A first-time mother who was sent home by doctors for an entire week because they didn't believe her waters had broken suffered infections and had to be placed on life support for three days following the horror birth. Brittany Spriggs was put in a coma at Gold Coast University Hospital after being rushed into four different surgeries due to complications during her daughter's birth on January 31. Details of her horrific story came as the hospital's chief executive Ron Calvert ordered an independent review into the high mortality rate and other issues after several complaints were made about the birthing unit. Brittany Spriggs had four surgeries and was placed on life support after she started haemorrhaging due to complications during the birth at Gold Coast University Hospital on January 31 . While a recent draft review into maternity services at the hospital confirmed the unit was safe based on a range of patient measures, Ms Spriggs said her experience left her heartbroken and wanting answers. Ms Spriggs, who was in intensive care for the first few days of her daughter Jasmine's life, says she was initially sent home from the Gold Coast hospital despite fearing her waters had broken. 'I woke up at 39 weeks to a pool of water in the bed. I went back to sleep thinking it was my waters breaking. I went to the hospital that morning but they told me to go home because it was just a watery discharge,' she said. 'I really should have trusted my instincts because I went to my midwife appointment at 40 weeks and she told me I was a centimetre dilated.' Ms Spriggs was in intensive care at Gold Coast University Hospital for three days and wasn't awake for the first few days of her daughter Jasmine's life . While Ms Spriggs had to be induced, everything was going smoothly until her baby's heart rate dropped. 'They went in to break my waters but they’d already broken at 39 weeks... So there was infection there and issues around that. Ms Spriggs, who was in intensive care for the first few days of her daughter Jasmine's life, says she was initially sent home from the Gold Coast hospital despite fearing her waters had broken . 'I was put under when we got to theatre because the epidural was only working on one side and they didn't have time to fix it.' Doctors performed an emergency caesarean and Ms Spriggs had just started to come around when she started haemorrhaging and had to go back to theatre. 'I said to the surgeon: 'Please don't let me die'. I don't remember anything until I woke up in intensive care three days later.' Ms Spriggs had to have four surgeries to stop her haemorrhaging and doctors still haven't been able to tell her how it happened. She believes an artery may have been cut during her caesarean but doctors haven't confirmed that. 'My husband was gowned up but I had to be put under so he couldn't come in. He had no idea what

Summary: Brittany Spriggs was on life support after daughter's birth on January 31 . She was in intensive care at Gold Coast University Hospital for three days . Mum started haemorrhaging after caesarean and had four surgeries . She was initially sent home from hospital for a week despite her waters already breaking . It comes as hospital's chief executive ordered an independent review into birthing unit following a number of complaints .


Two weeks of pent-up angst erupted during a full-throttle training game as England prepared to take out their frustration on Scotland. Defeat in Dublin in their last RBS Six Nations outing led to a prolonged post-mortem and fostered collective unrest, which came to a head three days before their next fixture, at Twickenham. The desire to produce a backlash in the Calcutta Cup encounter led to a feisty 15-a-side match at England’s HQ on Wednesday, overseen by Test referee JP Doyle. England head coach Stuart Lancaster instructs his squad during a training session on Wednesday . The England squad played out a fiercely committed training match on Wednesday ahead of facing Scotland . Head coach Stuart Lancaster said afterwards: ‘I had to calm it down, blow the whistle at the end and make sure we didn’t play the game too early.’ He was delighted by the players’ commitment and the calibre of opposition provided to a Test XV featuring two changes — with Mike Brown and Courtney Lawes recalled, as reported by Sportsmail. ‘The (non-starting) pack was Mako (Vunipola), Tom Youngs, Kieran Brookes, Parling, Kruis, Easter, Wood and Kvesic — who came in today as cover,’ said Lancaster. ‘You can see the quality of the players who were training against the starting XV. George Ford runs with the ball during a committed and well fought training match at England HQ . Mike Brown, who suffered concussion against Italy, is back in the starting XV for England on Saturday . Bath's Sam Burgess impressed head coach Stuart Lancaster as he took part in England training . ‘Both sides had an edge about them. The non-XV, if you like, had a point to prove but also wanted to create some intensity in the session, particularly at the breakdown, to make sure we were accurate as a team. ‘They did that and were a huge challenge for us defensively. We had talked in the review of the Ireland game about being accurate at the breakdown and sharp. Those components came into play and it was the type of session you need sometimes in the lead up to a big game.’ Asked if the coaches sought to nurture the needle which was in evidence yesterday, Lancaster added: ‘You look for it, and the players were in the right place for today. I’ve been in training weeks where it’s been like that — and you have to make sure that translates to match day. The England players played out some pent up frustration during a bruising training session . England: M Brown; A Watson, J Joseph, L Burrell, J Nowell; G Ford, B Youngs; J Marler, D Hartley, D Cole, D Attwood, C Lawes, J Haskell, C Robshaw (capt), B Vunipola. Subs: T Youngs, M Vunipola, K Brookes, G Parling, T Wood, R Wigglesworth, D Cipriani, B Twelvetrees. ‘We wanted to put the starting team under pressure so that they get used to making decisions under pressure and the more you can replicate that in training, hopefully when the game comes around, it comes easy.’ Lancaster conceded

Summary: Stuart Lancaster's side were beaten 19-9 by Ireland in their last match . England will need to win if they want to keep up with the Six Nations rivals . Scotland have lost all three Six Nations matches so far this year .


Ben Evans has had surgery after rupturing his hamstring against St Helens . Warrington's Wales international Ben Evans is set to spend around four months recuperating from a ruptured hamstring. The 22-year-old prop suffered the horrific injury during the Wolves' 32-24 defeat by Super League leaders St Helens last Thursday. He spent the weekend in London, where he underwent surgery, before returning to Warrington on Sunday night. 'It was a particularly nasty injury and he was in a considerable amount of discomfort at the time,' Warrington assistant coach Richard Agar said. 'But they got him off to hospital as soon as they possibly could and got him down to London the next day to see the specialist. 'He's had a fairly extensive operation to re-attach it but it's going to be a long injury. The first estimates are around four months but all that will depend on the success of the operation and how he rehabs. 'If it goes well for him, he will have a chance of playing again this year and at this place he is going to get the best medical care.' The Wales international (centre) will be sidelined, alongside brother Rhys, for around four months . Evans will have the company of his twin brother Rhys, the Warrington winger, during his recovery period. Rhys underwent shoulder surgery after damaging it during the Wolves' World Club Series clash with St George Illawarra in February and is facing a similar length of time on the sidelines. 'It's sad for Ben because he's got an opportunity that he had been patiently waiting for,' added Agar. 'Both him and Rhys have now picked up sizeable injuries and will be out for a similar length of time.'

Summary: Ben Evans was injured during Super League defeat by St Helens . Warrington prop has had surgery on ruptured hamstring . Wales international will be out for around four months, joining brother Rhys on the sidelines .


Susan Watkins is planning her first holiday for six years after winning £25,000 in the Daily Mail’s Scrabble competition. Mrs Watkins, 56, landed the prize after completing three words using the letters she was given on her Scrabble game card in Saturday's Weekend magazine. She said she 'felt stunned' by her magnificent win. 'I don’t think it has quite sunk in yet,' she added. 'It will mean a lot to me. It will change my life, literally.' Susan Watkins plans to spend her winnings on a holiday to Holland. She won the money with three words . Mrs Watkins, a community healthcare assistant, will use some of her winnings to pay for a holiday - her first since her husband Eddie died in 2009. She plans to go to Holland where her husband's brother is buried. He died in 1943 during the Second World War when the Lancaster bomber he was in was shot down over a Dutch village. If you've had any problems claiming a prize in our big money Scrabble game since Saturday, we're happy to help. Just call 0808 272 0808. 'The Dutch have their remembrance day on May 4 so I would like to be there this year for it,' she said. Mrs Watkins struggled to find a well-paying job after her husband died and will use the rest of her winnings to pay off bank loans. ‘I have been one wage packet away from the street for the last few years,’ she said. 'Wages are a bit unsure at the moment, so winning will certainly help,' she added. Mrs Watkins used the letters on her Scrabble game card to spell out 'heal', 'amiss', and 'badger. She said: 'I thought I had got one word and then I saw I'd got two and then I realised I'd got three.'

Summary: Susan Watkins, 56, won the prize money with three words . She will spend the money on a holiday to Holland, her first in six years .


In recent years the search for life beyond our planet has focused on finding places with conditions that are ‘Earth-like’, so as to emulate our own planet, which we know can support life. However, scientists have now proposed that some worlds might be able to host life ‘not as we know it’ that thrives not on water, but on other chemicals. Specifically, they looked at Saturn’s moon Titan, which has seas of liquid methane rather than water, and they it could harbour methane-based, oxygen-free forms of life. Cornell University scientists in New York have proposed a new type of life. Called an azotosome, it would survive on liquid methane rather than water - so it could live on Titan. Shown is an illustration of a nine-nanometre azotosome, the size of a virus, with a piece of the membrane cut away to show the hollow interior . The fascinating research by scientists at Cornell University in New York suggests that life in the universe may be abundant in more places than thought. The life they propose, called an azotosome, would be composed of small organic nitrogen compounds and be capable of functioning in liquid methane temperatures of -180°C (-292°F). No life on Earth is known to be able to survive in similar conditions. ‘Ours is the first concrete blueprint of life not as we know it,’ said graduate student James Stevenson, first author of the research. Life on our planet relies on a permeable water-based exterior - a vesicle or liposome - that houses the organic matter of every cell. As no life on Earth can survive without water, astronomers have been looking for alien life in habitable zones of stars where liquid water can exist - it is not too hot, and not too cold. But if cells could be based on methane, rather than water, they could survive in much colder climates, as methane has a much lower melting point. A study in November 2014 argued that alien species could exist on planets that contain an exotic substance known as 'supercritical' carbon dioxide, rather than water. This type of CO2 is created when liquids and gases reach their temperature and pressure thresholds, creating a supercritical fluid that has features of both a liquid and gas. Carbon dioxide becomes supercritical when its temperature exceeds 305 degrees Kelvin (32°C) and its pressure goes beyond 72.9 the standard atmosphere at sea level. On Earth, it's increasingly used in application such as dry cleaning or to sterilise medical equipment, but astrobiologists at Washington State University believe it could also be capable of sustaining life. Study co-author Professor Schulze-Makuch and his team compared enzymes in carbon dioxide and in water, and found that they were more stable in supercritical CO2. The life proposed by the scientists would be composed of small organic nitrogen compounds and be capable of functioning in liquid methane temperatures of -180°C (-292°F). This means it could survive on the surface of Titan (illustration shown), meaning more worlds might be habitable than we thought . The theoretical azotosome life form is made from

Summary: Cornell University scientists in New York have proposed a new type of life . Called an azotosome it would survive on liquid methane rather than water . This means it could live on the surface of Saturn's moon Titan . And it may also mean more places are habitable than we thought . It's the first proof for 'life not as we know it,’ said student James Stevenson .


