Police officers on Merseyside are on alert for Sunday's crunch clash between Liverpool and Manchester United after a number of well-known United hooligans saw their banning orders expire. The match between the two fierce rivals, which carries the highest security risk rating, kicks-off at Anfield at 1.30pm. Along with the usual bragging rights, this season it also features the added tension of both sides being in direct competition for a Champions League spot. Police officers on Merseyside are on alert for Sunday's clash between Liverpool and Manchester United . And it is understood around half-a-dozen known United troublemakers are free to go to the game after orders preventing them from going to matches ended last year. United will take around 3,000 followers to Liverpool. While police are happy with the early kick-off time, they are aware of the various elements which could potentially turn things ugly but remain confident they can deal with any situations. In November, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) deployed around 400 officers for the Manchester derby, which the previously-banned hooligans were also able to attend. United earned a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in which Wayne Rooney scored the opener . Raheem Sterling had several opportunities to score for his team, but failed to find the net last December . While the match passed without major incidents of disorder a large-scale brawl was captured on a mobile phone video more than 90 minutes after the final whistle. There, a number of United fans fought with City supporters outside a pub close to the Etihad Stadium, setting off a flare and hurling bottles. Police said fans used chairs and wooden poles as weapons amid chaotic scenes. Five men were later arrested, while a man thought to be a City fan lay motionless on the ground after being punched and kicked in the head. He later declined hospital treatment. When Liverpool played United at Old Trafford in December the match, which ended 3-0 to the home side, passed with a small number of arrests. Police officers on Merseyside are on alert for Sunday's crunch clash between Liverpool and United at Anfield .

Summary: Number of well-known Manchester United hooligans have seen banning orders expire . Merseyside police are preparing for United's clash against Liverpool . The match between the two rivals carries the highest security risk rating . Both teams are battling for a Champions League place .


Mardy Fish made an impressive return to the tour after an 18-month absence but fell just short against fellow American Ryan Harrison in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday. Former world No 7 Fish battled for two hours and 36 minutes before losing to fellow American Harrison, 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (3). Fish had two match points at 15-40 in the 10th game of the third set, but Harrison wiggled free. After both held serve to force the tiebreak, Harrison won three points in a row to go up 5-2. Fish's double fault gave Harrison match point and the 22-year-old closed it out with an ace. Mardy Fish made his return to the tour in Indian Wells on Thursday after an 18-month absence . Ryan Harrison hits a backhand volley on his way to a three-set victory against fellow American Fish . Fish, 33, had not played on the ATP Tour since August 2013 because of heart problems that have plagued him since March 2012. A finalist in 2008, when he lost to Novak Djokovic, Fish said that despite the long layoff the loss to Harrison 'stings a little bit'. But there were positives. 'I've worked really hard in the past 3 1/2 months to get back in shape,' Fish said, 'So, I don't have any issues sort of during a match or after a match. 'I worked extremely hard to put myself in the best position to not have to worry about things when I was out there - if I was out of shape or if I didn't feel well or if it was going to be a long match or a hot match or something like that, when a lot more things creep into your head.' Fish chases out to his left to reach for the return in his first-round match at the BNP Paribas Open . Harrison ends up on his back during one point but later progresses to the second round in Indian Wells . American wildcard Tim Smyczek was among those advancing as the men began play on Thursday, but two-time champion Daniela Hantuchova was among those eliminated on the second day of women's action. The 2002 and 2007 winner was a 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 loser to Klara Koukalova of the Czech Republic. Vera Zvonareva, the 2009 champion, also lost, 6-1, 6-1 to qualifier Polona Hercog of Slovakia, and Chinese qualifier Lin Zhu ousted 2010 French Open champion Francesca Schiavone of Italy. The men will conclude their first round on Friday, while the women begin second round play, highlighted by Serena Williams's return after a 14-year absence. Williams will face Monica Niculescu of Romania on Friday night. Daniela Hantuchova hits a forehand during her three-set loss to Klara Koukalova on Thursday . Serena Williams speaks to the media during a press conference at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden .

Summary: Mardy Fish made his return to the ATP Tour after an 18-month absence . The former world No 7 had been absent due to heart problems . Fish lost 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (3) in the first round to Ryan Harrison .


Seth Lane has made a heartbreaking plea for people to wear yellow to support him as he waits for a bone marrow transplant, confined to his hospital bed . Five-year-old Seth Lane has one wish - for the world to wear his favourite colour, yellow. The brave youngster lives in a 'bubble' and can only dream of life outside the confines of his hospital room. He is bound to his bed by a rare immune disorder, which has made the outside, germ-infested world his enemy. Seth was born without an immune system and has lived in a sterile environment for more than half of his short life. Following an unsuccessful bone marrow transplant, his immune system turned on him once again. Since January the five-year-old has been forced to live in his hospital room. As he waits for a life-changing second bone marrow transplant Seth has made a heartbreaking video, watched by more than two million people, in which he appeals for people to show their support. Using speech boards the adorable youngster asks people to wear yellow on March 27, and post a picture on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #WearyellowforSeth. Seth's parents, Leanne and Nik Lane, from Corby in Northamptonshire, said they have been astonished when the video went viral, with more than 2.5 million views in a matter of days. Hundreds of thousands of strangers have already pledged to wear yellow to show Seth they are thinking of him. The video features a smiling Seth perched on his bed holding up yellow cards asking for support. He said: 'Hello I'm Seth. I'm five-years-old and I love Fireman Sam, Paw Patrol and yellow. 'I'm in hospital, I was born with no immune system, and I need a second bone marrow transplant. 'On March 27 lots of people are going to wear yellow to show me how much support I have. Are you going to join in? 'Post a picture of you wearing yellow to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with #wearyellowforseth.' Mrs Lane, a full-time mother-of-two, said: 'We never meant to start any sort of campaign, and only expected friends and family to join in. 'I can't believe it has taken off like this. It is overwhelming. Scroll down for video . The five-year-old was born without an immune system, leaving him vulnerable to picking up life-threatening infections. The condition, known as 'bubble disease' requires sufferers to live in a sterile 'bubble' 'I don't think there is a single country in the world that hasn't got someone who has got involved. 'It all helps show Seth that people are thinking of him. I told him about the views and he asked, "Is it more than 20?' I said "yes it is" and he said "wowee".' Seth was admitted to hospital at the age of six months with an extreme chest infection. His parents were told he had severe combined immunodeficiency. Known as 'bubble boy disease' it is caused by a mutated gene and means the body's antibodies cannot respond to infections, leaving sufferers extremely vulnerable to germs. He was

Summary: Seth Lane, five, from Corby, was born without an immune system . His severe combined immunodeficiency leaves him vulnerable to infection . Has been forced to live in a sterile environment for more than half his life . First bone marrow transplant failed, and his immune system turned on him . He is now confined to his hospital bed waiting for second transplant . Father Nik will be Seth's donor when he is well enough for the operation . Seth has made a heartbreaking video asking people to show their support . On March 27 he's asking people to #WearyellowforSeth and post pictures .


A young woman who plunged a nine-inch kitchen knife into a fellow partygoer in a row over alcohol, has been jailed for 10 years. Samantha Houlgrave, 20, stabbed Samuel Madden because he wanted to take unopened drinks he had brought to her house party home with him. He suffered damaged to his kidneys and liver and was told if the wound was half an inch either way he would be dead. Mr Madden had to undergo extensive surgery to make sure he was not suffering internal damage. Samantha Houlgrave was jailed for 10 years for stabbing Samuel Madden in a row over alcohol. When the 20-year-old, pictured above, is released from prison she will serve an extended three year licence period . Detective Constable Rob Sledge said Mr Madden had been left with both physical and mental scars as a result of the attack, which happened at Houlgrave's home in Blackburn, Lancashire. He said: 'They had both been drinking at Houlgrave's house.. It was a house party gone wrong. 'Mr Madden decided to leave and he wanted to take the drinks he had paid for with him. Houlgrave objected. 'She said she picked the knife up off the grass outside the house and she forgot she had it in her hand. She said she went to push Mr Madden away and that is when she stabbed him.' Mr Madden needed surgery to repair the 'nicks' in his organs. DC Sledge added: 'He will have life-long scarring and has had to have a lot of extensive surgical intervention. 'Mr Madden has been really lucky because the surgeon said if the knife had gone in half an inch either side of where it did, he would be dead.' A jury convicted Houlgrave of inflicting grievous bodily harm following a five-day trial at Preston Crown Court. Houlgrave was hauled back before the court moments after being jailed after lighting a cigarette in the cells . She was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, plus a further three on an extended licence. However the defendant was again hauled before another judge after she lit a cigarette in a cell, causing the fire alarms to sound and the building to be evacuated. Judge Anthony Russell QC said: 'It needs to be understood that it could well be a contempt of court either to bring items to court which should not be brought and certainly, to use them in a way which results in disrupting proceedings.' James Heyworth, representing Houlgrave, said she apologised for the inconvenience.

Summary: Samantha Houlgrave was convicted of grievous bodily harm by a jury . The 20-year-old stabbed Samuel Madden in a row over alcohol . He survived the ordeal but suffered damage to his kidneys and liver . Houlgrave was jailed for 10 years by a judge at Preston Crown Court . Also told she would face a three years on licence when she is released .


Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy said he would use cash raised in England to fund a spending splurge north of the border . Scottish Labour Jim Murphy has threatened a new £1billion tax raid on England to fund a fresh spending splurge north of the border. Mr Murphy said Labour would hit bankers with a new ‘bonus tax’ and slash the amount wealthy savers could pay into their pensions tax free. He said Labour would use this cash, almost entirely raised in England, for a range of giveaways in Scotland. Mr Murphy said he would introduce a ‘Scottish Jobs Guarantee’, which Mr Murphy says will end long-term youth unemployment. About 5,000 young Scots aged 18-24 will be eligible for the jobs guarantee in the first year of the scheme. The £1billion package includes a £1,000 increase in bursaries for Scottish students, a ‘future fund’ worth £1,600 for every 18 and 19-year-old in work and free university tuition. The future fund, unveiled at Scottish Labour's spring conference, will provide teenagers who do not go to university with £1,600 to spend on what they ‘need to get on in life’. Mr Murphy said: ‘This is an unprecedented investment in our young people, only made possible by harnessing the wealth of the whole of the UK, including the wealthiest in the City of London. ‘It is a guarantee of opportunity that the SNP can't deliver because they don't believe in redistributing from South to North. ‘It is a guarantee that the Tories won't deliver because they do not believe in redistributing from rich to poor.’ ‘This generation of young people has come of age when, for the first time, most parents believe that their children will do worse than they did.' Mr Murphy added: ‘While the living standards of those retiring now are greater than previous pensioners, young people's living standards have stagnated compared to their older siblings and parents. ‘The economic and social costs of a generation for whom the hope of youth has been replaced with pessimism over the chances of a better future may dog us for years to come. ‘But it is not too late to turn things around and to make the promise of a better future real. ‘It is not too late because this generation of young people have been educated for longer and to a higher standard than any previous generation.’ Jim Murphy said the SNP could not match Labour's spending pledge because they wanted to break away from the UK . On the jobs guarantee, Mr Murphy said: ‘We will use a new tax on the bonuses of bankers here in the City of London and in the UK's other financial centres. ‘We will use that funding to guarantee a real job, at at-least minimum wage, and to guarantee training for every young person too. ‘We offer the guarantee to all young people who are at risk of falling into long-term unemployment. ‘This will be a Scottish Jobs Guarantee, delivered by a distinct contract in Scotland, in partnership with employers, colleges and the Scottish Government.’ SNP work

Summary: Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy unveils £1billion spending package . Mr Murphy pledged a 'Scottish Jobs Guarantee' to cut youth joblessness . It will be funded by tax raid on London and wealthy pensioners . He said only Labour could redistribute cash from England to Scotland . But the SNP dismissed the move as an 'empty attempt to buy votes'


A young driver has escaped serious injury after rolling his vehicle on a remote Northern Territory highway - only to be stung by a swarm of angry bees that escaped his trailer. Police say the 18-year-old was towing a trailer with crates full of bees when the trailer's wheel clipped the edge of the road, 17 km north of Katherine on Thursday afternoon. Duty Superintendent Louise Jorgensen said the driver lost control, the vehicle fish-tailed and flipped about 10 metres into scrub land, dislodging the bee crates. A young driver was stung by a swarm of angry bees after crashing his car, which was towing a trailer of the insects . The 18-year-old was towing crates full of bees when he lost control of his vehicle near Katherine in Australia's Northern Territory . 'The bees became angry and escaped,' swarming the area and stinging the man on the face three times, Duty Supt Jorgensen said. The young driver managed to crawl out with minor swelling and pain, but was otherwise uninjured. Duty Supt Jorgensen said the bees were more of an issue than the wreckage when they arrived on the scene, as emergency services aren't equipped with bee-keeping hats as part of their personal protection. According to police, the scene was safely cleared and no charges are expected. Police say the bees were a bigger problem than the wreckage when they arrived on the scene because emergency services aren't equipped with bee-keeping protective gear .

Summary: A teenager has been attacked by an angry swarm of bees after rolling his car on a Northern Territory highway . He was transporting a trailer-full of bees towards Katherine when he drove off the road, flipping the vehicle . The young driver escaped unhurt, but suffered welts from stings to his face .


The Brownsville, Texas federal judge who blocked President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration has ordered the Justice Department to answer allegations that the government misled him about part of the plan. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen on Monday denied the Obama administration's request to lift a time-out he enforced on Feb. 16, when he ruled that a lawsuit filed by 26 states might succeed. His order was designed, he said, to prevent a situation that couldn't be undone if it were declared unconstitutional. It also seemed to fire a shot across the White House's bow, blaming the administration for failing to keep illegal immigrants out of the country. HOT SEAT: President Barack Obama, seen Tuesday signing the 'Student Aid Bill of Rights' law in the Oval Office, faces the possibility that his immigration plans will die in federal court . HERE COMES THE JUDGE: Federal jurist Andrew Hanen is calling the Obama administration on the carpet about the president's immigration plan . 'The court finds that the government's failure to secure the border has exacerbated illegal immigration into this country,' Hanen ruled in February, saying that states were being financially 'drained by the constant influx of illegal immigrants.' His stay will remain in place for at least another 10 days, pending a March 19 hearing where the Justice Department will have tough questions to answer. Last week the government's lawyers admitted in a paper filing that the Obama administration had already granted three-year deportation reprieves to 100,000 people, and granted them work permits, as part of the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. That program's guidelines provided only for two-year reprieves, unlike Obama's latest executive actions. PLAINTIFF: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is spearheading the lawsuit along with 25 other governors . Justice Department attorneys had previously told Hanen that the federal government wouldn't accept DACA requests with longer timeframes until Feb. 18. The judge's order came on the 16th, legally prohibiting them from issuing any three-year permits. The president's more recent attempt to mainstream illegal immigrants, announced in November, will cover 5 million or more people and will ultimately go into force unless the judiciary blocks it. The group of 26 states suing to stop Obama's immigration plan argue in their legal complaint that the government falsely claimed it hadn't implemented any part of the November plan before Hanen blocked it. Hanen's injunction had no effect on the DACA program, but his demand for a new hearing suggest he's looking at that program in addition to Obama's more recent executive actions, which concern illegal immigrant parents of American citizens born in the U.S., and other permanent residents who have been in the country for years. The government has asked him to lift the stay completely while they appeal it to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, or at least to limit the impact of his decisions to Texas. With Monday's ruling, that won't happen until at least March 19. ANGER: Conservatives have bristled at the idea of the White House tossing border security overboard in

Summary: Obama administration told Judge Andrew Hanen that it hadn't moved past implementing Obama's 2012 'DACA' immigration plan . But now the government admits it began implementing Obama's newest executive actions, giving illegal immigrants 3-year deportation reprieves . March 19 hearing will sort it out, but the president's November 2014 plan remains on hold . Hanen ordered a standstill on Feb. 18 in a case where 26 states sued to block 5 million people in the US illegally from getting Social Security nymbers, work permits and green cards .


British mother Pauline Alpin has not heard from her daughter Emma Venier (pictured) since she prepared to face Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu . An anxious British mother has not heard from her 18-year-old daughter for five days after Cyclone Pam struck the Oceania island of Vanuatu. Pauline Alpin, 54, said she last received a text message from her daughter Emma Venier - a former head girl at Norwich High School - as she prepared to face Cyclone Pam before it ripped across the tiny island. The storm has killed at least 24 people and left more than 3,300 homeless in the South Pacific island. Ms Alpin, from Norwich, said: 'I have to assume that Emma is OK because I don't want to think anything else. 'She let me know that they were boarding up windows and were on red alert. 'As the days go on I'm just getting worse and worse. I should be at work but I can't go because I just can't concentrate.' Miss Vernier flew out to Vanuatu, about 1,250 miles from Brisbane, Australia, last month to take part in a volunteering project in Ambae, one of the little nation's outer islets. She was due to remain in Vanuatu until July. The area was ravaged over the weekend by the cyclone as raging 185mph winds destroyed homes, boats, roads and bridges and wrecked power and phone lines. The remote outer islands are not thought to have been as badly hit as the central areas and Vanuatu's capital Port Vila but radio and phone lines were still down last night. Vanuatu has a population of 267,000 people spread over more than 80 islands. About 47,000 people live in the capital. Miss Vernier flew out to Vanuatu, about 1,250 miles from Brisbane, Australia, last month to take part in a volunteering project in Ambae, one of the little nation's outer islets . Cyclone Pam has destroyed or damaged 90 per cent of the buildings in Vanuatu's capital of Port Vila . This photo taken today shows the widespread devastation caused by the cyclone which struck on Saturday . A boy called Samuel kicks a ball as his father searches through the ruins of their Port Vila home . Vanuatu was in the path of the category five storm when it unexpectedly changed direction . A family who lost their home in the cyclone carry their belongings on the outskirts of Port Vila . The tiny village of Yaohnanen on the southern Vanuatu island of Tanna - where Prince Philip is a divine being - has been 'totally devastated' by the cyclone. Villagers have revered the Duke of Edinburgh after catching a glimpse of him standing on a ship during a royal visit to Vanuatu - known then as the New Hebrides - in the 1970s. In his fine white naval uniform Prince Philip looked like a Deity and so he was 'adopted' as the tribe's personal god. The village, of about 200 people, consisted of little more than wooden huts with thatched roofs - and it was in one of these

Summary: Pauline Aplin, 54, last got a text from daughter Emma prior to Cyclone Pam . 18-year-old Emma Venier was a former head girl at Norwich High School . She flew out to Vanuatu last month to take part in a volunteering project . Storm has killed at least 24 people and left more than 3,300 homeless .


