Lindsey Vonn won the World Cup downhill title for the seventh time after winning the last race in the discipline on Wednesday at the season-ending finals. Her seven downhill titles and her 18th crystal globe are both records for women. 'It's incredible after being out with two knee operations. It is just amazing to be sitting where I am today,' the American said. 'I'm so proud and happy, and I really have to thank the people that supported me and got me back to where I am now.' Lindsey Vonn won her seventh downhill title by pipping Elisabeth Goergl to the finish line . Vonn is delighted to be competing for major honours after undergoing two knee operations . Vonn finished 0.24 seconds ahead of Elisabeth Goergl and 0.30 ahead of Nicole Hosp. Austrian racer Anna Fenninger finished second in the downhill standings. She trailed Vonn by 35 points heading into the race, and failed to make an impact on the Roc de Fer course, finishing nearly one second behind Vonn in eighth place. Vonn, who raced immediately after her, increased her speed on the bottom section to clinch a 66th career race win. She is the all-time leader in wins. Some fans near the finish held up banners saying 'Congrats Lindsey' as she raised her poles. Vonn finished the downhill season with 502 points, putting her 103 ahead of Fenninger. Tina Maze of Slovenia was third with 356. In the race for the women's overall World Cup title, Fenninger holds a 12-point lead over Maze. Vonn finished ahead of second-placed Anna Fenninger to win the downhill globe . Maze gained some ground on Fenninger by finishing fourth on Wednesday. Vonn, a four-time overall World Cup champion, is out of contention for the overall title this season. Vonn blew out her right knee in a super-G at the 2013 world championships in Schladming, Austria. She hurt her knee again in her comeback, keeping her out of last year's Sochi Olympics. She went nearly two years without a victory before winning a downhill in Lake Louise, Canada, in December. The following month, she overtook Austrian great Annemarie Moser-Proell's 35-year-old record of 62 World Cup victories. 'I'm incredibly thankful to be holding another downhill title,' Vonn said. 'It's been a long two years coming back from my injuries.' Vonn looks extremely focused as she speeds down the course during the alpine ski . Vonn will battle with Fenninger again on Thursday when the super-G title will be decided. Vonn is eight points ahead of Fenninger. 'Tomorrow is a chance for another globe. It's going to be tough because Anna's skiing really well, and it's going to be soft conditions like it was today,' Vonn said. 'But something about this track suits me. I'll give my all, as I always do.' Fenninger has been in great form, winning gold medals in giant slalom and super-G at the world championships last month, and placing second in downhill behind Maze, who finished second to Fenninger in super-G at the worlds. Also, Kjetil Jansrud clinched the men's downhill

Summary: Lindsey Vonn is 'proud and happy' to be back following serious injuries . The American finished ahead of Elisabeth Goergl and Nicole Hosp . Vonn is out of contention for the overall super-G title .


Most afternoons I can be found huffing and puffing my way up Primrose Hill in North London, pushing what feels like the world's heaviest baby in a buggy. The view of the city from the top is spectacular but for a few precious days I swapped it for an even better one - with the magnificent backdrop of the Italian Dolomites. After a two-hour car journey from Innsbruck we were greeted at Rosa Alpina - a five-star, family-owned hotel and spa tucked in a valley in the tiny village of San Cassiano - with a local speciality: a sweet and comforting hot apple juice. Rosa Alpina - a five-star, family-owned hotel and spa is tucked in a valley in the tiny village of San Cassiano . In the sunshine, the village looked pristine, with pretty wooden chalets stacked against mountain pastures which would have been snow-covered in winter but were now a vivid green. The grass was impossibly neat and as I wondered how many cows it must take to maintain, I spotted sit-on mowers weaving up and down the slopes. Completing the alpine scene was a hefty-looking herd with jangling cowbells. Having picked out a buggy from the hotel lobby, with map in hand we set off on a mountain walk but took the lazy way up - in a cable car. As the cable car lurched, my four month-old daughter Romilly wobbled in my lap, lip trembling; looking back down the mountain and up to the peak seemed a long way off. I began to doubt my fitness for what was my first post-baby trip away - billed as a Yummy Mummy healthy strolling break. I had feared craggy paths at the summit, precariously winding round the mountain, but found gentle, undulating trails. There was a restaurant, playground, park and fountain. It was as family friendly as the nursery department at John Lewis. Families and groups were starting out or finishing walks, with children in backpacks and buggies, or just jogging alongside their parents, perfectly content without a gadget in sight. Some were Nordic walking, others speed hiking. Would this sort of family outing happen back home? Not likely and what a shame. The views were awesome and the air so pure I took in great gulps in the hope it might benefit my London-worn lungs. We could have easily taken a different trail each day of the week. Rosa Alpina boasts St Hubertus, a stunning Michelin-starred restaurant, where chef Norbert Niederkofler uses seasonal vegetables - so no tomatoes in winter . At one hilltop restaurant, deckchairs overlooked the spectacular view like a sort of mountain beach, and children played on swings. For a different view of the mountains, the larch trail runs through meadows and up into the mountains opposite the hotel. It makes for a wonderful outing for energetic children (and their parents) and Rosa Alpina has produced a brilliant educational booklet which encourages little ones to look out for flora and fauna, plus answer questions on their surroundings. Tucked up inside at Rosa Alpina, the rooms were

Summary: Rosa Alpina is a two-hour car journey from Innsbruck . The five-star, family-owned hotel is nestled in the Italian Dolomites . There's a restaurant, playground, park and fountain at the summit . Rosa Alpina boasts St Hubertus, a stunning Michelin-starred restaurant .


Scandal: D.E. Paulk discovered his father was actually his uncle, the Archbishop of one of America's biggest 'mega-churches', when he was 34 . A mega-church pastor who discovered at the age of 34 that his Archbishop uncle was actually his father has revealed how he found peace: by founding a 'radically inclusive' church that recognises Mohammed as well as Christ. D.E. Paulk, 42, was brought up in the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Chapel Hill. Once the fourth biggest 'mega-church' in the United States, it occupied a purpose-built, $12million building with 7,000 seats, and boasted 12,000 members at its peak in the early Nineties. But a series of sex scandals and financial difficulties brought the church established by D.E.'s parents and uncle to its knees. Speaking to CNN, D.E. has revealed how it was the family's ultimate scandal - the fact his Archbishop uncle was his biological father - which finally gave him the strength to create a church based around his own beliefs. The Spirit and Truth Sanctuary, which D.E founded in 2012, welcomes everyone from Wiccans to atheists, Hindus to Muslims, recognising all gods and prophets, including Mohammed. '[Scandal] has a way of wiping out the things that keep you from being authentic,' he said. 'All you have left is who you are. The games are gone... If there was anything I wanted to say I thought would be unacceptable to the church, now is the time to say it.' After much soul searching, D.E. established his church based around one principle: 'Christ cannot be, and will not be, restricted to Christianity'. He preaches a message of inclusion, and tells his congregation 'the truth' is not limited to the Bible, but can be found in all creation - even other religions. This message has been controversial, however, and many of his former followers have abandoned him. Scroll down for video . Success: Archbishop Earl Paulk, left, was D.E.'s biological father, while his brother, Donnie, right, acted as his father until he was 34. The two brothers set up the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Chapel Hill with Donnie's wife Clariece in 1960, creating one of the first churches to welcome people of all colours . Heir: D.E., the family's only son, pictured leading a service, was always intended to take over the church, but became disillusioned with the institution when he discovered the truth about his parentage . It is likely this particular philosophy would have horrified his uncle, a tyrannical figure who led the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit from its inception in 1960. Set up with his brother Donnie and his wife Clariece, Holy Spirit was one of the first churches to accept both African Americans and whites worshipping together, and at one point was attracting 100 new members a week. It would grow to be the fourth largest church in America, recognised by then-president George Bush for its volunteering work in 1982. By 1991, the church had 12,000 members, and a cathedral with a 245-foot steeple. Its pastors had acted like minor celebrities, travelling by

Summary: D.E. Paulk, 42, runs a controversial church where all religions are equal . This is his way of dealing with the pain of learning at the age of 34 that his charismatic, Archbishop uncle was really his biological father . He grew up in the notorious Cathedral of the Holy Spirit at Chapel Hill in Atlanta, which was famous for its riches and sex scandals . The 7,000-seat church had 12,000 members in the early Nineties, but a series of abuse allegations caused it to fall from grace .


The need to anoint Lionel Messi the greatest player there has ever been every time he has a good game is becoming rather tedious. Yes, Messi is a genius. Every time I see him play live, it is a privilege. I try to make sure the memories are burned into my consciousness. He is the kind of player who lifts the spirit with everything he does. He is a quite prodigious goalscorer, a wizard of a dribbler and a provider for others. And yes, he was mesmerising against Manchester City at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night. The way he nutmegged James Milner, the way he turned Bacary Sagna before Joe Hart saved from him at point-blank range, the caressed curling ball to Ivan Rakitic for the Barcelona winner. It was all magical. It is normal for people to want to believe that what they are witnessing has never been matched before. ‘Everyone thinks they have the prettiest wife at home,’ said Arsene Wenger once, and now everybody believes there has never been a footballer as pretty as Messi. Lionel Messi showcases his magnificent ball control with an audacious nutmeg of James Milner . Messi renders Bacary Sagna to the status of an open-mouthed ball-watcher during another masterclass . Messi awaits the ball as he inspired the Catalan club to reach another Champions Leauge last eight . Messi forces his way past Aleksandar Kolarov and Fernandinho during Barcelona's cruise against City . What saddens me about the relentless championing of Messi, though, is that the idea there has never been anyone to match him has become such an aggressive orthodoxy. Any dissent is met with untrammelled scorn and dismissive disbelief. It is as though Messi has become a god and the idea that he might have a rival is sacrilege. As a football fan, I worship Messi, too, but I don’t think he’s the best there’s ever been. It’s too early for that. He’s only 27 but he has not yet achieved what many of the other greats of the game achieved, either for club or country. A graphic circulated on social media recently that showed all the records Messi had broken. La Liga top goal-scorer, Barcelona top goalscorer, Champions League top goalscorer. The list goes on. It’s breathtaking. But individual stats are not everything. Sport, ultimately, is about winning things. If you are a great individual player, there is a wider test of greatness in inspiring your team to win trophies. In the argument about football’s best ever, Messi is vulnerable here. Pele, for instance, scored 1,000 goals in his career. But the test of his greatness was that he won the World Cup three times with Brazil. Three times over a 12-year span. It might have been four if he had not been hacked out of the 1966 tournament. Messi has never been able to lift Argentina to a World Cup victory as Diego Maradona, another rival for the ‘best ever’, did in 1986. At last year’s tournament in Brazil, where Argentina made the final, Messi produced some wonderful moments

Summary: Yes, Messi is a genius. Every time I see him play live, it is a privilege . And yes, he was mesmerising against Manchester City at the Nou Camp . What saddens me about the relentless championing of Messi, though, is that the idea there has never been anyone to match him has become such an aggressive orthodoxy . It is as though Messi has become a god and the idea that he might have a rival is sacrilege . As a football fan, I worship Messi, too, but I don’t think he’s the best there’s ever been. It's too early for that .