A Labour MP launched an attack on the Natural History Museum and Marks & Spencer last night over a range of dinosaur clothes for boys. Frontbencher Chi Onwurah accused both the retailer and the museum of sexism over the joint range, saying it excluded girls from science. The shadow cabinet office minister said the Natural History Museum was guilty of ‘gender-specific marketing’, and that she plans to join a protest outside the building next week. Scroll down for video . Attack: Shadow cabinet office minister Chi Onwurah has accused Marks & Spencer and the Natural History Museum of 'gender-specific marketing’ over range of dinosaur tshirts . But a spokesman for the attraction questioned her agenda, telling the Mail: ‘In the run up to the election, she has her own motivations’. The launch of the clothing range in January sparked a huge row, with critics accusing both the museum and the retailer of sexism. The range of clothes produced by M&S in partnership with the museum – which is famous for its dinosaur exhibition – includes pyjamas and t-shirts with images of dinosaurs on them. Campaigners said it was wrong only to target boys with the clothes and that girls should also be encouraged to take an interest in natural history. Yesterday Miss Onwurah wrote on Twitter: ‘If you’re in London next Monday help tell the dinosaurs in @NHM_London girls want a share in science too #hearusroar. Miss Onwurah said the t-shirts was excluding girls from science . She also tabled a series of questions in Parliament accusing the museum of ‘gender specific marketing of toys’ and failing to ‘target boys and girls equally’. Criticism of the range has been led by the ‘Let Clothes Be Clothes’ campaign. When the row first exploded the group’s co-founder Ruth Lopardo said: ‘I was astounded a national museum, which ought to have a clear access-forall policy, should license designs to M&S that are only marketed at boys. ‘How have these two national institutions, M&S and the Natural History Museum, managed to get through the entire product development cycle, from the initial idea to the product on the shelf, without anyone thinking that perhaps dinosaurs and natural science don’t just appeal to boys?’ A Marks&Spencer spokesman said: ‘This is a brand new partnership and, as with any new range, we have listened carefully to feedback from our customers on how they would like to see it evolve. ‘Our design team is working with the Natural History Museum on expanding the range to include products for girls.’ A spokesman for the Natural History Museum said: ‘We are currently working with the Marks and Spencer design team to expand the range to include products for girls. Licensing retail items plays an important role in generating revenue to help fund our work. ‘The Natural History Museum is passionate about science learning and careers for all. Products in the Museum shop are displayed without gender differentiation for children.’

Summary: Labour MP accuse Natural History Museum and M&S of 'sexism' Chi Onwurah said companies are guilty of ‘gender-specific marketing’ Said dinosaur t-shirts aimed at boys is excluding girls from science .


The chameleon’s ability to change colour may seem magical, but scientists have finally solved the riddle of how the reptile can blend into the background so effectively. Swiss researchers revealed that chameleons use futuristic nanotechnology more advanced than anything humans possess to carry out their extraordinary colour changes. The reptiles are capable of rearranging crystals inside specialised skin cells to switch hues in order to attract a potential mate or scare off a rival. Scroll down for video . Swiss researchers have revealed that chameleons appear to be capable of rearranging crystals inside specialised skin cells to switch hues in order to attract a potential mate or scare off a rival. A stock image of a colourful panther chameleon is shown . The process involves the active tuning of a lattice of microscopic crystals in skin cells called iridophores. Not only do the crystals allow the lizard to shift rapidly from efficient camouflage to spectacular mating displays, they also protect it from overheating. It was previously thought that coloured pigments were gathered and dispersed inside different cells, allowing the animal to change hues. Like some other reptiles, chameleons display a wide range of colours produced not by pigments but ‘optical interference’ between different wavelengths of reflected light from tiny crystals, the researchers claim. The crystals are arranged in layers within the iridophores. In studies of the panther chameleon, which comes from Madagascar, scientists found that the creature actively controls the way its iridophore crystals generate colour. The reptiles appear to be capable of rearranging crystals inside specialised skin cells to switch hues in order to attract a potential mate or scare off a rival. The process involves the active tuning of a lattice of microscopic crystals in skin cells called iridophores. Not only do the crystals allow the lizard to shift rapidly from efficient camouflage and spectacular mating displays, but they also protect it from overheating. It was previously thought that coloured pigments were gathered and dispersed inside different cells. It can turn from a camouflaged green to a bright yellow to attract a potential mate, for example. Physicist Jeremie Teyssier, from the University of Geneva in Switzerland, said: ‘We discovered that the animal changes its colours via the active tuning of a lattice of nanocrystals. ‘When the chameleon is calm, the latter are organised into a dense network and reflect the blue wavelengths. ‘In contrast, when excited, it loosens its lattice of nanocrystals, which allows the reflection of other colours, such as yellows or reds." The scientists also uncovered a second deeper layer of iridophores containing larger and less ordered crystals which reflect infrared light, which they reported in the study, published in the journal Nature Communications. By reflecting back the sun's heat energy, the cells prevent the chameleon getting too hot in the tropical sun. The scientists made their discovery by watching video footage of chameleons changing colour from blue to green then into yellow and orange – a pattern that couldn’t be explained by pigments in the animal’s skin. The process involves the active tuning of a lattice of

Summary: University of Geneva researchers studied panther chameleons . They found the reptiles are capable of rearranging crystals inside specialised skin cells called iridophores to change colour . Crystals allow the lizard to shift rapidly from efficient camouflage to spectacular mating displays and also protect it from overheating .


A ring crafted more than 1,000 years ago confirms highlights the contact between the Vikings and the Islamic world. Discovered inside a ninth century woman’s grave in Sweden, the stone inset into the ring bears an inscription that says ‘for Allah’ or ‘to Allah’. While it is already known that the Vikings acquired glass in far flung lands, the artefact bolsters the theory that the seafaring civilisation did business with Islamic traders. A ring (pictured) made over 1,000 years ago has confirmed contact between the Vikings and the Islamic world because it was unearthed in Sweden but bears an ancient Arabic inscription that asys 'for Allah' or 'to Allah' The ring was discovered during excavations of a Viking trading centre in Birka, Sweden, in the late 1800s, Science News reported. Since then, it has been thought that stone in the ring is violet amethyst, but now experts have revealed it is coloured glass – an exotic material at the time. Researchers at Stockholm University used a scanning electron microscope to determine the material and to clearly reveal ancient Arabic writing called Kufic writing, that reads ‘for Allah or ‘to Allah.’ It is known that Scandinavians traded glass objects from Egypt and Mesopotamia up to 3,400 years ago, so it is entirely possible that the Vikings fetched glass goods from the region instead of waiting for them to make their way north via trade networks. Ancient texts also mention trades taking place between the Vikings and members of the Islamic civilisation, which stretched from the Mediterranean to West Asia, but archaeological evidence is rare. The ring was discovered during excavations of a Viking trading centre in Birka, Sweden (shown by the red marker) which lies west of Stockholm, in the late 1800s but has now been examined under a scanning electron microscope to determine the stone is exotic glass, rather than an amythest . Ancient texts mention trades taking place between the Vikings and members of the Islamic civilisation, which stretched from the Mediterranean to West Asia, but archaeological evidence is rare. An illustration of Vikings unloading goods from a longboat is shown . The study, published in the journal Scanning, says: ‘The ring may… constitute material evidence for direct interactions between Viking Age Scandinavia and the Islamic world. ‘Being the only ring with an Arabic inscription found at a Scandinavian archaeological site, it is a unique object among Swedish Viking Age material.’ Further analysis of the ring showed that it was rarely worn. The inner ring still shows signs of where the silver was filed by a craftsman, meaning that it was probably sold as new before it became a treasured possession of a Viking woman. ‘The ring has been cast in a high-grade silver alloy (94.5/5.5 Ag/Cu) and retains the post-casting marks from the filing done to remove flash and mould lines,’ according to the study. ‘Thus, the ring has rarely been worn, and likely passed from the silversmith to the woman buried at Birka with few owners in between.’ Last year, a Viking sword was discovered in a field in

Summary: Ninth century ring was discovered in a Viking grave in Sweden . The stone is coloured glass, not amethyst, as previously thought . Contains an inscription in ancient Arabic that says 'for Allah' or 'to Allah' Artefact adds weight to theory that Vikings traded with Islamic civilisations .