A top contender in a major dog sled race in Alaska was disqualified on Tuesday evening for carrying an iPod touch. Brent Sass of Eureka was told he violated Rule 35 of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which prohibits cellphones and other two-way communication devices with wireless capability. The 35-year-old musher was running fifth place and a quarter of the way through the 979-mile contest when he was pulled off the course. Scroll down for video . Still smiling: Brent Sass of Eureka (right) was disqualified on Tuesday evening from the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race for carrying an iPod touch . Sass told the Alaska Dispatch News that he had no idea that he was doing anything wrong. 'I didn’t use [the iPod touch] and I had zero intent of using it for a Wi-Fi connection in checkpoints, but I was just completely clueless,' he said. 'I mean I gave my dad my cell phone because I knew you couldn’t have cell phones on this race specifically and I was just ignorant.' Sebastian Schnuelle, a Canadian dog musher and dog sled racer from Whitehorse, Yukon, who is not running in this year's Iditarod described Sass' disqualification as 'disappointment'. The 35-year-old musher was running fifth place and a quarter of the way through the 979-mile contest when he was pulled off the course (Rohn Buser's lead dogs pictured above) Ready, set: People stand near the start area during the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race on Monday in Fairbanks . 'He was running a great team,' Schnuelle added. Sass, owner and founder of Wild and Free Mushing, has been racing and training huskies for 12 years. Originally from Excelsior, Minnesota, Sass moved to Alaska in 1998 to 'fulfill a lifelong dream' of living in the state. He attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks where he graduated with a major in geography and started mushing shortly after. Weather impacts: Iditarod mushers began their 1,000-mile trek across Alaska along a new route after poor trail conditions forced organizers to push the race's start north, bypassing a mountain range . Career high: Musher Timothy Hunt waits for his turn near the start area during the Iditarod . Since his first race in 2006, Sass has placed in over 20 races, including several first place finishes. Last month he won 1,000-mile Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race. The Iditarod began Monday in Fairbanks and will finish in Nome. Aliy Zirkle of Two Rivers was in the lead 227 miles into the race Tuesday at the Tanana checkpoint, where Sass is currently resting. The fastest winning record was set in 2014 by Dallas Seavey with a time of eight days, 13 hours, four minutes, and 19 seconds.

Summary: Brent Sass of Eureka was told he violated Rule 35 of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which prohibits cellphones and other two-way communication devices with wireless capability . The 35-year-old musher was running fifth place and a quarter of the way through the 979-mile contest when he was pulled off the course . Sass, owner and founder of Wild and Free Mushing, has been racing and training huskies for 12 years .


Another member of the Baltimore Ravens has been arrested this offseason. Running back Bernard Pierce was pulled over in Towson, Maryland, in the early morning hours of Wednesday and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. This after his teammates Terrence Cody and Victor Hampton were also arrested earlier this year. Scroll down for video . Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce (above) was pulled over in Towson, Maryland, early Wednesday and charged with driving under the influence . Pierce, a member of the Ravens when they won the 2012 Super Bowl, failed a field sobriety test and was taken in and released from the station after being cooperative with officers . Baltimore County police told The Baltimore Sun that Pierce, 23, was pulled over for speeding around 2am, and after an officer suspected he had been drinking the footballer was ordered to perform a field sobriety test. After failing the test, a cooperative Pierce was taken to the station, processed and later released. According to TMZ, he told police; 'Do you know what happened the last time a Ravens player got a DUI? I'm getting cut tomorrow, not like you care.' Pierce, a member of the team when they won the Super Bowl in 2012, has been charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, exceeding maximum speed, and driving a vehicle in excess of reasonable and prudent speed on highway. 'We are aware of the situation and learning more about it. We take these matters seriously,' said Ravens spokesperson Chad Steele. This just weeks after Hampton, 22, was also arrested and charged with driving under the influence after he was recorded driving 100 mph in a 55-mph zone in North Carolina. He was booked after recording a 0.10 blood-alcohol level, and later released when he posted a $2,500 bond. This also comes just weeks after Pierce's Ravens teammate Victor Hampton (above) was also arrested for a DUI, and cut from the team the next day . Tackle Terrence Cody (above) was also arrested this year and indicted on 15 counts of animal cruelty and drug charges by a grand jury . The Ravens released the cornerback the next day. As for Cody, he was indicted on 15 counts of animal cruelty and drug charges by a grand jury in February following an incident in which his pet alligator allegedly ate his dog. He was also found to have marijuana and drug paraphernalia in his home. The tackle was also dropped from the team prior to his indictement. Cody claims that his dog died of worms, and not because he was attacked by the alligator, which was illegally owned. All this comes after the Ravens had one of their worst year's ever off the field, with star player Ray Rice being caught on video physically abusing his now-wife Janay (above) in a hotel elevator . All this comes after the Ravens had one of their worst year's ever off the field, with star player Ray Rice being caught on video physically abusing his now-wife

Summary: Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce was pulled over in Towson, Maryland, early Wednesday and charged with driving under the influence . He failed a field sobriety test and was taken in and released from the station after being cooperative with officers . This just weeks after his Ravens teammate Victor Hampton was also arrested for a DUI, and cut from the team the next day . Tackle Terrence Cody was also arrested this year and indicted on 15 counts of animal cruelty and drug charges by a grand jury . Cody's charges stem from an incident in which his dog was eaten by his pet alligator, and he too was cut from the team . The Ravens also settled out of court this year with former star Ray Rice after he sued the team for cutting him over an abuse charge last year .


Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry compared legal U.S. immigrants to cardboard boxes on Saturday, bringing some in a Des Moines, Iowa audience to shake their head sin disbelief.. He said at the Iowa Ag Summit, a testing ground for potential presidential candidates, that the United States should be able to track holders of work visas the way shipping companies track parcels. 'I'm telling you,' Perry said, 'if UPS can track a box all around the world and know exactly where it is 24/7, we can give people a card and allow them in here, and say that when you hit your visa limit from the time to be in this country, we're going to know where you are.' 'We're going to let you know that your time's up. You're outta here.' 'YOU'RE OUTTA HERE': Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry said the US government should track foreign guest workers like UPS tracks packages and deport them when their permits expire . Perry spoke at the 2015 Ag Summit, a testing ground for presidential hopefuls, in Des Moines, Iowa . SCAN IT: UPS keeps track of millions of packages around the world every day, far more than the hundreds of thousands of H1-B immigrants in the country legally at any given time . While some applauded, others grimaced. Most speakers during the morning session had harsh words for President Barack Obama's recent immigration executive actions, which promise to guarantee 5 million or more illegal immigrants that they won't be deported through the end of his White House term. But Perry distinguished himself by saying future presidents should embrace greater numbers of targeted legal immigrants. He hinted that a Perry administration in Washington would focus on 'bringing people into this country that we need, whether it's high-tech workers, or people in agriculture, hospitality or construction.' And, he added, the government would have to be 'able to identify these people – keep up with them.' Perry didn't say what kind of technology he advocated for keeping track of legal immigrants. America awards 85,000 so-called H-1B work visas, based on a computer-generated lottery system, including 20,000 with advanced academic qualifications like master's degrees or Ph.Ds. Last year the U.S. got 172,500 applications for fiscal 2015, and stopped acceepting them after just 7 days. The visa allows foreign nationals who do not intend to emigrate to the United States to work inside the country for three years, extendable to six. Many choose ultimately to stay beyond that timeframe – including all of the airline hijackers responsible for the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001. According to a recent U.S. Customs and Immigration Services report to Congress, 61 per cent of the successful applicants in 2012 worked in 'computer-related occupations.' Other categories include 'specialty occupations' such as fashion modeling and healthcare work. That year visa holders' salaries averaged $79,000. Nearly three-quarters were between the ages of 25 and 34 that year. All told there were moew than 262,500 H1-B visa holders in the country in 2012, including holdovers from previous years. Perry also hammered the Obama administration for appointing Ron

Summary: 'If UPS can track a box all around the world and know exactly where it is 24/7, we can give people a card ... we're going to know where you are' Perry spoke at the Iowa Ag Summit, a farmers' casting call for prospective presidential candidates . He blasted the Obama White House for appointing 'a political spokesman for Al Gore' as his ebola czar . Nine Republicans – but no Democrats – RSVPed for the event .


A high-profile Ukip MEP has been expelled from the party after her chief of staff was filmed allegedly attempting to make fraudulent expense claims. Ukip last night said Janice Atkinson and her assistant Christine Hewitt had been kicked out for ‘bringing the party into disrepute’. A disciplinary hearing was held yesterday following allegations that Miss Hewitt had obtained a £3,150 invoice for a drinks party that cost £950 in a bid to ‘repatriate’ extra money from the EU. Scroll down for video . Ukip said Janice Atkinson (pictured) and her assistant had been kicked out for ‘bringing the party into disrepute’ Miss Atkinson, who is an MEP for the South East, had also been due to stand at the General Election as the candidate for the Folkestone and Hythe constituency. Police last week launched an investigation into allegations over the women’s event hosted by Mrs Atkinson at Ukip’s spring conference in Margate, Kent. Guests at the party, which was attended by Nigel Farage’s wife Kirsten, drank champagne, cocktails and dozens of bottles of wine. The event reportedly cost £950 and was paid by Mrs Atkinson’ chief of staff Christine Hewitt on credit card, but she later returned to the restaurant and was given an invoice for £3,150. Mr Farage said last week that he was 'deeply shocked' by the allegations and described it as 'one of the most incredibly stupid and dishonest things I've ever seen in my life' She was allegedly filmed telling an undercover reporter: ‘The idea is we overcharge them slightly because that’s the way of repatriating (the money).’ Nigel Farage was left reeling last week after losing three election candidates in less than 24 hours. The Ukip leader was left 'deeply shocked' after suspending MEP Janice Atkinson. Hours later the party confirmed a second senior figure, the party's candidate for Scunthorpe Stephen Howd, had been suspended following an 'alleged incident at his workplace'. The final blow came when the party's candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale, Jonathan Stanley, sensationally quit claiming he was sick of the 'open racism and bullying' in the party. Mr Farage last week said: ‘I was deeply shocked when I saw it. It was one of the most incredibly stupid and dishonest things I've ever seen in my life.’ The party yesterday held a disciplinary hearing chaired independently by somebody from the legal profession with representatives of the national executive of Ukip. Last night in a statement, Mrs Atkinson said: 'I am deeply disappointed by today’s decision and fully intend to appeal. ‘I was elected to represent the constituents of the south-east of England and I will continue to work tirelessly on their behalf and for the best interests of our country.' A Ukip spokesman said: ‘Janice Atkinson MEP and Christine Hewitt, assistant to Janice Atkinson, have been found to have brought the party into disrepute. ‘As a result they have been expelled from the UK Independence Party. They have 14 days to appeal. ‘This means that Ms Atkinson no longer represents UKIP in the European Parliament and she will no longer be our prospective

