Unhappy: School headteacher Dan Philpotts has criticised the sweet shop for opening at 7.30am . A headmaster today criticised a sweet shop which opens at 7.30am on weekdays - because it is leaving his pupils ‘hyperactive’ in class. Parents have been asked to stop their children visiting the shop in Radcliffe-on-Trent on the way to school after it emerged some students were spending their dinner money on sweets. South Nottinghamshire Academy principal Dan Philpotts, 40, hit out after the Sweet Cottage opened 1,300ft (400m) from the school gates less than two weeks ago on February 28. The married father-of-two said the shop - which opens from 7.30am to 4.30pm on Monday to Friday - is causing some pupils to become ‘disruptive’ because they are high on sugar. Mr Philpotts added: ‘This has escalated out of control. It’s crazy. I am just looking out for what is best for our pupils. There hasn’t been one specific incident that sparked this. ‘But students have been coming in late, and just generally becoming hyperactive and causing disruption. The shop is not prepared to acknowledge the effect it is having.’ The headmaster, a former Wolverhampton Wanderers youth footballer, insisted that he wanted to continue working with the shop, but it would carry on opening at 7.30am each day. He continued: ‘We are asking parents to speak with their children about being sensible with their sugar intake and how they spend their dinner money. Opening hours: The shop is said to be causing pupils to become ‘disruptive’ because they are high on sugar . Letter: Mr Philpotts wrote to parents of South Nottinghamshire Academy pupils to warn them about the shop . ‘We will continue to inform and work with parents to avoid any unnecessary disruption during school hours which impacts on pupils’ behaviours and learning.’ Since the shop opened, teachers have reported pupils coming in with stained mouths and hands from the sweets they were buying and then eating. But the owner of the Sweet Cottage hit back, saying children have always taken sweets to school. He said: ‘When I was a kid I always took a bag of sweets to school. The headteacher was not invited to come to the shop, he came of his own accord and he upset customers. Local shop: The Sweet Cottage (in red) opened just 1,300ft from the school (in blue) less than two weeks ago . 'Working with parents': The school caters for 520 pupils aged 11 to 18 and has been rated 'good' by Ofsted . ‘It is just a coincidence that we open at 7.30am. We are not trying to entice schoolchildren in - and we will be opening at the same time during school holidays.’ In his letter to parents, which was sent out last Friday, Mr Philpotts urged parents to back the school’s unofficial boycott. It stated: ‘It is important to note that, as an academy, and in our role in loco parentis to your children, we do not object to sweets per se. ‘But we do object to students filling up on sweets before

Summary: Parents told to stop their children visiting shop in Radcliffe-on-Trent . Some students have been spending their dinner money on sweets . Nottinghamshire school's pupils being 'disruptive' while high on sugar . But sweet shop says it is 'just a coincidence that we open at 7.30am'


It has been described as an architecturally designed modernist property that was built ahead of its time. The neighbours have a more colloquial description: it's the penis house. Either way, the home in Church Point, north of Sydney, is generating plenty of interest. Locals and prospective buyers have been poking fun at the floor plan of the property because it resembles the shape of a part of the male anatomy. Whatever the shape, real estate agent Phil Vanstone says the four-bedroom residence is expected to sell for more than $1.1 million. Locals and prospective buyers have been poking fun at the floorplan of the property in Church Point, north of Sydney, which has phallic pretensions . While the residence has been dubbed 'the penis house' by neighbours, the real estate agent says the four-bedroom residence is expected to sell for more than $1.1 million . The double brick property was designed by architect Stan Symonds Sherwin and built back in 1958 . But Phil Vanstone, an agent from LJ Hooker Mona Vale, believes Sherwin's suggestive floorplan was intentional . The double brick property was designed by architect Stan Symonds Sherwin and built back in 1958. But Mr Vanstone, of LJ Hooker Mona Vale, believes Sherwin's suggestive floorplan was intentional. 'It's a very interesting house and has gained quite a following,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'Although locals have been joking about the floorplan, the house has had no modifications since it was built which shows that it's a very livable house. 'I would also put money on the fact that Stan deliberately designed it that way to make a point.' Mr Vanstone further says the size of the property is no laughing matter as it is set on 1,204 sqm 'with a tranquil bushland backdrop', making it quite an 'attractive home to live in'. Mr Vanstone further says the size of the property is no laughing matter as it is set on 1,204 sqm 'with a tranquil bushland backdrop', making it quite an 'attractive home to live in' Mr Vanstone wasn't too fazed about what the locals thought of the home as he believes it's a 'really well thought out floorplan' The house has been on the market for two weeks and will have its third opening this Saturday . The property has sandstone features, timber kitchen and a spacious outdoor entertaining area with an in-ground pool . Mr Vanstone wasn't too fazed about what the locals thought of the home as he believes it's a 'really well thought out floorplan'. 'We've had a couple of buyers point out what the design looks like and I guess it's all a bit of fun,' he said. 'But there have been several offers from buyers and because there's quite a bit of interest, the owners are looking to put it up for auction around early April.' The property has sandstone features, timber kitchen and a spacious outdoor entertaining area with an in-ground pool. It has been on the market for two weeks and will have its third opening this Saturday.

Summary: The four-bedroom property is expected to sell for more than $1.1 million . Neighbours have dubbed the Sydney home the 'penis house' No modifications have been made to the house since it was built in 1958 . The real estate agent believes the suggestive design was deliberate . The home has been on the market for two weeks and has already had a number of offers .


Manny Pacquiao may be an extremely busy man as he trains for the fight of his life, but he still managed to find the time to resurrect his music career ahead of his May showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. The Pacman is making a music video for his entrance, and he'll be using a song that he's recorded himself in the Phillippines as he continues his preparations. 'It's the song he just recorded in the Philippines,' said Ryan Moore, the director who is making the video. Manny Pacquiao hits the music studio to record his entrance song for his fight with Floyd Mayweather . Pacquiao trains on the streets as part of a documentary made about him ahead of the bout . Pacquiao trains in front of a horde of onlookers as he prepares for his fight with Mayweather . 'We've been shooting just training camp, behind the scenes stuff leading up to the Mayweather fight.' Pacquiao recorded the tune recently before heading to the US to prepare. He is currently training at The Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, run by his esteemed trainer Freddie Roach. And the gym is being patrolled by seven armed guards. 'Lalaban ako para sa mga Pilipino. That is the title of this fight,' Pacquiao said. The $300million (£200m) mega-fight is one of the most anticipated in history, and boxing legend Mike Tyson is the latest star of the sport to give his verdict on the outcome. Mayweather is the bookmakers' favourite to win the Las Vegas showdown, but Tyson believes the undefeated American will have to be at his best if he is to extend his unbeaten run. Pacquiao shows off his speed and power as he trains at Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym . The famous Hollywood gym is being patrolled by seven armed guards ahead of the May 2 fight . Pacquiao uploaded an Instagram post on Thursday undergoing some shadow boxing . Pacquiao's welterweight unification bout against Floyd Mayweather is expected to total $300million . He said: 'When you think about the two fighters, the only people who gave Manny Pacquiao the most difficult time of his career are people who throw 100 punches a round - Timothy Bradley Jnr and Juan Manuel Marquez. 'Floyd doesn't throw anywhere near 100 punches a round. He is more of a scientific fighter, he really plots a lot, he poses whereas Pacquiao is feinting and moving around. That's just my opinion, Pacquiao has perpetual motion he's all over the god damn place. 'Floyd has to fight in the first couple of rounds, he's going to lose the rounds if he's laid back. He has to come out punching, keep the jab and spin with him.'

Summary: Manny Pacquiao heads to music studio to record his own entrance music . Set to be played ahead of his fight with Floyd Mayweather in May . Pacquiao is currently training in Hollywood ahead of the mega-fight . READ: Pacquiao's gym patrolled by arm guards ahead of historic fight . CLICK HERE for all the latest Mayweather vs Pacquiao news .


With its riverbank setting in the upmarket Buckinghamshire village of Bourne End, this Victorian house could hardly have a more peaceful location. But its history tells a different story – of revolutionary social change and financial despair. Platts Dell, whose garden the meandering River Thames sleepily caresses, is where the formative years of frontline suffragette Kate Parry Frye were spent. It was here that her father, Frederick Frye, a businessman and Liberal politician, saw his firm collapse, resulting in his family having to auction the house that they had lived in for 22 years, as well as its contents. The four-bedroom Victorian house where suffragette Kate Parry Frye lived is on the market for £945,000 . The details of her family's travails – and Kate's conversion into a leading light of the suffragette movement – are documented in her diaries, which she kept from the age of eight until three months before her death at 81 in 1959. The diaries were discovered in 2013 and edited into a book, Campaigning For The Vote by historian Elizabeth Crawford. They tell of how she joined the suffragettes in 1906, how she criss-crossed southern England and set up camp in the East End of London on her mission to win for 'Votes for Women', and how she helped see through the suffragettes' partial victory in 1918 – when women were allowed to vote from the age of 30 – and the full victory in 1928, when the age limit was lowered to 21, the same as for men. And last year, marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, ITV told how women's fortunes changed during the war through Kate's eyes, in the series The Great War: The People's Story – with Romola Garai playing the suffragette. Platts Dell in the upmarket Buckinghamshire village of Bourne End has a riverside garden, 39ft mooring and large bay windows . 'We weren't aware when we bought the property that a famous suffragette lived here until we read the history of the house in our local library,' says John Fleming, who moved into Platts Dell with his wife Chris in 1992. 'Since then we have enjoyed researching the history of Kate and the suffragettes.' Price: £945,000 . Location: Bourne End, Buckinghamshire . Bedrooms: Four . Unique features: Private riverside garden with 39ft mooring, turret, former home of suffragette Kate Parry Frye . For most of Kate's formative years, her parents were well-to-do. Her mother was a member of the Gilbey family, who had a wine and spirits empire, and her father was a successful businessman and, for three years, an MP. Although not needing to work, Kate wanted a career in the theatre. She trained as an actress and went on tour with a rep company. When the play wasn't a success she returned to the family home. She joined the suffragettes and founded the Bourne End and District Suffrage Society, later taking a paid job as organiser of the New Constitutional Society for Women's Suffrage. John and Chris live in one half of

Summary: Four-bedroom Victorian house Platts Dell is on the market for £945,000 . It is former home of frontline suffragette Kate Parry Frye who died in 1959 . She lived there with her father, who was an MP for three years, and mother . Home has a riverside garden, 39ft mooring, turret and large bay windows . www.savills.com, www.andrewmilsom.co.uk .


