A 41-year-old mother of three accused of killing her husband has had her murder retrial delayed because she has gotten pregnant through IVF. Julie Harper was acquitted on October 2nd of gunning down her spouse of 11 years, Jason Harper, 39, in the couple's home in Carlsbad, California, in August 2012 as their three children watched cartoons upstairs. A judge declared a mistrial after the jury came back deadlocked, but had leaned towards a lesser charge of second degree murder. Her new trial was set for April 15, but her due date is May 12 and, because doctors believe it is high risk pregnancy, they urged a judge on Monday to delay it. Scroll down for video . Pushed back: Julie Harper was acquitted on October 2nd of murdering her husband of 11 years, Jason Harper, 39, in 2012. Her retrial has been delayed because she is expecting a baby . Vista Superior Court Judge Blaine K. Bowman agreed to push it back to September 8, starting with jury selection. However, according to the San Diego Reader, prosecutors are suspicious that it was an IVF pregnancy, claiming that a 'neighbor witness' saw 'a man in his underwear staying in the master bedroom' around six months ago. They said: 'Once again, Defendant is engaging in a disturbing manipulation of our criminal justice system.' Prosecutor Keith Watanabe told the court that Harper has a new 'lover and fiance', who she described as the 'love of her life' in a letter written 17 days after her husband was shot. They have asked the judge to question this man. A week before the killing, the jury in the initial trial heard Mrs Harper filed for divorce and allegedly forged her husband's signature so she could withdraw $20,000 from two bank accounts and their daughter's college fund. Allegations: A judge declared a mistrial after the jury came back deadlocked, but they had leaned towards a lesser charge of second degree murder. During that case the defense contested Harper (left) was abused by her teacher husband of ten years (right) During her first trial, Harper testified that she was afraid of her husband and that he repeatedly 'raped' her. She portrayed herself as a victim of domestic and sexual abuse at the hands of her husband, and insisted that she fired the fatal shot in self-defense. But Watanabe challenged Harper's claims, saying that she had prepared for the final showdown with her husband by packing a ‘getaway bag’ and putting inside passports for herself and her children . They have aso alleged that 52 prescription bottles were located in the same room where the deceased husband was found, and those medications included Oxycontin, Oxydocone, Hydrocodone, Valium, and Morphine. At the new trial, if Harper is convicted of second-degree murder, she could face between 40 years and life in prison. Scene: Police investigators remove Jason Harper's body from the family home on Badger Lane in Carlsbad in California in August 2012 .

Summary: Julie Harper 41 was acquitted of killing Jason Harper in their home in 2012 . Judge declared a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a verdict . Her retrial was set for April 15, but her due date is not until May 12 . New trial has been pushed back after a judge accepted a doctor's note . Prosecutors are disputing it was by IVF as a man 'in his underwear was seen in the master bedroom' six months earlier .


Jeremy Menez scored twice to help beleaguered AC Milan beat Cagliari 3-1 in front of a sparse San Siro crowd on Saturday as fans responded to a request to boycott the match in protest at the club's leadership. The Curva Sud section, which usually hosts the hardcore supporters, was almost deserted while banners, written in English, read 'Game Over' and 'Insert Coin To Save AC Milan.' The Curva Sud had called on fans to stay away because the hierarchy, they say, have undermined coach Filippo Inzaghi with their rudderless leadership and confused transfer policy. Jeremy Menez (right) scored an impressive double at an empty San Siro to help AC Milan to victory . Menez put Milan ahead in the 21st minute with a curling shot from the edge of the penalty area. Diego Farias levelled for relegation candidates Cagliari two minutes after halftime but French defender Philippe Mexes volleyed Milan back in front almost immediately. Menez completed the win by converting a penalty, controversially awarded after Alessio Cerci appeared to fall under Luca Ceppitelli's sliding tackle just outside the area. AC Milan fans boycotted the game in protest over the leadership of the Serie A giants this season . The Frenchman took his tally to 15 this season, making him joint Serie A top scorer alongside Argentines Carlos Tevez of Juventus and Mauro Icardi of Inter Milan. It was only Milan's third victory since Christmas and all have been against teams in the bottom three. Milan moved up to seventh with 38 points from 28 games while Cagliari are joint 18th in the 20-team table. Earlier, Chievo eased relegation fears by beating Palermo 1-0 to climb to 15th, 11 points clear of the drop zone. The Frenchman is congratulated by on-loan Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel after his second goal . Philippe Mexes (right) fires in his goal during AC Milan's comfortable victory over Cagliari at the San Siro .

Summary: AC Milan fans boycotted the game in protest at leadership at the club . Jeremy Menez scored an impressive double for the Serie A giants . Phillipe Menez also found the net with a thumping effort .


Accessible only by a six-day boat journey from South Africa or as part of epic month-long cruises through the South Atlantic Ocean, Tristan da Cunha is about as far from a quick holiday destination as it gets. The world's most remote inhabited archipelago stands 1,243 miles from Saint Helena, its closest neighbour with residents, 1,491 miles from South Africa and 2,088 miles from South America. It's just seven miles long and 37.8 square miles in area, and has but one settlement officially known as Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, referred to by locals - less than 300 of them - as The Settlement, located at the foot of the 6,765-foot Queen Mary's Peak. But despite its unimposing size and formidable remoteness, Tristan da Cunha has a rich history and a plethora of native wildlife that is truly unique. Scroll down for video . Tristan da Cunha's only settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, is built on the flat below the 6,765-foot volcano Queen Mary's Peak . The vast distances that must be travelled to get to Tristan da Cunha, which lays claim to being the most remote inhabited island in the world . It is 1,243 miles from Saint Helena, its closest neighbour with residents, 1,491 miles from South Africa and 2,088 miles from South America . Tristan da Dunha's main island, which also gives its name to the archipelago is just seven miles long and 37.8 square miles in area . Edinburgh was named after the visit of the first Duke of Edinburgh in the 1800s, but is referred to as The Settlement by its less than 300 locals . A sign shows the remarkable lengths one must go to get to Tristan, including 5,337 miles to London . Oceanwide Expeditions have four cruises that take in three-day stops at Tristan da Cunha, the name given to both the main island and the surrounding archipelago, including the uninhabited Nightingale Islands, and Inaccessible Island and the Gough Islands, which are nature reserves. Cruises, such as those which leave from Ushuaia in Argentina's Tierra del Fuego, are the most convenient way to see the island. One of 12 spaces can be filled on the fishing vessel MV Edinburgh and the cargo ship MV Baltic Trader. However, non-local tourists are at the bottom of an eight-tier priority pecking order that may include those responding to medical emergencies, official visitors and locals. The other cruise sails annually to Gough Island, run since 2012 by the South African Antarctic Research and Supply Vessel Agulhas II, and carries more than 40 passengers to and from Tristan. The local rockhopper penguins are hugely popular with visitors and live on all four of Tristan's islands . Oceanwide Expeditions' Atlantic Odyssey tours, the shortest and cheapest being the 27-night tour from £3,929 (Euro 5,450), calls in on The Settlement, and aims to land on Nightingale and Inaccessible, which millions of seabirds call home. The landings aren't guaranteed though, with 30 per cent of attempts via zodiac boat since 1998 having been unsuccessful due to bad weather. Thankfully, tours often factor

Summary: From Tristan da Cunha it's 1,243 miles to Saint Helena, 1,491 miles to South Africa and 2,088 miles to South America . Its only town, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, has less than 300 residents and is known as The Settlement . Millions of native birds, including several breeds of albatross and rockhopper penguin, call the archipalego home .


Lizzie Velasquez, pictured with documentary director Sara Hirsh Bordo arrive, at the premiere of 'A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story' today . Lizzie Velasquez has known the torment of being mocked by bullies from around the world. As a 17-year-old surfing the web, she came across a video of herself on YouTube that described her as the 'world's ugliest woman'. The devastated teenager spent days shutting herself from the world behind a wall of tears, thinking her life was over. But now 26, the inspirational woman has hit back at the trolls with an anti-bullying documentary about her life, describing her battle with a rare condition which stops her putting on weight. 'A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story' premiers at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas, today. The 78-minute film charts Lizzie's inspiring path from cyber-bullying victim to anti-bullying activist. Featuring details of Lizzie's emotional and physical journey through the years, it follows her progress as she attempts to lobby the US government for the first federal anti-bullying Bill. She was born with Marfan syndrome and lipodystrophy, which is a problem with the way fat is distributed in the body. At only 5ft 2ins tall, Lizzie only weighs 58lbs - just over four stone. 'All we had known all my life was that I had a syndrome which meant that I couldn't gain weight. 'At the time, I thought everyone looked like me. I didn't recognise or tell that they didn't look like me.' Lizzie, born with a rare condition which prevents her from gaining weight, was tormented by bullies at school but was shocked to discover thousands of cruel comments on a YouTube video of her at the age of 17 . First bullied as a child in school for looking different, she was horrified to stumble across a YouTube video labeling her 'The World's Ugliest Woman' as a teenager. The video, viewed four million times, was accompanied by a cascade of cruel comments about her appearance - and suggestions that she should have killed at birth. 'It was afternoon. I decided to go look for music on YouTube - and that's when I found it,' she said. 'I don't even know why I clicked on it but I did and that's when I lost it. Speaking ahead of her documentary's showing today, Lizzie said: 'I'm so excited, I can't even tell you' 'Calling me a monster or asking why my parents didn't abort me... how in the world can I forgive the people who told me to kill myself?' She fought back by giving a TED Talk in 2013 which she says 'changed everything'. 'This is my purpose. This is what I'm meant to do for the rest of my life. 'I like to think that I'm not only telling my story, I'm telling everyone's story.' Now, Lizzie's own YouTube channel, which boasts more than 300,000 subscribers. Speaking in a video posted to her channel ahead of her documentary's showing today, she said: 'I'm so excited, I can't even tell you. 'I finally was able

Summary: Lizzie Velasquez was born with syndrome which stops her gaining weight . She has Marfan and lipodystrophy and weighs just 58lbs at 5ft 2ins tall . At 17, she was horrified to discover a cruel YouTube video featuring her . Fought back with an inspiring TED Talk which attracted millions of views .