Disgraced former CIA chief David Petraeus has agreed to plead guilty to sharing classified information with his mistress, it emerged today. The former U.S. Army General will plead guilty to one felony count of unauthorized removal and retention of classified material, according to documents filed in Charlotte, North Carolina. The plea deal, which Petraeus signed on February 22, shows the government has agreed to recommend no prison time but will enforce a sentence of two years probation and a $40,000 fine. A judge, who is not bound by the recommendation, will make the final decision. The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine and five years of probation. No immediate date has been set for Petraeus to enter the plea. By striking the deal, he avoids an embarrassing trial that would detail his relationship with Paula Broadwell. He stepped down as head of the CIA after their affair emerged in November 2012. Scroll down for video . Affair: Former CIA chief David Petraeus will plead guilty to a charge of unauthorized removal and retention of classified information after he handed over sensitive material to his mistress, Paula Broadwell, right . Documents filed in federal court state that between August 2011 and April 5, 2013, Petraeus did 'unlawfully and knowingly' take classified materials and retain them at 'unauthorized' locations. Prosecutors say that while Broadwell was writing Petraeus' biography, he gave her binders of the classified materials that included notes about his discussions with President Obama. The binders, known as 'black books,' were seized by the FBI in a search of Petraeus' home. He lied to FBI agents about providing them to Broadwell and said he never gave her classified material, according to court documents. In late August 2011, he took the books to the home where Broadwell was staying during a week-long trip to Washington, D.C., according to the documents. He left the books with her so she could use them as source material for the biography, prosecutors said. Days later, Petraeus brought the books back to his home in Arlington, Virginia. An attorney for Petraeus, Robert Barnett, said he had no immediate comment. Petraeus, a four-star general who served as commander of the U.S. Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, resigned from the CIA in 2012 when the affair emerged but always denied criminal wrongdoing. Broadwell, now 42, met Petraeus, 62, while she was a graduate student at Harvard University, where she was working on a dissertation about him. She wrote his biography, 'All In: The Education of General David Petraeus', which afforded them considerable time together. They carried on an affair between late 2011 and the summer of 2012. But the relationship was later uncovered whiled the FBI investigated claims that one of Petraeus' friends, Florida socialite Jill Kelley, was receiving threatening emails. Hurt: Paula Broadwell remains married to husband Scott, pictured together left in 2012, while Petraeus is married to wife Holly, right, despite the affair that forced him to step down as CIA chief in 2012 . Scandal: The affair was revealed after Florida

Summary: David Petraeus has agreed to plead guilty to one charge of unauthorized removal and retention of classified information, it emerged on Tuesday . The charge alleges he took notebooks containing classified information to where his biographer and mistress Paula Broadwell was staying in 2011 . The plea deal shows the government has recommended he face no prison time and instead gets two years probation and a $40,000 fine . But the charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison, a $100,000 fine and five years of probation . He had an affair with Broadwell between late 2011 and summer 2012, and stepped down from the CIA after the relationship emerged .


A Manchester United footballer offered a student £10,000 for a threesome with a team-mate. Brazil star Andreas Pereira had asked Kelly McKinney for sex in a text and then suggested that his first team friend Paddy McNair join them. In a series of lewd messages Pereira said they would pay her £5,000 each, 'if u do it well', but Miss McKinney was disgusted and refused. Cash deal: Brazil star Andreas Pereira met Kelly McKinney, right, at the Manchester United Christmas party, left, and then offered to pay her £10,000 for a threesome with a friend . Messages: These texts show how Pereira said he and first team friend Paddy McNair would pay £5,000 each for sex . She told The Sun: 'I nearly fell off my chair when he offered me £10,000 for a threesome. What kind of low-life does that? I'm not that kind of person at all and found it very, very insulting. 'He's clearly desperate and struggling to find anyone that he doesn't have to pay for a sex'. There is no evidence that Mr McNair knew of, or was involved in sending the messages from Pereira's phone. Miss McKinney said she met Pereira at the Manchester United Christmas party and was invited to the VIP area to drink with the other players. She described Pereira and McNair as being like 'naughty schoolboys' and said later the footballer tracked her down on Twitter and they then exchanged numbers. But the messages soon turned towards sex and he asked: 'U want to do something next week me u and paddy?' She then asked what he meant and he replied: 'Threesome. Will take care of u. U want? How much. Tell me. We were ready to pay 5each.' After she refused he then texted again to say he and Paddy McNair wanted to meet her for sex and she asked: 'Just you?' and he replies: '1 friend'. Friends: Pereira said that his team-mate Paddy McNair, right, was keen to meet Miss McKinney for sex but there is no evidence Mr McNair was involved in sending the messages . Born in Belgium, Pereira has represented Brazil at U20 level and plays regularly for United U21s but is struggling to make an impression on Louis Van Gaal who is well stocked in that position. Pereira made his debut for United's first team, coming on as a substitute in their 4-0 Capital One Cup defeat to MK Dons early this season . The 19-year-old is unlikely to sign a new contract at Old Trafford and is poised to leave in the summer - and may now me in trouble with the club's manager Louis van Gaal. Last night his agent Leo Scheinkman said: 'He is young and single and can have sex with whoever he wants. What does he have to apologise for?'

Summary: Andreas Pereira sent string of lewd messages to Kelly McKinney . Pair met at the Manchester United Christmas party and began texting . Miss McKinney claims Pereira then asked her if she wanted a threesome . Messages said he and fellow United player Paddy McNair would pay her . One said: 'U want (threesome)? How much. We were ready to pay 5each'


Nigel Farage was likened to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels last night as he was forced to backtrack over a call to scrap most of Britain’s race relations laws. The Ukip leader prompted a storm of controversy by suggesting he wanted to reverse legislation dating back to the 1960s which bars discrimination at work on the grounds of race or colour. His remarks were condemned by the leaders of the other three main parties. David Cameron said Mr Farage appeared ‘desperate for attention’, while Ed Miliband said the comments were ‘wrong, divisive and dangerous’. Nick Clegg said Mr Farage created fear by confusing ideas. Scroll down for video . 'Colour blind': Farage with Ukip election candidate Winston McKenzie at its conference last year . But a senior adviser to Downing Street went further, claiming Goebbels would have been ‘proud’ of Mr Farage’s remarks. Iraqi-born Conservative MP for Stratford-on-Avon Nadhim Zahawi, a member of the No 10 policy board, told LBC Radio: ‘The remark I found most difficult, and certainly hurt by, [is when] he talks about employers being able to discriminate in favour of British-born citizens. ‘I wasn’t born in Britain, but I feel equally British to Nigel Farage or anyone else. These remarks make me feel very frightened that a man like Nigel Farage, who aspires to lead the country, who says that he’s leading a serious party, actually takes the attitude that if you are not British-born, you’re not equal. It’s a dog whistle. 'It’s a remark Goebbels would be proud of. His remarks are deeply racist. He should withdraw and apologise.’ Last night the Ukip leader claimed his remarks had been misinterpreted and that he did not want to scrap anti- discrimination legislation. Instead, he focused on less controversial suggestions that firms should be allowed to favour British job applicants. He said: ‘What I am saying is very simple: I’m saying that I think British companies should be allowed the presumption of favouring British applicants for jobs over those from southern and eastern Europe.’ Both Labour and Tory politicians, notably former prime minister Gordon Brown, have made similar proposals of a system of ‘British jobs for British workers’. The row erupted after Mr Farage, interviewed by Trevor Phillips, the former chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, for a Channel 4 documentary to be screened next week, said Britain faced an ‘especial problem’ with some Muslim immigrants. Iraqi-born Conservative MP for Stratford-on-Avon Nadhim Zahawi compared the Ukip leader to Goebbels while David Cameron said he was 'desperate for attention' ‘People do see a fifth column living within our country, who hate us and want to kill us,’ he said. Mr Farage then suggested that race and other anti-discrimination laws could be abolished on the grounds that people were now ‘colour blind’. Pressed on which legislation he would get rid of, the Ukip leader said: ‘Much of it.’ Asked whether there would be a law against discrimination on the grounds of race or colour if Ukip were ever in power, Mr Farage added: ‘No… because we take the view, we

Summary: Nigel Farage was compared to Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels over . Ukip leader suggested he wanted to reverse race relation legislation . His views slammed as 'dangerous, divisive and desperate for attention' Iraqi-born MP said remarks was one 'Goebbels would have been proud of' Nadhim Zahawi added he was 'hurt' and 'frightened' by Farage's view .