Summary: Janice Atkinson and her assistant Christine Hewitt were kicked out of Ukip . A disciplinary heard that Hewitt obtained a £3,150 invoice for a £950 party . Allegedly told undercover reporters it was to repatriate money from EU . A Ukip spokesman said the pair had brought the party into 'disrepute'


Taulupe Faletau believes winning the RBS 6 Nations title this year would top Wales' comeback triumph of 2013. Two years ago Wales became the first team to win the championship after losing their first game and history could repeat itself should Warren Gatland's side overcome Grand Slam-chasing Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. Wales lost their first game of the 2015 championship to England in Cardiff but back-to-back wins in Scotland and France have put them back into title contention. Taulupe Faletau takes on the French defence during his side's victory in Paris in round three . '2013 was great and the win against England at the end was probably the most satisfying I've had,' said British and Irish Lions number eight Faletau. 'To lose the first game in 2013 [to Ireland] and to have people on your backs and knocking you down... then to come back from that as a team was great. 'When the final whistle went against England it was amazing, but if we could replicate that it would probably be even better. 'Just doing it again I think would make it better.' Wales' title hopes seemed a distant dream when England recovered from a first-half deficit in the tournament opener to run out 21-16 winners. But successive wins on the road in Edinburgh and Paris have lifted Welsh spirits before confronting impressive Irish opponents who have already recorded victories over Italy, France and England. Faletau brings down France prop Uini Atonio as Warren Gatland's side triumphed at the Stade de France . 'The boys put a good shift in and we got the result we wanted in Paris,' Faletau said of last weekend's Stade de France success. 'It was a good day at the office for the pack and the platform we had at the scrum, especially for me, was noticeable. 'It's what we want going forward and the longer we spend together the more we seem to get better. 'Hopefully we can build on last weekend and keep our tournament alive.' Faletau seems set to lock horns again with his old Lions team-mate Jamie Heaslip as the Ireland number eight is on course to make a dramatic return from injury. Heaslip cracked three vertebrae when he was kneed in the back by France lock Pascal Pape in Dublin last month, but Faletau believes Ireland will do everything in their power to have the Leinster man available at the Millennium Stadium. Faletau seems set to lock horns again with his old Lions team-mate Jamie Heaslip in Cardiff on Saturday . 'He's a great guy and a great player who's made a name for himself for many years now,' Faletau said. 'He's an important player for Ireland and one of their leaders, so if we stop his game maybe it will slow the rest down. 'But there's another 14 players you've got to stop as well and Ireland are definitely favourites. 'They had a really good autumn series beating Australia and South Africa and they're on fire at the moment. 'They having lost for 10 games but we've

Summary: Taulupe Faletau believes winning the RBS 6 Nations title this year would top Wales' comeback triumph of 2013 . Two years ago Wales became the first team to win the championship after losing their first game . Warren Gatland's side need to overcome Grand Slam-chasing Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday .


A Florida woman who was looking around the house for her cats found something much larger and more dangerous underneath her bed. The 61-year-old Palm Springs resident was reaching down to find her two missing moggies when she felt the skin of 5'10'', 25-year-old suspected burglar Christian Vatovec. Vatovec, who lives in nearby Lake Worth, leaped up after being touched and went through the home's backdoor before jumping over a fence and escaping. Christian Vatovec, 25, originally from Staten Island, leaped up and out of the house after its 61-year-old resident discovered the suspected burglar while looking for her cats . The woman said that a gold bracelet and digital camera were missing from her house (pictured) after a burglar broke through the back door, though a police report only said Vatovec was found with a gold ring . Police found the suspect, who faces charges of burglary to an occupied dwelling, grand theft and resisting arrest without violence, near a canal by the house, according to Local 10. Vatovec, originally from Staten Island, had been approaching homes in the area before entering the woman's residence by breaking the glass in a rear door, according to the police report. The 61-year-old hairdresser, named locally, said that a gold ankle bracelet and digital camera with an estimated value of $800 were missing from her home after the Tuesday incident. Vatovec was taken back to the scene of the suspected crime by police and identified by the woman. He had a gold ring, but was not stated as having the missing items. He was being held in lieu of $53,000 bail as of Friday. Vatovec was discovered near a canal by the Palm Springs home after rushing out of the house and jumping over a fence .

Summary: Palm Springs, Florida, woman touches skin of suspected burglar under bed . Christian Vatovec, 25, charged with burglary and grand theft . Sixty-one-year-old hairdresser said gold bracelet and camera were missing . Vatovec found near canal near house, was being held on $53,000 bail .


The number of immigrants coming to Britain to work has fallen by 100,000 under the Coalition, new figures have revealed. Between 2010 and 2014 just over 600,000 foreigners came to work in the UK, down from 725,000 between 2005 and 2009 under Labour. The revelation, from the respected Oxford-based Migration Observatory, comes despite a recent surge in migration which has blown apart David Cameron's election pledge to slash the number of immigrants coming to Britain. Between 2010 and 2014 just over 600,000 foreigners came to work in the UK, down from 725,000 between 2005 and 2009 under Labour . Mr Cameron pledged to reduce net migration – the difference between people moving to Britain and those leaving each year – to less than 100,000 a year by 2015. But Britain's booming economy has seen a sharp increase in the number of migrants from the EU coming to work in Britain – with net migration surging to almost 300,000 according to the latest official figures. However, the Migration Observatory has revealed that taken across the five-year parliament there has been a 16 per cent fall in the number of foreign workers moving to the UK . Madeleine Sumption, director of the independent observatory, said the migrant workforce was 'considerably smaller' now than five years ago. The data, revealed in the FT this morning, also shows that since the coalition took office there has been a rise of 40 per cent in workers from recession-hit nations in the 'old EU', such as Italy, Spain and Portugal. However, at the same time there has been a 35 per cent fall in migrants from the eight eastern European countries that joined the EU in 2004. There has also been a drop of more than a quarter in those arriving from beyond Europe. The observatory's data show that migrants' wages have risen on average by 17 per cent under the coalition, compared with the previous five years — a significantly higher wage boost than British workers have enjoyed. David Cameron pledged to reduce net migration – the difference between people moving to Britain and those leaving each year – to less than 100,000 a year by 2015 . London meanwhile has taken a much larger chunk of immigrants - in professions such as financial services, and away from lower-skilled roles elsewhere in the country. David Hanson, Labour's shadow immigration minister, said that while highly skilled foreign workers made positive contributions to the UK economy, there needed to be better training so that British workers could take on skilled roles. 'Labour has a strong plan to build the skills of the next generation.' But Ukip's Steven Woolfe said: 'There are now close to 2m EU workers in the UK, and their numbers have more than doubled since [the accession of eight eastern European countries in] 2004.'

Summary: Between 2010 and 2014 608,000 foreigners came to work in the UK . This is compared to 725,000 migrants who came to work under Labour . Figures published by the respected Oxford-based Migration Observatory .


Flight attendants often complain that their uniforms are itchy or too tight, but these outfits worn by staff on a flight in China may rank among the most comfortable ever. Cabin crew for Tianjin Airlines surprised passengers recently when they wore their pyjamas and dressing gowns instead of their usual uniforms on flights across the country. But the publicity stunt wasn’t intended for their own comfort. Scroll down for video . Tianjin Airlines flight attendants wore their pyjamas and onesies on flights across the country recently . The regional carrier, based in Tianjin in northern China, was promoting the benefits of a good night’s sleep by dressing its employees in their PJs and onesies. Organisers of the event said many physical and psychological problems can be cured by establishing proper sleep patterns. It appears to have worked, with passenger Tain Li, 35, telling local media: ‘I was getting onto the plane and there to show me to my seat was a beautiful girl in her night clothes. ‘I thought I must be dreaming. I think it worked though as I quickly fell asleep and got a few hours in, which is more than normal for me on a plane.’ The airline, based in Tianjin in northern China, was promoting the benefits of a good night's sleep . Flight attendants gave instructions on how to relax and meditate to help passengers fall asleep . Flight attendant Tao Chu, 27, said many passengers find it hard to sleep on planes, and they’ll often miss out on a whole night’s sleep. She added: ‘We gave them instructions in how to relax and meditate so they will be able to sleep, even on a plane on long flights. ‘It is very important to have the right number of hours sleep to you want stay healthy. It not only helps the body to heal and regenerate, but also helps us to work better and concentrate.’

Summary: Flight attendants for Tianjin Airlines wore their pyjamas and onesies . The airline was promoting the benefits of a good night's sleep . It appears to have worked, with one passenger saying he fell asleep quickly . Flight attendants gave instructions on how to relax and meditate .


David Denton insists Scotland will look to bounce back from their Wooden Spoon shame by winning this year's World Cup. The Dark Blues had a nightmare RBS 6 Nations as they lost all five games, suffering their third whitewash in 11 years. But Edinburgh number eight Denton believes the Scots can brush off their embarrassment by lifting the Webb Ellis Cup at Twickenham on October 31. David Denton believes Scotland can bounce back from a nightmare Six Nations by winning the World Cup . Scotland have been drawn in Pool B alongside South Africa, Samoa, Japan and the US. They kick-off their World Cup bid on September 23 against the Japanese in Gloucester. Asked if he still believed the side would look to challenge the best nations in the world for the trophy, he replied: 'Yes'. Pushed further on that statement, he added: 'I understand it's hard to see. Our first goal is to get out of the pool and then give ourselves every chance of winning the World Cup. 'We never change [our views on what we can achieve]. We are in this sport to win. There is no doubt about that. There is a process to getting there - we need to get out of our pool first. Scotland were thrashed 40-10 by Ireland on their own patch at Murrayfield on Saturday . 'We're in a tough pool - it could have been worse. We have tough games particularly against South Africa and Samoa that we need to make sure we perform well in. 'It's a pool I think we can do well in and then [if] we get a favourable quarter-final we move on from there. You just need to take it one game at time and that's what we are going to do.' Scotland ended their campaign with another hard-luck story as Ireland steamrollered their way to a thrilling title triumph with a 40-10 win. And Denton admits it was not the way he saw the championships going. Scotland lost all five of their Six Nations matches in 2015 to finish at the bottom of the table . 'Today was a disappointing end to a disappointing campaign,' he said. 'We came in to this competition with a lot of ambition and the prospect of winning the trophy. We came in thinking we were a good enough team to do that. 'But a few of the results didn't go our way and today we weren't good enough. 'There are a lot of things we can improve on and we will do. 'Was it realistic to think we can win the title? One hundred per cent. There was no ambiguity about. (Coach) Vern (Cotter) said it at the start and we all believed it. 'We went into the France game thinking if we win in Paris things could start turning our way.'

