Dark sunglasses were the order of the day for Australia's triumphant cricket team on Monday as they paraded the World Cup trophy to hundreds of fans at a public reception after a night of heavy partying at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. With voices hoarse and complexions pasty after a few snatched hours of sleep, players grinned and sometimes grimaced as their team mates battled to communicate their elation to a relentless MC and a large media throng. 'A little hungover,' Australia's retiring one-day captain Michael Clarke said at Melbourne's Federation Square, when asked how he felt a day after his team's crushing seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the final. Australia captain Michael Clarke holds aloft the Cricket World Cup trophy alongside his team-mates as thousands of jubilant fans thronged Federation Square in Melbourne to celebrate Sunday's triumph over New Zealand . Clarke made his final one-day international appearance at the MCG on Sunday, leading Australia to a seven wicket win over New Zealand . Under cloudless skies in Melbourne, Clarke and Australia marked a fifth World Cup triumph after successes in 1987, 1999, 2003 and 2007 . Green and gold confetti showered the players as they showed off the trophy in Federation Square . 'I think I speak for everybody in that sense. 'No, look, I think we're extremely proud. The fact there was a lot of expectation and added pressure put on us at the start of the tournament being a home World Cup was something we embraced from the first ball of the tournament. 'And I think the boys should be really proud of what we've achieved.' Clarke enjoyed a fairytale finish to his one-day career, hitting a team-high score of 74 in front of a record crowd of over 93,000 and making bowling changes that led to immediate wickets. Australia have yet to name a successor but Steve Smith, who led the test team against India and enjoyed a fine World Cup with the bat, is expected to take the reins. '(Clarke) was a great captain. He's been an aggressive captain on the field, sets aggressive fields. He's got to be somebody that we'll definitely miss,' Australia paceman Mitchell Johnson told reporters. David Warner (left) signs autographs for the huge assembled crowd as Australia once again claimed cricket's biggest prize . Mitchell Starc was one of many Australian players who donned sunglasses after a heavy night of partying following Sunday's win . Warner is all smiles as he goes into the sea of green and gold to sign a few autographs for delighted fans . Wearing their winner's medals around their necks, the Australia team share a joke on stage as they reflect on their triumph . Shane Watson grins as he signs autographs for lucky fans in sunny Melbourne, scene of Australia's fifth World Cup victory . Australia have now won four of the last five World Cups, their quarter-final loss to eventual champions India at the 2011 tournament the only interruption to their dominion over one-day cricket dating back to 1999 in England. Along with Clarke,

Summary: Australia beat New Zealand by seven wickets to win their fifth Cricket World Cup in Melbourne on Sunday . The team paraded the trophy to thousands of jubilant fans in Federation Square in the city on Monday . Captain Michael Clarke, who played his final ODI, admitted that the team were 'hungover' after a night of partying . Clarke hit 74 to help Australia close down a target of 184 before enjoying a standing ovation from 93,000 crowd . CLICK HERE for all the latest cricket news and reaction to this year's World Cup .


An Illinois congressman already under intense scrutiny for spending $40,000 redecorating his office like Downton Abbey is embroiled in yet another controversy after it emerged he spent $10,000 of taxpayers' money to have his staff accompany him on a trip to New York. The spending habits of U.S. Republican Aaron Schock have been widely scrutinized after he used $40,000 in taxpayer funds to redecorate his Washington office in the style of the Downton Abbey television show. Now it has been claimed he spent $10,000 taking 10 staff members on a trip to New York to coincide with a U.S. visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Illinois Republican Aaron Schock (pictured) is embroiled in yet another spending controversy after it emerged he used $10,000 of taxpayers' funds to have 10 staffers accompany him on a trip to New York City . In the latest development, The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Schock staffers did almost no government work there and House disbursement records show he received the $10,053 for 'travel subsistence' between September 26 and 29. The events with the Indian prime minister were September 27 and 28. And about 20 tickets to a Global Citizen Festival concert - where performers included Jay Z and Carrie Underwood - were purchased using $3,000 from a Schock campaign fund. Schock, at an event Monday in Chicago, told reporters the New York trip was official business and he was honored his staff could attend. Schock said about a dozen world leaders including President Barack Obama spoke. His spokesman has said that Schock wanted to play a 'constructive role' in Modi's visit to further economic ties between the U.S. and India. 'It was a very legitimate trip on official business,' he told reporters. 'I'm glad that I played such a significant role in it. And I'm honored that my staff was able to be there with me as well.' Schock would not address questions about why he took so many staff members. Other Illinois congressmen made the same trip but without staff members and some paid for the trip out of personal funds. Photos taken in January of Schock's new office in the Rayburn Office Building, which was designed to resemble the dining room of the TV show Downton Abbey . Schock's financial charges have been made public after organizations questioned what his expenses were going toward. He has spent thousands on concerts and car mileage reimbursements . Schock yesterday also defended his frequent Illinois travel as his way of reaching constituents. He noted that his central Illinois district is geographically expansive, including parts of Peoria, Bloomington and Springfield, and says he has fewer district offices than other congress members. 'Some people spend more on direct mail pieces that they send out,' he told reporters. 'I spend more to get around my district.' Last month the Associated Press identified at least a dozen flights worth more than $40,000 on aircraft belonging to Schock's donors since mid-2011. Beyond air travel, Schock spent thousands more on tickets for concerts, car mileage reimbursements - among the highest in Congress.

Summary: Aaron Schock under intense scrutiny for lavish spending of taxpayer funds . The congressman spent $40,000 renovating his office like Downton Abbey . It has now emerged he spent $10,000 taking 10 staffers on a New York trip . Schock told reporters the trip was official business to help generate commercial ties with India and he was 'honored' all the staffers attended . He also defended travel through Illinois as a way of meeting constituents .


PFA chairman Ritchie Humphreys says the players' union supports Greg Dyke's proposals to increase homegrown talent in the Premier League. Dyke – the FA chairman who also heads the commission tasked with improving the national team – revealed this week that he wants to increase the minimum number of homegrown players in club squads from eight to 12. He also wants to redefine 'homegrown' as three years spent at a club before a player's 18th birthday, not his 21st as it currently stands. PFA chairman Ritchie Humphreys pictured playing for Chesterfield in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy . And Humphreys, who is also a member of the FA Commission, told Sportsmail: 'Any foreign player who comes to this country we welcome to the Union. 'But we also have a duty of care to our national game and to homegrown players and their development. 'Everything we are working towards on the FA Commission is with the aim of making our national side more competitive at elite level. 'The PFA supports that. We want to see homegrown players – such as Harry Kane – given that chance at first-team level. Greg Dyke's proposals to increase homegrown talent in the Premier League has been backed by Humphreys . Dyke wants to redefine 'homegrown' as three years spent at a club before a player's 18th birthday . 'The proposals will make clubs think differently about recruitment and will hopefully see more homegrown players given game-time. 'I got my opportunity when I was 18 at Sheffield Wednesday in the Premier League. I probably had a bit of good fortune as well, but the opportunity was there and we want that pathway to be there for players of this generation. 'The best foreign players will still play in the Premier League – this does not mean no foreign players, far from it. 'But there were 83 non-homegrown players who played less than 10 games last season, and we feel that number could be reduced.'

Summary: FA chairman Greg Dyke wants to increase the minimum number of homegrown players in club squads from eight to 12 . Dyke also wants to redefine 'homegrown' as three years spent at a club before the player turns 18 - not 21 as it current is . PFA chairman Ritchie Humphreys has backed the proposals .


A plan to keep David Cameron as Tory leader even if he loses the election to Ed Miliband, is being drawn up by senior allies. Cabinet colleagues, including George Osborne and Michael Gove, will attempt to form a protective ring around Mr Cameron if he falls short in May – provided Mr Miliband does not secure a decisive victory. They believe that continuity at the top will be essential if there is a prospect of a second general election. Senior Tories have hatched a plan to keep David Cameron as Tory leader even if he loses the election to Ed Miliband . Tory high command is even preparing to declare a ‘moral victory’ if – as some polls suggest - Mr Cameron secures more votes than Labour but emerges with fewer seats. Mr Cameron will come under intense pressure to step down if he loses to Mr Miliband, who many Tories rate as the worst Labour leader since Michael Foot. The last leader of a major party to cling on after defeat was Neil Kinnock in 1987. One Tory MP said Mr Cameron ‘won’t last five minutes’ unless he manages to retain the keys to Downing Street in May. ‘He either wins, or he goes,’ the MP said. ‘He has said himself that if he can’t beat Miliband he doesn’t deserve to be in this game, and he’s right.’ But some senior ministers believe Mr Cameron should stay on if Mr Miliband is only able to cobble together a fragile coalition. In this scenario, they fear the party could be plunged into a destabilising leadership battle in the run-up to a second election that could take place as early as the autumn. Chancellor George Osborne (left) will attempt to form a protective ring around Mr Cameron if he falls short in May – provided Ed Miliband (right) does not secure a decisive victor . Mr Osborne is reported to have held talks with Tory whips last week to draw up a ‘Save Dave’ strategy for protecting Mr Cameron from an internal challenge, although a source close to the Chancellor insisted the Conservatives were still ‘playing to win’. Current polls suggest that neither Labour nor the Conservatives will secure an outright majority in May – raising the prospect of either another coalition or a period of minority government. Senior Tories are urging Mr Cameron to govern alone if the Conservatives emerge as the largest party but do not have an overall majority. They argue that ditching the Lib Dems would allow the party to govern properly, and free up 23 ministerial jobs to aid party management. One Cameron ally said: ‘If there is an opportunity to govern without going into coalition, we would seize it.’

Summary: Senior Tories plan to keep David Cameron as leader if he loses election . George Osborne and Michael Gove will form a protective ring around him . They believe continuity at top is essential if there is a second election .