Former Crystal Palace and Norwich forward Leon McKenzie has exclusively spoken to Sportsmail ahead of his super-middleweight bout with Croatian Ivan Stupalo for the International Masters title. Undefeated McKenzie has been training at the East Dulwich gym owned by his father - the former British and European light-welterweight champion Clinton - for the biggest fight of his life so far, and the 36-year-old wants to win on March 14 for his dad. The man nicknamed Big McK discusses juggling work as a deliveryman, looking after five children and training every day as the former Barclays Premier League player likens himself to Rocky Balboa. Former footballer Leon McKenzie has been training at the East Dulwich gym owned by his father, Clinton . McKenzie has exclusively spoken to Sportsmail ahead of the biggest fight of his life so far on March 14 . Ex-Crystal Palace forward McKenzie faces Ivan Stupalo for the super-middleweight International Masters title . 'I've got five beautiful children to try and support the best I can. Working and fighting I'm no better than no other man that's doing the same as me,' McKenzie tells Sportsmail. 'Just because I've played Premier League football it does not mean that I'm too good to work. 'I work for DPD. I'm delivering parcels. It's challenging. I'm delivering 60-odd, 70 parcels a day. You're lifting boxes, you're in and out of the van. That's probably a little bit of training in itself. 'I sometimes jog in between because we're on a timer. It's kind of like a Rocky thing going on.' The best moment of McKenzie's football career came in April 2005, scoring in a 2-0 win against a Manchester United team boasting Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Almost 10 years on he is looking for a new accomplishment, and beating Stupalo in the 10-round fight would make him the mandatory for the Southern Area title. McKenzie is preparing for his title bout and the 36-year-old wants to win on March 14 for his father . McKenzie discusses juggling work as a deliveryman, looking after five children and training every day . That is the main objective on Saturday, and delivering parcels does not compare to how his father has been working him in the gym. 'In training dad pushes me to my max,' McKenzie continues. 'I'm used to dying in training and coming back. It will be the same principle in fights. When it gets hard I have to grit my teeth. 'I know where I've been before so it will be the same principle. I can die and I come back, I can die and I come back. We're going to win the fight, and I want to win it for my dad as well. 'After training I'll just have a little time by myself. Dad says that's normal when you just go within yourself, and have little flashbacks of life and everything else. 'Anything can happen. One punch changes everything.' McKenzie (right) pictured during his super-middleweight win against John Mason in June 2013 . 'This means everything to me because since a

Summary: Leon McKenzie faces Ivan Stupalo on March 14 at York Hall in London . The 36-year-old has been preparing for the biggest fight of his life so far . McKenzie has been training at the East Dulwich gym owned by his father . Clinton McKenzie has been pushing his son 'to the max' in training . The former Premier League player has spoken exclusively to Sportsmail .


Roughly 70 percent of strawberries grown in Australia are being treated with a pesticide that is supposed to have been banned across the world because it depletes the ozone layer. Nine strawberry growers in Victoria's Yarra Valley are still using methyl bromide to fumigate crops, despite it being banned by the United Nations Montreal Protocol more than two decades ago, the ABC reports. The odourless gas was meant to have been phased out in Australia by 2005. Roughly 70 percent of strawberries grown in Australia are being treated with a pesticide that is supposed to have been banned across the world because it depletes the ozone layer . But the Victorian growers, who produce 100 million strawberry runners a year, are still using almost 30 tonnes of the pesticide annually. They claim alternatives would drive business into the ground and cost 15,000 jobs, so they regularly apply for a critical use exemption from the United Nations. Methyl bromide, an odourless and colouless gas, was banned because it depletes the ozone layer . 'Internationally, we've gotten rid of 85 per cent of methyl bromide, and it's a great win for mankind — in fact it's the best environmental gain that's been made,' Dr Ian Porter, UN Methyl Bromide Technical Options committee's co-chair, told the ABC. 'It's frustrating ... but we don't want industries to fall over economically or technically. We don't want more disease or pests in Australia.' Growers suggest their costs could soar by 500 percent if they were to stop using the pesticide, which could see a punnet of strawberries soar to more than $10. The Victorian farms still using methyl bromide - who are part of the Toolangi Certified Strawberry Runner Growers' Cooperative - said the industry had spent $700,000 on research to find alternatives to the pesticide. 'The soils at Toolangi are clays with high organic matter, and alternative treatments used in other parts of Australia do not work well in these conditions, especially in cold temperatures,' they said. They said banning it would mean consumers have less availability to strawberries and more berries would be imported - implying the health standards may not be the same as in Australia. Nine strawberry growers in Victoria's Yarra Valley are still using methyl bromide to fumigate crops, despite it being banned by the United Nations Montreal Protocol more than two decades ago . Victorian growers, who produce 100 million strawberry runners a year, are still using almost 30 tonnes of the pesticide annually .

Summary: Nine Victorian strawberry farms treat crops with methyl bromide pesticide . It was banned by United Nations in 1989 because it deplete ozone layer . Australia agreed to phase out environmentally damaging gas by 2005 . Growers are still using almost 30 tonnes of pesticide each year . They claim alternatives will cripple industry, forcing prices to $10 a punnet .


A man has been arrested in connection to a hit-and-run accident that killed a four-year-old girl before her parents' eyes following family and neighbors' pleas to come forward. Shant Badleean, 55, of Glendale, California surrendered himself to police on Saturday as he was accompanied with his family. He was charged with felony hit and run charges in the death of Violeta Khachaturyan, who died a month shy of her fifth birthday, according to NBC. His bail has been set at $50,000. Scroll down for video . Shant Badleean, 55, of Glendale, California surrendered himself to police on Saturday as he was accompanied with his family. He was charged with felony hit and run charges in the death of Violeta Khachaturyan (above) who died a month shy of her fifth birthday . Violeta was playing in her front yard with her family before she ran in between two parked cars and onto Wilson Avenue and Olive Street, and was struck by a car at 4.55pm on Friday. The impact from the hit threw the young girl 40 feet before she landed onto the rear of another car shattering the window (above the rear of the car where her body landed) She was taken to Glendale Adventist Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. On Saturday a candlelit vigil (above) was held for Violeta by family, friends and neighbors, and a makeshift memorial with candles and flowers have been laid near the area where she was hit . Violeta was playing in her front yard with her family before she ran in between two parked cars and onto Wilson Avenue and Olive Street before being struck by the car around 4.55pm on Friday. Her mother reportedly went into the street to get Violeta’s ball and the child went after her, and as her father tried to stop Violeta, he did not reach her in time, according to CBS. The impact from the hit threw the young girl 40 feet, at least four car lengths, before she landed onto the rear of another car shattering the window, according to Sgt. Tom Lorenz from the Glendale Police Department. She was taken to Glendale Adventist Medical Center where she was pronounced dead, according to KTLA. Her mother reportedly went into the street to get Violeta’s ball and the child went after her, and as her tried to stop Violeta, he did not reach her in time . Prior to Badleean being taken into custody, police were searching for a white or beige-colored sedan that fled the scene. Neighbor Arshak Bareghamyan said Violeta was an energetic little girl and had pleaded for the driver to turn himself in immediately following the incident . On Saturday a candlelit vigil was held for Violeta by family, friends and neighbors, and a makeshift memorial with candles and flowers have been laid near the area where she was hit. A neighbor said he was in his home when head hear a loud bang and screaming before he ran outside. Since the incident, the Glendale Police Officers Association have created a fund to

Summary: Shant Badleean, 55, of Glendale, California turned himself into police on Saturday following pleas for driver to come forward from family and friends . Violeta Khachaturyan, four, was playing with her family in front yard before running into path of car; she was pronounced dead at hospital . Badleean was charged with felony hit and run and bail set at $50,000 . A candlelit vigil was held for girl on Saturday when news of Badleean's arrest was released .


‘My wrist had started to get uncomfortable, so I decided to get it checked out,’ said Lucy Norman . As she looked at the piece of paper in front of her, Lucy Norman massaged her fingers and puzzled over the spidery, illegible writing. As a personal assistant, she relied on her ability to take accurate, concise notes and was proud of her neat handwriting. Yet the words she’d just written were no better than a scrawl. ‘I’d start writing as normal, but within just a few words, it would fade into little more than a scribble,’ says Lucy, 42, who lives in Barford St Michael, Oxfordshire, with her husband Angus, 64, an engineer. ‘It was as if my hand would just stop working. ‘I’d also been having trouble typing, hitting the wrong letters — previously, I’d been able to touch type accurately at high speed.’ Initially, Lucy blamed the problem on tiredness from long working hours and her commute into Central London to work at an energy company. But after six months of suffering these symptoms, she made an appointment to see her GP. ‘My wrist had started to get uncomfortable, so I decided to get it checked out,’ she says. ‘At the time I was 36, so I didn’t suspect anything sinister, but I couldn’t ignore something that affected the skills that were so intrinsic to my work. 'If I couldn’t write or type, how could I continue to be a PA?’ Her doctor diagnosed repetitive strain injury (RSI) in the wrist, caused by typing and writing over 20 years, and told her there was nothing they could do. ‘I accepted the diagnosis without question,’ says Lucy. ‘It seemed to make perfect sense given my line of work.’ RSI is an umbrella term for pain in the muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and over-use. It is extremely common — research shows as many as 73 per cent of people who use a computer at work experience it, with an estimated 200,000 cases of work-related musculoskeletal complaints in the hand, wrist, arm, elbow, shoulder and neck last year alone, according to official statistics. Typical RSI conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, where a nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. Other common causes include tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon) or tenosynovitis (inflammation of a tendon sheath). Lucy began to experience tremors in her leg 18 months after being diagnosed with RSI. ‘I’d also started having difficulty with simple tasks, such as brushing my teeth, so I began to get concerned,’ she said . Since there is no test for RSI, diagnosis is usually made on the basis that the condition developed following a repetitive task and is relieved by resting from it. But experts warn that the term RSI is increasingly being used as a blanket diagnosis, and could mask other more serious conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes and even Parkinson’s disease. That’s because the early signs of each of these conditions are so similar to RSI that doctors often consider it first. For example, with diabetes,

Summary: At 36, Lucy Norman was diagnosed with repetitive strain injury (RSI) But 18 months later, she began to experience tremors in her leg . She had a DaT scan, which determines the level of dopamine in the brain . Lack of dopamine is characteristic of Parkinson’s disease . It confirmed she had Parkinson’s, and she was put on medication .


An unusually high number of students at Stanford University are suspected of cheating during the most recent term, putting faculty members and administrators of the prestigious institution on alert. University Provost John Etchemendy sent a letter to faculty members highlighting what he called 'troubling allegations' that stem from 'a smattering of concerns from a number of winter courses,' the San Jose Mercury News reported Friday. Etchemendy said the students are cheating themselves and risk severe consequences. All new students are told of the university's honor code and agree to abide by it, he said. Concerns: An unusually high number of students at Stanford University are suspected of cheating during the most recent term (file photo) 'But with the ease of technology and widespread sharing that is now part of a collaborative culture,' he wrote, 'students need to recognize and be reminded that it is dishonest to appropriate the work of others.' University spokeswoman Lisa Lapin declined to discuss details with the newspaper, such as the course or grade level of the students, but she said such concerns are routine. She says that in the 2013-2014 academic year, 83 students violated the honor code. In the most recent term, the newspaper reported that one instructor believes that 20 percent of students in a large introductory course may have cheated. Lapin said that Etchemendy's note underscored the need for faculty members to be clear with their students about expectations at Stanford, which prides itself as being one of the world's leading teaching and research universities. Students accused of cheating have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charge. First-time violators are usually suspended for a quarter and must perform 40 hours of community service, with increasing disciplinary action for subsequent violations. 'We have a lot of classes and a lot of students,' Lapin said. 'It's not unusual to have a handful of concerns raised every term.' Punishment: First-time cheating violators are usually suspended for a quarter and must perform 40 hours of community service, with increasing disciplinary action for subsequent violations (file photo)

Summary: An unusually high number of students at Stanford University are suspected of cheating during the most recent term . Faculty members and administrators of the prestigious institution have been put on alert . University Provost John Etchemendy sent a letter to faculty members highlighting what he called 'troubling allegations' Those stem from 'a smattering of concerns from a number of winter courses'


Chris Robshaw has urged England to elevate recent near misses into a first piece of major silverware under Stuart Lancaster when the 2015 RBS 6 Nations title race reaches its conclusion on Saturday. Ireland and Wales, who travel to Edinburgh and Rome respectively, are also in contention for the crown on a thrilling day of staggered kick-offs with points difference set to determine the winners. France stand before England and their dream of improving on a trio of successive runners-up finishes and given they are playing at Twickenham, top the table by a cushion of four points and will know their victory target, the Red Rose are in the driving seat. England captain Chris Robshaw in training this week as the Red Rose prepare to take on France . Robshaw carries England forward during their 25-13 home win over Scotland last weekend . Robshaw lifts the Calcutta Cup after England's triumph over Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday . 'All the guys are extremely excited and desperate to get that bit of silverware at the end, that significant trophy that we haven't managed to get,' Robshaw said. 'We've picked up little bits here and there, but of course we want to get the big prize at the end. 'Having gone so close in recent years has been tough for myself and the other guys involved. As a player you want to be picking up silverware. 'Unfortunately that's eluded us a couple of times. We've collected the odd bit here and there, but to finally pick up the main trophy would be great.' VIDEO Robshaw sets sights on France following Scotland win . England trio James Haskell, Mike Brown and Robshaw sing the national anthem ahead of the Scotland game . Robshaw hopes England will be able to claim an even bigger prize this weekend in the Six Nations finale . Ireland prop Mike Ross admits that despite the frustration of seeing the Grand Slam dream end in Cardiff last Saturday, claiming back-to-back titles for the first time since 1949 would still provide a 'huge lift' ahead of the World Cup. 'It would be huge, it would be a huge one for us,' said Ross on the chance of retaining the title. 'It would certainly give us a huge lift going into the World Cup. It is something we really want as a squad. 'There was a lot of disappointment in that dressing room after that Welsh game because, for some lads, when is the next opportunity going to come around for a Grand Slam again? You don't know.' Ireland's Mike Ross (centre) believes winning the Six Nations would be a 'huge lift' ahead of the World Cup . Wales centre Jonathan Davies believes the Super Saturday finale of the Six Nations will be thrilling . Wales centre Jonathan Davies expects so-called Super Saturday to be a 'pretty twitchy' business. Wales face a lunchtime appointment with Italy and could then endure the best part of a five-hour wait for the Ireland and England games to unfold before discovering if it is they who are

Summary: Chris Robshaw will lead England into battle against France at Twickenham . England, Ireland and Wales could still claim RBS 6 Nations crown . Staggered kick-offs will ensure thrilling climax to competition on Saturday . Six Nations title has eluded England in recent years .


David Forde is set to continue as first-choice goalkeeper for the Republic of Ireland in Sunday’s Euro Championship qualifier against Poland in Dublin. Despite Shay Given’s eagerness to return to the frontline again, Ireland manager Martin O’Neill is reluctant to jettison Forde at this critical stage of the qualifiers. The Millwall shotstopper has been rock solid since O’Neill took charge and has also kept two clean sheets against Poland in previous games. David Forde (second right) is set to keep his place in goal for Ireland against Poland on Sunday . Aston Villa No 2 keeper Shay Given trains earlier this week as Forde watches on behind him . The squad worked on set-piece shape behind closed doors at Aviva Stadium on Wednesday where the indications pointed to Forde as the last line of defence against the Poles, ahead of Given. Forde, who is set to win his 24th cap, was watched by O’Neill on club duty last weekend. He was given a vote of confidence by the manager before the Euro 2016 qualifiers kicked off against Georgia last September, even though Given had been recalled. O’Neill faces another massive call regarding Robbie Keane, Ireland’s record goalscorer and most capped player. Keane, who was stationed by the manager’s side in Wednesday’s squad photo shoot, is pushing for a recall after his shock omission against the Scots last November. O’Neill feels Keane is a lot fresher than he was four months ago and will be aware of the need for Ireland to score on Sunday at the Aviva. Martin O'Neill must also decide whether to pick LA Galaxy striker Robbie Keane . Ireland's leading goalscorer Keane Celebrates after scoring against Houston Dynamo last Saturday . Keane, 34, has scored four goals in his last two starts at the stadium. After yesterday’s rest day, O’Neill will be keen to assess the fitness of James McClean, Glenn Whelan and Stephen Ward at training in Malahide today before finalising his strategy to face the Poles, with Forde likely to retain the No 1 jersey. McClean (ankle) hasn’t trained since shipping a knock in training on Monday while Ward (ankle) has been on the easy list all week — both players have been first choice on the left flank for O’Neill. Whelan, sorely missed against the Scots in . Glasgow, had a tight hamstring but is expected to be fine. Meanwhile, O’Neill and assistant Roy Keane were on hand last night as the Irish U21s edged out Andorra 1-0 at the RSC in Waterford last night. Dylan Connolly’s 31st-minute goal separated the sides in the opening 2017 Euro qualifier.

Summary: Ireland play a Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland at the Aviva on Sunday . David Forde is set to keep his place in goal for Martin O'Neill's side . Millwall goalkeeper has kept two clean sheets against Poland in the past . Aston Villa No 2 Shay Given is eager to return for the national side . O'Neill must also decide whether to pick Robbie Keane .


The family of Perth man Paul Weeks, one of the passengers on board Malaysian Airliines flight MH370, are urging the world not to forget their loved one and the other 238 people still missing. One year after the plane disappeared, Paul’s mother Prue Tomblin says the families are more desperate than ever to know the truth. ‘I think it's more unbearable now than it was a year ago because we're just totally in limbo,’ she told The West Australian. ‘You just don't know what to feel, what to think. You stumble through the days thinking how can this be possible?’ Scroll down for video . Paul Weeks, pictured with his sons Lincoln and Jack, was one of 239 people on board Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 which went missing last year . Paul Weeks boarded the Boeing 777 flight from Kuala Lumpar bound for Beijing on March 8, 2014. The plane disappeared from radar over the South China Sea and to date, no wreckage has been found . On March 8, 2014, Paul Weeks boarded the Boeing 777 flight from Kuala Lumpar bound for Beijing, along with 226 other passengers. An engineer, he was flying to Mongolia for work when the plane disappeared from radar over the South China Sea. His family have heard nothing since. Prue Tomblin’s plea comes a day after Prime Minister Tony Abbot announced in Parliament that he ‘could not promise that the search will go on at this intensity forever.’ Australian authorities have been leading the search for MH370 since Malaysia Airlines officially declared the loss of the plane an ‘accident’ on January 29. It has been the largest ever underwater search, so far combing more than 26,800 square kilometres of the Southern Indian ocean floor. But no wreckage has been found. A total of 26 countries have been involved in the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 since it went missing. Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said the search, described as the largest, most expensive underwater search ever carried out, 'cannot continue at this intensity forever.' Flight Engineer Chris Poole of the Royal New Zealand Airforce helps look for objects during the ongoing search for MH370 off the coast of Perth, Australia . The ADV Ocean Shield leaves Rockingham, south of Perth, to continue trawling the Southern Indian Ocean seabed for remnants of MH370 . With the search efforts due to finish in May, Mr Abbott assured families on Thursday that he is confident the operation will succeed. ‘My pledge is that we are taking every reasonable step to bring your uncertainty to an end,’ Mr Abbott told the Parliament. It's little comfort to Paul's wife, Danika Weeks, who says she's not coping and she can't move on. Ms Weeks has told WHO Magazine that every morning is difficult. In fact, 'it's getting worse.' She spends 'a lot more time in bed', she's taking anti-depressants to help her cope and her youngest son Lincoln screams at her to bring his father back. 'How do you move on?': Danica Weeks, who lost her husband Paul on Malaysia Airlines

Summary: Family of missing MH370 passenger Paul Weeks say they're still 'in limbo' a year after the plane disappeared . Despite a massive search operation, no sign of the plane, which went missing on March 8 2014, has ever been found . The search cannot go on 'at this intensity forever', warns PM .


Wayne Rooney captained Manchester United to a 3-0 victory against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday hours after footage emerged appearing to show him being knocked out cold by his former team-mate Phil Bardsley in a sparring session in his kitchen. Here we assess Rooney's performance in the showdown that took place on the pitch. Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney re-enacted a video of him boxing a former team-mate . Ashley Young laughs as Rooney falls backwards as part of his humorous boxing celebration at Old Trafford . Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini arrive on the scene to celebrate with the United captain . DID HE PACK A PUNCH? Rooney was having a relatively quiet game until the 34th minute, when he seized upon a misplaced Nabil Bentaleb pass, burst through a clutch of Tottenham players and slotted past Hugo Lloris - before celebrating by recreating the video, throwing a flurry of air punches boxer-style and then falling backwards to hit the deck. Having brought the crowd to their feet in that moment, he showed less potency thereafter in his centre-forward role, sending a few efforts off-target, at least one of which he probably should have done better with. Rooney waves to the crowd; his goal put Manchester United 3-0 up against Tottenham in the first-half . COMBINATIONS . Very early on, his link-up play was not coming off, a notable example being when he failed to pick out Juan Mata with an attempted cut-back in the box. He was also not involved in either of the first two goals - but his influence soon grew as he produced several nice touches to help build attacks, as well as getting on the scoresheet himself. LASTING THE DISTANCE . Went the full 90 minutes, and while not exactly a constant threat during that time, he caused plenty of problems for Tottenham in what was a commendable display overall. KNOCK-OUT MOMENT . Undoubtedly delivered one with the goal and celebration, nicely showcasing his strength, technique and willingness to poke fun at himself all in the space of a few seconds. Rooney slots the ball past Hugo Lloris to put Manchester United 3-0 up against Tottenham on Sunday .

Summary: A video emerged of Wayne Rooney which appears to show him being knocked out by former team-mate Phil Bardsley . Wayne Rooney scored for Manchester United against Tottenham . For his celebration, Rooney comically re-enacted the moment . READ: Louis van Gaal fumes over Rooney boxing video with Bardsley . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .


Around 200 mysterious stone structures have mystified experts since they were discovered in the Gobi Desert in 2003. Known as the ‘strange stone circles’ by locals in Turpan, the formations vary in size and shape with one intricate example resembling the sun. And now an expert has suggested they could have been used by primitive nomads to worship the sun, and may have even been a site where sacrifices were made - although the types of sacrifices is not known. Scroll down for video . Around 200 mysterious stone circles have mystified experts since they were discovered in the Gobi Desert in 2003. The largest structure in this image is known as the sun circle. An expert has suggested they could have been used by nomads to worship the sun, and may have even been a site where sacrifices were made . There are similarities between the Chinese stones and Stonehenge in Wiltshire. This includes the formations being linked with sun worshippers, the shape of the structures including so-called 'exits', and the fact the stones were transported to the site from outside the region. The circles are located in the Flaming Mountain in Turpan, north west China and cover more than two-and-a-half square miles (6.6 square km). They have been filmed from above using a drone by a local tourism association, in an attempt to further understand the structures and their origins, People’s Daily Online reported. Experts said that the stone circles are in line with local historical traditions but very little is known about them, including their age. Some people had assumed that they were burial sites and attempted to dig them up. The mysterious collection of circles and squares have been filmed from above using a drone by a local tourism association, in an attempt to further understand the structures and their origins. A aerial shot is shown. If they were used as sacrificial sites, the type of sacrifices is not known . The circles are located in the Flaming Mountain in Turpan, north west China, a matter of miles from Lianmuqin town (marked) and cover more than two-and-a-half square miles (6.6 square km) Similar formations were found in Burkhan Khaldun mountain in north Mongolia and archaeologists have even suggested these Mongolian rocks could help pinpoint the location of Genghis Khan's tomb. This view is shared by Dr Volker Heyd, an archaeologist at the University of Bristol. He told MailOnline: 'First of all, they are man-made; there is no doubt about it. 'I have seen similar features in neighbouring Mongolia where they are well known too [and] they are regarded as ritual features. One particular stone circle is known as the ‘Sun Circle’ (pictured) and is formed by four concentric circles, the largest of which measures 26 ft (eight metres) in diameter, with the smallest inner ring destroyed . The stone structures are built on high points of the land and some are square, with ‘exits’ to combine certain shapes (pictured). A lack of evidence of bodies at the sites has led one expert to rule out that the formations

Summary: Mysterious circular and square structures are found in Turpan, China . They are known as 'the strange circles' by people living in the area . The 200 marks are formed from rocks that are not found in the desert . Expert suggests they could have been used by nomads to worship the sun .


Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen believes he has come of age as Wales prepare for what could be the defining moment of their Euro 2016 campaign. Allen does not grab too many headlines, with the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey for international company, but there's no denying the effective role he plays in Chris Coleman's side. The 25-year-old's game is to break up attacks and get his team moving forward, and it is a role which has gradually won over Reds fans after what he admits was a tricky start to Anfield life following his £15million transfer from Swansea in 2012. Joe Allen and Gareth Bale train on Wednesday ahead of Wales' crucial qualifier against Israel on Friday . Allen faces the media ahead of Chris Coleman's side clash against the group leaders . 'I look back to my first season at Liverpool and I was disappointed with the way I approached it at times,' Allen said. 'But the last couple of seasons I have certainly learned a lot and improved from that point of view and having those experiences. 'I understand now I have experienced a lot of highs in my career but unfortunately there are times when you will have some lows. 'My dip in form affected my confidence and it was the first time I had experienced that at club level. 'At Swansea it had always been progress really so it was a bit of a setback, but I came through it. As well as holding down a regular place in the Liverpool team in recent months, Allen sees himself as a mainstay of a Wales side which has started the European Championship qualifiers so impressively. Allen is enjoying a run in the Liverpool side and has impressed during the club's resurgence in recent months . Wales remain unbeaten after four games with an eight-point haul, but they face a serious examination of their qualification credentials against an Israel side top of the group with an unblemished 100 per cent record, . 'I have turned 25 now so I don't consider myself a young player any more,' Allen said ahead of Wales' trip to what is expected to be a hostile Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa on Saturday night. 'I have got enough experience both at club and international level to feel a big part of the squad. 'The experience I have had in the past will hold me in good stead going forward in international football. 'I am getting towards my peak and I hope to keep improving in the next few years and getting better.' The Wales midfielder admits that he found it difficult during his first season at Liverpool . Wales have not been in such a promising position to end their long wait for a major tournament finals appearance since going close to earning a place at Euro 2004. On that occasion Wales lost a play-off to Russia and Allen, then a 13-year-old schoolboy, admits the disappointment of that near-miss resonates with a lot of the current squad. 'I was at the Russia game

Summary: Wales travel to Israel for a Euro 2016 qualifier that could define campaign . Joe Allen does not grab headlines but plays an effective role for Wales . Midfielder admitted he went though difficult spell when he joined Liverpool . Allen says he has improved as a player after the bad experience .


Trainspotting isn't usually regarded as a dangerous hobby. But a young Chinese train enthusiast was lucky not be killed when he was frazzled by high-voltage wires as he stood on top of a locomotive while posing for pictures. Lin Ho, 21, and a group of friends had gone to the station in the city of Fuzhou in south-eastern China's Fujian province to take photos of trains, according to The People's Daily Online. Horrific: Lin Ho, 21, and a group of friends had gone to the station in Fuxhou to take photos of trains . Accident: But when Ho climbed up on top of the train, he touched the wires - turning him into a fireball . But after clambering up onto one engine Ho, from Putian, was seen to reach up and touch the overhead wires, sending 35,000 volts ripping through his body. Horrified pal Shi Tao, 22, said: 'One minute he was laughing and excited and the next he erupted into a ball of fire and was thrown right off the top of the roof. 'We ran over but he was burning and we couldn't get close so we began screaming for help.' Another witness told Fujian Southeast Network he watched three men climb up onto the roof. Xiao Yibo told the network: 'I see one of the men suddenly raised his arm but he did not actually touched the wires above his head.' He said the next moment there was a loud bang, and the man caught fire and fell down. Mr Xiao yelled at the two friends, who appeared to be in shock, to get off the train as soon as possible. 'Someone fetched a fire extinguisher and put out the fire on the man,' said Mr Xiao. Ho was then rushed to hospital, where he was treated in a special burns unit. A hospital spokesman said: 'More than 80 percent of his body is severely burnt and although he is still alive he is by no means out of danger yet. 'Even if he recovers, electricity has done horrific damage to his body. 'He is being closely monitored.' Not out of danger: Ho was rushed to hospital, but suffered 80 per cent burns to his body . A spokesman for the railway station said the cargo trains which passed through were popular with locals, who visit to take pictures. It is reported even newly married couples visit the station for photos, and many climb on the trains' roofs to get better shots. However, the spokesman was clear they try to discourage people from wandering onto the area where the trains are kept. 'But there are some, including children, who sneak into the area to play despite the fact we make it quite clear it isn't allowed,' he added.