Summary: Scotland beaten 40-10 by Ireland at Murrayfield on Saturday . Huge defeat at home was Scotland's fifth in a row in Six Nations . David Denton says Scotland can bounce back by winning World Cup .


A woman who was given just five years to live with an aggressive cancer claims she has beaten the disease - by eating pineapples. Candice-Marie Fox, 31, found out she had thyroid cancer and reluctantly went under the knife to remove more than 20 lumps three years ago. But when the disease spread and doctors said she had a maximum of five years to live, Candice rejected life-lengthening chemotherapy which she claims had 'killed' friends. Candice-Marie Fox, 31, found out she had thyroid cancer three years ago and decided to battle the disease by eating healthily . She gave her life an overhaul to try and banish the disease, eating up to three pineapples a day - as well as dozens of grapefruits, lemons, apples, kiwis and bananas. The fruits are high in a cancer-zapping proteins - called bromelain - which some scientists claim 'eat away' at tumours. The former model also ditched other 'toxins' in her life - including alcohol, meat and even her husband - and within just six months she says that her grade four cancer was almost gone. Medics have now confirmed the marketing worker is completely free of tumours and she now runs a website encouraging others to take control of their health. Candice, from Houghton Regis, Hertfordshire, said: 'I changed my whole outlook on life. Candice reluctantly went under the knife to remove more than 20 lumps . 'Instead of living for parties and weekends and working and doing the same stuff I did day in, day out, I changed my whole view. 'I decided to live for me and love life for what it is. It sounds so away with the fairies, but it is the only way to live - and it worked. 'I got rid of everything toxic in my life and became so grateful for life. 'I had got rid of the massive tumours by arresting and starving them with the pure science of food. 'Like pineapple, kiwi and papaya - I found out that the bromelain eats away at a particular protein layer of the cancer. 'There is a protein in animal products that feed the cancers and when I was eating big hefty meals my body couldn't heal because all of my energy was going into digesting the meal. 'If I was eating one bit of fruit at a time, which eats away at the layer of the cancer, I was killing it and within six months my cancer was gone. 'There are now no tumours left in me. I'm so grateful for the cancer now in hindsight because it turned me into the person that I was meant to be.' Candice found a lump above her left collarbone in 2011 and an ultrasound revealed around 20 papillary thyroid carcinomas. Doctors said if the parcel courier didn't have the lumps removed she would lose her voice and possibly die within a year, so she endured a four-and-a-half hour operation. Candice now runs a website encouraging others to take control of their health. She also had radioactive treatment to 'mop up'

Summary: Candice-Marie Fox, 31, found out she had thyroid cancer three years ago . Model agent from Houghton Regis, Hertfordshire, turned to healthy living . She ditched her husband and took up yoga and juicing .


A first edition of Mein Kampf signed by Adolf Hitler is set to fetch at least $35,000 in a controversial online auction. The two-volume set was published from 1925 and inscribed by the far-Right leader to Philipp Bouhler, the 12th member of the Nazi party who oversaw the murders of 70,000 people. It is the third copy of Hitler's racist autobiographical manifesto to be sold by the same Los Angeles auction house in just a month - with the previous two fetching $64,850. First edition: This signed, two-volume copy of Mein Kampf could fetch at least $35,000 in a controversial auction. It is the third copy of Hitler's manifesto to be sold be the same auction house in just one month . Auction house owner Nate Sanders, whose eponymous firm is running the sale, defended the decision to sell racist books saying they were 'part of history'. The sale of Nazi memorabilia is banned in some European countries, including Germany and France, and led to a major French case against Yahoo more than a decade ago. But Mr Sanders, who is Jewish, said most collectors were not neo-Nazis but simply military history aficionados. 'It is a piece of history,' he said last week. 'The same people who collect Adolf Hitler (items) collect George Washington, or World War II, or George Patton. 'You have the whole gamut. There's white supremacist collectors of Hitler, and there's Jewish collectors of Hitler items.' The volumes were signed by the Nazi party leader after his release from prison for high treason in 1924. Inscribed: The books were given to Philipp Bouhler, the 12th member of the Nazi party who oversaw the murders of 70,000 people, for Christmas in 1925 and 1926, each carrying a message from Hitler . Dedication: The second message said: 'To Herr Philipp Bouhler, on the occasion of Christmas inscribed most sincerely as a sign of recognition of your performance of duties, Adolf Hitler, Munich, December 24, 1926' They were published by Franz Eher Nachfolger of Munich and inscribed to Bouhler, one of the leaders of the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 when Hitler attempted to overthrow the Bavarian government by gunpoint. He went on to be a key Nazi leader, and as Chief of the Chancellery for Hitler he led the barbaroc T4 'child euthanasia' programme. Between 1939 and 1941 more than 70,000 sick and disabled children and adults were killed at extermination centres in psychiatric hospitals in Germany and Austria. Anti-Semite: Hitler's manifesto outlined his conspiracy theory that Jews caused Germany's ills . Doctors continued their unethical practices right up until the end of the war, which historians believe may have claimed another 200,000 lives. Mein Kampf was initially published in two volumes, the first in 1925 and the second in 1926. The deeply anti-Semitic book outlined Hitler's political ideas and pushed the theory that Jews were responsible for all of Germany's economic problems. It was dictated to Hitler's deputy Rudolf Hess while he was behind bars for his part in the Beer Hall Putsch, and was designed to raise money for

Summary: Two-volume set was published from 1925 and signed by far-Right leader . It was inscribed to Philipp Bouhler, the 12th member of the Nazi party . It is third copy of Mein Kampf from same U.S. auctioneer in a month . Nate Sanders in Los Angeles sold two previous copies for $65,000 . Mr Sanders, who is Jewish, defends sales saying books 'part of history' Sales of Nazi memorabilia are banned in Germany and France .


Television personality Peter Overton is on the mend after a serious health scare last week, his wife Jessica Rowe told Daily Mail Australia. The Channel Nine newsreader is recovering in hospital after undergoing spinal surgery on Monday. 'He is doing really well, we got a bit of a fright over the weekend because it was quite sudden,' Jessica said. The 48-year-old journalist was in constant pain while reading the news last week and had lost almost all feeling in his right arm and hand, according to 9news.com.au. Nine explained that he took leave for treatment on Thursday and an MRI scan revealed that he had a ruptured disc near the top of his spine. The risk of permanent nerve damage was so great and his pain so bad that a neurosurgeon made the decision to operate 'almost immediately'. 'But he is doing really well and I am under instructions to bring a really good coffee, a double shot.' Scroll down for video . On the mend: Channel Nine newsreader Peter Overton is recovering in hospital after undergoing spinal surgery on Monday. He posted a selfie to Twitter with wife Jessica Rowe by his side and she has told Daily Mail Australia that the sudden nature of her husband's back problem gave them a' fright' Peter Overton and his wife Jessica Rowe pictured with their two children Allegra and Giselle and Peter's Parents Dr John Overton and his wife Charlotte celebrating at a restaurant in Sydney's north . Nine newsreader Peter Overton, 48, has been wracked with pain for more than a week while on the set of the 6pm news and had lost almost all the feeling in his right arm before being diagnosed with a ruptured disc and undergoing emergency back surgery to avoid permanent damage . The news veteran shocked the industry when he posted a selfie from his hospital bed, the popular presenter pictured with oxygen tubes in his nose and with wife Jessica by his side. 'My darling wife a delight 2 see after emerging from spinal surgery,' he captioned the image uploaded to Twitter. '& Tks my [Channel Nine] mates 4 fab support,' he added. The 48-year-old was believed to be suffering back problems at work recently and looked like a shadow of the typically smiling face that's beamed into Australian homes each night for the 6pm bulletin, as he recovered in hospital from an operation to relieve what was originally believed to have been a pinched nerve. It's since been revealed the problem was much more serious and Peter risked permanent damage if surgery was not undertaken to fix a ruptured disc. The TV personality looked pale and a little shaken, clad in a white hospital gown. 'He’s recovering, the great news is the surgery went really well and his doctor is really pleased and he is expected to make a full recovery,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'He’s already looking forward to getting back to work as soon as possible and doing the school runs so I can get back to work too. 'The signs

Summary: Peter Overton's health scare gave his family 'a bit of a fright' The popular TV presenter suffered more back problems at the weekend and underwent spinal surgery on Monday . His wife of 11 years Jessica Rowe admitted 'it was quite sudden' A ruptured disc had him in pain throughout the week while reading the news and he'd almost lost the feeling in his right arm . A neurosurgeon advised Peter to undergo almost immediate surgery because of the high risk of permanent damage . First clue that something was amiss with the Nine newsreader came when he tweeted a photo from his hospital bed .