Children whose ears stick out may be self-conscious. But a new study shows that while large ears may catch the eye, the trait doesn’t carry a social stigma. In fact, an experiment showed that adults tended to rate children with larger ears as being more intelligent and likeable upon first impressions. A desirable attribute: An experiment showed that adults tended to rate children with larger ears as being more intelligent and likeable upon first impressions. A stock image is shown . Dr Ralph Litschel, lead author of the study published in the journal JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, told LiveScience: ‘Protruding ears catch the eye, but not necessarily the imagination in a negative way.’ The facial plastic surgeon at Cantonal Hospital St Gallen in Switzerland said that protruding ears may make children seem particularly cute. It’s thought that around five per cent of people have large ears. In an experiment, scientists photographed 20 children between the ages of five and 19 who were considering surgery to stop their ears protruding as much. They made a copy of each photograph and used Photoshop to show how the children would look after surgery and showed the pairs of images to 20 volunteers. The experts used an eye-tracking device to measure which facial features caught the attention of the volunteers and asked them to guess each child’s personality. The study showed that protruding ears don't carry a social stigma and it's unknown why it's been thought that they may lead to a biased perception of personality. Dr Litschel said: Up to today, popular comic cartoons with prominent ears represent the less-intelligent, immature, oddball character, like Shrek.' A stock image is shown . Our ears and nose keep growing as we age, but it's not due to cartilage continuing to grow, as often thought. In fact, it's down to gravity, which enables them to elongate by 0.22 millimetres every year. As we age, the collagen and elastic fibres that make up cartilage, begin to disintegrate, causing them to stretch and sag - and appear longer, The Medicine Journal reported. The same problem occurs in our skin, which compounds noses and ears getting longer. And because faces become less plump with time, this acts to emphasise the sagging of the ears and nose. The results revealed that the observers spent an average of seven seconds looking at each child’s face. They spent an average of 10 per cent of that time looking at protruding ears, compared to six per cent for the ears in the Photoshopped images, demonstrating that the over-sized features did catch their attention. The experts said this is because people tend to focus on what is different and novel in a face, as it helps us to recognise others. Dr Litschel said they were surprised to find that the volunteers did not see the protruding ears as an undesirable feature. Previous studies have shown that beauty influences people’s perception of personality and the volunteers said that the children in the study all looked cute and smart. It’s unknown why it has been thought that protruding

Summary: Plastic surgeon from Cantonal Hospital St Gallen, Switzerland found adults tended to rate children with larger ears as being more intelligent and cute . Using eye-tracking technology they found people's eyes were drawn to larger and protruding ears, but they did see the feature as undesirable . It’s thought that around five per cent of people have large ears .


France's preparations for their RBS 6 Nations showdown with England on Saturday have been disrupted by confusion over the fitness of fly-half Camille Lopez. Lopez suffered a badly bruised knee in last weekend's 29-0 victory over Italy and has been replaced in the starting XV for the climax to the Championship at Twickenham by Jules Plisson of Stade Francais. Fly-half Camille Lopez (left) talks to with France coach Philippe Saint-Andre on Tuesday . However, head coach Philippe Saint-Andre insisted during Thursday's team announcement press conference that Lopez was only overlooked once it became clear he was uncertain over playing England after speaking to his club doctor at Clermont. 'Lopez trained normally on Wednesday morning. He even kicked,' Saint-Andre said. 'In the afternoon his club Clermont decided that he must rest for four to six weeks. Clermont's medic decided that without seeing him and using only the MRI we sent them. Lopez suffered a badly bruised knee in last weekend's 29-0 victory over Italy . 'We had a chat with Camille then and he was disrupted. I need players who don't doubt. 'Camille didn't have any doubt on Wednesday morning. The doubt came in the evening. Camille goes back to Lyon to meet the specialist he had surgery with in 2013.' Plisson , who impressed off the bench against Italy, added to the mystery surrounding Lopez's condition by admitting it was clear that his rival was destined to start against England. 'We could see at training sessions that Camille was supposed to start the game, but we switched positions a lot at training so that doesn't change anything for me. I have to prove to the coaches they were not wrong picking me,' Plisson said.

Summary: Camille Lopez suffered a badly bruised knee against Italy . Fly-half trained normally with France squad on Wednesday morning . A few hours later Clermont ruled him out of action for up to six weeks .


Almost a year after a blaze gutted the Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh Building, the architects who will lead the painstaking restoration of the library have been announced. Page\Park Architects have been chosen from a shortlist of five firms who bid for the role earlier this month - and the design team will now begin working on a detailed plan for the restoration of the library. And these stark pictures show the mammoth task they face to restore the much-loved building, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, to its former glory. The Glasgow-based architects were chosen thanks to their extensive track record in both restoring and reinvigorating major historic buildings - as well their work on buildings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Work is expected to begin in the spring of next year and it is hoped that students will have access to a fully-restored building from 2017 or 2018. Scroll down for video . The architects who will lead the painstaking restoration of the Glasgow School of Art's Mackintosh Building have been announced . The century-old library at the Glasgow School of Art designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh was gutted in May last year . Glasgow-based Page\Park Architects have been chosen from a shortlist of five firms who bid for the role earlier this month . Professor Tom Inns, Director of The Glasgow School of Art, said the firm was chosen because of its work on Mackintosh-designed buildings . Professor Tom Inns, Director of The Glasgow School of Art, said: 'This is the beginning of an exciting journey of discovery. There will be many fascinating questions to be addressed as we undertake this complex restoration project. 'The team assembled by Page\Park Architects impressed us not only with their deep knowledge of the building, but of the wider work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. 'They also bring an understanding of the building's particular importance to Glasgow – its people and history - as well as of its status as an international design icon.' He added the firm has ongoing relationships with key crafts specialists and artists in Scotland and wider afield, and 'presented exciting proposals for expanding the legacy of the restoration by working with a new generation of creative talent'. Prof Toms added: 'We are looking forward to working in partnership with Page\Park Architects and the design team to explore how we can best meet the needs of the GSA in the 21st century whilst remaining true to Mackintosh's astonishing vision.' The blaze began on May 23 last year after flammable spray foam for a student artwork was sucked into projector fan and caught alight . The fire started in the basement, where undergraduate students were putting the finishing touches to their final year art show . Firefighters in breathing apparatus stood shoulder to shoulder to forming a human line between the inferno and the unaffected sections . Thousands of damaged pieces of building material have been marked in the hope that experts can put them back where they were before . David Page, Head of Architecture at Page\Park Architects, said: 'Page\Park Architects

Summary: Century-old library at Glasgow School of Art designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh was gutted in May last year . Blaze began after flammable spray foam for a student artwork was sucked into projector fan and caught alight . Glasgow-based Page\Park Architects have been chosen from a shortlist of five firms who bid for the role . Building work is expected to begin in spring 2016 and it is hoped students will have access from 2017/18 .


Conservatives must show they are not driven by a desire to 'punish' people on benefits, Iain Duncan Smith warned tonight. The Work and Pensions Secretary used a speech in Washington to warn that for too long his party has addressed the poor with 'fingers wagging' instead of offering them 'hope'. He insisted the Tory pitch to voters has to be about more than tax, immigration and crime to show they are driven by 'fairness, opportunity, and compassion'. Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith insists the Tory pitch to voters has to be about more than tax, immigration and crime to show they are driven by 'fairness, opportunity, and compassion' Mr Duncan Smith's remarks echo the warning in 2002 from Theresa May that the Tories had become seen as the 'nasty party'. The comments came as he reflects on the way the Conservatives have been perceived over many years in its approach to the poor. But it will be seen in the context of the forthcoming election and comes after it emerged David Cameron was privately uneasy with the tone of the current Tory election campaign. He told the American Enterprise Institute that for too long the Conservatives 'abandoned the subject of poverty to the poverty lobby and the liberal left'. It left the Tories more and more defined instead by a narrow list of policy areas including taxation, immigration, and law and order. He added: 'Historically, perhaps our main contribution to the subject was that whenever Conservative politicians did speak about poverty, they did so with fingers wagging and harsh punitive language. 'In the UK, my party, the party of Wilberforce and Shaftesbury, seemed to have forgotten that we had always had a historic mission to help people improve the quality of their lives - not just taking the easy option of sustaining people in dependency whilst looking the other way.' David Cameron is under pressure to pressure to create a more upbeat, positive tone to the Tory campaign. Theresa May, now Home Secretary, used a speech in 2002 to warn the Tories were seen as the 'nasty party' Skills minister Nick Boles criticised sanctions . A Tory minister has sparked a row after claiming the government's benefits sanctions showed 'inhuman inflexibility'. He reportedly told a meeting organised by a charity in his Grantham constituency that some of the sanctions cases he heard about were a 'worry' and 'need to be looked at'. The skills minister was forced to rush out a clarification of his views, insisting he strongly supported the use of sanctions 'in principle and in practice'. The Grantham Journal reported that Mr Boles expressed his concerns during a visit to see the work of a charity involved in helping the poor and homeless. Speaking to volunteers from Grantham Passage and its umbrella organisation, Grantham Poverty Concern, Mr Boles said: 'With some of these cases it seems to me that there is an inhuman inflexibility that is imposed on them.' He added: 'The sanctions are a worry and do need to be looked at.' Downing Street insisted David Cameron

Summary: Work and Pensions Secretary urges Tories to have upbeat pitch to voters . Warns Conservatives have addressed the poor with 'fingers wagging' Election message must be about more than tax, immigration and crime . Tories must show purpose is not to punish but transform lives, he says . Skills minister Nick Boles warns of 'inhuman inflexibility' of sanctions .


