study

Summary: Boston researchers carried out a study into types of sexism in men . They say there are two types of sexists, identifiable by their smile . 'Hostile sexist men' were less approachable and less friendly . Those who displayed 'benevolent sexism' were nicer and smiled more .


Denmark's Morten Orum Madsen shot a hole-in-one in a remarkable eagle-eagle finish to claim a share of the lead at the Tshwane Open in South Africa. England's David Horsey matched his seven-under-par 63 to join him at the top of the leaderboard after the first round at Pretoria Country Club. Australian Brett Rumford, playing on invitation, and South Africa's Wallie Coetsee were in a tie for third on six under. Morten Orum Madsen shot hole-in-one on his 17th hole and then an eagle for a shared lead in Pretoria . The dramatic close to Madsen's round captured the most attention. The 26-year-old's ace on the eighth - his 17th - was the 20th on the European Tour already this season and he followed up by taking three at the par-five ninth. Madsen, who was third at the Africa Open last week, said: 'The last couple of weeks I've been hitting some shots really close and I actually said to my caddy last week that a hole-in-one is on the cards pretty soon. 'Luckily for me it came today. I hit a fantastic shot, I couldn't hit it better, and it spun back into the hole. That was only my second hole-in-one and it's really special to have one in competition on The European Tour.' Englishman David Horsey played a more steady round than his rival, with seven birdies and no bogeys . Horsey played a more steady round, carding seven birdies in a bogey-free performance. Coetsee's 64 was notable for his chipping in for eagle at 12th and for one of his five birdies at the 17th. France's Raphael Jacquelin was one of four players on five under while last week's winner Trevor Fisher Jnr was among 10 a shot further back after a 66. Defending champion Ross Fisher was six shots off the lead on one under. Australian Brett Rumford, playing on invitation, was on a tie for third with Wallie Coetsee on six under .

Summary: Morten Orum Madsen shot an incredible eagle-eagle finish in South Africa . His hole-in-one was only the second he has ever completed . That gave him a share of the lead with England's David Horsey . The pair topped the leaderboard on 63 after the first round in Pretoria .


Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski insists he wants to carry on playing in the Barclays Premier League despite being linked to Italian giants Roma. Poland international Fabianski joined Swansea from Arsenal on a free transfer last summer and has proved a fine acquisition in keeping 11 clean sheets to help the Welsh club into the top half of the league. Fabianski's fine form has apparently alerted Roma, who currently lie second in Serie A behind Juventus, but he says he is not bothered about transfer speculation surrounding him in the Italian media. Swansea and Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has played down talk of a move to Roma this summer . Fabianski concedes a late equaliser against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Sunday evening . 'My brother mentioned that this information (about interest from Roma) appeared in newspapers, but to be honest, I feel very good in the Premier League,' Fabianski told Polish paper Przeglad Sportowy. 'I know the language and culture. I think that the Premier League, despite the failure of English teams in European competitions this season, is still the most attractive place to play. 'That's why I'd rather not move anywhere.' Fabianski insists he is happy in the Premier League and does not want to move abroad this summer . Fabianski has played in the Premier League since leaving Legia Warsaw in 2007. He made 78 appearances in seven seasons at Arsenal and won an FA Cup winner's medal there last May when the Gunners beat Hull 3-2 in the Wembley final. The 29-year-old's form has also been noted by his country as he returned to the Poland team for their 1-1 draw away to the Republic of Ireland in Euro 2016 qualifying on Sunday.

Summary: Reports in the Italian media have linked Lukasz Fabianski with Roma . The Swansea goalkeeper insists he is happy in the Premier League . Fabianski says he does not want to move abroad this summer .