Sportsmail's Chief Sports Writer Martin Samuel did the double at the 2014 SJA British Sports Journalism Awards on Monday, picking up Columnist and Sports Writer of the Year. The Daily Mail was named Newspaper of the Year, while Matt Lawton picked up Sports News Reporter of the Year and Graham Chadwick scooped Sports News Picture of the Year. Elsewhere, Jack Gaughan and Adam Crafton were both highly commended in the Young Sports Journalist of the Year category to top off an exceptional night for Sportsmail. Martin Samuel, Graham Chadwick, head of sport Lee Clayton and Matt Lawton (left-right) pose for a photo on a successful night for Sportsmail at the 2014 SJA British Sports Journalism Awards . Samuel picked up the Sports Writer of the Year award for a record-equalling sixth time on Monday night . Clayton with the Newspaper of the Year award - presented to the Mail's head of sport by David Walker . Lawton received the sports news reporter of the year award from Andy Elliott at Monday's bash . Lawton won Sports News Reporter after an impressive year, in which he broke the Malky Mackay scandal . Sports Writer of the Year: Martin Samuel . Sports Columnist of the Year: Martin Samuel . Newspaper of the Year: Daily Mail . Sports News Reporter of the Year: Matt Lawton . Sports News Picture of the Year: Graham Chadwick . Young Sports Journalists of the Year: Jack Gaughan and Adam Crafton (both highly commended) Samuel claimed a record-equaling sixth Sports Writer of the Year gong after picking up the award in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2013. He is now on level terms with Hugh McIlvanney, and goes one ahead of former Sportsmail legend Ian Wooldridge and former Mail on Sunday Chief Sports writer Patrick Collins, who retired earlier in the year. Samuel fought off stiff competition to collect the Sports Columnist of the Year award earlier in the night, with the judges stating: 'His views are strong and fresh, frequently contrary to that held by the general public, but always backed up by good factual information.' The Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday's Chief Sports Reporter Lawton scooped his award after an impressive year, in which he broke the news of Malky Mackay and Iain Moody's text scandal during their time at Cardiff. Sportsmail's Graham Chadwick won Sports News Picture of the Year for this image of Jamie Donaldson - taken at Gleneagles just after the Welshman sealed Europe's Ryder Cup win over the United States . Sportsmail pair Jack Gaughan (left) and Adam Crafton (right) were both highly commended in the Young Sports Journalist of the Year category . His award comes less than a fortnight after he was named Sports Journalist of the Year at the UK Press Awards, receiving praise for not only his Mackay exclusive, but also interviews with sacked Manchester United manager David Moyes and cricketer Jonathan Trott. Elsewhere, the Mail on Sunday's Chief Sports News Correspondent Nick Harris enjoyed success on a personal note, picking up the award for Specialist Sports Website for

Summary: The Daily Mail was named Newspaper of the Year at the 2014 SJA Awards . Sportsmail's Chief Sports Writer Martin Samuel is Sports Columnist of the Year and Sports Writer of the Year for a record-equalling sixth time . Matt Lawton won Sports News Reporter of the Year at the SJA Awards . Sports News Picture of the Year was picked up by Graham Chadwick . Jack Gaughan and Adam Crafton were highly commended in the Young Sports Journalist of the Year category at the 2014 SJA Awards .


Afghan police have arrested 26 people over the murder of a woman savagely beaten to death in the streets of Kabul after wrongly being accused of burning the Koran. Farkhunda, 27, was pushed from a roof, run over by a car and set on fire before her body was thrown in the Kabul River - in full view of several policeman - last Thursday. On Sunday, grieving women carried the religious scholar's coffin through the streets of the Afghan capital in a dramatic departure from local custom. Pallbearers are traditionally men. It comes as protesters wearing masks of Farkhunda's bloodied face have marched on Kabul to demand justice for the young teacher. In unprecedented scenes grieving women in the Afghan capital of Kabul have carried the coffin of a woman savagely beaten to death after being wrongly accused of burning the Koran. Afghan women's rights activists carry the coffin of 27-year-old Farkhunda, who was beaten to death by an angry all-male mob in broad daylight in central Kabul on Thursday . A picture of Farkhunda, who was brutally murdered for allegedly burning a copy of the Koran, is seen during her funeral ceremony . A leading investigator has today said that there is no evidence to support the claims that the 27-year-old Islamic studies teacher had burned the Koran . In the city, men are traditionally pallbearers and the sight of only women carrying a coffin marks an extraordinary break with custom . Afghan women's rights activists mourn during the funeral ceremony. Members of Farkhunda's family have denied reports that she was mentally ill, claiming this was a made-up defence to protect her reputation . Senior police officials have since confirmed that they believe the Koran-burning allegations that prompted the attack were false. Members of Farkhunda's family have denied reports that she was mentally ill, claiming this was a made-up defence to protect her reputation. Her father said the 27-year-old worked as an Islamic studies teacher studies and could recite the Koran by heart. He insisted she was not involved in burning the Muslim holy book. 'Farkhunda was a deeply religious girl. She used to recite the holy Koran and pray five times a day,' her brother Najeebullah Malikzada said today. Protesters who gathered near the Shah Doshamshera mosque today demanded the government prosecute all those responsible for the death of Farkhunda, who like many Afghans used only one name. Afghan members of the Solidarity Party of Afghanistan wearing masks bearing an impression of the bloodied face of Farkhunda . Protesters who gathered near the Shah Doshamshera mosque today demanded the government prosecute all those responsible for the death of Farkhunda, who like many Afghans used only one name . Many women in the crowd wore masks of Farkhunda's battered and bloodied face, which has appeared widely on social media. They carried a banner accusing the government of broking promises to end corruption and bring rule of law to Afghanistan . Afghan security forces stand guard as youth from the Solidarity Party of Afghanistan protest at the site where a mob beat

Summary: Funeral for woman killed by all-male mob attended by hundreds . Woman, known only as Farkhunda, 27, was beaten to death . Accused of burning Koran, but it has since been claimed she was innocent . Family members say Farkhunda was a teacher of Islamic studies . In Kabul, men are traditionally pallbearers and the sight of only women carrying a coffin marks an extraordinary break with custom . Twenty-six people have now been arrested in connection with brutal killing .


Crisis-hit Serie A club Parma were declared bankrupt on Thursday with estimated debts of 100 million euros (£72.4m). It took just 10 minutes for an Italian court to make the decision and it is not known whether the club, who are bottom of Serie A, will now finish the season. However, there is a plan in place with the league's governing body and the Italian football federation to fund the club for the rest of the campaign. Parma's new president Giampietro Manenti was arrested for alleged involvement in money laundering . Parma's new owner and president, Giampietro Manenti, was not present following his arrest on Wednesday on charges of money laundering and embezzlement. The court appointed accountants Angelo Anedda and Alberto Guiotto as receivers. 'I believe we'll play on Sunday against Torino,' board member Osvaldo Riccobene told reporters at the end of the hearing. Parma's players and staff haven't been paid in months, with players having to do their own laundry and drive the team bus while games were postponed because the club could not afford stewards or police at their Tardini stadium. Players also refused to play after Manenti failed to fulfil a promise to pay them by mid-February. Captain Alessandro Lucarelli said: ‘I hope sooner or later this all ends because honestly we can’t take any more.’ Manenti became the third owner of Parma this season after purchasing the club for a nominal sum from a Russian-Cypriot group in February. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manenti is under investigation for various acts of financial irregularity including money laundering and fraud. Parma captain Alessandro Lucarelli (left) admits the players are struggling to deal with the club's predicament .

Summary: Parma declared bankrupt after just 10 minute court hearing . Owner Giampietro Manenti not at hearing after he was arrested on Wednesday on charges of money laundering and embezzlement . Serie A side have not paid their players or staff in months .


Enrolling at university is meant to be a time for widening skill sets academically, but many Brits are using it to broaden their horizons... well, horizontally. According to a new survey by student newspaper The Tab, university pupils in Britain have an average of 8.2 sexual partners by the time they reach the middle of their higher education. 11,549 students were questioned about their bedroom habits for the study, which also asked when people lost their virginity and how often they have sex. A new survey of university students has revealed that they have had an average of 8.2 sexual partners (picture posed by models) According to the answers they received, 22 per cent of students didn't lose their virginity until they were 18 years old, with the second most popular age to have sex for the first time being 16. 19 percent of those asked lost their virginity at 17 and 15 percent lost theirs just before the age of consent - at 15. A shocking 1.66 per cent of students revealed they first had sex when they were 13 years of age or younger. There was still a significant number of young men and women who were still waiting for the right partner though, with five per cent of people declaring that they were still virgins. 22 per cent of students questioned during the survey revealed they didn't lose their virginity until they were 18 years old (picture posed by models) The student newspaper also compiled a list of the universities where people lost their virginity earliest. Seven per cent of people who took part in the study followed by Aston and Ulster with six per cent each. Meanwhile, one in ten students who took part in the from Lancaster University said they were still virgins, followed by nine per cent at both Kent and Royal Holloway University.

Summary: New survey by student newspaper The Tab looks at university sex habits . Of 11,549 students questioned, 22 per cent had lost their virginity aged 18 . British university students have an average of 8.2 sexual partners .


Talk about causing a stink. A 'mystery pooper' has reportedly soiled a New Zealand swimming pool for five Friday nights in a row. The frustrated administrators of Invercargill's Splash Palace complex have lost thousands of dollars of business cleaning up after a patron's foul play, stuff.co.nz reported. One evening was particularly disastrous, with managers having to close three different pools as those responsible leap-frogged from one pool to another. Splash Palace, pictured, describes itself as one of New Zealand's premier pools. Unfortunately, a so-called 'mystery pooper' has reportedly soiled the waters five times, requiring six hours of cleaning . Manager Pete Thompson told Fairfax: 'They did one in the leisure pool and we moved the kids to the learners' pool, and they did one in the learners' pool and we moved the kids to the main pool, and one appeared in the main pool, so we had to shut the whole thing down. 'In one of those pools was diarrhoea ... that was unfortunate.' Mr Thompson said the incidents occurred after 5pm on Friday evenings. It is unclear whether one person or more is behind the incident, with a local councillor quoted saying: 'We have a mystery pooper'. It won't help Invercargill's sometimes battered reputation. According to local folklore, a member of the Rolling Stones once dubbed the city the 'a***hole of the world'. The Splash Palace swimming complex features several pools and a water slide (above), according to its Facebook page .