An American teenager charged over the death of Australian baseballer Chris Lane has been handed a life sentence after he pleaded guilty to the random drive-by killing in 2013. Michael Jones, who was charged along with two other US teenagers, will not be eligible for parole until he is 56-years-old. Jones, who was the driver of the car from which a bullet was fired at Lane, begged for forgiveness as he was sentenced a minimum of 38 years in prison, the ABC reports. Lane, 22, from Melbourne, was shot in the back on August 16, 2013, in what police said was a random killing as he ran along a road in Duncan, southern Oklahoma, where he was on a sporting scholarship. American Michael Dewayne Jones has been sentenced to life in prison after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for his involvement in the killing of Christopher Lane . The two other teens, charged with first-degree murder and accessory in the first, will face court next month. They were 17 and 16 at the time of the baseballer’s death. In December 2013, in the first courageous interview since her son’s death, Lane’s mother Donna Lane told the Daily Mail she doesn’t care what happens to the teens charged with killing her son. 'It's not going to bring my Chris back,' she said. Ms Lane told how she had shed tears every day for her only son, admitting that even though he had been living in the US for the past four years her life in Melbourne has been empty knowing he's never coming back for a visit. At her home in the suburb of Pascoe Vale, lying between Melbourne city centre and the airport, Donna opened a photograph album put together as a special memorial for her by his friends in the US. Lane (left and right), 22, from Melbourne, was shot in the back on August 16, 2013, in what police said was a random killing as he ran along a road in Duncan, southern Oklahoma, where he was on a sporting scholarship . Right there on the first page was a shot that makes her so proud - Chris in his baseball strip crouching, waiting for a catch. 'He was always good with the ball almost as soon as he could walk,' she said, turning the pages, smiling at one of him poking his tongue out at the camera. 'I'm not at all surprised he ended up as such a talented player. 'I know that his friends see him as a brilliant catcher and while he might be a super-hero to them he's still my son and what strikes me all the time is that even though he's so special I can't have him back. 'People ask me all the time what I think about the three who have been arrested in connection with his murder. But do you know what - I don't care. Donna Lane, mother of shot Australian baseball player Chris Lane, holds a framed Christmas card he and his girlfriend Sarah Harper had sent her on

Summary: Michael Jones drove the car from which Chris Lane, 22, was shot at . Lane, from Melbourne, was killed on August 2013 while jogging . He was shot in the back on a street in Oklahoma . Two other teens will face court, charged with first degree murder and accessory in the first, next month .


Michael Gove proposed new taxes on the 'undeserving rich' last night, saying the Tories will only win the general election if voters believe the party are 'warriors for the dispossessed'. Painting a broad, positive vision for five more years in power, the party's chief whip said the wealthiest already pay the most towards reducing the deficit, but insisted: 'We expect them to pay more.' Official figures show that despite the economic crisis, inequality has fallen since 2010 – an achievement he said the Conservatives should trumpet rather than 'overlook'. Tough stance: Chief Whip Michael Gove (pictured) proposed new taxes on the 'undeserving rich' last night, saying the Tories will only win the the election if voters believe the party are 'warriors for the dispossessed' He added: 'The reductions in public expenditure have been accompanied by tax reform to ensure the undeserving rich pay more.' In a speech in London at the launch of modernising Tory campaign group The Good Right, he said that making it easier for families to buy their own homes is a 'quintessentially progressive cause' and central to the Tory campaign. That will be seen as a strong hint that the party's manifesto will include extensions to the Right to Buy programme started by Margaret Thatcher and the Help to Buy scheme introduced by George Osborne. Mr Gove also hailed the Government's reforms to welfare, education and pensions. He claimed that Labour would stop social progress in its tracks if returned to power in May – propped up by Scottish Nationalists – who are 'even less progressive than Labour'. Mr Gove insisted his intervention was not meant as a swipe at the election campaign masterminded by chief strategist Lynton Crosby. But it will be seen as backing for those who have been calling for a more upbeat tone to the campaign. Senior Tories, including Home Secretary Theresa May, have in recent weeks called for a more encouraging pitch, focused on the party's achievements in office and compassionate vision for the future. The Chancellor is expected to use next week's Budget to underline the Tories' pledge to lift the threshold for basic rate tax to £12,500, freeing more of the lower-paid from tax, and to lift the 40p bracket to £50,000, helping the middle classes. Mr Gove's speech repeatedly referred to 'compassionate Conservatism'. Slow progress: He claimed that Labour - led by Ed Miliband (pictured) would stop social progression in its tracks if returned to power in May – propped up by Scottish Nationalists . He said: 'Only if we remind people of our commitment to social justice, demonstrate our belief in equality of opportunity and affirm that we are warriors for the dispossessed, will we be able to win arguments and elections, and then be in a position genuinely to help the vulnerable and the voiceless.' The Government's greatest achievement has been 'getting Britain back to work', he said, adding: 'In the last five years, Britain has created more jobs than the whole of the rest of the European Union put together.' Britain's global export trade is booming –

Summary: Gove said rich are already paying most but 'we expect them to pay more' He wants Tories to trumpet the fact that inequality has fallen since 2010 . Hinted their next manifesto would extend the 'Right to Buy' programme . Social progress would stop if Labour come into power in May, Gove said . Trade deficit dropped to £600million in January from a high of £2.1billion .


We’ve known for centuries that man’s best friend is the dog - right? Not necessarily, according to a latest YouGov study, which found that lobsters were the preferred animals for men - when compared to the choices by women - followed by alligators, sticklebacks, sharks and eagles. For women, meanwhile, the results were a bit more timid - with miniature pigs, cats, ponies, donkeys and chinchillas making up the top five. Man's new best friend? Dogs may have once ruled the roost, but now according to a YouGov survey of people in the UK, men prefer lobsters as their favourite animal - when compared to female choices - which may be because they associate them with fine dining (picture of red reef lobster shown) The study involved a poll of 190,000 YouGov members in the UK, which the company says is ‘perhaps the largest dataset ever collected of people’s passions and phobias in the animal world’. Overall, when gender is not taken into account, the nation’s favourite animals are dogs, tigers, elephants, cats and dolphins. The least favoured are eels, millipedes and spiders. When male choices were compared to female choices, however, there was a surprising battle of the sexes on what the most popular animals were. The data showed that lobsters were the most popular animal among men when compared to those less liked by women, followed by alligators, sticklebacks and so on. For women, compared to men, it was miniature pigs at the top of the list, followed by cats and ponies. As for the most popular animals, the study found that things like dogs and snails were slightly more popular among women than men. Men were more likely to prefer 'heroic', 'aggressive' or 'creepy' animals, while women preferred 'cute', 'beautiful' and 'exotic' species. In the episode of The Simpsons titled Lisa Gets an 'A' (seventh episode of season 10), Homer Simpsons gets a pet lobster that he names Pinchy, and unfortunately ends up cooking him towards the end of the episode. While his actions seemed bizarre, did Homer actually predict that the animal was favoured by men? For women, when their choices were compared to men, their favourite animals were miniature pigs (shown), followed by cats, ponies, donkeys and chinchillas . ‘Animals with violent defensive abilities - sharks, eagles and piranhas - are particularly favoured by men,’ noted Will Dahlgreen in an article for YouGov. ‘The only mammal in the top 20 most uniquely male animals is the Narwhal, while every animal in the corresponding female list apart from the penguin and butterfly is mammal.’ Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Dahlgreen added that his suspicion as to why men are more likely to have a positive impression of lobsters is because they associate them with fine dining . 'As for why miniature pigs score so highly on female uniqueness, this isn’t because men are particularly likely to dislike them, but because women are more likely to be drawn towards cute animals,' he continued. 'We can’t tell for sure, but I suspect this is because it is easier to anthropomorphise these

Summary: YouGov survey asked 190,000 people in the UK which animals they liked . For both genders the most popular animals were dogs and tigers . But when the genders were correlated, the results were surprising . Men preferred lobsters, alligators, sticklebacks, sharks and eagles . Women were in favour of miniature pigs, cats, ponies and donkeys .


These are the stunning aerial images that appear to show an 'underwater vortex' in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mauritius. But despite the appearance of an underwater waterfall along the coast of the tropical island, it is really an optical illusion. The illusion of the dramatic vortex has been created by a run-off of sand and silt deposits. The optical illusion, off the south-west tip of the island, can be seen from a bird's eye view and is even present on Google maps. The island nation of Mauritius was first discovered by Arabic explorers and has since been colonised by the Portuguese, French, British and Dutch. Mauritius, which lies off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, became independent in 1968 and a republic in 1992. Dramatic: Aerial pictures appear to show an 'underwater vortex' in the Indian Ocean off the coast of the tropical island of Mauritius . Trick: The 'vortex' is really an optical illusion and is caused by a build up of sand and silt deposits along the coast of Mauritius . Aerial view: The illusion can only be seen when looking from a bird's eye view and is even present on Google maps pictures . Tropical: The island of Mauritius was first discovered by Arabic explorers and has since been colonised by the Portuguese, French, British and Dutch . Island: Mauritius lies in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa and near to Madagascar. It declared independence in 1968 and became a republic in 1992 .

Summary: Stunning aerial pictures appear to show a dramatic 'underwater vortex' in the Indian Ocean near to Mauritius . But the vanishing waterfall is really an optical illusion caused by sand and silt deposits along the coastline . Illusion can be seen from a bird's eye view on the island's south-western tip and is even present on Google maps .