Fernando Alonso is convinced success is on the horizon for McLaren on the day when he saw former team Ferrari return to glory. After missing the season-opening Australian Grand Prix as he recovered from a concussion sustained in a test crash, Alonso's first outing on his return to the team ended in retirement after 21 laps of the Malaysian Grand Prix due to an ERS cooling issue. As Alonso spoke and delivered his verdict on the weekend when McLaren have at least made some progress, Sebastian Vettel was charging around in the background en route to his first win for 16 months. McLaren driver Fernando Alonso is all smiles in Malaysia despite not finishing the Grand Prix on Sunday . Alonso's McLaren is wheeled into the garage after he was forced to retire from the Malaysian Grand Prix . The German is, of course, Alonso's replacement at Ferrari as the 33-year-old opted to quit the Maranallo marque after five years without success of trying to claim a third title. What must Alonso have thought later when he saw Vettel stand on the top step of the podium, the first time a Ferrari driver had done so since the Spaniard himself in his home grand prix two years ago. Whatever Alonso's thoughts, all he can do now is remain convinced McLaren's early woes in conjunction with new power-unit supplier Honda will ultimately lead to the results he craves. It is a case of short-term pain for long-term gain as Alonso said: 'These reliability problems are normal. The Spaniard failed to finish the race on Sunday, managing just 21 laps at the Malaysian Grand Prix . 'What you normally find in winter testing, we have to find in the first couple of races unfortunately. We need to accept maybe some retirements and we are ready to do so. 'Definitely it has been a very nice weekend and a very nice surprise to see the improvements from Australia to here. 'If we keep up this rate then we will enjoy success very soon.' Overall, Alonso expressed 'mixed feelings' as to how the weekend had unfolded, adding: 'I'm happy to be back and very happy with the progress the team has made. Both McLaren's failed to finish the race in Malaysia as they continue to struggle for form this F1 season . 'Watching the race on the TV in Australia, we were very far off - four seconds in the race and just one McLaren running alone at the back. 'Here we were much more competitive in qualifying, running with everyone in the race, which was a very nice surprise. 'But not finishing the race is never a nice feeling, so let's see if we can improve next time.' Team-mate Jenson Button retired on lap 42 with a turbo issue, leaving neither of the team's cars classified for the first time since the 2006 United States Grand Prix. Â .

Summary: Both McLaren drivers forced to retire at Malaysian Grand Prix . Neither McLaren finished for the first time since the 2006 US Grand Prix . Fernando Alonso was called in by his team after 21 laps in Sepang . Jenson Button lasted double the time his Spanish team-mate did .


For the pampered pooch who likes to be treated like royalty, now they can live the high life while you are away on holiday. The first five-star luxury hotel and spa for dogs opened yesterday In Ayrshire in Scotland. No expense has been spared in creating the Bellslea Hills Pet Hotel and Spa, which boasts extravagant suites with 32in flat screen TVs and individually controlled underfloor heating. Scroll down for video . Bellslea Hills Pet Hotel and Spa in Ayrshire has 28 suites starting from the price of £29.40 per night . Each room comes with a webcam so pets can enjoy their favourite tv show, or feel cosy with a warm crackling fire on screen . The exclusive retreat offers 38 five-star rooms, which are able to house multiple dogs from the same family if owners wish. Will Aitken, managing director, said: 'Bellslea Hills Pet Hotel and Spa is the first of its kind in the UK; the only comparable facilities are located in Beverley Hills and Hollywood. 'Many dog owners put on a TV for their pet when they leave the home for any period of time during the day, which is why all our suites feature TVs for dogs to watch and listen to their favourite daytime show or, alternatively, the TVs can screen an image of a crackling log fire to give the suite a warm, homely feel.' The TVs are also equipped with webcams which have 360 degree rotation and are able to be controlled by a smart phone. Owners are able to talk to their pets, wherever they are in the world, with the in-built dual audio system. There is also an infrared function with the webcam to give 24/7 vision on the pets, which owners can watch from around the world. The state-of-the-art astroturf area allows your pet to get the exercise they need while you are away . The bone-shaped pool is perfect for pets to play in while they have their luxurious hotel retreat . The Scottish-based hotel and spa is thought to be the first of its kind outside of Hollywood, and opened its doors this week . Pooches can enjoy the luxury spa treatment, and receive a blow dry in this massaging blow dry facility . When pets are not relaxing in their suites, they can take advantage of the bone-shaped splash pool, or play in the indoor state-of-the-art hygienic artificial grass play area. Mr Aitken said: 'As a dog lover, I know what level of care I would want for my own pets and that is precisely what we have designed Bellslea Hills to deliver. 'I'm convinced that, like me, rather than a standard kennel, pet owners would much rather place their beloved dogs in a facility offering the highest possible quality and providing exceptional levels of care and comfort.' Rooms can be booked so more than one of your dogs can stay in the stay suite for company . Pets will be pampered from the moment they arrive, and you can observe all their antics on the webcams in

Summary: The Bellslea Hills Pet Hotel and Spa in Scotland opened yesterday . Pampered pooches can enjoy spa treatments and the splash pool . Each suite has a webcam so you can talk to your pet wherever you are .


Tory peer Karren Brady has ruled out replacing Lord Sugar on the Apprentice – but hinted she could make a run to be London Mayor. The West Ham chairman, who was elevated to the House of Lords by David Cameron last year, said she had 'no desire to do television' and would walk away from the hit BBC show whenever Lord Sugar leaves. Baroness Brady said she was 'looking to do less television and more House of Lords – not the other way around'. Tory peer Karen Brady has ruled out replacing Lord Sugar on the Apprentice – but hinted she could make a run to be London Mayor . The celebrity businesswoman, who has been made the government's Small Business Ambassador, said she would consider running for London Mayor once West Ham had moved into their new stadium at the Olympic Park. She told House magazine: 'I always say 'never say never'. If you'd asked me five years ago, would I be here in the House of Lords, I would have probably said 'No'. 'There are certain things you know as you get older you definitely don't want to do, like more television. But there are some things that you become more open to.' She added: 'I spend a lot of time talking to Boris about it. I think Boris has been a fantastic Mayor. I think whoever does that job, it's the one job in politics that I think is very meaningful, that is like the CEO of a company. 'There are issues that need resolving and there's a lot of campaigning that needs to be done to promote London around the world.' Asked if she also had ambitions to replace her friend Lord Sugar when he retires from The Apprentice, she replied: 'No… I have no desire to do television, I do it because I like Alan and we have a lot of fun together, and it's a really interesting show. 'But when he leaves, I leave. I'm looking to do less television and more House of Lords, not the other way around.' Karren Brady, Lord Sugar and Nick Hewer are the stars of the hit TV show The Apprentice. Baroness Brady said she would leave the show when Lord Sugar stepped down . Asked if she will be known on the show as Baroness Brady or Lady Brady: 'I have no idea, I haven't even thought about it!' She added: 'Alan is a friend, first and foremeost. And as he said friendship first, politics second. 'I was really pleased to have him with me on the day, we've been very close, we've known each other for 20 years, and of course other than doing the show we share a common interest in football. He said 'friendship first, politics second' and I said 'football third!' She said the pair were 'like-minded on many things', but added: 'Obviously he supports Tottenham, I support West Ham, he's on the Labour side and I'm on the Conservative side, but friendship is important to us.' Baroness Brady, who revealed that her first job

Summary: West Ham chairman was elevated to the House of Lords last year . Said she would walk away from hit BBC show whenever Lord Sugar leaves . But the celebrity businesswoman said 'never say never' to London Mayor .


Reading's dream run in the FA Cup has been soured after video emerged of a supporter hurling a flare towards Bradford City supporters at the Madejski Stadium. The Royals were clinical in beating Bradford 3-0 in Monday night's quarter-final replay to reach their first FA Cup semi-final in 88 years - they face Arsenal on April 18 or 19 - but their joy has been tempered by several unsavoury off-field incidents. During the game a Bradford fan was arrested after allegedly racially abusing Reading's Garath McCleary, while one home fan invaded the pitch and goaded Bradford supporters. There was also a mass pitch invasion by home fans after the final whistle and the new video clearly shows that a flare was hurled into the South Stand where the travelling support were. VIDEO Scroll down to watch the incident . Blue smoke can be seen billowing from a flare carried onto the Madejski Stadium pitch on Monday night . The flare leaves a trail of smoke as it is hurled into the crowd during the pitch invasion . The trail of smoke shows the flare's path into the South Stand, where Bradford's support was sat . The flare was spouting smoke which matches Reading's signature royal blue kit colour. Thames Valley Police confirmed on Tuesday that an 18-year-old man from Bradford had been arrested and cautioned for carrying a flare - but this occurred outside the ground before the match. No further arrests have been made concerning the incident after the game. A spokesman said: 'An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firework while trying to enter a designated sports ground. 'He was given a caution.' The video attracted angry and dismayed comments from fans as it was widely shared on Twitter. One user, Chris Hilton, who describes himself as a Bradford season ticket-holder, said: 'A flare getting chucked into the #bcafc end from the Reading fans #StayClassy' A man is pictured holding a flare while on the pitch at the Madejski Stadium after the full-time whistle . The man's arm is soon pictured raised and the gaze of other nearby fans suggest he has thrown the flare . It is unclear whether this is the fan who threw the flare into the Bradford supporters' end at the Madejski . The pitch invasion was just one of several unsavoury incidents which marred the match . A man raises a flare above his head while on the pitch after the FA Cup quarter-final replay . An eyewitness told MailOnline: 'Celebrating your team’s victory is one thing, goading the opposition fans with sick taunts is another. 'There were kids showing off lighters and mouthing the words "fire, fire, fire" which we all knew was a reference to what happened at Bradford in 1985. 'One youth quite clearly launched the flare into the crowd, while, as they had done all game, the stewards sat back and allowed it to happen.' Gary Lineker, who hosted the BBC's live coverage of the match from a studio at the Madejski Stadium, had described the pitch invasion

Summary: Video emerges showing flare being hurled into Madejski Stadium stands . Flare was thrown by a man on the pitch following the final whistle . Reading's FA Cup win over Bradford was marred by several incidents . Mass pitch invasion was described as 'lovely' by Gary Lineker on BBC . An arrest was made after alleged racial abuse towards Garath McCleary .


Entertainers, actors and priests are now claimed to be part of a VIP child abuse ring that Scotland Yard stands accused of covering up. The paedophiles were initially said to include MPs, senior police officers, and judges, but now investigators have revealed the net has been widened further. Over 30 years, officers from Scotland Yard are said to have also protected entertainers, actor, and priest by shutting down inquiries. The police watchdog has now added a further three alleged paedophilia cover-ups by the Metropolitan Police to the investigation, bring the total to 17 . Probe: Police allegedly stopped investing a child sex ring based in Dolphin Square in Westmister, pictured . The police watchdog has now added a further three alleged paedophilia cover-ups by the Metropolitan Police to the investigation, bring the total to 17. In a statement the IPCC said the police investigation had 'gathered evidence against MPs, judges, media entertainers, police, actors, clergy and others'. Criminal proceedings were being prepared, but two months later an officer was called in by a senior Metropolitan Police officer and told to drop the case, it is alleged. The IPCC is also looking into an allegation about police actions during a child abuse investigation in the 1980s, and another complaint about the same investigation - although no details of this have been given. Allegations: Sarah Green of the IPCC will oversee the investigation into the corruption claims . The watchdog said all the allegations relate to 'suppressing evidence, hindering or halting investigations' and the 'covering up the offences because of the involvement of members of parliament and police officers'. When the probe was announced earlier this month, commentators said It could be the biggest investigation into police corruption since the 1970s. The Metropolitan Police force is leading the investigation into the alleged corrupt actions of its officers but the IPCC says it is closely monitoring their probe. The IPCC had last week announced that it is investigating 14 allegations. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is also assessing a further six referrals it has received from the force as part of the case. When the investigation was launched The IPCC Deputy Chair Sarah Green said: 'These allegations are of historic, high level corruption of the most serious nature. 'We will oversee the investigations and ensure that they meet the terms of reference that we will set. 'Allegations of this nature are of grave concern and I would like to reassure people of our absolute commitment to ensuring that the investigations are thorough and robust.' The complex web of allegations was uncovered by detectives probing claims of historical sex abuse first raised by Labour MP Tom Watson in October 2012. The claims include that police deliberately stalled their inquiries into the Elm Guest House, in Barnes, south-west London, leaving dozens of boys to be abused. Officers are also accused of releasing paedophile MP Cyril Smith without charge after he was caught in an undercover operation at a sex party involving teenage boys . Former Home Secretary Leon Brittan, pictured left, has been alleged to be

Summary: Independent Police Complaints Commission extends probe into sex ring . Entertainers, actors and priests are now thought to have been protected by corrupt police officers . Total of 17 alleged cover-ups now part of the extended investigation . Watchdog is also accessing a further six referrals it has received .


A professor who was arrested on an American Airlines flight after lighting a cigarette and ranting about President Obama is no longer teaching. Dr Karen Bettez Halnon, 52, became an internet sensation after she was caught on camera lighting up shortly after a flight from Nicaragua landed at Miami International Airport on Saturday. Dr Halnon, who taught sociology at Pennsylvania State University Abington, said she used the moment to protest 'US military global domination,' and claimed the country was responsible for giving her hero Hugo Chavez cancer. A spokesperson for PSU Abington said that Prof Hanlon was still employed, but 'no longer in the classroom'. Scroll down for video . Dr Karen Halnon, left in her police mugshot and right in a faculty photo, is now longer teaching at Pennsylvania State University Abington after she was filmed smoking and ranting about the US on a plane in Miami . She was arrested for disorderly conduct and breach of peace. The university's investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the Allentown Morning Call. She has taught at the institution since 1999, first as an assistant professor and most recently as an associate professor. According to her faculty page, she is an expert on capitalism, Latin America and 'mad women'. Dr Halnon has said that her statement was political and necessary after 'the US declared war on Venezuela'. 'I had to speak out now,' she told Philadelphia Magazine after returning home from her research in Central America. 'The situation is dire and urgent.' 'Any sacrifice I make for my own self, if it saves lives — there have been far too many lives lost due to US global military domination.' Dr Halnon is seen smoking onboard the flight, in a video uploaded to YouTube and posted on Reddit . Dr Halnon claims she was 'tortured' by the FBI and TSA after she was arrested in Miami for disorderly conduct. 'I was put in a room with two fans in the ceiling, it was freezing cold for hours and hours and hours,' she said. The professor alleged she was not allowed to go to the bathroom and had to wet her pants. She said she also defecated on the floor and was forced to pick it up while being 'laughed at'. A number of passengers around Halnon became angered after she lit up on the plane. The professor said the act was a 'symbol'. 'Every revolutionary I know smokes,' she said. 'It was identifying with the revolutionary cause. 'Beyond that, it is a symbol that the United States is a smoking gun.' When fellow passengers flagged down a flight attendant to complain about her unruly behavior, Halnon blamed someone else for smoking and went on a rant, saying the US had 'declared war on Venezuela' According to an eyewitness, she also allegedly said that Obama 'kills people on Tuesdays'. Dr Halnon shouted: 'The United States has declared war on Venezuela. Venezuela has been declared a national security threat.' 'You're a national security threat,' a passenger remarked off camera. 'She's gangster' another passenger said, laughing.

Summary: Dr Karen Halnon, 52, was caught on camera lighting a cigarette and ranting . PSU Abington professor is still employed but 'no longer in the classroom' Dr Halnon said she was expressing an act of civil disobedience . She claims the FBI tortured her after her disorderly conduct arrest in Miami . Cigarette was symbol of her 'revolutionary cause,' she said .


Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was left smiling at the end of a difficult weekend by watching the club's new Major League Soccer franchise make a sparkling start to life at Yankee Stadium. The sight of Manuel Pellegrini's men crashing at Burnley on Saturday wouldn't have been easy for Al Mubarak to stomach as hopes of retaining the Barclays Premier League title receded. But he was sporting the broadest of smiles after David Villa inspired NYCFC to see off the New England Revolution and ensure a perfect beginning to their temporary stint in the Bronx. David Villa scored New York City's first home goal in MLS against New England Revolution on Sunday . Villa celebrates in front of a mammoth crowd exceeding 43,000 at Yankee Stadium in New York . The Etihad supremo, along with chief executive Ferran Soriano, did the rounds in the locker room after the match and spoke to members of Jason Kreis' squad, thanking them for their efforts. Al Mubarak told Sportsmail: 'I was really pleased how the team played. It was great to see. 'The first game is always going to be tricky. We were at home, New England had got the to the final last season but it was a great performance. Khaldoon Al Mubarak (centre) did not have a good start to the weekend, but was all smiles on Sunday night . A view of Yankee Stadium during the match, as over 43,000 spectators watched NYC's first home game . 'I was particularly pleased with the second half. The crowd were great.' Spanish superstar Villa was the hero, scoring one and making another for former Revs midfielder Patrick Mullins at the death to seal the triumph in front of a crowd which exceeded 43,000. 'It's very simple. We have a very special player named David Villa,' Mullins said. 'We make good runs and he's going to find us. If we put it away, we're going to score a lot of goals this year.' Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio (second right) is presented a shirt by Villa (centre) and Chris Wingert . NYC got off to the perfect start at Yankee Stadium with a 2-0 win over New England Revolution .

Summary: Khaldoon Al Mubarak's weekend got off to a bad start with Manchester City's loss at Burnley on Saturday night . He sported a broad smile on Sunday though, after New York City's win . New York City were playing their first ever MLS match at Yankee Stadium . David Villa opened the scoring in a 2-0 win over New England Revolution .


A fearsome nine-foot-long crocodile that hunted by running on its hind legs was one of the world's top predators before the arrival of the dinosaurs. Carnufex carolinensis, which means 'Carolina Butcher' due to its ferocious appearance, was an early ancestor of modern crocodiles. Paleontologists believe it roamed the warm, wet rainforests of what is now North Carolina around 231 million years ago, preying upon small armoured reptiles and early mammals with its powerful jaws. Carnufex carolinensis, shown in the artists impression above, would have chased down prey on its hind legs and probably crunched its way though small armoured reptiles and early mammals with its long powerful jaws . Researchers discovered fossilised parts of the ferocious crocodilian's skull, spine and forelimbs in a rock formation in Chatham County, close to Sanford, North Carolina. Dr Lindsay Zanno, assistant research professor at North Carolina State University and director of the palaeontology lab at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, said the fossil could help provide new clues about the evolution of crocodiles. Name: Carnufex carolinensis . Meaning: Carolina Butcher. Carnufex is Latin for Butcher while Carolina refers to the state of North Carolina where the fossil was found. Age: The reptile lived 231 million years ago . Distinctive features: It had a long slender skull with a bony boss running from side to side. Its fore limbs were short and it probably ran on its larger hind limbs. Skeleton location: It was found in Chatham County, North Carolina. Importance: The fossil will help scientists unravel the evolution of early crocodiles. Running on its hind legs, Carnufex would have been the top predator in the area during the Triassic period. She said: 'Fossils from this time period are extremely important to scientists because they record the earliest appearance of crocodylomorphs and theropod dinosaurs, two groups that first evolved in the Triassic period, yet managed to survive to the present day in the form of crocodiles and birds. 'Until we deciphered the story behind Carnufex, it wasn’t clear that early crocodile ancestors were among those vying for top predator roles prior to the reign of dinosaurs in North America.' The scientists, whose work is published in the journal Scientific Reports, used high-resolution scanning techniques to reconstruct Carnufex's skull from the fossil fragments. They found that the skull was unexepectedly slender, at least 50cm in length, with an ornamented boss running across the top of the skull. They said that Carnufex is one of the world's earliest and largest early crocodile ancestors. Scientists reconstructed the skull of Carnufex carolinensis, shown above, using 3D scanning technology . At the time it was alive North Carolina was part of a super-continent called Pangea and was in the warm, wet equatorial region. Other large predators like rauisuchids and popsauroids, cousins of the ancient crocodiles, roamed much of the southern Hemisphere. They would have hunted alongside many of the early theropod dinosaurs that began to emerge at the same time. Carnufex was a large early crocodile and is marked in red above alongside other early crocodile species . Prehistoric crocodiles

Summary: Carnufex carolinesis pursued reptiles and early mammals on its hind legs . Fragments of fossil skull, spine and forelimb were found in North Carolina . Scientists used 3D scanning to reconstruct the prehistoric predator's skull . Its name means Carolina Butcher due to the animal's fearsome appearance . Palaeontologists say it was probably the top predator in the Triassic Period . It lived around 231 million years ago, long before the dinosaurs dominated .


New Zealand swing king Tim Southee says the Kiwis are ready to cut Australia down to size in the Cricket World Cup final on Sunday. Southee, who has taken 15 wickets for Brendon McCullum’s men in this tournament, insists his team are riding high on confidence and ready to upset their ‘big brothers’. As the co-hosts prepare to do battle at the MCG, Southee said: ‘The rivalry between Australia and New Zealand does cover every sport and is massive. Tim Southee is relishing the prospect of facing Australia in the World Cup final on Sunday . ‘We’re probably seen as the little brothers from across the ditch and we do quite well to compete. ‘Australia have had the wood on us in cricket over the last few years but we’re slowly starting to even that ledger. ‘But as a kid growing up it was always Australia you wanted to play against. ‘You always want to have one up over the big brothers.’ Before their thrilling victory over South Africa, New Zealand had lost each of their six World Cup semi-finals. But they have already beaten the Aussies in the outstanding match of the pool stage, with the Kiwis claiming a one-wicket win in Auckland. New Zealand practiced at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday in preparation for the final . McCullum’s enterprising team have sparked a sporting buzz which is normally reserved for the All Blacks, although the final will be their first away game of the competition. Expatriated Kiwis have travelled from all over the world to Melbourne, while Air New Zealand has chartered extra flights from Auckland. Southee (left) said: ‘We get to do what a lot of people that have gone before us haven’t been able to do, and they are now behind us. The support from back home has been amazing. I can’t explain what it’s like and what it has done for the team. Daniel Vettori will play his last ever ODI for New Zealand on Sunday in the World Cup final . ‘It’s a dream come true for all the guys. As a kid, you grow up either wanting to be an All Black or a Black Cap and the guys are very excited to fulfil a childhood dream. ‘Brendon speaks a lot about it being the time of our lives. We never want it to end. One more big push and I’m sure it’s something the guys will remember forever. ‘It doesn’t get any better than taking on Australia in Australia at one of the best cricket grounds in the world.’ Australia captain Michael Clarke admitted after his side’s semi-final victory over India that defeat to New Zealand last month was ‘a kick up the backside’. Clarke said: ‘The fact that the two hosting nations are in the final is extremely special. ‘There’s a great mutual respect between both teams. New Zealand will take confidence that they’ve beaten us in the tournament. ‘But that was the turning point in this tournament for the Australian team. ‘The boys have got out of bed every single day

Summary: Tim Southee says the Kiwis are ready to cut Australia down to size . Southee claims his team are riding high on confidence ahead of final . Kiwis have already beaten the Aussies during this World Cup . New Zealand beat Australia by one wicket earlier in the tournament .


A Scottish airport has been shortlisted in the hunt to find the world's most iconic and scenic plane landings . Barra Airport, Scotland - and the world's - only regular beach runway has been selected as one of the world's most stunning airport approaches in a competition which sees the small island airport go head to head with some of the best known destinations. The airport is competing for top spot in a poll by PrivateFly.com, the leading private jet booking service, against some of the world's most iconic airports, including Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Venice, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Hong Kong. Scroll down for video... A voter said of Barra Airport in Scotland: 'Where else in the world can you fly over majestic mountains, stunning coastline and turquoise seas before descending over an historic harbour castle and landing on a large silver sand beach? Totally stunning and totally unique. Nothing comes close.' David Scowsill, president & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council said of Saba in the Caribbean: 'A simply unforgettable and thrilling landing on the world's shortest runway, flanked by cliffs and ocean with a striking view of its active Volcano, Mount Scenery.' 'This perennial favorite is an AvGeek's dream, for spotting and flying in. There's no room for error, with a short beach on final approach and mountains on departure. But it's always a thrill!' (Benet Wilson, aviation journalist, on Saint Martin in the Caribbean). Last year's winner of the most iconic airport landing spot was Nice Cote D'Azur, which was praised by voters for its 'sublime beauty' A a panel of travel industry judges - which include Forbes' Matthew Stibbe, Tiffany Dowd of Luxe Social Media, and Travel Weekly Chairman Clive Jacobs - have chosen 37 airports which they think offer the most stunning views on approach in the world. Barra, which won the award in 2012, says on their nomination: 'Where else in the world can you fly over majestic mountains, stunning coastline and turquoise seas before descending over an historic harbour castle and landing on a large silver sand beach? Totally stunning and totally unique. Nothing comes close.' Barra Airport handled 10,560 passengers last year and is one of the smallest airports in the shortlist. By contrast, Sochi airport handles 2.4 million passengers whereas Amsterdam handles more than 50 million passengers. Planes can only land at Barra when the tide is out and it is the only beach airport which is used by scheduled services. 'A stunning landing to see the Northern lights.' (Matthew Stibbe, Forbes Aviation columnist on Svalbard, Norway) Travel writer Ana Silva O'Reilly, on her vote for Male, Maldives, wrote: 'It takes a while to get there, but there are places that deserve the word paradise next to their names. On the approach, you will see many of the private hotel islands, and you won’t be able to miss the contrast with the semi-organised chaos of Male island.' 'Scenic approach over the desert, flying right over the strip just gets you in the mood for partying!' (Sylvie Peron, aviation journalist on

Summary: Barra Airport, in Scotland has been selected as one of the world's most stunning airport approaches . The Outer Hebrides airport handled 10,560 passengers last year and is one of the smallest airports in the shortlist . Last year the winner was Nice Cote D'Azur, which was praised by voters for its 'sublime beauty'


Former New York Jets and Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson was reportedly injured in a drive by shooting early Sunday morning that killed one. The NFL player was riding in the passenger's seat during the 4am shooting in his hometown of Orlando, according to police. Johnson, 29, is in stable condition at a local hospital after being shot in the shoulder but the Jeep's driver, Dreekius Oricko Johnson, 28, was killed. Former New York Jet running back Chris Johnson, 29, was shot in the shoulder during a suspected 4am drive-by shooting in Orlando and the driver of the vehicle, Dreekius Oricko Johnson . Aftermath: Blood spatter can be seen on the sidewalk leading up from the street at the intersection of Southland Boulevard and South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando . Bloody scene: Police in Orlando said the fatal shooting took place at just after 4am and left driver Dreekius Johnson dead . Busy: Chris Johnson, 29, was shot in the shoulder while the driver of the vehicle he was traveling in died in the drive-by . Reggie Johnson, 29, was also riding in the car and was injured in the shoulder, hand and leg. The Johnsons said that an unidentified vehicle pulled alongside them when they were stopped at a red light and opened fire at 4.09am. Police arrived at the intersection of Southland Boulevard and South Orange Blossom Trail where the shooting took place. The relationship between the Johnsons was not provided by police. Chris Johnson was arrested in Orlando in January for second degree misdemeanor open carrying of firearms, a Glock 9 mm and an FN 5.7 mm, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Chris Johnson was arrested in Orlando in January for second degree misdemeanor open carrying of firearms (right). He posted a picture on Instagram (left) saying he was going to a show on Saturday night . Police say the investigation into Saturday night's incident is ongoing and is being called a homicide, but no arrests have been made, according to ESPN. The running back posted a picture on Instagram in the hours before he was shot, saying that he was getting ready for a show by his friend, a rapper who was performing at LUX in downtown Orlando. Johnson is set to become a free agent on Tuesday after ending his contract with the Jets. His former team declined to pick up its option for the player after a frustrating season with below average carry and yardage totals. Police arrived at the intersection of Southland Boulevard and South Orange Blossom Trail (above) where the shooting took place. Police say the investigation into Saturday night's incident is ongoing and is being called a homicide, but no arrests have been made .

Summary: Former New York Jet and Tennessee Titan recovering Orlando hospital . He was shot in the shoulder; driver of car Dreekius Johnson was killed . Incident occurred at intersection of Southland Boulevard and South Orange Blossom Trail at 4.09am; shooting investigated as homicide . Victims said that unidentified car pulled alongside them at red light . No arrests have been made at this time .


More than one million people are expected to attend 15 Rugby World Cup fanzones when the tournament takes place this autumn. Organisers England Rugby 2015 on Thursday announced fanzone locations - featuring big screens, entertainment, food and drink and rugby activities - in each of the World Cup host cities, plus at the game's birthplace in Rugby and in London's Trafalgar Square. Also announced on Thursday was the Rugby World Cup trophy tour in the UK and Ireland, which begins on June 10. Will Greenwood poses with the Webb Ellis trophy at the launch of the World Cup fanzones . The 100 day continuous tour of the Webb Ellis Cup will visit Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and England, and arrive at Twickenham Stadium on September 18 ahead of the opening ceremony prior to the first game, between hosts England and Fiji in Group A. Debbie Jevans, chief executive officer of England Rugby 2015, said: 'The countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015 is on and fans can now really begin to plan their tournament experience, be it through watching the matches, through fanzones, the festival of rugby and the Rugby World Cup trophy tour. The Webb Ellis trophy is on display at the fanzone announcement . A map showing all the fanzone locations around the country . 'Capacities will range from 2,000 to over 10,000 and we would like to thank all of our host cities, local authorities and the Mayor of London for their fantastic support and we look forward to welcoming upwards of one million people to the official fanzones. 'The Rugby World Cup trophy tour will be the perfect opportunity to excite and engage fans across the UK and Ireland and make 2015 feel like the year of the rugby nation. 'Delivering a continuous 100 day tour means we can give as many fans as possible the opportunity to see the Webb Ellis Cup.' Fanzones will be free to enter, open on matchdays and at varying times across the six-week tournament, which concludes with the October 31 final at Twickenham. The trophy tour follows an international tour, which has to date seen the Webb Ellis Cup make 12 of its 15 visits, with Canada, Germany and France to follow before the return to the UK. Over 300 events are to be incorporated in the tour.

Summary: World Cup organisers launch 15 fanzones around the country . Fanzones will be open to show World Cup games and will be free . William Webb Ellis Trophy set to tour the country ahead of tournament .


Sami Khedira has confirmed he will leave Real Madrid in the summer after five years at the Bernabeu, but insists he is yet to reach an agreement with another club. The German midfielder's contract expires at the end of June and he won't be short of suitors with Arsenal, Schalke and Bayern Munich all showing an interest. Khedira, who has made over 100 La Liga appearances for Los Blancos, revealed that he will seek pastures new at the end of the current campaign. German star Sami Khedira has confirmed that he will leave Real Madrid in search of 'new challenges' Khedira has struggled with injuries this season and has lost his place in midfield at the Bernabeu . The 27-year-old told Kicker: 'I don’t have an agreement with any club nor any preferences as to who I would like to join'. 'It’s not a decision against Real Madrid. I want to find new challenges for my career and continue to grow as a player.' Khedira has come in for heavy criticism this season and has lost his place in midfield to Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, while young Brazilian Lucas Silva was signed in January. The former Stuttgart man hasn't featured since the disappointing Champions League defeat by Schalke, when he was the subject of abuse from fans after the game. Khedira in action during Germany's 2-2 international friendly draw against Australia on Wednesday .

Summary: Sami Khedira's has confirmed he will leave Real Madrid this summer . German international has struggled with injuries in Spain this season . Khedira has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea in the past . Bayern Munich and Schalke thought to be interested . CLICK HERE for all the latest Real Madrid news .


World Cup winners Germany will be at their best when they take on Euro 2016 qualifying rivals Poland, Scotland and Ireland after their current period of experimentation, insists Joachim Low. The Germans drew 2-2 in a friendly against Asian champions Australia on Wednesday before a 2-0 victory at Georgia in a Euro qualifier on Sunday. While easing past the Georgians to stay on track for qualification, Germany missed a string of chances again as they struggled with their finishing. Joachim Low's side have failed to replicate the form previously shown at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil . Germany playmaker Mario Gotze (right) wastes a golden chance against Georgia by shooting wide . Low, who has extended his contract recently to 2018, has said he wants to tinker with his team that won the World Cup last year to make it more flexible and adaptable to different opponents. A three-man defence and more attacking full backs have been two of his experiments, with the coach also trying to find a good mix of youth and experience after the departure of three key players following the World Cup and the return of several long-term absentees, including Marco Reus, Ilkay Guendogan and Holger Badstuber. He has also announced more young players will be in his squad from September onwards. 'We now have a test in the summer against the United States and there I can still try some things out,' Low said of their June 10 friendly before they face Gibraltar in a qualifier three days later. 'After that our forces will then be very focused for our games in September, October and November.' Marco Reus (right) fires home to give Germany the lead in their Euro 2016 qualifying match with Georgia . Germany, who have 10 points along with Scotland while Poland top Group D with 11, host the Poles and travel to Scotland on September 4 and 7 respectively, . They take on Ireland, who are on eight points, on October 8. 'Experience shows that at that time we are always in much better form because we have the chance to be longer together as a group, to play matches and train,' Low said. 'In the second half of the year we are always better.' While Germany are expected to qualify for the tournament in France, Low is delighted to have Reus back and in goalscoring form following a string of injuries last year, with the speedy winger on target in both games. 'He had a lot of bad luck in the past months and used a lot of strength and energy to come back. Our game is more versatile when he is playing and also much more dangerous.'

Summary: 2014 World Cup winners Germany recently drew 2-2 with Australia . Joachim Low's side followed up draw with win against Georgia . The Germany boss has been experimenting with different formations .


The Clasico will never be quite the same after Sunday night. Amid the flying challenges, the overload of passions, the bickering and the bad blood one man has kept his head while all those around him have been losing theirs – Xavi Hernandez. But after 750 games for Barcelona it looks almost certain that after what will be his final Barcelona vs Real Madrid on Sunday the World Cup winner and brain of the greatest Barca in history will confirm he is off at the end of the season to play in Qatar. Xavi has a contract until 2016 but could now play for Al-Sadd next season instead of the club he grew up supporting as a boy. The Al-Sadd offer includes a coaching role at Qatar’s Aspire Academy with the aim of playing a part in bringing through a bright generation of Qatar internationals. Xavi is approaching the end of his contract at Barcelona and will consider his future at the end of the season . The 34-year-old midfielder has been offered a coaching role with Qatar's Aspire Academy . However, newly formed MLS side New York City FC have also expressed an interest in signing the player . The football world has always speculated over how good Xavi would be as a coach and these could be his first steps in finding out. The director of the Aspire academy is former Spanish goalkeeper Roberto Olabe and Xavi, who has experience in organizing training camps in Spain, would work alongside him as well as continuing with his playing career. He also has an offer from Manchester City's New York franchise on the table and looks set to announce his decision after the Sunday's game. If Xavi plays a part in Sunday’s showdown it will be his 29th La Liga Clasico. He has 12 wins, seven draws and nine defeats in that time scoring four goals. He pulled the strings in midfield when Barcelona regularly got the better of Real Madrid both before and after the arrival of Jose Mourinho. He played in perhaps the greatest Clasico for Barcleona when they beat Real Madrid 6-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2008. And he was the epicenter of another devastating Barcelona display two years later when Mourinho lost his first Barca v Madrid 5-0 at the Nou Camp. It was during the Mourinho era that tensions between the two clubs really came to a head and as the captain and long time friend of Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas the two came together in reconciliation after a phone call from the goalkeeper to the midfielder that was not well received by Mourinho. Xavi celebrates after scoring one of his four career Clasico goals against at the Nou Camp in 2010 . Xavi's Barca team-mates swamp the passing maestro after his goal against Real Madrid . It was a lofted goal over Casillas's head in a Clasico in 2004 that was perhaps Xavi’s best individual moment from all his meetings with Real Madrid. That game was also his now boss Luis Enrique’s last Clasico.

Summary: Xavi Hernandez will likely play his final Barcelona vs Real Madrid on Sunday . He could play for Al-Sadd and coach at Qatar’s Aspire Academy in 2016 . New York City have also made an approach to the 35-year-old midfielder . Xavi has 12 wins, seven draws and nine defeats in 29 La Liga Clasicos . His departure from the Catalan giants will be a loss for football .


Formula One breathed a sigh of relief in the sunny early Saturday morning at Melbourne when Sauber's former Dutch driver Giedo van der Garde abandoned his legal action against the team. He had been suing them for dropping him despite having a contract to race for them this season, starting with Sunday's Australian Grand Prix. Courts in Melbourne found in his favour, saying he had a right to drive. However, he has not got a super-licence, so could not. Giedo van der Garde has decided to drop his case against former side Sauber after settling out of court . Marcus Ericsson (left) and Felipe Nasr (right) will race for Sauber in the absence of Van der Garde . This brought about an impasse: Sauber would be in contempt of court if they left him out. But they could not put him in according to the FIA rules. Heads we knocked together over Friday night and Van der Garde settled out of court. Van der Garde wrote on Facebook: 'With respect to the interest of motorsport, and F1 in particular, I have decided to give up my legal rights to race this weekend at the Melbourne Grand Prix. 'As I am a passionate race driver this decision has been very difficult for me. 'However I also wish to respect the interest of the FIA, Sauber Motorsport, as well as Nasr and Ericsson.' Crucially, Van der Garde has made clear further negotiations need to take place, however, before the matter can finally be closed. The 29-year-old added: 'My management will continue talks with Sauber early next week to find a mutually acceptable solution for the current situation that has now arisen. 'I am confident such solution will be found and I will inform the media once done.' Van der Garde dropped the case against Sauber out of respect to 'motorsport, and F1 in particular' Marcus Ericssson and Felipe Nasr will race for them in his place. Both were named on Sauber's race entry and took part in second practice on Friday, having sat out of the first session while the lawyers argued. With three valid driver contracts and only two race seats available, Sauber and Kaltenborn had found themselves mired in controversy. Given Sauber's financial struggles last year, when approached by two drivers in Ericsson and Nasr who could offer considerable sums of money in sponsorship, both the Swede and Brazilian were signed. But with Van der Garde on contract, and despite also having paid up front - albeit a figure less than that of Ericsson and Nasr - the battle became legal. It remains to be seen what 'mutually acceptable solution' can now be ironed out between the two parties. Whatever the outcome, under-pressure team principal Monisha Kaltenborn, a trained lawyer, has emerged from the sorry mess in a poor light. Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn insists she will not resign from her role despite the recent saga . At the circuit on Friday, while unable to talk about the case as it remained ongoing, she did insist however she remained competent to

Summary: Giedo van der Garde was planning to sue former side Sauber . Sauber dropped Van der Garde despite having contract to race . The Dutchman and Sauber have decided to settle out of court . Under-fire team principal Monisha Kaltenborn insists she will not resign .


Racing will shake up its TV tender process this summer by asking broadcasters which races they want to bid for rather than restricting them to specific packages. The sport is not in a position to dictate terms, in contrast to football’s Premier League. The new going rate of £11million per live PL match dwarves the £4.8m per year C4 pay for their monopoly terrestrial coverage. And even such an outstanding day of racing as the opening Tuesday of the Cheltenham Festival saw a worrying drop in C4 viewing figures, with the peak of 910,000 a significant 71,000 down on the previous year’s figure. Annie Power falls at the last fence on an action-packed first day at Cheltenham on Tuesday - but TV figures on C4 were still down 71,000 on last year's event . Racing Media Group, the TV arm of English racing, remain remarkably pleased with C4’s coverage, which runs until the end of 2016, despite the decline in armchair watchers. But allowing TV networks to customise their bids means racing could separately sell its crown jewels — Cheltenham, Royal Ascot, the Derby and Grand National — to terrestrial channels. Other marquee meetings may follow. This makes commercial sense, especially as racing is already well served by two subscription channels for the run-of-the-mill meetings. The secret of Irish trainer Willie Mullins’s remarkable success at Cheltenham may be there for all to see, emblazoned on his horse boxes parked at the Festival. The promotional message is ‘What a difference the hay makes’. Mullins gets the specially selected hay for his County Kildare stables from Alberta in Canada, through supplier Ransley Hay, based in Ashford, Kent. They say: ‘Mr Mullins is one of our best customers, so naturally we look after him.’ Co-authored with Michael Moritz, the book will detail Ferguson's tactics and management techniques . Publishers Hodder & Stoughton look to have already maximised their investment in Sir Alex Ferguson with two seven-figure advances and two best-selling autobiographies. Yet Fergie, as if £2m for 20 days’ work as a Manchester United ambassador isn’t enough to augment his pension, will no doubt be trousering another £1m plus advance for a leadership book based on his Harvard business school work, written with tycoon Sir Michael Moritz. However, one subject sure to receive little attention in the book is Fergie’s fall-out with JP McManus over the breeding rights to champion racehorse Rock Of Gibraltar. Their paths will cross only accidentally at Cheltenham on Thursday. ......................................................................... Top football agent Jonathan Barnett claims the FA have not properly consulted with the middle men ahead of bringing in new regulations. Next month’s changes may be the subject of an injunction. And Barnett — who says his Stellar agency, run with David Manasseh, is now the biggest in the world in terms of representing players — declared: ‘It’s ridiculous the FA have not bothered to come and see and learn how a big football agency operates. They haven’t got a clue at Wembley. ‘They are bringing in unworkable rules without finding out about the business, especially when an agency

Summary: Racing could separately sell crown jewels — Cheltenham, Royal Ascot, the Derby and Grand National — to terrestrial channels if changes are made . John Inverdale understood to have lost position presenting Wimbledon . Sir Alex Ferguson expected to earn £1million for his latest book .


Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has seen a reaction from goal-shy Graziano Pelle after dropping him in the league for the first time. The 29-year-old striker enjoyed a dream start to life at St Mary's after moving from Feyenoord in a reported £9million summer deal. Pelle scored nine goals in his first 12 matches for Saints in all competitions and netted the winner on his debut for Italy. Graziano Pelle (19) has struggled with form recently and wasn't happy at being dropped for the first time . The goals have dried up of late, though, and he was replaced in the starting line-up by Shane Long in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Chelsea. Pelle ran straight down the tunnel at the final whistle, having played the final few minutes, and Koeman hopes the striker can end his three-month wait for a Premier League goal when Burnley visit this weekend. 'There has been a little bit of a reaction, yes, because nobody is happy to stay on the bench,' the Saints boss said. Ronald Koeman (centre) says he's 'seen a reaction' from Pelle after leaving him on the bench against Chelsea . 'Sometimes you need a reaction off the player in that situation. He is doing well. 'In that game, in that moment, I think it was good to change the way of playing with more fast players up front. Saturday we play at home.' Koeman has no fresh injury worries to contend with against Burnley, with Eljero Elia coming back into contention after missing last week's match through injury. Sean Dyche's relegation-threatened side head to St Mary's buoyed by last weekend's shock win over champions Manchester City and having overcome Southampton 1-0 earlier in the season. 'Yeah, they beat us but it wasn't a very good game that day and we missed a penalty,' Koeman said. The targetman was in superb form at the start of the season and scored nine goals in 12 matches . 'It was a stupid goal against us but, of course, we analyse always the opponent and we play 11 against 11 and then one team is playing like Burnley. 'Sometimes it is difficult to prepare a training session for the match, but we expect an aggressive opponent who will press us with direct play. 'That is always difficult because they don't give you time to play and you have to that and you have to prepare for that.' Saturday's match will be their last before a two-week international break, during which time many of Southampton's players will be away with their national teams. Martin Odegaard (left) was linked with a loan move to the Saints next season but Koeman denied the claims . England duo Nathaniel Clyne and Fraser Forster are amongst those players, with some eyebrows raised by the fact left-back Ryan Bertrand did not join them in Roy Hodgson's squad. 'I am not surprised,' Koeman said. 'He had suspension for three games. After that he came back and is playing well. 'I think he played very well against Chelsea but I am not surprised because his

Summary: Ronald Koeman admits he's seen a reaction from striker Graziano Pelle . The Italian was benched for Southampton's game away to Chelsea . Koeman is happy to see Pelle show some passion and has done well since . The Dutchman refuted claims that Saints are interested in Martin Odegaard . Click here for all the latest Southampton news .


An elderly couple driving home from a visit to their granddaughter were pulled over and ordered out of their car by a heavy-handed sheriff's deputy, who subjected them to a 20-minute interrogation about heroin smuggling. Cancer sufferer Charles Tharp, 69, and his wife found themselves confronted with a sniffer dog and asked whether they had heroin, methamphetamines ir ecstasy stashed in their Toyota. The overzealous sheriff's deputy pulled the pair over on a highway in Walton County, Georgia, and took issue with their window tint before moving on to illegal narcotics. Scroll down for video . Drug interrogation: Charles Tharp, 69, was ordered out of his Toyota by an overzealous deputy in Walton County, Georgia . Couple: Tharp and his wife, who has not been named, were asked whether they had a variety of narcotics, including heroin and ecstasy, in their car . Dashcam footage of the ordeal, obtained by CBS46, shows Tharp, who suffers back pain, standing outside for the duration of the stop in blustery weather. The deputy can be heard asking which drugs Tharp might have in the car. He lists methamphetamines, heroin and ecstasy in turn, to which Tharp replies 'no, sir' each time. The officer had initially said that the windows on Tharp's Toyota, which are factory-issue, were tinted too darkly. He took a measurement at the roadside which seemingly confirmed his suspicion - but it was later disproved by a test from the car's dealership. Serious: The deputy brought out a snarling sniffer dog to examine their car . Unusual vacation: The Tharps were driving home through Georgia after a visit to the granddaughter, above, who lives in Texas . The Tharps were only passing through Georgia the time. They were on their way home to North Carolina after visiting their granddaughter in Texas. In response to the unexpected stop, Tharp said: 'I don't honestly know what the stereotype looks like for a heroin smuggler. 'But I don't think a couple of senior citizens driving a handicapped license plate car with their little cocker spaniel really looks like we're much of a threat to anybody.' Walton County Sheriff's Department are now investigating the incident. A spokesman for the department admitted: 'In hindsight, maybe he did go a little far'.

Summary: Charles Tharp, 69, and his wife were pulled over on a Georgia highway . Walton County sheriff's deputy ordered them out and asked about drugs . Tharp denied having heroin or ecstasy - deputy used sniffer dog to check . Ordeal went on 20 minutes and was painful for Tharp, who has back trouble . Spokesman for sheriff's department said 'maybe he did go a little far'


A gang that allegedly specialized in organized, armed and violent crime that were often referred to as 'Joloperros' - Spanish for 'stick-up guys' - will finally go to trial this summer for their role in the elaborate kidnapping and assault of two men in Boston. The FBI says the 'Veloz Crew' - headed by Danny Veloz, who is known as 'The Maestro' - went to elaborate lengths to kidnap a man they believed to be a major dealer of homemade Percocet pills, which deliver a heroin-like high. The plot was one of many underground kidnappings that police say targeted dealers in order to obtain large ransoms of cash or drugs, believing that going after criminals reduced the risk of involving authorities. The Joloperros tagged the victim's car with a GPS tracker and monitored his movements for months on a big-screen TV inside Veloz's house,The Boston Herald reported. Scroll down for video . Elaborate plot: The FBI says the 'Veloz Crew', headed by Danny Veloz (left), planned the July 2012 kidnapping for weeks, targeting a man they believed was a major dealer in homemade Percocet and pretending to police and wearing skeleton masks when they abducted the victim . 'Kidnap bag': The gang would pose as police, or use skeleton masks to disguise themselves, before swiping their targets off the street, sometimes in broad daylight . The tracking device would call Veloz's cellphone once the target's car started moving. On July 12, 2012, they were ready to pounce. The gang had a kidnap bag full of police shirts, skeleton masks and guns. According to The Herald, Jose Guzman, Henry Maldonado, Thomas Wallace, Luis Reynoso, and Gadiel Romero all suited up and got into a white Toyota minivan. Veloz, the leader, was on the phone to Guzman from another location. As the victim pulled into his driveway about 7 p.m., the abductors pulled in behind and came out with guns. Both the target and the man he was with were abducted. The target was hit in the head with a handgun, causing 'blood to spray throughout the van,' according to an affidavit. The two were taken to Maldonado’s apartment in Manchester, N.H., where the crew demanded payment. The target victim refused to cooperate, and was beaten and burned with a hot iron, the affidavit said. He suffered several burn injuries. Scene: The tracking devices would call Veloz's cell phone once the cars started moving, and The Maestro would track the cars from a television in the living room of his Lawrence home (pictured) However the victim was lucky enough to escape through a bathroom window and found his way to a neighbor's house for help. Police descended on the property arrested three suspects who were leaving the premises. Another suspect was found hiding, according to Fox 25. Inside the alleged kidnapper's apartment, authorities found their tools of the trade: police gear, a mask and guns. Four irons were also seized, one of which "appeared to have human flesh on it," records show. Police in Boston have been focusing on this case and others like

Summary: Specialty gang known as 'Joloperros' - Spanish for 'stick-up guys' Will go to trial this summer over an elaborate July 2012 kidnapping . Dressed up as police and wore skeleton masks to abduct a 'drug dealer' They held the victim for ransom, torturing him in a safe house . Victim finally escaped and called police, who arrested the gang . The plot was one of many underground kidnappings taking over Boston .


The former wife of jailed sex offender Max Clifford has been pictured wearing what appears to be an engagement ring. Divorcee Jo Westwood had married the now-disgraced PR man Clifford in 2010, but distanced herself from him when he was charged and then tried on a string of sex attacks. Since Clifford, 71, was jailed last May, Mrs Westwood has reportedly been seen several times with her former husband, IT consultant Lee, with whom she has a daughter. Scroll down for video . Engaged? In these photographs, taken in the Cotswolds, Mrs Westwood is seen wearing what appears to be a sparkly band on her ring finger, sparking rumours that she and first husband Lee are engaged . Last year, the couple, who separated in 2003, were pictured enjoying time together in Broadway, Wiltshire, where the PR guru and his ex-wife had a £600,000 country residence. And these latest photographs, taken of Mrs Westwood in the Cotswolds village today, suggest that the couple have taken the next step towards rekindling their marriage. Dressed in a casual outfit and carrying a shopping bag, Mrs Westwood is seen getting into her car with what looks like a sparkly band on her ring finger. The 51-year-old was a volunteer bereavement counsellor for a children’s hospice in Guildford, Surrey, which Clifford became a patron of. He later admitted that he turned to her for support after the death of his first wife, Liz, from cancer in 2003. He began courting her and she worked as his assistant at his London offices. They married after she proposed to him on a golf course in Marbella, Spain. 'Rekindling their romance': Last October Jo and Lee Westwood were pictured enjoying time together in Broadway, Wiltshire, (above) where PR guru Clifford and his ex-wife had a £600,000 country residence . She was notably absent from his trial, however, which featured claims he abused girls as young as 12, and allegations that his extraordinary grooming technique involved telling impressionable young women that he had an extremely small penis. On the very day he was convicted she was seen walking near their Cotswold cottage – without her wedding ring. Weeks later, a court granted her a divorce in just 105 seconds for his ‘unreasonable behaviour’, which has caused her stress and heart problems. In October it was reported that Mr Westwood had been seen driving the £150,000 Bentley coupe Clifford bought his ex-wife as a wedding present. Divorced: Jo Westwood had married the now-disgraced PR man Clifford in 2010, but distanced herself from him when he was charged and then tried on a string of sex attacks. Above, at a court hearing last May . Perhaps unsurprisingly, she has splashed out on new personalised licence plates for the car, swapping the letters MAX for JO. Engagement rumours first emerged last year when the Daily Star Sunday claimed Mrs Westwood had been seen visiting a jeweller’s with her ex-husband, and wearing a large ring. A source told the newspaper at the time: ‘All Jo’s family and friends are really pleased that after everything

Summary: Jo Westwood pictured with what appears to be sparkly band on ring finger . She had married the now-disgraced PR man Max Clifford in 2010 . But distanced herself when he was charged then tried on sex attacks . Mrs Westwood was granted divorce weeks after he was jailed last May . Since then Mrs Westwood has reportedly been seen with first husband Lee . The couple, who separated in 2003, were pictured together last October .


Top players often try to find a way to avoid difficult questions from the press, but Daniel Alves has found a more inventive method than most. The Barcelona full back was hounded by journalists while travelling home from a few days off over the international break. Alves has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp when his contract expires this summer, and he was repeatedly asked where he would be going. After being pressed about his future at Barcelona, Daniel Alves started singing at journalists . Alves is out of contract at Barcelona this summer, and has been linked with a move to PSG . Despite Alves wearing headphones and giving every indication that he had no interest in talking to the press, the questions kept coming. Eventually, when directly asked about a reported agreement with Paris St Germain, the Brazil defender lost patience, grabbing the microphone off one of the reporters and bursting into song, blasting out a few bars of Bazilian singer-songwriter Xande de Pilares . Fortunately Alves is a better footballer than a singer, and despite not featuring during this international break, and being allowed to leave Barcelona, is not without suitors amongst Europe's elite.

Summary: Dani Alves is out of contract at Barcelona this summer . Alves was questioned about a possible move to Paris St Germain . The defender tried to avoid questions, eventually bursting into song . CLICK HERE for all the latest Barcelona news .


Japanese scientists have successfully transmitted energy wirelessly in a breakthrough that could pave the way for space-based solar power systems. Mitsubishi researchers used microwaves to deliver 1.8 kilowatts of power - enough to run an electric kettle - through the air with pinpoint accuracy to a receiver 170ft (55 metres) away. While the distance was relatively small, the technology could someday pave the way for mankind to tap the vast amount of solar energy available in space and use it here on Earth. Japanese scientists say they have successfully transmitted energy wirelessly in a breakthrough for future solar space power systems. While the distance was relatively small, the technology could someday pave the way for mankind to tap the vast amount of solar energy available in space and use it here on Earth . 'This was the first time anyone has managed to send a high output of nearly two kilowatts of electric power via microwaves to a small target, using a delicate directivity control device,' said a spokesman for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) said. The test, which took place at Kobe Shipyard & Machinery Works in Nagoya, Japan, will help Jaxa devise its long-awaited space solar power system. Solar power generation in space has many advantages over its Earth-based cousin, notably the permanent availability of energy, regardless of weather or time of day. While man-made satellites, such as the International Space Station, have long since been able to use the solar energy that washes over them from the sun, getting that power down to Earth where people can use it has been the thing of science fiction. The test, which took place at Kobe Shipyard & Machinery Works in Nagoya, Japan, will help Jaxa devise its long-awaited space solar power system. Mitsubishi used microwaves to deliver 1.8 kilowatts of power - enough to run an electric kettle - through the air with pinpoint accuracy to a receiver (right) 170ft (55 metres) away . In a separate project, a Japanese firm last year revealed plans to cover the moon in a huge swathe of solar panels and use them to power homes here on Earth . But the Japanese research offers the possibility that humans will one day be able to farm an inexhaustible source of energy in space. The idea, said the Jaxa spokesman, would be for microwave-transmitting solar satellites - which would have sunlight-gathering panels and antennae - to be set up about 22,300 miles (36,000km) from the Earth. 'But it could take decades before we see practical application of the technology - maybe in the 2040s or later,' he said. 'There are a number of challenges to overcome, such as how to send huge structures into space, how to construct them and how to maintain them.' The idea of space-based solar power generation emerged among US researchers in the 1960s and Japan's SSPS programme, chiefly financed by the industry ministry, started in 2009, he said. Space-based solar power – once the stuff of science-fiction – could be available sooner than expected if Japan has its way .

Summary: Microwaves delivered 1.8 kw of power - enough to run an electric kettle . Power was sent through the air with to a receiver 170ft (55 metres) away . Technology may someday help tap vast solar energy available in space . Jaxa's plan is to eventually have sunlight-gathering panels and antennae set up about 22,300 miles (36,000km) from the Earth .


Two months after he was acquitted of a domestic assault charge, former Washington Redskins defensive back Fred Smoot revealed in a candid interview that it was his jilted girlfriend who left him bleeding during a fight over car keys. Smoot, 35, was arrested last November in Virginia after his ex-girlfriend, Valerie Jackson, accused him of attacking her when she asked to borrow his truck. Jackson later claimed that she believed Smoot wanted to keep her from seeing boxes of condoms and generic Viagra pills inside his vehicle. Speaking out: Former Washington Redskins player Fred Smoot (left) has come out accusing his ex-girlfriend of fabricating lies about domestic abuse that landed him in jail and left his career in tatters . Allegations: Valerie Jackson claimed in November that Smooth busted through the bathroom door and attacked her after she asked to use his truck to go to work . The 'he said, she said' case made national headlines after Jackson posted a series of photos on her Instagram documenting her injuries allegedly caused by her 5-foot-11, 192-pound football player boyfriend. In January, a judge in Virginia acquitted Smoot of misdemeanor domestic assault. In custody: Smooth, 35, was charged with domestic assault charge but was acquitted in January . During the bench trial, Smoot did admit to kicking down a bathroom door in an effort to retrieve a set of car keys from Jackson. On Wednesday, the former Redskins player sat down for an exclusive interview with Fox5 to address the domestic violence allegations and the fallout from the scandal. Looking sharp in a grey vest and matching tie, Fred Smoot told the station that by November 2014, his four-month relationship with Valerie Jackson had ended, but he let her stay in his Ashburn, Virginia, home until she could afford to get a place of her own. Jackson had previously claimed that on November 23, an enraged Fred Smoot busted through the bathroom door to grab his car keys out of her hands and attack her. While Smoot admitted that the dispute did start over the keys, he claimed he had no intention of harming Jackson. ‘So what I did was step back and I kicked the door and put a little hole in it, and opened the door and got my keys from it,’ Smoot said. ‘After I realized I had broken my door, I went and tore the stuff off so I could take the door down to put a new door up.’ Smoot also addressed his ex-girlfriends infamous Instagram photos showing blood on her gums and bruises on her arms, which she claimed were the handiwork of her boyfriend. Body of proof: Jackson posted photos on her Instagram allegedly showing her injuries at the hands of her boyfriend, but Smoot claims that the blood on her gums (left) came from biting him on the neck . Infidelity rumors: Jackson suggested Smoot did not want her to see the generic Viagra and condoms he had in his car. But Smoot claims they had broken up before the November fight, and Valerie was

Summary: Fred Smoot was arrested in November on domestic assault charge for allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend Valerie Jackson . A Virginia judge acquitted Smoot, 35, in January of the misdemeanor count . In first interview since the arrest, former Washington Redskins player said he never struck Jackson . He claimed their relationship had ended, but Valerie was still living in his home and was jealous he was dating other women . Jackson had said Smoot broke down a door and attacked her to stop her from getting inside his truck allegedly littered with condoms .


Britain's foreign aid budget is to be protected by law following a historic vote last night – but ministers still refused to protect funding for the armed forces. The House of Lords voted to commit future governments to spending at least 0.7 per cent of national wealth – currently around £12billion a year – on overseas development. The new law will come into force within the next few weeks, after it receives royal assent from the Queen. Legislation forcing Britain to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on foreign aid is set to become law tonight . Last night Tories lined up to lambast the move, saying it is wrong for aid spending to be protected when savage cuts to defence are expected after the election. A defence think tank has warned that up to 30,000 members of the forces face redundancy over the next parliament. David Cameron has repeatedly refused to pledge that funding for the military will be kept above the Nato target of at least 2 per cent of GDP. The 2013/14 defence budget was £34.3billion – just over this 2 per cent target and down from £35.9billion in 2010/11, when the coalition took over. By contrast, the aid budget has soared from £8.5billion in 2010 to £11.5billion in 2013 – the year that the 0.7 per cent of gross national income was reached for the first time. When Margaret Thatcher left office, just 0.27 per cent of GNI went on aid. Legislation to set the aid target in stone was passed by the Lords despite opposition from Tory grandees including former Chancellor Lord Lawson, who has described the measure as ‘gesture politics’. Sir Gerald Howarth, the former Conservative defence minister, said aid spending should be cut to allow an increase in the defence budget – because Russia is increasing spending on arms and the Middle East is in flames. Foreign aid spending rose to more than £11billion in 2013 as ministers moved to hit the 0.7% target . ‘This is a dangerous world,’ he told BBC Radio 4’s World at One. ‘This is not a time to be cutting our defence in any case. If you ask me where you make the savings – you make them in overseas aid.’ More than 300 Tory backbenchers are expected to rebel on Thursday by forcing a Commons vote on enshrining the 2 per cent defence target in law. Tory MP Peter Bone said: ‘Most of my constituents would think ensuring the safety of this country is of greater importance than meeting the overseas aid budget. ‘If the Government is prepared to accept that a percentage of gross national income should go toward a specific priority, it seems crazy that we can do this for overseas aid but not for defence. ‘We should be putting the 2 per cent Nato target into law.’ The pledge to introduce the law was part of the coalition agreement of 2010 – but opposition from many Conservative backbenchers meant it never saw the light of day as an official government bill. It had to

Summary: House of Lords votes in favour of law which has been backed by MPs . Bill taken through parliament by former Lib Dem minister Michael Moore . 0.7% target foreign aid has been backed by all the main parties . Some Tories say it is 'idiotic' at a time when cuts are needed elsewhere .