Summary: A 'mystery pooper' has reportedly soiled a New Zealand swimming pool . The incidents occurred for five Friday nights in a row . One evening was particularly disastrous, according to operators . Local councillor: 'We have a mystery pooper'


A toddler has landed a role as Elizabeth I in the BBC's Wolf Hall - after producers put out a last-minute appeal for a ginger curly-haired child. Casting bosses searched through thousands of children on acting registers but couldn't find a suitable young actress to play the future Queen of England. Red-haired Abi Ward, now three, from Cardiff, was recommended by a friend who saw the plea on Facebook and within days the tot was on set alongside her on-screen dad Damien Lewis. Scroll down for video . Abi Ward is pictured on set with her mother, Debbie, actor Damien Lewis, centre, and father Rob . Like many toddlers, Abi Ward loves dressing up and hear swaps Elizabethan costume for a tradtional Welsh dress (left) and a witch's outfit . While she was initially frightened of the dark and atmospheric sets - which also attracted complaints from viewers - she soon settled into the royal Tudor role. The mini-actress had her own trailer and got VIP treatment from the cast, including actress Claire Foy - her TV mum Anne Boleyn - who read Abi stories between takes. Proud parents Debbie and Rob, both 35, had no idea the show would be so successful and can't wait to show Abi recordings of her acting debut when she's older. 'It has been such a lovely experience,' said Debbie, a full time mum. 'She tells everyone she was filming with Damien and Claire, but she's completely oblivious to the fact that she has worked with some of the biggest names in TV. 'We couldn't be more proud of her.' Three-year-old Abi was playing the part of a very young Elizabeth I in the BBC TV series Wolf Hall . The young actress is shown off to the crowd by Damien Lewis as Henry VIII in a scene from Wolf Hall . The youngster has a good look around her while playing a young Elizabeth I while in the arms of Damien Lewis . Show makers initially searched through casting companies in search of a little pale-skinned girl with curly red hair to play Elizabeth, but couldn't find anyone suitable. A runner on the show put out a plea on Facebook in May last year and it was spotted by a friend of Debbie and Rob's who instantly thought of Abi. The pair sent in photos of their daughter, along with height measurements, and after a meeting, they were called to their first day of filming at Montacute House, Somerset. Little Abi as Elizabeth I is pictured with her on-screen mother Anne Boleyn (Claire Foy) in a scene from Wolf Hall . The property was Greenwich Palace in Wolf Hall and Abi filmed a scene where Henry VIII - Damien Lewis - introduces his daughter to various nobility. 'It happened very randomly because a friend of a friend was working as a runner on the TV show,' explained Debbie. 'They were looking for a ginger-haired girl and Abi was the right age and hair colour. 'She put out an SOS to friends for a little ginger

Summary: Casting bosses hunted in vain for a little girl with curly, ginger hair . Runner on the show posted a Facebook plea to find a tiny star . Parents of three-year-old Abi Ward spotted the appeal and sent in picture . Tot plucked from obscurity to star alongside leading man Damien Lewis .


A mysterious driver was spotted on the road with a cat tied to the front of her car and it wasn't because she was driving a Jaguar. New Philadelphia, Ohio resident Polly Vandall snapped a photo of the cat perched on the Buick driven by an elderly woman on Monday and posted the photo to her Facebook. The photograph has since been circulating the internet and causing an outrage among animal lovers who fear the cat may be in danger. There I was, sitting at a red light, in the middle of town. I look up and see..... Cat. On a leash. Tied to the hood of a car. Driving through town.?#?thisJustHappened?' she wrote with her post to Facebook.. Scroll down for video . Spotted: Ohio woman Polly Vandall snapped this photograph of a cat tied to an elderly woman's car . cause for concern: After Polly Vandal posted these photos to her Facebook account the photograph circulated the internet and Ohio police received worried phone calls from people accusing the driver of animal cruelty . UPI reports that Ohio police are now trying to locate the driver of the car after the photos caused speculation over animal abuse. 'Immediately, I was thinking ‘How in the world did that cat get on there?’' Vandall told Fox. 'I don’t believe she drives around town with a cat on, you know? I thought there’s probably a really good story behind this.' After vandall posted the photos the New Philadelphia police department started getting worried phone calls. 'There was a lot of outrage that wanted these people hunted down, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and should never own a pet. It was pretty ugly on that end,' said Police Chief Michael Goodwin. Goodwin said he had to go to Facebook himself to see what people were calling about. Consfused: Polly Vandall said she couldn't believe what she was seeing and doesn't want to judge the driver of the car but hopes that the cat is being properly taken care of . What's hoing on here?: Ohio residents are worried for the well being of this cat after it was spotted on the hood of this car on Monday . 'It’s definitely strange. Part of my concern was the cat was on a leash and he may have been secured, but if there had been a sudden stop or an impact or something the cat could very easily have fell off the hood of the car and under the wheel of the car,' Goodwin said. 'Twenty-five years here in this city and that’s the first time I have ever seen that. We see a lot of strange things and just when you think you have seen it all, another day rolls by,' the chief added. The director of the Tuscarawas County Humane Society has also expressed her concern over the images. 'The cat can fall off and be dragged or caught in the tire,' Lewis told Fox. 'If the people are found, I would be very curious as to why the cat would

Summary: New Philadelphia, Ohio resident Polly Vandall snapped a photo of the cat on the Buick driven by an elderly woman on Monday . Vandall posted the photo to Facebook and it prompted concerned Ohio residents to call the police . 'There I was, sitting at a red light, in the middle of town. I look up and see..... Cat. On a leash. Tied to the hood of a car. Driving through town,' Vandall wrote on Facebook .


A Greggs bakery based in an NHS hospital is the fast-food chain's second busiest outlet in Britain, it has been revealed. The counter at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton is often so busy selling steak bakes, bacon rolls and pizzas that ropes have to be used to separate queues of hungry customers which can reach 20 people deep. Greggs, which has flourished on the high street over the last decade and has more than 1,600 shops, would not reveal which of its outlets was the busiest. The counter at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton is often so busy selling steak bakes, bacon rolls and pizzas that ropes have to be used to separate queues of hungry customers which can reach 20 people deep . The Greggs bakery based at an NHS hospital is the fast-food chain's second busiest outlet in Britain, it has been revealed . But David Loughton, chief executive of Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals, said he had heard on good authority that the bakery at the hospital was the chain's second busiest. Mr Loughton told the Daily Star Sunday: 'There is a cafe in site that sells all healthy food but it gets nowhere near the footfall that Greggs gets. 'You can understand the appeal. It is relatively cheap.' The chain sells a range of sandwiches, pies and pasties - such as the cheese and bacon wrap, a chicken fajita slice, and beef and vegetable pasties - ranging from 300 calories to almost 600. The hospital trust has joined forces with Wolverhampton Council to tackle the obesity crisis locally. But Mr Loughton said banning the chain from the site would not solve anything. He said: 'People say "ban the fast-food places" but I don't think that will ever work. We have to change people's mentality regarding the food they eat.' Greggs, which has flourished on the high street over the last decade and has more than 1,600 shops, would not reveal which of its outlets was the busiest . The chain sells a range of sandwiches, pies and pasties - such as the cheese and bacon wrap, a chicken fajita slice, and beef and vegetable pasties - ranging from 300 calories to almost 600 . New Cross is not the only NHS hospital to include a fast-food outlet. Addenbrooke's in Cambridge operates a food court with a Burger King, Costa Coffee, Starbucks and pizzeria, and University Hospital Southampton Foundation trust, also hosts a Burger King and a Costa Coffee shop. Hospital chiefs in Devon have recently told staff not to allow deliveries from a new Pizza Hut - despite it being built in their own multi-storey car park. The move was revealed a month after the chain opened just 100 yards from the walls of Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Staff were instructed to tell patients they could not order from the fast food restaurant, with bosses steering them towards 'healthier' sandwiches in the hospital's smoothie bar instead. David Loughton, chief executive of Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals, said he had heard on good authority that the bakery at the hospital was the chain's

Summary: The counter at New Cross Hospital, in Wolverhampton, is often 20 people deep as it is busy selling steak bakes, bacon rolls and pizzas to patients . Greggs has flourished on the high street and has more than 1,600 shops . Hospital bosses say they've heard that the outlet onsite is the busiest .


There's nothing more embarrassing than waking up at someone else's place and having to step out in yesterday's outfit. But now there's a perfect solution to those morning after woes - a top that can be worn 24 different ways in a variety of colours, without the use of any zips, ties or buttons. The Morf shirt is the brainchild of Israeli-based designer Tamara Salem, who came up with the idea as a way of bringing a playful element to her wardrobe and getting more use out of key pieces. Scroll down for video . The future of fashion? The Morf top, which was invented by Israeli-based designer Tamara Salem, can be worn 24 different ways thanks to a clever double-layered construction . Tamara told MailOnline that her invention was 'almost accidental'. 'I was making a shirt as a gift for my best friend's birthday, and I had this vague idea for a multi-layer top with a black front and white back,' she said. 'But only when I actually held it in my hands, I discovered I could flip it and get a totally black shirt, and then flip it again and get an all-white shirt. I realised then how many different options this structure offered,' she explained. A mesmerizing video on the project's Kickstarter page, which has raised a whopping $35,600 so far, shows just how the shirt works with the clever use of double-layer construction. No more outfit repeats: The shirt, which comes in red, blue or green and costs $80 (about £52), is billed as the perfect solution to a morning after situation . The model in the video begins by wearing the top in plain black with a deep V-neck with grey panels on the sleeves. Then she pulls it off inside-out and puts it back on, and this time it has black and white stripes in the front and plain black sleeves. When she rolls up the sleeves, they miraculously become a bright shade of blue. Later, she turns the top inside-out yet again and it becomes grey with a neckline in black and monochrome stripes on the back. All in all, the top can be worn up to 24 different ways, providing almost an entire month of styles using just one piece of clothing. 'I believe that fashion is all about change, inviting us to re-invent ourselves,' said Tamara. 'I hope to get the attention of women who enjoy being unexpected and ever-changing.' Versatile: 'I believe that fashion is all about change, inviting us to re-invent ourselves,' said Tamara . Wear it everywhere: The Morf is so versatile, it can be worn for all types of activities - from walking the dog to going to work and then transitioning to night . Tamara says the Morf is so versatile, it can be worn for all types of activities - from walking the dog to going to work and going out on the town at night. 'For the price of a single shirt - you get an entire collection. And did I mention it is a packing

Summary: Morf top can be worn 24 different ways thanks to double-layered design . Invented by designer Tamara Salem, who is funding it on Kickstarter . Costs £52 and comes in red, blue or green .