Aidy Boothroyd has selected his England under 20 squad for the forthcoming friendlies with Mexico and the United States. His 22-man group features a number of names who have impressed in the Sky Bet Championship this season, as well as some promising youngsters at Barclays Premier League clubs. The Young Lions play Mexico at The Hive, home of Barnet, on March 25 (7.45pm) before heading down to Devon to take on the USA at Plymouth's Home Park on March 29 (3pm). Chuba Akpom celebrates scoring during England U20's international with Holland back in October . Chelsea's Lewis Baker, currently on loan at Swindon, has also been selected . Among those picked by Boothroyd are Arsenal's Chuba Akpom and Chelsea duo Lewis Baker, currently on loan at MK Dons, and John Swift, playing for Swindon at present. The leading lights selected from Championship clubs include Derby's Kwame Thomas, Nottingham Forest's Ben Osborn and Alex Mowatt of Leeds United. Brentford defender Moses Odubajo and Derby midfielder Jamie Hanson are called up for the first time. 'It has been four months since we were last together and after an excellent start to a new team’s campaign we are now finding our players dotted around the Football League and Premier League, which will only add to their experience when they play for England,' said Boothroyd. Derby forward Kwame Thomas has also been selected for the matches with Mexico and the United States . Nottingham Forest's Ben Osborn (right) is also named in the 22-man squad for the double-header . Alex Mowatt of Leeds United, here tackled by Fulham's Scott Parker, is also named in the squad . 'We are now looking forward to building on that momentum with the double-header against USA and Mexico. 'Our opponents this March have been carefully selected as we continue to provide the players with a full and varied development programme. 'Both USA and Mexico will be competing in the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand, and both fixtures promise to be challenging encounters for us. Each challenge will require maximum concentration and discipline from every player. Another invaluable lesson for them in their future careers.' Tickets for both games are still on sale now, priced at £3 for adults and £1.50. Call 0208 381 3800 for tickets at the Hive, and 0845 872 3335 for the game in Plymouth. Goalkeepers: Christian Walton (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jordan Pickford (Sunderland) Defenders: Dominic Iorfa (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Moses Odubajo (Brentford), Dominic Ball (Cambridge United - loan from Spurs), Baily Cargill (AFC Bournemouth), Kortney Hause (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Jordan Turnbull (Swindon Town - loan from Southampton), Harry Toffollo (Swindon Town - loan from Norwich City) Midfielders: Harrison Reed (Southampton), Jack Barmby (Leicester City), Jack Stephens (Swindon Town - loan from Southampton), Jamie Hanson (Derby County), Lewis Baker (MK Dons - loan from Chelsea), Matty Grimes (Swansea City), Ben Osborn (Nottingham Forest), Alex Mowatt (Leeds United), John Swift (Swindon Town - loan from Chelsea) Forwards: Callum Robinson (Preston North End - loan from Aston Villa), Chuba Akpom (Arsenal), Kwame Thomas (Derby County), Chris Long (Brentford

Summary: Aidy Boothroyd's side take on Mexico at The Hive, Barnet on March 25 . They then play USA at Home Park in Plymouth on March 29 . 22-man squad contains a number of Championship first-team players .


She's a great-grandmother and 102 years old but that doesn't stop Margaret Deas working out five days a week. Incredibly the Sydney woman was never keen on exercise in her youth - the only thing she did to keep fit was walking - but that all changed when she reached her 90s and broke her pelvis. Now Margaret enjoys the gym and exercise classes with her friends at the Thomas Holt Sans Souci Gardens aged care facility, in Sydney. Margaret Deas, 102, could very well be Australia's fittest great grandmother after she completed 102 squats on her birthday this year . She's a great-grandmother but that doesn't stop Margaret Deas working out five days a week . Incredibly Margaret was never keen on exercise in her youth - the only thing she did to keep fit was walking - but that all changed when she reached her 90s and broke her pelvis . And while some may like to take it easy on their birthday, Margaret decided to complete her most impressive feat yet in celebration of her special day earlier this year. ‘Last year my physio John said I'm going to get you to do 102 squats for your birthday, I said 'you have to be joking',’ Margaret told the Daily Mail Australia. ‘I've never really exercised. When I was young I did the Girl Guides and all the activities that came with that,’ she added. ‘But later it was mainly walking; my eldest girl was about 15 or 16 before we had a car so we used to walk to the train station when we wanted to go somewhere.’ Physio John Abd-Mariam has been working with Margaret, a mother of four daughters, for a number of years, and when they first met the 102-year-old was not nearly as fit as she is now. One of her four daughters Suzanne said her mother was never really into exercise when she was younger . But she did enjoy riding horses in her leisure time - pictured here on horseback with her husband Colin . Margaret initially took a bit of persuading to start exercising but once she started she didn't look back . ‘Initially we worked on basic standing balance exercises. She could manage about two minutes before fatiguing,’ John told Daily Mail Australia. A few years earlier Margaret had broken her pelvis in three places, at the age of 93, and needed to be rehabilitated after that. ‘Through her regular attendance at the classes (over 12 months), and her willingness to be encouraged to improve, she managed to increase to over 10 minutes of continuous standing exercises,’ John continued. Her daughter, Suzane, said the improvement in her mother in recent years has been phenomenal . Her transformation is incredible as Margaret had broken her pelvis in three places when she was 93 and needed rehabilitation . From there John continued to encourage Margaret to keep getting better. And in January 31 this year she completed over 102 squats – and all in the name of charity. ‘It was in late December

Summary: Margaret Deas turned 102 on January 31 this year and celebrated by completing more than 102 squats for charity . Her physio John Abd-Mariam came up with the idea last year and Margaret initially said 'you have to be joking' She only began exercising after breaking her pelvis at the age of 93 . Margaret's friend Pauline Sciberras has now started doing squats too . The pair love to throw the ball to each other as well as singing, balance activities, weights, and a little bit of cardio .


Shana Mooyman turned her back on a glamorous life as a model and swapped it for a job in the iron ore mines of Western Australia, which has earned her enough money to buy her three investment properties. The 25-year-old started modelling from a young age and often saw her face plastered on promotional nightclub and festival posters. Ms Mooyman, from Bunbury in Western Australia, made the unusual career switch at the age of 19 when she became a mobile plant operator at a mineral sands mine in Cataby. Shana Mooyman used to be a promotional model but now she drives heavy machinery in the mines . After six years behind the wheel of heavy machinery, Ms Mooyman, who is now a fully qualified operator, is adamant she can hold her own - despite working in such a predominately male industry. 'I was a little nervous first coming into this work, being so isolated from everyone into such a small area grouped together with mainly blokes around,' she said. 'But I survived my first couple of shifts and an older lady took me under her wing. 'We started having after work drinks with my crew and that's when the potty mouth started. 'They converted me. I was now just one of the guys holding my ground not taking any of their nonsense. 'You just need to learn to speak up and don't take their jibes seriously and you'll be fine.' At 19, she decided to leave the modelling industry (right) behind and head to the mines at Cataby in Western Australia (left) She is now a fully qualified mobile plant operator at a mineral sands mine because she wanted to do something new and exciting . Ms Mooyman said she wanted to move into the mining industry as it was 'something so new and exciting' with 'heaps to be learnt'. 'Once I started I was earning more than I ever did locally and loved being outdoors all day. I couldn't imagine doing anything else,' she said. 'It's definitely not for all men and women as there are so many downsides to being away.' Ms Mooyman said she left the modelling industry because she needed a more stable profession. 'I started modelling at a young age but it was never serious enough for me to take it up further,' she said. 'When I was 18 years old I did a lot of promotional modelling night clubs, festivals and concerts in the Perth area. Ms Mooyman (pictured left and right) said she earned more working at the mines than she ever did locally . 'This involved photo shoots for particular venues to use for advertising purposes so I was plastered on posters for events also wearing certain outfits. 'But I was paying off loans and needed a change of job so a friend helped me out.' Now Shana has three investment properties and is hoping her successful stint at the mine will help her set-up a life with her partner. She said she was grateful for the opportunities given to her, but she realised

Summary: Shana Mooyman, 25, used to be a promotional model when she was 18 . The Western Australian now works at a mineral sands mine in Cataby . After six years, Ms Mooyman is now a fully qualified mobile plant operator . She earns more than she did as a model and has investment properties .


Riders were left shaken after the Cyclone at Coney Island got stuck at the top of its track forcing them to climb down to safety on opening day of the amusement park. The 24 passengers made their way slowly from around 10ft from the top of the the 88-year-old roller coaster after it stopped at about 12pm on Sunday. The riders were enjoying the first public ride during the opening of Luna Park's summer season before it malfunctioned. They were able to climb down to safety and there were no reported injuries following the incident. Scroll down for video . Riders were left stranded after the legendary Coney Island Cyclone got stuck at the top of its track during its inaugural run. Passengers on the roller coaster had to climb down to safety . The 24 passengers were evacuated by climbing down the walkway lining the 88-year-old rollercoaster after it stopped around 10ft from the top at 12pm on Sunday . Some of the passengers called the experience 'terrifying' after they safely made it to the bottom . After the roller coaster came to a halt, riders were stranded for about ten minutes before they climbed down the small walkway lining the track, according to CBS. One passenger said the entire experience was scary. 'It was terrifying, because I was up there and everything was spinning,' Gabriella Centeno said once she climbed to the bottom. 'I didn't know what to do.' A small mechanical glitch was likely the cause of the roller coaster getting stuck, said Luna Park spokeswoman Erica Hoffman. Angie Morris, the park's brand manager, said a problem like this one had not happened in a long time, and that tests were conducted on the roller coaster during the last month ahead of opening day, according to NBC. Riders were enjoying the first public ride of the 2015 season before it came to a halt and left them stranded for about ten minutes . A rider who is afraid of heights said 'it was insane' but that she made it down with the help of employees . A member of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club runs out of the ocean after taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean on March 29, 2015 during opening day of Luna Park for the season . A member of the club dries off after his quick swim in the ocean at Coney Island while others were wrapped up in coats . Another rider, who is afraid of heights, said the climb down was made easier with the help of the park's employees. Ann Dartany said: 'I'm scared of heights. But with their help I made it down. This was insane.' Prior to the two dozen passengers getting stuck, a group of dignitaries had taken a ride on the Cyclone. The roller coaster was closed while technicians repaired it and officials said they hoped it would only be shut down for a maximum of two hours. A mechanical glitch was likely the cause of the historic roller coaster stopping on its track, said Luna

Summary: 24 riders were left stranded for around ten minutes after it came to a stop . 88-year-old roller coaster malfunctioned during its inaugural run on Sunday . It was likely caused by a mechanical glitch and no injuries were reported . First 100 guests were given a free ride on the Cyclone during opening day .