Nico Rosberg expects Mercedes to lead the way this season, hailing his team as the best in Formula One. Rosberg will renew his championship battle with team-mate Lewis Hamilton when the season gets underway at the traditional Albert Park curtain raiser in Melbourne on Sunday. Mercedes won 16 of the 19 races last term, and their ominous form in pre-season testing sees them start the new campaign as clear title favourites. Nico Rosberg takes a selfie under the gaze of the world's media as he poses with this year's trophy . The German finished runner-up to Lewis Hamilton this year and will renew his battle with the Briton in 2015 . ‘We are looking good and we are very optimistic for the new season,’ said Rosberg, who finished runner-up to team-mate Hamilton in 2014. ‘We are the best in F1 now. We have the best individual departments, we have the best overall team, we have the best engine factory – they’re just doing an awesome job. Our race team is leading the way.’ Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, suggested earlier this week that Rosberg must re-invent himself in order to challenge Hamilton for the championship. Rosberg was all smiles as he stepped off the tram outside the Albert Park Circuit on Wednesday . Lewis Hamilton, pictured with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, will fight with Rosberg for this year's title . And the German, winner of the last year’s season opener in Melbourne, has conceded that he must improve this term if he is going to prevent Hamilton from winning a third title. ‘I have to be that little bit better,’ said Rosberg, who won six fewer races than his team-mate last season. ‘Last year wasn’t quite enough and I just need to try to look for a little bit extra.’ Rosberg presented this year’s Australian Grand Prix trophy to the assembled media on Wednesday after boarding a tram to the Albert Park circuit. 'I have focussed on pushing myself even harder for the rematch with Lewis,'he added. 'In the end, it comes down to who can put the best season together overall, and I have to make sure it's the other way around this time.' Hamilton beat team-mate Rosberg to last year's championship after a thrilling title battle .

Summary: Nico Rosberg expects his Mercedes team to lead the way this season . Mercedes won 16 of the 19 races last term and look set to dominate again . Rosberg will renew his title battle with Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton . He finished runner-up to the British driver in 2014, and says he will 'look for a little bit extra' in bid to claim his first Formula One world championship . CLICK HERE for all the latest Australian Grand Prix 2015 build-up .


Paula Deen made an unexpected return to daytime television on Wednesday with a surprise appearance on ABC's The Chew. The disgraced celebrity chief was infamously dropped by the Food Network in 2013 after she admitted in court to using racial slurs, but all of that was forgiven and forgotten on the weekday cooking program where she was introduced as a 'friend of the show'. Deen first featured in a pre-recorded segment where she and presenter Carla Hall had taken a trip to Miami as the show celebrated Spring Break. Scroll down for video . Disgraced celebrity chief Paula Deen, who was dropped by the Food Network in 2013 after she admitted in court to using racial slurs, made an unexpected return to daytime television on Wednesday's The Chew . Deen first featured in a pre-recorded segment where she and presenter Carla Hall had taken a trip to Miami. The pair held hands and laughed and joked liked the best of pals on their whistle-stop tour of the city . The pair held hands and laughed and joked liked the best of pals as they took a whistle-stop tour of the city. 'I'm in for trouble,' said a beaming Deen, before hamming it up in a salsa dancing scene. Back in the studio Deen was in her element cooking up a pan full of fried chicken to which she added half a stick of butter more than the recipe required. Deen, looking slimmer after losing 40lb in the wake of her Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, was introduced by presenter Michael Symon as 'our good friend'. 'It's like coming to see family,' said the celebrity cook who also found time to plug her new game Paula Deen's Recipe Quest. 'It's easy ya'll!' Deen's boisterous good humur got rather crass at one point when she scolded Clinton Kelly for eating hot wings with a knife and fork. 'It's easy ya'll!' Deen, looking slimmer after losing 40lb in the wake of her Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, also found time to plug her new game Paula Deen's Recipe Quest . Back in the studio Deen was in her element and with presenter Michael Symon she cooked up a pan full of fried chicken to which she added half a stick of butter more than the recipe required . 'You look like a turd in a punch bowl,' she said to groans from the studio audience. During Celebrity Egg Timers, a quick fire question round, she even admitted to a secret crush on Justin Bieber and said her biggest fault was talking too much. Deen's appearance on The Chew drew a mixed reaction on Twitter with many people voicing their displeasure at the show, while others were happy to welcome the disgraced celebrity chef back to daytime television. In the same week that students were expelled from Oklahoma University for using the N-word, at least one person thought it ironic that Deen was back on television. In 2012 Deen was sued by a former employee who claimed the then-beloved Southern chef and her brother had made racist remarks

Summary: The disgraced celebrity chief was infamously dropped by the Food Network in 2013 after she admitted in court to using racial slurs . On Wednesday she made an unexpected return to daytime television on ABC's The Chew . Deen featured in a pre-recorded segment in Miami where she fawned over presenter Carla Hall . Back in the studio Deen told host Clinton Kelly he 'looked like a turd in a punch bowl' to groans from the studio audience .


After-effects: Jay Francis shows off his face after he was stung nearly 400 times by an angry swarm on Friday while watching a baseball game with his family . An 89-year-old Utah grandfather who survived being stung by nearly 400 bees while he watched a baseball game with his family on Friday has described the terrifying attack. 'First it was one, then two, then three. Then they were everywhere,' said Jay Francis of the attack. 'It was just horrible. My head started aching. I can't believe how sensitive it was.' 'My whole head was just swollen. I felt like I was a lucky man after hearing the statements the doctors had to make,' he said. The swarm of nearly 1,000 angry bees descended on the baseball game at Elks Field, sending players running and Francis and his family trying to duck for cover. Francis' son, Kevin told KSL he was shocked to turn and see his father enveloped by the bees which had been disturbed from their underground hive. 'His face was just covered in bees. You saw his eyes and his mouth,' Kevin Francis said. The Francis family tried to get the bees off of Jay for 15 minutes before the St. George Fire Department arrived to help. 'Since they were being so aggressive, we used water and foam to destroy those aggressive bees,' said Robert Hooper an official with the St. George Fire Department. 'There were people running everywhere, swatting at bees. It was very chaotic.' Once the swarm was fought off, Francis was rushed to hospital where he was treated for nearly 400 hundred bee stings. Scroll Down for Video . Gruesome: With an ice-pack on his head to reduce the swelling (left), Jay reveals dozens of stings to his left ear . Spray away: Fire crews in St. George, Utah, blast a swarm of bees that attacked a baseball on Friday with foam and water to kill them. Several were injured . His wife was treated for almost a dozen stings herself and his son was hit with 50 stings. The bee attack during the baseball game began when a beehive near a telephone pole at the baseball field was disturbed just after 11 a.m. Lone Peak High School baseball coach Matt Bezzant told The Spectrum newspaper of St. George that the bees came from a dugout and players were chased by as many as 70 bees at one point. Fire crews doused the dugout area with a chemical foam to combat the bees. Swarmed: Baseball fans watching a tournament at Elk's Field in St. George on Friday got the scare of their lives when hundreds of bees began attacking them while they were sitting on the bleachers . Attack: One man was seriously injured and several other people received minor injuries when over 1,000 bees swarmed Elks Field in St. George, Utah, about 11am Friday after their underground hive was disturbed . Casey Lofthouse, a local beekeeper and a member of the Washington County Search and Rescue team, told the St. George News that 'bees will protect

Summary: Jay Francis was watching a baseball game just outside of St. George . Hive was disturbed and caused havoc at the game as the swarm attacked . Francis was told by doctors he was lucky to be alive after he was mauled .


A family claim their home has been left looking 'like war-torn Syria' after a can of hairspray that was left next to a hot hairdryer exploded and a fire ripped through their house. Kristel George, 35, left the appliance in a wicker basket just after using it and went downstairs to make breakfast for her sons Patrick, 12, and five-year-old Edenn. The mother-of-two heard a massive bang, and rushed upstairs where she was met with a wall of flames. A family say their home has been left looking 'like war-torn Syria' after a can of hairspray that was left next to a hot hairdryer exploded and a fire ripped through their house. Kristel George and her son Edenn, five, outside their fire damaged home . Ms George in the upstairs bedroom where the fire began. She had left the appliance in a wicker basket just after using it and went downstairs to make breakfast for her sons Patrick, 12, and five-year-old Edenn . After trying to tackle the fire with two buckets of water Ms George grabbed her children and their five-month-old bulldog George and ran from the rented terraced house in Mapperley, Nottinghamshire. Seconds after she fled the force of the blaze blew the window out of the front bedroom. Ms George who is studying access to social sciences at Nottingham Central College, said the blaze left her home looking like 'war-torn Syria'. She added: 'I was getting the kids ready for school and I had turned the hairdryer off. 'But there was a can of hairspray in the basket it was in so that caused the explosion. 'As I walked out of the door, the window went bang and exploded. After trying to tackle the fire with two buckets of water Ms George grabbed her children and their five-month-old bulldog George and ran from the rented terraced house in Mapperley, Nottinghamshire. But their belongings could not be saved, and were destroyed by the fire . Charred possessions, including a cabinet and wicker basket, could be seen scattered outside the home after the blaze over the weekend . 'If I'd gone back in the room I would have gone up with it. It was terrifying how close I was to being in the middle of that fire. 'People have said to me 'at the end of the day you and the kids are alive - you can replace everything else'. 'It did make me think though, how many women have got these hairdryers? 'I'm still in shock now. I've lost everything, all my children's keepsakes, photos, letters and Mother's Day presents were in my room. 'All the kid's clothes was black so we had to throw it out as well. 'The bedroom is completely wrecked, if you are standing in my room it looks like you're in war-torn Syria. 'The upstairs is completely black and downstairs is wet everywhere, it is just ruined.' The fire quickly spread, destroying the bedroom and the furniture inside and blew out a top floor window . Ms George, who moved into the rented property last

Summary: Kristel George, 35, left the appliance in a wicker basket just after using it . The £20 Braun hairdryer was left in the basket next to a can of hairspray . It is believed the heat caused the can to explode, and ignited the fire . The mother-of-two's rented home was completely gutted by the blaze .


It was just as well they got the fireworks out the way before the game, because even after an explosive start and some quite extraordinary rugby any hope England had of having something to celebrate had this amazing habit of quickly disappearing here on Saturday night. That opening try from Ben Youngs, scored after less than 90 seconds, invited England and their expectant supporters to dream. From Jeremy Guscott came a gushing, confident response. England would not only win the game, he declared, but they would do so in the style he once displayed on a rugby pitch. It was an understandable reaction but it did not take into account England's ability under Stuart Lancaster to too often blow these opportunities. They should have nailed Scotland last week, as the Irish did at Murrayfield on Saturday, and their failure to do so cost them dear in the end. England captain Chris Robshaw (right) wanders off the Twickenham pitch after his country's win . England lock Courtney Lawes appears dejected as he trudges off the pitch after the final whistle . England's players, including captain Robshaw (right), look dejected after conceding a crucial try to France . If Lancaster likened the challenge his side might be facing on this most absorbing afternoon of international rugby to the Ryder Cup, he no doubt hoped his side would not need to pull off their own Miracle of Medinah. But a 26-point winning advantage against France, even this France, seemed like a pretty tall order and so it proved. No sooner had they secured seven points than they were nursing the bruises of two French tries, Philippe Saint-Andre's side punishing England for a lack of precision as well as patience. A lack of discipline too, summed up by the foolishness of James Haskell in what became an utterly insane try fest. That England then responded the way they did made it a highly entertaining spectacle. The try Youngs scored after 35 minutes was a beauty, the move England put together covering the full length of the Twickenham pitch. Ben Youngs goes over the line to give England an early lead in their must-win Six Nations clash . Leicester Tigers star Youngs jumps for joy after scoring the first try of the match on Saturday evening . France's Sebastien Tillous-Borde responded to Youngs' early try with one of his own after a 40-yard dash . But those early lapses in concentration as they chased that points total were so damaging to England's ambitions of securing a first Six Nations championship under Lancaster, with a 24-point victory still required after more than half an hour and 14 at half-time. Within three minutes of the second half they needed 21. There were moments when they were close. Painfully close. With four minutes remaining they needed just one converted try. But Lancaster will have to reflect on that period of the first half – as well as certain spells after the break - when they allowed France to look like their old selves and examine in detail where improvements still

Summary: England lost on the Six Nations title by just six points on Saturday . Stuart Lancaster's men beat France 55-35 but it wasn't enough . England failed to drive home their advantage at Twickenham .


The number of British and Irish holidaymakers taking cruises fell by almost 80,000 last year – the first annual drop for a decade, according to industry figures. Cruise Lines International Association data showed bookings fell 4.8 per cent, from 1.72million to 1.64million. Such holidays survived and even thrived during the economic downturn as a greater variety of destinations became available. Rule Britannia: Her Majesty the Queen christened Britain’s largest cruise liner last week as figures show cruises were less popular with British tourists last year . But the bubble may be bursting, with many put off by ever larger ships, having to fly abroad to the first port, and cost. Others may be deterred by health scares such as food poisoning or ebola. The CLIA said it was the first fall in a decade with a major factor being a lack of holidays starting in Britain or Europe meaning travellers had to fly further to pick up their cruise. That may change this year with the launch of several routes from ports like Southampton, including the massive liner Britannia christened by The Queen last week. The fall also means Britain loses its places as Europe's biggest cruisers, overtaken by the 1.77 million Germans who took a seabound voyage last year. Closer to home: Cruise bosses hope the launch of the Britannia, pictured, will lead to a spike in Brits booking cruises after figures from last year showed a dip in popularity . Overall, the number of Europeans taking a cruise rose by 0.5 per cent to 6.39 million passengers last year said the CLIA report, so Britain's fall bucked an overall trend. Andy Harmer, of CLIA, told website TravelMole: 'The UK and Ireland continue to have one of Europe's highest rates of market penetration for cruise holidays. 'We're confident that the future prospects continue to be bright.' CLIA Europe chairman . 'We're confident that the future prospects continue to be bright.' CLIA Europe chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said the European rise was the most significant statistic. He said: 'This may sound like a small achievement, but if we consider the European economic climate, we can see that this is an extraordinary result, and continues our industry's trend of steady growth year-on-year. 'While Europe is struggling to recover from the economic crisis, our industry has continued to grow. We have grown by an incredible 44 per cent since 2008.'

Summary: Bookings fell by 4.8% to 1.64million, down from 1.72million . People put off by growing ship size and cost including flights to port . Health scares including food poisoning and ebola contributed to slump . Britain loses place as Europe's biggest cruisers to Germany .


This is the heart-stopping moment a freestyle skier plunged off the Matterhorn in Switzerland in a competition that rewards bravery. Loic Collomb-Patton, from France, was captured dropping off the huge ledge in an effort to win one of the world's most prestigious skiing events. The Skiers Cup sees Team Europe and Team Americas compete against each other at the end of February - and this year saw Europe win the title. Freestyle skier Loic Collomb-Patton, from France, drops off a huge ledge while competing in the Skiers Cup in Switzerland at the end of February . Skiers hit speeds of more than 60mph in temperatures around minus 15 degrees, meaning one slip could result in devastating consequences. As well hidden crevasses, cliffs more than ten metres high and deep powder, the competitors also had to battle with 40mph winds. In one image Seth Morrison, the 42-year-old captain of the United States team, is captured pulling off a 30ft-long backflip making it the biggest and longest jump of the competition. Intrepid photographer David Carlier captured the athletes on camera by using a helicopter to track the skiers from above. Sverre Liliequist, from Sweden, performs a backflip on the Matterhorn against a clear blue sky. Mr Liliequist competed for Europe, which won the annual cup for the third time . Seth Morrison, captain of Team Americas, is captured upside-down as he attempts a backflip. The 30ft-long jump was the biggest and longest of the competition . With bright yellow poles sticking out either side Logan Pehota, competing for the US, drops over a ledge into deep, powdery snow . Mr Collomb-Patton attempts the same jump but looks a little more unsteady on his feet as snow and ice tumble around him . Despite the athletes taking more than an hour in a chairlift to reach the peak of the mountain, whose summit is 4,478 metres (14,692 ft) high, they reached the bottom in less than a minute. Mr Carlier said: 'It is very unusual to have such an amazing group of riders ski on the Matterhorn at such a high level and in such great snow conditions. 'Actually, it has never been done before as this is the first time they could ski to the bottom of the Matterhorn, just under the North face. 'It was jaw dropping to witness the size of the jumps and the speed the riders reach in virgin, untracked, deep powder snow. Mr Morrison is photographed throwing himself into the beginning of his backflip with his legs behind him. The 42-year-old regularly enters ski competitions . Nicolas Vuignier, from Switzerland, is pictured against the thick snow, which is clear aside from a few old ski runs . Mr Pehota, from Canada, tries to make his way down a near vertical cliff face. Team Americas has won the cup twice in five years . Dana Flahr, competing for the US, gets a huge amount of air as he jumps over a ridge just down from one of the mountain peaks . Cody Townsend is captured on two separate runs. Left,

Summary: Team Europe and Team Americas compete against each other in the Skiers Cup with Europe winning this year . The captain of Team Americas achieved the longest and biggest jump of the competition with a 30ft backflip .


Talk about taking winter sports to the next level. Hundreds of daredevil snow kite boarders, and their brightly-coloured array of kites, recently descended on Novosibirsk, Siberia, Russia, for the World Snow Kiting Championships. The extreme athletes lit up the cloudy sky as they carved their way through the snow, making for a highly unusual, but stunning winter sight. Hundreds of daredevil snow kite boarders recently descended on Siberia, Russia, for the World Snow Kiting Championships . The brightly swirling foil kites lit up the cloudy winter sky as the extreme athletes created a stunning visual display against the stark snow . The sport sees the boarders perform stunts and tricks by utilising the strong winter winds to help them glide along snow or ice. This year, the competition was held on the frozen waters of the Obskoye Water Reserve, where Russian photographer, Ilnar Salakhiev, 40, managed to capture the riders in action as their bold foil kites garnered dangerously high speeds. Participant Andrew Muse, a 26-year-old extreme sports enthusiast from Utah, was on hand on for the spectacular visual display. 'The ability to go up hills or mountains and snowboard down or just legitimately fly off them is the most amazing feeling,' he said. 'I have had an incredible amount of adventures and small world experiences,' he continued. 'I'm 26 and doing my best to live the happiest, most adventurous life possible.' And competing in such an extreme activity is just one such way that Muse ensures he lives life to the fullest. He first began snow kiting in 2011 when, rather than driving or catching the bus, Muse decided to hitchhike his way to the canyons in his native Utah. The sport sees the boarders perform stunts and tricks by utilising the strong winter winds to help them glide along the snow or ice . Champion snow kite boarder, Mila Poliakova, knows a thing or two about gathering high speeds with the help of the kite . This year, the competition was held on the frozen waters of the Obskoye Water Reserve, where a Russian photographer captured it all . Among the participants was 26-year-old Andrew Muse, an extreme sports enthusiast, from Utah in the United States . For Muse, his introduction to the sport began in his home state, back in 2011, when he asked to hitchhike a ride to a local mountain . The daredevil athlete wound up meeting a surfer from Maui who introduced him to the weird and wonderful world of snow kite boarding . Muse describes the feeling of being able to go up mountains and legitimately 'fly' off of them as 'the most amazing feeling' 'I was just looking for an adventure when this kid from Maui picked me up as he was headed to the same mountain. 'We ended up riding together for the day. Later in the afternoon, he asked if I wanted to try kiteboarding.' Though Muse had only seen the sport on the internet, he thought it just might be something that he would love. 'From that day on, I knew

Summary: Hundreds of daredevil snow boarders, and their bright array of kites, recently descended on Siberia, Russia . The athletes were on hand to compete in the World Snow Kiting Championships at the Obskoye Water Reserve . Russian photographer, Ilnar Salakhiev, managed to capture the riders, and their bold foil kites, in action .