It started as an easy way to pay to park a car when you ran out of coins, or a strategy to avoid long queues as bus drivers desperately searched for change. . But now the system of paying to park using your mobile phone, follow the trend of using passes instead of cash on buses, could be the latest sign that Britain is moving towards a cashless system. Brighton and Hove Council has announced it will scrap half of its coin operated parking meters in favour of people using their phones to pay for and top up their car parking. Scroll down for video . Britain appears to be moving towards a cashless society with payments by card and mobile phone predicted to outstrip those made using coins and notes for the first time this year, as Brighton becomes the latest authority to use the method as it announced it would be scrapping coin-operated parking meters . The council, which estimates it will save £250,000 from the move according to the Observer, is the latest to implement the cashless way to pay. This is already used on buses across the country where cash is no longer accepted, and particularly in London, as well as in a number of work canteens that operate card-only systems of payment. The popularity of non-cash payments has also been seen on the streets with an unemployed man travelling to Mayfair armed with a card machine so people can give him money using their cards. Britain is on track to make more non-cash payments - defined as paying by card, cheque, direct debit, standing order and mobile phone - than cash for the first time in 2015, according to predictions by the Payments Council. This year non-cash transactions are expected to reach 19.9billion, outstripping the predicted 19billion cash exchanges. This is forecast to happen at some point in 2015because while cash payments are remaining fairly constant, the number of non-cash payments has been steadily increasing. The growth in online shopping and the rise of new, innovative ways to pay have led to consumers turning to a growing range of payment options in recent years. Some have predicted the end of coin-operated marking meters (right) could spell the end of cash . About three-quarters of Britons now shop online, compared with just over half in 2008, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures released last year. In Brighton councillors have decided to remove half of its coin-operated parking meters because of the popularity of doing this through mobile phones and the ease of its use. The move by Brighton and Hove Council follows similar methods such as only accepting payments by card and oyster card on buses in London (left) as well as the launch of the Barclays pingit app (right) Ian Davey, a transport councillor in Brighton, said: 'It's actually a lot easier than messing about getting the right change. You can also top up your parking time remotely if you need to stay longer, which is a lot easier than walking back to the car.'

Summary: Brighton and Hove Council is scrapping half of its coin-fed parking meters . The authority is latest to follow growing trend for cashless payments . It says scrapping machines will save money and make it easier for drivers . Buses across country no longer accept cash, while canteens want cards . Payments Council predicts non-cash payments will overtake cash in 2015 .


Dick Advocaat’s appointment as Sunderland boss seemed complete on Monday night after he told Dutch TV that he had signed a contract until the end of the season. The 67-year-old will sign a short-term deal until the end of the season and his package will be incentivised with the target of survival. Advocaat told Voetbal International: 'I am now in a dark hotel, but soon I'll be working in the Stadium of Light.' Dick Advocaat, pictured here in charge of PSV Eindhoven in 2012, is set to take charge at Sunderland . Gus Poyet has been sacked by Sunderland with the club just one point above the relegation zone . Sunderland supporters turned on manager Poyet after their side were thrashed 4-0 by Aston Villa . 525 - Poyet's number of days in charge since his arrival on October 8, 2013. 75 - The Uruguayan's number of games in charge, winning 23, losing 22 and drawing 30. 3 - The number of games against bitter rivals Newcastle. He won them all with an aggregate of 6-1. 35 - Poyet was the 35th man to manage Sunderland either permanently or as a caretaker. 22 - The number of years between Sunderland's appearances in a major final. Poyet took them to the 2014 Capital One Cup final, 22 years on from their defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup showpiece. They lost to Manchester City. 14 - Sunderland's final position in Poyet's first season. 4 - The amount of games won in the Premier League by Sunderland this season. The joint-worst with bottom side Leicester. Advocaat could land up to £500,000 if the Black Cats – currently one point above the relegation zone – avoid the drop. He will bring with him Montenegrin coach Zeljko Petrovic, who was Avram Grant's assistant at West Ham in 2010. It is unlikely, however, that Advocaat will be considered as the permanent successor to Gus Poyet, who was sacked yesterday after 17 months at the Stadium of Light. Sportsmail understands that West Ham manager Sam Allardyce and Real Madrid assistant Paul Clement are at the top of the club's shortlist to take charge beyond this season. Clement, in particular, fits the profile of coach who could work within the structure at the club, where sporting director Lee Congerton has control over transfers. Clement and Congerton know each other from their time at Chelsea and the Real No 2 is thought to be keen to try his hand as a manager back in England. Meanwhile, it is Congerton's contacts book which has led to talks with Advocaat. Former Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen – who worked with Advocaat at PSV Eindhoven and Congerton at Stamford Bridge and then Hamburg – has recommended him for the role and he will be installed before Saturday's trip to West Ham. Advocaat could land up to £500,000 if the Black Cats – one point above the drop zone – avoid relegation . 'This is something I always wanted to do, the Premier League. The Premier League is a phenomenal competition,' Advocaat told AD

Summary: Dick Advocaat will sign a short-term deal until the end of the season . He will be tasked with keeping the Black Cats in the Premier League . It is unlikely he will be the long-term successor to Gus Poyet with West Ham boss Sam Allardyce and Real Madrid No 2 Paul Clement in the frame . Advocaat expected to be installed before Sunderland's trip to West Ham .


'Hot convict' Jeremy Meeks has proved himself a model prisoner. Despite being behind bars in California for felony possession of a firearm, the 30-year-old has been signed by talent agency, White Cross Management. Meeks' baby-blue eyes, razor-sharp cheekbones and chiseled jawline first caught the public's attention when his mugshot was posted last year on the Stockton Police Department's Facebook page. Scroll down for video . From perp walk to catwalk? Jeremy Meeks now has a profile page with his personal measurements on the website of talent agency, White Cross Management . Meeks gave a jailhouse interview last June in which he said he was flattered by the attention but wanted to clear his name . Following Meeks' signing to the talent management company, ABC reported last week that he said: 'I'm in a place where I will be able to provide for my family and really change my life. 'I never thought that everyone in the world would recognize me for my looks, so I feel extremely blessed and very thankful.' Meeks was convicted in federal court last month of one felony count of possession of a firearm after being arrested in June 2014. The judge sentenced him to 27 months in prison and 500 hours in the Bureau of Prisons Substance Abuse Treatment Program. The 30-year-old is hoping for an early release in November. The original mugshot has now gained hundreds of thousands of likes and spawned dozens of memes, even earning Meeks nicknames such as 'Hotty McMug Shot' and 'Mugshot McDreamy'. White Cross Management, based in New York and LA, has dozens of actor-models signed to its books. The firm confirmed to Daily Mail Online on Tuesday that they had signed Weeks and were his only representation. The man who spawned a thousand memes: Meeks' mugshot inspired memes (like the one above) and earned him nicknames like 'Hotty McMug Shot' and 'Mugshot McDreamy'

Summary: The 30-year-old from California has been signed by talent agency, White Cross Management . He is currently serving two years for felony possession of a firearm . Meeks' model looks first caught the public's attention when his mugshot was posted last year on social media by the Stockton Police Department .


With Robin van Persie not due to return for Manchester United until next month, if ever there was a time for Radamel Falcao to prove his worth at Old Trafford then it is now. Unfortunately for manager Louis van Gaal it appears that Falcao’s surprise selection for United’s Under 21s in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Tuesday has done little to repair the shattered confidence that has characterised the 29-year-old’s loan spell. Van Gaal confirmed on Friday that Van Persie will not be fit until after the forthcoming international break and although he insisted his decision to play Falcao in the second string was not intended to humiliate the player, he hinted that the plan may not have worked. Radamel Falcao was dumped in Manchester United's Under 21s team on Tuesday night vs Tottenham . Falcao did not manage to get on the scoresheet against Tottenham Hotspur's Under 21s and was poor . United boss Louis van Gaal says Falcao's demotion was in order to boost his confidence . Van Gaal was speaking at United's pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of their clash vs Tottenham . 6 - Louis van Gaal could oversee an unwanted milestone on Sunday, as Tottenham look to make it six games unbeaten against Manchester United. 1921 - The last time Spurs managed this was a century ago, when they won four and drew two games either side of World War One, between February 1914 and October 1921. 3 - If Spurs win it will be the first time they have had three consecutive victories at Old Trafford. 1 - If Tottenham manage at least a draw, they will become the first team to go six games unbeaten against United in the Premier League era. 'People wrote that it was humiliation to play him in the second team. But a lot of players have played there this season. 'So I don't think so. It just shows a professional attitude of the manager, the staff and the player. 'Victor Valdes also played and Rafael da Silva. Rafael played a very good match and scored a very good goal so he will now have a better grip on his confidence. 'That can happen to all the players playing in the second team. It's a lower level and they can play more than the 70 minutes they get in training. 'Falcao did not play his best match for the second team but he tried and he did his utmost best. 'I can not ask for more from him. He has shown a professional attitude. 'We pay a lot of money for the players and so it is normal that they play football for us. Falcao has not reacted to this the way the media has reacted. That's the difference.' Robin van Persie has been sidelined since sustaining an ankle injury against Swansea on February 21 . Falcao tries to escape from Spurs U21 duo Bongani Khumalo (left) and Grant Ward (right) on Tuesday . More than seven months after signing the player, Van Gaal is still unable to fathom

Summary: Manchester United host Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday . Radamel Falcao played in United's Under 21's side on Tuesday night . Falcao was an unused substitute in Monday's FA Cup loss to Arsenal . READ: Sources reveal Falcao knows he has no long-term future at the club . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .