Coastal Town Battles Rising Erosion Threat

By Emma Birchley, East of England Correspondent

The coastal town of Hemsby is desperately seeking to shore up its erosion defences, three months after a tidal surge washed a number of houses into the sea.

Five patches of golden sand now break up the marram grass on the sand dunes in Hemsby where the houses once stood.

Angela and Tony Lewis's house, once set far back from the beach, now has a clear view of the horizon.

"You look at the sea view we never had and you think that view, lovely as it is, that is the view that is going to take our house away," said Mrs Lewis.

"We go to bed at night dreading there might be another storm and we dread what this winter is going to bring ... After this winter we don't know if we are going to have any houses left."

Even before the tidal surge of December 5, 2013, the quiet Norfolk resort had been fundraising for defences.

Some are questioning whether residents are fighting a losing battle

They had already put in place gabions - metal cages full of rocks - and vast bags of concrete at the base of the dunes. They think they helped, even though it is thought the dunes retreated 30 metres in places that night.

Many more defences have been added since, after fundraising reached £35,000.

But now the campaign group Save Hemsby Coastline is applying for much bigger sums of money from various grants, including lottery cash from the Coastal Communities Fund, in the hope of being able to afford a more sturdy and permanent solution.

Lorna Bevan-Thompson, landlady of the local pub and founder of the campaign, said: "We are trying to raise a good few million pounds to put in a preservation and protection scheme here.

"We want to make sure we can protect the remaining sand dunes we've got. This is our only barrier to the seas. If we don't protect them now, homes will be lost, businesses will be lost and we desperately need to protect what we have got left."

It is estimated that defences can cost as much as £10,000 per metre.

A notice erected by the people of Hemsby

Dr Alastair Grant, professor of ecology at the University of East Anglia, says the costs have to be weighed up.

"The sea is incredibly powerful. If you have enough resources you can build sea defences that will stay where they are but that is incredibly expensive and the decision needs to be made about the relative costs and benefits of defending a piece of coastline."

Tourism in the village, just north of Great Yarmouth, is said to make £80m a year.

But there is more than just business at stake and for the people whose lives revolve around Hemsby, giving into the sea is not an option.

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Hilary Mantel Hits Out Over Kate Controversy

By Richard Suchet, Arts and Entertainment Correspondent

Hilary Mantel has said the public outcry and media reaction to her comments about the Duchess of Cambridge last year are a sign that Britain is becoming a "narrow and intolerant" nation.

The author of Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies was widely criticised for describing Kate as a "machine-made" princess with no personality - comments which she said had been taken out of context.

"What the fuss last year made me think was how narrow and how intolerant as a nation we have become because even if I had said about Kate the things I was alleged to have said, that was my perfect right.

"There was no occasion to jump on me and revile me.

"I would say it all over again and I stand by what I said."

Mantel was speaking to Sky News ahead of the opening night of Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies at The Aldwych theatre in London's West End.

Her books - which made her the first woman to win the Man Booker Prize twice - have been adapted for stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Together the novels are made up of almost 1,000 pages.

The dramatisation of Mantel's books are opening at the Aldwych theatre

"I don't see the need to be protective of every line, every scene, as long as the spirit is right and it is," she says.

"You could hurl many insults at me but precious is not one of them."

Director Jeremy Herrin's productions of Mike Poulton's dramatisations have been critically acclaimed.

The novels about Thomas Cromwell's life in the Tudor court have sold almost two million copies in the UK and over one million in the US.

"I think the court of Henry, Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon and Thomas Cromwell in the mix of that is one of our national stories and one we'll always be connected to and we'll always want to see reinterpreted," says Herrin.

"Hilary has had the amazing insight to find Cromwell as a central character and to uncover him and explore what was going on for such an amazing man who, until she came along, no one really had a strong idea about."

Mantel's third instalment of the Cromwell series is highly anticipated but is yet to be written.

The two plays, which will run back-to-back at least once a week, have been in repertoire since December.

The West End cast includes Ben Miles as Cromwell, Nathaniel Parker as Henry VIII, Lydia Leonard as Anne Boleyn, Paul Jesson as Cardinal Wolsey and Lucy Briers as Catherine of Aragon.

Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies open at The Aldwych Theatre tonight and are scheduled to run until September 6.

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Migrants 'Buying Language Test Passes For £500'

The Home Office has launched an investigation into claims migrants who speak no English are able to buy certificates showing they have passed a supposedly "secure" language test.

Secret filming at an exam centre showed the certificates - which are required by anyone wanting to remain in the UK permanently or to apply for British citizenship - were being sold for £500.

Immigration and Security Minister James Brokenshire said in a statement: "The Home Office takes any allegation of fraud extremely seriously and we have already begun a full investigation.

"We will take the strongest possible action against anyone who is found to have abused the rules - including the possibility of criminal prosecutions for fraud.

"This ESOL certificate is just one element of a wide range of evidence required by individuals applying for settlement and citizenship.

"Nobody can gain a UK visa on the strength of this qualification alone."

Following information from a whistleblower, the Daily Mail carried out the undercover investigation into the exam centre at Upton Park, east London, which is run by Learn Pass Succeed (LPS).

Uzwan Ghani, one of the directors of LPS, which has four branches in London, told the paper the problem was confined to the Upton Park branch and that it had suspended tests taken at the centre.

"I'm shocked that this has happened and am very concerned as to how it could have happened," he was quoted as saying.

"We are very thorough when it comes to checking IDs of candidates before they take the test, so I will have to investigate which of the centres the test was taken in and who the assessor was.

"I've been in the business for five years and I've never come across something like this and I would not allow it. It is wrong and ridiculous."

Ofqual, the examinations watchdog, was also said to be aware of the allegations and was seeking further information "as a matter of urgency".

A spokesman said the centre had been suspended by EMD Qualifications and "appropriate action" would be taken.

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Co-Operative Members Back Radical Reform

Members of the struggling Co-op have unanimously backed a major overhaul of the group.

It paves the way for radical reforms proposed by former city minister Lord Myners to go-ahead.

A timetable for carrying out the changes will be agreed at a board meeting later this month, says the Co-op as it warned tough times lay ahead.

Lord Myners has said the Co-op is "not fit for purpose"

Some reforms will need rules to be altered, and so require further votes.

Co-op Group chair Ursula Lidbetter, who announced she will step down after a transitional period, said the mood at the annual general meeting was "thoughtful and sober".

She hailed the vote as "a highly significant moment" for the group.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Ms Lidbetter told delegates "catastrophic failure of governance" had taken place at the Co-operative Group but it was in its own hands to "make this business work again".

She also said 2013 had been "a disaster waiting to happen".

Sky's City Editor Mark Kleinman said no-one had been expecting a unanimous vote, and Co-op executives were "breathing a sigh of relief" at the result.

After the vote, Lord Myners said: "My job, when I was asked by the board, was to do a thorough review of governance and I have done that.

"Quite forthright, that upset some people, but I think it was necessary to be frank and straight forward and people have obviously listened with care."

He has proposed a major shake-up of the 150-year-old business which reported losses of £2.5bn for 2013.

The plans include sweeping away the existing 20-strong board of representatives from the Co-operative Group, who currently include an engineer, a plasterer and a retired deputy head teacher.

He wants to replace this with a slimmed-down "plc and beyond" structure staffed by professionally-trained directors.

The former Marks & Spencer chairman was appointed a director of the Co-operative Group in December but has announced he is to leave following this weekend's vote.

He has said it was apparent to him from the first time he attended a board meeting that not one of its members had the ability to address the complex issues faced by a group burdened with £1.4bn of debt.

Lord Myners believes that the Co-op will survive but faces the prospect of having to sell assets such as its £1bn funeral care business, in order to meet the demands of its lending banks, if it does not adopt reform.

Resistance to the changes saw chief executive Euan Sutherland leave the group earlier this year saying it was ungovernable.

The decision on the reforms was taken by representatives of its independent societies and affiliated organisations - who hold 22% of the vote - and others voting on behalf of its regional membership boards making up the remaining 78%.

Ms Lidbetter said: "There is a huge task ahead of us if we are to deliver the reforms necessary to restore the Group's reputation and return it to health but the board will work hand-in-hand with our members to ensure that we seize this opportunity.

"It is vital that the right changes are put in place as soon as possible to build a more effective organisation for our members, customers and colleagues."

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Brits Swelter As 'Hottest Day Of Year' Predicted

Britain is expected to enjoy the hottest day of the year so far today with temperatures set to beat those in Greece and Italy.

Forecasters predict the mercury will rise to as high as 24C (75.2F) in much of England, while in Rome and Athens it is anticipated to be in the low 20s.

London, the South East, East Anglia and the East Midlands will enjoy the highest temperatures of 23C (73.4F) to 24C (75.2F).

The rest of the UK will also be warm although rain is forecast for north west Scotland and northern parts of Northern Ireland.

Friday was already the warmest day of the year so far for England after the mercury hit 23.7C (74.7F) in Worcestershire, the Met Office said.

Sky News Forecaster Isobel Lang said temperatures will climb quickly, and warned the strong sunshine meant high UV levels.

And while for most the weekend will be warm with blue skies, parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland are likely to see rain.

Next week will become more unsettled with thundery showers expected all over the country although overnight temperatures are due to stay warm.

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Stabbed Teacher Ann Maguire Mourned At Funeral

Ann Maguire's husband and children have arrived at church for a funeral mass in memory of the stabbed teacher.

The 61-year-old died when she was attacked at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds, where she had taught for more than 40 years.

Mrs Maguire's husband Don, 62, arrived at the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Moortown area of the city along with other family members.

Mrs Maguire's family arrive at the church in Leeds for her funeral

Her daughters Emma and Kerry and nephews Daniel and Andrew, whom she treated as her sons following the death of her sister, accompanied him in two black cars.

Mourners included the head of Corpus Christi, Steve Mort, who arrived with three children from the school dressed in uniform.

The family attended a private mass yesterday

Mrs Maguire's coffin was received at the church yesterday and family members attended a private mass.

She was stabbed on April 28 and died later that day in hospital.

Mourners included students from the school Mrs Maguire taught at

The teacher had been at the school for more than 40 years and had been due to retire in September.

A 15-year-old boy charged with her murder will go on trial later this year.

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David Axelrod In Miliband Twitter Blunder

Labour's election campaign guru David Axelrod has been left red-faced after wrongly spelling the party leader's name.

The master tactician, who oversaw Barack Obama's US presidential victories, has shown himself to be just as fallible as the next person when it comes to social media.

In a tweet aimed at praising Labour, Mr Axelrod misspelled Ed Miliband's name - using two Ls instead of one.

Mr Axelrod was in London this week to met Labour's frontbench team

His Twitter post said: "Enjoyed my visit with @Ed_Milliband and his @UKLabour team."

The blunder was compounded by the fact the incorrect spelling linked to a spoof account in the name of the opposition leader.

The Tories were swift to seize on the slip-up, which came after Mr Axelrod met Labour's front bench team and other senior party figures during a visit to London.

The gaffe served to overshadow the rest of Mr Axelrod's tweet, in which he said: "I was inspired by the brilliant, tireless young women and men I met at HQ."

He was hired last month for what is reported to be a six-figure salary to help bolster the party's fortunes ahead of the 2015 general election.

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3D Printer Used To Make Woman's Hip Joint

By Thomas Moore, Health and Science Correspondent

British surgeons have for the first time implanted a hip joint made on a 3D printer - and held it in place with the patient's own stem cells.

The titanium metal implant was custom-made for Meryl Richards, 71, using precise measurements taken from detailed body scans.

Surgeons have hailed the procedure as a "game-changer" for complex orthopaedic procedures.

Mrs Richards had six previous hip replacements which left her pelvis so weak that her leg had punched a hole through the bone.

It meant one leg was two inches shorter than the other and she was increasingly disabled by the pain.

Speaking to Sky News she said that without the technique she would soon have been in a wheelchair.

Mrs Richards was facing life in a wheelchair before the operation

"For years now I've walked with crutches or stick," she said.

"Hopefully this will give me movement and mobility again. It's absolutely fantastic."

Mrs Richards had the pioneering operation at Southampton General Hospital.

Surgeons sent CT body scans of her pelvis to the Belgian company Mobelife.

Using computer-aided design and a 3D printer they created a tailor-made socket for the new hip joint.

The shape was built in thin layers from titanium powder that was spot-welded together with a high-temperature laser beam.

Mr Douglas Dunlop, the consultant surgeon who carried out the operation, said: "The benefits to the patient through this pioneering procedure are numerous.

"The titanium used to make the hip is more durable and has been printed to match the patient's exact measurements - this should improve the fit."

He said the custom-made implant also speeds up the operation and is likely to reduce the risk of a serious joint infection.

To increase the chances of success scientists at Southampton University developed a way of using Mrs Richards' bone marrow stem cells as a "glue" to hold the implant securely in place.

Professor Richard Oreffo said cells are growing new bone around the implant, adding: "That will allow the structure to be much stronger and for Meryl we hope it will be the last time she comes back to the operating room."

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E.ON To Pay Customers £12m Over Mis-Selling

Energy Complaints Soar By Staggering 224%

Updated: 1:11pm UK, Friday 16 May 2014

Complaints about energy companies have trebled in the first quarter of this year, according to the energy sector's ombudsman who is calling for "increased transparency".

The record figures showing a 224% rise in the first three months of this year come after regulator Ofgem said it was referring the energy sector to the Competition and Markets Authority for a full-scale competition inquiry.

Between January and March, complaints trebled to 10,638, compared with 3,277 received during the same period last year.

More than 2,000 consumers complained about not receiving bills, 1,474 people made complaints about billing charges, and over 1,000 consumers criticised the quality of customer service.

The numbers suggest that 2014 will see more complaints overall, as there were 17,960 complaints made over a 12-month period last year.

Chief Energy Ombudsman Lewis Shand Smith said: "Consumer frustration and dissatisfaction is something that we hear about every day, and we welcome any attempts by Ofgem to make the energy market fairer.

"With energy complaints trebling in the first quarter of this year and problems relating to billing the greatest concern, increased transparency is something that should be addressed."

A spokeswoman for Energy UK, the trade body that represents the industry, said most customers had no problems with their energy company, but accepted that sometimes things go wrong.

She added: "If a customer has any concerns relating to their bills, they should contact their provider as soon as they can, and if possible have an up-to-date meter reading to hand which will ensure their bill is as accurate as possible.

"Energy companies work very hard to resolve problems and most complaints are fixed within a few working days with no more than a phone call."

The spokeswoman said there were new rules in force which made matters "more open and clear for customers including: explaining bills so people understand what they are paying; making it easy to switch; ensuring customers are on the right deals; and simplifying tariffs".

But Richard Lloyd, executive director of Which?, the consumer watchdog, said the rise in complaints was "further proof that the energy market is broken".

He added it was "right" that the energy sector had been referred for a full-scale investigation.

A Department of Energy and Climate Change spokeswoman said the figures were "worrying", and added: "We would advise consumers to shop around and switch to find a better deal, whether on cost or customer service."

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Festival Sorry Over Distressing 'Mum' Text

Organisers of a music festival have apologised to ticket holders who were left upset by a text they received which appeared to be from their "mum".

While some people found the marketing ploy "creepy", others whose mothers have passed away were left distressed.

The message appeared on phones as if it had been sent from a stored 'mum' contact.

With incorrect grammar, it read: "Some of the Parklife after parties have already sold out. If your going, make sure your home for breakfast! xxx"

Some music lovers who took to Twitter after receiving the text found it funny but many others considered the stunt to be in bad taste.

@rebeccamasseyHS wrote: "Deffo just thought there was somet wrong with my mum after that text from Parklife hahaha."

@kimberley_smith said: "Very ill thought out text from Parklife today for those people that no longer have a mum #idiots."

Parklife has apologised for any "unnecessary personal distress" caused, saying the text was meant to be an "irreverent way to engage with festival-goers".

The festival takes place in Heaton Park in Manchester on June 7 and 8. Its headline acts are Snoop Dogg and Foals.

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Exclusive: Sky's Man Goes Inside GCHQ

As I crossed the various levels of security required to get into GCHQ, signs went up around the building. Staff were warned that an outsider was inside, and to be aware of that if engaged in any sensitive conversations.

This rare access for a journalist appears to be part of a conscious but cautious effort to explain the workings of the intelligence agency, in the wake of the allegations by former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.

Most of the interior of Britain's signal intelligence agency looks similar to any large modern office building, but there are constant reminders of the extraordinary inside the ordinary.

This is true of the architecture. The building is referred to by both media and the intelligence community as "the doughnut".

From the outside it is somewhat foreboding, ringed by high fences topped with razor wire. But inside the colours are calming, the ceilings high, and the corridors surprisingly light.

The main internal circular corridor, known somewhat affectionately as "the street" is a busy thoroughfare and a reminder that thousands of people work here. GCHQ is Cheltenham's biggest employer.

On the ground floor, open plan offices look out on to a circular garden complete with water feature and smoking area.

Edward Snowden's revelations have left intelligence staff ruffled

From there you can see a variety of satellite dishes and myriad aerials perched on the roof of the second floor.

It is rumoured the design of the circular walls enclosing the garden were built in a way which limits how much sound from conversations will carry upwards in the direction of interested parties who might be listening high above the building.

Inside, the juxtaposition of the ordinary and extraordinary continues. Next to one of the coffee bars is a pop-up "help with your expenses" desk, which is near a small museum housing the first Enigma coding/decoding machine.

The contraption, which cracked the German codes in the Second World War was purchased in Berlin and brought to the UK in the 1930s,  a move described as "the best £30 Britain has ever spent".

You can also find notes on JRR Tolkien's application to join the Bletchley Park code breakers. His services "were not called upon".

It is a state-of-the-art building, but there may be a few dents in the doughnut.

Staff are stirred, if not shaken in the aftermath of the Snowden furore. For more than a year now there have been allegations that they spend their time engaged in possibly illegal mass surveillance and bulk-trawling through our emails and phone calls.

Time and again officials repeated to me: "Everything we do is lawful, necessary, and proportionate."

This view was recently upheld by Sir Anthony May, the Interception of Communications Commissioner.

However, it appears the agency does indeed engage in scooping up vast amounts of data.

What was lost in the headlines was that officers do not actually look at the text of emails or listen to phone conversations without a warrant signed by a Cabinet Minister and overseen by senior members of the judiciary.

"Don't you actually think your hands are tied?" I asked a senior official, who replied: "Our hands are tied appropriately."

Another added: "We are not struggling against our bonds."

Despite the Snowden affair, and the possibility the agency did not act in the spirit of the laws governing it, the damage to public trust in Britain's spooks appears limited.

Polls suggest that a majority of the public appears not to be concerned about the powers held by GCHQ, nor its methods.

Nevertheless, the presence of a journalist inside the headquarters of an agency (which did not officially exist until the 1980s) indicates that management understands it needs to explain GCHQ more fully.

Staff appear to be at best irritated, and at worst hurt, by suggestions they have acted illegally. They are keen that there should be a better understanding of not just what they do, but why they do it.

For example, if the 'opposition' is developing weapons of various types, including surveillance weapons, it is part of their work to find out and develop counter measures.

About a third of analysts' work is in counter-terrorism. The rest is in cyber security, support for military operations, operations against serious criminals, and a variety of other tasks.

In the public domain, but not widely known, is the fact that more than 200 staff have been awarded medals for service in a military theatre.

Many of these have been won during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The staff were remarkably normal. Some in suits, some in shorts, none of them looking like Daniel Craig.

I did ask to see the "big room with the map of the world on a screen and a guy stroking a white cat" but permission was refused. The room does exist but, alas, the cat does not.

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Prince Harry Slow To Type His First Tweet

Prince Harry has taken to Twitter for the first time, using an iPad to send a message about the military games he is backing.

The Prince tweeted from the BT Tower in central London, using a hashtag to encourage sports fans to support the Invictus Games - a Paralympic-style event for injured members of the armed forces.

He wrote: "Hope everyone will get behind #invictusgames. Great opportunity to support and thank the men and women who have given so much. Harry".

Harry sent his tweet from the Invictus Games Twitter account

The Prince at first seemed a little wary of using the social media site in front of sponsors and reporters and took his time, later joking: "That's why I joined the Army, I can't type fast."

The message notched up nearly 200 retweets within an hour.

He added that Mayor of London Boris Johnson, an enthusiastic Twitter user, would be "thrilled" to see him taking to the site.

Inspired by the US Warrior Games, the Invictus Games will take place from September 10 to 14 in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Some 40,000 tickets for the event, which will host more than 400 competitors from 14 nations, go on sale tomorrow.

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Man Utd's Disastrous Season Costs Club £35m

By Paul Kelso, Sports Correspondent

Manchester United will lose around £35m after failing to qualify for the Champions League, the club confirmed.

United confirmed the financial hit from their failure to qualify for Europe as they prepared to confirm Louis van Gaal as the club's new manager.

Van Gaal, currently the Dutch manager, has agreed the terms of a three-year deal that will be confirmed after the weekend.

The deal will not be confirmed before Holland play Ecuador in Amsterdam on Saturday, and may not be formally announced until Monday.

The Old Trafford club saw pre-tax profits rise to £20m

Ryan Giggs is expected to work as his assistant manager having discussed the role with van Gaal in person on Wednesday.

Speaking to investors in a conference call following publication of United's latest financial results, executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said the club was active in the transfer market, and that the new manager will have a healthy transfer budget to overhaul the squad.

He also revealed that David Moyes will receive a pay-off of "single-digit millions" for being sacked less than a year into a six-year contract.

"The club's expectation, and you will see this in our activity in the transfer market and around the managerial position, is absolutely to get back into the Champions League," Woodward said.

David Moyes ill-fated spell as manager did not hit the club's finances

"We will be active in the transfer market, the window is open … we are looking at investing in players in the summer."

In a note to investors accompanying the results, Woodward said the club generated record revenues thanks to "impressive year over year growth".

"This puts us in a healthy financial position to continue to invest in the squad. Everyone at the club is working hard to ensure the team is back challenging for the title and trophies next season."

While overall revenues grew, wage costs rose by almost 19% in a period that saw the club negotiate a new contract with Wayne Rooney, and reflects the purchase of Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini.

Wayne Rooney's new contract contributed to a rising wage bill

Accounts for the third quarter of the current financial year show revenue up 26% to £115.5m, resulting in a profit before tax of £20m.

Gross debt for the club has been reduced by £16m in the last quarter and now stands at £351.7m. Interest paid on loans was £5.9m.

The rise in revenue was largely driven by a 19% increase in commercial income, with sponsorship income up by more than 40% as the club continues to strike new deals around the world.

Broadcast revenue also jumped by more than 60%, reflecting the increase in the value of Premier League broadcast deals that kicked in this season.

The club expect to offset some of the Champions League losses with exhibition games, though it is unclear when these will be played.

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Stephen Sutton Tributes Push Up Donations

Stephen Sutton's cancer fundraising campaign has raised £400k in one day since the teenager's family announced his death.

Thousands of people inspired by the 19-year-old's story have pledged cash to his JustGiving page since he passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The total, which stood at just over £3.2m before Stephen's death, had rocketed to more than £3.66m by 2pm on Thursday as tributes continued to pour in from politicians, celebrities and members of the public.

Many of the most recent donations to the JustGiving campaign for the Teenage Cancer Trust have been accompanied by simple messages of tribute or thanks.

Rebecca G wrote: "Inspirational Young Man. Rest in Peace :)."

Stephen's JustGiving total had passed £3.5m on Thursday morning

An anonymous donor said: "In memory of a truly courageous and inspirational young man - Stephen, you will never be forgotten xx."

Stephen's mother Jane Sutton announced that he had passed away on his Facebook page, saying: "My heart is bursting with pride but breaking with pain for my courageous, selfless, inspirational son who passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 14th May.

"The ongoing support and outpouring of love for Stephen will help greatly at this difficult time, in the same way as it helped Stephen throughout his journey.

"We all know he will never be forgotten, his spirit will live on, in all that he achieved and shared with so many."

Stephen gave speeches about his positive approach to terminal illness

Prime Minister David Cameron, who met Stephen, told Sky News: "He was really inspiring. I feel deeply sorry for Stephen's family, for everyone that knew him.

"He was determined not to waste a minute, not to waste an hour, or a day. I can hardly think of anyone I have met with such a zest for life, with such a belief that you can get things done, and who wanted to live every minute.

"He did extraordinary things for charity and meeting him was a huge privilege. A very bright light has gone out."

The Teenage Cancer Trust, which Stephen raised money for, said in a statement: "We are humbled and hugely grateful for what Stephen achieved, and continues to achieve, for young people with cancer."

David Cameron congratulated Stephen in person for his charity efforts

News of Stephen's death came shortly after his family said the teenager from Burntwood, Staffordshire, had become too sick to communicate as his condition deteriorated.

He was readmitted to hospital on Sunday after having previously been discharged when it appeared he had made a "miraculous recovery" by coughing up a tumour.

At the time he revealed that he was suffering from breathlessness and said doctors thought there was something blocking his airway.

He wrote on Facebook: "The doctors think there may be something restricting my airway again, they're not sure exactly what yet though (tumour regrowth, infection, inflammation, are all potential reasons mentioned), but are currently discussing the possibilities and my scan results to decide what to do next."

Stephen, from Burntwood in Staffordshire, was diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was 15.

Despite treatment the tumours spread, with doctors telling him the disease was terminal in 2012.

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Rolf Harris 'Barked Before Groping Teenager'

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter

Rolf Harris crouched on all fours and barked like a dog before groping a teenage waitress, a court has heard.

A woman who says she was molested by the entertainer when she was 13 or 14 years old told a jury she was working as a waitress at It's A Celebrity Knockout when she was asked to investigate a "barking dog noise".

The woman, who is 52 and cannot be named, said she went outside at the event - held in Cambridge in 1975 - and saw Harris on all fours barking at a dog.

She said she was "slightly awestruck" to see Harris and he came up to her and put "his left hand on my left shoulder".

The witness said: "I couldn't believe what was going on, this famous person was putting his arm around me.

"I was nervous then he moved and went up and down my back, over my bottom. It happened quite a few times. It was uncomfortable.

"I was too young to understand. It was like groping. Very firm. He squeezed it a few times."

The woman added: "I was completely frozen. I knew it was wrong. I didn't move. I was extremely embarrassed. He was not the slightest embarrassed."

She added she went to the police after the Savile revelations and after Harris' name emerged because "it happened to me and it would help back up someone else."

Rolf Harris' wife Alwen was not in court to hear the latest witnesses

Earlier, a woman told the court how she threw away a Rolf Harris autograph in disgust after he allegedly indecently assaulted her when she was a young girl.

Harris, 84, is said to have touched the seven or eight-year-old girl's back, before running his "big, hairy" hand down her bottom and between her legs.

The woman, now 52, was among dozens of children who had queued to get his autograph after he performed his hit song Two Little Boys.

But she was left so shocked and scared after he touched her the she threw the piece of paper away after the incident at a community centre in Portsmouth, which she said happened in around 1969.

Speaking from behind a screen, the woman told jurors at Southwark Crown Court: "It was so quick, I thought 'what's just happened?' More or less instantly his hand was back again.

"Straight up between my legs, aggressively, forcefully, as if it didn't matter if it was going to hurt me, I knew then it wasn't an accident."

The woman went on: "I understood it was wrong. I wanted to get away. I wanted to scream out 'what are you doing?' but it wouldn't come out."

"He scared me. His eyes were fixed. He was carrying on as if nothing had happened," she said.

The woman said even now, years later, she still cried when she heard the song Two Little Boys.

She said she later told her husband and children that Harris was a ''dirty old man'' who had ''touched her up as a child".

Under cross-examination from Ms Sonia Woodley QC, she denied suggestions that Harris had not been to the community centre and that she had not been indecently assaulted by him.

Harris, of Bray, Berkshire, is accused of indecently assaulting four girls and women between 1968 and 1986 and denies the 12 charges.

The trial continues.

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Charity Fundraiser Stephen Sutton Dies

Teenager Stephen Sutton, who raised more than £3m for charity after his bucket list went viral on the internet, has died after losing his cancer battle.

His mother wrote on his Facebook page: "My heart is bursting with pride but breaking with pain for my courageous, selfless, inspirational son who passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 14th May.

"The ongoing support and outpouring of love for Stephen will help greatly at this difficult time, in the same way as it helped Stephen throughout his journey.

"We all know he will never be forgotten, his spirit will live on, in all that he achieved and shared with so many."

Stephen raised more than £3m for charity and the total continues to rise

Within 30 minutes of the posting, more than 60,000 messages of condolence had been left on his Facebook page.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who met Stephen, told Sky News: "He was really inspiring. I feel deeply sorry for Stephen's family, for everyone that knew him.

"He was determined not to waste a minute, not to waste an hour, or a day. I can hardly think of anyone I have met with such a zest for life, with such a belief that you can get things done, and who wanted to live every minute.

"He did extraordinary things for charity and meeting him was a huge privilege. A very bright light has gone out."

The Teenage Cancer Trust, who Stephen raised money for, said in a statement: "We are humbled and hugely grateful for what Stephen achieved, and continues to achieve, for young people with cancer."

News of Stephen's death came shortly after his family said the 19-year-old had become too sick to communicate as his condition deteriorated.

David Cameron visited the teenager and said he was "an inspiration"

He was readmitted to hospital on Sunday after having previously been discharged when it appeared he had made a "miraculous recovery" by coughing up a tumour.

At the time he revealed that he was suffering from breathlessness and said doctors thought there was something blocking his airway.

He wrote on Facebook: "The doctors think there may be something restricting my airway again, they're not sure exactly what yet though (tumour regrowth, infection, inflammation, are all potential reasons mentioned), but are currently discussing the possibilities and my scan results to decide what to do next."

Stephen, from Burntwood in Staffordshire, was diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was 15.

Despite treatment the tumours spread, with doctors telling him the disease was terminal in 2012.

Hundreds of thousands of people have supported his fundraising efforts for the Teenage Cancer Trust since he posted a picture of himself in hospital in April with a goodbye message as he thought he was nearing death.

The amount collected totals £3.3m and continues to rise by tens of thousands of pounds as donations poured in following news of Stephen's death.

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Interest Rate To Remain Low For 'Some Time'

Affordability Gap: Figures In Detail

Updated: 11:45pm UK, Tuesday 13 May 2014

The 10 most affordable and least affordable areas to buy a property in England and Wales.

They are listed by their affordability gap - the ratio between average house prices and average earnings of locals in each area.

The first figure is the average house price in that area, the next is the average local earnings, and the third is the affordability gap - calculated by dividing the first figure by the second...

Top Ten    

Kensington and Chelsea £935,000 £42,957  21.8  

Westminster £748,500   £38,355  19.5  

Camden £595,000   £37,372  15.9  

Hammersmith and Fulham £550,000 £34,778  15.8

Islington £450,100 £34,876  12.9 

Elmbridge £444,500 £36,161  12.3 

Wandsworth £450,000   £36,618  12.3 

Richmond upon Thames £475,000   £38,860  12.2 

Hackney £378,500   £31,023  12.2 

Brent £340,000  £27,950  12.2 

Bottom Ten   

Wigan £105,000   £25,589  4.1

Neath Port Talbot £93,750   £23,462  4.0

Stoke-on-Trent £88,000   £22,620  3.9

Merthyr Tydfil £86,000   £22,396  3.8   

Rhondda, Cynon, Taff £93,000   £24,872  3.7

Pendle £85,000   £22,932  3.7

Barrow-in-Furness £92,500   £27,794  3.3

Blaenau Gwent £70,000   £21,034  3.3

Copeland £115,000   £35,105  3.3

Burnley £71,500   £24,612  2.9 

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Kate And William Hacked 190 Times By NOTW

The News Of The World's former royal editor has admitted hacking the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's phones nearly 200 times.

Clive Goodman told the Old Bailey he accessed the voicemail on Prince William's phone 35 times and Kate Middleton's on a total of 155 occasions.

It is the first time Goodman, who was jailed in 2007 for illegally accessing the voicemails on the mobiles of royal aides, has admitted he hacked the royal couple while working at the now-defunct tabloid.

But having returned to the witness box after weeks of ill health, he was accused of being more heavily involved in phone hacking with private detective Glenn Mulcaire in 2005 and 2006 than was previously heard.

Jurors were told Kate was even hacked on Christmas Day 2005.

The details emerged as Goodman was being cross examined by ex-NotW editor Andy Coulson's lawyer Timothy Langdale QC.

He asked: "I'm going to suggest you had direct contact with Glenn Mulcaire significantly before the time you have told us - that you yourself had been hacking on a much wider scale than you have told this court about."

Goodman said he had not been asked a direct question.

The witness said he had been assured by the Crown Prosecution Service he would not be charged with any more hacking but no-one had asked him.

When presented with a list of hacking victims, he said: "I'm not on trial for hacking," adding: "There has been no intention to deceive you or anybody else in relation to phone hacking."

On his arrest in 2006, Mr Langdale said: "It's the one thing you must have been more worried about than anything else that it would become clear you yourself had been hacking members of the royal family."

Goodman replied: "I was terrified of the whole thing. I was mortified."

Mr Langdale said Kate Middleton, who was to become the Duchess of Cambridge, was first hacked on October 21 2005.

Mr Langdale asked the witness why she had been targeted and if he had tasked Mulcaire to do it.

He replied: "She was a figure of increasing importance around the royal family. There were discussions about her and Prince William marrying, moving in, settling down. She started to receive semi royal status and things were moving on."

Mr Langdale said: "You are telling us Glenn Mulcaire hacked her without any instruction from you? Did you task him to do that?"

He replied: "I do not remember tasking him to do that. It's possible but I do not recall.

"I have been as open and honest about hacking as I can be but nobody has asked me any questions about this before."

Mr Langdale said: "You knew perfectly well you hacked Prince Harry and Prince William didn't you?"

Goodman replied: "Nobody asked me."

He added that often he and Mulcaire hacked the same messages.

He is on trial along with with former NOTW editor Coulson, later Prime Minister David Cameron's media chief, of authorising illegal payments to public officials

Coulson and Rebekah Brooks, another former editor and later chief executive of Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper arm, are also on trial accused of phone-hacking offences.

All seven defendants on trial deny the charges.

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Rolf Harris Described As Dirty Old Man

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter

A childhood friend of a woman allegedly sexually abused by Rolf Harris has told a court how the entertainer was described as a "dirty old man".

The witness, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she was "shocked and horrified" when the now 49-year-old alleged victim told her what he had done to her.

Southwark Crown Court has heard Harris first abused the woman during a holiday in Hawaii when she was 13 years old in 1978 and continued until she was 29.

At the time, the alleged victim was the best friend of the entertainer's daughter Bindi and he is said to have groped her in a hotel room and on a waterside jetty.

The alleged victim's friend told the court: "Rolf Harris was a well-known and well-loved celebrity, pretty much well known to all of us."

She added she was a classmate of the alleged victim and told the court she had had a conversation with her friend during which she described Harris as a "dirty old man".

Rolf Harris was accompanied to court by several friends and family members

The witness went on: "He asked her to sit on his lap and then touched her up. It was a shocking conversation.

"He was a well-known … he was one of those people I would never imagine ... I was shocked, horrified.

"I may have mentioned it to my parents. It wasn't an asking matter … I wasn't going to spread it to the world."

She added that in 1996, after she had moved to New Zealand, the alleged victim called and spoke to her again about the sexual abuse she had allegedly suffered.

The alleged victim's friend told the court: "He had been abusing her through her teens and beyond ... at the age of 13, 14.

"It went on for many years. I didn't want to go into details at the time because it wasn't the place. It was quite distressing.

"She told her parents, no one else I don't think knew. I told her to go to the police but she said she didn't want to. It wasn't the time or the place and she didn't want it to become a media circus."

Under cross examination from Sonia Woodley QC, the witness was asked about her friend's drinking.

She said that she never smelt alcohol on her breath at school but did "in a home environment".

When questioned again by prosecutor Ms Sasha Wass QC to explain further her friend's "anxiety" at school, she said: "She never seemed to have a lot of self-confidence. She was a lovely, lovely girl.

"She just sometime ... took to drink to give her confidence."

The court was also read a statement from the alleged victim's former tutor in 1980 which said she was "weeping about home/private matters" and had been comforted by friends.

Harris faces 12 charges of indecent assault between 1968 and 1986, which he denies.

He followed proceedings via a hearing loop from the dock. His niece and friends were also in court.

The trial continues.

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Stephen Sutton: Tributes Pour In For Teenager

Tributes to cancer fundraiser Stephen Sutton have been pouring in after his death at the age of 19.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who met the youngster last week, said on Twitter: "I'm deeply saddened to hear that Stephen Sutton has died.

"His spirit, bravery and fundraising for cancer research were all an inspiration."

Opposition leader Ed Miliband added: "Tragic news that Stephen Sutton has passed away. His bravery & determination to live life to the full was an inspiration to us all."

David Cameron was among those paying tribute to Stephen

His family said Stephen, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Within seconds of the news being announced, thousands of people had left their own tributes on his Facebook page Stephen's Story.

Many others took to Twitter to express their feelings about what he had achieved.

Ricky Gervais said on Twitter: "RIP Stephen Sutton. A true hero & inspiration to us all."

David Cameron and Ed Miliband's tributes to Stephen

Cricketer Kevin Pieterson added: "So sad to hear the news about Stephen Sutton. What an amazing, selfless and immensely inspirational young man. #RIPStephen."

Pop star and pundit Carol Decker said: "RIP Stephen Sutton,a truly inspiring young man,I am in tears watching the news footage."

Comedian Jason Manford, who help raise the profile of his fundraising efforts, said: "Stephen Sutton was the most inspiring person I've ever met and touched more lives than he will ever know.

"The reason we took to him so passionately was because he was better than us, he did something that none of us could even imagine doing.

More than 130,000 people had left a comment after an hour

"Some of Stephen's words will stay with me and others forever and they are words to live by - 'life isn't measured in time, it's measured in achievements'."

His headteacher Stuart Jones, of Chase Terrace Technology College, said: "Stephen was academically brilliant, an excellent sportsman and a talented musician. He was also a caring, modest, creative young person with a great sense of fun."

"The resilience and strength of character that Stephen has shown over the last couple of years is extraordinary. Stephen developed a deep understanding of what's important in life.

"The school and the wider community of Burntwood are immensely proud of what Stephen achieved."

Stephen had been ill since 2012

Siobhan Dunn, chief executive of Teenage Cancer Trust, for which he raised more than £3.2m, said: "Stephen was an exceptional young man and ambassador for Teenage Cancer Trust.

"Stephen has made an enormous difference to Teenage Cancer Trust and the seven young people diagnosed with cancer every day who need our help."

Deborah Alsina, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: "Stephen's story struck a chord with the nation, putting teenage cancer, and bowel cancer specifically, firmly in the public eye."

Alex Horne, general secretary of the Football Association, which supported the Teenage Cancer Trust, also paid tribute on behalf of the organisation.

England captain Steven Gerrard added: "I was fortunate enough to meet Stephen at Wembley. His enthusiasm was amazing.

"What he has done has been incredible, raising funds that will make an enormous difference to so many people. He's an inspiration."

Hundreds of those who continued to add to the £3.2million he had raised for the Teenage Cancer Trust also left tributes.

One, Sylvia Brookes, said: "May you rest in eternal peace, knowing that your bravery and inspiration to others will always remain in our hearts.God bless you!"

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Cornwall Crash: Dozens Of Passengers Injured

One person has been killed and 13 injured after a coach crashed into a wall in Cornwall.

Police were called at around 1pm to the A387 at Morval, around three miles from Looe, after reports that a coach had hit a wall.

Four air ambulances from Devon and Cornwall, ambulances, fire crews, doctors and paramedics were sent to the scene and police declared a "major incident" as the road was closed.

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) said 54 "mostly elderly" passengers were on the coach at the time of the smash. 

The scene of the crash on the A387. Photo: Sam Blackledge/Plymouth Herald

Neil Chevalier from SWASFT told Sky News the coach had been travelling down a steep hill when it crashed.

Eight people were seriously injured and were taken to Plymouth's Derriford Hospital, two of them by air ambulance while four were classed as walking wounded after checks by paramedics.

A number of people who were trapped after the impact have since been freed from the vehicle.

The coach had been travelling from the Plymouth direction towards Looe between Sandplace and Widegates when the crash happened.

One local resident told the Cornish Guardian the vehicle appeared to "lose its brakes" at the top of a hill.

She said: "It is dreadful. The coach lost his brakes on the top of the hill at the Snooty Fox and careered down the hill.

"As it did so it turned on its side and all the windows blew out and it lost all the glass.

Seats removed from the coach. Photo: Sam Blackledge/Plymouth Herald

"All the neighbours have been rushing around making tea for them. We spoke to a few of the people who were coming out of the wreckage. It was a bus full of older people.

"The passengers from the other side of the coach were deeply shocked by it all."

A 69-year-old resident told the paper: "People use the road too fast. Although there are 'slow' signs, people just don't follow them.

"The road is quite bendy, and can be tricky, particularly for big vehicles."

Local MP Sheryll Murray said the crash was "absolutely tragic".

She told Sky News: "I send my deepest sympathies to the family of the person that's died and all those people that are very worried because they have relatives that have travelled to Looe."

More follows...

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Legal Battle Over GCHQ's 'Smartphone Snooping'

By Tom Cheshire, Technology Correspondent

The first legal challenge against alleged GCHQ snooping on UK smartphones has been filed.

The challenge alleges that the Government Communications Headquarters listening post has infected "potentially millions" of computers and smartphones around the world with malicious software, which could be used to extract photos and text messages, switch on the phone's microphone or camera, track locations and listen in to calls.

Privacy International, a UK-based charity, brought the case to demand "an end to the unlawful hacking being carried out by GCHQ which, in partnership with the NSA".

The challenge says GCHQ infected smartphones

It argues these practices violate articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Article 8 outlines the right to respect for private and family life, home and correspondence, and the activists question whether GCHQ's data collection is in accordance with the law.

Deputy director Eric King said: "Unrestrained, unregulated Government spying of this kind is the antithesis of the rule of law and Government must be held accountable for their actions."

In March this year website The Intercept reported that the US National Security Agency (NSA) planned to secretly infect millions of devices with software that would extract information and send it back to the NSA, and that GCHQ collaborated to develop these tools.

The Guardian newspaper also said that by May 2010, GCHQ had developed software for iPhone and Android devices called Warrior Pride, which allowed the remote activation of microphones and cameras on phones, as well as the retrieval of data stored on the phone.

In January, legal advice given to MPs by public law barrister Jemima Stratford QC said spy agencies could use "gaps in the current statutory framework to commit serious crimes with impunity" and that GCHQ surveillance could be in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr King added: "The hacking programmes being undertaken by GCHQ are the modern equivalent of the Government entering your house, rummaging through your filing cabinets, diaries, journals and correspondence, before planting bugs in every room you enter."

GCHQ told Sky News it had no comment on Privacy International's challenge.

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Peaches Geldof's House Raided Twice By Burglars

Peaches Geldof: From Wild Child To Doting Mum

Updated: 12:33pm UK, Tuesday 08 April 2014

Peaches Honeyblossom Geldof was just 11 when she lost her 41-year-old mother Paula Yates in an accidental heroin overdose in 2000.

As the second daughter of Bob Geldof and Yates, much of her life was lived in the public eye as the family coped with the tragedy and she started to make a name for herself as a model and journalist.

She left home aged 16 and began a career which included writing for UK newspapers, Elle magazine and presenting TV shows including OMG!

Ms Geldof received constant attention from the paparazzi, and tabloids often compared her to other troubled young celebrities Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty.

She admitted to experimenting with drugs and was often labelled as a "wild child".

In August 2008 Ms Geldof married rock musician Max Drummey in Las Vegas but the pair separated in 2009.

But it was meeting second husband Tom Cohen and the birth of their first son, Astala Dylan Willow, which triggered her transformation from a partying socialite to doting mother.

The couple married in 2012 at St Mary Magdalene and St Lawrence Church in Kent, where Ms Geldof's parents got married and her mother's funeral was held.

She said she felt Yates was "watching over" her that day.

She told Hello magazine: "I feel her presence all the time but especially today.

"Mum loved family celebrations and she would adore Tom and the fact that we've married here.

"I know that she is watching over me and feeling so happy for us."

The couple's second son, Phaedra Bloom Forever, was born last year and will turn one on April 24.

Ms Geldof spent a lot of time discussing parenting techniques and was an avid believer in attachment parenting, appearing on This Morning in a head-to-head debate with Apprentice star Katie Hopkins.

Midge Ure, Scottish musician and co-organiser of Band Aid with Bob Geldof, told Sky News Ms Geldof had become an "earth mother" figure, like her own mother Paula Yates.

"They embraced this whole motherhood thing so incredibly well, after what had maybe been ropey beginnings. They had completely found their niche in life."

Mother & Baby magazine announced in February that Ms Geldof was to be their new columnist.

A spokesman said it was after she had completed what they called, a "mama metamorphosis" from party girl to working mother. The magazine was to feature her attempts to juggle parenting, work and family.

A tribute posted online by the magazine reads: "We are extremely saddened at the tragic news that Peaches Geldof has died. Our hearts and sympathies are with her family and two little boys."

Ms Geldof's Twitter and Instagram accounts were full of photos of her sons, dogs and husband.

Her last tweet, posted on Sunday at 10.17am, was a photograph of her and her late mother with the message "Me and my mum."

But her tweets also got her into some trouble.

Last year she apologised for breaking a court order and tweeting the names of the two women whose babies were abused by rock star Ian Watkins.

She tried to explain her actions by saying she had assumed the names were already "public knowledge".

The women's names were tweeted to her 160,000 followers after she reportedly read them on a US-based website. She later said: "I deleted my tweets, however, and apologise for any offence caused."

Ms Geldof's last public appearance was at a fashion show in London on April 3.

A statement from Ms Geldof's father and sisters - Fifi Trixibelle and Pixie and half-sister Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily - said they were "beyond pain" following her death on Monday.

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Caroline Aherne Recovering From Lung Cancer

Television star Caroline Aherne is recovering after undergoing treatment for lung cancer.

The Royle Family actress, who has previously battled bladder and eye cancer, is taking part in a campaign to improve cancer care in her home city of Manchester.

"I've had cancer and my brother's had cancer and we know how it affects people," the 50-year-old said.

"It's brilliant that all these big institutions want to make cancer care better for Manchester people, but even the best doctors, nurses and managers on earth aren't going to be able to understand what needs improving unless people affected by cancer in Manchester get involved and tell them what needs to change."

Personal problems have prompted the comedian to withdraw largely from the public eye, but she recently took part as one of the cast of an animated children's series for the BBC.

She also provides the voice for the hit Channel 4 show Gogglebox.

Following news of her latest health problems, she said: "I will be narrating this week's Gogglebox, and I will continue to narrate Gogglebox for as long as Gogglebox want me."

Aherne, a smoker, has struggled with her health for years.

She has fought depression and drink problems and spent time in the Priory clinic following a suicide attempt, before moving to Australia to avoid the glare of publicity.

Aherne will speak at the launch of the Macmillan Cancer Improvement Partnership (MCIP) in Manchester next month.

Nicola Cook from the charity said: "We're delighted that Caroline is supporting MCIP. We know that its success hinges on the involvement of people affected by cancer in Manchester.

"Caroline's one of Manchester's own - she's loved here and people identify with her. We hope that if people see that Caroline is sitting down and talking to us then maybe they'll know that they can too. Our MCIP partnership needs to listen to people."

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British Troops Face Iraq Abuse Claims Probe

The International Criminal Court prosecutor is to hold a "preliminary examination" into claims of abuse by British forces in Iraq.

More follows...

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Three Kayakers Found Dead From Same Family

Three kayakers found dead in a Northumberland river following a major search and rescue operation were all from the same family, police have revealed.

The RAF, Coastguard and the police Marine Unit joined other emergency services in the hunt for the trio on the River Tyne near Riding Mill after they failed to return home last night.

Two were brothers, aged 41 and 40, and the third was their cousin, aged 36, all from South Shields, South Tyneside.

The alarm was raised at 11pm on Sunday night when the three failed to return home.

The area of the Tyne around Riding Mill, about 15 miles (23km) west of Newcastle upon Tyne, was being searched

Riding Mill pumping station on the River Tyne

Police said the first body was recovered from the river by an RAF helicopter just after 5am and a second body just over an hour later in the Corbridge area.

Two vehicles driven by the missing men were located by searchers overnight.

One was found at Tyne Green, near to Hexham Rowing Club just after 1am and the other, a few hours later, at Wylam railway station car park.

Two kayaks have also been recovered from the group, who were from the South Shields area of South Tyneside.

A kayak was seen near the weir at Riding Mill, Northumberland

Another green kayak has been seen close to a weir at Riding Mill.

Chief Superintendent Gordon Milward said the conditions on the Tyne yesterday were "challenging" after heavy rain over the weekend.

"The weather was unpredictable, in terms of some very heavy showers and the river was higher than usual and fast-flowing," he said.

"They would be challenging conditions for anybody who decided to go into the water."

He added: "There is a considerable length of the river we need to search. We need to do so speedily, properly and thoroughly and make sure no nook and cranny is missed.

"It's about that balance between speed and thoroughness."

Police said if anyone saw anything they believe would help with their search, they should get in touch.

Formal identification of the two bodes is yet to take place and searches are continuing.

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Rolf Harris 'Assaulted Teen On Family Holiday'

By Nick Pisa, Sky News Reporter

Rolf Harris indecently assaulted a 13-year-old girl "in eyeshot" of his wife and daughter, his alleged victim has told a court.

The 49-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was the first witness to give evidence at the entertainer's sex trial and is a childhood friend of his daughter Bindi.

Jurors heard how Harris, 84, began abusing her in 1978 while on an overseas family break - and the indecent assaults carried on back in Britain, at his home and hers.

Speaking from behind a screen, she told how he first targeted her as she came out of a hotel shower, groping her as he wrapped her in a towel.

The woman said he gave her ''one of his big hugs and tickles'' which she said she found ''creepy and cringey", before putting his hand through the towel to assault her.

Rolf Harris denies all 12 counts of sexual offences against four girls

She added she was ''shocked and horrified'' at what happened but didn't tell anyone "'because it was Bindi's father".

Harris is then said to have assaulted her again as she emerged from the sea, again groping her under a towel he had wrapped her in, while his daughter and wife Alwen were close by.

At one stage during the five-week holiday, she said she woke to the sound of a "clicking camera" as Harris stood over her taking pictures.

Southwark Crown Court heard how the woman lived close to the Harris family home in the 1960s and she had grown up with Bindi.

In a faltering voice she added how the assaults continued throughout the holiday, but she did not say anything because of who Harris was.

Harris listened from the dock dressed in a dark suit and tie, occasionally glancing over at the jury and prosecutor.

The TV presenter and artist is accused of 12 counts of sexual offences against four young girls, alleged to have taken place between 1968 and 1986. He denies all the charges.

The witness also described to the court how she had performed a sex act on Harris as they were driving towards London from his home in 1987.

She said: "He didn't say anything apart from a few moans and groans. It lasted about three minutes. Nothing was said before or afterwards."

The witness told the court that during this time she "had no relationship" with him and that she "felt dead".

Another time he was caught with his hands down the front of her trousers by the nine-year-old brother of a friend but he simply denied it and laughed it off.

She said "it all came to an end" when she was aged about 29 and moved to another part of the country from her home in London.

The woman also described how she had eventually told Bindi what Harris had been doing to her, while she was visiting her friend who had just had a baby.

She said: "Bindi was in a bit of a state. She thought Rolf Harris was having an affair with the housekeeper. I was a bit damning of Rolf.

"She asked me: 'Why have you got a downer on my dad ?' I didn't say anything. She asked: 'Has he touched you?' So I looked at her and said yes. She was furious with him."

The trial continues.

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England's World Cup Squad Is Risky And Bold

Roy Hodgson chose to reveal his England squad at a car plant owned by one of the FA's sponsor.

And in keeping with the heavily-branded location, he has selected a new model England, long on promise but short on tournament mileage.

By placing his faith in the production line of young English talent Hodgson will please those - including his boss FA chairman Greg Dyke - desperate to see youth given its head.

But this is a selection that is as risky as it is bold.

Given the alternatives however, Hodgson will be applauded for taking a chance.

A man who has earned a reputation as a family saloon sort of manager has discovered his inner sports car on the road to Rio.

The age profile of the squad is striking - 18 of them have never been to a World Cup and almost half have never been to a tournament.

Hodgson will be applauded for taking a chance

Only Steven Gerrard of the likely starting XI is over 30, and he's joined by Frank Lampard, striker Rickie Lambert and reserve goalkeeper Ben Foster.

They are the senior citizens of a squad so young the team coach may need a bigger back seat to make room for them all.

When Gerrard made his tournament debut at Euro 2000 Luke Shaw, the youngest member of the squad, was four years old.

Raheem Sterling, one of five Liverpool players that could make the starting XI, was five.

Chief casualty of the turn to youth is Ashley Cole, who announced his retirement from international football having been told he was not in the final 23.

Ashley Cole is a high-profile casualty

For all the warm words and thanks on both sides it is a deeply contentious call.

Cole has played in three World Cups and won 107 caps for his country, only one of them as a substitute.

While he has played rarely for Chelsea this season he proved his worth in the recent Champions League semi-final.

With the back-four the most obvious area short of world class Hodgson has taken a significant risk in discarding a man of such experience.

It is unthinkable, for example, that England's first opponents Italy would be so cavalier with a man of huge experience still playing at the highest level.

For many it will be the only quibble. Players like Sterling, Shaw and Adam Lallana have been one of the delights of the season just ended.

They may not win England the World Cup, but it may be a great deal more fun watching them try.

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CBI Says Home Loans To Rise In Early 2015

Homeowners will come under more pressure early next year with the prediction that interest rates are to rise.

According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the UK base rate will jump from the current historic low of 0.5% to 0.75% in the first quarter.

The CBI had earlier predicted a rate rise in the third quarter of 2015. It declined to say how many homeowners or businesses might be affected by rising interest rates next year.

The Office for National Statistics said that in 2010 more than 9 million UK households had property debt.

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) said that in February 22,200 first-time buyers received loans, 26,200 home-movers and 14,300 buy-to-let applicants.

In December the CML said the recent period of falling loan arrears may be coming to an end, and forecast a 6.66% rise in defaults, to 160,000, next year.

CBI director-general John Cridland said property values were expected to rise by 8.2% in 2014 and 5.1% next year, prompting more fears of prices overheating.

"We have to remain alert to the risks posed by unsustainable house price inflation, and the (Bank of England) Financial Policy Committee is poised to act when necessary," he said.

"Housing has come back under the spotlight as annual house price inflation figures have reached double digits on some measures.

"While housing transactions are still running almost 30% below their last peak in 2006, they are picking up steadily."

London house prices have climbed a quarter above their pre-crash peak, partially prompted by foreign buyers in the prime property segment.

"Outside London, prices remain around 2% below peak figures with an even greater difference when you move outside the South East," Mr Cridland said.

The predictions come amid increased scrutiny of mortgage applications by lenders, in response to a market review by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Mortgage providers are seeking reassurance that applicants will have sufficient income to cover any potential rises in interest rates.

The FCA said new rules were "hardwiring common sense" into the market.

Mortgage broker firm John Charcol said families are the most likely to face scrutiny under the new regime, as their outgoings were potentially greater.

Spokesman Ray Boulger said: "The most common reason to knock people back is childcare costs.

"It's particularly bad if people have more than one child or if they are under school age."

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England Squad: Hodgson Backs Youth For Brazil

Roy Hodgson put his faith in England's young generation of stars as he named his 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil.

Teenagers Raheem Sterling and Luke Shaw are among those going to the tournament, while more experienced stars including Ashley Cole and Michael Carrick have missed out.

Announcing details of the squad in Luton, Hodgson said he had given the selection a lot of thought and hoped the squad "won't let the country down" in Brazil.

Frank Lampard, who will turn 36 during the tournament, will be the elder statesman of the squad and the manager said the Chelsea man's "leadership qualities" meant he "fully deserved" his place.

Hodgson said he would have picked a different squad at the end of the qualifying campaign last October but it had been "impossible to ignore" the performances of youngsters Sterling at Liverpool, Shaw at Southampton and Ross Barkley at Everton.

He confirmed another teenager, Everton's John Stones, will be brought into the squad if Manchester United defender Phil Jones fails to recover from a shoulder injury.

He backed his descision to back youth over experience, saying: "You get experience by getting the opportunity.

"It's wrong to focus totally on the fact there are those who are inexperienced because everyone is inexperienced until they get the chance to do the job.

"I think they've played so well and been so effective in their club teams that they've really imposed their ability on my thinking."

Ashley Cole was the most high-profile omission and Hodgson paid tribute to the Chelsea defender, who announced his international retirement after learning he was not on the plane.

He said: "I have been unbelievably impressed by the maturity and graciousness that Ashley Cole has shown."

Hodgson insisted that his side would be contenders at the tournament, where the favourites will include hosts Brazil, Spain and Germany.

He said: "Of course I believe the squad can win the World Cup, otherwise what's the point in taking it?

"If we are going to win it we will have to play very well, prepare very well and this talented group of players have to show their talent."

Seven players are on standby, in case of injuries to the chosen 23.

They are goalkeeper John Ruddy, defenders John Stones and Jon Flanagan, midfielders Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley and strikers Andy Carroll and Jermaine Defoe.

The bold-looking selection was welcomed by many pundits.

Match of the Day host Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations to the 23 players who have made Roy Hodgson's England squad. It's young, energetic and exciting. Do your country proud!"

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown questioned the inclusion of recently injured Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere, as well as the decision to leave Ashley Cole at home.

He said: "Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been out injured for a good deal of time. That's probably a gamble, Jack Wilshere as well.

"I was a little bit surprised Roy Hodgson didn't go with Ashley Cole for what is a major tournament."

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Billionaire Britain: New Nation Of Super-Rich

Top 25 Billionaires In Britain

Updated: 12:54am UK, Sunday 11 May 2014

The top 25 names on the 2014 Sunday Times Rich List, including their total fortune and the change from last year.

1. Sri and Gopi Hinduja, £11.9bn, up £1.3bn

2. Alisher Usmanov, £10.65bn, down £2.65bn

3. Lakshmi Mittal and family, £10.25bn, up £250m

4. Len Blavatnik, £10bn, down £1bn

5. Ernesto and Kirsty Bertarelli, £9.75bn, up £2.35bn

6. John Fredriksen and family, £9.25bn, up £450m

7. David and Simon Reuben, £9bn, up £719m

8. Kirsten and Jorn Rausing, £8.8bn, up £3.691bn

9. Roman Abramovich, £8.52bn, down £780m

10. The Duke of Westminster, £8.5bn, up £700m

11. Galen, Hilary and George Weston and family, £7.3bn, up £650m

12. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken and Michel de Carvalho, £6.365bn, down £635m

13. Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber and family, £6.16bn, up £1.645bn

14. Carrie and Francois Perrodo and family, £6.14bn, new

15. German Khan, £6.08bn, new

16. Sir David and Sir Frederick Barclay, £6bn, up £3.65bn

17. Hans Rausing and family, £5.9bn, up £1.18bn

18. Nicky Oppenheimer and family, £4.57bn, up £785m

19. Earl Cadogan and family, £4.2bn, up £525m

20. Joseph Lau and family, £4.03bn, down £570m

21. Sir Philip and Lady Green £3.88bn, no change

22. Denis O'Brien, £3.854bn, up £486m

23. Mike Ashley, £3.75bn, up £1.45bn

24. Sir Richard Branson and family, £3.6bn, up £86m

25. Idan Ofer, £3.43bn, new

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'Overworked' Doctors Fear Missing Illnesses

More than eight out of 10 GPs have said they fear missing serious illnesses in patients because they are so overworked, according to a survey.

Nine out of 10 family doctors, meanwhile, feel their general practices do not have sufficient resources to provide high quality care.

The survey was carried out by the Royal College of General Practitioners, the professional membership body for family doctors.

The results were released the day after it was claimed patients in some NHS hospitals are at risk of unsafe care because of staff shortages.

Dr Peter Carter, the chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, told Sky News some nurses were having to look after 15 patients on a ward when draft guidelines for the NHS will recommend eight is a suitable number.

When asked whether they are worried about missing signs of a serious illness because of their workload, 29% of GPs said they worried "a great deal", while 55% said they worried "a fair amount".

The poll found 96% of GPs felt their job was stressful, while the same number said morale had decreased in the last five years.

Seven in 10 (70%) believed GP practices will not exist in 10 years' time because of a funding crisis.

The college said that despite accounting for 90% of all NHS contacts, GP practices are allocated just 8.4% of the NHS budget.

Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard, a spokeswoman for the college, said: "(This) is a damning indictment of the impact of the deepening funding crisis in general practice.

"Family doctors and practice nurses want to provide their patients with excellent patient care and this takes the right levels of funding.

"However, only 7% of GPs currently think sufficient investment is going into general practice.

"Our poll shows family doctors are severely demoralised and this can only be bad news for patients."

The Department of Health said the Government has committed to increase the number of GP trainees from 40% of all newly qualified doctors leaving medical school to 50% by 2020.

A spokesman said: "We've taken tough decisions to protect the NHS budget, which is allowing us to restore proper family doctoring, reform out of hospital care, and improve GP access for 7.5 million people across the country.

"But we know GPs are under pressure, so we're cutting GP targets by more than a third to free up more time with patients and increasing trainees so that GP numbers continue to grow faster than the population."

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British Troops Close Final Afghanistan Outpost

British troops have closed their last remaining forward operating base (FOB) in Afghanistan's Helmand Province.

At the peak of combat operations, Observation Post Sterga was one of more than 130 such bases.

It was designed to provide a safe location for soldiers or airmen some distance from the main operating bases, like Camp Bastion, making it easier to conduct land patrols.

The closure of the base means British armed forces personnel are now situated only in Camp Bastion, in locations in Kandahar, which has an airbase, and in the capital Kabul.

The move is part of the winding down of operations in Afghanistan, with a team of advisers to Afghan security forces expected to be Britain's sole presence in the country by the end of the year.

Philip Hammond accompanies a soldier around the desert base

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, who was in Helmand Province to witness the closure of the base, said: "This is another important step towards ending combat operations in Afghanistan.

"It's also an opportunity to reflect on the mission and the hard work and sacrifice of British forces.

"Their efforts have helped build a credible Afghan National Security Force and supported the emergence of a democratic Afghan state."

A large number of the 453 British servicemen who have died in Afghanistan since 2001 were posted to an FOB at the time.

Sterga opened in August 2013 to allow UK personnel to observe a large and strategically important area of central Helmand.

More than 100 shipping containers' worth of equipment had to be removed from the base by air and road.

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Manchester City Win Premier League Title

Manchester City have won the Premier League title with a 2-0 win against West Ham United.

Goals either side of half-time from Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany saw City capture the title with an easy victory.

Manuel Pellegrini's side led second-place Liverpool by only two points heading into the match.

But their sizeable goal difference meant a draw against West Ham at Etihad Stadium would be enough to take the title.

Man City captain Vincent Kompany celebrates his goal against West Ham

The title is Man City's second in three seasons.

For Liverpool, only victory over Newcastle United and a shock West Ham win could have seen them finish the season on top.

Liverpool trailed after an early own goal from Martin Skrtel, however two goals in the second half - from Daniel Agger and Daniel Sturridge - secured second place in the league.

Man City received a boost for their final match with the return of Argentine striker Sergio Aguero from a groin injury.

A Manchester City fan holds a banner in the stands

Aguero's return was the only change from the City side which beat Aston Villa 4-0 mid-week.

But it was Nasri who broke through West Ham's defences six minutes before the interval, taking aim from 20 yards with a powerful shot which went in off the post.

The goal was followed by another four minutes into the second half when Kompany struck home from six yards after Edin Dzeko won the ball from a corner.

Sami Nasri (R) celebrates his goal before ecstatic fans at Etihad Stadium

Aguero had two chances to extend City's lead, but his header sailed wide at the near post and he later failed to score before an open goal from a Zabaleta cross.

In other key matches, Norwich City's relegation was confirmed after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Cardiff City also bowed out of the Premier League after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea.

Tottenham secured a place in the Europa League for next season with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa.

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Gove Accused Of 'Lunacy' In Free Schools Row

Michael Gove has been accused of stripping £400m from a fund for extra school places in order to plug a financial "black hole" in his free schools programme in a move described as "nothing short of lunacy".

A senior Government source also accused the Education Secretary of being willing to see children struggle for a classroom place so the department can "lavish" money on the free school "experiment".

The attack is the latest coalition spat with the Department for Education at the heart of it.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was earlier this week accused of "lying" over how plans to provide free school meals for infant school pupils would be funded.

The senior Government source said: "Michael Gove is so ideologically obsessed with his free school experiment, he's willing to see children struggle to get suitable school places.

"Everybody knows there's real pressure on school places at the moment. It is nothing short of lunacy to slash the amount of money available for new school places to lavish on free schools.

"Michael Gove was warned by the schools minister David Laws that this was a bad idea but the zealot pressed on anyway.

"The Conservatives are putting the needs of a handful of their pet-projects ahead of the requirements of the other 24,000 schools in the country."

The source claims Mr Gove reduced the basic need allocation by £400m - enough to provide around 30,000 new school places - to £2.35bn between 2015 and 2017 to help fund an overspend in the free schools budget of around £800m between 2013 and 2016, the source said.

A spokesman for Mr Gove said: "The suggestion we are cutting money for new places in areas of need to pay for free schools where they are not needed is totally wrong.

"These claims pretend that money spent in free schools is not creating new places in areas of need. That is simply not true.

"From 2015, funding to councils for new school places will rise by more than £200m a year. On top of this, investment in free schools will provide tens of thousands of new places in areas of need.

"Indeed the vast majority of free schools - more than seven in 10 - are in areas with a shortage of places."

David Cameron responded to the allegations by telling Sky News: "What the government is doing is putting £5bn in this parliament into expanding the number of school places.

"Part of that is investing in free schools, most of which in the primary schools are in areas of high need, and they are providing good new school places for people inside the state sector.

"I think you should judge the government on its results in education. We are seeing real progress."

Former schools minister Nick Gibb told Sky News: "This is a legacy from the previous government not having put those plans in place to provide new schools."

Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt said: "The free school programme had the Lib Dem stamp of approval from day one. They're as much to blame for the failings as the Tories."

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