A small but growing number of parents are bucking the trend of moving to the suburbs when they have children, and are pushing cities to be more welcoming to families. Parents in cities across the country, including Seattle, Minneapolis and Denver, are banding together to advocate for new downtown schools, more playgrounds and more affordable family-friendly housing. 'The benefit of living in the city so far outweighed what we would get by moving out to the suburbs,' said Jenny Kelly, 32, a marketing consultant who helped form a parents group in 2013, now called Parents for a Better Downtown Seattle. Scroll down for video . Jenny Kelly walks with her daughter, Elea, 2, near their loft apartment in Seattle's downtown: A small but growing number of parents are bucking the trend when it comes to raising their kids in the suburbs . She and her husband Michael moved downtown in their 20s and stayed when they had 2-year-old Elea. Both walk to work from their loft apartment in Pioneer Square, where the laundry room doubles as the toddler's bedroom. Kelly and other parents recently pushed for a public school downtown, and they lobbied to include a playground in a redesign of the city's waterfront. Seattle offers developers near downtown the chance to build taller if they provide space for a school, though no one has taken up the offer. Some cities are trying to respond to families, albeit slowly. Portland revised building codes to allow courtyard housing, considered an amenity for families. And Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has pledged to grow her city by 10,000 families. 'Families with children are indicator species about the health of an urban neighborhood,' said Gary Johnson, Seattle's city center coordinator. For decades, Seattle has had a well-earned reputation as a childless city. In the 1960s and 70s, as more families moved to the suburbs, their numbers in the city dropped. Jenny and Michael Kelly's two-year-old daughter Elea stands in her crib, which is housed in a laundry room off her parents' bedroom . Children still make up a much smaller percentage of Seattle's population, compared with the rest of the state or the U.S, but recent trends suggest Seattle is doing a better job of holding onto those kids, according to Sightline Institute, a Seattle-based think tank. The city is growing its share of kids under 15 at a time when that percentage is declining elsewhere. 'We seem to be closing the child gap,' said Eric De Place, the group's policy director. Between 2007 and 2012, the number of downtown kids enrolled in kindergarten to eighth grade jumped nearly 30 per cent, according to the Downtown Seattle Association, a business group that has worked to get more families downtown. Parents used to stay until their kids reached age 5 and half would leave downtown, said Jon Scholes, the association's CEO who is raising 5-year-old twins downtown. But he's starting to see parents staying longer than before. Schools, parks and other amenities matter, he said. In Minneapolis, Melissa and Aaron Whitney downsized from a 2,700-square foot five-bedroom

Summary: A small but growing number of parents are bucking the trend when it comes to raising their kids . Rather than move to suburbs as their parents once did, many are opting to stay in or near downtown . Parents in cities across the country are banding together to advocate for new downtown schools and more affordable family-friendly housing . 'Families with children are indicator species about the health of an urban neighborhood,' says Gary Johnson, Seattle's city center coordinator .


A naked rampage in California has left residents of an apartment complex in shock after a bare man ran around their parking lot at night and smashed headfirst into vehicles. Clarisa Vidrio of Anaheim told KTLA News that she spotted 21-year-old Garrett Smith sprinting towards the trunk of her neighbor's van around 11:30pm on Saturday before he bounced off and did a backwards somersault. Distressed by the scene, she quickly got into her car and attempted to drive off, but a bloodied Smith erratically jumped on her bonnet. Vidrio sped up in a state of panic and dethroned the unclothed rider by bumping into a parked van. 'I saw the guy flying off the car... I literally thought I was going to die that day,' she recalled. Proving her observations, a surveillance camera caught the unusual incident unfold. Footage released, shows Smith getting up and wearily crouching over after he was hit. Another resident from the apartment complex then goes over to greet him before he starts running again. The witness described the scene as 'something beyond his imagination.' Caught on camera: Residents from an apartment complex in California have told of their shock after a young man ran naked through the parking lot in the dead of night and nearly killed himself . Ouch: Clarisa Vidrio of Anaheim said she spotted 21-year-old Garrett Smith sprinting towards the trunk of her neighbor's van around 11:30pm on Saturday before he bounced off and did a backwards somersault . Instinct: Distressed by the scene, she quickly got into her car and attempted to drive off, but a bloodied Smith decided to jump on her bonnet . Stephen Trinkle, who also spotted Smith, told CBS News he was covered in sweat and blood. 'To take that much pain and then get up and take off again, it's just bizarre,' Trinkle added. Vidrio, who first saw Smith, immediately called 911 after she managed to get him off her car. Smith was arrested a mile away and taken to hospital with multiple injuries. He now faces charges of vandalism, being under the influence and resisting arrest. Swift move: Vidrio sped up in a state of panic and knocked the unclothed rider off by bumping into a van . On the run: Smith was arrested a mile away and taken to hospital with multiple injuries . Unusual incident: He now faces charges of vandalism, being under the influence and resisting arrest . Denise Bustillos, another witness, concluded: 'It was a shocking thing. I think it affected all of us on the complex.' Vidrio's car was left seriously damaged as a result of Smith's naked rampage with her windshield shattered and bumper in tatters. She also bulldozed a neighbor's fence as she quickly pulled away. The van Smith plowed into was left with dents. 'When our neighbor told me the story... I didn’t believe her at first,' said Charlie Barnes, who owns the crumpled vehicle.

Summary: Clarisa Vidrio of Anaheim said she spotted 21-year-old Garrett Smith sprinting toward's the trunk of her neighbor's van around 11:30pm on Saturday before he bounced off and did a backwards somersault . Distressed by the scene, she quickly got into her car and attempted to drive off, but a bloodied Smith decided to jump on her bonnet . Vidrio, immediately called 911 after she managed to get him off her car . He was arrested a mile away and now faces charges of vandalism, being under the influence and resisting arrest .


Paul Casey is returning to Augusta after securing his place at next week's Masters. The 37-year-old has not played in the season's first major for the last two years but will tee it up on April 9 due to his position in the world's top 50. The Englishman, whose world ranking got as high as three in 2009, came into the new season outside the top 50 but a second-placed finish at the Northern Trust Open followed by a tie for third at the Honda Classic saw him move back in and his place at Augusta has now been assured. England star Paul Casey is returning to Augusta after securing his place at next week's Masters . Casey secured a third-place finish at the Honda Classic as he continued his renaissance previously . The 37-year-old has not played in the season's first major for the last two years but will do so next week . The 37-year-old said he is relieved that he held on to the last qualifying spot for the Masters when the matter was decided by results elsewhere and said: ‘On the outside looking in is hardly where you want to be for the season’s first major.’ Casey's best Masters finish was a tie for sixth on his debut in 2004. Indian Anirban Lahiri, who has two European Tour wins this season, will be making his debut at Augusta alongside Austrian Bernd Wiesberger. South Africa's Branden Grace, too, has earned an invitation for the third consecutive season. There’s still no word on whether Tiger Woods will play, although he did turn up at Augusta for a practice round on Tuesday.

Summary: Paul Casey has secured his place at next week's Masters . He has not played in the season's first major for the last two years . Casey will feature next week due to his position in the world's top 50 .


In the shelter of a Murray Park conference room, Nicky Law cut a relaxed figure on Friday. After a leisurely arrival in a pair of shorts and flip-flops, he greeted the assembled media with a smile, a handshake and a joke about his dubious choice of footwear. The atmosphere in the room was relaxed. Jovial, even. And at odds with the previous seven months of a season when the atmosphere surrounding Rangers has usually been much darker and tense. Truth be told, the only guiding light at Ibrox this season has been a half-lit torch leading straight to a land where only chaos itself holds jurisdiction. Where perpetual farce and vitriol have been interrupted only by the false dawns of hope and sanctuary. Nicky Law believes that Rangers' promotion destiny is finally in their own hands after months of anguish . For Law, however, a corner has now been turned. Now in his second season at Ibrox, the 26-year-old midfielder has been one of the few Rangers players who might - yes, just might - have achieved pass-marks so far this campaign. Following last weekend’s 2-0 victory against Championship promotion rivals Hibs - a timely boost for the new regime and caretaker boss Stuart McCall - Law believes that the club’s promotion destiny is finally in their own hands after months of anguish. ‘Last weekend gave a huge lift to everyone, going and beating Hibs at Easter Road,’ he grinned. ‘We had been comfortably beaten by them three times previously this season, so there has been a huge difference in and around the place this week. ‘The manager has relayed the message to us that we are now in charge of our own situation once again – our own destiny. Everyone in our changing room came to play with Rangers in the Premiership and, even as bad as we have been this season, getting promoted is still within our grasp. ‘When you come into work in the morning, you can see everyone smiling again – not just the players, but also all of the club staff. It’s great to see things like that again because it’s been doom and gloom right from the word go this season. Rangers boss Stuart McCall has taken over the Ibrox side in reach of gaining promotion back to the SPL . ‘We lost our first game of the season, then had a little bit of a lift, but things spiralled again from there. It was downhill all the way and it has been difficult. ‘People are now looking forward to coming into training again and they’re looking forward to games, which is the most important thing – the game against Cowdenbeath on Saturday actually can’t come quick enough for us. ‘There has been such negativity surrounding the place. It got to the stage where you genuinely didn’t want to leave the house. If your family wanted to go out you would just say: “No, let’s just leave it and stay in.” The whole thing is so consuming that it affects your personal life – not just

Summary: Rangers beat promotion rivals Hibernian 2-0 last weekend . They closed the gap on Hibs to just three points in the Championship . Nicky Law believes the club’s promotion destiny is in their own hands .


An artist has created the world's smallest sculpture only for it to be accidentally crushed by a finger while being photographed. Jonty Hurwitz's creations are so tiny they can rest on a human hair and are the same size of an ant's head. Having spent months working on the pieces, the 45-year-old from Chichester, West Sussex, took them to a photographer to have them pictured under a microscope. But within minutes his work had been destroyed by the stroke of the lab technician's finger. Scroll down for video . The world's smallest sculpture (seen in the eye of a needle, above) was accidentally destroyed by a photographer hired to help its creator capture it in pictures . The artwork, seen here on a human hair, was produced using 3D printing technolog by Jonty Hurwitz . 'I went off to have the original sculptures photographed so I found a laboratory with an electron microscope and the photographic technology,' said Mr Hurwitz. 'The technician went to change the orientation and then for the next half an hour we were looking for the piece through the lens. 'Eventually I noticed there was a fingerprint exactly where the sculpture used to be and I was like "man you have just destroyed the smallest art pieces" ever made - I slightly freaked out.' The sculptures are less than 1mm tall and are produced via a process called nano-painting. They are too small to be seen with the naked eye so must be viewed and photographed under a microscope. Mr Hurwitz uses a 3D printing technology to produce them. Describing the process on his website, he said: 'The structure is created using a ground-breaking new 3D printing technology and a technique called Multiphoton Lithography. Mr Hurwitz has produced a number of nano sculptures using the same technology though the naked woman above is believed to have been the smallest . The artist from Chichester, West Sussex, described his work as a combination of 'art and Quantum Physics' 'Ultimately these works are created using the physical phenomenon of two photon absorption. Art, literally created with Quantum Physics. 'This two photon absorption occurs only at the tiny focal point - basically a tiny 3D pixel (called a Voxel). 'The sculpture is then moved along fractionally by a computer controlled process and the next pixel is created. Slowly, over hours and hours the entire sculpture is assembled pixel by pixel and layer by layer.' The sculptures are believed to be the smallest representation of the human form ever created by man.

Summary: Jonty Hurwitz produced the tiny sculpture which was less than 1mm tall . He enlisted the help of lab technicians to photograph it under microscope . One of the team accidentally crushed the artwork when photographing it . Mr Hurwitz's sculptures are believed to be the smallest in the world .


It may look like a treat for those with expensive tastes but this marshmallow topped with 24 carat gold really is a sweet deal. The silky smooth strawberry Champagne marshmallow is swirled with Belgian chocolate and topped with pure edible 24-carat gold. Yet despite its striking appearance a pack of four will only set buyers back a bargain $14.99 (£10). The Golden Riviera marshmallow is made from strawberry champagne and topped with 24-carat gold . Champagne with your whiskey? The posh marshmallow is the perfect side for an Irish coffee . The posh treat is the creation of Vivéltre, an independent sweet maker, and and is hand-made using 100 per cent natural ingredients. The US-based company has named its creation the 'Golden Riviera' and this isn't the only unusual sweet treat it has on offer. The flavour combinations are certainly not what you would expect to see in your local corner shop with 14 different varieties ranging from the Nutella to the luxurious 'French Riviera', flavoured with rose Champagne and fresh strawberries. There is even a sweet treat inspired by the heated marshmallow, chocolate and cracker combination - the s'more. Viveltre's new marshmallows contain Champagne and are topped with edible gold leaf . The boutique sweet shop in Florida have created a range of inventive flavoured marshmallows . Made using vanilla marshmallow infused with chocolate chips and biscuits, it is all the flavour of the real deal minus the mess while camping. Irina Bromberry is the creative mind behind Vivéltre who started making the inventive marshmallows after she was encouraged to by her son. She said: 'We are thrilled to showcase our expertise with this new and exciting item. 'We have made it possible for lovers of gourmet confections everywhere to embark on an epic flavour journey. The unusual flavours include Nutella, the popular hazelnut spread . 'This unique item is another example of our continued commitment to letting customers enjoy handcrafted marshmallows in entirely new and unexpected ways.' Two years after he asked her to make the fluffy sweets, Irina started Vivéltre from her home in Miami, Florida and she has been overwhelmed with the demand. Irina says that coming up with the different varieties is something very personal and can take up a lot of her time. 'I come up with the different flavours in all sorts of ways. Sometimes it's based on things that have sentimental value in my life - like the caramel and Nutella flavours - so I look for ways to integrate them into marshmallows.' Irina Bromberry (pictured) says that people refer to her as the dessert alchemist . Irina began creating the marshmallows for her son two years ago and has since turned her creativity into a successful business, pictured here- Chocolate ganache flavour . Once Irina has an idea for a new type of sweet she has a meticulous method of constructing the marshmallow, making sure the flavour balance is perfect. 'But other times I think of a flavour first and use complicated algorithms to find the perfect ratio of ingredients like I did

Summary: The fancy marshmallow, which comes in a box of four, is by Vivéltre . Irina Bromberry is the creative mind behind the US-based sweet shop . She currently offers 15 different varieties of marshmallow .


Barcelona defender Dani Alves continues to make the most of his time off during the international break after being left out of the Brazil squad to play France and Chile. After releasing a new charity single earlier this week with former Barca team-mate Jose Pinto, the right back appeared to spend his Saturday serving up hot dogs. Hungry punters popping in for a lunch time snack will have been surprised to see the 31-year-old behind the counter as he served up the fast food favourite. Dani Alves was filmed serving up snacks from behind the counter of a hot dog bar on Saturday . The Barcelona defender coats the hot dog in mayonnaise (or similar) as he enjoys break . Alves was not selected for the Brazil squad to play friendlies against France and Chile . Dani Alves (centre) has released a charity single alongside former Barcelona team-mate Jose Pinto . All proceeds from the single, titled 'You're Special', go to a bulimia and anorexia charity called FEACAB . Alves shared a video of him lathering up a hot dog with mayonnaise (or similar) to his official Instagram account. Alves is famed for his wacky behaviour on social media and this week's antics will do nothing to shake that image. Meanwhile, Alves looks set to leave Barcelona on a free transfer this summer. The full back is yet to be offered a new deal to stay at the Nou Camp and he reportedly has his pick of several clubs. Several clubs are reportedly set to make offers for Barcelona right back Dani Alves this summer . Alves blocks Isco's cross during Barcelona's win over Real Madrid in La Liga on Sunday . Alves is believed to be in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain, while Manchester United have also been credited with holding an interest in the former Sevilla defender. Reports in the Spanish press on Saturday claimed that Alves had agreed to join Laurent Blanc's PSG and was even looking at houses in the French capital.

Summary: Dani Alves was not selected for the Brazil squad to face France and Chile . Barcelona defender was filmed serving up hot dogs to people on Saturday . This week Alves released a charity single with former team-mat Jose Pinto . Alves looks set to leave Barcelona on a free transfer this summer . Reports in Spanish press claim he will sign for Paris Saint-Germain .


Police are continuing to question a man arrested on suspicion of murdering missing chef Claudia Lawrence (pictured) Police are continuing to question a man arrested on suspicion of murdering missing chef Claudia Lawrence as they finished searching a house linked to his arrest. North Yorkshire Police arrested the married 59-year-old yesterday in connection with Miss Lawrence's disappearance in 2009. He remains in custody this morning and later today police will have to make a decision on whether to charge or release him, or will need to apply for extra time to question the suspect. Officers have been combing a semi-detached home in a quiet York cul-de-sac as part of their investigations, and a spokesman said the search of the property concluded last night. A spokesman said yesterday that Miss Lawrence, who was 35 when she went missing, had not been found. Her parents, Peter and Joan, were told about the arrest shortly before it was made public and are being supported by trained officers. Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, of North Yorkshire Police, has urged people not to identify the arrested man, who is from the York area, for fear of compromising the inquiry at what they describe as a 'critical phase'. He said: 'To ensure the investigation and legal process are not compromised or potentially damaged in any way during this critical phase in seeking the truth about Claudia's disappearance, North Yorkshire Police strongly advises the media and members of the public against identifying the man who has been arrested. 'This includes naming or publishing images of the man on traditional media platforms or social networking sites. 'I urge everyone to show restraint and patience while we carry out these very important inquiries.' Scroll down for video . The father-of-two drank in the same pub as the missing university chef and lives within half a mile of her home in York. Miss Lawrence was reported missing by her father after concerns were raised when she failed to turn up for her 6am shift at work in March 2009. North Yorkshire Police began reviewing the case in 2013 and have since carried out a number of searches, including a detailed re-examination of Miss Lawrence's home, in the Heworth area of the city, and a fingertip search of an alleyway that leads to the rear of the house. Officers have been combing a semi-detached home in a quiet York cul-de-sac as part of their investigations, and a spokesman said the search of the property concluded last night . An officer searches the front garden of the York house yesterday as part of the police investigation . Police search the front of the house in York. The man arrested in connection with Miss Lawrence's disappearance remains in custody this morning . A 60-year-old man was arrested last year in connection with her disappearance and suspected murder but was later released without charge, while a 47-year-old man remains on bail on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Mr Malyn said he was 'actively pursuing new leads' and that his team had made 'significant progress' since

Summary: Man, 59, arrested yesterday in connection with chef's 2009 disappearance . Officers have been searching semi-detached home in York cul-de-sac . Miss Lawrence vanished in March 2009, and has still not been found . Her father, Peter says police progress on the case is 'encouraging'


Manchester City are watching Sampdoria's Italy international midfielder Roberto Soriano. The 24-year-old was born in Germany to Italian parents and initially came through the ranks at Bayern Munich. City are looking for versatile attacking midfielders and are keen on Wolfsburg star Kevin de Bruyne. The Bundesliga side want a staggering £40million for the Belgian who they bought from Chelsea for £16.7m and Bayern Munich and Paris St Germain are also in the hunt. Roberto Soriano (centre) is being watched Manchester City scouts as they contemplate a move . Soriano was called up to the national squad last year and can play centrally or on the left hand side. Inter Milan and Schalke have also posted scouts to watch him lately. City had scouts watching Manchester United target Holland international winger Memphis Depay of PSV Eindhoven last week and his highly-rated teammate Jetro Willems, a 20-year-old left-back. Soriano (right) is challenged by Tomas Rincon of Genoa CFC during the Serie A clash .

Summary: Manchester City sent scouts to watch Sampdoria's Roberto Soriano . The midfielder is highly rated and was called up to the Italian squad . City are scouting Kevin de Bruyne, Memphis Depay and Jetro Willems . Click here for all the latest Manchester City news .


A primary school headteacher has banned pupils from watching this Friday's solar eclipse on health and safety grounds. In a letter sent to parents, Paul Rooke claimed New Machar school in Aberdeenshire would not take 'risks around pupil safety and wellbeing' during this Friday's rare cosmic event. Parents have spoken out about the overzealous measures, suggesting the children should be given the chance to see the phenomenon - but the school says the protective glasses are not suitable for children under ten. Ban: New Machar school in Aberdeenshire, above, will not allow children to watch the eclipse on Friday . In Mr Rooke's letter, he wrote: 'It is with disappointment that I need to advise you that we will no longer be purchasing the solar eclipse glasses and viewing the eclipse as a school. 'This is after further careful consideration of the health and safety advice, alongside guidance from Aberdeenshire Council's Health and Safety colleagues. 'Clearly the school will never take any risks around pupil safety and wellbeing. I do hope you understand my decision.' Staring directly at an eclipse carries the risk of permanent damage or even blindness unless specialist lenses or devices are used. Although the moon is expected to block out 98 per cent of the sun's light, even staring at the remainder of it for too long can cause irreparable damage to the eye. Mr Rooke referred to an online report which suggested the protective glasses may be too big to be worn securely by children, and that children under ten should only watch the eclipse on TV or with an indirect viewer. The partial solar eclipse is due to take place at 8.45am on Friday, March 20, and will be visible for thousands of kilometres . Parents of the pupils at Newmachar Primary in Aberdeenshire said they were disappointed they would miss out on witnessing the phenomenon, which will not reoccur in Britain until 2026. One parent, Euan Pittendreigh, said: 'It just seems like a little bit too much political correctness. 'I understand that it's for the kids' safety, but if the glasses fit my kids correctly I'd let them see it.' Another father, Derek Mathers, added: 'It's a shame. My daughter Kirsty was looking forward to seeing the eclipse, but the school has got to put safety first really.' Maria Walker, Aberdeenshire Council's director of education and children's services, said: 'Schools will decide individually on activities to watch the eclipse and will do so safely.' The last solar eclipse of a similar size took place on 11 August 1999 and had an eclipse magnitude of 1.029. An eclipse magnitude is the fraction of the sun's diameter obscured by the moon. It is based on a ratio of diameters and differs from an eclipse obscuration, which is a measure of the sun's surface area covered by the moon. The value given is taken at the moment when the eclipse is at is maximum. The maximum of two minutes and 23 seconds of totality for the 1999 eclipse occurred close to Ramnicu Valcea in Romania. It was said

Summary: Head Paul Rooke sent letter to parents to say pupils couldn't watch eclipse . Claimed protective glasses are too large and not suitable for under tens . And school was unwilling to take 'risks around pupil safety and wellbeing' Parents at New Machar school, Aberdeenshire, have criticised the decision .


A striking set of twins, who were born with radically different colouring thanks to mixed-race parentage, have revealed how they constantly have to explain their looks to curious strangers. Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Lucy and Maria Aylmer, both 18, said classmates at school thought they were telling fibs when they revealed they were twins. Lucy and Maria's mother Donna is half Jamaican and their father Vince is white, and in a genetic quirk, together they managed to produce one white twin and one black twin. Lucy (left) and Maria (right) Aylmer, both 18, have faced questions from curious strangers throughout their lives over their radically different looks. Lucy even uploaded a photo of her birth certificate to Facebook . The twins say it isn't just their looks that are different, they have individual personalities too. Lucy (far left) says she's much more shy than her sister Maria (second left), despite being born 23 seconds before her . Speaking to Ben Shepherd and Susanna Reid, the twins, from Gloucester, opened up about how their distinctively different looks had often made life difficult at school. Red-haired Lucy said her pale complexion had prompted speculation that she'd been adopted: 'My classmates used to ask if I was adopted because my siblings are all quite dark. 'It was pretty hard, it went on in secondary school and it wasn't very nice.' When the girls were first born in 1997, their mother Donna had no idea that she could give birth to such different looking twins, described by experts as a one-in-a-million chance. Growing up, the girls said they regularly overheard people asking their mum 'Which one is yours?' or 'Are you the childminder?'. Although most of their friends now know their unique story, they still have to present new acquaintances with photos of their birth certificates to prove they really are twin sisters. 'Our friends do believe us now because we make a big fuss,' says Maria. 'We've got birth certificates. Lucy even had a picture of hers on her Facebook [profile].' As the girls have turned into grown-ups they've tried to find their own style. Lucy, who has naturally curly hair, straightens it to ensure a sleek look. And the twins stopped wearing the same outfits when they were seven. Lucy says: 'I think I said to my mum: "I don't want to wear the same clothes as Maria any more".' Same same, but different: Lucy and Maria Aylmer, 18, from Gloucester are non-identical twins . When asked at what age the girls knew their situation might raise questions from others, they say it took them a long time to know that their family was anything but ordinary. 'It is what it is,' says Maria. 'We never even picked up on it until friends started talking about it at school.' Their mother, who is 47 and a warehouse worker, and their 53-year-old father, who works as a scaffolder, split up after the twins were born. The 18-year-olds have three older siblings, George, 23, Chynna, 22, and Jordan, 21. Lucy told the Daily Mail:

Summary: Lucy and Maria Aylmer, 18, from Gloucester are non-identical twins . Growing up, mother Donna would be asked if she was their 'childminder' Donna is half Jamaican and their father Vince is white . Twins say they have radically different styles .


Her erotic fiction has made her millions. And it seems that E. L. James, author of the Fifty Shades Of Grey trilogy, has a new passion in her life. The 52-year-old was spotted driving her £79,000 Tesla Model S electric car during a shopping trip to John Lewis. Miss James – whose real name is Erika Leonard – swapped her modest Mini for the battery-powered luxury sedan, which boasts a top speed of 150mph and can do 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds. Scroll down for video . Fifty Shades author E. L. James was spotted driving her £79,000 Tesla Model S electric car during a shopping trip to John Lewis . She and her husband Niall spent an hour treating themselves to some retail therapy at Brent Cross, North London, on Friday afternoon. And they can well afford it – the former TV executive made £33 million last year, or over £90,500 a day, from sales of the trilogy, which tells the story of sadomasochistic billionaire Christian Grey and his affair with student Anastasia Steele. The sum is almost four times more than the reported £8.6 million earned by Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling last year. The couple, who have two sons, live in a £2.7 million, six-bedroom property in Ealing, West London. Since the first book’s publication in 2011, the Fifty Shades Of Grey trilogy has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and been translated into 52 languages. The film version, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and starring Jamie Dornan, has taken £365 million since its release last month. As well as topping bestseller lists, the novels have spawned lucrative spin-off products, including two blended wines, Red Satin and White Silk. The battery-powered luxury sedan, which boasts a top speed of 150mph and can do 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds . The former TV executive made £33 million last year, more than £90,500 a day, from sales of the trilogy, pictured (left) with actress Dakota Johnson and director Sam Taylor-Johnson .

Summary: Fifty Shades author E. L. James was spotted in her new £79,000 electric car . She swapped her Mini for the battery-powered luxury Tesla Model S . Sedan boasts top speed of 150mph and can do 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds . Former TV executive made £33 million last year, more than £90,500 a day .


Crucial negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme stalled last night with the deadline for an international agreement due to expire at midnight tonight. Officials say they remain ‘hopeful’ of a deal but expect a day of ‘brinkmanship’ with Iran trying to win concessions on crippling UN sanctions in return for agreeing to limits that would prevent Tehran from producing enough fuel for a nuclear weapon within a year. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond stressed as he arrived in Lausanne for the talks: ‘We are here because we believe a deal can be done but it has to be a deal which puts the bomb beyond Iran's reach.’ Scroll down for video . Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond (right) stressed as he arrived for the talks: ‘We are here because we believe a deal can be done but it has to be a deal which puts the bomb beyond Iran's reach’ After 18-months of difficult, protracted negotiations, Britain, the US, China, Russia, France and Germany are aiming to agree a political framework that would set the stage for talks on the technical details of a comprehensive accord, due by 30 June. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has campaigned vehemently against the negotiations, said in Jerusalem that the agreement being put together in Lausanne sends the message ‘that Iran stands to gain by its aggression’. The six-nation group is offering a package of relief measures, lifting the EU oil embargo and removing banking restrictions, in moves synchronised with the suspension of corresponding US sanctions. But it insists that some UN sanctions must stay in place until Iran has convinced the international community it has no intention of pursuing a weapons programme, something that could take many years. Iran appears unwilling to compromise further, its supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, has left them no negotiating space insisting yesterday : ‘Sanctions must be lifted in one go, not as a result of future Iranian actions.’ A Western diplomat warned: ‘There are still some quite important gaps,’ amid warnings that ‘an agreement is far from certain. It could all still break-up.’ .S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, gestures as he takes a walk during a break of the new round of talks on Iran's nuclear program, in Lausanne, Switzerland today . Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who has been holding talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry since last Thursday, said he believed they could ‘make the necessary progress to be able to resolve all the issues and start writing them down.’ Much appears to hinge on Iran’s willingness to sacrifice a considerable proportion of its 9,900 working centrifuges and export a large amount of its 7.9 tons of low-enriched uranium. The US and its European allies want a mechanism that would allow suspended UN sanctions to be put back into effect rapidly if Iran reneges on a deal. Russia reportedly accepts this, but wants to ensure its Security Council veto rights are protected. Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov announced he was to break-off from Lausanne to meet with officials in other countries but not elaborate. His

Summary: Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond stressed that deal could be done . Israeli Prime Minister has campaigned vehemently against the negotiations . Sanctions lift could include removing EU oil embargo and banking restrictions .


The starting pistol has been fired on the campaign to pack bars and clubs in Magaluf with thrill-seeking British teenagers this summer. After new lows were plumbed by venues in the Majorcan resort last year, clubs are gearing up for another summer of binge drinking, sun, sea and sex. Clubs linked to the one where a girl performed sex acts on 24 men last July are advertising positions for 'podium dancers' over the coming summer. Meanwhile Carnage Magaluf, the company who organised the now infamous event, is already signing youngsters up for 'unlimited free shots' on £30 'booze cruises'. Scroll down for video . Bars and clubs in Magaluf are playing on the resort's reputation in ad campaigns targeting British teens . Nightclub promoters in Magaluf have begun tweeting messages to bring in youngsters this summer . The Carnage Magalluf firm is even trading off the back of events last summer, tweeting: 'Who's ready for the world famous bar crawl starting in April?' The firm's website is now advertising VIP pool parties, jungle sessions and bar crawls alongside images of a barman pouring spirits into a young woman's mouth in a so-called 'dentist's chair' position. It comes as police on the Spanish island are given new powers to seize drinks from tourists on the street between 10pm and 8am. There will also be tougher restrictions bar crawls and fines for 'balconing' - a craze for jumping off hotel balconies which has led to several deaths. Authorities are also in talks to fly in British police to patrol the streets over the height of the summer season. But those organising the bar crawls have shrugged off the new controls, which they fear could deter youngsters wanting to let loose. Organisers of the Carnage Magaluf bar-crawl, at which a British teenager was encourage to perform sex acts on 24 men last year, have played on their notoriety while others insist new rules will not affect street drinking . Adverts are being sent out adversing cocktails for just one euro (80 pence) in many bars in the resort . The Magaluf 2015 Twitter feed posted a message saying: 'Absolute nonsense about drinking laws in #Magaluf. Clubs still open till 6am, bars open until 4am, some bars open at 6am!' It also posted a photo of bikini-clad girls covered in red liquid with the caption: 'I can't wait to be ashamed of all the things I do in Magaluf 2015', adding 'Don't believe the hype, the Magaluf street drinking ban isn't going to change anything this summer!'. Bars are already advertising their one euro drinks deals - with cocktails called 'f***** hammered', 'scruffy cow' and 'f***** up', described as a 'nine spirit mix', all available for less than a pound. The resort was shamed last summer when a video emerged of an 18-year-old girl from Northern Ireland performing sex acts on 24 men, who lined up in the resort's Alex's Bar. Witnesses said the girl had agreed to perform the sex act after being told by party organisers she would win a 'holiday'. But her prize

Summary: Push to get British teens to Magaluf this summer has already started . Bar crawls and clubs are playing on the resorts now-infamous reputation . Spanish authorities vow to crack down on binging after last summer . A British teenage girl performed sex act on 24 men causing outrage . But organisers of event insisting they won't be stopped by new rules .


Twelve years ago 24 photographers decided to carry out an ambitious project - to document a full New Year's Day every year for 24 years. To begin with each was allocated one hour of the day to record what was going on around them. But the project did not stop there. This was a project that was to last 24 years, with each photographer progressing one hour every year, so that at the end of 24 years, there will be 24 sets of images from New Year's Day - or 576 images. 00.00 by Yvonne De Rosa – Untitled: 'I was in Reykjavik and I was with friends in the square close to the main church.' To contrast with the chaos she took this picture of a couple in 'a calm embrace and in their own magic space' The original 24 photographers met while studying on a postgraduate photography course at Central St Martin's in London. Six prints from this year's project will be auctioned off in aid of Hope and Homes for Children, an international charity working to ensure that all children have the chance to grow up in the love of a family. Curator Bridget Coaker said: 'When I first heard about 24photography I thought what a great idea, I do hope they manage to keep the momentum going. Now in its 12th year this group of dedicated photographers are still going out in all weathers and all hours to capture something that shows something of the first day of each New Year. Their commitment to the project is inspiring.' Claire Spreadbury, founder of 24photography, said: 'The exhibition is going from strength to strength and now in our twelfth year we've really developed an identity and feel that we're an established part of London's art calendar. New Year's Day is an exciting time of the year, and we hope that 24 captures some of that excitement, but also gives a little glimpse into the rest of the day after the celebrations and parties.' 01:00 by Algy Sharman – Superhero: 'This shot was taken in a cafe near a spooky industrial estate outside Stockholm.This guy and his buddy were out skateboarding. He was waiting for a kebab, so was I' 02:00 by Alex Christofides – Untitled: Alex is fascinated with the human condition, how we relate to one another and our environment. His documentary work explores social issues such as mental health awareness and social exclusion . 03:00 by Christoph Grothgar – Off-centre… but this universe is for you: 'The photograph is of the last firework I had kept until my time slot had come. While taking the picture, I had think of someone who told me that I shouldn’t always have everything in the centre, so I took it off-centre' 04:00 by Virginia Standard-Sheader: 'My image was taken in Hanoi, Vietnam, in the old quarter. Showing a young man, sleeping on his bike oblivious to the chaos around him' 05:00 by JF VALLET - dancing with the death: 'My picture was taken in my flat in Paris, back from a

Summary: Twelve years ago 24 photographers decided on a project to document a full New Year's Day every year for 24 years . Each snapper, who all met while studying at Central St Martin's in London, was allocated one hour of the day each . Six prints from this year's project will be auctioned off in aid of international charity Hope and Homes for Children .


They say one man's trash is another man's treasure and that has certainly proved to be the case for entrepreneur Dan Cluderay. While supermarkets regularly throw away food that has gone past its 'best before' date, Mr Cluderay, from Worksop, Nottinghamshire, is now a millionaire after setting up an online business selling out-of-date food to busy mums and bargain hunters. The 40-year-old says the secret to his success is that his business, Approved Food, provides just what the savvy shopper is looking for - quality food at prices which save mums around £60 off their weekly bill compared to a similar shop at one of the big supermarkets. Scroll down for video . Dan Cluderay is enjoying the fruits of his labour after his online business selling out-of-date food proves to be a hit with busy mums . Mr Cluderay pitching the Dragons on the BBC show in May last year... but his idea was rejected . However, while Approved Food has been a hit online, it was given a resounding thumbs down by the gurus on the BBC TV show Dragons' Den. In May last year, Mr Cluderay, together with his 50-year-old business partner Andy Needham, had asked the Dragons' Den panel for a £150,000 cash injection offering a ten per cent share in Approved Food. However, the Dragons' Den team, which consisted of Duncan Bannatyne, Kelly Hoppen, Deborah Meaden, Piers Linney and Peter Jones, unanimously turned them down. Not to be thwarted, Mr Cluderay and Mr Needham managed to source £400,000 through loans and investments from elsewhere which has seen Approved Food achieve a £4million turnover. 'It's all very exciting and we have lots of plans to take the business further,' said father-of-two Mr Cluderay. He said his journey to success began when he was forced to have a career rethink after being made redundant from his job at an IT firm in 2001. Andy's idea didn't excite Dragons' Den investors, from left to right, Duncan Bannatyne, Kelly Hoppen, Deborah Meaden, Piers Linney and Peter Jones . Inside the Approved Food warehouse which stocks a range of products from toilet roll to dog food . Bag a bargain: Slim-Fast mix available for £.199 and 99p pineapple juice are some of the drinks on offer . Together with his wife, Nichola, the pair set up market stalls in Hull, Leeds and Doncaster selling branded chocolate, fizzy drinks and crisps which had been shunned by a range of supermarkets as they were either fast approaching or past their 'best before' date. For six years, come rain or shine, the couple, who hail from Worksop, sourced and sold the goods to a loyal band of shoppers. However, it was after taking delivery of a crate of Twinings nettle tea that Mr Cluderay said he had his 'eureka moment'. 'I suddenly realised that while there might not be the demand for nettle tea in Doncaster, if I could match the goods with customers looking to buy, I'd be on to a winner,' said Mr Cluderay, who has two sons, nine-year-old Rudi and Jay, five.

Summary: Dan Cluderay specialises in selling out-of-date food . Market stall proved such a success he moved business to the internet . Dad-of-two was turned down for cash injection by TV show Dragons' Den .


A bench-clearing brawl during a women's college basketball game on Saturday ended the contest before the winner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season title could be crowned. Texas Southern trailed Southern by two points at TSU's H&PE Arena in Houston, Texas, with 12:37 left in the second half when the brawl broke out. SU was leading 51-49 when TSU's Miracle Davis took a charge underneath her basket. Scroll down for video . Southern and Texas Southern were playing at H&PE Arena on Saturday when a massive brawl broke out . The two teams began fighting after TSU's Miracle Davis took a charge underneath her team's basket . The physical play prompted the melee to begin between the players, but it spread to include fans and cheerleaders as well. TSU's Alexus Johnson and Diamonisha Sophus threw punches during the fight, the Advocate reported. Johnson was so heated, security officers had to prevent her from entering the SU locker room. Footage of the fight was captured by a cellphone. SU coach Sandy Pugh said he had never seen such an 'embarrassment' in more than 30 years of being involved with basketball. He said. 'I just saw two kids standing up looking at each other, and someone else push and yell. 'My first reaction is to tell everyone to stay on the bench. But I look up and TSU has two kids running in. 'One of their kids throws the first punch, and one of our kids was on the ground and someone was just pounding her. Next thing I know, it was a melee.' The physical play prompted the players to fight, but fans and cheerleaders got involved in the fracas as well . TSU's Alexus Johnson (left) and Diamonisha Sophus (right) reportedly threw punches during the fight . Officials ruled the game ended in a double forfeit, but the SWAC later decided SU, which is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, won and both teams would share a piece of the regular-season title. SU athletic director Dr. William Broussard said: 'I haven't reviewed the film as much as I'd like, but my initial response is that there was a significant show of and attempt at restraint on the part of our bench as the melee unfolded, . 'At a certain point it's difficult to distinguish whether or not we interacted out of aggression or to defend teammates as Texas Southern's game-day staff and security personnel attempted to respond.' If both teams advance in the SWAC tournament, they could meet in the conference final over the weekend . Officials ruled the game ended in a double forfeit, but the SWAC later decided SU won the game by 51-40 . The SWAC women's tournament starts on Tuesday but TSU and SU won't play until Wednesday. The TSU Lady Tigers are then No. 1 seed and the SU Lady Jaguars are seeded second. If both teams advance, they could meet in the conference final over the weekend. TSU athletic director Charles McClelland said: 'At Texas Southern University we hold our student-athletes to high standards in regards to

Summary: Southern and Texas Southern played at H&PE Arena in Texas on Saturday . Playing for Southwestern Athletic Conference women's regular-season title . Bench-clearing brawl broke out with Southern leading 51-49 in second half . Officials ruled the game a double forfeit, but SWAC later said SU won 51-49 . SWAC women's hoops tournament starts Tuesday and teams could play .


From the gallstones of an Acid Bath Murderer victim to execution ropes used in the 19th century, these exhibits are among the most unusual and macabre you could find in Britain. And now a selection of 500 items from Scotland Yard's Crime Museum, known as the 'Black Museum' for its grisly collection of memorabilia, is set to go on public display for the first time. Among the 20,000 exhibits at the museum - open only to serving police and select guests since it was founded in 1874 - is the gun used by murderer Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in Britain. 'Acid Bath Murderer': Items relating to the 1949 killing of wealthy widow Olive Durand-Deacon by John Haigh - who dissolved his victims in sulphuric acid - including her handbag, gallstones and the killer's gloves . Executed: Among the Crime Museum items are some relating to killer John Haigh (left) who put victims in barrels of acid (right) - but police caught him when they found feet and gallstones failed to dissolve . Gruesome: Execution ropes used in the 19th and 20th century (left), and the gun used by Ruth Elllis, the last woman executed in Britain, will be on show . Gruesome: The death mask of Robert Marley (left)), who was executed in 1856 for beating a jeweller to death in London, will go on display later this year . Instruments: Also in the set forming the Crime Museum Uncovered exhibition is a briefcase with a syringe and poison that Ronnie and Reggie Kray intended to use for intimidating witnesses at the Old Bailey . Gangsters: Exhibits relating to Reggie (left) and Ronnie Kray will form part of the collection shown publically . Five decades ago: Also on show will be personal possessions of Ronnie Biggs and other members of the Great Train Robbery gang recovered from their hideaway at Leatherslade Farm in Buckinghamshire in 1963. These include Andrews liver salts, a bottle of Old Spice aftershave, a mug and a tub of Saxa salt . Died in 2013: The personal possessions of Ronnie Biggs (left) and other members of the Great Train Robbery gang left at their Leatherslade Farm hideout . Other items include death masks of people hanged at Newgate prison, casts of their rope-scarred necks and the severed arms of a murderer thought to have killed himself in Germany in the 1950s. Part of this collection will go on display at the Museum of London in October, including masks worn by the first criminals convicted in the UK for murder based on fingerprint evidence. This came in 1905 when the Stratton brothers, who robbed and killed an elderly tradesman in Deptford, south-east London, were sentenced to death after a bloody fingerprint was discovered. Also in the set forming the Crime Museum Uncovered exhibition is a briefcase with a syringe and poison thatIn addition, the public will be able to see a talcum powder tin used to conceal microfilm by members of a Russian spy ring in 1961, and drinks cans used in drug smuggling that police have

Summary: Selection of 500 items from secret museum going on display this year . Exhibits include death masks of hanged criminals and bomb shrapnel . Syringe and poison Kray twins intended to use for witness intimidation . Masks worn by first criminals convicted for murder based on fingerprints . Gallstones of victim of John Haigh, known for dissolving people in acid . Personal possessions of Ronnie Biggs recovered from hideaway in 1963 .


Holiday death: Andrew Smyth, 32, from Surrey, is feared to have been a ‘honeytrap’ victim in Turkey . A British holidaymaker was killed and his bank account plundered after being lured by a woman he met on holiday in Turkey in a 'honeytrap', his parents insisted today. The body of Andrew Smyth, 32, was found dumped in undergrowth four miles away from a nightclub where he had been, and his bank account cleared out through a cash machine. But a coroner in Surrey recorded an open verdict - saying that he understood how the family concluded foul play, but could take the case no further after a four-year investigation. However, Mr Smyth’s family believe his drink was spiked at the nightclub, before he was followed, robbed and murdered. His fully-clothed body was found face down in woodland. He had traces of heroin in his body - possibly from the spiked drink, toxicology tests showed. An inquest at Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking was told that the athletic electrician had flown to Antalya a week earlier for a fortnight’s break at his father and stepmother’s holiday home. His friend flew home after a week but Mr Smyth stayed, going out drinking on a Friday night with a woman he had met at the resort. However, at 3am the following morning, CCTV footage showed him leaving the club - shortly before a series of withdrawals were made from a cash machine, emptying his bank account. Hours later his body was spotted in a forest with no cash in his pockets other than small change. A post-mortem examination found a heroin metabolite, 6-MAM, in Mr Smyth’s body - indicating that the Class A drug had been consumed before his death, in September 2010. Dr Ashley Fegan-Earl, who carried out an autopsy at the Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford once Mr Smyth’s body had been repatriated, could find no evidence of a fight or any injuries. The original post-mortem examination was not carried out for five days. 'What we expected': Mr Smyth pictured with his mother, Celia Armstrong, who said she was 'disappointed' after a coroner returned an open verdict at an inquest into his death . He said the presence of 6-MAM showed that heroin specifically had been present, rather than any other opiates, and he had found water on the lungs - which was consistent with heroin toxicity. Toxicology tests showed he was below the drink-driving limit, with just 55mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, 35mg off the 80mg UK maximum. However the pathologist added that although the signs pointed towards opiate toxicity, given the state of decomposition, he felt unable to establish a cause of death. Dr Fegan-Earl added: ‘An unusual fact is the location of Andrew’s body, which seems to be at odds with what he was doing, enjoying himself in a club.’ Mr Smyth grew up in Surrey and trained to be an electrician, before relocating to Swindon in Wiltshire, where he took on a new job and dated a number of women. He had flown to Turkey in September

Summary: Body of Andrew Smyth, 32, was found dumped in woodland in Antalya . Parents claim he was followed, robbed and killed after night out at club . But coroner records open verdict and says he can take case no further . Holidaymaker had heroin traces in his body, possibly from spiked drink .


Who says cats hate water? Jaguar this week launched its new, second-generation XF compact sports saloon with a high-wire drive over water on cables just an inch thick. In a stunt worthy of the latest Bond film Spectre — for which the firm is supplying many of the cars — the XF was revealed in a dramatic stunt in the heart of London's Docklands. High over the Royal Dock in Canary Wharf, stuntman Jim Dowdell — a veteran of the Bond, Bourne and Indiana Jones films — drove the car 240 metres across wires to demonstrate the car's lightweight aluminium construction and agility. Don't look down! Jaguar's new XF seen crossing London's Royal Dock by high wire this week . Excitement aside, Jaguar's XF sport saloon promises 'business class' levels of comfort and refinement with a new generation of frugal engines. It's being built at Jaguar Land Rover's Castle Bromwich factory in Birmingham alongside the allaluminium F-Type sports car and top-of-the-range XJ limousine. Its official global debut is at the New York motor show on April 1 before going on sale in the autumn from £30,000 to £80,000. Jaguar's XF sport saloon (pictured) promises 'business class' levels of comfort and refinement with a new generation of frugal engines . The new version is 80kg lighter than its closest competitor. This helps it return more than 70 mpg with CO2 emissions of 104g/km. Engines include 163bhp and 180bhp 2-litre Ingenium diesels linked to six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic gearboxes. The manual 163bhp diesel is 'the lightest, most efficient non-hybrid diesel model in its market segment,' says Jaguar. All other engines are eightspeed automatics. There is also a powerful 3-litre 300bhp V6 twinturbo diesel and a 3-litre 380 bhp V6 supercharged petrol engine. The proportions have also been tweaked. While 7mm shorter and 3mm lower than its predecessor, its wheelbase is 51mm longer, meaning more back seat space, legroom and headroom. Jaguar is investing £600 million in its manufacturing capacity in Britain, £400million at its Castle Bromwich plant. Great to see Britain's former 'Motown' — Coventry, once the capital of our motor industry — getting some bumper good news this week. The city that for decades has built the iconic London taxi is to gain a new factory, costing £250million, creating up to 1,000 jobs and building up to 36,000 vehicles a year. Chinese motor giant Geely , which bought the UK firm outright two years ago after holding a stake since 2006, said the state-of the-art research, development and assembly plant for the London Taxi Company will be built in the city of Lady Godiva (and Peeping Tom). It is a tenfold increase on the company's site, which has been home to London taxis for 70 years and heralds the introduction of the next generation electric and ultralow emission London black cab. Coventry's links with China go back a long way after it had the foresight in the early Eighties to twin itself with the Chinese city of Jinan in Shandong province. What the two cities had in common was silk: Jinan is

Summary: The stunt was worthy of the latest James Bond film, Spectre . The car was driven 240 metres above the Royal Dock in Canary Wharf . Jaguar's new saloon promises 'business class' levels of comfort . Its official global debut is at the New York motor show on April 1 .