Horrified witnesses screamed at 30-year-old Jesus Rodriguez Rojas to stop inappropriately touching his four-year-old niece and immediately told police, authorities said on Friday. Rojas has been arrested and charged with sex abuse and injuring a child. NY1 reports that Rojas was riding on the Q53 bus in Queens with the young girl when he allegedly started touching her in a sexual manner. Witnesses say they saw Rojas engaging in the perverse behavior and yelled at him to stop. The child has been taken to the hospital for evaluation. It is unknown whether or not the child will be placed with her other family members at this time. Say something: Jesus Rodriguez Rojas was allegedly riding on the Q53 bus in Queens with the young girl when he allegedly started touching her in a sexual manner and witnesses told police .

Summary: Witnesses say they saw 30-year-old Jesus Rodriguez Rojas inappropriately touching his four-year-old niece and begged him to stop . Rojas has been arrested and charged with sex abuse and injuring a child . The child has been taken to the hospital for evaluation .


Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes Per Mertesacker's omission from Arsenal's starting line-up for Sunday's win over Everton 'could be a defining moment in changing the club's back four'. January signing Gabriel Paulista was preferred to the German in defence, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger telling BT Sport that the change was made in order to give Mertesacker a rest. Sportsmail's Keown, speaking as a pundit on BT Sport, reacted to the news of Mertesacker's absence for the crucial game at the Emirates saying: 'I don't you can point the finger at one player after the Monaco game. It's a big chance for Gabriel now, though. Martin Keown believes Per Mertesacker's omission could be a defining moment in Arsenal's defence . Keown (third right) was joined by Steve McManaman (far right) and Michael Owen (second left) on BT Sport . 'I think it could be a defining moment in changing Arsenal's back four now, for sure. 'Mertesacker, with the experience he has in the game, should have been calling these young players back the other night, the two full-backs were just drifting up the pitch and not coming back. 'When he's been left isolated one-on-one he struggles due to his lack of pace too. Gabriel is keen to defend so he'll be relishing this opportunity to stamp a claim for a first-team spot.' The German defender (centre) looks on despondently after Arsenal concede a third goal on Wednesday . Arsene Wenger has come under a barrage of criticism after Arsenal's shock defeat to Monaco on Wednesday . Wenger, who has come under fierce criticism after Wednesday night's 3-1 defeat by Monaco in the Champions League, maintained he is still fully committed to Arsenal, urging supporters to stand by the team ahead of the 2-0 win over Roberto Martinez's men. In an interview with BT Sport he said: 'We have always been united at Arsenal so I ask the fans to stay behind the team and show how strong you believe in the team even after Wednesday's disappointing result. ‘In the last 25 years I’ve always finished in the top three four and that consistency has given me belief and confidence to continuing to manage at the highest level. I’m as committed as I’ve ever been to deliver success to this team.'

Summary: Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon . Per Mertesacker was a headline omission from Arsenal's starting line-up . The 30-year-old struggled during Wednesday's 3-1 defeat at the hands of Monaco in the Champions League . Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said the German has been rested . Sportsmail's Martin Keown believes it could be a defining moment in changing Arsenal's back four .


A man rushed to hospital for a kidney transplant has spoken of the dilemma he faced after learning the donor organ could be infected with HIV. Tony Gartside had waited four years for a donor organ before he finally got the call to say a kidney and pancreas had become available. The transplant window was so small that after putting the phone down at 3am, he was rushed from his home in Plymouth to Oxford for the operation. But upon arriving, he was told that the organs had come from the victim of a drugs overdose - and it would be two weeks before tests revealed if they were HIV free. Tony Gartside, 40, had waited four years for a donor organ before he finally got the call to say a kidney had become available. But he faced a dilemma after learning the donor organ could be infected with HIV . Mr Gartside, 40, was born with type 1 diabetes, and his kidneys began to fail by the time he was 32. He said: 'They showed me into a room and told me the donor organs had come from a death by drug overdose and asked if I still wanted to go ahead. 'Because the person died by drug overdose, they wouldn't know whether the donor had HIV for two weeks. 'It was a scary process having to say yes or no after sitting in the back of an ambulance for hours. 'I thought: "Do I risk it and say yes, or do I say no and wait another 18 months, or even longer?" 'In the end, I went ahead with it.' The kidney transplant surgery took 10 hours and left Mr Gartside with 32 staples in his stomach. After the surgery, he was sick for days, unable to even stand up straight, and was concerned about the risk of HIV. Two weeks later the HIV results came back - and were, to his relief, negative. He has since made a full recovery. Mr Gartside said: 'My diabetes has completely changed - it's amazing - and even that doesn't describe how good I feel. 'It's a second chance and I will be forever grateful to the donor's parents for making that decision.' Two weeks after the kidney transplant, the HIV results came back - and were negative . He has now set up a support group for transplant patients - the Mayflower Support Group - which supports patients going through the transplant procedure. He explained: 'Doctors have the clinical experience and can tell you what's going to happen during surgery, but they don't have a realistic explanation of what is going to happen for the patient. 'It's good to have someone to talk to who has been through what they're about to go through. 'The transplant has made me feel like I really want to give something back.' Last year, two patients in Wales died after being given kidney transplants infected with a parasitic worm. Darren Hughes, 42, and Robert 'Jim' Stuart, 67, were each given a kidney from a transplant donor

Summary: Tony Gartside, 40, had waited 4 years for a donor kidney and pancreas . Eventually got a call to say there was one available and rushed to hospital . There, doctors informed him the donor had died from a drug overdose . HIV test results would take 2 weeks, while transplant had to be immediate . Mr Gartside decided to take the gamble and accept the infected organs . Has since been told the donor did not have HIV .


Former Olympic champion and convicted drugs cheat Justin Gatlin has been handed a new sponsorship deal by Nike, sparking outrage in the Athletics world. The 33-year-old was the fastest man in the world last year, but few expected him to be handed such a lucrative contract after twice being banned for doping. And several British athletes, including Paula Radcliffe, who is also sponsored by the sports goods company, hit out at the decision. Justin Gatlin (left) has been given a new sponsorship deal by Nike, despite two bans for doping . Gatlin was the fastest man in the world last yea, but his new deal has sparked controversy . 'I am very disappointed to hear this news,' Radcliffe wrote on Twitter. 'I don't believe it truly reflects the core values of the NIKE that I am poud to represent, nor the integrity and ideals of the people there that I work with on a daily basis.' Olympic silver medalist Steve Backley questioned Nike's message to young athletes, while former heptathlete Kelly Sotherton also hit out at the deal. 'What sort of a message is that from #Nike signing new sponsorship with multiple drug cheat Justin Gatlin? #DrugCheatsOut' wrote Backley on Twitter. The American sprinter has won Olympic gold, but his two drugs bans have made him a controversial figure . Sotherton tweeted: 'What inspiration does Justin Gatlin give up & coming athletes @nike? Take drugs, get caught twice and sign a shoe contract?! #Doping #cheat'. Gatlin was banned for a maximum of eight years by the United States Anti-Doping Agency after testing positive for testosterone at the Kansas Relays in Lawrence in 2006 - his second failed drugs test. He served a four-year ban after appeal to arbitration and - after his return to the sport in 2010 - he ran the fastest 100 metres in the world in last year as he clocked 9.77 seconds to claim a dominant victory at the Memorial van Damme in Brussels last September.

Summary: Gatlin will run with Nike sponsorship this season . The American sprinter has twice been banned for drug offenses . Paula Radcliffe is among British athletes to speak out against the deal .


It's good while it lasts. Adoring crowds, glittering black-tie events and lucrative opportunities to spin turntables in nightclubs, open supermarkets or turn on Christmas tree lights. However, when the showbiz spotlight dims, what happens to those faces who once graced our television screens on a regular basis can seem relatively cruel... they have to get a proper job. Pictures emerged this week of Daniella Westbrook, once the darling of the Queen Vic pub in EastEnders, pulling pints to make ends meet in a real-life London boozer. Star of the bar: Former Eastenders actress Daniella Westbrook has been doing shifts at The Bill Nicholson pub in Tottenham, North London. Daniella tweeted that the pub work made her feel 'useful' Life imitating art: Daniella (left) played Peggy Mitchell's daughter Sam in the hit soap from the age of 16. The actress, 41, pictured earlier this year (right), has since fallen on harder times . Daniella, 41, has been putting in shifts behind the bar at The Bill Nicholson in Tottenham. Describing her new vocation on Twitter, the out-of-work actress said: 'I help my mate at her pub @thebillnicn17 it makes me feel useful and I laugh all day.' Daniella, who was cast as Peggy Mitchell's daughter Sam in EastEnders when she was just 16, famously battled a cocaine addiction which forced her septum, the bridge under the nose, to collapse. In recent years, the actress has appeared on reality television and even had a stint in Los Angeles, but is now keeping herself busy in the footballing pub, a stone's throw from the Spurs ground. Daniella isn't the only famous face forced to roll up her sleeves and get a real job though. Westlife hearthrob Mark Feehily, who once toured the globe as part of Irish supergroup Westlife, has been spotted brewing up coffees and selling crepes in his foodie van, which parks up at festivals. Although the singer is about to embark on a solo singing career, Mark - now preferring to be called Markus, is proud of his tea-making skills. Make mine a cappuccino: Westlife singer Mark Feehily (top left) is launching a solo career but also has his own coffee and crepes van, which he parks up at events. Mark says: 'It's my business and I love it' Former life: The singer (second from left) was one quarter of Irish supergroup Westlife, which had seven number one albums and toured the globe . From Platt to that: Sean Wilson, who trod the cobbles of Weatherfield as Martin Platt (pictured with onscreen wife Gail, left) for 21 years has turned his hand to cheese-making with the Saddlesworth Cheese Company . He told the Mirror: 'It's my business and I love it, anything I get involved in I get involved 110%. 'A couple of Irish people came up and were like "Wait a minute, what are you doing in a van?" 'I love festivals, so why not?' He's not the only one serving up culinary delights. Former actor Sean Wilson, who played Martin Platt in Coronation Street for 21 years, is now making

Summary: Ex-EastEnder Daniella, 41, has been working at The Bill Nicholson pub in Tottenham . Says shifts behind the North London boozer make her feel 'useful' Other stars with regular jobs include Mark Feehily from Westlife, who has his own food van, selling coffee and crepes to festival-goers .


Comic Relief has broken the £1billion barrier after raising more than £78million on this year's Red Nose Day alone. A host of celebrities including Rowan Atkinson and David Walliams performed one-off sketches while others completed crazy challenges for the annual event. The total before last night’s telethon stood at £960m but record-breaking donations smashed the charity's target of raising £1bn by its thirtieth year. Scroll down for video . Comic Relief has broken the £1billion barrier after raising more than £78million on this year's Red Nose Day alone. Fans were delighted when Rowan Atkinson (above) reprised his much-loved role as Mr Bean in his first Red Nose Day appearance in eight years . In the sketch, pictured above during filming, Mr Bean ends up attending the wrong funeral and causes a scene . Fans were delighted when Atkinson reprised his much-loved role as Mr Bean in his first Red Nose Day appearance in eight years. His sketch saw him attend the wrong funeral before causing a scene by knocking the coffin of its stand. He even paused to take a selfie of himself with the coffin during the skit. Host Lenny Henry thanked Atkinson for his 'amazing' work - although some people on social media were left claiming it was 'distasteful'. Viewers also saw David Walliams re-establish Little Britain character Lou. But while the carer is normally seen looking after Andy the role of his fraudulent sidekick was instead played by Stephen Hawking. The theoretical physicist turned his wheelchair into a Transformer to attack Walliams and Catherine Tate - who played a nun - in the comedy skit. Hawking even made a famous Little Britain line his own as he said 'computer says die' before zapping Lou off the planet. David Walliams (left) re-established Little Britain character Lou and the sketch saw theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking (centre) join him as his sidekick . Comedian Catherine Tate (left) also appeared in the skit, which saw Professor Hawking launch an attack by turning his wheelchair into a Transformer . In a separate challenge Walliams snogged Hollywood hunk Orlando Bloom as the pair prepared to beat the world record for the most amount of kisses received in 30 seconds. Bloom went straight for the comedian, who has recently separated from model wife Lara Stone. Emma Watson used her appearance with Dawn French in a Vicar Of Dibley sketch to mix her gender equality work with a little comedy. The UN Ambassador was one of a host of women - including Maureen Lipman and Ruth Jones - who were vying for the job of archbishop after being informed that women now qualified for the role. Dawn French (centre) appeared in a new Vicar of Dibley sketch, complete with Red Noses . Emma Watson (left) was part of the sketch, which saw a host of women vying for the job of archbishop after being informed that women now qualified for the role . The show kicked off with Radio 2 DJ Dermot O'Leary completing a 24-hour danceathon to raise £643,336. The 41-year-old completed his epic challenge by

Summary: More than £78m was raised through this year's annual event alone . Show kicked off with Dermot O'Leary completing 24-hour danceathon . Rowan Atkinson made first Red Nose Day appearance in eight years . Sketch saw him attend the wrong funeral and take a selfie with the coffin . David Walliams persuaded Stephen Hawking to appear in Little Britain skit . Other highlights included Vicar of Dibley sketch and One Direction spoof .


Archaeologists have discovered the long lost remains of Miguel de Cervantes - the author of Don Quixote . Archaeologists have discovered the long lost remains of Miguel de Cervantes - the author of Don Quixote- in a Madrid chapel. Forensic scientists said they found the bones of the famous Spanish writer and his family in Madrid's Convent of the Barefoot Trinitarians. The author of The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha,' considered the most influential work of Spanish literature, was buried in 1616 and the church was later rebuilt. But his remains were moved into the new building in the late 17th Century, and disappeared. His bones were lost for centuries until earlier this year when archaeologists used 3D scanners, infrared cameras and ground-penetrating radar to discover a forgotten crypt under the building. Inside the niche, they found the lid of a coffin with the initials MC - for Miguel de Cervantes - and bones of at least ten people were also found inside the niche. Researchers said separating and identifying his badly damaged remains will be difficult but work is underway to recover his bones. Although there is no genetic proof at this stage, the team of anthropologists and archaeologists said they were confident of the claim on the basis of the documentary research they carried out. 'The remains are in a bad state of conservation and do not allow us to do an individual identification of Miguel de Cervantes,' forensic scientist Almudena Garcia Rubio told the BBC. Scroll down for video . 'But we are sure what the historical sources say is the burial of Miguel de Cervantes and the other people buried with him is what we have found.' Discovery: Experts analyse bones to find the remains of the 17th Century author Miguel de Cervantes at the Convent of the Barefoot Trinitarians in Madrid . On one of the wooden fragments the initials 'MC' can be clearly seen; investigators also discovered bones which they have determined belong to the late author Miguel de Cervantes . Cervantes was 69 when he died in 1616 and in accordance with his wishes, he was buried in the Convent of the Barefoot Trinitarians in Madrid's historic Barrio de las Letras, or Literary Quarter. 1547: Born near Madrid . 1571: Shot and wounded at Battle of Lepanto . 1575: Captured and enslaved for five years in Algiers . 1605: Publishes first part of The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. 1615: Cervantes published the second part of his celebrated work . 1616: Cervantes dies aged 68, from suspected diabetes and with just six teeth remaining. He is buried at Convent of Barefoot Trinitarians . 1673: His remains are lost went when the convent is rebuilt . 2015: His tomb is rediscovered . His remains were then lost for centuries after his bones mysteriously went missing in 1673 when building works was done at the convent. Investigators were able to use clues from the author's own stories to help them identify the remains. Shortly before his death Cervantes wrote that he only has

Summary: Miguel de Cervantes was buried in 1616 in the Literary Quarter in Madrid . His remains went missing centuries ago when work was done to convent . In January a coffin lid with initial MC and bodies of 10 people were found . Forensic scientists now say the find is the missing remains of Cervantes .


The Labour Party has received donations totalling almost £600,000 from a multi-millionaire hedge fund manager whose identity officials have tried to keep secret, it emerged last night. Martin Taylor has been unveiled as the benefactor who has given the Labour Party donations totalling £591,800 since 2012 – making him the party's fourth-largest donor. Ed Miliband has had at least one private meeting with him. Labour leader Ed Miliband has had at least one private meeting with multi-millionaire hedge fund manager Martin Taylor, who has been unveiled as the benefactor who has been giving Labour Party donations of £591,800 since 2012 . The Labour leader has previously attacked the Conservatives for being 'the party of Mayfair hedge funds' – yet Mr Taylor's firm is based in the same exclusive area of London. Labour has promised to be open about its financial supporters. But the party faced accusations last night that it had repeatedly failed to identify Mr Taylor. Labour has promised to be open about its financial supporters. But the party faced accusations last night that it had repeatedly failed to identify Mr Taylor . A Liberal Democrat peer suspended himself from the party last night, amid claims the Lib Dems had accepted another potentially illegal donation. The party reportedly took cash from a journalist posing as a businessman who registered the donation as coming from his stepfather. The Electoral Commission is now investigating the matter, as using a relation as a proxy is not permitted. A Lib Dem spokesman said Lord Strasburger – recorded discussing the donation in a Channel 4 Dispatches investigation – denied wrongdoing. The peer insisted he had 'committed no offence' but added: 'I have resigned the whip ... until the investigation is completed.' Prospective candidate Ibrahim Taguri stood down earlier this month following claims he had told an undercover reporter how to make a donation that would not be declared publicly. The Times reported that it first asked Labour about his identity several months ago. Parties are required to identify all donors who have given more than £7,500. But because only the name of the donors are published, it can be difficult to identify individuals with a common name such as Taylor. Yesterday, under further pressure from newspapers, Labour issued a statement from Mr Taylor which identified him as a hedge fund millionaire. The donor said: 'There is no mystery. This 'Martin Taylor' is me. I am a born and bred Londoner, who also happens to be a hedge fund manager. And I am proud to support the Labour Party.' The 46-year-old runs a fund for Nevsky Capital and at one point was in charge of more than £2billion of funds. He said his support reflected a belief that 'everyone should contribute to society and that those who are lucky enough to earn a lot should contribute more'. Mr Taylor is domiciled in the UK for tax purposes. Sir Alistair Graham, the former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism that the revelation exposed Labour to a charge of hypocrisy

Summary: One of Labour's biggest private donors is hedge fund boss Martin Taylor . Labour Party has repeatedly refused to reveal the multi-millionaire . Comes as it attacked Tories for being 'the party of Mayfair hedge funds'


Shocking: Virginia Roberts' friends claim she was a money-hungry sex kitten' who enjoyed her lavish lifestyle . The woman who has accused Jeffery Epstein of keeping her as a sex slave was actually a money-hungry sex kitten' who enjoyed her lavish lifestyle, former friends have claimed. Virginia Roberts is currently in the midst of a lawsuit claiming she was recruited to join Epstein's harem of underage women in 1999, naming Prince Andrew and attorney Alan Dershowitz as two of the men she was made to 'service'. But those who used to be close to the 31-year-old say she relished her role as his 'travelling masseuse' and never acted like she was being held captive. Philip Guderyon, who used to date Roberts and would drive her to Epstein's Pal Beach, Florida, mansion told the New York Daily News: 'She was like the head b***h. She’d have like nine or 10 girls she used to bring to him. 'She never looked like she was being held captive,' he added. 'She and the other girls would walk out of there smiling, with their little bathing suits on, like they had just come from the beach. 'She’d have like $4,000. And then I’d take them all to the mall and they’d get their nails done.' He also said while making thousands of dollars from the relationship, she would buy fancy clothes and drive around in Epstein's Mercedes. Crystal Figueroa, whose brother dated Roberts in the early 2000s, told the Daily News Roberts would ask if she knew anyone 'slutty' so they could be sent to Epstein. In 2001 she was sharing a Palm Beach apartment with Anthony Valladares. He told the Daily News that she bragged about going to the 'millionaire's house' for a day or two, before returning with cash. He did say that she tried to get out of the sex business, but was dragged back in. Last month it was revealed Roberts accused two male acquaintances she was raped, bringing her credibility into question. Roberts' lawyers says the latest allegations do not contend the fact she was used for underage sex. Attorney Sigrid McCawleysaid : 'To say that our client acquiesced in this abuse, or that the abuse was OK because she was paid for it — leaves out the fact that this is why we have laws in the United States to protect minor children who are groomed and sexually trafficked by adults.' Epstein served 13 months in a Florida prison after pleading guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Allegations: The 31-year-old is currently in the midst of a lawsuit claiming she was recruited to join Epstein's harem of underage women in 1999, naming Prince Andrew and attorney Alan Dershowitz as two of the men she was made to 'service' The scandal resurfaced in January when Roberts named Prince Andrew in a lawsuit, accusing him of using her for underage sex. According to court records connected with Roberts' current lawsuit, she maintains that she was recruited to join Epstein's harem in 1999 by his friend, the socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.

Summary: Virginia Roberts claims she was recruited to Epstein's harem in 1999 . Named Prince Andrew and Alan Dershowitz as men she had to 'service' Her friends say there was no indication she was being held captive . Asked other women if they knew anyone 'slutty' to bring to Epstein . Would allegedly use cash she gained from sex to live a luxury lifestyle .


Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony believes the champions now have to target victory in every remaining game to retain their title. City remain five points behind Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea after slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday. The London side also have a game in hand and City have just 11 matches left to turn the situation around. Wilfried Bony says Manchester City can still retain the Premier League if they win all their remaining games . Bony has only made appearances from the bench so far for City, and was booked in the defeat by Liverpool . Bony said: 'It is disappointing, we have made it difficult for ourselves now. 'If Chelsea win (their game in hand) it will be more difficult for us to get close to them. But we still hope - there are 11 more games and every game we just have to win, be positive for the rest of the league and try to get maximum points. 'We need to win, win, win and hope Chelsea will drop some points. It is a difficult moment for us but we still hope we can do it.' Bony might hope to play a greater role in City's run-in after making just three goalless substitute appearances since signing from Swansea in January. City were beaten 2-1 at Anfield after stunning strikes from Jordan Henderson and Coutinho (above) Bony will hope to make more of an impact on the title run-in than he has been able to so far since signing . In between Henderson and Coutinho's strikes Edin Dzeko equalised, but City were well beaten . Bony did not feature for a month after the move was completed due to his involvement in Ivory Coast's African Nations Cup win and has had to make do with coming off the bench since. His 78th-minute introduction at Anfield came with his side already 2-1 down and he was unable to affect the outcome. His only notable contribution to the game came when he was booked for an aerial challenge on Adam Lallana that arguably could have been worth a red card. City had cancelled out Jordan Henderson's superb early strike with a well-worked Edin Dzeko equaliser but the outstanding Philippe Coutinho restored the hosts' lead with a 75th-minute stunner. Sergio Aguero had hit the post and he spurned two other good chances, while David Silva also went close late on, but Liverpool dominated and ultimately deserved their victory. Manuel Pellegrini insists he will keep focusing on his own team's games rather than watching Chelsea . Pellegrini defended his selection after he stuck with the same line-up that thrashed Newcastle last week . Manager Manuel Pellegrini will continue to chase Chelsea but the challenge from below is strengthening, with third-placed Arsenal just four points behind. Pellegrini said: 'We are worried about our team, not the other teams that are behind us. It is important to try and continue playing the normal way. 'In the last two games in the Premier League we scored nine goals and we won the

Summary: Defeat to Liverpool leaves Manchester City five points behind Chelsea . League leaders have a game in hand, but City still believe . Bony says they can win the title if they win all 11 remaining fixtures . Manuel Pellegrini: Manchester City will fight until the end . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester City news .


Patrick Schwarzenegger is seen here for the first time since pictures emerged of him this weekend partying with a bevy of bikini-clad girls. The 21-year-old model and boyfriend of Miley Cyrus looked somewhat downcast as he stepped out in Malibu on Thursday. On Monday Patrick insisted that a girl he was caught cuddling on Sunday was just his best friend's pal - but on Friday more snaps emerged, this time showing him getting close to an ex girlfriend. In the snaps, which have been published on TMZ, bikini-clad Taylor Burns is seen rubbing sunscreen into a shirtless Patrick. Scroll down for video . Down in the dumps: Miley Cyrus' boyfriend Patrick Schwarzenegger, pictured on Thursday in Malibu, is seen for the first time since snaps emerged of him partying with bikini-clad girls in Mexico over the weekend . Miley has remained silent on the entire matter, but on Thursday night was partying up a storm in Texas and performing onstage while self-admittedly 'high' with Mike Will Made It at the SXSW Music Festival . Interestingly Miley, 22, and the music producer were previously rumoured to be romantically linked last summer, before she started dating Patrick, son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. An clearly inebriated Miley told the crowd last night: 'This is Texas. I don’t know how f***ing high you are, but we’re high as f**k up here.' While the Wrecking Ball singer has put on a strong front, she is said to be 'super bummed' about the pictures of Patrick getting close with a his female friend, according to People.com. Two can play at that game: Miley, meanwhile, made a surprise appearance at the SXSW Music Festival in Texas on Thursday night alongside producer Mike Will Made It, who she was romantically linked to last year . The show goes on: The singer put on a surprise performance with the music producer and Patrick was noticeably absent . Ashish lace trim camouflage slip dress . Fall 2015 Ready-to-Wear . Visit site . When it comes to style, Miley Cyrus doesn't tend to blend into the background. But by her standards, this camouflage combo is relatively tame! For her surprise appearance on stage at the South by Southwest festival, she teamed a sequin embellished slip dress with a matching denim jacket, a pair of metallic platform heels and a chunky Chanel choker. Nobody does sequins quite like Ashish, and Miley's military-inspired matchy matchy look is of course by the brand. Lily Allen, Lindsay Lohan and Jessie J are all fans of the label, who recently even put the sequinned faces of Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and One Direction on their pieces. Miley's simple little lace trim slip dress hails from the Fall 2015 line, so isn't yet available to buy, but click (right) to Luisa Via Roma to shop the current collection. Or get in on the camo action by checking out our edit below. If it's the cami style you're after, this Missguided number is for you, otherwise this Michael Michael Kors sequin dress has got your name all over

Summary: Patrick caught cuddling bikini girl pal in Mexico over the weekend - but insisted he would 'never' cheat on Miley . Now more pictures have emerged of his escapades, showing his ex-girlfriend rubbing sun screen into his back . Miley, meanwhile, parties in Texas with music producer Mike Will Made It, who she was romantically linked to last summer . Told crowd she was 'high as f**k' during surprise performance on Thursday . Miley is said to be 'super bummed' about Patrick's antics .


Three police officers have been questioned as part of an investigation into the suspicious death of 13-month-old Poppi Iris Worthington . Three police officers have been questioned over alleged misconduct relating to the suspicious death of a 13-month-old baby whose case has been shrouded in official secrecy. Little Poppi Iris Worthington, from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, died in December 2012. But a draconian order imposed by judges has prevented any details of her death being revealed, despite a long-running police probe. During an inquest in October last year that lasted a mere seven minutes, a coroner simply ruled that the cause of Poppi's death was 'unascertained' and failed to disclose any other information. But it has now emerged that three officers from Cumbria Police have been questioned under caution over misconduct allegations. It can also be revealed that one officer, who was suspended after concerns that the force did not respond ‘properly and appropriately’ to the girl's death, has since retired from the force. The news comes after the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, said it would be investigating whether opportunities to obtain 'key evidence' were 'identified and appropriately acted upon'. The IPCC said it received a referral from Cumbria Police on June 27 last year and began its independent investigation on July 2. The body has since spoken to 13 witnesses and three police officers, who have been interviewed under caution. But the watchdog refused to disclose a copy of the Cumbria Police referral, which gives details of the exact allegations under investigation. A spokesman said the public interest in openness and transparency is 'outweighed by the significant public interest in protecting the integrity of investigations'. After Poppi's death, a far-reaching injunction prevented the media from revealing various details about the case, including the hospital in which she died. The opening of the inquest in also took place in private. According to coroners' rules, inquests should always be held in public unless exceptional matters of national security are involved. But following a challenge by media groups, the senior coroner for Cumbria, David Roberts, wrote to the Attorney General to ask for a new hearing. Lawyers representing several newspaper groups - Associated Newspapers Limited, which publishes MailOnline, Times Newspapers Ltd and Guardian News & Media- had written to Mr Roberts to argue the inquest was insufficient and therefore unlawful. One officer, who was suspended over allegations the force did not response 'properly' to the young girl's death, has also since retired from the force. Cumbria police is being investigated by the police watchdog . In a written reply to law firm RPC, Mr Roberts, said: 'My own view is that it would be desirable for a fresh inquest to take place, not least so that conclusions as to how, when and where Poppi Worthington came by her death can be recorded. The IPCC probe is being overseen by senior investigator Catherine Hall and commissioner Carl Gumsley (pictured) 'Neither I nor Mr Smith has power to hold a further inquest without the permission of the High Court. However, it is open to me

Summary: EXCLUSIVE: Poppi Worthington, from Barrow-in-Furness, died in 2012 . Judges imposed draconian order stopping details of death being revealed . Three officers from Cumbria police have now been quizzed under caution . An officer, suspended over fears police didn't respond properly, has retired . Police watchdog probing whether opportunities to obtain 'key evidence' were 'appropriately acted upon'


David Cameron is seen enjoying a meal at home with his family and watching his son play football in the Conservative Party's first general election broadcast. The theme of the film is children and features a number of parents outlining their hopes for their offspring. At the end, the prime minister says what he wants for his own children, he also wants for every child in Britain. Scroll down for video . David Cameron is seen watching his son play football in the Conservative Party's first general election broadcast . The prime minister says that what he wants for his own children, he also wants for every child in Britain . He says: 'Like every parent, I have hopes for my children and dreams for their future. 'What I want for them, I want for every child in this country - a good education, a decent job, great public services, a home of their own and overall, a chance to make the most out of their life. 'So that is what our plan for Britain is all about, securing a better future for your family and for all our children and grandchildren.' The broadcast is the first of five to be released over the course of the election campaign. A Conservative Party spokeswoman confirmed all those featured in the clip - including in the voice overs - are real people rather than actors. The film also features David Cameron enjoying a meal at home with his wife Samantha (pictured) and children . The broadcast is the first of five to be released over the course of the election campaign . In it, the party pledges to clear the deficit, back businesses so they can keep creating jobs and opportunities, keep investing in the NHS, deliver three million apprenticeships, deliver a good primary school place for every child, extend Help to Buy, continue to increase the state pension and protect pensioner benefits. Yesterday, it emerged Hollywood actor Martin Freeman is fronting a Labour election broadcast in which he praises the party's values and attacks the Conservatives for having 'sod-all to offer the young'. The Tories mocked the omission of any mention of party leader Ed Miliband during the film and criticised the decision to engage Freeman after controversy over his partner Amanda Abbington's tax affairs.

Summary: Theme of film is children and features parents talking about their offspring . PM says what he wants for his own children, he wants for every child in UK . Broadcast is first of five to be released over course of election campaign .


The world's greatest private collection of coins is expected to sell for $220million (£150million) in a record-breaking series of seven auctions at Sotherby's and Stack's Bowers Galleries. Gathered over more than 30 years by Texas property developer A. Mack Pogue and his son, D. Brent Pogue, the collection contains coins from the early years of the American republic, from 1792 to the 1830s. These are the most sought-after U.S. coins in existence, as the crude production techniques of the period meant that the coins were fragile, making surviving high-quality examples are extremely rare. Scroll down for video . A treasure trove: An extraordinary 1822 five dollar gold coin, worth $8million, is up for auction. Pictured heads (left) and tails (right) Intricate: An 1804 silver dollar piece, pictured heads (left) and tails (right), the most famous American coin in the world, is worth $8 to $10million . Exquisite: A rare 1796 quarter dollar coin, shown heads (left) and tails (right), is expected to fetch up to $1million . Valuable: This 1797 half dollar coin is worth up to $1.75million. Pictured heads (left) and tails (right) Gathered over more than 30 years by Texas property developer A. Mack Pogue and his son, D. Brent, this is considered the most valuable collection of federal American coins dating from the 1790s to the late 1830s in private hands. An 1822 Half Eagle five-dollar gold piece, one of only three known to exist, and an 1804 Silver Dollar dubbed the 'King of American Coins' are expected to be among the top lots when the collection is sold in a series of auctions in New York beginning in May and continuing into 2017. 'These two coins in particular, we think, have a possibility of being up around that $10 million mark,' said Brian Kendrella, the president of Stack's Bowers Galleries. The rare coin and currency auctioneer, which is handling the sales with Sotheby's, believes the coins could shatter the $10 million record set in 2013 for a 1794 Silver Dollar. The Pogue collection includes two examples of the coveted 1804 silver dollar, considered to be the most famous coin in America, which is known as 'the pinnacle of coin collecting'. One of these is valued at $9.8million (£6.7million). Notably, it was presented to the Sultan of Muscat in 1835. D. Brent Pogue, from Dallas, Texas, has now decided to 'cash in his cash' by auctioning off more than 650 individual coins at a number of Sotheby's and Stack's Bowers Galleries sales over the next two years. Experts expect the collection to sell for almost $220million (£150million), more than any other series of rare coins. On Friday, Sotheby's showed off the jaw-dropping collection at its saleroom in New Bond Street, London. David Redden, Sotheby's vice chairman, said: 'To have the world's most valuable private coin collection available for viewing and sale in our galleries is a huge privilege and a great responsibility. 'Sotheby's and Stacks Bowers have worked fruitfully together in the past, notably on the sales of the 1933 Gold Double Eagle for $7.6 million and the Dallas

Summary: The collection of 650 coins was built up over 35 years by Texas property developer A. Mack Pogue and his son, D. Brent Pogue . It includes a coveted 1804 silver dollar worth $9.8million, which is known as the 'pinnacle' of coin collecting . Each steel die used to strike coins in the early 1800s was painstakingly produced by hand, creating variations that are prized by collectors . It will be sold in a series of seven auctions in New York and London, beginning on 19 May and culminating in a final sale in May 2017 .


Southampton have jetted off to Switzerland for a break ahead of what James Ward-Prowse believes are the 10 biggest matches in the club's history. Saints' late, and somewhat fortuitous, victory against Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening got them back to winning way after their remarkable season started to go off kilter. The latest in a line of disjointed displays looked set to cost Ronald Koeman's men, only for Sadio Mane to strike late on to secure a 1-0 win which moved them back to within a point of the top-four. James Ward-Prowse (front) uploaded an image to Instagram of the Southampton team on the plane . Sadio Mane (centre) scores the decisive goal as Southampton beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Tuesday . Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has taken the squad to Switzerland fora team break . It means Champions League qualification remains a realistic - and scarcely-believable - prospect for Saints, whose players flew to Switzerland on Wednesday for a break ahead of what Ward-Prowse knows is a crunch period. 'I think it will be great to just have a good time, the pressure of the Premier League is massive, especially where we are in the table,' the midfielder said. 'It's good to get away, put our feet up and have a bit of a laugh with the group. It should be a good bit of fun and then we'll move on from there . 'These next 10 games are probably the biggest in the club's history and we're determined as a group of players to make history for the club. 'We want to get us to the biggest stage in the world where we feel we belong with the best teams and best players in the world.' Next up for Southampton is the unenviable task of a trip to Chelsea on March 15 - a match Ward-Prowse will hope to be starting after his telling impact against Palace. The England Under 21 midfielder was brought on in a bid to inject some fresh impetus into Saints' toiling attack and had the desired impact, producing the shot which led to Mane clipping home. 'We reflected on the win in the changing room and we believe it's going to be a pivotal three points come the end of the season,' Ward-Prowse told Southampton's official YouTube channel . 'We haven't been on the best of runs lately and it's great to obviously get the three points and move forward. You could feel the whole stadium was pleased. 'It wasn't a pretty performance, not a vintage Southampton display, but we dug deep, the fans got behind us and I think we showed great character.' Southampton's displays have been inconsistent lately but Mane's goal keeps their Champions League hopes . Ward-Prowse believes the final 10 league games of the season are the biggest in Southampton's history . While Ward-Prowse deserved credit for the run and shot that led to Mane's goal, it would not have got that far had Julian Speroni dealt with the initial attempt. The long-serving Palace goalkeeper could only parry Ward-Prowse's shot into

Summary: Southampton have 10 days off before their next game against Chelsea . They beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Tuesday to move a point off the top four . The squad are heading to Switzerland for a team break before the run-in .


The White House sent a stern message on Monday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with President Obama's chief of staff declaring that Tel Aviv 'must end' a 47-year policy of holding contested territory that Palestinians claim as their own. 'An occupation that has lasted for almost than 50 years must end,' Denis McDonough told an annual convention of 'J Street,' a left-wing Jewish advocacy group, in Washington, D.C. Obama himself did not attend, but sent McDonough to read a speech in his stead while he attended a science fair for schoolchildren at the White House and gave brief remarks to an investment summit. 'An occupation that has lasted for almost 50 years must end,' said McDonough, his eyes often glued to his paper. 'And the Palestinian people must have the right to live in and govern themselves in their own sovereign state.' 'Palestinian children deserve the same right to be free in their own land as Israeli children in their land,' he declared later to applause. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Obama Chief of Staff Denis McDonough spoke at the annual meeting of J Street, a liberal Jewish group, insisting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu withdraw his objection to Palestinian statehood . MISSED THE DEADLINE: J Street's printed program left open the possibility that President Obama might have delivered the speech, but he had declined to address the more conservative AIPAC group three weeks ago . MIXED SIGNALS: The White House has excoriated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netnyahu and negotiated a nuclear deal with Iran while simultaneously insisting it's a strong ally to Tel Aviv . The printed program said only that a 'US administration speaker' would address the crowd. Had the president delivered the message himself, comparisons would have instantly been made to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, J Street's conservative counterpart, which Obama snubbed during the week when Netanyahu was in the U.S. to deliver a speech to Congress. But Obama managed to be elsewhere, leaving McDonough to walk on stage to the sound of The Who's 'Teenage Wasteland' – whose fourth stanza opens with, 'The Exodus is here / The happy ones are near.' He immediately grabbed the liberal crowd's attention with news that the president 'has appointed more women, minorities, and openly gay judges' than any other Oval Office occupant. But it was mention of a 'two-state solution' to the decades-old Arab-Israeli conflict that brought the disproportionately young crowd, seeded wth raucous college students, to its feet. 'President Obama asked me to convey his deep appreciation to all of you for your partnership and your work on behalf of the U.S.-Israel relationship,' McDonough said near the beginning of his speech. 'especially building support for our efforts to advance a two-state solution.' Netanyahu, now poised for another four years as prime ministrer, pledged before last week's Israeli elections that with his Likud Party in power, he would refuse to allow the Palestinian Authority to graduate to full statehood. He qualified that promise after his come-from-behind victory on Election Day, saying conditions on the ground would have

Summary: President Obama didn't personally address the annual meeting of 'J Street,' Washington's most influential left-wing Jewish group . He sent chief of staff instead to read a speech to thousands of activists while he attended a science fair and an investment summit . Denis McDonough insisted the US will remain friendly to Israel . But he slammed Bibi Netanyahu for saying before last week's election that there wouldn't be a Palestinian state while he was prime minister . Hundreds of college students in the audience cheered at McDonough's mention of a 'two-state solution' to the Arab-Israeli conflict .