The interior walls of training complexes are invariably decorated with motivational slogans. Simple truisms to feed the mind on days when the body is weak. For Craig Gordon, the old wisdom – fail to prepare, then prepare to fail – is more a way of life than a fleeting thought. To the uninitiated, tomorrow’s final will be settled over 90, maybe 120 minutes, with the lingering possibility of penalty kicks. Celtic keeper Craig Gordon is fully focused ahead of the Scottish League Cup Final with Dundee Utd. But, long before the first ball is kicked in earnest, the Celtic goalkeeper fully expects to be ahead in the battle of wits. While much of what will transpire between Celtic and Dundee United will be random and instinctive, Gordon believes his slavish devotion to studying what’s liable to be thrown at him can significantly shorten the odds on his side coming out on top. ‘Every game,’ he replied when asked how frequently he’d dip into video analysis. ‘Free kicks, penalties, the way strikers like to finish the ball, how they strike the ball. ‘I just look at those things and keep mental notes on how they like to do things and what’s their favourite side. Notes are taken on different players so I know. All of that stuff. Gordon fails to hold the ball allowing Rodrigo Palacio of Inter Milan to score in the Europa League . ‘It’s about taking that research out on the training pitch, too, and practicing for who you’re going to be playing against - a team that likes to put a lot of low, early crosses into the box, for example. ‘For the Rangers game, it was deep early crosses hung up to the back post so we focused our training around that. That played out during the game too as I was able to come and take the deep crosses that were taking the pressure off. Between all of us we come up with a plan for the game.’ And when that plan comes together in the form of a victory and a clean sheet? Gordon will be hoping to celebrates his first showcase occasion since Hearts earned cup glory in 2006 . ‘Absolutely, it’s satisfying,’ Gordon added. ‘It becomes a team effort with Woodsy (Stevie Woods, the goalkeeping coach) and the video analysis guys to ensure we’re as well prepared as possible. And that’s not just me - John Collins does it with midfielders and defenders, so it’s preparation. ‘What we’re trying to do is make the game as easy as possible for us so we know what we’re coming up against.’ Celtic have not reinvented the wheel with their forensic approach. Nine years ago, Gordon played in the Scottish Cup Final for Hearts against Gretna – his last major final as it would transpire. Few neutral observers fancied the Borderers to go the distance that day but they did just that. Gordon’s intervention in the final chapter was key, however. As Hearts hit four perfect kicks, he saved from Derek Townsley before watching Gavin Skelton sky

Summary: Craig Gordon preparing for his first final appearance since 2006 . Goalkeeper tasted victory in the Scottish Cup final with Hearts . Back then Gordon had a big future ahead of him impressing for Scotland . Injury hit spell with Sunderland put pay to his regular silverware dreams .


A Queensland woman hopes to become the youngest Australian to climb Mount Everest when she tackles the monster trek in two months. Alyssa Azar, 18, has been climbing since she was five, mainly because her father, Glenn, is a Kokoda Track instructor. At just eight years old, she successfully completed on the iconic trail in Papua with his help. Alyssa Azar, 18, has been climbing since she was five. Last year she attempted to climb Mount Everest (pictured) but an avalanche killed 16 Sherpa guides . Ms Azar hopes to become the youngest Australian to climb the world's highest peak . She has gone on to climb Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro, the 10 highest peaks in Australia, South America's Mount Aconcagua in the Andes, and Nepal's Ama Dablam and Manaslu. 'I started doing training when I was five or six,' Ms Azar told Daily Mail Australia. 'As I got older I got onto the higher altitudes. 'After Kilimanjaro in 2011, I decided I wanted to be a professional mountaineer... and put myself against the best.' Since climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2011, the teenager has been training to summit the Nepal mountain . She has been training hard, with her own equipment in the backyard (left) in Toowoomba in Queensland's south east, including a rope climb (right) The 18-year-old caught the climbing bug largely due to her father, Glenn, who is a Kokoda Track guide . Here Ms Azar is seen pulling a tyre with a face mask on to help her train to withstand the altitude of the climb . On Friday, Ms Azar will make her second expedition to conquer the world's highest peak, which stands at 8,848 metres above sea level. Last year the Toowoomba teenager was unsuccessful when an avalanche struck just days out from her planned climb and 16 Sherpa guides were killed. But the tragedy has not deterred her as the mountaineer attempts the summit again. If Ms Azar makes it to the top, she will beat the record set by Rex Pemberton, 21, who climbed Mt Everest in 2005. Here Ms Azar is pictured here with her dad when she was eight when she climbed the Kokoda Track in Papua . Since then the determined girl went on to complete many more feats before wanting to tackle Mt Everest . She is pictured here climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in 2011. It was after this trek that she decided to take on her biggest challenge . Ms Azar representing her country with a flag on top of a mountain during her climb . If she is successful in climbing Mt Everest, she will beat a record set by Rex Pemberton, 21, who climbed Mt Everest in 2005 . The 18-year-old has been training for the climb for years and has a set up in her backyard, which includes a rope climb. '[I do] endurance work, I do a little of indoor rock climbing... and I do a lot of basic workouts like swimming and running as well,' Ms Azar told Daily Mail Australia. 'It’s been a long time coming

Summary: Alyssa Azar, from Toowoomba in Queensland, will climb Nepal's Mt Everest . The 18-year-old will become the youngest Australian to do it if successful . The teenager started doing adventure climbs from the age of six years old . She did the Kokoda Track when she was just eight years old with her dad . Ms Azar has since climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and others around the world .


Ordinary families will not have to pay a single penny of tax on their savings, George Osborne announced today. The Chancellor said he was abolishing all tax on the first £1,000 of interest savers earn from their nest eggs. The move will benefit 17 million who have put aside up to around £35,000. Until now, people earning less than £42,700 have had to pay 20 per cent tax on the interest they get from their savings - while those on up to £150,000 have been taxed at 40 per cent. Today's announcement means 95 per cent of savers will no longer pay any tax on their savings. Mr Osborne said savers have paid tax already on the money when they earned it – they shouldn't have to pay it again. He said it meant 'tax free banking for almost the entire population’. Scroll down for video . The Chancellor said he was abolishing all tax on the first £1,000 of interest savers earn from their nest eggs. The move will benefit 17 million who have put aside up to around £35,000 . He told MPs: ‘With our new Personal Savings Allowance, 17 million people will see the tax on their savings not just cut, but abolished. ‘An entire system of tax collection can be scrapped. At a stroke we create tax free banking for almost the entire population.’ It is the latest in a series of measures designed to woo pensioners, who are more likely to vote and save. Mr Osborne also confirmed plans to let five million OAPs cash in their retirement deals to help people stuck on rip-off annuity rates. Mr Osborne's policy will give those who have already taken out an annuity the right to cash it in for a lump sum from April next year. He told MPs: 'We will give five million pensioners access to their annuity. For many an annuity is the right product, but for some it makes sense to access their annuity now. 'So we’re changing the law to make that possible. From next year the punitive tax charge of at least 55% will be abolished. Tax will be applied only at the marginal rate. 'And we’ll consult to ensure pensioners get the right guidance and advice. So freedom for five million people with an annuity.’ Until now, people earning less than £42,700 have had to pay 20 per cent tax on the interest they get from their savings - while those on up to £150,000 have been taxed at 40 per cent . Today’s announcements offer welcome relief to millions of savers who have suffered dismal rates on Isas, savings accounts and annuities since the Bank of England base rate was slashed to 0.5 per cent just over six years ago. Families have lost as much as £5,000 since rates were cut, according to a recent estimates. The average rate paid on instant access bank accounts has fallen from 3.1 per cent in September 2008 to just 0.78 per cent now. Average Isa rates have also fallen from 1.99 per cent in March

Summary: No tax on the first £1,000 of interest savers earn from their nest eggs . Announcement means 95% of savers will no longer pay any tax on savings . The move will benefit 17 million who have put aside up to around £35,000 . Osborne said it meant 'tax free banking for almost the entire population’


Statins can cut the number of hospital admissions for heart failure by 10 per cent, researchers claim. A breakthrough study found that the cholesterol-lowering drugs improved outcomes for those suffering from the common cardiac disorder. The medication has already been linked to a reduction in heart attacks. Prevention? Cholesterol-lowering statins can cut the number of hospital admissions for heart failure by 10 per cent, Scottish researchers found . But the latest research is the first to show the benefits for those at risk of heart failure – which occurs when the organ struggles to maintain adequate blood flow to the body. Scientists from the University of Glasgow said their findings herald a ‘significant benefit’ for the near-one million Britons affected by the condition. Exerts from the university’s Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences reviewed 17 statin trials involving more than 100,000 patients as part of their analysis. Lead researcher Dr David Preiss said: ‘Heart failure is disabling, expensive to treat, especially in more advanced stages, and patients have a poor outcome. ‘While it has been assumed that statins reduce the development of heart failure simply because they reduce heart attacks, to our surprise this had not been definitively shown before. ‘The results of this analysis clearly show a modest, but significant benefit, reducing hospital admission for heart failure by 10 per cent, which is clinically important.’ Heart failure happens when damage to the heart leaves it too weak to pump blood efficiently round the body. Around 100,000 Britons a year are thought to die from it. Damage: Heart failure (pictured) affects nearly a million Birtons and develops when the heart is unable to maintain adequate blood flow to meet the needs of the body . Figures show 15 per cent of patients with the condition die in hospital – twice the European average – partly because of late diagnosis and treatment that fails to adequately control symptoms. Signs including swollen legs, tiredness and shortness of breath – which usually worsen following exercise. Dr Preiss added: ‘It is probable that statins decrease the degree of ischaemia [lack of blood flow] that occurs before a heart attack, leading to a decrease in the number of people with other ischaemic events and reducing the chronic impact on the heart. ‘Further study of the potential mechanism is needed.’ The study found a 10 per cent reduction in first hospital admissions for heart failure, although researchers believe the impact of statins has been underestimated. The study was reported at the European Atherosclerosis Society Congress in Glasgow and was published online in The European Heart Journal. Between eight and ten million adults take statins – which are now the most widely prescribed drugs in the UK. The NHS estimates they save 7,000 lives a year in the UK, despite growing concern over the extent of side effects such as increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Doctors once prescribed the drug to those with a 30 per cent risk of a heart attack within the next decade, but this was cut to a 20 per cent risk in 2005.

Summary: Glasgow researchers reviewed 17 statin trials involving 100,000 people . Although drugs are linked to reduction in heart attacks, this did not explain the benefits in heart failure . 10 per cent reduction is 'clinically important', researchers state .


Newcastle have announced record profits of £18.7million last season due to increases in television income and new deals with sponsors. The club, owned by Mike Ashley, also saw revenues increase by 35 per cent from £95.9m to £129.7m, the club said. More than half Newcastle's income - £78.3m - came from the new Premier League television rights deals, with commercial income also increasing. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has seen his side record a profit for the fourth consecutive year . Newcastle fans have not taken to Ashley since he took control of the Premier League club in 2007 . A Newcastle statement said: 'Most significantly, the club reported strong commercial revenue growth delivering £25.6m in 2014, up from £17.1m in 2013. This 49.7 per cent increase was largely the result of two lucrative new deals with the club's principal sponsors, Wonga and Puma.' It is the fourth successive year the club have made a profit and cements Newcastle's positions in financial terms at least as one of the most successful in the top flight. The club's debt remained static at £129million in the form of an interest-free loan from owner Mike Ashley - none of the debt has been repaid. Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley said: 'I am pleased to report a positive set of results which confirms the healthy financial position the club now finds itself in and is a reflection of the prudent and measured manner in which we operate. A large proportion of Newcastle's income came through sponsorship deals with Wonga and Puma . 'The club benefits from a supportive owner and is financially stable. This gives us a strong platform from which to grow, both on and off the pitch, a result of which means, as we move forward, we are able to net spend on the playing squad and invest in other areas of the business. 'The most pleasing aspect in this set of accounts has been the growth in our commercial revenue and it has been our strongest year yet in that respect. 'With our commitment to keeping ticket prices affordable for our supporters, growing our commercial income has been crucial. The deals we struck with our two main sponsors, Wonga and Puma, together with a stronger focus on our commercial operations, have helped us achieve this growth. 'We believe financial stability will deliver positive on-field results for the club.'

Summary: Newcastle have benefited from the increase in television income . Half of the North East club's income came through television rights deals . Newcastle signed lucrative deals with sponsors Wonga and Puma . READ: Club-by-club guide to the Premier League's financial health .


THE MIDWIFE’S SISTER . by Christine Lee . (Pan £7.99) Within the very sentimental world of Sunday night television, Call The Midwife’s heroine, Jenny Lee, was played with gentle reserve by actress Jessica Raine. Call The Midwife’s heroine, Jenny Lee (left), is based on a real person . But a startling new memoir by the sister of the midwife on whom the character is based suggests the real Jenny Lee was a more fiery and difficult character. The young Jenny actually came to midwifery after being dismissed from her nursing course at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for losing her temper and smacking a small child. Then only months away from qualifying, the consultants pinned her near-perfect exam papers up on the notice board as an example to others. But she was deeply in love with a much older married man at the time, and Christine Lee now believes that her sister’s romantic frustrations were the cause of her angry outbursts. Reading the details of the sisters’ childhood, it’s obvious that Jenny had cause for anger long before her married lover refused to leave his wife. Jennifer was born in 1936, the daughter of a Post Office clerk called Elsie — a woman with ‘bedroom eyes, fabulous hour-glass figure and great legs’ — and a handsome chancer, Gordon Lee, who had whisked Elsie away on his milk float from the dance at which they met. Christine came along in 1939 as Gordon built up a successful haulage business. The first seven years of Christine’s life were idyllic — she had parents who laughed and holiday adventures on the Essex coast with her fearless older sister. Their mother flirted her way to extra luxuries during rationing. But everything changed one summer day in 1945, when Elsie came home to find her husband in bed with his secretary, Judith. Elsie had a stroke. Divorce followed. The girls were sent to a convent school run by nuns whose metal rulers left savage, red weals on dyslexic Christine’s hands as she struggled to write. Jennifer kicked back at her tormentors and got the pair expelled. Meanwhile, Gordon married Judith and the wealthy couple moved to a luxurious country home — except for the room set aside for his two girls. That boasted bare boards, a bare lightbulb and one camp bed. The real Jenny Lee (played in the BBC series by Jessica Raine, second right) ended up in midwifery after being dismissed from her nursing course at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for losing her temper . Elsie went on to marry a violent bully called Jock, who demanded the girls be out of his sight when he came home from work at 5pm. By this point, Christine claims, Jennifer had become quite violent, sometimes ‘grabbing me by the hair and repeatedly banging my head against the wall’. On one occasion, her older sister chased her around the house with a carving knife. Christine had done nothing to provoke the attacks — ‘her fury was all to do with the collapse of home life’. That collapse became total

Summary: Jenny Lee's life was turned upside down when her parents divorced . She became violent after her mother married a bully called Jock . She turned to midwifery after being dismissed from a nursing course . Jenny later moved into the creative and became a concert pianist .


The Tsarnaev brothers reportedly learned how to build a pressure-cooker bomb from a jihadi magazine, but apparently that guide didn't include a step instructing them to throw out evidence of their purchases. On Wednesday, the jury deciding accused Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's fate were shown pictures of inside his family's Honda Civic as well as his older brother Tamerlan's wallet, which contained receipts for bomb-making ingredients. Tamerlan was killed in a dramatic shootout with police, but his brother escaped for several hours before being caught hiding in a dry-docked boat. Tsarnaev, 21, faces the possibility of the death penalty for his role in the 2013 deadly bombings. Three people were killed and more than 260 were injured when two pressure-cooker bombs exploded near the finish line of the marathon. On Wednesday, the jury deciding Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's death penalty trial were shown pictures taken from inside his family's Honda Civic. They were also shown images of older brother Tamerlan's wallet (above) Observing: Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (center) is seen in court on Wednesday in this sketch, as a fingerprint expert testifies . A bomb expert also testified in court on Wednesday, about the improvised weapons found at the scene of the Tsarnaevs' shootout with police in Watertown, days after the bombing . Members of the jury look at one of the unexploded bombs in court on Wednesday . Tamerlan's (left) wallet contained receipts from a gun and ammo store and for two backpacks at target. Defense attorneys for Dzhokhar (right) focused on the receipts in order to paint Tamerlan as the mastermind of the plot . Tsarnaev's lawyers showed the jury a photo of receipts Tamerlan had from a gun and ammunition store and for two backpacks and a soldering gun purchased in the days and weeks before the marathon bombings, apparently in an attempt to show that Tamerlan had a larger role in the bombings than Dzhokhar did. Also in the wallet was a MoneyGram receipt reflecting a $900 transfer to Russia by Tamerlan. But the prosecution made a case for Dzhokhar's equal participation on Wednesday, as they tried to connect him to the death of MIT police officer Sean Collier. The two brothers shot dead the campus police officer on April 18, after investigators released pictures of them as the primary suspects in the bombing. Two bloodied gloves were found near the gas pedal of the Honda Civic, and matched the DNA of slain MIT police officer Sean Collier . Fingerprints experts also revealed that Dzhokhar's prints had showed up throughout the Civic. It's still unclear whether he was driving the car that night . Forensics experts testified that Dzhokhar's fingerprints were found throughout the Honda. Jennifer Montgomery, a DNA analyst with the state police crime lab, testified Wednesday that blood was on a pair of gloves found near the gas pedal and driver's seat. The blood on the glove matched MIT police officer Sean Collier, but the defense pointed out on cross-examination that all of the blood tested on Dzhokhars's sweatshirt was his own. An MIT graduate student who was riding his

Summary: Jury was shown pictures of Tamerlan Tsarnaev's wallet on Wednesday . Experts testified that his fingerprints were on receipts for a gun and ammo store and Target where he purchased two backpacks . The alleged Boston bomber was killed in a shootout with police, but his younger brother Dzhokhar escaped and is currently on trial . Gloves with blood matching slain MIT officer Sean Collier were found on drivers-side of Tsarnaevs' Honda Civic . However, none of Collier's blood was found on Dzhokhar's sweatshirt .


Simon Mignolet summed it up for Liverpool. The goalkeeper, widely derided earlier this season, has been part of a major turnaround in the fortunes of the club, sparked by losing to Manchester United in December. After Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Swansea on Monday, Mignolet hailed the fighting spirit of the side and welcomed the prospect of facing United in the Barclays Premier League at Anfield on Sunday. ‘We know there will be a huge build-up,’ he said. ‘But as professional football players we can’t get carried away. We have a good squad who are willing to fight for each other. We work hard and sometimes it is even more satisfying to get the three points in that way.’ Steven Gerrard and Simon Mignolet celebrate Liverpool's 1-0 win at Swansea on Monday . Mignolet was called upon a number of times in the first half at the Liberty Stadium and was up to the task . Liverpool are unbeaten in 2015 and are aiming for second place in the table after their upturn in form since December. In fact, they have already won as many league games this year (eight) as they did in the first half of the season, despite having played nine games fewer. They have also picked up more Premier League points since Boxing Day (32) than Merseyside rivals Everton have all season (31) and Monday’s win came courtesy of their sixth successive away clean sheet in the league. Their amazing form has seen them cut the gap to second-placed Manchester City from 17 points to four. Brendan Rodgers’ side remain the only unbeaten team in the top four English tiers in 2015. And in their past six matches they have picked up an average of 2.67 points per game, despite facing three of the current top seven teams. The Belgian's form has improved dramatically after being dropped for a spell over Christmas . Mignolet was replaced by Brad Jones when Liverpool were beaten 3-0 by Manchester United in December .

Summary: Liverpool face rivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday . Simon Mignolet urges team-mates to stay focused in build up . The Belgian praised the team's fighting spirit after 1-0 win at Swansea . Mignolet's form has improved dramatically after he was dropped . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .


David Cameron and George Osborne are at war over Treasury plans to order savage new cuts in Britain’s Armed Forces. The dispute, one of the first to erupt between the Downing Street neighbours, has been sparked by fears the Treasury plans to slash another £1billion from the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) budget. The Chancellor is refusing to guarantee to protect the Armed Forces from cuts after the Election, saying it would undermine his attempts to reduce the UK’s debt. The dispute has been sparked by fears the Treasury plans to slash £1billion from the Ministry of Defence’s budget - and Chancellor George Osborne (pictured left) is refusing to guarantee to protect the Armed Forces . But the Prime Minister fears it will damage relations with US President Barack Obama, who urged him last month not to set a bad example to other Nato nations by cutting spending. The row was revealed on the eve of a Tory revolt over defence in the Commons this week. Up to 30 Conservative MPs are thought to be backing a bid by John Baron, MP for Basildon and Billericay, to force a protest vote against defence cuts. It follows controversy over whether Britain will stick to the Nato target of spending two per cent of its gross domestic product on defence. Tory MPs claim that if Mr Osborne gets his way the figure will fall below that level. And The Mail on Sunday has learned that the Prime Minister shares the rebels’ worries. The Prime Minister fears cuts will damage relations with US President Barack Obama (both pictured) ‘The stumbling block is Mr Osborne not Mr Cameron,’ said a senior Conservative. ‘Osborne has made it clear the MoD cannot be exempt from cuts. The PM fears it will expose him at Nato meetings, where he has been urging others to stick to two per cent. ‘He will be called a phoney if he isn’t spending it himself.’ One Tory MP said: ‘Mr Cameron has a natural affinity with the Armed Forces. As PM he is constantly talking to generals and visiting troops all over the world. He knows the importance of maintaining our front line strength with Putin and Islamic State causing havoc. ‘But you rarely see Mr Osborne anywhere near a tank or battlefield. He is interested in money, not military matters.’ Mr Cameron secretly visited the SAS headquarters at Hereford last week and is said to have returned more determined than ever to win his trial of strength with the Chancellor. In a powerful personal plea to Mr Cameron during talks in Washington last month, Obama gave him a blunt warning: maintain UK defence spending or weaken Nato. He said: ‘If Britain doesn’t spend two per cent on defence, then no one in Europe will.’ But military top brass fear the Treasury will raid another £1billion a year from MoD coffers to try to balance the nation’s books. Defence spending in the UK is forecast to drop to 1.7 per cent by 2020, even without further cuts. But Mr Osborne was defended by one

Summary: Cameron and Osborne at war over new Treasury plans to cut defence . Dispute sparked by fears £1billion may be slashed from MoD's budget . Chancellor is refusing to guarantee to protect the Armed Forces from cuts . Prime Minister fears it will damage relations with US President Obama . Row revealed on eve of a Tory revolt over defence in the Commons .


If you have tried and failed to play everything from the violin to the drums and your attic is a graveyard of neglected instruments, a new gadget may be for you. ‘Instrument 1’ claims to be one electronic device that lets you ‘be the whole band’ because it can be used as a variety of instruments, including a guitar, violin, bass, piano and drum machine. The gadget which slightly resembles a guitar’s fret board, connects to a smartphone, tablet or computer, to allow a user to play any instrument, style and sound on it. Scroll down for video . ‘Instrument 1’ (pictured centre) claims to be one electronic device that lets you ‘be the whole band’ because it can be used as a variety of instruments, including a guitar, violin, bass, piano and drum machine . It can be used with hundreds of musical apps, such as GarageBand because it recognises universal gestures, such as strumming, tapping, bowing and sliding, for example. Because if its just rectangular in shape, the instrument, which measures 23.5 inches (60cm) long, can be played in a number of ways. For example, it can be held under the chin like a violin or laid flat on a table like a piano. Artiphon, the Nashville Tennessee-based team behind Instrument 1, say the device is designed for musicians and complete amateurs, because it is intuitive to use. ‘We believe anyone can make music, and that most people really want to,’ the start-up wrote on its Kickstarter page. The gadget connects to a smartphone, tablet or computer, to allow a user to play any instrument, style and sound on it. Because if its non-descript shape, the instrument can be played in a number of ways. For example, under the chin like a violin (top left) or laid flat on a table like a piano (bottom left) ‘We’re building an instrument that empowers people to play music apps beyond the touchscreen, and we want to inspire people to explore music-making in their everyday lives.’ The company is creating an app to people can customise Instrument 1. They will be able to make new instrument presets and play them straight away, or use a bow on a banjo and pluck a drum. There are plans to create a version for the Apple Watch and allow an iPhone to be used as a bow, for example. The app is being developed for Apple devices. It has digital strings that stand in for a guitar’s, for example, or separate notes and areas so it can be played like a piano, where frets become keys. The sound of notes can be changed by using guitar techniques on the fingerboard or by strumming on the bridge, as well as pressing hard and softly. ‘If you’re a drummer or a DJ, transform a whole fret into a pressure-sensing pad like a drum machine,’ the firm said. ‘And if you want to play a violin or pedal steel, slide your fingers along the strings to create sweeping fretless melodies.’ The device enables musicians to re-tune it instantly and

Summary: Instrument 1 has digital strings and can be used as any instrument . Device connects to a smartphone or computer so it can be used with apps . Measures 23.5 inches (60cm) long, can be played in a number of ways . It's designed to be used by musicians and amateurs because it's intuitive . Instrument 1 is available to pre-order from Kickstarter from $349 (£228)


Most parenting advice says you don't have to worry if your baby doesn't start speaking until around 18 months. But that won't be an issue for Toni and Paul McCann from Ireland whose adorable son Cillian said his first word at just seven weeks old. The tiny tot, who is now nine weeks old, was filmed by his 36-year-old mother who says that she knew he had been trying to communicate for a while. In an adorable video, filmed by his mother Toni, Cillian McCann, then seven weeks old says his first word . Cillian has three older sisters, Toni revealed that her little girls, Sophie (bottom right), Eva (bottom left) and Ellie (top), did not start talking at such an early age . Toni said: 'He was trying to speak for a while but that day I knew he was trying to say something. 'I'd read that babies communicate from a young age and to give them space to answer when you talk to them. 'That was I was doing that day and because he was so alert and making such good eye contact I decided to video him. You can tell my total shock when he came out with "hello".' In the short clip, Cillian can be seen moving his mouth around trying to talk. After making several attempts he eventually comes out with his first word. Toni, who has three older daughters Sophia 12, Ellie, 11 and Eva, eight, said that she knew other people would be shocked when they saw the film. In the video Cillian is seen struggling to get his word out, but with a bit of encouragement from his mother he finally says hello . She said: 'If I hadn't have videoed it I'm sure people wouldn't have believed me. I don't think I would have believed it myself! 'After that he said it again to my daughter Eva although it wasn't as clear. When he has been focused and interacting with me since that day I have been telling him "I love you" and I can see he is trying to copy that! 'I have three older girls and never experienced this with them although I think I probably just talked "at" them and didn't give them space to respond.' Toni says that Cillian was very alert from a young age and had been trying to make out words since he was just five weeks old. This happy family snap shot shows the clever little boy resting on the back of one of his sisters, Eva (left), Ellie (middle) and Sophia (right) Toni said she is pleased that her little boy, pictured with his sisters Sophia, (left) Eva, (middle) and Ellie (right), can bring so much joy to the world . She said: 'He loves his sisters but from a very young age he always responded most positively to interaction from his dad, my husband Paul. 'From about five weeks old his little tongue would stick out when his dad was talking to him. I realise now he was trying to talk because that's

Summary: Cillian McCann was filmed by his mother Toni at seven weeks old . In the clip the little boy can clearly be seen trying to speak to his family . After several attempts he manages to say 'hello' The average child can say six words by the time they reach 18 months .


Manny Pacquiao has called on Floyd Mayweather Jnr to be aggressive in their $300million (£200m) super-fight, because his previous victories have sent the Filipino star to sleep. Pacquiao and Mayweather will come face-to-face in Los Angeles on Wednesday night at the only press conference before fight week. And after reports that Mayweather dropped a sparring partner last weekend, Pacquiao hopes his rival throws caution to the wind on May 2. Manny Pacquiao with his entourage in Los Angeles on Tuesday as he continues his training camp . Pacquiao works the heavy bag during a training session at the Wild Card Boxing Club . 'I hope the reports are true,' Pacquiao told CBS. 'He should be aggressive during our fight so we can make the fans happy. 'We all know how he fights. In fact, his previous fights lulled me to sleep. I hope this time he would be man enough to take some risks. 'He should prove to the world that he's a fearless fighter, not a runner.' Pacquiao will make the short trip from his Hollywood gym to the press conference as his training continues under the watchful eye of Freddie Roach. Roach arrived on Sunday after overseeing Zou Shiming's world title defeat in Macau the day before. Floyd Mayweather has kept fans updated on his training by posting pictures on social media .

Summary: Manny Pacquiao wants Floyd Mayweather to be aggressive when they fight . Filipino star claims Mayweather's fights usually send him to sleep . The pair will come face-to-face on Wednesday night in Los Angeles . Pacquiao will take on Mayweather in Las Vegas on May 2 . Roach: Pacquiao to train with sparring partner from Mayweather's gym . CLICK HERE for all the latest boxing news .


A bright red miniature statue of Karl Marx given to a British city to commemorate his 195th birthday has been relegated to a back garden because a Tory-run council doesn't want it on display. The four-foot tall, plastic sculpture of the communist revolutionary, was presented to Gloucester council by dignitaries from his birthplace of Trier, Germany - which is twinned with the city. Trier made 500 of the statues which were placed across the city, and one was donated to Gloucester in order to symbolise Marx's journey across Europe, because the cities are twinned. Scroll down for video . A bright red miniature statue of Karl Marx given to a British city to commemorate his 195th birthday has been relegated to a back garden - because a Tory-run council doesn't want it on display . But the Conservative council said it 'would not be appropriate' to display the gift anywhere prominent. Charles Yates, a member of GlosLinks, which maintains the link between Gloucester and twinned Trier, has instead given the statue a home in his back garden. He said: 'It needed a home and my wife and I were quite happy to have it here. He is stood in the garden quite happily. 'It is the sort of statue that guests will always make a comment about. It deserves to be put somewhere in the city. It deserves a home somewhere in Gloucester. 'This whole thing started because the German people asked us what we had done with it. 'It is all very well everyone making decisions about the statue but they haven't actually seen it yet. Charles Yates, a member of GlosLinks, which maintains the link between Gloucester and twinned Trier, has instead given the statue a home in his back garden . The four-foot tall, plastic sculpture of the communist revolutionary, was presented to Gloucester council by dignitaries from his birthplace of Trier, Germany - which is twinned with the city. Trier made 500 of the statues and one was donated to Gloucester in order to symbolise Marx's journey across Europe . 'I am just amazed that nobody has come to see the statue.' The statue of the revolutionary Trier-born socialist, who wrote The Communist Manifesto, was donated to Gloucester last May. Transported to Britain on the Eurostar, the journey was meant to mimic the way Marx drifted across Europe. Born in Trier in 1818, Marx moved to Berlin to study law before travelling to Paris, where he became a revolutionary communist. Expelled from France, Marx spent two years in Brussels before moving to London, where he was to spend the remainder of his life. Despite Marx's significance and political standing, the Conservative leader of the council does not believe it should be placed anywhere important. Leader of Gloucester City Council Paul James said: 'We value our twinning links so I'm pleased we've been able to find somewhere to put Trier's kind gift. 'I don't think it would be appropriate to put it anywhere more prominent unless, perhaps, to warn people of the dangers of voting for Ed Miliband.' The

Summary: Statue given to Gloucester council by Marx's birthplace of Trier, Germany . Trier made 500 of the statues which were placed across the city . One donated to Gloucester to symbolise Marx's journey across Europe . But council said it 'wouldn't be appropriate' to display the gift anywhere . Instead the statue has been given a home in a Gloucester back garden .


He wants to become Chancellor of the Exchequer. But this morning Ed Balls admitted that he relies on his mother-in-law June for help with maths. At the end of an interview on Good Morning Britain, Labour’s shadow chancellor said he was relieved he had not been asked to answer any maths questions live on TV. Labour shadow chancellor Ed Balls told Good Morning Britain his mother was the family's maths brain . Last month during an interview on the ITV breakfast show, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan was left embarrassed when she refused to answer what 7x8 is. After appearing on the programme this morning to discuss George Osborne’s Budget, Mr Balls told host Susanna Reid: ‘I was pleased you didn’t ask me any maths questions this morning, that was my…’ Asked how he was with fractions, Mr Balls replied: ‘Luckily my mother-in-law is a maths teacher so she is the expert when it comes to maths.’ A shocked Miss Reid interrupted: ‘You cannot tell me that the shadow chancellor relies on this mother in law to do his maths.’ He added: ‘The kids think the mother-in-law is very good at maths teaching. You always rely on your mother in law.’ Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid asked Mr Balls if he really left all the maths questions to his mother in law. He replied: 'You always rely on your mother-in-law' The morning after the Budget, Mr Balls warned that Mr Osborne's plan for cuts was ‘a pretty scary prospect’ for voters . Mr Balls has three children with his wife, Labour’s shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper. Her mother June, is a maths teacher and her father, Tony, a trade unionist. After working as an adviser to Gordon Brown at the Treasury, Mr Balls was elected as an MP in 2005 and became shadow chancellor in 2011. He previously worked at the Financial Times and taught economics at Harvard University. Last month Mrs Morgan refused to do mental arithmetic during an appearance on Good Morning Britain to discuss plans to improve the performance of schools in England. When asked what the answer to 7x8 is, she said: ‘I'm not going to be answering any maths questions.’ Mr Balls has three children with his wife, Labour’s shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper . Mr Balls warned that Mr Osborne's plan for cuts was ‘a pretty scary prospect’ for voters. ‘For all his boasts, people are worse-off than they were and the squeeze on living standards has been very severe,’ Mr Balls later told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. ‘If you look at his plans for the next parliament, as the independent OBR say, the cuts in public spending under the Osborne plan are more severe in the next three years than in the last five. ‘His desire to get to an overall surplus by 2019/20 means even bigger cuts in the next three years to our police, our defence forces than we've seen in the last few years. ‘I don't think those cuts are going to be possible for George Osborne. He's going to end

Summary: Shadow chancellor reveals his mother in law is the family maths expert . Ed Balls made the embarrassing admission on Good Morning Britain . Told host Susanna Reid he was glad she did not ask him a maths question .


Bayern Munich survived an early scare to open up an 11-point lead in the Bundesliga with a 3-1 victory over struggling Hannover at the HDI Arena. The hosts took a surprise lead through Japan international Hiroshi Kiyotake after a lapse in concentration from Bayern Munich defender Dante at the back. However, the champions equalised within the space of three minutes when former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso curled in a stunning free-kick. Thomas Muller scored from the penalty spot after substitute Robert Lewandowski was kicked in the face before adding a second with brilliant header from Franck Ribery's cross. With Wolfsburg losing 1-0 to Augsburg, few people would bet against Bayern retaining their league title. More to follow... Thomas Muller receives Bayern fans' adulation after scoring his second goal in the 3-1 victory . Xabi Alonso (left) restored parity after Bayern Munich fell behind to a surprise goal at Hannover . Hannover midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake celebrates after giving Hannover a brief first half lead . Bayer stars including (L-R) Medhi Benatia, Franck Ribery and Robert Lewandowski were rested ahead of their Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk . BAYERN MUNICH (3-4-3): Neuer; Boateng, Dante (Lewandowski), Badstuber; Rafinha, Alonso (Schweinsteiger), Alaba, Bernat; Robben, Gotze (Ribery), Muller. Subs: Benatia, Pizarro, Rode, Reina. Booked: Alonso, Ribery . Goals: Alonso 25', Muller 61', 72' HANNOVER (4-2-3-1): Zieler; Pereira, Marcelo, Schulz, Albornoz; Schmiedebach (Ya Konan), Sane; Briand (Prib), Kiyotake, Bittencourt; Sobiech. Subs: Andreasen, Sakai, Joselu, Stankevicius, Konigsmann. Goals: Kiyotake 28' Bastia Schweinsteiger (centre), who was also rested, jokes with team-mates ahead of the game . Hannover's Manuel Schmiedebach goes for a high challenge on Bayern's World Cup hero Mario Gotze (left) Bayern forward Arjen Robben appeals to his team-mates as the champions start slowly in Hannover . Kiyotake (right) speeds away after a lapse on concentration from Bayern defender Dante . The Japanese midfielder slips the ball past Manuel Neuer to give the hosts the lead . Kiyotake points to the sky in celebration after his strike gives Hannover and unexpected lead . Robben watches as Alonso curls in a free-kick to equalise only minutes later . Bayern defender Juan Bernat leaps into Alonso's arms after drawing level in the first half . Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola (centre) gestures to the referee from the touchline . Star strier Robert Lewandowski, who has a superb record against Hannover, was introduced after the goals . Germany star Muller nets from the penalty spot to give Bayern the lead on 72minutes . Substitute Franck Ribery (left) pumps his fist as Muller scores from the penalty spot . Ribery later provided the cross fro Muller to double his tally with a superb header . Bayern team-mates race to celebrate the goal as Bayern open up an 11-point lead in the Bundesliga .

Summary: Champions came from behind to open up an 11-point lead over Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga . The home side took a shock lead through Japanese star Hiroshi Kiyotake . Champions equalised minutes later with a great free-kick from Xabi Alonso . Thomas Muller scored the spot after Robert Lewandowski was fouled and added a second with a superb header .


This is the moment a pair of skydivers dramatically set fire to their petrol-soaked parachute canopies sending them plummeting to earth at 120 miles per hour. Alex Aimard and his friend Petter Jonsson leapt from a plane over Eloy in Arizona armed with a parachute doused in kerosene, a flare gun and a Go Pro camera. And after deploying their parachutes, the pair then pull out the guns during their descent to set fire to their canopies. Alex Aimard aims his flare gun at his petrol-soaked parachute after jumping out of a plane over the Arizona . The fire from the gun causes the parachute to ignite and causes a blaze in the Mr Aimard's canopy . With just seconds to react and release the now flaming parachutes before the fire travelled down cords to their bodies, the pair free themselves. But luckily they also have an emergency parachute, meaning they then glide safely to the ground. The pair, who are both experienced professional skydivers and BASE jumpers, had meticulously planned the dangerous stunt, which took place earlier this year. Mr Jonsson, from Sweden, said: 'I was so focused on my task that I didn't have time to be scared or think about what could have gone wrong.' The fire then takes hold and starts to travel down the cords to their bodies meaning Mr Aimard has to quickly free themselves . After being freed, Mr Aimard then deploys his emergency parachute so he can glide safely back to the ground . While Mr Aimard, from France, added: 'Petter jumped first so when I exited the plane I saw something that I will never forget - a big cloud of smoke made by the explosion of his chute. 'It was like being part of a Rambo movie for real.' The duo had been taking part in a two-week online project called Living the Dream, when they travelled to Utah and Arizona to perform the sky dives. The potentially deadly fire stunt took place on the last day of their trip. Mr Aimard explained: 'We struggled with the weather conditions and the project was on hold for a few days due to a strong wind, which gave us plenty of time for preparation. 'When the wind finally slowed down, everything happened in a couple of hours. Petter Jonsson then attempts the stunt and shoots the kerosene soaked parachute with the flare gun . With the parachute in flames, Mr Jonsson then starts plummeting to earth at more than 120mph . But despite the dangerous stunt Mr Jonsson makes it safely back down to the ground thanks to his emergency parachute . 'Skydiving itself is not without danger and flying in a plane with two big buckets full of gas and two flare guns doesn't decrease the risk. 'You can imagine a lot of things going wrong but with fine tuned preparation there was no room for doubt or uncontrolled fear.' But despite the stunt receiving praise from fellow skydiving professionals, there was some online criticism. But Mr Aimard explained: 'Globally the response was

Summary: Alex Aimard and Petter Jonsson leapt from a plane flying over Arizona . They were armed with petrol-soaked parachutes along with a flare gun . After deploying parachutes, they fire their guns to set fire to the chutes . It sends the pair plummeting to the earth at speeds of 120 miles per hour . They then release their emergency parachutes and glide safely down .


Ajax manager Frank de Boer wants to emulate the way Arsenal play as the Dutch club bid to reach the Europa League quarter-finals. De Boer was impressed by Arsenal's performance in the 2-0 Champions League win against Monaco on Tuesday night - though the Gunners were knocked out on away goals - and wants Ajax to follow suit. De Boer said: 'The way they played against Monaco is the way we would like to play as well. High pressure, get the ball back very quickly. I really love the way Arsenal play. When I look at their goals, it sometimes looks like futsal. Passing, moving and always at a high tempo.' Ajax manager Frank de Boer gestures to his players during a training session in Amsterdam on Wednesday . Ajax trio Davy Klaasen (left), Nicolai Boilesen (centre) and Thulani Serero take part in training . De Boer (right) and Joel Veltman speak to the media during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday . Ajax are hoping to avoid an end to their European run as they take on Dnipro at the Amsterdam Arena on Thursday, with the Ukrainian club currently holding a 1-0 aggregate lead. De Boer said: 'I expect Dnipro to sit back and wait for us to attack. You could see that in the first match as well. We have to be patient, we can't afford to make mistakes. 'I hope this is not the "game of the year" for us, because I want to go through and play in another "game of the year".' Boilesen (second right) and Nick Viergever (right) look to be having fun during Ajax training . Oliver Giroud (right) controls the ball before scoring Arsenal's first in Wednesday's 2-0 win against Monaco . Dnipro players train at the Amersterdam Arena ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash . A 1-0 victory for Ajax after extra time would see the match go to penalties and De Boer has had his players practising penalties in training. He said: 'We've practised penalties. From the 19 we took, we only missed about three or four. Jasper Cillessen saved two and one or two went over the bar. 'You can always train the way you kick the ball, but it's hard to simulate the atmosphere. When you saw Bayer Leverkusen last night, it looked like they didn't know that they had to take a penalty.'

Summary: Ajax manager Frank de Boer wants to emulate Arsenal's playing style . Arsenal beat Monaco 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night but were knocked out of the last 16 on away goals . Ajax bid to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Dnipro in the UEFA Europa League .


A big service is one of the hallmarks of his game – now Andy Murray is taking a similar approach to his wedding. The tennis star and fiancée Kim Sears will tie the knot at Dunblane Cathedral and not, as anticipated, in the tiny chapel at his Cromlix House Hotel, near the Perthshire town where he grew up. For the 27-year-old’s many fans and friends in the town, it means at least part of the wedding of the year will be a spectator sport, played out on the streets of the community. For many, the decision to hold the service in the cathedral will have added poignancy. Scroll down for video . Happy couple: Andy Murray and Kim Sears will tie the knot at Dunblane cathedral rather than the small chapel at Cromlix . It was there that funerals and memorial services were held for some of the victims of the 1996 massacre, in which Thomas Hamilton murdered 16 children and their teacher in Dunblane Primary School. Now Dunblane’s most famous son will marry there – 19 years after he hid under the headteacher’s desk until the shooting stopped. It is understood local residents and businesses urged the former Wimbledon champion to hold the April 11 service at the cathedral rather than at Cromlix House in nearby Kinbuck – so they too could toast his big day. The 300-seat, 12th century cathedral is much bigger than the chapel at Cromlix, which seats only 28. Thousands are expected to line Dunblane High Street on the day. Murray’s uncle Niall Erskine said: ‘I’m sure it will be a popular decision, as he’s had so much support from the people of Dunblane in the past. ‘Andy is looking forward to bringing all his family and friends to Dunblane. I’m sure lots of people will come down to see the cars as they go past and it will be a very popular day.’ The cathedral’s minister, the Rev Colin Renwick, said: ‘I can’t confirm anything as we have a strict rule that we cannot discuss anyone’s wedding. ‘Wherever the wedding will be, there is excitement because there is a great deal of affection for Andy in Dunblane and a great deal of pride in him. I think people are genuinely very pleased for him.’ Old and new: Andy Murray will get married to Kim Sears at Dunblane cathedral (left) rather than the small chapel attached to Cromlix House (right) where the reception is still expected to be held . The couple announced their engagement in November after nine years together. They had been expected to wed at the 15-bedroom Cromlix House, which he bought for £1.8million in 2013. But it will still host family and friends before and after the service. Murray’s schoolfriend Stewart McClymont, 28, said: ‘It’s great. There will be loads of people in the streets. It will be like a Scottish version of the royal wedding. ‘I’m sure Andy’s delighted that the people who want to share in his day will all be there to celebrate. Andy’s a great ambassador and everybody is

Summary: Couple will tie the knot at Dunblane cathedral not Cromlix House Hotel . Venue for many funerals of the victims of 1996 Dunblane massacre . Locals urged him to hold it there so they could toast his big day . Excited friends say it will be 'Scottish version of the Royal Wedding'


Astronomers believe mysterious signals - previously dismissed as stellar bursts - are coming from an Earth-like planet. The Gliese 581d planet has conditions that could support life, and is likely to be a rocky world, twice the size of Earth. Signals from the planet were initially discovered in 2010, but last year dismissed as noise from distant stars. Scroll down for video . Astronomers believe mysterious 'alien signals' - previously dismissed as stellar bursts - are in fact coming from an Earth-like planet. The Gliese 581d planet was initially discovered in 2010 (artist's impression pictured) Now, a further study claims that the 2014 research was based on 'inadequate analyses of the data' and that Gliese 581d does exist. The planet was initially discovered in 2010. It was the first Earth-like planet found in the 'Goldilocks'-zone around another star. But soon after the discovery, a group of scientists said the signals thought to be from a planet were in fact simply magnetic bursts from stars. The latest study claims that the stellar bursts research was based on 'inadequate analyses of the data'. They said the method is suitable for large planets, but the technique is unable to find small planets like GJ 581d. Last year, Pennsylvania State University researchers said Gliese 581d - and its companion Gliese 581g - were simply a trick of the light caused by magnetic bursts from a local star 22 light-years away. The new British research, however, argues the method used by the Pennsylvania team was only suitable for large planets, and that it could miss small ones like GJ 581d. The study, by Queen Mary University, London and the University of Hertfordshire, claims to use a more accurate model on the existing data. 'The existence (or not) of GJ 581d is significant because it was the first Earth-like planet discovered in the 'Goldilocks'-zone around another star and it is a benchmark case for the Doppler technique,' said lead author, Dr Guillem Anglada-Escudé. 'There are always discussions among scientists about the ways we interpret data but I'm confident that GJ 581d has been in orbit around Gliese 581 all along. 'In any case, the strength of their statement was way too strong. 'If their way to treat the data had been right, then some planet search projects at several ground-based observatories would need to be significantly revised as they are all aiming to detect even smaller planets. The Gliese 581d planet is likely to be a rocky world, twice the size of Earth. Pictured is an artist's impression of the planetary orbits of the Gliese 581 system compared to those of our own solar system . According to one of Nasa's top planet hunters, we will find a planet with oceans like Earth in the next 15 years. Dr John Mather is an astrophysicist at the Nasa Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, and the senior project scientist on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The giant telescope will be used to find the first bright objects that formed in the universe, figure out how galaxies evolved and

Summary: Gliese 581d is in star's habitable zone and may be suitable for humans . Found in 2010, it was later dismissed as stellar bursts and not a planet . Now, scientists believe earlier analysis was based on inaccurate data . They say planet does exist and may provide hope for finding alien life .


A notorious anti-Semitic comedian has been spared jail for tweeting his sympathy for the terrorist behind the Paris Jewish supermarket massacre, which killed four people. Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, 48, used the rallying slogan 'Je Suis Charlie' to make a joke relating to gunman Amedy Coudlibaly, who murdered a policewoman and carried out the devastating attack on the kosher supermarket in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January. The provocative entertainer had denied any wrongdoing and said the case exposed the hypocrisy of a country which 'pretends' to be a bastion of free speech. Comedian: Dieudonne M'bala M'bala has been found guilty of 'apologising for terrorism' after posting a joke on Facebook which referred to the gunman behind the Paris kosher supermarket attack . He also maintained that he 'condemned the attacks without reservation and without any ambiguity.' But M'bala, who has previous convictions for anti-Semitism, was found guilty of 'apologising for terrorism' following his trial at the Palais de Justice in Paris. The court heard how, just days after the Paris attacks in January, he had posted on Facebook 'Tonight, as far as I'm concerned, I feel like Charlie Coulibaly'. The post combined the 'Je Suis Charlie' slogan with the name of one of the gunman involved in the supermarket hostage. Terrorist Amedy Coulibaly was also a close friend of Saïd and Chérif Kouachi, the gunmen involved in the Charlie Hebdo shooting at the satirical magazine. Staff working at the publication's headquarters were targeted in January for drawing insulting cartoons about the Prophet Mohammed and for attacking Muslims generally. During the trial, defence barrister Sanjay Mirabeau said Dieudonne's arrest in January was disproportionate. Yet it was followed by police questioning more than 70 others for similar alleged crimes. Mr Mirabeau said the case against his client should be thrown out 'because it is the job of humourists to make people laugh'. He was given a two-month suspended prison sentence. French comedian Dieudonne M'bala M'bala (left) and his defence barrister Sanjay Mirabeau leaving court on Wednesday . President Francois Hollande's government ordered a major clampdown on hate-speech following the terrorist attacks, which left a total of 20 people dead, including Coulibaly and the two other terrorists. Dieudonne drew international attention last year when football star Nicolas Anelka celebrated an English Premiership goal with a salute popularised by the comic which critics said was anti-Semitic. Called a 'quenelle', it has been described as a reverse Nazi salute, and was used by Anelka while he was playing for West Bromwich Albion. Al Qaeda in Yemen claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks, but intelligence officials believe the terror group provided inspiration, rather than any logistical or financial support. Since the attacks, France has deployed 10,000 troops and 120,000 security forces to protect sensitive sites, including synagogues, mosques and travel hubs.

Summary: Dieudonne M'bala M'bala was in the dock charged with inciting terrorism . He joked about Charlie Hebdo massacres on Facebook days after attacks . Used rallying 'Je Suis Charlie' slogan to refer to gunman Amedy Coudlibaly . French comedian told court he 'condemned attacks without reservation' He was given a two-month suspended jail term after being found guilty .


A young albino kangaroo, spotted grazing on a rural property beside her mother, has delighted three young children who were convinced that its strange colouring was a joke. Michael Collins, who said he had noticed the white roo as joey on his Wattle Glen property in Victoria before, said it often visited his land. 'The kids… came running into the house saying "Dad! Someone spray-painted him",' Mr Collins said to Nine News. Scroll down for video . Michael Collins' three children noticed the young female grey kangaroo grazing beside its mother on their rural Wattle Glen property in Victoria . Daniel Ramp, the Director of the UTS Centre for Compassionate Conservation, told Daily Mail Australia that he could confirm the kangaroo was an albino. 'Yes it's an albino, not spray painted. It's definitely an albino eastern grey kangaroo, a young girl with her mum,' Dr Ramp said. He added that the occurrence of albinism in any species was incredibly rare and occurred in one- in-20,000. 'The kids… came running into the house saying "Dad! Someone spray-painted him",' Mr Collins said . Albinism is a hereditary condition that is characterised by a lack of pigment in eyes, skin, hair, scales, or feathers. Daniel Ramp, director of Centre for Compassionate Conservation confirmed the roo was a healthy . 'They tend to get reported when people see them and that happens once every couple of years - it's a rare event but it happens well across all animal species,' Dr Ramp said. 'I've got photos of an albino wombat down in Gippsland that we caught on some remote camera-traps last year.' However Dr Ramp, who is working with an albino kangaroo population at Bathurst in New South Wales, said the young grey roo appeared to be quite healthy after examining the video captured by Mr Collins. As part of his own work, Dr Ramp is examining whether higher than average numbers of albino kangaroos in a certain population indicate that there are wider problems at hand, such as inbreeding. 'While it's not particularly negative for the individual kangaroos, it may mean these animals are inbreeding more than they normally would because they are constrained and they are struggling to connect with other populations,' he said. 'In our Bathurst studies we are wondering if the landscape is fraught for kangaroos.' 'It's a rare event but it happens well across all animal species,' Dr Ramp said of albinism in animals. One of his remote camera traps that detects motion captured this image of an albino wombat at Cape Liptrap Coastal Park in Victoria during research into the importance of foraging herbivores in reducing fire risk . Albinism is a hereditary condition that is characterised by a lack of pigment in eyes, skin, hair, scales, or feathers .

Summary: Michael Collins said the roo and its mother often visited his rural property . Daniel Ramp, the Director of the UTS Centre for Compassionate Conservation, confirmed it was a young, female, albino grey kangaroo . Albinism is a rare genetic condition that occurs in one-in-20,000 . Dr Ramp said while they were rare, more albinos than normal in one population could indicate a wider problem for the animal species .


A beautiful snowy owl has been captured scouring a snow-covered field in the hunt for food. Her piercing yellow eyes were the only thing that stood out against the white landscape in Ottawa, Canada. Once locked on to a vole she swooped just inches above the surface waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. The stunning set of images was captured by photographer Rick Dobson. A beautiful snowy owl was captured gliding inches above a snow-covered field in Ottawa, Canada, in the hunt for food, with her bright yellow eyes just visible above the wing . The 57-year-old said: 'She had in fact spotted her prey and was coming in silently for the kill. 'Snowy owls are diurnal so they hunt and are active both during the day and night. 'When they are resting they often sit in a snow-covered field motionless, making themselves very hard to spot. 'When they are hunting they will perch on a lump in a field, a fence post, or a hydro-pole where they have a lookout from which to spot their prey.' As the owl came over the top of a ledge she pulled her wings back so she could soar across the field . The stunning set of images was captured by photographer Rick Dobson who said: 'She had in fact spotted her prey and was coming in silently for the kill' The owl flew silently just millimetres above the snow-covered floor, keeping her bright eyes on the prey . To get close enough to the owls, Mr Dobson had to make sure he approached slowly and did not walk directly towards the birds. He said: 'Every winter I go out with my binoculars and scan the farmers' fields to see if I can locate wintering snowy owls. 'When I locate an owl I have to spend time slowly approaching it to get within a good distance to take photographs. When the owl got close enough she used her sharp talons to catch her prey. Snowy owls will usually fly a short distance before landing to eat . Snowy owls often approach their prey from a low angle to ensure a shadow does not give the game away . 'Some owls are much more approachable than others. 'Upon repeated visits the owls come to realise that I am not a threat and will ignore me, providing I move slowly, and carry on with its business.' Mr Dobson described the owls as 'one of the most magnificent creatures on earth'. 'I think of them as snow ghosts or snow angels,' he said. 'They are very large birds but fly silently and gracefully and can endure the harshest of habitats. Happy with its work: Mr Dobson added: 'Snowy owls are one of the most magnificent creatures on earth'. The beautiful bird is pictured after the hunt . 'They are powerful and regal and, to me, symbolise the Arctic.' Snowy owls fly silently when they hunt and often approach their prey from a low angle. They use their sharp talons to catch animals and will usually fly a

Summary: Snowy owl captured finding food near Ottawa, Canada, by Rick Dobson . Owls fly silently when they hunt and approach their prey from a low angle .


The former US Marine who killed American Sniper Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield has been moved into a psychiatric prison for evaluation of whether he should be moved into the general prison population. Eddie Ray Routh was transferred on Monday to Jester IV Unit, a psychiatric facility in Richmond, about 25 miles outside Houston. Routh was convicted on February 28 of double murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Scroll down for video . This new picture of Eddie Ray Routh shows him after he was admitted to the Texas prison system following his February 28 conviction for the murders of 'American Sniper' Chris Kyle and Chad Littlefield . Routh, pictured here during his trial, argued that he was insane and not criminally liable when he killed Kyle and Littlefield in 2013 . His lawyers argued that he suffered from mental illness, including PTSD from his time serving in the military, even though he never saw combat. A jury rejected his insanity defense that he should be put in a psychiatric treatment facility instead of prison. However, because of his psychiatric state, Routh could still be kept out of the general prison population and be kept in a mental facility in the prison system instead. He was transferred from a state prison near Abilene, where he underwent an initial evaluation, to Jester IV Unit, which has more advanced medical facilities. Chris Kyle (left) and Chad Littlefield (right) were gunned down after taking Routh to a shooting range . When Routh was transferred from county jail into the state prison system on March 6, a new booking mugshot was released by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The Marine veteran appears thinner since he last appeared in public on the day of his murder conviction. The 2013 murder of Kyle, a Navy SEAL who wrote the best-selling book American Sniper, and his friend Littlefield drew nationwide attention. Kyle is the deadliest sniper in American history, with 160 confirmed kills. His trial took place not long after the release of 'American Sniper' the movie, an Oscar-winning biopic that starred Bradley Cooper as Kyle.

Summary: Eddie Ray Routh was transferred to Jester IV Unit, a psychiatric prison in Richmond, Texas . Officials are determining whether he is stable enough to put in the general population .


FA chairman Greg Dyke will continue on the attack over his homegrown players campaign by taking the controversial issue to the FA council next week. Dyke will be giving the presentation to councillors that he was unable to make at last week’s Premier League meeting. He is looking for big support from the chamber in his battle with the PL to increase homegrown numbers from eight to 12 players in top-flight squads. Dyke has also been in combative mood with two other opponents — Wales and FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Greg Dyke speaks to Premier League chief Richard Scudamore ahead of his FA council meeting . The FA chairman wants to increase the number of homegrown players at top flight clubs from eight to 12 . Speaking at the official Wembley function before the Lithuania game, Dyke described them as a small footballing nation who he hoped would not cause as many problems as another ‘small footballing nation . . . Wales’ had been doing. This was a reference to Wales opposing a Team GB football side at the Olympics, David Gill’s right to the British vice-presidency on the FIFA executive and the arrogant anti-FA slurs from the FA of Wales’s loose cannon president Trefor Lloyd-Hughes. Dyke suggested that Gareth Bale's Wales were a 'small footballing nation' causing problems . Blatter also said that Gill’s main target in Zurich should be the ‘little bald chap sitting at the other end of the table’. Dyke was also in the mood to attack his own organisation — complaining that the vase the FA always gave their Wembley visitors as a gift was not the best. An FA spokesman said Dyke’s speech was meant to be light-hearted and the sensitive FAW did not bite for once. 'Little bald chap' Sepp Blatter should be David Gill's first target at FIFA, according to Dyke . lt’s hard to see how the FA, who are looking for 15 per cent cuts across the board, can justify the extra expense of booking separate hotels on away trips — one for the England team and key support staff and another for the rest of the FA entourage — especially as they stay in the same accommodation when in England. The twin booking was brought in after the World Cup where manager Roy Hodgson felt the presence of the FA’s huge travelling party was a distraction on match days. England boss Roy Hodgson has asked for separate hotels for the team and entourage on away trips . Hodgson has confirmed that Harry Kane will start alongside Wayne Rooney in Tuesday's friendly with Italy . However, the post-World Cup promise the FA made that England would spent most of their time preparing for matches at £120million St George’s Park in the Staffordshire countryside has not materialised. The Grove Hotel outside Watford is still utilised more often because of its proximity to London. RFU silent on Jevans . The RFU’s continued refusal to discuss the shock departure of England Rugby 2015 chief executive Debbie Jevans — chairman Andy Cosslett claimed the statement that

Summary: FA chairman wants to increase minimum number of homegrown players in Premier League squads . Greg Dyke has also been taking on Wales and FIFA president Sepp Blatter . England's insistence on separate hotels for away trips is not in line with current cost cutting exercises . RFU refuse to discuss shock departure of England Rugby 2015 chief Debbie Jevans . Fabian Delph has credited his mother for bringing him success .