Small businesses are the clear winners from the Budget with big businesses picking up the bill - and then some. The biggest beef for small businesses are rates, which far exceed the amount they pay in corporation tax, and there were hopes they would be reduced. Mr Osborne has obliged, announcing 630,000 small businesses will pay no business rates at all from next year. He claims the reduction will save Â£7bn per year for businesses. The bill for that will fall to big corporations. Big firms face a crackdown on practices which reduce taxable profits, including offsetting debt interest against profits and using losses in one year to offset profits in another. The government says this combination of measures will raise Â£9bn. Yet in the past, measures to crack down on tax avoidance have had mixed success and the chancellor is relying heavily on it to fund his small business initiatives. Businesses big and small will be grateful he didn't raise fuel duty. The "feel good factor" that creates is at least as important as the threat of a Tory backbench riot. However, these trades between big and small are all overshadowed by the central view of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) that the single most important measure of an economy - its productivity growth - looks permanently damaged. That's the big economic picture and it is not a pretty one.

Question: George Osborne has often thought big when writing his Budget @placeholder - this time he thought small .


First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, and their Labour, Green and Liberal Democrat counterparts all voiced their support for a law change. Their calls come ahead of a major gay rights rally in Belfast on Saturday. Northern Ireland is the only part of the British Isles where same-sex marriage is outlawed. The issue has long been a divisive one, with attempts to introduce it having been blocked by the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The party rejects claims that it is homophobic, and has said it is protecting the "traditional" definition of marriage. The matter has become a sticking point in talks between the DUP and Sinn FÃ©in aimed at restoring power-sharing at Stormont. Earlier this week, celebrities, including actor Liam Neeson and TV presenter Graham Norton, added their backing to the same-sex marriage campaign. A bill to allow same-sex marriages in Scotland was overwhelmingly approved by the region's parliament in 2014, and the heads of its five main parties have now said the same measure should be introduced in Northern Ireland. Ms Sturgeon said she was proud to have supported same-sex marriage in Scotland and was "thrilled to see the positive reaction" to it. "The debate over equal marriage in Scotland did more than just simply allow people to marry," she said. "It also helped to challenge negative attitudes that still exist today in our society towards LGBTI people and show, quite simply, that same-sex couples are just as valued as opposite sex couples." Ms Davidson said she was "optimistic this is a battle that can be won". "Equal marriage isn't about one religion or country or community - it's much simpler than that," the Scottish Tory leader said. "At its heart, equal marriage is about the people of Northern Ireland being afforded the same rights as everybody else. "Change is coming. And it's a change for the better." Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said that the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland has been "liberating and encouraging". The debate on the matter in Northern Ireland should be "conducted courteously", Ms Dugdale said, adding: "It's time for LGBT people across the whole of the UK to enjoy the right to marry who they want." Patrick Harvie, the co-convener of the Scottish Green Party, said gay rights campaigners would not "accept that the prejudice of the DUP will never be overcome". Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said the "world has not collapsed" since gay marriages first took place in Scotland. The leaders' statements were released by the human rights organisation Amnesty International, which is campaigning for gay rights in Northern Ireland.

Question: Political leaders in Scotland have @placeholder to call for same - sex marriage to be introduced in Northern Ireland .


Former Deal or No Deal producer Richard Osman, who now co-presents Pointless, told how one contestant's partner had said she needed £15,000 for treatment. The next day the singer phoned in to donate the money, Osman tweeted. Family and friends were touched "beyond words" by the "outpouring of love" from Michael's fans, his publicist said. Other stories of the star's benevolence, including a £50,000 Sport Relief donation, have emerged on social media. In a string of tweets celebrating the singer's music and humour, comedian and author David Walliams tweeted that the star had supported his 2006 cross-Channel swim to the tune of £50,000. Osman tweeted in the hours following news that Michael had been found dead at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Christmas Day, aged 53. The presenter wrote: "A woman on 'Deal Or No Deal' told us she needed £15k for IVF treatment. "George Michael secretly phoned the next day and gave her the £15k." The beneficiary was later reported to be Lynette Gillard, 38, from Bolton, whose partner Steve Davies had appeared on the show in 2008. She told the Telegraph: "For many years I wondered who would have been so generous and now I know. What more can I say other than 'Thank you George'." At the time, in 2008, Mr Davies had told the Manchester Evening News: "Thank you is not enough. It restores your faith in humankind. "All the bad news you read about and then something like this happens." Michael's donations ranged in scope from major charities and appeals to individual acts of kindness. The proceeds from sales of Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me, his 1991 live duet with Sir Elton John, were donated to HIV and children's charities, including the Terence Higgins Trust. It tweeted: "Thank you to George Michael for all he did for the LGBT community and to educate about HIV. RIP George." Michael's family and close friends thanked fans for their "many, many, kind words", his publicist said in a statement. "There can be no more fitting tribute", the statement said. "We thank those who, rightly, have chosen to celebrate his life and legacy." Wham! royalties from Last Christmas went to Ethiopian famine relief efforts, while the founder of the children's helpline charity Childline, Dame Esther Rantzen, said Michael had donated royalties from the song Jesus to a Child to the cause. "He really wanted to keep his help secret, it was an intensely personal gift," Dame Esther told BBC News. "It meant we could answer more children." She said Michael, who she estimated had donated around £2m to Childline over the years, "completely understood" the importance of helping children. "Maybe he felt their pain or understood from a personal perspective," she said. Children's charities were also at the fore when he donated each year to Capital Radio's appeal. Former presenter Mick Brown tweeted: "Every Easter at Capital when I was on air with Chris Tarrant for help a London child, George would call in at 3.30pm with a £100,000 donation." He also suffered the loss of his mother to cancer in 1997 and in 2006 played a special, free concert at the Roundhouse in Camden, north London, for NHS nurses to thank them for their care. And he gave his time to Macmillan Cancer Support as one of their ambassadors. Alongside major charities, individuals on Twitter shared their accounts of his kindness. Journalist Sali Hughes said: "I wrote in a piece ages ago about a celeb I'd worked with tipping a barmaid £5k because she was a student nurse in debt. Was George Michael." And Emilyne Mondo said he had worked anonymously at a homeless shelter where she volunteered. Michael's partner Fadi Fawaz, says he found the singer dead when he went to his home in Goring on Christmas Day. He told the Telegraph: "We were supposed to be going for Christmas lunch. "I went round there to wake him up and he was just gone, lying peacefully in bed. We don't know what happened yet. "George was looking forward to Christmas, and so was I. Now everything is ruined. "I want people to remember him the way he was - he was a beautiful person." Meanwhile, Michael's albums and singles have been climbing the charts since his death. On iTunes, Ladies & Gentlemen became the number one album and Careless Whisper went to 12 in the singles chart.

Question: Tales of George Michael 's philanthropy have come to light in the wake of his death - including how he @placeholder a couple 's IVF treatment .


Firefighters and paramedics were called to Fredrick Road in Gorleston, Norfolk, at 11:00 GMT amid reports of the blast. A man in his 50s and a woman in her 40s were treated for burns to their arms, upper bodies and face. Three fire engines and a search and rescue team were called to the scene. An investigation is now underway, the fire service said. Norfolk deputy fire officer Roy Harold said the building was unsafe and "literally coming apart at the seams". It was too early to identify a cause of the explosion, he said. The man and woman, who were taken to nearby James Paget Hospital, were not thought to have suffered life-threatening injuries, he added. Local resident Kim Aeger said she thought a lorry had crashed on the nearby main road when she heard the explosion. "I heard a woman screaming," she said. "I saw her and a man with burns so we called an ambulance. "The woman was concerned about her cat and a lizard still in the house. "The whole side of the building had gone and there was a strong smell of gas. "The wall had collapsed onto the drive next to the house and had damaged a car parked there."

Question: Part of a house collapsed after a @placeholder gas explosion that left two people with serious burns .


The White Tigers lost to National League high-flyers Forest Green late in extra time in their first-round replay. "The way they performed over the two games was phenomenal and they've set those dizzy heights now," Hodges said. "It's no good putting all that hard work into trying to win games and then going to underperform and get beaten at a whimper," he told BBC Radio Cornwall. "Now they've set those standards they have to go and fight like they have done in those games." City drew 1-1 with Forest Green at the new Lawn before losing 1-0 at Treyew Road on Tuesday and are 14th in the National League South table.

Question: Truro City must take the form they @placeholder in the FA Trophy into the league , says boss Lee Hodges .


It was revealed at the start of the year that well over 100 procedures had been cancelled across the north east since the beginning of November. By the middle of January, 29 procedures in Aberdeen had been affected out of a schedule of 458. NHS Grampian said the new staff would be on rota from March. Some hospital theatres are not being used due to operations being cancelled. It is understood further operations in February are expected to be postponed. The health board said investment was also being made in a theatre practitioner development programme. NHS Grampian added that recruitment was not the only issue. A spokeswoman said: "We have employed seven newly qualified practitioners and anticipate they will be able to take part in the rota from March onwards. "It must be noted that this is not solely a staffing issue. "We have seen some extremely ill patients both during and after the festive period. This has placed pressure on our critical care services. "If we cannot guarantee the availability of appropriate post-operative care we will not proceed with operations. "Patient safety is of paramount importance to us."

Question: New staff have been @placeholder in by NHS Grampian amid concern about surgery being cancelled because of a lack of theatre nurses .


Media playback is not supported on this device City came from behind to beat Reading 3-2, Arsenal eased to a 5-1 win at Yeovil and Liverpool overcame Women's FA Cup finalists Birmingham 2-0. Liverpool's win stretched their lead at the top to four points after four games, but Manchester City and second-placed Chelsea have two games in hand. Yeovil remain bottom after four league defeats since their promotion in 2016. The Lady Glovers fell behind early on to England striker Jodie Taylor's penalty and it was soon 2-0 to Arsenal through Molly Clark's own goal. Taylor's finish and Danielle Carter's header put the visitors 4-0 up, while Lucy Quinn slotted in a Yeovil consolation before half-time. Former USA international Heather O'Reilly added the Gunners' fifth from the spot in the second half, after England right-back Alex Scott was obstructed by Helen Bleazard. Things were far tougher for Manchester City at Adams Park, where they led through England winger Nikita Parris but fell behind after the break as Reading hit back through Jade Moore's fine strike and Lauren Bruton's penalty. But Parris and international team-mate Jill Scott both scored within two minutes as the 2016 league champions fought back to earn their first league win of the Spring Series. Birmingham - who made five changes in their final game before facing City at Wembley on 13 May - lost for the first time under manager Marc Skinner, but were unfortunate as they hit the woodwork three times. Forward Jess Clarke and centre-back Gemma Bonner were on target for the table-topping Reds in the second half to settle a hard-fought game.

Question: Manchester City , Arsenal and Liverpool all earned victories on a Sunday @placeholder with goals in Women 's Super League One.


They are holding an inquiry into the procedure, used to ease incontinence, after some women experienced painful complications. Last year, the then Scottish health secretary Alex Neil urged health boards to suspend use of the implants. Adam Slater, a US compensation lawyer, said "women are not told the truth" about the devices. He was lead trial counsel in the first pelvic mesh trial against Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon, resulting in a compensatory and punitive damages verdict of $11.1m. Giving evidence to members of the Scottish Parliament committee via videoconference, Mr Slater said the closest comparison to the mesh implant situation he could think of was asbestos. He said: "Something that was thought to be a wonderful invention for a long time and now everybody in the world knows it's something you wouldn't want to go near. "It's the closest analogy I can find to these horrible devices that are now in so many women." The committee is considering calls to suspend mesh implant operations. Operations continue to be carried out by some health boards despite the health secretary's call to stop using them. Mr Slater has worked almost exclusively on mesh cases in the US since 2007 and is currently the lead counsel for more than 7,000 cases in New Jersey. He said some doctors are now refusing to use the devices, with one even branding them a "social cancer". He told MSPs that studies into the safety of mesh have been influenced by manufacturers, who enjoy a "close relationship" with regulators of the products. The lawyer said thousands of women in the US are suing both manufacturers and doctors on the grounds that mesh devices are defective or that there was a failure to warn them about the dangers and complications. The US regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicated last April that it plans to reclassify mesh for pelvic organ prolapse as "high risk", but is yet to do so. Mr Slater urged UK regulator the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to "look at the studies that are relied on by the mesh manufacturers". "Most of the studies they rely on are written or investigated by paid consultants," he said. "I would throw those in the garbage immediately because if somebody is being paid by the manufacturer, there is a financial bias." He added: "There has never been a high-level study...that has ever been done that has proven the mesh to be safe and effective."

Question: Vaginal mesh implants are as dangerous as asbestos , MSPs on Holyrood 's @placeholder committee have been told .


On the ITV Wales Election Debate, First Minister Carwyn Jones said he had "never seen a UK government so unprepared for anything". But Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies said UK ministers had a "serious plan". Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood said she would ensure Wales' voice was heard, while UKIP's Neil Hamilton said Britain had "masses to gain" from Brexit. Some 85% of the world economy was outside the EU bloc, he said. "We can do our own trade deals with the rest of the world," Mr Hamilton, leader of UKIP's group in the Welsh Assembly, added. Ms Wood said her party had a "positive Brexit plan" focused on "protecting the 200,000 jobs in Wales that rely on tariff-free access to the EU single market". Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Mark Williams insisted there had to be a second referendum for people to ratify any deal with the EU. "Nobody knows what Brexit will look like - we believe in giving voters the say on the terms of the deal with a ratification referendum," he said. During the two hour programme there were also robust exchanges over what the appropriate level of taxation should be. Defending Labour plans to raise taxes on higher earners, Mr Jones said: "For me it's a matter of making sure that I contribute fairly to public services that people want to see. "There was a time when we had a much more equal society, a much fairer society, when the broadest shoulders shouldered more of the burden." Mr Davies said the UK government's cuts to corporation taxes had brought more money into the Treasury, by stimulating firms to invest. Under Labour, he warned, business confidence would "drain away" because money would be taken from firms to fund "pie in the sky policies". Ms Wood said Plaid Cymru "would only vote for taxes on the very richest in society to go up". "We won't increase the tax burden for those who are the least well off in society," she said. She added that Plaid wanted Wales to have control of VAT and corporation tax to so they could be set in such a way as to encourage job creation. Mr Williams said the Lib Dems would raise Â£21bn over five years by "cutting the Tories' cut to corporation tax". This would help fund extra investment in the NHS, social care and mental health services "which are grievously lacking across this country", he said. Mr Hamilton said UKIP would not be in favour of increasing income tax at "any level". Debating immigration, Mr Hamilton accused Theresa May, who was home secretary before becoming prime minister, of being responsible for adding two million people to the UK population. Defending the benefits of immigration, Mr Williams said skilled migrants kept the NHS running. "This is about Wales being a warm tolerant and embracing country," he said. Mr Davies said it was vital questions about immigration were addressed, but that the UK should stay "open". Mr Jones said a "common sense" immigration policy was needed that did not jeopardize job creation. Calling the immigration debate "toxic", Ms Wood said people were more likely to see an immigrant treating them than "standing in a queue" with them.

Question: Welsh party leaders have clashed over Brexit in their first TV @placeholder debate of the general election .


They will face fines of up to 100% of the total they helped evade or Â£3,000, whichever is the highest. The government will also be able to publicly name culprits who enable tax evasion or help move money offshore. The powers were announced as part of the 2015 Budget and will come into force on 1 January. Financial Secretary to the Treasury Jane Ellison said the government has led reform of the international tax system to root out tax evasion. She added: "Closer to home we are creating a tax system where taxes are fair, competitive and paid. "The raft of measures we have introduced to tackle avoidance and evasion will create a level playing field for the vast majority of people and businesses who play fair and pay what is due."

Question: Accountants , bankers , lawyers and advisers who assist with tax evasion will be hit with fines as part of a crackdown on the @placeholder .


Jasurbek Ibragimov was badly beaten, allegedly by a group of students who bullied him. He died in hospital a month later. His death could have gone unnoticed. However, it has turned out to be a major shake-up for the repressive system in Uzbekistan. Shortly before Jasurbek's death, his mother wrote a letter to the president asking for justice. That letter went viral on social media and Facebook and Telegram groups copied and shared the text. Those who beat Jasurbek to death, Nilufar Aliyeva wrote, bragged that they could get away with it since their parents who were lawyers could buy the police. It was this feeling of impunity that made people particularly furious about this case. Heated discussions online resulted in a gathering in the capital Tashkent where people signed a petition, demanding to those responsible for Jasurbek's death be punished. About 600 people signed the petition. But don't be misled by that figure. For Uzbekistan, this kind of gathering is extremely rare. The last time a crowd tried to voice their demands, the military opened fire at them. That was in Andijan in 2005. Hundreds were killed. Uzbekistan is regarded as one of the most repressive states in the world. Its human rights record is abysmal and any uncontrolled civil initiative is treated as a potential threat for the regime. In the case of Jasurbek's death, many citizens seem to realise that they could pressurise government offices by speaking up. And it worked. A criminal case was finally opened shortly after Nilufar Aliyeva wrote her letter to the president. The public outcry forced the law enforcement agencies to share information about the investigation with the public. Local media that usually remain silent reprinted the letter of Jasurbek's mother. The head of the medical college where Jasurbek studied was sacked. But what makes this case unusual is that the government is not trying to suppress the initiative. On the contrary, they tried to assist the petitioners when they gathered to sign the document. "It was very nice to see law enforcement officers who actually tried to help us," Mariya Legler, one of the co-ordinators who gathered signatures, said. "They helped to co-ordinate and manage the crowd to ensure that the gathering was not messy and people wouldn't push each other. They answered the questions people raised." In a repressive state like Uzbekistan people normally don't dare to ask police questions. Usually it's the opposite. So far one of the suspected attackers has been arrested and charged with aggravated battery that led to the death of the victim. Police are questioning witnesses to try to identify other individuals involved in the crime. The investigation is continuing. Such an initiative is unlikely to have been welcomed under the rule of the late Islam Karimov who died last September. New President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has introduced a number of changes suggesting a certain degree of liberalisation. He improved relations with neighbouring states that were extremely tense under Karimov. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development resumed its operations that were halted a decade ago. Several long-held political prisoners were released and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visited the country for the first time. Some major reforms like floating the currency and introducing visa free regime were held up. The news agency Reuters reported, citing sources, that that was due to opposition from security service chief Rustam Inoyatov. It is not clear whether Mr Mirziyoyev will continue with his reforms once the alleged infighting is over or whether he will turn to authoritarianism after he consolidates power in his hands. But the case of Jasurbek's death illustrates how reforms can encourage a grassroots movement. Like Islam Karimov, Mr Mirziyoyev may see it as a threat to his power. Yet so far his presidency has been more promising than many expected.

Question: In early May , Nilufar Aliyeva received a phone call from her 17 - year - old son Jasurbek . He asked her to come home urgently . His weak and @placeholder voice terrified Ms Aliyeva . When she got home , she saw her son covered with blood and his back was full of bruises .


The white cat was apprehended crossing the main prison gate. The incident took place at a jail in Arapiraca city, 250km (155 miles) south-west of Recife in Alagoas state. The confiscated items included drill bits, files, a mobile phone and charger, plus earphones The cat was taken to a local animal centre. The jail holds some 263 prisoners. A prison spokesperson was quoted by local paper Estado de S. Paulo as saying: "It's tough to find out who's responsible for the action as the cat doesn't speak." Officials said the items could be used to effect a means of escape or for communicating with criminals on the outside. The incident took place at New Year, but the photo has only recently been released.

Question: A cat has been detained in the grounds of a jail in Brazil with contraband @placeholder for prisoners strapped to its body with tape .


Brazil captain Neymar, 24, whose contract expires in 2018, has been linked with several moves away from the Nou Camp, including to Real Madrid. But Fernandez said: "He will stay. He will be here for a long time. The club will make it public when the extension is to be made." Neymar scored 31 goals this season as Barcelona won a league and cup double. Media playback is not supported on this device Fernandez is also confident that defender Javier Mascherano will remain at the club. The Argentine, who has two years remaining on his contract, has reportedly agreed a move to Italian champions Juventus. "We will reach an agreement," said Fernandez. "He is a vital player for us and I don't have any doubts about whether he will stay." Mascherano, 31, has been a regular for Barcelona since his arrival from Liverpool in 2010.

Question: Barcelona forward Neymar is set to sign a new long - term contract , says @placeholder director Robert Fernandez .


The trio were the among the last of 20 foreigners to be deported following their detention in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, on 10 July. A family spokesman said there had been an "unfortunate misunderstanding". The group was accused of watching terrorist videos but had only viewed a BBC Genghis Khan documentary, he said. It was "to further their understanding of the region they were in at the time, and this may have mistakenly been deemed as 'propaganda' material", he said. The tour group members were held at Ordos airport 30 days into their 47-day visit to the sites of ancient China and taken to a detention centre in the city. Six Britons and five South Africans had already been released on 15 July. The remaining nine tourists - three Britons, two dual UK-South African citizens, three South Africans and an Indian national - were freed two days later. The final Britons to be released included Hoosain Jacobs, 74, and his wife Tahira, 68, from west London. Explaining the circumstances behind their arrest, the Jacobs family spokesman added: "While the experience was distressing in the first instance, they say they were looked after at all times and treated well. "The group is a mixture of multi-faith men and women from Islamic, Christian and Hindu religions who knew each other well and had travelled the world together in the past, including Israel and the USA." He said the arrests came the day after a visit to the Genghis Khan Mausoleum at Ordos. He added that nobody in the group had been charged after they were detained. "It can only be assumed that junior officials who made the initial arrest in Inner Mongolia made a mistake, due to perhaps their unfamiliarity of the English language. "The Jacobs family wish to thank the senior Chinese authorities in Beijing for the swift manner in which they have resolved this unfortunate misunderstanding." A Foreign Office spokesman on Friday confirmed officials had been informed that the final three British nationals were to be deported. He added: "Our consular staff have visited the group and have received assurances from the Chinese government about their health and treatment. "We are in regular contact with the Chinese authorities both in Ordos and Beijing."

Question: Three Britons have @placeholder home after being arrested by police in China with other members of their tour group , the UK embassy in Beijing has said .


Thursday's protest was largely peaceful after violence a day earlier during which one person was fatally shot. Keith Lamont Scott's family dispute police allegations he was armed and want video recording to be released. Excessive police force used against black men has been the subject of protests for two years across the US. On Tuesday, Mr Scott was killed in Charlotte after police say he refused to drop a gun he was carrying. His family say he was unarmed and holding a book. Police have released a video of the shooting to the family, but have refused to make it public. The family's lawyer, Justin Bamberg, said no gun was visible in the video and Mr Scott appeared to be "acting calm". "You do see something in his hand, but it's impossible to make out from the video what it is." Police chief Kerr Putney said the video proved the shooting was justified, telling Fox news: "The officer perceived his failure to comply with commands, failure to drop the weapon and facing the officers as an imminent threat." On Thursday, demonstrators protesting against Mr Scott's death defied a curfew put into force by the city's mayor on Thursday - running from midnight to 06:00. According to Cpt Mike Campagna, officers did not enforce the curfew as protests were largely peaceful, with some on the street singing gospel songs. However Charlotte police reported two officers were injured. Hundreds of National Guard troops were deployed on the streets to protect the city against further violence and property damage. It followed Wednesday's protest during which protesters smashed windows of hotels and restaurants, set fires, and attacked reporters. Peaceful demonstrations took place in the aftermath of last week's shooting in Tulsa, Oklahoma. On Thursday, officer Betty Shelby was charged with manslaughter for shooting an unarmed man. Prosecutors said her decision to shoot Terence Crutcher was "unreasonable". Video of the incident shows Mr Crutcher with his hands up, leaning against the car. Officer Shelby said Mr Crutcher had not followed her commands and she had opened fire when he began to reach into his car window. As well as being shot, Mr Crutcher was also struck with a stun gun by another officer. Ms Shelby's lawyer, Scott Wood, has said she believed Mr Crutcher was under the influence of the synthetic drug PCP. A vial of the drug was found in the car. His family have disputed Ms Shelby's claim, arguing that his window was closed at the time of the incident. Police have said no gun was found on Mr Crutcher or inside his vehicle. The US justice department has also opened a separate investigation to see if Mr Crutcher's civil rights were violated. If convicted, Ms Shelby faces a minimum of four years in prison. After the charge, a small group of demonstrators gathered to demand a harsher sentence. Just four days before the first presidential debate, Republican Donald Trump said the violence from the Charlotte protests was largely due to drugs. "If you're not aware, drugs are a very, very big factor in what you're watching on television at night," he said. Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Kaine said the list of black men fatally shot by police had "grown too long" and the country needed to confront the issue of racial tensions. Republican Congressman Robert Pittenger, of North Carolina, told the BBC the protesters hated white people because white people were successful, but he later apologised for his comments in an interview with CNN. Has anything changed since Ferguson? Why America remains segregated

Question: A third night of protests has @placeholder the city of Charlotte , North Carolina , after a black man was shot dead by a black police officer on Tuesday .


The woman's family had wanted her life-support machine to be turned off. Doctors had not granted their wishes as they were unsure of the legal status of the unborn child under the constitution in the Republic of Ireland. The woman in the case was declared brain-dead on 3 December. The court had heard that the chances of her unborn child being born alive were small. Lawyers for the unborn child had told the court that it must be satisfied that there was no real possibility of the foetus surviving before allowing the machine to be turned off. Lawyers for the Health Service Executive (HSE), the body which runs all public health services in the Republic of Ireland, had argued that it would be lawful to withdraw life-support in this case. The woman is in her late 20s and has two other children. The judge said that to "maintain and continue" the present support would "deprive her of dignity in death". "It would subject her father, her partner and her young children to unimaginable distress in a futile exercise which commenced only because of fears held by treating medical specialists of potential legal consequences," he said. Irish Health Minister Leo Varadkar said he would be carefully examining the ruling. "I wish to convey my heartfelt sympathies to the family and partner of the woman at the centre of this case at this most difficult time - particularly given the season," he said. "This case and the judgement will need to be carefully examined before I can make any further comment on it. "In the meantime, I would ask that the privacy of this family is respected, at this so difficult and challenging time."

Question: A judge in Dublin 's High Court has ruled that a life - support machine may be @placeholder off in the case of a brain - dead woman who is 18 weeks pregnant .


Sherri Lynn Wilkins, 55, pleaded no contest to the 2012 hit-and-run murder and was sentenced to 25 years by a California judge. Wilkins only stopped when bystanders confronted her at a traffic light about the half-naked body on her bonnet. The victim, 31-year-old Phillip Moreno, was pronounced dead in hospital. "After the collision, [Wilkins] drove several miles with Moreno stuck on or in her windshield," a judge ruled earlier this month. "She did not stop. She did not call 911. Meanwhile, Moreno was in the process of bleeding to death on the hood of her car." Prosecutors argued that Wilkins had failed to help Mr Moreno, and swerved her car to try to dislodge his body from her vehicle. Wilkins admitted to drinking three shots of vodka and one beer inside her car before driving home that night through Torrance, in the greater Los Angeles area. During her trial Wilkins claimed that Mr Moreno had seemed to jump in front of her car. The victim's family have sued the rehabilitation centre that employed Wilkins, claiming that she had been obviously intoxicated while leading therapy sessions. In a written statement the Twin Town Treatment Center said that the company "had no cause to intrude or challenge her recovery". Chief executive David Lisonbee wrote that Wilkins had not been working on the day of the crash, and had not told company management she had been relapsing. Police said that her blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit at the time of her arrest.

Question: A former substance abuse counsellor who drove while drunk for two miles ( 3.3 km ) with a pedestrian 's body @placeholder in her windscreen has been jailed .


A Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA), like HM Revenue and Customs, will collect stamp duty and landfill tax from 2018. The AMs said the WRA's independence needed strengthening. Ministers said they would respond in due course. The chancellor said income tax powers will also be devolved, but there is no timetable for that yet. Jocelyn Davies, the Plaid Cymru AM who chairs the assembly Finance Committee, said: "Under new devolved powers, Wales is in a position to collect its own taxes for the first time in 800 years. "That is why we believe that a Welsh Revenue Authority that is completely independent of government; and that sets out its purpose and what people can expect from it in a clear manner, is essential to ensure that the business of managing the collection of taxes is efficient and effective from the outset." A Welsh government spokesman said: "We are pleased the Finance Committee has agreed the general principles of the Tax Collection and Management (Wales) Bill. "The Bill represents a significant milestone for Wales which will send a message that we are confident taking this next key step in the devolution of taxes." AMs will debate the legislation in December.

Question: The @placeholder that will collect Welsh taxes for the first time must be completely separate from the Welsh government , a committee of AMs has said .


He jumped in the cab and drove off down the tracks. The unusual joyrider, whose getaway options were clearly limited, fled less than two stations down the line before he was caught and arrested on Sunday. Police said the 36-year-old, who has confessed to stealing the tram, was an ex-employee of the transport company. As investigations continued on Monday, they said there was no obvious motive and they do not believe it was an act of revenge against his former bosses. The man stole the vehicle, operated by Wiener Linien transport company, at Rodaun station in the city's south-west, and took it for a trip along route number 60. A police officer said the rogue driver made an announcement, telling passengers they should not be on board as it was a special ride, according to Austrian news site Die Presse. However, the trip down memory lane was cut short, when the company realised something was amiss and shut down the power. When the real driver returned from his bathroom break, he found an empty space where his tram once was. He told police he had locked the vehicle and it is unclear how the joyrider was able to take control. Local media said the former member of staff left his job years ago and had long returned his activation key, which is used to set the trams trundling down the lines. He was released from police custody but has been charged with theft of a public vehicle. The investigation is continuing.

Question: When the driver of a Vienna tram nipped out of his @placeholder for a toilet break at the weekend , a bystander seized the opportunity .


It is a well-thumbed copy of Catch 22, Joseph Heller's classic satirical novel on the absurdities of war; not an inappropriate choice for somebody who's spent her entire life amid one of the Middle East's most intractable conflicts. But Rawan's life is about to take a different direction. Currently a student at Gaza's Islamic University, she has just won a scholarship to Oxford University to study linguistics and Italian. She is looking forward to moving from the minarets of Gaza to the city of "dreaming spires". "I'm very excited. I can't wait," she smiles. "It's going to be different but it's going to be fun." Few have made such a journey. But what is even more unusual is that all the other students at Oxford's Jesus College will pay some of the cost of Rawan's studies. As part of the recently established Jesus College Junior Members Scholarship most of the other students have each agreed to pay Â£3.90 ($5.90) per term towards Rawan's fees. The scholarship was set up by Oxford graduate Emily Dreyfus after she realised that few Gazans had ever had the chance to study at one of Britain's most prestigious universities. She says most other students at Jesus were happy to contribute. "They voted for this from the outset. They recognise that this is a very small contribution to make which has a disproportionately positive benefit." The student contributions will raise around Â£6,300 a year towards Rawan's living costs. This is only a fraction of the estimated Â£30,000 annual costs needed to complete the four-year course. But the university has agreed to waive around 60% of the tuition fees. The rest of the costs are being paid for by three charities: The Hani Qaddumi Scholarship Foundation, the AM Qattan Foundation and the Hoping Foundation which supports Palestinian refugees around the world. Rawan still had to apply for and win the place against fierce competition, but she knows the other students at Jesus have given her a rare opportunity. "I really appreciate that Emily believed in people here and she gave somebody like me a life changing chance," she says. Rawan has only once before left the tiny Palestinian territory, when she went on a study trip to the United States. Israel's blockade of Gaza and the ongoing conflict with Hamas which governs here make it difficult for Palestinians to leave through Israel. In the past, Israel has refused permission for Palestinian students to leave Gaza in order to carry out studies abroad. It is likely Rawan will leave Gaza through Egypt in order to travel to Oxford. She is currently completing a degree in English literature studying, among other books, George Orwell's Animal Farm and William Golding's Lord of the Flies. She says her favourite book is Mornings In Jenin by the Palestinian American writer Susan AbulHawa. The novel follows the story of three generations of a Palestinian family who became refugees after the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. Rawan is also a fan of JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books. "Her style of writing is very subtle. There are little things in her stories that grab your attention." Education is highly valued in Gaza. There are no fewer than seven universities in the territory for a population of 1.7 million people. But Rawan is expecting a different study experience at Oxford. "The education system is completely different. I'm going to have my own tutors not like in Gaza where I am among hundreds of students who have the same teacher." She will also have to get used to mixed education. At the Islamic University, where she studies now, men and women are taught separately. "I don't think it's going to be a problem. The culture there is obviously very different but I'm open to that." Rawan also accepts that she is going to miss home. "Of course I will be homesick. But I have to go through that and get used to it because I have something more important to achieve." Emily Dreyfus expects the young Palestinian will be given a warm welcome. "I'm confident that she's going to have a wonderful time and I know that there are a lot of people at the college eager to meet her and to welcome her to their community." And Rawan is looking forward to telling people about a different side of life in Gaza. "Most people think it's like a war zone here and that everyone here is really depressed and involved in politics," she says. "But it's not always about war. It's also about families, friends and love. It's not only about the conflict with Israel." And despite the chance to broaden her horizons, she is adamant that once she has finished her four years in Oxford, she will return to Gaza. "I still haven't thought about what I'll do after university but I'll definitely come back here. Although it may seem difficult to live here, it's still interesting and adventurous at times," she says with a wry smile. "There is ugliness in Gaza but you can't leave it and turn your back on it."

Question: Rawan Yaghi is a bookish 19 year old who , appropriately for a student of literature , @placeholder to meet me in Gaza with a text tucked under her arm .


The manhunt began after a witness said the teenager, named as Marcel Hesse, had revealed his attack on the child on the messaging service Whatsapp. Pictures of the scene were also posted on the internet. Police in the western city of Bochum said the suspect had also boasted in a chat-room about murdering a woman. Although they could not confirm the second murder, investigators said the teenager had claimed the woman "put up more of a fight than the child" and weighed some 120kg (19 stone). The motive for his attack appeared to have been the woman's bank, computer and phone details. As the search for Marcel Hesse spread across the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia on Wednesday, a school was placed under lockdown for several hours some 30km (18 miles) away. Police in the town of Wetter said nothing suspicious was found. Children were told to play indoors at kindergartens in Herne, south of Bochum, where the boy died. Police have warned the public that the teenager may be armed. Reports said he was an unemployed martial arts enthusiast. The boy died of multiple stab wounds on Monday evening. In the message posted on Whatsapp, the suspect had suggested he had wanted to kill himself but failed and murdered the boy instead. The boy's family told German media that the teenager had asked him to help with a ladder. The boy's stepfather went to search for the boy, and found his body in Marcel Hesse's cellar. Well-wishers lit candles and left flowers and cuddly toys outside his house. The boy's grandfather told reporters what had happened was "simply terrible" and that it was appalling that the killer was still on the run.

Question: Police hunting a teenager suspected of stabbing a nine - year - old @placeholder to death fear he may have killed a woman too .


At Lewes Crown Court, Robert Coles, 74, from Eastbourne in East Sussex, admitted two indecent assaults against a boy in Portslade in the 1970s. For one attack he was given a 16-month jail term to run consecutively to the prison term he is already serving. No separate penalty was given on the other attack.

Question: A @placeholder Church of England priest already serving an eight - year jail term for sex attacks on boys has admitted two further offences .


Andrew Gray, who calls himself a 'crocoholic', keeps 6,739 crocodile related items at his home in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire. He said he became the official 'biggest collector of crocodiles in the world' after breaking an existing record of 1,000 items. He is using the collection to raise money for two hospices. Guinness World Records could not be contacted for comment. Mr Gray's obsession started 15 years ago with the purchase of his first novelty crocodile. "I moved into a new house and I needed some new furniture, but instead I brought a really cool three foot wooden crocodile. "I have ones made of wood, glass, metal, pottery, soft toys, china, plastic, marble, you name it I've got it," he said. His favourite crocodile is a giant wooden one he found outside a cigar shop in Mexico and transported home via a ferry and two flights. Mr Gray has agreed to donate 10p for every "like" his Facebook page receives, and recently gave Â£400 to the Cynthia Spencer Hospice, which cared for his father-in-law until he died. John Helm, its fundraising manager, said: "People do many weird and wonderful things to support the hospice, but this collection and record is one of the weirdest. "We're delighted he's chosen to support us in this way."

Question: A man who has collected more than 6,000 novelty crocodiles is @placeholder a new world record .


They are caused by charged particles emitted by the sun colliding with atoms in the earth's atmosphere - different gases create the range of colours. Aurora Watch UK, based at Lancaster University, confirmed the sighting on Twitter. BBC News readers have been sending in their images of the colourful, winter display. Here is a selection:

Question: The Aurora Borealis - better known as the Northern Lights - was spotted across @placeholder of England on Sunday .


But she told the BBC from the hospital where her daughter is receiving treatment that she is thankful for the support the family has received worldwide. "I am very grateful to all the people who have supported us through this ordeal," she said. Her daughter was attacked and repeatedly raped by six men in June as she returned from her grandfather's funeral in Tingolo village in Busia County, western Kenya. Her unconscious body was thrown into a pit latrine and she is now in a wheelchair. Her case caused an uproar after Kenya's influential Daily Nation newspaper reported that the police in Busia had asked three of the suspects she identified as her rapists to cut grass as punishment and had chosen not to prosecute them. In a BBC interview on Thursday, Police Inspector General David Kimaiyo said an investigation into the girl's allegation had been concluded, but still no decision had been taken on whether it was a rape case. He said he was unaware that her alleged attackers were ordered to cut grass and that the case was reported to police only two months after "the incident". But several hundred activists in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, carrying placards, waving underwear and beating drums marched to the police headquarters, where the inspector general's office is located, and handed over a petition calling for the arrest of the suspects and the officers who allegedly failed to prosecute them. The petition, which was started online, was signed by more than 1,200,000 people from around the world. Saida Ali, executive director of the Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) rights group, was among the protesters who handed the petition to police on Thursday. "The response was polite, they promised to take action, so we will wait to see that action," she said. The girl, who is called Liz to protect her identity, is being cared for at the Gynocare Centre in Eldoret, 156km (97 miles) from Busia. Her mother is staying with her at the hospital. I briefly saw Liz, who answered my greeting in Swahili, the main language in Kenya, but the rest of the time she just stared, showing no emotion. We were told that this is an improvement and that last week she had refused to look any of her visitors in the eye. The Nation Media Group, a Kenya-based media house which first reported the story, has paid the medical bills for Liz amounting to more than $7,000 (Â£4,300). Their reporter named her Liz and that is how the world now knows her. Her mother said that since the online campaign began some people had even set up an education fund for Liz. But her medical condition is still of concern. She suffered fistula because of the rape - a condition where she lost control of the flow of urine and stool. The programme manager at the hospital, Jared Momanyi, said she had undergone surgery to correct the fistula. "She was also traumatised but has been receiving counselling and she is improving," he added. She also injured her spine when she was thrown down the pit latrine and has been unable to walk for some time. Since the matter went public, and viral, the mother says some family members of the suspects have been threatening her. "They said that if their sons are arrested I'll see fire," she said. Earlier her husband had to endure insults from a father of one suspect, who had initially offered to help the family, and then rescinded his decision. "I want the suspects to be arrested and justice to be done. Up to now no-one has been arrested. I hear some have gone into hiding," Liz's mother said. The inspector general of police confirmed that the suspects could not be traced, adding that they had fled into Uganda. Busia - where the incident took place - is near the Kenya-Uganda border. The Director of Public Prosecution, Keriako Tobiko, has ordered their arrests but none has been made so far. However, Mr Tobiko confirmed to the BBC that he had received the investigations file from the police and was going through it. "I will press charges once I find sufficient evidence," he said. The Sexual Offences Act of 2006 spells out tough punitive measures against people convicted of various sexual crimes. The Act empowers the court to issue a sentence of not less than 15 years for a conviction of gang rape, but the court may extend the sentence to imprisonment for life. The police in June released a report showing that reported cases of rape had increased to 383 between January and May this year, from 332 for the same period last year. Police stations in Kenya are expected to have a gender desk where such cases are reported. But Liz's mother rarely smiled during her interview - she sounded like she had lost faith in the authorities.

Question: The mother of the 16 - year - old Kenyan girl who says she was raped by six men and @placeholder in a 22 - ft ( 6.7 m ) deep latrine looked numb with worry .


The information was received by Radio Scotland's Beattie programme during coverage of the 12th anniversary of the killing. The case remains unsolved, but police continue to actively investigate the shooting of the father-of-two. Mr Wilson, 30, was shot at his home on 28 November 2004. He later died in hospital. Det Supt Gary Cunningham said: "The investigation into the murder of Alistair Wilson remains active and ongoing. "We will continue to consider all forensic and investigative opportunities as well as appeal to anyone who has any information about Alistair's death which could help this inquiry to come forward. "We remain absolutely committed to tracing the person responsible and remain in regular contact with Alistair's family through a family liaison officer and provide support and updates as the investigation continues." Mr Wilson's killer - a stocky man with a baseball cap - handed him an envelope before shooting him with a German-made handgun. A massive police inquiry was launched at the time. The gun involved in the shooting was found in December 2004 in a drain on Seabank Road, Nairn, by council workers carrying out gully cleaning. Forensic analysis identified it as the murder weapon but tests on the gun failed to extract any DNA.

Question: Police Scotland is investigating information @placeholder to it by BBC Scotland in connection with the murder of Nairn banker Alistair Wilson .


But who will be crowned champions and who will take the breath away? Are defending champions New Zealand overwhelming favourites? Will hosts England survive the so-called 'group of death'? Former internationals from the home nations - Jeremy Guscott and Paul Grayson (England), Jonathan Davies and Robert Jones (Wales), Gavin Hastings and Mike Blair (Scotland), plus Stephen Ferris and Denis Hickie (Ireland) - are joined by southern hemisphere stars such as ex-All Black Andrew Mehrtens and Bobby Skinstad (South Africa) to tackle the big questions. Jeremy Guscott: "Host nations invariably do well. Statistically they've always made the knockout stages and three times they've won it, albeit New Zealand have done it twice. South Africa in 1995 were the other home winners. On that basis alone, England should do well." Jonathan Davies: "All the pundits have favoured Australia and England to get out of Pool A, but on their day Wales can beat anyone. Yes, we are third favourites but I still think Wales can shock one of those two and hopefully get through the group." Gavin Hastings: "Realistically, getting out of the pool would be a good tournament. Scotland are a bit of an unknown quantity but they seem fit and strong and have a core of good players. South Africa will find it tough to play against Scotland, and we are capable of beating Samoa to get out of the group. I hope we play England in the quarter-finals at Twickenham!" Stephen Ferris: "Ireland can definitely get to a semi-final, which would be an achievement in itself. But we need to up the physicality from our recent games." Robert Jones: "Wales are still a threat despite the injuries. Liam Williams needs match practice but he is probably a more creative attacking threat than Leigh Halfpenny, and Dan Biggar is almost as good a kicker and has grown into a fantastic player. As long as we stay injury free now to the end of the pool stage, I think we still have a chance." Mike Blair: "Scotland will make the quarter-finals but they will need to play well to get there as it's not just about South Africa and Samoa in Pool B. Japan and USA will be very competitive too." Andrew Mehrtens: "Most players around the world would say they would like to beat the All Blacks more than any other team, so the All Blacks have that pressure and weight of history. Every team lifts themselves when they play them, because it is the biggest game of their lives." Bobby Skinstad: "The Springboks are probably slightly under-cooked, with half a dozen players coming back from injury. They are possibly not quite at their best yet, but I think that helps them. The selection has remained consistent and they have leaders with huge character." Denis Hickie: "Momentum is key. Ireland have to beat Canada well in their first game and build into it because everyone thinks it will come down to the France game. Ireland have won two and drawn two of their last four against them, so there is confidence based on what has happened in the Six Nations. The flip side is Ireland have lost all three games against France at World Cups." Paul Grayson: "With a bit of luck, England can win it." JG: "Yes. They won't be fully tested until the quarter-finals or potentially the semis, if they make it that far, so they will be vulnerable when they face their first real test." JD: "The winner of Pool A will go to the final. Australia are looking very good and England will have home advantage if they go through. But for me it's still New Zealand." AM: "Australia are on the rise. They beat the All Blacks pretty comprehensively in Sydney and have a good team culture. The coach Michael Cheika is earthy and passionate; he is a hard taskmaster but the players seem to love him. They are coming in with some real momentum and have some stars in their backline.  If they get enough ball, they can go very well." MB: "Yes. I believe that on their day England and South Africa could beat them, but the All Blacks are the strong favourites." SF: "If you gave me money to put a bet on, I would put it on New Zealand. But I think the five or six usual suspects all have a genuine chance at winning the tournament and I would include England in that, even though I think it could go the other way with them perhaps not even making it out of their group. "I really like South Africa's chances - the pack is so strong and rugby nowadays is all about the three Ps - pace, power, physicality." JG: "Argentina have the potential to surprise France or Ireland in the quarter-finals - just ask South Africa, who the Pumas beat in the Rugby Championship." JD: "Scotland will be the surprise package in their group and will go through. France will surprise Ireland." GH: "Ireland, within themselves, will feel they are good enough to win this World Cup, and anything less than that, amongst the team, will be a failure. Not having got to a semi-final before doesn't make any difference to this current side. I think Ireland are capable of doing it." MB: "It won't be a surprise as such but I think Ireland will have a strong tournament and will push the big guns along the way. It's crucial for them that they top their group, though, to avoid New Zealand in the quarter-finals." SF: "Many people are writing Ireland off after their recent couple of lacklustre performances but I expect us to surprise a few people and to get back to the kind of form we have produced in the last two Six Nations and reach the semi-finals." JD: "Unfortunately for Wales, I think it's going to be Israel Folau. The Australia full-back is a class act. He is an amazing player who can cause damage against anyone. Depending on how far Australia go, he could be the player of the tournament." Media playback is not supported on this device PG: "When you have been the best in the world, you get to almost write your own scripts, and Dan Carter is the sort of guy who if New Zealand go well, he can elevate himself to the point where he could be sensational." BS: "Israel Folau is probably the number one convert from rugby league with the athleticism he brings. He is just devastating on the counter-attack." AM:  "All Blacks scrum-half Aaron Smith. The speed of his pass dictates the tempo of New Zealand's game and gives Dan Carter the time and space to operate. Even if the defence has numbers, it means they are always on the back foot." MB: "New Zealand's Nehe Milner-Skudder is incredible. His footwork and offloads are ridiculous. England wing Jonny May is looking electric too and, given space, he will do damage." JG: "Australia full-back Israel Folau, New Zealand full-back Ben Smith and England fly-half George Ford and outside centre Jonathan Joseph." SF: "I am convinced that my former Ulster team-mate Iain Henderson is going to be one of the real stars of the tournament. South Africa's Duane Vermeulen will have a tremendous tournament and you can't expect anything other than Richie McCaw to round off a magnificent career by producing his usual brilliance for New Zealand and probably leading them to another World Cup triumph." JG: "Home advantage gives England a big edge. In addition, if Australia, Wales and England all beat each other, they will know what result they have to achieve in their last match against Uruguay." JD: "If you're looking at it as a betting man, Australia and England are the two to get out of Pool A. Despite the setbacks with injuries, I still think Wales can shock one of those two and hopefully get through the group." MB: "Yes. With home advantage, a strong squad and a couple of injuries to the Welsh squad, I think they will advance." SF: "That's a tough one and I can see it going either way for England. But with the massive weight of expectation that they must shoulder and the pressure their media will put on them, I will plump for Australia and Wales, despite their injury blows, to get out of that group. But conversely, I won't be shocked if England make it all the way to the final." GH: "I would much rather be an England player at this World Cup than any other. It will be brilliant to play in front of that support. There is no way they are going to think that is a negative. They will thrive off it and that can play to their advantage."

Question: The Rugby World Cup is upon us , bringing a six - week festival of bone - crunching tackles , super - human power and breathtaking guile and pace to these @placeholder .


An investigation found Somerset County Council cabinet member David Huxtable breached the authority's code of conduct during the sale of West Somerset Railway's freehold. His impartiality was questioned after a Freedom of Information request released emails he shared with a bidder. The council confirmed Mr Huxtable had now resigned from his cabinet position. Two groups - the West Somerset Railway Association and West Somerset Railway Plc - bid for the railway's freehold. Mr Huxtable was to sign off the sale. However, after emails between Mr Huxtable, a Conservative, and Roger Bush from the West Somerset Railway Association were released, their relationship was described as "cosy" by fellow councillor, Mike Rigby, an independent. The emails showed various statements from Mr Huxtable including: A standards committee hearing panel found Mr Huxtable had used his position improperly to give another person an advantage, and conducted himself in a manner which could bring the council into disrepute. Council leader John Osman said: "This is obviously a devastating outcome for a councillor who has devoted more than 30 years to public service." He described Mr Huxtable's decision to resign from his cabinet position as an "honourable step to take". The sale of West Somerset Railway's freehold is currently on hold because neither bidder met the council's criteria.

Question: A politician has been censured for bringing his @placeholder into disrepute over the sale of a heritage railway .


14 October 2016 Last updated at 14:31 BST The BBC is providing live coverage of the Scottish National Party conference in Glasgow. You will be able to watch online from 14:40 to 16:40; and on Saturday from 14:00 to 16:00, when Conference 2016: Scottish National Party will also be shown on BBC Two Scotland. You can also follow our coverage on our Scottish politics index.

Question: This live @placeholder has finished .


Franz Wrousis, 50, was arrested in Thalwil, a town about 60km (37 miles) from Schaffhausen, the border town where the incident took place. Mr Wrousis, who is said to have lived in the nearby woods, allegedly attacked two people in an insurance office. More than 100 Swiss and German officers were involved in the search. On Tuesday afternoon, after more than 24 hours on the run, Swiss police admitted they had no idea where Mr Wrousis had gone, and could have potentially crossed into Germany, A helicopter and dogs were used to scour the area for any trace of the alleged suspect, who has two previous convictions for weapons offences. Police eventually found him in Thalwil, just south of Zurich. No further details were available surrounding the arrest, but local media reported the police were due to hold a press conference early on Wednesday. Monday's attack unfolded shortly after 10:30 (08:30 GMT), when two workers were attacked and wounded by a chainsaw at the CSS insurance office. One was badly hurt and needed surgery in hospital. Two other people were treated for shock, while a third was slightly hurt during the ensuing police operation. Police said Mr Wrousis had been a customer of the firm.

Question: A man who @placeholder one of the biggest manhunts in Swiss history after allegedly attacking people with a chainsaw has been arrested , police say .


2 October 2016 Last updated at 17:55 BST The ceremony took place near St Michael's Mount in Marazion on Saturday. Canine groom Dexter and his bride Maya are said to be "besotted with each other". About 15 dogs and their owners came to the service.

Question: Two French bulldogs have " tied the knot " at a @placeholder wedding in Cornwall .


EU governments are certainly more than aware of the explosive nature of the migration debate. People across Europe have been deeply moved by the images of death and desperation at sea, on televisions and newspaper front pages across the continent. On the other hand, their leaders know that - especially in the wake of a deep economic crisis in Europe, with high unemployment in many EU countries - the mood in many quarters is not exactly welcoming towards "foreigners". Anti-immigrant, populist parties threaten the political status quo across the continent. EU leaders will tread warily today. They'll phrase their public statements very carefully. There will be expressions of outrage at the human traffickers who put people on the boats in the first place, and an emphasis on the EU helping people caught in war zones, by supporting UN efforts at conflict resolution and government-building. Underlying this though is a drive to stop people trying to enter Europe in their hundreds of thousands. But while trying to diminish the pull factor, EU leaders have to be realistic about the powerful push factor, driving people to seek a better life. Trying to stabilise conflict-ridden countries in Africa and the Middle East is very much a long-term aspiration. In the meantime the yawning gap between the haves and have-nots is growing all the time. Lack of access to water, power struggles and sectarian conflict are rife in developing parts of the world Like a hole patched in a straining dam, the pressure builds up and bursts through elsewhere. A few years ago Spain was the focus of people smugglers and their boats. The problem has been largely reduced by Spain making deals with the countries most boats were coming from, like Morocco. Now Italy is under pressure, but Greece and Bulgaria are rapidly becoming target entry points to Europe for migrants too. The EU may want to pull up the drawbridge, but every fortress has its weak points.

Question: Germany 's influential Die Zeit newspaper acerbically describes the mood amongst EU leaders heading into their emergency summit on migration as : " We do n't want migrants to @placeholder . We do n't want them over here . So what do we want to do ? "


It is thought to have been flown in from outside HMP Manchester, formerly known as Strangeways, on Friday before being "successfully intercepted". Police believe it was carrying mobile phones, SIM cards and drugs. A Prison Service spokesman said: "All contraband was seized and handed to the police to investigate". "Incidents involving drones are rare, but we remain constantly vigilant to all new threats to prison security," he added. "We are strengthening our powers to ensure those found using drones to smuggle material into prison are punished." Anyone convicted of the offence faces a prison sentence of up to two years. Further inquiries are expected to be carried out later, said a police spokesman. The MoJ reported nine attempts to use drones to infiltrate prisons in England and Wales in the first five months of 2015 - among them was a drone carrying mobile phones and drugs into Bedford Prison which was caught by prison officers. It is already a criminal offence to throw drugs and other items over a prison wall. HMP Manchester is a high security prison, which houses around 1,200 inmates.

Question: A drone being used to smuggle contraband into the @placeholder of a prison has been recovered by guards , the Ministry of Justice ( MoJ ) has said .


Former House of Lords leader Lord Strathclyde came up with a proposal to remove peers' veto over laws - called statutory instruments - after a series of government defeats last year. The government said it now had "no plans" for legislation on the issue. But it warned peers it could reconsider unless they showed "discipline and self regulation". The government announced its review into the workings of Parliament last year after defeats in the House of Lords over controversial tax credit cuts. Labour said the original plan had been an "absurd overreaction". In a statement to peers, Baroness Evans, the leader of the House of Lords, said the will of elected MPs should prevail where there was a clash between the House of Commons and the House of Lords over a statutory instrument. But she added: "We do not believe that we need to introduce primary legislation at this time." Unlike with regular legislation, there is not currently a mechanism to assert the Commons' primacy on statutory instruments, so the government relies on the "discipline and self regulation that this House imposes on itself", she said. "Should that break down we would have to reflect on this decision." There have been claims the Lords could delay or block Brexit legislation, and Baroness Evans said when such laws are debated, "the constructive approach that this House has so far shown will be ever more important". There are several reasons why the Strathclyde proposals are now never likely to see the light of day. First, as if it needs saying, the political circumstances are transformed from this time last year. The government is trying not to fall into a black hole of Brexit, so some of the priorities of the previous administration that might have caused trouble in Parliament are being ditched. Second, Theresa May is a pragmatist. These plans were deeply controversial, described as the Labour Lords leader as an "absurd overreaction", and themselves might have struggled to get through Parliament. And third, sources have suggested that the government seems to want to rebuild a more traditional relationship with the Lords, dial down the confrontations and work more constructively together. Read more from Laura The change of heart is another policy planned by former Prime Minister David Cameron and former Chancellor George Osborne that Theresa May's government is abandoning. One source said the reform had now "been dumped". Another added: "The world has changed." It has been suggested to the BBC that the change is part of No 10 distancing itself from the previous administration, and part of its desire to pare back any legislation that might be controversial as the government prepares to face resistance in Parliament over its plans for leaving the EU. Lord Strathclyde told the BBC it would be sensible if the government could find a way of working more effectively with opposition parties in the Lords without having to change the law, saying:  "Legislation should be a last resort." Baroness Smith, Labour's leader in the Lords, said she welcomed the government's realisation that "the Strathclyde review was an absurd overreaction to a sensible and principled challenge on tax credits". Crossbench peer Lord Digby Jones said the move was a "big mistake" and risked peers blocking Brexit. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I would have stuck to my guns because I think they're going to live to regret it on all of the Brexit stuff coming down the pipe." But the Electoral Reform Society described the Strathclyde proposals as a "knee-jerk reaction to a government defeat", calling instead for "genuine Lords reform".

Question: The government has decided against a new law to curb the @placeholder of the House of Lords to block legislation .


Steven McGovern, 18, fled from G4S staff at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday and was last seen in the Grassmarket at about 17:00. Police Scotland said he was wearing a sling on his arm at the time. Anyone who knows where he is or has seen him has been urged not to approach him and contact police. He is white, about 5ft 7in, with brown hair. He was wearing a green hooded Lacoste tracksuit, blue T-shirt and green trainers. Police said he has links to the Drylaw area of Edinburgh.

Question: A prisoner who is on the run after @placeholder security staff at an Edinburgh court had not been handcuffed due to an injury , it has emerged .


The Welsh Government-sponsored review recommends stripping the body of most of its responsibilities and is strongly critical of management and governance. Chairman Prof Damian Walford Davies told BBC Wales the review's conclusions had stunned staff at Literature Wales. The review panel said it would be premature to comment with the recommendations still being considered. Literature Wales was created in 2011 to promote and develop reading and writing and had an income of about Â£1.2m last year. Prof Davies said: "When the report was published we were dismayed, we were shocked, we were outraged by the dud that this report is. By its inaccuracies, by its under-par research into the field." Conclusions of the review, written by Prof Medwin Hughes, have also been criticised by the Arts Council of Wales, which funds the Cardiff-based Literature Wales. When the report was published last month, the Economy Secretary Ken Skates said he was "minded" to accept its recommendations. But Prof Davies said Mr Skates had since invited Literature Wales to submit a response to the review's conclusions. "We met with the cabinet secretary [Ken Skates] and said that we needed a right of reply," he said. "We needed not only the opportunity to put our case forward, but to correct the misrepresentations, the absences and the inaccuracies of the report. "The cabinet secretary invited us to submit a full dossier of those concerns and those corrections. We have done so. That document runs to something like 5,000 words. "That contains not only those corrections, not only counter-arguments, but documentary proof and analysis. That is a crack piece of work that blows this report out of the water." Among its conclusions, the review said the board of Literature Wales lacked experience and governance skills. The review recommends that Welsh Government: Mr Skates, who is considering the review's findings, declined to be interviewed. Prof Davies said the evidence it had recently submitted to Mr Skates provided "context" that would correct a lack of evidence for its conclusions. "It is my fervent belief that those wider contexts make this report's recommendations seem what they are. Un-evidenced and un-thought through. Two years, and what do we have, this dud? "It's simply unacceptable for the people of Wales. This report cost money. Why on earth do we get this quality of work, this quality of thinking? This report hasn't even been proof read, and that's the least of its worries." The Arts Council of Wales (ACW) said it was "deeply disappointed by the quality of this report". "What we have is a report that is partial in its analysis and inconsistent in its judgement," it said. "This undermines the authority of the review panel's conclusions." But author Jasmine Donahaye said: "Many of the comments in the report, the public submissions, comment on things which have been criticisms for quite a while. "I think a key thing is for Literature Wales now to face that criticism, address it, respond to it and re-engage with those writers who have been alienated from the organisation." Major stakeholders are still consulting with the Welsh Government on the review's recommendations. Prof Medwin Hughes, the review chairman, said to maintain its independence "it is premature to comment further on the report until the process has stopped completely".

Question: Literature Wales ' @placeholder has accused an independent review of its work of being a " dud " , filled with " inaccuracies " .


Robbie Keane poked in his 60th international goal in the 21st minute after a bright start from the hosts. But Johan Elmander headed a brilliant equaliser 12 minutes later as the Swedes began to take control. And with Zlatan Ibrahimovic dictating play, veteran Anders Svensson stroked in the winner on 57 minutes. The result means the Republic need to win in Austria on Tuesday and away to Germany next month to maintain any faint hopes of qualification, with a further home game against Kazakhstan to follow. Friday's result will inevitably lead to further criticism of Republic manager Giovanni Trapattoni and increase the prospects of him losing his job at the end of the current qualifying campaign. The match kicked off with both sides knowing defeat would leave them with an uphill struggle to clinch a play-off place behind runaway group leaders Germany. The Republic looked the more lively and purposeful outfit in the early stages, with Sweden centre-back Martin Olsson having to make a brave block to deny a goalbound Shane Long shot in the second minute. 10 September: Austria (a) 11 October: Germany (a) 15 October: Kazakhstan (h) The Swedish defence appeared vulnerable under the high ball with Glenn Whelan firing straight at keeper Andreas Isaksson in the eighth minute and Jonathan Walters then off target after a crunching challenge from John O'Shea on dangerman Ibrahimovic. At the other end, Marc Wilson made up for misjudging the flight of a deep cross as he reacted brilliantly to block an angled Ibrahimovic shot in the 16th minute. However, the Republic were continuing to look the busier and gave the visitors a scare on 20 minutes as an attempted cross from James McClean bounced on Isaksson's crossbar. The home team's enterprise was rewarded within a minute as Keane's chased down a weak Mikael Lustig back header and scrambled home after his initial poked shot hit the post. But that was as good as it got for the Irish as they quickly surrendered the initiative. Elmander had a chance to level within two minutes but scuffed his shot into David Forde's arms after hesitation in the Irish defence. Full qualifying tables On the half-hour, the unmarked Sebastian Larsson missed a glorious chance to level as he somehow headed wide from six yards after a beautifully weighted cross from Ibrahimovic. But the equaliser did come three minutes later as Lustig's brilliant right-wing cross was glanced home by Elmander after the Norwich striker got in ahead of Richard Dunne. McClean tested Isaksson six minutes into the second half but the Swedes, with Ibrahimovic controlling the game, were looking the more threatening. Forde had to race from his line on 55 minutes to dive at Larsson's feet after Ibrahimovic split the Irish defence with another superb pass. But Forde's efforts were to count for little when, seconds later, Ibrahimovic passed for 37-year-old Svensson to run through and fire past the keeper on the night he won his national-record equalling 143rd cap. In the closing stages, their was little shape to the Republic team, with recent Everton signing James McCarthy struggling to make any impression on the contest. Trapattoni opted not to send on the creative talents of Wes Hoolahan in the closing stages instead opting to give an international debut to the midfielder's Norwich club-mate Anthony Pilkington while Simon Cox was also introduced to little effect. Long did managed to find a couple of promising positions but was unable to pick out an attacking colleague as the visitors ran out victorious. Germany's 3-0 win over Austria kept the Group C leaders five points ahead of the Swedes, with the Republic fourth in the table, level on points with the Austrians. Full Time   The referee brings the game to a close. The ball is crossed by Anthony Pilkington. Andreas Isaksson catches the ball. Short corner taken by Robbie Keane. Substitution      Jonas Olsson is brought on as a substitute for Johan Elmander. Anthony Pilkington challenges Johan Elmander unfairly and gives away a free kick. Martin Olsson restarts play with the free kick. Robbie Keane concedes a free kick for a foul on Andreas Isaksson. Andreas Isaksson restarts play with the free kick. Shane Long takes a shot. Andreas Isaksson safely holds on. Shot by Seamus Coleman. Martin Olsson gets a block in. Seamus Coleman gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Johan Elmander. Sebastian Larsson crosses the ball in from the free kick. David Forde safely holds on. Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. Clearance made by John O'Shea. Booking Glenn Whelan challenges Alex Kacaniklic unfairly and gives away a free kick. Glenn Whelan goes into the referee's book for unsporting behaviour.  Albin Ekdal restarts play with the free kick. Foul by Sebastian Larsson on Anthony Pilkington, free kick awarded. Marc Wilson restarts play with the free kick. Robbie Keane concedes a free kick for a foul on Albin Ekdal. Andreas Isaksson restarts play with the free kick. Richard Dunne gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Johan Elmander. Free kick crossed by Sebastian Larsson restarts the game. Corner taken by Anthony Pilkington from the left by-line. Header by John O'Shea misses to the right of the target. Substitution      (Rep of Ireland) makes a substitution, with Anthony Pilkington coming on for James McClean. Sebastian Larsson gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Marc Wilson. Marc Wilson restarts play with the free kick. John O'Shea concedes a free kick for a foul on Johan Elmander. Martin Olsson restarts play with the free kick. Substitution      Simon Cox comes on in place of Jonathan Walters. Substitution      Anders Svensson goes off and Pontus Wernbloom comes on. Substitution      Adam Johansson is brought on as a substitute for Mikael Lustig. The assistant referee flags for offside against Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Free kick taken by David Forde. Zlatan Ibrahimovic provided the assist for the goal. Goal!  - Anders Svensson -    R Ireland 1 - 2 Sweden        Anders Svensson scores with a right foot finish. Rep of Ireland 1-2 Sweden. James McClean challenges Martin Olsson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Martin Olsson takes the free kick. The referee books Albin Ekdal for dissent. Booking Foul by Mikael Lustig on Jonathan Walters, free kick awarded. James McClean has a shot from the free kick which hits the wall. James McClean takes a shot. Andreas Isaksson parries the effort to safety. Johan Elmander takes a shot. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is caught offside. David Forde restarts play with the free kick. The referee gets the second half underway. Half Time    The match has reached half-time. Albin Ekdal concedes a free kick for a foul on Glenn Whelan. Glenn Whelan restarts play with the free kick. James McClean takes a shot and cleared the bar. Foul by Anders Svensson on James McCarthy, free kick awarded. James McCarthy crosses the ball in from the free kick. The official flags Zlatan Ibrahimovic offside. Richard Dunne restarts play with the free kick. Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Sebastian Larsson by Marc Wilson. Sebastian Larsson takes the free kick. Booking Free kick awarded for a foul by Richard Dunne on Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Booking for Richard Dunne for unsporting behaviour. Martin Olsson takes the free kick. Robbie Keane decides to take the corner short. The referee blows for offside. David Forde restarts play with the free kick. Corner taken by Sebastian Larsson. Assist on the goal came from Mikael Lustig. Goal!  - Johan Elmander -    R Ireland 1 - 1 Sweden        Johan Elmander grabs a goal with a headed effort. Rep of Ireland 1-1 Sweden. Foul by James McCarthy on Sebastian Larsson, free kick awarded. Sebastian Larsson takes the free kick. Header at goal by Sebastian Larsson goes right of the post. Short corner taken by Robbie Keane from the left by-line. Corner taken by James McClean from the left by-line. Corner from the right by-line taken by Robbie Keane. Johan Elmander has an effort at goal. David Forde catches the ball. Goal!  - Robbie Keane -    R Ireland 1 - 0 Sweden        Robbie Keane slots the ball right footed into the goal. Rep of Ireland 1-0 Sweden. James McClean takes a shot. Corner from the right by-line taken by Sebastian Larsson. Shot by Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed to the left of goal. Free kick awarded for a foul by Shane Long on Alex Kacaniklic. Free kick taken by Mikael Lustig. Foul by Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Marc Wilson, free kick awarded. David Forde takes the free kick. Jonathan Walters takes a shot and went wide of the left-hand upright. Martin Olsson fouled by Shane Long, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Andreas Isaksson. Unfair challenge on Martin Olsson by Jonathan Walters results in a free kick. Srike on goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic hits the wall from the free kick. Glenn Whelan takes a shot. Andreas Isaksson catches the ball. Glenn Whelan takes the chance to get an effort at goal and missed to the left of the target. John O'Shea gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Johan Elmander. Zlatan Ibrahimovic shoots direct from the free kick against the wall. Glenn Whelan gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Alex Kacaniklic. Andreas Isaksson takes the free kick. Corner taken by James McClean. Per Nilsson makes a clearance. Shane Long takes a shot. Martin Olsson gets a block in. Mikael Antonsson concedes a free kick for a foul on Shane Long. Free kick taken by Seamus Coleman. The referee starts the match. Live data and text provided by our data suppliers

Question: The Republic of Ireland 's World Cup qualification hopes were left hanging by a thread after Sweden clinched a @placeholder comeback victory in Dublin .


There are those who will argue to kingdom come that the Six Nations is fine as it is, that it has its own identity and doesn't need to go down the road of being tricked up. What next? Kiss-cams. Mexican waves. Pitch-side microphone-wielding fun police ordering everybody to 'MAKE SOME NOISE!' Too late, alas. Too late. Those who are against bonus points for extra scores see it is a gimmick that will do nothing to enhance a tournament that doesn't need a whole lot of enhancing in the first place. Apply a retrospective bonus-point system and would it have changed the finishing order in 2016? No. How about 2015, 2014? No, no. Are there not enough tries in the Six Nations already? Not as many as its southern hemisphere counterpart, the Rugby Championship, but enough to satisfy the vast crowds who always turn up to watch it? The average try count per match in the 2016 Six Nations was 4.73. In the Rugby Championship it was 5.83. The season before it was 4.13 in the north and 5.5 in the south. The season before that, 4.07 in the Six Nations and 4.17 in the Rugby Championship. It's not as big a gulf as people might think. In any event, Six Nations rugby is not Rugby Championship rugby. It has its own heartbeat. Oftentimes, it's rugby in the trenches. Full Metal Jacket stuff. It's not as easy on the eye as the New Zealands and the Australias, but it works. And fans adore it. In the southern hemisphere's four-nation tournament, yes, there are more tries, but does that necessarily make it better, more intoxicating? Across a difficult four-year period in economic terms, Six Nations crowds have gone from an average of 69,531 to 68,968, a drop of less than 1%. That's good going in the climate. The Rugby Championship's crowds are down close to 12%. The opposing, pro-change view is that the Six Nations has become a bit tired and is in need of modernising. The Rugby Championship, the Champions Cup, the Premiership in England, the Pro12, the Top 14 in France and Super Rugby in the southern hemisphere all have the bonus-point system. In the Six Nations there is a view that the premium is on defence over attack. That argument can be overblown, but there's truth in it, too. Those who are supportive of the new bonus-point system see a vision of the future that will have a nation busting a gut to turn three tries into four in the latter stages of a Test, just to secure that extra point. Cue more attacking intent and more entertainment. That's the wish. For example, in the 2015 Six Nations, had England scored four tries against Scotland - and got a bonus point - instead of three they might have won the championship. The winners, Ireland, could apply the same logic to one of their games, of course. So could Wales. In 2014, had England added to their two first-half tries in their victory against Wales with another two in the second half they might have won that championship, too. They didn't. Ireland did - and it was hard-won and richly deserved. The final Saturday of both of those Six Nations were thrill-fests. Ireland secured the title with a hugely dramatic victory in Paris in 2014 and they won it again in 2015 with that most incredible trilogy where tries cascaded down on Ireland in Scotland, Wales in Italy and England against France. Three nations were in a mad-dash for the winning line. It was an utterly brilliant day, so why would you want to mess with the dynamic? There is no harm in tinkering. Experimentation is to be applauded, just as long as there's an open mind and that if bonus points are not seen to be working then they're put in the bin and the Six Nations is restored to its old, flawed, but thoroughly loveable self.

Question: When the Six Nations committee decided to introduce a bonus - point system for the 2017 championship you could almost hear the @placeholder reactions in rugby heartlands in Britain and Ireland .


Most people can readily conjure images inside their head - known as their mind's eye. But this year scientists have described a condition, aphantasia, in which some people are unable to visualise mental images. Niel Kenmuir, from Lancaster, has always had a blind mind's eye. He knew he was different even in childhood. "My stepfather, when I couldn't sleep, told me to count sheep, and he explained what he meant, I tried to do it and I couldn't," he says. "I couldn't see any sheep jumping over fences, there was nothing to count." Our memories are often tied up in images, think back to a wedding or first day at school. As a result, Niel admits, some aspects of his memory are "terrible", but he is very good at remembering facts. And, like others with aphantasia, he struggles to recognise faces. Yet he does not see aphantasia as a disability, but simply a different way of experiencing life. It is impossible to see what someone else is picturing inside their head. Psychologists use the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire, which asks you to rate different mental images, to test the strength of the mind's eye. The University of Exeter has developed an abridged version that lets you see how your mind compares. Try our version of the aphantasia test here Ironically, Niel now works in a bookshop, although he largely sticks to the non-fiction aisles. His condition begs the question what is going on inside his picture-less mind. I asked him what happens when he tries to picture his fiancee. "This is the hardest thing to describe, what happens in my head when I think about things," he says. "When I think about my fiancee there is no image, but I am definitely thinking about her, I know today she has her hair up at the back, she's brunette. "But I'm not describing an image I am looking at, I'm remembering features about her, that's the strangest thing and maybe that is a source of some regret." The response from his mates is a very sympathetic: "You're weird." But while Niel is very relaxed about his inability to picture things, it is a cause of distress for others. One person who took part in a study into aphantasia said he had started to feel "isolated" and "alone" after discovering that other people could see images in their heads. Being unable to reminisce about his mother years after her death led to him being "extremely distraught". At the other end of the spectrum is children's book illustrator, Lauren Beard, whose work on the Fairytale Hairdresser series will be familiar to many six-year-olds. Her career relies on the vivid images that leap into her mind's eye when she reads text from her author. When I met her in her box-room studio in Manchester, she was working on a dramatic scene in the next book. The text describes a baby perilously climbing onto a chandelier. "Straightaway I can visualise this grand glass chandelier in some sort of French kind of ballroom, and the little baby just swinging off it and really heavy thick curtains," she says. "I think I have a strong imagination, so I can create the world and then keep adding to it so it gets sort of bigger and bigger in my mind and the characters too they sort of evolve. "I couldn't really imagine what it's like to not imagine, I think it must be a bit of a shame really." Not many people have mental imagery as vibrant as Lauren or as blank as Niel. They are the two extremes of visualisation. Adam Zeman, a professor of cognitive and behavioural neurology, wants to compare the lives and experiences of people with aphantasia and its polar-opposite hyperphantasia. His team, based at the University of Exeter, coined the term aphantasia this year in a study in the journal Cortex. Prof Zeman tells the BBC: "People who have contacted us say they are really delighted that this has been recognised and has been given a name, because they have been trying to explain to people for years that there is this oddity that they find hard to convey to others." How we imagine is clearly very subjective - one person's vivid scene could be another's grainy picture. But Prof Zeman is certain that aphantasia is real. People often report being able to dream in pictures, and there have been reported cases of people losing the ability to think in images after a brain injury. He is adamant that aphantasia is "not a disorder" and says it may affect up to one in 50 people. But he adds: "I think it makes quite an important difference to their experience of life because many of us spend our lives with imagery hovering somewhere in the mind's eye which we inspect from time to time, it's a variability of human experience." If you think you have aphantasia or hyperphantasia and would like to be involved in Prof Zeman's research he is happy to be contacted at a.zeman@exeter.ac.uk

Question: Close your eyes and imagine walking along a sandy beach and then @placeholder over the horizon as the Sun rises . How clear is the image that springs to mind ?