Summary: Friends say Lin Ho, 21, was turned into a fire ball after he touched wires . Was hit with the force of about 35,000 volts and thrown to the ground . Station staff in Fuzhou, China, put flames out with a fire extinguisher . Rushed to hospital, but doctors say Ho is not out of danger yet .


Since the Arab Spring in 2011, Yemenis have endured intermittent fighting, attempted coups and increasing violence but now, with Houthi militiamen advancing on the beleaguered forces of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi in the second city of Aden, things look increasingly bleak. With the capital Sana'a also in the hands of the Iran-backed rebels, women and children are now on the front line of a conflict that, last night alone, saw an estimated 40 people perish after Saudi war planes apparently bombed a refugee camp. Now a haunting new set of photos has shed light on what Yemen stands to lose, including a Bedouin minority that has lived in Yemen - and neigbouring countries such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia - for thousands of years. Under threat: These women were photographed in Amran, a town that fell to the Houthis last summer and is now being targeted with air strikes . Front line: These girls live in Shaharah, a village in Houthi controlled territory close to the Saudi Arabian border . Fighting: This little girl was photographed close to the city of Taiz which fell to the Houthi militia yesterday . The pictures, which were taken by French photographer Eric Lafforgue, show the country's women and children going about their daily lives, whether chatting in the market or having their nails hennaed. But more than ever, their future looks uncertain with Saudi Arabian troops massing on the border, Iran refusing to back down and nightly air strikes conducted by planes from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and even Sudan. So far, most have been confined to the capital with Sa'naa's international airport among the targets hit last night, along with an army camp in Saadeh and the Red Sea port of Hudaida. 'There were huge blazes in the mountains outside Sanaa. It looks like they hit a missile depot and it was on fire for half an hour or so. Then there was anti-aircraft fire until dawn,' a Sanaa resident said. Nevertheless, even before the Houthi advance began, life wasn't particularly easy for the women of Yemen. One third of girls are married off before the age of 18 according to UNICEF, with a handful marrying aged nine or 10. 'Many activists campaign for a minimum age for marriage but enforcing that in the remoter areas is difficult,' explains Lafforgue, a frequent visitor to Yemen. Dangerous: Shaharah is currently in rebel hands but for the women who live there, little has changed so far . Restricted: For many women, life in Yemen is restrictive. Here, a woman is seen shopping accompanied by two male family members . Changing times: For these women, who live in the Yemeni capital, life has become increasingly dangerous since the 2011 Arab Spring . Historic: These women live in historic Al Hajjarah, a town built by the Sulayhid dynasty in the 12th century. It was once popular with tourists . 'Yemen is a country where female genital mutilation (FGM) remains an issue, even though it has been officially outlawed. Many girls miss out on education as

Summary: Photos show women from Houthi-controlled Sa'naa and the village of Shaharah which sits on the Saudi border . Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies are currently conducting air strikes against Houthi militiamen across Yemen . Government troops are currently holed up in the port of Aden and are being besieged by the Iran-backed militia . Among the cities to fall yesterday was Taiz where women still enjoy an unusual amount of freedom .


It is known to prevent against heart disease and is hailed as the secret to a long, healthy life. Now, researchers have found the Mediterranean diet can help people with depression, too. A study found people who followed the diet were happier, less stressed and reported an improved quality of life compared to those who ate fewer Mediterranean foods. The researchers said omega-3 in particular, a fatty acid found in fish, plays a vital role in maintaining and improving mental health and stability. The diet consists of plant-based foods such as vegetables, legumes, fruit, nuts, seeds and olives, extra virgin olive oil, fish, with moderate red wine intake. It also involves a low consumption of processed food, processed carbohydrates, sweets and chocolate and red meat. Omega-3, a fatty acid found in fish, plays a vital role in maintaining and improving mental health and stability . As part of the study, Australian researchers recruited a total of 82 adults with depression, aged between 18 -65. They assessed their mental health and quality of life using two official scales: the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS). They then assessed how strongly they followed the Mediterranean diet through a 14-item questionnaire. The study’s lead author, Dr Natalie Parletta, of the University of South Australia, said there was a strong link between the Mediterranean diet and lower scores for mental illness. This was despite the fact it was a study of people with depression, who tended to have poor diets in the first place. She told MailOnline: ‘What we found is that poor diet is predicting the onset of depression. ‘It’s not that people are getting depressed and then eating badly, eating badly causes the depression in the first place. ‘We recruited people who had depression already. We screened out people who had good diet. ‘So it was amazing that there was a significant correlation the Mediterranean diet and mental illness, even for people with low scores on the consumption of wholefoods.’ She said research shows there is an overlap between heart disease and depression, and scientists have begun to think there might be common underlying mechanisms. Inflammation and insulin resistance which occurs in the body and causes heart disease could also cause depression in the brain, she said. ‘The brain is an organ like any other,’ she explained. ‘It has higher needs than other organs, from bloodflow to delivering oxygen, glucose and nutrients. ‘A lack of bloodflow and inflammation can affect the brain as much as any other organ. A Mediterranean diet is high in nutrients such as omega-3, vitamin B, vitamin D, healthy fats and anti-oxidants, she said, which are all important for keeping the brain functioning well and staving off mental illness. Sometimes depression is 'biological', the researchers said. It can be a deficiency in some of the nutrients that keep the brain functioning properly . There has been a lot of research on how omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, play a vital role in maintaining or improving mental health and stability. Deficiency in these

Summary: People who adhered more strongly to Mediterranean diet were happier . 'Eating badly causes the depression in the first place,' researchers say . Diet consists of vegetables, seeds, fruits, nuts, seeds and olive oil . It is low in processed foods, red meats and sweets and chocolate . These foods cause inflammation in the body which affects the brain . Mediterranean diet contains nutrients like omega-3, vitamins and fibre . These are crucial for a well-functioning brain, which staves off depression .


George Osborne is expected to use his Budget to announce a £6billion boost to the country’s finances . George Osborne is expected to use his Budget to announce a £6billion boost to the country’s finances that will be used to fund tax cuts for the middle classes. Economists believe ‘a cocktail of good news’ including falling inflation will cut the borrowing bill by about £20billion. The EY Item Club, which compiles its forecasts using the Treasury’s economic model, said it expected the Office for Budget Responsibility to reduce the borrowing forecast for next year by £6billion. It was also claimed last night that owners of homes worth up to £1million will be able to pass them on to their children tax-free under plans drawn up by the Chancellor. Mr Osborne’s proposal is expected to become a key part of the Tory manifesto, but it will not be included in tomorrow’s Budget after it was blocked by the Lib Dems. Plans to raise the inheritance tax threshold to £1million were included in the party’s manifesto at the last election, but were vetoed as part of the Coalition deal. According to Treasury papers leaked to The Guardian, the proposed measures would also reduce the inheritance tax bill on properties worth up to £2million by £140,000. The tax break, which would mean around 20,000 fewer estates every year would have any inheritance liability, is expected to cost nearly £1billion. Scroll down for video . In the papers, the officials note that the move ‘will generally be very popular with the public and in the media’. The document, prepared for Treasury financial secretary David Gauke, added: ‘You have indicated a desire to reduce the burden of inheritance tax. ‘Having considered the cost of a substantial increase in the existing nil rate band you and the Chancellor have indicated you would like instead to introduce a more targeted measure to allow the family home to be passed onto the children of deceased without it leading to an inheritance tax liability. It is thought the Lib Dems leaked the papers ahead of the Budget in a bid to paint to Tories as the party of the rich . ‘This reflects the concern raised by the public about rising house prices increasingly leading to estates with a modest house ... paying inheritance tax.’ A senior Tory source blamed the leak of ‘old advice’ on the Liberal Democrats, adding: ‘They are desperate. There is nothing in the Budget on inheritance tax, which we have said repeatedly is an election issue.’ It is thought the Lib Dems leaked the papers ahead of the Budget in a bid to paint to Tories as the party of the rich. The Government is set to announce the biggest real-terms increase in the minimum wage since the financial crisis. The standard rate will rise 3 per cent from October to £6.70 an hour, benefiting 1.4million, while the rate for apprentices will go up by a fifth, to £3.30. The changes, to be announced in the Budget, come amid the strongest economic growth for seven years

Summary: The EY Item Club predicts next year's borrowing forecast will be £6bn less . George Osborne expected to use the money to pay for range of tax cuts . Homes worth up to £1m will be able to be inherited tax free, say insiders . Proposal is expected to become key part of the Tory manifesto for election . Will not be included in tomorrow's Budget after being blocked by Lib Dems .


Scotland newcomer Matt Ritchie has revealed he thought he was the victim of a prank when Gordon Strachan first rang him about a call-up. The Bournemouth winger was the surprise name in the 26-man pool announced on Monday for the forthcoming friendly against Northern Ireland and Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar. Ritchie was born in the Hampshire town of Gosport but qualifies for Scotland through his father Alex. Matt Ritchie, pictured celebrating against Derby County last month, has been named in the Scotland squad . Ritchie, who has scored 11 goals for Bournemouth this season, thought he was the victim of a prank call . The 25-year-old admits he has never actually been north of the border but – once he had recovered from his initial shock - convinced Strachan he was passionate about wearing a dark blue jersey. ‘I had a call a couple of weeks ago from the manager,’ said Ritchie. ‘That was a massive surprise and at first I thought it was a prank call. ‘I’m absolutely delighted to be involved and it’s a proud moment for me and my family. ‘To be involved with a national football team is a great achievement and a dream come true as a young footballer.’ Ritchie – who has scored 11 goals for the Championship leaders this season - also explained the background that made him eligible to be Strachan’s latest recruit. Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe recently handed Ritchie (centre) a new three-year contract . Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, pictured on Monday, rates Ritchie highly . ‘My dad was born in Edinburgh and so were my grandparents,’ he said. ‘My granddad was in the Royal Navy and they moved to England after he had been posted to Portsmouth, which is where I grew up. ‘I’ve still got relatives in Scotland but my aunties and uncles always seem to come down here to see my nan and granddad so I haven’t actually been to Scotland. But I’ve got family there and I’m sure they will come to the games if I’m involved. ‘My dad is over the moon. Hopefully he’ll be able to come to the games and watch me if I’m involved.’ Ritchie revealed his dad is 'over the moon' Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe recently handed Ritchie a new three-year contract and believes his record in terms of both goals and assists make him a genuine international contender. ‘We were aware that Gordon (Strachan) rates Matt highly,’ said Howe. ‘I’m really pleased for him because he has been consistent for us for a long time now. ‘There are only a few goal scorers and goal creators around and I think he deserves his call-up. It’s a good moment for him.’ Recent Celtic recruits Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven were notable omissions from Strachan’s squad, with both having impressed since their January moves from Dundee United. The Scotland boss, though, seemed to suggest the pair were simply carrying on at the same level they had been performing at while at Tannadice, asking: ‘Have they kicked on? Or are they the same players they

Summary: Matt Ritchie was named in Scotland's 26-man squad announced on Monday . He was born in Hampshire town of Gosport but qualifies through his dad . The winger has netted 11 times for Bournemouth this season . And he admitted he thought call-up to the Scotland squad was a prank .


Inspirational burns survivor Turia Pitt has marked a new milestone in her recovery after another harrowing health scare where her family feared the worst. In recent weeks, surgeons successfully constructed a new nose for the 27-year-old bushfire survivor. But her family were on edge throughout the entire procedure, with Ms Pitt telling Woman's Day she stopped breathing during the operation. Scroll down for video . New nose: Turia Pitt, pictured with mother Celestine and her new nose, was competing in an ultra-marathon through WA's Kimberley region in 2011 when she was caught in a bushfire . Before: Ms Pitt spent more than two years in hospital, much of it wearing a compression stocking (left) after experiencing burns to around 65 per cent of the body. Her face is pictured right prior to the reconstructive surgery on her nose performed recently . Burns victim: Ms Pitt experienced burns to around 70 per cent of her body during the 2011 bushfire. After years of recovery, Ms Pitt told Woman's Day: 'I can't believe I didn't have a nose for so long!" Prior to the bushfire, Ms Pitt, from Ulladulla, on the NSW south coast, worked as a mining engineer and a model . Her mother, Celestine Vaite, said she and Turia's partner Michael Hoskin heard the hospital's cardiac arrest alarm go off 'and we thought she was gone'. 'I said, God, don't you dare. She's fought so hard, this girl,' she told the magazine. 'She fought to get out of bed, she fought to walk, she fought to accept - don't you dare do that to her!' It has been a long road to recovery for Ms Pitt, who suffered burns to around 65 per cent of her body when she was caught in a bushfire in the Kimberley in September 2011. Ms Pitt wore a compression stocking for almost two years and had seven of her fingers amputated during a seemingly endless series of operations. But she was not expecting complications in this latest procedure. Ms Pitt told the magazine: 'I thought I'd wake up in the burns unit, but instead I woke up in ICU.' Her family were relieved when she woke - and Ms Pitt is now happily showing off her reconstructed nose on social media. Milestone woman: Ms Pitt published a book about her experiences, aptly titled Everything to Live For . Soul mates: Turia Pitt's boyfriend, Michael Hoskin, has been by her side since the very beginning of her hospital experience . Up and at it: Ms Pitt agreed to an out-of-court settlement with ultra-marathon event organisers Racing The Planet in 2014. Ultra-marathon runner: Ms Pitt is planning to participate in the Melbourne Ironman in 2016, after a further operation to her nose . She told Woman's Day: 'I can't believe I didn't have a nose for so long'. It's just the latest in a series of milestones for Ms Pitt, who last year published a book about her experiences, aptly titled Everything to Live For. She starred on the front cover of magazine The Australian Women's Weekly in

Summary: Bushfire survivor Turia Pitt has marked another milestone in her recovery, with surgeons constructing her a new nose . But it was not without a harrowing health scare - Ms Pitt stopped breathing on the operating table . 'We thought she was gone,' her mother Celestine told the latest issue of Woman's Day magazine . Ms Pitt had to be placed on an incubator in order to survive the operation and did not expect to wake up in ICU . But Ms Pitt is now proudly showing off her new facial feature, telling the magazine: 'I can't believe I didn't have a nose for so long'


A company director who shaved her hair off before starting chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer has raised thousands of pounds for charity - by decorating her bald head for daily selfies. Internet sensation Sara Cutting has marked each day of her treatment by posing for a photo in a different hat, including designs made out of bread, cake, coffee cups, a radio, a lampshade and even a carrot. The 46-year-old then uploads the smiling selfies onto her Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page for her friends, family and followers, while urging people to donate to MacMillan Cancer Support. Sara Cutting was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and decided to do a Different Daily Head Gear selfie challenge after shaving off all of her hair for chemotherapy . You would hope Sara didn't get neck ache from carrying this giant radio around on her head . Sara has been seriously inventive when it comes to picking out different head dresses, here she balanced a whole cake on her head . Sara discovered she had breast cancer last year after finding a lump whilst moisturising, before chemotherapy she decided to shave all of her hair off . And now on day 141, she has already raised more than £8,000 for the charity, which she credits for supporting her through her treatment and recovery. Miss Cutting shaved off her shoulder-length blonde hair when she began chemotherapy in October. She has now finished the treatment and begins a four-week course of radiotherapy next Monday. She hopes to raise £10,000 in total and the determined fundraiser, who owns a building and renovation company with her 39-year-old partner Liam Copsey, even took part in the Brighton Half Marathon last month. Miss Cutting, from Brighton, East Sussex, said: 'I shaved my hair off before it fell out because it felt like I would be taking control of the cancer, rather than the cancer controlling me. 'Life has to go on and you have to find a way of coping, so this has been a really good focus for me. It's a reason for me to get my make up on, get dressed and put on a big smile, no matter how I'm feeling. 'I wanted to do something to raise awareness of breast cancer and to thank MacMillan Cancer Support, which has supported me through all of this.' When Sara first started her challenge she was pleased to realise that she had raised £1000 in just two days . Sata has had to be very creative to come up with all of her ideas but she says that they have been helping her get through the process of chemotherapy . This brilliant straw head-dress makes Sara look a little bit like a scarecrow as the straw covers her bald head . During her journey Sara says that her friends have been kind enough to help her out not only with support, but with lending her some of her head gear . Miss Cutting was applying moisturiser to her body after a shower when she discovered a lump on her

Summary: Sara Cutting shaved her head off before started chemotherapy last year . She posts a daily selfie as part of her Different Daily Head Gear challenge . So far she has posted 141 pictures all in the name of charity . Her headgear includes funny hats, a globe and even a cake . She will continue the challenge for a year for Macmillan Cancer Support .


It's been quite the week for Harry Kane. After his first call-up to the England squad, he scored his first Premier League hat-trick in Tottenham's thrilling 4-3 win over Leicester on Saturday. The treble took Kane's goal tally for the season to 29 and, with 19 of those coming in the league, he has soared above Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero to top the English scoring charts. The 21-year-old's record compares very favourably with his striking colleagues across Europe too, with Kane now fourth on the list of goal-grabbers in the top five leagues. Harry Kane grabs the match ball after his hat-trick in Tottenham's 4-3 win over Leicester on Saturday . Kane strokes home a penalty during Tottenham's win at White Hart Lane . The list of leading goalscorers in Europe's top five leagues. Statistics courtesy of Opta . CLICK HERE TO READ MARTIN SAMUEL'S INTERVIEW WITH THE SPURS HERO . Taking only league goals into account, Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi leads the way with 32 goals in 27 matches - that equates to a remarkable ratio of a goal every 74.5 minutes. However, Cristiano Ronaldo trumps Messi on those measures, with a minutes per goal ratio of 71.4 minutes and an average of 1.25 goals per game. He has, though, scored just the 30 goals. The only other player to have scored more league goals than Kane is Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette, with 23 in 26 matches. Kane now has a superior minutes per goal ratio to both Costa at Chelsea and Aguero at Manchester City. He is also outperforming Barcelona's Brazilian superstar Neymar and PSG's hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who both have 17 league goals this term. Lionel Messi celebrates yet another goal as Barcelona defeat Eibar in La Liga . Cristiano Ronaldo has scored an incredible 30 league goals in 24 matches for Real Madrid this season . Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette is third on the list of goalscorers with 23 this season . Kane is outperforming the Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic this season . Alan Shearer says the uncapped striker should start for England in their upcoming games . Former England striker Alan Shearer has backed Kane to make an impression in the England team, starting with this Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier with Lithuania and the friendly with Italy on March 31. Shearer said on Match of the Day: 'Well considering he didn't start playing regular Premier league football until November he is now top scorer in the league with 19 goals. I think Roy Hodgson should start him. Yes, he's in the squad but start him in the team. 'He's (Hodgson's) watched him enough times this season, he knows what he is all about an he is on fire. 'The form he is in, I think get him in there and he will score goals. He will be a great foil for [Wayne] Rooney and I am a big fan of his.'

Summary: Kane scored a hat-trick in Tottenham's 4-3 win over Leicester on Saturday . It came after the 21-year-old received his first England call-up . Striker took his tally for the season to 29, with 19 in Premier League . He moved above Diego Costa and Sergio Aguero in league's scoring chart . His tally is behind only Messi, Ronaldo and Lacazette in top five divisions . Kane is outperforming Neymar and Zlatan Ibrahimovic .


China's new superjet will take to the skies for the first time in test flights later this year. The C919, built by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), will be the country's most ambitious effort to date to break into the global aircraft market. The latest pictures have shown the final assembly work on the nation's first single-aisle airliner, which is currently under construction in Shanghai, is well underway. Progress: The C919, built by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), will be the country's most ambitious effort to date to break into the global aircraft market . Connected: Assembly of the first prototype airframe is almost complete from nose through to the tail, and the wing-to-body join has also been done . Developed: The single-aisle twin-engine jetliner has been designed to go head-to-head with Boeing's 737 and Airbus A320 in the lucrative aviation market . High tech: The cockpit will feature all of the latest technological advances as China seeks to break into the lucrative aviation market . The single-aisle twin-engine jetliner has been designed to go head-to-head with Boeing's 737 and Airbus A320 in the lucrative aviation market. Assembly of the first prototype airframe is almost complete, says People's Daily, with the main landing gear and forward landing gear also now installed. Some major works - such as the installation of the avionics, flight control and hydraulics systems - are still to be completed. COMAC C919 . Wingspan: 35.4 metres . Cruise speed: Mach 0.76 . Maximum altitude: 12,100 metres . Passengers: 168 . BOEING 737: . Wingspan: 35.8 metres . Cruise speed: Mach 0.74 . Maximum altitude: 12,500 metres . Passengers: 210 . The various systems will then have to be fully integrated and rigorously tested before the test flight, which is scheduled to happen before the end of this year. The various parts of the aircraft - including the nose, front and middle fuselage, wings and tail sections - were designed by the corporation and manufactured in Chengdu, Shenyang and Harbin. COMAC are reported to have already secured more than 450 orders from 18 different customers, most of which are believed to be local airlines and leasing firms. The manufacturer is targeting 2017 for C919 certification, with first deliveries also scheduled for that year. China is keen to develop a successful commercial aircraft to prove it can match the developed industries of the United States and Europe. Airbus has forecast that China's domestic aviation market will become the world's biggest within the next decade. China’s air-passenger traffic will increase 8% annually from 2013 to 2032 - compared with an expected global annual growth rate of 4.8% - as many more affluent Chinese passengers take to the skies. It is hoped that an official date for the first test flight will be announced in the near future. Almost there: Chinese technicians rivet sections of the fuselage together as they assemble China's first domestically-made passenger jet plane the C919 . Comfort: A man tests a business class seat in a model on the first day of the COMAC C919

Summary: The C919 superjet will take on giants of global aviation - Boeing's 737 and the Airbus A320 . Designed and built in China, final construction is now underway in Shanghai . More than 450 orders for the high-tech aircraft are already in place from 18 different airlines .


Gary Lineker has claimed it would be a 'national disgrace' if Premier League clubs tried to prevent their players playing for England in this summer's European Under-21 Championship. England Under-21s twice came from behind to win 3-2 over Germany in a friendly at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium on Monday night. And former England striker Lineker reckons Gareth Southgate's squad for the tournament in the Czech Republic should include eligible players from the senior squad to give them the best chance of success. James Ward-Prowse celebrates after scoring the winner in England Under 21's 3-2 defeat of Germany . Saints midfielder completed an unlikely comeback that saw two late goals scored in three minutes . Nathan Redmond leaps for joy after bringing England level at 2-2 with a deflected shot in the second half . Jesse Lindgard brought England level for the first time with a composed finish from Carl Jenkinson's cross . He said on Twitter: 'England's U21's beat Germany. Add a few from the full squad and they could win Euros this summer. Must include all our best youngsters. MUST. 'Tournament football experience is hugely beneficial. If clubs try and pull their players out it would be a national disgrace. 'The PL clubs misunderstanding of the massively positive impact a successful national side would have on the PL has always baffled me.' Perseverance paid off when Redmond brought the sides level for a second time with a deflected shot . Burnley forward Danny Ings embraces Lingard as the two teams head in level at half time .

Summary: The England Under 21s beat Germany in a friendly on Monday night . Gary Lineker feels Gareth Southgate's side has a big chance in summer . Squad travel to Czech Republic for European Under-21 Championship . Lineker feels clubs should not stop players from linking up with the squad .


Three Delaware teenagers involved in videotaped assaults of a mentally disabled man have been sentenced to probation and house arrest, followed by placement in a secure juvenile facility. The teens were sentenced Monday after each pleaded guilty to a single felony count of crime against a vulnerable adult. The boys, two 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old, were sentenced to probation and house arrest for the rest of the school year, followed by summer placement at a juvenile facility. Videos posted online showed the 27-year-old victim being body-slammed to the ground, stomped on and kicked, and repeatedly punched in the head. Scroll down for video . Attack: The victim (in gray) can be seen trying to stop the youths from attacking him . Violent: One of the boys picks the man up before throwing him to the ground. Others can be heard laughing . Hurt: The man, who can be heard groaning, was reportedly treated at the hospital afterwards for injuries . The defendants were charged with offensive touching, assault of a vulnerable adult, and conspiracy. Prosecutors later added hate-crime charges, which were dropped along with other charges following the guilty pleas. A video that was posted to YouTube shows a group of teenagers pursuing the victim as he shouts: 'Leave me alone!' One boy swings at the man, repeatedly punching him, before picking him up and throwing him to the ground on at least two occasions. The boys then crowd around the man - while one teenager who is filming the attack on his cellphone nears the man to get a closer shot as he writhes on the floor. A separate video reveals them attacking the man in a wooded area, Fox29 reported. In that attack, the victim can be heard crying, while a female voice says: 'You guys are so mean to him.' In September, the victim's mother Yana told WPVI that while initially seeing the video she felt 'Rage, anger - because of the situation, with him being mentally disabled, he doesn't do anything to anyone but be kind.' Yana told the television station her son Karon has Williams Syndrome. Those with Williams Syndrome often have an intellectual disability, heart defects, a slight stature and distinctive facial features, including a flat nasal bridge. Sufferers are often extremely friendly. 'He's not doing too good,' his godmother Debra Jackson told CBS3 in September. 'One, he's ashamed about it happening, he’s embarrassed.' She added that her godson thought the teenagers were his friends. That same month, one teenager who appeared in footage told CBS 3 that he assisted in reporting what happened. He said the assaults were filmed in Newark. He told the television station at the time 'The right thing to do was call the cops. If you beat up a mentally disabled person, you should be locked away for good.' Cruel: As the group surround him, one of the teenagers (with the backpack) is more concerned about getting a close-up snap of the victim than helping him . Concern: The victim's godmother and sister (seen in September) said that he is ashamed

Summary: Three Delaware teenagers involved in videotaped assaults of a mentally disabled man have been sentenced . Two 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old, were sentenced to probation and house arrest for the rest of the school year . That will be followed by summer placement at a juvenile facility . The man has Williams syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder that leaves sufferers with distinctive facial features and an extremely friendly nature .


A mother has revealed her horror after she discovered she married a paedophile. Mel Alford, of Exeter, Devon, said she only found out her husband Jonathan's past when he appeared in court to admit grooming an underage girl for sex. The 37-year-old, who has three children, first met the man she knows as JR, in April 2012 through Facebook as she was friends with his older brother. Mel Alford said she had no idea her husband Jonathan was a paedophile until he was in court . Ms Alford said she agreed to go on a date with him after he ‘kept sending nice messages’. She revealed: ‘We ended up getting engaged in August and brought the wedding forward to November that year when I found out my dad was dying from cancer. 'We were together most of the time and the start of our marriage was really good. He was great with my kids and treated me like a queen. 'I had no idea what he was really like until a social worker visited me and told me he was on bail for sleeping with an underage girl. 'That girl had come to my children's dad's house and told him and he contacted social services.' Ms Alford said that her husband denied it and pulled up what he told her was the girl's Facebook page which had a message to him saying 'sorry I lied’. Mel - pictured with Jonathan on their wedding day - said he treated her 'like a queen' She said: 'It turns out he had set up a fake account to send that message. 'Myself and the kids believed him so we just carried on. But he became so jealous after we got married and I could not answer the door in case it was a man and he would sleep outside in his car if we had a row. 'In September 2013 I kicked him out. But I didn't know the allegations were true until I saw he was in court.’ At Exeter Crown Court, Jonathan Alford admitted six counts of sexual activity with a child, seven of making or possessing indecent images of children, three of having extreme pornography and one of perverting the course of justice. Alford was also caught with child abuse and bestiality images on his computer and was jailed for seven years and three months in July last year. Ms Alford said she was totally unaware of his charges until he appeared in court and said struggled to believe that the man she loved and brought into her family was capable of such crimes. Jonathan Alford was jailed for more than seven years after he admitted admitted six counts of sexual activity with a child and other related offences . 'I went along to the court and shouted and screamed on every plea. I heard all about his sickening crimes,’ Ms Alford said. 'It was so disturbing I don't think it was really sinking in on the day. 'I walked into the middle of the court and called him a “dirty bastard”.

Summary: Mel Alford, 37, married Jonathan in 2012 after meeting on Facebook . Mother of three said he 'treated her like a queen', 'was great with my kids' Had no idea of his past until social worker visited her home in Devon . But husband managed to convince her underage sex claims were lies . However, he became jealous so Ms Alford 'kicked him out' Alford was jailed for seven years over the offences . Ms Alford said she has started unofficial sex offender website .


Two brothers have pleaded guilty to starving more than one million chickens after some of the animals resulted to cannibalism due to insufficient food. Veteran chicken farmers Gerry and Chris Apostolatos stopped feeding the chickens across their six farms in Victoria when their business Tip Top Livestock fell on hard times in December 2011, The Age reports. More than 86,000 chickens starved to death under the care of Gerry Apostolatos at six sites, while his brother Chris was responsible for 804,000 chickens on three farms where more than 63,000 died. Veteran chicken farmers Gerry and Chris Apostolatos stopped feeding the chickens across their six farms in Victoria when their business Tip Top Livestock fell on hard times in December 2011 (file photo) When animal welfare officers were alerted to the chickens, they found some of them had turned to cannibalism to survive and others suffered from malnutrition and lameness. The brothers, who had been in the chicken farming business for 30 years, pleaded guilty to multiple animal cruelty charges at Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Prosecutor George Georgiou SC said the animal cruelty case was one of the worst to come before the court as he revealed the chickens were starved between December 2011 and February 2012. The company ran into financial difficulty and had trouble making payments for food, the court heard. The brothers' processing plant was shut down by authorities in November 2011 due to hygiene concerns and feed bills grew to $1 million a week because they couldn't keep up. More than 86,000 chickens starved to death under the care of Gerry Apostolatos at six sites, while his brother Chris was responsible for 804,000 chickens on three farms where more than 63,000 died (file photo) Costly conditions were set before it was allowed to reopen and when it did the company was in so much debt it couldn't be saved. A contractor reported claims of animal cruelty in February 2012 and the chickens were seized. Gerry was later declared bankrupt and the company was forced into liquidation. Chris Apostolatos pleaded guilty to six charges each of cruelty and and aggravated cruelty. His brother Gerry pleaded guilty to three each of the same charges. The pair will be sentenced at a later date.

Summary: Gerry and Chris Apostolatos pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges . They stopped feeding chickens when business Tip Top fell on hard times . Chickens were starved between December 2011 and February 2012 . Brothers pleaded guilty in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday .


Today's long awaited report into Britain's surveilance powers was sparked by the Edward Snowden revelations . GCHQ was last night cleared of carrying out mass surveillance of the public using vast trawls of internet traffic. The Intelligence and Security Committee said the central claims made by the Guardian newspaper on the back of documents stolen by American whistle-blower Edward Snowden were wrong and it cleared the Government’s listening station of wrongdoing. After an 18-month inquiry, the committee dismissed the claims that GCHQ had ‘blanket coverage’ of web communications and was rooting indiscriminately through private messages. In reality, it said, GCHQ can access only a small part of the web and operatives see only a ‘tiny fraction’ of the messages collected after a sophisticated filtering process. The committee concluded that the only items seen by analysts were those of the ‘highest intelligence value’, and these amounted to several thousand a day. Tory MP Mark Field, a member of the committee, said: ‘The big mistake that Snowden and the Guardian made in its coverage was to equate bulk data with bulk surveillance. ‘The truth is that the filtering process means that a tiny proportion of the bulk data that is collected is ever examined. ‘That point was never really made by the Guardian, who gave the impression that with every phone call, every email and every text message, the public had a spy on their shoulder.’ Labour MP Hazel Blears said the ‘two main claims’ made off the back of the Snowden leaks were untrue and surveillance was neither blanket nor indiscriminate. ‘What we’ve found is that the way in which the agencies use the capabilities they have is authorised, lawful, necessary and proportionate. Labour MP Hazel Blears chaired the press conference on the Intelligence and Security Committee's long-awaited report into Britain's spy agencies . GCHQ Headquarters, based in Cheltenham, is the Government's main listening post and is allowed to monitor people's 'communications' to uncover terror threats . ‘But what we’ve also found is there is a degree of confusion and lack of transparency about the way in which this is authorised in our legal system. 'It is that lack of transparency that leads to people reaching the conclusion that there is blanket surveillance, indiscriminate surveillance.’ Another committee member, Tory MP Dr Julian Lewis, compared the process to using a magnet to pull a needle from a haystack. The agency does not have the ‘legal authority, the resources or the technical capability’ to intercept such vast amounts of material, the report concluded. The committee recommended a new law bringing together all the intelligence and security legislation. 'The allegation arising from the [Snowden] leaks is that GCHQ ‘hoover up’ and collect all internet communications. Some of those who gave evidence to this inquiry said ‘the agencies are monitoring the whole stream all the time’, referring to the ‘apparent ubiquity of surveillance’. 'We have explored whether this is the case. It is clear that both for legal reasons and due to resource constraints, it is not: GCHQ cannot conduct indiscriminate blanket interception of all communications. ‘It

Summary: Agents at GCHQ monitor 'large numbers of items' to uncover terror threats . Spies use 'bulk interception' powers to track down terrorists such as ISIS . Intelligence and Security Committee said UK spies were not breaking law . GCHQ was not 'collecting or reading everyone's emails', committee said . But it is 'unavoidable that some innocent communications' are snooped on . Spies at GCHQ, MI5 and MI6 have been sacked for 'inappropriate' snooping . Spies have been sacked for misusing a vast computer system containing millions of pieces of personal data about British citizens. The committee found that MI5, GCHQ and MI6 had all disciplined – and in some cases sacked – operatives for unapproved access.


Are you better off than you were five years ago? This will be one of the central questions of the general election. British politicians on both sides hope to recreate the powerful attack that Ronald Reagan famously launched against Jimmy Carter in the 1980 US Presidential election, when he asked if voters if they felt their incomes had improved over four years. George Osborne yesterday boasted that this year families will be £900 better off than in 2010, while Labour claims workers are £1,600 worse off. But who is telling the truth about the impact on family incomes of one of the slowest recoveries in our history? Scroll down for video . Labour's figures are based on the falling value of average wages in real terms. The Tories' focus on real household disposable income takes into account the effect of tax and benefit changes, and suggests incomes overtaking 2010 levels by the end of 2015 . Chancellor George Osborne argues that families will be better off in 2015 than they were in 2010 . One of the big surprises of the Budget yesterday was George Osborne's announcement that incomes this year would be higher in real terms than in 2010. After years of austerity and slow growth, many Tories had given up hope being able to go into the election with voters feeling the benefits of the recovery. The Chancellor told MPs: 'To the question of whether people are better off at the end of this Parliament than they were five years ago we can give the resounding answer 'yes'. 'You can measure it by GDP per capita, and the answer is yes – up by 5 per cent. 'Or you can use the most up-to-date and comprehensive measure of living standards which is Real Household Disposable Income per capita. 'In other words, how much money families have to spend after inflation and tax. 'It is the living standards measure used by the Office for National Statistics and by the OECD. 'On that measure I can confirm, on the latest OBR data today, living standards will be higher in 2015 than in 2010. 'And it confirms they are set to grow strongly every year for the rest of the decade. 'The British people for years paid the heavy price of the great recession. 'Now, the facts show households on average will be around £900 better off in 2015 than they were in 2010 – and immeasurably more secure for living in a country whose economy is not in crisis anymore, but is instead growing and creating jobs.' Labour's Ed Balls claims wages are worth £1,600 less in real terms than they were in 2010 . Labour has long argued that wages outstripped by inflation have left workers feeling poorer. They argue that average weekly earnings have fallen in real terms from £453 in 2010 to £418 in April 2014. The attack is based on the claim that austerity choked off the recovery in 2010, leaving employers unable to give pay rises. Each year that prices rose faster than wages, workers saw that

Summary: George Osborne claimed in Budget that families will be better off in 2015 . Figures are based on Real Household Disposable Income after tax . Ed Balls says workers were £1,600 worse off in April 2014 than in 2010 . Real terms fall caused by prices rising faster than wages for years . But a year on, with the economy growing, wages are now starting to rise . IFS says such a slow recovery in incomes is no cause for celebration .


Simona Halep secured the biggest title of her career as she battled back from the brink to beat Jelena Jankovic to the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. The Romanian looked down and out on more than one occasion as she struggled with a foot problem and Jankovic gave her an almighty let-off when she passed up the chance to serve for a second Indian Wells title. But in the end the battling qualities of Halep, coupled with the instability of Jankovic who virtually went to pieces as the match went on, got the third seed over the line 2-6, 7-5, 6-4. 'I want to congratulate Jelena you were amazing,' a gracious Halep said afterwards. 'At my age you won this tournament so well done for a great week, a great job and an amazing final. Simona Halep clinched the BNP Paribas Open title with a win over Jelena Jankovic in the final . 'I am really happy I could win today. This tournament has been amazing, I thank all the Romanian people who come to support me everywhere. You make me want to fight until the end. 'I am really excited to win this, my biggest title, I will never forget it.' It had not looked like being a celebration for Halep early on as Serbian Jankovic dominated. She secured the first advantage, taking the last of five break points to come her way in the opening game when Halep slapped a forehand long, but she was immediately broken back. Serve held for two games after that, but Jankovic moved out in front again, turning a 30-0 deficit into a second break for 3-2. That would be the last of Halep in the set, as Jankovic served out two games and took another against the serve courtesy of a wild Halep forehand to take the set 6-2. The Romanian came from behind to win 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the Californian desert on Sunday . Halep paid tribute to her opponent Jankovic after winning the title in Indian Wells . Halep called for the trainer and appeared to have work done to her left foot during the rest, but looked fine as she returned to the court and took the first game of the second, ending a five-game streak against her. There was no question that she was in trouble, though, her discomfort obvious and the game her first since Wednesday owing to the fact her semi-final with Serena Williams was cancelled when the American pulled out injured. But despite being broken early in the set, she hit back by taking Jankovic's serve to love. She had little to do as Jankovic imploded, sending a two-hander long and then hitting a short backhand into the net. Halep drops her racket to celebrate after clinching the match and the title at Indian Wells . It appeared to be a momentary blip for Jankovic who broke straight back but three double faults when serving to go within a game of the title cost her and Halep nailed a backhand winner to level at 4-4.

Summary: Simona Halep beats Jelena Jankovic 2-6, 7-5, 6-4 in Indian Wells final . BNP Paribas Open was the biggest win of the world No 3's career . Halep battled back from a set down to win in three in California .